Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Uchida Method”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,279 records · Page 71Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Mutagenic activation of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine by pancreatic juice and assessment of its ductal tumorigenicity following intraductal administration in dogs.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that systemic administration (s.c. and i.p.) of BOP induces liver damage due to BOP itself and/or its metabolites which might be formed in the liver and that interaction of BOP itself in the pancreatic duct with pancreatic juice plays an important role for pancreatic duct tumorigenicity. METHODS: Mutagenic activation and pancreatic duct tumorigenicity of N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) administered s.c., i.p., and i.d. were studied in dogs. RESULTS: Following i.p. administration of BOP, N-nitroso(2-hydroxypropyl) (2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP) and N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP), but not BOP, were detected in pancreatic juice, while following i.d. administration, only BOP was detected. The pancreatic juice of one dog that received 100 mg of BOP i.d. showed positive mutagenicity towards Salmonella typhimurium TA100, but the pancreatic juice of two dogs that received 100 mg of BOP i.p. was not mutagenic. BOP showed clear mutagenicity in the presence of pancreatic juice from untreated dogs, but the pancreatic juice could not activate HPOP and BHP to mutagens. BOP administered sc for 2 wk (total dose: 600 mg) induced clinical toxicity, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite at 10 wk. BOP administered i.p. for 4 mo (total dose: 2000 mg) induced liver damage at 6 mo, but no pancreatic injury. BOP administered i.d. for 6.5 or 12 mo (total dose: 2500 or 4700 mg, respectively) induced papillary hyperplasia and dysplasia of duct epithelial cells and ductal proliferation with fibrosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Increased plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity in obese children.

To determine whether enhanced activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) contributes to the development of atherogenic lipoprotein profiles in obese children, plasma CETP activity was assayed according to a micro-method, by co-incubating lipoprotein-deficient samples with exogenous donor and acceptor lipoproteins. The study subjects were 31 obese children (14 males and 17 females). Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC:high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C, LDL-C:HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apo B:apo Al were increased in obese children. Thus they appeared to exhibit an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, with a relative decrease in cholesterol carried by HDL compared with the cholesterol in the other lipoprotein fractions. The mean fasting plasma insulin level was also increased. CETP activity was significantly higher in the obese children than in nonobese control children, and was correlated with LDL-C, TC:HDL-C, LDL-C:HDL-C, and apo B:apo Al. These results suggest that an increase in plasma CETP activity results in atherogenic change in lipoprotein metabolism in obese children. The increase in CETP may be due to the adiposity or insulin resistance. Alternatively, dyslipidemia per se, physical inactivity or excessive fat intake, that are commonly found in obese children, may contribute to the increase in CETP activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Correlation between gamma-ray-induced G2 arrest and radioresistance in two human cancer cells.

PURPOSE: The correlation between radioresistance and gamma-ray-induced G2 arrest was examined in two human cancer cell lines, HeLa (cervical carcinoma) and MeWo (melanoma). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cellular radioresistance was examined by a colony formation assay and Hoechst 33342 staining. G2 arrest induced by gamma-rays was examined by flow cytometry, and the accumulation of cyclin B1 and cdc2 proteins was analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS: HeLa was more resistant (10% survival dose[D10] = 10 Gy) than MeWo (D10 = 4 Gy) to gamma-rays. In HeLa, cell cycle analysis showed that G2 arrest was induced 10 or 24 h after irradiation of 10 or 4 Gy, respectively. In contrast, no clear G2 arrest in MeWo was observed after irradiation. Western blot analysis showed that cell cycle regulators, cyclin B1 and cdc2, were accumulated in HeLa but not in MeWo. The accumulation of cyclin B1 and cdc2 reached peak levels 24-34 h after irradiation of 10 Gy, and 24 h after irradiation of 4 Gy. In addition, Hoechst staining revealed similar increase in apoptotic bodies with time after irradiation in HeLa and MeWo at isosurvival doses. CONCLUSION: Radioresistance of these human cancer cells is closely correlated with gamma-ray-induced G2 arrest, and cyclin B1 and cdc2 are possible regulators of G2 arrest.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2000

Enhancement pattern of normal extraocular muscles in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with fat suppression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the internal structure of normal extraocular muscles on fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten subjects were examined using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. We evaluated the enhancement pattern (C-shaped or ring-like) of extraocular muscles and quantified the maximum ratios of enhancement (Rmax) and maximum ratios of signal increase (Vmax). We also quantified Rmax and Vmax in the central and peripheral portions of medial rectus muscles. RESULTS: In the early phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, a C-shaped or ring-like pattern was observed in 100% of inferior rectus, 95% of medial rectus, 55% of superior rectus, 20% of lateral rectus, and 15% of superior oblique muscles. Overall mean Rmax and Vmax values showed statistically significant differences to the temporal muscles. For the peripheral portion of medial rectus muscles, mean Rmax and Vmax values were greater than for the central portion. CONCLUSION: Using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, the C-shape or ring-like internal structure of the extraocular muscles could be visualized, and were considered to reflect their structure of orbital and global layers. Potential usefulness of the fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for detecting pathological status is suggested.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

Transcatheter tubal sterilization in rabbits. Technique and results.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: A potential method of nonsurgical tubal sterilization was tested in rabbits. METHODS: Metal coils were designed which could be placed into the uterotubal junction using transvaginal fluoroscopic fallopian tube catheterization. These metal coils were successfully placed unilaterally in the uterotubal junction of 32 rabbits. The contralateral fallopian tube and uterus were used as a control. The rabbits were bred, and the presence of pregnancies was confirmed by palpation. RESULTS: In 21 rabbits (66%), the coil stayed in place. Sixteen rabbits had multiple gestations on the side without the coil and no gestations on the side with the coil. Three rabbits had gestations on both sides, even though the coil was in place, and two rabbits never conceived. In 11 rabbits (34%) the coil was dislodged as early as 5 days and as late as 18 weeks after the procedure. Five of these 11 rabbits had bilateral embryos, 4 had embryos only on the side contralateral to where the coil had been, and 2 never conceived. CONCLUSIONS: The metal coil does prevent conception if it stays in place at the uterotubal junction. However, the coil failed to prevent pregnancy in 3 of 19 rabbits, and was dislodged in 11 rabbits, giving an overall failure rate for contraception of 44%.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Anandamide inhibits the DOI-induced head-twitch response in mice.

RATIONALE: Recently, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists reportedly reduced the head-twitches induced by the 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy 4-iodophenyl)-2-amino propane (DOI) in mice, which is mediated via the activation of 5-HT(2A) receptor. However, the effect of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on the head-twitch response has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the effect of anandamide on the DOI-induced head-twitch response in mice. METHODS: Five minutes after the injection of DOI (5 mg/kg IP), the number of head-twitches was counted for a 5-min period. THC or anandamide was injected IP 60 min or 10 min before the number of head-twitches was counted, respectively. RESULTS: THC and anandamide each reduced the DOI-induced head-twitch response. The inhibition of the DOI-induced head-twitch response by THC was reversed by SR141716A (N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxamide), a CB(1) receptor antagonist, while the effect of anandamide was not blocked by SR141716A. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors such as aspirin and indomethacin reversed the inhibition of the DOI-induced head-twitch response by anandamide. On the other hand, COX inhibitors did not affect the inhibition of the DOI-induced head-twitch response by THC. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings suggest that the endocannabinoid anandamide may inhibit 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated function via the arachidonic acid cascade, but not via a direct interaction with the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor, and that the mechanism of its action is clearly different from that of THC.

Amphetamines↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro antagonism of recombinant ligand-gated ion-channel receptors by stereospecific enantiomers of bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bupivacaine is a racemic mixture of S(-)- and R(+)-enantiomers. Both isomers have similar potency as local anesthetics, but the S(-)-enantiomer produces less central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity. Local anesthetic-induced convulsion is likely to be associated with not only sodium channel but also ligand-gated ion channel. The present study investigates the direct effects of the stereoenantiomers of bupivacaine on 4 recombinant ligand-gated ion-channel receptors. METHODS: The antagonist activities of the S(-)- and R(+)-enantiomers of bupivacaine were tested at the nicotinic acetylcholine, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)), and 5-hydroxytryptamine(3A) (5-HT(3A)) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes using a 2-voltage clamp technique. RESULTS: Racemic bupivacaine and its 2 enantiomers all antagonized the 4 receptors in a concentration-dependent manner. Potencies at nicotinic acetylcholine, NMDA, and 5-HT(3A) receptors were similar. At GABA(A) receptors, the potency of R(+)-bupivacaine was less than racemic bupivacaine or levobupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the antagonist potencies with local concentrations obtained in clinical use suggests that bupivacaine and its enantiomers are likely to produce extensive inhibition at the nicotinic acetylcholine, NMDA, and 5-HT(3A) receptors but a much weaker and probably not clinically relevant effect at the GABA(A) receptor. It is possible that direct effects at these receptors may contribute, at least in part, to the spinal and epidural anesthesia induced by these compounds. It is unlikely, however, that the difference of the toxicity in bupivacaine enantiomers is because of the stereoselectivities of bupivacaine at ligand-gated ion-channel receptors studied.

Anesthetics, Local↗
PubMed2002

Liver and marrow of adult mdr-1a/1b(-/-) mice show normal generation, function, and multi-tissue trafficking of primitive hematopoietic cells.

OBJECTIVE: Several lines of evidence suggest that expression of two ABC transporters (Abcg2/Bcrp1 and mdr-1a/b) and the related abilities to efflux Hoechst 33342 (Hst) and Rhodamine-123 (Rho) are features of primitive hematopoietic cells in adult bone marrow. Here we sought to determine the phenotypic and hematopoietic properties of the Hst-effluxing "side" population (SP) cells present in the liver of adult normal mice and whether these might be altered in mdr-1a/1b(-)(/-) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-cell suspensions of liver (and sometimes bone marrow) were stained with Hst, separated into SP and non-SP fractions, and analyzed for hematopoietic cell-surface marker expression and functional activity in standard in vitro and in vivo (transplantation) assays. RESULTS: SP cells constituted approximately 1-2% of adult liver cell suspensions and were phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, even within the approximately 20-25% that expressed CD45. The latter included some lineage marker-positive (lin(+)) cells, less than 15% of all in vitro hematopoietic colony-forming cells in the adult liver and more than 90% of cells identified as long-term culture-initiating cells or in vivo repopulating cells. Interestingly, primary mice reconstituted for greater than or equal to 1 year with adult liver SP cells contained derivative primitive hematopoietic cells in their livers. No differences were seen between +/+ and mdr-1a/1b(-)(/-) mice except for a loss of Rho efflux ability by lin(-)mdr-1a/1b(-)(/-) SP cells. CONCLUSION: Adult murine liver contains a spectrum of hematopoietic cells that are phenotypically and functionally similar to those in the marrow and their generation and properties appear unaffected by a lack of mdr-1a/1b.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1997

[Androgen receptor gene mutations in prostate cancer].

PURPOSE: Androgens are required for the development of normal prostate and prostate cancer, through their action via the androgen receptor (AR). Although prostate cancer is potentially curable in the early stages by radical prostatectomy, androgen ablation is standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Metastatic prostate cancer is incurable despite temporary remission commonly achieved by androgen ablation therapy. To investigate the mechanism for the development of human prostate cancer, examination was made of AR gene mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two samples including 29 primary prostate cancers and 3 metastatic lymph nodes were examined from exons B to H of the AR gene by polymerase chain reaction of single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct-sequencing analysis. Three metastatic lymph nodes were removed from non-hormone treated stage D1 patients by radical prostatectomy. Six of 11 stage D2 patients were hormone-independent stage following androgen ablation therapy. RESULTS: One of 29 (3.4%) primary prostate cancers and 1 of 6 (16.7%) hormone-independent stage D2 patients showed the AR mutation. This AR mutation is a G to A transition at nucleotide 2677 that leads to substitution of glutamine (CAG) for the wild type arginine (CGG) at codon 629. The serum prostate specific antigen level of the patients increased to 480 ng/ml. Drugs for hormone therapy and duration of treatment had the same effects on the remaining 5 hormone-independent patients. No mutation was found in the other 28 primary prostate cancer or 3 metastatic lymph node samples. CONCLUSIONS: The AR mutation may possibly be involved in the development of prostate cancer from the androgen-dependent to -independent stage during androgen ablation therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[Outcome of aortic arch surgery in patients aged 70 years or older: axillary artery cannulation and selective cerebral perfusion supports].

OBJECTIVES: Axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk were evaluated to reduce cerebral complications in aortic arch surgery in patients with aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection involving the aortic arch. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 45 patients(18 with acute A type aortic dissection and 27 with chronic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch) aged 70-92 (mean age 74) years underwent total aortic arch replacement from March 1996 to May 2002. There were three operative deaths in patients with acute A type aortic dissection caused by massive cerebral infarction, bleeding and myocardial infarction, and one hospital death of sepsis. Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.9%(16.7% in A type dissection and 3.7% in chronic aneurysm). Operative complications included mediastinitis in four patients(9%), left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in eight(18%), and cerebral infarction in four(9%). Three of the patients with cerebral infarction had associated dissection-related cerebral ischemia before surgery. One patient died, and two needed a walking stick. Twelve of 18 patients(67%) with acute A type aortic dissection and 26 of 27 (96%) with chronic aortic aneurysm were discharged on foot. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery cannulation, selective cerebral perfusion and replacement of the ascending and arch aorta with an elephant trunk provided satisfactory operative results in elderly patients aged 70 years or older, especially in patients with chronic aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Intravesical instillation of bacille Calmette-Guérin for carcinoma in situ of the urothelium involving the upper urinary tract using vesicoureteral reflux created by a double-pigtail catheter.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urothelium involving the upper urinary tract when the vaccine was administered by way of the bladder using vesicoureteral reflux created by a double-pigtail (DP) catheter. METHODS: Thirteen upper urinary tracts of 9 patients with cytologically diagnosed CIS, with concomitant bladder CIS in 4, were treated by intravesical BCG instillation. A DP catheter was placed retrogradely, and the appearance of vesicoureteral reflux was confirmed by cystography. BCG (1 to 2 mg/mL) in a volume sufficient to fill the renal caliceal system was administered into the bladder weekly for 6 weeks. The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 8 to 97). RESULTS: The voided urine cytology turned negative in all 9 patients at a mean of 86 days after the first administration of BCG. The voided urine cytology returned positive afterward in 3 patients, and positive cytology in the upper urinary tract was confirmed in 1 of 13 treated urinary tracts, which were successfully treated by another course of BCG therapy with the DP catheter. Minor adverse effects related to BCG and the DP catheter were seen in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: BCG therapy for the CIS involving the upper urinary tract using a DP catheter might have the potential to be an effective procedure preserving renal units and could be adopted not only as an imperative, but also as an elective, treatment option.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed2003

The mechanism of epidermal hyperpigmentation in café-au-lait macules of neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen's disease) may be associated with dermal fibroblast-derived stem cell factor and hepatocyte growth factor.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of the accentuated melanization in café-au-lait macules (CALMs) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; von Recklinghausen's disease) has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the mechanism involved in the hyperpigmentation of CALMs in NF1. METHODS: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of cultured cells, we measured the levels of cytokines produced and secreted by keratinocytes and fibroblasts derived from CALMs (group RC: Recklinghausen CALM) skin, compared with cells derived from the skin of normal individuals (group NN: Normal skin of Normal individuals) and cells derived from non-CALM skin of NF1 patients (group RN: Recklinghausen Non-CALM). RESULTS: ELISA revealed that the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) by cultured fibroblasts was significantly elevated in group RC compared with groups RN and NN. In parallel, semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR of HGF and SCF mRNAs demonstrated increased expression of both types of transcripts by cultured fibroblasts in group RC compared with group NN. In contrast, the secretion of endothelin-1 and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor by cultured keratinocytes occurred at a similar level among all three groups, RC, RN and NN. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that increased secretion of HGF and SCF by dermal fibroblasts may be associated with the accentuated epidermal melanization observed in CALMs in the skin of NF1 patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Liposome-encapsulated OK-432 specifically and sustainedly induces hepatic natural killer cells and intermediate T cell receptor cells.

BACKGROUND: OK-432 is a biological response modifier used in Japan to augment host immunity and is known to increase the host antitumour response. By using liposomes, which are vesicles made from phospholipids that have a structure resembling the cell membrane, we encapsulated OK-432. METHODS AND RESULTS: Encapsulated OK-432 was injected into the tail veins of mice, and its effect was compared with that of unencapsulated OK-432 given intravenously. In mice that received either form of OK-432, both the number of natural killer (NK) and intermediate T cell receptor (intTCR) cells (intrahepatic T cells generated by extrathymic differentiation) increased markedly in the liver, with the peak level occurring 3 days after administration. Both forms of OK-432 also increased cytotoxic activity against Yac-1 cells. The increase in numbers of cells and in cytotoxic activity in the liver persisted for longer in mice that received encapsulated OK-432 than in animals that received unencapsulated OK-432. CONCLUSIONS: Because it has been shown that both NK and intTCR cells play an important role in tumour immunity, an increase in the number of such cells can be considered likely to have an increased antitumour effect. Encapsulated OK-432 elicited liver-specific augmentation of cytotoxic activity and the effect was more persistent than that produced by OK-432 given in the conventional form; therefore, it may be useful for the treatment of tumours, particularly those arising in the liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Complement sensitivity of erythroblasts and erythropoietic precursors in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH).

To clarify the regulation of erythropoiesis of complement (C')-sensitive erythrocytes (E) during erythroid cell maturation and differentiation in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), the C' sensitivity of (1) erythroblasts from erythropoietic bursts and (2) erythropoietic precursors was examined in seven patients with PNH. For the former, a modified complement lysis sensitivity (CLS) test using the trypan blue dye exclusion method was employed. For the latter, an erythropoietic cell culture following the CLS or sucrose haemolysis (SH) test for mononuclear cells was used. Linear relationships were found between the concentrations of C' and proportions of C'-mediated haemolysed erythroblasts in both PNH and normal erythropoietic bursts. In addition, PNH erythroblasts showed hypersensitivity to C'; in the C' dilution for 50% lysis was 12.5 +/- 8.1 ml in PNH patients and 42.3 +/- 4.5 ml in normal controls. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.919; P less than 0.01) between the proportions of PNH-III E and haemolysed erythroblasts. Significant hypersensitivity of mature erythroid progenitors (CFU-E) to C' was found in both the SH (P less than 0.01 or P less than 0.05) and CLS (r = -0.712; P less than 0.001) tests in PNH patients. However, no hypersensitivity to C' was observed at the primitive erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) level in either the PNH patients or the normal controls. These findings suggest that in PNH the property of C' sensitivity appears during differentiation and maturation from BFU-E to CFU-E and that the proportions of PNH-III E are already programmed at the level of erythroblasts.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Role of 15-deoxy delta(12,14) prostaglandin J2 and Nrf2 pathways in protection against acute lung injury.

RATIONALE: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a disease process that is characterized by diffuse inflammation in the lung parenchyma. Recent studies demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced at the late phase of inflammation aids in the resolution of inflammation by generating 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2). Transcription factor Nrf2 is activated by electrophiles and exerts antiinflammatory effects by inducing the gene expression of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. OBJECTIVES: Because 15d-PGJ2 is an endogenous electrophile, we hypothesized that it protects against ALI by activating Nrf2. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we generated a reversible ALI model by intratracheal injection of carrageenin, an inducer of acute inflammation, whose stimulation has been known to induce COX-2. MAIN RESULTS: We found that ALI induced by carrageenin was markedly exacerbated in Nrf2-knockout mice, compared with wild-type mice. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids also revealed that the magnitude and the duration of acute inflammation, indicated by albumin concentration and the number of neutrophils, were significantly enhanced in Nrf2-knockout mice. Treatment of wild-type mice with NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, significantly exacerbated ALI to the level of Nrf2-knockout mice. In the lungs of NS-398-treated wild-type mice, both the accumulation of 15d-PGJ2 and the induction of Nrf2 target antioxidant genes were significantly attenuated. Exogenous administration of 15d-PGJ2 reversed the exacerbating effects of NS-398 with the induction of antioxidant genes. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated in vivo that 15d-PGJ2 plays a protective role against ALI by exploiting the Nrf2-mediated transcriptional pathway.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neuron death and glial response in pontosubicular necrosis. The role of the growth inhibition factor.

AIM AND METHODS: Fluorochrome and immunohistochemical studies were performed on neonates with pontosubicular necrosis (PSN), aged 26 - 42 weeks of gestation (GW), compared with preterm and term controls aged from 10 GW to 3 months of age. RESULTS: A fluorochrome study using a confocal microscope revealed that nuclear DNA changes occurred earlier than cytoplasm degeneration with diminished RNA orange-red fluorescence. These changes were restricted to the small immature neurons in the pons and subiculum with PSN. On the other hand, although glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive reactive astrocytes were not increased in number, growth inhibitory factor- (GIF) immunoreactive glia with vesicular large nuclei were increased in number within the gray matter of the pons, subiculum, and cerebral cortex in the PSN group. The nuclei of GIF-containing astrocytes became round and vesicular, nearly twice in size and increased in number. Thus, the neuronal death began at the nuclei of selective neurons in specific areas in PSN, although GIFcontaining astrocytes were increased in widespread areas. CONCLUSION: These facts suggest that immature neurons in the pontine nuclei and subiculum are selectively vulnerable to some insults such as hypocarbia and hyperoxygenation, and PSN involves a possible apoptotic neuron death mechanism and a characteristic glial response.

Apoptosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diagnosis of Tis/T1 breast cancer extent by multislice helical CT: a novel classification of tumor distribution.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of multislice helical CT (MSCT) for assessing breast cancer extent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCT was performed in 70 patients with Tis/T1 breast cancer [12 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 58 invasive carcinoma]. The distribution pattern of contrast enhancement (CE) was classified into five categories: solitary lesion (localized area of CE), grouped lesion (satellite: localized CE with linear and/or spotty enhancement; crowded: clustered spotty enhancement), separated lesion (multifocal foci of CE), mixed lesion (grouped lesion with multifocal foci), and diffuse lesion (diffuse CE). RESULTS: Solitary lesion was seen in five cases of DCIS, 27 invasive carcinomas without intraductal spread (IDS), six invasive carcinomas with IDS, and one multicentric cancer. Grouped lesion was seen in six DCIS and 15 invasive carcinomas with IDS. Separated lesion was seen in one case of invasive carcinoma and fibroadenoma, and three multifocal/multicentric cancers. Mixed lesion was seen in two multicentric cancers. Diffuse lesion was seen in one case of DCIS and three invasive carcinomas. The coincident rate between MSCT pattern and histologic distribution was 85.7% (60/70). In solitary and grouped lesions, accuracy for the detection of tumor extent with a deviation of less than 2 cm in length was 91.7% (55/60). CONCLUSION: MSCT is extremely accurate in the diagnosis of IDS and the multicentricity of breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Glycoform-dependent conformational alteration of the Fc region of human immunoglobulin G1 as revealed by NMR spectroscopy.

The Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) expresses the biantennary complex type oligosaccharides at Asn297 of the C(H)2 domain of each heavy chain with microheterogeneities depending on physiological and pathological states. These N-glycans are known to be essential for promotion of proper effector functions of IgG such as complement activation and Fcgamma receptor (FcgammaR)-mediated activities. To gain a better understanding of the role of Fc glycosylation, we prepared a series of truncated glycoforms of human IgG1-Fc and analyzed their interactions with human soluble FcgammaRIIIa (sFcgammaRIIIa) and with staphylococcal protein A by surface plasmon resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. Progressive but less pronounced reductions in the affinity for sFcgammaRIIIa were observed as a result of the galactosidase and subsequent N-acetylhexosaminidase treatments of IgG1-Fc. The following endoglycosidase D treatment, giving rise to a disaccharide structure composed of a fucosylated GlcNAc, abrogated the affinity of IgG1-Fc for sFcgammaRIIIa. On the other hand, those glycosidase treatments did not significantly affect the affinity of IgG1-Fc for protein A. Inspection of stable-isotope-assisted NMR data of a series of Fc glycoforms indicates that the stepwise trimming out of the carbohydrate residues results in concomitant increase in the number of amino acid residues perturbed thereby in the C(H)2 domains. Furthermore, the cleavage at the GlcNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc glycosidic linkage induced the conformational alterations of part of the lower hinge region, which makes no direct contact with the carbohydrate moieties and forms the major FcgammaR-binding site, while the conformation of the C(H)2/C(H)3 interface was barely perturbed that is the protein A-binding site. These results indicate that the carbohydrate moieties are required for maintaining the structural integrity of the FcgammaR-binding site.

Binding Sites↗