Biomedical subjects

A Wakatsuki

Publications and source records attributed to A Wakatsuki.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Effects of estrogen on susceptibility to oxidation of low-density and high-density lipoprotein in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of estrogen on the susceptibility to oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 23 postmenopausal women were treated with 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen daily for 3 months. Blood samples were obtained before and after therapy. Plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride and the concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid in LDL and HDL were determined enzymatically and the levels of apolipoprotein A-I, A-II in HDL and apolipoprotein B in LDL were measured by turbidimetric immunoassay. The isolated LDL and HDL were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h with CuSO4 5 mumol/l and the lipid peroxide concentration of LDL and HDL was measured. RESULTS: Estrogen significantly reduced the plasma level of total cholesterol and significantly increased the plasma level of triglyceride. The LDL concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipid and apolipoprotein B were significantly decreased following estrogen therapy. The triglyceride level of LDL did not change significantly. The HDL concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and apolipoprotein A-I and A-II were all significantly elevated after estrogen therapy. Estrogen significantly inhibited the peroxidation of LDL at 50-2000 micrograms of LDL protein (14.17 +/- 4.17-11.49 +/- 1.42 nmol/200 micrograms of LDL protein, P < 0.001) and of HDL (4.49 +/- 1.74-3.37 +/- 1.24 nmol/200 micrograms of HDL protein, P < 0.03) induced by their incubation in the presence of CuSO4. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen inhibited the susceptibility of LDL and HDL to oxidative modification and favorably affected lipid metabolism by reducing the number of LDL particles and increasing the number of HDL particles in plasma that were resistant to oxidation.

Cholesterol↗

PubMed1998

Estrogen-induced small low-density lipoprotein particles in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of an estrogen-induced decrease in the size of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Twenty postmenopausal women were treated with conjugated equine estrogen, 0.625 mg daily, for 3 months. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and apolipoproteins AI, AII, and B were measured before and after therapy. We analyzed total, free, and esterified cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, and apolipoprotein B levels in the LDL. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations were measured by enzymatic methods. Apolipoprotein AI, AII, and B levels were determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. The diameter of LDL particles was determined by gradient gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Estrogen reduced significantly the plasma levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and increased significantly the plasma levels of triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and apolipoproteins AI and AII. The ratio of cholesteryl ester to apolipoprotein B was significantly reduced, whereas the ratio of triglyceride to apolipoprotein B was significantly increased after such treatment. The plasma level of triglyceride showed a positive correlation with the ratio of LDL-triglyceride/apolipoprotein B (r = .40, P < .01), and a negative correlation with the ratio of LDL-cholesteryl ester/apolipoprotein B (r = -.55, P < .001). Estrogen treatment reduced significantly the diameter of LDL particles (25.79+/-1.13 nm versus 24.94+/-1.02 nm, P < .001). The diameter of the LDL particle was correlated negatively with the plasma level of triglyceride (r = -.84, P < .001) and the ratio of LDL-triglyceride/apolipoprotein B (r = -.58, P < .001), and positively with the ratio of LDL-cholesteryl ester/apolipoprotein B (r = .57, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that an increase in the triglyceride plasma level induced by estrogen therapy appeared to produce small triglyceride-rich and cholesteryl ester-poor LDL particles that were of small size.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Effect of estrogen and simvastatin on low-density lipoprotein subclasses in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of estrogen and simvastatin, individually and in combination, on the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subclasses in postmenopausal women with type IIa hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Fifty-five postmenopausal women with type IIa hypercholesterolemia were assigned randomly to 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen (n = 20), 5 mg of simvastatin (n = 18), or both (n = 17) daily for 3 months. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B levels in the plasma and in the LDL1 (density 1.019-1.045 g/mL) and LDL2 (density 1.045-1.063 g/mL) fractions were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Estrogen treatment significantly reduced LDL1 cholesterol and LDL1 apolipoprotein B levels by 18.4% and 20.8%, respectively; simvastatin treatment by 21.9% and 29.2%, respectively; and combination therapy by 38.5% and 34.4%, respectively. In contrast to estrogen or simvastatin treatment, the combination therapy also significantly lowered the levels of LDL2 cholesterol by 19.5% and LDL2 apolipoprotein B by 30.5%. Posttreatment levels of total cholesterol, LDL1 cholesterol, and LDL1 apolipoprotein B were significantly lower after combination treatment than after estrogen treatment. Estrogen treatment, but not combination therapy, significantly increased total plasma triglyceride levels (103.1+/-26.0 mg/dL to 138.8+/-75.6 mg/dL, P < .01). Significantly more patients receiving combination therapy than those receiving estrogen had total and LDL cholesterol concentrations reduced to target levels. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with estrogen and simvastatin favorably affected lipid metabolism by reducing large and small LDL particles and prevented the estrogen-induced increase in plasma triglyceride levels.

Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)↗

PubMed1998

Primary ovarian angiosarcoma: a case report and literature review.

Primary ovarian angiosarcoma is extremely rare. Only 16 cases have histologically been reported to date in the literature. A case of angiosarcoma arising in the right ovary of a 46-year-old female is presented. Grossly, the resected right ovary was completely replaced by a solid tumor mass, which revealed multiple necrotic and/or hemorrhagic foci. This case revealed the typical histological features of angiosarcoma with sinusoidal and solid patterns of anaplastic tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were strongly and diffusely positive for CD31 and CD34, in particular, along the cytoplasmic membrane of the tumor cells. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells possessed the intermediate junctions between tumor cells, discontinuous basal laminae attached to the irregularly shaped blood vessels and occasional cytoplasmic pinocytotic vesicles. These findings confirmed the case as being one of angiosarcoma of the ovary. The patient died 9 months after surgery as a result of developed multifocal brain metastases. A total of 17 cases reported as primary ovarian angiosarcoma, including this presented case, are clinicopathologically reviewed.

Antigens, CD34↗

PubMed1998

Maternal-fetal transfer of melatonin in pregnant women near term.

Our objective was to evaluate the maternal-fetal transfer of melatonin in pregnant women. Serum melatonin concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in a maternal vein and in the umbilical artery and umbilical vein at the time of birth. Blood samples were obtained from 12 women who had spontaneously delivered vaginally at night. A single oral dose of melatonin was administered to each of 33 patients who underwent a cesarean section, and, blood samples were taken at 1, 2, 3, or 4 hr after the administration of melatonin at delivery. Cesarean section was performed between 1300 and 1500 hr. The mean melatonin concentrations of melatonin in maternal peripheral venous blood and umbilical arterial and umbilical venous blood did not differ significantly, and positive correlations in the serum levels of melatonin were observed between the three sources of blood. The oral administration of 3 mg of melatonin to pregnant women led to marked increases in the serum levels of melatonin, with maximum levels observed 2 hr (21.84 +/- 2.09 ng/ml) after drug administration. Changes in serum levels of melatonin in the umbilical vein and artery resembled those found in the maternal vein. Serum melatonin concentrations did not differ significantly between the maternal vein and the umbilical veins. Serum levels of melatonin in the umbilical vein after the administration of melatonin were significantly and closely correlated with those in the maternal vein (r = 0.924, P < 0.001). These results suggest that, in humans, melatonin is transferred from the maternal to the fetal circulation both easily and rapidly. A potential for the therapeutic use of melatonin as an antioxidant exists in the patients with preeclampsia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Effects of superoxide and peroxynitrite on vascular tension in the human umbilical artery.

BACKGROUND: While nitric oxide (NO) has been demonstrated to regulate vascular tone, superoxide (O2-) may also have an important role in regulating tension in the human fetoplacental vasculature. We therefore evaluate the effects of O2- and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) on vascular tension in isolated human umbilical arteries. METHODS: Helical sections of umbilical arteries were obtained from healthy pregnant women who were delivered between weeks 37 and 39 of gestation. Changes in maximal potassium chloride (KCl)-induced tension were measured in umbilical artery segments with intact endothelium. RESULTS: We found that hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase significantly potentiated vascular tension, and that this effect was suppressed by pretreatment with L(NG)-monomethyl arginine (LNMA). Pretreatment with hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase, however, significantly inhibited the relaxation induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. 3-morpholinosydomine (SIN-1), which releases O2- and NO simultaneously produced a significant dose-dependent relaxation of vascular tension, which pretreatment with hemoglobin did not affect SIN-1-induced relaxation. Pretreatment with methylene blue significantly attenuated, while pretreatment with superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly potentiated this effect. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that O2- potentiates vascular tension in human umbilical artery, in part, by suppressing NO synthesis in the endothelium. The vasorelaxation by exogenously generated ONOO suggests that this moiety has biological relevance in vasoregulation of the human umbilical artery.

Female↗

PubMed1997

Effect of estrogen on the size of low-density lipoprotein particles in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of estrogen on the size o low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We treated 20 postmenopausal women with 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen daily for 3 months and measured the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, and B before and after therapy. We also analyzed concentrations of LDL cholesterol and LDL apolipoprotein B. The diameter of LDL particles was determined by gradient gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Estrogen caused significant decreases in the plasma levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and significant increases in the plasma levels of triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I and A-II. Mean levels of LDL cholesterol and LDL apolipoprotein B were reduced significantly (by 16.31%, P < .001, and 16.91%, P < .001, respectively) after estrogen treatment. Estrogen also significantly reduced the size of LDL particles, from 25.74 +/- 0.66 (mean +/- standard deviation) to 24.95 +/- 0.78 nm (P < .001). The LDL particle diameter correlated negatively with the plasma level of triglyceride (pre-treatment: r = 0.87, P < .001; post-treatment: r = 0.88, P < .001). Estrogen significantly increased the prevalence of LDL subclass pattern B, from 30 to 65% (P < .03). CONCLUSION: Estrogen affects lipid metabolism favorably by reducing the plasma concentration of LDL particles. Estrogen-induced increase in the plasma level of triglyceride appears to reduce the size of LDL particles.

Apolipoproteins↗

PubMed1997

Melatonin inhibits vasospastic action of hydrogen peroxide in human umbilical artery.

We evaluated the antioxidant property of melatonin as it relates to the vasospastic effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the human umbilical artery. Helical sections of umbilical arteries were obtained from healthy pregnant women who were delivered between weeks 37 and 39 of gestation. Changes in maximal potassium chloride (KCl)-induced tension were measured in arterial segments with intact endothelium. Segments were treated with H2O2 alone, or were pretreated either with an H2O2 scavenger (catalase, 2000 i.u.), a hydroxyl radical scavenger (mannitol, 10(-2) M), a nitric oxide-synthesis inhibitor (L-NG-monomethyl arginine, LNMA, 2 x 10(-4) M), or melatonin (10(-6) M to 10(-4) M). The effect of H2O2 (10(-4) M) on the relaxation induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 was also determined in arterial segments, with or without pretreatment with melatonin (10(-6) M, 10(-4) M). H2O2 (10(-6) M to 10(-4) M) potentiated vascular tension in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.0001). Pretreatment with LNMA significantly suppressed the vasospastic effect of H2O2 (P < 0.0001). Pretreatment with either catalase or mannitol significantly reduced the vasospastic effect of H2O2 (P < 0.005, P < 0.002, respectively). Melatonin also significantly reduced the vasospastic effect of H2O2 in a concentration-dependent manner (H2O2 10(-6) M, P < 0.0001 : H2O2 10(-5) M, P < 0.0001 : H2O2 10(-4) M, P < 0.00001). Pretreatment with H2O2 significantly inhibited the relaxation induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 (P < 0.005). Treatment with melatonin prior to exposure to H2O2 significantly restored the relaxation induced by A23187 (P < 0.005). Results suggest that H2O2 potentiates vascular tension in the human umbilical artery, perhaps by suppressing the endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide. Melatonin significantly suppressed the vasospastic effect of H2O2, possibly due to its ability to scavenge the hydroxyl radical.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1997

Melatonin suppresses vasospastic effect of hydrogen peroxide in human umbilical artery: relation to calcium influx.

We evaluated the hydroxyl radical scavenging effect of melatonin on the vasospastic action induced by hydrogen peroxide in human umbilical artery. Helical sections were made of umbilical arteries obtained from healthy pregnant women who were delivered between 37 and 39 weeks of gestation. Changes in maximal potassium chloride (KCl, 10[-2] M)-induced tension were measured in umbilical artery segments with intact endothelium. Segments were treated with H(2)O(2) (10[-9] M to 10[-7] M) only, or were pretreated with an H(2)O(2) scavenger (catalase, 2,000 IU), a hydroxyl radical scavenger (mannitol, 10[-2] M), or melatonin (10[-8] M to 10[-6] M). The effect of H(2)O(2) on the response of the segments of umbilical artery to external calcium was determined. Changes in KCl-induced contraction were also determined in segments pretreated with an inhibition of intracellular calcium release (ryanodine, 10[-4] M) prior to exposure to H(2)O(2). Pretreating the segments of umbilical arteries with H(2)O(2) (10[-8] M, 10[-7] M) significantly potentiated the maximal contraction induced by KCl (P < 0.0001, P < 0.03, respectively). Pretreatment with either catalase or mannitol significantly reduced the vasospastic effect of H(2)O(2) (10[-8] M) (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). Melatonin also significantly reduced the vasospastic effect of H(2)O(2) (10[-8] M), in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.0001). H(2)O(2) (10[-8] M) significantly increased the contractile response to external calcium. Melatonin pretreatment significantly suppressed the contractile response to external calcium. Treatment with ryanodine prior to exposure to H(2)O(2) did not affect KCl-induced contraction. Results suggest that H(2)O(2) potentiates the KCl-induced maximal contraction of the human umbilical artery, perhaps by increasing calcium influx via activation of the voltage-dependent calcium channel. Melatonin significantly suppresses the vasospastic effect of H(2)O(2), probably due to its scavenging of the hydroxyl radical.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Vasospastic action of hydrogen peroxide in human umbilical artery: relation to protein kinase C and calcium influx.

BACKGROUND: We have demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) potentiated vascular tension in human umbilical artery, perhaps by suppressing the synthesis of nitric oxide and prostacyclin. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or voltage-dependent calcium channel mediated the vasospastic effect of H2O2. METHODS: Helical sections of the umbilical artery were obtained from healthy pregnant women who delivered between 37th and 39th week of gestation. Changes in the maximal tension induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha (9 x 10(-7) M) were measured (isometric mechanical activity). Segments were treated with H2O2 (10(-6)-10(-4) M) alone or H2O2 after pretreatment with a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals (mannitol, 10(-2) M), an inhibitor of PKC (H-7, 6 x 10(-7) M). Effect of an activator of PKC (12-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate, TPA, 10(-6) M) on PG F2 alpha-induced tension was determined. Effects of H2O2 (10(-5) M) on the response of umbilical artery segments to an external calcium (10(-6)-10(-3) M) were determined. RESULTS: Vascular tension was potentiated by H2O2 in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with mannitol significantly suppressed the vasospastic effect of H2O2. Pretreatment with H-7 did not alter the response to H2O2. TPA did not produce a significant change in PG F2 alpha-induced tension. Pretreatment with H2O2 (10(-5) M) did not alter the contractile response to external calcium. CONCLUSION: H2O2 potentiated vascular tension in human umbilical arteries, a process that is independent of PKC and the voltage-dependent calcium channel. The vasospastic effect of H2O2 may be mediated by a suppression of the activity of nitric oxide and prostacyclin.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1997

[A randomized study on intravesical pirarubicin (THP) chemoprophylaxis of recurrence after transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer].

A prospective randomized study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic intravesical instillation of tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP) following complete transurethral resection (TUR) of superficial bladder cancer. A total of 80 patients were randomized into "THP" or "control" group. In the THP group, 20 mg of THP dissolved in 40 ml saline (or 5% dextrose) was administered intravesically once a week for 10 weeks, starting from about 7 days after TUR. In the control group, 40 ml saline was given with the same schedule. The patients were followed up by cystoscopy and urinary cytology every 3 months. The number of evaluable patients was 36 for the THP group and 37 for the control group. The non-recurrence rates in the THP group and control group were 79.4% versus 63.2% at 1 year and 69.8% versus 47.4% at 3 to 5 years, respectively. These figures were not statistically significant. However, THP instillation significantly reduced tumor recurrence rates for multiple tumors, and also tended to decrease recurrence rates for primary and pT1 tumors. Adverse effects were observed in 53.6% of the patients in the THP group, but they were tolerable. Our results suggest that intravesical THP instillation would not be effective for all patients with superficial bladder cancer. Further study is warranted in a selected group of patients.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed1996

Effects of continuous medroxyprogesterone acetate on lipoprotein metabolism in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the beneficial effects of estrogen therapy on lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women were administered either conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) 0.625 mg daily for 3 months (Group 1) or CEE 0.625 mg in conjunction with MPA 2.5 mg (Group 2) or MPA 5.0 mg (Group 3) daily for 3 months. Plasma levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein lipids, apolipoproteins, sex steroid hormones and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT) were determined. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (H-TGL) activities were measured in postheparin plasma. Changes in the lipid concentrations and enzymatic activities were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein B concentrations and LCAT activity were all significantly reduced by treatment in the three groups. The levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), HDL2, and HDL3 cholesterol as well as the levels of apolipoprotein AI and AII were significantly elevated in groups 1 and 2. The mean decrease in these parameters was related to the dose of MPA. Levels of triglyceride in the HDL and HDL2 were significantly increased in group 1. The levels of triglyceride in plasma, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), LDL, HDL3 and VLDL cholesterol and LPL activity were unaffected. H-TGL activity was significantly inhibited only in groups 1 and 2. MPA produced a dose-dependent increase in H-TGL activity. A significant negative correlation was observed between the HDL cholesterol concentration and H-TGL activity (r = 0.58 P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of MPA 2.5 mg and 5.0 mg did not adversely affect the changes in VLDL-LDL metabolism produced by estrogen. However, MPA has dose-dependent negative effects on HDL metabolism by increasing H-TGL activity and the 5.0 mg MPA interferes with the favorable effects on lipids of estrogen in postmenopausal women.

Cholesterol↗

PubMed1995

Lipoprotein metabolism in postmenopausal and oophorectomized women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of accumulating cholesterol, and to analyze the metabolism of excess tissue cholesterol in women with low plasma levels of sex steroid hormones. METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoproteins, sex steroid hormones, and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity in 20 premenopausal, ten postmenopausal, and ten bilaterally oophorectomized women. Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase activities were measured in postheparin plasma. We compared the three groups and evaluated a correlation between lipid metabolism and sex steroid hormone concentrations. RESULTS: The mean plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity were higher in the postmenopausal and surgically menopausal groups. The mean plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration and postheparin plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase activity did not differ significantly among the three groups. The plasma LDL cholesterol level and postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity showed a significantly negative correlation with plasma concentration of estrone (LDL: r = 0.64, P < .001; lipoprotein lipase: r = 0.54, P < .005) and estradiol (LDL: r = 0.65, P < .001; lipoprotein lipase: r = 0.47, P < .01), but not with that of testosterone. There was no significant relationship between postheparin plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase activity and plasma sex steroid hormones. Plasma lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity correlated significantly with plasma LDL cholesterol concentration, but not with levels of sex steroid hormones. CONCLUSION: Because of low endogenous estrogens, enhanced postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity may lead to an elevated plasma LDL cholesterol concentration in postmenopausal and bilaterally oophorectomized women. We demonstrated an accelerated cholesterol esterification in HDL cholesterol that may have been induced by LDL cholesterol accumulation, although the HDL cholesterol concentration remained unchanged.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Experimentally induced intermittent sinusoidal heart rate pattern and sleep cycle in fetal lambs.

OBJECTIVE: Intermittent sinusoidal heart rate pattern, an early indicator of fetal anemia, has been speculated to have a positive correlation with fetal sleep cycles. To test this hypothesis, intermittent sinusoidal heart rate patterns were produced experimentally with arginine vasopressin in six methylatropinized fetal lambs that were demonstrating clear rapid-eye-movement and non-rapid-eye-movement sleep cycling. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven trials of arginine vasopressin infusion (40 to 160 mIU per body per minute) were performed on each of six chronically instrumented fetal lambs subsequent to parasympathetic blocking doses of methylatropine (300 to 400 micrograms). An intermittent sinusoidal heart rate pattern was observed in relation to fetal sleep cycles. RESULTS: Alteration between rapid-eye-movement and non-rapid-eye-movement sleep was observed in methylatropinized fetuses. In the six fetuses that showed intermittent sinusoidal heart rate patterns subsequent to arginine vasopressin infusion, the fetal heart rate tracing and fetal electrocorticogram demonstrated alternate sinusoidal pattern and reactive heart rate patterns during high- and low-voltage electrocorticogram activity, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that fetal sleep cycling has a positive correlation with the periodic appearance of intermittent sinusoidal heart rate patterns.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Variable fetal heart rate decelerations and electrocortical activities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of fetal behavioral states on baroreflex-mediated, variable fetal heart rate decelerations caused by umbilical cord occlusion. STUDY DESIGN: Five chronically instrumented fetal lambs were subjected to intermittent partial umbilical cord occlusion for 1 minute every 3 minutes, lasting 2 hours. Fetal behavioral states determined by electrocorticogram and heart rates by electrocardiogram were monitored continuously during these experiments. RESULTS: The fetuses exhibited an alteration between low- and high-voltage electrocorticogram states. Both the depth and width of the variable fetal heart rate decelerations were greater during high-voltage than during low-voltage electrocorticogram. CONCLUSION: Amplitude and duration of variable fetal heart rate decelerations are affected by fetal behavioral states.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[Primary malignant lymphoma of the urinary bladder].

We report 2 cases of primary malignant lymphoma arising in the urinary bladder. The first case was a 64-year-old woman complaining of gross hematuia during the follow-up period of transitional cell carcinoma (grade 2, stage pTa) of the bladder that was treated with TUR in 1989. Her bladder tumor of this time was broad based, not papillary, and situated on the right side wall with bleeding. The pathological diagnosis of transurethral biopsy specimens was non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large, B cell type. Four courses of CAP chemotherapy was so effective that she has been free of the disease up to now. The second was a 51-year-old woman presenting with painless gross hematuia. A solid, round and intramural tumor, which was recognized on the left side wall by cystoscopy, was resected endoscopically as much as possible. Three courses of VEPA chemotherapy was done because pathologically it was non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse medium, B cell type, although no evidence of other tumors in any organs was fortunately detected with further examinations. She has been doing well without recurrence for 9 months after discharge from the hospital. Primary malignant lymphoma of the bladder is unusual. About 70 cases have been reported in foreign countries, but only 23 cases in Japan. When malignant lymphoma is confined to the bladder, radiation and chemotherapy can be curative, and yet preserve the function of the bladder.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1993

Intermittent sinusoidal heart rate pattern in vagotomized fetal lambs.

OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to investigate the relationship between the dose of arginine vasopressin and the pattern and duration of arginine vasopressin-induced sinusoidal fetal heart rate and to elucidate the correlation between intermittent sinusoidal heart rate and fetal sleep cycle. STUDY DESIGN: Sinusoidal heart rate pattern was induced by intravenous arginine vasopressin infusion at doses from 2 to 78 mlU/min into 11 chronically instrumented fetal lambs with bilateral cervical vagotomy. Appearance and frequency of sinusoidal heart rate, intermittent sinusoidal heart rate, and persistent sinusoidal heart rate were observed along with fetal tracheal pressure and electrooculogram. RESULTS: Intermittent sinusoidal heart rate response to low, medium, and high doses of arginine vasopressin appeared in 73.3%, 50.0%, and 33.3% of experiments, respectively. Intermittent sinusoidal heart rate appeared more frequently than persistent sinusoidal heart rate with lower doses (p < 0.02). When intermittent sinusoidal heart rate was induced, the incidence of sinusoidal patterns significantly increased during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep in comparison with rapid-eye-movement sleep (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Appearance of sinusoidal heart rate seems to be related to the dose of arginine vasopressin infused. Appearance of sinusoidal heart rate is also influenced by fetal sleep cycle; sinusoidal heart rate is more likely to appear during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep than during rapid-eye-movement sleep. These results support the hypothesis that persistent sinusoidal heart rate correlates with severity of stress.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Role of the free radical-scavenger system in aromatase activity of the human ovary.

The present study was undertaken to clarify the physiological role of the free radical-scavenger system in the control of estrogen production in the human ovary with age. Both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the homogenate of the ovary significantly decreased from the premenopausal period to the menopausal period. The lipid peroxide content, however, showed a small and gradual decrease from the premenopausal to the postmenopausal period. In the premenopausal women, aromatase (Ar) activity in the microsomal fraction of the ovary showed a sharp decline and a significant negative correlation with age. Significant positive correlations were found between SOD and Ar activity, and between GSH-Px and Ar activity. Treatments of homogenate of the ovary with 10, 50 and 100 microM of H2O2 resulted in a decrease in Ar activity in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with 10 and 50 microM of H2O2 produced a more significant decrease in the Ar activity in the premenopausal women than that in the postmenopausal women. Treatments with 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 U of GSH-Px before administration of 50 microM of H2O2, on the other hand, induced a recovery of the Ar activity in a dose-dependent manner. The present study showed the inhibitory effect of peroxide on Ar activity, which was attenuated by GSH-Px. These results seem to suggest that these age-related, relatively free radical predominant environments in the human ovary may have an important role in the decrease of estrogen production through the effects on the Ar activity.

Adult↗