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Biomedical subjects

C Nakamura

Publications and source records attributed to C Nakamura.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Contrasting effects of misoprostol on systemic and intrapulmonary lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a cytokine produced by mononuclear phagocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, is a potent mediator of the inflammatory cascade. However, the immunomodulatory signals regulating TNF expression in the host are poorly defined. Recently, metabolites of the prostaglandin E series have been shown to inhibit TNF production in vitro. In order to determine if PGE1 alters TNF activity in vivo, rats were given misoprostol, a synthetic PGE1 analogue, or saline by gavage and subsequently challenged with either intravenous or intratracheal Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. These in vivo data show that PGE1 is a potent inhibitor of TNF production by systemic mononuclear phagocytes. In contrast, alveolar macrophages appear to be refractory to misoprostol's suppressive effects on LPS-induced TNF. This study supports in vitro observations that mononuclear phagocytes within different compartments exhibit differential responsiveness to immunomodulators.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Nested polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis and follow-up of tuberculous meningitis: a case report].

We presented a case of tuberculous meningitis in which a nested polymerase chain reaction was useful for its rapid diagnosis and follow-up. A 5-month-old girl was hospitalized for gastrointestinal complaints of 4 days' duration. She initially had no meningeal signs, but showed a bulging of the anterior fontanel on the 10th day of her illness. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed a cell count of 886/3 microliters (80% lymphocytes), protein of 20 mg/dl, and glucose of 27 mg/dl. Tuberculous meningitis was suspected clinically and an antituberculous therapy was commenced on the 13th day. Although repeated attempts to culture Mycobacterium tuberculosis were negative, the DNA of the organism was detected sequentially from the cerebrospinal fluid of the 13th and 16th day by the method of a nested polymerase chain reaction. The final diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis was established on the basis of the positive results of the nested polymerase chain reaction, a positive tuberculin test, and typical cerebrospinal fluid findings. She recovered rapidly in response to the therapy and was discharged from the hospital without any neurological sequelae on the 89th day. The follow-up samples of the nested polymerase chain reaction resulted as negative after the 26th day of the illness.

Female↗
PubMed1992

Gene transfer in magnetic bacteria: transposon mutagenesis and cloning of genomic DNA fragments required for magnetosome synthesis.

Broad-host-range IncP and IncQ plasmids have been transferred to the aerobic magnetic bacterium Aquaspirillum sp. strain AMB-1. Conjugal matings with Escherichia coli S17-1 allowed high-frequency transfer of the RK2 derivative pRK415 (4.5 x 10(-3) transconjugant per recipient cell) and the RSF1010 derivative pKT230 (3.0 x 10(-3) transconjugant per recipient). These plasmids successfully formed autonomous replicons in transconjugants and could be isolated and transformed back into E. coli, illustrating their potential as shuttle vectors. A mobilizable plasmid containing transposon Tn5 was transferred to Aquaspirillum sp. strain AMB-1 and also to the obligately microaerophilic magnetic bacterium Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum MS-1. Five nonmagnetic kanamycin-resistant mutants of Aquaspirillum sp. strain AMB-1 in which Tn5 was shown to be integrated into the chromosome were obtained. Different genomic fragments containing the mutagenized regions were cloned into E. coli. Two genomic fragments were restriction mapped, and the site of Tn5 insertion was determined. They were shown to be identical, although derived from independent transposon insertions. One of these clones was found to hybridize strongly to regions of the A. magnetotacticum MS-1 chromosome. This is the first report of gene transfer in a magnetic bacterium.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1991

The effects of ethanol, tumor necrosis factor, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on lung antibacterial defenses.

In summary, evidence is emerging indicating that alcohol-abusing hosts are seriously undermined by profound disturbances in cytokine production and activity. These alterations likely play a critical role in the development and clinical sequelae of their immunosuppressed status. Recombinant technology currently provides the clinician with the potential to immunologically reconstitute and restore host defenses in these hosts. While the ultimate role of these agents in patients will require extensive clinical investigations into their multiple biologic effects and interactions, cytokines, when properly employed, will likely have a major impact on the prevention and treatment of many life-threatening diseases. For the first time, we possess the potential to regulate essential functions of the host defense system which may prevent the development and mitigate the severity of infections in these and other immunocompromised hosts.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗
PubMed1991

Misoprostol but not antacid prevents endotoxin-induced gastric mucosal injury: role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Many of the complications of septic shock are believed to be a consequence of elevated circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is an important mediator of tissue injury. Prostaglandins (PGs) of the E series have recently been reported to inhibit TNF production in vitro. We investigated the in vivo effect of misoprostol, a PGE1 analog, on endotoxin-induced gastric mucosal injury and TNF production. For the gastric mucosal injury studies, groups of animals were pretreated with intragastric misoprostol (100 and 200 micrograms/kg) or with antacid (2 ml/animal of Maalox Plus) 30 min prior to a challenge with intravenous E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 5.0 mg/kg. Stomachs were examined 3 hr after LPS. Systemic endotoxin alone induced microscopic edema, vascular congestion, and polymorphonuclear (PMN) infiltration of the gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with misoprostol, but not with antacid, significantly and dose-dependently reduced the gastric mucosal injury. For the TNF studies, groups of rats were given either misoprostol (100 or 200 micrograms/kg, intragastric), or saline 1 hr prior to LPS challenge. Serum samples were obtained 1.5 hr after LPS challenge. Misoprostol dose-dependently and significantly (P less than 0.01) inhibited TNF activity. We conclude that misoprostol is a potent inhibitor of TNF systemic production and inhibits the gastric mucosal injury induced by endotoxemia. These studies suggest a potentially important therapeutic role for misoprostol in inflammatory diseases in which TNF exerts a contributory role.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1991

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances pulmonary host defenses in normal and ethanol-treated rats.

Ethanol suppresses functions of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL), seriously compromising normal host defenses against pneumonia. Because granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) augments the number and function of PMNL, the effect of G-CSF on the antibacterial defenses of the lung in normal and acutely intoxicated rats was studied. Animals received G-CSF or vehicle twice a day for 2 days, then ethanol or saline, followed by challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae elicited an intrapulmonary influx of PMNL in control rats that was markedly suppressed by prior ethanol administration. G-CSF augmented the recruitment of PMNL into the lungs of control rats and significantly attenuated the adverse effects of ethanol on PMNL entry into the lung. G-CSF enhanced intrapulmonary bactericidal activity against this pathogen in normal and ethanol-treated rats. All intoxicated rats pretreated with the vehicle died, while greater than 90% of rats pretreated with G-CSF survived. These findings suggest a potential role for G-CSF in mitigating the adverse effects of ethanol on PMNL delivery and pulmonary host defenses.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗
PubMed1991

Effects of the penetration of a root canal filling material into the mandibular canal. 1. Tissue reaction to the material.

The root canal filling paste Vitapex (Neo Dental Chemical Products Co., Tokyo), made of calcium hydroxide and iodoform with the addition of silicone oil, was experimentally introduced into the mandibular canals of 29 dogs. Tissue reactions to the paste were examined by radiography, histopathology, and electron microscopy. These examinations revealed that the paste was phagocytosed by macrophages and, in general, was gradually resorbed over time. The paste was also found to cause heterotopic calcification and/or ossification within the area of original penetration.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of the penetration of a root canal filling material into the mandibular canal. 2. Changes in the alveolar nerve tissue.

The root canal filling material "Vitapex" (Neo Dental Chemical Products Co., Tokyo), made of calcium hydroxide and iodoform with the addition of silicone oil, was experimentally injected into the mandibular canals of dogs, and its effect on the alveolar nerve tissue was examined by light and electron microscopy. No change was observed as long as the injected paste did not come into direct contact with the nerve, but tissue damage was found at sites of direct contact. After removal of degenerated nerve debris by macrophages and Schwann cells, the persisting external membranes or "Schwann tubes" appeared to provide a scaffolding for axonal regeneration and Schwann cell proliferation.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Mechanical factors of a severe type of ventricular arrhythmia after Cabrol's operation].

Severe type of ventricular arrhythmia was noticed after Cabrol's operation more frequently than usual reperfusion arrhythmia. Nine patients received Cabrol's operation and 2 of Bentall's were divided into 2 groups according to the occurrence of postsurgical ventricular arrhythmia (Lown's classification grade 0-3: 5 cases, grade 4 A-5: 6 cases), and then the factors contributed to the arrhythmia were analyzed. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups on the point of the characteristics of the cases with or without emergent surgery for, such as ruptured or dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms or other complicated lesions, the degree of surgical damage, or preoperative cardiac function. The only significant difference between the groups was the angle overheading to the central point of left coronary orifice anastomosed with intermediate tube from the extensive line of the prosthetic flange obtained in the left anterior oblique views on the angiography. The mean value of the angle of the severe group (grade 4 A-5) was 41 +/- 6.8 degrees (mean +/- SD) and significantly acute than the angle of the other group (grade 0-3: 57 +/- 6.4 degrees). This fact suggested that the main reason of the ventricular arrhythmia was coronary ischemia caused by compression of the intermediate tube after formation of massive hematoma within the aneurysmal capsule wrapped over the composite graft.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[A successful case of double outlet right ventricle accompanied with complete endocardial cushion defect].

Surgical correction of a case of double outlet right ventricle accompanied with complete endocardial cushion defect was completed successfully. No other complicated anomaly existed in this case. Correction was done by using two patch method. The patch for VSD was designed to be comma-like shape. For ensuring the left ventricular out tract, the patch was sutured with bulging at the circumference of the aortic orifice and the suture line of the patch with atrio-ventricular valve was deviated to the right. There was no stenosis in the left ventricular out tract and tricuspid valve.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1990

5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase--V. Acycloadenosine derivatives as inhibitors of the enzyme.

Various adenosine acyclonucleoside derivatives were tested as inhibitors of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MeSAdo) phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in the salvage of adenine and methionine from MeSAdo. The 2-halogenated derivatives of acyloadenosine [9-(2-hydroxyethoxy-methyl)adenine], including the chloro-, bromo- and iodo-congeners, all inhibited murine Sarcoma 180 (S180) MeSAdo phosphorylase, with Ki values in the range of 10(-6) to 10(-5) M. Halogenated derivatives of 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)adenine, which more closely resemble the natural substrate, were substantially more potent inhibitors of the enzyme, with Ki values in the range of 2-7 x 10(-7) M. 5'-Methylthio and 5'-halogenated analogs of 2'-deoxy-1',2'-seco-adenosine were weak inhibitors, with Ki values of 10(-4) M or greater. 9-[(1-Hydroxy-3-iodo-2-proxy)methyl]adenine. (HIPA), the derivative with the lowest Ki values among these analogs, was a competitive inhibitor of S180 MeSAdo phosphorylase. In preliminary studies, HIPA inhibited MeSAdo phosphorylase in intact HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells, as it limited the incorporation of [8-14C]MeSAdo into cellular adenine nucleotide pools. In addition, 9-(phosphonoalkyl)adenines, representing potential multisubstrate inhibitors of MeSADo phosphorylase, were synthesized. Of these the heptyl derivative was the most potent inhibitor, with a Ki of 1.5 x 10(-5) M at low (3.5 mM) phosphate concentrations. The inhibitory effects of these analogs could be ablated at high phosphate concentrations (50 mM), suggesting that they interact with the phosphate binding site on the enzyme. Some of these novel MeSAdo phosphorylase inhibitors may have a role in cancer chemotherapy as potentiators of agents that block purine de novo synthesis, e.g. antifolates and 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside.

Adenine↗
PubMed1990

A rare variant of acinic cell carcinoma of the upper lip: a case report and review of the literature.

Acinic cell carcinomas of the lip are most uncommon. An exhaustive search of the Japanese- and English-language literature has revealed only 17 previously reported cases. One additional occurrence, a rare variant of this type of neoplasm, with mucous differentiation, that occurred in the upper lip of a 60-year-old man is described here. A brief review of the literature on this type of lip tumor is also given.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed1990

[Right heart bypass operation of complex cardiac anomalies in 4 patients with viscero-atrial heterotaxic syndrome].

Four patients with viscero-atrial heterotaxic syndrome underwent a right heart bypass operation. 2 patients had right isomerism, and two had left isomerism. 3 patients had common atrio-ventricular canal, three had double outlet right ventricle, one had mitral valve hypoplasia, and one had double inlet right ventricle. All patients had anomalous systemic or pulmonary venous drainage. Redirection of systemic venous drainage was accomplished by total cavo-pulmonary shunt (TCPS) (2 patients), atrial baffle (1 patient), and intraatrial conduit (1 patient). In one patient underwent TCPS, regurgitant common atrioventricular valve was replaced with a prosthetic valve. One who had total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (type Ib) died after cardiac repair. The three survivors are in improved condition. The right heart bypass operation, like total cavopulmonary shunt or connection, simplifies the redirection of systemic venous drainage and offers improved results in the surgical treatment of complex cardiovascular anomalies with viscero-atrial heterotaxic syndrome.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1989

[Pulsatile assistance for profoundly hypothermic circulatory arrest, low-flow perfusion, and moderate-flow perfusion: comparative study of brain tissue pH, PO2, and PCO2].

The pH, oxygen tension, and carbon dioxide tension of canine brain tissue were experimentally examined during profoundly hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with and without pulsatile assistance. After core cooling, a 60-minute of circulatory arrest was performed in group 1 (n = 16), a 120-minute of low-flow perfusion (25 ml/kg/min) in group 2 (n = 16), and 120 minute of moderate-flow perfusion (50 ml/kg/min) in group 3 (n = 16). The core rewarming was done to the temperature above 32 degrees C. Each group was divided into two subgroups with and without pulsatile assistance (subgroup-p; n = 8, subgroup-c; n = 8). In group 1, progressive brain tissue acidosis and hypercapnea were recovered by use of pulsatile assistance. In group 2, brain tissue acidosis and hypercapnea were recovered completely with pulsatile assistance, but incompletely without it. In group 3, mild acidosis and hypercapnea were eliminated with pulsatile assistance. Brain tissue hypoxia was severe in group 1, slight in group 2, but not found in group 3. We conclude that a pulsatile assistance provides brain protection at any flow-ratio, and that the less flow-ratio and the longer perfusion period will make the pulsatile assistance the more necessary.

Animals↗