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Biomedical subjects

E Fujii

Publications and source records attributed to E Fujii.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[The effect of oxytocin on production of free fatty acid in primary human uterine myometrial cell culture].

Oxytocin(OT) is considered to have several activities besides strongly inducing myometrial contraction by activating phosphatidilinositol-specific phospholipase C(PI-PLC). These include reconstructing the phospholipid constituents of the cell membrane and activating a variety of fatty acid producing systems. On the other hand, pregnancy-related steroid hormones which are produced by the fetus, placenta and mother are considered to be closely involved in the maintenance of pregnancy and the initiation of labor. In the present study with cultured myometrial cells, we examined what effect these steroid hormones might exert on the intramyometrial production of fatty acid by OT. Our results confirmed bi-phasic production of arachidonic acid(AA), linoleic acid(LA), palmitic acid(PA), and stearic acid(SA) by OT. Phase 1 was an increasing but transient phenomenon having its peak at 30 sec. It is considered to be derived from phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate. Phase 2 was a persistent and increasing phenomenon which was initiated after 120 sec. It is considered to be mediated by Ca-dependent phospholipase. We also studied the effect of steroid hormones on the production of fatty acid. For AA, LA, and PA, we confirmed that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHAS) shortened the time taken in reaching the peak of Phase 1 to half of that of the control, and progesterone(P) extended the time 2-3 fold. These findings suggest that DHAS, P and F might modify the human myometrial construction mechanism as a factor which regulates the quantity and velocity of fatty acid production.

Arachidonic Acid↗

[Effects of steroid hormones on change in [Ca2+]i following oxytocin stimulation in cultured human myometrial cells, and on myometrial oxytocin receptor].

It is considered that steroid hormones, the concentrations of which vary during pregnancy, play an important role in the initiation of delivery. In the present study, we measured intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) change following oxytocin stimulation in cultured human myometrial cells with fura-2, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. We also studied the effect of the steroid hormones on changes in [Ca2+]i due to oxytocin stimulation. When the [Ca2+]i change due to 10(-6) M oxytocin reached 100%, the addition of 10(-6) M DHAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) just before the stimulation raised the [Ca2+]i level to 207%, whereas that of 10(-6) M progesterone dropped to 64%. Moreover DHAS accelerated the speed of increase until the maximum response of [Ca2+]i, while progesterone decelerated it. In another study, human myometrial plasma membrane was solubilized in 7.5mM CHAPSO solution and applied to a binding study. Oxytocin receptors of two different molecular weights, namely 350kD(OTR-1) and 39kD(OTR-2), were extracted from solubilized plasma membrane by employing a gel filtration column. Binding assays were performed for OTR-1 and OTR-2 in the presence of DHAS and progesterone (10(-5) M). The results showed that DHAS enhanced the binding affinity of the receptors, whereas progesterone reduced the maximum binding capacity. It is therefore considered that the steroid hormones added just before oxytocin stimulation might act on receptor levels and modify intracellular Ca2+ response over short periods.

Calcium↗

[The effect of steroid hormone on oxytocin receptor expression in primary human uterine myometrial cell culture].

In the present study, we have examined the steroid hormone effect on oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in human myometrial monolayer culture. The myometrial cells were cultured for 24-72 hours in serum-free media with various concentrations of steroid hormones. The plasma membrane of the cultured cells was then collected. The 125I-oxytocin(OT) was employed for a binding assay and the mean binding and dissociation constant were evaluated by Scatchard analysis. 1. The OT binding values in the presence of estradiol free, 10(-8) M, and 10(-7) M at 72 hours were 19.85, 28.12, and 36.20pM/mg protein, respectively. 2. The OT binding values in the presence of estradiol (10(-7) M) at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 17.85, 23.72, and 36.20pM/mg protein, respectively. 3. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (10(-5) M) exerted almost no effect on the OTR expression by estradiol (10(-7) M). Cortisol (10(-5) M) decreased the amount of OTR expressed by estradiol. 4. The changes in OTR expression caused by estradiol (10(-7) M) were inhibited according to the concentration by progesterone. The concentration of progesterone at which OT binding was reduced 50% was 2.7 x 10(-6) M (E/P ratio = 0.037). These results suggested that estradiol increased the amount of OTR discovered in human myometrial cells in a time and concentration dependent manner, while progesterone inhibited the changes in OTR expression by estradiol in a concentration dependent manner. Thus, it was indicated that the changes in the E/P ratio during pregnancy which regulate the OTR expression control the myometrial contraction.

Cell Membrane↗

Analysis of glycoform of O-glycan from human myeloma immunoglobulin A1 by gas-phase hydrazinolysis following pyridylamination of oligosaccharides.

A comparative study was made on the glycoform of O-glycan from human myeloma immunoglobulin A1. By gas-phase hydrazinolysis, O-glycan was released from its hinge portion. The released oligosaccharide was pyridylaminated and separated by a two-dimensional analytical method of gel filtration and reverse-phase HPLC. Four major pyridylamino derivatives (P1-P4) were obtained. The neutral component (P4) among them was identified as Gal beta 1,3GalNAc-PA by cochromatography with an authentic standard pyridylamino sugar. The desialylation of the other components indicated the largest P1 and middle size P2 components possibly corresponded to a disialylated structure, NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,3(NeuAc alpha 2,6)GalNAc-PA, and a monosialylated component, NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,3GalNAc-PA, respectively. The structural assignment of P3 is still incomplete. Four similar components were also detected in bovine fetuin whose relative content (P1:P2: P3:P:4) was 16:43:19:22. The relative content (%) of P1-P4 (glycoform) in IgA1 from the healthy control was 10.1 +/- 3.3, 48.2 +/- 4.6, 7.0 +/- 2.6, and 34.7 +/- 4.5. The glycoform of O-glycan on IgA1 thus appears the same for any individual. Analysis of IgA1 myeloma protein indicated glycoforms distinct from those of the healthy controls. The relative content of these component could be classed as 2:8:0:90 (Type I, only one case designated as Kita), 5:24:3:68 (Type II, seven cases), and 9:41:5:45 (Type III, four cases). Thus, the results for IgA1 myeloma protein indicate that at least three glycoforms of O-glycan are possible for the IgA1 hinge structure. However, only one glycoform was found in the healthy controls.

Amination↗

[Changes in arachidonic acid-induced respiratory distress in streptozotocin-diabetic mice].

Using streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice, we examined the respiratory distress induced by arachidonic acid. Male ddY mice were made diabetic by injecting STZ (170 mg/kg, i.p.) 2 weeks prior to the experiment. Control mice received the vehicle (citrate buffer, pH 4.6). The duration of respiratory distress was observed by a slow i.v.-injection of sodium arachidonic acid (AA) into the caudal vein of mice at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Aspirin was i.p.-administered 30 min before AA. OKY-046 (specific thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibitor), OP-41483 (stable prostacyclin analog) and 9, 11 epithia-11, 12-methano-TXA2 (STA2, stable TXA2 analog) were i.v.-administered 30 min before AA. The duration of respiratory distress induced by AA was significantly reduced in STZ-diabetic mice. Aspirin (10-50 mg/kg) and OKY-046 (25-100 mg/kg) enhanced the AA-induced respiratory distress in STZ-diabetic mice. OP-41483 (1-100 micrograms/kg) reduced the AA-induced effect in both control and STZ-diabetic mice. STA2 (10 micrograms/kg) enhanced the AA-induced effect in both control and STZ-diabetic mice. ONO-1078 (1-10 mg/kg) did not affect the AA-induced effect in both control and STZ-diabetic mice. TMK-688 (0.01-1 mg/kg) reduced the AA-induced effect in the control mice, but not in the STZ-diabetic mice. These results suggest an involvement of leukotriene in the respiratory response to AA in diabetic mice, especially when cyclooxygenase and TXA2 synthetase are inhibited.

Animals↗

Ultrasonic diagnosis of oral and neck malignant lymphoma.

A series of 14 patients with nodal and extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the oral and neck region was analyzed by ultrasonogram evaluation. Eight nodal lymphomas and six extranodal lymphomas commonly exhibited almost completely similar ultrasonographic findings, specifically, clear delineation of the boundary echo and a homogeneous, weak internal echo, the so-called pseudo-liquid-like images. The results derived from our study suggest that ultrasonic diagnosis is also helpful in evaluating patients with lymphoma during the initial diagnosis and initial treatment like other diagnostic imaging modalities.

Adult↗

Effects of two 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists on head-weaving behaviour in streptozotocin-diabetic mice.

The potencies of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (central 5-hydroxytryptamine 1 receptor agonist) and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (central 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor agonist) in eliciting head-weaving behaviour were studied in streptozotocin-diabetic mice and a group of control animals. Both drugs induced head-weaving behaviour in the streptozotocin-diabetic mice and control animals, but the potencies of these 5-hydroxytryptamine 1 agonists were reduced in the streptozotocin-diabetic mice. The numbers of head weaves elicited in the streptozotocin-diabetic and control animals by the two drugs were suppressed by pre-treatment with propranolol (5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor antagonist) and methysergide (5-hydroxytryptamine 1 and 2 receptor antagonist), but not by ketanserin (5-hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor antagonist), confirming the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor. Pretreatment with nicotinamide before administering streptozotocin prevented streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia and restored the inhibition of head-weaving behaviour observed in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Insulin injection, which partially prevented streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia, completely prevented reduction of the number of head weaves elicited by 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. These results suggest that the reduced response to 5-HT1 agonists in streptozotocin-diabetic mice may be caused by the depletion of insulin.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

[An all-night electroencephalographic study on grand mal epilepsy in childhood. A longitudinal study on the incidence of epileptic discharges with treatment and the comparison between all-night electroencephalography and standard sleep activated electroencephalography].

In order to quantify changes in epileptic discharges during the course of phenobarbital (PB) therapy, 8 children with generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTC) corresponding to sleep epilepsy as defined by Janz were given PB, and their all-night EEGs were obtained by means of a polygraph with simultaneous measurement of the blood concentration of PB. EEGs were recorded before the treatment commenced and 3 days, 14 days, one month, 6 months, one year, 1.5 and 2 years after the beginning of the treatment. For each child, the number of epileptic discharges during sleep was determined. The incidence of epileptic discharges (total number of epileptic discharges during sleep divided by total sleep time) was calculated, and changes during the course of the treatment were examined. In addition, the findings (pattern of epileptic discharges) obtained through standard short-time EEG recordings were compared with those obtained through all-night EEG recordings in terms of the incidence of epileptic discharges during the first S1-S2 after the subject had fallen asleep and the incidence of epileptic discharges during all stage of S1 and S2 while asleep. There were two different patterns of changes in the incidence of epileptic discharges. In 5 of the 8 children, the incidence was decreased at the initial stages of treatment, but it began to increase about one month later, returning to the baseline level (re-increased type). In the remaining 3 children, the incidence decreased favorably after the beginning of treatment, reaching nil within one year (simple decrease type). The incidence of epileptic discharges was found to be decreased in all 8 children after 3 days of treatment, when the blood PB concentration had not reached the effective level. Standard EEG and all-night EEG revealed similar patterns of epileptic discharges.

Adolescent↗

[The significance of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) elevation caused by antiepileptic drug(s). Using the antipyrine metabolic capacity as a parameter of microsomal enzyme activity].

Of 242 patients who were given antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), 40 exhibited a high level of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GPT). The significance of the high level was examined. "Antipyrine test" was also performed on 9 healthy controls and 39 patients with AEDs administration, and the antipyrine half-life (APt 1/2), a reliable index for hepatic microsomal enzyme activity (MEA), was calculated for each subject. A high level of serum gamma-GTP occurred more frequently in phenytoin (PHT) administered group than in PHT non-administered group. Furthermore, the maximum level was significantly higher in the former than in the latter. In 17 out of the 40 cases, the serum gamma-GTP level was decreased to a normal level without reducing AED doses or stopping the AED administration, or changing to different AEDs. On the other hand, in almost all cases with AED administration, APt 1/2 was shortened (i.e., induction of the microsomal enzyme). Furthermore, there was no correlation between serum gamma-GTP level and APt 1/2 in the cases with AED administration, indicating that the serum gamma-GTP level was not a proper index for MEA. It was also shown that phenobarbital, PHT and carbamazepine, each being used alone within the therapeutic dose, could cause almost the maximal degree of hepatic microsomal enzyme induction. Thus it is suggested that the elevation of serum gamma-GTP level due to AED does not necessarily indicate hepatocellular damages. If this is accepted, it follows that even if patients with AED administration have a high level of serum gamma-GTP, it is not necessary to reduce the AED doses, or discontinue them, or change to different AEDs.

Adolescent↗

[8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT)-induced clonic seizure in mice].

In the present study, we examined the clonic seizure immediately preceding head-weaving behaviour elicited by 8-OH-DPAT (40 mg/kg, ip) administration in mice. 8-OH-DPAT, known to be a central 5-HT1A receptor agonist, can induce a clonic seizure. Propranolol (1, 5, 10 mg/kg, ip) and methysergide (10, 20 mg/kg, ip) reduced 8-OH-DPAT (40 mg/kg, ip)-induced head-weaving behaviour and clonic seizure, while ketanserin (125, 250, 500 micrograms/kg, ip) was without effect. Trimethadione (500 mg/kg, sc) and phenobarbital (70 mg/kg, sc) completely inhibited clonic seizure and partially inhibited the head-weaving behaviour. Morphine (50 mg/kg, sc) completely inhibited both 8-OH-DPAT-induced head-weaving behaviour and clonic seizure. These effects of morphine are naloxone (20 mg/kg, sc)-reversible. These results suggest that the clonic seizure immediately preceding head-weaving behaviour elicited by 8-OH-DPAT is mediated mainly by serotonergic receptor 1A and also by additional factors.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

Effect of streptozotocin administration to pregnant mice on serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and weight of organs of the mother mice and their pups.

Administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) to pregnant mice during either the early or middle stages of pregnancy produced diabetic conditions in the mother mice. It reduced the litter size, but did not induce diabetes in the pups. The weights of the liver and kidney per unit body weight of the infants of STZ-treated mother mice were slightly larger, though not significantly, than that of infants from control mothers; however, no increase was observed in the blood glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) values.

Animals↗

[Proconvulsant effect of morphine on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol in the mice].

The present study was designed to investigate the proconvulsant effect of morphine (10, 30, 50 mg/kg, sc) in mice on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-, picrotoxin-, and bicuculline (BCC)-induced convulsions which are thought to be produced by interactions with GABAergic systems. Morphine increased the severity of seizures induced by the ip (50 mg/kg) and sc (90 mg/kg) routes of administration of PTZ. An administration of morphine caused an increased incidence of multiple seizures following both ip and sc administration of PTZ and prolonged the latency to onset of seizures induced by ip injection of PTZ. Repeated morphine administration (30, 50 mg/kg, ip x 4d) also caused an increased incidence of multiple seizures and the latency to onset of seizures by ip injection of PTZ. All these effects of morphine are naloxone-sensitive. Single morphine administration potentiated seizures induced by picrotoxin (2 mg/kg, iv) and BCC (20 mg/kg, iv). These results demonstrate that morphine has a proconvulsant effect on PTZ-induced seizures in the mouse.

Animals↗

Treatment in fractures of the odontoid process.

Fifty-eight cases of odontoid fractures treated at Keio University Hospital and affiliate hospitals from 1965 through 1985 were reviewed. Six patients under age 7 years (group A), were characterized as having epiphysiolysis. Among 52 patients over 8 years of age (group B), there were two Type I, 31 Type II and 19 Type III fractures. All cases in group A were treated conservatively by a plaster cast or a neck brace, and achieved bony union in 6 to 27 weeks. Five of 24 fractures in group B, treated conservatively, failed to unite. Nineteen cases of Type II and six cases of Type III were treated surgically. Transoral fusion was performed in six cases, internal fixation using a compression screw in ten, bone peg fixation in one, posterior fusion in eight, and posterior decompression in one. Two cases treated with transoral fusion and two with screw fixation failed to unite. We recommend conservative treatment of group A patients, Type I, and acute cases of Type III with minimal displacement in group B. Surgery should be performed in acute cases of Type II, Type III with significant displacement, and nonunion cases in Type II and Type III.

Adolescent↗

Thoracic disc herniation. Surgical treatment in 23 patients.

The authors' surgical procedure for the treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc herniation has consisted of total discectomy of the involved intervertebral disc, followed by intervertebral body fusion using autogenous iliac bone through an anterior approach. The authors prefer the extrapleural approach to the thoracic vertebrae because of simplified postoperative care with minimum surgical interference with respiratory function. During the past 16 years, 23 patients with symptomatic thoracic disc herniation have been treated by this procedure. Preoperatively all 23 patients presented with some measure of paraplegia, with difficulty in walking. Their clinical presentation was analyzed and diagnostic aids to the thoracic disc herniation by radiographic examinations were assessed. The radiographic abnormality of ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL) coinciding with the involved thoracic disc level was noted. The results in all 23 patients with this procedure were favorable. Based on the results of this series, this procedure is recommended for the treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc herniation.

Adult↗

[Results of surgical treatment of tongue cancer].

Fourty-four patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue have been treated by surgery. Twenty-two out of 44 patients were treated by a glossectomy alone and the remaining 22 by en bloc dissection with a glossectomy and neck dissection. The 5-year cumulative survival rate of these 44 cases was 86.1%, broken down as follows: stage I (20 cases), 100%; stage II (9 cases), 88.9%; stage III (11 cases), 72.7%; and, stage IV (4 cases), 50%. Four cases had a recurrence in the primary site, and 6 in the cervical region. Five out of 44 cases died (4 from tongue cancer, and one from other causes). Further, 3 out of 5 cases died of a recurrent cancer in the primary focus or in the neck. Thus, it has been concluded that control of the primary focus and neck metastasis is important for the treatment of tongue cancer, and that surgery also is an excellent therapy for tongue cancer.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Central action of cesium chloride in streptozotocin-diabetic mice.

The changes in the pharmacological responses to cesium were examined in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic mice. An acute administration of cesium chloride (10 mEqCs+/kg IP) to non-diabetic control mice elicited increased salivation and inhibition of respiration followed by death in about half of the animals examined. These effects of cesium were diminished in STZ-diabetic mice. LD50 for acute cesium was higher in STZ-diabetic mice (14.3 mEq/kg) than non-diabetic buffer controls (11.7 mEq/kg): however, subchronic administration of cesium did not decrease the LD50 in STZ-diabetic mice. The sleeping time induced by pentobarbital was reduced in STZ-diabetic mice and the reduction of the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis was reversed by subchronic cesium pretreatment but not by acute cesium administration. Methamphetamine-induced mortality was increased in STZ-diabetic mice and acute administration of cesium decreased the toxicity in both control and diabetic mice. Inhibition of locomotor activity elicited by acute single injection of cesium chloride was observed in both STZ-diabetic and non-diabetic mice. These results indicate that responses to cesium as well as centrally-acting drugs are affected differentially in STZ-diabetic mice.

Animals↗