Biomedical subjects

H Watari

Publications and source records attributed to H Watari.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1985

Multiple forms of immunoreactive renin in human pituitary tissue.

Immunoreactive renin was demonstrated in pituitary tissues of postmortem human subjects with different diseases. The specific immunoreactive renin activity comprised the majority of the tissue renin-like activity (mean, 83%), indicating the absence of nonspecific actions of proteases such as cathepsin D. We used three pituitary specimens with high levels of the specific renin activity for further biochemical characterization of the enzyme. Small differences were found in the molecular mass (45 K, 42 K and 37 K), binding to concanavalin A-Sepharose, and isoelectric points (pI) (4.72, 4.78, 4.86, 5.06, 5.28 and 5.44). These results seem to be interpreted as evidence for the presence of specific renin in the human pituitary with microheterogeneity.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

PubMed1985

Self-association mode of a flavoenzyme D-amino acid oxidase from hog kidney. I. Analysis of apparent weight-average molecular weight data for the apoenzyme in terms of models.

The self-association of D-amino acid oxidase apoenzyme in 0.1 M sodium pyrophosphate, pH 8.3, at 25 degrees C was studied by low-angle laser light scattering. The concentration (c) dependence of the apparent weight-average molecular weight (Mwapp) was determined over a wide concentration range of 0.04 to 6.1 mg/ml. The extrapolated Mwapp value, to zero enzyme concentration, corresponded to the Mr value of the monomer. The self-association mode of the apoenzyme was systematically explored with nonlinear least-squares analysis of the Mwapp versus c data. The simplest model that fitted the data well was a model of isodesmic indefinite self-association of the monomer with the isodesmic association constant of 0.467 +/- 0.034 liter/g. The monomer-dimer model proposed previously, but only in a low enzyme concentration range of less than 0.9 mg/ml at 5-20 degrees C (Henn, S. W., and Ackers, G. K. (1969) Biochemistry 8, 3829-3838), did not fit the Mwapp versus c data either in the limited low concentration range or in the whole concentration range examined at 25 degrees C. To test the validity of the chosen model, the observed sedimentation boundary profiles were compared with the idealized boundary profiles calculated for the better-fit models. The profile calculated with the model of the isodesmic indefinite self-association mechanism was qualitatively consistent with the observed ones. The utility of the nonlinear least-squares procedure for analyzing self-associating systems was demonstrated.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Self-association mode of a flavoenzyme D-amino acid oxidase from hog kidney. II. Stoichiometry of holoenzyme association and energetics of subunit association.

The self-association pattern of D-amino acid oxidase holoenzyme in 0.1 M sodium pyrophosphate, pH 8.3, at 25 degrees C was examined by the low-angle laser light-scattering method. As to the results of nonlinear least-squares analysis of the apparent weight-average molecular weight (Mwapp) versus protein concentration (c) data, the following three models fitted equally well the data over the concentration range of 0.03-11.4 mg/ml: 1) the model of isodesmic indefinite self-association of the monomer where the dimerization constant differs from the isodesmic association constant, 2) the model which involves the dimerization of the monomer and isodesmic indefinite self-association of the dimer, and 3) the model which involves the trimerization of the monomer and isodesmic indefinite self-association of the trimer. In a more limited concentration range (0.3-11.4 mg/ml), a model of isodesmic indefinite self-association of the stable dimer where the dimer does not dissociate into the monomers cannot be excluded from the above three models. Measurements with the concentration range lowered to 0.03 mg/ml enabled us to exclude unequivocally the model involving such a stable dimer and to extrapolate the Mwapp data to the Mr of the monomer at infinite dilution as in the case of the apoenzyme. The observed sedimentation boundary profiles were qualitatively consistent with the idealized boundary profiles calculated with the model which involves the dimerization of the monomer and isodesmic indefinite self-association of the dimer, so this model is the most probable of the models examined. These results provide the first evidence that the association mode of the holoenzyme is different from that of the apoenzyme, i.e. isodesmic indefinite self-association of the monomer (Tojo, H., Horiike, K., Shiga, K., Nishina, Y., Watari, H., and Yamano, T. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 12607-12614). The overall linkage scheme, between binding of coenzyme FAD and subunit association, was considered, and the overall free energy change in each process in the scheme was calculated. The total stabilization energies of the intersubunit interaction in the holoenzyme relative to the apoenzyme were found to be -2.2 kcal/mol at the dimerization step and -0.5 kcal/mol at the step of the addition of the dimer to any 2i-mer (i = 1,2, ...).

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Observations of energy metabolism in neuroectodermal tumors using in vivo 31P-NMR.

The energy metabolism of living tumors in rats and hamsters were investigated by obtaining in vivo 31P-NMR spectra, and the effects of chemotherapy on tumors were evaluated by observing the changes of these spectra. Tumor cells of rat glioma, human glioblastoma and human neuroblastoma were inoculated subcutaneously in the lumbar region of the animals. After the tumor grew to over 1.5 cm in diameter, in vivo 31P-NMR spectrum data was obtained selectively from the tumor with a TMR-32 spectrometer (Oxford Research Systems, U.K.). Several peaks (ATP, inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphodiesters and phosphomonoesters (PME) were observed in the tumors. The heights of these peaks varied widely corresponding to the tumor growth. However, the spectrum pattern of each tumor in an active stage was found to be essentially the same regardless of histological type or tumor origin. The phosphocreatine (PCr) peak was small, ATP and PME peaks were large and tissue pH calculated from the chemical shift of Pi was low in each tumor group. After intravenous injection of a large dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, ATP peaks decreased and the Pi peak increased gradually, resulting in a dominant Pi peak pattern after several hours in all groups. With lower drug doses, spectrum changes were temporarily seen in the tumors. These findings indicated that drugs with a high dose have a selective and a direct action on the energy metabolism of tumor tissues. In vivo 31P-NMR spectra measurement is very valuable not only to investigate the energy metabolism in tumor tissue but also to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on the tumor.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

In vivo studies of energy metabolism in experimental cerebral ischemia using topical magnetic resonance. Changes in 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra compared with electroencephalograms and regional cerebral blood flow.

The energy state of the brain during and after transient cerebral ischemia was examined in rats by in vivo measurement of 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra using a topical magnetic resonance spectrometer. EEGs and regional CBF (rCBF) were monitored on the same ischemic models. Immediately after the induction of ischemia, the height of the ATP and phosphocreatine peaks in the spectrum began to decrease with a concurrent increase of the inorganic phosphate (Pi) peak. The calculated pH from the chemical shift of Pi decreased during ischemia. The EEG pattern became flat immediately after ischemic induction. The rCBF decreased below the sensitivity level of the measuring instrument. With 30-min ischemia, the 31P-NMR spectrum returned to a normal pattern rapidly after recirculation. However, recovery of the EEG was delayed. The rCBF after recirculation showed postischemic hyperemia followed by hypoperfusion. In cases of 120-min ischemia, none of the spectra showed recovery. Thus, we could investigate the dynamic process of pathophysiological changes occurring in the ischemic brain in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Immunoreactive renin in human brain: distribution and properties.

Readily detectable levels of renin activity were demonstrated in the human brain. This activity was inhibited by specific antibody raised against human renal renin, indicating that it was not due to the nonspecific action of proteases such as cathepsin D. The pineal gland was found to be the richest source of renin followed by the pituitary, hypothalamus and hippocampus. The substantia nigra, caudate nucleus, putamen and thalamus contained moderately high concentrations of renin. The brain renins from pineal and pituitary glands shared some biochemical features with well-known kidney renin, such as molecular weight (46,000 daltons for pineal renin; 37,000-45,000 daltons for pituitary renin), optimum pH (6.0-7.0), the presence of trypsin activatable inactive renin, and a glycoprotein nature. However, the electrofocusing pattern of renin from pituitary tissue (pI = 4.43, 5.77) differed from that of plasma and kidney enzymes heretofore reported, a discrepancy which could be interpreted as evidence for the endogeneous synthesis of renin in the brain tissue. Furthermore, a high activity of immunoreactive renin was found in human neuroblastoma tissue. The biochemical characteristics of the neuroblastomal renin were generally similar to the known properties of kidney renin in many respects, providing evidence of the presence of the renin-angiotensin system within human neuronal cells.

Brain↗

PubMed1985

Augmented energy consumption during early systole as a mechanism of cyclical changes in high-energy phosphates in myocardium assessed by phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance.

To evaluate the underlying mechanism of oscillatory changes in energy-related metabolites during a cardiac cycle, intramyocardial creatine phosphate (CP), inorganic phosphate (Pi), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and pH were measured in isolated rat hearts by the phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry method gated by the left ventricular pressure. These were perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution containing pyruvate. CP decreased at both early- and end-systole whereas Pi and ADP increased in these phases. Both ATP and intracellular pH decreased significantly at end-systole. The indices of the affinity for ATP hydrolysis [Pi]/[CP] and [ADP] [Pu]/[APT] increased at early-systole, indicating that a large consumption of high-energy phosphates occurred at early-systole. Furthermore, the cyclical changes in ATP, CP and Pi were augmented in the high contractile state induced by infusion of isoproterenol. These results strongly suggest that the cyclical changes in the energy-related metabolites during a cardiac cycle are caused mainly by an augmentation of energy consumption during early-systole and an insufficient energy supply during systole, probably due to the slow intracellular transport of CP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1985

31P-NMR study of dog submandibular gland in vivo and in vitro using the topical magnetic resonance.

The topical magnetic resonance (TMR) was used to study the phosphorous metabolism of a dog's submandibular gland during acetylcholine stimulation. The experiments were carried out under two conditions. One was a normal blood supply (in vivo) and the other was vascular perfusion with the artificial perfusate (in vitro). The levels of phosphorous compounds in the gland were obtained for 31P-NMR spectra of the TMR. The saliva was secreted in the both conditions, though the salivary flow under the in vivo condition was higher than in vitro. During salivary secretion, only the levels of creatine phosphate decreased under in vivo condition, while the levels of creatine phosphate and ATP decreased and the levels of inorganic phosphate increased in in vitro cases. It was concluded that the decrement of creatine phosphate during the salivary secretion indicates the acceleration of the energy metabolism in the submandibular gland.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1985

Spontaneous posterior bulbar perforation of congenital scleral coloboma and its surgical treatment: a case report.

A 35-year-old male presented with abrupt hypotonic oculopathy caused by a spontaneous bulbar perforation, due to a scleral defect in the equatorial area of the nasal side of the left eye. The scleral defect was surgically repaired using lyophilized homologous dura mater encephali and fibrin glue (Tisseel). Highly satisfactory results were obtained. The pathogenesis of this scleral defect was suspected to involve complex factors related to abnormal retinal development and abnormal ocular muscles. Such a case has not been reported previously.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Acute effects of the new oral angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor 1-(D-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropanoyl)-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanine (Alacepril) in essential hypertension.

In 15 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension a new orally active angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, 1-(D-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropanoyl)-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanine (Alacepril), was administered with a single oral dose of 50 mg to evaluate its antihypertensive effect. Following Alacepril plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was inhibited by approximately 75% within 2 h. Plasma renin activity increased slightly whereas plasma levels of aldosterone decreased significantly. Blood pressure fell markedly not only in patients with high renin levels but also in those with low renin levels. Nevertheless, the magnitude of blood pressure reduction was correlated with the pre-treatment plasma renin values (r = -0.602, p less than 0.05 systolic, r = -0.667, p less than 0.01 diastolic). No relevant changes in pulse rate was observed. These findings demonstrate that in essential hypertension the novel orally active ACE inhibitor Alacepril exerts marked antihypertensive effect, which may offer a new effective approach to treatment of hypertension.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1985

Biochemical identification of renin in human pheochromocytoma.

A high activity of renin was demonstrated in human pheochromocytoma tissue. This activity was inhibited by specific antibody raised against human renal renin, indicating that it was not due to the nonspecific actions of proteases such as cathepsin D. The specific renin shared some biochemical features with well-known kidney renin, such as molecular weight (47,000 daltons), optimum pH (6.0), the presence of trypsin-activatable inactive renin, and glycoprotein nature. However, the isoelectrofocusing pattern of renin from the pheochromocytoma differed from that of kidney and plasma renins hitherto reported, a discrepancy which could be interpreted as evidence for endogenous synthesis of the enzyme. Furthermore, angiotensin converting enzyme activity was found in the tissue. Since pheochromocytoma is considered to be of neural crest origin, these results provide biochemical and immunological evidence for the presence of the renin-angiotensin cycle within human neuronal cells.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1985

Measurements of in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in neuroectodermal tumors for the evaluation of the effects of chemotherapy.

The effects of chemotherapy on living tumor tissue in hamsters and rats were investigated by measuring the 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra using topical magnetic resonance. Human neuroblastoma, human glioblastoma, and rat glioma tumor cells were inoculated s.c. in the lumbar region of the animals. After the diameter of the tumors increased to 1.5 cm, in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were measured selectively in the tumors with a TMR-32 spectrometer. Adenosine triphosphate, inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphodiester, and phosphomonoester peaks were observed. The phosphocreatine peak was hardly detectable, adenosine triphosphate and phosphomonoester peaks were high, and tissue pH, calculated from the chemical shift of Pi, declined. Regardless of the tumor origin or the histological type, the spectral pattern of each neuroectodermal tumor was found to be essentially the same. After i.v. injection of a large dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, adenosine triphosphate peaks decreased and Pi increased gradually, resulting in a dominant Pi peak pattern after 6 to 12 hours. However, during the same period, there were no observable changes in the spectra of normal organs. These findings indicated that the drugs have a selective and direct action on the energy metabolism of tumor cells. With lower drug doses, no remarkable changes were seen in the spectrum. Measurement of in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra is valuable not only to investigate the energy metabolism in tumor tissue but also to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1985

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-bovine plasma albumin complex. Structural transition from native to relatively compact globule forms with mobile side chains in acidic region--N-F transition.

The acid-induced isomerization (the N-F transition) and expansion of sodium dodecyl sulfate-bovine plasma albumin complex (ADm; m, molar ratio of added sodium dodecyl sulfate to bovine plasma albumin; O less than or equal to m less than or equal to 12) were studied by measuring CD-resolved secondary structure, fluorescence polarization and life-time of tryptophyl fluorophors, acid-titration with the electrostatic correction for the surface potential, 1H-n.m.r. spectra and cross relaxation time between irradiated and observed protons. The immobilization of tryptophyl fluorophors observed in the F-form of AD0 was suppressed in the F-form of AD10. The acidtitration analysis of AD12 showed non salt-bonding between carboxylate groups and cationic side chains in the F-form, as in the case of AD0, indicating charged side chains being presumably mobile. 1H-n.m.r. spectra and cross relaxation times between irradiated and observed protons in the F-form of AD10 indicated the increase in the local motion. On the other hand, AD10 and AD12 did not show any significant change in the CD-resolved secondary structure in the N-F transition region. The F-form of AD10 or AD12 may therefore be the moltenglobule state which has secondary structure similar to the N-form of the complexes with fluctuating tertiary structure (side chains).

Animals↗

PubMed1984

In vivo measurement of energy metabolism and the concomitant monitoring of electroencephalogram in experimental cerebral ischemia.

The energy metabolites in rat brain in vivo were measured by using topical magnetic resonance (TMR) during the whole course of ischemia, in combination with the concomitant monitoring of electroencephalogram (EEG). Immediate loss of high energy phosphorus compounds, phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP, resulted in the flattening of EEG after the induction of ischemia. PCr and ATP returned to almost normal level 30 min after recirculation of the ischemic brain, but EEG showed no recovery and the abnormality lasted for 12 h. The measurement of in vivo 31P-NMR is essential for the decision of the convalescence of cellular function in the brain.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1984

Measurements of in vivo energy metabolism in experimental cerebral ischaemia using 31P-NMR for the evaluation of protective effects of perfluorochemicals and glycerol.

Effects of perfluorochemical (PFC) and glycerol on energy metabolism in cerebral ischaemia were examined by the sequential measurements of in vivo 31P-NMR spectrum using topical magnetic resonance (TMR). Experimental cerebral ischaemia was induced in forty-five Wistar rats by a four-vessel occlusion method. The 31P-NMR spectrum and the EEG were monitored during preischaemic and ischaemic periods and after circulation was restored for various periods up to 240 min. There were several peaks in the 31P-NMR spectrum of the preischaemic rat brain; beta-ATP, alpha-ATP, gamma-ATP, phosphocreatine (PCr), phosphodiesters, inorganic phosphate (Pi) and sugar phosphate. As soon as the ischaemia was induced, PCr and ATP decreased and Pi increased. The chemical shift of the increased Pi peak decreased, showing acidosis of the brain tissue. After circulation was restored following the 30 min ischaemia, recovery of the 31P-NMR spectrum occurred within 30 min in all sixteen untreated rats. Recovery of the 31P-NMR spectrum was induced by recirculation only in half of the six rats in the untreated 60 min ischaemia group. None of the six rats in the untreated group showed recovery of the spectrum after 120 min ischaemia. When 20% Fluosol-DA was administered at a dose of 20 ml/kg before the induction of ischaemia, all eight rats showed recovery of the spectrum after 120 min ischaemia. Moreover, four of six rats treated with both PFC and glycerol showed temporary recovery even after 240 min ischaemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1984

Gel chromatographic evidence for the participation of the higher polymers in the self-association system of a flavoenzyme D-amino acid oxidase.

The self-association of subunits of D-amino acid oxidase holoenzyme was studied by high-speed gel filtration with a short column of TSK-GEL G3000 SW in 0.1 M sodium pyrophosphate (pH 8.3) at 25 degrees C. Over the range of the peak concentrations of 0.009-4.45 mg/ml in the presence of FAD the apparent Stokes radii increased with an increase of the concentrations and did not level off. The largest value obtained in this study was 61.5 A. This would correspond to that calculated for the hexamer with linear subunit arrangement which has the largest Stokes radius among the various arrangements. These results provide the first gel chromatographic evidence that the higher polymers greater than the dimer participate in the self-associating system of the enzyme.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

31P-topical nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-TMR) studies of cardiotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR).

Using the 31P-topical nuclear magnetic resonance method (TMR), an attempt was made to determine the myocardial high-energy phosphate compounds (HEP) contents under in situ conditions in closed-chest animals, and the effects of opening the thorax on the myocardial energy metabolism were studied comparing the cardiotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in closed-chest and open-chest animals. It was found that the depletion of myocardial HEP produced by 5-FU was much more marked in open-chest animals than in closed-chest ones, indicating the necessity of conducting the experiments in closed-chest animals for the proper evaluation of the cardiotoxicity of certain types of compounds. Therefore, the cardiotoxicity of a prodrug of 5-FU was assessed in closed-chest animals, and it was found to be less cardiotoxic than 5-FU.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1984

Effects of Na+ depletion on fluid secretion and levels of phosphorus compounds as measured by 31P-NMR in perfused canine mandibular gland.

The dependency of fluid secretion on extracellular Na+ and the levels of phosphorus compounds were studied in the perfused canine mandibular gland (using 31P-NMR). During control perfusion, the resting levels of creatine phosphate (CP) and ATP were 0.62 +/- 0.05 mmol . kg-1 gland and 0.42 +/- 0.04 mmol . kg-1 (mean +/- S.E., n = 9), respectively. Acetylcholine (Ach; 1 mumol . l-1 for 3 min) induced a salivary secretion and decreased the CP level. When Na+ in the perfusate was completely replaced with Li+, Ach induced only a minimal salivary secretion and no change in the ATP and CP levels. Restitution of Na+ to the perfusion, even without added Ach, caused a decrease in ATP and CP, and a small increase in salivary secretion. These results suggest that the activity of Na+/K+ ATPase is increased inversely via a rise of the intracellular Na+ concentration and that the salivary secretion is induced not only by added secretagogues but by an increase in the Na+ entry without added secretagogues.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗