Biomedical subjects

Hidehiro Ozawa

Publications and source records attributed to Hidehiro Ozawa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Expression of osteopontin in cisplatin-induced tubular injury.

Osteopontin (OPN) is considered as a key protein in cell regeneration. OPN is thought to have many functions in cell-cell binding and cell-matrix binding via OPN receptors in various organs. But there is little information on the precise role of OPN. To clarify the functional role of OPN in tubular injury, we performed in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of OPN in a renal cortical necrosis model induced by cisplatin from the acute injury to late recovery phases. In the acute injury phase, both mRNA and protein of OPN were markedly induced in damaged tubular lumens with cell debris. In the late recovery phase, on the other hand, OPN protein and mRNA were observed in dilated and flattened tubular epithelial cells showing a regenerative appearance. Most of these cells were also immunostained with CD44, a receptor of OPN. PCNA staining was also co-localized with these expressions. In light of the CD44 function regulating cell proliferation, these findings suggest that OPN may contribute to regeneration of tubular epithelial cells during the acute to late recovery phases of cortical tubular damage induced by cisplatin.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Control of calcification by extracellular matrix].

Physiological calcification begins from crystallization of hydroxyapatite in extracellular matrix of both bones and teeth. Because calcification is exactly the extracellular event, organic components of extracellular matrix play important roles in control of calcification. The authors discuss the molecular regulation of calcification by organic components of extracellular matrix, focusing on the mineral/organic interaction.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

PubMed2003

Targeted disruption of the neurochondrin/norbin gene results in embryonic lethality.

Neurochondrin/norbin is a cytoplasmic protein involved in dendrite outgrowth. The expression of the gene has been restricted to neural, bone, and chondral tissues. To identify the functions of the gene in vivo, we have generated mice with a disrupted mutation in the neurochondrin/norbin gene. Histological analysis of heterozygous mutant mice indicates the possibility of specific functions of neurochondrin/norbin in chondrocyte differentiation. We defined the expression patterns of neurochondrin/norbin-lacZ fusion protein in the central nervous system. In the developing olfactory bulb, beta-galactosidase activity was detected in the mantle layer at 12.5 dpc and the strongest activity was detected in the presumptive mitral or tufted cell layer at 15.5 dpc. beta-Galactosidase activity was also detected in the lateral choroid plexus. In homozygous (-/-) mutant mice, the disruption of the neurochondrin/norbin gene leads to early embryonic death between 3.5 and 6.5 dpc. This result indicates that neurochondrin/norbin gene function is essential for the early embryogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Osteoprotegerin regulates bone formation through a coupling mechanism with bone resorption.

Deficiency of osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble decoy receptor for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), in mice induces osteoporosis caused by enhanced bone resorption, but also accelerates bone formation. We examined whether bone formation is coupled with bone resorption in OPG-deficient (OPG-/-) mice using risedronate, an inhibitor of bone resorption. Histomorphometric analysis showed that bone formation-related parameters (e.g. mineral apposition rate and osteoblast surface/bone surface) in OPG-/- mice sharply decreased with suppression of bone resorption by daily injection of risedronate for 30 d. OPG-/- mice exhibited high serum alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration, both of which were decreased to the levels in wild-type mice by the risedronate injection. Serum levels of RANKL were markedly elevated in OPG-/- mice, but were unaffected by risedronate. The ectopic bone formation induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2 implantation into OPG-/- mice was not accelerated even with a high turnover rate of bone, but attenuation of mineral density from the ectopic bone was more pronounced than that in wild-type mice. These results suggest that bone formation is coupled with bone resorption at local sites in OPG-/- mice, and that serum RANKL levels do not reflect this coupling.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Ultrastructural and cytobiological studies on possible interactions between PTHrP-secreting tumor cells, stromal cells, and bone cells.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) induces pathological bone resorption in an endocrine manner, resulting in hypercalcemia of malignancy. However, the histopathological aspect of the action of PTHrP secreted by tumor cells on bone resorption has not well been documented. Therefore, we studied cell-cell interactions between bone cells, stromal cells, and PTHrP-secreting tumor cells (EC-GI-10) morphologically. Tumor cells injected subcutaneously into the parietal region formed a tumor mass, invading the bone marrow. The tumor mass was surrounded by a membrane structure consisting of stromal cells. These stromal cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase (ALPase). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAPase)-positive osteoclasts were localized close to the ALPase-positive cells, and numerous osteoclasts were observed on the neighboring bone surfaces. PTHrP, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were detected in the tumor cells. Using RT-PCR, expression of interleukin (IL)-1Alpha, IL-1Beta, and PTHrP, which are strong bone resorption factors, was detected in the tumor cells. Some ALPase-positive cells localizing on the neighboring bone surfaces and endothelial cells revealed PTH/PTHrP receptor immunoreactivity. Ultrastructurally, numerous blood vessels were observed between the tumor nests and the stromal cells. The nests were surrounded by a basement membrane, but it was discontinuous, therefore permitting direct contact between the tumor cells and the stromal cells. These results indicate that PTHrP secreted by tumor cells appears to stimulate osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in a paracrine manner through PTH/PTHrP receptor-immunopositive cells. IL-1Alpha, IL-1Beta, VEGF, and MMP-9 may also be involved in facilitating osteoclast formation and the subsequent bone resorption.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Osteoclast differentiation in ectopic bone formation induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2).

Osteoclast differentiation in the process of ectopic bone formation induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) was examined to clarify the relationship between osteoclast development and rhBMP-2-induced bone formation. A combination of rhBMP-2 with a porous microsphere (PMS) and blood clot was implanted subcutaneously on the bilateral chest muscles of rats. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAPase) activity, cathepsin K (cath K), and calcitonin receptor (CTR), as markers of osteoclasts and their precursors, were examined using enzyme and immunohistochemical analysis up to 7 days after implantation. Mononuclear cells positive for TRAPase, cath K, and CTR first appeared on day 3 in connective tissue surrounding the PMS after implantation of rhBMP-2. Simultaneously, alkaline phosphatase activity became detectable in mesenchymal cells in the connective tissue. Electron microscopy demonstrated some mononuclear cells with abundant mitochondria and poorly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in the proximity of mesenchymal cells. However, there was no evidence of cartilage or bone matrix formation on day 3. Osteoclasts in various stages of development, classified by the pattern of immunoreactivity for cath K, were observed by day 7. The polarized intracellular distribution of cath K was found only in osteoclasts attached to bone matrix. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time the appearance of osteoclast precursors before bone matrix formation induced by rhBMP-2, suggesting that bone matrix is not a prerequisite for osteoclast precursor recruitment. Furthermore, we suggest that differentiation into polarized functional osteoclasts is accomplished when the osteoclasts attach to the bone matrix.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Bisphosphonate incadronate inhibits maturation of ectopic bone induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2.

To determine the effects of a bisphosphonate on the quality of bone morphogenetic protein-(BMP-) induced bone, incadronate was administered to rats in which subcutaneous ectopic bones were induced by recombinant human BMP-2. Incadronate (1 microg/kg/day) was administered to rats carrying the BMP-induced bones three times per week, from the 3rd to 7th week after BMP implantation (incadronate group). Aliquots of phosphate-buffered saline were administered in the same protocol without incadronate to the control group. During the 3rd, 4th, 7th, or 10th week, the BMP-induced bones were removed and observed by contact microradiography (CMR), H&E staining, enzyme histochemistry for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and immunohistochemistry for cathepsin K. By 3 weeks when administration of incadronate began, woven bones formed in the periphery of the BMP pellets and osteoclasts were attached to these bones. At 4 weeks, in both the incadronate and control groups, bone formation advanced inward. However, in the incadronate group, poorly calcified areas, corresponding to the remaining BMP pellets, were found in the middle areas of bone formation, whereas osteoclasts decreased when compared with those of the control group. During the 10 weeks, bone marrow was formed and the characteristics of lamellar bones, in which the lacunae of small osteocytes were regularly arranged, were noted in the control group. In contrast, the poorly calcified areas were still present up to 10 weeks in incadronate group in which the osteoclasts were also scarcer than in the control group. These findings suggested that osteoclast-mediated bone resorption was inhibited by incadronate administration, and that immature bones including the BMP pellets remained for a long time, indicating that the process of bone maturation was blocked. The possibility of using incadronate for the purpose of inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption was confirmed, but further study is needed before clinical application.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2003

Long-term changes in trabecular structure of aged rat alveolar bone after ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Trabecular structural changes in the jaw after long-term estrogen deficiency are not well understood. Therefore, we sought to observe the changes in rat alveolar bone for 1 year. METHODS: Six-month-old female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or underwent a sham operation. After 1 year, bone histomorphometry and a node-strut analysis were performed on the interradicular septum of the mandibular first molar by using micro computed tomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance. RESULTS: The alveolar trabeculae of rats in the sham group had network structures, whereas the trabeculae of rats in the OVX group became fragmented. The trabecular bone volume, number, and thickness in the OVX group were significantly lower than those found in the sham group, and the trabecular separation was 4-fold higher in the OVX group than in the sham group. Bone resorptive and formative activity appeared to be moderately higher in the OVX group than in the sham group, but only the difference in bone formation was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: By 1 year after ovariectomy, bone loss and trabecular fragmentation had occurred in the rat mandibular alveolar bone.

Aging↗

PubMed2003

Defective bone remodelling in osteoprotegerin-deficient mice.

Previous studies have reported enhanced osteoclastogenesis, increased bone resorption and osteoporosis in osteoprotegerin (OPG)-deficient mice. In the present study, we show that the tibial epiphyses contain abundant, thin trabeculae lined with numerous osteoclasts and cuboidal osteoblasts. The increase in osteoblasts and osteoclasts was associated with a dramatic increase in calcein labelling of the mineralization fronts and replacement of much of the intertrabecular marrow with numerous alkaline phosphatase-positive preosteoblasts. Furthermore, the discrete, linear cement lines seen in wild-type mice were replaced by a randomly oriented meshwork of cement lines that were stained intensely for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and osteopontin in the OPG-/- mice. These indices of accelerated bone remodelling in mutant bone were associated with irregular trabecular surfaces, a disorganized collagen matrix interspersed with amorphous ground substance and numerous fissures between old and new bone. In total, these observations indicate that enhanced osteoclastic activity in OPG-/- epiphyses led to a coupled increase in osteoblast differentiation and activity and an increase in bone remodelling. The high bone turnover, disorganized matrix and impaired attachment of new to old bone in the cement lines in OPG-/- mice appear to cause bone fragility.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Mineralization and vascular invasion during endochondral bone formation].

The epiphyseal cartilage is composed of the distinct zones of resting, proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes. The intercolumnar cartilage matrix of the hypertrophic zone is subjected to mineralization whereas the transverse partitions of the cartilage column are poorly mineralized. Therefore, mineralized cartilage matrices are formed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the epiphyseal cartilage. Vascular endothelial cells invade the cartilage by penetrating the poorly mineralized transverse partition at the chondro-osseous junction, resulting in the exposure of mineralized intercolumnar matrix to bony tissue. The exposed mineralized cartilage matrices appear to serve as scaffolds for osteoblastic attachment. These osteoblasts deposit bone matrices onto the cartilage cores, forming primary trabecular bones. Vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, is a strong angiogenic factor, and play a pivotal role in vascular invasion into cartilage. The invading endothelial cells possess the receptor for VEGF, and secret matrix metallo protatenase to digest the cartilage matrices of the unmineralized transverse partition of the column.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2003

[Molecular mechanisms of bone calcification].

Bone matrix consists mainly of hydroxyapatite and organics. The latter include various substances which interact with minerals. Osteoblasts secrete these organic substances and control crystal formation and growth of hydroxyapatite. The authors discuss the molecular mechanisms of calcification by focusing on the mineral/organic interaction.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2002

An immunohistochemical study on hard tissue formation in a subcutaneously transplanted rat molar.

While dental pulp undergoes calcification following tooth replantation or transplantation, we actually know little about these mechanisms. We therefore conducted histological and immunohistochemical evaluations of mineralized tissue that formed in the pulp of rat maxillary molar transplanted into abdominal subcutaneous tissue. One, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-transplantation, the teeth were investigated immunohistochemically using antibodies to osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), dentin sialoprotein (DSP), and tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). In the 1st week after transplantation, cell-rich hard tissue was formed at the root apex. At 2 weeks, formations of hard tissue, with few cells in the root canals and bone-like tissue in the coronal pulp chamber, were noted. After 3 and 4 weeks, the amounts of these hard tissues were increased. The immunolocalization of OCN, OPN, and BSP was seen strongly in coronal and apical hard tissues, but weakly in the root hard tissue. Conversely, DSP localized in the root hard tissue, but not in other newly formed hard tissues. At 1 week, TNAP localized along the periphery of the apical hard tissue and the lower surfaces of root predentin. These results demonstrate that the newly formed hard tissues in the pulp cavity of subcutaneously transplanted molars could be classified into three types, suggesting that these might be formed by type-specific cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Odontoblast processes in human dentin revealed by fluorescence labeling and transmission electron microscopy.

In the present undertaking, the distribution of odontoblast processes in human dentin was determined through the DiI carbocyanine dye fluorescent staining of the cell membrane, while F-actin was identified by rhodamine-phalloidin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed intense labeling for both agents in inner dentin, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified dentinal tubules including odontoblast processes in this area, each process being surrounded by a cell membrane and containing an abundance of filamentous structures. Electron-dense "lamina limitans" lined the dentinal tubules. Individual cell processes became narrower toward the middle area, and their overall numbers decreased as well under TEM. Labeling for F-actin was absent in both middle and outer dentin, while faint labeling for DiI was visible along the dentinal tubules as far as the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ), where it was also recognized within the tubules themselves. Under TEM, the dentinal tubules lined with electron-dense structures were, in fact, empty in the middle and outer dentin. Immediately below the DEJ, however, the tubules manifested dense concentrations of fine granular material. Our study, therefore, appears to suggest that odontoblast processes do not extend beyond the inner dentin of fully erupted human premolars.

Actins↗

PubMed2002

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing nerve fibers in bone tissue and their involvement in bone remodeling.

Bone remodeling is a process of bone renewal accomplished by osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation. These two activities are regulated by systemic hormones and by local cytokines and growth factors. Moreover, the nervous system and certain neuropeptides seem to be involved in regulation of bone remodeling. In this paper, we focus on the distribution of CGRP-containing nerve fibers and their dynamics, and discuss the role of these fibers as a possible mechanism for nervous system involvement in regulation of bone remodeling. CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers are widely distributed in bone tissue, such as periosteum and bone marrow, and show apparent regional distribution with different densities. They are often associated with blood vessels and show a beaded appearance. The wide distribution of CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in bone tissue and the changes in distribution during bone development and regeneration suggest the involvement of these fibers in bone remodeling. The effect of CGRP on bone remodeling could partly be through its action on blood vessels, thereby regulating local blood flow. Moreover, in vitro biochemical data and the localization of CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the vicinity of bone cells suggest that they are directly involved in local regulation of bone remodeling by elevating the concentration of CGRP in the microenvironment around bone cells, especially during bone growth or repair.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Retention at the cis-Golgi and delayed degradation of tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase with an Asn153-->Asp substitution, a cause of perinatal hypophosphatasia.

Tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) is an ectoenzyme anchored to the plasma membrane via glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). A TNSALP mutant with an Asn(153)-->Asp (N153D) substitution was reported in a foetus diagnosed with perinatal hypophosphatasia (Mornet, Taillandier, Peyramaure, Kaper, Muller, Brenner, Bussiere, Freisinger, Godard, Merrer et al. (1998) Eur. J. Hum. Genet. 6, 308-314). When expressed ectopically in COS-1 cells, the wild-type TNSALP formed active non-covalently associated dimers, whereas TNSALP (N153D) formed aberrant disulphide-bonded high-molecular-mass aggregates devoid of enzyme activity. Cell-surface biotinylation and digestion with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C showed that TNSALP (N153D) failed to reach the cell surface. Instead, double immunofluorescence demonstrated that TNSALP (N153D) partially co-localized with a cis-Golgi marker (GM-130) at the steady-state. Upon treatment with brefeldin A, TNSALP (N153D) was still co-localized with GM-130, further supporting the finding that this mutant is localized in the cis-Golgi. Consistent with morphological results, pulse-chase experiments showed that newly synthesized TNSALP (N153D) remained endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H-sensitive throughout the chase. Eventually, after a prolonged chase time, the mutant was found to be partly degraded in a proteasome-dependent manner. Since the mutant TNSALP was significantly labelled with [3H]ethanolamine, a component of GPI, comparable with the wild-type enzyme, it is unlikely that the abortive synthesis of the mutant is due to a defect in GPI-attachment. Interestingly, when asparagine was replaced by glutamine at position 153 (N153D), TNSALP (N153Q) was indistinguishable from the wild-type enzyme in terms of its molecular properties, suggesting the possible importance of amino acids with a polar amide group at position 153. Taken together, these findings indicate that replacing asparagine with aspartic acid at position 153 causes misfolding and incorrect assembly of TNSALP, which results in its retention at the cis-Golgi en route to the cell surface, followed by a delayed degradation, presumably as part of a quality-control process. We postulate that the molecular basis of the perinatal hypophosphatasia associated with TNSALP (N153D) is due to the absence of mature TNSALP at the cell surface.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2002

Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone deposition in the rat.

Effects of diabetes on alveolar bone remodelling were assessed by quantitative histology and a chronological lead-labelling technique. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Remodelling of the alveolar wall surrounding the root of mandibular first molar was studied in control rats fed ad libitum, and in diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats 24 days after the induction of diabetes. The volumes of bone formation on the mesial side of the alveolar wall were evaluated over a 10-day period by chronological lead-labelling and computer image analysis. For a histometric measure of bone-resorption, the number of osteoclasts along the distal surface of the alveolar wall was counted. The volume of bone formed and the number of osteoclasts were significantly lower in the diabetic rats than in the controls, but insulin treatment of diabetic rats normalised these histomorphometric measures of bone turnover. These results demonstrate that streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus reduces the rate of bone turnover in the alveolar wall surrounding the root, which reduction is corrected by treatment with insulin.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

PubMed2002

Immunohistochemical study on pulpal response in rat molars after cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser.

While Er:YAG laser systems are in extensive use for caries removal and cavity preparation, the effects of such treatment on pulp tissue remain unclear. This study evaluates these systems using immunohistochemical methods and compares the results with information gained from treatment using conventional burs. Cervical cavities were prepared in the upper first molars of rats, using either an Er:YAG laser or a conventional tungsten-carbide bur. At intervals of 5 min, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after cavity preparation, the teeth were processed for immunohistochemical analyses of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase, OX6-positive major histocompatibility complex class II antigen-expressing cells and PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibers. DNA fragmentation was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase was observed mainly in the subodontoblastic layer under the cavity lesion, from 5 min, in both groups. The immunoreactivity was more pronounced in the laser group, but by 7 d no significant differences were recognizable. At 12 h, TUNEL-positive cells were detected around the odontoblastic layer in both groups. From 3 d to 7 d, a limited number of positive cells were still visible in the group that underwent standard treatment. Clear similarities in the distribution patterns of OX6-immunopositive cells and PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibers were also noted. From 12 h to 1 d, OX6-positive cells accumulated along the pulp-dentin border, extending their processes into the dentinal tubules. Numerous bead-like PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed under the odontoblastic layer at 7 d. These results demonstrated that there was no appreciable difference in the manner in which pulp tissue responded to treatment with either Er:YAG laser or a conventional drill. This would seem to indicate the usefulness of the Er:YAG laser system in the removal of caries and cavity preparation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2002

Strong static magnetic field stimulates bone formation to a definite orientation in vitro and in vivo.

The induction of bone formation to an intentional orientation is a potentially viable clinical treatment for bone disorders. Among the many chemical and physical factors, a static magnetic field (SMF) of tesla order can regulate the shapes of blood cells and matrix fibers. This study investigated the effects of a strong SMF (8 T) on bone formation in both in vivo and in vitro systems. After 60 h of exposure to the SMF, cultured mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were transformed to rodlike shapes and were orientated in the direction parallel to the magnetic field. Although this strong SMF exposure did not affect cell proliferation, it up-regulated cell differentiation and matrix synthesis as determined by ALP and alizarin red stainings, respectively. The SMF also stimulated ectopic bone formation in and around subcutaneously implanted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2-containing pellets in mice, in which the orientation of bone formation was parallel to the magnetic field. It is concluded that a strong SMF has the potency not only to stimulate bone formation, but also to regulate its orientation in both in vitro and in vivo models. This is the first study to show the regulation of the orientation of adherent cells by a magnetic field. We propose that the combination of a strong SMF and a potent osteogenic agent such as BMP possibly may lead to an effective treatment of bone fractures and defects.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗