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Biomedical subjects

J Kambayashi

Publications and source records attributed to J Kambayashi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Platelets in nonresponders to epinephrine stimulation showed reduced response to ADP.

It has been reported that platelets from some healthy donors did not respond to epinephrine (Epi). To identify the cause for the lack of response, we examined the alpha(2) adrenoceptor in the platelets and their signal transduction pathways. No differences in the genomic (-2076 to 1526 bp) and coding region of alpha(2A) adrenoceptor complementary DNA (cDNA) were found between the responders (R) and nonresponders (NR). No expression of alpha(2B) or alpha(2C) adrenoceptor was detected in platelets. When UK14,304 was used to induce platelet aggregation, similar effect to Epi was observed between R and NR, and any involvement of the alpha(1) and beta adrenoceptor was ruled out. Radioligand binding assay showed similar number of alpha(2) binding sites between the two groups (139+/-25/platelet vs. 145+/-37/platelets). However, platelets from NR showed a weaker response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 52.3+/-17.8% vs. 80.5+/-8.7% from R, P<.01). In the presence of P2Y(1) antagonist adenosine 3',5'-diphosphosulfate (A3P5PS), ADP failed to induce platelet aggregation in NR (7.8+/-4.7% vs. 64.7+/-11.2% in R, P<.01). Addition of SQ22,536 to inhibit adenylyl cyclase did not convert NR to R. These observations demonstrate that there is an impaired platelet responsiveness to ADP as well as to Epi in NR, due to a difference in downstream of the signal transduction pathway but independent of adenylyl cyclase inhibition.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

High-shear-stress-induced activation of platelets and microparticles enhances expression of cell adhesion molecules in THP-1 and endothelial cells.

Interaction between leukocyte and endothelial cells (ECs) is essential for vascular homeostasis and competent immune-inflammatory responses in vivo. Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are generated by high shear stress and may appear in diseased small arteries and arterioles in various clinical settings. In this study, we used flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy to investigate the effects of high-shear-induced platelet and microparticle activation in adhesion molecules of THP-1 and ECs. We also measured the production of some cytokines and studied cytokine mRNA from THP-1 and ECs after PMP stimulation. PMP stimulation of THP-1 cells increased CD11b, CD32, and CD33 but not CD29, CD31, and CD36. PMP stimulation of ECs increased CD54 and CD63 but not CD9, CD29, and CD31. PMPs induced interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) production by THP-1. PMPs also induced IL-8, IL-1 beta, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by ECs. Production was time-dependent. With RT-PCR, some cytokine mRNAs were detected in THP-1 and ECs after PMP stimulation. In relation to adhesiveness after PMP stimulation, we could clearly observe a shift in distribution not only of CD11b in THP-1 cells but also of CD54 in ECs. In addition, anti-P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 antibody reduced the expression of CD11b, CD32, and CD33 in THP-1 after PMP stimulation. These results suggest that high-shear-induced microparticles may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and participate in vascular damage in inflammatory disorders.

Antigens, CD↗

Luminometric assay of platelet activation in 96-well microplate.

As of today, no practical method for large-scale functional anti-thrombosis agent screening exists. Based on the phenomenon that platelet activation results in the release of ATP from dense granules, we report the development and optimization of a 96-well microplate luciferase assay to assess platelet activation via luminescence detection of the released ATP. In addition, the assessment of re-calcification-induced clotting of citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is also possible. Collagen, thrombin, U46619, and ADP were shown to induce platelet activation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner The assay is applicable to PRP, washed platelets, and whole blood. Fundamentally, this is an ideal protocol for screening large numbers of anti-thrombotic drugs because of its sensitivity and the low amount of platelets required to detect simultaneous platelet activation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Cytometric analysis of high shear-induced platelet microparticles and effect of cytokines on microparticle generation.

BACKGROUND: Microparticles released from platelets may play a role in the normal hemostatic response to vascular injury, because they exhibit prothrombinase activity. Microparticles are generated by high shear stress and may be formed in diseased small arteries and arterioles in various clinical settings. However, the surface composition of high shear-induced platelet microparticles is unknown. It was recently shown that some cytokines modulate platelet activation. However, no reports are available concerning the effect of cytokines on high shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) microparticle generation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurement of SIPA was performed with a cone-plate viscometer. The conformational characteristics of high shear (108 dynes/cm(2))-induced platelet microparticles were analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Effects of cytokines for high SIPA microparticle generation were also analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The overall pattern of monoclonal antibody binding in high shear-induced microparticles was almost the same as that in activated platelets under high shear stress. Microparticles exhibited markedly increased Annexin V binding. In fluorescent confocal images, small and fine regions of fluorescence (microparticles) were recognized separate from platelet fluorescence. Thrombopoietin not only induced platelet activation, as demonstrated by CD62P expression, but also increased the number of microparticles. Erythropoietin and interleukin-6 enhanced only microparticle generation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that microparticles possessing procoagulant activity are released by platelet activation when levels of certain cytokines increase under high shear stress in various clinical settings.

Annexin A5↗

Vascular endothelial cells synthesize and secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an abundant neurotrophin in brain and peripheral nerves, where it affects neural development, survival and repair after injury. BDNF has been detected in rat and human blood, but the source of circulating BDNF is not established. BDNF messenger and peptide were detected in cultured cells and in the culture medium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The expression of BDNF was up-regulated by elevation of intracellular cAMP and down-regulated by Ca(2+) ionophore, bovine brain extract and laminar fluid shear stress. These results suggest that vascular endothelial cells may contribute to circulating BDNF.

Animals↗

Inhibition of adenosine uptake and augmentation of ischemia-induced increase of interstitial adenosine by cilostazol, an agent to treat intermittent claudication.

Cilostazol (Pletal), a quinolinone derivative with a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3) inhibitory activity, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of symptoms of intermittent claudication (IC). However, the underlying mechanisms of action are not entirely clear. In this study, we showed that cilostazol inhibited adenosine uptake into cardiac ventricular myocytes, coronary artery smooth muscle, and endothelial cells with a median effective concentration (EC50) approximately 10 microM. In vivo, cilostazol increased cardiac interstitial adenosine levels after a 2-min ischemia in rabbit hearts (329 +/- 92% increase vs. 102 +/- 29% ischemia alone). The combination of cilostazol and 2-min ischemia reduced infarction from subsequent 30-min regional ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion (infarct size was 18 +/- 4% vs. 53 +/- 3% in the hearts with 2-min ischemia alone or 48 +/- 2% in the hearts treated with cilostazol alone). In contrast, milrinone had no effect on either adenosine uptake or interstitial adenosine levels. These data show that cilostazol, unlike milrinone, inhibits adenosine uptake, and thus potentiates adenosine accumulation from a 2-min ischemia. Future studies are needed to investigate the role of adenosine in the treatment of IC by cilostazol.

Adenosine↗

Increased platelet sensitivity to collagen in individuals resistant to low-dose aspirin.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess individual differences in the pharmacological effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on bleeding time as measured by in vitro platelet aggregation and to examine the consistency of responses over time. METHODS: We measured template IIR bleeding time and platelet aggregation in 8 healthy male volunteers before and 2 hours after ingestion of 324 mg of ASA. An individual was considered a nonresponder if his post-ASA bleeding time was not 2 SDs above his baseline bleeding time, where SD was estimated from the baseline bleeding times of the 8 volunteers. The same experiment was done after a 30-month interval. RESULTS: Five volunteers were identified as ASA responders, and 3 were identified as nonresponders. Bleeding time before and after ingestion of ASA was 408+/-121 seconds (mean+/-SD) and 720+/-225 seconds, respectively, in ASA responders and 330+/-30 seconds and 330+/-52 seconds, respectively, in ASA nonresponders. The mean ED(50) for collagen-induced platelet aggregation, that is, the mean concentration of collagen that caused a response at 50% of maximum, was 0.91 microg/mL (95% CI, 0.73 to 1. 14) in ASA responders and 0.48 microg/mL (95% CI, 0.38 to 0.60) in nonresponders. When optimum concentrations of collagen, ie, concentrations that yielded 90% maximum aggregation, were used as stimuli, the mean IC(50) for ASA, that is, the mean concentration that yielded 50% inhibition, was 322.5 micromol/L (95% CI, 264.8 to 392.6) in ASA responders and 336.1 micromol/L (95% CI, 261.0 to 432. 8) in nonresponders. The variability in individual responsiveness in the second experiment remained consistent with that in the first experiment. CONCLUSIONS: ASA resistance may be caused by an increased sensitivity of platelets to collagen. A platelet aggregation study specific for collagen dose response may be useful for strict selection of ASA responders for low-dose ASA therapy and for identifying ASA nonresponders for high-dose ASA therapy.

Adult↗

Activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex induced by platelet adhesion to collagen is mediated by both alpha2beta1 integrin and GP VI.

alpha2beta1 integrin, CD36, and GP VI have all been implicated in platelet-collagen adhesive interactions. We have investigated the role of these glycoproteins on activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex induced by platelet adhesion to type I fibrillar and monomeric collagen under static conditions. In the presence of Mg2+, platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen induced activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex and complete spreading. Anti-alpha2beta1 integrin and anti-GP VI antibodies inhibited the activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex by about 40 and 50%, respectively, at 60 min although minimal inhibitory effects on adhesion were seen. Platelet spreading was markedly reduced by anti-alpha2beta1 integrin antibody. The combination of anti-alpha2beta1 integrin with anti-GP VI antibody completely inhibited both platelet adhesion and activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex. Anti-CD36 antibody had no significant effects on platelet adhesion, spreading, and the activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex at 60 min. Aspirin and the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist SQ29548 inhibited activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex about 30% but had minimal inhibitory effect on adhesion. In the absence of Mg2+, there was significant activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex but minimal spreading was observed. Anti-GP VI antibody completely inhibited adhesion whereas no effect was observed with anti-alpha2beta1 integrin antibody. Anti-CD36 antibody partially inhibited both adhesion and the activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex. Platelet adhesion to monomeric collagen, which requires Mg2+ and is exclusively mediated by alpha2beta1 integrin, resulted in partial activation of the GPIIb-IIIa complex and spreading. No significant effects were observed by anti-CD36 and anti-GP VI antibodies. These results suggest that both alpha2beta1 integrin and GP VI are involved in inside-out signaling leading to activation of the GP IIb-IIIa complex after platelet adhesion to collagen and generation of thromboxane A2 may further enhance expression of activated GP IIb-IIIa complexes.

Animals↗

Demonstration of flow and platelet dependency in a ferric chloride-induced model of thrombosis.

Further to characterize the processes involved in the FeCl3-induced thrombosis model, we determined the effect of aspirin, heparin, hirudin, trans-4-(aminomethyl) cyclohexane carboxylic acid (AMCHA), thrombocytopenia, and flow modifications on time to occlusion (TTO) and thrombus weight (TW) in the rat carotid artery. Aspirin, from 3 to 100 mg/kg, showed no dose-response relation for either TTO or TW and did not significantly affect ex vivo platelet aggregation. Heparin, at doses that significantly increased the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dose-dependently increased the TTO of animals that showed an occlusion during the monitoring period and also reduced the TW. Hirudin required constant infusion to prevent occlusion and reduce the TW, when the APTT was also significantly increased. AMCHA did not affect the TW but reduced the TTO. Animals made thrombocytopenic by the use of antiplatelet serum did not occlude during the monitoring period, and the TW was significantly reduced. Changes in flow showed that the TTO was not affected, but the TW showed an inverse correlation with average flow. The results obtained for platelet depletion and flow modifications expand on previous findings with this model and support the physiological relevance of the model.

Animals↗

Comparison of the effects of cilostazol and milrinone on intracellular cAMP levels and cellular function in platelets and cardiac cells.

Cilostazol is a potent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 3 (PDE3) inhibitor that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of intermittent claudication. Its efficacy is presumed to be due to its vasodilatory and platelet activation inhibitory activities. Compared with those treated with placebo, patients treated with cilostazol showed a minimal increase in cardiac adverse events. Because of its PDE3 inhibitory activity, however, the possibility that cilostazol exerts positive cardiac inotropic effects is a safety concern. Therefore we compared the effects of cilostazol with those of milrinone, a selective PDE3 inhibitor, on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in platelets, cardiac ventricular myocytes, and coronary smooth muscle cells. We also compared the corresponding functional changes in these cells. Cilostazol and milrinone both caused a concentration-dependent increase in the cAMP level in rabbit and human platelets with similar potency. Furthermore, cilostazol and milrinone were equally effective in inhibiting human platelet aggregation with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.9 and 2 microM, respectively. In rabbit ventricular myocytes, however, cilostazol elevated cAMP levels to a significantly lesser extent (p < 0.05 vs. milrinone). By using isolated rabbit hearts with a Langendorff preparation, we showed that milrinone is a very potent cardiotonic agent; it concentration-dependently increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and contractility. Cilostazol was less effective in increasing LVDP and contractility (p < 0.05 vs. milrinone), which is consistent with the cardiac cAMP levels. The cardiac effect of OPC-13015, a metabolite of cilostazol with about sevenfold higher PDE3 inhibition, was similar to cilostazol. Whereas milrinone concentration-dependently increased cAMP in rabbit coronary smooth muscle cells, cilostazol did not have such an effect. However, both compounds increased coronary flow equally in rabbit hearts. Our results show that although cilostazol and milrinone both inhibit PDE3, cilostazol preferentially acts on vascular elements (platelets and flow). This unique profile of cilostazol is consistent with its beneficial and safe clinical outcomes in patients with intermittent claudication.

Animals↗

Two distinct HCO(-)(3)-dependent H(+) efflux pathways in human vascular endothelial cells.

Intracellular pH (pH(i)) regulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was investigated. The pH(i) was recorded using seminaphthorhodafluor-1 (SNARF-1). Cells were intracellularly acid loaded with NH(4)Cl prepulse. In HEPES-buffered Tyrode (nominally HCO(-)(3) free), pH(i) recovery from acid load was inhibited by 1.5 mM amiloride or Na(+)-free solution. Additionally, in HCO(-)(3)-buffered Tyrode, a HCO(-)(3)-dependent pH(i) recovery from acidosis was evident in the presence of 1.5 mM amiloride, which mediated complete recovery of pH(i) (7.26). In Na(+)-free solution, the HCO(-)(3)-dependent acid extruder mediated pH(i) recovery after an acid load but only back to 7.09. These results suggest that there are two HCO(-)(3)-dependent acid extruders in the HUVEC. One is Na(+) dependent, and the other is Na(+) independent. The former was further shown to be completely inhibited by 0.5 mM DIDS, whereas the latter was only inhibited by 24.6%. In Cl(-)-free solution, both of the HCO(-)(3)-dependent pathways were inhibited. In conclusion, one HCO(-)(3)-dependent acid extruder in the HUVEC resembles the Na(+)-dependent Cl(-)/HCO(-)(3) exchange found in other tissues, and the other is Cl(-) dependent but Na(+) independent.

Bicarbonates↗

Evaluation of the Clot Signature Analyzer as a hemostasis test in healthy volunteers exposed to low doses of aspirin.

Several variables affect bleeding time that make it difficult to obtain consistent measurements. The Clot Signature Analyzer (CSA) has been developed to assess in vitro hemostasis using well-controlled flow chambers. In this study, the equivalencies in the CSA parameters with the conventional bleeding time or platelet aggregation methods were evaluated in subjects exposed to aspirin. The CSA parameters, platelet hemostasis time (PHT) and collagen-induced thrombus formation (CITF), were compared to bleeding time (Surgicutt2) and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, respectively. Fifty-three healthy volunteers were given two doses of aspirin (81 and 243 mg) in one day. Following the baseline period, the volunteers took 81 mg of aspirin and then took 243 mg 2 hours later. The changes in each value from the baseline to that at either aspirin dose (2 hours after dosing) were evaluated. Platelet hemostasis time and CITF correlated well with bleeding time and aggregation, respectively, but PHT was not significantly increased after 81 mg of aspirin, whereas bleeding time was significantly increased. The variation in PHT was slightly higher than that of bleeding time. At 81 mg, CITF was significantly increased but aggregation was not, even though the variation was comparable. This suggests that PHT and CITF can simulate the changes in bleeding time and aggregation, respectively, but the sensitivity of PHT for detecting the changes in bleeding time was no better than the conventional method. Also, CITF was more sensitive than aggregation in detecting platelet response to collagen. In conclusion, the proposed CSA is not always suitable for detecting hemostatic abnormalities.

Adolescent↗

Mechanisms of action of OPC-28326, a selective hindlimb vasodilator.

The unique cardiovascular profile of OPC-28326 [4-(N-methyl-2-phenylethylamino)-1-(3, 5-dimethyl-4-propionylaminobenzoyl)piperidine hydrochloride monohydrate] provides insight into basic mechanisms of this new drug as determined by experiments in dogs and rats. In anesthetized open-chest dogs, an i.v. administration of a low dose (0.3 and 1.0 microg/kg) of OPC-28326 selectively increased femoral artery blood flow with only minimal action on systemic blood pressure, heart rate and coronary, carotid, vertebral, renal, and mesenteric blood flows. Biochemical study suggests that OPC-28326 had no effect on phosphodiesterase-3 and -5. OPC-28326 dose-dependently inhibited phenylephrine-induced increases in blood pressure in spinally anesthetized dogs. The potency of OPC-28326 was, however, about 180 times lower than that of prazosin. Although binding studies have revealed an affinity of OPC-28326 to serotonin 5-HT(2) receptors, the drug is without effect, except at very high concentrations, on serotonin-induced contraction in an isolated canine femoral artery preparation. The potency of OPC-28326 on the increase in femoral artery blood flow was about 14 times higher than that of prazosin but was at about the same level as that obtained with yohimbine in canine autoperfused femoral artery preparations. In perfused rat hindlimb preparations, OPC-28326 inhibited the decrease in perfusion flow induced by brimonidine, a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist. The potency of OPC-28326 was at least 10 times less than that of yohimbine. Taken together, the results show that at low doses, OPC-28326 selectively exerts a potent vasodilating effect on the femoral arterial bed, in part due to an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-blocking activity.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗

Shear stress down-regulates gene transcription and production of adrenomedullin in human aortic endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial cells are potent modulators of vascular tone in response to shear stress. Levels of vasoactive peptides such as adrenomedullin (AM), endothelin-1 (ET-1), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and nitric oxide (NO) are affected by fluid shear stress. AM, a potent vasodilator and suppressor of smooth muscle cell proliferation, contains the shear stress responsive element (SSRE) "GAGACC" in its promoter region. To examine the role of AM in the shear stress response, cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were exposed to fluid shear stresses of 12 and 24 dynes/cm2 in a cone-plate shear stress loading apparatus for various time periods, and the levels of AM gene expression and peptide secretion from HAoECs were measured by Northern blotting analysis and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. Both AM gene transcription and AM peptide levels were down-regulated by fluid shear stress in a time- and magnitude-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that the normal level of arterial shear stress down-regulates AM expression in HAoECs, suggesting that AM participates in the modulation of vascular tone by fluid shear stress.

Adrenomedullin↗

P2X1 purinoceptor in human platelets. Molecular cloning and functional characterization after heterologous expression.

ADP is an important physiological platelet agonist. The molecular identity of the ADP receptor(s) in human platelets, however, is still unclear. Although P2T purinoceptor was believed to be the ligand-gated cation channel for ADP in human platelets, recent patch clamp studies now suggest it is P2X1 type. In the present study, we have cloned a cDNA encoding a P2X1 purinoceptor from human platelets using degenerate reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Northern blotting with a P2X1-specific probe revealed a band of 1.8 kilobases in human platelets as well as in several megakaryoblastic cell lines. 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells expressing the cloned P2X1 cDNA exhibited both ATP- and ADP-stimulated Ca2+ influx that could be blocked by the purinoceptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid and suramin. Additionally, a polyclonal antibody raised against glutathione-S-transferase-P2X1 fusion peptide reacted with a 70-kDa band on Western blot of human platelets. It is therefore concluded that functional P2X1 purinoceptors are present in human platelets.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Platelet adhesion to native type I collagen fibrils. Role of GPVI in divalent cation-dependent and -independent adhesion and thromboxane A2 generation.

Three glycoproteins (GPs), namely GPIa-IIa, GPVI, and GPIV, have been recently implicated in platelet-collagen adhesive interactions. We have employed antibodies to these GPs to investigate further their role in platelet adhesion to immobilized monomeric and polymeric fibrillar collagen under static conditions in the presence and the absence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mg2+, each antibody inhibited platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen from 70 to 85%, especially during the early phase (<15 min), but the inhibitory effects diminished dramatically to 25% or less by 60 min. Combination of anti-GPVI with anti-GPIa-IIa antibodies completely inhibited platelet adhesion at 60 min. Anti-GPIV and anti-GPIa-IIa or anti-GPVI antibodies in combinations were more effective in inhibiting adhesion than was anti-GPIa-IIa or anti-GPVI alone. In the absence of Mg2+, anti-GPVI completely inhibited adhesion at 60 min, while anti-GPIV antibody inhibited adhesion by about 50% and minimal effects were seen with anti-GPIa-IIa, suggesting that GPIa-IIa does not play a significant role in the divalent cation-independent platelet adhesion to immobilized fibrillar collagen. Under either divalent cation-dependent or -independent conditions, platelets adhered to fibrillar collagen were able to secrete contents of both alpha-granules and dense granules and generate thromboxane A2 (TXA2), but platelets adhering to acid soluble monomeric collagen neither secreted their granular contents nor generated TXA2. Although anti-GPVI antibodies were not able to inhibit Mg2+-dependent adhesion, they completely inhibited TXA2 generation under both divalent cation-dependent and -independent conditions. With the other antibodies, TXA2 generation corresponded with the amount of adhesion observed. These results suggest that GPVI is directly associated with the TXA2 generating system during platelet-collagen interaction.

Animals↗

Three novel missense mutations in unrelated Japanese patients with type I and type II protein S deficiency and venous thrombosis.

A molecular analysis of protein S deficiency in three unrelated Japanese patients was performed. An approximately 50% reduction in both functional and immunologic levels of protein S was detected in the plasmas from two unrelated patients, designated protein S Osaka 1 and protein S Osaka 2. An approximately 50% reduction in the functional level, but a normal immunologic level of protein S, was detected in plasma from a third patient, designated protein S Osaka 3. All of the exons and exon/intron junctions of the protein S gene were studied using a strategy combining polymerase chain reaction amplification and rapid non-radioactive single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. We identified a G-to-A change in exon X of the protein S gene in protein S Osaka 1. This mutation resulted in the substitution of Gly for Ser at position 295 in the sex hormone-binding globulin-like region. In protein S Osaka 2, a G-to-C change at the position of the 3' end of exon III was identified, leading to the amino acid substitution of Val46 by Leu in the aromatic stack region. In protein S Osaka 3, an A-to-G change in exon II was identified, leading to the substitution of Lys9 by Glu in the Gla domain. It was concluded that the Gly295-to-Ser mutation and Val46-to-Leu mutation cause type I protein S deficiency and that the Lys9-to-Glu mutation causes type II deficiency.

Adult↗

A unique method of closure for an aortocaval fistula in association with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: report of a case.

We report herein the case of a 78-year-old man in whom an aortocaval fistula caused by spontaneous rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was successfully treated by a unique surgical technique. The aortocaval fistula had been revealed by an aortography after the patient presented with high-output heart failure. During the operation, massive bleeding from the fistula was evident. The fistula measured 2 cm in diameter, and was located between the right posterior wall of the AAA and the inferior vena cava (IVC). Direct suturing of the defect in the IVC failed to close the fistula because the tissue around it would not hold together due to degeneration. However, the bleeding was finally able to be controlled by plugging the fistula with isolated and properly trimmed omentum packed within the excluded aneurysmal sac. Unfortunately, the patient died due to respiratory failure on the 201st postoperative day. A pathological autopsy revealed that the aortocaval fistula had been closed by fibrous tissue and that the IVC was patent. Although such a drastic operative measure to repair an aortocaval fistula has never before been reported, it could be an alternative when direct closure proves unsuccessful.

Aged↗