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Biomedical subjects

J Konishi

Publications and source records attributed to J Konishi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 and BMP-3) induce the late phase expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Here we report that bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 3 (BMP-2 and BMP-3) induced marked expression of c-fos mRNA in a biphasic manner, i.e. the late phase (48 to 60 h) as well as the immediate-early phase (0.5 h), in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. The BMP-induced late phase c-fos gene expression was temporally associated with the onset of marked expression of the genes for osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, differentiation markers of mature osteoblasts. In contrast, none of TGF-beta 1, 10% FBS, IGF-I and IGF-II, which induced only the immediate-early c-fos mRNA expression, stimulated the expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase genes. These data suggest that in osteoblasts BMP-2 and BMP-3 induce the late phase expression of c-fos, which may play a role in transcriptional activation of the genes involved in differentiation of osteoblasts.

Animals

Different antigenic nature in apparently healthy women with high serum CA 125 levels compared with typical patients with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: CA 125 is a representative ovarian cancer-associated antigen defined by monoclonal antibody OC125. Recently, monoclonal antibodies were produced (designated 130-22 and 145-9) that were reactive with CA 125 but bound to a separate epitope named CA 130. There was a close correlation between serum CA 125 and CA 130 values in most instances. However, among more than 8000 serum samples, 5 apparently normal women had high serum CA 125 values, despite having normal CA 130 values. In this study, the antigenic nature of these five women was investigated. METHODS: Using gel chromatography, the molecular masses of CA 125 and CA 130 were estimated that were found in the five women with false-positive CA 125 values. The sera were examined using double-determinant assays combining iodine-125-labeled OC125 or iodine-125-labeled 130-22 with OCI25-coated or 145-9-coated beads. RESULTS: The molecular masses of both CA 125 and CA 130 were estimated as greater than 1000 kilodaltons (KD); the CA 130 mass from one of the five women with an abnormal CA 125 level was approximately 200 KD using gel chromatography. Using the double-determinant assays that combined iodine-125-labeled OC125 or iodine-125-labeled 130-22 with OC125-coated or 145-9-coated beads, high radioactivity was found only in the homologous assay using iodine-125-labeled OC125 with OC125-coated beads. These results suggest that the antigenic nature of CA 125 found in apparently healthy women differs from that found in patients with ovarian cancer and that CA 130 epitopes are not present. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum CA 130 concentrations may be useful for excluding women with falsely elevated CA 125 values.

Acrylic Resins

The effect of active vitamin D3 analogs and dexamethasone on the expression of osteocalcin gene in rat tibiae in vivo.

We tested the effects of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), 2 beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (ED-71) and dexamethasone on osteocalcin mRNA levels in rat tibiae in vivo. Northern blot analysis showed that both 1,25-(OH)2D3 and ED-71 caused an increase in osteocalcin mRNA levels in bone: 1,25-(OH)2D3 induced a transient increase in the mRNA levels followed by a decrease in the control level by 12 h post administration. In contrast, ED-71 caused a persistent increase in osteocalcin mRNA level for seven days post administration. Serum osteocalcin levels paralleled the osteocalcin mRNA level in bone in both groups. Dexamethasone caused a marked reduction in both osteocalcin mRNA and serum osteocalcin levels. Suppressive effect of dexamethasone on osteocalcin expression was persistent for seven days at higher dose. Our results represent the first demonstration of the effect of active vitamin D and corticosteroid on the expression of osteocalcin mRNA in bone in vivo.

Amino Acid Isomerases

Nuclear magnetic resonance abnormalities of the cerebral white matter in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma during and after central nervous system prophylactic treatment with intrathecal methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: A prospective study was conducted to test the feasibility of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging in the early diagnosis of treatment-induced leukoencephalopathy. METHODS: The study group included 16 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 4 patients with malignant lymphoma. All were given intravenous and intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) for central nervous system prophylaxis. Serial NMR studies were performed before and/or during induction-consolidation cycles. RESULTS: NMR imaging disclosed leukoencephalopathy in 8 of the 20 patients (40%) in the early stages of treatment. In six of the eight, the leukoencephalopathy was resolved after temporary or permanent interruption of IT MTX, and chemotherapy was completed successfully. The other two patients are being treated. Transient neurologic abnormalities developed in two of the eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: The possible causal relationship between leukoencephalopathy and the antimetabolic effects of MTX is discussed. This study clearly shows that NMR imaging is valuable in the early diagnosis and management of treatment-induced leukoencephalopathy.

Adolescent

[Diagnostic imaging of the thyroid].

Among various imaging modalities used for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, ultrasonography is the most sensitive and economical method to visualize anatomic detail and structural relations. Scintigraphy using 123I or 99mTc gives critical information about thyroid cell function and makes it possible to differentiate the causes of thyrotoxicosis. Tumor scintigraphy using 201T1, 67Ga, 131I-metaiodobenzyl guanidine or 99mTc(V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid is useful for the characterization of nodules. Recently introduced magnetic resonance imaging appears promising in demonstrating pseudocapsules around tumors and capsular invasion.

Humans

Metabolic bone disease following gastrectomy: assessment by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Although disorders in bone metabolism have long been recognized as typical sequelae of gastrectomy, there has until now been no reliable method of providing precise assessment of bone mass, resulting in a variation of reported incidence. In this study, metabolic bone disease was evaluated in a well characterized population: 34 men 2-5 years after gastrectomy; 11 men 6-10 years after gastrectomy; eight men 2-5 years after colonic resection; and 115 healthy men. The age range was 50-69 years. An innovative reliable method of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used which allows quantitative assessment of bone mineral content. Measurement of lumbar spine bone mineral density revealed that the mean(s.e.m.) bone mineral density in patients who had had a gastrectomy (2-5 years 0.84(0.03) g/cm2, 6-10 years 0.85(0.05) g/cm2) was significantly lower than that of patients who had undergone colonic resection (0.96(0.04) g/cm2) or healthy men (0.96(0.03) g/cm2). This study demonstrates that a high incidence of bone atrophy is induced at the relatively early period of 2-5 years after gastrectomy.

Absorptiometry, Photon

Recruitment of T lymphocytes and induction of tumor necrosis factor in thyroid cancer by a local immunotherapy.

To elucidate the mechanism of action for intratumoral injection of immunopotentiators, infiltrating mononuclear cells and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were assayed by immunostaining tissue samples of differentiated thyroid cancer resected with or without presurgical local application of OK-432, a streptococcal preparation. Frozen sections of resected specimens were stained with monoclonal antibodies using either a conventional or a modified immunoperoxidase method. The tumors injected with OK-432 showed increased T lymphocyte infiltration and HLA-DR expression on cancer cells as compared to the non-injected controls. Among these T cells, the CD4+ subset was more numerous than the CD8+ population. In four out of the seven cases constituting the injected group, numerous TNF-positive cells were seen in clusters or lines as well as scattered, while none of the seven cases in the control group was associated with a considerable amount of these cells. In their morphology and distribution pattern, these TNF-positive cells appeared to be of macrophage lineage. Thus local injection of OK-432 in thyroid cancer was shown to recruit T lymphocytes of predominantly the CD4+ subset and to induce in situ production of TNF, a known potent tumoricidal cytokine. The present data warrant further studies in this direction besides wider clinical intratumoral application of the reagent.

Adult

Preparation and biodistribution in mice of [11C]carfentanil: a radiopharmaceutical for studying brain mu-opioid receptors by positron emission tomography.

A potent mu-opioid agonist, [11C]carfentanil, was prepared by the methylation of carfentanil carboxylic acid with [11C]methyl iodide in order to study brain mu-opioid receptors by positron emission tomography. Synthesis (including purification) was completed within 25 min and the radiochemical yield was approximately 40%. The radiochemical purity of the product was more than 99% and its specific activity was 3.7-7.4 GBq/mumol. Biodistribution studies performed in mice after intravenous injection showed a high brain uptake and rapid blood clearance, so a high brain/blood ratio of 1.5-1.8 was found from 5 to 30 min. Regional cerebral distribution studies in the mouse showed a significantly higher uptake of [11C]carfentanil by the thalamus and striatum than by the cerebellum, with the radioactivity in the striatum disappearing more rapidly than that in the thalamus. Treatment with naloxone significantly reduced the uptake of [11C]carfentanil by the thalamus and striatum. These results indicate that [11C]carfentanil binds specifically to brain mu-opioid receptors.

Animals

Transient thyrotoxicosis in a patient with a functioning nodule; a possible occurrence of silent thyroiditis.

A 48-year-old woman with diffuse goiter presented with typical symptoms and signs of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid scanning with I-123 revealed a localized accumulation of the radionuclide in the left lobe which corresponded to a small nodule later detected by ultrasonography, with suppression of the remaining tissues. Owing to the overall reduced radioactivity in the thyroid, she was suspected of having silent thyroiditis causing thyrotoxicosis. Meanwhile, the thyrotoxicosis subsided concurrently with an increase in radioactivity in the extranodular area that had initially been suppressed. The histology of thyroid tissues obtained at the time of operation revealed follicular adenoma or hyperplasia in the area of the localized I-123 uptake and findings similar to those in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the remaining tissues, supporting our clinical diagnosis of silent thyroiditis together with a functioning nodule.

Female

Positive imaging of cardiomyopathy with 99mTc(V)-DMSA.

A case of histologically proven dilated cardiomyopathy and a case of clinically diagnosed cardiomyopathy (cardiac amyloidosis was strongly suspected but was not confirmed) were examined with 99mTc(V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). 99mTc(V)-DMSA accumulation in the damaged myocardium was clearly demonstrated. These results suggested the possibility that 99mTc(V)-DMSA could be used as a positive agent for cardiomyopathy.

Aged

An artificial amino acid radiopharmaceutical for single photon emission computed tomographic study of pancreatic amino acid transports 123I-3-iodo-alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine.

123I-3-iodo-alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine (123I-L-AMT) was selected and its characteristics on pancreas accumulation, metabolic selectivity and metabolic stability of 125I-L-AMT were studied. The studies on rat tissue slice as well as mouse biodistribution proved very high accumulation of 125I-labeled L-AMT in the pancreas, which was remarkably inhibited by the active transport inhibitor, ouabain. 125I-L-AMT does not enter into protein synthesis and general amino acid catabolism. Moreover, 125I-L-AMT was very stable against enzymatic deiodination. Thus, the above studies indicated that the 123I-labeled L-AMT was an "artificial amino acid" radiopharmaceutical to be used for the selective measurement of the membrane amino acid transport rate in the pancreas.

Amino Acids

Frequency of mutant T lymphocytes defective in the expression of the T-cell antigen receptor gene among radiation-exposed people.

The frequency of mutant T lymphocytes defective in T-cell receptor gene (alpha or beta) expression was measured using the 2-color flow cytometric technique. Results for a total of 203 atomic bomb survivors, 78 of whom were proximally exposed (DS86 doses of greater than or equal to 1.5 Gy) and 125 of whom were distally exposed (DS86 dose of less than 0.005 Gy), showed that the mutant frequency was significantly higher in males than in females. No significant dose effects were observed. In contrast, a significant increase of mutant frequency was observed for 6 patients treated with Thorotrast, a contrast medium containing thorium-232 formerly used for radioligands. In addition, thyroid disease patients treated with 131I showed a dose-related increase of mutant frequency. It was suggested that the present T-cell receptor mutation assay has a unique characteristic as a biological dosimeter for measurement of recent exposures to genotoxic agents.

Adult

Preparation of 123I-labeled 2'-iodospiperone and imaging of D2 dopamine receptors in the human brain using SPECT.

[123I]2'-ISP was readily prepared using a radioiodine exchange reaction with a radiochemical yield of approx. 50% after HPLC purification. The radiochemical purity of the product was more than 98% and the specific activity was 5.55-11.1 GBq/mumol. Biodistribution studies performed in mice indicated that injection of [123I]2'-ISP with albumin produced a higher gastric uptake and a lower brain uptake than injection of the radioligand in a weakly acidic solution. In addition, toxicity tests performed in mice demonstrated that acute toxic effects would be very unlikely to be encountered if 2'-ISP was used for diagnostic purposes. A preliminary imaging study with [123I]2'-ISP in a healthy human volunteer showed its specific uptake by the basal ganglia, a region of the brain known to have a high density of D2 dopamine receptors.

Animals

Accumulation of radioactivity in the pancreas after intravenous administration of [13N]ammonia.

A biodistribution study of [13N]ammonia in rats showed a high accumulation of radioactivity in the pancreas soon after the intravenous injection of this tracer. In humans, the pancreas was also clearly visualized by dynamic positron emission tomography soon after the intravenous injection of [13N]ammonia. To investigate the mechanism of the pancreatic accumulation of [13N]ammonia, in vitro studies with pancreatic slices and in vivo biodistribution and metabolism studies were carried out in rats. The results indicated that [13N]ammonia enters the pancreas from the blood by diffusion at a rate dependent on local blood flow, and then is rapidly incorporated into the amino acid fraction (mainly the glutamine fraction), followed by its incorporation into protein. These findings suggest that [13N]ammonia could be useful for diagnostic imaging of the pancreas.

Ammonia

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a 13N-labeled opioid peptide.

The 13N-labeled opioid tetrapeptide, Tyr-D-Met(O)-Phe-Gly-[13N]NH2 (SD-62), was synthesized by amidation of its activated p-nitrophenol ester with [13N]ammonia (total synthesis time: 25 min, radiochemical yield: 48%). When injected intravenously into mice, [13N]SD-62 was taken up by the brain and this uptake was blocked by naloxone. In addition, the time course of changes in brain radioactivity paralleled that of the analgesic activity of this compound, suggesting that SD-62 underwent binding to brain opioid receptors. Thus, [13N]SD-62 appears to hold some promise for use as a radiopharmaceutical for in vivo studies of opioid peptide behavior, using positron emission tomography.

Amino Acid Sequence

Application of the new zinc-62/copper-62 generator: an effective labeling method for 62Cu-PTSM.

A potential PET flow tracer, 62Cu-labeled pyruvaldehyde bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (62Cu-PTSM), was prepared using a new 62Zn/62Cu generator. With this 62Cu-labeling method based on a ligand exchange reaction, 62Cu-PTSM was quantitatively obtained by simple mixing of the generator eluate, 62Cu-glycine and PTSM solution for a few seconds. The glycine contained in the 62Cu-PTSM injectate had no significant effect in mouse biodistribution studies. The PET studies of 62Cu-PTSM showed brain images that were not visualized by 62Cu-labeled albumin (a plasma pool tracer), in the dog cranium.

Animals

Hepatocyte response to continuous low dose-rate radiation in radioimmunotherapy assessed by micronucleus assay.

The response of hepatocytes to low dose-rate irradiation was examined in mice following the injection of radiolabelled monoclonal antibody. Mice were injected intravenously with an 131I-labelled monoclonal antibody 196-14 which recognizes CA125 antigen, and the effect of continuous low dose-rate irradiation on hepatocytes was assessed using the micronucleus assay. The frequency of micronuclei increased in a dose-dependent fashion, but it was lower than the frequency induced by conventional external X-rays which was determined immediately after the irradiation. A linear quadratic model (micronucleus frequency = aD+bD2+c) showed that the value of b decreased with low dose-rate irradiation from the radiolabelled antibody. It is concluded that the micronucleus assay is useful for the evaluation of the response of hepatocytes to irradiation in radioimmunotherapy.

Animals

Dual-site thyroid ectopy in a mother and son.

We found familial thyroid ectopy in a mother and son, each of whom had an anterior neck mass corresponding to a perihyoid ectopic thyroid. In addition, technetium scintigraphy revealed another focus of aberrant uptake at their tongue roots. Neither patient showed hypothyroid symptoms or abnormal biochemical data other than a mildly elevated TSH level in the son. No other member of the family had a thyroid disorder. To our knowledge this is the first documented instance of familial thyroid ectopy in multiple sites. The observed similarity in distribution of ectopic tissue suggests a hereditary pathogenic factor.

Adult