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Biomedical subjects

K Kashima

Publications and source records attributed to K Kashima.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Presence of a Vicia unijuga lectin-binding (Vgu) glycoprotein with Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) activity and Vgu glycoproteins in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

1. Twenty perchloric acid-soluble glycoprotein fractions (PASFs) were separated from carcinomatous and non-carcinomatous regions of the livers of 5 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 5 patients with a complication of HCC and hepatocirrhosis (HC). 2. In autoradiography using 125I-labelled Vicia unijuga lectin (VUA) and 125I-labelled Arachis hypogaea anti-T lectin as probes, 10 PASFs from carcinomatous regions of the livers of 10 patients gave 1 Vgu glycoprotein with T activity and/or 1-4 Vgu glycoproteins, respectively, and among 10 PASFs from non-carcinomatous regions of the livers of 10 patients, 7 PASFs gave no glycoproteins, respectively. 3. These results show that a Vgu glycoprotein with T activity and Vgu glycoproteins occur in HCC and in a complication of HCC and HC as oncofetal antigens.

Antibodies

Detection of an i(17q) chromosome by fluorescent in situ hybridization with a chromosome 17 alpha satellite DNA probe.

An isochromosome for the long arm of chromosome 17,i(17q), is frequently found as an additional chromosome aberration to the Ph with advanced disease in the chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). We studied an i(17q) in blood samples from two patients with CML in blast crisis with a biotinylated chromosome 17 specific alpha satellite deoxyribonucleic acid probe. G-banded karyotypes of these patients showed a dicentric i(17q), dic(17)(p11.2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) delineated one normal chromosome 17 and one i(17q) among metaphase chromosomes; the latter showed a dicentric pattern. In most interphase nuclei of both patients, two fluorescence spots were observed. In some interphase nuclei, including mature neutrophils, the dicentric chromosome was discernible by its size and shape of the fluorescent spots. Three fluorescent spots were observed in a small proportion of interphase cells, and existence of a subclone with two normal chromosome 17 and an i(17q) was confirmed by examining a large number of metaphase plates. The results of FISH provided us with information of numerical and structural aberrations of chromosome 17 in interphase cells.

Blast Crisis

Altered monoamine metabolism in the hypothalamus of the genetically obese yellow (Ay/a) mouse.

Changes in hypothalamic monoamine metabolism were investigated in the genetically obese yellow (Ay/a) mouse. At the age of 6 weeks when there was no difference in body weight between black (a/a) and yellow (Ay/a) mice, the contents of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and their main metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC) were already significantly reduced in yellow (Ay/a) mice. Reduction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level and an increasing 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio has been observed. When a significant increase in body weight in the yellow (Ay/a) mouse at the age of 12 weeks was present, both NE and DA contents have been increased in the hypothalamus of the obese mouse. MHPG level was lower than in the lean mouse, resulting in an increase of MHPG/NE ratio. The present study suggests that the observed reduction in hypothalamic NE and DA metabolism might be involved in the development of overweight gain in the yellow (Ay/a) mouse.

Animals

Localized primary amyloid tumor of the thyroid developing in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A case of localized primary amyloid tumor of the thyroid gland developing in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis was studied using histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The patient was diagnosed as having Hashimoto's thyroiditis by histological examination of the thyroid and by the presence of a high titer of serum thyroglobulin and thyroid microsomal antibodies. In addition, the thyroid gland exhibited multiple nodular deposits of amyloid which were resistant to prior incubation with potassium permanganate. The amyloid deposits were surrounded by numerous histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells which contained small amyloid droplets in their cytoplasm. However, no amyloid deposits were observed in the walls of blood vessels. Immunohistochemistry showed that the amyloid was strongly positive for amyloid P component, IgG and kappa light chains. Ultrastructurally, the amyloid was composed of straight fibrils with a diameter of 7 to 10 nm. Histiocytes extended slender cytoplasmic processes in a radial fashion into amyloid fibrils, which exhibited a highly organized star-like pattern. This was considered to be an extremely rare case of localized primary amyloidosis of the thyroid, in which IgG, especially kappa light chains (AL), was present as a precursor protein.

Aged

Immunoreactive copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in damaged human myocardium.

The myocardium in 50 autopsy cases was studied using immunostaining for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and standard histochemical procedures. Mucinous degeneration observed in 42 cases showed moderately enhanced expression of immunoreactive CuZn-SOD in lesions which were stained strongly by periodic acid-Schiff but negative with Heidenhain iron-hematoxylin (HIH), von Kossa and luxol fast blue (LFB) stains, whereas coagulation necrosis in 4 cases revealed almost identical immunostaining for CuZn-SOD and HIH to that of contraction band necrosis, i.e. strongly positive HIH staining but negative immunostaining. Basophilic alteration of the myocardial cells in sections fixed with 4% formalin in 2% calcium acetate was seen in 29 cases, being identified frequently in isolated cells as well as in several foci varying considerably in size. This type of alteration demonstrated significantly enhanced expression of immunoreactive CuZn-SOD and was strongly positive with von Kossa and LFB stains. The present study indicates that the myocardium can be affected by free radicals produced in any organ of the body, and that subsequently, insoluble phospholipids react with calcium ions in the fixative and accumulate in the basophilic sarcoplasm.

Adult

Functional heterogeneity of rat liver macrophages: interleukin-1 secretion and Ia antigen expression in contrast with phagocytic activity.

To clarify whether immunological heterogeneity exists among liver macrophages and whether this possible heterogeneity corresponds to varying degrees of phagocytic activity, we fractionated liver macrophages according to size via centrifugal elutriation and studied their ability to ingest latex beads, to express Ia antigen and to secrete interleukin-1 (IL-1) in vitro. Larger liver macrophages were found to be more active in ingesting latex beads than smaller ones (p less than 0.01), while smaller liver macrophages were more active in Ia antigen expression and evidenced greater fluorescence at cytofluorometric examination. In addition, smaller liver macrophages elaborated more IL-1 than the larger liver macrophages (p less than 0.05). These results indicate that liver macrophage heterogeneity is seen in at least two important macrophage functions: phagocytosis of large molecules, which provides an important scavenger function, and Ia antigen expression and IL-1 secretion, important components of the immune response.

Animals

Assignment of the human renal dipeptidase gene (DPEP1) to band q24 of chromosome 16.

Renal dipeptidase (DPEP1) or dehydropeptidase-I (E.C.3.4.13.11) is a kidney membrane enzyme which hydrolyzes a variety of dipeptides. DPEP1 is implicated in the renal metabolism of glutathione and its conjugates and is also responsible for hydrolysis of beta-lactam antibiotics. Using a human DPEP1 cDNA probe, we mapped the human renal dipeptidase gene to human chromosome 16 at band q24 by in situ hybridization.

Chromosome Banding

Characterization of muscarinic receptor subtypes on rat pancreatic acini: pharmacological identification by secretory responses and binding studies.

In order to identify subtypes of muscarinic receptor on the rat pancreas, the effects of new muscarinic receptor antagonists, [11-[[2-(diethylamino)-methyl]-1-piperidinyl]acetyl]-5, 11-dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4]benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-DX 116) and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperadine-methiodide (4-DAMP), on amylase secretion stimulated by carbachol and binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) were evaluated using isolated rat pancreatic acini. Atropine, pirenzepine, AF-DX 116 and 4-DAMP inhibited carbachol-stimulated amylase release in a dose-dependent manner. All these antagonists caused a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the dose-response curve for carbachol-stimulated amylase release without altering the maximal response. Schild plots revealed that pA2 values for atropine, pirenzepine, AF-DX 116 and 4-DAMP were 9.15, 6.78, 6.09 and 8.79, respectively. Every slope of Schild plots was not different from unity, suggesting that these antagonists act as competitive inhibitors. These antagonists also inhibited the binding of [3H]QNB in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition constants were 1.21 x 10(-9) M (atropine), 1.26 x 10(-7) M (pirenzepine), 0.57 x 10(-6) M (AF-DX 116) and 2.75 x 10(-9) M (4-DAMP). Thus, the order of inhibitory potencies was atropine > or = 4-DAMP > pirenzepine > AF-DX 116. These findings suggest that 4-DAMP-sensitive M3 receptor may play an important role in the pancreatic exocrine functions.

Amylases

Inhibition of gastric glucosamine synthetase activity by oxygen radicals: a possible cause of decreased mucosal protective capacity.

To clarify the role of oxygen radicals in the mucus metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract, the effect of oxygen radicals on the activity of glucosamine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme of mucus synthesis, was investigated using homogenate derived from rat gastric mucosa. The simultaneous addition of both xanthine and xanthine oxidase caused a significant inhibition of the enzyme activity, and this decrease was counteracted by catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase. Hydrogen peroxide also caused a significant decrease in the enzyme activity; and this effect of hydrogen peroxide was counteracted by catalase and dithiothreitol, but not by mannitol, dimethyl sulfoxide and reduced glutathione. The inhibition of glucosamine synthetase activity by oxygen radicals is considered to be caused by the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups of the enzyme molecule. The present results also suggest that oxygen radicals in the gastrointestinal tract may induce the suppression of a protective mechanism of the gastric mucosa by inhibiting glucosamine synthesis activity.

Animals

Magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of esophago-aneurysmal fistula.

A 77-year-old woman who complained of dysphagia was found to have an aneurysm in the descending aorta. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the state of thrombi, a thin and irregular soft tissue signal between the aneurysm and the esophagus, which suggested an esophago-aneurysmal fistula revealed by the operation. MRI was effective in the evaluation of the status of aneurysm.

Aged

[Clinical significance of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) in the chemotherapy of patients with malignant lymphoma].

We examined the effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) on neutropenia induced by chemotherapy in 10 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The numbers of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitors were also evaluated before and after administration of rG-CSF. Six patients received an administration of 2 micrograms/kg/body weight of rG-CSF subcutaneously for 14 days after 2nd chemotherapy. Four patients received intravenous infusion of rG-CSF (300 micrograms/body/day) for 4 days from nadir state after chemotherapy. Administration of rG-CSF from the termination of chemotherapy, markedly shortend the period of bone marrow hypoplasia induced by chemotherapy. On the other hand, administration of rhG-CSF from nadir state after chemotherapy have accelerated the recovery of neutrophil counts. In addition, this type of therapy induced 26 to 60 folds increase of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitors. These results demonstrate the validity of administration of rhG-CSF not only in the chemotherapy of NHL, but also in peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT).

Adult

Elevated interleukin-6 and gamma-globulin during interferon therapy of hepatitis B.

A 49-yr-old man with chronic hepatitis B manifested hypergammaglobulinemia, lymphadenopathy, and a high serum interleukin-6 level following treatment with recombinant human alpha-interferon. One month later, when the patient was treated with natural beta-interferon, serum levels of interleukin-6 and gamma-globulin increased again. The serum gamma-globulin decreased to the pretreatment level after discontinuation of interferon therapy. The serum alanine aminotransferase level remained normal for 6 months. In this case, hypergammaglobulinemia and lymphadenopathy, as well as the elevated serum interleukin-6 level, were considered to be signs of highly enhanced humoral immunity related to alpha- and beta-interferon therapy.

Alanine Transaminase

Alterations of the p53 gene in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia including chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute leukemia.

We analyzed the structural alteration of the p53 gene, by Southern blotting with conventional and/or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia (chronic myelogenous leukemia; CML, 34 cases and acute leukemia; AL, 5 cases). We found an alteration of the p53 gene in one of 5 AL patients. Loss of heterozygosity was detected in two CML patients with i(17q) chromosome, but we could find no other alterations in the remaining CML patients.

Acute Disease

[Relationship between juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and biliopancreatic disease--evaluation by endoscopic biliary manometry].

Endoscopic biliary manometry was performed to evaluate the motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) in 28 patients, 13 with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (8 with biliopancreatic disease) and 15 without diverticula (10 with biliopancreatic disease). So pressure and the rate of irregular wave pattern of phasic contraction in patients with diverticula were significantly higher than those in patients without diverticula. Especially all the patients with both diverticula and biliary stones had motor disorders of the SO. The patients with diverticula were also divided into three groups by endoscopic findings for the location of diverticular; The papilla of Vater was located close to diverticula (within about 4 cm) in group A, on the edge of diverticula in group B, in the diverticula in group C. Diverticula could have more direct effect on the motor activity of the SO in group C. Those results suggest juxtapapillary diverticula have close relationship with the motor activity of the SO and biliopancreatic disease, especially in cases which the papilla of Vater located in the diverticula. We conclude that the motor disorders of the SO might be responsible for biliopancreatic disease in patients with juxtapapillary diverticula.

Ampulla of Vater