Cloning and characterization of a novel mGluR1 variant from vallate papillae that functions as a receptor for L-glutamate stimuli.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
K Torii
Publications and source records attributed to K Torii.
Early optical emission from the gamma-ray burst of 4 October 2002.
Observations of the long-lived emission--or 'afterglow'--of long-duration gamma-ray bursts place them at cosmological distances, but the origin of these energetic explosions remains a mystery. Observations of optical emission contemporaneous with the burst of gamma-rays should provide insight into the details of the explosion, as well as into the structure of the surrounding environment. One bright optical flash was detected during a burst, but other efforts have produced negative results. Here we report the discovery of the optical counterpart of GRB021004 only 193 seconds after the event. The initial decline is unexpectedly slow and requires varying energy content in the gamma-ray burst blastwave over the course of the first hour. Further analysis of the X-ray and optical afterglow suggests additional energy variations over the first few days.
Journal Article↗
Metabolic interactions between restraint stress and L-lysine: the effect on urea cycle components.
We studied the effects of L-lysine on wrap-restraint stress-induced changes in ureagenesis. An exposure to wrap-restraint stress did not affect the plasma concentration of L-lysine, but did decrease plasma urea and arginine. Oral L-lysine (1 g/kg) blocked the effect of stress on ureagenesis, and enhanced the effect of stress on L-arginine. No influence of L-lysine were found in controls. The results imply a stress-specific, ureagenesis-stimulating effect of L-lysine, and suggest an increased requirement for L-arginine during the above conditions.
Animals↗
Brief exposure to NaCl during early postnatal development enhances adult intake of sweet and salty compounds.
Taste acceptance involves both innate and acquired components. We observed an increased acceptance of salty and sweet solutions in adult rats whose tongues had been exposed to an NaCl-enriched milk formula during one day of early postnatal development. This behavioral effect was associated with changes in the norepinephrine system of the basolateral amygdala. No other changes in behavior, food intake, body weight, blood or metabolic parameters of the NaCl-exposed adult rats were identified. The data suggest a causal relationship between NaCl taste exposure, low content of amygdala norepinephrine cells and enhanced intake of sweet and salty compounds by adult rats. They also raise the question of the extent to which similar phenomena may occur during early human infant feeding.
Animals↗
Flavin reductase coupling with two monooxygenases involved in dibenzothiophene desulfurization: purification and characterization from a non-desulfurizing bacterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa A-1.
The dibenzothiophene (DBT) desulfurizing bacterium metabolizes DBT to form 2-hydroxybiphenyl without breaking the carbon skeleton. Of the DBT desulfurization enzymes, DszC and DszA catalyze monooxygenation reactions, both requiring flavin reductase. We searched for non-DBT-desulfurizing microorganisms producing a flavin reductase that couples more efficiently with DszC than that produced by the DBT desulfurizing bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis D-1, and found Paenibacillus polymyxa A-1 to be a promising strain. The enzyme was purified to complete homogeneity. K(m) values for FMN and NADH were 2.1 microM and 0.57 mM, respectively. Flavin compounds were good substrates, some nitroaromatic compounds were also active, and regarding the electron donor, the activity for NADPH was about 1.5 times that for NADH. In the coupling assay with DszC, only FMN or riboflavin acted as the electron acceptor. The coupling reactions of P. polymyxa A-1 flavin reductase with DszC and DszA proceeded more efficiently (3.5- and 5-fold, respectively) than those of R. erythropolis D-1 flavin reductase when identical enzyme activities of each flavin reductase were added to the reaction mixture. The result of the coupling reaction suggested that, in the microbial DBT desulfurization, flavin reductase from the non-DBT-desulfurizing bacterium was superior to that from the DBT-desulfurizing bacterium.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
In situ EXAFS study on the formation of smectite-type clays containing cobalt cations in lattice.
Smectite-type clays containing cobalt cations in octahedral sheets (MST (Co)) were prepared by a hydrothermal treatment of a water slurry of silicon-cobalt hydrous oxide prepared from water glass and cobalt chloride. The formation of silicate fragments having smectite-type structure was studied by EXAFS.
Journal Article↗
Analysis of 168 short tandem repeat loci in the Japanese population, using a screening set for human genetic mapping.
We devised a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and loading system for the convenient typing of 168 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphic markers in a commercially available screening primer set for human linkage analysis. We genotyped all these 168 STR loci with 32 healthy unrelated Japanese, calculated allele frequencies at each STR locus, and performed three kinds of tests for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Significant deviations from HWE in all three tests were observed at only three loci, and the average heterozygosity in the Japanese (0.733) was slightly lower than that in Caucasians (0.773). We also examined 32 Caucasians at some selected loci, to be compared with Japanese. Some markers showed greatly different heterozygosities or allelic distributions in Japanese and Caucasian populations. In two groups of STRs, those with and without irregular alleles (or interalleles), the former had a higher proportion of bimodal allelic distribution and possessed more alleles per locus than the latter. However, no significant differences in the observed and expected heterozygosities, or in the powers of discrimination, were found between the two groups. The present basic study of allele frequency databases of these STRs will contribute to further applications in forensic science and human genetics.
Gene Frequency↗
Effect of lysine on afferent activity of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve in normal and L-lysine-deficient rats.
Amino acid deficiency was modeled by feeding rats a diet deficient in the essential L-amino acid, L-lysine (L-lys). There is a rapid anorectic response to such a diet, and a strong preference for L-lys develops during the deficiency. While the brain appears to trigger this preference, the peripheral pathways that inform the brain about the deficiency are not well understood. One possible information pathway may utilize an "amino acid sensor" in the hepatoportal region. In the present study, we measured in vivo neural activity in normal and L-lys-deficient rat. Compared to the normally fed controls, we found an approximately 100-fold increase in the firing sensitivity of the L-lys sensors in vagal afferent fibers from the hepatoportal region of the L-lys-deficient rats. Injection of 10 mM L-lys into the hepatoportal circulation, but not D-lysine (D-lys), evoked an increase in afferent activity. While L-lys deficiency enhanced the sensitivity of the L-lys sensors, the sensitivity due to other small amino acid sensors remained unchanged. Finally, we observed a time-dependent response of the lysine sensors to lysine deficiency. It required 3-4 days of maintenance on the lysine-deficient diet for the sensitivity of the L-lys sensors to change. Taken together, these results provide additional data to support the existence of putative L-amino acid sensors in the hepatoportal circulation. Additionally, they describe several characteristics of the L-lys sensors and show that these sensors may contribute to the adaptation to dietary L-lys deficiency and to maintenance of L-amino acid homeostasis.
Animals↗
Dysregulated cytokine production in human cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells.
Although pulmonary inflammation is an important pathologic event in cystic fibrosis (CF), the relationship between expression of the CF gene and the inflammatory response is unclear. We studied tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and IL-1beta stimulated production of IL-6 and IL-8 by CF, corrected CF, and normal human bronchial epithelial cells in culture. During the first 24 hours of TNFalpha stimulation, CF cells produced significantly more IL-8 than normal or corrected CF cells. In the second 24 hours of TNFalpha stimulation, IL-6 and IL-8 generation ceased in normal and corrected CF cells but accelerated in CF cells, resulting in marked IL-6 and IL-8 accumulation in CF cells. Similar results were found when cells were stimulated with IL-1beta. Finally, when CF cells were grown at 27 degrees C (a culture condition which results in transport of CF transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR, to the cell membrane and normalization of chloride conductance) TNFalpha-stimulated production of IL-6 and IL-8 reverted to normal. We conclude that dysregulation of cytokine generation by CF bronchial epithelial cells is directly related to expression of mutant CFTR and these observations provide a potential mechanism for persistence of airway inflammation in CF.
Bronchi↗
Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases in sputum from patients with bronchial asthma.
To examine a possibility that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the pathogenesis of asthma and/or the development of asthma attack, we measured the concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, and their respective tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-1, in induced sputa collected from 28 patients with moderate to severe bronchial asthma. Specimens were collected during both the attack and the remission from 15 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The concentration of MMP-9 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the patients, even during the remission, as compared to that in healthy controls. The concentrations of MMP-9 (p < 0.05) and its specific inhibitor TIMP-1 (p < 0.01), and MMP-2 (p < 0.01) in these patients during the attack were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In these patients, the MMP-9 concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the attack than during the remission. These results suggest that MMPs and TIMPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, and that the increased MMP-9 might be involved in the development of attack in patients with chronic asthma.
Adolescent↗
Ethanol and protein metabolism.
This article represents the proceedings of a workshop at the 2000 ISBRA Meeting in Yokohama, Japan. The chairs were Carol C. Cunningham and Victor R. Preedy. The presentations were (1) Ribosomal content, ribosomal localization and the levels of ribosomal protein mRNA and rRNA in rat skeletal muscle exposed to ethanol, by Alistair G. Paice, John E. Hesketh, Timothy J. Peters, and Victor R. Preedy; (2) Altered hepatic mitochondrial ribosome structure after chronic ethanol administration, by Vinood B. Patel and Carol C. Cunningham; (3) Clinical aspects of hepatic protein metabolism and alcohol, by Elena Volpi; and (4) Effects of oral intake of alanine plus glutamine on ethanol metabolism and ethanol-related depression in motor activity, by Kazunori Mawatari, H. Masaki, M. Mori, and Kunio Torii.
Alanine↗
Increased Tl-201 uptake by a contusion on the left lateral aspect of the face and head.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
Natto mucilage containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid increases soluble calcium in the rat small intestine.
We prepared natto (fermented soybeans) mucilage containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) from commercial natto. The effect of natto mucilage on calcium (Ca) solubility in vitro and in vivo was investigated. Ca solubility in vitro increased with an increase in the amount of natto mucilage, due to inhibition of the formation of an insoluble complex of Ca with phosphate by natto mucilage. Rats were fed with 5 g of soybean protein isolate, natto, mucilage-free natto, or natto mucilage diet for 1.5 h. Small intestinal contents were collected 2.5 h after ingestion. In the lower half of the small intestine, both the amount and the percentage of soluble Ca of intestinal contents were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in rats fed with natto mucilage diet than in those fed with the other diets. Natto mucilage also increased Ca solubility in vivo. These results suggested that gamma-PGA is responsible for the increasing effect of natto mucilage on Ca solubility.
Animals↗
[A study on contamination from Legionella spp. at a home for the elderly in Toyohashi City].
OBJECTIVE: Legionnaires disease has been attributed to Legionella spp. in the water distribution systems of buildings. However, recently cases due to contamination of thermal-bath water have been reported in Japan. In this investigation, we examined the supervision of baths and the presence of Legionella spp. in thermal-bath water of homes for the elderly in Toyohashi city. METHODS: The research was conducted through questionnaires on bathing facilities at 50 sites. Thermal baths were found to be installed at 14 of the sites. We then tested 22 samples from the 14 sites for Legionella spp. and other materials. RESULTS: From the genus Legionella, only Legionella pneumophila was detected, in 8 samples from 4 sites. Coliforms were also detected. Moreover, disinfectant was not detected in any of the Legionella positive samples of bath water. Legionella positive sites had, however, been replacing their water once a day. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the use of disinfectant and the proper supervision of bathing facilities are important in controlling Legionella spp. Legionnaires disease can be averted in homes for the elderly through appropriate measures.
Aged↗
Slippage of nonsuperfluid helium films
We measured the mechanical response of 3He and 4He films on an oscillating substrate using an ultrasonic technique. Up to the coverage at which the fluid state appears at absolute zero, a part of the nonsuperfluid 3He and 4He films underwent slipping relative to the substrate at low temperatures. From the temperature dependence of the slippage, it was found that a thermally activated process plays an important role in the frictional force of this system.
Journal Article↗
A Giant Glitch in the Energetic 69 Millisecond X-Ray Pulsar AXS J161730-505505.
We present new results on the recently discovered 69 ms X-ray pulsar AXS J161730-505505, the sixth youngest example of a rotation-powered pulsar. We have undertaken a comprehensive X-ray-observing campaign of AXS J161730-505505 with the ASCA, BeppoSAX, and RXTE observatories and follow its long-term spin-down history between 1989 and 1999 using these observations and archival Ginga and ASCA data sets. The spin-down is not simply described by a linear function as originally thought, but instead we find evidence of a giant glitch (DeltaP&solm0;P greater, similar10-6) between 1993 August and 1997 September, perhaps the largest yet observed from a young pulsar. The glitch is well described by steps in P and P&d2; accompanied by a persistent P&d3; similar to those seen in the Vela pulsar. The pulse profile of AXS J161730-505505 presents a single asymmetric peak that is maintained over all observation epochs. The energy spectrum is also steady over time, characterized by a highly absorbed power law with a photon index Gamma=1.4+/-0.2, consistent with that found for other young rotation powered pulsars.
Journal Article↗
Magnetic resonance imaging and histologic evidence of postoperative back muscle injury in rats.
STUDY DESIGN: Postoperative back muscle injury was evaluated in rats by magnetic resonance imaging and histologic analyses. OBJECTIVE: To compare the magnetic resonance imaging manifestation of back muscle injury with the histologic findings in rats and to subsequently clarify the histopathologic appearance of the high intensity regions on T2-weighted images in human postoperative back muscles. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In a previous study, it was found that the signal intensity on T2-weighted images of the postoperative back muscles was increased in patients who had postsurgical lumbar muscle impairment, especially in those with a prolonged surgery duration. However, the specific histopathologic changes that cause the high signal intensity on T2-weighted images remain unclear. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups: sham operation group, 1-hour retraction group, and 2-hour retraction group. Magnetic resonance imaging and histology of the multifidus muscles were examined before surgery and at 2, 7, and 21 days after surgery. RESULTS: T2-weighted imaging was more useful than T1-weighted imaging to estimate back muscle injury. The high signal intensity of the multifidus muscles on T2-weighted images remained 21 days after surgery only in the 2-hour retraction group. Histologically, the regeneration of the multifidus muscles was complete at 21 days after surgery in the 1-hour retraction group, but the regenerated muscle fibers in the 2-hour retraction group had a small diameter, and the extracellular fluid space remained large. CONCLUSION: The high signal intensity on T2-weighted images of the postoperative multifidus muscles in the regenerative phase may be due to an increased extracellular space and incomplete muscle fiber regeneration.
Animals↗
Effects of L-lysine deficient diet on the hypothalamic interstitial norepinephrine and diet-induced thermogenesis in rats in vivo.
Rats readily recognize an amino acid deficient diet, presumably via central mechanisms that involve hypothalamic circuits. Presently, effects of the essential amino acid L-lysine deficiency on the ventromedial (VMH) and lateral (LH) hypothalamus norepinephrine (NE) release were evaluated in free moving rats. Microdialysis measurement was undertaken once in 48 h (12:00 noon-14:00) in rats that had free access to food and drink. Significant decline in the food intake and VMH NE release were found in rats fed L-lysine diet. No changes were identified in LH NE release. Additionally, no significant differences in diet-induced spatial thermogenesis between normal and L-lysine deficient non-stressed rats were found in vivo. The results suggested that the VMH NE release was specifically involved in the integration of signals about amino acid deficiency. However, the decrease in VMH NE was not translated into changes of thermogenic responses to diet.
Animals↗