Biomedical subjects

M Fujimura

Publications and source records attributed to M Fujimura.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Neuropeptide Y and peptide YY immunoreactivities in the pancreas of various vertebrates.

NPY-like immunoreactivity was observed in nerve fibers and endocrine cells in pancreas of all species examined except the eel, which showed no NPY innervation. The density of NPY-positive nerve fibers was higher in mammals than in the lower vertebrates. These nerve fibers were distributed throughout the parenchyma, and were particularly associated with the pancreatic duct and vascular walls. In addition, the density of NPY-positive endocrine cells was found to be higher in lower vertebrates than mammals; in descending order: eel = turtle = chicken > bullfrog > mouse = rat = human > guinea pig = dog. These NPY-positive cells in the cel and certain mammals tended to be localized throughout the islet region, whereas in the turtle and chicken they were mainly scattered in the exocrine region. PYY-immunoreactivity was only present in the pancreatic endocrine cells of all species studied, and localized similarly to NPY. Thus these two peptides may play endocrine or paracrine roles in the regulation of islet hormone secretion in various vertebrate species.

Anguilla↗

PubMed1997

Effect of thromboxane A2 antagonists on bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced immediately after interleukin-8 inhalation in guinea-pigs.

1. Although repeated intranasal administration of interleukin-8 (IL-8) causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) mediated via thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and airway neutrophil accumulation in guinea-pigs, the acute effect of inhaled IL-8 is unclear. We performed this study to clarify the acute effect of IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness and the role of TXA2. 2. The effects of inhaled IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness and of the TXA2 antagonists, S-1452 (0.01 and 0.1 mg kg-1) and ONO-NT-126 (1.0 or 10 micrograms kg-1), on IL-8-induced BHR were examined by use of a modified Konzett-Rössler method in guinea-pigs. 3. Inhaled IL-8 at 100 ng ml-1, which failed to induce significant changes in Pao (pressure at the airway opening), enhanced an increase in Pao induced by subsequent inhalations of ascending doses (50-200 micrograms ml-1) of methacholine and histamine, suggesting the potentiating effect of IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness. No significant leukocyte infiltration was observed histologically sixteen minutes after the IL-8 inhalation. Both S-1452 and ONO-NT-126 reduced the IL-8-induced BHR. 4. In conclusion, IL-8 rapidly causes BHR via TXA2 release in guinea-pigs.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Eosinophilic pneumonia caused by Alternaria alternata.

We describe a patient who presented with hypoxemia and diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. The diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia was confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. The remarkable characteristic was reappearance of the symptoms on the patient's return home, suggesting the existence of etiologic agents in his house. An environmental survey of the patient's house yielded Alternaria alternata. A high titer of anti-A. alternata antibody (IgG) was detected in his serum, and the inhalation bronchoprovocation test with A. alternata antigen was positive. This case indicates that A. alternata is a probable cause of eosinophilic pneumonia.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Early administration of Bifidobacterium breve to preterm infants: randomised controlled trial.

AIM: To investigate the colonisation with Bifidobacterium breve of the bowels of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: The adverse effects of B breve were examined in 66 VLBW infants (preliminary study). A prospective randomised clinical study of 91 VLBW infants was also completed and these infants were followed up for three years. Precise viable bacterial counts of serial stool specimens were examined for the first eight weeks after birth in 10 infants. The colonisation rates of administered bacteria were examined using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens with a B breve specific monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: In the preliminary study there were no side effects attributable to the bacteria. Immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens showed that the colonisation rates of the administered bacteria were 73% at 2 weeks of age, but only 12% in the control group. Early administration of B breve significantly decreased aspirated air volume from the stomach and improved weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: B breve can colonise the immature bowel very effectively and is associated with fewer abnormal abdominal signs and better weight gain in VLBW infants, probably as a result of stabilisation of their intestinal flora and accelerated feeding schedules.

Bifidobacterium↗

PubMed1997

Effect of a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, cilostazol, on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in elderly patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, evidence has accumulated that cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and/or PDE4 inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of asthma. The present study was designed to examine the effect of a selective orally active PDE3 inhibitor, cilostazol, on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) of asthma. METHODS: The effect of a single oral dose of cilostazol on BHR was studied in 10 elderly patients with clinically stable asthma, with a mean age of 59.5+/-4.8 years, in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Each subject received 100 mg of cilostazol, 200 mg of theophylline as a positive control or a placebo in a random order. The subjects underwent a methacholine challenge test 3 h after each drug administration on three occasions separated by 2 weeks. RESULTS: The geometric mean value of the provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20-FEV1) with cilostazol was 0.48 mg/ml [geometric standard error of the mean (GSEM), 1.40] which was significantly (p<0.01) greater than that with the placebo [0.25 mg/ml (GSEM, 1.36)]. The value with theophylline [0.32 mg/ml (GSEM, 1.54)] did not differ significantly from that with cilostazol or the placebo. Baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 values significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) increased with cilostazol from 2.73+/-0.25 and 1.52+/-0.17 to 2.86+/-0.23 and 1.65+/-0.17 liters, respectively. Theophylline did not significantly increase the FVC or FEV1 value. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the PDE3 inhibitor, cilostazol, has bronchodilator and bronchoprotective effects in elderly asthmatics.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed1997

Surface activity of sputum from acute asthmatic patients.

The cause of airway resistance that develops during an asthma attack is not fully understood. Besides bronchospasm and airway edema, a surfactant dysfunction has been suggested as a reason for an increase in airway resistance. This study sought to determine if surface activity of airway fluid is altered in acute asthmatic attacks. Sputa were collected serially from seven patients with acute asthmatic attacks and compared with that of normal subjects (n = 15) and subjects with stable asthma (n = 14). Sputa were analyzed for minimal surface tension (STmin), phospholipids (PL), and total proteins (TP). There were no significant differences in STmin, PL, and TP between sputa from normal subjects and subjects with stable asthma. In the acute phase of the attack, TP, TP/PL ratio, and STmin significantly increased. However, in the recovery phase of the attack, TP/PL ratio and STmin significantly decreased. These data demonstrated that surface properties of airway fluid deteriorated in the early phase of the asthma attack, but were ameliorated in the recovery phase possibly by the surfactant recruitment. The drastic changes in surface activity of sputum suggest that changes in airway surfactant may be partly involved in the pathogenesis of the airway obstruction during asthmatic attack.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1997

Elevated chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of tuberculosis patients.

In pulmonary tuberculosis, the proportion of lymphocytes, particularly that of CD4+ T lymphocytes, was increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), reflecting their protective role against mycobacterial infections. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of lymphocyte accumulation in lungs, we measured the levels of chemokines with potent lymphocyte chemotactic activities, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and, regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) present in BALF from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in acute (n = 10) and convalescent phases (n = 6), as well as normal subjects (n = 10). During the acute phase of the disease, the proportions of lymphocytes and neutrophils were increased, as reported in previous studies. The levels of IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES in the acute phase of pulmonary tuberculosis were also markedly elevated as compared with those of normal subjects. MCP-1 and RANTES, but not IL-8 levels present in BALF, decreased in the convalescent phase. Moreover, the concentration of RANTES correlated significantly with the absolute number of CD4+ cells in BALF. These data suggest that chemotactic cytokines are differentially produced and participate in the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

PubMed1997

A guinea-pig model of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction.

Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction (UNDW-IB) is specific to asthma. The mechanisms underlying UNDW-IB are not fully understood, and no reproducible animal model has been reported. The purpose of this study was to develop a guinea-pig model of UNDW-IB. Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW) was inhaled 20 min after an aerosolized antigen challenge in passively sensitized and artificially ventilated guinea-pigs. UNDW was also inhaled 5 and 20 min after 0.1 mg x mL(-1) methacholine inhalation in nonsensitized animals. In addition, 0.1 mg x kg(-1) S-1452, a thromboxane A2 antagonist, or saline was given intravenously 5 min before UNDW inhalation in sensitized animals. The inhalation of UNDW caused bronchoconstriction, when inhaled 20 min after an antigen challenge in sensitized guinea-pigs. UNDW inhalation did not produce bronchoconstriction after saline inhalation in nonsensitized or sensitized guinea-pigs, or after antigen inhalation in nonsensitized animals. Methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction did not evoke UNDW-IB. Neither did S-1452 reduce the UNDW-IB. In conclusion, the guinea-pig model of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction developed in this study suggests that allergic reaction, but not bronchoconstriction, can induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness to ultrasonically nebulized distilled water, and that thromboxane A2 is not involved in ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Pneumonitis caused by saikokeisikankyou-tou, an herbal drug.

A 57-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea and abnormal shadow on chest roentgenogram. He had received two herbal drugs: Saikokeisikankyou-tou (SKT) for one month and Licium Halimifolium Mil (LHM) for two weeks. After admission, all medication was stopped and his symptoms were gradually diminished. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimens showed interstitial pneumonia. Lymphocyte stimulation test, skin test and challenge test were positive to these herbal drugs. We diagnosed him as drug-induced pneumonitis. This is the first report on pneumonitis caused by Saikokeisikankyou-tou diagnosed by lymphocyte stimulation test, skin test and challenge test.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1997

Carcinomatous change in the cranial metastasis from a metastasizing mixed tumor of the salivary gland--case report.

A 57-year-old female who had had a mixed tumor of the submandibular gland for 30 years presented with a cranial metastasis in the ipsilateral occipital region. Detailed histological examinations of the primary tumor failed to detect any carcinomatous component. In contrast, the metastasis contained a carcinomatous component. This histological discrepancy was confirmed by assessment of the expression of Ki-67 antigen in these tumor specimens and comparison with five typical benign mixed tumors. Cranial metastasis of a histologically benign mixed tumor is extremely rare, and a carcinomatous change in the metastatic tumor is apparently unique.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

PubMed1997

Detection of eosinophils in hypertonic saline-induced sputum in patients with chronic nonproductive cough.

This study was conducted to examine (1) whether an appropriate sputum can be obtained by inducing with inhalation of hypertonic saline in patients with chronic nonproductive cough and (2) whether eosinophils can be detected in the induced sputum. Appropriate samples were obtained by the induction in 25 of 31 patients with bronchial asthma (BA), 12 of 17 patients with cough-variant asthma (CVA), 17 of 20 patients with bronchodilator-resistant cough associated with atopy (atopic cough, AC), and 23 of 25 healthy subjects. Eosinophils were detected in the successfully induced sputum in 100%, 66.6%, and 88.2% of the patients with BA, CVA, and AC, respectively. Detection of eosinophils in induced sputum may be the initial diagnostic procedure for nonproductive cough of allergic nature.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

A specific elevation of RANTES in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of patients with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare, idiopathic lung disorder characterized pathologically by massive eosinophil infiltration into lung. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with CEP, eosinophil numbers were markedly increased but returned to normal-levels upon the resolution of clinical symptoms, which suggests the crucial role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of CEP. To clarify the mechanism of eosinophil accumulation in CEP, we determined the BALF levels of RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, two chemokines that predominantly exhibit in vitro eosinophil chemotactic activities. RANTES (106.7 +/- 27.2 pg/mg albumin; n = 16) concentrations in BALF from patients with CEP were significantly elevated in comparison with those of normal control subjects (1.4 pg/mg albumin; n = 13), whereas BALF macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha levels were not. In addition, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages in BALF were positively stained with a specific anti-RANTES antibody, which suggests that RANTES was produced locally in the lungs of CEP patients. Moreover, BALF-RANTES levels correlated significantly with the proportion of eosinophils in BALF. Furthermore, nearly half of the eosinophil chemotactic activities in BALF were abrogated by the anti-RANTES antibody in vitro. Collectively, these data suggest that locally produced RANTES is involved in eosinophil accumulation in the pulmonary alveolus and interstitium of patients with CEP.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage↗

PubMed1997

[Giant thrombosed fusiform aneurysm at the branch of the middle cerebral artery presenting with intramural hemorrhage: a case report].

We report a rare case of a giant thrombosed fusiform aneurysm at the branch of left middle cerebral artery presenting with intramural hemorrhage of the aneurysm. A twenty-year-old man with familial and past history of migraine presented sudden temporalgia on August 13, 1995. Computed tomography (CT) scan on the day of the first attack revealed a well delineated high density area at the left Sylvian fissure, 2.5cm in diameter. Angiogram showed avascular area corresponding to the lesion, but no visualization of the aneurysm. On October 18, this patient presented sudden temporalgia again. CT scan on the day of the second attack indicated new intramural hemorrhage and surgery was performed on October 31. No evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage was shown during the operation, and the lesion was proven to be a thrombosed fusiform aneurysm at the branch of the middle cerebral artery. The parent artery was clipped at both proximal and distal sides of the aneurysm, and the aneurysm was totally removed with success. Histological finding further supported the idea that the attacks mentioned were due to intramural hemorrhage of the thrombosed aneurysm. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged without any neurological deficit. Intramural hemorrhage of a giant fusiform aneurysm is relatively rare, only reported in several autopsy cases. Furthermore, we failed to discover any comparable cases of giant fusiform aneurysm presenting symptoms directly caused by intramural hemorrhage of the aneurysm.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Drug-induced pneumonitis associated PABRON-GOLD].

A 75-year-old man had for many years taken the commercially sold medicine PABRON-S whenever he caught a cold. He caught a cold and took the drug six days before admission. When PABRON-S was not available, he took PABRON-GOLD and experienced dyspnea the next day. A roentgenogram at another hospital revealed bilateral diffuse lung shadows. He was referred to our hospital. A thoracic CT scan showed bilateral interstitial shadows. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained inflammatory cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes. Examination of a transbronchial lung biopsy specimen showed infiltration of mononuclear cells into the thick alveolar wall and interstitum. A drug lymphocyte stimulation test with PABRON-GOLD was positive. Based on these findings, we believe that this patient had drug-induced pneumonitis caused by PABRON-GOLD. He was treated with a steroid hormone and his symptoms resolved immediately, the abnormal roentgenographic shadows remained longer.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1997

[Cough-variant asthma successfully treated with a peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist].

A 47-year-old woman complained of coughing for over 5 weeks. The coughing was not relieved by bronchodilators (theophylline, beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist; procaterol), anti-allergic agents (azelastine, ozagrel), an inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone dipropionate), a macrolide antibiotic (clarithromycin), or codeine phosphate. A peptide leukoriene receptor antagonist (pranlukast) completely abolished the coughing and increased the cough threshold to capsaicin. The patient was given a diagnosis of cough-variant asthma because her sputum contained many eosinophils and her airway responsiveness to methacholine was slightly higher than normal. Peptide leukotriene may have contributed to the coughing. The fact that coughing associated with cough-variant asthma was abolished by a peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist is clinically important.

Anti-Asthmatic Agents↗

PubMed1997

Effect of surfactant inhalation on allergic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: In the small airway, surfactant reduces surface tension, prevents liquid filling of bronchioles, thereby maintaining patency in the small airways. Recent reports demonstrated that surfactant dysfunction develops in experimental asthma in immunized guinea pigs. However, there are few reports concerning surfactant and lung function in an experimental asthma model. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether inhaled surfactant improves lung mechanics in antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. METHOD: We developed a passively immunized guinea pig model for allergic bronchoconstriction induced by antigen inhalation. Using this model, we investigated the effect of inhaled exogenous surfactant, surfactant TA, on the airway opening pressure (Pao) after antigen challenge. RESULTS: Aerosol antigen challenge produced a gradual and long-lasting increase in Pao. Twenty minutes after antigen challenge, aerosolized surfactant TA, 20 mg/ml, was inhaled for 90 s, and it significantly reduced the Pao by 32.8% in 12 min, while a 10.2% reduction was observed in a control group in the same period. When surfactant TA was administered by 90-s inhalation before antigen challenge, it inhibited the Pao increase in a dose-dependent manner: mean inhibitory rates of Pao were 33.6% in surfactant TA 10 mg/ml and 61.9% in surfactant TA 20 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inhaled surfactant showed preventive and recovery effects on antigeninduced bronchoconstriction in an immunized guinea pig model.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Peptide leukotrienes mediate acetaldehyde-induced bronchial hyper-responsiveness in guinea-pigs.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that inhaled acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol and a main factor in alcohol-induced asthma, causes bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) in asthmatics. However, the mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate a role of a peptide leukotriene (LT) in acetaldehyde-induced BHR. METHODS: Effects of LT antagonists, ONO-1078 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) and ICI-198, 615 (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), on acetaldehyde-induced bronchoconstriction and BHR to inhaled methacholine were examined using a modified Konzett-Rössler method in guinea pigs. RESULTS: Acetaldehyde at 0.8 mg/ml, which failed to induce significant changes in Pao (pressure at the airway opening), enhanced an increase in Pao induced by subsequent inhalations of ascending doses (50-200 micrograms/ml) of methacholine, suggesting a potentiating effect of acetaldehyde on bronchial responsiveness. Although ONO-1078 had no inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction caused by ascending doses (5.0-20 mg/ml) of acetaldehyde, ONO-1078 and ICI-198, 615 reduced the acetaldehyde-induced BHR. CONCLUSION: Acetaldehyde causes BHR via LT release in guinea-pigs.

Acetaldehyde↗

PubMed1997

[An autopsy case of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm treated with interlocking detachable coils].

We described an autopsy case of a ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated with endovascular embolization by interlocking detachable coils. An 85-year-old male presented with sudden onset of severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram revealed a right internal carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Post-operative angiogram revealed complete obliteration of the aneurysm, except for its orifice. Following the embolization of the aneurysm, tissue plasminogen activator was intrathecally perfused for anti-vasospasm treatment. Follow-up angiogram showed stable obliteration of the aneurysm, and no particular findings of cerebral vasospasm. The patient had been recovering without any neurological deficits, but died from pneumonia on the 25th day after the embolization. Autopsy findings revealed the disappearance of the subarachnoid hemorrhage, and no visible finding of cerebral infarction or edema. The inner lumen of the aneurysm was occupied by a mixture of the coils and the clots. The surface of the embolized coils was directly observed through the orifice of the aneurysm without any membranous substance from the inner lumen of the internal carotid artery. This pathological finding is different from the previously reported animal models in which the surface of the embolized coils was covered with endothelial membrane 2 weeks after embolization. Further examinations are required to clarify the pathogenesis of the endothelial regrowth.

Aged↗