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Biomedical subjects

M Iwata

Publications and source records attributed to M Iwata.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hippocampal synapsin I, growth-associated protein-43, and microtubule-associated protein-2 immunoreactivity in learned helplessness rats and antidepressant-treated rats.

Learned helplessness rats are thought to be an animal model of depression. To study the role of synapse plasticity in depression, we examined the effects of learned helplessness and antidepressant treatments on synapsin I (a marker of presynaptic terminals), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43; a marker of growth cones), and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2; a marker of dendrites) in the hippocampus by immunolabeling. (1) Learned helplessness rats showed significant increases in the expression of synapsin I two days after the attainment of learned helplessness, and significant decreases in the protein expression eight days after the achievement of learned helplessness. Subchronic treatment of naïve rats with imipramine or fluvoxamine significantly decreased the expression of synapsin I. (2) Learned helplessness increased the expression of GAP-43 two days and eight days after learned helplessness training. Subchronic treatment of naïve rats with fluvoxamine but not imipramine showed a tendency to decrease the expression of synapsin I. (3) Learned helplessness rats showed increased expression of MAP-2 eight days after the attainment of learned helplessness. Naïve rats subchronically treated with imipramine showed a tendency toward increased expression of MAP-2, but those treated with fluvoxamine did not. These results indicate that the neuroplasticity-related proteins synapsin I, GAP-43, and MAP-2 may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression and the mechanisms of antidepressants.

Analysis of Variance↗

Evaluating the effects of spatial frequency on migraines by using pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the effects of contrast and spatial frequency in patients with migraine by means of pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PVEPs). METHODS: PVEPs were obtained from 14 patients who had migraine without aura (MO), 11 patients who had migraine with aura (MA), and 25 age-matched, healthy controls (CO). PVEPs were binocularly recorded with a reversal rate of 1Hz (2 reversal/s) at 3 spatial frequencies (0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 cpd) at high (98%), medium (83%) and low (29%) contrast. N75, P100 and N135 latency and the amplitudes of P50-N75, N75-P100 and P100-N135 were analyzed. RESULTS: Increased amplitude of PVEPs in patients with migraines were revealed at 3 different spatial frequencies in all components. The MO and the MA showed increased amplitudes mostly in high contrasts (98%). These findings were detected more at a high spatial frequency (4.0 cpd) than at a low spatial frequency (0.5 cpd). Increased amplitude with prolonged latency of N135 were found both in MO and MA at 4.0 cpd. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that pattern stimuli of high contrasts may be particularly effective in uncovering abnormal cortical reactivity which may be modified in the primary and secondary visual cortex in the interictal state of migraine. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that there is abnormal visual cortex processing in patients with migraine.

Adult↗

Pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone administration in neonatal rats alters the immunoreactivity of hippocampal synapsin I, neuropeptide Y and glial fibrillary acidic protein at post-puberty.

It is well documented that neurosteroids administered during the neonatal period influence the development of several brain systems. In our previous study, pregnenolone administered to rats during the neonatal period altered adenosinergic and dopaminergic functions in the striatum and cerebral cortex. The present study examined the effects of the treatment with pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from the postnatal day (P) 3-P7 on synapsin I (a marker for presynaptic terminals) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP: a marker for astroglia) levels in the hippocampus of Sprague-Dawley rats at 3 and 7 weeks of age. In addition, neuropeptide Y and dynorphin A immunoreactivity was measured. The administration of pregnenolone and DHEA to neonatal rats significantly altered the expression of synapsin I in the dentate gyrus and CA3 region at post-puberty but not at pre-puberty. A significantly greater expression of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes or processes was demonstrated in the pregnenolone- and DHEA-treated groups at both pre-puberty and post-puberty. A significant increase in the number and size of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes and in the extension of arborization was seen in the overall hippocampus. The number of neuropeptide Y-positive cells in the hilus region was also significantly increased in the neurosteroid-treated group at post-puberty. No differences were detected in dynorphin A immunoreactivity among the experimental groups. These results of this study suggest that pregnenolone and DHEA play an important role in the development of hippocampus.

Animals↗

Ileocolonic lymphomas: a series of 16 cases.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopic and clinical differences between primary ileocolonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have not been defined. METHODS: We reviewed colonoscopic and clinical features in eight patients with primary MALT lymphoma and eight patients with MCL in the terminal ileum and/or colorectum. All cases were examined for CD5 and/or cyclin D1 expression. RESULTS: Endoscopic features of MALT lymphoma were characterized as protrusions that were covered with normal-appearing mucosa with or without ulceration. The gross appearances of MALT lymphomas were categorized as solitary (4 patients), multiple (3 patients), and multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP) (1 patient). The gross features of MCL at endoscopy were categorized as multiple protrusions (2 patients), and MLP (6 patients). The clinical stages of patients with MCL were more advanced than in patients with MALT lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary or multiple protrusions at an early clinical stage is the most common presentation pattern of patients with MALT lymphoma, but an MLP appearance at an early stage is also possible. On the other hand, MLP appearance with an advanced clinical stage is the main presentation pattern in patients with MCL, although multiple protrusions with an early clinical stage is also possible. Histological and immunohistochemical investigation including that of cyclin D1 and CD5 expression is essential to make the final diagnosis.

Adult↗

Comparison of changes in jugular venous bulb oxygen saturation and cerebral oxygen saturation during variations of haemoglobin concentration under propofol and sevoflurane anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: A severe reduction in haemoglobin concentration can lead to a decrease in jugular venous bulb oxygen saturation (Sj(O(2))). However, recent evidences suggests that cerebral oxygen saturation (Sc(O(2))) measured by near infrared spectroscopy decreased during even mild haemodilution. We therefore tested the hypothesis that the changes in Sc(O(2)) may not be parallel to those in Sj(O(2)) during haemodilution. In addition, as cerebral oxygen balance during the operation can vary depending on the anaesthetics used, the changes in Sj(O(2)) and Sc(O(2)) during haemodilution were compared between patients under propofol and isoflurane/nitrous oxide anaesthesia. METHODS: Forty-two patients with pre-donated autologous blood were randomly assigned to receive propofol (Group P) or sevoflurane/nitrous oxide (Group S) anaesthesia. A fibreoptic catheter was placed in the jugular bulb to measure Sj(O(2)). A cerebral oximeter, INVOS 4100S was used to monitor Sc(O(2)). Arterial and jugular bulb blood samples were drawn simultaneously at: (i) 10 min after the start of operation, (ii) after 400 ml of blood loss, (iii) after 800 ml of blood loss, (iv) just before the transfusion of pre-donated autologous blood, and (v) after 400 ml transfusion. RESULTS: Mean (sd) control values of Sj(O(2)) in Group P were significantly lower than those in Group S (55 (8)% vs 71 (10)%, respectively; P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in control values of Sc(O(2)) between the two groups. During the operation, haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations significantly deceased in the both groups compared with control values (from 9.8 to 7.6 g dl(-1) in Group P and from 9.9 to 8.0 g dl(-1) in Group S). During a reduction in Hb concentration, Sj(O(2)) values remained unchanged in both groups, whereas Sc(O(2)) values significantly decreased in both groups (from 57 to 51% in Group P and from 59 to 52% in Group S). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that, although the changes in Sj(O(2)) and Sc(O(2)) during a reduction in haemoglobin concentration were similar under propofol and sevoflurane/nitrous oxide anaesthesia, the changes in Sc(O(2)) were not parallel to those in Sj(O(2)). The discrepancy of the results in Sj(O(2)) and Sc(O(2)) may make the interpretation of their values difficult during haemodilution.

Adult↗

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on human corneal epithelial outgrowth from limbal explant in culture.

AIM: To investigate the relation between intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression and cellular dynamics occurring concomitantly with epithelial cell movement. METHODS: Outgrowing epithelial sheets of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells from cultured limbal explants were examined by immunoperoxidase staining with anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody. An adhesion assay was performed using the epithelial sheets of HCE cells and an Epstein-Barr virus (EVB) infected B cell lymphoma cell line (EVB(+)BJAB) expressing CD11a/CD18, a counter-receptor of ICAM-1. Also, the effect of calphostin C, a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, on ICAM-1 expression on the outgrowing epithelial sheets of HCE cells was examined. RESULTS: Strong positive staining for ICAM-1 was found predominantly on HCE cells in the marginal segment of the epithelial sheet, particularly on the cells at the leading edge. EBV(+)BJAB cells adhering to the HCE cells corresponded well to the area of ICAM-1 staining. Treatment of outgrowing epithelial sheets with calphostin C markedly decreased the ICAM-1 expression on the HCE cells. CONCLUSION: ICAM-1 is actively expressed on HCE cells in the marginal segment of the outgrowing epithelial sheets where there is active movement mediated through a PKC dependent mechanism, suggesting the role of ICAM-1 in epithelial cell motility such as the spreading and migration of cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

Association of CYP2A6 deletion polymorphism with smoking habit and development of pulmonary emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine is responsible for smoking dependence and is mainly metabolised by CYP2A6. Several types of genetic polymorphism of CYP2A6 have been reported, but their relation to smoking habit and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotypes has not been fully clarified. METHODS: 203 current or ex-smokers (lifelong cigarette consumption (CC) >/=10 pack years) with subclinical and established COPD phenotypes were clinically evaluated and pulmonary function tests and a chest CT scan were performed (smoker group). The non-smoker group consisted of 123 healthy volunteers. CYP2A6 genotypes were determined in both groups. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects with a CYP2A6del allele (genotype D) was lower in heavy smokers (20.5%, n=88, CC >/=60 pack years) than in light smokers (37.4%, n=115, CC 10-59 pack years, chi(2)=6.8, p=0.01) or non-smokers (36.1%, n=122, chi(2)=6.0, p=0.01); lower in ex-smokers (20.7%, n=111) than in current smokers (41.3%, n=92, chi(2)=10.1, p<0.01); and lower in smokers with a high LAA (low attenuation area) score on the chest CT scan (18.4%, n=76, LAA >/=8.0) than in those with a low LAA score (37.0%, n=127, LAA <8.0, chi(2)=7.8, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with the CYP2A6del allele tend not to be heavy habitual smokers but can be light habitual smokers. The CYP2A6del polymorphism may inhibit smokers from giving up smoking, but appears to function as a protective factor against the development of pulmonary emphysema independent of smoking habit.

Aged↗

Zolmitriptan is effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with migraine: a dose-response study.

This phase II study investigated the efficacy, tolerability and dose-response relationship of oral zolmitriptan in the treatment of a single migraine attack in Japanese patients. A bridging analysis then assessed the validity of extrapolating western clinical data to these Japanese patients. In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients received a single dose of placebo or zolmitriptan 1, 2.5 or 5 mg. The primary endpoints were 2-h headache response and the tolerability of zolmitriptan. A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed for the 2-h headache response (P=0.003). The 2.5 mg group had significantly greater 2-h headache response than the placebo group (P=0.032). The adverse event profile was similar to that reported in western patients, and no adverse events unique to the Japanese population were observed. The bridging analysis report confirmed similar efficacy and tolerability of zolmitriptan in Japanese and western populations. In the Japanese patients, the estimated response rates were 34.3%, 45.2%, 57.7% and 66.2% for placebo, and zolmitriptan 1, 2.5 and 5 mg, respectively, while in the western population the corresponding rates were 39.9%, 49.6%, 61.2% and 71.7%. Zolmitriptan is effective and well tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine in Japanese patients. The optimal dose was 2.5 mg, although the 5 mg dose may provide further benefit for some patients. The bridging analysis supports extrapolation of data from western to Japanese patients.

Adult↗

Experimental Helicobacter pylori gastric infection in miniature pigs.

An experimental Helicobacter pylori infection in miniature pigs was developed and investigated. Eighteen miniature pigs were inoculated with an H. pylori strain that has high virulence in mice at c. 5 x 10(10) cfu. H. pylori infection in miniature pigs was achieved by the administration of agar 1% in brucella broth with fetal bovine serum 10% just before inoculation. The bacterial colonisation and distribution were analysed by mapping of viable cell counts in the stomach in pigs of three different ages. The mapping assay was achieved on post-infection day 3 for the 5-day-old and 2-week-old pigs, and between days 41 and 43 for 3-month-old pigs. The highest cell counts were observed in 5-day-old pigs, which averaged 4.9 x 10(6) cfu/g of mucosa (n = 4). The bacteria were colonised mainly in the cardiac and fundus gland region in the 5-day-old and 2-week-old pigs, whereas the colonisation sites did not depend on the region in the 3-month-old pigs. Biopsy assay of the antral mucosa of a 3-month-old pig after H. pylori infection showed that this infection persisted for >22 months. Serum antibody against H. pylori was detected in the infected pigs but not in the uninfected animal. Immunostaining demonstrated the presence of bacteria on the epithelial surface of the infected pigs. A microscopic finding common to all the infected pigs, focal gastritis with infiltration of lymphocytes detected on the lesser curvature of the stomach, resembled the microscopic appearance in H. pylori-infected human patients. These results suggest that miniature pigs might be a suitable model for studying H. pylori infection.

Age Factors↗

Effects of dipyridamole and aspirin on shear-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: Shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) is an important mechanism of thrombosis at arterial bifurcations or stenotic lesions. METHODS: We investigated the in vitro effects of dipyridamole (DP) and acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) on SIPA in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). RESULTS: In whole blood, DP 20 microM significantly inhibited SIPA, while DP 5 microM or ASA 5 or 20 microM did not. SIPA in whole blood was, however, significantly inhibited by the combination of 5 or 20 microM of DP and ASA. SIPA in PRP was not inhibited by any concentration of DP or ASA, alone or in combination. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DP has an effect on red blood cells and that ASA enhances the inhibitory effect of DP on SIPA in whole blood. These effects may be related to the additive effect of combination therapy with DP and ASA on stroke prevention.

Adult↗

Structures of F420H2:NADP+ oxidoreductase with and without its substrates bound.

Cofactor F420 is a 5'-deazaflavin derivative first discovered in methanogenic archaea but later found also to be present in some bacteria. As a coenzyme, it is involved in hydride transfer reactions and as a prosthetic group in the DNA photolyase reaction. We report here for the first time on the crystal structure of an F420-dependent oxidoreductase bound with F420. The structure of F420H2:NADP+ oxidoreductase resolved to 1.65 A contains two domains: an N-terminal domain characteristic of a dinucleotide-binding Rossmann fold and a smaller C-terminal domain. The nicotinamide and the deazaflavin part of the two coenzymes are bound in the cleft between the domains such that the Si-faces of both face each other at a distance of 3.1 A, which is optimal for hydride transfer. Comparison of the structures bound with and without substrates reveals that of the two substrates NADP has to bind first, the binding being associated with an induced fit.

Binding Sites↗

Induction of CCR7 expression in thymocytes requires both ERK signal and Ca(2+) signal.

CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression is crucial for thymocyte trafficking across the corticomedullary junction in the thymus and for lymph node homing of naive T cells. However, the induction mechanism of CCR7 expression is vastly unknown. In isolated CD4+CD8+CCR7-thymocytes, a moderate 20-h pulse stimulation with a combination of the calcium ionophore ionomycin and the protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate induced CCR7 expression and CD8 downregulation. Similar changes were induced in a CD4+CD8+CCR7- T cell line upon stimulation with the same combination of reagents, but not with either one alone. These changes were inhibited by U0126, an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (ERKK/MEK). The transfectants expressing a constitutively active form of the MEK kinase Raf-1 became CD4+CD8+CCR7+ upon stimulation with ionomycin alone. Thus, Raf-1-mediated signals and Ca(2+)-dependent signals are essential to induce CCR7 expression in CD4+CD8+ T cells and thymocytes as well as their differentiation.

Animals↗

Measurement of platelet fibrinogen binding and p-selectin expression by flow cytometry in patients with cerebral infarction.

We determined the percentages of fibrinogen-bound and P-selectin-expressed platelets in whole blood using flow cytometry in 254 patients with various cerebral infarction subtypes, as well as in 30 age-matched controls. Patients with atherothrombotic stroke showed significant increases in both fibrinogen-bound and P-selectin-expressed platelets. Patients with lacunar stroke also showed significant increases in both of them, but the percentage of P-selectin expression was significantly lower than that in atherothrombotic stroke. Patients with cardioembolic stroke showed a significant increase in P-selectin-expressed platelets without any increase in fibrinogen-bound platelets. Platelet fibrinogen binding and P-selectin expression were significantly lower in patients treated with ticlopidine but not with aspirin than in those not treated with any antiplatelet agent, and were lowest in those treated with both ticlopidine and aspirin. Our findings suggest that expression of adhesion molecules on platelet membrane surface differs among the patients with subtypes of ischemic stroke and differs among the types of antiplatelet regimens.

Adult↗

EAAT1 and EAAT2 immunoreactivity in transgenic mice with a G93A mutant SOD1 gene.

Immunocytochemical and quantitative analyses were used to correlate the localisation of excitatory amino acid transporter proteins EAAT1, EAAT2 with time in spinal motoneurones of presymptomatic and symptomatic mice with the G93A mutant SOD1 gene. Specimens from age-matched non-transgenic wild-type mice served as controls. EAAT1 and EAAT2 immunoreactivity was well-preserved in the gray matter in both controls and transgenic mice at all ages, and there was no difference in the expression of EAAT1 and EAAT2 immunoreactivity between controls and transgenic mice. These findings suggest that EAAT1 and EAAT2 may not play a pivotal role in the degeneration of motoneurons in this animal model.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Autoimmunity against the second extracellular loop of beta(1)-adrenergic receptors induces beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization and myocardial hypertrophy in vivo.

Although immunoapheresis removing autoantibodies against the second extracellular domain of beta(1)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) improves cardiac function in patients with cardiomyopathy, the underlying mechanisms have not been defined. We examined the role of autoimmunity against the domain in the development of cardiac dysfunction in vivo. Japanese white rabbits were immunized with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the second extracellular loop of beta(1)-AR once a month with (beta+biso rabbits, n=10) or without (beta rabbits, n=13) bisoprolol treatment (2 mg/kg per day). Control rabbits received vehicle without bisoprolol treatment (n=13). Autoantibodies of IgG isotype against the domain were persistently detected in beta and beta+biso rabbits. Purified IgG from sera of beta and beta+biso rabbits increased cAMP production in a rabbit cardiac membrane preparation, which was blocked by bisoprolol. At 3 months, beta-AR uncoupling with increased G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) expression was found in beta rabbits. At 6 months, left ventricular hypertrophy was noted with hemodynamic derangements in beta rabbits. This was accompanied by decreased beta(1)-AR density and increased inhibitory G protein and GRK5 expression, which were related to marked decrease in membrane cAMP production. These changes in beta rabbits at 6 months were prevented in beta+biso rabbits. There was no difference in the plasma norepinephrine concentration in the 3 groups over the observation period. Thus, autoimmunity against the second extracellular loop of beta(1)-ARs induced profound beta-AR desensitization and myocardial hypertrophy in vivo, associated with cardiac dysfunction. Sustained sympathomimetic-like actions of autoantibodies against the domain may be partly responsible for these changes.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

We investigated the spinal cords of 15 patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) immunohistochemically using an anti-human neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibody to examine whether there is increased nNOS immunoreactivity in anterior horn neurons. Specimens from 16 patients without any neurological disease served as controls. In the controls, nNOS immunoreactivity of large anterior horn neurons was detected in 10 out of 16 cases. However, there were few nNOS-positive neurons, and most of large anterior horn neurons were spared. In the ALS patients, the mean number of nNOS-positive anterior horn neurons per transverse section of L4 and L5 was significantly larger (16.2 +/- 10.9) than that in the controls (7.0 +/- 9.2) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, 41.4% of large anterior horn neurons in ALS showed nNOS immunoreactivity in remarkable contrast to 7.6% in the controls. All ALS patients, whether showing mild, moderate or severe depletion of anterior horn neurons, displayed a higher percentage of nNOS-positive anterior horn neurons than the control patients showing nNOS immunoreactivity (P < 0.01). Most of the remaining anterior horn neurons in ALS showed more intense nNOS immunoreactivity on the surface of the neurons and their neuronal processes compared with the controls. Degenerated anterior horn neurons frequently demonstrated more intense nNOS immunoreactivity on the surface of the neurons than normal-appearing neurons. Some anterior horn cells displayed nNOS immunoreactivity in the somata. Dot-like nNOS deposits on anterior horn neurons were also positively immunoreactive with anti-synaptophysin antibody. Thus, increased nNOS expression is located mainly at the synaptic sites on the anterior horn neurons in sporadic ALS, which may be related to the degeneration of anterior horn neurons in this disease. Further studies are needed to determine whether the increased nNOS immunoreactivity plays a neuroprotective or neurotoxic role in the anterior horn neurons, and to show nitric oxide production in ALS.

Adult↗