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M Minami

Publications and source records attributed to M Minami.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Examination of force-production properties during static explosive grip based on force-time curve parameters.

The present study attempts to clarify the properties of force-time curves in the force-development phase during static explosive grip exertion and to determine force-time parameters in relation to static explosive strength. 80 healthy young males (age 17.8 +/- 2.5 yr.) exerted maximal isometric force as fast and forcefully as possible. In total, 21 variables, e.g., time to fixed level, integrated area, average force, integrated area to fixed time, force at the maximal rate of force development, and maximal rate of force development, were selected as force-time parameters. Good reliability was obtained for average force in force levels above 90% of maximal strength (.64-.93), integrated area to a fixed time of 1.0-2.0 sec. (.86-.93), force at the maximal rate of force development (.67), and maximal rate of force development (.73). In addition, these values correlated closely with maximal grip strength (r= .65-.93). Further, significant differences in maximal grip strength, average force in force levels above 90% of maximal strength, integrated area to fixed time, and force at the maximal rate of force development were found among three groups categorized by average force in force levels of maximal strength. These results suggested that individual differences were present in the force-time curve patterns during the force-development phase of static explosive grip exertion and that the average force in force levels of maximal strength might be a valuable tool for evaluating static explosive strength.

Adolescent↗

[Opioid receptors].

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Analgesics, Opioid↗

[A case report of central respiratory failure due to hemimedullary syndrome].

A hemimedullary infarction, in which both medial and lateral medullary infarctions occur simultaneously, is a rare cerebrovascular disease. Pontomedullary lesions often cause central respiratory failure, and the majority of central respiratory failures are due to bilateral pontomedullary lesions. We report a 66-year-old man with central respiratory failure due to a hemimedullary infarction detected by magnetic resonance imaging. He was admitted to our hospital on March 7, 1998, because of a sudden onset of dysarthria, and both numbness and weakness on his left side. Soon after arriving at the hospital, his spontaneous respiration ceased. Therefore, he was intubated and artificial ventilation was started. Pertinent neurological abnormalities on admission consisted of dysarthria, dysphagia, right Horner's sign, right gaze evoked horizontal nystagmus, right soft palate palsy, and tongue deviation to the right. In addition, left hemiparesis, left Babinski's sign, sensory impairment on the left side including the face, and central respiratory failure were noted. Although voluntary respiration recovered in 12 days, sleep apnea continued for 5 months, which was considered to be due to the automatic respiratory failure. An important feature of this patient was that the hemimedullary infarction caused the central respiratory failure. To our knowledge, this is the third patient whose central respiratory failure occurred because of a hemimedullary infarction.

Aged↗

Influence of diet and occlusal support on learning memory in rats behavioral and biochemical studies.

In order to verify the relationship between tooth loss and the learning memory in rat, male Wistar rats (25 weeks old) were divided into three separate groups: a control group (fed with a solid diet); a soft diet group (fed with a powder diet containing the same components as the solid one) and a molarless group (all molars were removed at 25 weeks and then fed with a powder diet). To evaluate both learning ability and memory, rats were tested with a one-way step through type of passive avoidance apparatus divided into light and dark chambers at 40-weeks. After the passive avoidance test, determination of acetylcholine (ACh) concentration of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was performed. There was no significant difference between the molarless group and the control group in the response latency before the acquisition trails (non-stimulated period). At day 4 and 7 after the acquisition trials, the response latency of the molarless group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (p<0.05). The ACh levels of the molarless group in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). It was apparent that tooth loss had an association with a loss of discriminative learning ability. This study suggested that the decrease of masticatory function caused by tooth loss leads to a decrease of ACh synthesis resulting in a learning memory disorder.

Acetylcholine↗

Metabolism of ginsenoside Rg1 by intestinal bacteria. II. Immunological activity of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rh1.

AIM: To compare the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 and its metabolite Rh1 on proinflammatory cytokines and their mRNA expression by THP-1 cells. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with Rg1 and Rh1 at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/L, and the cell proliferation was measured 24 h after incubation. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect the production of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF alpha, IL-1 alpha, and IL-8. TNF alpha mRNA level was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after administration of Rg1 and Rh1. RESULTS: Rg1 and Rh1 (at concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/L) had no effect on PBMC proliferation. Rh1 1 mg/L could upregulate the productions of TNF (and IL-8 induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 10 mg/L plus phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) 200 nmol/L, however, Rg1 showed an inhibitory effect on TNF alpha production induced by LPS 100 mg/L. Rg1 1 mg/L and Rh1 100 mg/L enhanced the production of IL-1 alpha level in THP-1 cells in the presence of LPS 10 mg/L. RT-PCR revealed that Rh1 stimulated TNF alpha mRNA expression in suitable stimulatory conditions. CONCLUSION: Rg1 and Rh1 have different effects on the production of cytokines produced THP-1 cells stimulated by LPS and PMA.

Ginsenosides↗

Effects of polysaccharides (FI0-b) from mycelium of Ganoderma tsugae on proinflammatory cytokine production by THP-1 cells and human PBMC (I).

AIM: To compare the effects of water-soluble polysaccharides, FI0-b, and its formic acid-modified derivative, FI0-b-H, on production of human proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS: The polysaccharides were modified by formic acid. Cytokine production was quantitated by radioimmunoassay. mRNA for cytokines was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: FI0-b and FI0-b-H 4, 40, and 400 mg/L significantly downregulated interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) production by THP-1 cells induced by lypopolysaccharide (LPS) 1 or 10 mg/L and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) 200 nmol/L. At lower stimulation with LPS 10 mg/L and PMA 200 nmol/L, both polysaccharides significantly upregulated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) production by THP-1 cells. However, at higher stimulation with LPS 100 mg/L and PMA 200 nmol/L, they downregulated TNF alpha production. FI0-b-H downregulated interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by THP-1 cells at a lower-dose of LPS 1 mg/L and PMA 200 nmol/L, but upregulated IL-8 production at a higher-dose of LPS 10 mg/L and PMA 200 nmol/L. Production of cytokines (IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha) was transcriptionally or post-transcriptionally regulated by FI0-b and FI0-b-H. CONCLUSION: The water-soluble polysaccharides of Ganoderma tsugae mycelium have bidirectional immunomodulatory effects on cytokine production in different stimulatory conditions in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with FI0-b, FI0-b-H has more marked effects on human proinflammatory cytokine production.

Adult↗

Effects of polysaccharides (FI0-c) from mycelium of Ganoderma tsugae on proinflammatory cytokine production by THP-1 cells and human PBMC (II).

AIM: To study the effects of water-soluble polysaccharides. FI0-c, and its sulfated derivative, FI0-c-S, on production of human proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). METHODS: The herbal polysaccharides were modified by chlorosulfornic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO). Cytokine production was measured by radioimmunoassay, mRNA for the cytokines was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: FI0-c 4 mg/L itself induced IL-1 alpha production by THP-1 cells without stimulants, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). On the other hand, FI0-c and FI0-c-S inhibited the IL-1 alpha production by THP-1 cells with these stimulants. FI0-c and FI0-c-S significantly upregulated TNF alpha production by THP-1 cells without stimulants or at a low dose of LPS 10 mg/L and PMA 200 nmol/L, whereas these polysaccharides markedly downregulated the TNF alpha production by a high dose of LPS 100 mg/L and PMA. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responded to FI0-c and FI0-c-S in IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha production in a fashion similar to THP-1 cell responses. FI0-c 4 mg/L downregulated high-dose LPS- and PMA-induced IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha mRNA and their protein production by THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION: The water-soluble polysaccharides of Ganoderma tsugae mycelium have bidirectional immunomodulatory effects on cytokine production in different cell stimulatory conditions. Chemical modification of this polysaccharide changed the intensity of regulatory effect on cytokine production.

Adult↗

Pharmacological aspects of ipecac syrup (TJN-119)-induced emesis in ferrets.

In order to elucidate the precise mechanism of ipecac syrup (TJN-119) on the occurrence of vomiting, we examined the effects of ipecac syrup on the abdominal afferent nerve activity as well as on the 5-HT levels of the ileum and area postrema in ferrets. Oral administration of TJN-119 (0.5 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in afferent abdominal vagus nerve activity which lasted approximately 1 hour. The maximum response induced by TJN-119 was estimated to be 219 +/- 18% of the pre-injection level. Cephaeline or emetine, the main alkaloids of ipecac syrup, also demonstrated similar effects on afferent vagus nerve activity. TJN-119 increased the 5-HT content in the ileum but not in the area postrema. These observations illustrate possible mechanisms that may act at peripheral sites. It was recently reported that TJN-119 has a high affinity to 5-HT4 receptors (Hasegawa et al., unpublished data). These results suggest that 5-HT4 receptors may be involved in the emetic action of TJN-119.

Afferent Pathways↗

5-hydroxytryptamine induces transient Ca2+ influx through Ni2+-insensitive Ca2+ channels in rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

The effects of Ni2+, a non-selective cation channel inhibitor, on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)- and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in rat aortic smooth muscle cells were investigated. Ni2+ (1 mM) significantly inhibited the transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by Ang II (100 nM) in aortic smooth muscle cells, as measured using fura-2. However, Ni2+ did not suppress the transient increase in Ca2+ influx induced by 5-HT (10 microM), while significantly suppressed the sustained increase. Ca2+ influx evoked by high KCl (80 mM), thapsigargin (TG) (1 microM) or depletion of intracellular Ca2+ store was almost completely suppressed by Ni2+. Ni2+ had no effect on 5-HT-induced inositol triphosphate production and Ca2+ release from the intracellular store(s). These results suggest that 5-HT, but not Ang II, induces transient Ca2+ influx through Ni2+-insensitive Ca2+ channels, which are distinguishable from the voltage-dependent or store-operated Ca2+ channels.

Angiotensin II↗

Acute immunotoxicity of p-chloronitrobenzene in mice: II. Effect of p-chloronitrobenzene on the immunophenotype of murine splenocytes determined by flow cytometry.

To evaluate the immunotoxicity of p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB), we investigated its effect on the immunophenotype of murine splenocytes. BDF1 male mice were randomly divided into exposed and control groups: the exposed group received p-CNB at 300 mg/kg dissolved in olive oil, while the control group received only olive oil, by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. On days 3, 5, 7, and 10 after the injection, splenocytes were harvested from both groups, and the following cell phenotypes were quantified by flow cytometry: (1) B cells (CD45R/B220); (2) T cells (CD3e); (3) T-cell subsets (CD4 and CD8a); (4) natural killer (NK) cells (NK-1.1); (5) macrophages (CD11b; Mac-1); (6) nucleated erythrocytes (Ter-119); and (7) dead cells with propidium iodide (PI). The percentages and numbers of B, T, subsets of T (CD4 and CD8), and NK cells in the exposed mice significantly decreased as compared with the respective control. On the other hand, macrophages (Mac-1+ cells), nucleated erythrocytes (Ter-119+ cells), and dead cells in the exposed mice markedly increased as compared with the respective control after i.p. injection of p-CNB. The above findings indicate that p-CNB has an immunotoxic effect on mice.

Animals↗

Significant differences in the frequency of transcriptional units, types and numbers of repetitive elements, GC content, and the number of CpG islands between a 1010-kb G-band genomic segment on chromosome 9q31.3 and a 1200-kb R-band genomic segment on chromosome 3p21.3.

We determined the nucleotide sequence of the entire 1,010,525-bp insert contained in CEPH YAC clone 867e8. This human genomic segment was derived from chromosome 9q31.3 and corresponds to a G-band region. We compared this segment, in terms of structure, with a previously characterized 1,201,033-bp sequence in CEPH YAC936c1 that had come from a portion of human chromosome 3p21.3 corresponding to an R-band region. The two segments were significantly different with respect to the frequency of transcriptional units, the types and numbers of repetitive elements present, their GC content, and the number of CpG islands. Alu elements, GC content, and CpG islands all showed positive correlations with the abundance of exons, but the distribution of LINE1s did not. These observations might reflect an influence of the first three of these features on the functions or expression of genes in the respective regions. In addition to a novel gene (F36) lying at the centromeric end of the 9q segment, we found a cluster of placenta-specific genes within a small section (about 400 kb) on the telomeric side of YAC867e8. This cluster consisted of four apparently unrelated ESTs and two genes, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and a novel gene (tentatively named EST-YD1). Our characterization of the two chromosomal regions provided evidence that genes are not evenly distributed throughout the human genome, and that gene richness is correlated with the GC content and with the frequency of either Alu elements or CpG islands.

Alu Elements↗

Lysophosphatidylcholine phosphorylates CREB and activates the jun2TRE site of c-jun promoter in vascular endothelial cells.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a polar phospholipid increased in atherogenic lipoproteins and atherosclerotic lesions, has been shown to induce transcription of a variety of endothelial genes relevant to atherogenesis. Lyso-PC has been shown to activate c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) and thereby stimulate transcription of the c-jun gene. Here we provide evidence that lyso-PC can phosphorylate cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and thereby activate the jun2 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate response element (jun2TRE) site of the c-jun promoter, which appears to be the major molecular mechanism involved in lyso-PC-induced c-jun gene expression in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Transient transfection of BAEC with a 1.6-kbp c-jun promoter and luciferase reporter fusion gene resulted in a 12.9-fold increase in luciferase activity by lyso-PC treatment. Serial deletion mutation in c-jun promoter and luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that the 5' promoter region between nucleotide numbers -268 and -127, which contains a jun2TRE binding sequence, was most crucial for lyso-PC-induced transcription. The 5' promoter region between -76 and -27, which contains an AP-1 site, also affected lyso-PC-induced transcription of the c-jun gene. Point mutation in the jun2TRE site reduced lyso-PC-induced transcription of the c-jun promoter-luciferase fusion gene by a 70.3% decrease in c-jun promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed increased binding of (32)P-labeled oligonucleotides with jun2TRE in nuclear extracts isolated from lyso-PC-treated BAEC, which was abolished or supershifted by anti-CREB antibody. Immunoblotting with anti-phosphorylated CREB antibody showed rapid phosphorylation of this protein after lyso-PC treatment. These results indicate that lyso-PC phosphorylates CREB, which was then bound to the jun2TRE site of the c-jun promoter and activated transcription. Activation of jun2TRE may play a key role in the transcriptional activation of c-jun as well as other endothelial genes depending upon these transcription factors.

Animals↗

Pharmacological properties of TRK-820 on cloned mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors and nociceptin receptor.

We analyzed the pharmacological properties of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14beta-dihydroxy-4,5alpha-epoxy-6b eta-[N-methyl-trans-3-(3-furyl)acrylamido]morphinan hydrochloride (TRK-820) using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing cloned rat mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors and human nociceptin receptor. TRK-820 showed high affinity for the kappa-opioid receptor, with a Ki value of 3.5 +/- 0.9 nM. In CHO cells expressing kappa-opioid receptors, TRK-820 inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, and the maximal inhibitory effect was equivalent to that of (+)-(5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidiny l)-1-oxaspiro-(4,5)dec-8-yl]benzeneacetamide (U69,593), a full agonist of kappa-opioid receptor. In CHO cells expressing mu-opioid receptors, TRK-820 inhibited cAMP accumulation, but the maximal inhibitory effect was significantly smaller than that of [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO), a full agonist of mu-opioid receptor. In CHO cells expressing delta-opioid receptor, the inhibitory effect of TRK-820 on cAMP accumulation was very weak. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the high affinity of TRK-820 for the kappa-opioid receptor was revealed to require Glu297. TRK-820 bound to the nociceptin receptor with a Ki value of 380 +/- 50 nM. TRK-820 by itself had no effect on cAMP accumulation in CHO cells expressing nociceptin receptors, but significantly antagonized the nociceptin (10 nM)-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation at high concentrations. These results indicate that TRK-820 acts as a full agonist for the kappa-opioid receptor, a partial agonist for the mu-opioid receptor and a low-affinity antagonist for the nociceptin receptor.

Animals↗

P-selectin binding promotes the adhesion of monocytes to VCAM-1 under flow conditions.

This study examined the adhesive interaction of peripheral blood monocytes with VCAM-1 and analyzed the effect of P-selectin binding to monocytes on the adhesive interaction with VCAM-1 under flow conditions. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 is expressed on most monocytes. Furthermore, most monocytes bind soluble P-selectin derived from platelets. P-selectin binding to monocytes did not alter the amount of expression of alpha4 integrin on monocytes. However, the mean channel fluorescence value for binding Cy2-conjugated soluble VCAM-1 to P-selectin-bound monocytes was slightly more than that for binding Cy2-conjugated soluble VCAM-1 to untreated monocytes. Under flow conditions, the number of P-selectin-bound monocytes bound to VCAM-1 was much higher than that of untreated monocytes bound to VCAM-1. These bindings were abolished by pretreatment of untreated monocytes and P-selectin-bound monocytes with anti-VCAM-1 mAb or anti-alpha4 integrin mAb. Furthermore, P-selectin binding to monocytes increased shear resistance and thus increased the adhesive strength of monocytes to VCAM-1. These findings indicate that P-selectin binding to monocytes enhances the adhesive interaction of monocytes with VCAM-1. It is suggested that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1/P-selectin interaction and alpha4 integrin/VCAM-1 interaction can act sequentially in the adhesion cascade that regulates monocyte trafficking to inflammatory and atherosclerotic lesion.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Nitric oxide production by bronchoalveolar cells during allograft rejection in the rat.

BACKGROUND: We reported the increased nitric oxide (NO) level in exhaled air of rat lung transplant recipients during acute rejection (AR). The aim of this study was to determine the site and level of NO production in the rejected graft. METHODS: Rat lung transplantation was performed in isografts and allografts. RESULTS: In isografts, no AR and no significant increase in NO production was identified. In allografts, grades I-II of AR was seen on postoperative day (POD) 3 and grade III on POD 5. NO produced by BAL cells increased on both POD 3 (11.8+/-2.0 parts per billion [ppb]) and POD 5 (115.3+/-66.9 ppb). There was a highly significant correlation between the level of NO and the severity of AR (p=0.862, P<0.005). BAL cells from allografts expressed iNOS mRNA. Among them, macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils were immunostained for iNOS. CONCLUSION: NO produced by BAL cells was detected in the early stages of rejection. Therefore, it may serve as a sensitive indicator of AR in lung transplantation.

Animals↗

Expression of lectinlike oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in human atherosclerotic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) seems to play key roles in atherogenesis. Lectinlike Ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a recently identified cell-surface receptor for Ox-LDL. The relationship of this novel receptor for Ox-LDL to atherogenesis, however, has not yet been clarified. In this study, we explored the expression of LOX-1 in the atherosclerotic lesions of human carotid arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using carotid endarterectomy specimens obtained from 21 patients and 2 samples of normal human aortas, we examined LOX-1 expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In aortas without atherosclerosis, LOX-1 expression was undetectable by immunohistochemistry and negligible by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In carotid arteries, luminal endothelial cells covering early atherosclerotic lesions were more frequently positive for LOX-1 expression than those in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Endothelial cells in the intimal neovasculature of advanced lesions also expressed LOX-1. In addition, macrophages and smooth muscle cells in the intima of advanced atherosclerotic plaques were positive for LOX-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: LOX-1 may play important roles in Ox-LDL uptake and subsequent functional alteration in the luminal endothelium in early atherosclerotic lesions and in intimal neovascular endothelial cells in advanced plaques. Furthermore, LOX-1 may also be involved in Ox-LDL uptake and subsequent foam cell transformation in macrophages and smooth muscle cells in the atherosclerotic intima.

Aged↗

Supersensitization of the adenylyl cyclase system in Chinese hamster ovary cells co-expressing cloned opioid receptors and Gz, a PTX-insensitive G protein.

Chronic and/or sustained stimulation of opioid receptors has been shown to lead to an increase in activity of the adenylyl cyclase (AC) system via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi/o, family G protein. In the present study, we examined whether supersensitization of the AC system is induced via a PTX-insensitive G protein, Gz, activation of which leads to the inhibition of AC activity. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing either mu- or kappa-opioid receptors, acute treatment with morphine or U69,593, but not naloxone or norbinaltorphimine, respectively, suppressed forskolin-induced cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation, while sustained (4 h) treatment with the opioid agonists induced cAMP overshoot above the naive level (supersensitization of the AC system). Both effects were completely blocked by pretreatment with PTX. In CHO cells co-expressing mu- or kappa-opioid receptors and alpha(z), inhibitory effects of cAMP accumulation by acute treatment with the opioid agonists and supersensitization of the AC system by sustained treatment with them were induced despite pretreatment with PTX. These data suggest that supersensitization of the AC system is induced by sustained opioid agonist treatment not only via Gi/o but also via Gz.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗

Complete DNA sequence and characterization of a 330-kb VNTR-rich region on chromosome 6q27 that is commonly deleted in ovarian cancer.

We report the complete genomic DNA sequence and the characterization of a 330-kb region on chromosome 6q27 that is often deleted in ovarian cancers. Using computer programs to predict exonic sequences, we isolated four novel genes, HGC6.1-4, as well as the known AF-6 gene. None of the deduced products of the novel genes exhibited significant homology to previously known proteins. We also identified ten microsatellites and 12 different VNTR sequences within the target region. HGC6.3 contained a VNTR within a coding exon, each repeat consisting of 42 nucleotides; the predicted 14-amino-acid consensus unit is MTPTVFSSQHTAGG. At least nine different sizes of this VNTR locus were detected among 20 unrelated DNA samples from caucasians. The polymorphic markers and the transcript map documented here may contribute to identification of novel genes or allelic aberrations associated with the development of ovarian cancers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗