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Biomedical subjects

M Mizugaki

Publications and source records attributed to M Mizugaki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Simultaneous quantification of prostaglandins in human synovial cell-cultured medium using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

A liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS-MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of prostaglandin (PG) E(2), PGF(2alpha), 6-keto-PGF(lalpha) and thromboxane (TX) B(2). These eicosanoids and their deuterium derivatives, using as internal standards, were extracted by solid-phase extraction and analyzed using LC/MS-MS in the selected reaction-monitoring (SRM) mode. A good linear response over the range of 10 pg to 10 ng for each eicosanoid was demonstrated. The accuracy of added eicosanoids ranged from 94.1 to 106.6% and coefficients of variation ranged from 0.62 to 7.8%. Furthermore, we applied this method for the determination of eicosanoids in the human synovial cell-cultured medium, stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS produced each eicosanoid and they increased in a time-dependent manner. The production levels after 24 h stimulation were 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) > PGE(2) > TXB(2) >> PGF(2alpha). This simultaneous quantification method is so useful to clarify the function of synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Calibration↗

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma on thromboxane A(2) and prostaglandin E(2) production in macrophage cell lines.

We studied the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) activation on thromboxane A(2)(TXA(2)) and prostaglandin E(2)(PGE(2)) production in monocyte/macrophage cell lines. In present experiment, we used human peripheral blood monocyte (PBMC), monocyte-cell line THP-1 and mouse macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. The expression of PPARgamma is reported in PBMC and THP-1. Synthetic PPARgamma ligands (troglitazone or BRL49653) inhibited TXA(2) production and enhanced PGE(2) production of PBMC and THP-1. When treated with 0.5-10 microM of troglitazone, there were no significant changes of TXA(2) and PGE(2) production of RAW264.7 cells, which express very low levels of PPARgamma. When RAW264.7 cells was transfected with PPARgamma expression plasmid and treated with troglitazone, PPARgamma was activated in a dose-dependent manner. In PPARgamma-transfected RAW264.7, TXA(2) production was decreased and PGE(2) production was increased by troglitazone treatment. But it needs high concentration of troglitazone (10 microM) for increasing PGE(2) production. These results suggest that PPARgamma may have negative effect on TXA(2) production, and also have slightly positive effect on PGE(2) production of macrophage.

Animals↗

Influence of anesthesia on brain distribution of [(11)C]methamphetamine in monkeys in positron emission tomography (PET) study.

We investigated the influence of anesthesia on the brain distribution of [11C]methamphetamine (MAP) obtained by the positron emission tomography (PET) using the normal rhesus monkeys. We clarified that the brain uptake of [11C]MAP under halothane anesthesia was faster and higher than that under pentobarbital. The difference of the effect of anesthesia is an important problem in pharmacokinetic study in PET with experimental animals.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

Concise synthesis of ciguatoxin ABC-ring fragments and surface plasmon resonance study of the interaction of their BSA conjugates with monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 4H2 and 6H7, were prepared previously using a protein conjugate of a 1:1 epimeric mixture of the synthetic ABC-ring fragments of ciguatoxin (CTX), 3 and 4. Here, the interactions of these mAbs with the fragments of CTX and CTX3C, 3 and 5, were investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy in an attempt to clarify an antigenic determinant. Compared with the previous synthesis, the fragment 3 possessing the 2S configuration was synthesized from tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal much more effectively. The mAb 4H2 was already known to show a dose-dependent binding to the bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate of 3, but not to that of 5. The present SPR study of 4H2 demonstrates that the A-ring side chain of 3 plays a decisive role as an epitope. Therefore, SPR can effectively replace the ELISA method for the analysis of mAbs.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors cause motor deficits in mice.

We investigated possible motor effects of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), an neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an non-selective NOS inhibitor in mice using catalepsy and pole tests in comparison with dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist, haloperidol. We also studied the change in dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) contents of these compounds. The administration of 7-NI and L-NAME (40-160 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently induced motor deficit in both catalepsy and pole tests. The motor deficit induced by 7-NI was more pronounced than the one produced by L-NAME. In contrast, haloperidol showed a marked motor deficit in mice. Haloperidol showed a marked motor deficit as compared with 7-NI and L-NAME. For dopamine, DOPAC and HVA contents, haloperidol exhibited a significant decrease in dopamine content and a significant increase in DOPAC and HVA content in the striatum. In contrast, 7-NI showed a significant increase in the striatal dopamine content. However, 7-NI had no significant change in the striatal DOPAC and HVA contents. On the other hand, no significant change in the striatal dopamine, DOPAC and HVA contents was observed in L-NAME-treated mice. The present study also showed that the motor deficit induced by 7-NI or L-NAME was significantly attenuated by the treatment with L-arginine. These results demonstrate that NOS inhibitors as well as dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist haloperidol can induce motor deficit in mice. The present study also suggests that the mechanism in the motor deficit caused by NOS inhibitors may be different from that in the motor deficit induced by haloperidol. Furthermore, our findings suggest that nNOS may play some role in control of motor behavior.

Animals↗

Biochemical and immunohistological changes in the brain of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mouse.

We investigated neurochemically and neuropathologically the utility of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice as a model of Parkinson's disease. The changes in dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and dopamine uptake sites were determined by quantitative autoradiography using [3H]SCH23390, [3H]raclopride and [3H]mazindol, respectively. Dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) contents in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The distribution of nigral neurons and reactive astrocytes was determined by immunohistochemical staining with antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The mice received four intraperitoneal injections of MPTP (10 mg/kg) at 1-h intervals and then the brains were analyzed at 3 and 7 days after the treatments. No significant change in dopamine D1 receptors was observed in the striatum and substantia nigra after acute treatment with MPTP. Dopamine D2 receptors were reduced significantly in the substantia nigra only 7 days after the MPTP treatment, whereas striatum showed no significant change in the binding throughout the experiments. In contrast, dopamine uptake sites were reduced markedly in the striatum and substantia nigra 3 and 7 days after the MPTP treatment. Dopamine and DOPAC content were also reduced in the striatum 3 and 7 days after the MPTP treatment. An immunohistochemical study indicated a loss of the number of TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra 7 days after the MPTP treatment. In contrast, numerous GFAP-positive astrocytes were evident in the striatum 7 days after the MPTP treatment. These results provide valuable information for the pathogenesis of acute stage of Parkinson's disease.

Animals↗

Increased urinary leukotriene E4 excretion in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTs) is known to play a part in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVES: To define the involvement of cysteinyl LTs in atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: Synthesis of cysteinyl LTs was assessed in patients with AD and healthy volunteers by measuring urinary LTE4, a useful index of systemic cysteinyl LT synthesis, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD urinary LTE4 levels in patients with AD (125 +/- 69 pg mg(-1) creatinine, n = 20) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in healthy volunteers (60 +/- 19 pg mg(-1) creatinine, n = 17). A significant correlation between urinary LTE4 and total serum IgE levels in patients with AD was observed (r = 0.643, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate an enhanced synthesis of cysteinyl LTs in patients with AD and suggest that cysteinyl LTs are involved in the pathophysiology of AD.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of urinary prostacyclin and thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring.

We investigated production of prostacyclin and the urinary ratio of thromboxane and prostacyclin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The prostacyclin production level was assessed according to the level of urinary 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha)measuring by gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring. In patients receiving medication, the prostacyclin level was lower and the thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio was greater compare with that of healthy volunteers. The prostacyclin level in patients without medication was approximately 4-fold higher than that of healthy volunteers and 8-fold higher than those of medicated groups. Although the ratio of the group without medication was similar to that of healthy volunteers, the urinary levels of each prostanoid were higher than those of other groups. Then, the ratios of groups receiving steroids were higher than that of other groups owing to high TX level. The present findings demonstrated that endogenous prostacyclin and thromboxane production increased in patients without medication, and prostacyclin production decreased with medication.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Relationship between thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio and diabetic vascular complications.

To elucidate the relationship between the thromboxane A2/prostacyclin (TXA2/PGI2) ratio and diabetic complications, the levels of 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha, the urinary metabolites of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin, were measured in diabetics by gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring. We compared the TXA2/PGI2 ratio in healthy volunteers and diabetics. The TXA2/PGI2 ratio of diabetics was significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers and we could reconfirm the hypercoagulable condition in diabetics. We also investigated the difference of TXA2/PGI2 levels in diabetics with retinopathy and neuropathy. The TXA2/PGI2 ratio of diabetics with retinopathy showed significantly higher level than without retinopathy. However, the TXA2/PGI2 ratio of diabetics with neuropathy was the same as without neuropathy. These results suggest that the TXA2/PGI2 ratio reflects the pathological conditions of diabetes, especially the change of vasculature. The monitoring and improvement of TXA2/PGI2 ratio could be useful for the prevention of diabetic vascular complications.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Increased expression of queuosine synthesizing enzyme, tRNA-guanine transglycosylase, and queuosine levels in tRNA of leukemic cells.

Queuosine is a modified nucleoside located at the first position of the tRNA anticodon, which is synthesized by tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT). Although the levels of queuosine in cancer cells have been reported to be lower than those in normal cells, the expression levels of TGT remain to be determined. We determined the expression levels of a subunit of TGT (TGT60KD). Contrary of our expectations, the results revealed higher levels of expression of TGT60KD than that in normal cells, and the level of queuosine in the tRNA fraction corresponded with that of TGT60KD expression. These results suggest the possibilities that the expression levels of TGT60KD regulate TGT activity and the levels of queuosine, and that TGT60KD plays significant roles in carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, this is a first report of increased expression levels of TGT60KD in human cancer cells.

Humans↗

Central serotonergic mechanisms on head twitch response induced by benzodiazepine receptor agonists.

Intraperitoneal injection of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (estazolam, zopiclone, triazolam: 0.03-0.24 mmol/kg) induces the head twitch response (HTR). The present study was undertaken to examine the possible participation of the serotonergic system in the mechanism of head twitches induced by benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZ-RAs). The HTR induced by BZ-RAs was suppressed by pretreatment with ketanserine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, also suppressed the HTR induced by BZ-RAs. These results suggest that the HTR induced by BZ-RAs may be the result of an activation of postsynaptic 5-HT(2) receptors, probably due to direct action.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

Expression of DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1) in testicular germ cells during development of mouse embryo.

The DNA methylation pattern is reprogrammed in embryonic germ cells. In female germ cells, the short-form DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1, which is an alternative isoform specifically expressed in growing oocytes, plays a crucial role in maintaining imprinted genes. To evaluate the contribution of Dnmt1 to the DNA methylation in male germ cells, the expression profiles of Dnmt1 in embryonic gonocytes were investigated. We detected a significant expression of Dnmt1 in primordial germ cells in 12.5-14.5 day postcoitum (dpc) embryos. The expression of Dnmt1 was downregulated after 14.5 dpc after which almost no Dnmt1 was detected in gonocytes prepared from 18.5 dpc embryos. The short-form Dnmt1 also was not detected in the 16.5-18.5 dpc gonocytes. On the other hand, Dnmt1 was constantly detected in Sertoli cells at 12.5-18.5 dpc. The expression profiles of Dnmt1 were similar to that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker for proliferating cells, suggesting that Dnmt1 was specifically expressed in the proliferating male germ cells. Inversely, genome-wide DNA methylation occurred after germ cell proliferation was arrested, when the Dnmt1 expression was downregulated. The present results indicate that not Dnmt1 but some other type of DNA methyltransferase contributes to the creation of DNA methylation patterns in male germ cells.

Animals↗

Comparative effects of perilla and fish oils on the activity and gene expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes in rat liver.

The activity and mRNA level of hepatic enzymes in fatty acid oxidation and synthesis were compared in rats fed diets containing either 15% saturated fat (palm oil), safflower oil rich in linoleic acid, perilla oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid or fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) for 15 days. The mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation rate was 50% higher in rats fed perilla and fish oils than in the other groups. Perilla and fish oils compared to palm and safflower oils approximately doubled and more than tripled, respectively, peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation rate. Compared to palm and safflower oil, both perilla and fish oils caused a 50% increase in carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity. Dietary fats rich in n-3 fatty acids also increased the activity of other fatty acid oxidation enzymes except for 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. The extent of the increase was greater with fish oil than with perilla oil. Interestingly, both perilla and fish oils decreased the activity of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase measured using short- and medium-chain substrates. Compared to palm and safflower oils, perilla and fish oils increased the mRNA level of many mitochondrial and peroxisomal enzymes. Increases were generally greater with fish oil than with perilla oil. Fatty acid synthase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase activity and mRNA level were higher in rats fed palm oil than in the other groups. Among rats fed polyunsaturated fats, activities and mRNA levels of these enzymes were lower in rats fed fish oil than in the animals fed perilla and safflower oils. The values were comparable between the latter two groups. Safflower and fish oils but not perilla oil, compared to palm oil, also decreased malic enzyme activity and mRNA level. Examination of the fatty acid composition of hepatic phospholipid indicated that dietary alpha-linolenic acid is effectively desaturated and elongated to form EPA and DHA. Dietary perilla oil and fish oil therefore exert similar physiological activity in modulating hepatic fatty acid oxidation, but these dietary fats considerably differ in affecting fatty acid synthesis.

3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases↗

Genetic analysis of thiopurine methyltransferase polymorphism in a Japanese population.

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyses the S-methylation of thiopurine drugs such as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, and azathiopurine. Several mutations in the TPMT gene have been identified which correlate with a low activity phenotype. The molecular basis for the genetic polymorphism of TPMT has been established for European Caucasians, African-Americans, Southwest Asians and Chinese, but it remains to be elucidated in Japanese populations. The frequency of the four allelic variants of the TPMT gene, TPMT*2 (G238C), TPMT*3A (G460A and A719G), TPMT*3B (G460A) and TPMT*3C (A719G) were determined in Japanese samples (n=192) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP and allele-specific PCR-based assays. TPMT*3C was found in 0.8% of the samples (three heterozygotes). The TPMT*2, TPMT*3A and TPMT*3B alleles were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. This study provides the first analysis of TPMT mutant allele frequency in a sample of Japanese population and indicates that TPMT*3C is the most common allele in Japanese subjects.

Alleles↗

Sequential changes of cholinergic and dopaminergic receptors in brains after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle in rats.

We studied sequential changes in muscarinic cholinergic receptors, high-affinity choline uptake sites and dopamine D2 receptors in the brain after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. The animals were unilaterally lesioned in the medial forebrain bundle and the brains were analyzed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postlesion. [3H]Quinuclidinylbenzilate (QNB), [3H]hemicholinum-3 (HC-3) and [3H]raclopride were used to label muscarinic cholinergic receptors, high-affinity choline uptake sites and dopamine D2 receptors, respectively. The degeneration of nigrostriatal pathway produced a transient decrease in [3H]QNB binding in the parietal cortex of both ipsilateral and contralateral sides at 2 and 8 weeks postlesion. [3H]QNB binding also showed a mild but insignificant decrease in the ipsilateral striatum throughout the postlesion periods. No significant change was observed in the substantia nigra (SN) of both ipsilateral and contralateral sides throughout the postlesion periods. In contrast, [3H]HC-3 binding showed no significant change in the parietal cortex of both ipsilateral and contralateral sides during the postlesion. However, [3H]HC-3 binding was upregulated in the ipsilateral dorsolateral striatum throughout the postlesion periods. The ventromedial striatum also showed a significant increase in [3H]HC-3 binding at 1 week and 2 weeks postlesion. On the other hand, no significant change in [3H]raclopride binding was found in the parietal cortex of both ipsilateral and contralateral sides during the postlesion. [3H]Raclopride binding showed a conspicuous increase in the ipsilateral striatum (35-52% of the sham-operated values in the lateral part and 39-54% in the medial part) throughout the postlesion periods. In the contralateral side, a mild increase in [3H]raclopride binding was also found in the striatum (10-15% of the sham-operated values in the lateral part and 22% in the medial part) after lesioning. However, a significant decline in [3H]raclopride binding was observed in the ipsilateral SN and ventral tegmental area during the postlesion. The present study indicates that 6-hydroxydopamine injection of medial forebrain bundle in rats can cause functional changes in high-affinity choline uptake site in the striatum, as compared with muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate an upregulation in dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum and a decrease in the receptors in the SN and ventral tegmental area after the 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Thus, these findings provide further support for neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway that occurs in Parkinson's disease.

Animals↗