Soluble Fas ligand levels in cerebrospinal fluid in neuro-Behçet's disease.
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
Biomedical subjects
M Shiraishi
Publications and source records attributed to M Shiraishi.
Quantitative changes in yolk protein and other components in the ovary and testis of the sea urchin Pseudocentrotus depressus.
Both male and female sea urchins accumulate the major yolk protein (MYP; the most abundant yolk granule protein in sea urchin eggs) in the nutritive phagocytes of immature gonads before gametogenesis. In this study, quantitative changes in MYP as well as in other biochemical components in the ovary and testis were examined in the course of gametogenesis in Pseudocentrotus depressus. Before gametogenesis, both the ovary and testis contained large quantities of proteins, lipids and polysaccharides. MYP reached about 80% of total protein in both sexes. In the testis, MYP decreased rapidly as spermatogenesis proceeded, and the fully mature testis contained little MYP; the levels of lipids and polysaccharides also decreased. In contrast, the levels of nucleic acids and proteins other than MYP increased markedly. In the ovary, MYP decreased gradually as oogenesis proceeded, and the fully mature ovary contained less than half of the initial amount of MYP. Polysaccharides also decreased, whereas proteins other than MYP increased. These results, taken together with those from other studies, suggest that MYP serves as a protein reserve that accumulates before gametogenesis and is used as material for synthesizing new substances constituting gametes in both male and female sea urchins.
Animals↗
Potent and selective inhibition of the human Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE1 by a novel aminoguanidine derivative T-162559.
We isolated Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells stably expressing human NHE isoforms (hNHE1, hNHE2 and hNHE3) and established an assay system for measuring their Na+/H+ exchange activity by monitoring intracellular pH alterations. Using this assay system, we demonstrated that the acylguanidine derivatives, cariporide and eniporide, cause selective inhibition of hNHE1 (IC50 value of 30 nM for cariporide, IC50 value of 4.5 nM for eniporide). Furthermore, we found that a novel synthetic aminoguanidine derivative, T-162559 ((5E,7S)-[7-(5-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-dihydro-5(6H)-quinolinylideneamino] guanidine dimethanesulfonate), causes a selective inhibition of hNHE1 with more potent activity than cariporide and eniporide (IC50 value of 0.96 nM). This compound did not affect Na+/HCO3- cotransport and Na+/Ca2+ exchange.
Animals↗
Improved hepatic microcirculation by human soluble urinary thrombomodulin in the xeno-perfused porcine liver.
PURPOSE: Both the protein C/thrombomodulin system and the heparin/anti-thrombin III system are major physiological anticoagulant systems, which may also play a major role in preserving the hepatic microcirculation in xenogeneic liver transplantation. To compensate for the functional incompatibilities of the porcine thrombomodulin (TM)-cofactor activity beyond species for human thrombin, soluble human TM protein was tested in xenogeneic perfusion of the porcine liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The livers were harvested from adult female pigs and perfused through the portal vein (PV) and hepatic artery (HA) for 2 hr, with fresh human blood in group 1 (n=5), fresh porcine blood (10 units/ml) in group 2 (n=5), and fresh human blood with TM (50,000 units/1.5 l) in group 3 (n=5). The tissue PO2 level, tissue blood flow, PV and HA pressures were all continuously monitored. Circulating perfusate and liver tissue samples were periodically obtained for blood chemistry and histologic analyses. RESULTS: The activated protein C (aPC) level was significantly elevated in the TM-treated group 3 (47.5%+/-3.5% at preperfusion and 51%+/-2.8% after 120 min of perfusion) in comparison to group 1 (32.3%+/-7.2% and 35.3+/-12.0%). The hepatocyte enzyme release of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was suppressed significantly more in group 3 (238.2+/-107 IU/l), than in group 1 (672.3+/-160 IU/l) at 2 hr after reperfusion. In group 3, the tissue PO2 levels and tissue blood flow also remained significantly higher throughout the perfusion. The platelet counts in the perfusate remained significantly higher in group 3 (37.1% to 74.3% of the preperfusion level) than in group 1 (4.4% to 14.7%), after 0 to 80 min of perfusion. According to the histologic findings, the degree of interlobular hemorrhaging and congestion decreased remarkably more in group 3 than in group 1. CONCLUSION: These findings thus indicated that soluble thrombomodulin protein extracted from human urine remarkably improved hepatic microcirculation in the xenoperfused porcine liver. The thrombomodulin/protein C system might, thus, play an important role in restoring the physiological anticoagulant system in the xenoperfused porcine liver.
Animals↗
Anesthesia for a child with Antler-Bixler syndrome.
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Anesthesia↗
Clinical relevance of the concentrations of both pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND: Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) converts 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) to 5'-fluorouracil (5-FU), which exerts an anti-cancer effect before being catabolized by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). We examined the possible correlation of the tissue concentrations of both PyNPase and DPD with the clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer. METHODS: In 36 cases of colorectal cancer, the concentrations of both PyNPase and DPD in fresh-frozen samples from either tumor or normal tissue were quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: The concentration of PyNPase was found to be significantly higher in the tumor than in the normal tissue (p = 0.001), whereas DPD showed no difference. The tumor/normal tissue ratio of PyNPase was higher in advanced stage cases, and also in the presence of liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion (each p < 0.05). On the other hand, the tumor/normal tissue ratio of DPD was also higher in advanced stage cases and also in the presence of vessel invasion (each p < 0.05), thus indicating a poor response to 5-FU. The PyNPase/DPD ratio, which is known to be correlated with the tissue concentration of 5'-DFUR, was higher in the tumor than in the normal tissue (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The tumor/normal tissue ratios of both PyNPase and DPD might be useful candidates for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer. The PyNPase/DPD ratio was higher in the tumor tissue than in the normal tissue; however, further investigations are needed to clarify the effectiveness of fluoropyrimidine therapy.
Colorectal Neoplasms↗
Case of metastatic breast cancer from esophageal cancer.
Metastasis to the breast from extramammary malignancies is rare. This is the third case report of metastatic breast cancer from esophageal cancer. We report the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings of a 57-year-old woman who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and developed metastatic cancer 2 years later. Pathologic examination of a resected specimen of the breast revealed squamous cell carcinoma invading the mammary glands. Estrogen receptor and axillary lymph node metastasis were negative with immunostaining. She is alive 6 months after the modified radical mastectomy.
Breast Neoplasms↗
[A case of sepsis by Neisseria meningitidis beginning with pneumonia during a trip abroad].
A 62-year-male presented a high fever and a dry cough during a trip to Australia. He was admitted to a hospital as soon as be returned to Japan. The next day after returning to Japan, he was transferred to our hospital with septic shock and loss of consciousness. Neisseria meningitidis was cultured from his blood. N. meningitidis is rare in Japan. However its seems common, in some foreign countries. With these findings, it can be postulated that N. meningitidis might be one of the etiological agents of the imported infectious disease.
Humans↗
Inhibitory effects of small-molecule CCR5 antagonists on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope-mediated membrane fusion and viral replication.
We established a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env)-mediated membrane fusion assay and examined the small-molecule CCR5 antagonist TAK-779 and its derivatives for their inhibitory effects on HIV-1 Env-mediated membrane fusion and viral replication. The membrane fusion assay is based on HIV-1 long terminal repeat-directed beta-D-galactosidase reporter gene expression in CD4- and CCR5-expressed HeLa (MAGI-CCR5) cells after cocultivation with effector 293T cells expressing HIV-1 Env. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication was also determined in MAGI-CCR5 cells infected with the corresponding cell-free HIV-1. TAK-779 effectively suppressed R5 HIV-1 (strain JR-FL) Env-mediated membrane fusion as well as viral replication. Its 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) for membrane fusion and viral replication were 0.87 +/- 0.11 and 1.4 +/- 0.1 nM, respectively. These values corresponded well to the IC(50) for (125)I-RANTES (regulated on activation, T cell expressed, and secreted) binding to CCR5 (1.4 nM). The inhibitory effects of 18 TAK-779 derivatives on membrane fusion differed from one compound to another. However, there was a close correlation among their inhibitory effects on membrane fusion, viral replication, and RANTES binding. The correlation coefficient between their IC(50)s for membrane fusion and viral replication was 0.881. Furthermore, since this assay depends on Env expressed in the effector cells, it is also applicable to the evaluation of CXCR4 antagonists. These results indicate that the HIV-1 Env-mediated membrane fusion assay is a useful tool for the evaluation of entry inhibitors.
Amides↗
Cardiovascular effects of static carotid baroreceptor stimulation during water immersion in humans.
We hypothesized that the more-pronounced hypotensive and bradycardic effects of an antiorthostatic posture change from seated to supine than water immersion are caused by hydrostatic carotid baroreceptor stimulation. Ten seated healthy males underwent five interventions of 15-min each of 1) posture change to supine, 2) seated water immersion to the Xiphoid process (WI), 3) seated neck suction (NS), 4) WI with simultaneous neck suction (-22 mmHg) adjusted to simulate the carotid hydrostatic pressure increase during supine (WI + NS), and 5) seated control. Left atrial diameter increased similarly during supine, WI + NS, and WI and was unchanged during control and NS. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased the most during supine (7 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.05) and less during WI + NS (4 +/- 1 mmHg) and NS (3 +/- 1 mmHg). The decrease in heart rate (HR) by 13 +/- 1 beats/min (P < 0.05) and the increase in arterial pulse pressure (PP) by 17 +/- 4 mmHg (P < 0.05) during supine was more pronounced (P < 0.05) than during WI + NS (10 +/- 2 beats/min and 7 +/- 2 mmHg, respectively) and WI (8 +/- 2 beats/min and 6 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05). Plasma vasopressin decreased only during supine and WI, and plasma norepinephrine, in addition, decreased during WI + NS (P < 0.05). In conclusion, WI + NS is not sufficient to decrease MAP and HR to a similar extent as a 15-min seated to supine posture change. We suggest that not only static carotid baroreceptor stimulation but also the increase in PP combined with low-pressure receptor stimulation is a possible mechanism for the more-pronounced decrease in MAP and HR during the posture change.
Adult↗
Inhibitory effects of nicorandil on rat mesangial cell proliferation via the protein kinase G pathway.
We investigated the effects of nicorandil, which is a hybrid between a nitrate and an ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) opener, on cultured rat mesangial cell proliferation. Nicorandil (1 microM to 1 mM inhibited [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into rat mesangial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Nicorandil (1 microM to 1 mM) also inhibited the number of cells. Nicorandil increased cyclic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in mesangial cells. A protein kinase G inhibitor, KT5823, partially eliminated the inhibition of mesangial cell proliferation by nicorandil. Methylene blue, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, blocked the inhibitory effect of nicorandil on mesangial cell proliferation. We also examined the effects of K(ATP) mediators. Cromakalim, a K(ATP) activator, and glibenclamide, a K(ATP) inhibitor, had little effect on the proliferation of mesangial cells. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of nicorandil on mesangial cell proliferation are mediated via the protein kinase G pathway.
Alkaloids↗
Adrenomedullin inhibits the pressor effects and decrease in renal blood flow induced by norepinephrine or angiotensin II in anesthetized rats.
Adrenomedullin (AM), a hypotensive peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma, has been reported to regulate renal functions. In patients with glomerulonephritis, the serum levels of AM are elevated as well as hypertensive agents norepinephrine (NE) and angiotensin II (AII). The effects of AM on the NE- or AII-induced pressor effects and renal blood flow responses, however, are not well clarified. We examined the effects of AM on blood pressure and renal blood flow induced by NE or AII in anesthetized rats. Arterial blood pressure and renal blood flow were measured using a calibrated pressure transducer and a laser Doppler flowmeter, respectively. Drugs were injected into the tail vein with a syringe. Intravenous administration of AM (1-3 nmol/kg) decreased the arterial blood pressure in anesthetized rats in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it did not affect the renal blood flow. NE or AII administration in anesthetized rats caused both increases in blood pressure and decreases in renal blood flow. Simultaneous administration of AM with NE or All prevented the increasing effects of blood pressure and inhibited the decreases in renal blood flow caused by NE or AII. These findings suggest that AM may have a protective role against the pressor effects and decrease in renal blood flow caused by NE or AII.
Adrenomedullin↗
Oestrogen at the neonatal stage is critical for the reproductive ability of male mice as revealed by supplementation with 17beta-oestradiol to aromatase gene (Cyp19) knockout mice.
Aromatase P450 (CYP19) is an enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to oestrogens. We generated CYP19 knockout (ArKO) mice by targeted disruption of Cyp19 and studied the role of oestrogens in male reproductive ability. Approximately 85% of ArKO males were unable to sire offspring. However, no obvious difference was found in testicular and epididymal weights, numbers of sperm in the epididymis or the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs in vitro between wild-type and ArKO males. An examination of mating behaviour demonstrated that ArKO males showed an impairment in mounting behaviour against sexually mature females. The inability of more than 90% of ArKO males to sire offspring was reversed by repeated subcutaneous injections of 17beta-oestradiol when initiated on the day of birth. The effects of 17beta-oestradiol on reproduction were concentration dependent and evident when supplementation was initiated on day 7, but not on day 15 after birth. These findings suggest that oestrogens acting during neonatal life are required for normal mating behaviour in adulthood.
Age Factors↗
[Analysis for microbial contamination in production of Japanese-style confectionery "Monaka"].
Food hygiene in Japanese-style confectionery factories is hard to practice because the businesses are small. In a supporting system of voluntary-based hygienic management in this field, we microbiologically investigated the production processes of "Monaka" in a workshop in Tokyo. We microbiologically assessed the processing environments as well as the products in the workshop, then proposed some improvements in the production of the confectionery. After the improvements, microbial contamination of the processing environments was reduced and no microbial contamination was found in the sugared bean, or "An" produced, though the product "Monaka" was still contaminated, especially by molds. It was clarified that the molds came from contaminated baked wheat shells, or "Kawa" and further that the wheat shells were contaminated by molds during storage.
Food Handling↗
[Anesthesia for patients with unexpected pulmonary embolisms due to a large abdominal tumor obstructing with inferior vena cava].
Several reports have highlighted the risk of pulmonary embolisms during the preoperative period in patients with large abdominal tumors obstructing the inferior vena cava. We describe a patient who developed pulmonary embolism just before surgery. A 68[correction of 64]-year-old female was scheduled to undergo elective resection of a large abdominal tumor under general anesthesia. She had no signs of deep venous thrombosis, but on the day of the operation, pulmonary embolism developed suddenly. Anticoagulant therapy was performed. Capnography and pulmonary artery pressure were monitored during the perioperative period to detect the recurrence of pulmonary embolism. The percutaneous cardio-pulmonary support (PCPS) was also prepared. The operation was performed successfully. In this patient, the pulmonary embolism occurred suddenly during the preoperative period, even though we had ruled out the existence of deep venous thrombosis. This case report emphasizes the risk of pulmonary embolism in any patient with a large abdominal tumor obstructing the inferior vena cava. This case of a large abdominal tumor suggests that capnography, monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure and preparation of a PCPS in case of pulmonary embolism during surgery are necessary even in patients without signs of deep venous thrombosis.
Abdominal Neoplasms↗
[Anesthesia using propofol for a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita].
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a syndrome with multiple persistent limb contractures, often accompanied by associated anomalies. Pediatric patients with AMC frequently require operations, necessitating general endotracheal anesthesia. We report on the anesthesia used for a 14-year-old male with AMC, who required the surgical removal of soft tissue from both hip joints. We used propofol and vecuronium bromide to induce anesthesia, and maintained anesthesia with 40% nitrous oxide, oxygen, and propofol at 6 mg.kg-1.1 hr-1. Both induction and maintenance were smooth, and no hyperthermia occurred perioperatively. Propofol can be safely used for anesthesia in AMC patients.
Adolescent↗
[Difficult ventilation during induction of anesthesia in a patient with Arnold-Chiari malformation type II].
Arnold-Chiari malformation is a congenital disorder with caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum into the cervical canal. We report difficulty with ventilation during the induction of anesthesia due to apnea and laryngospasm in a 5-year-old female with Arnold-Chiari malformation type II diagnosed at birth. She had had short periods of apnea during infancy, but was asymptomatic recently. Slow induction of anesthesia was performed using sevoflurane, but just after induction, the patient developed apnea and we could not ventilate her due to laryngospasm. We woke her up, and induced anesthesia with barbiturates. The operation was performed without complications, but she had another apnea attack with laryngospasm at extubation. This case suggests that it is important to be aware of the possibility of apnea due to disorder of the respiratory center in patients with Arnold-Chiari deformity.
Anesthesia, Inhalation↗
Inhibition by tramadol of muscarinic receptor-induced responses in cultured adrenal medullary cells and in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing cloned M1 receptors.
Tramadol is a widely used, centrally acting analgesic, but its mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Muscarinic receptors are known to be involved in neuronal function in the brain and autonomic nervous system, and much attention has been paid to these receptors as targets of analgesic drugs in the central nervous system. This study investigated the effects of tramadol on muscarinic receptors by using two different systems, i.e., a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system and cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. Tramadol (10 nM-100 microM) inhibited acetylcholine-induced currents in oocytes expressing the M1 receptor. Although GF109203X, a protein kinase C inhibitor, increased the basal current, it had little effect on the inhibition of acetylcholine-induced currents by tramadol. On the other hand, tramadol did not inhibit the current induced by AlF4-, a direct activator of GTP-binding protein. In cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells, tramadol (100 nM-100 microM) suppressed muscarine-induced cyclic GMP accumulation. Moreover, tramadol inhibited the specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). Scatchard analysis showed that tramadol increases the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) value without changing the maximal binding (Bmax), indicating competitive inhibition. These findings suggest that tramadol at clinically relevant concentrations inhibits muscarinic receptor function via QNB-binding sites. This may explain the neuronal function and anticholinergic effect of tramadol.
Acetylcholine↗