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Biomedical subjects

M Taki

Publications and source records attributed to M Taki.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

A case of intractable diarrhea firmly suspected to have autoimmune enteropathy.

Protracted diarrhea with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism in a 9 month old Japanese girl who was firmly suspected to have autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is reported. Her severe secretory diarrhea failed to respond to intensive antidiarrheic treatment and was gradually improved with steroid therapy. The circulating autoantibodies to enterocytes in her serum were detected by indirect immunofluorescence technique and the impaired suppressor T (Ts) cell function was proved by plaque forming assay using bead-separated CD4 or CD8 T cells together with CD19 B cells. The anti-enterocyte antibodies were exclusively of immunoglobulin M (IgM) class and were detected with the progress of the protracted diarrhea. Maximum antibody titer was obtained at the onset of DM and the disappearance of autoantibodies was associated with the resolution of the clinical symptoms and signs. The helper functions of adult CD4 T cells to induce Ig-secreting cells from adult and the patient were strikingly suppressed by adult CD8 T cells. However, the CD8 T cells from the patient lost the ability to inhibit the induction of these Ig-secreting cells when stimulated with adult CD4 T cells. Moreover, the patient's CD8 T cells stimulated rather than suppressed the induction of Ig-secreting cells from the patient when stimulated with the patient's CD4 T cells. These results suggest that the impaired Ts cell function in this patient might play some immunological role in the pathogenesis of AIE.

Autoantibodies↗

A case report of placental hemangioma resulting in severe fetal distress.

A 30 year old female was admitted twice during her pregnancy for genital bleeding. An ultrasonography at 19 weeks gestation showed several nodules on the chorionic plate. Cardiotocography during labor at 37 weeks gestation indicated a non-reactive pattern. A 2230 g infant girl was delivered soon after rupture of membranes with asphyxia and hydrops fetalis. The placenta weighed 600 g with a maximal thickness of 6 cm. Nodules occupied about one-third of the placenta and were diagnosed as placental hemangiomas. Postnatal examination revealed that the infant had disseminated intravascular coagulation and cardiac failure. This baby recovered after treatment in the intensive care unit, and was discharged home on the 52nd day of life.

Adult↗

Effect of processed Aconiti tuber on catecholamine and indoleamine contents in brain in rats.

Processed Aconiti tuber (Aconitum carmichaeli) has been known as a potent analgesic herbal medicine in Japan and China. TJ-3021 [Tsumura Kampo Medicine Shuchi-Bushi Powder for Ethical Dispensing] is a herbal medicine produced from Aconiti tuber by autoclaving to decrease its toxicity. In the present investigation the antinociceptive mechanism of TJ-3021 in rats was studied. It was observed that under repeated cold stress (RCS), the administration of distilled water (p.o.) significantly increased the contents of norepinephrine (NE) in the cerebral cortex compared with rats without RCS. However, the administration of TJ-3021 decreased the NE contents in the cerebral cortex in rats with RCS. On the other hand, the administration of water in rats with RCS significantly decreased the contents of serotonin (5-HT) in the medulla. The administration of TJ-3021, on the other hand, increased 5-HT contents in the medulla in rats with RCS. It might be possible that the antinociceptic mechanism of the action of TJ-3021 could be attributed to the improvement of dysfunction of descending nociceptive 5-HT system.

Analgesics↗

[Combined effect of glucocorticoid and TJ-114 (Tsumura Sairei-to)].

TJ-114 (Tsumura Sairei-to) is a powdered extract made from 12 Chinese herbal drugs. TJ-114 is used against various nephrotic diseases and used as an inhibitory treatment for the side effects of glucocorticoids. We expected that TJ-114 would increase the survival ratio of rats given a high dose of glucocorticoid. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the combined effects of glucocorticoid and TJ-114 in rats. An ointment containing fluocinolone acetonide (FA) was applied on the back of 7-week-old Wistar male rats for various periods. TJ-114 was administered orally at the doses of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg simultaneously. The combination with TJ-114 suppressed the loss of body weight by FA. The survival ratio of the FA group was 50%, but it was 83% for the group treated with FA in combination with 0.5 g/kg TJ-114 and no deaths were observed in the other drug combined group. With a lower dose of FA, we investigated its hematological effects and determined the white blood cell (WBC) count. Although the lymphocytes were decreased by FA, the combination with TJ-114 depressed this decrease of lymphocytes significantly. Furthermore, TJ-114 significantly suppressed the insulin increase elicited by FA. Macroscopic observations showed atrophy and decreases in the weights of the thymus, spleen and adrenal, all being target organs of glucocorticoid. The combination with TJ-114 decreased these effects of FA. Moreover, microscopic examinations revealed that FA induced the degeneration of lymphocytes and lymphocyte depletion in the cortex of the thymus, caused atrophy of the white pulp, decreased the extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen, and caused the atrophy of zona fasciculata in the adrenal cortex. The combination with TJ-114 depressed these effects significantly. These results suggest that TJ-114 suppresses the adverse side effects of gucocorticoids.

Administration, Oral↗

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in wild animals in Japan.

One hundred and thirty-four (26%) of 511 sera from 11 wild animal species in eight prefectures in Japan had antibody titers to Coxiella burnetii by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High prevalences were observed in Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus) (78%), Hokkaido deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) (69%), Japanese hares (Lepus brachyurus) (63%), Japanese deer (Cervus nippon centralis) (56%), and to some extent in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) (28%). A low prevalence (13%) was observed in nutrias (Myocastor coypus). Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus), wild rats (Muroides sp.), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), wild pigs (Sus scrofa leucomystax), and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) had no detectable antibodies to C. burnetii. Thus, six of 11 wild animal species in Japan were exposed to C. burnetii. Based on the high prevalences in some species, they may be a potential source of infection to both domestic animal and human populations.

Animals↗

Identification of 1,4-dihydropyridine binding regions within the alpha 1 subunit of skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels by photoaffinity labeling with diazipine.

To identify regions that are involved in the formation of the dihydropyridine receptor site of skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channels, the alpha 1 subunit of the channel complex was specifically labeled with the 1,4-dihydropyridine-receptor-selective photoaffinity probe [3H]diazipine. Photoaffinity-labeled regions were identified by probing labeled proteolytic fragments with several anti-peptide antibodies recognizing different segments of the alpha 1 sequence. Forty to 50% of the alpha 1-associated [3H]diazipine label was contained in the tryptic fragment between Arg-988 and Ala-1023 derived from the loop between segments S5 and S6 in domain III. This region corresponds to a portion of the channel that is believed to contribute to formation of the transmembrane pore. Twenty to 30% of the labeling occurred in a V8 protease fragment between Glu-1349 and Trp-1391. This fragment contains transmembrane segment S6 of domain IV and has previously been shown to form part of the drug receptor for phenylalkylamine Ca2+ antagonists. Our data suggest that the dihydropyridine receptor is formed by close apposition of two discontinuous regions of the alpha 1 subunit sequence in domains III and IV. In light of previous work localizing this receptor site to the extracellular surface of the lipid bilayer, it is proposed that amino acid residues at the extracellular surface in the loop connecting segments IIIS5 and IIIS6 and at the extracellular end of segment IVS6 contribute to formation of the dihydropyridine receptor site.

Affinity Labels↗

Analysis of plasma catecholamines by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: simple sample preparation for pre-column fluorescence derivatization.

Analysis of plasma catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) by high-performance liquid chromatography using 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine as a fluorescent reagent is described. We have developed an automatic catecholamine analyser, based on pre-column fluorescence derivatization and column switching. The analysis time for one assay was 15 min. The correlation coefficients of the linear regression equations were greater than 0.9996 in the range 10-10,000 pg/ml. The detection limit, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, was 2 pg/ml for dopamine. A new method of sample preparation for the pre-column fluorescence derivatization of plasma catecholamines was used. In order to protect the catecholamines from decomposition, an ion-pair complex between boric acid and the diol group in the catecholamine was formed at a weakly alkaline pH. The stabilities of plasma catecholamines were evaluated at several temperatures. After complex formation, the catecholamines were very stable at 17 degrees C for 8 h, and the coefficients of variation for norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine were 1.2, 4.2 and 9.3%, respectively.

Autoanalysis↗

Diazipine, a novel photoaffinity probe for dihydropyridine receptors of calcium channels.

A new 1,4-dihydropyridine photoaffinity ligand, [3H]diazipine, has been assessed by binding and photolabeling, and compared with a currently used [3H]azidopine. [3H]Diazipine reversibly binds to skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels with a similar affinity to [3H]azidopine, but [3H]diazipine labels the channel two times more efficiently and no release of the incorported amount is observed after dithiothreitol treatment.

Affinity Labels↗

Clinical records: a case report of Wegener's granulomatosis limited to the ear.

A 12-year-old girl had a 1-week history of left otalgia with hearing loss in May, 1989. Audiometry showed a conductive hearing loss of 60 dB. The conventional medical treatment for acute otitis media was initiated, but the symptoms and signs failed to respond this treatment. Four weeks after initial presentation, a diagnostic mastoidectomy was performed. The histological findings of the granulomatous tissue in the mastoid cavity showed nonspecific granulomatous inflammation, infiltrated with multinucleated giant cells. Initial laboratory studies revealed elevated ESR, positive CRP and RA, inverted A/G ratio, and increased Ig level. She had no other sites of involvement, such as the nose, paranasal sinus, pharynx, and larynx, and also no pulmonary or renal involvement was indicated. The diagnosis of a limited form of Wegener's granulomatosis was made on the above clinical and histological findings and laboratory examinations. The patient was then treated with cyclophosphamide, 80 mg/day (2 mg/kg) and prednisolone, 60 mg/day. After 1 week her symptoms and general condition were dramatically improved. Out-patient follow-up 1 year later showed her hearing level was improved to 28 dB, and she continues to do well without evidence of recurrence of the disease.

Audiometry↗

Incidence of herpes zoster in infancy in Japan.

A search of the literature has revealed only 12 reports of herpes zoster during infancy in Japan. Of these, seven cases were thought to be mother-child infections where the mother had been infected with varicella and transmitted the VZV to the fetus, producing postnatal herpes zoster. The earliest case of maternal varicella infection occurred at 14 weeks of gestation. In the remaining 6 cases infection took place between the 17th and 32nd week of gestation. Postnatal onset of herpes zoster in the infants occurred within three months in two cases and at seven to eight months in the other four cases. In two cases it was unclear whether it was a mother-child infection. In three cases no clinical manifestations of maternal VZV infection were observed, but in these cases during early infancy the patients might have acquired asymptomatic infection.

Chickenpox↗

Synthesis of diazipine and [3H]diazipine: novel dihydropyridines as photoaffinity probes of calcium channels.

Diazipine and [3H]diazipine were synthesized as new 1,4-dihydropyridine photoaffinity ligands containing a phenyldiazirine group. After simple high performance liquid chromatography separation, both compounds were purified in good overall yields. [3H]Diazipine (21.2 Ci/mmol) was synthesized in two steps from commercially available [3H]ethanolamine. Diazipine competitively inhibited [3H]PN200-110 binding to the calcium channel of cardiac membranes with high affinity.

Affinity Labels↗

Automatic monitoring system for the measurement of body weight, food and water consumption and spontaneous activity of a mouse.

The simultaneous recording system for body weight, food and water consumption and behavior (spontaneous motor activity and drinking and feeding behavior) of a mouse was developed. The body weight and food consumption were measured by force transducers. Food and water consumption and drinking and feeding behavior were measured by an infrared luminous diode and a phototransistor. Spontaneous motor activity was measured by photosensors. The system control and data acquisition were performed by using a personal computer. Every parameter could be monitored with a desired time interval. All the data collected by this system revealed apparent circadian rhythm. In conclusion, this system would be a powerful tool for pharmacological and/or toxicological research.

Animals↗

[von Willebrand factor multimer analysis using electroblotting and immunoperoxidase staining method].

Further modification of the previously reported peroxidase staining method for von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimer is described in this article. The alteration are as follows: affinity purified anti-human vWF rabbit IgG was replaced by commercial anti-human vWF rabbit IgG, and washing and reaction steps were shortened markedly. Despite these modification, the resolution of vWF multimers on the nitrocellulose membrane remains comparable to the autoradiography. However, unlike autoradiography, results produced by this method can be obtained in a day. The features of this method are especially useful in clinical laboratories where both time and equipments are limited.

Humans↗

Frequent detection of hepatitis C virus US strain in Japanese hemophiliacs.

Hemophiliacs have been found to be at high risk of hepatitis. Hemophiliacs in Japan receive imported clotting factors as well as domestic ones. Recently we found that hepatitis C virus (HCV) could be classified into at least two types, HCV-US and HCV-J, depending on the nucleotide sequence. We analyzed the nucleotide sequences of virus RNAs from the plasma of patients with hemophilia A or B and found HCV-US in 3 of 4 Japanese hemophiliacs examined.

Adolescent↗

[Effects of Shosaiko-to-go-keishikashakuyaku-to (TJ-960) on the valproic acid induced anomalies of rat fetuses].

Shosaiko-to-go-keishikashakuyaku-to (TJ-960) is an extract of nine herbal drugs (Paeoniae radix, Cinna momi cortex, Bupleuri radix, Zingiberis rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae radix, Ginseng radix, Scutellariae radix, Pinelliae tuber and Zizyphi fructus) that has a potent anticonvulsant action. The rat fetuses treated orally with TJ-960 during the organogenesis period (days 7-17 of gestation) revealed no anomalies (up to 3000 mg/kg/day). When TJ-960 was co-administered with sodium valproate (VPA, 400 mg/kg) during the organogenesis period, embryonic resorption, fetal body weight, ossification and skeletal variation or anomalies induced by VPA were markedly reduced. The maternal plasma and embryonic concentration of VPA with TJ-960, however, were not significantly different from VPA alone. These results suggest that TJ-960 has protective effects against the teratogenicity of VPA.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

[A new automated renal biopsy technique under ultrasound guidance].

We evaluated a new automated biopsy device for percutaneous renal biopsies under ultrasound guidance, which was recently introduced in Japan for prostate biopsies. This device (Biopty-Gun: Bard Biopty Instrument Uppsala, Sweden) employs a Tru-Cut type smaller needle (18 gauge). We were able to obtain one or two renal tissues in all 57 cases with great ease and in little time. The length of specimen was sufficient (5-17 mm), but the width was thinner than the samples with the Vim-Silverman or Tru-Cut needles. We could achieve a definitive pathological diagnosis in 54 of 57 cases (94.7%), but now, we try to obtain two pieces of tissue for taking more adequate tissue. Only three patients had perirenal hematomas noted by computerized tomography or ultrasonography. We believe that this new automated technique offers a safer and more effective means of obtaining renal tissue.

Adolescent↗

[Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) with transiently increased tetrasomy-21 cells in a phenotypically normal newborn].

We reported a case of TMD with transient increase of tetrasomy-21 cells in a phenotypically normal newborn. The patient was admitted to the St. Marianna University Hospital due to hepatosplenomegaly on the 7th days after birth. Hematological findings on admission revealed remarkable leukocytosis (168,300/microliters) with 79% blasts. Immunological studies of the blasts showed a positive reaction for platelet associated antigens, KOR-P77, AN50, TP80 and a pan-T antigen, TP40. Cytochemically blasts were strongly positive for acid phosphatase, positive for alpha NAE and weakly positive for PAS. The platelet peroxidase reaction was observed in rough endoplasmic reticulum of blast cells. Both immunological and cytochemical findings suggested that the blasts were of megakaryocyte lineage. Chromosomal analysis of the blasts showed 48, XX, + 21, +21 (21 tetrasomy). After chemotherapy with PSL and 6MP, bone marrow showed a complete remission. But we thought it was spontaneous remission because PSL and 6MP were not effective to acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL). Bone marrow cells were karyotypically normal on the 67th day of life when abnormal blasts were not observed in the bone marrow.

Chromosome Aberrations↗