PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Yoshimura

Publications and source records attributed to S Yoshimura.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

The same chemicals induce different neurotoxicity when administered in high doses for short term or low doses for long term to rats and dogs.

Dose- and term-dependent differences in the location and nature of brain lesions induced in rats and dogs by 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD), misonidazole, clioquinol, and acrylamide are reported. Subchronic neuropathies ("distal axonopathy") were induced by low-dose administration of these neurotoxicants and at high doses, lesions caused by acute or subacute neurotoxicity were found in the central nervous system (CNS). In rats, 2,5-HD induced extracellular edema, nerve cell degeneration, and axonal degeneration in the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. Similar lesions were observed in misonidazole-treated dogs and clioquinol induced nerve cell degeneration in the hippocampus and malacia in the piriform lobes of these animals. In rats, acrylamide induced degeneration of Purkinje cells. Although the mechanism(s) underlying the differential neurotoxicity of high and low doses of these neurotoxicants remains unclear, we suggest certain biochemical mechanisms, cytotoxic edema and excitotoxicity, as factors in the production of such lesions after high-dose treatment.

Acrylamide↗

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis following repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

Infectious endocarditis following cardiac surgery, particularly that caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, aureus is a rare and highly lethal complication. We report a case of a 2-year-old girl who developed methicillin-resistant S. aureus endocarditis and mediastinitis following the intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot using Dacron patches. The patient enveloped severe bacteremia accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation and progressive enlargement of vegetation. Despite this condition, the patient was successfully treated by repair using double autogenous pericardial patches. Aggressive removal of foreign material and replacement with autogenous tissue resulted in a favorable outcome.

Child, Preschool↗

Secretory pathways and processing of human proopiomelanocortin (POMC) using transformed mouse cultured fibroblasts (L cells) and AtT20 cells by human POMC gene--preembedding immunoelectron microscopic studies.

In order to elucidate the relationship between secretory pathway and processing for precursor molecule of peptide hormones, we performed immunoelectron microscopic studies to localize POMC-derived peptides in mouse cultured L cells (fibroblasts without secretory granules) and in mouse AtT20 cells (ACTH secreting pituitary tumor cells with secretory granules) which had been transformed with human POMC gene. From the electron microscopic localization patterns, L42 cells were considered to serve as a model of constitutive pathway without processing of POMC, and A53 cells were considered to serve as a model of transgranular (regulated) pathway with processing of POMC. Immunoblotting supported these interpretations.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Effect of butyl benzyl phthalate in Sprague-Dawley rats after gavage administration: a two-generation reproductive study.

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), a plasticizer, has been shown in in vitro studies to be weakly estrogenic, and in in vivo studies to possess testicular toxicity and teratogenicity, but few experimental data on BBP multigeneration effects on reproduction in mammals are available. The present two-generation reproductive study was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats using oral doses of 0, 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day BBP. Endpoints were chosen in order to evaluate both subchronic and reproductive toxicity. In the parent animals (F(0)), a decrease in body weight gain was observed in males in the 500 mg/kg/day group, although no significant decrease in food consumption was found. No dose-related changes were observed in estrous cyclicity, fertility, or lactation. A dose-dependent increase in kidney weight in rats of both sexes, an increase in liver weight in males, and a decrease in the weight of the ovaries in females were observed. No macroscopic or microscopic changes were found in the reproductive system of males or females. Oral administration of BBP caused a decrease in the serum concentration of testosterone, and an increase in FSH. In the next generation (F(1)), the body weight of male and female offspring at birth in the 100 and 500 mg/kg groups was significantly decreased, and the body weight in the 500 mg/kg group was lower throughout the study, while viability was not affected. Anogenital distance (AGD) at birth was decreased in male pups and was increased in female pups of the 500 mg/kg/day group. Preputial separation for male offspring in the 500 mg/kg/day group was delayed, while vaginal opening for female offspring in this group was not affected. BBP did not affect reproductive ability, including delivery and lactation, at any dose whereas macroscopic and microscopic changes of the testis, and decreased serum concentrations of testosterone were observed in male offspring of the 500 mg/kg/day group after puberty. From these data, it would appear that 20 mg/kg BBP is a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for reproductive effects on parent animals and the next generation.

Administration, Oral↗

Reproductive effects of nonylphenol in rats after gavage administration: a two-generation study.

The potential reproductive toxicity of nonylphenol (NP) was assessed in a two-generation reproductive toxicity study. Groups of 25 male and female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats were given NP by gavage at levels of 2, 10, or 50 mg/kg, and 25 males and females were given corn oil as controls. No adverse changes in clinical signs were observed in any rats throughout the study. Significant increases in the liver, kidney and pituitary gland weights in males, and decreases in thymus weight in males and in ovary weight in females were observed in the 50 mg/kg group. NP did not affect sperm characteristics or the estrous cycle at any dose administered. A significant increase in the TSH level was observed in males in the 50 mg/kg group. No adverse effects of NP on reproduction were found. At necropsy, no treatment-related alterations were observed in any organs including the reproductive tissues in any group. Histopathologic changes were found in the liver of male and female rats and kidneys of males in the 50 mg/kg group. The viability of offspring from postnatal day 0 to 4 in the 50 mg/kg group was reduced as compared with that in the controls, although growth was not affected by NP administration. On postnatal day 22, an increase in the serum FSH level and decrease in T(3) level for males, and decreases in LH and TSH levels and an increase in T(3) levels for females were observed in the 50 mg/kg group. NP did not affect the timing of preputial separation, while vaginal opening was accelerated in the 50 mg/kg group. No adverse changes were found in behavior or learning in the offspring of NP-treated groups. There were no treatment-related changes in any reproductive parameter, including estrous cycle, mating, fertility, delivery, and lactation, except for significant decreases in the numbers of implantation sites and live pups, and a significant decrease in ovary weight in the 50 mg/kg group. Kidney and liver weight were increased in males in the 50 mg/kg group. Histopathologic examination revealed changes in the liver of males and females of the 50 mg/kg group. No treatment-related changes were observed in the sperm characteristics. Hormone data should be interpreted cautiously until the findings are repeated and confirmed by further studies. These results of NP suggested that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) on reproductive capacity is 50 mg/kg/day or greater in parent animals, and 10 mg/kg/day in the next generation under the present experimental condition.

Administration, Oral↗

Reproductive effects in male and female rats of neonatal exposure to genistein.

Sprague-Dawley rats were administered genistein orally at doses of 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg on postnatal days 1 through 5 to examine its effects on reproductive function after puberty. In addition, preputial separation and vaginal opening as endpoints of sexual maturation, estrous cycling, sperm count, serum testosterone concentration, and histopathologic changes of reproductive organs of male and female rats were examined. Body weights of male and female rats exposed to genistein at any dose level examined were lower than those of controls. Timing of preputial separation in males and timing of vaginal opening were not affected by genistein treatment. The number of females showing estrous cycle irregularities was increased by genistein treatment. The fertility of female rats exposed neonatally to genistein at 100 mg/kg was disrupted, while neonatal exposure to genistein did not affect male fertility. Neither sperm counts nor serum testosterone concentration were changed by neonatal exposure to genistein. Female rats exposed neonatally to genistein at 100 mg/kg showed histopathologic changes in the ovaries and uterus, while male rats showed no histopathologic alterations in the gonads. The results of this study indicate that early neonatal exposure to genistein caused dysfunction of postpubertal reproductive performance as well as abnormal development of gonads in female but not in male rats.

Administration, Oral↗

Reproductive effects in male and female rats from neonatal exposure to p-octylphenol.

A number of alkylphenolic compounds are used in a variety of commercial products and have been shown in in vitro studies to be weakly estrogenic, but in vivo data are not available addressing this issue in mammals. Human exposure to alkylphenols may occur not only from these environmental contaminants but also through contact with manufactured and metabolic breakdown products. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to octylphenol by oral gavage at doses of 0 (vehicle: corn oil), 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg once daily on postnatal days 1 through 5 to examine its effects on male and female reproductive function after puberty. In addition, preputial separation and vaginal opening as endpoints of sexual maturation, estrous cycling, sperm count, serum testosterone concentration, and histopathologic changes of the reproductive organs of male and female rats were examined. Male reproductive organs were weighed at necropsy. Body weights of male and female rats exposed to octylphenol at 50 and 100 mg/kg throughout the study after the administration period, those of both sexes at 7 and 9 weeks of age in the 25 mg/kg group, and that of females at 9 weeks of age in the 12.5 mg/kg group were lower than those of controls. Significant delays in acquisition of puberty in males and females exposed to octylphenol at 50 and 100 mg/kg were observed. Estrous cycle, copulation and fertility, sperm count, and serum testosterone concentration were not affected by neonatal exposure to octylphenol. Significant decrease in absolute and relative prostate weight in the 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg groups, and absolute epididymal weight in the 100 mg/kg group, increase in relative testes weight in the 100 mg/kg group, and relative seminal vesicle weights in the 50 and 100 mg/kg groups were found. Histopathologic analyses of reproductive organs in male and female rats exposed neonatally to octylphenol revealed no marked alterations. The results of this study indicate that early neonatal exposure to octylphenol by oral gavage did not cause dysfunction of reproductive performance (mating and fertility) in male or female rats, and no disruption of development of the reproductive tract was observed in male or female rats, while significant decreases in body weights in the 25 mg/kg and more groups, delays of sexual maturation in the 50 mg/kg and greater groups, and decrease in ventral prostate weights in all octylphenol-treated groups were found. Therefore, it is concluded that NOAEL (no-observed adverse effect level) for systemic toxicity was < or =12.5 mg/kg/day and that for reproductive toxicity was 100 mg/kg/day under the present experimental condition.

Administration, Oral↗

Correlation between histological differentiation and DNA-synthesizing enzymes in rat colorectal tumors induced with 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine.

Thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase are key enzymes involved in de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Colorectal carcinogenesis induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats enhanced mRNA expression levels of both enzymes, resulting in the increase of both enzyme activities and bromodeoxyuridine-immunoreactive S-phase cells. Poorly and well differentiated adenocarcinomas of the colorectum showed the relative elevation of activities of thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase, respectively. These results indicate that the relationship between de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis may depend on the histopathological grades of cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Effects of lentinan on colorectal carcinogenesis in mice with ulcerative colitis.

Lentinan; i.e., polysaccharides extracted from a kind of black mushroom shiitake, has been clinically applied as an antitumor and antimetastatic drug, and has been reported to prevent both chemical and viral carcinogenesis. It is known that lentinan affects the tumorous vascular system resulting in the induction of hemorrhagic necrosis which is dependent on T-cells in the tumor. Repeated mucosal necrosis-regeneration sequence in chronic ulcerative colitis induced with 3% dextran sulfate sodium led to colorectal carcinogenesis in azoxymethane-pretreated mice. In the present study, the additive treatment with lentinan in the azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium treated mice enhanced the colorectal high-grade dysplasia, though not significantly, and the splenic weight. This may show the proliferation of pathogenic splenic T cells resulting in a change for the worse of ulcerative colitis, anemia induced with hemorrhage and colorectal carcinogenesis; i.e., high-grade dysplasia of the mucosa and/or invasive adenocarcinomas of the colorectum. The present results may recommend chemoimmunotherapy while using lentinan, but not immunotherapy using lentinan alone, is indicated for the management of cancer patients.

Animals↗

Effects of 5-fluorouracil derivative UFT on thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase in rat colorectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase are key enzymes involved in de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weekly injections of 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine induced high incidence of colorectal adenocarcinomas in rats. RESULTS: An increased activity of thymidylate synthetase was found in the poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the chemically induced rat colorectal tumors. Six-week oral administration of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil (UFT) reduced the total number of colorectal tumors, with the reduction of thymidylate synthetase activity in the poorly-differentiated type, though the mRNA expression of thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase differed little between the groups with or without UFT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the long-term oral administration using UFT suppresses colorectal carcinogenesis and the growth of the poorly-differentiated type tumors.

Animals↗

Nucleic DNA and RNA in cardiac muscle cell of experimental myocardial infarct.

Myocardial infarction was produced in dogs, and the changes in nucleic acid synthetic activity were investigated quantitatively by microspectrophotometer in the myocardial cells as time progressed. DNA value, immediately after infarction, was greatly increased in comparison to that of the control group. At two weeks after infarction the value had increased to the highest level. After this point the value decreased, and, in 12 weeks, the mean value was back to the control level. Changes in RNA followed a pattern similar to DNA changes. The mechanism of the repair process of myocardial infarction was investigated.

Animals↗

Effects of long-term administration of UFT plus leucovorin on colorectal tumors induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats.

Thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase are key enzymes involved in the de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, respectively. Thymidylate synthase is inhibited by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, forming an inactive ternary complex with intracellular folate. We investigated the effects of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-FU plus uracil (UFT) with or without leucovorin on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colorectal carcinomas. Thirty-week administration of UFT with or without leucovorin markedly suppressed both colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor growth, resulted in the increase of thymidylate synthase inhibition and the decrease of thymidine kinase activity in the tumor cells. These results indicate that the combination of UFT with leucovorin could be useful in the development of pre- and post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy programs.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗

Chronic aortic dissection (DeBakey type II) with infective thrombus in the false channel.

A 68-year-old man with a DeBakey type II chronic aortic dissection developed bacteremia secondary to a urinary tract infection with the Serratia species. This resulted in an infected thrombus in the false channel and a subsequent rupture of the ascending aorta. An emergency resection of the ascending aorta and a Dacron graft interposition were performed. The patient suffered from severe neurological insufficiency and died of pneumonia 6 months postoperatively. The optimal operation time and surgical options of an infected aortic dissection should be determined.

Aged↗

The morphometry of the Sudan-III-positive granules in the cytoplasm of the human amniotic epithelium.

Seventy-nine human amnions from different gestational ages were studied by new morphometric methods. The Sudan-III-positive granules in the cytoplasm of the amniotic epithelial cells were first observed in the reflected amnion from the second trimester of normal gestation. During the third trimester of normal gestation, the number of cytoplasmic granules increased remarkably with gestational age not only in the reflected amnion but also in the placental amnion. The number of granules was generally related to the increasing rates of anucleated cells and binucleated cells in the amniotic epithelium during the third trimester of normal gestation. During the third trimester of gestation, the number of granules was greater in the distant reflected amnion with its less adequate blood supply than in the placental amnion. A vast accumulation of the granules in the entire amnion was observed in cases of fetal death, in which blood supply had ceased. It is suggested, therefore, that the progressive accumulation of Sudan-III-positive cytoplasmic granules in the human amniotic epithelium during the third trimester of normal gestation is the result of cell degeneration.

Amnion↗

Effects of danazol on proliferation and viability of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumours in rats.

The suppressive effects of danazol, an isoxazol derivative of a synthetic steroid 17 alpha-ethinyltestosterone, on cellular viability and DNA synthesis in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced mammary tumours were investigated in adult female rats by enzyme assays and immunohistochemistry with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Rats treated with danazol for 30 days showed a decrease of plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and estradiol associated with a dysfunction in hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal axis, resulting in lower activities in succinate dehydrogenase and thymidine kinase, and a reduction of BrdU-immunoreactive cells in mammary tumours compared with the control, i.e., decreases of viability and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis in tumour cells in danazol-treated rats.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗