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Biomedical subjects

T Horikawa

Publications and source records attributed to T Horikawa.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Establishment and characterization of nurse cell-like clones from human skin. Nurse cell-like clones can stimulate autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction.

We have established nurse cell-like clones from long-term cultures of the human skin. These human skin nurse cell (HSNC)-like clones were type I collagen+, type IV collagen-, vimentin+, cytokeratin-, CD44+, CD54+, and weakly positive for VCAM-1, and easily identified by the pseudoemperipolesis that allowed T lymphocytes to migrate beneath the HSNCs. HSNCs and various T cell lines formed a typical complex in the hanging drop culture system. The majority of human and murine T cells, and some of the tumor cell lines other than T cells, including B lymphoma and myeloblastoma cells, migrated beneath the HSNC clones. HSNC clones produced various cytokines, including IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, granulocyte CSF (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), macrophage CSF (CSF-1), TGF-beta 1, and c-kit ligand, but could not produce IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, TNF-alpha, or TNF-beta. These characteristics were similar to those of nurse cells established from the murine thymus. Furthermore, IFN-gamma-pretreated HSNC clones that expressed MHC class II Ags induced autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) in autologous PBMCs to proliferate and exhibit the cytotoxicity against altered autologous cells and various tumor cells. These results suggest that HSNCs play an important role in the immunoregulation at skin tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

An improved method for detecting cytostatic toxin (emetic toxin) of Bacillus cereus and its application to food samples.

We developed an improved HEp-2 cell assay method for the detection of Bacillus cereus toxin, which affects the proliferation of HEp-2 cells. The cytostatic toxin was stable upon exposure to heat, pH 2, pH 11 and trypsin, which suggests it is an emetic. Using the HEp-2 cell assay, we examined the distribution and contamination of B. cereus strains that produced an emetic toxin in various foods. Although there were 228 enterotoxin producers among 310 B. cereus strains obtained from foods, 16 of them produced the cytostatic type (emetic toxin). All of the strains that produced the cytostatic toxin were of the H.1 serotype.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed1994

Chronic desipramine treatment influences D1 stimulation and D2 inhibition (dual control) of adenylate cyclase by dopamine in rat striatum.

The response of adenylate cyclase to GTP and to dopamine (DA) was investigated in striatal membranes from desipramine (DMI)- or saline-treated rats. DMI (15 mg/kg) or saline was injected i.p. once a day for 3 weeks. In saline-treated control membranes, GTP exerted a biphasic effect on basal and DA-stimulated enzyme activity; peak levels of stimulation by DA plus GTP were observed at 1 microM GTP. On the other hand, peak levels moved to the right in the GTP dose response curve in DMI-treated membranes. Therefore, D2 inhibition might be attenuated, while the D2 specific agonist, PPHT, was not observed to cause inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Furthermore, D1 stimulation of adenylate cyclase via D1 specific agonist SKF was attenuated in DMI-treated membranes. It seems, therefore, that chronic treatment of rat striatum with DMI exerts a dual influence, that is, a lessening of both D1 stimulation and D2 inhibition of adenylate cyclase, and alters specifically the overall process of the adenylate cyclase system.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of the calcium-sensitive voltage-gated delayed rectifier potassium channel in isolated guinea pig hepatocytes.

The voltage-dependent K+ channel was examined in enzymatically isolated guinea pig hepatocytes using whole-cell, excised outside-out and inside-out configurations of the patch-clamp technique. The resting membrane potential in isolated hepatocytes was -25.3 +/- 4.9 mV (n = 40). Under the whole-cell voltage-clamp, the time-dependent delayed rectifier outward current was observed at membrane potentials positive to -20 mV at physiological temperature (37 degrees C). The reversal potential of the current, as determined from tail current measurements, shifted by approximately 57 mV per 10-fold change in the external K+ concentration. In addition, the current did not appear when K+ was replaced with Cs+ in the internal and external solutions, indicating that the current was carried by K+ ions. The envelope test of the tails demonstrated that the growth of the tail current followed that of the current activation. The ratio between the activated current and the tail amplitude was constant during the depolarizing step. The time course of growth and deactivation of the tail current were best described by a double exponential function. The current was suppressed in Ca(2+)-free, 5 mM EGTA internal or external solution (pCa > 9). The activation curve (P infinity curve) was not shifted by changing the internal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The current was inhibited by bath application of 4-aminopyridine or apamin. alpha 1-Adrenergic stimulation with noradrenaline enhanced the current but beta-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol had no effect on the current. In single-channel recordings from outside-out patches, unitary current activity was observed by depolarizing voltage-clamp steps whose slope conductance was 9.5 +/- 2.2 pS (n = 10). The open time distribution was best described by a single exponential function with the mean open lifetime of 18.5 +/- 2.6 ms (n = 14), while at least two exponentials were required to fit the closed time distributions with a time constant for the fast component of 2.0 +/- 0.3 ms (n = 14) and that for the slow component of 47.7 +/- 5.9 ms (n = 14). Ensemble averaged current exhibited delayed rectifier nature which was consistent with whole-cell measurements. In excised inside-out patch recordings, channel open probability was sensitive to [Ca2+]i. The concentration of Ca2+ at the half-maximal activation was 0.031 microM. These results suggest that guinea pig hepatocytes possess voltage-gated delayed rectifier K+ channels which are modified by intracellular Ca2+.

4-Aminopyridine↗
PubMed1994

Peracylated beta-cyclodextrins as novel sustained-release carriers for a water-soluble drug, molsidomine.

Peracylated beta-cyclodextrins with different alkyl chains (acetyl-octanoyl) were prepared by acylating all hydroxyl groups of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD), and their physical properties were evaluated. These hydrophobic beta-CyDs decreased the release rate of molsidomine, a peripheral vasodilator, in proportion to the lengthening of alkyl chain and suppressed a peak plasma level of molsidomine following oral administration of peracylated beta-CyD complexes to dogs. Among the peracylated beta-CyDs tested, perbutanoyl-beta-CyD maintained sufficient plasma drug levels for a long period of time, while other peracylated beta-CyDs having shorter or longer chains were inappropriate to control the in-vivo release behaviour of molsidomine. The prominent retarding effect of perbutanoyl-beta-CyD was ascribable to the appropriate mucoadhesive property and hydrophobicity, compared with other peracylated beta-CyDs. The present results suggest that perbutanoyl-beta-CyD is particularly useful in modifying the release rate of water-soluble drugs as a novel slow-release carrier.

Acylation↗
PubMed1993

Design and in-vitro evaluation of a modified-release oral dosage form of nifedipine by hybridization of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropylcellulose.

To modify the release rate of nifedipine, a potent calcium channel antagonist, a double-layer tablet was designed, anticipating a more balanced oral bioavailability and a prolonged efficacy than the simple plain tablet. Amorphous nifedipine powders prepared by spray-drying with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and nonionic surfactant HCO-60 were employed as a fast-release portion to attain an initial rapid dissolution of nifedipine. Hydroxypropylcelluloses (HPCs) with different viscosity grades (type L, M, and H) were used for a slow-release portion to provide an appropriate sustained-release. Taking into account the physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (pH and motility), an optimal formulation of the double-layer tablet was obtained by changing the mixing ratios of each component. For example, the tablet consisting of HP-beta-CyD with 3% HCO-60/(HPC-L:HPC-M) in the weight ratio 1/2(1:1) provided a sufficient slow release of the drug over a wide pH region following an initial rapid dissolution. The release of nifedipine from the double-layer tablets was little affected by pH of the medium and rotation speed of paddle after accelerated storage conditions (60 degrees C, 75% r.h.). The present results suggest that a combination of HP-beta-CyD, HCO-60 and HPCs can serve as a modified-release carrier for poorly water-soluble nifedipine.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin↗
PubMed1992

Immunoelectronmicroscopic differentiation of linear IgA bullous dermatosis of adults with coexistence of IgA and IgG deposition from bullous pemphigoid.

BACKGROUND: The differentiation between linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) is sometimes difficult in patients who have both IgA and IgG deposition in a linear pattern at the basement membrane zone. OBJECTIVE: We address whether two cases of acquired subepidermal blistering disease with coexistence of IgA and IgG deposition in a linear pattern at the basement membrane zone are LABD or BP. METHODS: The two cases were investigated by immunoelectron microscopy and compared with two typical cases of LABD. RESULTS: In both cases, the deposition of IgA and IgG was ultrastructurally localized below the lamina densa in close association with anchoring fibrils, as was seen in two cases of typical LABD. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that our two cases of acquired blistering disease with co-existence of IgA and IgG deposition are LABD, rather than BP.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates Ia antigen expression induced by interferon-gamma and prostaglandin E2 production in Pam 212 cells.

Recent investigations suggest that 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3] has an effect on the regulation of immune responses and that keratinocyte (KC) expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens may be involved in immune responses. We investigated the modulation by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 of Ia antigen expression induced by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in Pam 212 cells. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 at 10(-6), 10(-8) or 10(-10) M significantly decreased the levels of IFN-gamma-induced Ia antigen expression in Pam 212 cells. Pam 212 cells produced PGE2 and 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 enhanced Pam 212 cell PGE2 production. However, indomethacin (1, 5 and 10 micrograms/ml) did not abrogate the inhibitory effect of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on IFN-gamma induction of Ia antigen expression in Pam 212 cells, indicating that the products of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway do not mediate 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 inhibition of IFN-gamma induction of Pam 212 cell Ia antigen expression. Our studies suggest that in Pam 212 cells the levels of Ia antigen expression induced by IFN-gamma and PGE2 production are negatively and positively regulated by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, respectively, and that 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 may play a role in the regulation of immune responses.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1991

Production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or GM-CSF-like growth factor by rat thymic epithelial cell line.

An epithelial cell line, IT-45R1, has been established from a thymus of normal Wistar rat and was found to produce growth factor which stimulated the proliferation of bone marrow cells. This growth factor induced the formation of colonies composed of macrophages, granulocytes, or both, in semi-solid medium and stimulated the proliferation of an interleukin 3 (IL3)/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-dependent clone. Neither IL3-dependent clone nor IL6-dependent clone responded to IT-45R1 factor. Additionally, IT-45R1 factor acted on both rat and mouse bone marrow cells but not on human bone marrow cells. Molecular weight of IT-45R1 factor was 30 kD and its isoelectric point was 4.5. To determine whether IT-45R1 factor is GM-CSF or not, Northern blot analysis and neutralization with anti-mouse GM-CSF antibody were carried out. IT-45R1 expressed GM-CSF mRNA, but neither M-CSF nor IL6 transcripts. However, antiserum specific for mouse GM-CSF did not neutralize IT-45R1 factor. Taken together, a rat thymic epithelial cell line, IT-45R1, constitutively produces GM-CSF or GM-CSF-like growth factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Melanocyte growth factor in normal human skin.

Normal human skin is shown to contain melanocyte growth factor (MeGF). We found MeGF activity in extracts of both the epidermal portion of skin and the dermal portion. This activity was completely adsorbed onto heparin beads and eluted by 2.5 M NaCl. In addition, the activity of both extracts was completely blocked by antibodies directed against basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). It is suggested that melanocytes in epidermis are supported by bFGF-like MeGF in normal human skin.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1989

Increased contact hypersensitivity response in mice by topical application of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to elicitation site.

Recent evidence indicates that the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3], has an effect on the regulation of the immune response. We investigated whether topical treatment of mice with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 influences the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response to trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was applied to the dorsal trunk of A/J mice on days 0-3, and on day 4 topical application of 5% TNCB on the 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-treated site was performed. The mice were tested for CHS on day 10 by applying 1% TNCB to the ears. No effect on induction of CHS response to TNCB was observed in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-treated mice compared with 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[24,25(OH)2D3]-treated mice as control. In a second experiment, the dorsal trunk of A/J mice was treated with 5% TNCB on day 0. The topical application of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the ears was performed from days 2 to 5. On day 6, the mice were tested for CHS by applying 1% TNCB to the 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-treated ears. When 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was administered to the elicitation site prior to the challenge, pretreatment of mice with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 increased their response to TNCB by 40% compared with 24,25(OH)2D3-treated mice as control (P less than 0.01). There were no findings suggesting that the pretreatment of the challenge site with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced an irritant dermatitis that was superimposed on a subsequent CHS reaction. The 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 modulation of CHS response to TNCB in mice suggests that the hormone may play a role in the regulation of the immune response in vivo.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1989

[Experimental study on tooth fractures in young rats].

The influence of tooth fractures on growth of rat incisors was examined with soft X-ray radiography, xeroradiography and microradiography. Thirty young rats were used in this study and experimental fractures were produced on the mandibular left incisors. Radiological observations were carried out immediately, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after fracturing. The soft X-ray radiograms obtained immediately after fracturing showed clear radiolucent images. The radiopacity of the fractured regions gradually increased from the 7th day. Enamel hypoplasia was observed from the 7th day, and it moved towards the edge of the incisors with the growth of the fractured teeth. The xeroradiograms obtained at each term demonstrated as same findings as those obtained with soft X-ray radiography. The microradiograms obtained immediately after fracturing showed no noteworthy findings except for the clear radiolucent area of the fractured regions. Fine radiopaque lines along the edges of fractured regions were observed from the 7th day. Dentin-like radiopaque calcified masses were observed from the 14th day.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

A case of porphyria cutanea tarda with experimental light urticaria.

Photobiological tests were carried out on a 32-year-old man who suffered from porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The patient developed an immediate type of skin reaction with erythema and whealing following monochromatic irradiation at 400 nm, but did not have any abnormal immediate skin reaction after exposure to natural sunlight. Pre- or simultaneous irradiation with visible light, wavelength greater than 650 nm, suppressed the development of urticaria induced by 400 nm monochromatic radiation. On the basis of these findings and our previous observation of an inhibitory spectrum in two cases of solar urticaria, we suggest that there is also an inhibitory spectrum in PCT. This could explain the extremely low incidence of immediate erythematous or urticarial reactions in sun-exposed skin in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Studies on background radioactivity in the Niigata City area--identification of natural nuclides present in underground (well) water samples].

Background radioactivity levels in Niigata city area were studied through the years of 1981-1984. As the results, it was found that the gross beta-radioactivity in underground (well) water samples were comparatively higher than those of other ground water samples. Ion chromatographic and gamma-ray spectroscopic determination revealed that this higher radioactivities were contributed by 40K rather than radium or thorium series nuclides or fallout originated 90Sr.

Background Radiation↗
PubMed1984

Biochemical and serological studies on oral ureaplasma.

This study was conducted to study chemically and serologically the characteristics of the Ureaplasmas isolated from the human oral cavity. Two hundred and fifty-one healthy and 12 periodontitis subjects were examined for the incidence of the isolation of Ureaplasmas from their oral cavity. A total of twenty-six strains was isolated from the healthy human saliva. But no strains could be isolated from a variety of clinical specimens obtained from the patients. The serological properties of the isolates were tested by the method of metabolism inhibition test (MI test). Seven out of 26 isolates were serologically identical with either one of the ATCC standard strains. However, the serological types of the other strains could not be demonstrated by the MI test. The biological characteristics of 4 isolates and ATCC strains were tested by the usual method. The isolates did not metabolize glucose and arginine, while all strains hydrolyzed urea. On the other hand, none of the isolates lysed skimmed milk and gelatin. The proteolytic activity of the isolates could be demonstrated by using casein and horse serum proteins as substrates. Zymogram patterns from one of the isolates and Streptococcus salivarius were obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the cells lysed with digitonin or cell protein extracts. On the basis of the gel electrophoresis patterns, it is clear that the urease of the Ureaplasma is different from that of the Streptococcus salivarius.

Animals↗