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T Noda

Publications and source records attributed to T Noda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Increased soluble form of P-selectin in patients with unstable angina.

BACKGROUND: P-selectin in platelets and endothelial cells mediates adhesive interaction with leukocytes to form thrombi. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the plasma levels of P-selectin in patients with unstable angina and in those with stable effort angina of different pathophysiologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma P-selectin levels were determined by a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay on plasma samples taken from 12 patients with unstable angina, 11 patients with stable effort angina, and 15 healthy volunteers. Patients with unstable angina had angina at rest associated with ECG changes. In patients with unstable angina, plasma P-selectin levels within 1 hour (361 +/- 90 ng/mL) and at 3 hours (282 +/- 56 ng/mL) after angina were significantly (P < .05) higher than those in volunteers (177 +/- 31 ng/mL). Plasma P-selectin levels at 5 hours after attack (242 +/- 46 ng/mL) did not differ from those in volunteers. Although patients with stable effort angina developed angina with ST-segment depressions by treadmill exercise, their plasma P-selectin levels did not change (before, 178 +/- 45; immediately after, 186 +/- 36; and 1 hour after the exercise, 179 +/- 34 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma P-selectin levels after angina increased significantly in patients with unstable angina but did not in patients with stable effort angina. These findings may contribute to understanding of the pathophysiology of the acute coronary syndrome of unstable angina.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Human alanyl-tRNA synthetase: conservation in evolution of catalytic core and microhelix recognition.

The class II Escherichia coli and human alanyl-tRNA synthetases cross-acylate their respective tRNAs and require, for aminoacylation, an acceptor helix G3:U70 base pair that is conserved in evolution. We report here the primary structure and expression in the yeast Pichia of an active human alanyl-tRNA synthetase. The N-terminal 498 amino acids of the 968-residue polypeptide have substantial (41%) identity with the E. coli protein. A closely related region encompasses the class-defining domain of the E. coli enzyme and includes the part needed for recognition of the acceptor helix. As a result, previously reported mutagenesis, modeling, domain organization, and biochemical characterization on the E. coli protein appear valid as a template for the human protein. In particular, we show that both the E. coli enzyme and the human enzyme purified from Pichia aminoacylate 9-base pair RNA duplexes whose sequences are based on the acceptor stems of either E. coli or human alanine tRNAs. In contrast, the sequences of the two enzymes completely diverge in an internal portion of the C-terminal half that is essential for tetramer formation by the E. coli enzyme, but that is dispensable for microhelix aminoacylation. This divergence correlates with the expressed human enzyme behaving as a monomer. Thus, the region of close sequence similarity may be a consequence of strong selective pressure to conserve the acceptor helix G3:U70 base pair as an RNA signal for alanine.

Alanine-tRNA Ligase↗
PubMed1995

Improved detection of nitric oxide radical (NO.) production in an activated macrophage culture with a radical scavenger, carboxy PTIO and Griess reagent.

An improved method for the detection of nitric oxide radicals (NO. in cultures of activated macrophages was developed, involving a nitric oxide radical scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5- tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl (carboxy PTIO) and Griess reagent. A murine macrophage-like cell line, J774.1, was activated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which induced the production and secretion of NO2- into the culture supernatant. Addition of carboxy PTIO to the activated macrophages increased the amount of NO2- to 4- to 5-fold without cell damages, probably because carboxy PTIO rapidly reacted with NO. to form NO2-, which was finally assayed by the Griess reaction.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1995

Subcellular localization of the APC protein: immunoelectron microscopic study of the association of the APC protein with catenin.

Mutations in the APC gene are linked to the development of sporadic colorectal tumors as well as to familial adenomatous polyposis. Recently, the APC protein was reported to associated with catenins, proteins that bind to the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. In the present study, we examined the distribution and localization of the APC protein and alpha -catenin in the normal mouse intestine by light and immunoelectron microscopy using specific antibodies. The APC protein was found to be localized in microvilli and in the apical and lateral cytoplasm of the epithelial cells, whereas alpha-catenin was detected only in the lateral cytoplasm. Double-labeling immunoelectron microscopy showed colocalization of the APC protein with alpha-catenin in the lateral cytoplasm, especially along the lateral plasma membrane, although a certain portion of the APC protein in this region was distributed independently of alpha-catenin. These results suggest that a portion of the APC protein localized in the lateral cytoplasm of intestinal epithelial cells functions in cooperation with catenins, whereas the APC protein in microvilli and in the apical cytoplasm has other functions independent of catenins.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗
PubMed1995

Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release in myocytes from dyspedic mice lacking the type-1 ryanodine receptor.

While subtypes 1 and 2 of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) function as intracellular Ca2+ release channels, little is known about the function of the third subtype (RyR-3), first identified in brain. Myocytes from mice homozygous for a targeted mutation in the RyR-1 gene (dyspedic mice) can now be used for a study on the function of RyR-3, which is predominantly expressed in these cells according to our reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. We here demonstrate in these myocytes caffeine-, ryanodine- and adenine nucleotide-sensitive Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release with approximately 10 times lower sensitivity to Ca2+ than that of RyR-1. Although RyR-3 does not mediate excitation-contraction coupling of the skeletal muscle type, we propose that RyR-3 may induce intracellular Ca2+ release in response to a Ca2+ rise with a high threshold.

Adenine Nucleotides↗
PubMed1995

The adverse effects of oral 2-mercaptobenzimidazole on pregnant rats and their fetuses.

The effects of oral 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (2-MBI) on pregnant Wistar rats were examined. In a preliminary dose-finding study, pregnant rats treated with 2-MBI over Days 7-17 of gestation showed reduction in maternal thymus weights with compound-related mortality at doses > or = 40 mg/kg. No adverse effects on fetuses were found at doses < or = 40 mg/kg. However, anasarca, cleft palate, and dilated lateral ventricles were present in all fetuses from the only survivor among the dams treated with 60 mg/kg of 2-MBI. In the teratology study, pregnant rats were treated with 2-MBI at doses of 0, 3.3, 10, and 30 mg/kg during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Days 7-17). In addition, pregnant rats of three groups were also treated with 60 mg/kg of 2-MBI for 3 or 4 days during specific periods of organogenesis (Days 7-10, 11-14, or 15-17 of gestation). Treatment on Gestation Days 7-17 resulted in reduced maternal thymus weights at doses of > or = 3.3 mg/kg. In addition to reduced fetal weights, visceral variations (kinked ureter and dilated renal pelvis) and delayed ossification were seen in the fetuses at doses > or = 10 mg/kg, and skeletal variations (rudimentary lumbar ribs) were seen at 30 mg/kg. In the fetuses from the dams treated with 60 mg/kg of 2-MBI, rudimentary lumbar ribs were seen mainly in the group treated on Days 7-10 of gestation, whereas kinked ureter and dilated renal pelvis were evident mainly in the group treated on Gestation Days 15-17.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1995

Peritoneal lavage versus drainage for perforated appendicitis in children.

A total of 231 children with acute appendicitis were treated at our hospitals during the 10 years between 1984 and 1993, 53 of whom had a perforated appendix. These 53 patients were randomly assigned to two groups at the time of surgery according to the different procedures performed. Thus, 29 children were managed by appendectomy followed by peritoneal lavage using a large amount of saline, and intravenous antibiotic therapy consisting of aminoglycoside and cephem (lavage group), while the other 24 children were treated by appendectomy with silicon tube drainage and the same systemic antibiotic therapy (drainage group). The mean length of hospitalization, and the mean durations of fever and the need for fasting after laparotomy in the lavage group were significantly less than those in the drainage group: 10.1 versus 18.8 days, 2.8 versus 7.7 days, and 1.8 versus 3.5 days, respectively. The operation wounds healed well in the lavage group due to the fact that there was no drain. Wound infections occurred in two children from the lavage group and six from the drainage group. Intra-abdominal abscesses occurred in two children from the drainage group. Accordingly, peritoneal lavage appears to be superior to intraperitoneal tube drainage for the management of perforated appendicitis in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Characteristics of choledochal cysts in neonates and early infants.

Thirty-six infants with choledochal cyst consisting of 28 babies less than 12 months of age and 8 between 13 and 24 months of age, were analyzed. Characteristics of cases were as follows: (1) they were usually of the cystic type, (2) a huge abdominal mass and jaundice with alcoholic stool were typically found, (3) no symptom suggesting acute pancreatitis was observed, (4) amylase levels in bile were usually low, despite the presence of pancreatobiliary malunion, while other pancreatic enzymes in bile commonly showed a high concentration, and (5) primary cyst excision and biliary reconstruction was the treatment of choice, and could be safely performed with favorable outcomes even in babies less than 1 year of age.

Amylases↗
PubMed1995

Growth retardation in human cervical dysplasia-derived cell lines by beta-carotene through down-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor.

We used newly established cervical dysplasia-derived cell lines to elucidate a molecular mechanism of the preventive action of beta-carotene in cervical multi-step carcinogenesis. Liposomal beta-carotene was added to the culture medium for human cervical dysplasia cell lines, CICCN-2 from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN I), CICCN-3 from CIN II, and CICCN-4 from CIN III, and human cervical carcinoma-derived cell lines such as CICCN-6, CICCN-18, and HeLa cells. beta-Carotene (10 mumol/L) induced significant growth retardation in three cervical dysplasia cell lines but not in three cervical carcinoma-derived cell lines. Binding activities of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and cellular amounts of either messenger RNA for EGF receptor gene or EGF receptor protein were all highest in CICCN-4 cells. Cell surface binding, as well as internalization, of 125I-labeled EGF was rapidly reduced after beta-carotene treatment in dysplasia cell lines and 170-kD protein bands of EGF receptor disappeared from protein immunoblots at day 3 of the treatment. Cellular amounts of EGF receptor messenger RNA remained constant until day 3 of the treatment and were substantially reduced after day 7. Chromatin condensations, morphologic evidence for apoptotic cell death, were observed at day 1 by staining. From these results, we contend that prevention of cervical carcinogenesis by beta-carotene is due to induction of apoptosis in cervical dysplastic cells, which are premalignant cells in cervical multi-step carcinogenesis, via down-regulation of EGF receptor protein.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗
PubMed1995

Alternations in atrial natriuretic peptide release after DC cardioversion of non-valvular chronic atrial fibrillation.

The response of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release to haemodynamic influences after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation has not been fully examined. We measured plasma concentrations of ANP and assessed haemodynamic changes 60-120 min after DC cardioversion in 22 patients with non-valvular chronic atrial fibrillation. Passive leg elevation to enhance volume expansion was performed 60 min after DC cardioversion. Sinus rhythm was restored in 18 of the 22 patients (successful DC cardioversion group). The control group consisted of seven patients with non-valvular chronic atrial fibrillation who did not undergo DC cardioversion (atrial fibrillation control group). In the successful DC cardioversion group, the mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure decreased significantly 15 min after cardioversion (P < 0.05) and then remained unchanged. Plasma concentrations of ANP also decreased significantly 15 min after cardioversion (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was an additional significant decrease in ANP levels for up to 60 min after cardioversion (P < 0.05 from 15 min). Passive leg elevation for 15 min led to an increase in the mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (P < 0.01) and right atrial pressure (P < 0.05), but did not result in increased plasma concentrations of ANP (47.1 +/- 27.6 vs 43.9 +/- 34.4 pg.ml-1, mean +/- SD, P = ns). In the atrial fibrillation control group, passive leg elevation increased the mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (P < 0.01), the mean right atrial pressure (P < 0.05) and plasma concentrations of ANP (139.9 +/- 85.8 vs 168.1 +/- 108.2, P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from environments (pigeon excreta) in Nagasaki].

Cryptococcosis is one of the serious deep-seated mycoses in immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS. Cryptococcus neoformans ordinarily lives in natural environments such as soil and reproduces in pigeon excreta. It spreads in the air and infects human by inhalation. We isolated C. neoformans from pigeon excreta in hospitals, private houses, parks in Nagasaki from October to December in 1994. C. neoformans was isolated from 4 of 8 samples (50%) of pigeon excreta and the isolation rate increased to 80% (4/5) if they were weathered excreta. Two patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis occurred in the last two years in the area where C. neoformans was isolated during that period. Epidemiological studies of clinical isolates and environmental isolates are important to determine its origin of infection and the route of transmission.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Excitation-contraction uncoupling and muscular degeneration in mice lacking functional skeletal muscle ryanodine-receptor gene.

Contraction of skeletal muscle is triggered by the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) after depolarization of transverse tubules. The ryanodine receptor exists as a 'foot' protein in the junctional gap between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the transverse tubule in skeletal muscle, and is proposed to function as a calcium-release channel during excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Previous complementary DNA-cloning studies have defined three distinct subtypes of the ryanodine receptor in mammalian tissues, namely skeletal muscle, cardiac and brain types. We report here mice with a targeted mutation in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor gene. Mice homozygous for the mutation die perinatally with gross abnormalities of the skeletal muscle. The contractile response to electrical stimulation under physiological conditions is totally abolished in the mutant muscle, although ryanodine receptors other than the skeletal-muscle type seem to exist because the response to caffeine is retained. Our results show that the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor is essential for both muscular maturation and E-C coupling, and also imply that the function of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor during E-C coupling cannot be substituted by other subtypes of the receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Estimation of myocardial damage in Kawasaki disease using antimyosin antibody.

In a retrospective study, 121 children with Kawasaki disease (KD) were investigated to determine (i) the incidence of myocardial damage using the antimyosin antibody (AMA) titer; (ii) the differences in the electrocardiograms between the AMA-positive and -negative patients; and (iii) the effect of treatment with intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) on the AMA. Comparisons were made with 117 normal children (controls). Patients with KD showed a significantly higher mean AMA titer and more patients were positive for AMA than the controls. The AMA titer in the KD group was not related to the presence of coronary artery lesions. Electrocardiograms obtained during the acute and the convalescent stage of KD revealed that patients positive for AMA had a significantly lower voltage of T wave in lead V6 at week four than at week two of illness, whereas patients negative for AMA showed no T wave change after week two. The group treated with IVGG showed a significantly lower AMA titer than that not given IVGG. These observations suggest that myocardial damage occurs in some patients with KD which is unrelated to the presence of coronary artery lesions and that the treatment with IVGG reduces the AMA titer in patients with KD.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Serum calcium-decreasing factor (caldecrin) from porcine pancreas has proteolytic activity which has no clear connection with the calcium decrease.

We purified a serum calcium-decreasing factor, which showed chymotrypsin-like protease activity, from porcine pancreas to homogeneity. The factor administered to mice intravenously at a dose of 20 micrograms/kg b.w. decreased serum calcium by 15%. Treatment of the factor with the serine protease inhibitor, PMSF, caused a leftward shift in the dose-response curve, showing strengthened activity. It also caused a decrease in serum calcium and hydroxyproline levels in rats. At a dose of 10 ng/ml, the factor inhibited 45Ca release from cultured fetal long bone stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein, but not by interleukin-1 alpha, prostaglandin E1 and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. No other well-known pancreatic proteases had these effects. In view of the results of experiments using protease inhibitor and pancreatic proteases, and in view of the specificity of this factor in vitro, we propose that the factor exerts its serum calcium-decreasing activity most probably not through proteolytic degradation of PTH, but through an inhibition of PTH action on bones by a yet undefined mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Comparative teratogenicity of di-n-butyltin diacetate with n-butyltin trichloride in rats.

Teratological tests were conducted on di-n-butyltin diacetate (DBTA), and n-butyltin trichloride (MBTC). Pregnant Wistar rats were treated orally with DBTA at doses of 0, 1.7, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 mg/kg/day or with MBTC at doses of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day during days 7-17 of gestation. Cesarean sections were performed on day 20 of gestation. Thymic atrophy of the pregnant rats was observed in a dose-dependent manner by DBTA treatment. The incidence of dead or resorbed fetuses and total resorption fetuses increased at the highest dose of DBTA. The incidence of fetuses with external malformations, such as cleft mandible, cleft lower lip, ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) and schistoglossia (cleft tongue), increased in a dose-dependent manner by DBTA treatment. The incidence of fetuses with skeletal malformations such as anomaly of mandibular fixation, fused ribs, fused cervical vertebral arches and fused thoracic vertebral arches also increased at 10.0 and 15.0 mg/kg. However, MBTC, one of the main metabolites of di-n-butyltin, failed to show any evidence of tetatogenic activity at any doses tested. The results indicate that DBTA has potent teratogenic effects on rat fetuses, and DBTA is different from MBTC with respect to teratogenic effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Establishing a diagnosis of adrenal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma by 99mTc-PMT hepatobiliary scintigraphy.

A 69-year-old woman was diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with liver cirrhosis in October, 1984 and treated by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). In June, 1990 she was found to have a huge mass in the left hypochondrium which ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed to be a lett adrenal mass. A 99mTc pyridoxyl-5-methyl tryptophan (99mTC-PMT) hepatobiliary scintigraphy was positive and confirmed metastatic HCC. Although the adrenal mass was large, the HCC itself was controlled well with TAE. The adrenal mass was removed surgically in July, 1990 and the histological findings were compatible with HCC metastasized to the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗