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Biomedical subjects

T Takenouchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Takenouchi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Serotonin increases cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in PC12h cells: effect of tachykinin peptides.

We report here that serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT) induces an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat pheochromocytoma PC12h cells, a subclone of PC12 cells, which was detected by using Ca2+ sensitive indicator dye fura-2. The [Ca2+]i increase completely disappeared when extracellular Ca2+ was chelated with excess EGTA and potently suppressed in Na+-free buffer. Nifedipine, a voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel blocker, significantly blocked the 5-HT response. Addition of another 4 mM Ca2+ to the cell suspension attenuated the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 5-HT, whereas the nicotinic action was remarkably potentiated. Furthermore, metoclopramide, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, inhibited the 5-HT response in a dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that the 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i increase involves the mediation of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, evoked by membrane depolarization via the activation of cation channel-type receptors, 5-HT3 receptors. We also noted the inhibitory action of tachykinin peptides on the 5-HT response, suggesting that the cell line is useful to investigate these neuromodulatory actions in the nervous system.

Animals↗

Reduced tumorigenicity of human gastric carcinoma cells engineered to produce IL-2 in SCID mice reconstituted with peripheral blood cells from cancer patients.

We have examined the validity of a humanized immune system with an animal model to assess cytokine gene therapy for cancer patients. For that purpose, we prepared hematologically-reconstituted severe combined immunodeficiency mice by transferring patient's peripheral blood cells containing CD34+ cells. These animals were inoculated subcutaneously with human gastric cancer lines transduced with cytokine genes. Tumorigenicity of interleukin-2-producing cells was significantly reduced in reconstituted but not in non-reconstituted mice, whereas that of wild-type and interleukin-6 producer cells was not affected irrespective of the reconstitution status. An inability to induce protective immunity in the reconstituted mice, which had rejected interleukin-2-producers, suggested that the effector cells mediating the antitumor response were non-T cells of donor origin. The experimental system presented in this study seems to be a feasible model to investigate applicable cytokines for patients.

Adult↗

Amyloid beta-peptide-induced inhibition of MTT reduction in PC12h and C1300 neuroblastoma cells: effect of nitroprusside.

We have investigated the effect of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in rat pheochromocytoma PC 12h and murine C 1300 neuroblastoma cells by using MTT ¿3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) reduction assay. Exposure of the cells to Abeta peptides, Abeta1-40 and its fragment Abeta25-35, induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of MTT reduction in both cell lines, and MTT-dependent LDH release due to cell lysis in PC12h cells. We also found that sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a spontaneous nitric oxide (NO) generator, significantly prevented the inhibition of MTT reduction and MTT-dependent LDH release caused by Abeta peptides at 10-100 microM, although a high concentration of SNP (> or = 333 microM) was remarkably toxic by itself. Since the inhibition of MTT reduction caused by Abeta is known as one of the first indicators of its toxicity, these findings suggest that Abeta peptides have a toxic effect in these cell lines, and SNP may attenuate the Abeta peptide-induced toxicity. In regard the mechanisms of the actions of SNP, hydroxylamine which also generates NO and 8-Br-cGMP, a membrane-permeable analogue of cyclic GMP (cGMP), failed to prevent the inhibition of MTT reduction caused by Abeta25-35 in PC12h cells, implying that the effect of SNP may be mediated by the NO-independent pathway. Since potassium ferrocyanide showed a significant prevention at 333 microM although it had toxic effect at this concentration, it is considered that the ferrocyanide portion of the SNP metabolite may be partially involved. The cell death induced by other oxidative insults, such as glutamate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), could not be attenuated by SNP in both cell lines. Thus, the observed effect of SNP might not be due to its direct antioxidative action.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia presenting multinucleated cells in histology: an ultrastructural study.

A case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia arising on the face of a woman is reported. Histologically, the uniqueness of this case is the presence of multinucleated cells (MNCs), besides the conventional dermal changes. Electron microscopy showed that some of the apparent MNCs are clusters of endothelial cells forming immature vascular lumens with numerous microvilli, and the other MNCs displayed the recognized features of fibrohistiocytic or myofibroblastic cells. Immunohistochemically, some MNCs were positive for Ulex europaeus agglutinin and Factor VIII-related antigen. From these findings, some of the MNCs are histologically endothelial sprouts, and the others are fibrohistiocytic cells in the present case.

Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia↗

[Successful treatment with CPT-11 and adriamycin for hemophagocytic syndrome associated with intravascular lymphomatosis].

A 75-year-old man was admitted because of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (histology undetermined) of the rib. A complete remission was achieved after CHOP therapy and irradiation. One year later, high fever, thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction developed. Bone marrow aspirate revealed a hypoplastic marrow with hemophagocytic histiocytes, and a diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) was made. Although no lymphomatous lesions were detected, HPS due to relapsed lymphoma was strongly suspected. The patient received MEVP therapy including etoposide and prednisolone, but without any improvement. Soon after the initiation of CPT-11 and adriamycin (ADM) therapy, all symptoms of HPS disappeared. This combination chemotherapy was repeated over a three-week span, and the patient remained in partial remission for the next 10 months. In November 1997, a tumor developed in the paranasal sinus, and the patient died three months later. The autopsy disclosed many B lymphoma cells filling the small vessels of almost all organs, and a final diagnosis of intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) was made. These findings indicate that combination CPT-11 and ADM therapy is effective for cases of IVL accompanied by HPS that are refractory to conventional chemotherapies.

Aged↗

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of CS-834, a novel oral carbapenem.

CS-834 is a novel oral carbapenem antibiotic. This compound is an ester-type prodrug of the active metabolite R-95867. The antibacterial activity of R-95867 was tested against 1,323 clinical isolates of 35 species and was compared with those of oral cephems, i.e., cefteram, cefpodoxime, cefdinir, and cefditoren, and that of a parenteral carbapenem, imipenem. R-95867 exhibited a broad spectrum of activity covering both gram-positive and -negative aerobes and anaerobes. Its activity was superior to those of the other compounds tested against most of the bacterial species tested. R-95867 showed potent antibacterial activity against clinically significant pathogens: methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus including ofloxacin-resistant strains, Streptococcus pneumoniae including penicillin-resistant strains, Clostridium perfringens, Neisseria spp., Moraxella catarrhalis, most members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and Haemophilus influenzae (MIC at which 90% of strains are inhibited, < or =0.006 to 0.78 microg/ml). R-95867 was quite stable to hydrolysis by most of the beta-lactamases tested except the metallo-beta-lactamases from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacteroides fragilis. R-95867 showed potent bactericidal activity against S. aureus and Escherichia coli. Penicillin-binding proteins 1 and 4 of S. aureus and 1Bs, 2, 3, and 4 of E. coli had high affinities for R-95867. The in vivo efficacy of CS-834 was evaluated in murine systemic infections caused by 16 strains of gram-positive and -negative pathogens. The efficacy of CS-834 was in many cases superior to those of cefteram pivoxil, cefpodoxime proxetil, cefdinir, and cefditoren pivoxil, especially against infections caused by S. aureus, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, E. coli, Citrobacter freundii, and Proteus vulgaris. Among the drugs tested, CS-834 showed the highest efficacy against experimental pneumonia in mice caused by penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Administration, Oral↗

Expression of cutaneous fatty acid-binding protein and its mRNA in rat skin.

Cutaneous fatty acid-binding protein (C-FABP) has been purified from rat skin. Since there was little information about the role of C-FABP in the skin, we investigated the expression of C-FABP and its mRNA in normal rat skin using an immunohistochemical technique and in situ hybridization. In the epidermis, C-FABP mRNA was found to be expressed in basal cells and highly in prickle cells, while C-FABP itself was strongly expressed in the upper prickle and the granular cell layers. In sebaceous glands, both C-FABP and its mRNA were expressed in both peripheral and differentiating cells, although the expression of C-FABP mRNA gradually reduced during differentiation of sebocytes. Since epidermis and sebaceous glands are active sites of fatty acid synthesis, these results suggest that C-FABP may have important roles in the transport and synthesis of fatty acids.

Animals↗

HLA-DR antigen expression in colorectal carcinomas: influence of expression by IFN-gamma in situ and its association with tumour progression.

The authors attempted to investigate the host's immune response against colorectal carcinoma through the expression of HLA-DR antigen on carcinoma cells (Ca) on normal epithelia immediately adjacent to carcinoma (AN) in relation to tumour progression. The expression of HLA-DR antigen on Ca and on normal epithelia, both on AN and those 5-10 cm removed from the carcinoma (RN), were examined immunohistochemically. mRNAs of cytokines, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both carcinoma and remote normal tissues. The expression of HLA-DR antigen on AN was significantly increased compared with RN. Patients with tumours showing HLA-DR staining both in Ca and AN were in less advanced Dukes' stages (Dukes' A or B) compared with those without the stain. Furthermore, the expression of HLA-DR antigen in normal mucosa coincided significantly with the existence of IFN-gamma mRNA. Detection in carcinoma tissues of IFN-gamma mRNA that leads to the induction of HLA-DR antigen on AN could be an indicator of a host's immune response to carcinoma. These in vivo observations might be clinically applicable to the prediction of patients' immune responsiveness to carcinomas.

Adult↗

Hydrophilicity of quinolones is not an exclusive factor for decreased activity in efflux-mediated resistant mutants of Staphylococcus aureus.

The elevated expression of the norA gene is responsible for efflux-mediated resistance to quinolones in Staphylococcus aureus (E.Y.W. Ng, M. Trucksis, and D.C. Hooper, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 38:1345-1355, 1994). For S. aureus transformed with a plasmid containing the cloned norA gene, SA113(pTUS20) (H. Yoshida, M. Bogaki, S. Nakamura, K. Ubukata, and M. Konno, J. Bacteriol. 172:6942-6949, 1990), and an overexpressed mutant, SA-1199B (G.W. Kaatz, S.M. Seo, and C.A. Ruble, J. Infect. Dis. 163:1080-1086, 1991), the MICs of norfloxacin increased 16 and 64 times compared with its MICs for the recipient and wild-type strains, SA113 and SA-1199, respectively. MICs of CS-940, however, increased only two and eight times, even though these two fluoroquinolones are similarly hydrophilic (apparent logPs of approximately -1). No good correlation was found, among 15 developed and developing quinolones, between the increment ratio in MICs and hydrophobicity (r = 0.61). Analysis of the quantitative structure-activity relationship among 40 fluoroquinolones revealed that the MIC increment ratio was significantly correlated with the bulkiness of the C-7 substituent and bulkiness and hydrophobicity of the C-8 substituent of fluoroquinolones (r = 0.87) and not with its molecular hydrophobicity (r = 0.47). Cellular accumulation of norfloxacin in SA-1199B was significantly lower than that in SA-1199, and it was increased by addition of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. On the other hand, accumulations of CS-940 in these strains were nearly identical, and they were not affected by addition of the protonophore.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Outbreaks of fowl cholera in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) on a farm in Aomori Prefecture.

Outbreaks of a subacute disease characterized by lameness, corneal turbidity, dysstasia and depression occurred in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) on a farm in Aomori Prefecture in February and May 1991. Nine strains of Pasteurella multocida were isolated from 5 to 6 dead ducks, and 4 of 8 ducks with clinical signs. Serotypes of the isolates were identified as Heddleston's serotype 1, 10 or 12 and Namioka's serotypes 5:A, 8:A, 9:A or 9:UT. These isolates were highly susceptible to 12 antibiotics, although, some of them were considerably resistant to chloramphenicol. Mouse LD50 values of the 9 isolates ranged from 10(1.0) to 10(5.3). The most virulent strain for the mouse killed 2 to 4 ducks when inoculated intramuscularly at a concentration of 10(3.3). This is the first report of outbreaks of fowl cholera in Muscovy ducks infected with various serotypes strains of P. multocida in Japan.

Animals↗

Trophic effects of substance P and beta-amyloid peptide on dibutyryl cyclic AMP-differentiated human leukemic (HL-60) cells.

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) is a mediator of neurogenic inflammation. Also, beta-amyloid protein (beta AP) can directly activate the cell types involved in inflammatory processes. The relationship between SP and beta AP on their biological actions has attracted much interest. SP is trophic in neuronal cells and protected them against the death induced by beta AP. In this study, we examined the effects of SP and beta-amyloid peptide on cell viability in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells, by means of the WST-1 tetrazolium and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. The results showed that SP promoted the cell survival on neutrophil-like HL-60 cells in serum-free conditions. Also, beta-amyloid peptide showed trophic effects rather than toxic in these cells in WST-1 assay, though it is reportedly toxic in neuronal cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

beta-Amyloid peptide, substance P, and SEC receptor ligand activate cytoplasmic Ca2+ in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells: effect of chemotactic peptide antagonist BocMLF.

It has been reported that a discrete peptide fragment of beta-amyloid protein, beta A(25-35), and neuropeptide substance P (SP) possessed sequence homology and could bind to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) enzyme complex (SEC) receptor. Thus, it has been thought that these peptides and SEC receptor ligand might have similar biological activities. In the present study, we found that C-terminal amidated beta A(25-35)-NH2, SP, and the SEC receptor ligand, Phe-Val-Phe-Leu-Met(FVFLM), could induce an increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neutrophil-like human leukemic (HL-60) cells. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) potently inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by these peptides, suggesting that these responses might be mediated by PTX-sensitive G-proteins. Furthermore, we examined the effect on these responses of t-butyloxycarbonyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (BocMLF), which is a competitive antagonist of chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF) at its receptor. BocMLF scarcely inhibited the [Ca2+]i increase stimulated by beta A(25-35)-NH2. However, the increase in FVFLM-induced [Ca2+]i was potently inhibited by BocMLF. The results suggest that the [Ca2+]i activation of beta A(25-35)-NH2 may have a different mechanism from that of FVFLM in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells, which is not mediated by the SEC-receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemokine gene transfection into tumour cells reduced tumorigenicity in nude mice in association with neutrophilic infiltration.

To study the effect of localised secretion of chemokines on tumour growth, the genes for human (hu) interleukin 8 (IL-8), hu-MCP-1 (MCAF), hu-MIP-1 alpha (LD78), murine (mu)-MCP-1 (JE), mu-MIP-1 alpha or mu-MIP-2 were introduced, via mammalian expression vectors, into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and the ability of transfected cells to form tumours in vivo was evaluated. The production of hu-IL-8, hu-MIP-1 alpha or mu-MIP-1 alpha by transfected clones did not influence the growth rate in vitro, but drastically suppressed tumour growth when injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into nude mice. However, clones transfected with hu-MCP-1, mu-MCP-1 or mu-MIP-2 did not show any significant difference in growth rate in vivo compared with clones transfected with vector alone. Histological examination of the site of injection of CHO clones transfected with hu-IL-8, hu-MIP-1 alpha or mu-MIP-1 alpha showed predominantly neutrophilic infiltration. These results indicate that chemokines have potent anti-tumour activity when released, even at low doses, at the tumour site, which may be mediated by recruitment and targeting of neutrophilic granulocytes to chemokine-releasing cells. Our studies highlight the potential usefulness of localised chemokine secretion in inducing potent host anti-tumour defensive responses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sebaceous epithelioma with sweat gland differentiation.

We examined a neoplasm of > 10 years' duration on the head of a woman. Light microscopically, the neoplasm was composed of multiple epithelial lobules in the dermis. The islands were mainly made up of basaloid cells and sebaceous cells; the latter cells were focally grouped in the lobules. Neither a palisade arrangement of peripheral cells nor the formation of peritumoral clefts were seen. Ductal spaces were scattered in the lobules and their luminal surfaces showed keratinization. Furthermore, in the peripheral parts of some lobules, there were sweat-gland-like structures. Immunohistochemically, most of the lobules were shown to have stratified squamous epithelium-type keratins, while the sweat-gland-like structures were shown to have simple epithelium-type keratins and stained positive for carcinoembryonic antigen. Ultrastructurally, many cells had lipid formation in their cytoplasm, and some cells formed luminal walls keratinizing without microvilli and keratohyaline granules. Although most of this neoplasm showed sebaceous differentiation, it partially differentiated to secretory cells of sweat gland apparatus.

Adenocarcinoma, Sebaceous↗

Chemical synthesis and biological activities of the EGF-like domain of mouse schwannoma-derived growth factor (SDGF).

Schwannoma-derived growth factor (SDGF), an epidermal growth factor (EGF) family peptide recently discovered, has an EGF-like domain in the carboxyl terminal portion. In this study, we synthesized mSDGF(38-80) corresponding to the EGF-like domain of mouse SDGF by means of stepwise solid-phase method using Fmoc chemistry in order to evaluate the biological function of the EGF-like domain in SDGF. The linear peptide of mSDGF(38-80) was folded by direct oxidation with reduced and oxidized glutathione to form intramolecular disulfide bridges in synthetic peptide. On the biological activity, we examined mitogenic activity induced by mSDGF(38-80) in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells and interaction with EGF receptor in A431 cells. In the results, mSDGF(38-80) was confirmed to form three disulfide linkages that were similar in pattern to EGF by amino acid and sequence analysis of fragments obtained after thermolytic digestion. However, mSDGF(38-80) possessed weak mitogenic activity in NIH/3T3 cells and weak binding affinity for the EGF receptor in A431 cells compared with those of human EGF. These results suggest that the EGF-like domain of SDGF may have little effect upon mitogenic activity and the EGF receptor binding of SDGF.

3T3 Cells↗

Incidence of various gyrA mutants in 451 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated in Japan and their susceptibilities to 10 fluoroquinolones.

Point mutations in the gyrA genes of 451 clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated in Japan were detected by a combination of nonradioisotopic single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and by direct sequencing. Six types of gyrA mutations were observed in 149 of the 451 strains (33%), and ofloxacin MICs were greater than 6.25 micrograms/ml for 147 of the 149 strains (98.7%). These mutations were localized between codons 84 and 88, and they were associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Two types of silent mutations were also found. Among these eight types of mutations, three types are novel, i.e., the serine at position 84 (Ser-84)-->Val (TCA-->GTA), Ser-84-->Leu (TCA-->TTA) plus Ile-86 (ATT-->ATC, silent), and Phe-110 (TTT-->TTC, silent). Among GyrA mutants, strains with a Ser-84-->Leu alteration and strains with a Glu-88-->Lys alteration were dominant. In contrast, few strains had Ser-84-->Ala and Glu-88-->Gly alterations. All fluoroquinolones tested showed greater than a fourfold decrease in their activities in terms of their MICs that inhibited 50% of strains tested for each GyrA mutant, in comparison with their MICs that inhibited 50% of strains tested for susceptible strains. Most of the currently available fluoroquinolones, such as norfloxacin, enoxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tosufloxacin, lomefloxacin, sparfloxacin, and fleroxacin, were ineffective against each mutant. Mutants containing a Ser-84-->Leu or Val alteration showed high-level resistance to fluoroquinolones, and one containing a Ser-84-->Ala alteration showed relatively low-level resistance. Double mutations were associated with a higher level of resistance than single mutations.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Establishment and characterization of a human malignant fibrous histiocytoma cell line.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma. However, the pathogenesis still remains unclear, because there are very few human malignant fibrous histiocytoma cell lines available for precise cellular study. In this study, a human malignant fibrous histiocytoma cell line (MMF-1) was established from the pulmonary metastatic lesion of a 55-year-old man with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Human cell line MMF-1 and its heterotransplanted tumor had almost the same characteristics as the original tumor morphologically and immunohistochemically. This cell line is expected to be a useful for studying the pathogenesis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The cloned cell lines (MMF-2 and MMF-3) also consisted of spindle-shaped, polygonal, and multinucleated giant cells, meaning that the fibroblast-like cells, histiocyte-like cells, and multinucleated giant cells seen in malignant fibrous histiocytoma were derived from a single tumor cell. Human cell line MMF-1 produced inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor, that might be involved in the morphogenesis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Furthermore, the results of the analysis of human cell line MMF-1 suggested that malignant fibrous histiocytoma originated from a poorly differentiated fibroblast.

Cell Division↗