Biomedical subjects
Takaaki Abe
Publications and source records attributed to Takaaki Abe.
Involvement of multiple transporters in the efflux of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors across the blood-brain barrier.
Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, are frequently used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The present study aimed to examine the involvement of organic anion transporters in the efflux transport of pravastatin and pitavastatin across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Transport studies using cDNA-transfected cells revealed that these statins are substrates of multispecific organic anion transporters expressed at the BBB (rOat3:Slc22a8 and rOatp2:Slco1a4). The efflux of these statins across the BBB was characterized using the brain efflux index method. The efflux clearance of pitavastatin across the BBB, obtained from the elimination rate constant and the distribution volume in the brain, was greater than that of pravastatin (364 versus 59 microl/min/g brain). The efflux of pravastatin and pitavastatin was saturable (apparent Km values: 18 and 5 muM, respectively) and inhibited by probenecid but unaffected by tetraethylammonium. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the efflux pathway for hydrophilic organic anions across the BBB (p-aminohippurate), and inhibitors of the efflux pathway for amphipathic organic anions (taurocholate and digoxin) inhibited the efflux of both statins. The degree of inhibition by p-aminohippurate was similar and partial for the efflux of pravastatin and pitavastatin. Taurocholate and digoxin completely inhibited the efflux of pitavastatin, whereas their effect was partial for the efflux of pravastatin. The results of the present study suggest the involvement of multiple transporters, including rOat3 and rOatp2, in the efflux transport of pravastatin and pitavastatin across the BBB, each making a different contribution.
PDZ binding motif-dependent localization of K+ channel on the basolateral side in distal tubules.
Kir5.1, a nonfunctional inwardly rectifying K(+) channel by itself, can form functional channels by assembling with other proteins. We previously showed that Kir5.1 assembled with Kir4.1 and functioned as an acid-base regulator in the kidney. In this study, we examined the intrarenal distribution of Kir5.1 by RT-PCR analysis on dissected nephron segments and immunohistochemical analysis with the specific anti-Kir5.1 antibody. Strong expression of Kir5.1 was detected in distal convoluted tubules, and weak expression was also detected in thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Colocalization of Kir5.1 with Kir4.1 indicated expression of Kir5.1/Kir4.1 heteromer in these nephron segments. In a renal epithelial cell line, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, heteromer formation with Kir4.1 changed the localization of Kir5.1 from intracellular components to the cell surface. The COOH-terminal cytoplasmic portion that includes the PDZ binding motif of Kir4.1 was responsible for this intracellular localization. These data suggest the signals on the COOH terminus of Kir4.1, including PDZ binding motif, determine the intracellular localization of Kir5.1/Kir4.1 heteromer in distal tubules.
Isolation and characterization of a digoxin transporter and its rat homologue expressed in the kidney.
Digoxin, which is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of heart failure, is mainly eliminated from the circulation by the kidney. P-glycoprotein is well characterized as a digoxin pump at the apical membrane of the nephron. However, little is known about the transport mechanism at the basolateral membrane. We have isolated an organic anion transporter (OATP4C1) from human kidney. Human OATP4C1 is the first member of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family expressed in human kidney. The isolated cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 724 aa with 12 transmembrane domains. The genomic organization consists of 13 exons located on chromosome 5q21. Its rat counterpart, Oatp4c1, is also isolated from rat kidney. Human OATP4C1 transports cardiac glycosides (digoxin, K(m) = 7.8 microM and ouabain, K(m) = 0.38 microM), thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, K(m) = 5.9 microM and thyroxine), cAMP, and methotrexate in a sodium-independent manner. Rat Oatp4c1 also transports digoxin (K(m) = 8.0 microM) and triiodothyronine (K(m) = 1.9 microM). Immunohistochemical analysis reveals that rat Oatp4c1 protein is localized at the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell in the kidney. These data suggest that human OATP4C1/rat Oatp4c1 might be a first step of the transport pathway of digoxin and various compounds into urine in the kidney.
Two cases of deep vein thrombosis associated with antipsychotic drug use.
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The organic anion transporter (OATP) family.
In the last decade, many organic anion transporters have been isolated, characterized their distribution and substrates. The recently identified organic anion transporter family OATP (organic anion transporting polypeptide)/LST (liver-specific transporter) family, transport bile acids, hormones as well as eicosanoids, various compounds (BSP, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, etc.). The isolation of the family revealed that not only hydrophilic compounds, drugs and hormones of lipophilic nature need a membrane transport system to penetrate cell membrane. In this family, the nomenclature becomes very complicated and the physiological role of this family is still unclear except about few organs such as the brain, liver and kidney. Even in such organs, the co-existence of the OATP/LST family and similar substrate specificity hamper the progress and clear characterization identifying the real role of the transporter family. Here, recent progress and an insight of this field are reviewed.
[Psychopathological study on atypical psychoses].
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[A clinical study of hypochondriac symptoms in patients with depression].
In this study, the authors investigated the features of depression associated with hypochondriac symptoms. The subjects were inpatients of the psychiatry clinic of Jichi Medical School who were clinical diagnosed with depression and enrolled in the study between June 1, 1997, and June 30, 1999. Of 86 subjects enrolled, 49 exhibited hypochondriac symptoms ("hypochondriac group"). Patients in the hypochondriac group tended to be older at diagnosis and admission than those in the "non-hypochondriac group". Our findings suggested that symptoms of both hypochondriasis and depression are related to situational, psychological and organizational factors. As many patients consulted health professionals in specialties other than psychiatry, we emphasize that primary-care doctors need to keep the possibility of depression in mind when examining patients. The frequency of delusions associated with depression was higher in the hypochondriac group than in the non-hypochondriac group. We therefore suggest that hypochondriac attitudes are related to the three major diagnostic features in depressive delusions. Many hypochondriac subjects complained of constipation and pain as concrete symptoms, but the sites of hypochondriac symptoms showed considerable variation. In terms of symptoms of pain, however, affected sites were more localized, with many patients reporting headache or lumbago.
[Pheochromocytoma].
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Differential inhibition of transient outward currents of Kv1.4 and Kv4.3 by endothelin.
The effects of endothelin on the transient outward K(+) currents were compared between Kv1.4 and Kv4.3 channels in Xenopus oocytes expression system. Both transient outward K(+) currents were decreased by stimulation of endothelin receptor ET(A) coexpressed with the K(+) channels. Transient outward current of Kv1.4 was decreased by about 85% after 10(-8) M ET-1, while that of Kv4.3 was decreased by about 60%. By mutagenesis experiments we identified two phosphorylation sites of PKC and CaMKII in Kv1.4 responsible for the decrease in I(to) by ET-1. In Kv4.3 a PKC phosphorylation site was identified which is in part responsible for the decrease in I(to). Differences in the suppression of I(to) could be ascribed to the difference in intracellular signaling including the number of phosphorylation sites. These findings might give clues for the understanding of molecular mechanism of ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure, in which endothelin is involved in the pathogenesis.
Identification and characterization of novel rat and human gonad-specific organic anion transporters.
We have isolated three novel organic anion transporter cDNAs designated rat GST-1 (gonad-specific transporter), rat GST-2, and human GST, expressed at high levels in the testis. Rat GST-1, GST-2, and human GST consist of 748, 702, and 719 amino acids, respectively, and all molecules possess the 12 predicted transmembrane domains, which is a common structure of organic anion transporters. Northern blot analyses and in situ hybridization revealed that both of the rat molecules are highly expressed in the testis, especially in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. Weak signals are also detected in the epididymis and ovary in adult rat. The exclusive expression of human GST mRNA in the testis was confirmed by RT-PCR. The pharmacological experiments of Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with the respective rat GST-1- and GST-2-cRNAs revealed that both rat GST-1 and GST-2 transport taurocholic acid, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and T4 with Michaelis-Menten kinetics (taurocholic acid, Km = 8.9 and 2.5 microm, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, Km = 25.5 and 21.microm, and T4, Km = 6.4 and 5.8 for rat GST-1 and GST-2, respectively). T3 was also transported by rat GST-1 and GST-2. These data suggest that rat GST-1 and GST-2 might be one of the molecular entities responsible for transporting dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and thyroid hormones involved in the regulation of sex steroid transportation and spermatogenesis in the gonad.
Expression and functional involvement of organic anion transporting polypeptide subtype 3 (Slc21a7) in rat choroid plexus.
PURPOSE: It has been shown that transport(s) are involved in the uptake of estradiol 17beta glucuronide (E217betaG) by the choroid plexus (CP). The purpose of this study is to compare the substrate specificity of the transporter in the CP with those of rat organic anion transporting polypeptide 1 (rOatp1) and rOatp3. METHODS: The expression of rOatp1 and rOatp3 in rat CP was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The substrate specificity of rOatp1 and rOatp3 was compared using cDNA-transfected LLC-PK1 cells. The uptake of E217betaG by rat isolated CP was determined by centrifugal filtration technique. RESULTS: PCR analyses demonstrated that the mRNA expression of rOatp3 was abundant in the CP, whereas that of rOatp1 was low. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that rOatp3 is expressed on the apical membrane of the CP. Kinetic parameters (Km and Ki values) of rOatp3 were similar to those for rOatp1. The results of mutual inhibition study suggest that E217betaG and taurocholate share the same mechanism in the CP. Corticosterone, estrone-3-sulfate and indomethacin are moderate inhibitors, but no effects by digoxin, p-aminohippurate, benzylpenicillin and cimetidine were observed. CONCLUSIONS: rOatp3 is most possible candidate transporter involved in the uptake of organic anions on the brush border membrane of the choroid epithelial cells.
Nongenomic vascular action of aldosterone in the glomerular microcirculation.
Aldosterone (Aldo) accelerates hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerulosclerosis in animal models of malignant hypertension or chronic renal failure. Aldo may exert these deleterious renal effects by elevating renal vascular resistance and glomerular capillary pressure. To test this possibility, directly examined were the action of Aldo on the afferent (Af) and efferent (Ef) arterioles (Arts). Examined were the effect of Aldo added to both the bath and lumen on the intraluminal diameter (measured at the most responsive point) of rabbits. Aldo caused dose-dependent constriction in both arterioles with a higher sensitivity in Ef-Arts. Vasoconstrictor action of Aldo was not affected by a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone and was reproduced by membrane-impermeable albumin-conjugated Aldo, suggesting that the vasoconstrictor actions are nongenomic. Pretreatment with neomycin (a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C) abolished the vasoconstrictor action of Aldo in both arterioles. In addition, the vasoconstrictor action of Aldo on Af-Arts was inhibited by both nifedipine and efonidipine, whereas that on Ef-Arts was inhibited by efonidipine but not nifedipine. The results demonstrate that Aldo causes nongenomic vasoconstriction by activating phospholipase C with a subsequent calcium mobilization thorough L- or T-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in Af- or Ef-Arts, respectively. These vasoconstrictor actions on the glomerular microcirculation may play an important role in the pathophysiology and progression of renal diseases by elevating renal vascular resistance and glomerular capillary pressure.
In vitro study of the functional expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide 3 at rat choroid plexus epithelial cells and its involvement in the cerebrospinal fluid-to-blood transport of estrone-3-sulfate.
The cerebrospinal fluid-to-blood efflux transport of estrone-3-sulfate (E(1)S) via the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) may play an important role in regulating E(1)S levels in the brain. Here, we investigated the efflux transport of E(1)S at the BCSFB using conditionally immortalized rat choroid plexus epithelial cells (TR-CSFB) and identified the responsible transporter. The [(3)H]E(1)S uptake by TR-CSFB cells was composed of saturable and nonsaturable components, and the K(m) and V(max) values of the saturable component were determined to be 16.8 +/- 5.1 microM and 12.3 +/- 2.3 pmol/min/mg of protein, respectively. [(3)H]E(1)S uptake was inhibited by probenecid, cholate, taurocholate, sulfobromophthalein, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, triiodothyronine, thyroxin, and digoxin but not by p-aminohippuric acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, or methotrexate, suggesting the involvement of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) in the uptake. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that oatp3 was expressed in TR-CSFB cells and isolated rat choroid plexus, although oatp1 was not detected in either. Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing oatp3 exhibited [(3)H]E(1)S uptake activity with a K(m) of 8.09 +/- 2.83 microM and V(max) of 8.02 +/- 0.87 pmol/h/oocyte. Moreover, oatp3 is localized at the brush-border membrane of choroid plexus epithelial cells. These results suggest that oatp3 is involved in the E(1)S efflux transport at the BCSFB.
Molecular characterization of human and rat organic anion transporter OATP-D.
We have isolated and characterized a novel human and rat organic anion transporter subtype, OATP-D. The isolated cDNA from human brain encodes a polypeptide of 710 amino acids (Mr 76,534) with 12 predicted transmembrane domains. The rat clone encodes 710 amino acids (Mr 76,821) with 97.6% amino acid sequence homology with human OATP-D. Human and rat OATP-D have moderate amino acid sequence homology with LST-l/rlst-1, the rat oatp family, the prostaglandin transporter, and moatl/MOAT1/KIAA0880/OATP-B. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that OATP-D is branched in a different position from all known organic anion transporters. OATP-D transports prostaglandin E1 (Km 48.5 nM), prostaglandin E2 (Km 55.5 nM), and prostaglandin F2,, suggesting that, functionally, OATP-D encodes a protein that has similar characteristics to those of the prostaglandin transporter. Rat OATP-D also transports prostaglandins. The expression pattern of OATP-D mRNA was abundant mainly in the heart, testis, brain, and some cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed that rat OATP-D is widely expressed in the vascular, renal, and reproductive system at the protein level. These results suggest that OATP-D plays an important role in translocating prostaglandins in specialized tissues and cells.
Distribution of rat organic anion transporting polypeptide-E (oatp-E) in the rat eye.
PURPOSE: To examine the protein and mRNA expression levels of the recently cloned rat multifunctional Na+-independent organic anion transporting polypeptide (rat oatp-E), which is involved in the transport of thyroid hormone in the rat, the distribution and function of this transporter were investigated in the retina. METHODS: Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed with gene-specific primers for oatp-E in rat ocular tissues. Western blot analysis was performed by raising a specific antibody against oatp-E in rat ocular tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed with a specific antibody for oatp-E in paraffin sections of rat eyes. The expression of oatp-E in isolated and cultured rat retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, oatp-E function was analyzed in cultured rat RPE cells by measuring the uptake of triiodothyronine (T3), which is a known substrate for oatp-E. RESULTS: Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, oatp-E mRNA was detected, in order of highest to lowest concentration, in the rat retina, cornea, and ciliary body-iris. A single band for oatp-E was observed by Western blot analysis in the rat brain, retina, cornea, and ciliary body-iris. oatp-E immunostaining was predominantly expressed in the corneal epithelium, in the pigmented and nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary body, and in the iris of the rat eye. In the rat retina, intense immunostaining was detected in the RPE, inner and outer nuclear layers, ganglion cell layer, and nerve fiber layer. In addition, oatp-E immunoreactivity in cultured rat RPE cells was expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of RPE cells, a finding that was also confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. RPE cells, which were shown to express high levels of oatp-E, transported T3 in a saturable and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, this uptake was significantly inhibited by sulfobromophthalein (BSP), an inhibitor of oatp, suggesting that oatp-E may in part contribute to this uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study revealed that rat oatp-E is localized mainly to the corneal epithelium, ciliary body, iris, and retina. Furthermore, the findings appear to suggest that transport of T3 in the RPE may have a functional role for organic anion (i.e., thyroid hormone) transport in the rat eye.
Successful treatment of severe hypertension with the combination of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker.
Three patients who suffered from congestive heart failure caused by severe hypertension were treated with a combination therapy consisting of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Before initiation of treatment, all three patients showed elevations of serum creatinine concentration (sCr), plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), which indicated insufficient blood supply to the kidney during exacerbation of hypertension. All three cases successfully recovered from hypertensive heart failure with the combination therapy. sCr gradually decreased during continuation of the therapy, although one patient showed an increase in sCr at an early stage of the combination therapy. Blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by the combination of ACEI and ARB was well tolerated in patients with severe hypertension with renal damage and showed a beneficial effect in protecting against further renal damage. This result suggests that combination therapy with ACEI and ARB should be considered as a candidate treatment in cases of severe hypertension.
[Increased incidence of depression and its socio-cultural background in Japan].
INTRODUCTION: It is often pointed out that the incidence of monopolar depression, new type depressions and protracted depression has increased. Why have such types of depression been appearing more frequently than before? We should not overlook the possibility that changing modern society could actually result in increased depression. DISCUSSION: After World War II, a period of rapid industrialization occurred in Japan. The younger generation largely moved to urban areas, leaving older people behind and collapsing traditional rural communities. This population shift resulted in two major changes among Japanese people. One is external, in occupational life. The other is internal, in the mentality of the younger generation. Industrialized society brings a variety of occasions for new adaptation. Each time a transfer to another workplace, promotion, demotion, retirement, residential changes or other such occasion takes place, an adaptation to a new environment must be made. Middle-aged individuals with typus melancholicus, who a generation ago would have been able to adapt themselves without problem, are likely to break down easily due to the difficulties posed by modern society. Most show mild monopolar depression without intense psychomotor inhibition and without severe anxiety. It is rare for them to fall into severe depression because they display a rather asthenic premorbid personality, as emphasized by von Zerssen. In modern society children are indulged without any confrontation with their father. As a result, children are brought up less adept at introjecting paternal authority and identifying with social norms than those brought up a few generations ago under traditional communities, while tending to be narcissistic and dependent following the strong maternal relationship. Some of them can become depressed following trivial events. As a result, new types of depression have been observed, such as bipolar II disorder, which consists of escaping-type depression (Hirose, T.), and immature-type depression (Abe, T. et al). Both types are observed at a younger age than that seen with typus melancholicus. Their appearance reflects the above-mentioned changes in the mentality of the younger generation. Whether with escaping--or immature-type depression, patients are not norm-oriented and are rather more narcissistic than typus melancholicus individuals. The escaping-type is, however, more intelligent and asthenic and displays less plain dependency than the immature-type, which can switch to bipolar I over the long-term. Regarding clinical pictures, the former is characterized by mild psychomotor inhibition and a tendency towards withdrawal from their reality The latter is characterized by marked anxiety/agitation, suicidal tendencies, and aggression towards key relationship and authority figures. Here, I refer to depression protracted by psychosocial factors. Both monopolar depression in the typus melancholicus personality and new type depressions can present as prolonged or repeated depressive phases in the presence of disadvantageous environment to which the patient returns. In the case of typus melancholicus individuals, if an environment to which they could not adapt themselves remains unchanged, or if a new form of order is not implemented, partial recovery with antidepressants is seen, but not full recovery. In the case of escaping- or immature-type depression, patients can recover if they re-enter protective environments, but if they don't, repeated depressive phases occur. CONCLUSION: 1) The increased incidence of depression is attributable to the appearance of new types of depression among young people, and the augmentation of monopolar depression among middle-aged typus melancholicus individuals. 2) Changes to modern society have influenced the premorbid personality of young depressives on the one hand, and increased the frequency of potential catalysts for depression among the middle-aged on the other. 3) Modern society may well facilitate recurrence and relapses for both types of depressive.