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Y Sohma

Publications and source records attributed to Y Sohma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A local GABAergic system within rat trigeminal ganglion cells.

We investigated the GABAergic system within the Sprague-Dawley rat (2-3-weeks old) trigeminal ganglion (TG). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and GAD67 mRNAs and mRNAs encoding GABA(A) receptor subunits alpha1-6, beta1-3, gamma1-3, and delta. In situ hybridization revealed that GAD65 and GAD67 mRNAs were expressed in neuronal cell bodies but not satellite cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that only GAD65 was expressed in all neuronal cell bodies, and approximately 70% of all neurons exhibited GABA immunoreactivity. Satellite cells were strongly immunopositive for GABA. GABA(A) receptor alpha1, alpha5, beta2/3 and gamma1/2/3 subunit immunoreactivities were observed in the majority of neurons, but no immunoreactivity for alpha2 was observed. Two types of cells were identified in TG based on cell size and morphology, type A and B. The percentage of cells expressing alpha3, alpha4, alpha6, and delta subunits appeared to be dependent on cell size, as delta and alpha6 expression were only observed in small (B-type) neurons. In whole-cell patch clamp experiments, GABA application induced inward Cl- currents in all neurons examined. The EC50 for GABA varied from 5.3 to 240 microm, and the Hill Coefficient (nH) varied between 0.98 and 2.6 at -60 mV. We found that GABA was released from TG cells by increasing extracellular K+ concentration to 100 mm. We speculate that GABA acts as a nonsynaptically released diffusible neurotransmitter, which may modulate somatic inhibition of neurons within the TG.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Intracellular Mg2+ influences both open and closed times of a native Ca2+-activated BK channel in cultured human renal proximal tubule cells.

Effects of intracellular Mg2+ on a native Ca(2+)-and voltage-sensitive large-conductance K+ channel in cultured human renal proximal tubule cells were examined with the patch-clamp technique in the inside-out mode. At an intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) of 10(-5)-10(-4) M, addition of 1-10 mM: Mg2+ increased the open probability (P(o)) of the channel, which shifted the P(o) -membrane potential (V(m)) relationship to the negative voltage direction without causing an appreciable change in the gating charge (Boltzmann constant). However, the Mg(2+)-induced increase in P(o) was suppressed at a relatively low [Ca2+](i) (10(-5.5)-10(-6) M). Dwell-time histograms have revealed that addition of Mg2+ mainly increased P(o) by extending open times at 10(-5) M Ca2+ and extending both open and closed times simultaneously at 10(-5.5) M Ca2+. Since our data showed that raising the [Ca2+](i) from 10(-5) to 10(-4) M increased P(o) mainly by shortening the closed time, extension of the closed time at 10(-5.5) M Ca(2+) would result from the Mg(2+)-inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent activation. At a constant V(m), adding Mg2+ enhanced the sigmoidicity of the P(o)-[Ca2+](i) relationship with an increase in the Hill coefficient. These results suggest that the major action of Mg2+ on this channel is to elevate P(o) by lengthening the open time, while extension of the closed time at a relatively low [Ca2+](i) results from a lowering of the sensitivity to Ca2+ of the channel by Mg2+, which causes the increase in the Hill coefficient.

Calcium↗
PubMed2002

Membrane potential and bicarbonate secretion in isolated interlobular ducts from guinea-pig pancreas.

The interlobular duct cells of the guinea-pig pancreas secrete HCO(3)(-) across their luminal membrane into a HCO(3)(-)-rich (125 mM) luminal fluid against a sixfold concentration gradient. Since HCO(3)(-) transport cannot be achieved by luminal Cl-/HCO(3)(-) exchange under these conditions, we have investigated the possibility that it is mediated by an anion conductance. To determine whether the electrochemical potential gradient across the luminal membrane would favor HCO(3)(-) efflux, we have measured the intracellular potential (V(m)) in microperfused, interlobular duct segments under various physiological conditions. When the lumen was perfused with a 124 mM Cl- -25 mM HCO(3)(-) solution, a condition similar to the basal state, the resting potential was approximately -60 mV. Stimulation with dbcAMP or secretin caused a transient hyperpolarization (approximately 5 mV) due to activation of electrogenic Na+-HCO(3)(-) cotransport at the basolateral membrane. This was followed by depolarization to a steady-state value of approximately -50 mV as a result of anion efflux across the luminal membrane. Raising the luminal HCO(3)(-) concentration to 125 mM caused a hyperpolarization (approximately 10 mV) in both stimulated and unstimulated ducts. These results can be explained by a model in which the depolarizing effect of Cl- efflux across the luminal membrane is minimized by the depletion of intracellular Cl- and offset by the hyperpolarizing effects of Na+-HCO(3)(-) cotransport at the basolateral membrane. The net effect is a luminally directed electrochemical potential gradient for HCO(3)(-) that is sustained during maximal stimulation. Our calculations indicate that the electrodiffusive efflux of HCO(3)(-) to the lumen via CFTR, driven by this gradient, would be sufficient to fully account for the observed secretory flux of HCO(3)(-).

Animals↗
PubMed2001

BDCA-2, a novel plasmacytoid dendritic cell-specific type II C-type lectin, mediates antigen capture and is a potent inhibitor of interferon alpha/beta induction.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are present in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissue and contribute substantially to both innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, we have described several monoclonal antibodies that recognize a plasmacytoid dendritic cell-specific antigen, which we have termed BDCA-2. Molecular cloning of BDCA-2 revealed that BDCA-2 is a novel type II C-type lectin, which shows 50.7% sequence identity at the amino acid level to its putative murine ortholog, the murine dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin 2. Anti-BDCA-2 monoclonal antibodies are rapidly internalized and efficiently presented to T cells, indicating that BDCA-2 could play a role in ligand internalization and presentation. Furthermore, ligation of BDCA-2 potently suppresses induction of interferon alpha/beta production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, presumably by a mechanism dependent on calcium mobilization and protein-tyrosine phosphorylation by src-family protein-tyrosine kinases. Inasmuch as production of interferon alpha/beta by plasmacytoid dendritic cells is considered to be a major pathophysiological factor in systemic lupus erythematosus, triggering of BDCA-2 should be evaluated as therapeutic strategy for blocking production of interferon alpha/beta in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Controlled drug release: new water-soluble prodrugs of an HIV protease inhibitor.

We designed and synthesized a series of highly water-soluble prodrugs of an HIV protease inhibitor, KNI-727 (1), containing tandem-linked two auxiliary units, a solubilizing moiety and a self-cleavable spacer. Prodrugs with an ionized amino group at the solubilizing moiety exhibited a remarkable increase of water-solubility (>10(4) fold) compared to the parent drug 1. These prodrugs released I not enzymatically, but chemically via an intramolecular cyclization-elimination reaction through an imide formation in physiological conditions. Diversified rates of parent drug release were observed when the chemical structure of both the solubilizing and the spacer moieties were modified. This new approach for water-soluble prodrugs will enable to control chemically the release of parent drug as well as to maintain high water-solubility.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical result of thermochemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer].

Since 1986, we have applied thermochemo (CDDP) therapy combined with radiotherapy to 18 patients with 25 advanced and/or recurrent head and neck cancers (thermochemoradiotherapy: TCR). In this report, the effects of TCR were compared with those of radiochemotherapy (RC) without hyperthermia for 22 patients with 27 cancers before 1985 in our department. Thermochemotherapy was performed twice a week, for a total of 8.8 times on average. Three kinds of heating system were used: a radiofrequency system, a microwave system, and a RF interstitial system. In the TCR group, 11 lesions (44.0%) showed a complete response (CR), 12 lesions (48.0%) a partial response (PR), and 2 lesions (8.0%) no change (NC). Therefore, the total response rate was 92.0%. After treatment with only RC, 5 lesions (18.5%) showed a CR, 12 lesions (44.5%) a PR, and 10 lesions (37.0%) NC, giving a total response rate of 63.0%. There was a significant difference in the CR and total response rate between these two groups. Furthermore, the 5-year cumulative local control and survival rates in the TCR group were 68.2% and 44.4%, and in the RC group were 22.2% and 18.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the local control rate between these two groups. In conclusion, thermochemoradiotherapy is an effective strategy for patients with advanced head and neck cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

150 mM HCO3(-)--how does the pancreas do it? Clues from computer modelling of the duct cell.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) takes its name from the pathological changes that occur in the pancreas. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is highly expressed in the pancreatic ductal epithelium and plays a key role in ductal HCO(3)(-) secretion. In humans, the pancreatic duct secretes near isotonic NaHCO(3). Experimental data suggests that HCO(3)(-) secretion occurs via apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchangers working in parallel with Cl(-) channels (CFTR and calcium activated chloride channels, CaCC). Programming the currently available experimental data into our computer model (based on network thermodynamics) shows that while the anion exchanger/Cl(-) channel mechanism will produce a relatively large volume of a HCO(3)(-)-rich fluid, it can only raise the luminal HCO(3)(-) concentration up to about 70 mM. To achieve secretion of about 150 mM NaHCO(3) it is necessary to modulate the properties of the apical membrane transporters as the secreted fluid flows down the ductal system. On the basis of our computer simulations, we propose that HCO(3)(-) secretion occurs mainly via the exchanger in duct segments near the acini (luminal HCO(3)(-) concentration up to about 70 mM), but mainly via channels further down the ductal tree (raising luminal HCO(3)(-) to about 150 mM). We speculate that the switch between these two secretory mechanisms is controlled by a series of luminal signals (e.g. pH, HCO(3)(-) concentration) acting on the apical membrane transporters in the duct cell.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Neuropsychological changes after surgical treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy.

PURPOSE: The effect of unilateral temporal lobectomy on seizure frequency is well recognized, but little is known about the neuropsychological changes that occur after surgical treatment. We assessed neuropsychological status in 26 patients with an average age of 35 years before and after unilateral temporal lobectomy for medically intractable TLE. METHODS: Neuropsychological examination to assess cognitive function, memory, attention, visuospatial analysis, language, and emotional functions was performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 1 year after the surgery. RESULTS: At both 1 month and 1 year after the surgery, the patients had improved scores, compared with the preoperative scores, on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R: verbal IQ, performance IQ, and full-scale IQ), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R: verbal, general, and delayed paired associates memory), and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices. In the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), significant decreases were observed at 1 year after the surgery in the scores for infrequency, hypochondriasis, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia. Patients in whom the seizures had been relieved postoperatively also had improved scores on the WAIS-R, WMS-R, and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that neuropsychological improvement postoperatively is influenced by the reduction in the frequency of seizures after surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

HCO3- transport in a mathematical model of the pancreatic ductal epithelium.

We have used computer modeling to investigate how pancreatic duct cells can secrete a fluid containing near isotonic (approximately 140 mM) NaHCO3. Experimental data suggest that NaHCO3 secretion occurs in three steps: (i) accumulation of HCO3- across the basolateral membrane of the duct cell by Na(HCO3)n cotransporters, Na+/H+ exchangers and proton pumps; (ii) secretion of HCO3- across the luminal membrane on Cl-/HCO3- antiporters operating in parallel with Cl- channels; and (iii) diffusion of Na+ through the paracellular pathway. Programming the currently available experimental data into our computer model shows that this mechanism for HCO3- secretion is deficient in one important respect. While it can produce a relatively large volume of a HCO3(-)-rich fluid, it can only raise the luminal HCO3- concentration up to about 70 mM. To achieve secretion of 140 mM NaHCO3 by the model it is necessary to: (i) reduce the conductive Cl- permeability and increase the conductive HCO3- permeability of the luminal membrane of the duct cell, and (ii) reduce the activity of the luminal Cl-/HCO3- antiporters. Under these conditions most of the HCO3- is secreted via a conductive pathway. Based on our data, we propose that HCO3- secretion occurs mainly by the antiporter in duct segments near the acini (luminal HCO3- concentration up to approximately 70 mM), but mainly via channels further down the ductal tree (raising luminal HCO3- to approximately 140 mM).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A novel type of ATP block on a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel from bullfrog erythrocytes.

Using the patch-clamp technique, we have identified an intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel from bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) erythrocytes and have investigated the regulation of channel activity by cytosolic ATP. The channel was highly selective for K(+) over Na(+), gave a linear I-V relationship with symmetrical 117.5 mM K(+) solutions and had a single-channel conductance of 60 pS. Channel activity was dependent on Ca(2+) concentration (K(1/2) = 600 nM) but voltage-independent. These basic characteristics are similar to those of human and frog erythrocyte Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (Gardos) channels previously reported. However, cytoplasmic application of ATP reduced channel activity with block exhibiting a novel bell-shaped concentration dependence. The channel was inhibited most by approximately 10 microM ATP (P(0) reduced to 5% of control) but less blocked by lower and higher concentrations of ATP. Moreover, the novel type of ATP block did not require Mg(2+), was independent of PKA or PKC, and was mimicked by a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, AMP-PNP. This suggests that ATP exerts its effect by direct binding to sites on the channel or associated regulatory proteins, but not by phosphorylation of either of these components.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Oxidized galectin-1 promotes axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves but does not possess lectin properties.

Galectin-1 has recently been identified as a factor that regulates initial axonal growth in peripheral nerves after axotomy. Although galectin-1 is a well-known beta-galactoside-binding lectin, its potential to promote axonal regeneration as a lectin has not been reported. It is essential that the process of initial repair in peripheral nerves after axotomy is well clarified. We therefore undertook to investigate the relation between the structure and axonal regeneration-promoting activity of galectin-1. Recombinant human galectin-1 secreted into the culture supernatant of transfected COS1 cells (rhGAL-1/COS1) was purified under nonreducing conditions and subjected to structural analysis. Mass spectrometric analysis of peptide fragments from rhGAL-1/COS1 revealed that the secreted protein exists as an oxidized form containing three intramolecular disulfide bonds (Cys2-Cys130, Cys16-Cys88 and Cys42-Cys60). Recombinant human galectin-1 (rhGAL-1) and a galectin-1 mutant in which all six cysteine residues were replaced by serine (CSGAL-1) were expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli for further analysis; the purified rhGAL-1 was subjected to oxidation, which induced the same pattern of disulfide linkages as that observed in rhGAL-1/COS1. Oxidized rhGAL-1 enhanced axonal regeneration from the transected nerve sites of adult rat dorsal root ganglion explants with associated nerve stumps (5.0-5000 pg. mL-1), but it lacked lectin activity. In contrast, CSGAL-1 induced hemagglutination of rabbit erythrocytes but lacked axonal regeneration-promoting activity. These results indicate that galectin-1 promotes axonal regeneration only in the oxidized form containing three intramolecular disulfide bonds, not in the reduced form which exhibits lectin activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Galectin-1 regulates initial axonal growth in peripheral nerves after axotomy.

The signals that prompt the axons to send out processes in peripheral nerves after axotomy are not well understood. Here, we report that galectin-1 can play an important role in this initial stage. We developed an in vitro nerve regeneration model that allows us to monitor the initial axon and support cell outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump, which is comparable to the initial stages of nerve repair. We isolated a factor secreted from COS1 cells that enhanced axonal regeneration, and we identified the factor as galectin-1. Recombinant human galectin-1 (rhGAL-1) showed the same activity at low concentrations (50 pg/ml) that are two orders of magnitude lower than those of lectin activity. A similarly low concentration was also effective in in vivo experiments of axonal regeneration with migrating reactive Schwann cells to a grafted silicone tube after transection of adult rat peripheral nerve. Moreover, the application of functional anti-rhGAL-1 antibody strongly inhibited the regeneration in vivo as well as in vitro. The same effect of rhGAL-1 was confirmed in crush/freeze experiments of the adult mouse sciatic nerve. Because galectin-1 is expressed in the regenerating sciatic nerves as well as in both sensory neurons and motor neurons, we suggest that galectin-1 may regulate initial repair after axotomy. This high activity of the factor applied under nonreducing conditions suggests that galectin-1 may work as a cytokine, not as a lectin.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A novel type of internal barium block of a maxi-K+ channel from human vas deferens epithelial cells.

We have recently shown that a maxi-K+ channel from vas deferens epithelial cells contains two Ba2+-binding sites accessible from the external side: a "flickering" site located deep in the channel pore and a "slow" site located close to the extracellular mouth of the channel. Using the patch-clamp technique, we have now studied the effect of internal Ba2+ on this channel. Cytoplasmic Ba2+ produced a voltage- and concentration-dependent "slow" type of block with a dissociation constant of approximately 100 microM. However, based on its voltage dependence and sensitivity to K+ concentration, this block was clearly different from the external "slow" Ba2+ block previously described. Kinetic analysis also revealed a novel "fast flickering" block restricted to channel bursts, with an unblocking rate of approximately 310 s(-1), some 10-fold faster than the external "flickering" block. Taken together, these results show that this channel contains multiple Ba2+-binding sites within the conduction pore. We have incorporated this information into a new model of Ba2+ block, a novel feature of which is that internal "slow" block results from the binding of at least two Ba2+ ions. Our results suggest that current models for Ba2+ block of maxi-K+ channels need to be revised.

Barium↗
PubMed1996

A mathematical model of the pancreatic ductal epithelium.

A mathematical model of the HCO-3-secreting pancreatic ductal epithelium was developed using network thermodynamics. With a minimal set of assumptions, the model accurately reproduced the experimentally measured membrane potentials, voltage divider ratio, transepithelial resistance and short-circuit current of nonstimulated ducts that were microperfused and bathed with a CO2/HCO-3-free, HEPES-buffered solution, and also the intracellular pH of duct cells bathed in a CO2/HCO-3-buffered solution. The model also accurately simulated: (i) the effect of step changes in basolateral K+ concentration, and the effect of K+ channel blockers on basolateral membrane potential; (ii) the intracellular acidification caused by a Na+-free extracellular solution and the effect of amiloride on this acidification; and (iii) the intracellular alkalinization caused by a Cl--free extracellular solution and the effect of DIDS on this alkalinization. In addition, the model predicted that the luminal Cl- conductance plays a key role in controlling both the HCO-3 secretory rate and intracellular pH during HCO-3 secretion. We believe that the model will be helpful in the analysis of experimental data and improve our understanding of HCO-3-transporting mechanisms in pancreatic duct cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Two barium binding sites on a maxi K+ channel from human vas deferens epithelial cells.

Using the patch clamp technique, we have investigated the blockade of maxi-K+ channels present on vas deferens epithelial cells by extracellular Ba2+. With symmetrical 140 mM K+ solutions, Ba2+ produced discrete blocking events consisting of both long closings of seconds duration (slow block) and fast closings of milliseconds duration (flickering block). Kinetic analysis showed that flickering block occurred according to an "open channel blocking" scheme and was eliminated by reducing external K+ to 4.5 mM. Slow block showed a complex voltage-dependence. At potentials between -20 mV and 20 mV, blockade was voltage-dependent; at potentials greater than 20 mV, blockade was voltage-independent, but markedly sensitive to the extracellular K+ concentration. These data reveal that the vas deferens maxi-K+ channel has two Ba2+ binding sites accessible from the extracellular side. Site one is located at the cytoplasmic side of the gating region and binding to this site causes flickering block. Site two is located close to the extracellular mouth of the channel and binding to this site causes slow block.

Barium↗
PubMed1995

The sequence of a rat cDNA encoding thrombopoietin.

Overlapping cDNA clones encoding rat thrombopoietin (TPO) were isolated from liver-derived cell line cDNA libraries and the nucleotide sequences were determined. The deduced 326-amino-acid rat TPO showed significant homology to the known TPO of other species, especially in the N-terminal sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Accumulation of plasma cells in atherosclerotic lesions of Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits.

By screening a cDNA library constructed from aortic total RNA derived from Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits by differential hybridization, we have obtained a cDNA encoding the kappa light chain of immunoglobulin. Northern blot analysis of total RNA prepared from aortas of WHHL and normal rabbits of various ages revealed that this light-chain mRNA accumulates gradually with age in aortas in WHHL rabbits. Northern blotting and in situ hybridization with an antisense oligonucleotide specific to rabbit immunoglobulin gamma heavy-chain mRNA also detected accumulation of this heavy-chain mRNA in advanced lesions of WHHL rabbit aortas. Moreover, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses demonstrated the presence of plasma cells in the atherosclerotic lesions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗