Showing papers by "Niigata University published in 1987"

Mitochondrial angiopathy in cerebral blood vessels of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.

Abstract: We studied cerebral blood vessels of two autopsied patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). All the main cerebral arteries in the proximal portion at the brain base and more distal portion at the cortical surface, as well as within the brain parenchyma were examined by electron microscopy. There was a striking increase in number of mitochondria in the smooth muscle and endothelial cells, which were most prominent in the pial arterioles and small arteries up to 250 micron in diameter and less frequent and severe in the larger pial arteries and intracerebral arterioles and small arteries. These vascular changes have not hitherto been described in MELAS, or in other disorders affecting blood vessels of the brain and other organs. It is suggested that the vascular changes are caused by primary mitochondrial dysfunction in the vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells of the brain and that they constitute the pathogenic base of the brain lesions and their unusual distribution pattern in MELAS.

On some compact Einstein almost Kähler manifolds

Abstract: Soit M=(M 4 , J, ) une variete d'Einstein compacte presque de Kahler dont la courbure scalaire est non negative. Alors M est une variete de Kahler

Distribution of nerve fibers immunoreactive to neurofilament protein in rat molars and periodontium

Abstract: The distribution of nerve fibers in molars, periodontal ligament and gingiva of the rat shows a complex pattern. Decalcified material including the alveolar bone was sectioned in three different planes and stained by means of immunohistochemistry for detection of the neurofilament protein (NFP); the immunoreactive neural elements were clearly visualized in three-dimensional analyses. NFP-positive nerve fibers formed a subodontoblastic plexus in the roof area of the dental pulp; some of them entered the predentin and dentin directly through the dentinal tubules. This penetration was found mainly in the pulp horn, and was limited to a distance of about 100 μm from the pulpo-dentinal junction. In the periodontal ligament, NFP-positive nerve fibers were found densely distributed in the lower half of the alveolar socket. Two types of nerve terminals were recognized in the periodontal ligament: free nerve endings with tree-like ramifications, and expanded nerve terminals showing button- or glove-like shapes. The former tapered among the periodontal fibers, some even reaching the cementoblastic layer. The latter were located, frequently in groups, within the ligament restricted to the lower third of the alveolar socket. A well-developed plexus of NFP-positive nerves was revealed in the lamina propria of the free gingiva, the innervation being denser toward the epithelium of the gingival crevice. The characteristic distribution of NFP-immunoreactive nerve fibers revealed in this study is discussed in relation to region-specific sensations in the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Sinusoidal phase modulating interferometer using the integrating-bucket method

Abstract: We describe a sinusoidal phase modulating interferometer in which a CCD image sensor detects four values by integrating the time-varying intensity in an interference pattern for intervals of one-quarter period of the phase modulation. The optimum amplitude and phase of the sinusoidal phase modulation are determined. The measurement error caused by the additive noise and the deviation from the optimum phase modulation is analyzed. The experimental results for surface profiles of magnetic sliders show that the sinusoidal phase modulating interferometer proposed here yields a measurement accuracy of the order of 1 nm.

Soybean hydrophobic protein

Abstract: A 9000-Mr protein isolated from a 60% ethanolic extract of soybean (Glycine max) seeds has been characterized and fully sequenced. The protein consists of 80 amino acid residues with four disulfide bonds. It contains a large number of hydrophobic residues and lacks methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine and histidine residues. The protein readily crystallizes from water but is quite soluble in aqueous organic solvents like 95% 1-propanol. It aggregates to form large molecules (above 80 kDa) under ordinary denaturing conditions, such as 6 M guanidine X HCl and 8 M urea. Sequence analysis showed that the amino-terminal four-fifths is extremely hydrophobic and most of the acidic residues exist as their amide forms, and only the carboxyl-terminal short segment is rather hydrophilic. A computer search for homology detected an unexpected similarity of this protein to rat prolactin; however, its significance could not be assessed and this protein appears to represent a hitherto unknown protein family. Although no biochemical activity could be detected, the existence in relatively high abundance (approx. 200 mg from 1 kg seeds) of this novel protein may suggest its physiological significance in the plant.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity in scattered chromaffin cells and nerve fibers in the adrenal gland of rats

Abstract: The present immunohistochemical study reveals that a small number of chromaffin cells in the rat adrenal medulla exhibit CGRP-like immunoreactivity. All CGRP-immunoreactive cells were found to be chromaffin cells without noradrenaline fluorescence; from combined immunohistochemistry and fluorescence histochemistry we suggest that these are adrenaline cells. In addition, all CGRP-immunoreactive cells simultaneously exhibited NPY-like immunoreactivity. CGRP-chromaffin cells were characterized by abundant chromaffin granules with round cores in which the immunoreactive material was densely localized. These findings suggest the co-existence of CGRP, NPY and adrenaline within the chromaffin granules in a substantial number of chromaffin cells. Thicker and thinner nerve bundles, which included CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers, with or without varicosities, penetrated the adrenal capsule. Most of them passed through the cortex and entered the medulla directly, whereas others were distributed in subcapsular regions and among the cortical cells of the zona glomerulosa. Here the CGRP-fibers were in close contact with cortical cells. A few of the fibers supplying the cortex extended further into the medulla. The CGRP-immunoreactive fibers in the medulla were traced among and within small clusters of chromaffin cells and around ganglion cells. The CGRP-fibers were directly apposed to both CGRP-positive and negative chromaffin cells, as well as to ganglion cells. Immunoreactive fibers, which could not be found close to blood vessels, were characterized by the presence of numerous small clear vesicles mixed with a few large granular vesicles. The immunoreactive material was localized in the large granular vesicles and also in the axoplasm. Since no ganglion cells with CGRP-like immunoreactivity were found in the adrenal gland, the CGRP-fibers are regarded as extrinsic in origin. In double-immunofluorescence staining for CGRP and SP, all the SP-immunoreactive fibers corresponded to CGRP-immunoreactive ones in the adrenal gland. This suggests that CGRP-positive fibers in the adrenal gland may be derived from the spinal ganglia, as has been demonstrated with regard to the SP-nerve fibers.

Radiofrequency hyperthermia for malignant brain tumors: preliminary results of clinical trials.

Abstract: Local hyperthermia by 1356-MHz radiofrequency (RF) capacitive heating was evaluated in 16 patients with malignant brain tumors Intracranial heating during operation was performed in 4 patients RF applicators with a cooling system were placed on the cerebral convexity and medial brain surface with the tumor between them RF power was controlled to maintain the brain temperatures under 40 degrees C Under this condition, the highest temperature of each tumor varied from 44 to 49 degrees C After heating for about 60 minutes, 2 tumors showed regression on computed tomographic (CT) scans Extracranial heating was performed in 12 patients with cerebral glioblastoma RF applicators were placed on the lateral sides of the scalp and applied to diametrically opposite sides of the tumor To avoid the influence of the skull on RF conduction, we performed a bilateral craniectomy slightly larger than the applicator at the initial operation Heating was performed for approximately 60 minutes at each session and was repeated twice a week for a total of 4 to 10 times in combination with radiation and ACNU chemotherapy No anesthetic agent was used during heating Brain temperatures were maintained under 42 degrees C The scalp under the applicators remained at 28-35 degrees C during heating, and no heat injury of the scalp was observed after repeated heating The highest temperatures of the tumor or cavity after tumor removal were 45-46 degrees C in 3 cases, 43-44 degrees C in 3 cases, 42-43 degrees C in 4 cases, and 40-41 degrees C in 2 cases, respectively(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Direct Colony Thin-Layer Chromatography and Rapid Characterization of Serratia marcescens Mutants Defective in Production of Wetting Agents.

Abstract: A bacterial mass (ca. 1 mg) was placed directly on a thin-layer chromatography plate and developed shortly in chloroform-methanol (2:1, vol/vol). After being dried, the bacterial mass was developed in chloroform-methanol-5 M ammonia (80:25:4, vol/vol). The obtained chromatogram indicated the characteristic lipid compositions of the bacteria. So, it became possible to examine bacterial colonies at once for the identification of mutants defective in the production of specific lipids.

Disseminated cutaneous Fusarium infection with vascular invasion in a leukemic patient.

Abstract: A 61-year-old male with leukemia manifested multiple cutaneous nodules on his whole body surface, subcutaneous nodules on his arms and a tongue tumor. Septate hyphae were observed microscopically in scrapings from the surfaces of the cutaneous lesions. Fusarium solani and F. anthophilum were isolated from scrapings from the several skin lesions. Histological examination revealed the presence of numerous septate hyphae in the lumina of vessels in the dermis. The fungal elements in the cutaneous tissues were suggested to be Fusarium by an immunoperoxidase method using a genus-specific anti-Fusarium antibody. Although no evidence of fungal infection was found in other organs by clinical examinations. F. solani and/or F. anthophilum were considered to have undergone hematogenous dissemination, because of the presence of thrombi containing abundant fungal elements in the skin lesion. The present case is a case of disseminated cutaneous Fusarium infection, in which fungal elements in skin tissue sections were i...

Experimental tinea pedis induced by non-abrasive inoculation of Trichophyton mentagrophytes arthrospores on the plantar part of a guinea pig foot

Abstract: Arthrospores of Trichophyton mentagrophytes were inoculated on to the plantar part of a guinea pig foot by a newly devised non-abrasive method. Anthropophilic and zoophilic isolates required inocula of 280 and 80 arthrospores to infect 50% of inoculated feet, but much larger inocula (5 X 10(4)) were used to establish infection consistently in all feet. Anthropophilic isolate NTM-105 invaded only the upper two-thirds of the horny layer and induced no inflammatory responses. On the other hand, zoophilic isolate SM-110 invaded the whole horny layer and provoked strong inflammatory responses and clinical manifestations. Although the histological features and modes of fungal spreading in the guinea pig skin were quite different between anthropophilic and zoophilic isolate infections, infecting fungi were always recognized in the stratum corneum of all inoculated feet throughout the observation period longer than 6 months. Thus, two types of persistent infections with T. mentagrophytes were established as a guinea pig model of tinea pedis.

Distribution of serotonin-immunoreactive paraneurons in the lower urinary tract of dogs.

Abstract: Morphological and quantitative studies were made on serotonin-containing paraneurons throughout the lower urinary tract in male and female dogs. Using an anti-serotonin antiserum, the cells were consistently demonstrated to be dispersed in the epithelium from the vesico-urethral junction to the external urethral ostium. They occurred most frequently in the urethra proximal to the urogenital diaphragm in both sexes. The total number of the serotonin-immunoreactive cells in the urethra was estimated to be 36.2 X 10(4) (SD 9.9 X 10(4] in the male (n = 3) and 15.6 X 10(4) (SD 2.1 X 10(4] in the female (n = 3). Besides the urethra, the prostate and vaginal vestibule contained several serotonin-immunoreactive cells. The urethral serotonin cells were basically bipolar basal-granulated cells that extended the basal cytoplasm to the basement membrane and reached the lumen with an apical process. Modified cell shapes were, however, also frequent, and included bifurcated apical and/or basal processes or a laterally directed basal process. Occasional serotonin cells possessed a threadlike basal process with varicosities and a terminal bouton, reminiscent of a neuronal process. Immunoreactivity for chromogranin A, a carrier protein common to endocrine paraneurons, was demonstrated in all of the urethral serotonin cells. The chromogranin A-immunoreactive granules accumulated more densely in the basal and perinuclear regions of the cell. It is hypothesized that the serotonin-immunopositive paraneurons may receive chemical and/or physical information from urine and, in response to it, secrete serotonin which presumably causes the contraction of the musculature of the urethra.

Long term results of ruptured aneurysms treated by coating.

Abstract: We report the long term results of the treatment of 23 intracranial ruptured aneurysms by coating. Twenty-three patients treated by coating were followed for a mean period of 11.2 years. The mean interval between the last hemorrhage and the operation was 22.4 days. Ten aneurysms underwent total coating, 9 with Biobond and 1 with Aron Alpha. Thirteen aneurysms underwent partial coating, 11 with Biobond and 2 with Aron Alpha. Six aneurysms were reinforced partially by other materials, but no aneurysm was wrapped totally with these materials. Rebleeding occurred in 6 patients, of whom 5 died. The mean interval between coating and rebleeding was 4 years. All patients suffering rebleeding had been treated with Biobond, and 3 patients had undergone total coating of aneurysms. The risk of recurrent hemorrhage after total coating with Biobond was 33%. One rebleeding patient underwent a second operation 10.5 years after total coating of the aneurysm. Biobond was found only at the tip of the aneurysmal sac. From these results, reinforcement of ruptured aneurysms with Biobond seems to be of little value, and a more reliable method must be developed for aneurysms that cannot be clipped.

Periodontal bone loss and immune characteristics after adoptive transfer of Actinobacillus-sensitized T cells to rats

Abstract: The immune response, gingival inflammation and periodontal bone loss were examined in rats receiving adoptive transfer of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa)-sensitized T cells and oral infection with Aa. Thirty-eight, 30-day-old, male Rowett phenotypically normal (rnu/+) heterozygous rats were placed into three groups: 1) Aa-sensitized T cell transfer group (AaT), 2) sham-sensitized T cell transfer group (ST) and 3) no transfer control group (C), infected with Aa, and then sacrificed at 120 d of age. Blastogenesis of splenocytes to PHA and Con A was observed in AaT and ST animals that exceeded the values in C animals. Positive antigenic lymphoproliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity (foot pad swelling) to Aa were found in AaT group rats, but weak responses were observed in ST and C group rats. Serum IgG, salivary IgA and IgG antibody concentrations to Aa were elevated in AaT and ST groups compared with the control group after infection with Aa. The numbers of gingival T and B lymphocytes in the AaT group were increased in comparison to the other groups. There was also an obvious increase in horizontal bone loss in the AaT group rats. It is suggested that certain subsets of antigen-specific T cells may augment destructive functions on periodontal tissues.

Morphometry of the degenerative process in the hypoglossal nerves in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract: The peripheral hypoglossal nerves in 13 cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and five control cases were examined using morphometrical methods to demonstrate the degenerative process of motor nerve degeneration. The total number of myelinated fibers and their histograms were analyzed according to the degree of severity of the degeneration. Reduction of the total number of myelinated fibers in ALS hypoglossal nerves were graded in three groups: mild 65%-75%, moderate 50%-65% and severe 30%-50% of the myelinated fibers in controls. Each histogram of the remaining myelinated fibers showed different patterns corresponding to the degree of the degeneration and disclosed that the progressive reduction of large myelinated fibers was the fundamental change. Small myelinated fibers were not reduced, but increased, especially in the group with a moderate grade of degeneration. In plastic section, there were clusters of regenerated myelinated fibers. The transient increase of small myelinated fibers may be a reflexion of myelinated fiber regeneration during the progressive degenerative process of the motor neurons. The correlation between the degree of severity of the hypoglossal nerve degeneration and the atrophy of the tongue muscle and the duration of bulbar symptoms was examined and discussed.

Inhibition of renal sympathetic nerve activity by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in anesthetized rats

Abstract: In an attempt to obtain direct evidence for involvement of sympathetic outflow in paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-induced depressor response, effects of electrical stimulation of the PVN on renal sympathetic nerve activity were examined in urethane-chloralose anesthetized rats. Low intensity stimulation of the PVN inhibited renal sympathetic nerve activity, whereas the high intensity stimulation evoked an excitation followed by long-lasting inhibition in renal sympathetic nerve activity. Latencies of the inhibitory and the excitatory responses were about 200 ms and 50–100 ms, respectively. The result suggests that a decrease in blood pressure induced by low intensity stimulation of the PVN is due to inhibiting the sympathetic outflow.