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1.
Nat Genet ; 3(4): 299-304, 1993 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7981749

ABSTRACT

The rat small eye strain (rSey) lacks eyes and nose in the homozygote, and is similar to the mouse Sey strain with mutations in the Pax-6 gene. We isolated Pax-6 cDNA clones from an rSey homozygote library, and found an internal deletion of about 600 basepairs in the serine/threonine-rich domain. At the genomic level, a single base (G) insertion in an exon generates an abnormal 5' donor splice site, thereby producing the truncated mRNA. Anterior midbrain crest cells in the homozygous rSey embryos reached the eye rudiments but did not migrate any further to the nasal rudiments, suggesting that the Pax-6 gene is involved in conducting migration of neural crest cells from the anterior midbrain.


Subject(s)
DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Homeodomain Proteins , Sequence Deletion , Alternative Splicing , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Base Sequence , DNA Primers , DNA-Binding Proteins/biosynthesis , Embryo, Mammalian/ultrastructure , Exons , Eye Abnormalities/embryology , Eye Proteins , Homozygote , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Molecular Sequence Data , Nose/abnormalities , PAX6 Transcription Factor , Paired Box Transcription Factors , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Rats , Rats, Mutant Strains , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Repressor Proteins , Restriction Mapping , Transcription Factors/genetics
2.
Nat Genet ; 21(1): 138-41, 1999 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9916808

ABSTRACT

The interactions between fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their receptors have important roles in mediating mesenchymal-epithelial cell interactions during embryogenesis. In particular, Fgf10 is predicted to function as a regulator of brain, lung and limb development on the basis of its spatiotemporal expression pattern in the developing embryo. To define the role of Fgf10, we generated Fgf10-deficient mice. Fgf10-/- mice died at birth due to the lack of lung development. Trachea was formed, but subsequent pulmonary branching morphogenesis was disrupted. In addition, mutant mice had complete truncation of the fore- and hindlimbs. In Fgf10-/- embryos, limb bud formation was initiated but outgrowth of the limb buds did not occur; however, formation of the clavicles was not affected. Analysis of the expression of marker genes in the mutant limb buds indicated that the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) did not form. Thus, we show here that Fgf10 serves as an essential regulator of lung and limb formation.


Subject(s)
Extremities/embryology , Fibroblast Growth Factors/physiology , Lung/embryology , T-Box Domain Proteins , Trans-Activators , Animals , Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 , Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/genetics , Female , Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 , Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 , Fibroblast Growth Factors/genetics , Hedgehog Proteins , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , LIM-Homeodomain Proteins , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Proteins/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Wnt Proteins , Wnt2 Protein
3.
J Xray Sci Technol ; 20(2): 131-40, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22635170

ABSTRACT

In computed tomography (CT) systems, it is desirable to know the X-ray energy spectra for various applications, including medical CT imaging, and diagnostic field and heavy ion therapy. However, because of the restricted space, the only practical solution is to use Compton spectroscopy, where the incident spectrum is inferred from the scattered spectrum. The geometry of the scatterer and its position within the CT can affect the spectrum of the secondary beam, making it difficult to determine the primary spectrum during operation of the CT system. A modified Compton spectrometer is described that allows measurement of the X-ray energy spectra during operation, and most importantly, in rotation mode. The geometry of the scatterer was optimized to reduce the energy broadening of the secondary beam. The performance of the system was evaluated by comparing the reconstructed exposure to that measured directly using an ion chamber.


Subject(s)
Spectrum Analysis/instrumentation , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/instrumentation , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Algorithms , Equipment Design , X-Rays
4.
J Cell Biol ; 140(2): 409-18, 1998 Jan 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9442116

ABSTRACT

To examine the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in chondrocytes during endochondral ossification, the dominant negative (DN) forms of BMP receptors were introduced into immature and mature chondrocytes isolated from lower and upper portions of chick embryo sternum, respectively. We found that control sternal chondrocyte populations expressed type IA, IB, and II BMP receptors as well as BMP-4 and -7. Expression of a DN-type II BMP receptor (termed DN-BMPR-II) in immature lower sternal (LS) chondrocytes led to a loss of differentiated functions; compared with control cells, the DN-BMPR- II-expressing LS chondrocytes proliferated more rapidly, acquired a fibroblastic morphology, showed little expression of type II collagen and aggrecan genes, and upregulated type I collagen gene expression. Expression of DN-BMPR-II in mature hypertrophic upper sternal (US) chondrocytes caused similar effects. In addition, the DN-BMPR-II-expressing US cells exhibited little alkaline phosphatase activity and type X collagen gene expression, while the control US cells produced both alkaline phosphatase and type X collagen. Both DN-BMPR-II-expressing US and LS chondrocytes failed to respond to treatment with BMP-2 . When we examined the effects of DN forms of types IA and IB BMP receptors, we found that DN-BMPR-IA had little effect, while DN-BMPR-IB had similar but weaker effects compared with those of DN-BMPR-II. We conclude that BMP signaling, particularly that mediated by the type II BMP receptor, is required for maintenance of the differentiated phenotype, control of cell proliferation, and expression of hypertrophic phenotype.


Subject(s)
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/physiology , Chondrocytes/cytology , Signal Transduction , Animals , Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I , Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II , Cell Differentiation , Cell Division , Chick Embryo , Collagen/metabolism , Phenotype , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Proteoglycans/metabolism , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Receptors, Growth Factor/metabolism
5.
Gene Ther ; 15(15): 1126-30, 2008 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18323791

ABSTRACT

RNA interference (RNAi) offers a novel therapeutic strategy based on the highly specific and efficient silencing of a target gene. Since it relies on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), a major issue is the delivery of therapeutically active siRNAs into the target tissue/target cells in vivo. For safety reasons, strategies based on vector delivery may be of only limited clinical use. The more desirable approach is to directly apply active siRNAs in vivo. Here, we report the effectiveness of in vivo siRNA delivery into skeletal muscles of normal or diseased mice through nanoparticle formation of chemically unmodified siRNAs with atelocollagen (ATCOL). ATCOL-mediated local application of siRNA targeting myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, in mouse skeletal muscles or intravenously, caused a marked increase in the muscle mass within a few weeks after application. These results imply that ATCOL-mediated application of siRNAs is a powerful tool for future therapeutic use for diseases including muscular atrophy.


Subject(s)
Collagen/genetics , Genetic Therapy/methods , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/therapy , RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage , Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics , Animals , Immunohistochemistry , Injections, Intramuscular , Injections, Intravenous , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred mdx , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism , Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology , Myostatin , Nanoparticles , RNA Interference , Transforming Growth Factor beta/analysis
6.
J Neurosci ; 21(12): 4326-35, 2001 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11404418

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to establish a cellular system to investigate the requirement for cell surface and diffusible molecules in the differentiation of fetal mesencephalic cells toward the dopamine lineage. Toward this end, we immortalized rat embryonic day 14 (E14) mesencephalon with a regulatable retroviral vector encoding v-myc. The stably transduced cells were pooled and designated as VME14 cells. VME14 cells proliferated rapidly, stopped proliferating, extended processes, and expressed GFAP after suppression of the v-myc expression with tetracycline, suggesting that VME14 cells differentiated into glial cells. Dissociated cells derived from the E11 rat mesencephalon gave rise to only a small number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. However, when grown on a monolayer of the differentiated VME14 cells, a significantly higher number of cells differentiated into TH-positive neurons. VME14 cells were transduced with the secreted N-terminal cleavage product of the Sonic hedgehog gene (SHH-N), an inducer of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. This monoclonal, SHH-N-overexpressing cell line further enhanced dopaminergic differentiation of E11 rat mesencephalon cells. Thus, SHH-N and signals derived from fetal mesencephalic glia act cooperatively to facilitate dopaminergic differentiation. These fetal mesencephalon-derived cell lines will provide tools for the study of signals involved in dopaminergic differentiation.


Subject(s)
Cell Differentiation/physiology , Dopamine/metabolism , Mesencephalon/metabolism , Neuroglia/metabolism , Proteins/metabolism , Trans-Activators , Animals , Cell Count , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Cell Division/drug effects , Cell Separation , Cells, Cultured , Coculture Techniques , Gene Expression/drug effects , Genes, myc/genetics , Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/biosynthesis , Hedgehog Proteins , In Situ Nick-End Labeling , Mesencephalon/cytology , Mesencephalon/embryology , Neuroglia/cytology , Neuroglia/drug effects , Protein Sorting Signals/genetics , Proteins/genetics , Proteins/pharmacology , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Retroviridae/genetics , Tetracycline/pharmacology , Transduction, Genetic , Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
7.
Circulation ; 104(13): 1513-8, 2001 Sep 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11571245

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elevated neurohumoral activity and an abnormal cardiopulmonary response to exercise are well-established characteristics in patients after the Fontan operation. However, there have been few studies addressing cardiac autonomic nervous activity (CANA) in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated CANA in 63 post-Fontan patients and 44 controls. Cardiac parasympathetic nervous activity (PSNA) was estimated by heart rate (HR) changes after cholinergic blockade, HR variability, and arterial baroreflex sensitivity. Cardiac sympathetic nervous activity was estimated by the heart to mediastinum [(123)I]metaiodobenzylguanidine activity ratio (H/M) and the HR increase (DeltaHR) after isoproterenol infusion (beta). DeltaHR and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)) were measured by exercise test. There was no difference in beta between the Fontan group and controls. PSNA and H/M were markedly lower than in controls (P<0.001). PSNA and beta were related to DeltaHR (P<0.05); however, peak VO(2) was not correlated with DeltaHR. Neither PSNA nor H/M was associated with clinical features, including hemodynamics, type of repair, number of surgical procedures, age at Fontan operation, or follow-up period, and administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor did not improve the impaired CANA in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: After the Fontan procedure, postsynaptic beta-sensitivity is maintained and is important in DeltaHR during exercise as is PSNA, although DeltaHR does not determine exercise capacity. The lack of a relationship between CANA and clinical features implies that, in addition to surgical damage, the Fontan circulation per se may impair CANA. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor administration does not change this abnormality.


Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Fontan Procedure/adverse effects , Adolescent , Age Factors , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Atrial Natriuretic Factor/metabolism , Autonomic Nervous System/drug effects , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/prevention & control , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Child , Exercise/physiology , Follow-Up Studies , Heart Rate/drug effects , Humans , Outcome Assessment, Health Care
8.
Circulation ; 102(22): 2732-8, 2000 Nov 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11094040

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of cardiac autonomic nervous activity (CANA) in patients with congenital heart disease. Methods and Results-We evaluated CANA in 54 patients after closure of an atrial/ventricular septal defect (group A), 54 patients after successful right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR) (group B1), 35 RVOTR patients with residual stenosis (group B2), and 47 controls. Cardiac parasympathetic nervous activity (PSNA) was estimated by heart rate (HR) change after cholinergic blockade, HR variability, and arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Cardiac sympathetic nervous activity was estimated by the heart-to-mediastinum (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine activity ratio (H/M) and HR increase after isoproterenol infusion (ss). HR response (DeltaHR) and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)) were measured by exercise test. There was no difference in ss among study groups. Group A exhibited mildly impaired PSNA, which recovered 1 year after surgery, and no change in H/M. Impaired PSNA and low H/M were found in groups B1 and B2 compared with controls (P<0.001), although the PSNA tended to recover 1 year after re-RVOTR. In group B1, PSNA and ss were related to DeltaHR, and BRS correlated inversely with the number of surgical procedures and age at RVOTR and positively correlated with the follow-up period, whereas DeltaHR correlated with peak VO(2) (P<0.01 to 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After RVOTR, postsynaptic ss-sensitivity is maintained and is important in DeltaHR during exercise, as is PSNA, although ventricular sympathetic denervation is common. Impaired PSNA immediately after RVOTR improves with improved DeltaHR and results in future amelioration of aerobic capacity, whereas ventricular sympathetic reinnervation is uncertain.


Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology , Heart Defects, Congenital/physiopathology , Heart/innervation , Ventricular Outflow Obstruction/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Atrial Natriuretic Factor/blood , Baroreflex/physiology , Exercise/physiology , Exercise Test , Follow-Up Studies , Heart/physiopathology , Heart Defects, Congenital/blood , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Heart Rate/physiology , Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation , Humans , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Norepinephrine/blood , Parasympathetic Nervous System/physiopathology
9.
J Am Coll Cardiol ; 37(7): 1967-74, 2001 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11401140

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the influences of ventricular morphology, hemodynamics and clinical findings on exercise capacity in patients after the Fontan operation. BACKGROUND: Determinants of exercise capacity after the Fontan operation remain unclear. METHODS: Peak oxygen uptake (PVo2) was determined in 105 patients by exercise test and compared to hemodynamics and clinical findings. Patients were divided into three groups based on ventricular morphology: those with a right ventricle (group RV), a biventricle (group BV) and a left ventricle (group LV). RESULTS: Ten patients with atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) or hypoxia exhibited a low PVo2. After excluding these patients, although PVo2 did not correlate with hemodynamics, except ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.02), it correlated with age at the Fontan operation and exercise test (p < 0.002). The PVo2 was higher in group LV (63+/-9%) than in groups RV (55+/-9%) and BV (55+/-12%) (p < 0.01), while an inverse correlation between PVo2 and age at operation was demonstrated only in group RV (p < 0.05). Groups RV or BV and age at exercise test were associated with a lower PVo2, whereas group LV was an independent predictor of a higher PVo2 (p < 0.01). During 4.2 years of follow-up, a decrease in peak heart rate was related to a decrease in PVo2 (p < 0.05). The PVo2 decreased in group RV (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to AVVR, hypoxia, and heart rate response, ventricular morphology is related to exercise capacity. Early Fontan operation may be beneficial in terms of exercise capacity, especially in the group RV patients.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Fontan Procedure , Heart Ventricles/anatomy & histology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Exercise Test , Hemodynamics , Humans , Lung/physiopathology , Postoperative Care , Postoperative Complications/physiopathology
10.
Mech Dev ; 95(1-2): 55-66, 2000 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10906450

ABSTRACT

To elucidate roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGF)18 during vertebrate development, we examined expression patterns of Fgf18 in chick embryos and observed effects of FGF18 protein on the Hensen's node, isthmus, and limb buds. Fgf18 is expressed on the right side of the node before the expression of Fgf8 starts. FGF18 protein can induce expression of Fgf8 on the left side of the node, indicating involvement of both FGFs in specification of left-right asymmetry. In the developing brain, Fgf18 is expressed in the isthmus, following the Fgf8 expression. Since Fgf18 is induced ectopically during formation of the second midbrain by FGF8 protein, both FGFs also elaborate midbrain development. In the limb bud, Fgf18 is expressed in the mesenchyme and ectopic application of FGF18 protein inhibits bone growth in the limb. FGF18 is thus likely an endogenous ligand of FGF receptor 3, whose mutation causes bone dysplasia in humans. These results demonstrate that the FGF18-FGF8 signaling is involved in various organizing activities and the signaling hierarchies between FGF18 and FGF8 seem to change during patterning of different structures.


Subject(s)
Body Patterning/physiology , Brain/embryology , Extremities/embryology , Fibroblast Growth Factors/physiology , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Brain/physiology , Chick Embryo , Embryo, Nonmammalian/cytology , Embryo, Nonmammalian/embryology , Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology , Extremities/physiology , Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Molecular Sequence Data , Signal Transduction
11.
Mech Dev ; 100(2): 331-3, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11165492

ABSTRACT

Expression of four BMP antagonist genes, noggin, chordin, gremlin and Follistatin, was examined during chick feather development. Although expression of noggin and chordin was not detected, gremlin and Follistatin were expressed differentially in feather buds. The differential expression patterns of gremlin and Follistatin change dynamically from the nascent inter-feather bud region to the posterior domain of the feather bud.


Subject(s)
Feathers/embryology , Glycoproteins/biosynthesis , Protein Biosynthesis , Animals , Chick Embryo , Follistatin , Gene Expression , In Situ Hybridization , Mesoderm/metabolism , Time Factors
12.
Mech Dev ; 85(1-2): 193-5, 1999 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10415362

ABSTRACT

We have isolated chick rax/rx cDNAs, cRaxL (chick Rax/Rx-like) and cRax, (chick Rax) and examined their expression patterns during early eye and brain development. The cRaxL cDNA encodes a 228 amino acid protein that is most closely related to the zebrafish Rx1 and Rx2. The cRax cDNA encodes a 317 amino acid protein, which shares higher homology with the Xenopus Rx. In addition to the homeodomain, the octapeptide and paired tail domains are conserved between the cRax and other vertebrate Rax/Rx, while cRaxL lacks the octapeptide containing N-terminal region which is conserved among all other members of the rax/rx gene family identified so far. The chick rax/rx genes are expressed in overlapping domains in the anterior neural ectoderm which corresponds to the forebrain and retina field, and later in the optic vesicle. cRax mRNA can be detected earlier than cRaxL prior to the formation of the notochord and its expression domain appears broader than that of cRaxL.


Subject(s)
Brain/embryology , Eye Proteins/genetics , Eye/embryology , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , Transcription Factors , Animals , Chick Embryo , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Embryo, Nonmammalian
13.
Mech Dev ; 100(1): 105-8, 2001 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11118893

ABSTRACT

We have isolated a chick cDNA for p63, a member of the p53 transcription factor family. This cDNA encodes a protein of 582 amino acids for an alpha isoform in the C-terminal region, while lacking the N-terminal transactivation domain. The chick p63 gene is first expressed in the prospective cutaneous ectoderm at stage 6 and later in the developing epithelia. The p63 expression is intense in specialized epithelial structures, such as apical ectodermal ridge of the limb bud, epithelia of branchial arches and feather buds. Furthermore, we have found that the transcripts are detected in the interdigital epithelium, intersomite epithelium, and epaxial dermamyotome.


Subject(s)
Cloning, Molecular , Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism , Membrane Proteins , Phosphoproteins/biosynthesis , Phosphoproteins/genetics , Trans-Activators , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Chick Embryo , DNA, Complementary/metabolism , Epithelium/embryology , Extremities/embryology , Feathers/embryology , In Situ Hybridization , Molecular Sequence Data , Phosphoproteins/chemistry , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Somites/metabolism , Time Factors
14.
Mech Dev ; 62(1): 3-13, 1997 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9106162

ABSTRACT

We analyzed a Japanese chick wingless mutant (Jwg) to know a molecular mechanism underlying wing development. We observed expression patterns of eleven marker genes to characterize the mutant. Expressions of dorsoventral (DV) and mesenchymal marker genes were intact in nascent Jwg limb buds. However, expression of Fgf8, a marker gene for the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), was delayed and shortly disappeared in the wing regressing AER. Later on, ventral expression of dorsal marker genes of Wnt7a and Lmx1 indicated that the wing bud without the AER became bi-dorsal. In addition, the posterior mesoderm became defective, as deduced from the impaired expression patterns of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Msx1, and Prx1. We attempted to rescue a wing by implanting Fgf8-expressing cells into the Jwg wing bud. We found that FGF8 can rescue outgrowth of the wing bud by maintaining Shh expression. Thus, the Jwg gene seems to be involved in maintenance of the Fgf8 expression in the wing bud. Further, it is suggested that the AER is required for maintenance of the DV boundary and the polarizing activity of the established wing bud.


Subject(s)
Fibroblast Growth Factors , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Growth Substances/genetics , Mutation , Wings, Animal/embryology , Animals , Chick Embryo , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , MSX1 Transcription Factor , Mesoderm/metabolism , Phenotype , Transcription Factors/genetics
15.
Mech Dev ; 90(1): 115-8, 2000 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10585569

ABSTRACT

Mammalian lefty and zebrafish antivin, highly related to lefty, are shown to be expressed asymmetrically and involved in the specification of the left body side of early embryos. We isolated a chick homologue of the antivin/lefty1 cDNA and studied its expression pattern during early chick development. We found that antivin/lefty1 is expressed asymmetrically on the left side of the prospective floorplate, notochord and lateral plate mesoderm of the chick embryo.


Subject(s)
Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Cell Polarity , Chick Embryo , Embryo, Nonmammalian/embryology , Left-Right Determination Factors , Molecular Sequence Data , Sequence Alignment , Transforming Growth Factor beta/biosynthesis
16.
Radiat Prot Dosimetry ; 117(4): 432-9, 2005.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15985500

ABSTRACT

A method using europium-doped BaFBr imaging plates (IPs) has been studied for mapping entrance skin doses during interventional radiology (IR); the mapping is useful for detecting overlap between irradiation fields and determining the most exposed skin areas. IPs, which are two-dimensional radiation sensors made of photostimulated luminescence materials, have a linear dose response up to approximately 100 Gy, can accurately measure doses from 1 microGy to 10 Gy and can be used repeatedly. Because the energy dependence of IPs is rather high, the IPs were characterised in this study and a sensitivity variation of approximately 13% was observed for effective energies of 32.7 to 44.7 keV, which are used in IR procedures. Simulation of actual interventional cardiology procedures showed that the variation of sensitivity was within 5%, meaning that IPs are practical for measuring skin doses during IR. Moreover, the patient data can be stored online and easily called up when IR procedures must be repeated, helping to prevent radiation injuries.


Subject(s)
Fluoroscopy , Radiography, Interventional , Radiometry/methods , Skin/radiation effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Humans , Phantoms, Imaging , Radiation Dosage , Sensitivity and Specificity
17.
Kyobu Geka ; 58(10): 897-901, 2005 Sep.
Article in Japanese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16167817

ABSTRACT

A 56-year-old male was admitted for sudden chest pain followed by loss of consciousness and paraplegia. The electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed ST-elevation in leads II, III, and aVF and ST-depression in leads V3 to V6. The ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) demonstrated an intimal flap in the ascending aorta, grade III aortic regurgitation (AR), and akinesis of the posterior wall of the left ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography directly showed dissection of the left main coronary artery. Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD), obtuse marginal artery (OM) and posterolateral artery (PL) was performed using the saphenous vein. In addition, valve-sparing aortic root remodeling was performed in conjunction with replacement of the ascending aorta. The left coronary orifice was repaired and reattached to the prosthetic graft. The patient was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass without catecholamine support. He was discharged from the hospital on foot after rehabilitation of the paraplegia. AR remains mild by UCG 3 years after surgery.


Subject(s)
Aorta/surgery , Aortic Aneurysm/surgery , Aortic Dissection/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Coronary Artery Bypass , Acute Disease , Cardiopulmonary Bypass , Coronary Vessels , Emergencies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Paraplegia/complications
18.
FEBS Lett ; 303(2-3): 185-9, 1992 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1318847

ABSTRACT

To elucidate target cells of activins during embryogenesis we isolated cDNAs of chick activin receptor type II (cActR-II) and studied expression patterns of the cActR-II gene by in situ hybridization. Transcripts of cActR-II were observed in neuroectoderm developing to spinal cord, brain and eyes, in surface ectoderm differentiating to epidermis, and in myotomes differentiating to muscles. The expression patterns of cActR-II suggest that activin and its receptor are involved in differentiation of chick neural tissues, muscle and skin after inducing the dorsal mesoderm.


Subject(s)
Inhibins/metabolism , Muscles/metabolism , Nervous System/metabolism , Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Skin/metabolism , Activin Receptors , Activins , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Chick Embryo , Ectoderm/metabolism , Molecular Sequence Data , Muscles/embryology , Nervous System/embryology , Restriction Mapping , Sequence Alignment , Skin/embryology
19.
FEBS Lett ; 404(2-3): 319-23, 1997 Mar 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9119087

ABSTRACT

We investigated the role of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. The numbers of ALP-positive cells in the mouse fibroblastic cell line C3H10T1/2 and the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 were increased by co-culture with chicken fibroblasts transfected with chicken Shh cDNA encoding amino-terminal peptide (Shh-N). The conditioned medium of Shh-N-RCAS-transfected chicken fibroblast cultures also significantly increased ALP activity in both C3H10T1/2 and MC3T3-E1 cells. Intramuscular transplantation of Shh-N-RCAS-transfected chicken fibroblasts into athymic mice induced ectopic bone formation. These results indicate that SHH induces osteoblast differentiation and ectopic bone formation.


Subject(s)
Bone Development , Osteoblasts/cytology , Protein Biosynthesis , Trans-Activators , 3T3 Cells , Animals , Cell Differentiation , Cell Line , Chick Embryo , Coculture Techniques , Embryonic Induction , Fibroblasts/cytology , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Fibroblasts/transplantation , Hedgehog Proteins , Kinetics , Mice , Mice, Inbred C3H , Mice, Nude , Osteoblasts/transplantation , Peptide Fragments/biosynthesis , Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis , Time Factors , Transfection
20.
J Nucl Med ; 39(11): 1862-4, 1998 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9829571

ABSTRACT

The transplanted heart is without autonomic nervous control in the early postsurgical period. We present here a case of cardiac transplantation in which 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) SPECT and an exercise-loading test were used to monitor the sympathetic reinnervation. The distribution of myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake extended with time from 1 to 2 yr after surgery. However, functional improvement, estimated by the heart rate response to exercise, was not discernable during this period. The findings in this case suggest the feasibility of 123I-MIBG SPECT imaging in the serial monitoring of sympathetic reinnervation after transplantation and that scintigraphic evidence of reinnervation precedes functional recovery.


Subject(s)
3-Iodobenzylguanidine , Heart Transplantation/diagnostic imaging , Heart/innervation , Iodine Radioisotopes , Radiopharmaceuticals , Sympathetic Nervous System/physiology , Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon , Adult , Exercise Test , Feasibility Studies , Follow-Up Studies , Heart Transplantation/physiology , Humans , Male , Time Factors
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