Publications by authors named "Toshinari Awai"

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare condition characterized by air formation in and around the bladder wall by gas-forming organisms. Although diabetes mellitus and chronic urinary infection, which are frequently encountered in patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD), are predisposing factors for this entity, emphysematous cystitis is actually not common in ESRD patients. Here we provide the first report of a hemodialysis patient who developed typical emphysematous cystitis.

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In isolated rat pancreatic acini, protein expression of RhoA and Rho-associated kinase, ROCK-II, and the formation of immunocomplex of RhoA with ROCK-II were enhanced by CCK-8, carbachol, and the phorbol ester TPA. The ROCK-specific inhibitor, Y-27632, did not alter basal amylase secretion, whereas it potentiated CCK-stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion in vitro. During caerulein-induced pancreatitis occurring in mice in vivo, Y-27632 enhanced serum amylase levels and the formation of interstitial edema and vacuolization at 12-18h after the first injection of caerulein.

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