Angiogenesis as a new target for cancer treatment

Neovascularization is often required for rapid growth of solid tumors and also limits vascular metastasis of tumor cells. Neovascularization-targeting agents are a recent innovation that may be a novel means of anticancer therapy. These antiangiogenic drugs have been developed by targeting cell proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, basement-membrane-degrading enzymes, angiogenic factors/receptors, extracellular matrix, angiogenesis signaling, and cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions. In this report, we describe how tumor angiogenesis occurs and how antiangiogenic agents are developed.

Use of fura-2/AM to measure intracellular free calcium in Selenomonas ruminantium

This paper describes a procedure for loading the acetoxymethyl ester of fura-2 (fura-2/AM), and the subsequent measurement of the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in Selenomonas ruminantium (S. ruminantium) using this technique. To ascertain the optimal loading conditions, the effect was examined on the loading of fura-2/AM of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA), lysozyme, pluronic F127 alone, or the simultaneous application of EDTA and pluronic F127. Individual administration of either EDTA, lysozyme or pluronic F127 did not produce an optimal loading of fura-2/ AM. The co-application of pluronic F127 and bovine serum albumin after treatment with EDTA increased the ratio of the fluorescence due to excitation at 340 nm to that at 380 nm (R340/380) markedly, with a high signal intensity for intracellular fura-2, indicating that adequate loading had been obtained. Using the present loading method, it was found that the resting free [Ca2+]i of S. ruminantium was 48.1 +/- 2.2 nM (n = 6). This is approximately one half that found in Escherichia coli, Propionibacterium acnes, Streptococcus bovis and eucaryote cells. This is the first measurement of free [Ca2+]i using fura-2/AM in the Gram-negative strict anaerobe S. ruminantium.

Influence of calcium concentration on the antimicrobial activity of lasalocid against Selenomonas ruminantium

The present study was designed to examine the interaction between the effects of lasalocid and Ca2+ on the growth and structure of Selenomonas ruminantium HD-4. Lasalocid, at a dose of 10 microM, inhibited cell growth almost completely after 12 hr incubation in the presence of relatively high extracellular concentrations of Ca2+ (from 5 to 50 mM), but only slightly reduced cell growth in the presence of 0.2 mM Ca2+. With Ca2+ alone, cell growth was also inhibited at 12 hr as a function of the concentration of Ca2+ over the range 5 to 50 mM. In cultures at mid-exponential phase, growth was markedly inhibited by the simultaneous addition of 10 microM lasalocid and 15 mM Ca2+, but only moderately inhibited by lasalocid in the absence of Ca2+. However, there was no significant effect on bacterial growth at the mid-exponential phase when Ca2+ alone was added to the incubation medium. In thin sections of cells treated with lasalocid in the presence of 15 mM Ca2+, abnormal cells were found with cytoplasmic voids and with an outer membrane detached from the inner membrane layer, this change in the outer membrane was also found in cells treated with lasalocid alone. There was no visible abnormality in the outer membrane in thin sections of Ca2(+)-treated cells, while most of these cells showed only a slight contraction of cytoplasmic material or a loss of cytoplasmic contents. These results indicate the presence of a synergistic effect between the actions of lasalocid and Ca2+ on cell growth, presumably due to induced cytoplasmic alterations.

Comparison of nitric oxide and prostacyclin in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human umbilical artery at midgestation

OBJECTIVE

We intended to compare the relative importance of nitric oxide and prostacyclin as endothelium-derived vasorelaxing factors released by histamine in human umbilical artery at the midstage (18 to 22 weeks) of gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

By use of very thin muscle strips, which allows rapid diffusional access of applied drugs (in a few seconds), isometric tensions were recorded in response to histamine. The histamine-induced contractions and the relaxing effect of histamine on the potassium chloride (39 mmol/L) contractions were studied in relation to the existence of endothelium, L-NG-nitro arginine, and indomethacin. The relaxing effects of glyceryl trinitrate and prostacyclin on the potassium chloride contractions were also examined.

RESULTS

The contractile responses to histamine were more sensitive and the relation tensions of histamine contractions, compared with the 39 mmol/L K(+)-induced contractions, were large in endothelium-denuded strips than in endothelium-intact strips. Histamine contractions were enhanced in endothelium-intact strips in the presence of 10 mumol/L L-NG-nitro arginine (competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) but not in the presence of 10 mumol/L indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Histamine produced a concentration-dependent relaxation during the maintained contraction induced by 39 mmol/L K+. These histamine-induced relaxations were completely blocked by L-NG-nitro arginine but not by indomethacin. Glyceryl trinitrate and prostacyclin relaxed the sustained contractions induced by 39 mmol/L K+ in a dose-dependent manner; however, the degree of relaxation by glyceryl trinitrate was more prominent than that by prostacyclin.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that nitric oxide is more potent than prostacyclin as a vasorelaxing substance released from the endothelium and that nitric oxide has an important role for controlling fetoplacental circulation at midgestation.

Involvement of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in tubular morphogenesis of human microvascular endothelial cells by oxidative stress

Oxygen radicals are induced under various pathologic conditions associated with neovascularization. Oxygen radicals modulate angiogenesis in cultured human microvascular endothelial cells by an unknown mechanism. Treatment of human microvascular endothelial cells for 15 min with 0.1 to 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or 100 U of tumor necrosis factor alpha per ml induced tubular morphogenesis in type I collagen gels. Gel shift assays with nuclear extracts demonstrated that H2O2 increases the binding activities of two transcription factors, NF-kappaB and AP-1, but not of Spl. Tumor necrosis factor alpha increased the binding activities of all three factors. A supershift assay with specific antibodies against JunB, JunD, and c-Jun (Jun family) showed that the antibody against c-Jun supershifted the AP-1 complex after H2O2 treatment. Coadministration of the antisense sequence of NF-kappaB inhibited H2O2-dependent tubular morphogenesis, and the antisense c-Jun oligonucleotide caused partial inhibition. The angiogenic factor responsible for H2O2-induced tubular morphogenesis was examined. Cellular mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 (IL-8), but not those of transforming growth factor alpha, were increased after treatment with 0.5 mM H2O2. Coadministration of anti-IL-8 antibody inhibited tubular morphogenesis enhanced by H2O2, and IL-8 itself also enhanced the formation of tube-like structures. Treatment with antisense NF-kappaB oligonucleotide completely blocked H2O2-dependent IL-8 production by endothelial cells. The tubular morphogenesis of vascular endothelial cells after treatment with oxidative stimuli and its possible association with NF-kappaB and IL-8, is examined.

Agonists increase the sensitivity of contractile elements for Ca++ in pregnant rat myometrium

OBJECTIVE

The effects of agonists and guanosine 5'-triphosphate binding proteins (G proteins) on contractile properties were investigated in rat longitudinal myometrial tissues in late gestation and during delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

The effect of carbachol was examined on the intracellular Ca++ concentration in intact thin muscle strips from pregnant rat myometrium. In addition, the action of carbachol with guanosine 5'-triphosphate was examined on the Ca(++)-induced contractions in beta-escin-treated skinned strips (membrane-permeable conditions and chemical clamping of intracellular Ca++ concentrations). The effects of guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (a nonhydrolyzable analog of guanosine 5'-triphosphate), prostaglandin F2 alpha with guanosine 5'-triphosphate, prostaglandin E2 with guanosine 5'-triphosphate, and okadaic acid (a phosphatase inhibitor) were also examined in skinned strips.

RESULTS

In intact longitudinal rat myometrium at late gestation the maximum contractions induced by carbachol were larger than the maximum contractions induced by high K+ (118 mmol/L), whereas increases in intracellular Ca++ concentration produced by both agents were similar. In beta-escin-treated skinned myometrial strips from late gestation, 0.3 mumol/L Ca++ evoked contractions. Carbachol (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L) enhanced the 0.3 mumol/L Ca(++)-induced contractions of skinned strips; the increase was antagonized by 1 mmol/L guanosine 5'-0-(beta-thiodiphosphate). Guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (0.1 to 100 mumol/L), prostaglandin F2 alpha (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L), prostaglandin E2 (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L), and okadaic acid (1 nmol/L) also augmented 0.3 mumol/L Ca++ contractions in skinned strips. The increases of 0.3 mumol/L Ca(++)-induced contractility by the agonists with guanosine 5'-triphosphate or guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) were similar between late gestation and delivery.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that agonists such as carbachol, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and prostaglandin E2 enhance the Ca(++)-induced contraction of myometrium at late gestation through G protein-mediated mechanisms. The agonist/G protein-mediated Ca(++)-sensitizing effects on contractile elements produce additional contractile force with the same amount of intracellular calcium, thus providing expelling forces for delivery of the fetuses.

Inhibition of tumor growth and neovascularization by an anti-gastric ulcer agent, irsogladine

Irsogladine used clinically as an anti-gastric ulcer agent, at 10(-6)-10(-4)M, inhibited cell proliferation and tubular morphogenesis of vascular endothelial cells, but the proliferation of human epidermoid cancer or glioma cells was not inhibited by this drug, even at 10(-4)M. In vivo studies demonstrated that p.o. administration of irsogladine significantly inhibited tumor growth of human glioma cells in mice, and histological analysis showed a dramatic decrease of the neovascularization in the tumors. In mice transplanted with chambers containing human glioma cells or hepatic cancer cells, irsogladine also inhibited angiogenesis. These in vivo and in vitro assays demonstrate that irsogladine may be a unique and potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis.

Kininogenase secretion from dispersed cells of mouse submandibular gland

Kininogenase activity in both male and female submandibular gland (SMG) began to increase at 4 weeks of age and reached a peak at 6 weeks of age, and then showed a stable level of activity until 10 weeks of age. The release of kininogenase was stimulated via activation of alpha-adrenoceptors alone in male SMG and via both alpha-adrenoceptors and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in female SMG. This indicates that there is a marked difference between male and female SMG in response to methacholine, e.g., the less granular convoluted tubule (GCT) there is in the SMG, the higher is the percentage release of kininogenase evoked by methacholine. It is suggested from these data that the site of localization of kininogenase in the male and female mouse submandibular gland is different; probably predominantly in the GCT in the male and in the striated duct in the female.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor: p91 activation induction of plasminogen activator/inhibitor, and tubular morphogenesis in human microvascular endothelial cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) stimulates cell migration, proliferation and the formation of tube-like structures of human microvascular endothelial cells in culture. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor(HB-EGF), which shows 35% homology with EGF/TGF-alpha, is a member of the EGF family, and it is ubiquitous in many tissues and organs. We examined whether or not HB-EGF induced angiogenic responses in human microvascular endothelial cells. HB-EGF inhibited the binding of (125) I-EGF to the EGF receptor and induced autophosphorylation of the receptor on endothelial cells. Exogenous HB-EGF induced the loss of more than 70% of the EGF receptor from the cell surface within 30 min, with similar kinetics to that of EGF. The level of c-fos mRNA markedly increased at 30 min in response to HB-EGF as well as EGF. A gel shift assay demonstrated the activation of the transcription factor p91 by HB-EGF and EGF. This factor directly interacts with EGF receptor and mediates the activation of c-fos gene promoter. HB-EGF enhanced the mRNA expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA. However, the enhancement of t-PA and PAI-1 by HB-EGF was less than that by EGF. Heparitinase/chlorate, which digests the heparan sulfate proteoglycan of the endothelial cell surface, restored both t-PA and PAI-1 mRNA levels in response to HB-EGF in a manner similar to that by EGF. HB-EGF at 10 ng/ml developed tube-like structures in type I collagen gel at similar levels to that of EGF at 10 ng/ml, suggesting that HB-EGF is also a potent angiogenic factor in the model system for angiogenesis. The tubulogenesis activity of HB-EGF is discussed in relation to the expression of the t-PA and PAI-1 genes.

Hepatic segmentectomy on primary liver cancer with situs inversus totalis

We present the first case treated by hepatic segmentectomy in a 69-year-old woman with primary liver cancer and situs inversus totalis. The situs inversus did not cause any technical problems during the operation, which was conducted under guidance of intraoperative ultrasonography.

[The background of the hardships of Moabit Hospital; an aspect of German medicine under the National-Socialistic rule]

Under the National-Socialistic (Nazi) rule, Moabit Hospital (City Hospital of Berlin at Moabit) met various hardships. In the present communication, their sufferings and backgrounds are described as an aspect of German medicine during the Nazi regime. 1. Around April 1st, 1933, the day of an anti-Jewish boycott, the Jewish doctors, co-medical and non-medical personnel were banned from the hospital. 2. At the hospital, they were forced to perform involuntary sterilization on psychiatric patients and patients with hereditary disease, by an inhuman law. 3. Dr. Georg Groscurth, a chief physician of the hospital, was executed because of his anti-Nazi activity. His act came from his patriotism and righteous indignation against the cruelty of Nazism. 4. In comparison with the inhumanity of the Nazis and in relation to the origin of the name of the area, Moabit, the author comments on "the Prussian tolerance" realized by Elector Friedlich Wilhelm of Brandenburg. The author believes this tolerance was one of the important causes of the flourishing of German medicine in the ninteenth century.

Antitumor effects of pirarubicin and epirubicin in combination with doxifluridine and cisplatin against mouse P388 leukemia

In vivo antitumor activity of pirarubicin (THP) and epirubucin (EPI) in combination with doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) and cisplatin (CDDP) were examined using mouse P388 leukemia. THP (1.25-7.5 mg/kg) or EPI (1.25-15 mg/kg) was given intravenously on day 1, and then 5'-DFUR (125 or 250 mg/kg/day) and CDDP (4 mg/kg) were given orally on days 1-4 and intravenously on day 5 after tumor inoculation, respectively. Both THP and EPI enhanced the antitumor of a combination of 5'-DFUR and CDDP. The enhancement by THP was additive or synergistic, while that by EPI was additive. Cured animals were observed in the combination of THP with the two drugs, but not in that of EPI. Thus, in combination with 5'-DFUR and CDDP, THP was more effective against P388 leukemia than was EPI. The combination therapy using THP, 5'-DFUR and CDDP may be a novel chemotherapeutic approach to a variable type of tumors in clinical trials.

Absence of parasympathetic vasodilatation in cat dental pulp

The existence and nature of parasympathetic nerve fibers in the dental pulp have long been a subject for discussion; indeed, vasodilator responses mediated by such nerve fibers have yet to be conclusively demonstrated in the dental pulp. This study was designed to determine whether parasympathetic vasodilator mechanisms do or do not exist in the cat dental pulp. Dynamic changes in pulpal blood flow (PBF), with mandibular lip blood flow (LBF) recorded as a control, were investigated in cat mandibular canine teeth by means of laser Doppler velocimetry. Peripheral trigeminal afferents (see below) were stimulated electrically to confirm that somato-parasympathetic reflex vasodilatation could be induced. The peripheral cut ends of the facial and glossopharyngeal nerve roots, which have been reported to contain parasympathetic nerve fibers to the oral tissues, were then stimulated intracranially. Electrical stimulation of trigeminal afferents (in the infraorbital nerve or the maxillary buccal gingiva) caused no change in PBF but did increase ipsilateral LBF. Neither facial nor glossopharyngeal nerve root stimulation caused a PBF increase, though both elicited increases in ipsilateral LBF. The vasodilator responses in the lip were sensitive to ganglion blockade (with hexamethonium), indicating vasodilatation via activation of parasympathetic vasodilator fibers. In contrast, intracranial stimulation of the trigeminal nerve root induced increases in both PBF and LBF which were reduced by pre-treatment with tripelennamine, indicating antidromic vasodilatation via the trigeminal sensory nerve. These results suggest that a parasympathetic vasodilator mechanism is not present in feline dental pulp.

Effects of KRN4884, a novel K channel opener, on the cardiovascular system in anesthetized dogs: a comparison with levcromakalim, nilvadipine, and nifedipine

Pharmacological profiles of KRN4884, 5-amino-N-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-N'-cyano-3-pyridinecarboxamidine+ ++, were evaluated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In rat isolated aorta, KRN4884 (10(-10)-10(-5) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation. Pretreatment with glibenclamide (10(-7)-10(-6) M) produced a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve for KRN4884. In anesthetized dogs, KRN4884 (3 and 10 micrograms/kg intravenously, i.v.), levcromakalim (3 and 10 micrograms/kg i.v.), nilvadipine (1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.), and nifedipine (1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) produced decreases in mean blood pressure (MBP), total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR), and coronary vascular resistance (CVR), and increases in aortic blood flow (AoF) and coronary blood flow (CBF). The percentage decrease in CVR was greater than that in TPR with KRN4884 and levcromakalim, but nilvadipine and nifedipine showed no significant differences between CVR and TPR in percentage decreases. Heart rate (HR) was slightly increased by KRN4884 but was not affected by levcromakalim, nilvadipine, or nifedipine. Left ventricular dP/dt (LVdP/dt) was reduced only by nifedipine in a dose-dependent manner. The duration of the hypotensive action of KRN4884 was longer than those of levcromakalim and nifedipine and was similar to that of nilvadipine. The duration of the decreases in TPR and CVR induced by KRN4884 was longer than those induced by levcromakalim and nifedipine and shorter than that induced by nilvadipine. These results suggest that the cardiovascular effects of KRN4884 are very similar to those of the K channel opener levcromakalim and Ca channel blockers such as nilvadipine and nifedipine. However, the hypotensive effects of KRN4884 are long-acting in comparison with those of levcromakalim and the selective effect of KRN4884 on coronary vasculature is greater than those of nilvadipine and nifedipine.

Antimicrobial activity of lasalocid against Selenomonas ruminantium--effect of changes in pH induced by changing glucose concentration

A significant decrease in pH occurred in the culture medium when cells of Selenomonas ruminantium HD-4 were incubated in the presence of relatively high concentrations of glucose (0.4 and 1.0%). Forty microM lasalocid reduced cell growth to 35.5 and 35.7% of control growth, respectively, for 0.05 and 0.4% glucose, while growth was completely inhibited by 40 microM lasalocid in the presence of 1.0% glucose. In the presence of 80 microM lasalocid, cells were unable to grow within 24 hr at any glucose concentration. In the case of treatment with 10 microM lasalocid, growth was inhibited when pH decreased below 6.0 in the presence of 0.4 and 1.0% glucose. With 0.05% glucose, pH never reduced to below 6.4 within 24 hr and there was no significant effect of lasalocid on either growth or pH. When cultures were treated with 10 microM lasalocid at the mid-exponential phase, growth was moderately inhibited and abnormal cells which had outer membrane detached from the inner membrane layer resulting in cell lysis were found in thin sections. These results indicate that the presence of large amounts of glucose decreases pH in culture medium and that the decrease in pH to below about 6.0 causes the increased effect of lasalocid on the growth of S. ruminantium. These results suggest that the antimicrobial activity of lasalocid is potentiated by a decrease in extracellular pH.

[RANTES expression on human bronchial epithelial cells]

Viral infection induces airway inflammation. It is possible that bronchial epithelium derived chemokine contributes to the migration and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the airway viral infection. We infected bronchial epithelial cells with influenza virus and analysed mRNA expression and production of RANTES. The expression of mRNA and the production of RANTES were detected in infected cells using RT-PCR method and ELISA.

Relaxant effects of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP on pregnant rat uterine longitudinal smooth muscle

The purpose of our study was to examine the relaxant effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and cyclic guanosine 3'-5'-monophosphate (cGMP) on pregnant rat myometrium. Using very thin muscle strips, which allows diffusional access of applied drugs (in a few seconds), contractile properties were examined. This technique facilitates study of SNP's effects on uterine contractility as nitric oxide is rapidly inactivated to NO2. SNP did not decrease the amplitudes of 45 mmol/l KCl contractions but decreased spontaneous contractions and 1 mumol/l carbachol contractions. The relaxation of carbachol contractions by SNP were antagonized by methylene blue. In addition, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) also inhibited KCl-, carbachol- and oxytocin-induced contractions, however, the relaxant effect of 8-bromo-cGMP was much greater on carbachol and oxytocin contractions than on KCl contractions. Cyclic GMP (1 microM) decreased contractions evoked by various concentrations of Ca2+ and carbachol with 1 mumol/l GTP-gamma S in skinned (membrane-permeable) strips. These results demonstrate that SNP stimulates guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP and that the relaxant effect of cGMP was predominant on pharmaco-mechanical coupling. The cyclic-GMP system may help in maintaining pregnancy and preventing uterine contractions during exposure to stimulating agonists.

Sensitization of nociceptive C-fibers in zinc-deficient rats

A marked decrease in zinc concentration was observed in plasma (P < 0.001), hindpaw skin (P < 0.01), and dorsal skin (P < 0.01) in zinc-deficient rats (rats fed a zinc-deficient diet for 3 wk), compared with the control rats fed the same zinc-deficient diet supplemented with ZnCO3 (50 mg/kg diet). The threshold intensity needed to elicit vasodilatation in the hindpaw skin of the zinc-deficient rats on electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve in a peripheral direction was markedly lower (P < 0.01) than that in the control rats. No difference was observed between control (n = 5) and zinc-deficient rats (n = 5) in the magnitude of the plasma extravasation evoked by either histamine or substance P. There was no difference between control and zinc-deficient rats in terms of the dose-response curve for release of histamine by substance P. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in the hindpaw skin of the zinc-deficient rats was nearly fourfold higher (P < 0.01) than that of the control rats, whereas no difference in the leukotriene B4 level in the hindpaw skin was observed between control and zinc-deficient rats. From the present study, it seems likely that an increased level of PGE2 in the vicinity of the nociceptive C-fiber terminals in the hindpaw skin of zinc-deficient rats may sensitize the terminals of the nociceptive C-fibers of the saphenous afferent nerve in the hindpaw and thus facilitate the production of antidromic vasodilatation.

Gestational changes in oxytocin- and endothelin-1-induced contractility of pregnant rat myometrium

The mechanical effects of KCl, oxytocin and endothelin-1 on pregnant rat myometrium were examined using intact strips and beta-escin-treated skinned strips. Myometrial tissues from delivering rats were more sensitive to 10.7 mM K+ compared to mid and late gestation. Maximum contractions induced by K+ were obtained at concentrations of 118 mM at mid and late gestation and during delivery. The maximum amplitude of contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 compared to the 118 mM K(+)-induced contraction increased during the progress of gestation. Maximum contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 were greater than those induced by 118 mM K+ at delivery, and maximum contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1 during delivery. In 10 microM nifedipine and Ca(2+)-free (containing 2 mM EGTA) solutions, 118 mM K+ contractions were completely abolished; however, both oxytocin and endothelin-1 produced contractions. In Ca(2+)-free solutions, contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1. In skinned myometrial strips, guanosine 5'-O-thiotriphosphate (GTP, 1 microM-1 mM), guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S, 0.1-100 microM) and oxytocin (1 nM-0.1 microM) with 10 microM GTP, but not endothelin-1 with 10 microM GTP increased Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile force.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of clonidine and yohimbine on parasympathetic reflex salivation and vasodilatation in cat SMG

The present experiments were designed to examine the site of action of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, and the alpha 2-antagonist, yohimbine, on the salivary secretion response to parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation in the cat submandibular gland (SMG). The parasympathetic reflex salivary secretion was significantly affected by both clonidine and yohimbine (clonidine reduced and yohimbine increased the amount of saliva secreted) while the reflex vasodilator response was not affected by either agent. No degree of methacholine-induced salivation was affected by prior treatment with either clonidine or yohimbine. The salivation elicited by facial nerve root stimulation was markedly reduced by clonidine but potentiated by yohimbine. Prior treatment with scopolamine completely abolished the salivary secretion induced by either methacholine or facial nerve root stimulation. Clonidine and yohimbine had no effect on SMG salivation elicited by sympathetic stimulation. These results indicate that the alpha 2-agonist and antagonist act specifically on parasympathetic salivary fibers but have no effect on parasympathetic vasodilator fibers. They thus suggest that postganglionic parasympathetic innervation is differentiated into salivary and vasodilator fibers.

Low-frequency subthreshold sympathetic stimulation augments maximal reflex parasympathetic salivary secretion in cats

Electrical stimulation of the peripheral cut end of the cervical sympathetic trunk for 3 min at frequencies < 1 Hz with pulses of 2-ms duration at supramaximal intensities did not elicit any salivary secretion, but an increase of stimulus frequency over the range 2-10 Hz produced progressively greater salivary secretion, the maximum volume of salivary secretion being evoked at 10 Hz. Frequency-dependent augmentation of parasympathetic reflex submandibular salivary secretion occurred when the lingual nerve was stimulated during repetitive sympathetic stimulation (at frequencies of 0.1-2 Hz) in our sympathectomized cats. The augmentation was found to be linearly related to sympathetic stimulus frequency (regression line calculated by method of least squares; r = 0.939, P < 0.01). This augmentation was abolished by prior treatment with the beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug propranolol (1 mg/kg, P < 0.01 vs. before propranolol) but not by the alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent phentolamine (1 mg/kg), indicating that the augmented response was mediated via an activation of beta-adrenoceptors. The reduction of the augmentation caused by propranolol had diminished 1 h after its administration, showing that the effect was reversible.

Role of nitric oxide on vasorelaxation in human umbilical artery

OBJECTIVE

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (or nitric oxide) is thought to play an important role in control of blood flow in umbilical blood vessels at midgestation compared with term. Previous studies suggest that histamine releases endothelium-derived relaxing factor from umbilical arteries. In this study we intended to clarify the mechanism by which histamine releases endothelium-derived relaxing factor and causes vasorelaxation in human umbilical artery at the midstage (18 to 22 weeks) of gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

By means of very thin muscle strips that allow rapid diffusional access of applied drugs (in a few seconds), contractile properties of human umbilical artery were examined. Isometric tensions were measured in response to potassium chloride (39 mmol/L) or caffeine and inhibitory effects of histamine, A23187, glyceryl trinitrate, and 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate on these contractions were also examined.

RESULTS

Histamine (0.01 to 0.1 mumol/L) did not inhibit 39 mmol/L K(+)-induced contractions of tissues taken at the terminal (38 to 41 weeks) stage of gestation. However, at midgestation histamine (0.01 to 0.1 mumol/L), A23187 (10 mumol/L), and 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (membrane-permeable analog of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, 0.1 mmol/L) inhibited 39 mmol/L K(+)-induced contractions. The inhibitory effects of histamine were antagonized by mepyramine (an H1 antagonist), L-NG-nitro arginine, methylene blue, and Ca++ depletion of the extracellular space but not by cimetidine (an H2 antagonist). Caffeine produced contractions both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca++ possibly because of the release of Ca++ from intracellular storage sites. Glyceryl trinitrate and 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate reduced the caffeine-induced contractions in Ca(++)-free solution. In addition, 10 mumol/L cyclic guanosine monophosphate did not attenuate the Ca++ sensitivity for contractile elements.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that (1) histamine coupled to the histamine H1 receptor increases intracellular Ca++ concentration to stimulate nitric oxide synthase in human umbilical endothelial cells, (2) nitric oxide from endothelial cells activates guanylate cyclase to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the umbilical smooth muscle cells, and (3) cyclic guanosine monophosphate relaxes the umbilical tissues, perhaps as a result of the activation of a Ca++ extrusion system.

Serum levels of soluble CD23 in patients with bullous pemphigoid

In this study, we tested the serum levels of soluble CD23 (sCD23) in 27 bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients and compared them with the disease activity. Soluble CD23 is the cleaved portion of the low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) which has an affinity for IgE and regulates IgE synthesis. Although bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal blistering disease characterized by IgG class autoantibodies against the basement membrane of stratified squamous epithelia, several IgE-related phenomena have been reported. Recently, we have shown that Fc epsilon RII-expressing and IgE-bearing cells are detectable in the lesional skin and concluded that an IgE-Fc epsilon RII/CD23 system may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. The serum level of sCD23 in BP patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (p < 0.01). In 11 out of 12 patients, the alteration of serum sCD23 levels correlated well with the disease activity. Thus the serum level of sCD23 is useful as a new parameter for assessing the level of disease activity in BP. High levels of sCD23 may represent part of an IgE-mediated immune reaction which may play a role in the pathogenesis of BP.

Joint motion of bipolar femoral prostheses

From 1982 to 1992, 251 bipolar hip arthroplasties were performed on 213 patients. Among them, 117 bipolar femoral prostheses were randomly selected to examine the behavior of abduction motion under weight-bearing loads. Roentgenographic motion study was performed at an average of 46.5 months after surgery (range, 2-110 months). One hundred one prostheses used in dysplastic osteoarthritic, rheumatoid, and revised failed total hip arthroplasty patients moved 18.2% at the outer bearing and 81.8% at the inner bearing, while 16 prostheses used in femoral neck fracture and osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients moved 49.7% at the inner bearing and 50.3% at the outer bearing. There was a statistical difference in the motion pattern between the two groups. The abduction motion behavior of the bipolar femoral prostheses was not affected by the length of the follow-up period, the diameter of the outer heads, or the position of the prostheses on immediate postoperative roentgenograms.