CARP, a cardiac ankyrin repeat protein, is downstream in the Nkx2-5 homeobox gene pathway

To identify the molecular pathways that guide cardiac ventricular chamber specification, maturation and morphogenesis, we have sought to characterize factors that regulate the expression of the ventricular myosin light chain-2 gene, one of the earliest markers of ventricular regionalization during mammalian cardiogenesis. Previously, our laboratory identified a 28 bp HF-la/MEF-2 element in the MLC-2v promoter region, which confers cardiac ventricular chamber-specific gene expression during murine cardiogenesis, and showed that the ubiquitous transcription factor YB-1 binds to the HF-la site in conjunction with a co-factor. In a search for interacting co-factors, a nuclear ankyrin-like repeat protein CARP (cardiac ankyrin repeat protein) was isolated from a rat neonatal heart cDNA library by yeast two-hybrid screening, using YB-1 as the bait. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST-CARP pulldown studies reveal that CARP forms a physical complex with YB-1 in cardiac myocytes and immunostaining shows that endogenous CARP is localized in the cardiac myocyte nucleus. Co-transfection assays indicate that CARP can negatively regulate an HF-1-TK minimal promoter in an HF-1 sequence-dependent manner in cardiac myocytes, and CARP displays a transcriptional inhibitory activity when fused to a GAL4 DNA-binding domain in both cardiac and noncardiac cell context. Northern analysis revealed that carp mRNA is highly enriched in the adult heart, with only trace levels in skeletal muscle. During murine embryogenesis, endogenous carp expression was first clearly detected as early as E8.5 specifically in heart and is regulated temporally and spatially in the myocardium. Nkx2-5, the murine homologue of Drosophila gene tinman was previously shown to be required for heart tube looping morphogenesis and ventricular chamber-specific myosin light chain-2 expression during mammalian heart development. In Nkx2-5(−/−)embryos, carp expression was found to be significantly and selectively reduced as assessed by both whole-mount in situ hybridizations and RNase protection assays, suggesting that carp is downstream of the homeobox gene Nkx2-5 in the cardiac regulatory network. Co-transfection assays using a dominant negative mutant Nkx2-5 construct with CARP promoter-luciferase reporter constructs in cardiac myocytes confirms that Nkx2-5 either directly or indirectly regulates carp at the transcriptional level. Finally, a carp promoter-lacZ transgene, which displays cardiac-specific expression in wild-type and Nkx2-5(+/−) background, was also significantly reduced in Nkx2-5(−/−) embryos, indicating that Nkx2-5 either directly or indirectly regulates carp promoter activity during in vivo cardiogenesis as well as in cultured cardiac myocytes. Thus, CARP is a YB-1 associated factor and represents the first identified cardiac-restricted downstream regulatory gene in the homeobox gene Nkx2-5 pathway and may serve as a negative regulator of HF-1-dependent pathways for ventricular muscle gene expression.

[Effects of hepatocyte growth factor on dose- and time-response of DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes in vitro]

Effects of recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (r-hHGF) on dose- and time-response of DNA synthesis were observed by using the method of 3H-TdR incorporation into DNA in rat hepatocytes in vitro. The results showed that r-hHGF was the most potent mitogen for initiating DNA synthesis of hepatocytes, and there were dose-dependent increase in the range of 1 ng/ml (10 pmol/L)-10 ng/ml (100 pmol/L). The significant effect of r-hHGF was observed even at 1 ng/ml, and the maximal stimulatory effect was found at 10 ng/ml, which was 7-fold rise than the control. Beyond 10 ng/ml, r-hHGF inhibited hepatocyte DNA synthesis. In addition, time-response of r-hHGF on DNA synthesis was observed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h respectively, 3H-thymidine incorporation was higher than control group after 24 hours of incubation with r-hHGF, and reached top at 48 hours. DNA synthesis decreased after 72 and 96 hours of incubation with r-hHGF.

Angiotensin II stimulates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in cultured cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats

Many lines of evidence have suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II)plays an important role in cardiac hypertrophy. Ang II not only increases protein synthesis but also induces the reprogramming of gene expression in cultured cardiac myocytes. In the present study, to elucidate the mechanism by which Ang II regulates gene expression in cardiac myocytes, we examined whether Ang II activates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), which is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and activates the transcription factor, activator protein-1 (AP-1). The activity of JNK increased 5 minutes after the addition of Ang II, peaked at 20 minutes, and gradually decreased thereafter. Examination of the Ang II dose-response relation revealed detectable JNK activation at 10(-9) mol/L and maximal activation at 10(-6) mol/L. Ang II activated JNK through the AT1 receptor, and the activation was attenuated by the downregulation of protein kinase C or the chelation of intracellular Ca2+. Although the addition of either Ca2+ ionophore or phorbol ester resulted in little or no activation of JNK, simultaneous addition of both Ca2+ ionophore and phorbol ester markedly activated JNK. Slight expressions of the c-jun gene were observed in unstimulated cardiac myocytes, and Ang II increased expressions of the c-jun gene as well as the c-fos gene. Ang II increased transcription of the endothelin-1 gene through the AP-1 binding site. In conclusion, Ang II may activate JNK in cultured cardiac myocytes through an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C, and the activated JNK may regulate gene expression by activating AP-1 during Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Protein kinase C, but not tyrosine kinases or Ras, plays a critical role in angiotensin II-induced activation of Raf-1 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in cardiac myocytes

Angiotensin II (AngII) induces cardiac hypertrophy through activating a variety of protein kinases. In this study, to understand how cardiac hypertrophy develops, we examined AngII-evoked signal transduction pathways leading to the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs), which are reportedly critical for the development of cardiac hypertrophy, in cultured cardiac myocytes isolated from neonatal rats. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with calphostin C or down-regulation of PKC by pretreatment with a phorbol ester for 24 h abolished AngII-induced activation of Raf-1 and ERKs, and addition of a phorbol ester conversely induced a marked increase in the activities of Raf-1 and ERKs. Pretreatment with two chemically and mechanistically dissimilar tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and tyrphostin, did not attenuate AngII-induced activation of ERKs. In contrast, genistein strongly blocked insulin-induced ERK activation in cardiac myocytes. Although pretreatment with manumycin, a Ras farnesyltransferase inhibitor, or overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of Ras inhibited insulin-induced ERK activation, neither affected AngII-induced activation of ERKs. Overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of Raf-1 completely suppressed ERK2 activation by AngII, endothelin-1, and insulin. These results suggest that PKC and Raf-1, but not tyrosine kinases or Ras, are critical for AngII-induced activation of ERKs in cardiac myocytes.

Lyophilized preliposomal formulation of the non-cross-resistant anthracycline annamycin: effect of surfactant on liposome formation, stability and size

We report a method of preparing a submicron and stable liposome formulation of the non-cross-resistant anthracycline annamycin. The lipids were dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol (DMPG) at a 7:3 molar ratio and the optimal lipid:drug ratio was 50:1 (w/w). The selected formulation was a preliposome lyophilized powder that contained the phospholipids, annamycin, and Tween 20. The liposome suspension was obtained on the day of use by adding normal saline at 37 degrees C (1 ml/mg annamycin) and hand shaking for 1 min. The presence of Tween 20 was essential in shortening the reconstitution step (from > 2 h to 1 min), avoiding the early formation of free drug crystals, and reducing the median particle size by tenfold (from 1.5 microm to 0.15 microm) without destroying the liposome vesicles. At room temperature, the preliposome powder was chemically stable for > 3 months, and the liposome suspension was chemically and physically stable for > 24 h. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the formulation was equivalent to that of the same lipid composition prepared by the standard evaporation method. The results of the study indicate that small amounts of surfactant may be used to enhance the reconstitution step and reduce the size of liposome suspensions obtained from lyophilized preliposome powders. The formulation described is being used for ongoing clinical trials with liposomal annamycin.

Artificial neural network to assist psychiatric diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Artificial Neural Network (ANN), as a potential powerful classifier, was explored to assist psychiatric diagnosis of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

METHOD

Both Back-Propagation (BP) and Kohonen networks were developed to fit psychiatric diagnosis and programmed (using 60 cases) to classify neurosis, schizophrenia and normal people. The programmed networks were cross-tested using another 222 cases. All subjects were randomly selected from two mental hospitals in Beijing.

RESULTS

Compared to ICD-10 diagnosis by psychiatrists, the overall kappa of BP network was 0.94 and that of Kohonen was 0.88 (both P < 0.01). In classifying patients who were difficult to diagnose, the kappa of BP was 0.69 (P < 0.01). ANN-assisted CIDI was compared with expert system assisted CIDI (kappa = 0.72-0.76); ANN was more powerful than a traditional expert system.

CONCLUSION

ANN might be used to improve psychiatric diagnosis.

[Preparation of galactosyl-cytochrome C and studies on its hepatic targeting property]

This paper reports the preparation of the coupling compound between thiogalactose and cytochrome C(Cyt-C). The binding tests of this compound to asialoglycoprotein receptor have also been carried out in vivo. The results show that the pharmacokinetics of this compound is in accordance with the basic characteristic of receptor induced binding. The highest uptake of liver reaches to 32.9% and at the same time the conjugate remains 78.6% the biological activity of Cyt-C. It is possibly a hepatic targeting drug or a hepatic targeting carrier.

Mechanical stretch activates the stress-activated protein kinases in cardiac myocytes

We have recently shown that mechanical stress activates a phosphorylation cascade of protein kinases including Raf-1 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in cultured cardiac myocytes partially through the enhanced secretion of angiotensin II. Osmotic stress in budding yeast has been shown to activate similar signaling molecules including Hog-1, a distant relative of the ERK family. In the present study, we examined whether mechanical stretch of cardiac myocytes activates the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, the mammalian homologs of yeast Hog-1 that regulate gene expression through activation of the transcription factor, AP-1. When cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats cultured on a deformable silicone dish were stretched, activity of SAPKs was increased from 10 min, peaked at 30 min, and gradually decreased thereafter. The increase in activity of SAPKs was proportional to the stretch. Unlike ERKs, the activation of SAPKs by stretching cardiac myocytes was not dependent on the secreted angiotensin II. The chelation of extracellular Ca2+ or down-regulation of protein kinase C did not attenuate activation of SAPKs by stretch. Transfection experiments using an AP-1 binding site-containing reporter gene revealed that stretch increases AP-1 activity in cardiac myocytes. In conclusion, like osmotic stress in yeast, mechanical stretch activates SAPKs in cardiac myocytes without the participation of angiotensin II. These results suggest that the activation of SAPKs may regulate gene expression during mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Lipid-complexed camptothecin: formulation and initial biodistribution and antitumor activity studies

Water-soluble derivatives of camptothecin, and active topoisomerase I inhibitor, have shown a broad spectrum of activity against human tumors. Early clinical trials with the water-soluble sodium salt of camptothecin were hindered by significant cystitis, gastroenteritis, and leukopenia. Furthermore, the sodium salt of camptothecin has been shown to have significantly less activity than the water-insoluble lactone form of the compound. We describe a formulation of lipid-complexed CPT (LC-CPT; particle size range 20.8-208.1 nm) that is very easy to prepare and allows for intravenous administration in vivo in clinically relevant lipid-drug ratios (12.5:1 w/w). The lipid formulation had in vitro antitumor activity similar to that of CPT formulated without lipids and displayed similar cytotoxicity against MDR-1-negative and -positive tumor cells. The biodistribution of CPT was profoundly affected by lipid complexation; free CPT achieved the greatest concentration in the pulmonary parenchyma while LC-CPT achieved the highest concentration in the gastrointestinal tract. LC-CPT had significant antitumor activity in vivo against intraperitoneal L1210 and P338 leukemia and appeared to be more potent then free CPT.

[Determination of metronidazole in serum by HPLC]

This paper report a sensitive and rapid method for the determination of metronidazole (MTZ) using theophylline as the internal standard. High performance liquid chromatograph model 344 (Beckman) with a 254 nm wavelength UV detector and YWG-C18H37 column (10 microns, 250 x 4.6 mm) was used. To the serum sample 200 microliters, 100 microliters phosphate buffer (0.8 mol/L, pH 7.5) was added, then extracted with 3 ml chloroform containing 5% isopropyl alcohol. The organic layer was removed and evaporated to dryness under an air stream in a 40 degrees C water bath. The residue was dissolved in 30 microliters mobile phase and 20 microliters injected. The mobile phase of water-methanol (73:27) was pumped at 1.0 ml/min through the column. The detector operated at 0.005 aufs. The retention times for MTZ and theophylline were 5.78 and 6.81 min respectively. Standard curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.3125 to 20 mg/L. The detection limit in serum was 0.02 mg/L. Extraction recovery was 77%-82%; method recovery 99%-102%; withinday RSD less than 3.0%; inter-day RSD less than 3.5%.

Endothelin-1 is involved in mechanical stress-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

We have recently shown that mechanical stress induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy partly through the enhanced secretion of angiotensin II (ATII). Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been reported to be a potent growth factor for a variety of cells, including cardiomyocytes. In this study, we examined the role of ET-1 in mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy by using cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats. ET-1 (10(-8) approximately 10(-7) M) maximally induced the activation of both Raf-1 kinase and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases at 4 and 8 min, respectively, followed by an increase in protein synthesis at 24 h. All of these hypertrophic responses were completely blocked by pretreatment with BQ123, an antagonist selective for the ET-1 type A receptor subtype, but not by BQ788, an ET-1 type B receptor-specific antagonist. BQ123 also suppressed stretch-induced activation of MAP kinases and an increase in phenylalanine uptake by approximately 60 and 50%, respectively, but BQ788 did not. ET-1 was constitutively secreted from cultured cardiomyocytes, and a significant increase in ET-1 concentration was observed in the culture medium of cardiomyocytes after stretching for 10 min. After 24 h, an approximately 3-fold increase in ET-1 concentration was observed in the conditioned medium of stretched cardiomyocytes compared with that of unstretched cardiomyocytes. ET-1 mRNA levels were also increased at 30 min after stretching. Moreover, ET-1 and ATII synergistically activated Raf-1 kinase and MAP kinases in cultured cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, mechanical stretching stimulates secretion and production of ET-1 in cultured cardiomyocytes, and vasoconstrictive peptides such as ATII and ET-1 may play an important role in mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Activation of p70 S6 protein kinase is necessary for angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes

Although many lines of evidence have suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in development of cardiac hypertrophy, the mechanism by which Ang II increases protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes remains unclear. It has been reported that the phosphorylation of S6 protein in 40 S ribosome is correlated to the efficiency of protein synthesis. In the present study, we have examined whether Ang II activates p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K), which has been reported to phosphorylate S6 protein. Ang II activated p70S6K through AT1 receptor. An immunosuppressant agent, rapamycin, inhibited Ang II-induced p70S6K activation but not the activation of MAP kinases or the induction of c-fos gene expression. Rapamycin also abolished Ang II-induced increase in protein synthesis. These results suggest that Ang II induces cardiac hypertrophy by activating p70S6K.

[Control of growth and expression of protooncogenes in regenerating liver]

There are many humoral factors involved in the control of growth in regenerating liver. The complete hepatocyte mitogens such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), hepatic stimulator substance (HSS) can strongly stimulate hepatocyte DNA synthesis and mitosis. The hepatocyte growth inhibitors such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1), however, do not stimulate DNA synthesis, but inhibit EGF mitogenesis. In addition, the comitogens such as norepinephrine and insulin are necessary to regulate the growth of regenerating liver. It has become clear that the hepatocyte proliferation and protooncogenes are linked closely. Some protooncogenes can express specifically as markers in the different phases of the cell cycle and in hepatocytes that enter the cell cycle (G0 to G1 transit) and continue to progress.

Effects of geometric isomerism and ligand substitution in bifunctional dinuclear platinum complexes on binding properties and conformational changes in DNA

The DNA binding profile of a series of dinuclear platinum complexes [{trans-PtCl-(L)2}2H2N(CH2)nNH2]2+ (L = NH3 or py; 1,1/t,t/NH3 and 1,1/t,t/py, respectively) and [{cis-PtCl-(NH3)2H2N(CH2)nNH2]2+ (1,1/c,c/NH3) was examined to compare the effects of geometrical isomerism and the presence of ligands other than NH3 in the coordination sphere. Steric effects, because of the geometry of the leaving groups cis to the diamine bridge or the presence of planar pyridine ligands, result in diminished binding to calf thymus DNA for these isomers. In contrast, the pyridine derivative shows a distinct binding preference for poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) in comparison to both NH3 isomers. Both NH3 complexes induced the B-->Z transition in poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), but the presence of a pyridine ligand stabilized the B conformation. The bifunctional binding of the NH3 isomers results in unwinding of supercoiled pUC19 plasmid DNA equivalent to cis-DDP, while the unwinding of the pyridine derivative is approximately twice that of the mononuclear trans-[PtCl2(py)2]. DNA-DNA interstrand cross-linking is very efficient for all three agents, but sequencing studies indicated that only the 1,1/t,t/NH3 derivative is capable of forming a (Pt,Pt) intrastrand cross-link to the adjacent guanines of a d(GpG) sequence. The effects on DNA caused by bifunctional binding of dinuclear complexes are compared with those from the mononuclear [PtCl2(NH3)2] isomers. The results are discussed with respect to the antitumor activity of the dinuclear series.

Preclinical toxicity of liposome-incorporated annamycin: selective bone marrow toxicity with lack of cardiotoxicity

Annamycin (Ann) is a new lipophilic anthracycline antibiotic with a marked ability to circumvent typical multidrug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Because of its high affinity for lipid membranes and very low solubility in water, Ann has been prepared in a submicron liposome formulation (L-Ann) that is currently being investigated in a Phase I clinical study. We studied the preclinical toxicity of L-Ann in mice and beagle dogs and compared it with that of free Ann in suspension and the parent compound doxorubicin (Dox). In mice, free Ann was about twice as toxic as Dox (LD50 after a single i.v. bolus administration, 8.8 versus 19.9 mg/kg; P < 0.01). The liposomal carrier reduced Ann toxicity by 2-fold (LD50, 15.74 mg/kg for L-Ann versus 8.8 mg/kg for free Ann; P < 0.01). Granulocytopenia was the main toxicity of Ann, either free or liposome incorporated, and was much more profound than with an equitoxic dose of Dox as assessed by blood counts and pathological studies. In chronic mouse studies, L-Ann was remarkably less cardiotoxic than Dox. Cumulative toxicity with the weekly administration of a given fraction of the subacute LD10 was markedly higher with Dox than with L-Ann as assessed by body weight and mortality studies. L-Ann also had less vesicant toxicity than Dox after intradermal administration in mice. Beagle dogs tolerated the mouse-equivalent LD10 dose of L-Ann (1.4 mg/kg) with no side effects, changes in the hematological and biochemical blood parameters, or pathological changes. Our results indicate that: (a) L-Ann is more selectively myelotoxic than Dox and is noncardiotoxic; (b) the liposome carrier plays a major role in the favorable toxicity profile of L-Ann; and (c) the standard one-tenth of the LD10 should be a safe starting dose for Phase I clinical trials with L-Ann in humans.

Interaction of the UvrABC nuclease system with a DNA duplex containing a single stereoisomer of dG-(+)- or dG-(-)-anti-BPDE

Oligonucleotides containing site-specifically-modified N2-guanine (+)-trans-, (-)-trans-, (+)-cis-, and (-)-cis-BPDE adducts were ligated into 50-base-pair DNA fragments. These substrates were used in reactions with the Escherichia coli UvrABC nuclease system. The interaction of the UvrA2 and UvrA2B complexes with these four stereoisomers was probed using DNase I footprinting and gel mobility shift assays. DNase I digestion of substrates containing each stereoisomer of BPDE displayed a unique pattern which was consistent with the known structure of these DNA adducts. UvrA and UvrA2B appeared to interact very similarly with all four substrates. Binding of UvrA2 to these substrates produced a 33-bp footprint, and the UvrB--DNA complex resulted in footprint of 24 bp. The UvrABC nuclease system produced bimodal incisions at the eighth phosphate 5' and the fifth, sixth, or seventh phosphate 3' to the modified guanine. The variation of the 3' incision site was linked to the stereochemistry and orientation of the BPDE adduct. For example, the 3' incision of the 50-bp duplex containing (-)-trans-BPDE-N2-guanine was inhibited at the fifth phosphate. UvrABC nuclease incision kinetics revealed a hierarchy of specificity. The intercalative cis isomers were incised more efficiently than the corresponding trans isomers which lie in the minor groove. The (+) enantiomers were incised more efficiently than the (-) form for both cis and trans isomers. These observations reveal that UvrABC nuclease recognition and incision are directly influenced by the conformation of the DNA adduct.

Nd: YAG laser lysis of the fibrinous membrane and remnant substance on the anterior surface of intraocular lens

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of Nd: YAG laser to disrupt the fibrinous membrane and remnant substance on the anterior surface of intraocular lens.

METHODS

Nd: YAG laser was applied on 23 cases of fibrinous membrane formation and 8 cases of remnant substance on the anterior surface of intraocular lenses (IOL) which had not responded well to steroid therapy. Eighteen cases were male and 13 female. The mean age was 49.7 years (range, 5 approximately 78 years). The interval between IOL implantation and laser therapy was 0.5 approximately 30 months in the fibrinous membrane cases and 3 approximately 10 days in the remnant substance cases. The energy applied was 0.8 approximately 3.0 mJ/exp. with 2 approximately 112 exposures. Mean follow-up period was 3.6 months.

RESULTS

Complications during therapy included only 2 cases of slight iris bleeding. Visual acuity after therapy was improved 1 line in 16 cases, 2 lines in 11 cases, 3 lines in 1 case, 4 lines in 1 case and 5 lines in 2 cases. No post-therapy complication was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Nd: YAG laser lysis is an effective alternative to remove the fibrinous membrane and remnant substances on the anterior surface of IOL.

Primary posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in traumatic cataract with posterior capsule breaks

BACKGROUND

In patients with incomplete posterior capsule support, posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC-IOLs) were implanted with both haptics transscleral fixation. This causes more damage to the eye and may result in more complications. In patients with small posterior breaks, non-fixation or single haptic fixation may be adequate.

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients of traumatic cataract with posterior capsule breaks caused by penetrating eye trauma were retrospected. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses were implanted in all these patients with three techniques, ie, without fixation, with single haptic fixation and with both haptics fixation. The selection of the technique was based on the position and size of the posterior capsule. The follow-up period was 21 days to 28 months (mean, 15.2 months).

RESULTS

Intra-operative problems included ciliary body bleeding (two patients, 6.25%) and enlargement of posterior capsule breaks (2 patients, 6.25%). Postoperative visual acuity was 0.5 or better (corrected) in 28 case (87.5%) and 0.1-0.4 in four patients (12.5%). Postoperative complications included hyphema (6 eyes, 18.8%), transient intraocular pressure elevation (6 eyes, 18.8%), transient hypotention (7 eyes, 21.8%). Postoperative IOL position were good except one case of IOL tilt. No pupillary capture or endophthalmitis was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all PC-IOLs have to be fixed by two haptics. In patients with small posterior capsule breaks, PC-IOL may not be fixed or fixed by only one haptics.

Angiotensin II partly mediates mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy

We have previously shown that mechanical stress induces activation of protein kinases and increases in specific gene expression and protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes, all of which are similar to those evoked by humoral factors such as growth factors and hormones. Many lines of evidence have suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a vital role in cardiac hypertrophy, and it has been reported that secretion of Ang II from cultured cardiac myocytes was induced by mechanical stretch. To examine the role of Ang II in mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy, we stretched neonatal rat cardiac myocytes in the absence or presence of the Ang II receptor antagonists saralasin (an antagonist of both type 1 and type 2 receptors), CV-11974 (a type 1 receptor-specific antagonist), and PD123319 (a type 2 receptor-specific antagonist). Stretching cardiac myocytes by 20% using deformable silicone dishes rapidly increased the activities of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase activators and MAP kinases. Both saralasin and CV-11974 partially inhibited the stretch-induced increases in the activities of both kinases, whereas PD123319 showed no inhibitory effects. Stretching cardiac myocytes increased amino acid incorporation, which was also inhibited by approximately 70% with the pretreatment by saralasin or CV-11974. When the culture medium conditioned by stretching cardiocytes was transferred to nonstretched cardiac myocytes, the increase in MAP kinase activity was observed, and this increase was completely suppressed by saralasin or CV-11974. These results suggest that Ang II plays an important role in mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy and that there are also other (possibly nonsecretory) factors to induce hypertrophic responses.

Mechanical stress activates protein kinase cascade of phosphorylation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes

We have previously shown that stretching cardiac myocytes evokes activation of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and 90-kD ribosomal S6 kinase (p90rsk). To clarify the signal transduction pathways from external mechanical stress to nuclear gene expression in stretch-induced cardiac hypertrophy, we have elucidated protein kinase cascade of phosphorylation by examining the time course of activation of MAP kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs), MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), MAPKs, and p90rsk in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Mechanical stretch transiently increased the activity of MAPKKKs. An increase in MAPKKKs activity was first detected at 1 min and maximal activation was observed at 2 min after stretch. The activity of MAPKK was increased by stretch from 1-2 min, with a peak at 5 min after stretch. In addition, MAPKs and p90rsk were maximally activated at 8 min and at 10 approximately 30 min after stretch, respectively. Raf-1 kinase (Raf-1) and (MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinase kinase (MEKK), both of which have MAPKKK activity, were also activated by stretching cardiac myocytes for 2 min. The angiotensin II receptor antagonist partially suppressed activation of Raf-1 and MAPKs by stretch. The stretch-induced hypertrophic responses such as activation of Raf-1 and MAPKs and an increase in amino acid uptake was partially dependent on PKC, while a PKC inhibitor completely abolished MAPK activation by angiotensin II. These results suggest that mechanical stress activates the protein kinase cascade of phosphorylation in cardiac myocytes in the order of Raf-1 and MEKK, MAPKK, MAPKs and p90rsk, and that angiotensin II, which may be secreted from stretched myocytes, may be partly involved in stretch-induced hypertrophic responses by activating PKC.

Comparison of four methods to generate immunoreactive fragments of a murine monoclonal antibody OC859 against human ovarian epithelial cancer antigen

In the present study, four different proteases (pepsin, papain, bromelain and ficin) were screened with a murine monoclonal antibody OC859, in order to verify whether different digestion procedures could improve yield and stability of the F(ab')2 or Fab fragments. The yields of F(ab')2 or Fab fragments from digestion with pepsin, papain, bromelain and ficin were respectively 20.3 +/- 2.0%, 50.5 +/- 5.0%, 74.4 +/- 2.7% and 82.8 +/- 10.2% of the theoretical maximum. Immunoreactivity in a noncompetitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA) of the fragments generated by the four proteases were respectively 10 +/- 5%, 36 +/- 5%, 60 +/- 6% and 75 +/- 6% of the intact OC859 IgG. These results suggested that the fragmentation of OC859 with ficin gave a higher yield of superior immunoreactive fragments.

EFIA/YB-1 is a component of cardiac HF-1A binding activity and positively regulates transcription of the myosin light-chain 2v gene

Transient assays in cultured ventricular muscle cells and studies in transgenic mice have identified two adjacent regulatory elements (HF-1a and HF-1b/MEF-2) as required to maintain ventricular chamber-specific expression of the myosin light-chain 2v (MLC-2v) gene. A rat neonatal heart cDNA library was screened with an HF-1a binding site, resulting in the isolation of EFIA, the rat homolog of human YB-1. Purified recombinant EFIA/YB-1 protein binds to the HF-1a site in a sequence-specific manner and contacts a subset of the HF-1a contact points made by the cardiac nuclear factor(s). The HF-1a sequence contains AGTGG, which is highly homologous to the inverted CCAAT core of the EFIA/YB-1 binding sites and is found to be essential for binding of the recombinant EFIA/YB-1. Antiserum against Xenopus YB-3 (100% identical in the DNA binding domain and 89% identical in overall amino acid sequence to rat EFIA) can specifically abolish a component of the endogenous HF-1a complex in the rat cardiac myocyte nuclear extracts. In cotransfection assays, EFIA/YB-1 increased 250-bp MLC-2v promoter activity by 3.4-fold specifically in the cardiac cell context and in an HF-1a site-dependent manner. EFIA/YB-1 complexes with an unknown protein in cardiac myocyte nuclear extracts to form the endogenous HF-1a binding activity. Immunocoprecipitation revealed that EFIA/YB-1 has a major associated protein of approximately 30 kDa (p30) in cardiac muscle cells. This study suggests that EFIA/YB-1, together with the partner p30, binds to the HF-1a site and, in conjunction with HF-1b/MEF-2, mediates ventricular chamber-specific expression of the MLC-2v gene.

Effect of vesicle size and lipid composition on the in vivo tumor selectivity and toxicity of the non-cross-resistant anthracycline annamycin incorporated in liposomes

Annamycin (Ann) is a non-cross-resistant lipophilic anthracycline antiobiotic optimally suited for liposome delivery. We studied how vesicle size and presence of phospholipids with a high phase transition temperature and monosialoganglioside (GM I) in the liposome bilayers affect the pharmacokinetics, tumor selectivity and toxicity of Ann. Entrapment of Ann in multilamellar vesicles (L-Ann) resulted in a 20% lower heart AUC and a 30-40% higher tumor and liver AUC. Reduction of the liposome size from 1.6 to 0.03 microns increased Ann plasma circulation time and tumor AUC by 2-fold, enhanced Ann tumor selectivity and decreased Ann subacute toxicity by 2-fold. The presence of phospholipids with a high phase transition temperature and GMI in the liposome bilayers further prolonged Ann plasma circulation time by 2- to 4-fold, did not increase Ann tumor AUC and moderately increased Ann subacute toxicity. The anti-tumor activity of Ann correlated with the tumor AUC achieved with each particular formulation. Our results strongly suggest that vesicle size may be an important determinant of the therapeutic index of liposomal Ann, but they fail to demonstrate a beneficial tumor-targeting effect of liposomes composed of GMI and phospholipids with a high phase transition temperature, as has been reported for the hydrophilic parent compound doxorubicin.

Cyanide inhibition of porcine kidney diamine oxidase and bovine plasma amine oxidase: evidence for multiple interaction sites

The interactions of cyanide and phenylhydrazine with porcine kidney diamine oxidase (PKDAO) and bovine plasma amine oxidase (BPAO) (EC 1.4.3.6) have been investigated. Cyanide displays mixed noncompetitive inhibition against amine substrates and also against O2. EPR spectroscopy shows that cyanide binds to an equatorial site on Cu(II) and can be displaced by chloride, which is not an inhibitor, without recovery of activity, indicating that Cu(II)-bound cyanide is not inhibitory. 14CN-. studies have shown that one cyanide in PKDAO and two in BPAO are covalently and irreversibly bound per enzyme dimer at an unknown site, even under conditions where cyanide is not bound to Cu(II). These cyanides have no effect on activity or on binding of phenylhydrazine to the enzymes. Cyanide also binds reversibly to the organic cofactor in both enzymes, presumably as a cyanohydrin, leading to the observed mixed noncompetitive inhibition against substrate. In both enzymes, two phenylhydrazines react per enzyme dimer. The kinetics of phenylhydrazine titration are affected by cyanide, which indicates that phenylhydrazine and cyanide react at the same carbonyl group in the enzymes. The results suggest that inhibition of amine oxidases by cyanide is through a carbonyl reagent and a Cu(I) ligand rather than through a Cu(II) ligand.

Partial circumvention of multi-drug resistance by annamycin is associated with comparable inhibition of DNA synthesis in the nuclear matrix of sensitive and resistant cells

We studied the subcellular and subnuclear distributions of the partially cross-resistant anthracycline Annamycin (Ann) in KB-3-1 and multi-drug resistant KB-VI cells. Subcellular drug localization was assessed qualitatively by fluorescence microscopy and quantitatively by cell fractionation and fluorescence measurements. Doxorubicin (Dox) localized predominantly in the nucleus in KB-3-1 cells and in the membranes in KB-VI cells. In contrast, the subcellular distribution of Ann was identical in both cell lines, with preferential drug localization in the perinuclear region, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum and endosomes. Dox rate of efflux from the nucleus was negligible in KB-3-1 cells but markedly enhanced in KB-VI cells, whereas Ann was lost at a similar rate from the nucleus in both cell lines. In KB-3-1 cells Dox levels in the nuclear non-matrix were about 2-fold higher than those of Ann, while in the matrix the inverse relationship was observed. In spite of these differences, Dox and Ann had a similar inhibitory effect on new DNA synthesis in the nuclear matrix and non-matrix of KB-3-1 cells. Dox levels were reduced by 10-fold in the nuclear non-matrix and 2-fold in the matrix in KB-VI cells compared with KB-3-1 cells, whereas Ann levels were reduced by about 2- to 3-fold in the non-matrix and were unchanged in the matrix. In correlation with these findings, Dox did not cause inhibition of new DNA synthesis in either nuclear fraction in KB-VI cells, whereas inhibition of new DNA synthesis in the matrix by Ann was similar in both cell lines. Our results indicate that Ann's partial circumvention of multi-drug resistance is associated with its ability to cause comparable new DNA synthesis inhibition in the nuclear matrix of sensitive and resistant cells.

Sequence specificity of DNA-DNA interstrand cross-link formation by cisplatin and dinuclear platinum complexes

The sequence specificity of interstrand cross-links induced in DNA by mononuclear and dinuclear platinum complexes in a 49-base-pair DNA duplex has been determined directly. This new assay takes advantage of the fact that 3'-->5' exonuclease digestion of randomly platinated DNA produces a pool of fragments of different lengths. This treatment allows identification of the spectrum of adducts impeding the exonuclease scission. Interstrand cross-linked adducts produce fragments that may remain complementary in the proximity of the binding site. As a result, these fragments may act as primer templates for extension upon subsequent treatment with a DNA polymerase. This extension increases the size of the oligonucleotide fragments, which may be evidenced by a more slowly migrating band on a sequencing gel. Concomitantly, the original band corresponding to the digested cross-link decreases in intensity. Therefore, comparison of a sequencing gel after digestion only and after the "digestion-extension" treatment should show the disappearance, or diminished band intensity, of only those fragments with interstrand cross-links. This approach was applied to the analysis of DNA interstrand cross-links formed by cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2] (cis-DDP) and [(trans-PtCl(NH3)2)2H2N(CH2)4NH2]Cl2. Cis-DDP was confirmed to form interstrand cross-links at d(GC) sequences but, interestingly, interstrand cross-links predominated in a sequence GCGG, with possible 1,3-intrastrand but no 1,2-intrastrand cross-links forming. The dinuclear compound formed 1,2, 1,3, and 1,4 DNA interstrand cross-links between guanines on opposite strands. In 1,3 and 1,4 cross-links, the guanines are separated by one and two base pairs, respectively, whereas a 1,2 cross-link is formed from guanines on neighboring base pairs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antitumor activity of free and liposome-entrapped annamycin, a lipophilic anthracycline antibiotic with non-cross-resistance properties

The lipophilic anthracycline antibiotic annamycin (Ann) was entrapped in liposomes of different size [median diameter: 1.64 microns, multilamellar liposomal Ann (L-Ann); 0.030 micron, small unilamellar Ann (S-Ann)] with > 90% entrapment efficiency and tested in vitro against four pairs of sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumor cell lines and in vivo by the i.v. route in five tumor models: advanced s.c. B16 melanoma; s.c. M5076 reticulosarcoma; lung metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma; and s.c. KB and KB-V1 xenografts in nude mice. Predetermined optimal doses of the different formulations were used and the results were compared with doxorubicin (Dox). In vitro, Ann, either in suspension in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (F-Ann) (1 mg/ml) or entrapped in liposomes, was able to partially overcome resistance in all four pairs of sensitive and MDR KB, 8226, P388, and CEM cell lines (resistance indexes 63, 269, 333, and 356 for Dox versus 4, 5, 19, and 8.7 for L-Ann, respectively). In vivo, both F-Ann and liposome-entrapped Ann were slightly more effective than Dox in inhibiting the growth of advanced s.c. B16 melanoma tumors. L-Ann was markedly more effective than Dox and moderately more effective than F-Ann in prolonging the life span of animals bearing s.c. M5076 and lung metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma tumors. All drugs were equally effective at optimal doses in delaying the growth of s.c. KB xenografts, whereas all Ann formulations were markedly more effective than Dox in delaying the growth of s.c. KB-V1 (MDR) xenografts. In all in vivo experiments, S-Ann was consistently more effective than L-Ann and L-Ann was more effective than F-Ann. These results indicate that (a) Ann is more effective than Dox by the i.v. route against several tumor models and that MDR tumors are partially not cross-resistant to Ann both in vitro and in vivo, (b) liposomes enhance the in vivo antitumor properties of Ann, and (c) small liposomes are more effective than large liposomes in enhancing Ann antitumor activity.

Cellular pharmacology of the partially non-cross-resistant anthracycline annamycin entrapped in liposomes in KB and KB-V1 cells

The in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular pharmacology, and DNA lesions induced by the lipophilic anthracycline annamycin (Ann) were studied in KB and KB-V1 (multidrug-resistant) cells. Ann was tested in suspension in saline and 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO: final concentration, 0.05%-0.5%) or entrapped in multilamellar liposomes (median size, 1.57 microns). Doxorubicin (Dox) was about twice as cytotoxic as Ann or liposome-entrapped Ann (L-Ann) against KB cells. Both Ann and L-Ann displayed a partial lack of cross-resistance with Dox (resistance indices: > 60 for Dox, 4.7 for Ann, 4.0 for L-Ann). Accumulation of Ann in KB and KB-V1 cells was consistently about 2-3 and 10-20 times higher, respectively, than that of Dox. Cellular retention of Ann in KB and KB-V1 cells was about 2 and 30 times higher, respectively, than that of Dox as a result of the different efflux patterns of the two drugs: Dox was not effluxed from KB cells but was significantly effluxed from KB-V1 cells (66% at 1 h, whereas Ann efflux was similar in both cell lines (about 50% at 1 h). Dox retention in KB-V1 cells was increased by a factor of 2 in the presence of verapamil or cyclosporine A, but Ann retention was not. In addition, accumulation of Dox in KB-V1 cells was enhanced by the metabolic inhibitor deoxyglucose/azide and the membrane carboxylic ionophore monensin, whereas accumulation of Ann was not affected by either agent. All these findings indicate significant differences in the cellular transmembrane transport systems between Dox and Ann and suggest that Ann efflux is not mediated by P-glycoprotein. Liposome entrapment reduced by a factor of 1.3-2.0 the cellular accumulation of Ann without affecting its cytotoxicity. As compared with Dox, both Ann and L-Ann induced 3 times more DNA double- and single-strand breaks in KB cells. In KB-V1 cells, Dox did not induce DNA damage, whereas the extent of DNA breaks induced by both Ann and L-Ann was similar to that induced by Dox in KB cells. Our results indicate (1) that the lack of cross-resistance between Ann and Dox is associated with a markedly enhanced accumulation and retention of Ann in KB-V1 cells and (2) that the type of liposomes used does not significantly affect the cellular effects of Ann.

Quantitative analysis of the lipophilic doxorubicin analogue annamycin in plasma and tissue samples by reversed-phase chromatography

A rapid and sensitive HPLC method was developed to detect and quantitate the lipophilic doxorubicin analogue annamycin (Ann) and its metabolites in biological samples. Reversed-phase chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection was used. The emission and excitation wavelengths of the fluorescent detector were set at 550 and 472 nm, respectively. The optimal mobile phase was acetonitrile:methanol:water at a 115:95:90 ratio (v/v/v). The lower limit of detection was 0.35 ng of Ann (7 ng/mL). The retention times of 4-demethoxyadriamycinone (Anone) and Ann were 2.6 and 4.3 min, respectively, and their resolution was 1.3. The precision of the determination of Ann and Anone were 0.5 +/- 0.3 and 0.8 +/- 0.7%, respectively. Ann dissolved in methanol was stable under the determination conditions. With chloroform, 60-90% of Ann was extracted from biological samples. Apart from Anone, two Ann metabolites (retention times 3.4 and 6.0 min) were detected in plasma and tissues from C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous B16 tumors 6 h after intravenous administration of a 5-mg/kg suspension of Ann. No peaks were detected in blank tissues and plasma.

Ligand effects on platinum binding to DNA. A comparison of DNA binding properties for cis- and trans-[PtCl2(amine)2] (amine = NH3, pyridine)

The DNA binding properties of cis- and trans-[PtCl2(pyridine)2] have been examined and compared with their NH3 analogs, cis- and trans-DDP. The presence of a planar ligand reduces the rates of DNA binding but does not greatly affect the overall conformation of CT DNA, as measured by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The sequence specificity of trans-[PtCl2(py)2] includes alternating purine-pyrimidine sequences. The sequence specificity is further different between the two pyridine isomers, and the steric effects of two cis-pyridine groups are demonstrated by the appearance of relatively few binding sites in the 49-bp duplex. The effects of the pyridine ligand are further manifested by a greatly enhanced DNA-DNA interstrand cross-linking efficiency for the trans isomer, with a cross-link per adduct frequency of between 0.14 and 0.23, depending on the rb of the sample. The unwinding of closed circular pUC19 DNA by trans-[PtCl2(pyridine)2] is also more efficient than that by either DDP isomer, with an unwinding angle calculated at phi = 17 degrees (compare cis-DDP with phi = 13 degrees and trans-DDP with phi = 9-10 degrees). In contrast, little unwinding is induced by cis-[PtCl2(pyridine)2], with phi = 4 degrees. These results in particular invert the standard cis/trans structure-activity relationships observed previously for [PtCl2(NH3)2]. The results are discussed with respect to the previously demonstrated effect of activation of the trans-platinum geometry using sterically hindered ligands.

Enhanced therapeutic effect against liver W256 carcinosarcoma with temperature-sensitive liposomal adriamycin administered into the hepatic artery

The antitumor activity of Adriamycin encapsulated in temperature-sensitive liposomes combined with local hyperthermia (HT) was tested in rats bearing well-developed liver W256 carcinosarcoma tumors. Two h after rats received Adriamycin encapsulated in temperature-sensitive liposomes via either the hepatic artery (i.a.) or the femoral vein (i.v.) or free Adriamycin i.a., liver HT was applied at 42 degrees C for 6 min. In animals treated with liposomal Adriamycin i.a., HT resulted in a 38% reduction in the tumor volume ratio and a 2.2-fold increase in the life span of the animals. In animals treated with liposomal Adriamycin i.v. or free Adriamycin i.a., HT did not alter the tumor volume ratio or life span of the animals. Administration i.a. of liposomal Adriamycin markedly increased the tumor drug levels (4-14-fold), reduced the systemic distribution of the drug, and slowed the drug decrease from both the tumor and liver compared with animals treated i.v.. Liver HT in animals treated with liposomal Adriamycin i.a. further increased tumor drug levels by 1.5-2.6-fold, further slowed the drug decrease from the tumor, and resulted in a dissociation of the parallel decrease of drug and lipid from the tumor. This latter effect was not observed in the other groups. These pharmacological findings combined with the lack of beneficial effect from HT in animals treated with free Adriamycin i.a. or liposomal Adriamycin i.v. suggest that i.a. administration of Adriamycin encapsulated in temperature-sensitive liposomes results in a significant retention of intact liposomes in the tumor vasculature that are able to release the encapsulated drug into the tumor cell compartment upon raising the temperature to the phase transition level.

Near-infrared spectrophotometric monitoring of stroke-related changes in the protein and lipid composition of whole gerbil brains

Strokes are a critical problem in the U.S. that affect more than 500,000 people annually. Research into the causes of stroke and testing of drug therapies to reduce ischemic and postischemic damage to the brain is frustrated by an inability to continuously follow the physical and chemical events that occur during ischemia and reperfusion in vivo. Near-IR spectrometry is used in this paper to observe stroke-induced changes in the lipids and proteins of whole brain samples and in intact subjects. The examination of whole brains is made possible by a combination of hardware and software techniques designed to make the sample presentation to the spectrometer more reproducible. Near-IR spectrophotometry of brain tissue discriminates between adult (3-4 months of age) and aged (18-20 months of age) brains as well as between brains exposed to 5- and 10-min ischemia. The near-IR analytical method has many applications in aging and stroke research, including the noninvasive determination of age from brain spectra obtained transcranially, simultaneous multicomponent analysis of lipids and proteins, and quantification of edema.

Organ distribution and antitumor activity of free and liposomal doxorubicin injected into the hepatic artery

The plasma levels, organ distribution, and in vivo antitumor activity of free and liposomal doxorubicin injected into the hepatic artery of rats bearing W256 liver tumors were studied. The administration of liposomal doxorubicin resulted in liver-tumor and liver-parenchyma doxorubicin areas under the curve (AUCs) that were 4.7- and 3.8-fold, respectively, those obtained after the administration of free doxorubicin. Spleen and plasma AUCs were also increased by 2.8 and 2.5 times, respectively, following administration of the liposomal form. In contrast, liposomal doxorubicin did not affect heart AUCs; peak doxorubicin levels in heart tissue were three times lower in animals treated with liposomal doxorubicin. Following treatment with the liposomal form, the cumulative urinary excretion of doxorubicin at 8 h was 38 times lower. In good correlation with these findings, liposomal doxorubicin (2.35 mg/kg on day 7) was more effective than free doxorubicin against liver W256 tumors as measured by tumor-growth inhibition at 5 days after treatment (16% for liposomal doxorubicin versus -53.7% for free doxorubicin, P < 0.05) and increased life span (ILS; 108% for liposomal doxorubicin versus 27% for free doxorubicin, P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that as compared with free doxorubicin, the administration of liposomal doxorubicin into the hepatic artery results in higher drug levels in the liver tumor and enhanced antitumor activity while maintaining the cardioprotective effect of the liposome carrier as suggested by the decreased peak drug levels measured in the heart tissue.

Organ distribution and tumor uptake of annamycin, a new anthracycline derivative with high affinity for lipid membranes, entrapped in multilamellar vesicles

Annamycin (Ann) is a lipophilic, non-cross resistant anthracycline antibiotic that is easily amenable to formulation in a wide variety of liposomal carriers. We studied the organ distribution and tumor uptake of Ann entrapped in multilamellar vesicles (L-Ann), free annamycin (F-Ann), and doxorubicin (DOX) in C57BL/6 mice bearing advanced subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors. L-Ann was composed of DMPC: DMPG: Ann at a molar ratio of 7:3:0.7. Mean particle size was 1.88 +/- 0.89 microns, and the entrapment efficiency was 93.08% +/- 2.96%. F-Ann was prepared as a suspension (particle size < or = 0.2 microns) in 10% DMSO. Drug levels were measured by fluorescence spectrometry after extraction with chloroform. The extraction ratio ranged between 60% and 90% for both drugs in most tissues. Compared with those of DOX, organ AUCs of L-Ann were threefold higher in plasma and brain, twofold higher in liver and kidney, sixfold higher in lung, ninefold higher in spleen, and tenfold higher in B16 tumors. Compared with F-Ann, organ AUCs of L-Ann were twofold higher in plasma, liver, and B16 tumors and were twofold lower in brain. Heart AUCs were similar with all three drugs. Higher tumor uptake was associated with a faster penetration and more prolonged retention of Ann in tumor tissue compared with those of DOX. The results obtained indicate significant differences in organ distribution between L-Ann and DOX as a result of the higher affinity of Ann for lipid membranes and the use of the liposomes as a delivery system. The potential clinical relevance of the increased uptake of L-Ann in B16 tumors, lung, and brain is being investigated.