[Alpha-hANP-like immunoreactivity in lung cancer]

Specific radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemical method of alpha-human atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-hANP) was established to diagnose one case of large cell lung carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma) proved by pathology. It was found that there was alpha-hANP-like immunoreactivity in the cancer cells at a concentration of 147.5 pg/mg protein. Chromatography analysis showed that alpha-hANP-like immunoreactive materials had multiple molecular forms. The significance of these phenomena remains to be further investigated.

The effect of vasopressor agents upon uterine artery blood flow velocity in the gravid guinea pig subjected to ritodrine infusion

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of intravenously administered vasopressors upon uterine artery blood flow velocity (UBFV) in the gravid guinea pig subjected to ritodrine infusion. Fourteen experiments were performed in 14 chronically instrumented pregnant guinea pigs near term. Immediately following a 1-h intravenous infusion of ritodrine (0.05-0.20 mg.kg.min-1), each animal received an intravenous bolus of vasopressor solution: 1) epinephrine, 0.001 mg/kg; 2) phenylephrine, 0.01 mg/kg; 3) mephentermine, 1.0 mg/kg; 4) ephedrine, 1.0 mg/kg; or 5) placebo. The experimental sequence was performed five times, so that each animal received all five solutions. The vasopressor sequence was randomly altered between animals. Infusion of ritodrine increased maternal heart rate 18 +/- 1% (P less than .0001), decreased maternal mean arterial pressure (MMAP) 4 +/- 1% (P less than .01), and decreased UBFV 5 +/- 1% (P less than .001). The four active vasopressor solutions resulted in similar, though not equivalent, increases in MMAP. Further, the MMAP response to each active vasopressor differed from the response to placebo (P less than .0001). Epinephrine and phenylephrine each significantly decreased UBFV (P less than .002). Ephedrine clearly preserved UBFV, whereas mephentermine appeared to result in an intermediate response.

[Colonic cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in rats after partial colectomy]

Using colonic cancer induced by DMH as experimental model, carcinogenic rate in the rats with or without partial colectomy was compared in order to study the etiology of the local recurrence of large bowel cancer after radical resection and observe the influence of operative injury on carcinogenesis. Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 48 with a partial colectomy (group 1) and 17 controls (group 2). All were given subcutaneous injection of DMH 20 mg/kg weekly for twenty weeks. Then, some rats were killed on scheduled time, the others were sacrificed in the 29th week. The results showed that carcinogenic rate was 87.5% and 58.8% in groups 1 and 2 (P less than 0.05). The tumor number in anastomotic site in group 1 (57.1%) was much higher than that at corresponding site in group 2 (28.6%) (P less than 0.05). It is suggested that the trauma itself be one of the promoting factors for cancer recurrence in addition to implantation during operation, residual tumor, etc. Large bowel cancer induced by DMH in rats may be used as an experimental model in studying the same cancer in the human being. Furthermore, after having given DMH, large bowel cancer incidence of the rats in different intervals is described.

The effect of ephedrine upon uterine artery blood flow velocity in the pregnant guinea pig subjected to terbutaline infusion and acute hemorrhage

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of intravenously administered ephedrine upon uterine artery blood flow velocity (UBFV) in the gravid guinea pig subjected to terbutaline infusion and acute hemorrhage. Ephedrine, 1.0 mg/kg, was administered intravenously to ten chronically instrumented pregnant guinea pigs near term, before and after intravenous infusion of terbutaline and acute hemorrhage. Before terbutaline and hemorrhage, ephedrine increased maternal mean arterial pressure (MMAP) by 30 +/- 1% (P = .0001) and 17 +/- 1% (P = .0001) at 30 s and at 1 min after injection, respectively; UBFV was decreased by 10 +/- 4% (P less than .01) and 14 +/- 4% (P less than .01) at 1 min and at 90 s after injection, respectively. Infusion of terbutaline (1.5-6.0 ug X kg-1 X min-1) increased maternal heart rate (MHR) by 22 +/- 1% (P = .0001), decreased MMAP by 13 +/- 2% (P = .0001), and decreased UBFV by 24 +/- 3% (P = .0001). During hypotension resulting from acute hemorrhage, ephedrine, 1.0 mg/kg, was superior to placebo in restoring MMAP and UBFV toward the prebleed values. The authors concluded that ephedrine, 1.0 mg/kg, results in a small, transient decrease in UBFV in the normotensive gravid guinea pig. However, ephedrine aids restoration of UBFV in the gravid guinea pig rendered hypotensive by acute hemorrhage during terbutaline infusion.

The interaction between serotonin and angiotensin II in the chronically instrumented guinea pig and its alteration by indomethacin

We examined the effect of a subthreshold infusion of serotonin on the angiotensin II pressor response in the chronically instrumented pregnant and nonpregnant guinea pig before and after administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. Arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in the pregnant animal (p = 0.0135). An infusion of serotonin, which failed to alter the blood pressure, pulse, or uterine artery flow velocity, significantly increased the pressor response to angiotensin II infused at 3.5, 7.5, 14.5, and 29 ng/kg/min in both the pregnant (p = 0.0001) and, to a lesser degree, the nonpregnant animal (p = 0.004). Pretreatment with indomethacin heightened the angiotensin pressor effect significantly in the pregnant group (p = 0.0001) and to a near-significant degree in the nonpregnant group (p = 0.074). However, indomethacin enhanced the angiotensin II-serotonin synergism only in the pregnant animal (p = 0.0008). The angiotensin II-serotonin synergism persisted after pretreatment with the sympathetic blocking agent bretylium tosylate. We concluded that serotonin augments the pressor effect of angiotensin II in the pregnant and nonpregnant guinea pig; however, this synergism is potentiated by the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis only in the pregnant animal.

Effect of hsien-ho-t'sao (Agrimonia pilosa) on experimental thrombosis in mice

The water extract of Hsien-Ho-T'sao (HHT) prolonged the tail bleeding time in conscious mice. This antihemostatic effect was dose-dependent and exhibited a biphasic pattern; i.e. its activity declined at doses higher than 0.5 mg/kg. the prolonged bleeding time persisted for at least 12 hr and maximal effect was observed at 3 hr after the oral administration of HHT 500 mg/kg. HHT was effective in preventing ADP-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolic death in mice, while aspirin and indomethacin had no effect on this model. HHT, like aspirin and indomethacin, also reduced the mortality in collagen- and sodium arachidonate-induced thromboembolic death. All three drugs caused no significant protection in endotoxin shock. HHT was found to suppress platelet aggregation markedly, but little effect on blood coagulation. In conclusion, HHT was proved to be effective in the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and this effect was mainly due to its antiplatelet action.

Effect of intravenous epinephrine on uterine artery blood flow velocity in the pregnant guinea pig

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of intravenously administered epinephrine on the maternal cardiovascular response and uterine artery blood flow velocity (UBFV) in the pregnant guinea pig. Epinephrine (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 micrograms/kg) and lidocaine (0.4 mg/kg, with and without 0.2 micrograms/kg of epinephrine) were administered intravenously to seven chronically instrumented pregnant guinea pigs near term. Lidocaine without epinephrine did not significantly alter maternal heart rate (MHR), maternal mean arterial pressure (MMAP), or UBFV. Epinephrine, with and without lidocaine, resulted in a transient decrease in MHR. Further, epinephrine, with and without lidocaine, resulted in significant elevations in MMAP and significant, dose-related reductions in UBFV. Mean (+/- SEM) UBFV was 72 +/- 4%, 56 +/- 4%, and 40 +/- 5% of baseline at 30 s after administration of epinephrine, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 micrograms/kg, respectively. It is concluded that these small intravenous boluses of epinephrine result in significant, although transient, reductions in UBFV in the pregnant guinea pig.

[Half body irradiation (HBI) in advanced cancer]

From Feb. 1981 to Oct. 1983, 31 patients with advanced cancer of lung, nasopharynx, uterine cervix, breast, malignant lymphoma and others, with extensive metastasis and severe pain, were treated by HBI. The routine therapy would not have relieved the patients of such pain. 60Co was used (SSD 180 cm, dose rate 23-25 rad/min, single mid plane dose 800 rad). Six patients received a second radiation after the first one, 37 courses of HBI were performed in 31 patients (5 times for the upper half and 32 for the lower half). In 32 out of 37 courses of HBI, the pain was partially or completely relieved with a relief rate of 86% and a complete relief rate of 46%. The authors believe that HBI for advanced cancer is superior to any other means. A dose of 800 rad can shrink the tumor or render it subsided temporarily even though not curing it. The side effects on the digestive tract and blood picture were tolerable.

Antihemostatic and antithrombotic effects of XC386

XC386 prolonged the tail bleeding time in the conscious mice. This effect was dose-dependent and persisted for at least six hours after the oral administration. XC386 was effective in preventing ADP-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolic death in mice at dose of 100 mg/kg. Aspirin and indomethacin had no effect on this model. XC386 also reduced the mortality rate in collagen- induced thromboembolic death at the same dose as aspirin and indomethacin (200 mg/kg). All three drugs caused no significant protection in endotoxin shock. XC386 was found to suppress collagen-induced platelet aggregation, but did not affect blood coagulation. In conclusion, XC386 was proved to be as effective as aspirin and indomethacin in preventing the death of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

Antihemostatic and antithrombotic effects of capsaicin in comparison with aspirin and indomethacin

Capsaicin prolonged the tail bleeding time in the conscious mice. This effect was dose-dependent and maximal effect was observed at 3 hr after the oral administration. Capsaicin was effective in preventing death caused by ADP-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism in mice at dose of 25 mg/kg, while aspirin and indomethacin had no effect at 200 mg/kg. Capsaicin also reduced the mortality in collagen- and sodium arachidonate-induced thromboembolic death at dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, and aspirin and indomethacin were also effective in these models but only when the dose was higher than 200 mg/kg. Capsaicin, aspirin or indomethacin could not protect mice from endotoxin shock. Capsaicin was found to suppress platelet aggregation markedly, but did not affect blood coagulation. In conclusion, capsaicin was proved to be more effective than aspirin and indomethacin in preventing the death of acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and this effect could be due to its inhibition on platelet aggregation.

Antiplatelet effect of hsien-ho-t'sao (Agrimonia pilosa)

The water extract of Hsien-Ho-T'sao (HHT) produced a dose-dependent inhibition on collagen-induced aggregation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The IC50 was about 3.5 mg/ml. In addition, HHT inhibited also the aggregation induced by ADP, A23187 or arachidonate in PRP. Greater inhibition was observed in the preparation of washed platelets. Increase of the calcium concentration in medium could not overcome the inhibitory effect of HHT. ATP release from platelets induced by collagen or A23187 was inhibited by HHT. In the presence of EDTA, ATP release caused by thrombin or A23187 was also inhibited by HHT. Malondialdehyde and thromboxane B2 formation was greatly inhibited by HHT in platelets challenged by collagen and thrombin. In arachidonate-stimulated platelets, thromboxane B2, but not malondialdehyde formation was inhibited. HHT showed more marked inhibition on aggregation in the presence of indomethacin, creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase or a combination of both. Hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis was marked reduced by HHT. It was concluded that HHT might have some membrane-active properties which interfered with the activation of phospholipase A2.

Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin

Capsaicin was found to be a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and release reaction. It inhibited the aggregation of rat platelet induced by collagen and thrombin, but only slightly reduced those of AA and A23187. The IC50 on collagen-induced platelet aggregation was about 85 micrograms/ml. Less inhibition was observed in the aggregation of platelet-rich plasma. Increase of the calcium concentration could not overcome the inhibitory effect. Washing of the capsaicin-pretreated platelets only partially reversed the inhibition. Capsaicin also inhibited ATP release induced by thrombin and A23187 in the presence of EDTA. MDA and TXB2 formation were markedly inhibited by capsaicin in platelets challenged by collagen, thrombin and A23187. In AA-stimulated platelets, MDA formation was slightly decreased and TXB2 formation was not affected. Capsaicin showed more marked inhibition in the presence of CP/CPK, indomethacin or a combination of both. Capsaicin reduced the hemolysis of RBCs induced by hydrogen peroxide or hypotonicity. It was concluded that capsaicin had some membrane stabilizing property and this might lead to the interference of the activation of phospholipase A2.

XC 386: a new antiplatelet agent

XC386 was a new antiplatelet compound, which inhibited the aggregation and release reaction of rat platelet-rich plasma induced by collagen. This inhibition was dose-dependent and the IC50 was calculated to be 1 mM on collagen-induced aggregation. In washed platelets, the aggregations induced by ADP and collagen were much more markedly inhibited by XC386 than those induced by thrombin, A23187 and arachidonate. High calcium (4 to 8 mM) could not antagonize the inhibition. XC386 did not alter the malondialdehyde (MDA) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels of resting platelets. But MDA formation induced by collagen, thrombin and A23187, and TXB2 formation induced by collagen and thrombin were significantly inhibited, while both formations induced by arachidonate were not changed. Combination of indomethacin or CP/CPK and XC386 enhanced markedly the inhibitory effect of XC386 on collagen- or A23187-induced aggregation. It was concluded that XC386 might inhibit platelet aggregation before the step of arachidonic acid release by phospholipase A2.

Antihemostatic effect of Hsien-Ho-T'sao (Agrimonia pilosa)

Bleeding time in rats was markedly prolonged after the administration of the water extract of Hsien-Ho-T'sao. This antihemostatic effect was more marked in the group of i.p. injection of the drug than in the group of p.o. administration for 2 or 7 consecutive days. Blood coagulation studies showed that plasma prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and stypven time were prolonged, while thrombin time and fibrinogen level were not changed. The thromboelastographic recording showed that reaction time was prolonged and maximal elasticity of clot was decreased. In addition, ADP- and collagen- induced aggregations of platelet-rich plasma were suppressed. In conclusion, the prolongation of the bleeding time might be due to both anticoagulant and antiplatelet action of the drug.

A potent platelet aggregation inducer purified from Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus snake venom

A non-coagulant platelet aggregation inducer (called platelet 'aggregoserpentin') was isolated from Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus snake venom by CM-Sephadex chromatography and purified by gel filtration. It was homogeneous as judged by the ultracentrifugal analysis and electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel and cellulose acetate membrane. The molecular weight was estimated to be 68 000 as judged by the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. The ultracentrifugal analysis gave 3.19 Svedberg units. It was a protein-polysaccharide complex containing 340 amino acid residues and 50% carbohydrate per molecule. The isoelectric point was pH 5.4. It did not possess any of the hydrolase enzymatic properties which were found in the crude venom. The minimal concentration of 'aggregoserpentin' necessary to induce platelet aggregation was 10 ng/ml, about one four-hundredth of that of the crude venom. It did not cause lysis of platelets because lactate dehydrogenase was not found in supernatant after complete aggregation. An intravenous injection of 'aggregoserpentin' (35 microgram/kg) into rabbit ear marginal vein caused marked decrease of platelet number to approx. 10-20% of that of the control.