Differences in immunomodulating effects between wild and cultured Panax ginseng

The different effects between wild and cultured Panax ginseng on immunological activity were investigated. The extracts of hot water soluble fraction from wild Panax ginseng showed the mitogenic activity to lymphocytes but that from cultured Panax ginseng did not. The mitogenic activity of wild Panax ginseng (100 micrograms/well) was almost equal to Concanavalin A (0.1 microgram/well) which was well-known as one of T cell mitogens. The percentages of Thy 1.2-(pan T cells), L3T4-(helper T cells) and Lyt2-(cytotoxic T cells) positive cell population were significantly increased in the mice orally administered hot water soluble fraction from wild Panax ginseng as compared to control by 31.2, 17.9 and 30.1 percent, respectively.

Tremor and zitter, causative mutant genes for epilepsy with spongiform encephalopathy in spontaneously epileptic rat (SER), are tightly linked to synaptobrevin-2 and prion protein genes, respectively

Spontaneously epileptic rat (SER) is a homozygote for both tremor (tm) and zitter (zi) genes and exhibits epilepsy-like seizures and spongiform encephalopathy. Genetic linkage analyses revealed that the tm and zi loci were tightly linked to the synaptobrevin-2 (Syb2) on chromosome 10 and the prion protein (Prnp) on chromosome 3, respectively. The genomic DNA sequences of Syb2 of the tm/tm (TRM) rats and exon 2 of the Prnp of the zi/zi (ZI) rats were identical to those of a control rat strain WTC. In addition, no difference was detected for expression of the Syb2 and Prnp on the Northern blot analyses of TRM, ZI and WTC brain, suggesting that the Syb2 and Prnp genes are not the tm and zi, respectively. The assignments of tm and zi to rat chromosome 10q24 and 3q35, however, will be the first step towards the positional cloning of the genes.

Structure of the enteric nervous system in the sheep omasum as revealed by neurofilament protein-like immunoreactivity

The general structure of the enteric nervous system in the omasum of sheep was investigated by immunohistochemical techniques using antineurofilament protein antibody. The myenteric plexus consisted of polygonal ganglia and interganglionic nerve bundles. The meshwork of the plexus in the oral region was denser than the middle and aboral regions. Intraganglionic laminar endings were present in the myenteric ganglia. The submucosal plexus was divided into sublaminar and intralaminar plexuses. The latter was denser near the free border of the omasal laminae than in the region near the omasal wall. There were no ganglion cells showing neurofilament protein-like immunoreactivity in the submucosal and mucosal layers. Probable mucosal receptors were found in the horny omasal papillae near the reticulo-omasal orifice. The findings demonstrate a complicated structure for the enteric nervous system in the omasum, presumably reflecting its regulatory activities.

Inhibition by topiramate of seizures in spontaneously epileptic rats and DBA/2 mice

The effects of topiramate, a novel antiepileptic drug, on tonic and absence-like seizures in spontaneously epileptic rats (SER; zi/zi, tm/tm) and on sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice were investigated. Topiramate (20 and 40 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited both tonic and absence-like seizures in a dose-dependent manner, whereas phenytoin (20 mg/kg i.p.) and zonisamide (40 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited only the tonic seizures. The inhibitory effects of topiramate on absence-like seizures were antagonized by pretreatment with haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), but those on the tonic seizures remained unaffected. Topiramate inhibited sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice (ED50 = 8.6 mg/kg p.o.). These findings suggest that topiramate may be effective for treatment of both convulsive and absence seizures of human epilepsy. The inhibitory effect of topiramate on absence-like seizures in SER may be mediated through the central dopaminergic system.

Effects of testosterone, hypophysectomy and growth hormone treatment on clofibrate induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation in female rat liver

Induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation by clofibrate under altered hormonal states was investigated in female rat liver. Treatment of rats with clofibric acid (CPIB) caused a significant increase in hepatic peroxisomal beta-oxidation, with female rats being less responsive than males (4.2- vs 12.2-fold increase). However, testosterone treatment following ovariectomy of female rats resulted in an enhanced response to CPIB, giving an induction (11.7-fold) comparable to that seen in male rats. Hypophysectomy of female rats also enhanced the induction (8.2-fold compared with 5.1-fold), suggesting a suppressive effect of a pituitary-dependent factor on CPIB induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation. Continuous infusion of growth hormone to the hypophysectomized female rats suppressed the enhanced induction nearly to the initial level (6.1-fold). The stimulatory effects of testosterone and hypophysectomy on the enzyme induction were additive. These findings suggest the involvement of growth hormone, as well as male sex hormone, in regulating the responsiveness to CPIB induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation in rat liver.

The nerve cell bodies found in the ovine omasal laminae

A histological study was made on the omasum of sheep, cows, sika deer, and Japanese serows in order to confirm the existence of the submucosal nerve cell bodies in the omasal laminae. In the present study, seventeen submucosal nerve cell bodies were found in seven sections from four out of twenty-two sheep.

Immunohistochemical study of the distributions of the peptide- and catecholamine-containing nerves in the omasum of the sheep

The distribution in the sheep omasum of peptide- and catecholamine-containing neurons was investigated by an immunohistochemical technique using antibodies against six neuropeptides and two catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes. In the myenteric plexus, both nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers were positively immunostained for substance P (SP), methionine enkephalin (ENK), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and galanin (GAL). In contrast, immunoreactivity specific for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) was detected only in nerve fibers. In the omasal wall, nerve fibers with SP- and ENK-like immunoreactivity were prominent in the outer muscle layer, while numerous nerve fibers with VIP-, NPY- and GAL-like immunoreactivity were observed in the inner muscle layer. In the lamina propria mucosae, and in particular in the omasal papillae, a dense network of peptide-containing nerves was found. The distribution of nerves with CGRP-like immunoreactivity was different from that of other immunoreactive nerves. The networks of nerves with TH-, DBH- and NPY-like immunoreactivity were concentrated around the vascular components. The results of this study indicate the complexity of the enteric nervous system in the sheep omasum, reflecting the multiple functions of the nerves in the regulation of motility and/or absorption and secretion.

Evidence for and characteristics of Dyslexia among Japanese children

In an attempt to determine the extent of developmental dyslexia in Japan, an oral reading test and a modified Bangor Dyslexia Test were administered to 125 fourth graders (69 boys and 56 girls). In this sample, four boys and four girls (6%) qualified as dyslexic, challenging the wide-spread belief that dyslexia is largely absent among Japanese children. Here we describe some characteristics of these Japanese dyslexics.

Improvement of poor operant performance by continual intake of phenobarbital in spontaneously epileptic rats

Spontaneously epileptic rats (SER) are a double mutant (zi/zi, tm/tm) obtained by mating the tremor rats with another tremulous mutant, zitter rats, and spontaneously exhibit absence-like seizures, tonic convulsions and wild jumping or running episodes. In addition, SER exhibit retardation in learning ability under differential reinforcement at a low rate (DRL)-5 sec schedule of food reinforcement in operant behavior at 14 to 15 weeks of age. We examined the long-term effects of phenobarbital (PB) on total bar presses, reinforcements and inter-response time distribution to assess whether the poorness of learning ability in SER can be ascribed to frequent occurrence of seizures. Food pellets containing 0.1% PB were given ad libitum to male SER from 7 weeks, and operant behavior was examined at 13 to 14 weeks of age. Tonic seizures and wild jumping or running episode were inhibited effectively and poor operant performance was significantly improved by continual intake of PB in SER.

Chromosome assignments of genes for rat ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallothionein (MT)

Chromosome assignments of the genes for rat ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallothionein (MT) were performed by analyzing somatic cell hybrid DNAs with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using primers specific for rat genes. The genes for CP and MT were assigned to rat chromosomes 2 and 19, respectively.

Effects of tryptamine on plasma glucagon levels in mice

Our previous study indicated that tryptamine induces a dose-related increase in plasma glucagon levels of mice and that this effect is mediated by the peripheral serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptor. The present paper further investigated the involvement of serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems in hyperglucagonemia elicited by tryptamine. An inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, p-chlorophenylalanine, did not affect tryptamine-induced increases in plasma glucagon levels. Tryptamine-induced hyperglucagonemia was not inhibited by adrenalectomy or by an inhibition of catecholamine synthesis by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. These findings indicate that tryptamine-induced hyperglucagonemia is elicited by its direct activation of 5-HT2 receptors and is not mediated by levels of endogenous 5-HT and catecholamines. The results further suggest that the peripheral 5-HT2 receptor has a possible role in the release of glucagon.

Chromosomal assignment of the gene for rat protein phosphatase 1 gamma 1 (Ppp1cc)

The gene for rat protein phosphatase 1γ1 (<i>Ppp1cc</i>) was assigned to rat chromosome 12 by analyzing somatic cell hybrid DNAs with the polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for the rat gene.

Genetic profiles of 12 inbred rat strains for 46 microsatellite loci selected as genetic monitoring markers

Genetic profiles for 46 microsatellite loci of 12 inbred strains of rats, including 2 congenic strains and a coisogenic strain, have been demonstrated. Rates of loci with different alleles between 2 inbred strains, which are not closely related to each other in origin, were from 71.7% between ACI/N and IS/Kyo strains to 41.3% between F344/N and TM/Kyo. On the other hand, the rates were 0% in both of 2 sets of congenic strains; between F344/N and F344/N-rnu, or between BN/fMaiKyo and BN.IS. When WTC/Kyo and the coisogenic strain TRM/Kyo (WTC/Kyo-tm) were compared for 115 microsatellite loci, no loci with different alleles between the strains were found. The 46 loci should be useful as genetic monitoring markers, since all of the primer pairs generate distinct PCR-products at a fixed annealing temperature of 55 degrees C.

Immunohistochemical study of the distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus)

The occurrence and distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the lesser mouse deer, Tragulus javanicus, were studied immunohistochemically. Fourteen types of endocrine cells immunoreactive for serotonin, somatostatin, enteroglucagon, pancreatic glucagon, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), gastrin, substance P, motilin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), cholecystokinin (CCK), methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MENK-8), secretin, neurotensin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and chromogranin were revealed. Chromogranin-, serotonin-, somatostatin- and enteroglucagon-immunoreactive cells were detected in all regions examined, while pancreatic glucagon-immunoreactive cells, except in the proper gastric gland region, were not found in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract. Few BPP-immunoreactive cells in either the proper gastric gland or pyloric gland regions and abundant gastrin-immunoreactive cells in the pyloric gland region were observed. Restricted distributions of substance P-, GIP-, gastrin-, motilin-, CCK-, MENK-8-, secretin-, neurotensin- and BPP-immunoreactive cells in the small intestine, and BPP-, substance P-, PYY- and motilin-immunoreactive cells in the large intestine were noted. The important findings include the presence of BPP-immunoreactive cells in the abomasum, pancreatic glucagon-immunoreactive cells in the proper gastric gland region, and substance P- and motilin-immunoreactive cells in the large intestine. It is suggested that the distribution pattern of gut endocrine cells in the lesser mouse deer is more similar to that in the pig than in the domestic ruminants so far reported.

Inhibitory effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia in mice: mediation by 5-HT receptors

Effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia were investigated in mice. Tryptamine significantly inhibited hypoglycemia elicited by tolbutamide. The inhibitory effects of tryptamine were strongly blocked by the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, while the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 was without effect. Tryptamine induced hyperglucagonemia in tolbutamide-treated mice, and this effect elicited by tryptamine was strongly inhibited by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia are mediated by 5-HT2 receptors and that tryptamine is involved in glucagon release.

Purification and properties of long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolases from the liver cytosol of rats treated with peroxisome proliferator

Two long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolases, referred to as ACH1 and ACH2, were purified from the liver cytosol of rats fed a diet containing di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, a peroxisome proliferator. The molecular mass of ACH1 was estimated to be 73 kDa by gel filtration, and that of the subunits, 36 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The corresponding values of ACH2 were 42 and 43 kDa, respectively. Both enzymes were active toward fatty acyl-CoAs with chain-lengths of C12-16, but ACH1 had relatively broad specificity as acyl-CoAs with C8-18 were good substrates. A marked difference in their catalytic properties was found in the maximal velocity; for palmitoyl-CoA, 553 and 4.23 mumol/min/mg with Km values of 5.9 and 5.4 microM for ACH1 and ACH2, respectively. ACH2 underwent severe substrate inhibition with high concentrations of long-chain acyl-CoAs, whereas ACH1 did not. Examination with various reagents including divalent cations, sulfhydryl-blocking reagent, nucleotides, and hypolipidemic drugs, characterized ACH1 and ACH2 with several properties distinct from those of mitochondrial and microsomal hydrolases. ACH1 and ACH2 were also discernible in that the former, but not the latter, was inhibited by ATP. In the liver cytosol of rats treated with di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, about 90% of palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase activity was titrated with anti-ACH1 and anti-ACH2 antibodies. Immunoblot analysis suggested the presence of the enzymes also in extrahepatic tissues, especially in the brain and testis (ACH1), and in the heart and kidney (ACH2).

Changes of NMDA receptor binding in spontaneously epileptic rat and parent strains

We measured the binding of [3H]3-[(+/-)2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl] propyl-1-phosphonic acid ([3H]CPP), a competitive ligand for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, in double mutant spontaneously epileptic rats (SER: zi/zi, tm/tm) and their parent strains, zitter rats and tremor rats, and WTC rats (control rats from tremor rats derived from Kyoto:Wistar rats) before and after the onset of seizures in tremor rats and SER. Significantly lower [3H]CPP binding receptor density (Bmax) was found in the cortex of SER and zitter rats at 12-15 weeks of age than in that of WTC rats and tremor rats, and at 4 weeks of age the Bmax in zitter rats was lower than that in the other strains. The reduction of Bmax in SER at 12-15 weeks of age may reflect a down regulation of NMDA receptors due to repetitive tonic seizures in SER.

DNA segments mapped by reciprocal use of microsatellite primers between mouse and rat

Rat microsatellite primers were used for detection of homologous DNA segments in the mouse species (Mus laboratorius, Mus musculus musculus, and Mus spretus). Twenty five (16.3%) of 153 rat primer pairs amplified specific DNA segments, when genomic DNA of mice was used as a template in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Size variation among inbred strains of mice was found for 13 DNA segments (8.5%). Eight out of the 13 polymorphic DNA segments were mapped to a particular chromosome with two sets of recombinant inbred strains, AKXL or BXD. Similarly, mouse microsatellite primers were used for detection of homologous DNA segments in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Twenty (12.0%) of 166 primer pairs amplified specific DNA segments from rat genome. Size variation among inbred strains of rats was found for seven DNA segments (4.2%). Eleven of these 20 DNA segments were mapped with a rat x mouse somatic cell hybrid clone panel and/or linkage analysis by use of backcross progeny. Our results suggest that the mapped DNA segments are really homologs between mouse and rat. These polymorphic DNA segments are useful genetic markers.

Substance P-immunoreactive neurons of the bovine forestomach mucosa: their presumptive role in a sensory mechanism

Substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies were examined in the forestomach mucosa of the calf and cow pretreated with colchicine, using thick (100 microns) floating sections. Intraepithelial nerve fibers were identified, appearing only rarely in the rumen and reticulum, and completely absent from the omasum. Nerve fibers were observed in the lamina propria of all the regions of the forestomach examined. A few thin nerve fibers were seen in the core of the ruminal papillae of the calf, whereas in the cow they appeared very coarse in nature. Flocculent and complicated nerve fiber networks were seen in the connective tissue of the reticular papillae. Mucosal nerve fibers formed a peculiar glomerulus-like architecture in the omasal papillae of the calf, while in the cow, the nerve fibers were largely restricted in distribution to the vicinity of the epithelium within the connective tissue pegs. Immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were found in the ruminal atrium, the dorsal sac and the ventral sac of the rumen of the calf and in the reticulum of both the calf and cow. Some of these neurons exhibited processes that appeared to course toward the papillae. In total, substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies were more abundant in the calf than in the cow. These distributions demonstrate that the neural circuitry of the bovine forestomach contains substance P immunoreactivity in the mucosa as well as in the muscle layer, pointing to its possible importance in the regulation of the forestomach function. Substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers were numerous in the reticular papillae of the calf and cow and in the omasal papillae of the calf. The positive fibers at these localities may act as mucosal receptors.

Immunohistochemical localization of lactoferrin in bovine exocrine glands

The localization of lactoferrin (LF) was studied in bovine exocrine glands by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. In general, LF immunoreactivity was demonstrated in most of the serous demilunes of the mixed glands and in some but not all acinar cells of the serous glands. LF was not detected in the acinar cells of the mucous glands. LF immunoreactive cells were seen in the nasal and tracheal glands. The lacrimal and mammary glands were stained intensely, while the sweat glands were not stained. In the major and minor salivary glands, LF immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the serous demilunes and acini of the mixed glands and in some serous cells of the pure serous parotid gland. LF immunoreactivity was not seen in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, but the serous gland in the lamina propria of the bile duct was stained positively. In the male reproductive tracts, the prostate and bulbourethral glands were stained positively, but the vesicular gland was negative. In the female reproductive system, the uterine and Bartholin glands, the epithelial cells of the cervix and ampulla of the uterine tube reacted positively. However, the lesser vestibular gland did not react for LF. The present findings, that LF was demonstrated in the exocrine glands located mainly in the gateways of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems, may morphologically support the antibacterial role of LF.

GABA-gated chloride ion influx in brains of tremor rats

We measured the GABA-gated chloride ion influx and GABA concentrations in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of young (5 weeks old) and older (15 weeks old) tremor rats. GABA-gated chloride ion influx in these tremor rats was significantly greater than in the controls of both the 5 week- and 15 week-old groups. GABA concentrations in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the tremor rats increased compared with controls of 5 weeks and decreased compared with controls of 15 weeks. These findings suggest that the GABAergic presynaptic neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of the tremor rat are disturbed with aging. This change may be related to the appearance of absence-like seizures in the rats. The increased GABA-gated chloride ion influx in tremor rats may be a compensatory mechanism against the genetically-determined seizure susceptibility of these rats. Furthermore, the increased GABA levels and GABA-gated chloride ion influx found in 5 week-old tremor rats may be related to the tremor movements.

Heterogeneity of motilin-immunoreactive cells in the duodenum and pyloric region of several avian species

Immunohistochemical characterizations of motilin-immunoreactive cells were examined in gastric and duodenal mucosae of nine species of birds from seven orders using five different region-specific motilin antisera. Motilin-immunoreactive cells appeared as open-type cells in the mucosal epithelium and showed varying immunoreactivities to antisera used in all the birds examined except for the cormorant and penguin, which did not show any kinds of immunoreactivity to motilin. Motilin-immunoreactive cells of the emu duodenum were detected by all the motilin-antisera used. The present results suggest that there is a wide range of heterogeneity between motilin molecules among avian species, or perhaps alternatively the existence of a family of motilin-like peptide. Furthermore, the present results should prove useful for a molecular biological study on the evolution of avian motilin.