Th2-induced eotaxin expression and eosinophilia coexist with Th1 responses at the effector stage of lung inflammation

The T cell-mediated lung inflammation that is associated with allergic asthma is characterized mainly by massive eosinophil infiltration, which induces airway injury and the subsequent late-phase reactivity. Because Th2 cells are often isolated from asthmatic subjects, these cells are postulated to play a role in asthma pathogenesis. We report that adoptively transferred, influenza hemagglutinin-specific Th1 and Th2 cells induced different patterns of chemokines leading to different types of cellular infiltration. Th2 cells were sufficient to induce dramatic Ag-dependent lung eosinophilia and eotaxin expression; by contrast, Th1 transfer primarily induced neutrophil recruitment with little eotaxin production. To determine whether Th1 cells show inhibitory effects on Th2 cell-mediated responses, Th1 and Th2 cells were cotransferred. Hemagglutinin-specific Th1 cells did not inhibit Ag-induced lung eosinophilia, nor did they inhibit eotaxin expression. Furthermore, influenza virus infection of the lung in mice receiving hemagglutinin-specific Th2 cells also induced eotaxin expression and eosinophilia that could not be inhibited by the cotransfer of Th1 cells. Our results show that Th2-mediated allergic lung inflammation coexists with the Th1-mediated responses that are stimulated by diverse forms of Ags.

Regulation of p21(WAF1) expression during normal myeloid differentiation

The G1-phase cell-cycle inhibitor p21 has been proposed to mediate growth arrest during differentiation. Upregulation of p21 has been shown in multiple cell lines induced to differentiate; however, the mechanism of p21 induction during normal differentiation is largely unknown. In this report, we use normal hematopoietic precursor cells obtained from umbilical cord to model p21 regulation during differentiation. Myeloid maturation of CD34+ precursor cells is associated with a marked increase in p21 expression at the RNA and protein level. The upregulation of p21 transcripts during differentiation is associated with decreased binding to a highly conserved 44-bp fragment within the p21 promoter. This 44-bp regulatory element binds a novel modulator of p21 expression. It is of considerable interest that, although the binding activity is expressed in p53-negative as well as in p53-positive cells, the DNA sequence recognized by this protein overlaps a PuPuPuC(A/T)(T/A)GPyPyPy consensus sequence for p53.

Nicotine and cotinine replacement when nicotine nasal spray is used to quit smoking

Nicotine nasal spray (NNS) is generally considered to be an effective smoking cessation aid, but all studies to date of NNS effectiveness have also utilized group therapy sessions or frequent laboratory visits to support their subjects' stop smoking efforts. We studied 50 volunteers before they attempted to quit smoking and again at 1, 2 and 3 months after they received NNS to assist them in quitting smoking. No other stop smoking intervention was used, which more closely mimics the common practice of many individuals trying to stop smoking with the aid of a nicotine replacement product but without other supportive interventions. We found that 50% of the subjects quit smoking for the first month, 34% were still abstinent after 2 months and 32% quit smoking for 3 months. Those who quit smoking for the entire 3 months and who continued regular NNS use throughout had 67% cotinine replacement at the end of the first month, while another group which quit smoking for only the first month with the aid of NNS had 42% cotinine replacement at the end of that month. Our data confirm that NNS is an effective smoking cessation aid, but our abstinent rate at 3 months is slightly lower than in other studies in which group therapy was provided. Our data also indicate that higher NNS-induced cotinine replacement during the first month of quitting smoking (suggesting more frequent use of NNS) is associated with longer term quit-smoking success rate.

Production of early expressed parasitism-specific proteins in alternate sphingid hosts of the braconid wasp Cotesia congregata

Parasitism of Manduca sexta larvae by the braconid wasp Cotesia congregata or injection of C. congregata polydnavirus (CcPDV) causes numerous alterations in host physiology, including developmental arrest, abrogation of host immunity, and the production of three abundant early expressed proteins (EP1, EP2, and EP3) that are secreted in large amounts into the host's hemolymph. Here we compare the levels of these proteins present in the hemolymph of three other sphingid species that vary in their compatibility for C. congregata. Hyles lineata was found to be permissive for C. congregata and EP1, EP2, and EP3 were present in larval hemolymph at levels comparable to those found in hemolymph from parasitized M. sexta larvae. By contrast, the lowest levels of EP proteins were found in hemolymph from parasitized Pachysphinx occidentalis larvae and this species was found to be completely refractory, since C. congregata eggs were invariably encapsulated. Parasitism of Sphinx vashti by C. congregata resulted in moderate levels of EP production. While the observed immune response was incomplete and some encapsulation of C. congregata eggs and/or larvae was observed, low numbers of S. vashti nevertheless were able to complete their development and emerge as adults. Thus, a correlation was established between host compatibility and induction of synthesis of the three parasitism-specific proteins, although the linkage between quantitative levels of EP production and the extent of encapsulation was variable.

Genomic organization, chromosomal localization, tissue distribution, and biophysical characterization of a novel mammalian Shaker-related voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.7

We report the isolation of a novel mouse voltage-gated Shaker-related K+ channel gene, Kv1.7 (Kcna7/KCNA7). Unlike other known Kv1 family genes that have intronless coding regions, the protein-coding region of Kv1.7 is interrupted by a 1.9-kilobase pair intron. The Kv1.7 gene and the related Kv3.3 (Kcnc3/KCNC3) gene map to mouse chromosome 7 and human chromosome 19q13.3, a region that has been suggested to contain a diabetic susceptibility locus. The mouse Kv1.7 channel is voltage-dependent and rapidly inactivating, exhibits cumulative inactivation, and has a single channel conductance of 21 pS. It is potently blocked by noxiustoxin and stichodactylatoxin, and is insensitive to tetraethylammonium, kaliotoxin, and charybdotoxin. Northern blot analysis reveals approximately 3-kilobase pair Kv1.7 transcripts in mouse heart and skeletal muscle. In situ hybridization demonstrates the presence of Kv1.7 in mouse pancreatic islet cells. Kv1.7 was also isolated from mouse brain and hamster insulinoma cells by polymerase chain reaction.

Use of DHEA in a patient with advanced prostate cancer: a case report and review

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is being evaluated in the basic science laboratories as a potential treatment for adenocarcinomas, with some initial promise for success. However DHEA can be metabolically converted to androgenic compounds, possessing unwanted side effects. A patient with advanced prostate cancer with progressive symptomatology was treated with DHEA after other treatment regimens failed. Many of his symptoms improved on DHEA therapy, but his cancer also flared dramatically during treatment. His previous hormonally unresponsive cancer subsequently responded transiently to third-line hormonal therapy with diethylstilbestrol (DES). Adrenal precursor molecules such as DHEA may have significant therapeutic benefits in a number of diseases of the elderly, however their utility may be limited by potential androgenic side effects including endocrine epithelial cell growth. The development of analogue compounds with less conversion to androgenic metabolites should be considered, as molecules such as DHEA are more widely tested and utilized clinically.

Acute in vitro neuromuscular effects of carbamazepine and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide

We examined the acute neuromuscular effects of the anticonvulsant, carbamazepine, and its major metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, using the in vitro rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm muscle preparation. Carbamazepine produced 8.8% +/- 2.2% (n = 12) neuromuscular paralysis as its concentration was increased from 1 to 50 microg/mL (4.2-210 microM). In contrast, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide produced maximum paralysis of 65% +/- 8% (n = 10) in the concentration range 1-100 microg/mL (4-400 microM) and the concentration required to produce half this paralysis was 36 +/- 7 microg/mL (144 +/- 28 microM). Carbamazepine 10 microg/mL (42 microM) shifted the response-concentration curve for both a depolarizing (succinylcholine) and a nondepolarizing (atracurium) neuromuscular blocker, reducing their concentrations required for 50% paralysis by approximately 30%. In contrast, the metabolite, which was a more potent neuromuscular blocker by itself, failed to alter either succinylcholine or atracurium effect. These results concur with previous clinical reports where anticonvulsants have acutely reduced neuromuscular blocker dose requirements.

SDZ HTF 919 stimulates canine colonic motility and transit in vivo

Effects of the nonbenzamide 5-hydroxytryptamine4 agonist SDZ HTF 919 on gastrointestinal motility are unclear. Our aim was to assess the in vivo effects on gastrointestinal and colonic transit of radiolabeled residue and on colonic phasic contractility. In six female dogs, transit was measured over a period of 2 days by radioscintigraphy and colonic motility was measured by pneumohydraulic perfusion manometry of the proximal and distal colon. SDZ HTF 919 was administered initially by bolus i.v. infusion, followed by s.c. injection 8 and 16 hr later. Doses tested were 0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, and isotonic saline and vehicle served as controls in each dog. Stomach and small bowel transit was not significantly altered by SDZ HTF 919. Overall, i.v. SDZ HTF 919 accelerated colonic transit during the first 1 hr, compared with controls. These effects were significant even with the lowest dose of SDZ HTF 919. Responses to higher infusion doses were more variable. SDZ HTF 919 did not cause significant changes in quantitative pressure indices, such as amplitude or motor index, in the small bowel or colon. Prolonged postprandial colonic contractions, each lasting >30 sec, were noted after each i.v. agent and were significantly more frequent with the 0.03 mg/kg dose than with control (vehicle) treatment. Thus, SDZ HTF 919 accelerates canine colonic transit in vivo during the first 1 hr after i.v. administration. SDZ HTF 919 appears to be a promising agent for stimulation of mammalian colonic transit.

In vitro neuromuscular effects of valproic acid

The contribution of the anticonvulsant agent, valproic acid, to the interaction between neuromuscular blockers and anticonvulsants remains unclear. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the acute neuromuscular effects of valproic acid and its potential for interaction with neuromuscular blocking drugs. Phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations from rats were mounted in modified Krebs buffer, maintained at 37 degrees C and aerated with a 5% carbon dioxide-95% oxygen gas mixture. Phrenic nerves were stimulated with 0.1 Hz supramaximal pulses of 0.2-ms duration and the elicited tension of the hemidiaphragm was recorded in seven preparations in the presence of valproic acid 100, 500 and 1000 mumol litre-1. In another six preparations, neuromuscular transmission was blocked completely with the non-depolarizing blocker tubocurarine 3 mumol litre-1 and the hemidiaphragm muscle was stimulated directly (2 Hz and 2 ms duration). The effect of the anticholinesterase drug, neostigmine, on an established block induced by valproic acid 1000 mumol litre-1 was also evaluated in five phrenic nerve stimulated preparations. The effect of valproic acid 100, 500 or 1000 mumol litre-1 on suxamethonium- or atracurium-induced neuromuscular block was also evaluated. Valproic acid produced a mean of 29.7 (SEM 1.7)% and 24.7 (1.7) % block of indirectly or directly elicited muscle twitches. The concentration of valproic acid that caused half maximal paralysis did not differ between indirect (460 (59) mumol litre-1) and direct (329 (35) mumol litre-1) stimulation. Neostigmine 1-3 mumol litre-1 failed to significantly alter the block of 19.8% induced by valproic acid 1000 mumol litre-1. Valproic acid 100, 500 or 1000 mumol litre-1 did not alter the concentrations of suxamethonium or atracurium needed to produce paralysis. These findings suggest that valproic acid does not produce significant block at the rat neuromuscular junction. The partial block that is produced is caused predominantly by a direct inhibitory effect on the muscle itself.

Purification, visualization, and biophysical characterization of Kv1.3 tetramers

The voltage-gated K+ channel of T-lymphocytes, Kv1.3, was heterologously expressed in African Green Monkey kidney cells (CV-1) using a vaccinia virus/T7 hybrid expression system; each infected cell exhibited 10(4) to 5 x 10(5) functional channels on the cell surface. The protein, solubilized with detergent (3-[cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid or cholate), was purified to near-homogeneity by a single nickel-chelate chromatography step. The Kv1.3 protein expressed in vaccinia virus-infected cells and its purified counterpart are both modified by a approximately 2-kDa core-sugar moiety, most likely at a conserved N-glycosylation site in the external S1-S2 loop; absence of the sugar does not alter the biophysical properties of the channel nor does it affect expression levels. Purified Kv1.3 has an estimated size of approximately 64 kDa in denaturing SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels, consistent with its predicted size based on the amino acid sequence. By sucrose gradient sedimentation, purified Kv1.3 is seen primarily as a single peak with an approximate mass of 270 kDa, compatible with its being a homotetrameric complex of the approximately 64-kDa subunits. When reconstituted in the presence of lipid and visualized by negative-staining electron microscopy, the purified Kv1.3 protein forms small crystalline domains consisting of tetramers with dimensions of approximately 65 x 65 A. The center of each tetramer contains a stained depression which may represent the ion conduction pathway. Functional reconstitution of the Kv1.3 protein into lipid bilayers produces voltage-dependent K+-selective currents that can be blocked by two high affinity peptide antagonists of Kv1.3, margatoxin and stichodactylatoxin.

[Valvular homografts]

Renewed interest in heart valve homografts is related to recent advances in viability. Increased viability is achieved by collecting explanted hearts from multi-organ donors and cryopreservation. Right access is usually used in case of hereditary cardiopathy to resect or repair the aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves. Life-long anticoagulant treatment can thus be avoided. Current mid-term and long-term results are very promising.

Cocirculation of multiple hantaviruses in Texas, with characterization of the small (S) genome of a previously undescribed virus of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus)

An environmental and laboratory investigation was conducted after a fatal childhood case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome occurred in Deaf Smith County, Texas in May 1995. A trapping campaign was conducted to identify possible rodent carriers. Six species of murid and heteromyid rodents were collected, and at least one hantavirus-seropositive specimen was found in each of the five murid species. Tissues from a selection of 11 seropositive specimens were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of viral genetic material. The predominant hantavirus was El Moro Canyon virus (ELMCV), which occurred in three of three harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) and in three of four deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) examined. Sin Nombre virus (SNV) was found in one deer mouse and one white-footed mouse (P. leucopus). A seropositive house mouse (Mus musculus) was negative by PCR. Two cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) were infected by a virus of novel genotype (Muleshoe virus [MULEV]) that bears closet resemblance to Bayou hantavirus. The sequence of the complete small genomic segment was determined for one MULEV, and high-level expression of its nucleocapsid protein was induced in Escherichia coli. Serologic studies indicated that the most likely etiologic agent in the human infection was SNV.

Novel nonpeptide agents potently block the C-type inactivated conformation of Kv1.3 and suppress T cell activation

The nonpeptide agent CP-339,818 (1-benzyl-4-pentylimino-1,4-dihydroquinoline) and two analogs (CP-393,223 and CP-394,322) that differ only with respect to the type of substituent at the N1 position, potently blocked the Kv1.3 channel in T lymphocytes. A fourth compound (CP-393,224), which has a smaller and less-lipophilic group at N1, was 100-200-fold less potent, suggesting that a large lipophilic group at this position is necessary for drug activity. CP-339,818 blocked Kv1.3 from the outside with a IC50 value of approximately 200 nM and 1:1 stoichiometry and competitively inhibited 125I-charybdotoxin from binding to the external vestibule of Kv1.3. This drug inhibited Kv1.3 in a use-dependent manner by preferentially blocking the C-type inactivated state of the channel. CP-339,818 was a significantly less potent blocker of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv1.6, Kv3.1-4, and Kv4.2; the only exception was Kv1.4, a cardiac and neuronal A-type K+ channel. CP-339,818 had no effect on two other T cell channels (I(CRAC) and intermediate-conductance K(Ca)) implicated in T cell mitogenesis. This drug suppresses human T cell activation, suggesting that blockade of Kv1.3 alone is sufficient to inhibit this process.

Effects of an AMPA receptor modulator on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity in rats

The present study tested if a positive modulator of AMPA-type glutamate receptors would counteract the behavioral effects of a drug that enhances the release of dopamine. BDP-29, a compound shown to increase AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic responses in hippocampal slices, markedly attenuated the amount of stereotypic rearings seen in rats after methamphetamine injections. These results suggest that AMPA receptor modulators ameliorate certain aberrant, dopamine-related behaviors and hence may be of interest with regard to schizophrenia.

Fluorescence techniques for diagnosing intestinal microsporidiosis in stool, enteric fluid, and biopsy specimens from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with chronic diarrhea

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate three fluorescent chitin stains for detecting microsporidia spores in specimens from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with chronic diarrhea.

METHODS

We compared the Fungifluor, Calcofluor White, and Fungiqual A fluorochrome stains for identifying Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Septata intestinalis spores in stool, intestinal fluid, biopsy imprints, and paraffin biopsy sections. The modified chromotrope trichrome stain was used as the standard light microscopic technique for stool and fluid specimens. Stained and unstained paraffin sections and fluid preparations were also evaluated. Multiple specimens from 50 consecutive symptomatic AIDS patients and archival material from known microsporidia-positive AIDS patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Spores of E bieneusi and S intestinalis fluoresce brightly with all three fluorochrome stains in all of the types of diagnostic specimens. Fluorescing debris and the much larger fungal forms were readily distinguished. Spores were equally well detected in unfixed and formalin-fixed stool specimens, but were not as well detected after sodium acetate-acetic acid, polyvinyl acetate, and ethanol fixation. Bouin's tissue fixative gave a higher background staining than formalin. Spores were readily detected in archival paraffin sections and stool preparations, even when the specimens had been stained previously. Repeat fluorochrome staining was possible. The methods also could detect extraintestinal parasites in paraffin sections.

CONCLUSION

The three fluorescent chitin stains are sensitive and rapid methods for detecting microsporidia spores in stool, intestinal fluid, biopsy imprint, and tissue specimens, even from archived material.

Differential activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Jun kinase and Janus kinase-Stat pathways by oncostatin M and basic fibroblast growth factor in AIDS-derived Kaposi's sarcoma cells

OBJECTIVES

To determine the integration of signalling pathways associated with two recognized Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) growth factors, oncostatin M (OSM) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), in the induction of KS cell proliferation.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We used protein kinase assays, protein-DNA interactions and AP-1 luciferase assays to study the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Janus kinase (JAK)-Stat and Jun kinase (JNK) pathways in AIDS-derived KS cells during stimulation with OSM and bFGF.

RESULTS

Treatment with OSM-induced activation of receptor-associated JAK and phosphorylation of Stat1 and Stat3. Stat1/Stat3 heterodimers interacted with known gamma-interferon-activated sites like elements such as the sis-inducible element (SIE) in the C-fos promoter. In contrast, ligation of the bFGF receptor induced Stat3 phosphorylation and its association with the bFGF receptor, but failed to induce JAK activity or protein complexes which interact with GAS-like oligonucleotides. OSM also induced the activation of ERK2 by activating the serine/threonine kinases Raf-1 and [mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK kinase (MEK1)]-1, while bFGF failed to activate any of the above components. Both OSM and bFGF activated the JNK pathway, along with the activation of MEKkinase (MEKK)-1. JNK control the transcriptional activation of c-Jun. Because the above pathways exert an effect on the expression or activation of activation protein (AP)-1 components, we confirm that OSM and bFGF induce TPA response element (TRE)-luciferase activity synergistically.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that OSM and bFGF activate distinct as well as shared signalling cascades in KS cells, which integrate to provide a synergistic AP-1 response by which OSM and bFGF may sustain KS cell growth.

Interleukin 4 activates a signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) protein which interacts with an interferon-gamma activation site-like sequence upstream of the I epsilon exon in a human B cell line. Evidence for the involvement of Janus kinase 3 and interleukin-4 Stat

Germ line C transcripts can be induced by IL-4 in the human B cell line, BL-2. Utilizing a IFN-gamma activation site-like DNA sequence element located upstream of the I epsilon exon, we demonstrated by gel mobility shift assays that IL-4 induced a binding activity in the cytosol and nucleus of BL-2 cells. This factor was designated IL-4 NAF (IL-4-induced nuclear-activating factors) and was identified as a tyrosine phosphoprotein, which translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus upon IL-4 treatment. Because these are the characteristics of a signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) protein, we determined whether antibodies to Stat proteins will interfere with gel mobility shift and found that antibodies to IL-4 Stat, also known as Stat6, but not antibodies to other Stat proteins, interfere with the formation of the IL-4 NAF complex. Congruous with the involvement of a Stat protein, IL-4 induced robust Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) activity in BL-2 cells. Cotransfection of JAK3 with IL-4 Stat into COS-7 cells produced an intracellular activity which bound the same IFN-gamma activation site-like sequence and comigrated with IL-4 NAF in electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These results show that IL-4 NAF is IL-4 Stat, which is activated by JAK3 in response to IL-4 receptor engagement.

Quantification of the volume of articular cartilage in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand: accuracy and precision of three-dimensional MR imaging

OBJECTIVE

Cartilage loss is central to the development of joint failure in arthritis. However, radiographic assessment of cartilage loss is highly unreliable. This study examined the accuracy and reproducibility of a noninvasive technique for quantifying the volume of articular cartilage in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand by use of three-dimensional (3D) MR imaging.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eight metacarpophalangeal joints (four normal, one rheumatoid arthritic, and three normal cadaveric) each were imaged three times with a 1.5-T clinical MR imaging scanner with a small partial volume coil and a fat-saturated 3D spoiled gradient-echo sequence optimized for delineating articular cartilage. The volumes of cartilage over the metacarpal and phalangeal surfaces were quantified by summing the voxels within segmented 3D reconstructions of the images. Cartilage volumes in the three cadaver joints also were estimated by scraping cartilage off the articular surfaces and measuring water displacement in graduated cylinders. These values were used as the gold standard for assessing the accuracy of cartilage volume quantification by MR imaging.

RESULTS

The fat-saturated sequence discriminated the articular cartilage from adjacent joint structures with high contrast and high spatial resolution. Cartilage volumes determined by MR imaging for the different subjects ranged from 115 microliters to 222 microliters for metacarpal cartilage and from 34 microliters to 86 microliters for proximal phalangeal cartilage. Accuracy errors for quantifying cartilage volume by MR imaging were -1.8% (95% confidence interval, -3.5% to -0.7%) for metacarpal cartilage and 9.1% (4.3% to 14.7%) for proximal phalangeal cartilage. Reproducibility errors were 5.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.9% to 7.6%) and 9.9% (5.4% to 15.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fat-suppressed T1-weighted 3D MR imaging provides sufficient contrast and spatial resolution to allow accurate and reproducible quantification of articular cartilage volume in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. This technique may be useful for monitoring cartilage loss in patients with arthritis.

The effects of KN62, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor, on adrenocortical cell aldosterone production

The effects of KN62 on aldosterone secretion have been studied using an angiotensin II (AII)- and K(+)-responsive human adrenocortical tumor cell line (H295R). Basal aldosterone secretion (measured by RIA) was 0.57 +/- 0.22 pmol/mg protein.h. The physiologicial agonists AII (10 nM) and K+ (14 mM) increased aldosterone secretion by 6.9- and 5.0-fold, respectively. Aldosterone secretion was also stimulated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP, 1 mM, 10.3-fold over basal). Nifedipine dose-dependently inhibited K(+)- and AII-stimulated aldosterone secretion. In contrast, dbcAMP-stimulated secretion was relatively insensitive to this agent (26.8% inhibition at 1 microM nifedipine). K(+)- and AII-stimulated aldosterone production was also dose-dependently inhibited by KN62, which produced 93.9% and 82.3% inhibition at 10 microM KN62 (both p < 0.01). In order to test the specificity of KN62 in H295R cells, its effects on various other steroidogenic agonists were assessed. KN62 dose-dependently inhibited aldosterone secretion stimulated by dbcAMP, 22-hydroxycholesterol and pregnenolone. In addition, KNO4, a derivative of KN62 which is not a potent inhibitor of CaM Kinase II, exhibited a similar pattern of inhibition. These data confirm the requirement for extracellular Ca2+ in the stimulation of human adrenocortical cell aldosterone secretion by AII and K+. However, the non-specific inhibitory effects of KN62 in H295R cells limit the usefulness of this agent as a tool for investigations of the involvement of CaM kinase II in adrenocortical steroidogenesis.