Pepsin and autoimmune disease mouse

The effects of pepsin on autoimmune glomerulonephritis of MRL/1 mice were investigated. Intravenous administration of pepsin significantly improved survival rate and suppressed progressive increase in urinary excretion of protein and various histopathological changes in kidney. Increased serum levels of immune complex and anti-DNA antibody in MRL/1 mice were decreased by pepsin. Pepsin ameliorated abnormalities in lymphocyte subsets and lymphocyte functions. The fact that pepsin ameliorated abnormalities in immune function may contribute to the preventive effects of pepsin against pathogenesis and progress of immune complex nephritis.

The effect of pepsin on autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis

The effects of intravenous administration of pepsin on autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis, which is an established experimental model of membranous glomerulopathy in human, were investigated. Sensitization of rats with renal tubular antigen induced an increase in urinary protein excretion, decreases in serum levels of total protein, albumin and immunoglobulin G and histopathological abnormalities in glomerulus. A significant increase in serum immune complex and glomerular immune complex deposit were also observed. These abnormalities were ameliorated by pepsin. Pepsin may be effective and beneficial in the treatment of immune complex nephritis.

Tofisopam, a new 2,3-benzodiazepine. Inhibition of changes induced by stress loading and hypothalamic stimulation

Effects of tofisopam, a new 2,3-benzodiazepine compound, were investigated on the following: gastric ulceration, induced by water-immersion stress in normal rats and by immobilization stress in olfactory-bulbectomized (OB) rats; and propulsion of the small intestine caused by water-immersion stress in rats and autonomic responses to electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in rabbits. In the latter, the results were compared with those of diazepam and gamma-oryzanol. Tofisopam (30 and 100 mg/kg, po) significantly inhibited the gastric ulceration induced by water-immersion stress in normal rats in a dose-dependent manner. Immobilization-stress loading increased the incidence and average index of gastric ulceration in OB rats, compared with nonstressed rats. Tofisopam (100 mg/kg, po) significantly inhibited the gastric ulceration induced by stress loading in OB rats. Water-immersion stress loading induced a significant increase in intestinal propulsion in rats. This increase was reversed to control levels by tofisopam (100 mg/kg, po). Tofisopam (1.0 mg/kg, iv, or 0.1 mg/kg by intracerebrospinal injection) inhibited the constriction of ear microvessels, the decrease in earlobe temperature, and mydriasis induced by electrical stimulation of the medial hypothalamic area in rabbits. However, diazepam and gamma-oryzanol failed to inhibit the autonomic responses to medial hypothalamic stimulation. From these results, it can be concluded that tofisopam restores the autonomic abnormality induced by stress loading possibly via intervention in the central autonomic area, i.e., the hypothalamus, by an action different from that of diazepam.

Effects of AC-1370, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin, on phagocyte functions

The effects of a new semisynthetic cephalosporin, AC-1370, on phagocyte functions were compared with those of cefoperazone. AC-1370 augmented phagocytosis by mouse macrophages in vitro and in vivo, by mouse neutrophils in vivo, and by human neutrophils in vitro. Cefoperazone suppressed phagocytosis by mouse macrophages and neutrophils. Random migration and chemotaxis of mouse and human neutrophils were increased by the addition of AC-1370. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by human neutrophils was enhanced by the addition of AC-1370. Intracellular killing of bacteria by macrophages was also enhanced by AC-1370. Further, bactericidal effects of AC-1370 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were augmented when they were each cultured with mouse or human leukocytes. These results suggest that AC-1370 is an unique beta-lactam antibiotic which has a potentiating effect on phagocyte functions as well as a bactericidal effect.

[Pepsin-like enzyme of the macrophages and the immune system]

Pepsin enhanced phagocytosis of heterologous red blood cells by macrophages, but suppressed phagocytosis of homologous red blood cells. Antigen-presenting ability of the macrophages pulsed with heterologous red blood cells was augmented by pepsin, but not those pulsed with homologous red blood cells. On the other hand, an acid protease was found in macrophages that had biochemical and immunochemical properties which were quite close to those of pepsin. Along with phagocytosis of heterologous red blood cells by macrophages, the activity of this pepsin-like enzyme in macrophages showed an increase and extracellular release was also observed. Such changes were not observed in the macrophages that phagocytized homologous red blood cells or non-antigenic materials. Inhibition of this enzyme activity by pepstatin resulted in suppression of the phagocytosis of heterologous red blood cells. These results indicate that pepsin modulates macrophages functions and that a pepsin-like enzyme in macrophages plays an important role in the facilitation of phagocytosis and antigen-presentation by macrophages.

Reduction of myocardial infarct size by trapidil in anesthetized dogs

We studied the effect of trapidil on acute experimental myocardial infarction in anesthetized, openchest dogs. The size of myocardial infarction 8 h after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was determined by planimetry of myocardial slices stained by the nitroblue tetrazolium method. Systemic hemodynamic variables, epicardial ST-segment elevation, activity of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and changes of myocardial blood flow in the ischemic area were measured. Infusion of 3 mg/kg trapidil reduced the size of infarction and ameliorated the infarction-induced deterioration of systemic hemodynamic variables, such as the decrease in left ventricular dP/dt, aortic blood flow, and regional endomyocardial blood flow in the ischemic area. This dose of trapidil also suppressed ST elevation and significantly inhibited the increase in activity of serum CPK. Hyaluronidase also reduced the size of infarction significantly. These results suggest that trapidil alters the course of acute myocardial infarction favorably, presumably by increasing regional endomyocardial blood flow.

[Therapeutic effects of human urinary trypsin inhibitor on acute experimental pancreatitis]

Therapeutic effects of human urinary trypsin inhibitor (MTI) on acute pancreatitis were examined. MTI potently inhibited not only proteases such as trypsin or alpha-chymotrypsin, but also inhibited lipase or creatine phosphokinase which are considered to be related to pancreatitis. Although gabexate mesilate (gabexate) and aprotinin also strongly inhibited trypsin, their inhibition spectra against pancreatic enzymes were narrower and aprotinin also strongly inhibited trypsin, their inhibition against pancreatic enzymes were narrower than MTI. MTI inhibited proteases released from pancreatic slice by trypsin more potently than gabexate or aprotinin. The therapeutic effects of MTI on experimental acute trypsin-induced pancreatitis in dogs or rats were stronger than those of gabexate or aprotinin. These results suggest that MTI may suppress pathogenesis and development of pancreatitis in several ways, for example, by directly inhibiting trypsin and by inhibiting tissue-damaging enzymes released from the pancreas by stimulation with trypsin.

[Experimental study of the effects of bromelain on the sputum consistency in rabbits]

Effects of bromelain (BR) on rabbit sputum consistency were investigated in vitro and in vivo. On the sputum showing relatively low viscosity, BR and other enzymes such as serratiopeptidase (SP), the mixed preparation of pronase and pancreatin, and lysozyme exerted lowering effects; and the effect of BR was the most potent. However, bromhexine had virtually no effect. On the sputum showing relatively high viscosity, BR exerted more potent lowering effects on the viscosity and yield value of sputum than those of SP. Furthermore, 320,000 U/head BR and 120,000 U/head SP lowered the viscosity significantly and yield value of sputum in rabbits with oral administration for 3 days. The lowering effect on the yield value of BR was more potent than that of SP. BR also increased the sputum volume in rabbits. BR and SP showed tendencies to decrease the contents of acid glycoprotein and sialic acid in sputum. It can be considered that these results support the effectiveness of BR as an expectorant in clinical use.

The immunomodulatory action of inosiplex in relation to its effects in experimental viral infections

The effect of inosiplex (Isoprinosine) on viral replication, experimental viral infections and host immune functions has been examined. Inosiplex was found to have a broad spectrum of antiviral activity, inhibiting the RNA viruses, influenza (INFV) and parainfluenza (PIV), as well as the DNA viruses, herpes simplex (HSV) and vaccinia (VACV). However, the antiviral effects were modest when compared to amantadine and adenine arabinoside (ARA-A). Inosiplex in vivo caused a statistically significant increase in survival of treated animals (hamster, mice) infected with RNA or DNA viruses. This effect of inosiplex was apparent in animals which were previously immunosuppressed. Inosiplex, at optimal dose, conferred total protection in treated mice against secondary influenza infection. Since this was accompanied by statistically significant increases in serum anti-hemagglutinin and anti-neuraminidase titers, an effect of inosiplex on host defenses against secondary viral infection was implicated. This effect was further demonstrated by passive transfer of protection by splenocytes from inosiplex-treated donors to untreated recipients. Inosiplex was found to enhance the mitogen- (PHA-, ConA and MLC-) induced blastogenesis of lymphocytes from untreated mice. The LPS response was not affected. Inosiplex added in vitro caused a dose-dependent increase in the primary immune anti-SRBC response in vitro, as determined by direct and indirect PFC; there was also a dose-dependent effect on the secondary in vitro direct and indirect PFC responses. Inosiplex in vivo enhanced the primary immune response to SRBC, as determined by direct PFC assay; this was also the case for immunosuppressed mice. The drug enhanced delayed type hypersensitivity to picryl chloride in the mouse. Macrophage function was also enhanced by inosiplex, as was apparent from phagocytosis of SRBC. Gamma interferon production from murine lymphocytes was augmented by inosiplex in vitro. Treatment with inosiplex had no effect on natural killer cells or on antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Thus, the pronounced effect of inosiplex on secondary viral infections may result through two different mechanisms: a direct antiviral effect and an elevation of multiple parameters of host immunity, which are usually compromised during viral infection. The latter mechanism may be the more important.

Evidence for "response to injury" hypothesis

Role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in myointimal thickening described in "response to injury" hypothesis was investigated with artery of rats in culture and with air-injured artery of rats. PDGF promoted cell growth in ring preparation of carotid artery in culture denuded with citrate. It did not promote any cell growth in preparations without denudation. Trapidil, a PDGF antagonist, inhibited the cell growth promoted by PDGF in the denuded arterial ring. Systemic injection of PDGF was performed for 8 days to rats with thrombocytopenia induced by injections of anti-platelet serum. This treatment caused myointimal thickening of carotid artery 10 days after denudation by means of air injury. Trapidil at oral intake levels of 1, 3 and 30 mg/kg/day inhibited this change observed in denuded site of artery. Trapidil at oral intake of 6 mg/kg/day also inhibited myointimal thickening observed 15 days after denudation of carotid artery by air injury in normotensive and spontaneous hypertensive rats both with normal platelet counts. These results evidenced the role of PDGF in myointimal thickening described in "response to injury" hypothesis and clinical use of trapidil may be a new approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Antithrombotic activity and the mechanism of action of trapidil (Rocornal)

Antithrombotic activity and the mechanism of action of trapidil were investigated, as compared with those of aspirin and dipyridamole. Trapidil at oral doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg inhibited arterial thrombosis in rats, while aspirin and dipyridamole at doses up to 300 mg/kg showed only a mild activity. This action may be explained by the fact that trapidil at concentrations ranging from 139 microM to 251 microM exerted 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid, thrombin or thromboxane A2 mixture, inhibition of platelet release reaction induced by ADP, arachidonic acid or thrombin, disaggregatory effect on aggregated rabbit platelets by arachidonic acid and potentiating action on antiaggregatory action of prostacyclin in vitro. In vitro actions of trapidil were apparently different from those of aspirin and dipyridamole. Trapidil also showed inhibition of platelet phosphodiesterase activity and thromboxane synthetase activity. Trapidil was expected to be an effective antithrombotic agent. The antithrombotic action of trapidil may be mediated by the inhibition of platelet function which is characterized by the inhibition of both thromboxane synthetase and phosphodiesterase activities, and by the potentiation of the antiaggregatory action of prostacyclin.

Mechanism of host defense suppression induced by viral infection: mode of action of inosiplex as an antiviral agent

The mechanism of influenza virus (INFV)-induced immunosuppression and the mode of inosiplex action against INFV infection were studied. INFV suppressed both anti-lipopolysaccharide and anti-sheep erythrocyte antibody production in mice. INFV infection caused viral mRNA synthesis and increased total RNA synthesis in lymphocytes, but total mRNA synthesis was decreased. The translational ability of INFV-infected lymphocytes was also suppressed. Thus, INFV seemed to cause suppression of both mRNA synthesis and the translational ability of lymphocytes, resulting in suppression of lymphocyte functions. Inosiplex potentiated antibody production against sheep erythrocytes but not against lipopolysaccharide in normal and INFV-infected mice. Adamantanamine did not produce such a potentiating effect. The lymphocytes obtained from INFV-immunized and inosiplex-treated mice conferred resistance against INFV infection. This resistance was partially inhibited by anti-Thy 1.2 antibody treatment of the lymphocytes. In an adoptive cell transfer system, inosiplex treatment of T-cell donors potentiated antibody production when a non-immunosuppressive carrier (human serum albumin) was used. When an immunosuppressive carrier (INFV) was used, inosiplex treatment of either B-cell donors or T-cell donors increased antibody production. Direct introduction of inosiplex into lymphocytes by a cell fusion technique stimulated anti-sheep erythrocyte antibody production more effectively than the addition of inosiplex to cultures. Inosiplex increased total RNA and total mRNA syntheses in phytohemagglutinin-treated lymphocytes. In INFV-infected lymphocytes, inosiplex decreased syntheses of total RNA, total mRNA, and viral mRNA and restored translational ability. From these results, we concluded that inosiplex penetrates into lymphocytes and suppresses viral RNA synthesis and that it supports lymphocyte functions by promoting RNA synthesis and translational ability, both of which are necessary for hosts.

[Cervical carotid endarterectomy for vertebrobasilar insufficiency]

A 66-year-old man was admitted with 2-year history of progressing gait difficulty and speech disturbance. His neurological examination on admission demonstrated dysarthria, truncal ataxia, mild foot weakness and emotional incontinence. Computerized tomography revealed enlarged ventricle with marked brain stem atrophy. Cerebral angiography showed 90% stenosis of left upper vertebral artery, 90% stenosis of mid basilar artery, occlusion of right upper vertebral artery and 50% stenosis with ulcer of right cervical carotid artery. Right cervical carotid endarterectomy was carried out with continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient had gradual neurological improvement. This case was reported to be of help to judge the indication of such operation in effectiveness and also the value of EEG monitoring during operation.

Antiviral activity of sodium 5-aminosulfonyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoate (M12325)

Sodium 5-aminosulfonyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoate (M12325) was evaluated for antiviral activity in tissue culture and infected mice. At concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 75.8 micrograms/ml, M12325 inhibited the cytopathic effects of 10 mean tissue culture infective doses of influenza virus A/WSN, A/FM, A/Kumamoto, and B/Great Lakes; parainfluenza virus; rhinovirus; echovirus; respiratory syncytial virus; and vesicular stomatitis virus. Concentrations up to 150 micrograms/ml did not inhibit the cytopathic effects of herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, or adenovirus. Concentrations up to 3,160 micrograms/ml did not inhibit the growth of MDCK, Vero, or HEL cells in culture. Single oral doses of M12325, ranging from 10 to 300 mg/kg, administered 1 h before and 1 h after challenge, reduced mortality in mice inoculated intranasally with influenza A/WSN virus. Twice daily oral doses for 14 days effected significant reductions in the mortality of mice infected intranasally with influenza A/WSN, A/FM, A/Kumamoto, and B/Great Lakes, and parainfluenza virus, but they were not effective in mice infected with herpes simplex virus. Multiple doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally, reduced lung consolidation and virus titer. M12325 was well tolerated in multiple doses up to 1 g/kg orally. These observations support the conclusions that M12325 has a broad spectrum of activity against RNA viruses in vitro and in vivo, selective toxicity, and a large margin of safety.

Histopatological findings of the liver before and during hepatic coma in fulminant hepatitis

The histopathological findings of the liver taken by needle biopsy before and during hepatic coma of fulminant hepatitis were studied in 3 patients; two died and one survived. In the first fatal case, massive hepatic necrosis was already present 7 days before the development of hepatic coma. In the second fatal case, submassive hepatic necrosis was seen during coma grade IV. In both cases, histological findings of the biopsy liver specimens were in accord with those of the autopsied liver. In the third survived case, diffuse degeneration and multilobular liver cell necrosis were found on the biopsy specimen taken immediately after the development of hepatic coma, grade IV.

[Effects of protizinic acid on the prostaglandins system and the production of oxygen radicals]

Effects of protizinic acid (PRT) on prostaglandins (PG) and the production of oxygen radicals were compared with those of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Oral administration of 30 mg/kg of PRT, indomethacin (IM), or ibuprofen (IB) significantly inhibited arachidonic acid-induced erythema in guinea pigs. Although 30 mg/kg of PRT significantly inhibited PGE2-induced erythema, IM and IB did not significantly inhibit it. PRT inhibited phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, and the IC50 value was 2.1 X 10-4 M. On the other hand, IM and IB exerted no effect on the PLA2 activity at 3 X 10-4 M. These results suggest that PRT possesses a broader pharmacological activity on the PG system than IM and IB. As for effects on the production of oxygen radicals, in order of relative inhibitory potency was PRT greater than metiazinic acid (MA) = IM greater than IB = phenylbutazone (PB) in the xanthine oxidase assay, PB great than IM greater than PRT greater than MA = IB in the rabbit neutrophil myeloperoxidase assay, and IM greater than PB greater than PRT greater than MA greater than IB in the guinea pig macrophage assay. In the rabbit neutrophil and aggregated IgG-bound micropore filter assay, the order was PRT greater than MA greater than PB greater than IM = IB. Thus, the inhibitory effects of PRT was verified in all experiments on the production of oxygen radicals in contrast to IB. In particular, it could be especially meaningful that PRT showed the most potent activity in the aggregated IgG-bound micropore filter assay which has been reported to be a good model for studying the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases believed to be caused by immune complexes.

Hemispheric asymmetry and sex differences in a comparative judgement task

Visual field differences and sex differences in a complex semantic processing task were examined. Two different print size Kana words which represented concrete objects were paired and displayed tachistoscopically to the left or the right visual field. Subjects decided if the relationship of the print size and real life size of the word pairs was appropriate or not by pressing a key. Results revealed that female subjects showed faster reaction times to the right visual field stimulation while males showed a tendency toward a left visual field superiority. Possible hemisphere difference in mechanisms between the sexes were discussed.

Anti-inflammatory properties of a newly synthesized compound, 6-chloro-4-oxyimino-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (M-7074)

Anti-inflammatory properties of a newly synthetized compound, 6-chloro-4-oximino-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (M-7074), have been investigated. Anti-edema activities of M-7074 were more potent than those of phenylbutazone in carrageenin, bradykinin and mustard edema tests in rats. M-7074 showed an inhibitory effect on adjuvant arthritis, especially on the secondary inflammatory lesions in rats. Inhibitory effect of M-7074 on cotton-pellet granuloma formation was all but equal to that of phenylbutazone in rats. M-7074 also showed inhibitory effects on ultraviolet erythema in guinea-pigs and increased vascular permeability in mice, moderate analgesic activity in rats and mice, and antipyretic activity in rats. Furthermore, inhibitory effects of M-7074 on prostaglandin biosynthesis in guinea-pig lung homogenate and arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of rabbit platelets were fairly equal to those of indomethacin. However, M-7074 showed no effect on humoral nor cellular immunity in mice. M-7074 possessed no ulcerogenic activity in rats and mice, and LD50 value of M-7074 was 8.01 g/kg, p.o. in mice. These data indicate that M-7074 is a novel anti-inflammatory agent with large margin of safety.

[Effects of tofisopam on the physiological changes induced by stress loading and hypothalamic stimulation (author's transl)]

Effects of tofisopam on the gastric ulceration induced by immobilization stress in olfactory-bulbectomized rats, propulsion of the small intestine caused by water immersion-stress in rats and autonomic responses to electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in rabbits were investigated. Immobilization stress loading of 16.5 hours each for 10 days caused the augmentation of incidence and average index of gastric ulceration in olfactory-bulbectomized rats, compared with non-treated rats. Tofisopam 100 mg/kg, p.o. significantly inhibited the gastric ulceration in olfactory-bulbectomized rats. Water immersion-stress loading for 2 hours caused a significant increase in propulsion of the small intestine in rats. This increase was reversed to control levels after the oral administration of tofisopam in a dose of 100 mg/kg. Tofisopam at dose of 1 mg/kg i.v. inhibited the contraction of ear microvessels, the decrease in earlobe temperature and the mydriasis induced by electrical stimulation of the medial hypothalamic area in rabbits, Moreover, these inhibitions were also shown by the intra-cerebrospinal injection of tofisopam at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. From these results, it is concluded that tofisopam could restore the autonomic abnormality induced by stress-loading and exerts such effects by acting on the hypothalamus, an area of the brain, which regulates autonomic nervous functions.

A comparative study of high molecular weight urokinase and low molecular weight urokinase

Two forms of urokinase [EC 3.4.99.26] with molecular weights of 51,600 and 34,500 were purified from human urine. The specific activities of the high molecular weight urokinase (HMW-UK) and low molecular weight urokinase (LMW-UK) were 157,400 and 246,700 International Units (IU/mg), respectively. Purified HMW-UK was 97% active and LMW-UK was 88% active, as judged by using p-nitrophenyl-p'-guanidinobenzoate. LMW-UK had five multiple isoelectric subforms, compared with HMW-UK which had only one. Not only HMW-UK but also LMW-UK was composed of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bond(s). The molecular weight of the heavy chain of both forms was the same (34,000 daltons), while the molecular weight of the light chain of HMW-UK was 17,600 and that of LMW-UK was approximately 1,200-3,400. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that the kinetic constants, Km and Kcat, of both forms toward the synthetic substrates, acetyl-Gly-Lys-methylester (AGLMe) and glutaryl-Gly-Arg-4-methylcoumarin-7-amide (GGA-MCA), were almost the same, but the dissociation constant of HMW-UK toward Glu-plasminogen was 2.4-2.6 times less than that of LMW-UK. HMW-UK incubated at 37 degrees C was converted into LMW-UK in an autocatalytic digestion manner leading to no loss of the total activity. These results show that HMW-UK with a higher affinity toward Glu-plasminogen is converted into LMW-UK with a lower affinity, a greater portion of the light chain of HMW-UK splitting off.

Effects of trapidil on thromboxane A2-induced aggregation of platelets, ischemic changes in heart and biosynthesis of thromboxane A2

Trapidil inhibited the aggregation of rat platelets and the contraction of the isolated aortic strip of rabbit mainly caused by thromboxane A2, and the thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in rabbit platelets. The drug also reduced ischemic changes in ECG, the incidence of myocardial infarction, histopathological changes and a decrease in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inhibited an increase in plasma thromboxane B2 and a decrease in plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha content in the animals with an experimental ischemic heart injury caused by the injection of thromboxane A2 into the coronary artery. These findings suggest that trapidil is a new type of a therapeutic agent for ischemic heart disease which not only dilates the coronary artery but also inhibits the actions and biosynthesis of thromboxane A2 and may promote the biosynthesis of prostaglandin I2.

Augmented utilization of branched-chain amino acids by skeletal muscle in decompensated liver cirrhosis in special relation to ammonia detoxication

Femoral arterio-venous (A-V) differences of blood free amino acids and plasma ammonia (NH3) were simultaneously determined after an overnight fast in 16 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis in the absence and presence of encephalopathy, as compared with those in 8 control subjects. In spite of increased releases of phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) from the peripheral tissue, releases of isoleucine (Ile) and leucine (Leu) as well as alanine (Ala) were found to be significantly reduced in decompensated liver cirrhosis, particularly in the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. Furthermore, NH3 was found to be significantly taken up by the skeletal muscle of these patients, and a positive correlation was observed between arterial NH3 level and the A-V differences of Leu, of Ile and of Ala. These findings strongly suggest that net degradation (or utilization) of branched-chain amino acids (in particular, Leu and Ile) is enhanced in the muscle for detoxication of ammonia (i.e., glutamine synthesis) by supplying the carbon skeleton and energy in cirrhosis of the liver.

Structure of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A)

To elucidate the chemical structure of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis from rat (SRS-A rat), SRS-A rat were purified by the method of Orange with modification using DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography. Ultraviolet absorption spectrum of purified SRS-A rat indicated the presence of conjugated triene. Arylsulfatase B degradation products and HCl degradation products were subjected to analysis by a gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and a thin layer chromatography. Products obtained by arylsulfatase b catalysis contained 5,6-dihydroxy-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid. HCl degradation products showed the presence of glycine, glutamic acid and cysteic acid. Furthermore, the analysis of anhydrous hydrazine degradation products of SRS-A rat and of HCl hydrolyzed products of dinitrophenylated SRS-A rat revealed the presence of glycine at C-terminal and glutamine acid at N-terminal. The study of the substrate specificity of arylsulfatase B against various materials including SRS-A rat suggested the presence of sulfone in SRS-A rat. The molecular ion peak of SRS-A rat sodium salt was observed at m/e 680 in field desorption mass spectrum of SRS-A rat. On the basis of these data, we identified the structure of SRS-A rat as [gamma]glutamyl-4(5-hydroxy-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid-6-yl)-4,4-dioxyocysteinyl] glycine.

[Comparative study on the pharmacological activities of protizinic acid and various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (author's transl)]

The potency of anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of a new anti-inflammatory agent, (10-methyl-7-methoxy-2-phenothiazinyl)-2-propionic acid (protizinic acid, PRT), was compared with those of various known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in 5 experimental models. The ED30 of PRT in carrageenin edema with oral administration was 18.0 mg/kg and its potency was third following indomethacin (IM) and diclofenac sodium (DF), among the 15 agents tested. The ED50 of PRT in ultraviolet erythema with oral administration and the IC50 in protein denaturation were 1.07 mg/kg and 0.89 X 10(-5)M, respectively and the activities were the most potent among all agents. The IC50 of PRT in platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid was 5.55 X 10(-5)M and the rank of potency was sixth following to IM, DF, flufenamic acid, aluminium and ranked fifth following azapropazone, MF, alclofenac, metiazinic acid (MA), except for basic agents, mepirizole, benzydamine hydrochloride and tiaramide hydrochloride. Thus, PRT seemed to have a relatively weak ulcerogenic activity in contrast to potent anti-inflammatory activity. Also, PRT was superior to MA, an analogue of PRT, in potency of anti-inflammatory activity, in all experimental models.

[Effects of 5-methyl-7-diethylamino-s-triazolo-(1, 5-a) pyrimidine (trapidil) on various experimental hyperlipemias (author's transl)]

Effects of 5-methyl-7-diethylamino-s-triazolo-1, 5-a) pyrimidine (trapidil, Rocornal), a therapeutic agent for ischemic heart disease, on various types of experimental hyperlipemias were studied. With administration of trapidil, elevation of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the ratio of HDL-C to LDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-c) were observed in most disease models. Changes in HDL-C levels and LDL-C/HDL-C in the hyperlipemia induced by lipid-enriched diet in mice and in the hyperlipemia induced by high cholesterol diet in Japanese quails were of statistical significance. Also, amelioration of reduction in HDL-C induced by high fat emulsion plus 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil in rats was observed to be significant. Moreover, trapidil significantly reduced TC, LDL-C levels and LDL-C/HDL-C in the hyperlipemia in hamsters. To investigate possible mechanisms of therapeutic effects of trapidil, blood enzyme activities in Japanese quails with hyperlipemia were assayed. Trapidil showed increases in plasma lipoprotein lipase and serum lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activities. These results suggest that trapidil may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for treating ischemic heart disease.

[Pharmacological properties of trapidil: comparison with other coronary vasodilators (author's transl)]

Effects of trapidil and other coronary vasodilators on retrograde blood flow in acute coronary-ligated dogs, isolated large and small coronary arteries of pig, platelet aggregation, biosynthesis of prostacyclin in isolated aortic rings and hyperlipemia in quails were investigated. Trapidil showed an increase in retrograde blood flow while dipyridamole, nifedipine, diltiazem and dilazep did not. Trapidil and nitroglycerin relaxed large coronary arteries, while dipyridamole, diltiazem, dilazep and adenosine relaxed small arteries. Trapidil, dipyridamole, diltiazem and aspirin protected against the secondary phase of ADP-induced platelet aggregation in guinea-pig platelet rich plasma more effectively than did nifedipine and dilazep. Trapidil and aspirin protected only against rabbit platelet aggregation as induced by arachidonic acid. Moreover, only trapidil protected against platelet aggregation as induced by prostaglandin G2-thromboxane A2 mixture. Trapidil and dipyridamole enhanced the platelet aggregation protection of prostacyclin. Trapidil also facilitated biosynthesis of prostacyclin more markedly than did the other drugs. Trapidil increased serum content of HDL cholesterol and significantly lowered serum content of triglyceride and the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol in hyperlipemic quails. Dipyridamole, diltiazem, nifedipine and dilazep, however, showed little effect.

[Ipsilateral exophthalmos in chronic extradural fluid-hematoma, case report (author's transl)]

A case of chronic extradural hematoma with liquid contents that had showed ipsilateral exophthalmos was reported. A 10-year-old girl fell and struck on her head. Neurological examination, on admission to our hospital on tenth day after the injury, revealed left exophthalmos and slight right hemiparesis. Plain craniogram showed linear fractures of frontal bone and orbital roof on left side. Left carotid angiogram and computerized tomogram revealed a huge extradural hematoma with liquid contents in the left frontal region. Extirpation of the hematoma was performed on the twenty-third day after the injury. When a burr hole was drilled on the left frontal region, there was no capsule of the hematoma and contents of the hematoma was dark brownish fluid. The source of bleeding in our case was considered to be the diploic vein. The blow to the head at the time of the injury distorted the skull and separated the dura from the bone. The venous bleeding developed in the space thus formed, and a small hematoma was produced. The small hematoma might have enlarged by a process similar to that postulated in chronic subdural hematoma. Thus a huge extradural hematoma with liquid contents might have been produced. There may be two factors as causes of exophthalmos. 1) Blood from the frontal extradural hematoma through the fracture of orbital roof into the orbit is postulated to have compressed the periorbita. 2) Direct pressure by the frontal hematoma on the cavernous sinus and the superior ophthalmic vein produced venous circulatory disturbance of the orbit and was postulated to have caused the ipsilateral exophthalmos.

[Anti-inflammatory actions of proteases, bromelain, trypsin and their mixed preparation (author's transl)]

Anti-inflammatory actions of proteases, bromelain (BR), trypsin (TR) and their mixed preparation (KT) were studied mainly in rabbits using various experimental test methods. Inhibitory action of edema formation induced by carrageenin was observed to be dose dependent with oral administrations of KT. This inhibitory action of KT was more remarkable than actions of BR and TR, suggesting a possible synergism between the latter two. Such action was also observed with non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs, phenylbutazone (PB), indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid. Oral administration of KT exerted definite inhibition or a tendency toward inhibition against paw edema induced by dextran, histamine or egg albumin or skin edema induced by anti-rabbit serum and thermal stimulation. Furthermore, inhibition of vascular permeability increase induced by histamine and bradykinin as well as a tendency toward inhibition against protein exudation in CMC-pouch method were observed. On the other hand, contrary to PB, potent inhibitory action was not manifested in the persistent proliferative inflammation models, the granuloma formation induced formalin soaked filter paper and cotton pellet and the mustard edema. Therefore, it can be deduced that the inhibitory action of KT against edema formation may be dependent mainly on the inhibitory action of vascular permeability increase and the anti-inflammatory action may be specific for acute exudative inflammation.

[Pharmacology of cornary dilator agent, trapymin. (2) Analysis of its mode of action]

Trapymin (TM) relaxed excised renal, coronary, pulmonary, femoral and mesenteric arteries and this relaxation was not antagonized by propranolol. The dose-response curve of TM was parallel to that of nitroglycerin and papaverine and steeper than that of dipyridamol or adenosine. TM exerted inotropic and chronotropic actions on excised rat atrium. TM was also effective through the oral route and the effectiveness tended to decrease slightly after repeated use for ten days. TM was effective on vasopressin induced angina in rats and electrocoagulation-induced myocardial infarction. TM suppressed adrenaline-induced arrhythmia but not CaCl2-induced arrhythmia. TM reduced catecholamine content in brain, adrenals and heart but had no influence on monoamine oxidase or dopamine-beta-hydroxylase. TM revealed ganglion-blocking and neuron-blocking actions in cervical ganglion in cats. With propranolol, TM-induced hyperglycemia and reduction in glycogen content in liver and heart was antagonized but TM-induced rise in free fatty acid in serum was not antagonized. Na+-K+ dependent ATPase of bovine heart and P/O ratio of mitochondria of rat heart was not influenced by TM. ADP-induced aggregation of platelets was antagonized by TM. These data indicate that TM induced coronary dilation is partly due to a papaverine like action and also to ganglion-blocking, neuron-blocking and anti-adrenergic action. On the other hand, TM possessed catecholamine release and cardiotonic action as related to beta-receptors.