An index for proportion of head size to body mass during infancy

The index "head circumference (cm)3/body weight (g)" gave an almost constant average (about 10) and standard deviation (about 1) in more than 2000 children at birth and at 4, 10, and 18 months. Application of this index to the data previously published confirms that the average is almost constant throughout the period from birth to 18 months, irrespective of sex or race. Head circumference cubed and body weight correlate significantly. This index seems to be useful to assess the proportion of head size to body mass during infancy, and to contribute to early diagnosis of diseases such as hydrocephalus or microcephaly.

[Augmentation of left ventricular slow filling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

To investigate the significance of augmentation of left ventricular slow filling, trans-mitral flow (TMF) was echocardiographically observed through pulsed Doppler method in 116 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 74 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 27 with mitral regurgitation (MR), 86 with old myocardial infarction (OMI) and 80 normal controls (C). The slow filling-wave (SFW) in TMF was defined as the filling wave with obvious peak velocity during slow filling phase. The peak velocities (E, A, S) of the early filling, the atrial contraction and the slow filling waves were measured. The SFW was divided into two patterns according to the S and E ratio: large SFW (S/E greater than or equal to 1/2) and small SFW (S/E less than 1/2). 1) The small SFW was more frequently, but not significantly, observed patients with MR (37%) than in normal subjects (18%), patients with HCM (10%), DCM (4%) and OMI (7%). However large SFW was observed in 16 patients (14%) with HCM, but not in normal subjects and patients with other cardiac diseases excluding one patient with DCM. 2) In normal subjects and patients with DCM, OMI and MR, those with small SFW had larger E and smaller A/E than those without small SFW. However in patients with HCM, there was no difference in these indices (E and A/E) according to whether the patients were with or without SFW. 3) In HCM, patients with large SFW had significantly smaller E and significantly larger isovolumic relaxation time than those without SFW. Thus, appearance of the large slow filling wave, which might be caused by abnormal relaxation of the left ventricle, was frequently observed in patients with HCM.

Direct modulation of secretin binding sites by gastrin in the rat stomach

The effect of gastrin on secretin binding sites in the stomach was studied using the plasma membranes from rat gastric mucosa and vascularly perfused rat stomach. Tetragastrin transiently increased secretin binding to the mucosal plasma membranes. In the perfused stomach secretin binding was also modulated by the inclusion of tetragastrin or human [Leu15] gastrin I in the perfusate. However, histamine did not show such a modulatory effect. Tetragastrin had an insignificant effect on secretin binding sites in rat pancreas. These results suggest that the direct modulation of secretin binding by gastrin to its receptors may be involved in the inhibitory action of secretin on acid secretion induced by gastrin.

[Function, molecular structure and gene expression of IL-8]

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent chemotactic factor for neutrophils and T lymphocytes. Various reagents such as lectins, mitogens, IL-1, TNF, induce IL-8 production in a wide range of cells and tissues. The IL-8 gene is known to be activated by AP-1, NF-kB like factor and C/EBP like factor, but the relative importance of these transcriptional factors varies from cell to cell. Two types of human IL-8 receptor cDNA have recently been cloned. Both are G-protein coupled receptors and the amino acid sequences are highly homologous. Other members of the IL-8 family, such as GRO/MGSA and MIP2, bind to IL-8 receptors, and the receptors of other chemoattractants such as fMLP and C5a, show high homology to the IL-8 receptors.

Determinants of left ventricular filling dynamics: alteration in the Doppler-derived transmitral filling profile with progressive impairment of cardiac function in a dog preparation

To clarify the factors determining transmitral filling, left ventricular and atrial pressures (LVP and LAP) and Doppler-derived diastolic indices were analysed in six anaesthetized dogs at various right atrial pacing rates during dextran infusion. The relationship of the late to early diastolic peak velocity ratio (A/E ratio) to end-diastolic LVP (LVEDP) showed a quadratic curve concave to the LVEDP axis in five animals (r2 = 0.320-0.588). An elevation in LVEDP up to 25 mmHg accompanied an increase in A/E ratio (ascending limb), and further LVEDP elevation caused its inverse decline (descending limb). Multiple regression analysis indicated that A/E ratio correlated positively with maximal LVP, a-wave LAP and heart rate, and negatively with v-wave LAP in both limbs. The time constant of isovolumic LVP decline, which was prolonged as LVEDP was elevated, was a positive correlate of A/E ratio in the ascending limb, but lost its influence on A/E ratio in the descending limb. An elevation in v-wave LAP must have masked the expected effect of left ventricular relaxation abnormality on A/E ratio in this limb. Thus, the transmitral filling profile did not alter unidirectionally, but returned to that seen before volume loading, with a simultaneous progressive impairment of cardiac function.

Selective removal of cholesterol by plasmapheresis and the progression of atherosclerosis

There is a strong correlation of plasma cholesterol levels with the risk of coronary heart diseases as shown by epidemiologic studies. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of plasma cholesterol lowering on the progression of atherosclerosis in the homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit. The effect of cholesterol lowering, which was accomplished by thermofiltration (on-line plasma separation with plasma filtration at 39 degrees C) was evaluated by comparison between treated and untreated control groups. Thermofiltration reduced significantly the mean plasma level of total cholesterol (284 vs. 655 mg/dl, P = 0.0005) and the percent aortic area occupied by atherosclerotic plaque (15.0 vs. 44.2%, P = 0.0003). The total lipid and cholesterol contents in the aortas in the treated group were also significantly lower than those in the control group. Microscopically, thickness measurements of the lesions showed that the mean thickness of the fibrous cap and the ratio of the thickness of the intima to that of the media were smaller for the treated group than the control group. This study demonstrated the slowing or stopping of the progression of atherosclerosis by lowering the plasma total cholesterol level in WHHL rabbits.

Hereditary angioedema complicated with chronic renal failure: report of sibling cases

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is known as a deficiency state of C1 inhibitor (C1 INH), an important protease inhibitor protein involved in the complement system. As with other components of the classical pathway of the complement system, a state of its deficiency often causes clinical immunoregulatory disorders. A 45-yr-old brother and a 63-yr-old sister with HAE both developed chronic renal failure, probably due to chronic glomerulonephritis, and required regular hemodialysis. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of sibling cases of HAE associated with chronic renal failure.

Simple isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method for measurement of iodixanol in human plasma

A simple isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of iodixanol in human plasma. Samples containing an internal standard were prepared for analysis using a simple clean-up procedure based on Sep-Pak C18 solid-phase extraction and chromatographed using a size-exclusion column with purified water as a mobile phase. The iodixanol peak was completely separated from the peaks of an internal standard and endogenous substances on this column. Three geometric isomers (exo-exo, endo-exo and endo-endo forms) of iodixanol could be eluted as a single peak. The method was found to be applicable to pharmacokinetic studies of iodixanol in human plasma.

Long survival of leukemic mice by repeated combination treatment of cyclophosphamide and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

The therapeutic and hematological effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in combination with cyclophosphamide (CY) were investigated in a murine myeloid leukemia model. Ten daily administrations of rhG-CSF following CY prolonged the survival time of leukemic mice more than either agent alone. Hematological examination indicated that this effect was attributable to suppression with rhG-CSF of the leukemic repopulation after CY injection. In addition, rhG-CSF accelerated recovery from CY-induced neutropenia. Based on these hematological changes, a treatment regimen was established consisting of a single injection of CY on day 1 and daily injections of rhG-CSF on days 2-6; this combination treatment was given to the leukemic mice for up to four cycles, with a pause of one day between each cycle. The leukemic mice completed each cycle of treatment with few failures, and it resulted in a long survival time for the leukemic mice. The mean survival time of the mice receiving four cycles of treatment was 47 days, 30 days longer than that of the untreated mice. Hematological examination performed at the end of each cycle showed that the leukemic cell population was controlled at a level equal to or below the pre-treatment level, and peripheral blood neutrophils were maintained at a level equal to or above the normal level. These results indicate the possible effectiveness of combining rhG-CSF with chemotherapeutic drugs in controlling leukemic cell growth, and the effectiveness of rhG-CSF in enhancing neutrophil recovery after chemotherapy. However, it was found that the leukemic cells became resistant to treatment with rhG-CSF after four cycles of combination treatment, suggesting that great care should be taken in the clinical application of rhG-CSF, even when the growth of acute myelogenous leukemia cells is not apparently stimulated by it.

Induction of differentiation of human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells by novel nonphosphorus alkyl ether lipids

We synthesized a new series of nonphosphorus alkyl ether glycerolipids, in which the 2-acetyl group of platelet-activating factor was replaced by a pyrimidin-2-yl group and the 3-phosphocholine portion by an omega-(substituted ammonio)ethoxyethyl side-chain including omega-thiazolio-, imidazolio- and pyridinio groups with or without a carboxyl substituent, respectively (compound I-XI). Their effects on cell proliferation and differentiation of human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells were examined. Incubation of HL-60 cells with these cationic and zwitterionic alkyl ether lipids inhibited proliferation of HL-60 cells with IC50 values ranging from 10 to 500 ng/mL. The cells were induced by the lipids to differentiate into morphologically and functionally mature granulocytes. Among the compounds we tested, 1-octadecyl-2-pyrimidinyl-3-[3-(5- carboxylatepentyl)imidazolioethoxyethyl]glycerol (compound I) was the most effective in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells. Compound I showed on a molar basis, an inhibitory effect on the leukemic cells over 50 times greater than did 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl 2-pyridinio-ethyl phosphate, the antileukemic alkyl ether phospholipid.

Performance of a wideband soft x-ray polarizer

Performance of a Ru/Si multilayer polarizer of the doublecrystal monochromator type is evaluated in the soft x-ray region. Its polarization was found to be higher than 99.5% at 89 and 97 eV.

Comparison of selective cytotoxicity of alkyl lysophospholipids

Alkyl lysophospholipids have been shown to be cytooxic to a number of neoplastic tissues. One, ET-18-OCH3, has been used to selectively purge leukemic cells from mixtures with normal marrow progenitor cells, in vitro and in vivo. We have measured the 50% inhibitory (IC50) effect of a series of ether lipids (EL) on leukemic cells (HL60, K562, Daudi, KG-1, KG-1a) and normal marrow progenitor cells. Cells were incubated with varying concentrations of EL for 4 hr and assayed for viability, [3H]thymidine incorporation and clonogenicity in semi-solid media. The effect on protein kinase C (PKC) activity was assayed for each compound. Compounds tested included three glycerophosphocholine analogs--ET-18-OCH3, ET-16-NHCOCH3, and BM 41.440. In addition, a lipoidal amine, CP 46665, an ethyleneglycolphospholipid, AEPL, and four single chain alkylphosphocholine analogs, HePC2, HePC3, HePC4 and HePC6 were also tested. During the period of incubation, the cells remained viable (greater than 70%) as judged by trypan blue dye exclusion. The glycerophosphocholines were the most active and showed the highest therapeutic index. The lipoidal amine was active, but toxic to normal marrow progenitor cells. The ethyleneglycolphospholipid was active against HL60, but not against the other cell lines. The single chain alkylphosphocholine analogs were less active. All of the compounds inhibited PKC activity; however, the glycerophosphocholines were the most inhibitory.

Electron microscopic identification of the intracellular secretion pathway of human G-CSF in a human tumor cell line: a comparative study with a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (IA1-7) transfected with human G-CSF cDNA

Using monoclonal antibodies specific for human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), intracellular localization of G-CSF in a G-CSF-producing human tumor cell line (CHU-2) and its ultrastructural characters were described and compared with those of a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (IA1-7) transfected with human G-CSF cDNA. The CHU-2 line, which was derived from a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, preserved the character of a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. In the CHU-2 cell line, there were few cells immunohistochemically positive for G-CSF under light microscopic analysis despite the high transcription level of G-CSF cDNA and secretion of G-CSF that were comparable with cDNA-transfected IA1-7 cells. Using electron microscopy, the reaction products were localized mainly in the perinuclear space (PNS) and rough endoplasmic reticula (RER) without dilation of the cisternae, but they were very rarely found in the Golgi complex and not at all in other intracellular organelles. In contrast, most cells were positive for G-CSF in the IA1-7 cell line. Reaction products in this cell line were also demonstrated in the PNS and RER without dilation of the cisternae. These immunohistochemical findings, in conjunction with the results of Western and Northern blot analysis, suggested that G-CSF was secreted via the PNS and RER without intracellular retention.

Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptors in rat gastric mucosa: effect of gastric ulceration

The effect of experimental ulcers on the binding of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), beta-urogastrone, to plasma membranes isolated from rat gastric mucosa was studied in order to develop hEGF as an anti-ulcer drug. The binding of [125I]hEGF to the gastric plasma membranes was significantly decreased 1 h after treatment with aspirin (300 mg/kg) and after 12 h of water-immersion stress. However, the number of EGF binding sites was increased 12 h after aspirin administration. There was little change in the binding of [125I]insulin to the gastric plasma membranes in response to water-immersion stress. These results indicate that changes in EGF binding to its receptors occur on plasma membranes of the rat gastric mucosa during ulcer.

Hepatotoxicity of eugenol and related compounds in mice depleted of glutathione: structural requirements for toxic potency

Eugenol produces hepatic injury in mice depleted of glutathione (GSH) by pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Several eugenol analogs were examined for their ability to cause hepatic injury after administration to mice in combination with BSO. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring relative liver weight, liver blood volume, and serum GPT activity in mice. Comparison of the tested compounds showed that the structural requirements for toxic potency was a phenolic ring having an allyl substituent at the 4-position. These structural requirements can be explained by assuming that a vinylogous quinone methide formed by metabolic oxidation of eugenol plays a role in inducing hepatotoxicity in GSH-depleted mice.

Acceleration of the hemopoietic reconstitution in mice undergoing bone marrow transplantation by recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

We have investigated the effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) on hemopoietic reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) following lethal irradiation in mice. Mice received a daily administration of 10 micrograms/kg rG-CSF or control vehicle one through 21 days after BMT. Spleen colony-forming units (CFU-S), granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM), megakaryocyte colony-forming units (CFU-Meg), and erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E) increased in both bone marrow and spleen of the rG-CSF-treated mice as compared with the control. This increase was evident during the administration period. In spite of the increase in the progenitor cells in bone marrow and spleen, only a recovery of neutrophils was accelerated in peripheral blood. Thus rG-CSF accelerated granulopoietic recovery in the BMT mice, with an enhanced recovery of the stem cells and the progenitors for erythrocytes and megakaryocytes. These results indicate the potential clinical usefulness of rG-CSF in the treatment of patients undergoing BMT.

Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptors in rat gastric mucosa: effect of fasting and sialoadenectomy

The effect of fasting and sialoadenectomy on the binding of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), beta-urogastrone, to plasma membranes isolated from rat gastric mucosa was studied to investigate the physiological changes in gastric EGF receptors for developing hEGF as an anti-ulcer drug. The binding of [125I]hEGF to the gastric membranes was significantly decreased after 40 h of fasting. Maximal binding was decreased to 74% of the control value without alteration of the binding affinity (Kd = 0.42 and 0.44 nM for the control and fasting group, respectively). There was little change in the binding of [125I]insulin to the gastric plasma membranes in response to fasting. Removal of the submandibular glands did not decrease EGF binding to the gastric membranes. These results indicate that changes in EGF binding to its receptors occur on plasma membranes of the rat gastric mucosa depending on the nutrient state.

Effects of long-term beta-blockade (metoprolol) therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Twenty-two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were treated with metoprolol and their clinical courses were compared with those of 26 patients untreated with beta-blocking agents (non beta group). Of the 22 patients treated with metoprolol, 19 (beta group) were treated for a long period, 3 patients left the study within its first 6 months. Using the NYHA classification, 4 patients of the beta group were evaluated as having clinically improved, while none was aggravated, excluding 2 cases of death which occurred during the follow up period. In the non-beta group, clinical improvement was found for 2 patients and aggravation in functional class for 10. The left ventricular diameter was significantly decreased and parameters of systolic function and exercise tolerance were significantly improved in patients of the beta group, while no such improvements occurred in patients of the non-beta group. Twenty-four-hour ECG monitoring demonstrated a significant reduction in incidences of ventricular extrasystole in the beta group but not in those of the non-beta group. Improvement of arrhythmias, evaluated using Lown's grading system, was also identified more frequently in the beta group than in the non-beta group. During the follow-up period, 2 patients of the beta group and 10 patients of the non-beta group died. The survival curve for patients of the beta group prepared using the Caplan Meier Method was better than that for patients of the non-beta group. Metoprolol was therefore found to be useful for treatment of DCM.

Alpha 1-adrenergic regulation of ketogenesis in isolated rat hepatocytes

Studies were conducted to clarify the effects of noradrenaline on oleate metabolism in isolated hepatocytes from fed rats. Noradrenaline caused an inhibition of ketogenesis from oleate along with a stimulation of glucose release through alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. Anti-ketogenic action of noradrenaline was confirmed by the suppression of the formation of radioactive acid-soluble products from [1-14C]oleate in response to this agent. Noradrenaline increased the conversion of [1-14C]oleate into 14CO2 but failed to affect [1-14C]oleate esterification. When hepatocytes were incubated in a medium containing 1 mM EGTA but no Ca2+, the effects of noradrenaline on oleate oxidation were negated. On the other hand, noradrenaline-induced increase in glucose release remained unchanged even in the absence of Ca2+ in the incubation medium. Decrease in ketogenesis and increase in glucose release produced by vasopressin was completely abolished by calcium depletion. Noradrenaline caused a significant increase in cAMP levels in both the presence and absence of Ca2+, although the effect was more marked in the latter. Vasopressin did not affect it. The noradrenaline-induced increase in cAMP and glucose release in the absence of Ca2+ was also mediated by alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. These data are discussed and it is suggested that alpha 1-adrenergic agonists may control hepatic ketogenesis and glycogenolysis through two separate signal transduction mechanisms, i.e., a calcium-mobilizing system which is common with vasopressin, and a cAMP generation system which vasopressin lacks.

Effects of vasodilators on venous tone in vivo in dogs

The authors investigated, in vivo, the effects of four vasodilators on venous tone in dogs. Baseline venous tone was determined from the pressure: diameter relationships in the inferior vena cava (VSIVC) and femoral vein (VSFV) as measured during several seconds of occlusion of the proximal inferior vena cava. All of the slopes were nearly linear. All vasodilators were administered in dosages sufficient to lower blood pressure by approximately 20%; these dosages also decreased systemic vascular resistance by 15% to 30%. Isosorbide dinitrate reduced VSIVC from 7.17 +/- 0.81 to 5.81 +/- 0.73 mmHg/mm and VSIVC from 59.4 +/- 13.5 to 37.2 +/- 6.6 mmHg/mm. Neither nifedipine nor nisoldipine altered VSIVC or VSFV. However, prazosin decreased VSIVC from 13.2 +/- 3.3 to 10.7 +/- 2.7 mmHg/mm and VSFV from 43.5 +/- 11.3 to 29.9 +/- 8.8 mmHg/mm. These results suggest that isosorbide dinitrate and prazosin decrease venous tone in vivo, whereas nifedipine and nisoldipine do not.

Novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates: synthesis and antitumor activities

New antifolates, characterized by a 6-5 fused ring system, a pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine ring, and a trimethylene bridge at position 5 (12a,b and 13a,b) were designed and efficiently synthesized. The synthetic method included (1) construction of the key intermediary acyclic skeleton, 5-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)phenyl]- 2-(dicyanomethyl)pentanoates (6a,b), (2) cyclization with guanidine, followed by reduction to the pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives (8a,b and 9a,b), and (3) subsequent glutamate coupling and saponification. These antifolates were more growth-inhibitory by about 1 order of magnitude than methotrexate (MTX) against KB human epidermoid carcinoma cells and A549 human nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cells in in vitro culture. Growth inhibitory IC50 values for N-[4-[3-(2,4-diamino-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5- yl)propyl]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid (12a) against KB and A549 were 0.27 and 4.5 ng/mL, while those for MTX were 5.0 and 35 ng/mL, respectively. Other members of this class of antifolates, 12b and 13a,b, showed good activities nearly equal to that of 12a.

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in rat olfactory cells

Adenylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in the cilia, dendritic knob and axon of rat olfactory cells by using a strontium-based cytochemical method. The activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob was enhanced by non-hydrolyzable GTP (guanosine triphosphate) analogues and forskolin, and inhibited by Ca2+, all in agreement with biochemical reports of the odorant-sensitive adenylate cyclase. The results support the hypothesis of cyclic AMP working as a second messenger in olfactory transduction and imply that the transduction sites exist not only in the olfactory cilia but also in the dendritic knob. Enzymatic activity was also observed in the olfactory dendritic shaft by treating the tissue with 0.0002% Triton X-100, although the properties and role of the enzyme in this region are uncertain. The detergent inhibited the enzymatic activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob.

Hepatotoxicity of eugenol in mice depleted of glutathione by treatment with DL-buthionine sulfoximine

Eugenol is widely used as a food flavoring agent and a dental analgesic. Mice treated with eugenol (400-600 mg/kg, po) in combination with an inhibitor of glutathione (GSH) synthesis, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO; 1 hr before eugenol, 4 mmol/kg, ip) developed hepatotoxicity characterized by increases in relative liver weight and serum GPT, hepatic congestion, and centrilobular necrosis of hepatocytes. Eugenol (up to 600 mg/kg) alone produced no hepatotoxicity. Drug metabolism inhibitors such as carbon disulfide, methoxsalen, and piperonyl butoxide prevented or significantly reduced the hepatotoxic effect of eugenol given in combination with BSO. On the other hand, pretreatment with phenobarbital (PB) increased the hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that eugenol is activated by a cytochrome-P-450-dependent metabolic reaction and that the liver injury is caused by inadequate rates of detoxification of the resulting metabolite in mice depleted of hepatic GSH by BSO treatment.