Antibacterial activity and inhibition of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli by antisense DNA analogs

Protein synthesis, which takes place within ribosomes, is essential for the survival of any living organism. Ribosomes are composed of both proteins and RNA. Specific interaction between the 3' end CCUCC sequence of prokaryotic 16S rRNA and a partially complementary sequence preceding the initiating codon of mRNA is believed to be a prerequisite for initiation of protein synthesis. Here we report the use of short (three to six nucleotides) synthetic DNA analogs complementary to this sequence to block protein synthesis in vitro and in vivo in Escherichia coli. In the DNA analogs the normal phosphodiester bond in the antisense DNA was replaced by methylcarbamate internucleoside linkages to enhance transport across plasma membranes. Of the analogs tested, those with the sequence AGG and GGA inhibit protein synthesis and colony formation by E. coli strains lacking an outer cell wall. Polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000) was attached to the 5' end of some of the test methylcarbamate DNAs to enhance solubility. Analogs of AGG and GGAG with PEG 1000 attached inhibited colony formation in normal E. coli. These analogs may be useful food additives to control bacterial spoilage and biomedically as antibiotics.

Cardiovascular reflex responses in Bangladeshi and European subjects

1. Cardiovascular responses to three different interventions, namely the Valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing and a cold stimulus on the face, were studied in two ethnic groups (European and Bangladeshi) that have been shown to differ in the prevalence of hypertensive-vascular disease. The data obtained consisted of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate measured by using a beat-by-beat non-invasive blood pressure monitor (the Finapres), forearm blood flow determined by venous occlusion plethysmography, and calculated forearm vascular resistance. 2. The resting haemodynamic status was similar in European and Bangladeshi subjects. However, Bangladeshi subjects showed a greater increase in heart rate, but only after 20 s into the Valsalva manoeuvre, and greater overshoots in mean blood pressure after the manoeuvre than the European subjects. Furthermore, after cold face stimulation the fall in forearm vascular resistance to baseline levels was delayed in Bangladeshi subjects relative to that in the European subjects. 3. There were no inter-group differences in the reflex bradycardia relative to mean blood pressure or in the cardiac baroreflex sensitivity estimated from systolic blood pressure and pulse interval after the Valsalva manoeuvre. In addition, values for the mean difference between maximum and minimum pulse intervals during deep breathing did not differ in Bangladeshi and European subjects. 4. These findings together suggest that, although cardiac vagal reflex responses appear similar in the two groups, sympatho-adrenal influences on the heart and vasculature may be greater in Bangladeshi subjects than in European subjects.

Studies on glycosylated plasma proteins in diabetic patients

The level of glycosylated haemoglobin in the blood is considered as an index of long term blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Glycosylation of structural proteins also occur. The present study describes the levels of glycosylated blood proteins (nonenzymatic) and blood glycoproteins (enzymatic glycosylation) in four groups of diabetic patients (n = 80) as well as non-diabetic control subjects (n = 20). The patients were divided according to the treatment they received. Glycosylated haemoglobin, glycosylated plasma proteins, fasting plasma glucose, hexosamine, sialic acid and mucoproteins were measured in each subject. All of these measurements were significantly increased in diabetic patients however, glycoproteins were not significantly correlated with glycosylated haemoglobin or fasting glucose.

Effects of hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions on neutrophil superoxide production

Superoxide produced by neutrophils plays an important role in the killing of bacterial pathogens. The effects of glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions on superoxide production by canine and human neutrophils were studied. A significant decrement in superoxide generation was noted with the 2.27% and 3.86% glucose solutions. The results suggest that hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions curtail neutrophil superoxide generation.

Nuclease S1 mapping of 16S ribosomal RNA in ribosomes

Escherichia coli 16S rRNA and 16S-like rRNAs from other species have several universally conserved sequences which are believed to be single-stranded in ribosomes. The quantitative disposition of these sequences within ribosomes is not known. Here we describe experiments designed to explore the availability of universal 16S rRNA sequences for hybridization with DNA probes in 30S particles and 70S ribosomes. Unlike previous investigations, quantitative data on the accessibility of DNA probes to the conserved portions of 16S rRNA within ribosomes was acquired. Uniquely, the experimental design also permitted investigation of cooperative interactions involving portions of conserved 16S rRNA. The basic strategy employed ribosomes, 30S subunits, and 16S rRNAs, which were quantitatively analyzed for hybridization efficiency with synthetic DNA in combination with nuclease S1. In deproteinated E. coli 16S rRNA and 30S subunits, the regions 520-530, 1396-1404, 1493-1504, and 1533-1542 are all single-stranded and unrestricted for hybridization to short synthetic DNAs. However, the quantitative disposition of the sequences in 70S ribosomes varies with each position. In 30S subunits there appear to be no cooperative interactions between the 16S rRNA universal sequences investigated.

New, potent cocaine analogs: ligand binding and transport studies in rat striatum

Two potent cocaine analogs have been developed that have the highest known affinities for the cocaine binding site in rat striatum. Both 3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)- (RTI-COC-31) and 3 beta-(4-methylphenyl)-tropane-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (RTI-COC-32) compete for [3H]WIN 35,428 and [3H]mazindol binding with a IC50 that is 100 times more potent than that of (-) cocaine. Additionally, these compounds inhibit [3H]dopamine uptake with a similar, high potency. These results may lead to the development of high affinity probes for the cocaine binding site.

Superoxide generation by neutrophils after exposure to a conventional peritoneal dialysis solution for different time periods

Neutrophils were isolated from canine blood and exposed to a conventional, acidic, lactate-containing peritoneal dialysis solution for 0, 2 and 4 minutes in one study and 0, 4, 7 and 10 minutes in another. Superoxide generation, expressed in nanomoles per million cells, was determined using a method based on the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c. Brief exposure of neutrophils to a conventional dialysis solution could significantly inhibit the generation of superoxide by neutrophils.

Changes in glycosylated proteins in long-term complications of diabetes mellitus

Increased glycosylation of various proteins in diabetic patients has been reported by many authors. In the present study, the extent of non-enzymatic glycosylation in diabetic patients with or without chronic complications was investigated. Eighty-five diabetic patients were studied, 20 were without any clinical evidence of chronic complications while the remainder were suffering from cataract (n = 18), retinopathy (n = 16), peripheral neuropathy (n = 16) and cardiovascular complications like angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and hypertension (n = 15). All patients were selected on clinical grounds. Fifteen apparently healthy subjects of similar age and weight were studied as control subjects. Fasting plasma glucose was increased in all diabetic patients and correlated significantly with glycosylated hemoglobin, glycosylated plasma protein and serum fructosamine concentrations. There was no significant difference between diabetic patients with or without chronic complications in the levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated plasma proteins, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum fructosamine, mucoprotein, hexosamine, sialic acid and fucose. Alpha-2 globulin fraction was increased in both uncomplicated and complicated diabetic patients and albumin was found to be decreased in patients with cataract, peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Alpha-1 and beta globulins were significantly decreased in patients with cardiovascular diseases and retinopathy respectively while gamma globulin was increased in retinopathy patients. In uncomplicated diabetic patients alpha-1 glycoprotein was decreased and gamma glycoprotein was increased. In diabetic patients with retinopathy, alpha-1 glycoprotein was elevated significantly while beta glycoprotein was decreased.

Lung function in teenage Bangladeshi boys and girls

Data on forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate were obtained in a group of 588 healthy and well-nourished (but not obese) Bangladeshi teenagers to establish normal values in this population. Bangladeshi girls in their early teens showed higher peak expiratory flow rates than boys of the same age but while this continued to rise in boys after the age of 15 years the peak expiratory flow rate in girls seemed to have attained its maximum values by that age. Correlations between sitting height and the lung function variables were found to be marginally greater than those with standing height. Prediction equations were calculated for each lung function variable with sitting and standing separately. Comparison of the results in our study with those reported from other ethnic groups indicate that Bangladeshi values are lower than those of Europeans, Jordanians or Chinese but not significantly different from those reported for Libyans. Since in practice, genetic, nutritional and environmental factors are not readily disentangled, norms for a given study population need to be derived from healthy subjects of similar background and ethnicity.

The effects of propranolol or atenolol on the cardiovascular responses to central hypovolaemia in Europeans and Bengalees

1. The effects of single oral doses of propranolol (80 mg), or atenolol (100 mg) on resting heart rate, blood pressure, forearm blood flow and forearm vascular resistance and on responses to central hypovolaemia, were compared with those of placebo in nine healthy European and nine healthy Bengalee volunteers, in a double-blind, three-period, cross-over study. 2. Atenolol induced a significant reduction in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) in Europeans but not in Bengalees, although the bradycardic effects of atenolol were similar in both groups. Atenolol did not have any significant effect on forearm blood flow (FBF) or forearm vascular resistance (FVR) in either group. In the presence of propranolol (80 mg) there were no statistically significant falls in BP but there were significant bradycardias, falls in FBF and rises in FVR that were similar in Europeans and Bengalees. 3. In the presence of placebo Europeans exhibited significant falls in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) of 20 and 30 mm Hg. Bengalees did not show falls in DBP during LBNP. However, there were no significant differences between DBP responses in Europeans and Bengalee subjects. Both Bengalees and European subjects showed similar reductions in FBF and FVR during LBNP of 30 mm Hg. 4. In the presence of propranolol, significant changes in forearm blood flow and forearm vascular resistance were evident in Bengalee subjects during LBNP of 20 mm Hg and 30 mm Hg, whereas in the Europeans significant changes in those variables did not occur at any level. The changes in FBF and FVR during LBNP of 20 and 30 mm Hg in Bengalee and European subjects were significantly different.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carbohydrate tolerance status in patients with myocardial infarction

Hyperglycemia is an important independent risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease. Sixty one patients suffering from chronic and acute myocardial infarction out of which 12 patients were diabetic and 10 normal control subjects were investigated. The patients without diabetes and control subjects were subjected to oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests. It was observed that the post load glucose level of most of the patients and fasting insulin level of patients without diabetes were higher as compared with control subjects. From the intravenous glucose tolerance test, half life of glucose and glucose assimilation coefficient were determined. Half life of glucose was increased significantly and glucose assimilation coefficient was decreased in the patients with myocardial infarction as compared with those of control subjects. The observations confirm that carbohydrate intolerance in myocardial infarction is not due to suppression of insulin secretion but due to peripheral utilization.

Multiple tuberculous bone lesions simulating metastatic disease

A case history is presented for a patient who developed multiple bone lesions, mainly in ribs and spine. The lesions were suspected to be due to disseminated carcinoma but the diagnosis of tuberculosis was proven by biopsy and culture.

Effects of bicarbonate-containing versus lactate-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions on superoxide production by human neutrophils

Human neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers and exposed to either bicarbonate-containing (pH 7.4) or lactate-containing (pH 5.2) peritoneal dialysis solution in vitro. Superoxide production by neutrophils was measured by a method based on the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c. Bicarbonate-containing peritoneal dialysis solution was found to be superior to the lactate-containing one in facilitating the production of superoxide anion by human neutrophils.

Contrast media-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat kidney

Lipid peroxidation of biological membranes is often implicated in tissue injury. The authors compared the effects of ionic and nonionic contrast media (CM) on the induction of lipid peroxidation in rat kidney and its impact on renal function. Male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 230 grams were dehydrated for 24 hours and divided into 6 groups (n = 15/group). On day 0, groups 1 through 3 were injected with 25% glycerol (10 mL/kg, im) and rats from groups 4 through 6 received an equivalent amount of intramuscular saline. The next day, rats from groups 1 and 4 were injected with normal saline (10 mL/kg, iv); groups 2 and 5 received the ionic CM, diatrizoate, and groups 3 and 6 received the nonionic CM, iopromide. Each CM was tested at 10 mL/kg BW. At 24-hour intervals, 5 rats from each group were sacrificed. In rats injected with CM (diatrizoate or iopromide) alone, no changes in serum creatinine or kidney structure were demonstrated. In glycerol treated rats, a peak in serum creatinine was seen on day 2 which returned to normal level by day 4. Histologic changes included focal tubular damage and intraluminal debris. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation concentration was higher than in controls (P less than 0.05). In diatrizoate-injected rats, increase in serum creatinine on day 4 was ten times higher than glycerol; severe morphological alterations in proximal tubules were noted and significant increases in renal MDA concentration were obtained (P less than .05). Iopromide (on day 4), caused a five-fold increase in serum creatinine compared with glycerol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhanced antibody responses to Epstein-Barr virus in HIV-infected homosexual men

We investigated the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in 593 homosexual men. The status of EBV infection in this group was evaluated based on serological evidence of EBV-specific antibody responses. The geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibody to EBV capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) (1:154) and EBV early antigen (EA) (1:16) in 141 HIV-seropositive men were significantly higher than respective titers in 452 HIV seronegative men (1:95 and 1:12). Antibody titers to EBV were higher in HIV-infected men with lymphadenopathy than in asymptomatic HIV-seropositive men. However, these correlation were less evident in patients with AIDS-related complex. Elevated antibody titers to EBV were found to be independent of levels of total serum IgG. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody titers were also found to be significantly increased among HIV-seropositive men, independent of total IgG. Antibody titers to EBV were not correlated with those to CMV in either HIV-seronegative or HIV-seropositive men. Subjects without evidence of HIV infection, but who had high antibody titers to EBV-VCA and EBV-EA, had elevated mean numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells, and lower levels of CD4+/CD8+ cell ratios compared to subjects with low EBV-antibody titers. This study suggests that the elevated levels of circulating antibodies against EBV in homosexual men are associated with loss of control of latent EBV due to HIV infection.

Role of prostaglandins and thromboxane in the control of renal hemodynamics in experimental liver cirrhosis

Although there is considerable evidence that vasodilator prostaglandins such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) modulate renal hemodynamics in liver cirrhosis, the role of the vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is controversial. We measured renal hemodynamics and glomerular eicosanoid production in cirrhotic and control rats. Renal plasma flow, as estimated by para-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH) and glomerular filtration rate, as determined by inulin clearance (CIN), were comparable between groups; glomerular production of PGE2 and TXA2 (estimated by the metabolite thromboxane B2 [TXB2]) was slightly but not significantly higher in cirrhotic than in control rats (PGE2: 1060 +/- 142 pg/mg glomerular protein vs 854 +/- 288 pg/mg glomerular protein; TXB2: 782 +/- 103 pg/mg glomerular protein vs 468 +/- 104 pg/mg glomerular protein). Addition of serum from cirrhotic rats to the incubation media failed to increase eicosanoid production in glomeruli obtained from either cirrhotic or control rats. Cyclooxygenase inhibition with 5 mg/kg indomethacin, a dose sufficient to result in a 68% inhibition of glomerular PGE2 synthesis, decreased both CPAH (from 6.59 +/- 0.69 ml/min to 4.52 +/- 0.67 ml/min, p less than 0.05) and CIN (from 1.34 +/- 0.16 ml/min to 0.68 +/- 0.07 ml/min, p less than 0.01) in cirrhotic rats. Thromboxane synthesis inhibition with 1 mg/kg UK-38485, which resulted in an 84% decrease in glomerular TXB2, did not significantly affect either CPAH or CIN; however, there was a strong trend toward improvement in CIN (from 1.23 +/- 0.11 ml/min to 1.43 +/- 0.15 ml/min (0.05 less than p less than 0.1). Neither drug affected renal hemodynamics in control rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hydroxyl radical scavengers ameliorate proteinuria in rat immune complex glomerulonephritis

We examined the effect of the administration of different oxygen radical scavengers on the development of glomerulonephritis induced by cationic bovine gamma-globulin (cBGG). Treatment with the H2O2 scavenger catalase or the superoxide anion (O2-) scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not significantly reduce proteinuria. In contrast, treatment with the hydroxyl radical (OH.) scavengers dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylthiourea resulted in significant decrements in proteinuria, from 156 +/- 20 mg/24 hours in saline solution--treated control rats to 70 +/- 17 mg/24 hours (p less than 0.05) and 37 +/- 10 mg/24 hours (p less than 0.01) in DMSO- and dimethylthiourea-treated rats, respectively. Therapy with DMSO for 5 days after induction of glomerular disease also resulted in amelioration of proteinuria, 10.0 +/- 5.0 mg/24 hours versus saline solution-treated rats, 67.6 +/- 16.2 mg/24 hours (p less than 0.005). OH. scavenger therapy did not influence glomerular morphology, glomerular immunoglobulin G (IgG), or complement deposition, or creatinine clearances of rats with glomerulonephritis. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in serum levels of C3 and C5 or anti-BGG antibody production between DMSO-treated rats and control rats. None of the radical scavengers administered altered the enhanced glomerular thromboxane synthesis characteristic of this model. Our results suggest that OH. generation mediates in part glomerular injury in cBGG-induced glomerulonephritis.

Complement and leukocyte independent proteinuria and eicosanoid synthesis in rat membranous nephropathy

We examined the effect of complement depletion and leukocyte depletion on an experimental model of membranous nephropathy. Nephrosis was induced in 200-gm male Sprague-Dawley rats by priming with cationic bovine gamma-globulin in adjuvant on day 1 followed by intravenous challenge with antigen starting on day 10. No naive control rats had immunofluorescent deposits in glomeruli; urine protein was less than 10 mg/24 hour and glomerular thromboxane synthesis was 658 +/- 64 ng/mg glomerular dry weight. In contrast, all rats primed and challenged with cationic bovine gamma-globulin had intense granular capillary wall deposits of rats IgG, bovine gamma-globulin, C3 and C5; severe proteinuria (183 +/- 24 mg/24 hour) was observed, associated with a 3-fold increase in glomerular thromboxane (2,393 +/- 574 ng/mg, all p less than 0.01 versus naive controls). In some rats, administration of cobra venom factor and antiserum to rat C3, starting on day 8 was used to deplete complement; hemolytic C3 and C5 were less than 2% of normal at sacrifice. These rats had IgG and bovine gamma-globulin deposits, whereas they lacked glomerular C3 or C5. Proteinuria (209 +/- 28 mg/24 hour) and glomerular thromboxane (2,087 +/- 394 ng/mg) were markedly increased compared with control, but no different from normocomplementemic rats primed and challenged with cationic bovine gamma-globulin. In other rats, depletion of leukocytes was achieved by 1,000 R x-irradiation on day 7; at sacrifice, irradiated rats had 1,270 +/- 462 wbc/microliter versus 10,375 +/- 1,652 in nephrotic rats given no other treatment, with unaltered differentials. These rats had glomerular deposits of rat IgG, bovine gamma-globulin, C3 and C5 indistinguishable from nephrotic rats with normal leukocyte counts in intensity and distribution. Proteinuria (202 +/- 30) and glomerular thromboxane (2,358 +/- 189 ng/mg) were markedly elevated compared with naive controls, but were not different from the normocomplementemic or complement-depleted groups primed and challenged with antigen. An additional control group included rats primed with ovalbumin on day 1, irradiated with 1,000 R on day 7, and challenged with cationic bovine gamma-globulin starting on day 10. This group had granular capillary wall deposits of bovine gamma-globulin, but not deposits of IgG, C3, or C5; urine protein excretion (less than 10 mg/24 hours) and glomerular thromboxane synthesis (613 +/- 90) were not different from naive controls. Glomerular prostaglandin E2 synthesis did not differ among the five groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Suppression of neutrophil superoxide production by conventional peritoneal dialysis solution

The pH of conventional peritoneal dialysis solution is normally in the range of 5.0 to 5.5, because acid has been added during the manufacturing process to prevent caramelization of dextrose during sterilization. We studied the effects of normalizing the pH of conventional peritoneal dialysis solution on superoxide production by normal human neutrophils. At a pH of 6.0, superoxide generation was 4.07 +/- 2.56 (SD) nanomoles per million cells. With normalization of pH to 7.4, superoxide production was 19.3 +/- 7.3 (p less than 0.001). The results suggest that the unphysiologic acidity of conventional peritoneal dialysis solution has deleterious consequences on neutrophil superoxide formation.

Studies on malabsorption in malnourished Pakistani children

Malnutrition is a common finding in Pakistan especially in children of low socio-economic class. Impairment of digestion and absorption makes the diet inefficient at fulfilling the requirements of the child and leads to malnutrition. Earlier work from this laboratory has shown that feeding a high-protein diet to children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) did not improve their condition. In the present study forty-two malnourished children and seventeen control subjects were investigated. They were divided into five groups, i.e. fibrocystic disease of the pancreas (n = 9), coeliac disease (n = 17), lactose intolerance (n = 5), PEM (n = 5) and nonspecific diarrhoea (n = 6) on the basis of history, clinical impression and biochemical findings. They were from 6 months to 12 years of age. The majority of them were suffering from diarrhoea, distension of the abdomen and retardation of growth. All children were physically examined and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Changes in hair in the form of sparseness, dyspigmentation and easy pluckability were observed in all groups. In PEM, 80% of the cases had enlarged livers. All children had reduced weight and height as compared with the control group. Haemoglobin, total protein and serum albumin showed a decrease and the fall was greatest in PEM cases as compared with the control group. The excretion of alpha-amino nitrogen increased in PEM children while hydroxyproline and creatinine levels showed a decrease as compared with the control group. The hydroxyproline index, which signifies the growth rate, was also significantly lower in all groups. Xylose and lactose tolerance tests were performed after an oral dose of xylose or lactose respectively. The xylose concentration after the test dose was reduced with the lowest values in the coeliac disease group as compared with the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of diet on transaminase and arginase activities

The composition of the diet greatly influences the enzyme activities of the liver. The effect of low carbohydrate diet on AST, ALT and arginase activities in liver and serum of rats was determined in the present study. Liver ALT and serum AST were significantly increased in animals fed on low carbohydrate diet, the activities of other enzymes remained unchanged.

Increased leukotriene B4 synthesis in immune injured rat glomeruli

We examined glomerular synthesis of the 5-lipoxygenase metabolite, LTB4, in normal and immune-injured rat glomeruli. Glomeruli isolated from normal rats and from rats with nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NSN), passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) and cationic bovine gamma globulin (CBGG)-induced glomerulonephritis were incubated with the calcium ionophore A23187 (3 microM). Lipids in the glomeruli and media were extracted with ethyl acetate, and were purified and fractionated by HPLC. Immunoreactive-LTB4 (i-LTB4) was determined by radioimmunoassay on HPLC fractions with a detection limit of 50 pg of i-LTB4. A large peak of i-LTB4 that comigrated with authentic LTB4 was found exclusively in glomeruli isolated from the CBGG-injected rats. Addition of the lipoxygenase inhibitor BW755C (50 micrograms/ml) to glomerular incubation resulted in greater than 90% inhibition of i-LTB4. Synthesis of i-LTB4 by glomeruli from normal, NSN and PHN rats was undetectable. Glomerular LTB4 synthesis by CBGG-injected rats was confirmed by radiometric HPLC and by gas chromatography mass-spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. In order to rule out synthesis of LTB4 by neutrophils entrapped in the glomeruli, a group of rats received 1,000 rad total body x irradiation, with shielding of the kidneys before induction of CBGG glomerulonephritis. Despite greater than 95% reduction in total leukocyte count, glomerular synthesis of LTB4 remained enhanced. Augmented glomerular synthesis of the proinflammatory lipid, LTB4, in the CBGG model of glomerular disease could have an important role in the development of glomerular injury and proteinuria.