[Effect of intrathecal pumping morphine on immunological function in rats with formalin pain]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immunological function in rats with formalin inflammatory pain through intrathecal pumping different dosages of morphine.

METHODS

Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 in each group): saline group (NS) and morphine group included M1 group (10 microg/h) , M2 group (5 microg/h), and M3 group (2.5 microg/h). Chronic intrathecal catheterization was performed under anesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate (300-350) mg/kg according to M2 group (5 microg/h) and M3 group (2. 5 microg/h). Chronic intrathecal catheterization was modified Yaksh's. After 7 days, pain intensity scoring (PIS) was utilized to assess antinociceptive effect of morphine. And spleens were aseptically removed to obtain splenic cells. T lymphocyte function was evaluated based on Concanavalin-A induced splenocyte proliferation. A modified lactic acid dehydrogenase release assay was used to assess NK cell activity. Phenotypic expression of cell surface markers of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, and CD4+ / CD8+ ) and NK cell ( CD161+) in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with the NS group, PIS of morphine group decreased obviously (P < 0.01) and was dose-dependent in the early and late phase of formalin pain, but there were no significant differences among morphine groups. Spleen index, splenocyte proliferation and NK cell activity were significantly suppressed by intrathecal pumping morphine. Phenotypic expression of T lymphocyte subsets and NK cell assessed by flow cytometry were different from the control group in all morphine groups.

CONCLUSION

There was significant antinociception of intrathecal pumping morphine. After intrathecal pumping different dosages of morphine (10 microg/h,5 microg/h, and 2.5 microg/h), the function of cellular immunity was suppressed and was dose-dependent.

IL-10 stimulatory effects on human NK cells explored by gene profile analysis

The molecular mechanisms underlying the increase of natural killer (NK) cell anticancer activity mediated by interleukin (IL)-10 have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify potential molecular mediators of IL-10 stimulatory effects by exploring the NK cell gene display induced by this cytokine. Gene profile was determined by high-throughput cDNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR. In vitro, NK cells resting or conditioned with IL-10 were tested for cytotoxicity, migration and proliferation. IL-10 enhanced mRNA levels of cell activation/cytotoxicity-related genes (eg secretogranin, TIA-1, HMG-1, interferon-inducible genes) not upregulated by IL-2. In line with these findings, IL-10 increased NK cell in vitro cytotoxicity against Daudi cells. Unlike IL-2, IL-10 did not show any significant effect on NK cell in vitro proliferation and migration. However, gene profile analysis showed that IL-10 increased the expression of cell migration-related genes (eg L-selectin, vascular endothelium growth factor receptor-1, plasminogen activator, tissue; formyl peptide receptor, lipoxin A4 receptor), which might support a stimulatory effect not evident with the in vitro functional assay. Overall, gene profiling allowed us to formulate new hypotheses regarding the molecular pathways underlying the stimulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells, supporting further investigation aimed at defining its role in cancer immune rejection.

[Oxidative and anti-oxidative effects of ambroxol on acute hydrochloric acid-induced lung injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the protective effect of ambroxol on acute hydrochloric acid-induced lung injury in rats.

METHODS

Thirty pathogen-free SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A (n=10) served as control group, and received intracheal instillation of normal saline (NS, pH5.3, 1.2 ml/kg) with pre-treatment of intraperitoneal NS; Group B (n=10) received intracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid /NS (pH1.25, 1.2 ml/kg) with pre-treatment of intraperitoneal NS; and Group C received intracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid /NS (pH1.25, 1.2 ml/kg) with pre-treatment of intraperitoneal ambroxol (50 mg/kg/d, 3 days). Five hours after the instillation of the injury vehicle, the arterial gas was examined, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood and homogenate of harvested lung were assayed respectively.

RESULTS

PaO2 in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group A and C (P < 0.01), and pH and PaCO2 in the 3 groups had little difference (P > 0.05). MDA in the lungs of Group B increased obviously, and levels of SOD in the lung and blood decreased significantly in Group B (Group B vs Group A, P < 0.01). Levels of SOD of Group C in the lung and blood were markedly higher than those of Group B (P < 0.01), MDA of Group C was obviously lower than that of Group B (P < 0.01), and MDA of blood in the 3 groups had no significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ambroxol can inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant activity, which may be one of the mechanisms in protecting lung tissue from hydrochloric acid-induced injury.

The genetic architecture of selection at the human dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene locus

Associations of the seven-repeat (7R) allele of the human dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene with both the personality trait of novelty seeking and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been reported. Recently, on the basis of the unusual DNA sequence organization of the DRD4 7R 48-bp tandem repeat (VNTR), we proposed that the 7R allele originated as a rare mutational event that increased to high frequency by positive selection. We now have resequenced the entire DRD4 locus from 103 individuals homozygous for 2R, 4R, or 7R variants of the VNTR, a method developed to directly estimate haplotype diversity. DNA from individuals of African, European, Asian, North and South American, and Pacific Island ancestry were used. 4R/4R homozygotes exhibit little linkage disequilibrium (LD) over the region examined, with more polymorphisms observed in DNA samples from African individuals. In contrast, the evidence for strong LD surrounding the 7R allele is dramatic, with all 7R/7R individuals (including those from Africa) exhibiting the same alleles at most polymorphic sites. By intra-allelic comparison at 18 high-heterozygosity sites spanning the locus, we estimate that the 7R allele arose prior to the upper Paleolithic era (approximately 40000-50000 years ago). Further, the pattern of recombination at these polymorphic sites is the pattern expected for selection acting at the 7R VNTR itself, rather than at an adjacent site. We propose a model for selection at the DRD4 locus consistent with these observed LD patterns and with the known biochemical and physiological differences between receptor variants.

Reducing atrazine losses: water quality implications of alternative runoff control practices

Water quality is being affected by herbicides, some allegedly harmful to human health. Under scrutiny is atrazine (1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine), a commonly used herbicide in corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production. Concentrations of soluble and adsorbed atrazine losses sometimes exceed the safe drinking water standard of 3 microg L(-1) established by the USEPA. This study assesses the protective implications of runoff control structures and alternative crop farming practices to minimize atrazine losses. Using a computerized simulation model, APEX, the following four practices were the most effective with respect to the average atrazine loss as a percent of the amount applied: (i) constructing sediment ponds, 0.09%; (ii) establishing grass filter strips, 0.14%; (iii) banding a 25% rate of atrazine, 0.40%; and (iv) constructing wetlands, 0.45%. Other atrazine runoff management options, including adoption of alternative tillage practices such as conservation and no-till as well as splitting applications between fall and spring, were marginally effective.

New approaches for studying and exploiting an old protuberance, the plant trichome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Much recent study of plant trichomes has focused on various aspects of glandular secreting trichomes (GSTs) and differentiation of simple trichomes. This Botanical Briefing will highlight: research on various aspects of, and manipulation of glandular secreting trichomes; molecular aspects of the differentiation and development of simple trichomes of arabidopsis and cotton; how methods for manipulation of model systems used in the above work can be applied to expand our understanding of less studied surface structures of plants.

SCOPE

The Briefing will cover: established and suggested roles of simple and glandular secreting trichomes; recent results regarding solute and ion movement in trichomes; methods for isolating trichomes; recent studies of trichome differentiation and development; attempts to modify metabolism in secreting trichomes; efforts to exploit trichomes for commercial and agronomic purposes.

Thrombus lysis by uPA, scuPA and tPA is regulated by plasma TAFI

The carboxypeptidase, TAFIa or CPU, is known to prolong plasma clot lysis by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and to have a role in thrombus stability in vivo. This current study examined lysis by urokinase (uPA) and single chain urokinase (scuPA) in addition to tPA. Further, we investigated the role of TAFIa in a model thrombus system, in which thrombi are formed under conditions of flow. We show that human thrombi, formed in vivo, and model thrombi both contain TAFI. No effect of thrombus TAFIa was observed in thrombus lysis assays, except when thrombi were bathed in plasma, in which case addition of potato tuber carboxypeptidase inhibitor (CPI) resulted in doubling of the rate of lysis. TAFIa inhibited lysis of model thrombi and plasma clots by uPA, scuPA in addition to lysis by tPA. The effect of TAFIa was more evident at high concentrations of plasminogen activator such as those used in thrombolytic therapy. Addition of plasminogen increased lysis and, in its presence, the enhancement by CPI was smaller. Thus the action of TAFIa could be partially overcome by plasminogen, whether lysis was by tPA, uPA or scuPA. This is consistent with TAFIa exerting its effect primarily through modifying the binding of plasminogen to fibrin and to a lesser extent through modification of the binding of tPA to fibrin.

Metabolomic profiling of sphingolipids in human glioma cell lines by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Sphingolipids participate in membrane structure and signaling in neuronal cells, and an emerging strategy for control of gliomas is to inhibit growth and/or induce apoptosis using ceramide and ceramide analogs. Nonetheless, some sphingolipids (ceramides and sphingosine) induce and others (sphingosine 1-phosphate) inhibit apoptosis; therefore, when testing putative anti-cancer agents, it is critical to obtain precise knowledge of the types and quantities of not only the test compounds, but also their effects on endogenous species. Combination of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry affords a "metabolomic" profile of all of the intermediates of ceramide biosynthesis (3-ketosphinganine, sphinganine and dihydroceramides) and the direct products of ceramide metabolism (sphingomyelins and monohexosylceramides as well as sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate). This method has been applied to four human glioma cell lines (LN18, LN229, LN319 and T98G), and differences in the amounts and types of sphingolipids were found. For example, LN229 and LN319 have approximately twice the sphingosine 1-phosphate of LN18 and T98G; LN229 and LN319 have more monohexosylceramides than lactosylceramides, whereas the opposite is the case for LN18 and T98G; and the fatty acyl chain distributions of the sphingolipids differ among the cell lines. The ability to obtain this type of "metabolomic" profile allows studies of how anti-cancer agents (especially sphingolipids and sphingolipid analogs) affect the amounts of these bioactive species, and may lead to a better understanding of the abnormal phenotypes of gliomas.

High prevalence of rare dopamine receptor D4 alleles in children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Associations have been reported of the 7-repeat (7R) allele of the human dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene with both the personality trait of novelty seeking and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The increased prevalence of the 7R allele in ADHD probands is consistent with the common variant-common disorder hypothesis, which proposes that the high frequency of many complex genetic disorders is related to common DNA variants. Recently, based on the unusual DNA sequence organization and strong linkage disequilibrium surrounding the DRD4 7R allele, we proposed that this allele originated as a rare mutational event, which nevertheless increased to high prevalence in human populations by positive selection. We have now determined, by DNA resequencing of 250 DRD4 alleles obtained from 132 ADHD probands, that most ADHD 7R alleles are of the conserved haplotype found in our previous 600 allele worldwide DNA sample. Interestingly, however, half of the 24 haplotypes uncovered in ADHD probands were novel (not one of the 56 haplotypes found in our prior population studies). Over 10 percent of the ADHD probands had these novel haplotypes, most of which were 7R allele derived. The probability that this high incidence of novel alleles occurred by chance in our ADHD sample is much less than 0.0001. These results suggest that allelic heterogeneity at the DRD4 locus may also contribute to the observed association with ADHD.

Use of laser scanning cytometry to study tumor microenvironment

The study of phenomena occurring in the tumor microenvironment is a challenging task because of technical difficulties, particularly when dealing with hypocellular specimens. Laser scanning cytometry (LSC) is a new laboratory technology that has been recently introduced to overcome the limitations of other traditional technologies. By combining the properties and the advantages of flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), LSC allows the investigator to obtain objective information on DNA content, protein expression and cellular localization is combination with morphological features. It has been already shown that LSC results are reliable compared to more traditional technologies, and its implementation in the clinical routine is under way. Its use in oncology, which is rapidly expanding, spans from apoptosis analysis to DNA content quantitation and tumor cell phenotyping. Here we describe the technology underlying this novel fluorescence-based device, review its use in oncology by dissecting the phenomena occurring in the tumor microenvironment and propose its application for the immunological follow-up of malignant lesions undergoing immunotherapeutic manipulation.

Assembly of alternating polycation and DNA multilayer films by electrostatic layer-by-layer adsorption

The assembly of alternating DNA and positively charged poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) multilayer films by electrostatic layer-by-layer adsorption has been studied. The real-time surface plasmon resonance (BIAcore) technique was used to characterize and monitor the formation of multilayer films in solution in real time continuously. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and UV-vis absorbance measurements were also used to study the film assembly, and linear film growth was observed. All the results indicate that the uniform multilayer can be obtained on the poly(ethylenimine)- (PEI-) coated substrate surface. The kinetics of the adsorption of DNA on PDDA surface was also studied by the real-time BIAcore technique; the observed rate constant was calculated using a Langmuir model (k(obs) = (1.28 +/- 0.08) x 10(-2) s(-1).

A new sensitive HPLC assay for methoxyamine and its analogs

Methoxyamine (MOA) and its analogs are polymerization regulators, building blocks and intermediates for agrichemicals and pharmaceuticals. MOA induces mutagenesis of nucleic acids and has been considered for anti-cancer and anti-virus therapy. It has been studied as a DNA repair modifier in anti-cancer therapy. HPLC procedures available in the literature for MOA are all based on electrochemical detection, which is not commonly available. This paper describes the development and validation of a HPLC assay with UV detection for MOA and its analogs. The analytes are first reacted with o-phthalaldehyde to form an oxime derivative before chromatography with an ODS column. Detection is achieved by UV at 254 nm. The chromatography resolves MOA from its decomposition products and analogs. The assay is reproducible (R.S.D. < 0.8%), linear (r(2) = 0.9997), and accurate (error < 1%). The method is sensitive and has a lower detection limit of 5 pmol (0.4 ng of MOA.HCl), which is comparable to that of electrochemical detection.

Advantages of mRNA amplification for microarray analysis

Expanding applications of cDNA microarrays such as fine needle aspiration biopsy and laser capture microdissection necessitate the ability to perform arrays with minute starting amounts of RNA. While methods for amplifying RNA have been advocated, the fidelity of array results using amplified material has not been fully validated. Here we demonstrate preserved fidelity in arrays using one or two rounds of mRNA amplification, validated by downstream real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the quality of the array data was superior to that obtained using total RNA. Based on these results, we recommend routine mRNA amplification for all cDNA microarray-based analysis of gene expression.

Altered urinary bladder function in mice lacking the vanilloid receptor TRPV1

In the urinary bladder, the capsaicin-gated ion channel TRPV1 is expressed both within afferent nerve terminals and within the epithelial cells that line the bladder lumen. To determine the significance of this expression pattern, we analyzed bladder function in mice lacking TRPV1. Compared with wild-type littermates, trpv1(-/-) mice had a higher frequency of low-amplitude, non-voiding bladder contractions. This alteration was accompanied by reductions in both spinal cord signaling and reflex voiding during bladder filling (under anesthesia). In vitro, stretch-evoked ATP release and membrane capacitance changes were diminished in bladders excised from trpv1(-/-) mice, as was hypoosmolality-evoked ATP release from cultured trpv1(-/-) urothelial cells. These findings indicate that TRPV1 participates in normal bladder function and is essential for normal mechanically evoked purinergic signaling by the urothelium.

Alteration in sphingolipid metabolism: bioassays for fumonisin- and ISP-I-like activity in tissues, cells and other matrices

The first discovered naturally occurring inhibitor of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis was fumonisin B1. There are now 11 identified fungal inhibitors of ceramide synthase or 'fumonisin B1-like' compounds. With the exception of the australifungins, all other fungal ceramide synthase inhibitors are structurally sphingoid-like. There are several recently discovered fungal inhibitors of another enzyme in the de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway: serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT). One of the SPT inhibitors is named ISP-I. While ceramide synthase inhibitors are toxic to animals, plants and fungi, the SPT inhibitors are not known to cause animal or plant disease, but are potent inhibitors of fungal growth. Very little is known about their toxicity in animals. There are at least 24 fungal SPT inhibitors produced by a variety of fungi. Given that the fungal inhibitors of sphingolipid biosynthesis are chemically and biologically diverse, two bioassays have been developed to screen for fumonisin-like or ISP-I-like activity in naturally contaminated products or fungal culture materials. These bioassays are based on the changes in free sphingoid base concentration that occur when the ceramide synthase or SPT are inhibited. The bioassays have the advantage that they are functionally rather than chemically specific and thus will detect ceramide synthase and SPT inhibitors regardless of their chemical structure.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery as a primary surgical treatment for hypersecreting pituitary adenomas

OBJECT

To estimate the efficacy of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) especially as a primary surgical treatment for hypersecreting pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

274 patients were treated with GKR. The mean tumor volume was 1.86 cm(3). The mean peripheral dose was 28.7 Gy.

RESULTS

223 patients were followed up for an average of 31.6 months. The dose related to the tumor growth control and endocrinological normalization was detailed and statistical analysis of the data was performed.

CONCLUSION

GKR as a primary surgical treatment for hypersecreting pituitary adenomas may be safe and effective.

Electrochemistry and spectroscopy study on the interaction of microperoxidase-11 with lipid membrane

The interaction of microperoxidase-11 (MP11) with cationic lipid vesicles of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) induces an alpha-helical conformation from random coil conformations in solution and this change then makes heme macrocycle more distorted. DDAB-induced MP11 conformations were investigated by cyclic votammetry (CV), circular dichroism (CD) and UV-vis spectrometry. All results indicate that the binding of MP11 in solution to DDAB vesicles and the ordered structure formation are driven by mostly electrostatic interaction between negatively charged residues in the undecapeptide and positively charged lipid headgroups on the membrane surface. Upon binding to DDAB, its half-peak potential was also changed. The mechanism of the interaction between MP11 and DDAB was also discussed.

Fabrication of layer-by-layer deposited multilayer films containing DNA and its interaction with methyl green

Multilayer films were fabricated by layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition techniques between poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) on glassy carbon and quartz substrates. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated the uniform assembly of PDDA/DNA multilayer films, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the elemental composition of the films. Moreover, the interaction of DNA in PDDA/DNA films with methyl green was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD).