Adenosine A2A antagonist: a novel antiparkinsonian agent that does not provoke dyskinesia in parkinsonian monkeys

Treatment of Parkinson's disease with L-dopa therapy leads to long-term complications, including loss of drug efficacy and the onset of dyskinesia. Adenosine A2A receptors in striatum are selectively localized to GABAergic output neurons of the striato-pallidal pathway and may avoid such problems. The novel adenosine A2A receptor antagonist KW-6002 has been examined for antiparkinsonian activity in MPTP-treated primates. Oral administration of KW-6002 reversed motor disability in MPTP-treated common marmosets in a dose-dependent manner. However, KW-6002 only modestly increased overall locomotor activity and did not cause abnormal movement, such as stereotypy. The ability of KW-6002 to reverse motor disability was maintained on repeated daily administration for 21 days, and no tolerance was observed. KW-6002 induced little or no dyskinesia in MPTP-treated primates previously primed to exhibit dyskinesia by prior exposure to L-dopa. These results suggest that selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists represent a new class of antiparkinsonian agents that improve disability without producing hyperactivity and without inducing dyskinesia.

Molecular dosimetry of DNA adducts in the medaka small fish model

Small fish models are being used with increasing frequency for carcinogenicity testing and comparative cancer research in the US, Canada and Europe. However, there is a need to further define the early biochemical events of carcinogenesis in these species. Identification and quantitation of DNA adducts can integrate all of the various factors involved in chemical exposure, uptake, distribution and biotransformation of a putative carcinogen. In the present study, Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to the alkylating agent, diethylnitrosamine (DEN), in the ambient water. Liver DNA was analyzed for O6-ethylguanine (O6EG), O4-ethylthymidine (O4ET) and O2-ethylthymidine (O2ET) by the immuno-slot-blot technique, using monoclonal antibodies against each adduct of interest. While fish exposed to 10 p.p.m. DEN had liver DNA adduct concentrations at or only slightly higher than background levels, those exposed to 100 p.p.m. DEN averaged 34 and 53 pmol O6EG/micromol guanine, 15 and 41 pmol O2ET/micromol thymidine and 2 and 6 pmol O4ET/micromol thymidine at 0 and 24 h post-exposure, respectively. The results of this study show that, under these short-term exposure conditions, ethyl-DNA adducts appear to accumulate in medaka liver tissue in a sublinear (i.e. non-linear) fashion after aqueous exposure to DEN. Thus, critical DNA repair enzymes such as O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase, which are relatively efficient at lower carcinogen levels, are probably saturated at the 100 p.p.m. concentration level of DEN.

Highly sensitive apurinic/apyrimidinic site assay can detect spontaneous and chemically induced depurination under physiological conditions

One of the most prevalent lesions in DNA is the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site, which is derived from the cleavage of the N-glycosyl bond by DNA glycosylase or by spontaneous depurination. AP sites are repaired by AP endonucleases during the process of base excision repair; however, an imbalance in this DNA repair system may cause mutations as well as cell death. We have established a sensitive and convenient slot-blot method to detect AP sites in genomic DNA using a novel aldehyde reactive probe (ARP), which reacts with the aldehydic group of ring-opened AP sites. The reaction of 1 mM of ARP with 15 microg of genomic DNA containing AP sites at 37 degrees C was completed within 1 min. The AP site-ARP complex was remarkably stable during incubation in TE buffer, even at 100 degrees C for 60 min. The sensitivity of this assay enables detection of 2.4 AP sites per 10(7) bases. By using this ARP-slot-blot assay, the rate of spontaneous depurination of calf thymus DNA was determined. Under physiological conditions, AP sites were increased at 1.54 AP sites/10(6) nucleotides/day (9000 AP sites/cell/day). This highly sensitive assay allows us to determine the endogenous level of AP sites in genomic DNA, as well as to investigate whether DNA-damaging agents cause imbalances of base excision/AP endonuclease repair in vivo and in vitro.

Histoculture drug response assay, a possible examination system for predicting the antitumor effect of aromatase inhibitors in patients with breast cancer

Histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) systems have been used in evaluating the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents for many kinds of advanced cancers. We have adapted the HDRA system to estimate the antitumor effect of aromatase (estrogen synthetase) inhibitors on breast cancer. Small pieces of breast cancer tissue specimens were placed onto a collagen-matrix filled with medium containing testosterone (a substrate for aromatase) or testosterone plus an aromatase inhibitor. At the end of culture, [3H]-thymidine incorporation was measured in aliquots of the histocultured specimens after 10 days culture. The increment of thymidine incorporation in testosterone-treated specimens to that of control provides an index of existence of aromatase and estrogen-dependency, since converted estradiol from added testosterone by aromatase stimulates the incorporation. The decrease in the index of "testosterone + aromatase inhibitor"/"testosterone" indicates the antitumor effect of the aromatase inhibitor on breast cancer. Twenty-one 25 breast cancer surgical specimens were successfully cultured, and 6 showed the increased incorporation of [3H]-thymidine by testosterone. Aromatase inhibitor blocked this stimulation in these 6 specimens. These results suggested that this antitumor effect is related to the inhibition of aromatase and the aromatase inhibitor would be effective for individual patients with breast cancer which responds to testosterone in this histoculture assay system. The histoculture technique we used here is therefore expected to be useful in predicting the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors for individual patients with breast cancer.

Pharmacokinetic models to evaluate radiolabeling reagents for protein radiopharmaceuticals

Pharmacokinetic models were constructed to further estimate the hepatic radioactivity levels derived from bifunctional chelating agents used for radiolabeling of proteins. Both galactosyl-neoglycoalbumin (NGA) and mannosyl-neoglycoalbumin (NMA) were labeled with (111)In using two benzyl-EDTA derivatives. Time-activity profiles for the liver with gallbladder, intestine, and blood after administration of (111)In-labeled NGAs in mice were simultaneously fitted to a multi-compartment model, and the first-order rate constants representing the disappearance from parenchymal cells were obtained. Similarly, a model composed of the blood and liver compartment was constructed, and the disappearance rate constants from nonparenchymal cells were calculated from the biodistribution studies following administrations of (111)In-labeled NMAs. Fitting curves showed good agreements with the experimental data. Each rate constant clearly distinguished the elimination rate of the respective radiometabolite from the liver cells. Thus, quantitative estimations of radiolabeling reagents were performed only by animal biodistribution studies, and the present pharmacokinetic analyses would be useful for screening of newly designed reagents for protein radiopharmaceuticals.

Application of capillary electrophoresis for the determination of inorganic ions in trace explosives and explosive residues

Capillary electrophoresis was developed for the analysis of low explosive residue, because a significant amount of inorganic anions and cations remain after deflagration. Certain high explosives, such as emulsion explosives, produce a vast quantity of inorganic ions after a blast and can readily be analyzed using capillary electrophoresis. Often, trace amounts of explosive residues may be present on physical evidence submitted in criminal cases. Trace amounts of inorganic ions such as nitrate, chlorate, and ammonium may be detected using capillary electrophoresis owing to the low detection limit of these species. The utility of capillary electrophoresis in the analysis of explosive residues is in its ability to simultaneously analyze trace explosives and ionic products present on physical evidence.

Effects of irradiation of an erbium:YAG laser on root surfaces

The application of erbium:YAG laser (Er:YAG) irradiation has been investigated for periodontal therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and to determine the laser's ability to remove lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Infrared spectrophotometry was used to investigate the effects of the laser on LPS applied to root dentin pellets. Premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were prepared for this study. The crowns were resected below the cemento-enamel junction, longitudinally sectioned, and the contents of the pulp chamber were removed. Then 15 root tips (5 x 5 x 1 mm) were classified into 3 groups of 5 each as follows: group 1, tips without any treatment; group 2, planed tips with the cement layers left untouched; and group 3, planed until the dentin surface was disclosed. The center of each specimen was used as the experimental irradiated area and the peripheral area served as a control. The quantity of vapor delivered by Er:YAG laser was highly increased, and the irradiated areas displayed little morphogenetic changes. The lyophilized sample LPS 0111 B4 from E. coli was then mixed with potassium bromide and pressed into a tablet, which was examined at 4,000-650 Kayser. The lyophilized LPS had a peak at 2.94 microns. LPS on the root dentin pellets was cleared away as much as possible by 150 washings in pyrogen-free water using an ultrasonic cleaner. Five microliters of 24 EU LPS solution was dropped on the root dentin pellets, which were then irradiated by the Er:YAG laser, and washed using the ultrasonic cleaner in pyrogen-free water. The amount of the extracted LPS solution was determined by spectrophotometer at 405 nm. The Er:YAG laser could remove 83.1% of the LPS. This study suggests that Er:YAG laser irradiation might be useful for root conditioning in periodontal therapy. However, clinical testing is necessary to establish what, if any, utility the Er:YAG laser has as a part of periodontal therapy.

Electroretinogram in sucrose-fed diabetic rats treated with an aldose reductase inhibitor or an anticoagulant

To investigate the role of increased polyol pathway activity and hemodynamic deficits in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of human NIDDM, were given water with or without 30% sucrose and some of them were fed laboratory chow containing 0.03% cilostazol, an anticoagulant, or 0.05% [5-(3-thienyl)tetrazol-1-yl] acetic acid monohydrate (TAT), an aldose reductase inhibitor, for 8 wk. Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as nondiabetic controls. The peak latencies of oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram in sucrose-fed OLETF rats were significantly prolonged compared with those in OLETF rats without sucrose feeding and LETO rats. There was a marked increase in platelet aggregability and a significant decrease in erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in sucrose-fed OLETF rats. Cilostazol significantly improved these parameters without changes in retinal levels of sorbitol and fructose. TAT, however, ameliorated all of these parameters. These findings confirm that the sucrose-fed OLETF rat is a useful animal model of retinopathy in human NIDDM and suggest that cilostazol improved diabetic retinopathy by modifying vascular factors, not by altering polyol pathway activity.

Evidence that the aberrant alpha 1-->2fucosyltransferase found in colorectal carcinoma may be encoded by Fuc-TIII (Le) gene

The accumulation of alpha 1-->2fucosylated antigens such as Le(b) and Y and the presence of aberrant alpha 1-->2 fucosyltransferase(s) (alpha 12FT) which showed new substrate specificities and must be involved in the accumulation of alpha 1-->2fucosylated antigens in colorectal carcinoma has been observed in our previous studies. In this study, we examined the substrate specificities of purified alpha 12FT from Colo201 cells and COS-1 cells transfected with the Fuc-TIII (Le) gene from a patient with colorectal carcinoma. It was demonstrated that activities of not only the Le gene related alpha 1-->3/4-fucosyltransferase but also the aberrant alpha 12FT were present in the purified preparation and in the extract of transfected COS-1 cells on which the Le(b) activity was expressed. These results suggested that the aberrant alpha 12FT was associated with the Le enzyme and that both enzymes could be encoded by the Fuc-TIII gene.

Transmission of human herpesvirus 7 through multigenerational families in the same household

BACKGROUND

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) closely resembles HHV-6 and to a lesser degree cytomegalovirus. HHV-7 infection is usually acquired during early childhood. Primary infection can cause a roseola-like illness but in most cases it is only mildly symptomatic. The majority of adults are seropositive and in contrast to HHV-6 and cytomegalovirus infection, they continue to secrete the virus in their saliva for many years. The mode of intrafamilial transmission of this virus is not well-understood.

METHODS

Saliva samples for virus isolation and DNA restriction analysis were obtained from all 47 members of 6 Japanese families, including 4 families with 3 generations living in the same household.

RESULTS

HHV-7 was isolated from 43 of 47 saliva samples collected from children and adult members of the 6 families (91.5%). In one family the restriction patterns of the maternal grandmother, the mother and the children were similar, and the patterns of the paternal grandmother and the father were similar. In another family the patterns of the father and 5 of 6 children were similar, and those of the mother and the other child were similar. Altogether similar HHV-7 restriction profiles with his or her mother were found in 48% of offspring, and similar profiles with his or her father were found in 28% of offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

The results strongly suggested horizontal transmission of HHV-7 from grandparents to parents to children through close contact within a household. Either parent could transmit HHV-7 to the children.

Effect of application volume and area on the absorption of phenol red, as a model drug, from the liver surface in rats

To determine the influence of the method of administration of a pharmaceutical formulation we have examined the importance of application volume and area in the absorption of phenol red, as a model drug, from the rat-liver surface. When 1 mg phenol red was applied to the rat-liver surface, in-vivo, in three volumes (0.1, 0.2 or 0.334 mL) using a cylindrical glass cell (i.d. 9 mm), the shape of the plasma concentration profile differed greatly, particularly the maximum concentration. These patterns were well fitted by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption, and the absorption-rate constant Ka obtained was inversely proportional to the application volume. The absorption ratio and biliary recovery of phenol red after 6 h increased with glass cell area (i.d. 6, 9 or 14 mm; area 0.28, 0.64 or 1.54 cm2). Furthermore, the permeability coefficient Papp derived from Ka did not depend on application area, indicating no difference in the absorption characteristics of the liver surface. This also implies transport of the drug by passive diffusion from the liver surface. After intraperitoneal administration to the rat-liver surface for clinical application, increasing the application volume resulted in the delayed disappearance of phenol red from the plasma. However, the difference was not as marked as that obtained by use of the glass cell. The assumption that the effective area relating to the absorption changed with the application volume enabled us to estimate Papp. Consequently, we speculate that absorbability can be estimated precisely by consideration of application volume and area.

Quantification of regional cerebral blood flow and vascular reserve in childhood moyamoya disease using [123I]IMP-ARG method

Both regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional vascular reserve (rVR) in ten childhood Moyamoya disease were quantified pre- and post-operatively by autoradiographic processing using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and N-isopropyl-rho-iodoamphetamine (IMP) (IMP-ARG method) to estimate hemodynamic effectiveness of surgical revascularization. Before surgery, in two patients, rCBF was reduced in the whole territories and loss of rVR in the anterior circulation was observed; +4.3% in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), -3.0% in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and +17.5% in posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territories. After surgery, in eight patients without transient ischemic attack (TIA) episodes, rCBF at rest was maintained around subnormal level in the whole territories, and mean rVR was up to +11.9, +17.3 and +28.3% in ACA, MCA and PCA territories, respectively. However, rVR in the anterior circulation was significantly reduced in comparison with rVR in the posterior circulation. Quantification of both resting rCBF and rVR using IMP-ARG method could provide reliable information concerning on surgical indication and its effectiveness in childhood Moyamoya disease.

Effects of glycemic control on plasma 3-deoxyglucosone levels in NIDDM patients

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the effects of glycemic control on the level of 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a reactive dicarbonyl compound, in plasma from diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting plasma samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers and 27 patients with NIDDM. Samples were collected from six poorly controlled patients before and after improved glycemic control for at least 2 months. Plasma 3-DG was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a 2,3-diaminonaphthalene derivative. We observed the relationship of 3-DG levels with plasma glucose or HbA1c levels and examined changes in 3-DG levels after glycemic control in the six patients.

RESULTS

Plasma 3-DG was significantly more increased in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic control subjects (31.8 +/- 11.3 vs. 12.8 +/- 5.2 ng/ml, means +/- SD, P < 0.001), but there was an approximately threefold difference in 3-DG levels among diabetic patients. 3-DG levels were well correlated with plasma glucose (r = 0.56, P < 0.005) and HbA1c levels (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) in diabetic patients. The improvement of hyperglycemia in six patients resulted in a significant decrease in 3-DG (35.2 +/- 13.2 vs. 21.3 +/- 3.4 ng/ml, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the plasma glucose level is a predominant determinant of the plasma 3-DG level in diabetic patients and good glycemic control would be important to reduce this reactive metabolite.

Ocular surface disorders in the critically ill

Abnormalities of the cornea and conjunctiva occur in association with neurological diseases, nocturnal lagophthalmos, coma, infection, and mechanical ventilation. We investigated the incidence and causes of ocular surface disorders in critically ill patients. In a retrospective study, the presence of conjunctivitis and corneal erosion was determined by reviewing the medical charts of 143 mechanically ventilated patients (intensive care unit [ICU] stay > or =7 days). In the subsequent prospective study, 15 patients who had sedatives or muscle relaxants administered continuously for more than 48 h in the ICU were investigated. Corneal erosion was examined using a slit lamp once a day. Ocular surface disorder was found in 28 of the 143 patients (20%) whose ICU stay exceeded 7 days. The incidence increased with continuous sedation (35% vs 15%). The incidence also increased with continuous neuromuscular blockade (39% vs 11%). In the prospective study, nine patients (60%) developed corneal erosion. A patient's inability to fully close his or her eyes increased the incidence (P < 0.01) of corneal erosion. Protective eyelid taping was effective in preventing and treating the corneal erosion. In conclusion, the critically ill often develop ocular surface disorders, especially when sedated and immobilized. A close relationship was observed between these conditions and the inability to close one's eyes.

Independence of two conformations of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase molecules in hydrolyzing acetyl phosphate. A two-pair model of the ATPase structural unit

The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase molecules have been shown to exist in two conformations (A and B) that result from intermolecular interaction of ATPase molecules (Nakamura, J., and Tajima, G. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17350-17354). The A form binds two calcium ions noncooperatively, whereas the B form binds the calcium ions cooperatively. Here, we examined the independence of these two forms in the calcium-activated hydrolysis of acetyl phosphate (AcP) under asynchronous and synchronous conditions of their E1-E2 transitions at 0-5 and 25 degrees C. Irrespective of their synchronism and temperature, the two forms hydrolyzed AcP due to calcium that was bound to each of the forms, indicating the independence of the two forms in hydrolyzing AcP. Taking into account the monomer-dimer transition of the ATPase molecules on the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane accompanying E1-E2 transition of the molecules (Dux, L., Taylor, K. A., Ting-Beall, H. P., and Martonosi, A. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 11730-11743), the two types of molecules seem to independently carry out such monomer-dimer transition of the same type of molecules. Two pairs, each consisting of the same type of molecules, are suggested to be the structural unit of the ATPase molecules.

Treatment of surgically induced acute liver failure by transplantation of conditionally immortalized hepatocytes

The shortage of human livers available for hepatocyte isolation limits its clinical application. The availability of cloned, conditionally immortalized hepatocytes that could be grown in culture but would lose their transformed phenotype and provide metabolic support upon transplantation would greatly facilitate the treatment of acute liver failure. Toward this goal, we transduced isolated Lewis rat hepatocytes using a replication-defective recombinant retrovirus capable of transferring a gene encoding a thermolabile mutant simian virus 40 T antigen (SV40ts). The cloned, immortalized hepatocytes proliferate at 33 degrees C. At the nonpermissive temperatures (37-39 degrees C), they stop growing and exhibit characteristics of differentiated hepatocytes. These cells did not produce tumors when transplanted in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease or in syngeneic rats. To induce acute liver failure, Lewis rats were subjected to 90% hepatectomy (Hpx) and given 5% oral dextrose. All rats that did not undergo hepatocyte transplantation died within 96 hr. Fifty percent of rats that received intrasplenic injection of 10 x 10(6) primary Lewis rat hepatocytes (G2, n=6) or 10 x 10(6) SV40ts-conditionally immortalized (SV40ts-ci) hepatocytes (G3, n=8) 1 day before 90% hepatectomy survived, whereas 80% of rats that received an intraperitoneal injection of 200 x 10(6) primary Lewis rat hepatocytes (G4, n=10) or 200 x 10(6) SV40ts-ci hepatocytes (G5, n=10) on the day of hepatectomy survived. Survival after intraperitoneal injection of a cellular homogenate of 200 x 10(6) primary Lewis rat (G7, n=9) or SV40ts-ci hepatocytes (G8, n=10) on the day of Hpx was 33% and 40%, respectively, whereas survival after intraperitoneal injection of 200 x 10(6) Lewis rat bone marrow cells (G6, n=7) was 29%. Thus, transplanted, conditionally immortalized hepatocytes can be as effective as primary hepatocytes in supporting life during acute liver insufficiency. This work represents the first step in developing an hepatocyte cell line that would partially alleviate the organ-donor shortage and could be of potential clinical value.

Inhibition of azoxymethane-initiated colon tumor by bovine lactoferrin administration in F344 rats

The influence of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on colon carcinogenesis was investigated in male F344 rats treated with azoxymethane (AOM). Following three weekly injections of AOM, the animals received 2 or 0.2% bLF for 36 weeks. No effects indicative of toxicity were noted, but significant reduction in both the incidence and number of adenocarcinomas of the large intestine was observed with both doses. Thus, the incidences of adenocarcinomas in the groups receiving 2% and 0.2% bLF were 15% and 25%, respectively, in contrast to the 57.5% control value (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The results indicate that bLF might find application for chemoprevention of colon cancer.

[Codes and names of clinical laboratory tests and shared interlaboratory databases]

Physicians need to combine and compare laboratory data for one patient results from many laboratories and hospital officers and policy makers also need to merge them form the view point of public health. As there are many different codes used by different sources for the same test, it is impossible to transmit results using electronic massage standards. This problem would not exist if all laboratories used the same universal set of test identifiers. Public use sets of codes and names of clinical laboratory tests are available. We have to select and use them properly. We proposed a project to have a systematizing guideline for laboratory systems not for rationalization of laboratory works but for sharing database to assess appropriate laboratory use.

Glutathione alters the mode of calcium-mediated regulation of adenylyl cyclase in membranes from mouse brain

We examined the effect of sulfhydryl compounds on the regulation of adenylyl cyclase by calcium in mouse cerebrum membranes. Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (IP-AC) activity in the membranes was increased by addition of the optimum concentrations of calcium/calmodulin. However, in the presence of 0.01-0.07 mM glutathione (GSH), calcium/calmodulin inhibited the activity. At high concentrations of GSH (1-10 mM), the IP-AC activity was stimulated by calcium/calmodulin to a greater extent than that in the control (no GSH). Cysteine at less than 1.7 mM induced a similar inhibition of the IP-AC activity, but dithiothreitol did not. The activity of IP-AC measured in the absence of calmodulin decreased when calcium levels were greater than 300 microM. GSH at 0.05 mM enhanced the calcium-dependent inhibition (22% inhibition by 200 microM calcium), while 10 mM GSH lowered it. Calmodulin itself had no significant effect on the IP-AC activity, irrespective of the concentrations of GSH involved. It caused a small increase in the IP-AC activity that had been reduced by the presence of calcium and GSH. These results indicate that the redox status of sulfhydryls in adenylyl cyclase plays an important role in the calcium-mediated regulation of the enzyme. The enzyme becomes much more sensitive to the calcium-dependent inhibition after partial reduction of the sulfhydryls via the particular mode of reactin.