[Crude drugs from aquatic plants. III. Quantitative analysis of triterpene constituents in alismatis rhizoma by means of high performance liquid chromatography on the chemical change of the constituents during alismatis rhizoma processing]

As a series of study on the evaluation of Alismatis Rhizoma and the chemical characterization of the processing, a quantitative method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for ten triterpene constituents, alisols A, A monoacetate, B, B monoacetate, E 23-acetate, F, and G and 13,17-epoxyalisol A, 11-deoxyalisols B and B 23-acetate, has been developed. By the use of this HPLC method, the contents of these triterpenes in various Alismatis Rhizoma and the fresh rhizoma of Alisma oriental JUZEPC, originated from in China, Taiwan, and Japan were examined. Furthermore, the chemical change of the triterpene constituents during the drying process of the rhizoma of Alisma oriental has been investigated and it was found that the bioactive triterpenes of Alismatis Rhizoma such as alisol A and alisol A monoacetate were artificially formed during the drying process.

Total synthesis of a novel immunosuppressant, myriocin (thermozymocidin, ISP-I), and Z-myriocin

Myriocin (thermozymocidin, ISP-I), which was known to exhibit several interesting biological properties such as potent immunosuppressive and antifungal activities, and a new analog Z-myriocin were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-glucose. This synthetic pathway comprises a stereoselective formation of the chiral alpha, alpha-disubstituted amino acid structure in myriocin and Z-myriocin from the isopropylidene six-membered ketone by using a modified Darzen reaction as its key step.

Interleukin-1 beta production in the rabbit brain during endotoxin-induced fever

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) production in the brain and the spleen was investigated in rabbits made febrile by intravenous (I.V.) injection of endotoxin, or human recombinant IL-1 beta (hIL-1 beta). The endotoxin used in the present study was the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhosa endotoxin. Monophasic fever was induced by I.V. injection of a low dose of LPS (0.02 micrograms kg-1) and biphasic fever by I.V. injection of a large dose of LPS (4 micrograms kg-1), a sublethal dose of LPS (40 micrograms kg-1) or hIL-1 beta (2 micrograms kg-1). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies revealed that, although no IL-1 beta production was observed in the brain at 1 and 3 h after injection of a low dose of LPS (0.02 micrograms kg-1) or of hIL-1 beta (2 micrograms kg-1), IL-1 beta production was demonstrated in organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and some cells around the blood vessels in the parenchyma 1 h after 4 micrograms kg-1 LPS. IL-1 beta production was detected throughout the brain after 40 micrograms kg-1 LPS. Pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, did not affect IL-1 beta production in the brain induced by 4 micrograms kg-1 LPS. The cell type which produces IL-1 beta in the OVLT following LPS injection was confirmed to be a macrophage by electron microscopy. The cells producing IL-1 beta in the parenchyma were determined to be microglial cells. In the spleen, each dose of LPS induced a significant increase in IL-1 beta production in polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages in the red pulp 1 h after injection. However, 2 micrograms kg-1 hIL-1 beta did not induce IL-1 beta production in the spleen. The present results show clearly that systemic administration of LPS induces IL-1 beta production in the OVLT which may be responsible for induction of the second phase of biphasic fever. The production of IL-1 beta in the OVLT was not attributable to the action of peripherally synthesized IL-1 beta or prostaglandins.

Camelliasaponins B1, B2, C1 and C2, new type inhibitors of ethanol absorption in rats from the seeds of Camellia japonica L

New type inhibitors of ethanol absorption, camelliasaponins B1, B2, C1 and C2, were isolated from the seeds of Camellia japonica L. The structures of camelliasaponins were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. The inhibitory effect of camelliasaponins and related saponins on ethanol absorption have been examined, and it was found that the triterpene oligoglycoside structure having an acyl group was essential to exerting the activity.

[Quantitative analysis of dihydroisocoumarin constituents of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium by means of high performance liquid chromatography. Chemical characterization of the processing, distribution in plant, and seasonal fluctuation]

In order to characterize the chemical change of the constituents during the processing of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, quantitative analyses of phyllodulcin, hydrangenol, and their 8-O-glucosides were developed by means of high performance liquid chromatography. As an application of this HPLC method, the distribution of those dihydroisocoumarins in different parts of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii was investigated. It was found that these dihydroisocoumarins were contained at the highest concentration in the leaves. Furthermore, the seasonal fluctuation of these compounds in the leaves, together with the height of the plant and total dry weight of the leaves, were clarified and so that the suitable period for the harvest of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii was deduced to be from Oct. to Nov.

Extraocular muscles in Graves ophthalmopathy: usefulness of T2 relaxation time measurements

PURPOSE

To determine if T2 relaxation time measurements with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) can predict response to therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studied were 84 patients with GO, 27 with Graves disease without ophthalmopathy (GD), and 12 control subjects without Graves disease. T2 times of extraocular muscles and retrobulbar fat tissue were measured. Twenty-five patients with GO were treated with systemic corticosteroids and retroorbital radiation therapy.

RESULTS

T2 relaxation times of muscles in patients with GD were the same as those in controls but were longer in patients with GO (P < .05). T2 times of fat in all patients were the same as those of the controls. The predicted probability of response to treatment increased with increased mean T2 relaxation times of extraocular muscles prior to therapy. Of the 25 patients with combined therapy, only those with particularly prolonged T2 relaxation times showed impressive response.

CONCLUSIONS

T2 relaxation time measurements with MR allow noninvasive detection of acute muscle inflammation and predict which patients with GO will likely benefit from antiinflammatory therapy.

ACTH response induced in capsaicin-desensitized rats by intravenous injection of interleukin-1 or prostaglandin E

1. We investigated whether afferent nerves are involved in the development of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) responses induced either by systemic administration of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and prostaglandin E2, or by psychological stress. The capsaicin desensitization method was used to impair afferent C fibres and we compared the ACTH responses between capsaicin desensitized and vehicle pretreated control rats. 2. The present results showed that the capsaicin desensitized rats had significantly smaller increases in plasma ACTH than the control rats in response to intravenous injection of IL-1 beta or prostaglandin E2. 3. There were no significant differences between the capsaicin desensitized and control rats in the ACTH responses induced by cage switch stress. 4. The capsaicin desensitized rats responded to intravenous injection of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) with a greater increase in the plasma level of ACTH than the control rats, indicating that capsaicin pretreatment resulted in augmentation of pituitary gland sensitivity to CRF. 5. These results suggest that afferent neurons play an important role in the ACTH responses induced by systemic injection of IL-1 beta or prostaglandin E2.

Circadian oscillation of 64-kDa polypeptide in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus

In cell suspensions of suprachiasmatic nucleus harvested every 3 hr from rats kept under 12 hr: 12 hr light-dark cycle and constant darkness, we have detected a M(r) 64-kDa protein whose synthesis exhibits two distinct daily peaks in SDS-PAGE. Analysis of densitometer tracings revealed that the synthesis of other proteins was independent of the time of day or not reproducible. Maximum synthesis of the 64-kDa polypeptide occurred at around CT6 and CT21, which are almost coincident with the phase advance regions of circadian activity rhythm induced by anisomycin and light pulses [15], respectively. These results suggest that the 64-kDa protein in SDS-PAGE may be a part of the circadian clock mechanism.

Changes in plasma catecholamines during fever induced by bacterial endotoxin and interleukin-1 beta

We have examined whether or not the release of catecholamines into the blood circulation of rabbits during fever is mediated by prostaglandins. The plasma levels of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) were measured in 2 ml of blood withdrawn from the marginal ear vein. At an ambient temperature of 21 +/- 1 degree C, intravenous injection of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 micrograms/kg) or human recombinant interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta, 1 microgram/kg) produced a biphasic fever accompanied by an increase in the plasma level of catecholamines. Pretreatment with intravenous indomethacin (1 mg/kg) markedly suppressed the increase in catecholamines induced by LPS and rIL-1 beta. In contrast, although intracerebroventricular injection of rIL-1 beta (20 ng) produced fever, it did not produce a significant change in plasma catecholamine levels. Similarly, intrahypothalamic injection of prostaglandin E2 (200, 800 ng) induced fever, but did not cause a significant change in catecholamine concentrations. These results suggest that IL-1 acts via prostaglandins on the peripheral tissues to release catecholamines into the circulation.

Basic fibroblast growth factor messenger RNA is expressed strongly at the acute stage of cerebral contusion

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a neurotrophic effect both in vitro and in vivo, and is considered to play an important role in the maintenance of neuronal functions in the normal brain. Neural damage in brain contusion progresses after the primary injury of trauma because of cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic impairment including intracranial hemorrhage and/or brain swelling. Northern blot analysis of bFGF mRNA was performed in rats after cerebral contusion produced by our modified fluid percussion device. Expression of bFGF mRNA increased significantly on the second day after trauma. A possible role of bFGF is functioning to protect the critical neurons from secondary neural damage in cerebral contusion.

Cardiovascular, thermal and behavioral sensitization to methamphetamine in freely moving rats

Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), body temperature (BT) and locomotive activity (LA) were measured simultaneously after i.p. or i.c.v. injection of methamphetamine (MAH) using a biotelemetric system. The system enabled us to observe the parameters in freely moving rats under minimum stress. MAH (1 mg/kg) given by i.p. injection significantly increased MAP, HR, BT and LA, as compared with the saline-control. MAH (5, 50 micrograms) administered by i.c.v. injection stimulated responses of HR, BT and LA. After the i.p. injections of MAH (1 mg/kg) on days 1, 4, 8, 11 and 15, MAH was administered either through i.p. (1 mg/kg) or i.c.v. (50 micrograms) route on day 18. In addition to the LA sensitization induced by i.p. and i.c.v. administration of MAH, it was found for the first time, to our knowledge, that the repeated i.p. injections potentiated the responses of MAP and BT to the subsequent injection of MAH through i.p., but not i.c.v., route. The latter finding suggests that the sensitization, produced by the repeated i.p. injections, affected responses that MAH induced either peripherally or centrally through a peripheral humoral factor or an afferent nervous system.

Amyloid beta-protein stimulates casein kinase I and casein kinase II activities

Amyloid beta-protein (A beta) is the major protein of cerebrovascular and plaque amyloid in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Extensive evidence has demonstrated abnormal protein phosphorylation in this disease. We investigated the effect of synthetic A beta with the amino-acid sequence corresponding to cerebrovascular A beta and plaque A beta on the activities of casein kinase I (CK I) and casein kinase II (CK II). These enzymes were purified from bovine brain and casein was used as a substrate. A beta was found to stimulate markedly CK I- and CK II-mediated phosphorylation of casein in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of plaque A beta was considerably higher than that of cerebrovascular A beta. Heparin, which is known to be a specific inhibitor of CK II, completely inhibited A beta-stimulated CK II activity. A beta itself was not a substrate for casein kinases. These findings were confirmed using other substrates for CK I and CK II. The experiments with synthetic CK II-substrate peptide (Leu-Glu-Leu-Ser-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Glu) and the phosphorylation of erythrocyte membrane proteins by intrinsic membrane-bound CK I in erythrocytes showed marked stimulation in activities of casein kinases in the presence of A beta 1-40 or blocked A beta. We propose that A beta, by stimulating casein kinases, may contribute to abnormal protein phosphorylation in AD, in particular to increased phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins, leading to the neurofibrillary tangles formation and neurodegeneration in this disease. Interaction of A beta with protein kinases, thus, may characterize the beginning of the disease.

Elatosides A and B, potent inhibitors of ethanol absorption in rats from the bark of Aralia elata Seem: the structure-activity relationships of oleanolic acid oligoglycosides

By monitoring the inhibitory effect on ethanol absorption in rats, new active saponins named elatosides A and B were isolated from the bark of Aralia elata Seem. together with elatosides C and D. The structures of elatosides A, B, C, and D were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. The inhibitory effects of several oleanolic acid oligoglycosides on ethanol absorption have been examined and some structure-activity relationships have been found.

Changes in myosin heavy chain isoform expression of overloaded rat skeletal muscles

1. The effect of functional overload produced by tenotomy of synergistic gastrocnemius muscle on the expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in the plantaris and soleus muscles of the rat was studied using gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. Five weeks tenotomy, the plantaris and soleus muscle weights induced by tenotomy of the gastrocnemius muscle were 44.3% (P < 0.005) and 37.4% (P < 0.005), respectively, heavier than the contralateral control muscles. 3. Although four types of MHC isoforms were observed in both control and experimental plantaris, the percentage of MHC isoforms in the control and experimental muscles differed; the hypertrophied plantaris muscle contained more HCI (P < 0.05), HCIIa and HCIId (P < 0.05) and less HCIIb (P < 0.05) than the control muscle. 4. The control soleus muscle contained two MHC isoforms, HCI and HCIIa. However, there was only a single HCI isoform in the hypertrophied soleus muscle. 5. These results indicate that overloading a skeletal muscle by removing its synergists produces not only the muscle hypertrophy but also the changes in the expression of MHC isoforms.

Immunohistological differentiation of benign thyroid follicular cell tumors from malignant ones: usefulness of anti-peroxidase and JT-95 antibodies

An immunohistological investigation using anti-thyroid peroxidase (PO) and JT-95 (JT) antibodies was conducted on surgical specimens of papillary carcinoma (n = 12), follicular carcinoma (n = 8), follicular adenoma with prominent papillary structure (n = 12), follicular adenoma (n = 8) and adenomatous goiter (n = 8). In benign lesions, follicle-forming and papillae-forming epithelia showed positive staining with anti-PO antibody. In 26 of 28 benign lesions, PO-positive areas covered 50% or more of the cut surface area of the lesions. However in carcinomas, PO-positive areas were non-existent (13/20) or only focal (7/20) and the papillae did not stain. The incidence of JT-positive cases was higher in papillary carcinomas (12/12) than in other lesions (13/36). JT-positive areas were much wider than PO-positive areas in papillary carcinomas, whereas in benign lesions, PO-positive areas were wider than or at least roughly equal to, JT-positive areas. Follicular carcinomas did not stain or stained only focally with these antibodies. In conclusion, these two antibodies seem useful in differentiating benign from malignant follicular cell tumors.

[Antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis: special reference to normal white blood cell count agranulocytosis]

This retrospective study was aimed at establishing the importance of the leukocyte differentiated count and not only routine white blood cell count in patients treated with antithyroid drug. From 1975 to September 1992, 77 patients with antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis were examined. In 12 patients (15.6%), the total white blood cell (WBC) count was greater than 3000/mm3. Eight of them showed a downward trend in their leukocyte counts (3000-4000/mm3). Consequently, granulocyte counts were measured. Two of the 12 patients had "symptomatic" agranulocytosis detected after the occurrence of infection. Because antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis was strongly suspected, granulocyte counts were checked. In the remaining two patients, the total WBC count was 5700/mm3 and 5900/mm3, respectively. One was hospitalized to receive thyroid surgery. Although she was asymptomatic, agranulocytosis was unexpectedly detected on a routine preoperative examination. The other was diagnosed as agranulocytosis by routine WBC and granulocyte count monitoring since June 1989. Correct diagnosis was based on the leukocyte differentiated counts. We concluded that the leukocyte differentiated count and not only routine white blood count was critically important for the correct diagnosis of antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis in patients with Graves' disease.

[A case of tuberculous meningitis with abnormal contrast enhancement of choroid plexus on CT and MRI]

A 55-year-old man first noted a swelling on his back in September 1990, when CT scan of his chest suggested a pleural fistula and a cold abscess. In the following month, he became pyrexial and felt nauseated with headache. Subsequently he was transferred to our hospital. Results of neurological examination were abnormal only in that he had neck stiffness and bilateral nystagmus with drowsiness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed turbid yellowish fluid with an opening pressure of 360 mmH2O, a protein content of 173 mg/dl, a glucose level of 19 mg/dl, and a white blood cell count of 3,024/ml (75% polymorphs, 25% lymphocytes). Tryptophane test was positive. No bacteria, fungi or acid-fast bacilli were seen on direct smear. Adenosine deaminase activity in CSF was 13.9 IU/l. Antibiotics, antituberculous drugs, corticosteroids and glycerol were administered. The clinical course in the hospital was satisfactory for the next two months, but a contrast enhanced CT scan showed prominent enhancement in the left choroid plexus, and MRI revealed another mass in the subarachnoidal space under the right frontal lobe. An open biopsy was done on the massive lesion in the frontal lobe. Macroscopically, this lesion was an encapsulated granulomatous one. On the other hand, there were groups of epitheloid cells with micronecrosis in their centers microscopically. These findings were compatible with tuberculoma, in spite of the absence of acid-fast bacilli or caseous necrosis. Medication was intensively continued: a follow-up CT showed gradual reduction of the choroid plexus lesion and shrinkage of the left lateral ventricle.

Effect of a central CRF antagonist on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses induced by stress or IL-1 beta

We investigated the role of central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the development of cardiovascular and thermal responses induced by stress or by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in free-moving rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of alpha-helical CRF9-41 (10 micrograms), a CRF receptor antagonist, significantly attenuated hypertension, tachycardia, and a rise in body temperature induced by cage-switch stress, a mild stress. However, icv injection of alpha-helical CRF9-41 (10 micrograms) had no effect on hypertension, tachycardia, or fever induced by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of IL-1 beta (2 micrograms/kg) or icv prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 100 ng). In contrast, icv injection of alpha-helical CRF9-41 (10 micrograms) significantly attenuated hypertension, tachycardia, or fever induced by icv injection of IL-1 beta (20 ng). The present results suggest that central CRF has an important role in the development of the cage-switch stress-induced responses, but it does not seem to contribute to the hypertension, tachycardia, and fever induced by ip IL-1 beta or by central PGE2. However, it is possible that when IL-1 beta directly acts on the central nervous system, some of its actions are mediated by central CRF.

Auto-growth inhibitory substance from the fresh-water cyanobacterium Phormidium tenue

An extract of the cyanobacterium P. tenue showed a significant inhibitory effect on its own growth. Bioassay-directed fractionation has led to the identification of the auto-growth inhibitory substance as a mixture of fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids appear to be predominantly responsible for the auto-growth inhibitory effect.

Absolute stereostructures of trifoliones A, B, C, and D, new biologically active diterpenes from the tuber of Sagittaria trifolia L

Four new biologically active diterpenes, trifoliones A, B, C, and D, were isolated from the tuber of Sagittaria trifolia L. together with three new glycosides, sagittariosides a and b and arabinothalictoside. Their stereostructures were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence which included the application of a modified Mosher's method and an exciton chirality method. Trifoliones A, B, C, and D exhibited inhibitory effects on the histamine release from rat mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or calcium ionophore A-23187.

Idiopathic lactic acidemia with developmental delay and type 1 muscle fiber atrophy: report of two patients

Two infants with generalized muscle hypotonia with mild muscle weakness and markedly delayed developmental milestones, had high lactate levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from early infancy. Biochemical and morphologic studies of biopsied muscles disclosed no abnormality except for type 1 fiber atrophy, which was quite different from patients with central nervous involvement with type 2 fiber atrophy. In both patients, the disease was not progressive and lactate levels gradually decreased. Although no metabolic defect was found, these patients probably shared common pathogenetic mechanism.

Isolation and identification of anti-tumor-promoting principles from the fresh-water cyanobacterium Phormidium tenue

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the extract of the cyanobacterium P. tenue led to the isolation of the three classes of glycolipids, viz., monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG), and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) as anti-tumor-promoters. In comparing the anti-tumor-promoting effect of the three classes of glycolipids with various acyl residues, MGDG and DGDG inhibited tumor promotion more intensely than SQDG. With respect to MGDG and DGDG, the inhibitory activity of each glycolipid possessing a single pair of acyl residues was also investigated after HPLC separation. Among the 17 tested MGDGs (1a--h) and DGDGs (2a--i), three of the DGDGs (2a, b, e) showed more potent inhibitory activity toward tumor promotion than the others.

Melatonin release from pineal cells of diurnal and nocturnal birds

Melatonin release from the pineal cells of chicks, pigeons and crows (diurnal birds) in vitro was compared with that from owls (a nocturnal bird). The pineal cells of diurnal birds secreted large amounts of melatonin during the dark period, whereas owl pineal cells released virtually no melatonin over 24 h and did not respond to exogenous stimulant agents. Histological examination revealed that the owl pineal gland is very small and has a poor vascular network. These results suggest that the pineal gland of owls may have degenerated and is not involved in the circadian clock mechanism in this species.