Calcium-antagonistic effects of carbamazepine in epilepsies and affective psychoses

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is known to have beneficial effects in the treatment of epilepsies and in the prophylaxis of affective disorders. Since increased transmembrane calcium fluxes and intracellular calcium concentrations play a key role in the generation of epilepsies and possibly also in the development of these psychiatric disorders the effects of CBZ on epileptic discharges (elicited by caffeine, penicillin and low Mg2+) in CA3 neurons of hippocampal slices were compared with those of the organic calcium antagonist verapamil and found to be almost the same.

Wave-front matching measurement in coherent CO(2) laser-radar

Wave-front matching of the local oscillator beam and the signal beam is of vital importance in optical heterodyne efficiency. A method for aligning the local oscillator beam and the signal beam is described. Mixing efficiency is improved. One can directly observe the matching procedure on an oscilloscope.

Regioselectivity in the sulfation of some chemically-modified heparins, and observations on their cation-binding characteristics

Two modified forms of heparin, polymers A and B, have been prepared, one containing residues of nonsulfated alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid (3) and the other residues of alpha-L-galactopyranosyluronic acid (7), in place of the normal alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid 2-sulfate (1). In addition, both A and B contained 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl 6-sulfate residues (6) in place of the corresponding N-sulfated residues (2) of the original heparin. These polymers were subjected to sulfation under various conditions. Examination of the products by NMR spectroscopy showed that polymer A was sulfated initially at position-3 of residue 3, and that slower substitution occurred at position-3 of 6. By contrast, polymer B exhibited low regioselectivity, as sulfation occurred with about equal facility at positions-2 and -3 of 7, and -3 of 6. The sulfation products had no significant anti Xa activity. Based on the paramagnetic effects of Cu2+ and chemical shift displacements induced by Ca2+, NMR spectroscopy was used to compare cation-binding properties of A and B with those of heparin. In contrast to heparin, which forms a complex with Cu2+ detectable at a level of < 10(-3) mol per dimeric unit of the polymer, neither A nor B exhibited an interaction with the cation. However, polymer A was found to bind Ca2+, in this respect being distinct from the related modification, 1-->6, which contains a 2-sulfate group in 1, as well as from polymer B.

Calcium antagonistic effects of carbamazepine as a mechanism of action in neuropsychiatric disorders: studies in calcium dependent model epilepsies

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is used in neurology for the treatment of epilepsies and trigeminal neuralgia and in psychiatry for the prophylactic treatment of affective and schizoaffective psychoses. Since a common mechanism of epilepsies and affective psychoses might be increased intracellular calcium ion levels, CBZ action was analyzed in penicillin, caffeine and low Mg2+ induced model epilepsies which have been shown to be suppressed specifically by organic calcium antagonists. In CA3 and CA1 areas of hippocampal slice preparations of guinea pigs CBZ reduced paroxysmal depolarizations and extracellular field potentials (EFP) in a typical time and concentration dependent manner as it is known from calcium antagonists. Furthermore, subthreshold concentrations of the organic calcium antagonist verapamil intensified the action of CBZ. NMDA induced increases of the discharge rate of EFP were, however, unaffected by CBZ.

[Vitrectomy combined with intravitreal injection of drugs for the management of advanced suppurative endophthalmitis]

Sixty cases (60 eyes) of advanced suppurative endophthalmitis treated by a combination of vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of drugs (antibiotics or/and corticosteroids) were investigated perspectively. Of the 60 cases, 43 were infected after trauma, 12 were infected after surgical procedures, while the others were of unknown causes. During the follow-up period of 1/2-5 years, 57 cases (95%) retained functioning eyes, the postoperative visual acuity of 34 eyes (57%) being 0.05 or better and the postoperative visual acuity of 17 eyes (28%) 0.4 to 1.0. The advantages of the therapeutic regimen are analyzed. We believe that it is the most effective therapy for suppurative endophthalmitis. The timing of the operation and the factors influencing the results are discussed. This report also presents our clinical experiences in the management of advanced suppurative endophthalmitis.

Somatostatin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of patients with refractory epilepsy

The somatostatin concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue in 16 refractory epileptic patients were measured simultaneously by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. An increased level of somatostatin was found in the epileptic foci of cerebral cortex, determined by the cortical EEG. There were significant differences among the epileptic foci (75.58 +/- 6.58 pg/mg wet wt, +/- SEM), nonfocal tissues (37.04 +/- 6.55 pg/mg), and normal tissues of control patients (47.69 +/- 10.12 pg/mg), p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. The somatostatin concentrations of CSF in 11 epileptic patients were determined before (257.78 +/- 19.11 pg/mL) and after (178.36 +/- 8.78 pg/mL) the removal of epileptic focal area, and a dramatic decrease of the CSF somatostatin concentration after operation was detected (p < 0.01). We also found that the somatostatin level of cerebral scar induced by head injury in cases of posttraumatic epilepsy was highest (106.39 +/- 12.41 pg/mg). The results suggested that the surgical removal of the epileptic focal area in refractory epileptic patients may reduce the increased central somatostatin level, which could play an important part in the pathophysiological process of refractory epilepsy.

[Isolation of Neisseria from human dental plaque and study of characteristics of acid degradation]

The Neisseria was isolated and identified from human dental plaque.The incidence of Neisseria was 100%.The N.Sicca was the predominant group.The results of sugar metabolism of Neisseria indicated that they were not only able to produce acid while sugar was offered sufficiently,but also degrade lactate evenacetate to supply energy after sugar was consumed.

Recombinant interleukin-6 protects mice against experimental bacterial infection

Because of reports of high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients during infection, we studied the role of IL-6 in experimental infection. Mice infected with the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes displayed high levels of IL-6 in their sera and tissues, particularly the spleen, 1 to 3 days after infection. At this time, the IL-6 titers correlated with bacterial numbers in individual mice and in groups of mice given graded doses of Listeria organisms. However, the presence of IL-6 in serum declined after 4 days, even when a large initial dose of bacteria meant that bacterial numbers were still increasing at this time. Recombinant mouse IL-6 injected intraperitoneally before infection protected mice in a dose-dependent manner. It was effective when given 4 h before infection but not when administration was delayed for 24 h postinfection. It is therefore believed that IL-6 plays a role in early priming of the immune response to infection. Its exact function in this model is being investigated.

Low molecular mass heat-shock proteins of a light-resistant photoautotrophic cell culture

Two low molecular mass heat-shock proteins (HSPs) of photoautotrophic cell culture (Chenopodium rubrum) have been cloned, sequenced and compared to published sequences. One of these HSPs (23.3 kDa) is posttranslationally transported into chloroplasts and shares homology with the other heat-shock proteins in the last third C-terminal region of the protein, but has a relatively unique sequence in the other two thirds. The correspondent small cytosolic protein of 18.3 kDa is related to all known small HSPs but has a unique DNA-binding domain that has not been described so far in the group of small cytosolic HSPs, it might represent a HSP which is translocated into the nucleus.

Biosynthetic regulation of proteoglycans by aldohexoses and ATP

Biosynthetic regulation of renal glomerular heparan sulfate-proteoglycans by various aldohexoses (mannose, glucose, and galactose) was investigated. Isolated kidneys were perfused for 5 hr with medium containing [35S]sulfate, to label sulfated proteoglycans, or [35S]methionine, to label total glomerular proteins. All the hexoses, above 10 mM concentration, caused a significant decrease in the de novo synthesis of [35S]sulfate-labeled proteoglycans. The relative effectiveness of the hexoses was as follows: mannose much greater than glucose greater than galactose. The proteoglycans were of relatively lower molecular weights and exhibited reduced charge-density characteristics. Autoradiographic studies revealed a 2- to 3-fold decrease of grain density over the glomerular basement membrane and mesangial compartments, and immunoprecipitable heparan sulfate-proteoglycans were similarly decreased 2- to 3-fold. There was no significant decrease in the total [35S]methionine-labeled glomerular proteins or immunoprecipitable type IV collagen and laminin. Cellular ATP levels were dramatically reduced in all groups, and the maximal depletion was caused by mannose. Addition of ATP (0.1-1.0 mM) to the perfusion medium resulted in the normalization of the de novo synthesis and of the biochemical characteristics of heparan sulfate-proteoglycans. The relevance of decreased de novo synthesis of proteoglycans due to the depletion of ATP in hyperglycemic states is discussed in terms of increased glomerular permeability to plasma proteins, as seen in diabetes mellitus.

[Changes in glomerular polyanions and ultrastructure induced by protamine in rats]

Perfusion of rat kidneys with polycation protamine, resulted in pathologic alterations of glomeruli very similar to those observed in minimal change nephrotic syndrome in human. In the experimental model, colloidal iron stained kidney tissue sections were analyzed quantitatively by image analyzer and stereology in combination with the observation of other glomerular ultrastructure. The mean thickness of foot processes and the foot processes making up the volume fraction of glomerular capillary were determined. The studies showed that there was a significant decrease in glomerular polyanions of kidneys perfused with protamine as compared with that of the control group (P < 0.01). The glomerular alterations included swelling and fusion of foot processes and narrowing or loss of filtration slits. Electron-dense particles formed by binding of protamine to polyanions were seen primarily in the lamina rara externa of glomerular basement membrane and also along the lamina rara interna and on the foot process surface, which showed the distribution feature of glomerular filter. These results suggest that the ultrastructure alterations of glomeruli may result from the neutralization of polyanions by perfusion with protamine.

Abscisic acid accumulation in leaves of two contrasting hybrid poplar clones affected by nitrogen fertilization plus cyclic flooding and soil drying

Cuttings of hybrid Populus clones Tristis and Eugenei growing in pots in a greenhouse were treated with nitrogen fertilizer at two rates and subjected to repeated soil flooding or drying. Periodically, gas exchange measurements and radioimmunoassays, to determine abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations, were made on recently mature leaves.In both clones, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were depressed five days after flooding, but leaf ABA concentrations remained relatively constant. In contrast, an initial, 9-day period of soil drying resulted in substantial ABA accumulation in leaves, which closely correlated with declines in photosynthesis and conductance. A second soil drying cycle of up to 9 days was less effective in modifying gas exchange and leaf ABA concentrations. High-N supply stimulated leaf ABA production as the soil dried. On the resumption of watering, gas exchange in Tristis recovered fully and rapidly and leaf ABA concentrations quickly returned to control values, whereas gas exchange in Eugenei recovered slowly and leaf ABA concentrations remained high for longer.Gas exchange in Eugenei was unaffected by soil drying until leaf ABA concentrations exceeded 100 ng g(dw) (-1), whereas Tristis showed a reduction in stomatal conductance and photosynthesis at leaf ABA concentrations of only 10 ng g(dw) (-1). A rise in internal CO(2) concentrations was associated with increased leaf ABA concentrations in Tristis, but not in Eugenei. Clonal differences in the relationship between gas exchange and leaf ABA concentration suggest contrasting physiological strategies for survival under prolonged drying conditions.

cDNA cloning of a novel human ubiquitin carrier protein. An antigenic domain specifically recognized by endemic pemphigus foliaceus autoantibodies is encoded in a secondary reading frame of this human epidermal transcript

Autoantibodies from a patient suffering from endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF), a blistering skin disease, were used to screen a lambda gt11 human keratinocyte cDNA library. One immunoreactive cDNA clone (lambda EPF5) containing a 900-base pair insert was isolated and subjected to further analysis. Eight of 25 EPF sera were shown to react with the EPF5 fusion protein on immunoblots. The EPF5 cDNA insert hybridized with a 1.2-kilobase epidermal RNA transcript on a Northern blot. Sequence analysis revealed that lambda EPF5 contained the complete coding sequence for a 24-kDa polypeptide exhibiting significant sequence homology with a family of enzymes known as ubiquitin carrier proteins, or E2s, which are an essential component of the ubiquitin-protein conjugation system. The homology was particularly high in the core region containing the active site cysteine. The keratinocyte ubiquitin carrier protein expressed in bacteria, and isolated either intact or as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein, exhibited the ability to form a thiol ester linkage with ubiquitin in a ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1)-dependent manner, a characteristic property of ubiquitin carrier proteins. The E2 enzyme encoded by clone EPF5 is the first member of this protein family to be cloned from an epidermal source. Interestingly, the EPF autoantibody-reactive epitope and the ubiquitin carrier protein were shown to be encoded in two different translational reading frames. The relevance of the cloned EPF epitope in the pathogenesis of this autoimmune disorder remains to be determined.

Selection of promoters for gene transfer into fish

A variety of gene constructs containing carp beta-actin regulatory sequences were tested for their ability to drive transient expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in 3 fish cell lines: carp epithelial cells (EPC), rainbow trout hepatoma cells (RTH149), and rainbow trout fibroblasts (RTG2). The constructs showed a wide variation in their levels of expression, and there were significant differences in the effects of transcriptional elements in the 3 cell lines. Sequences that enhanced expression in EPC cells were inhibitory in RTH149 and RTG2 cells. All cell lines exhibited the presence of nuclear trans-acting factors that could bind to implicated transcriptional control elements. On the basis of the cell culture results, selected constructs were examined for activity in early carp development. Constructs active in embryos and fry were further tested and found to express transgenes in adult fish.

Interneuronal interaction between members of quadrature phase and anti-phase pairs in the cat's visual cortex

Interactions between adjacent simple cells recorded simultaneously from the same microelectrode placement were studied by correlational analysis. The receptive fields of pairs of such cells exhibit either 90 degrees (quadrature phase) or 180 degrees (anti-phase) phase relationships. We now show that the majority of quadrature phase pair members do not receive common input from the immediately precedent stage along the visual pathway, nor do these cells interact with each other. The anti-phase pairs show relatively strong mutual inhibition. These results suggest that each of the physically adjacent phase-related simple cells receives excitatory input from a distinct group of pre-cortical cells, and that mutual inhibitions between members of anti-phase pairs are used to construct the inhibitory subzones of these cells. We propose a model which incorporates these new results and provides a parsimonious explanation for the construction of both quadrature phase and anti-phase pairs.