Pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered isepamicin in man

The pharmacokinetics of isepamicin, a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic, was studied in man after intramuscular administration. Two groups each of 6 volunteers received isepamicin for 10 consecutive days by intramuscular injection at respective doses of 7.5 mg/kg once daily or 7.5 mg/kg twice daily. Plasma and urinary concentrations of isepamicin were determined using a specific HPLC method. In both groups, there was no drug accumulation following multiple administration. The t1/2, which ranged from 2.4 to 2.7 h, was independent of the dosage regimen. Isepamicin excreted into (0-24 h) urine accounted for virtually 100% of the dose. The results show that the pharmacokinetics of isepamicin are similar with these dosage regimens. The drug undergoes no detectable biotransformation, does not accumulate upon multiple dosing, and is cleared solely by urinary excretion.

Comparisons of geniposidic acid and geniposide on antitumor and radioprotection after sublethal irradiation

The antitumor effects of two iridoid compounds, geniposidic acid (GA) and geniposide (GP), were investigated in mice along with their possible effects on radioprotection after sublethal X-irradiation. Decreases in the growth of the implanted tumor by ascitic cells were a result of intraperitoneal administration of GA and GP at high concentrated levels. This result was achieved by exerting the levels of dosage in a dose-dependent manner. Except on the 12th day after treatment by the dosage of 500 mg/kg, reduced radiation effects of mice treated with the drugs in the 30 min preirradiated period by GA and GP on peripheral leukocytes were not observed significantly by the sublethal whole-body X-irradiation. And except on the 7th day after treatment, when these two compounds were administered i.p. to mice 30 min before 4 Gy irradiation, neither GA nor GP enhanced significantly the postirradiation responses of splenic blastogenesis by PHA. In addition, GA might be a more potent tumor growth inhibitor than GP when combined with the X-irradiation, though there was no significant synergetic effect on their combined antitumor activity. The preliminary results of GA and GP on hematological and blastogenic observations in this study suggested that they may very well, partially, play a role in an effective anticancer product with the ability to decrease undesirable radiation damage to the hematologic tissue after high dose irradiation.

Coexistent mitral stenosis and coronary artery fistula presenting as myocardial ischemia: case report

We report a 50-year-old female case of mitral stenosis with congenital coronary artery fistula communicating the left anterior descending artery to pulmonary artery. In reviewing the literature, mitral stenosis associated with coronary artery fistula is rare. The case was initially treated medically for congestive heart failure. The electrocardiogram revealed severe myocardial ischemia and no obvious etiology was found clinically. The coronary angiogram demonstrated the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula. Myocardial ischemia improved markedly after surgical correction of the valvular disease and the fistula. The patient continued to do well during 2 years and 10 months follow up. The concomitant mitral stenosis masked the symptoms of coronary artery fistula, and made us fall to diagnose the condition initially. Valvular heart disease associated with severe myocardial ischemia without obvious atherosclerotic stenosis of coronary artery reminded us of the possibility of coronary artery fistula, though it has rarely been reported.

Evaluation of four prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine: syh-mo-yiin, guizhi-fuling-wan, shieh-qing-wan and syh-nih-sann on experimental acute liver damage in rats

Syh-Mo-Yiin (SMY), Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (GFW), Shieh-Qing-Wan (SQW) and Syh-Nih-Sann (SNS) are four prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used in the remedy of liver trouble in various types. The hepatoprotective effects of water extracts of these four recipes against D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatic damage were determined in rats. The results indicated that the serum glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (sGOT) and the serum glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (sGPT) levels provoked by D-GalN and CCl4 decreased after treatment with these prescriptions of TCM. Histological changes around portal area (D-GalN-induced hepatotoxicity) and central vein (CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity) were simultaneously improved by the treatment with TCM mentioned above.

Double mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta

Infection in the vascular tree has been proved to be one of the greatest challenges for cardiovascular surgeons. Of these, mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta were considered to be almost always lethal until recently. A thorough survey of the literature indicates that only 42 cases of mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta have been reported. All the reported cases of mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta were a single lesion in the ascending aorta except a case reported in 1993. This report describes an additional case of double mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta caused by Pseudomonas infection.

Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin in patients with acute ischaemic stroke

To investigate the role of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin in ischaemic stroke, serum levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured by ELISA in 51 patients with acute ischaemic stroke within 24 h, and in 25 age-matched healthy controls and 10 young healthy volunteers. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography showed a significant stenosis (> 50%) of the carotid or vertebrobasilar artery in 11 of 51 stroke patients. Serum levels of ICAM-1 [mean (SE)] were higher (P < 0.01) in patients with ischaemic stroke [381 (30) ng/ ml] than in age-matched controls [271 (27) ng/ml] and young controls [246 (6) ng/ml]. There was no significant difference in serum E-selectin levels [mean (SE)] among stroke patients, age-matched and young controls [47 (6), 39 (3), and 41 (3) ng/ ml, respectively; P = NS]. The leucocyte count [mean (SD)] was higher (P < 0.01) in patients with ischaemic stroke [8310 (2800)] than in age-matched controls [6040 (930)]. Serum levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin did not significantly differ between patients with or without abnormal carotid or vertebrobasilar artery disease. In conclusion, serum ICAM-1 level and leucocyte count were elevated in acute ischaemic stroke within 24 h, while the E-selectin level did not change significantly. This finding suggests that adhesion molecules may play an important role in the post-rolling process of leucocyte-endothelial cell interaction in acute ischaemic stroke.

Antitumor 8-chlorobenzocycloheptapyridines: a new class of selective, nonpeptidic, nonsulfhydryl inhibitors of ras farnesylation

Ras farnesylation by farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) is an intracellular event that facilitates the membrane association of the ras protein and is involved in the signal transduction process. FPT inhibition could be a novel, noncytotoxic method of treating ras dependent tumor growth. We report here three structural classes of 8-chlorobenzocycloheptapyridines as novel, nonpeptidic, nonsulfhydryl FPT inhibitors having antitumor activity in mice when dosed orally. We discuss structural and conformational aspects of these compounds in relation to biological activities as well as a comparison to the conformation of a bound tetrapeptide FPT inhibitor.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia catappa

The free radical scavenging and antihepatotoxic activity from Terminalia catappa was studied. Treatment with T. catappa water extracts showed antihepatotoxic activity against CCl4-induced toxicity in the rat liver that was tested. The crude drug also exhibited anti-oxidant effects in FeCl2-Ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in the rat liver homogenate. Moreover, the superoxide radical scavenger effect of T. catappa was demonstrated using electron spin resonance (ESR) and spintrapping technique. The results indicate that T. catappa possesses good antihepatotoxic activity and superoxide radical scavenger activity.

Comparison technetium of Tc-99m disofenin cholescintigraphy with ultrasonography in the differentiation of biliary atresia from other forms of neonatal jaundice

Technetium Tc-99m disofenin cholescintigraphy (CS) and ultrasonography (US) are two major clinical methods used in differentiating biliary atresia (BA) from neonatal jaundice. To compare the diagnostic utility of these two modalities, 66 patients with neonatal cholestasis (15 BA, 3 choledochal cyst (CC), 32 neonatal hepatitis, 13 prolonged jaundice, 2 total parenteral nutrition, and 1 sepsis) underwent Tc-99m disofenin CS and US. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CS in differentiating BA from other forms of neonatal jaundice was 100%, 87.5%, and 90.5%, respectively, and for US 86.7%, 77.1%, and 79.4%, respectively. Tc-99m disofenin CS after premedication with phenobarbital and cholestyramine is a convenient and reliable method of differentiating BA from neonatal hepatitis, with a diagnostic accuracy superior to that of US. However, US is the initial imaging procedure of choice in patients presenting with jaundice to rule out anatomic anomalies such as CC.

Defect of cell-mediated immune response against hepatitis B virus: an indication for pathogenesis of hepatitis-B-virus-associated membranous nephropathy

To elucidate the questions of why not all patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection develop HBV membranous nephropathy (HBVMN), we first measured serum HBe circulating immune complex (CIC) during the acute nephrotic phase of HBVMN and in HBV carriers. We found that the level of HBe CIC was low in the HBVMN patients and absent either in HBsAg+/HBeAg+ patients without HBVMN or HBsAg+/HBeAg- asymptomatic carriers. Second, we needed to characterize the cellular immune response to HBV in patients with HBVMN. However, lack of a suitable autologous effector/target cell system makes a precise study of HBVMN pathogenesis difficult. In the present study, we established a model system by using autologous HBcAg-expressing Epstein-Barr-virus-immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) as stimulator/target cells. Both proliferative response after stimulation with HBcAg and cytotoxic activity against autologous HBcAg-expressing LCL of the peripheral blood T cells obtained from the HBVMN patients and HBsAg carriers could be measured. Using autologous HBcAg-expressing LCL as stimulator/target cells for the study of HBcAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we found that HBVMN patients had lower cytotoxic activity than did both HBV carriers and HBsAg-/HBsAb+, HBeAg-/HBeAb+ children. From the in vitro cytokine production study of peripheral blood T cells after stimulation with HBcAg, we found that T-helper-cell-1-related IL-2 and IFN-gamma productions were very low in HBVMN patients but T-helper-cell-2-related IL-10 production was higher in HBsAg+/HBeAg+ patients with HBVMN than in those without HBVMN. Based on these findings, we conclude that HBVMN children seem to have an inadequate cellular immune response to HBcAg.

Ameliorative effect of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions on alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate and carbon-tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats

Syh-Mo-Yin (SMY), Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (GFW), Shieh-Qing-Wan (SQW) and Syh-Nih-San (SNS) are prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for liver disease. The effects of these four prescriptions against experimental liver injury induced by alpha-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were studied. Rats treated with ANIT (100 mg/kg) exhibited elevations of serum total bilirubin (TBI), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate-oxalatetransaminase (sGOT) and glutamate-pyruvate-transminase (sGPT) as well as cholestasis and parenchymanecrosis. In rats receiving SMY, SQW and SNS treatment after ANIT challenged, the biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduce. Elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in liver tissue, associated with an increase in serum GOT and GPT level, was observed in CCl4-treated rats. Treatment with these four prescriptions on CCl4-induced liver injury rats showed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. A significant decrease in peroxidative level suggested that these prescriptions have anti free radical properties.

Bronchoconstriction and eosinophil recruitment in guinea pig lungs after platelet activating factor administration

Using a forced expiratory maneuver to measure flow volume loops, we evaluated the ability of platelet activating factor (PAF) to induce acute bronchospasm and in histological changes associated with bronchial asthma in guinea pigs. We determined both the dose-response curve and the time course of PAF-induced bronchoconstriction. Eight guinea pigs with weights ranging from 350 to 450 g were anesthetized, tracheotomized, and then paralyzed with gallamine. Baseline pulmonary function tests (PFT) were done. Different doses (25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 ng/kg) of PAF were injected through the jugular vein, and serial PFTs were done at 30 sec, 2, 5, and 20 min after each dose of PAF. Acetylcholine provocation testing was done following the 200 ng/kg dose of PAF. The PFTs included a forced expiratory maneuver, airway opening pressure (PaO), and total lung compliance (TLC). After all PFTs were completed, cell counts were done on fluid obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and the lungs were removed for histological study. Eight other guinea pigs were used as controls. The results showed that with increasing doses of PAF from 25 ng/kg to 200 ng/kg, all lung function parameters, including vital capacity, peak flow, MFEF 75%, MFEF 50%, MFEF 25%, and total lung compliance, gradually decreased. However, a further increase of the dose of PAF up to 500 ng/kg did not result in continued worsening of PFTs. The most severe bronchoconstriction occurred 30 sec after PAF was injected, and it gradually resolved thereafter. PAF injection also induced a severe inflammatory reaction of the airway and lung tissue, characterized by congestion, edema, inflammatory cell (especially lymphocytes and eosinophils) infiltration, and desquamation of bronchial epithelial cells. In conclusion, in the guinea pig model, PAF can induce acute reversible bronchospasm and bronchial hyperreactivity, as well as the typical histological changes of bronchial asthma.

Effects of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid on inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing the recovery of hematopoietic system postirradiation in mice

Two triterpene acids, oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) were examined for their ability to inhibit the tumor growth and modify hematopoiesis after irradiation in three experimental systems: (a) in vivo anti-tumor activity of implanted tumor by ascitic cells was found to be augmented by addition of OA and UA at a high concentration and inhibited in a dose-dependent manner; (b) in the sublethal whole-body irradiated mice treated with the drugs in the 30 min preirradiation period, enhanced effects of OA and UA on peripheral leukocytes were observed by a different significance, and (c) when these chemicals were administered i.p. to mice 30 min before 4 Gy irradiation, both OA and UA enhanced the postirradiation responses of splenic blastogenesis by PHA. UA was a more potent tumorigenic inhibitor than OA. Combining with the gamma-irradiation, however, there was no significant synergetic effect on their anti-tumor activity. The beneficial effects of OA and UA on hematopoiesis and immunocompetence under this study, suggested they might partially play a role in anti-cancer and, furthermore, with the ability to decrease undesirable radiation damage to the hematopoietic tissue after radiotherapy.

Maximal forced expiratory maneuver to measure airway obstruction in anesthetized guinea pigs

Our purpose was to develop a method using a maximal forced expiratory flow (MFEF) for the study of airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs induced by ovalbumin inhalation challenge. Eight guinea pigs (weight range 350-450 g) were sensitized by inhaled ovalbumin (group I) 2 times during a 1-week interval and then subjected to provocation with ovalbumin 1 week later. Pulmonary function tests at baseline and after acetylcholine challenge were performed 72 h later. Eight weight-matched normal guinea pigs served as controls (group II). All animals were anesthetized, paralyzed with gallamine, and ventilated via tracheostomy. They were given varying doses of acetylcholine (25, 50, 75, 100 micrograms/kg) injected through a jugular venous catheter. Five seconds after acetylcholine injections, pulmonary function was examined, including maximal forced expiratory maneuver, peak airway pressure (PaO) and total lung compliance. After completing the pulmonary function tests, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed with 20 ml normal saline divided into two doses. Thereafter, the lungs were removed and examined histologically. The results showed that guinea pigs treated with ovalbumin had worse pulmonary function tests than normal controls, characterized by lower peak flow, MFEF 75%, MFEF 50% and vital capacity. The ovalbumin-presensitized guinea pigs also demonstrated severe bronchoconstriction in response to acetylcholine, characterized by larger decreases in peak flow, MFEF 75%, MFEF 50% and in vital capacity than the control group. Total cell count, the percentage and absolute number of eosinophils and lymphocytes were increased, and the percentage of macrophages was decreased in the BAL fluid of these animals. Finally, ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs had a severe inflammatory reaction in airway and lung tissue, characterized by congestion, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (especially lymphocytes and eosinophils) and desquamation of bronchial epithelial cells. In conclusion, a forced expiratory maneuver can be used to perform pulmonary function tests in guinea pigs.

A preliminary study on the radioprotection of mouse hematopoiesis by dang-gui-shao-yao-san

The purpose of this study reported here was to investigate the ability of Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San (DGSYS), known to elevate hematopoietic functions, to protect mice undergoing treatment with whole body single X-irradiation. DGSYS given at doses of 10 and 20 mg/20 g body weight, once a day, for 7 consecutive days before irradiation protected ICR strain mice from the sublethal effects of radiation in a dose-dependent manner. Prior administration of 20 mg/20 g DGSYS increased the number of femoral spleen colony-forming units (CFU-S) that survived irradiation, and significantly ameliorated leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and the degression of hematocrits after irradiation. These results suggest that DGSYS may be effective in the prevention of hematopoietic injury caused by sublethal dose irradiation.

Antiplatelet and antiproliferative effects of SCH 51866, a novel type 1 and type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor

SCH 51866 is a potent and selective PDE1 and PDE5 inhibitor. The antiplatelet, antiproliferative, and hemodynamic effects of SCH 51866 were compared with those of E4021, a highly selective PDE5 inhibitor. SCH 51866 inhibited PDE1 and PDE5 isozymes with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 70 and 60 nM, respectively. SCH 51866 and E4021 inhibited washed human platelet aggregation induced by collagen with an IC50 of 10 and 4 microM, respectively, and attenuated (p < 0.05) the adhesion of 111indium-labeled platelets to the nylon filament-injured rat aorta. The doses of SCH 51866 and E4021 that inhibited platelet adhesion caused significant increases in platelet cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP; p < 0.05). SCH 51866 (1-10 mg/kg, p.o. twice daily) but not E4021 (3-30 mg/kg, p.o twice daily) inhibited neointima formation in the carotid arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) subjected to balloon angioplasty. Moreover, SCH 51866 (0.3-10 mg/kg, p.o.) elicited dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure in SHRs, whereas E4021 (3-30 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect blood pressure in SHRs. In conclusion, the data suggest that inhibition of PDE1 and PDE5 isozymes by SCH 51866 exerts antiplatelet and vascular protective effects. In comparison, inhibition of PDE5 alone by E4021 exhibited antiplatelet effects without affecting neointima formation.

Determination of plasma concentrations of SCH 44643 by a GC method and correlation of plasma concentration and anti-PAF activity in cynomolgus monkeys

Inhibiting the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of allergic disorders. SCH 44643 is a new orally-active antagonist of response to both PAF and histamine. This study was done to determine plasma drug concentrations using a GC method and to compare them to ex-vivo anti-PAF activity in the plasma of cynomolgus monkeys following a single oral (12.5 mg kg-1) administration. The GC method involved organic solvent extraction of monkey plasma followed by a GC analysis in a RTX-1 capillary column with a nitrogen/phosphorus detector. The method showed good precision (RSD < 8%) and accuracy (bias < 9%) with a limit of quantitation of 20 ng ml-1. The plasma profiles of SCH 44643 concentration and anti-PAF activity were very similar in each of the six monkeys. There was an excellent correlation (r = 0.9003) between anti-PAF activity and plasma concentration of SCH 44643, suggesting that the anti-PAF activity in cynomolgus monkeys was primarily due to unchanged SCH 44643, rather than its potential metabolite(s).

Recovery of the hematopoietic system by Si-Jun-Zi-Tang in whole body irradiated mice

The herbal formulation Si-Jun-Zi-Tang reduced the decrease of leukocytes, erythrocytes, thrombocytes and hematocrit in irradiated mice. In general, its protection was more effective in leukocytes and thrombocytes than other hematocytes. Protection of bone marrow stem cells by Si-Jun-Zi-Tang was markedly enhanced by increased radiotolerance under the dose ranging from 0 to 5 Gy. This increased radiotolerance led to a prolonged shoulder in the survival curve but did not influence the D0 value. Si-Jun-Zi-Tang exerted a beneficial effect on clinical syndromes such as anemia. From the results in this study, we concluded preliminarily that the most effective concentration with least toxicity was about 20 mg/20 g body weight. At this dose, levels of leukocytes as well as thrombocytes were enhanced significantly after chi-irradiation. Elevation of erythrocytes and hematocrits could also be found but was not significant.

Incomplete pancreas divisum coexistent with anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct--report of a Chinese patient

The coexistence of incomplete pancreas divisum and anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct is uncommon and, to the best of our knowledge, has been reported only in three patients who also presented with choledochal cysts. We have encountered a 54-year-old patient with symptom of intermittent right upper quadrant pain. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed coexistence of incomplete pancreas divisum and anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct, but no dilatation of bile duct.

Comparative bioavailability of ceftibuten in capsule and suspension forms

The comparative bioavailability of ceftibuten, a new third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given orally once daily, in capsule and suspension dosage forms, was assessed in healthy male subjects. In three separate studies, subjects received either a 400-mg dose as a suspension or one laboratory-batch, 400-mg capsule; one laboratory-batch, 400-mg capsule or two laboratory-batch, 200-mg capsules; or one production-batch, 400-mg capsule or two laboratory-batch, 200-mg capsules. Plasma samples were assayed for ceftibuten using high-performance liquid chromatography, and the data were assessed using pharmacokinetic and statistical methods. Confidence intervals for the maximum plasma concentration and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity were within 80% to 125% of guidelines, demonstrating the bioequivalence of the two treatments within each of the three studies. One 400-mg capsule (laboratory or production batch) was bioequivalent to two 200-mg capsules used in a clinical efficacy trial; the 400-mg suspension was bioequivalent to a 400-mg capsule (laboratory batch). Thus we concluded that the capsule and the suspension dosage forms were bioequivalent.

Suicide and parasuicide in psychiatric inpatients: ten years experience at a general hospital in Taiwan

We investigated 64 suicidal acts of 62 psychiatric inpatients over a 10-yr. period. The findings indicated the frequency of suicidal behavior of psychiatric inpatients was 0.91% of total admissions, two thirds of the patients who attempted suicide were diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression, and patients suffering from depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders had a higher parasuicide rate, among whom those diagnosed bipolar disorder with depressive episode had an extremely high parasuicide rate. Most of the incidents occurred in concealed places, and most of the patients used nonviolent methods. About half of the incidents occurred during the evening shift and depressed patients tended to attempt suicide during the night shift. Most suicidal attempts were unsuccessful and led to minor injury. There were two deaths.

Influence of food on the oral bioavailability of loratadine and pseudoephedrine from extended-release tablets in healthy volunteers

The effect of a high-fat breakfast on the bioavailability of the components of an extended-release tablet containing 10 mg loratadine in the immediate-release coating and 240 mg pseudoephedrine sulfate in the extended-release core was studied in 24 healthy male volunteers in a single-dose, two-way crossover study. The drug was administered after a 10-hour overnight fast or within 5 minutes of consuming a standardized high-fat breakfast. Serial blood samples were collected over a 48-hour period, and plasma was analyzed for loratadine and its active metabolite descarboethoxyloratadine (DCL), and pseudoephedrine. For pseudoephedrine, maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCzero-infinity) were similar after both treatments, indicating no relevant food effect on the bioavailability of pseudoephedrine. Also, the absorption profiles of pseudoephedrine (from Wagner-Nelson analysis) were similar for the fed and fasted treatments, indicating no apparent differences in absorption. Plasma concentration-time profiles and values for Cmax and AUCzero-infinity of DCL were similar for the two treatments, indicating no relevant food effect on the pharmacokinetics of DCL. In contrast, for loratadine, administration with food resulted in a significantly increased mean Cmax (53%) and AUC from time zero to the final quantifiable sample (AUCif) (76%). However, the resultant Cmax and AUC of loratadine under fed conditions were well below those previously obtained at steady-state after multiple-dose administration of loratadine (40 mg/day) that were shown to be safe and well-tolerated in several clinical studies. The effect of food on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles of the components of a combination loratadine/pseudoephedrine extended-release tablet is not likely to be clinically significant.

Conservation of a 31-bp bovine subrepeat in centromeric satellite DNA monomers of Cervus elaphus and other cervid species

A centromeric satellite DNA clone was isolated from the genome of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) and designated Ce-Pst1. This clone was localized to the centromeric region of all red deer chromosomes with the exception of a single pair of metacentric autosomes and the Y chromosome. DNA sequence analysis of the 806-bp Ce-Pst1 clone showed 73.0-78.9% sequence homology to four previously isolated cervid centromeric satellite DNA clones, suggesting that the Ce-Pst1 clone is yet another member of the major cervid centromeric satellite DNA family. Using a DNA sequence comparison system, internal 31-bp tandem subrepeats were found in the Ce-Pst1 clone as well as in the other previously reported cervid centromeric satellite DNA monomer sequences. A 31-bp consensus sequence was constructed for each cervid monomer clone and shown to be highly homologous to the 31-bp subrepeat consensus sequence found in bovine 1.715 centromeric satellite DNA. The identification of internal subrepeats in the satellite monomers studied could suggest that amplification of an ancestral 31-bp DNA sequence may have contributed to the genesis of major cervid centromeric satellite DNA. The homology between the 31-bp subrepeats found in cervid and bovid centromeric satellite DNAs substantiates the theory that amplification of this 31-bp DNA sequence may have occurred before the evolutionary separation of these two families 20-25 million years ago.