Basal expression of c-Fos and Zif268 in the rat basal ganglia: immunohistochemical characterization of striatal Zif268-positive neurons

Basal expression of the protein products of the inducible immediate early genes (IEGs), c-Fos and Zif268, was investigated in five regions of the rat basal ganglia using immunohistochemistry. In particular, high basal levels of Zif268 but very low levels of c-Fos were seen in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Double immunostaining revealed that many of the constitutively expressed Zif268-positive neurons were GABAergic but very few were cholinergic or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive, and some of the Zif268-positive neurons were also immunopositive for a glutamate NMDA receptor subunit NR1 or NR2A. No regional difference between the medial and lateral parts of the CPu was observed in the cellular phenotypes of Zif268-positive neurons. Almost no basal levels of Zif268 were seen in the other four regions: the globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus, subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata. As in the CPu, negligible levels of c-Fos were seen in these four regions. Differential expression of these two IEGs may suggest gene-specific and region-specific functions of c-Fos and Zif268 in the basal ganglia. Constitutive expression of Zif268 existing mainly in the GABAergic neurons in the CPu may at least in part be maintained by glutamatergic afferents.

NMR, UV-vis and CD study on the interaction of pradimicin BMY-28864 with divalent cations of alkaline earth metal

In order to clarify the mechanism of the calcium-activated anti-fungal action of pradimicin derivatives, we investigated the compatibility of four divalent metal cations, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+, when combined with pradimicin BMY-28864 in an aqueous solution. The 1H NMR studies suggest that all the tested cations can induce a chemical exchange between two types of aggregation of BMY-28864 in an aqueous solution. The exchange rate, however, varies according to the cation species. In descending order they are: Ba2+ > Sr2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. The differences in the binding ability of BMY-28864 to the cations and the solubility of the chloride salts are explained by the electronegativity of these cations. The UV-Vis and CD spectra of these solutions show isosbestic points that correspond to an exchange process in the cations' binding to BMY-28864. The results provide experimental support for the hypothesis that there is a common mechanism underlying their cations interactions with the antibiotic. The CD study also provided evidence about the stoichiometric relation of the divalent metal ions to the antibiotic, 1:2, which was obtained by NMR analyses.

Potent in vivo antimalarial activity of 3,15-di-O-acetylbruceolide against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice

The antimalarial activity of the O-acylated bruceolide derivative, 3,15-di-O-acetylbruceolide, was evaluated against Plasmodium berghei in vivo. The concentration of 3,15-di-O-acetylbruceolide required for 50% suppression (ED50) of P. berghei in mice was 0.46 +/- 0.06 mg/kg/day, whereas bruceolide was only half as effective as 3,15-di-O-acetylbruceolide. Two antimalarial drugs used clinically, chloroquine and artemisinin, demonstrated only low activity corresponding to 1/4 and 1/12 of the ED50 value of 3,15-di-O-acetylbruceolide, respectively. These results may be helpful in the design of better chemotherapeutic bruceolides against falciparum malaria.

Masseter muscle activity during the whole day in children and young adults

Changes in size and shape of the craniofacial skeleton during growth may be related to the masticatory muscle function in daily life. The purpose of this study was to measure the masseter muscle activity during the whole day in children and to investigate the differences between children and young adults. Fifteen children (7.8-13.0 years of age) and 30 young adults (20.3-34.7 years of age), who had acceptable occlusions without any remarkable skeletal discrepancy or temporomandibular disorder, were used as the subjects. In both children and young adults, most high-amplitude bursts of masseter muscle appeared mainly during mealtime, whereas a substantially larger number of low-amplitude ones were widely distributed throughout the whole day. The number and total duration of bursts of masseter muscle activity during the whole day was greater in children than in young adults, although significant differences were not found between the sexes. During daytime and sleep, both the number and total duration of bursts were greater in children. During mealtime, no significant differences in the number of bursts were found between children and young adults, however, the duration of bursts tended to be longer in children. It is concluded that the masseter muscle activity during the whole day is greater in children than in young adults.

NMR study of pradimicin derivative BMY-28864 and its interaction with calcium ions in D2O

The dynamic structure of the antifungal antibiotic pradimicin BMY-28864 in D2O and its interaction with calcium ions were analyzed using one- and two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Spectra indicate extensive self-association of molecules in the solution. Two-component spectra were observed simultaneously in a very dilute solution, suggesting equilibrium of two aggregative states. The addition of CaCl2 caused a number of changes in NMR spectra. Therefore we concluded that pradimicin BMY-28864 could form a complex with the Ca2+ ion, causing a movement of the equilibrium. The position of the bound calcium ion is determined indirectly by observing how the NMR shift affects protons that are close to the binding site. The stoichiometry of Ca2+ ion to the Pradimicin molecule for the Ca(2+)-saturated complex is verified to be 1:2. Signal broadening and changes in chemical shift in the 1H NMR spectroscopy of BMY-28864 are assumed to be related to changes in the molecular aggregate conformation.

Molecular cloning and expression of human neurochondrin-1 and -2

Human neurochondrins have been cloned from a brain cDNA library. The human neurochondrin-1 and -2 predict leucine-rich (15.8 and 15.9%) proteins of 729 and 712 amino acid residues, with molecular weights of 78.9 and 77.2 kDa, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence indicates 98% identity among human, mouse and rat species. Northern analysis indicates that about 4 kb human neurochondrin mRNAs are abundant in the fetal and the adult brain.

Double-blind test on the efficacy of methylcobalamin on sleep-wake rhythm disorders

The therapeutic effect of methylcobalamin (Met-12) on sleep-wake rhythm disorders was examined in a double-blind test. In the test group which was given a large dosage, a higher percentage of improvement was found compared to the control group with a small dosage, although the difference was not significant. The test group inconsistently showed significant improvement in both the sleep-wake cycle parameters and in clinical symptoms. The tendency was for the results to show a beneficial effect of Met-12 on rhythm disorders. However, because the percentage of improvement was low and significant improvement was inconsistent, Met-12 might be considered to have a low therapeutic potency and possible use as a booster for other treatment methods of the disorders.

Validity of sleep log compared with actigraphic sleep-wake state II

Twenty-five young people (Y group), three elderly people and seven people with various sleep disorders (SD group) kept a sleep log for 2-7 days, and their wrist-activity was monitored simultaneously. The sensitivity and specificity of the sleep log, and the ratio of agreement between the sleep log and actigraphic sleep-wake state were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity in Y group were 87.93+/-6.49% and 96.51+/-2.37%, respectively. The sensitivity in SD group was significantly lower than in Y group. Even in Y group one-hour agreement ratios dropped during the sleep onset period.

Methamphetamine induces fos expression in the striatum and the substantia nigra pars reticulata in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

In rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion in the nigrostriatal pathway, methamphetamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) induced Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) not only in the striatum on the intact side but also in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) on the lesioned side. The methamphetamine-induced hyperexpression of FLI in the SNr on the lesioned side was suppressed by pretreatment with either dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH-23390 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), D2 receptor antagonist raclopride (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), which was concomitant with inhibition of the methamphetamine-induced rotational behavior of each antagonist. However, the hyperexpression of FLI in the SNr was not suppressed by intrastriatal grafts of fetal ventral mesencephalon which could suppress the methamphetamine-induced rotation completely. These results indicate that opposite hemispheric asymmetries in FLI are induced by methamphetamine in the striatum and the SNr in the 6-OHDA rats. It is suggested that the FLIs in the two discrete sites are activated independently by different mechanisms, and furthermore, different neuronal pathways are involved in the methamphetamine-induced rotation and Fos expression in the SNr of 6-OHDA rats.

Cardiovascular and sympathetic effects of proadrenomedullin NH2-terminal 20 peptide in conscious rats

Proadrenomedullin NH2-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) and adrenomedullin (AM), which are derived from the same gene, are novel vasodilative peptides and have been shown to exhibit hypotensive action in anesthetized animals. To avoid the modification via anesthesia, we investigated the effects of intravenously administered PAMP on mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) relative to those of AM in conscious unrestrained rats. We also examined whether the arterial baroreceptor reflex was altered with the two peptides. Intravenous injection of rat PAMP (rPAMP) (10, 20 and 50 nmol/kg) and rat AM (rAM) (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 nmol/kg) similarly elicited dose-related hypotension accompanied by increases in HR and RSNA. However, the responses to rPAMP were less potent in magnitude and shorter in duration than those to rAM. Moreover, rAM facilitated baroreflex control, whereas rPAMP attenuated it. These findings indicate that although PAMP, as well as AM, may play an important role as a circulating hormone in the systemic circulation of conscious rats, the two peptides derived from an identical origin might have different mechanisms responsible for their cardiovascular and RSNA actions.

Peripherally administered tetrahydrobiopterin increases in vivo tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the striatum after transplantation of fetal ventral mesencephalon in six hydroxydopamine lesioned rats

The intraperitoneal administration of 6R-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4), a natural cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase (TRH), dose-dependently increased the extracellular concentration of 6R-BH4 itself in rat striatum. The concentration was investigated by in vivo microdialysis and measured simultaneously with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The 6R-BH4 (50 mg/kg, i.p.) administration increased the accumulation of 5-HTP as an index of in vivo TRH activity under the inhibition of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase by NSD-1015 in the striatum of both normal control and 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats with intrastriatal transplants of fetal ventral mesencephalon (VM). The results suggest that TRH in the striatum of both control and VM-grafted rats is activated by 6R-BH4 penetrating into the brain from the blood.

[Transformation of myelofibrosis into acute myelogenous leukemia (M0) with multiple tumor emboli]

A 60-year-old woman was admitted in August 1995 complaining of abdominal pain. A diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia had been made in 1987, and myelofibrosis developed in the patient thereafter. Physical examination revealed massive hepatosplenomegaly, and the peripheral blood showed leukoerythroblastosis with chromosomal abnormalities in peripheral blood cells. In May, 1996, blastic transformation occurred. Based on the findings of surface marker analysis, the blasts met the diagnostic criteria for acete myelogenous leukemia because they were negative for peroxidase and positive for CD13. In June, the patient died of multiple organ failure. Postmortem examination revealed multiple tumor emboli.

Relationship between masticatory muscle activity and vertical craniofacial morphology

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between masticatory muscle activity during the day and vertical craniofacial morphology. The sample comprised 30 subjects (20 males and 10 females, age range 15 to 28 years, mean 24 +/- 3.2 years) who had normal anteroposterior skeletal relationships and complete or nearly complete dentition without serious malocclusion or temporomandibular dysfunction. Using a portable electromyographic recording system, activities of the masseter, temporal, and digastric muscles were recorded for 3 hours during the day, excluding time spent eating, sleeping and exercising. A lateral cephalogram was taken of each subject with the teeth in occlusion. Activities of the masseter, temporal, and digastric muscles consisted mainly of low-amplitude bursts. The duration of digastric muscle activity was greater than that of either the masseter or temporal muscles. Masseter and digastric muscle activity was positively correlated. The activities of the masseter, temporal, and digastric muscles during the day consist of low-amplitude bursts and may be related to vertical craniofacial morphology.

Abdominal vagotomy attenuates interleukin-1 beta-induced nitric oxide release in the paraventricular nucleus region in conscious rats

Nitric oxide (NO) has recently been shown to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). We measured levels of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) region using an in vivo brain microdialysis technique in conscious rats. Intraperitoneally administered IL-1 beta produced a significant increase in both NO2- and NO3- levels in the PVN region. We also examined the possible involvement of the abdominal vagal afferent nerves in this effect. In abdominal-vagotomized rats, the increase was significantly attenuated compared to that in sham-operated rats. Our results suggest that the abdominal vagal afferent nerves are involved in intraperitoneally administered IL-1 beta-induced NO release in the PVN region.

Validity of sleep log compared with actigraphic sleep-wake state

Seven women and 11 men, mean age 30.1 years, kept a sleep log for 5-7 days, and their wrist activity was monitored each minute. Sleep-wake state in the sleep log and actigraphic sleep-wake state were compared, and the sensitivity and specificity of the sleep log were calculated for each subject. The ratio of agreement between these two parameters was computed for each subject. The sensitivity and specificity of the sleep log were 72.73-97.56% (mean 86.71%) and 92.85-99.68% (mean 97.04%), respectively. The agreement ratio was 87.30-97.85% (93.48%), but 1-h agreement ratios from midnight dropped during the sleep onset period.

Methamphetamine-induced Fos expression in the substantia nigra pars reticulata in rats with a unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the nigrostriatal fibers

In rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesion in the nigrostriatal fibers, methamphetamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) induced Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI), which was inhibited by pretreatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), not only in the medial striatum contralateral to the lesion but also in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) ipsilateral to the lesion. Thus, hemispheric asymmetries in FLI were induced by methamphetamine in the medial striatum and the SNr in the 6-OHDA model of turning which may be related to the altered function of glutamatergic transmission.

Serotonergic activity in the rat striatum after intrastriatal transplantation of fetal nigra as measured by microdialysis

In vivo microdialysis was used to examine the effects of dopaminergic transplants on extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and their precursors and major metabolites in the denervated rat striatum. Dialysis perfusates were collected from intact 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion plus sham grafted, and lesion plus fetal substantia nigra (SN) grafted striata. The SN transplants ameliorated the reduction of striatal DA and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the mesostriatal pathway. The transplants also increased extracellular levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the denervated striatum. In response to NSD-1015 (an inhibitor of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, AADC), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) levels were substantially elevated in the SN grafted striata as compared with those in the sham grafted controls, which continued even after subsequent administration of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA, 100 mg/kg i.p.). Immunohistochemical analysis showed hyperinnervation of 5-HT fibers in the grafted striatum, which was consistent with the results of microdialysis experiments. These results indicated that implantation of SN grafts into the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum of rats induces hyperactivity of 5-HT synthesis, release and metabolism.

Effects of anesthetics on norepinephrine release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus region of awake rats

The effects of pentobarbital sodium, chloralose and urethane on norepinephrine (NE) release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) region were examined in awake rats. An in vivo microdialysis method was used. Extracellular NE concentrations in the PVN region were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Pentobarbital sodium (30 mg/kg, intravenously [i.v.]) and chloralose (50 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a 30-40% decrease in NE release while urethane (800 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a 50% increase. Plasma NE concentration was not altered after pentobarbital sodium and chloralose administrations, except for its increase in chloralose at 5 h, while the concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) after urethane. These results suggest that, in the rat, these anesthetic agents have different effects on noradrenergic activity in the PVN region as well as on plasma NE.

Difference in water intake but not in renal sympathetic nerve activity in response to central salt-loading or angiotensin II in awake Dahl salt-sensitive and -resistant rats

Experiments were conducted to examine whether renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and water intake in response to central salt-loading or angiotensin II (A II) differ between freely-moving Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and -resistant (DR) rats maintained on a low-salt diet. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of hypertonic saline (0.3 M, 1 microl/min, 20 min) or A II (100 ng/1 microl) evoked water intake, pressor response and suppression of RSNA in both strains. The cumulative water intake in DS rats over a 60-min period after i.c.v. infusion of hypertonic saline or A II was significantly attenuated compared with that in DR rats. The RSNA response did not show a significant difference between the strains. These results demonstrate that water intake, but not RSNA response to acute central salt-loading or A II differ between awake DR and DS rats.

Vitamin B12 treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome: a multi-center double-blind study

The active form of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) has been reported to be effective on sleep-wake rhythm disorders. Previous studies, however, were performed under open trial, and the effect of vitamin B12 has not been properly evaluated. The aim of this double-blind study was to investigate the efficacy of methylcobalamin on delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). Methylcobalamin (3 mg/day) or placebo was administered for 4 weeks. The subjects were 50 patients with DSPS aged 13-55 years (26.8 +/- 1.3), 27 of whom received the active drug while 23 received the placebo. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in subjective evaluations of mood or drowsiness during the daytime or in night sleep by sleep-log evaluation. These results indicate that 3 mg methylcobalamin administered over 4 weeks is not an effective treatment for DSPS.

[Salivary gland masses: dynamic MR imaging and pathologic correlation]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficiency of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of salivary gland masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined 19 salivary gland masses that were pathologically diagnosed by surgical operation or biopsy. We obtained T1- and T2-weighted images on MRI, performed dynamic studies on each mass and examined the correlation between enhancement patterns and pathological findings.

RESULTS

Four enhancement patterns were recognized on contrast-enhanced MRI: type 1 showed marked, homogeneous enhancement; type 2 slight, homogeneous enhancement; type 3 marginal enhancement; and type 4 poor enhancement of the mass. Most pleomorphic adenomas had a type 1 enhancement pattern, but two had a type 2 pattern. Pathologically, each mass enhancement pattern had different tumor cell and matrix components. Warthin's tumor generally showed the type 4 pattern. Primary malignant tumors of the salivary gland all showed the type 3 pattern, and pathological specimens showed many tumor cells along the marginal portion of the tumor. One inflammatory cyst and one Warthin's tumor also showed the type 3 pattern. Except for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, the enhancement patterns of late phase images and dynamic study images were the same.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic MRI added little diagnostic information about salivary gland masses, but the contrast-enhanced MR features correlated well with the pathological findings.

Effects of systemic interleukin-1beta administration on daily drinking and renal excretory function in conscious rats

To elucidate the roles of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a cytokine with several diverse actions, in the control of body fluid balance, its effects on daily drinking behavior and renal excretory function were examined in conscious rats. Administration of IL-1beta (4 microg/kg, I.P.) resulted in the suppression of both daily drinking and food intake and a decrease in daily urinary sodium and potassium excretion, but had no effect on urine volume. The IL-1beta-induced decrease in sodium excretion was abolished in renal-denervated rats. Kainic acid was then injected into the anteroventral third ventricle region, including the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, to examine whether neurons in this region are involved in the IL-1beta-induced responses; the effects on daily drinking and urinary sodium and potassium excretion were abolished, whereas the effects on food intake, although attenuated, were still present. In contrast, electrical lesion of the subfomical organ did not affect the IL-1beta-induced responses. Thus, IL-1beta seems exert its effects on body fluid balance at several distinct sites in the central nervous system.

Effects of area postrema lesion and abdominal vagotomy on interleukin-1 beta-induced norepinephrine release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus region in the rat

Peripherally administered interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) has been shown to increase extracellular norepinephrine (NE) concentration in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. The present study was carried out using an in vivo microdialysis technique in conscious rats in order to examine the possible involvement of the area postrema (AP) and the abdominal vagal afferent nerves in this effect. Extracellular NE concentrations in the PVN region were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In AP-lesioned or abdominal-vagotomized rats, the NE increase was significantly attenuated compared to that in sham-operated rats; this reduction was greater in abdominal-vagotomized rats than in AP-lesioned rats. The results suggest that the AP as well as the abdominal vagal afferent nerves is involved in intraperitoneal (i.p.) administered IL-1 beta-induced NE release in the PVN region.

Analysis of glycosidic linkages in saccharide compounds by post-source decay fragment methods in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy

Maltotriosyl- and panosyl-alpha-cyclodextrins and the nonaose of pullulan were analyzed by post-source decay (PSD) fragment methods of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy. By the mass number analysis, it was found that all of the PSD fragment ions were produced by cleavages of glycosidic linkages. Comparison of the relative intensities of the ions in those compounds enabled us to distinguish two kinds of glycosidic linkages, alpha 1-4 and alpha 1-6, by MALDI-TOFMS with a new type of ion reflector: the curved field reflectron.

Masseter muscle activity during the whole day in young adults

This study was conducted to evaluate the biting function during the entire day in young adults by measuring the masseter muscle activity with a 24-hour electromyography (EMG) system. With this system, the masseter muscle activity for 24 hours was recorded in 20 male and 10 female young adult subjects with acceptable occlusion. For the male subjects, means of the number and total duration of bursts over level 2, which is one-fourth of the maximum discharge voltage during maximum clenching, were 1938 times and 357 seconds. For the female subjects, the values were 2356 times and 419 seconds. A large percentage of such high amplitude bursts as level 3 or 4 was observed during meals in both groups. These results indicated that most of the strong bursts of the masseter muscle appeared only during meals and a number of low amplitude bursts were observed during the entire day, although masseter muscle activity during the entire day in young adults was less than expected. It is anticipated that the nature of masticatory muscle activity revealed in this study might provide valuable information about the association between the biting function and the craniofacial structure or malocclusion.

Anti-gastric acid secretory mechanism of 1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid. Effect on mucosal mast cell

To clarify the anti-gastric acid secretory mechanism of 1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarbo xylic acid (CAS 98772-05-5, MAR-99), the relationship between gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal mast cell (MMC) was studied and the effect of this compound on these parameters was examined and compared with anti-allergic drugs (mast cell stabilizers) and anti-ulcer drugs. The release of histamine from MMC cultured from bone marrow and connective tissue mast cell (CTMC) isolated from peritoneal cavity was found to be induced by the addition of ethanol (final conc. 17.5%), and the inhibitory effect on histamine release from MMC is closely associated with the anti-gastric secretory effect. That is to say, MAR-99 (10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l) inhibited histamine release from MMC induced by ethanol in a concentration-dependent manner. The action of MAR-99 on MMC was more sensitive than that of CTMC. In addition, MAR-99 (100 mg/kg i.d.) suppressed gastric acid secretion. On the other hand, anti-allergic drugs (mast cell stabilizers), such as DSCG and tranilast (both 10(-7) mol/l), markedly inhibited histamine release from CTMC induced by ethanol, but these drugs (10(-8)-10(-7) mol/l) showed only a tendency to prevent the release of histamine from MMC. Furthermore these drugs (both 100 mg/ kg i.d.) had no effects on gastric acid secretion. Equally anti-ulcer drugs, such as cetraxate, teprenone and sofalcone, had no effects on histamine release from mast cells of two types and gastric acid secretion. From these results, it was suggested that MMC is closely correlated with gastric acid secretion, and the anti-gastric secretory effect of MAR-99 may mainly contribute to prevent the degranulation of MMC.

Effect of 1,6-dihydro-2[2-(2-methylpropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidineca rboxyli c acid on ethanol-induced microvascular injury in rats

To disclose the cytoprotective mechanism of 1,6-dihydro-2[2-(2-methyoxypropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarb oxylic acid (CAS 98772-05-5, MAR-99), the effect of this compound on the microvascular injury in gastric mucosa induced by 99.5% ethanol in rats was studied. In this experiment, it was found that the elevation of vascular permeability observed at the early state of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury was closely correlated with the combined action of histamine and slow reacting substance (leukotriene C4, LTC4). MAR-99 (0.3-10 mg/kg p.o.) prevented dose-dependently the increase in vascular permeability. Furthermore, MAR-99 (10 mg/kg p.o.) improved the decrease in the number of histamine containing cells and histamine content, and prevented the production of LTC4. These results suggest that MAR-99 exerts its anti-microvascular injury effect by regulating the release of histamine and the production of LTC4 in glandular stomach against ethanol, and this effect may contribute to the anti-lesion effect of this compound.

Treatment of sleep apnea and snoring in children

Sleep apnea syndrome in children is usually caused by adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy. Here, we report on a typical case of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and also discuss recent indications for tonsillectomy in children. A 6-year-old boy came to our hospital suffering from serious obesity and somnolescence. He could not sleep lying down and thus started to sleep in a sitting position. Even during daytime he slept while standing, and exhibited hypersomnolescence. He was 133 cm tall and weighed 80 kg, and tonsillar hypertrophy was recognised. Consequently, tonsillectomy and a weight reducing program were undertaken. The lowest SaO(2) improved from 50% to 70%, and sleep apnea also decreased from 141 to 71 episodes. Moreover, the hypersomnolescence improved.

Post-source decay fragment spectra of cyclomalto-octaose and branched cyclomalto-hexaose by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

gamma-Cyclodextrin, maltosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin and diglucosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. All of these compounds have the same molecular weight (M.W. = 1297.15) and consist of only D-glucopyranose. From a comparison of the intensities in the post-source decay (PSD) fragment spectra of these cyclodextrin derivatives, correlation between the chemical structures and the relative intensities in the PSD fragment ions was found. The correlation is considered to be caused by the difference in the number of cleavage sites at the glycosyl binding. It was found that the intensity of the PSD ion resulting from one cleavage is higher than that resulting from two cleavages at a glycosyl bond. The results show that PSD fragment-ion spectrum method used in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a very powerful technique for the structural analyses of the sugar-substituted cyclodextrins.

Studies on antiulcer agents. IV. Antiulcer effects of 2-benzylthio5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4(3H)-quinazolinones and related compounds

With a view to finding more effective antiulcer agents, a series of 2-benzylthio-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4(3H)-quinazolinones and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated in a histamine-stimulated gastric secretion model. The sodium salt of the 2-(dimethylamino)benzylthio derivative (8) showed gastric mucosal protection and gastric antisecretion activities, and was also effective against experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by some ulcerogenic agents. Based on a comparison of the antiulcer properties of 8 with those of the lead compounds (1 and 2) and cimetidine, it appears that, for improvement of antiulcer activity, the reduction of gastric acidity is a more important factor than the reduction of gastric volume output or gastric total acid output.

Effects of 3-[N-(2-chlorobenzyl)amino]-6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) pyridazine dihydrochloride on various aromatase enzyme systems and experimental breast cancer

The effects of 3-[N-(2-chlorobenzyl)amino]-6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazine dihydrochloride (CAS 124070-28-3, MFT-279) on various aromatase enzyme systems and experimental breast cancer were studied. MFT-279 inhibited the aromatase enzyme in vitro with an IC50 value of 2.39 nmol/l. On the other hand, MFT-279 had no effect on cytochrome P-450 dependent reactions of steroid biosynthesis. In pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-treated female rats, the elevation of ovarian aromatase activity was significantly suppressed by the oral treatment with MFT-279 at 10 and 20 mg/kg. When MFT-279 (20 mg/kg) was orally given to 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA)-treated female rats once a day for 28 days, regression of tumors was observed. These results suggest that MFT-279 may be useful for the endocrine therapy of hormone dependent mammary carcinoma.

Studies on antiulcer agents. II. Antiulcer properties of N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-anilino-5-pyrimidinecarboxamides inhibiting release of histamine from passively sensitized rat peritoneal mast cells

With the aim of applying mast cell-stabilizing agents as antiulcer agents, N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-anilino-5-pyrimidinecarboxamides were synthesized, and initially evaluated pharmacologically for activity in the rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test by oral administration. The most active compound 6 was proved to inhibit potently the release of histamine from passively sensitized rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. When compared with other mast cell-stabilizing agents and an antiulcer agent, compound 6 was found to show excellent gastric mucosal protection and gastric antisecretion activities. Furthermore, compound 6 revealed good activity against acidified aspirin ulcer in rats and water-immersion stress ulcer in rats.

[Health appraisal for work adjustment of freshmen employees--information on health checkup just after entering the corporation and condition in the next fiscal year]

In 1990, 365 (males: 197, females: 168) freshmen employees at the headquarters of a large corporation were examined just after being hired in order to observe their health status. We collected (1) data of physical examinations and questionnaires for symptoms as an ordinary health checkup, (2) information on work adjustment, life patterns, and personal characteristics through interviews conducted by ten public health nurses, and (3) personal records, e.g. birth year. Statistical analyses revealed some notable findings as follows: (1) subjects with higher blood pressure had higher scores of extrovert personality among males, (2) female subjects with greater body mass index had higher scores in such manifestations of personal characteristics such as aggression and discontent with superiors, (3) higher scores of personal characteristics were noted among female subjects working in technical sections, (4) positive correlation between the scores of work adjustment and personal characteristics, (5) higher scores of undesirable life patterns among males and of work maladjustment among elder females, (6) unbalanced meal quality of subjects from rural areas, (7) higher mental tension among younger males from rural areas, and (8) higher scores of dependency and lower morale among younger female subjects. Information on health problems was collected over the 1.5 yrs that followed. More problems were detected among females than among males and among younger females than among elder females. Longitudinal analysis was carried out from just after entry into the company for approximately 1.5 yrs. Health problems in females could be predicted by the data on personal characteristics and work adjustment just after entry. Risk of health problems in male freshmen employees with hobbies and unhealthy drinking habits over the 1.5 yrs that followed was higher than in others. It was concluded that a health interview for freshmen employees by public health nurses is valuable for health care, obtaining information regarding work adjustment, life patterns, and personal characteristics.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase attenuates osmotic thirst in the rat

Changes in water intake after intraperitoneal injection of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor was studied in the rat. Administration of NW-nitro-L arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose of 50 mg/kg attenuated osmotic thirst induced by intraperitoneal injection of hypertonic saline, but did not affect spontaneous intake of water and thirst induced by subcutaneous injection of angiotension II. Pretreatment with L-arginine significantly attenuated the inhibition of osmotic thirst evoked with subsequent L-NAME. Administration of NW-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME) altered neither the spontaneous nor the osmotic drinking behavior. These findings suggest that NO may affect the osmotically induced drinking.

Studies on antiulcer agents. I. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of ethyl 2-[(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfinylmethyl]-4-dimethylamino-5- pyrimidinecarboxylate, a new H+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor possessing mucosal protective activity

Ethyl 2-[1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)sulfinylmethyl]-4-dimethylamino-5- pyrimidinecarboxylate (2) has been synthesized and evaluated for antiulcer properties. Compound 2 is a H+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor that affords mucosal protection against absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats after oral and parenteral administrations. On the other hand, omeprazole, a representative H+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, showed mucosal protective action only after oral administration, indicating that it required gastric acid secretion to generate activity. The antiulcer activity of 2 in animal models, such as water-immersion stress-induced gastric ulcer in rats and acidified aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats, was three times higher than that of cimetidine.

Variations in the level of urinary thiobarbituric acid reactant in healthy humans under different physiological conditions

The level of urinary thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactants in healthy human subjects due to malonaldehyde derivatives was measured to assess the lipid peroxidation status of the whole body. For each subject the TBA reactant level over a day varied over a 2-3 fold range while the daily level varied over a 1.5-3 fold range under normal life-style conditions. One of the factors causing an increase in the reactant level within a single day may be the subjects's physical activity, because the reactant level of each subject was higher in the afternoon or in the evening than in the morning. Remaining awake all night or hard exercise caused a dramatic increase in the reactant level over a day and in the daily reactant level. The reactant level within a single day for a subject was increased 5.5 fold and the daily level 3 fold by remaining awake all night, and the level within a day was increased 22 fold by hard exercise while the corresponding daily level was increased 7 fold. It is unlikely that food, alcohol and smoking greatly affect the reactant level. The results suggest that increased physical activity enhances lipid peroxidation in the whole body and thus the increased urinary excretion of malonaldehyde derivatives.

Pathology of olfactory mucosa in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Characteristic changes that appear in the biopsied olfactory mucosa of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined with immunohistochemical staining. Specimens were obtained from patients with clinical diagnoses of AD. Patients with vascular dementia and age-matched patients without dementia were used for controls. In most AD cases, neurofibrillary tangle-like abnormal tau protein (Tau) immunoreactivity was seen in the dendrites and perikarya of the olfactory receptor cells and in the nerve bundles. A senile plaque-like extracellular mass was found in the olfactory epithelium, and it reacted strongly to an anti-Tau antiserum and weakly to an anti-amyloid-beta protein antiserum. Ubiquitin (Ubq) immunoreactivity was also observed in the dendrites. Tau immunoreactivity of the perikarya and extracellular mass, and Ubq immunoreactivity were especially characteristic of the olfactory mucosa of AD patients. From these results, it is clear that the same pathologic changes in the brain are also present in the olfactory mucosa of patients with AD. Not only disruption of the central olfactory pathway, but also an olfactory disturbance of AD patients is caused by peripheral changes. Furthermore, an olfactory mucosal biopsy could be a useful method for a definitive diagnosis of AD.

Effect of 1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid on gastric mucosal defensive factors and gastric secretion in rats

1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy)anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarbo xylic acid, (MAR-99, CAS 98772-05-5) (10-30 mg/kg i.g.) improved the reduction of gastric blood flow rate induced by the administration of 99.5% ethanol or acidified-acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). In addition, MAR-99 (3 x 10(-6)-3 x 10(-5) mol/l) protected dose-dependently the damage of epithelial cells induced by ulcerogenic agents such as ethanol or acidified-ASA. MAR-99 (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) prevented dose-dependently the reduction of hexosamine content in glandular stomach. Furthermore, MAR-99 (10-30 mg/kg i.g.) improved the decrease in gastric potential difference induced by 99.5% ethanol and acidified-ASA. MAR-99 (10-30 mg/kg p.o.) significantly inhibited the lesion formation induced by 99.5% ethanol and such effect of this compound was not attenuated by the pretreatment with indomethacin. Furthermore MAR-99 (10 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) had no effect on the prostaglandins (PGE2 and I2) contents in the stomach of normal rats. In pylorus-ligated rats, MAR-99 (3-100 mg/kg i.d.) showed a weak or no effect on acidity and pepsin activity in gastric juice, although this compound decreased dose-dependently the volume of gastric juice. In perfused stomachs, MAR-99 (30-100 mg/kg i.d.) slightly prevented the acid secretion induced by carbachol and pentagastrin. However, MAR-99 did not affect the acid secretion stimulated by histamine. These results indicated that anti-ulcer effect of MAR-99 was mainly due to maintenance of the gastric mucosal resistance.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (refractory anemia)

A 31-year-old woman presented with fever and arthralgia. Despite treatment with antimicrobials and corticosteroids, her symptoms persisted. A diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-refractory anemia (RA) was made by pancytopenia, dysplasia, and trisomy 8. Cultures of bone marrow, blood, and gastric juice showed Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). She was treated with antimycobacterial drugs and recombinant human G-CSF/M-CSF and showed an initial response, but spike fever recurred and pancytopenia progressed. Hepatosplenomegaly and marked retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy were revealed, indicating further dissemination of MAI. Treatment with recombinant human GM-CSF and very-low-dose cytosine arabinoside, was started but was not effective. This case showed significant reduction in peripheral blood T-lymphocytes, especially the CD4+ population, and low immunoglobulin levels. Immunodeficiency state associated with long-term steroid therapy and MDS seemed to contribute to the development of the disseminated infection with MAI.

Anti-ulcer effect of 1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy) anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid on experimental gastric ulcers in rats

The effects of 1,6-dihydro-2-[2-(2-methylpropoxy) anilino]-6-oxo-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid (MAR-99, CAS 98772-05-5) on various experimental gastric ulcers were studied in rats. MAR-99 (3-100 mg/kg, p.o. or i.d.) showed the anti-ulcer effect in Shay-, stress, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)- and compound 48/80-ulcer models and significantly accelerated healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats. In addition, MAR-99 (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) decreased dose-dependently the gastric mucosal damage induced by necrotizing agents such as 99.5% ethanol, 0.6N HCl and 0.2 N NaOH. These results indicate that MAR-99 may be useful for the treatment of gastric ulcer in human.

Olfactory mucosa of patients with olfactory disturbance following head trauma

The olfactory mucosa in 7 patients with olfactory disturbance following head trauma were sampled for biopsy with special biopsy forceps and examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100 protein (S-100) antibodies. The residual olfactory receptor cells and nerve bundles were counted, and the degree of degeneration was determined. In 5 patients, olfactory receptor cells that reacted with anti-NSE antiserum remained, although the number varied with the patient, and in 2 patients the receptor cells disappeared. In the lamina propria, the S-100-immunoreactive olfactory nerves were retained in 6 patients. The outcome was poor in all cases regardless of the number of residual receptor cells and nerve bundles. These results indicate that the degree of impairment of the peripheral olfactory region after head trauma differs from case to case, and that even if the receptor cells and nerve bundles remain, it is difficult to improve the condition, although some cases of malingering may be contained.

Sleep spindle frequency changes during the menstrual cycle

Five healthy adult women aged 20 to 28 had 12-15 polysomnographic recordings, as well as daily basal body temperature and multiple LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone measurements taken during a single menstrual cycle. Sleep stages were scored both visually and with a spindle and delta-wave, real-time, automatic analysing system. A cubic growth-curve model showed that the frequency of sleep spindles changed markedly over the menstrual cycle: spindle frequency was lowest about 18 days before onset of menses and highest 3 days before onset of menses. Slow waves did not change. The percentages of Stage 1 and REM sleep showed small changes during the menstrual cycle, and other parameters of visually scored sleep showed no tendency to change. Spindle frequency may reflect the effects of sex hormones on the reticular thalamic nucleus and may be a quantitative marker of premenstrual sleep disturbances.

[Abnormal tau protein expression in biopsied human olfactory mucosa]

Abnormal tau protein expression was immunohistochemically examined in biopsied human olfactory mucosa. The olfactory mucosa of 25 patients with olfactory disturbances, whose structures were relatively preserved, was immunostained with a polyclonal antibody derived from neurofibrillary tangles from the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal tau protein immunoreactivity was found in the olfactory vesicles, dendrites and perikarya of the olfactory receptor cells in the epithelium and olfactory nerve bundles in the lamina propria. This immunoreactivity in the olfactory nerve bundles was observed in patients in their teens to 80's, and the immunoreactivity of the olfactory vesicles and dendrites of the olfactory receptor cells was widely distributed in patients in their 30's to 70's. On the other hand, the immunoreactivity of the perikarya of the olfactory receptor cells was observed only in patients in their 50's and 60's. These results indicate that abnormal tau protein accumulation of perikarya is a pathological change and is related to aging of the olfactory neurons.

[Definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using olfactory mucosal biopsy]

Characteristic changes appearing in the biopsied olfactory mucosa of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients were investigated using immunohistochemical staining. Specimens were obtained from 6 patients who were clinically diagnosed with AD, 2 patients with cerebrovascular dementia and 5 age-matched patients with olfactory disturbance without dementia. In most AD cases, polyclonal tau protein immunoreactivity was seen in the dendrites, perikarya of the olfactory receptor cells in the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory nerve bundles in the lamina propria. In a few cases, tau protein immunoreactivity was found in the extracellular mass in the epithelium. Ubiquitin immunoreactivity was seen is the dendrites of olfactory receptor cells. On the other hand, in control cases, only dendrites and olfactory nerve bundles reacted to anti-polyclonal tau protein antiserum in a few cases. These results indicate that the neurofibrillary tangle-like tau protein immunoreactivity in the perikarya senile plaque-like extracellular mass and ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the olfactory epithelium were characteristic changes in AD, and olfactory mucosal biopsy is a useful method for the definitive diagnosis of AD.

Effect of pravastatin on human sleep

To evaluate the effect of pravastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, on sleep, the drug or a placebo was administered to 5 healthy adults for 16 days by the double-blind method. Pravastatin caused no changes in sleep parameters. This indicates that it had no effect on human sleep for the following possible reasons: Being hydrophilic, the drug does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. It does not inhibit prostaglandin D2 synthase, a possible sleep-inducing substance. It was thought that a decrease in the total cholesterol level in the blood has no effect on sleep in healthy adults.

Enhancement and neutralization of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection in feline macrophages by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies recognizing different epitopes

The interaction between the enhancing and neutralizing activities of three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (5-6-2, 6-4-2 and 7-4-1) to the spike protein of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) strain 79-1146 was determined using feline macrophages. At a high MAb concentration, all of the three MAbs completely inhibited the FIPV infection at 37 C. However, two of them (6-4-2 and 7-4-1) enhanced FIPV infection when either the MAb concentration or reaction temperature was lowered. These MAbs also exerted an immediate infectivity-enhancing activity for up to 10 min of reaction and by 20 min, neutralizing activities were observed. Only MAb 5-6-2 consistently showed neutralizing activity regardless of the reaction conditions. Competition with sera from cats experimentally infected with FIPV strain 79-1146 or feline enteric coronavirus strain 79-1683 showed that the two epitopes recognized by MAb 5-6-2 and MAb 6-4-2, respectively, are also recognized by the natural host.