Activation of potassium and chloride channels by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Role in liver cell death

Despite abundant evidence for changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated cell death, the role of plasma membrane ion channels in this process remains unclear. These studies examine the influence of TNF on ion channel opening and death in a model rat liver cell line (HTC). TNF (25 ng/ml) elicited a 2- and 5-fold increase in K(+) and Cl(-) currents, respectively, in HTC cells. These increases occurred within 5-10 min after TNF exposure and were inhibited either by K(+) or Cl(-) substitution or by K(+) channel blockers (Ba(2+), quinine, 0.1 mm each) or Cl(-) channel blockers (10 microm 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid and 0.1 mm N-phenylanthranilic acid), respectively. TNF-mediated increases in K(+) and Cl(-) currents were each inhibited by intracellular Ca(2+) chelation (5 mm EGTA), ATP depletion (4 units/ml apyrase), and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors chelerythrine (10 micrometer) or PKC 19-36 peptide (1 micrometer). In contrast, currents were not attenuated by the calmodulin kinase II 281-309 peptide (10 micrometer), an inhibitor of calmodulin kinase II. In the presence of actinomycin D (1 micrometer), each of the above ion channel blockers significantly delayed the progression to TNF-mediated cell death. Collectively, these data suggest that activation of K(+) and Cl(-) channels is an early response to TNF signaling and that channel opening is Ca(2+)- and PKC-dependent. Our findings further suggest that K(+) and Cl(-) channels participate in pathways leading to TNF-mediated cell death and thus represent potential therapeutic targets to attenuate liver injury from TNF.

Pharmacokinetics of ICG and HPPH-car for the detection of normal and tumor tissue using fluorescence, near-infrared reflectance imaging: a case study

We present in vivo fluorescent, near-infrared (NIR), reflectance images of indocyanine green (ICG) and carotene-conjugated 2-devinyl-2-(1-hexyloxyethyl) pyropheophorbide (HPPH-car) to discriminate spontaneous canine adenocarcinoma from normal mammary tissue. Following intravenous administration of 1.0 mg kg-1 ICG or 0.3 mg kg-1 HPPH-car into the canine, a 25 mW, 778 nm or 70 mW, 660 nm laser diode beam, expanded by a diverging lens to approximately 4 cm in diameter, illuminated the surface of the mammary tissue. Successfully propagating to the tissue surface, ICG or HPPH-car fluorescence generated from within the tissue was collected by an image-intensified, charge-coupled device camera fitted with an 830 or 710 nm bandpass interference filter. Upon collecting time-dependent fluorescence images at the tissue surface overlying both normal and diseased tissue volumes, and fitting these images to a pharmacokinetic model describing the uptake (wash-in) and release (wash-out) of fluorescent dye, the pharmacokinetics of fluorescent dye was spatially determined. Mapping the fluorescence intensity owing to ICG indicates that the dye acts as a blood pool or blood persistent agent, for the model parameters show no difference in the ICG uptake rates between normal and diseased tissue regions. The wash-out of ICG was delayed for up to 72 h after intravenous injection in tissue volumes associated with disease, because ICG fluorescence was still detected in the diseased tissue 72 h after injection. In contrast, HPPH-car pharmacokinetics illustrated active uptake into diseased tissues, perhaps owing to the overexpression of LDL receptors associated with the malignant cells. HPPH-car fluorescence was not discernable after 24 h. This work illustrates the ability to monitor the pharmacokinetic delivery of NIR fluorescent dyes within tissue volumes as great as 0.5-1 cm from the tissue surface in order to differentiate normal from diseased tissue volumes on the basis of parameters obtained from the pharmacokinetic models.

Pharmacokinetics of ICG and HPPH-car for the detection of normal and tumor tissue using fluorescence, near-infrared reflectance imaging: a case study

We present in vivo fluorescent, near-infrared (NIR), reflectance images of indocyanine green (ICG) and carotene-conjugated 2-devinyl-2-(1-hexyloxyethyl) pyropheophorbide (HPPH-car) to discriminate spontaneous canine adenocarcinoma from normal mammary tissue. Following intravenous administration of 1.0 mg kg-1 ICG or 0.3 mg kg-1 HPPH-car into the canine, a 25 mW, 778 nm or 70 mW, 660 nm laser diode beam, expanded by a diverging lens to approximately 4 cm in diameter, illuminated the surface of the mammary tissue. Successfully propagating to the tissue surface, ICG or HPPH-car fluorescence generated from within the tissue was collected by an image-intensified, charge-coupled device camera fitted with an 830 or 710 nm bandpass interference filter. Upon collecting time-dependent fluorescence images at the tissue surface overlying both normal and diseased tissue volumes, and fitting these images to a pharmacokinetic model describing the uptake (wash-in) and release (wash-out) of fluorescent dye, the pharmacokinetics of fluorescent dye was spatially determined. Mapping the fluorescence intensity owing to ICG indicates that the dye acts as a blood pool or blood persistent agent, for the model parameters show no difference in the ICG uptake rates between normal and diseased tissue regions. The wash-out of ICG was delayed for up to 72 h after intravenous injection in tissue volumes associated with disease, because ICG fluorescence was still detected in the diseased tissue 72 h after injection. In contrast, HPPH-car pharmacokinetics illustrated active uptake into diseased tissues, perhaps owing to the overexpression of LDL receptors associated with the malignant cells. HPPH-car fluorescence was not discernable after 24 h. This work illustrates the ability to monitor the pharmacokinetic delivery of NIR fluorescent dyes within tissue volumes as great as 0.5-1 cm from the tissue surface in order to differentiate normal from diseased tissue volumes on the basis of parameters obtained from the pharmacokinetic models.

Maesaquinone: a novel inhibitor of plant mitochondrial respiratory enzymes that react with ubiquinone

The effect of maesaquinone, 2-(14-nonadecenyl)-3,6-dihydroxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, on plant mitochondrial respiration has been investigated. In mitochondria isolated from thermogenic Arum maculatum spadices, this compound inhibits both cytochrome and alternative pathway activities. Kinetic analyses reveal that this inhibition is the result of potent effects of maesaquinone on the alternative oxidase (ID50 < 0.3 microM) and complex III (ID50 < 5 microM). Succinate dehydrogenase and external NADH dehydrogenase are also inhibited, albeit to a lesser extent (approximately 30% at 1 microM). These data suggest that maesaquinone specifically affects the interaction of the respective enzymes with ubiquinone.

Localisation and accumulation of a new carotenoporphyrin in two primary tumour models

We have investigated the tumour-localising properties and in vivo fluorescence kinetics of a hexamethoxylated carotenqporphyrin (CP6) in two primary tumour models: UV-B-induced early skin cancer in hairless mice and chemically induced mucosal dysplasia in the rat palate. CP6 fluorescence kinetics are investigated by measuring in vivo fluorescence spectra and images of the mouse skin and the rat palate at different time points after injection. For the tumour-localising properties, microscopic phase-contrast and fluorescence images are recorded. The in vivo fluorescence kinetics in the mouse skin show localization of CP6 in the tumours. However, fluorescence microscopy images show that CP6 localises in the dermis and structures that are not related to the malignant transformation of the mouse skin. The fluorescence kinetics in the rat palate show a significant correlation between the degree of malignancy and the CP6 fluorescence build-up time in the palate. The microscopic images show that CP6 fluorescence localises in the connective tissue and not in the dysplastic epithelium. In conclusion, CP6 does not localise preferentially in (pre-) cancerous tissue in the two primary tumour models studied here, in contrast to reports about localisation of carotenoporphyrins in transplanted tumours. However, the CP6 build-up time in rat palates correlates with the degree of malignancy and this might possibly be a useful parameter in tumour detection.

Functional expression of the plant alternative oxidase affects growth of the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have investigated the extent to which functional expression of the plant alternative oxidase (from Sauromatum guttatum) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe affects yeast growth. When cells are cultured on glycerol, the maximum specific growth rate is decreased from 0.13 to 0.11 h-1 while growth yield is lowered by 20% (from 1. 14 x 10(8) to 9.12 x 10(7) cells ml-1). Kinetic studies suggest that the effect on growth is mitochondrial in origin. In isolated mitochondria we found that the alternative oxidase actively competes with the cytochrome pathway for reducing equivalents and contributes up to 24% to the overall respiratory activity. Metabolic control analysis reveals that the alternative oxidase exerts a considerable degree of control (22%) on total electron flux. Furthermore, the negative control exerted by the alternative oxidase on the flux ratio of electrons through the cytochrome and alternative pathways is comparable with the positive control exerted on this flux-ratio by the cytochrome pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to report a phenotypic effect because of plant alternative oxidase expression. We suggest that the effect on growth is the result of high engagement of the non-protonmotive alternative oxidase in yeast respiration that, consequently, lowers the efficiency of energy conservation and hence growth.

Hearts and minds: suicide among United States combat troops in Vietnam, 1957-1973

The literature on suicides among military personnel in a combat zone remains anecdotal. Although one finds literary and journalistic accounts of the problem, it has not been systematically analyzed. This paper will examine suicides among American combat troops during their tour of duty in Vietnam. Utilizing statistical data from the Southeast Asia Combat Area Casualties Database (SACACD), the authors will survey its epidemiology among U.S. ground troops in Vietnam from 1957 to 1973. The results suggest that certain types of combat troops were significantly more likely than others to commit suicide. These findings not only provide important predictors for military health professionals in the assessment of suicide risk, they also raise disturbing questions about the nature of organized armed conflict.

A highly conserved glutamate residue (Glu-270) is essential for plant alternative oxidase activity

We have previously demonstrated that expression of a Sauromatum guttatum alternative oxidase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe confers cyanide-resistant respiratory activity on these cells (Albury, M. S., Dudley, P., Watts, F. Z., and Moore, A. L. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 17062-17066). Using this functional expression system we have investigated the active site of the plant alternative oxidase, which has been postulated to comprise a non-heme binuclear iron center. Mutation of a conserved glutamate (Glu-270), previously postulated to be a bridging ligand within the active site, to asparagine abolishes catalytic activity because mitochondria containing the E270N mutant protein do not exhibit antimycin A-resistant respiration. Western blot analysis, using antibodies specific for the alternative oxidase, revealed that the E270N mutant protein was targeted to and processed by S. pombe mitochondria in a manner similar to that of the wild-type protein. It is possible that lack of antimycin A-insensitive respiration observed in mitochondria containing the E270N mutant protein is due to incorrect insertion of the mutant alternative oxidase into the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, Western blot analysis of subfractionated mitochondria shows that both wild-type and E270N alternative oxidase are specifically located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, suggesting that misfolding or lack of insertion is unlikely. These results provide the first experimental evidence to support the structural model in which the active site of the alternative oxidase contains a coupled binuclear iron center.

Carotenohematoporphyrins as tumor-imaging dyes. Synthesis and in vitro photophysical characterization

Multichromophoric dyes for use in tumor imaging have been synthesized and photophysically characterized. Structurally, these dyes are dyads and triads that consist of one or two carotenoid polyenes covalently attached to hematoporphyrin (HP) or hematoporphyrin dimethyl ester (HPDME) moieties via ester linkages. The ground-state absorption of each compound shows that the electronic interaction between the chromophores is small. The fluorescence quantum yield for the dyad monocaroteno-HPDME is 0.033 and the dicaroteno-HPDME triads have yields between 0.016 and 0.007, all of which are reduced with respect to the parent compound HPDME (0.09). Global analysis of the transient fluorescence decays of the dyads and triads requires two exponential components (approximately 5-6 ns and approximately 1-2 ns) to fit the data, while a single exponential component with a lifetime of 9.3 ns describes the decay data of the parent HPDME. Possible mechanisms for the observed porphyrin fluorescence quenching by the nearby carotenoid are discussed. Nanosecond transient absorption reveals a carotene triplet with maximum absorption at 560 nm and a 5.0 microsecond lifetime. No transient was detected at 450 nm, indicating rapid (< or = 10 ns) triplet energy transfer from the hematoporphyrin to the carotenoid moieties in fluid as well as in rigid media. The yield of triplet energy transfer from the porphyrin to the carotenoid moiety is unity. Singlet oxygen (O2(1 delta g), studies support the transient absorption data, as none of these compounds is capable of sensitizing O2(1 delta g). Liposome vesicles were used to study the photophysical characteristics of the dyes in phospholipid membranes. Singlet oxygen was not sensitized by the dyads and triads in liposomes. Transient absorption measurements suggest that the triads are substantially aggregated within the phospholipid bilayer, whereas aggregation in the dyads is less severe.

Cellular ingrowth and thickness changes in poly-L-lactide and polyglycolide matrices implanted subcutaneously in the rat

Highly porous matrices of poly-L-lactide (PL) and polyglycolide (PG), 24, 50, or 95 mg/cc in the form of 10 x 10 x 3 mm wafers, were implanted subcutaneously (two per rat) in the flanks of 8-12-week-old female Lewis rats (n = 120). Matrices were harvested, two rats per week, for 15 weeks and examined histologically. At weeks 1 and 2, a thin fibrous capsule was present and matrices showed capillary beds and host-cell infiltration along the implant margins. By week 4, the PL specimens had some arterioles while the PG specimens still had only capillary beds. At week 7, PL had well developed arterioles, venules, and capillaries while PG began to show modest vascular beds of capillaries only. In terms of cellular ingrowth, PL remained unchanged from 7 to 15 weeks. Giant cell formation was observed wherever polymer was present. There was a loss of thickness and cell mass for both matrices over time (PG > PL) despite initial host-cell ingrowth. As both polymers degraded and were absorbed, the ingrown cells mass regressed. There was little remaining PG at 15 weeks, leaving no trace of cells that previously had ingrown and no evidence of scar tissue.

Characterization of a split respiratory pathway in the wheat "take-all" fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici

This article describes the first detailed analysis of mitochondrial electron transfer and oxidative phosphorylation in the pathogenic filamentous fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. While oxygen consumption was cyanide insensitive, inhibition occurred following treatment with complex III inhibitors and the alternative oxidase inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). Similarly, maintenance of a Deltapsi across the mitochondrial inner membrane was unaffected by cyanide but sensitive to antimycin A and SHAM when succinate was added as the respiratory substrate. As a result, ATP synthesis through complex V was demonstrated to be sensitive to these two inhibitors but not to cyanide. Analysis of the cytochrome content of mitochondria indicated the presence of those cytochromes normally associated with electron transport in eukaryotic mitochondria together with a third, b-type heme, exhibiting a dithionite-reduced absorbance maxima at 560 nm and not associated with complex III. Antibodies raised to plant alternative oxidase detected the presence of both the monomeric and dimeric forms of this oxidase. Overall this study demonstrates that a novel respiratory chain utilizing the terminal oxidases, cytochrome c oxidase and alternative oxidase, are present and constitutively active in electron transfer in G. graminis tritici. These results are discussed in relation to current understanding of fungal electron transfer and to the possible contribution of alternative redox centers in ATP synthesis.

Light-driven production of ATP catalysed by F0F1-ATP synthase in an artificial photosynthetic membrane

Energy-transducing membranes of living organisms couple spontaneous to non-spontaneous processes through the intermediacy of protonmotive force (p.m.f.)--an imbalance in electrochemical potential of protons across the membrane. In most organisms, p.m.f. is generated by redox reactions that are either photochemically driven, such as those in photosynthetic reaction centres, or intrinsically spontaneous, such as those of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Transmembrane proteins (such as the cytochromes and complexes I, III and IV in the electron-transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane) couple the redox reactions to proton translocation, thereby conserving a fraction of the redox chemical potential as p.m.f. Many transducer proteins couple p.m.f. to the performance of biochemical work, such as biochemical synthesis and mechanical and transport processes. Recently, an artificial photosynthetic membrane was reported in which a photocyclic process was used to transport protons across a liposomal membrane, resulting in acidification of the liposome's internal volume. If significant p.m.f. is generated in this system, then incorporating an appropriate transducer into the liposomal bilayer should make it possible to drive a non-spontaneous chemical process. Here we report the incorporation of F0F1-ATP synthase into liposomes containing the components of the proton-pumping photocycle. Irradiation of this artificial membrane with visible light results in the uncoupler- and inhibitor-sensitive synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) against an ATP chemical potential of approximately 12 kcal mol(-1), with a quantum yield of more than 7%. This system mimics the process by which photosynthetic bacteria convert light energy into ATP chemical potential.

Developmental regulation of the plant mitochondrial matrix located HSP70 chaperone and its role in protein import

Changes in the level of the mitochondrial chaperone mtHSP70 have been investigated in pea (Pisum sativum) leaf mitochondria by Western blot analysis and quantified by scanning densitometry. As pea leaves develop (from 6 days to 30 days of age) the levels of mtHSP70 decrease. Analysis of the levels of the alpha subunit of the F1ATPase show that the levels of this protein remain constant throughout the same developmental period, whereas the levels of the alternative oxidase increase. In vitro import of the alternative oxidase precursor protein into pea leaf mitochondria from day 6 to day 30 leaves and quantification by scanning densitometry indicates that protein import efficiency decreases with increasing maturity of the plant cell. Results are discussed in terms of how changing levels of the mtHSP70 chaperone, as a result of plant cell development, influence the efficiency of protein import.

Structure and function of the plant alternative oxidase: its putative role in the oxygen defence mechanism

Current understanding of the structure and function of the plant alternative oxidase is reviewed. In particular, the role of the oxidase in the protection of tissues against oxidative stress is developed.

The University Integrated Automated Information System at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

The Integrated Automation System put into place at the University Services University of the Health Sciences has been said to be 5 years ahead of those employing the most advanced comparable configurations. This automated data processing creation was accomplished without augmentation of manpower or funding. A brief history of this development and some of its features are presented.

Laser-induced fluorescence studies of the biodistribution of carotenoporphyrins in mice

The biodistribution of two recently developed tumour markers, trimethylated (CP(Me)3) and trimethoxylated (CP(OMe)3) carotenoporphyrin, was investigated by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) after i.v. injection into 38 tumour-bearing (MS-2 fibrosarcoma) female Balb/c mice. At 3, 24, 48 or 96 h after administration, the carotenoporphyrin fluorescence was measured in tumoral and peritumoral tissue, as well as in the abdominal, thoracic and cranial cavities. The fluorescence was induced by a nitrogen laser-pumped dye laser, emitting light at 425 nm, and analysed by a polychromator equipped with an image-intensified CCD camera. The fluorescence was evaluated at 490, 655 and 720 nm: the second and third wavelengths represent the carotenoporphyrin (CP)-related peaks, whereas the first one is close to the peak of the tissue autofluorescence. The tumour and the liver were the two tissue types showing the strongest carotenoporphyrin-related fluorescence, whereas the cerebral cortex and muscle consistently exhibited weak substance-related fluorescence. In most tissue types, the fluorescence intensities decreased over time. A few exceptions were observed, notably the liver, in which the intensity remained remarkably constant over the time period investigated.

Amplification of antibody production by phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides

A phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide that is complementary (antisense) to the initiation region of the rev gene of HIV-1 causes hypergammaglobulinemia and splenomegaly in mice, and it induces B cell proliferation and differentiation in mouse spleen mononuclear cells (SMNCs) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. The current studies were performed to investigate the specificity of these immunomodulatory effects. Both the sense and antisense rev oligomers stimulated tritiated thymidine incorporation and secretion of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) by mouse SMNCs in a concentration-dependent fashion, but the antisense oligomer produced greater immune effects. Studies comparing phosphorothioate oligomers (anti-rev, c-myc, and c-myb) either methylated or unmethylated at CpG dinucleotides showed that methylation effectively abrogated the proliferative effect and tended to reduce the immunoglobulin secretory activity, but the latter was not statistically significant except in the case of IgG in anti-rev oligomer-treated cultures. Mice were injected with the sense or antisense rev oligomers singly or in combination. The animals then were immunized with tetanus toxoid and received a booster 21 days later. Oligodeoxynucleotide-treated mice had significantly higher levels of IgM antibodies on days 28 and 35 and of IgG antibodies on days 14 and 35 as compared with mice that were immunized but received vehicle alone. There was no evidence for additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions of the sense and antisense rev oligomers. These results indicate that the unmethylated anti-rev oligomer is the most potent of the phosphorothioate oligomers tested at activating lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation and that a single intravenous injection of this oligodeoxynucleotide augments antibody production to a specific antigen as long as 35 days later.

Targeting the plant alternative oxidase protein to Schizosaccharomyces pombe mitochondria confers cyanide-insensitive respiration

The Sauromatum guttatum alternative oxidase has been expressed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe under the control of the thiamine-repressible nmt1 promoter. Alternative oxidase protein and activity were detected both in spheroplasts and isolated mitochondria, indicating that the enzyme is expressed in a functional form and confers cyanide-resistant respiration to S. pombe, which is sensitive to inhibition by octyl-gallate. Protein import studies revealed that the precursor form of the alternative oxidase protein is efficiently imported into isolated mitochondria and processed to its mature form comparable to that observed with potato mitochondria. Western blot analysis and respiratory studies revealed that the alternative oxidase protein is expressed in the inner mitochondrial membrane in its reduced (active) form. Treatment of mitochondria with diamide and dithiothreitol resulted in interconversion of the reduced and oxidized species and modulation of respiratory activity. The addition of pyruvate did not effect either the respiratory rate or expression of the reduced species of the protein. To our knowledge this is the first time that the alternative oxidase has been effectively targeted to and integrated into the inner mitochondrial membrane of S. pombe, and we conclude that the expression of a single polypeptide is sufficient for alternative oxidase activity.

Kinetic analysis of the mitochondrial quinol-oxidizing enzymes during development of thermogenesis in Arum maculatum L

The dependence of the rate of oxygen uptake upon the ubiquinone (Q)-pool reduction level in mitochondria isolated during the development of thermogenesis of Arum maculatum spadices has been investigated. At the alpha-stage of development, the respiratory rate was linearly dependent upon the reduction level of the Q-pool (Qr) both under state-3 and -4 conditions. Progression through the beta/gamma to the delta-stage resulted in a non-linear dependence of the state-4 rate on Qr. In the delta-stage of development, both state-3 and -4 respiratory rates were linearly dependent upon Qr due to a shift in the engagement of the alternative oxidase to lower levels of Qr. Western blot analysis revealed that increased alternative oxidase activity could be correlated with expression of a 35 kDa protein. Respiratory control was only observed with mitochondria in the alpha-stage of development. At the beta/gamma-stage of development, the addition of ADP resulted in a significant oxidation of the Q-pool which was accompanied by a decrease in the respiratory rate. This was due either to decreased contribution of the alternative pathway to the overall respiratory rate under state 3 or by deactivation of succinate dehydrogenase activity by ADP. Cold-storage of the spadices at the beta-stage of development led to increased activity of both the cytochrome pathway and succinate dehydrogenase, without any change in alternative oxidase activity. Results are discussed in terms of how changes in the activation level of the alternative oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase influence the activity and engagement of the quinol-oxidizing pathways during the development of thermogenesis in A. maculatum.

B-cell proliferation and differentiation in common variable immunodeficiency patients produced by an antisense oligomer to the rev gene of HIV-1

The immunostimulatory activity of a phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (27 mer) that is antisense to the rev gene of HIV-1 was studied on normal human lymphocytes and on cells from patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI). For peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nine normal individuals, the proliferation index (16.8 +/- 12.5) after anti-rev oligomer exposure was proportional to the percentage of peripheral B-cells (r = 0.76, P = 0.02). In five experiments, enriched B- or T-cell populations had proliferation indices of 47.2 +/- 32.9 and 2.4 +/- 1.9, respectively. The addition of T-cells to anti-rev oligomer treated B-cells had no effect (proliferation index = 47.5 +/- 38.1). After anti-rev oligomer stimulation, autoradiography, and counterstaining for B- and T-cell markers, all detectable [3H]thymidine uptake was by CD19-positive cells. Eight of the 14 CVI patients had a proliferation index and secreted levels of IgM and IgG comparable to cells from normal individuals. In contrast to normal cells, the direct correlation between proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the percentage of peripheral B-cells was weak in samples from 13 CVI patients (r = 0.4, P = 0.2). These findings indicate that peripheral blood B-cells from about half of CVI patients proliferate and produce immunoglobulin after exposure to anti-rev oligomer. These data demonstrate that under the appropriate circumstances, B-cells of some CVI patients can proliferate and differentiate normally.

D,L-fenfluramine challenge test: experience in nonpatient sample

The plasma prolactin response to a single-dose fenfluramine challenge is increasingly utilized in psychiatric research as an indirect and noninvasive measure of central serotonergic activity. However, the influences of age, gender, and body weight on prolactin response and characterization of physical and psychological symptoms evoked by fenfluramine remain poorly studied. In the current study, 83 nonpatient male and female volunteers, 25-60 years old, were administered a standardized fenfluramine challenge test (60 mg). Serial blood samples for plasma drug concentration and plasma prolactin concentration were obtained and side effects reported by participants were recorded. Analyses revealed that both plasma drug concentration and prolactin response were correlated with weight-relative dose (r = 0.43 and r = 0.38, respectively; p < 0.001). No significant relationship was noted between prolactin response and either age or gender. Symptoms during fenfluramine challenge were reported by 90% of subjects, most commonly fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, and difficulty concentrating. Overall side effect severity was related to weight-relative dose (r = 0.26; p < 0.05) and prolactin response (r = 0.42; p < 0.001). We conclude that fenfluramine challenge results should be reported as change in plasma prolactin relative to dose, and that in nonpatient samples the test is associated with frequent side effects.