NF-kappa B regulation by I kappa B kinase-2 in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes

IkappaB kinase-1 and IkappaB kinase-2 (IKK1 and IKK2; also called IKKalpha and IKKbeta, respectively) are part of the signal complex that regulates NF-kappaB activity in many cell types, including fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). We determined which of these two kinases is responsible for cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation in synoviocytes and assessed the functional consequences of IKK1 or IKK2 overexpression and inhibition. FLS were infected with adenovirus constructs encoding either wild-type (wt) IKK1 or IKK2, the dominant negative (dn) mutant of both kinases, or a control construct encoding green fluorescence protein. Analysis of the NF-kappaB pathway revealed that cytokine-induced IKK activation, IkappaB degradation, and NF-kappaB activation was prevented in cells expressing the IKK2 dn mutant, whereas baseline NF-kappaB activity was increased by IKK2 wt. In addition, synthesis of IL-6 and IL-8, as well as expression of ICAM-1 and collagenase, was only increased by IKK2 wt, and their cytokine-induced production was abrogated by IKK2 dn mutant. However, the IKK1 dn mutant did not inhibit cytokine-mediated activation of NF-kappaB or any of the functional assays. These data indicate that IKK2 is the key convergence pathway for cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, IKK2 regulates adhesion molecule, matrix metalloproteinase, and cytokine production in FLS.

Ganglioneurocytoma mimicking a malignant tumor: case report with a literature review of the MRI appearance of neurocytomas and gangliogliomas

A 14-year-old girl presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure after her head was squeezed at a party. MRI demonstrated a mass that was hypointense to brain on T1WI and heterogeneous in signal on PD and T2WI; compression of the ventricle, midline shift, and mild ventriculomegaly also were present. Contrast enhancement was extensive and heterogeneous, mimicking a malignant tumor. Neuropathology revealed a ganglioneurocytoma.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the activation of NF-kappaB and expression of associated cytokines and adhesion molecules in human models of allergic inflammation

To investigate the role of NF-kappaB in regulating allergic inflammation, a monoclonal antibody directed to the activated form of NF-kappaB has been developed and immunohistochemistry has been employed to study the pro-inflammatory transcriptive function of NF-kappaB and the adhesion molecules and cytokines that it regulates. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to physiological levels of TNFalpha demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytoplasmic and nuclear activation of NF-kappaB, followed by up-regulation of ICAM-1. This was suppressed by the selective inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation, calpain and gliotoxin. Using monoclonal antibodies directed to NF-kappaB and associated cytokines and adhesion molecules, immunohistochemistry was applied to bronchial explants stimulated ex vivo with TNFalpha, and to nasal polyp tissue, embedded in glycol methacrylate. Stimulation of the bronchial explants increased expression of NF-kappaB, IL-8, and GM-CSF in the epithelium and endothelium and ICAM-1 in the endothelium. In nasal polyp, expression of NF-kappaB was in the epithelium, the endothelium and in submucosal mast cells, eosinophils, T and B lymphocytes, and macrophages. Thus, immunohistochemistry can be used to determine the cellular provenance of NF-kappaB and its activation status in single cell and complex tissue systems, in parallel with appropriate inflammatory markers.

Tourette syndrome associated with unilateral cystic changes in the gyrus rectus

Brain magnetic resonance imaging of an 11-year-old male with Tourette syndrome demonstrated multicystic changes predominately in the gyrus rectus of the left frontal lobe. Other brain regions, including the basal ganglia, were normal. He did not have any symptoms of the comorbid conditions associated with Tourette syndrome, such as attention-deficit disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The possible neurobiologic connection between Tourette syndrome and the gyrus rectus and its interconnecting pathways is discussed.

Effect of aspirin on protein binding and tissue disposition of oligonucleotide phosphorothioate in rats

Pharmacokinetic studies of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (PS-oligonucleotides) in animals show that following intravenous administration, PS-oligonucleotide clears out rapidly from the plasma and is distributed to majority of the organs. PS-oligonucleotides are bound to plasma proteins extensively. This study was aimed to determine the effect of aspirin, a commonly used drug, on pharmacokinetics of PS-oligonucleotides. In the present study, PS-oligonucleotide was administered to rats that had received aspirin by gavage. Pharmacokinetic study shows that if PS-oligonucleotide was administered following aspirin administration in rats, a) plasma pharmacokinetic parameters (t1/2alpha?, t1/2beta, AUC, etc.) had lower values, b) tissue disposition was different, and c) rate and route of elimination was affected in animals compared to rats receiving PS-oligonucleotide alone. This finding suggests that pharmacokinetics of PS-oligonucleotides can be affected with certain class of drugs, which may have direct impact on biological activity and safety.

IKK-1 and IKK-2: cytokine-activated IkappaB kinases essential for NF-kappaB activation

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is controlled by sequential phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of its inhibitory subunit IkappaB. A large multiprotein complex, the IkappaB kinase (IKK) signalsome, was purified from HeLa cells and found to contain a cytokine-inducible IkappaB kinase activity that phosphorylates IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta. Two components of the IKK signalsome, IKK-1 and IKK-2, were identified as closely related protein serine kinases containing leucine zipper and helix-loop-helix protein interaction motifs. Mutant versions of IKK-2 had pronounced effects on RelA nuclear translocation and NF-kappaB-dependent reporter activity, consistent with a critical role for the IKK kinases in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

Mixed backbone antisense oligonucleotides: design, biochemical and biological properties of oligonucleotides containing 2'-5'-ribo- and 3'-5'-deoxyribonucleotide segments

We have designed and synthesized mixed backbone oligonucleotides (MBOs) containing 2'-5'-ribo- and 3'-5'-deoxyribonucleotide segments. Thermal melting studies of the phosphodiester MBOs (three 2'-5'linkages at each end) with the complementary 3'-5'-DNA and -RNA target strands suggest that 2'-5'-ribonucleoside incorporation into 3'-5'-oligodeoxyribonucleotides reduces binding to the target strands compared with an all 3'-5'-oligodeoxyribonucleotide of the same sequence and length. Increasing the number of 2'-5'linkages (from six to nine) further reduces binding to the DNA target strand more than the RNA target strand [Kandimalla,E.R. and Agrawal,S. (1996)Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser., 35, 125-126]. Phosphorothioate (PS) analogs of MBOs destabilize the duplex with the DNA target strand more than the duplex with the RNA target strand. Circular dichroism studies indicate that the duplexes of MBOs with the DNA and RNA target strands have spectral characteristics of both A- and B-type conformations. Compared with the control oligonucleotide, MBOs exhibit moderately higher stability against snake venom phosphodiesterase, S1 nuclease and in fetal calf serum. Although 2'-5'modification does not evoke RNase H activity, this modification does not effect the RNase H activation property of the 3'-5'-deoxyribonucleotide segment adjacent to the modification. In vitro studies with MBOs suggest that they have lesser effects on cell proliferation, clotting prolongation and hemolytic complement lysis than do control PS oligodeoxyribonucleotides. PS analogs of MBOs show HIV-1 inhibition comparable with that of a control PS oligodeoxyribonucleotide with all 3'-5'linkages. The current results suggest that a limited number of 2'-5'linkages could be used in conjunction with PS oligonucleotides to further modulate the properties of antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents.

E-selectin in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the rat

The selectin family of glycoproteins facilitates the early phase of polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion to the endothelial cell and, thus, may promote ischemic cell damage. To evaluate E-selectin in the pathogenesis of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, we cloned rat E-selectin cDNA and measured the temporal profiles E-selectin mRNA (Northern blot) and protein (immunohistochemistry) during (1 h of ischemia) and after (up to 1 week) transient (2 h) middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in the male Wistar rat. We also tested the effect on these rats of administration of CY-1503, an analog of sialyl Lewis(x) (SLe(x)), on ischemia cell damage. mRNA for E-selectin was first detected in the ischemic hemisphere at 2 h of reperfusion and persisted to 46 h of reperfusion. E-selectin (protein) was localized to microvessels within the ischemic lesion at 0 h of reperfusion and persisted to 70 h of reperfusion. Treatment of the ischemic animals with CY-1503 (50 mg/kg) (n = 8) significantly reduced infarct volume by 42% (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase immunoreactive cells in the ischemic lesion by 60% (p < 0.05). These findings provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of E-selectin in transient MCA occlusion in rats and suggest that the E-selectin may facilitate neutrophil adhesion and subsequent cerebral ischemic cell damage.

Single stand targeted triplex formation: physicochemical and biochemical properties of foldback triplexes

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing both Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding domains joined by a nucleotide loop (FTFOs) are studied for their binding affinity and specificity to the DNA and RNA single-stranded targets. Thermal denaturation studies reveal that FTFOs have high binding affinity for their targets than do antisense (duplex forming) and antigene (triplex forming) oligonucleotides, because of involvement of both the Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen domains in the interaction. Studies with FTFOs containing different sizes and sequences of loops show that 4-6 bases long loops are optimum for binding; loop sequence does not have a dramatic effect on binding. The FTFOs have greater sequence specificity than do antisense and antigene oligonucleotides because they read the target sequence twice. SI-, PI- and mung bean nuclease protection assays show that the DNA FTFO forms a stable triplex with the DNA target strand, but a weak or no triplex with the RNA target strand. Gel mobility shift assay is used to determine binding of FTFOs to DNA and RNA targets. The circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of the foldback triplex formed with the DNA target strand resembles the B-DNA spectrum, suggesting that the triplex has a B-type of conformation.

Regional differences in constitutive and induced ICAM-1 expression in vivo

The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on unstimulated and endotoxin-challenged endothelial cells in different tissues of the rat. ICAM-1 expression was measured using 125I-labeled anti-rat ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) and an isotype-matched control MAb labeled with 131I (to correct for nonspecific accumulation of the binding MAb). Under baseline conditions, ICAM-1 MAb binding was observed in all organs. The binding of 125I-ICAM-1 MAb varied widely among organs, with the largest accumulation (per g tissue) in the lung, followed by heart (1/30th of lung activity), splanchnic organs (1/50th of lung activity), thymus (1/100th of lung activity), testes (1/300th of lung activity), and skeletal muscle (1/800th of lung activity). Endotoxin induced an increase in ICAM-1 MAb binding in all organs except the spleen. Endotoxin-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 was greatest in heart and skeletal muscle (5- to 10-fold), whereas the remaining organs exhibited a two- to fourfold increase in ICAM-1 expression. Maximal upregulation of ICAM-1 occurred at 9-12 h after endotoxin administration. A dose-dependent increase in ICAM-1 expression was elicited by 0.1-10 microgram/kg, with higher doses (up to 5 mg/kg) producing no further increment. Induction of ICAM-1 mRNA after endotoxin was observed in all tissues examined (lung, heart, intestine), peaked at 3 h, and then rapidly returned to control levels. These findings indicate that ICAM-1 is constitutively expressed on vascular endothelium in all organs of the rat and that there are significant regional differences in the magnitude and time course of endotoxin-induced ICAM-1 expression.

Effects of a new amiodarone-like agent, SR 33589, in comparison to amiodarone, D,L-sotalol, and lignocaine, on ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias in anesthetized pigs

We compared the ability of a new amiodarone-like agent, SR 33589, with that of amiodarone, D,L-sotalol, and lignocaine to reduce the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and associated arrhythmias caused by acute coronary artery occlusion in anesthetized pigs. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the left coronary descending artery (LAD) for 30 min. Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were recorded during coronary occlusion. SR 33589 (1.25, 2.50, and 5 mg/kg intravenously, i.v.) markedly reduced the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias during ischemia. The incidence of VF was reduced from 90% in the control group to 30% (p < 0.05) with 1.25 mg/kg, to 10% (p < 0.001) with 2.50 mg/kg, and to 20% (p < 0.01) with 5 mg/kg. In addition, SR 33589, especially at the two higher doses, caused a sustained reduction in both the incidence of VT and the number of PVCs per minute. In comparison, amiodarone 10 and 20 mg/kg i.v. reduced the incidence of VF (40 and 50%, respectively), but these reductions never reached a level of statistical significance. The incidence of VT and the number of PVCs per minute were also decreased significantly by amiodarone. D,L-sotalol 3 mg/kg i.v. exerted significant anti-arrhythmic activity; the incidence of VF was reduced 20% (p < 0.01), and both the incidence of VT and number of PVC per minute were also reduced. In contrast, lignocaine given as a 2-mg/kg bolus followed by an infusion at 70 micrograms/kg/min had no antiarrhythmic or antifibrillatory activity in this preparation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Design, biochemical, biophysical and biological properties of cooperative antisense oligonucleotides

Short oligonucleotides that can bind to adjacent sites on target mRNA sequences are designed and evaluated for their binding affinity and biological activity. Sequence-specific binding of short tandem oligonucleotides is compared with a full-length single oligonucleotide (21mer) that binds to the same target sequence. Two short oligonucleotides that bind without a base separation between their binding sites on the target bind cooperatively, while oligonucleotides that have a one or two base separation between the binding oligonucleotides do not. The binding affinity of the tandem oligonucleotides is improved by extending the ends of the two oligonucleotides with complementary sequences. These extended sequences form a duplex stem when both oligonucleotides bind to the target, resulting in a stable ternary complex. RNase H studies reveal that the cooperative oligonucleotides bind to the target RNA with sequence specificity. A short oligonucleotide (9mer) with one or two mismatches does not bind at the intended site, while longer oligonucleotides (21mers) with one or two mismatches still bind to the same site, as does a perfectly matched 21mer, and evoke RNase H activity. HIV-1 inhibition studies reveal an increase in activity of the cooperative oligonucleotide combinations as the length of the dimerization domain increases.

Effects of irbesartan (SR47436/BMS-186295) on angiotensin II-induced pressor responses in the pithed rat: potential mechanisms of action

The effects of two new non-peptide angiotensin receptor antagonists, irbesartan (SR 47436/BMS-186295, (2-n-butyl-4-spirocyclopentane-1-[((2'-tetrazol-5-yl)bipheny l-4-yl)methyl]2 - imidazolin-5-one) and SR 47155A (2-n-butyl-4-spirocyclopentane-1-[((2'-carboxy)biphenyl-4-yl)methy l]2- imidazolin-5-one, trifluoroacetate), on angiotensin II-induced pressor responses were studied in the pithed rat in comparison to losartan, EXP 3174 and [Sar1,Val5,Ala8]angiotensin II. SR 47155A (1-10 mg/kg i.v.) and losartan (1-10 mg/kg i.v.) shifted dose dependently the dose-response curve of angiotensin II to the right without affecting the maximal response. SR 47436 (0.3-10 mg/kg i.v.), EXP 3174 (0.03-1 mg/kg i.v.) and [Sar1,Val5,Ala8]angiotensin II (0.03-1 mg/kg i.v.) induced, at least at high doses, a non-parallel shift to the right of the angiotensin II dose-response curve and this was associated with a reduction of the maximal response. During a 70 min period, the effect of [Sar1,Val5,Ala8]angiotensin II (1 mg/kg i.v.) on the angiotensin II (0.3 microgram/kg i.v.)-induced pressor response was shown to be reversible, the effect of SR 47155A (10 mg/kg i.v.) was partially reversible and the effect of SR 47436 (3 mg/kg i.v.), EXP 3174 (1 mg/kg i.v.) or losartan (6 mg/kg i.v.) was not reversed at the end of this 70 min period. Administration of SR 47155A (10 mg/kg i.v.) before SR 47436 (1-10 mg/kg i.v.) reversed the reduced angiotensin II-maximal response induced by SR 47436. Administration of SR 47436 (10 mg/kg i.v.) before SR 47155A (1-10 mg/kg i.v.) prevented the full development of the pressor response as observed in the absence of SR 47436. In the pithed rat, SR 47436 (30 mg/kg i.v.) and losartan (30 mg/kg i.v.) reduced the change in diastolic blood pressure induced by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord only at low stimulation rates. Taken together these results indicate that SR 47436, under in vivo conditions, is a potent non-peptide angiotensin receptor antagonist. The type of antagonism (partially insurmountable but selective) can be explained by different theoretical models which are discussed.

SR 33589, a new amiodarone-like antiarrhythmic agent: anti-adrenoceptor activity in anaesthetized and conscious dogs

We have assessed the ability of amiodarone and the new amiodarone-like antiarrhythmic agent, SR 33589 (N,N-dibutyl-3-[4-((2-butyl-5-methylsulphonamido)benzofuran-3-yl-c arbonyl) phenoxy]propylamine), to inhibit the effects of adrenoceptor stimulation in anaesthetized and conscious dogs. In anaesthetized, atropinized dogs, adrenoceptor stimulation was achieved (i) by i.v. administration of adrenaline and measurement of increased blood pressure (ii) by i.v. administration of isoprenaline and measurement of increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. In conscious dogs, adrenoceptor stimulation was achieved by i.v. administration of isoprenaline and measurement of increased heart rate. In anaesthetized, atropinized dogs, both amiodarone and SR 33589 inhibited to similar extents, alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation (as indicated by attenuation of adrenaline-induced increases in blood pressure). The beta 1-adrenoceptor inhibitory activity of SR 33589 (as demonstrated by blockade of isoprenaline-induced increases in heart rate) was significant, but less marked than amiodarone (heart rate elevation reduced by 39%, P < 0.001 with 10 mg/kg SR 33589 and by 52%, P < 0.01 with 10 mg/kg amiodarone). In contrast, its beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonistic activity (as demonstrated by blockade of isoprenaline-induced reduction in blood pressure) was more marked (mean blood pressure decrease reduced by 69%, P < 0.01 with 10 mg/kg SR 33589 and by 31%, P < 0.05 with 10 mg/kg amiodarone). In conscious dogs, both SR 33589 and amiodarone (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited isoprenaline-induced increases in heart rate by approximately the same amount for varying durations depending on the dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SR 33589, a new amiodarone-like antiarrhythmic agent: electrophysiological effects in anesthetized dogs

We compared the electrophysiological effects of a new amiodarone-like agent, SR 33589, with those of amiodarone. Mongrel dogs were anesthetized with chloralose, and electrodes were implanted in right atrium and ventricle for electrical stimulation and regional ECG measurement. Sinus cycle length (CL), AH interval, Wenckebach CL (WCL), atrial, atrioventricular node, and ventricular effective refractory periods (AERP, AVNERP, VERP), and parameters calculated from surface ECG were measured. SR 33589 was administered intravenously (i.v.) at 1, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg followed 60 min later by a second similar dose. The same protocol was followed with amiodarone 5 mg/kg, which reduced heart rate (HR) by 19% (p < 0.05), increased WCL by 31% (p < 0.01), AH interval by 14% (p < 0.05) and AERP, AVNERP, and VERP by 13% (p < 0.05), 19% (p < 0.05), and 11% (p < 0.01) respectively. No effect was observed on HV or PQ intervals. A second administration of 5 mg/kg changed these indexes further. SR 33589 (2.5 mg/kg) reduced HR by 21% (p < 0.001), increased WCL by 44% (p < 0.001), AH interval by 24% (p < 0.01), and AERP, AVNERP, and VERP by 17% (p < 0.001), 63% (p < 0.01), and 15% (p < 0.01) respectively, with an 18% increase in PQ interval (p < 0.05) but no significant effect on HV interval. Higher doses (5 mg/kg) and/or administration of a second dose both resulted in greater changes. Both amiodarone and SR 33589 prolonged VERP more at longer CL than at shorter CL, but the degree of reduction at shorter CL was less with SR 33589 than with amiodarone. Results suggest that acute administration of SR 33589 results in electrophysiological actions similar to those produced by amiodarone.

Fantofarone (SR 33557): cardiovascular actions in anesthetized dogs

We have compared the ability of a new calcium channel-blocking agent, fantofarone (SR 33557), to modify the cardiovascular function in anesthetized dogs, with that of nifedipine. Administration of fantofarone (50 micrograms/kg, i.v.) resulted in substantial changes in cardiac function, such that stroke volume was increased by 40% (p < 0.05) and left ventricular relaxation diminished by approximately 10% (p < 0.05), while heart rate was not significantly altered. Total peripheral resistance was simultaneously reduced by 40% (p < 0.05). Higher doses of fantofarone (100 and 500 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced further modifications of cardiovascular function without significant effect on heart rate. Administration of nifedipine also resulted in significant reductions in total peripheral resistance and diastolic arterial pressure and, at the same time, in increased cardiac output. However, an important distinction between the effects of nifedipine and fantofarone was that nifedipine increased heart rate. To differentiate between the direct and indirect effects of fantofarone, studies were performed in stellectomized anesthetized dogs. In these conditions, in contrast to nonstellectomized dogs, fantofarone (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) lowered heart rate considerably (from 122 +/- 9 to 67 +/- 10 beats/min; p < 0.01) and the increase in stroke volume was greatly limited in comparison to nonstellectomized dogs. The cardiovascular actions of fantofarone are, therefore, significantly influenced by reflex mechanisms. Thus, these studies indicate that fantofarone is a new calcium antagonist capable of significantly modifying the cardiovascular function without increasing heart rate.

Fantofarone (SR33557): effects on myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary blood flow

We have investigated the effects of a novel calcium antagonist, fantofarone (SR 33557) on myocardial oxygen consumption (MO2C) and coronary blood flow in anaesthetized dogs during periods of normal and elevated heart rate. 25 micrograms/kg i.v. fantofarone induced a transient increase in coronary blood flow (+25% after 2 min; p < 0.05) and a more sustained decrease in MO2C (-50% after 5 min; p < 0.05). During the periods of pacing, these alterations on cardiac function were not evident. Administration of 50 micrograms/kg i.v. resulted in similar modifications of cardiac function; however, these changes were apparent for a longer duration. Coronary blood flow was still significantly elevated by 29% 2 min after drug administration (p < 0.01) and MO2C was reduced by 67% after 5 min (p < 0.01) and by 56% after 30 min (p < 0.05). Most importantly, a significant decrease in MO2C was observed during the pacing periods (32% after 10 min; p < 0.01). Thus fantofarone can significantly modify cardiac function and in particular, decrease MO2C consumption during periods of elevated heart rate.

A mouse model of early social interactions after prenatal drug exposure: a genetic investigation

The aim of the present study was to (i) characterise the mouse behavioural profile (particularly social interactions) during the preweaning period, (ii) assess the effects of prenatal exposure to an anticonvulsant drug widely used in clinical practice, (iii) examine possible genetic differences both in baseline behavioural profiles and in sensitivity to drug-induced effects. Following a balanced intra-strain fostering procedure, the offspring of C57BL/6J and CBA inbred mouse strains from mothers exposed during pregnancy to either phenobarbitone (PHB, 60 mg/kg) or vehicle (VEH) given intraperitoneally (IP) during days 10-16 of gestation, were observed for early social interactions in the home cage during the last part of the preweaning period (days 20 and 21). The behavioural repertoires of the two strains differed markedly, in that C57 pups were more involved in Play soliciting, Locomotor-rotational play, and in Maintenance activities, while CBA mice spent much more time being inactive or exploring the environment. C57 and CBA mice also differed in the sensitivity to PHB exposure. On the whole, time spent in Investigative/Affiliative behaviours was increased, while the frequency of Play soliciting patterns was reduced in PHB-treated mice. The treatment of the fostering mother had only negligible effects, suggesting that PHB-induced changes in behaviour were largely due to direct effects of the substance on the foetus. These results indicate that specific items of the preweaning behavioural profile, and particularly social interactions, are influenced by early PHB exposure, and that the responses are heavily affected by the genotype.

Alterations to the pattern of ultrasonic calling after prenatal exposure to aluminium sulfate

Pregnant CBA mice were exposed to aluminium sulfate at a dose of 200 mg/kg body wt injected intraperitoneally during Days 10 to 13 of gestation. We used a variety of ethological measures, which have been shown to be sensitive indicators of toxicants, to assess effects on the mother and the behavioral development of pups. Prenatal aluminium resulted in a reduction in the rate of ultrasonic calling by pups accompanied by a shift in the timing of peak calling; treated pups exhibited decreased growth and delays in neurobehavioral development. The treatment received by a pup's foster mother was also found to influence development. We recommend ultrasonic calling as a sensitive measure in studies of behavioral teratogenicity.

Fantofarone (SR 33557): effect on post-ischaemic functional recovery in perfused rat hearts

Fantofarone (SR 33557) is a novel, highly potent calcium channel antagonist representative of a new class of slow channel blockers. In this study, we have assessed its ability to influence cardiac function in two, isolated, perfused heart models and then assessed its ability to modify post-ischaemic functional recovery. In isolated, rat hearts perfused in the Langendorff mode, fantofarone increased coronary flow by 25% at 100 and 1000 nM with no effect on left ventricular pressure or heart rate below 100 nM. In working hearts, fantofarone again increased coronary flow within a similar concentration range. A significant reduction (approximately 40%) was observed in peak systolic pressure and dP/dtmax when hearts were perfused with 1000 nM fantofarone. Working rat hearts were also subjected to a 30 min period of global, low-flow (0.1 ml/min) ischaemia, followed by a 30 min period of reperfusion. Perfusion with 1 or 10 nM fantofarone, began 20 min prior to the onset of ischaemia and continued throughout the ischaemic and reperfusion periods. The addition of 1 nM fantofarone did not cause a significant increase in the recovery of cardiac function during the reperfusion phase. In contrast, perfusion with 10 nM fantofarone resulted in a substantial increase in the recovery of several indices of cardiac function such as aortic output, dP/dtmax and peak systolic pressure. Thus, in the working rat heart, at concentrations which cause minimal alterations to normal cardiac function, fantofarone can improve significantly functional recovery following an ischaemic insult.

Long-term effects of aluminium on the fetal mouse brain

Potentially noxious substances may act as fetal teratogens at levels far lower than those required to produce detectable effects in adults, and behavioural teratogenicity may occur at levels lower than those which produce morphological teratogenesis. Aluminium (Al) is a potential neurotoxin in adults. Since pregnant women may be exposed to untoward levels of Al compounds under certain conditions, we have examined the long-term effects of treating the pregnant mouse with intraperitoneal or oral aluminium sulphate on brain biochemistry and behaviour of the offspring. The cholinergic system, as evaluated by the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), was affected differentially in different regions of the brain, and still showed significant effects in the adult. Differences between the intraperitoneal and oral series in the magnitude of effect seen in the regions of the brain probably reflect differences in the effective level of exposure. Growth rate and psychomotor maturation in the pre-weaning mouse were affected in the intraperitoneal series only, showing a marked post-natal maternal effect.

Fine needle cytodiagnosis of renal tuberculosis

A total of 8 patients in whom renal tuberculosis was suspected on clinical or radiological grounds but in whom confirmation could not be achieved by urine culture underwent renal fine needle aspiration. Immediate cytodiagnosis was accomplished in 7 of 8 patients by the finding of Langhans' giant histiocytes, epithelioid histiocytes and necrotic debris. Later confirmation was obtained in all 8 cases by radiometric culture of aspiration material or saline rinses of the fine needles. This experience introduces fine needle aspiration cytology as a diagnostic modality in renal tuberculosis.