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Rocino A, Papa ML, Salerno E, Capasso F, Miraglia E, De Biasi R. Immune tolerance induction in haemophilia A patients with high-responding inhibitors to factor VIII: experience at a single institution. Haemophilia 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2516.2001.00461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Capasso R, Borrelli F, Cascio MG, Aviello G, Huben K, Zjawiony JK, Marini P, Romano B, Di Marzo V, Capasso F, Izzo AA. Inhibitory effect of salvinorin A, from Salvia divinorum, on ileitis-induced hypermotility: cross-talk between kappa-opioid and cannabinoid CB(1) receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 155:681-9. [PMID: 18622408 DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Salvinorin A, the active component of the hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum, inhibits intestinal motility through activation of kappa-opioid receptors (KORs). However, this compound may have target(s) other than the KORs in the inflamed gut. Because intestinal inflammation upregulates cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids, in the present study we investigated the possible involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system in salvinorin A-induced delay in motility in the inflamed gut. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Motility in vivo was measured by evaluating the distribution of a fluorescent marker along the small intestine; intestinal inflammation was induced by the irritant croton oil; direct or indirect activity at cannabinoid receptors was evaluated by means of binding, enzymic and cellular uptake assays. KEY RESULTS Salvinorin A as well as the KOR agonist U-50488 reduced motility in croton oil treated mice. The inhibitory effect of both salvinorin A and U-50488 was counteracted by the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine and by the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant. Rimonabant, however, did not counteract the inhibitory effect of salvinorin A on motility in control mice. Binding experiments showed very weak affinity of salvinorin A for cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) and no inhibitory effect on 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide hydrolysis and cellular uptake. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The inhibitory effect of salvinorin A on motility reveals a functional interaction between cannabinoid CB(1) receptors and KORs in the inflamed--but not in the normal--gut in vivo.
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Savino F, Capasso R, Palumeri E, Tarasco V, Locatelli E, Capasso F. [Advances on the effects of the compounds of a phytotherapic agent (COLIMIL) on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice]. Minerva Pediatr 2008; 60:285-290. [PMID: 18487975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM Phytotherapic agents, such as herbal formulations containing Matricariae recutita flowers (chamomile) extract, Foeniculum vulgare fruit (fennel) extract and Melissa officinalis aerial parts (lemon balm) extract have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal tract in colicky infants. However, the mechanism is largely unexplored and, particularly, it is not clear if it affects intestinal motility. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of different herbal formulations containing Matricariae recutita extract, Foeniculum vulgare extract and Melissa officinalis extract on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice in vivo. METHODS Gastrointestinal transit was measured in male ICR mice and in croton oil-treated mice after the oral administration of herbal formulations containing chamomile, fennel and lemon balm (ColiMil) and chamomile and lemon balm (ColiMil experimental). RESULTS The herbal formulations tested (0.4-0.8 mL/mouse) dose-dependently and significantly inhibited gastrointestinal transit both in control and in croton oil-treated mice. Chamomile extract and lemon balm extract reduced significantly intestinal motility, but not fennel. At similar concentration ColiMil evoked a more consistent response than ColiMil experimental. CONCLUSION Our findings directly demonstrate in vivo the effect of a combination of herbal formulations on intestinal motility. The observed inhibitory effect might be studied with clinical studies to test the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of colicky infants.
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Capasso R, Borrelli F, Zjawiony J, Kutrzeba L, Aviello G, Sarnelli G, Capasso F, Izzo AA. The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum and its active ingredient salvinorin A reduce inflammation-induced hypermotility in mice. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2008; 20:142-8. [PMID: 17931335 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2007.00994.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum has been used for medical treatments of gastrointestinal disorders. Here, we evaluated the effect of a standardized extract from the leaves of Salvia divinorum (SDE) and of its active ingredient salvinorin A on motility in vivo, both in physiological states and during croton oil-induced intestinal inflammation. SDE (1-100 mg kg(-1)) significantly inhibited motility only in inflamed, but not in control, mice. In control mice, salvinorin A (0.01-10 mg kg(-1)) significantly inhibited motility only at the highest doses tested (3 and 10 mg kg(-1)) and this effect was not counteracted by naloxone or by the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. Inflammation significantly increased the potency of salvinorin A (but not of the KOR agonist U-50488) in reducing motility. The inhibitory effects of both salvinorin A and U-50488 in inflamed mice were counteracted by naloxone or by nor-binaltorphimine. We conclude that salvinorin A may reduce motility through activation of different targets. In physiological states, salvinorin A, at high doses, inhibited motility through a non-KOR mediated mechanism. Gut inflammation increased the potency of salvinorin A; this effect was mediated by KOR, but it was not shared by U-50488, thus suggesting that salvinorin A may have target(s) other than KOR in the inflamed gut.
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Di Marzo V, Capasso R, Matias I, Aviello G, Petrosino S, Borrelli F, Romano B, Orlando P, Capasso F, Izzo AA. The role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of gastric emptying: alterations in mice fed a high-fat diet. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 153:1272-80. [PMID: 18223666 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoids (via cannabinoid CB(1) receptor activation) are physiological regulators of intestinal motility and food intake. However, their role in the regulation of gastric emptying is largely unexplored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of gastric emptying in mice fed either a standard diet (STD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Gastric emptying was evaluated by measuring the amount of phenol red recovered in the stomach after oral challenge; CB(1) expression was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR; endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol) levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. KEY RESULTS Gastric emptying was reduced by anandamide, an effect counteracted by the CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant, but not by the CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528 or by the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist 5'-iodoresiniferatoxin. The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor N-arachidonoyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (but not the anandamide uptake inhibitor OMDM-2) reduced gastric emptying in a way partly reduced by rimonabant. Compared to STD mice, HFD mice exhibited significantly higher body weight and fasting glucose levels, delayed gastric emptying and lower anandamide and CB(1) mRNA levels. N-arachidonoylserotonin (but not rimonabant) affected gastric emptying more efficaciously in HFD than STD mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Gastric emptying is physiologically regulated by the endocannabinoid system, which is downregulated following a HFD leading to overweight.
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Papa ML, Capasso F, Pudore L, Torre S, Mango S, Russo V, Delrio P, Palaia R, Ruffolo F, d'Eufemia MD, De Lucia D, Napolitano M, Di Micco P, Parisi V. Thromboelastographic profiles as a tool for thrombotic risk in digestive tract cancer. Exp Oncol 2007; 29:111-5. [PMID: 17704742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantification of the magnitude of thrombotic risk associated with malignancy and with anti-cancer therapy is indispensable to use anticoagulant drugs which selectively interfere with haemostatic mechanisms protecting patients from venous thromboembolism (VTE) and probably from tumor progression. However, none of activation coagulation markers has any predictive value for the occurrence of the thrombotic events in one individual patient. Current clotting methods can't reveal the overall dynamic clot formation; in contrast thromboelastographic methods specifically assess overall coagulation kinetics and its strength in whole blood. AIM Objective of study was to evaluate if the activation of coagulation as eventually revealed by ROTEM thromboelastometry could assess an hypercoagulable state in surgical neoplastic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty consecutive patients with carcinoma of the digestive tract in preoperative period (23 M, 27 F aging 61.5 (45-79 years) and 147 healthy subjects (71 M, 76 F) were studied. A recent thromboelastometric method based on thrombelastography after Hartert was employed. Measurements were performed on ROTEM Coagulation Analyzer. The continuous coagulation data from 50 min course were transformed into dynamic velocity profiles of WB clot formation. RESULTS Standard parameters (CT, CFT, MCF) of cancer patients were similar to controls. CT (in cancer patients): females 50 s (38.3-58.7), males 50 s (42-71.2) vs 51 s (42-59), p = 0.1210 / 53 s (42-74.8), p = 0.1975 (in controls). CFT (in cancer patients): females 72 s (32- 92.4), males 80 s (50.2- 128.7) vs 78 s (62-100), p = 0.0128 / 80 s (59-124.4), p = 0.9384 (in controls). MCF (in cancer patients): females 70 mm (59.9-82.5), males 63 mm (56-73.7) vs 69 mm (59-95.8), p = 0.9911 / 69 mm (53.6-90), p = 0.0135 (in controls). Females showed a higher MaxVel when compared to males. The MaxVel was increased in cancer patients: females 19 mm /100 s (14.3-49.5) males 18 mm / 100 s (11-27) vs 15 mm 100 s (11.8-22), p < 0.001 / 13 mm / 100 s (10-21.8), p < 0.001 in controls. The t-MaxVel was shortened in cancer patients: females 65s (48.6-112.8), males 81s (50.1-135.9) vs 115s (56.8-166), p < 0.001 / 115 s (59.8-180.8), p = 0.0002 in controls. The AUC was increased in cancer patients: females 6451 mm 100(5511-8148), males 5984 mm 100 (5119-6899) vs 5778 mm 100 (4998-6655), p < 0.001 / 5662 mm 100 (4704-6385), p = 0.0105. CONCLUSION Unlike other assays measuring variations in a single component during coagulation, the thrombelastographic method records a profile of real-time continuous WB clot formation, and may provide extensive informations on haemostasis in neoplastic patients before surgery.
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Borrelli F, Aviello G, Capasso R, Capasso F. Senna: a laxative devoid of carcinogenic effects. Arch Toxicol 2006; 80:873. [PMID: 17063369 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-006-0150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Capasso R, Borrelli F, Capasso F, Siebert DJ, Stewart DJ, Zjawiony JK, Izzo AA. The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum and its active ingredient salvinorin A inhibit enteric cholinergic transmission in the guinea-pig ileum. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2006; 18:69-75. [PMID: 16371085 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2005.00725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a widespread hallucinogenic herb traditionally employed for divination, as well as a medicament for several disorders including disturbances of gastrointestinal motility. In the present study we evaluated the effect of a standardized extract from the leaves of S. divinorum (SDE) on enteric cholinergic transmission in the guinea-pig ileum. SDE reduced electrically evoked contractions without modifying the contractions elicited by exogenous acetylcholine, thus suggesting a prejunctional site of action. The inhibitory effect of SDE on twitch response was abolished by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and by the kappa-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, but not by naltrindole (a delta-opioid receptor antagonist), CTOP (a mu-opioid receptor antagonist), thioperamide (a H(3) receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an alpha(2)-receptor antagonist), methysergide (a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (an inhibitor of NO synthase) or apamin (a blocker of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels). Salvinorin A, the main active ingredient of S. divinorum, inhibited in a nor-binaltorphimine- and naloxone-sensitive manner electrically induced contractions. It is concluded that SDE depressed enteric cholinergic transmission likely through activation of kappa-opioid receptors and this may provide the pharmacological basis underlying its traditional antidiarrhoeal use. Salvinorin A might be the chemical ingredient responsible for this activity.
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Borrelli F, Capasso R, Aviello G, Di Carlo G, Izzo AA, Mascolo N, Capasso F. Senna and the formation of aberrant crypt foci and tumors in rats treated with azoxymethane. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2005; 12:501-5; discussion 505. [PMID: 16008128 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2003.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives has been blamed for the induction of habituation and the development of colonic cancer, but there are no definitive studies which have demonstrated this. To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of anthraquinones, the effect of long-term senna pod extract (SE) treatment on either healthy rats or rats treated with an initiating tumor agent (azoxymethane--AOM) has been studied. SE (30 and 60mg/kg), administered for 110 weeks, did not induce the development of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and tumors in healthy rats. The development of ACF and tumors in rats treated with AOM were significantly reduced by SE (30 and 60 mg/kg). These results suggest that a chronic SE use does not predispose to colon cancer. By contrast, SE might exert an anti-tumoral activity on rat colon carcinogenesis.
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D??Avino M, Caruso G, Capasso F, Caruso D. Self-Measurement of Arterial Pressure. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2005. [DOI: 10.2165/00151642-200512030-00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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D??Avino M, Caruso G, Capasso F, Caruso D. Losartan Versus Atenolol and Their Effect on sICAM in a Population of Hypertensive Patients. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2005. [DOI: 10.2165/00151642-200512030-00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Capasso F, Gallucci F, D??Avino M, Caruso D, Rizzo M, Caruso G, Uomo G. Ungueal Videocapillaroscopy in Arterial Hypertensive Patients with Cerebral Gliosis. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2005. [DOI: 10.2165/00151642-200512030-00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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D??Avino M, Caruso G, Rizzo M, Capasso F, Caruso D. The Behaviour of the Factor Von Willembrand in Arterial Hypertension Treated with Losartan or Amlodipine. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2005. [DOI: 10.2165/00151642-200512030-00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Parisi V, Capasso F, Pudore L, Torre S, Russo V, Vitale S, Delrio P, Palaia R, Ruffolo F, Papa ML. [New thrombophilia markers in digestive tract neoplasia]. TUMORI JOURNAL 2003; 89:129-32. [PMID: 12903570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Haemostatic system compounds not routinely studied, have been evaluated to define the individual risk of VTE (venous thromboembolism) and to influence the prognosis using selective drugs. Significantly high values of fibrinogen, free-TFPI, F1 + 2 fragments and TAT complexes on coagulation side and PAI-1 and TAFI on fibrinolysis side have been detected. Thrombin seems to have a role in the inhibition of TAFI dependent fibrinolysis not inhibited by heparin.
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Spagnolo V, Scamarcio G, Marano D, Troccoli M, Capasso F, Gmachl C, Sergent A, Hutchinson A, Sivco D, Cho A, Page H, Becker C, Sirtori C. Thermal characteristics of quantum-cascade lasers by micro-probe optical spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1049/ip-opt:20030610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Borrelli F, Maffia P, Pinto L, Ianaro A, Russo A, Capasso F, Ialenti A. Phytochemical compounds involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis extract. Fitoterapia 2002; 73 Suppl 1:S53-63. [PMID: 12495710 DOI: 10.1016/s0367-326x(02)00191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two ethanolic propolis extracts (EPE) with and without the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), CAPE and galangin (major components of propolis) were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in rats using carrageenin foot oedema, carrageenin pleurisy and adjuvant arthritis. In our experiments, EPE with CAPE and CAPE alone significantly inhibited carrageenin oedema, carrageenin pleurisy and adjuvant arthritis. In contrast EPE without CAPE and galangin did not exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in acute and chronic inflammation. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis is due to CAPE.
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Borrelli F, Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Maffia P, Russo A, Maiello FM, Capasso F, Mascolo N. Effect of a propolis extract and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on formation of aberrant crypt foci and tumors in the rat colon. Fitoterapia 2002; 73 Suppl 1:S38-43. [PMID: 12495708 DOI: 10.1016/s0367-326x(02)00189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the effect of propolis and its main active ingredient caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) on formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and tumors in the rat colon in vivo. CAPE (50 mg/kg i.p.) reduced the formation of ACF and tumor induced by azoxymethane, while propolis ethanolic extract was without effect. These results suggest a potential anti-carcinogenesis of CAPE but not propolis.
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Myers TL, Williams RM, Taubman MS, Gmachl C, Capasso F, Sivco DL, Baillargeon JN, Cho AY. Free-running frequency stability of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers. OPTICS LETTERS 2002; 27:170-172. [PMID: 18007745 DOI: 10.1364/ol.27.000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic frequency fluctuations of two single-mode quantum cascade (QC) distributed-feedback lasers operating continuously at a wavelength of 8.5 mum are reported. A Doppler-limited rovibrational resonance of nitrous oxide is used to transform the frequency noise into measurable intensity fluctuations. The QC lasers, along with recently improved current controllers, exhibit a free-running frequency stability of 150 kHz over a 15-ms time interval.
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Kosterev AA, Tittel FK, Durante W, Allen M, Kohler R, Gmachl C, Capasso F, Sivco DL, Cho AY. Detection of biogenic CO production above vascular cell cultures using a near-room-temperature QC-DFB laser. APPLIED PHYSICS. B, LASERS AND OPTICS 2002; 74:95-99. [PMID: 11911164 DOI: 10.1007/s003400100766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We report the first application of pulsed, near-room-temperature quantum cascade laser technology to the continuous detection of biogenic CO production rates above viable cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells. A computer-controlled sequence of measurements over a 9-h period was obtained, resulting in a minimum detectable CO production of 20 ppb in a 1-m optical path above a standard cell-culture flask. Data-processing procedures for real-time monitoring of both biogenic and ambient atmospheric CO concentrations are described.
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Abstract
The digestive tract contains endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol) and cannabinoid CB1 receptors can be found on myenteric and submucosal nerves. Activation of CB1 receptors inhibits gastrointestinal motility, intestinal secretion and gastric acid secretion. The enteric location of CB1 receptors could provide new strategies for the management of gut disorders.
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Chan HB, Aksyuk VA, Kleiman RN, Bishop DJ, Capasso F. Nonlinear micromechanical Casimir oscillator. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2001; 87:211801. [PMID: 11736330 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.87.211801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Casimir force between uncharged metallic surfaces originates from quantum-mechanical zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. We demonstrate that this quantum electrodynamical effect has a profound influence on the oscillatory behavior of microstructures when surfaces are in close proximity (< or =100 nm). Frequency shifts, hysteretic behavior, and bistability caused by the Casimir force are observed in the frequency response of a periodically driven micromachined torsional oscillator.
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Kosterev AA, Malinovsky AL, Tittel FK, Gmachl C, Capasso F, Sivco DL, Baillargeon JN, Hutchinson AL, Cho AY. Cavity ringdown spectroscopic detection of nitric oxide with a continuous-wave quantum-cascade laser. APPLIED OPTICS 2001; 40:5522-5529. [PMID: 18364839 DOI: 10.1364/ao.40.005522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A spectroscopic gas sensor for nitric oxide (NO) detection based on a cavity ringdown technique was designed and evaluated. A cw quantum-cascade distributed-feedback laser operating at 5.2 mum was used as a tunable single-frequency light source. Both laser-frequency tuning and abrupt interruptions of the laser radiation were performed through manipulation of the laser current. A single ringdown event sensitivity to absorption of 2.2 x 10(-8) cm(-1) was achieved. Measurements of parts per billion (ppb) NO concentrations in N(2) with a 0.7-ppb standard error for a data collection time of 8 s have been performed. Future improvements are discussed that would allow quantification of NO in human breath.
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Izzo AA, Fezza F, Capasso R, Bisogno T, Pinto L, Iuvone T, Esposito G, Mascolo N, Di Marzo V, Capasso F. Cannabinoid CB1-receptor mediated regulation of gastrointestinal motility in mice in a model of intestinal inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 134:563-70. [PMID: 11588110 PMCID: PMC1572987 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2001] [Revised: 07/05/2001] [Accepted: 07/18/2001] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
1. We have studied the effect of cannabinoid agonists (CP 55,940 and cannabinol) on intestinal motility in a model of intestinal inflammation (induced by oral croton oil in mice) and measured cannabinoid receptor expression, endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol) and anandamide amidohydrolase activity both in physiological and pathophysiological states. 2. CP 55,940 (0.03 - 10 nmol mouse(-1)) and cannabinol (10 - 3000 nmol mouse(-1)) were more active in delaying intestinal motility in croton oil-treated mice than in control mice. These inhibitory effects were counteracted by the selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A (16 nmol mouse(-1)). SR141716A (1 - 300 nmol mouse(-1)), administered alone, increased intestinal motility to the same extent in both control and croton oil-treated mice. 3. Croton oil-induced intestinal inflammation was associated with an increased expression of CB(1) receptor, an unprecedented example of up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors during inflammation. 4. High levels of anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol were detected in the small intestine, although no differences were observed between control and croton oil-treated mice; by contrast anandamide amidohydrolase activity increased 2 fold in the inflamed small intestine. 5. It is concluded that inflammation of the gut increases the potency of cannabinoid agonists possibly by 'up-regulating' CB(1) receptor expression; in addition, endocannabinoids, whose turnover is increased in inflamed gut, might tonically inhibit intestinal motility.
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Borrelli F, Mereto E, Capasso F, Orsi P, Sini D, Izzo AA, Massa B, Boggio M, Mascolo N. Effect of bisacodyl and cascara on growth of aberrant crypt foci and malignant tumors in the rat colon. Life Sci 2001; 69:1871-7. [PMID: 11693267 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(01)01263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Laxatives abuse has been associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. However, little is known about laxatives long-term carcinogenic potential in experimental studies. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of bisacodyl (4.3 and 43 mg/kg) and cascara (140 and 420 mg/kg) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and tumors. Animals, divided in 10 groups were treated with AOM and laxatives (alone or in combination) for 13 weeks. At the end of treatment animals were killed and the colon removed and analysed for the determination of ACF and tumors. Bisacodyl (4.3 and 43 mg/kg), given alone, did not induce the development of colonic ACF and tumors. Bisacodyl (4.3 mg/kg) coupled with AOM increased the number of crypt per focus, but not the number of tumors. Bisacodyl (43 mg/kg) significantly increased the number of crypt per focus and tumors. Cascara (140 and 420 mg/kg) did not induce the development of colonic ACF and tumors and did not modify the number of AOM-induced ACF and tumors. The results of the present study indicate a possible promoting effect of bisacodyl on rat colon carcinogenesis (especially at higher doses) and absence of any promoting or initiating activity of a laxative and diarrhoeal dose of cascara.
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