The ultrastructural characteristics of eccrine sweat glands in a Fabry disease patient with hypohidrosis

As an investigation of the pathogenetic mechanism of diminished sweating in Fabry disease, an electron microscopy ultrastructural study was conducted on specimens of eccrine sweat glands from a typical patient with Fabry disease who had hypohidrosis, a low skin moisture content, and diminished thermoregulation ability. Numerous characteristic cytoplasmic inclusions were observed in the eccrine sweat glands, the lamellar pattern of which was considerably variable in various types of gland cells. Large vacuolar inclusions predominated in clear cells of secretory coil; lesser vacuoles were also seen in the coiled duct, and the basal cells of the straight duct toward the coiled duct displayed mulberry-like figures. There were some clear cells showing cell damage and necrosis in the secretory coil. Lamellated inclusions were noted in the unmyelinated axons innervating the eccrine sweat glands. The small blood vessels around the eccrine glands were narrowed by swollen endothelial cells with heavy inclusions. These intracytoplasmic deposits may be responsible for the decreased sweating ability in Fabry disease. The factors related to hypohidrosis are also discussed.

11C-glucose metabolism in manic and depressed patients

The authors used positron emission tomography (PET) and 11C-labeled glucose to study 15 unmedicated patients with affective disorders and 7 control subjects. Diagnoses of affective disorders were based on DSM-III criteria, and symptomatology was evaluated by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Blood counts of 11C in both unipolar and bipolar patients did not differ from those in controls after oral administration of 11C-glucose. By contrast, brain counts of 11C in unipolar depressed patients were significantly lower, whereas those in bipolar manic patients were significantly higher, than in normal controls.

Highly efficient silencing of microRNA by heteroduplex oligonucleotides

AntimiR is an antisense oligonucleotide that has been developed to silence microRNA (miRNA) for the treatment of intractable diseases. Enhancement of its in vivo efficacy and improvement of its toxicity are highly desirable but remain challenging. We here design heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO)-antimiR as a new technology comprising an antimiR and its complementary RNA. HDO-antimiR binds targeted miRNA in vivo more efficiently by 12-fold than the parent single-stranded antimiR. HDO-antimiR also produced enhanced phenotypic effects in mice with upregulated expression of miRNA-targeting messenger RNAs. In addition, we demonstrated that the enhanced potency of HDO-antimiR was not explained by its bio-stability or delivery to the targeted cell, but reflected an improved intracellular potency. Our findings provide new insights into biology of miRNA silencing by double-stranded oligonucleotides and support the in vivo potential of this technology based on a new class of for the treatment of miRNA-related diseases.

Substance P(1-7) antagonizes substance P-induced aversive behaviour in mice

Substance P (SP) and its fragments were administered intrathecally into awake mice. SP and C-terminal fragments caused dose-dependent reciprocal hindlimb scratching responses. SP(5-11) was more potent than SP not only in inducing scratching response but also in inducing aversive behaviour including licking and biting. SP(1-7) induced no behavioural reactions. However, when low doses of SP(1-7) (1.0-4.0 pmol) were injected simultaneously with SP or SP(5-11) (0.1 nmol), aversive behaviours induced by SP or SP(5-11) were significantly reduced. These results indicate that SP(1-7) formed endogenously could modulate the actions of SP or SP(5-11) in the spinal cord.

Immunoelectron microscopy of carbonic anhydrase isozyme VI in rat submandibular gland: comparison with isozymes I and II

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) was purified from the saliva of pilocarpine-treated rats by inhibitor-affinity chromatography, and its localization in the rat submandibular gland was studied by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) raised against the enzyme. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the CA VI gave three bands of 33, 39, and 42 KD. Enzyme digestion experiment showed that the 42 KD molecule was degraded into the 39 KD molecule and the 39 KD molecule into the 33 KD molecule. The cleavage of the 42 KD molecule was independent and that of the 39 KD molecule was dependent on endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F. The 42 KD molecule was detected in the CA purified from the pilocarpine-treated but not the untreated salivary gland. The MAb recognized all the three components of the enzyme. Immunostaining for CA VI was seen in the cytosol and secretory granules of serous acinar cells and in the duct luminal contents. Staining specific for erythrocyte CA (CA I and CA II) was observed in the cytosol of the epithelial cells of granular, striated, and excretory ducts. Among these duct cells, the agranular varieties in the granular and excretory ducts were essentially devoid of the immunoreactivity.

An outbreak of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Japan

An emerging swine disease principally involving periweaning piglets was examined. The disease was clinically characterized by lethargy, fever, emaciation, coughing, and severe abdominal breathing, hence colloquially named "Heko-heko" disease. The consistent lesions in affected piglets were diffuse interstitial pneumonia with pronounced type II pneumocytic proliferation, meningoencephalitis, and regression of the lymphoid tissues. The causal virus was isolated in primary porcine lung cell (PLC) cultures from various organs of affected piglets and showed serological relatedness to the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. Numerous virus particles, measured about 49 nm in diameter, were detected in the cytoplasm of alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary macrophages in PLC cultures infected with the isolate. The condition could be experimentally reproduced in conventional piglets by intranasal inoculation with the isolate and the virus was reisolated from the infected animals.

Production of chronic compression of the cauda equina in rats for use in studies of lumbar spinal canal stenosis

STUDY DESIGN

The pathophysiology of lumbar spinal canal stenosis was analyzed with a new model in rats.

OBJECTIVES

To produce chronic compression of the cauda equina in rats for analysis of the pathophysiology of lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Models of compression to date have involved acute or subacute compression. A model of chronic compression has not been available.

METHODS

A stainless steel wire fastened around the spine at L5 in 3-week-old rats, with a plate inserted against the ventral aspect of the vertebra to protect it from the wire. as the rats grew, the wire cut into the spinal canal. One year after the operation, canal stenosis was present without paralysis of the back limbs.

RESULTS

Stenosis seen in sagittal sections, as a percentage of the original width, was 51.6 +/- 6.2% (mean +/- standard deviation). In histologic analysis of the region near the wire, findings included axonal degeneration, demyelination, vacuolar degeneration of the nerve fibers, and narrowing the intradural blood vessels with a decrease in their number. Cephalad and caudad to the wire, congested intradural blood vessels, degenerative foci near these congested vessels, fibrosis around these foci, congested epidural vessels, and fibrosis around these vessels were observed. During electrophysiologic analysis (six rats with stenosis), the conduction velocity of the cauda equina was found to be delayed.

CONCLUSIONS

The histologic and electrophysiologic findings in this animal model were similar to findings in human subjects, so rats prepared in this way should be useful for study of chronic compression of the cauda equina.

Clinical features and laboratory findings of vibration disease: a review of 300 cases

Clinical features and laboratory findings of 300 inpatients with vibration disease before and after treatments were reviewed. Having been using chain saws or pneumatic hammers for a long period, the patients were afflicted with Raynaud's phenomenon, numbness, pain or stiffness of fingers, pain of elbows and neck, stiffness of shoulders and lumbago. They had high incidences of complaints due to the disorder of the central nervous system, especially of the higher center of the autonomic nervous system; i.e. headache (52.0%), palmar hyperhidrosis (70.0%), forgetfulness (78.2%), fatiguability (61.3%), tinnitus (41.8%), impotence (55.1%), etc. Laboratory findings of the autonomic nerve activity tests, electroencephalograms and audiograms also suggested the disorder of the central nervous system. Treatments during three months had improved significantly the subjective symptoms and the objective findings (p less than 0.05 to 0.001). Thus, vibration disease should be considered as a systemic disease, including disorders of the central nervous system, especially of the higher center of the autonomic nervous system, and disturbances of the peripheral functions.

Intrathecal substance P analogue causes motor dysfunction in the rat

(D-Pro2, Trp7,9)-substance P injected into the subarachnoid space produced a severe faccid extension of hindlimb in a dose-related manner in the rat. This motor dysfunction was neither reversed by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist nor by intrathecal SP. SP levels in the lumbar cord were markedly depleted in rats with hindlimb paralysis, though there was not significant changes in rats without paraplegia. These results suggest that DPDT-SP produces motor dysfunction which dose not appear to be mediated by opioid and SP receptors.

Immunoelectron microscopy of carbonic anhydrase isozyme VI in human submandibular gland: comparison with isozymes I and II

Carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) was purified from human saliva by inhibitor-affinity chromatography, and its distribution was studied in human submandibular gland by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique with a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against the isozyme. Polyclonal antibodies to human CA I and CA II purified from erythrocytes were also raised and used for immunostaining. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified isozymes revealed a single protein band (CA VI, 42 KD; CA I and CA II, 30 KD). Antibody raised against CA VI did not crossreact with CA I or CA II either by Western or by dot-blotting. However, antibodies against CA I and CA II showed slight crossreaction with each other's antigen by dot-blotting. In a Western blot of purified submandibular gland CA, antibody to CA VI stained the 42 and 30 KD bands, and antibodies to CA I and CA II stained the 30 KD band. The 42 KD but not the 30 KD molecule was cleaved by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F, indicating that the former contains N-linked oligosaccharides. Immunostaining for CA VI was seen in the secretory granules and cytosol of serous acinar cells and in the duct luminal contents. Staining specific for CA II was observed in the cytosol of serous acinar and duct epithelial cells. Antibody to CA I reacted only with the walls of small blood vessels. These results suggest that (a) serous acinar cells secrete 42 KD CA VI which functions in the oral cavity and that (b) serous acinar and duct epithelial cells possess cytosolic CA (30 KD CA VI and CA II) which functions in situ.

NE-dlg, a mammalian homolog of Drosophila dlg tumor suppressor, induces growth suppression and impairment of cell adhesion: possible involvement of down-regulation of beta-catenin by NE-dlg expression

Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) are known to function as scaffolds for forming multiprotein complexes at the synaptic junctions of neuronal cells and at sites of epithelial cell-cell contact. In Drosophila, mutations of the lethal (1)-discs large (dlg) gene, which encodes a MAGUK protein, leads to post-synaptic structure defects in neuronal cells and neoplastic overgrowth of epithelial cells. We previously showed that NE-dlg (neuronal and endocrine dlg), a human homolog of the dlg, plays a crucial role in formation of synaptic structure in human neuronal cells. Here we demonstrate that NE-dlg, similar to Drosophila dlg, is involved in regulation of cell cycle progression and adhesive ability of non-neuronal cells. Overexpression of NE-dlg in proliferating cells including various cancer cell lines induced growth suppression and impairment of cell adhesive ability. Furthermore, NE-dlg overexpression caused the down-regulation of beta-catenin in cancer cells regardless of mutations in the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene. The PDZ domains of NE-dlg were found to be essential for the growth suppression, loss of adhesive property and down-regulation of beta-catenin. We propose that NE-dlg regulates the cell growth and adhesive ability by controlling the level of beta-catenin through an APC-independent pathway. Inactivation of NE-dlg may therefore contribute to development and/or progression of human neoplasms.

Enteral siRNA delivery technique for therapeutic gene silencing in the liver via the lymphatic route

An efficient targeting delivery technology is needed for functional oligonucleotides to exert their potential effect on the target gene without an adverse effect in vivo. Development of enteral delivery systems for nucleic acids is a major challenge because of their large molecular size and instability. Here, we describe a new enteral delivery technique that enables small interfering RNA (siRNA) selectively delivered to the liver to silence its target Apolipoprotein B gene expression. A nuclease-resistant synthetic siRNA was conjugated with α-tochopherol and administered as lipid nanoparticle to the large intestine of the mice in a postprandial state. The selective transport into the liver, effective gene silence, and consequently significant reduction in serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, were demonstrated. The chylomicron-mediated pathway via the lymphatic route was suggested as major mechanism. This unique approach may provide a basis for developing oral and rectal delivery systems for nucleic acids targeting liver.

Effect of ceruletide on tardive dyskinesia: a pilot study of quantitative computer analyses on electromyogram and microvibration

Seven patients with bucco-lingual dyskinesia were treated with a single dose of ceruletide 0.8 micrograms/kg IM, a potent analogue of cholecystokinin octapeptide. Time-course effects of the drug were then followed up to 6 weeks after injection in the longest case. To assess changes in severity of dyskinesia objectively, electromyogram and microvibration were recorded. These data were subjected to the Fast Fourier Transform and an averaged power spectrum was computed. The effect of ceruletide on dyskinesia within 2 h after injection differed (three cases: inhibitory, two cases: facilitatory, two cases: no effect). It was notable that a long-lasting inhibitory effect of this peptide was observed in two severe irreversible cases. The present findings might contribute to further understanding of the physiopathophysiological role of cholecystokinin-like peptides in the brain and to practical treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

Histochemistry of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II in osteoclast-like giant cells in bone tumours

Using routinely processed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, osteoclast-like giant cells in giant cell tumour of bone (GCT), chondroblastoma, osteoblastoma and osteoblastic osteosarcoma were examined histochemically for osteoclast-specific enzymes tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II (CA-II). Osteoclast-like giant cells and some mononuclear cells possessed TRAP activity. These were further classified with respect to CA-II immunoreactivity, i.e. cells with CA-II were seen in GCT and chondroblastoma, while those in osteoblastoma and osteoblastic osteosarcoma were negative for CA-II. All the cellular components in malignant fibrous histiocytoma and various extraosseous inflammatory lesions including malignant giant cells and macrophage polykaryons were negative for both TRAP and CA-II. These results indicate that osteoclast-like giant cells in GCT, chondroblastoma, osteoblastoma and osteoblastic osteosarcoma are all osteoclasts and generated by fusion of mononuclear cells with the same histochemical characteristics as osteoclast-like giant cells. The difference in CA-II immunoreactivity suggests the functional or maturational difference between osteoclast-like giant cells in GCT and chondroblastoma and those in osteoblastoma and osteosarcoma.

Anti-insulin receptor autoantibodies in a patient with type B insulin resistance and fasting hypoglycemia

We studied a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and type B insulin resistance who showed almost complete normalization of postprandial plasma glucose in 3 months and a transient occurrence of fasting hypoglycemia from day 35 (i.e. the 35th day of hospitalization) to day 77. To determine the clinical relevance of the biological ability of anti-insulin receptor antibodies (anti-IRAb), we made multiple preparations of the patient's dialyzed serum and IgG. Dialyzed serum prepared on day 1 showed 95% inhibition of insulin binding. The binding inhibition was, however, decreased parallel to the normalization of insulin sensitivity. For 2DG uptake, 6.2 microM IgG purified on 3 different days (days 7, 35 and 78, designated IgG-NOV, -JAN, and -FEB, respectively) stimulated 2DG uptake into CHO-hIR at 3.4-, 3.1-, and 1.5-fold, respectively. Phosphotyrosine immunoblotting revealed that apparent insulin receptor autophosphorylation was visible only with IgG-NOV, not with the IgG-JAN or -FEB. Mutation of tyrosine-960 or lysine-1018 of the insulin receptor failed to transduce the IgG's stimulatory effect. IgG-NOV was not able to stimulate the autophosphorylation of the human IGF-I receptor. In the present study, the insulin binding inhibitory activities of the dialyzed sera prepared at different time points were shown to be altered parallel to insulin sensitivity in vivo. Stimulatory activities of the patient's IgG were, however, discordant for the occurrence of fasting hypoglycemia observed in vivo. Other pathogenic factors or mechanisms in addition to the insulin-like action of the anti-IRAb may be also required to fully understand the development of fasting hypoglycemia in type B insulin resistance.

A novel NE-dlg/SAP102-associated protein, p51-nedasin, related to the amidohydrolase superfamily, interferes with the association between NE-dlg/SAP102 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor

The membrane-associated guanylate kinase proteins have been known to interact various membrane receptors with their N-terminal segments designated the PDZ domains and to cluster these receptors at the target site of the cell membrane. NE-dlg/SAP102, a neuronal and endocrine tissue-specific MAGUK family protein, was found to be expressed in both dendrites and cell bodies in neuronal cells. Although NE-dlg/SAP102 localized at dendrites was shown to interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B via the PDZ domains to compose postsynaptic density, the binding proteins existing in the cell body of the neuron are still unknown. Here we report the isolation of a novel NE-dlg/SAP102-associated protein, p51-nedasin. Nedasin has a significant homology with amidohydrolase superfamily proteins and shows identical sequences to a recently identified protein that has guanine aminohydrolase activity. Nedasin has four alternative splice variants (S, V1, V2, and V3) that exhibited different C-terminal structures. NE-dlg/SAP102 is shown to interact with only the S form of nedasin which is predominantly expressed in brain. The expression of nedasin in neuronal cells increases in parallel with the progress of synaptogenesis and is mainly detected in cell bodies where it co-localizes with NE-dlg/SAP102. Furthermore, nedasin interferes with the association between NE-dlg/SAP102 and NMDA receptor 2B in vitro. These findings suggest that alternative splicing of nedasin may play a role in the formation and/or structural change in synapses during neuronal development by modifying clustering of neurotransmitter receptors at the synaptic sites.

Intraperitoneal administration of AAV9-shRNA inhibits target gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia of neonatal mice

Background

There is considerable interest in inducing RNA interference (RNAi) in neurons to study gene function and identify new targets for disease intervention. Although short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been used to silence genes in neurons, in vivo delivery of RNAi remains a major challenge, especially by systemic administration. We have developed a highly efficient method for in vivo gene silencing in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) by using short hairpin RNA–expressing single-stranded adeno-associated virus 9 (ssAAV9-shRNA).

Results

Intraperitoneal administration of ssAAV9-shRNA to neonatal mice resulted in highly effective and specific silencing of a target gene in DRG. We observed an approximately 80% reduction in target mRNA in the DRG, and 74.7% suppression of the protein was confirmed by Western blot analysis. There were no major side effects, and the suppression effect lasted for more than three months after the injection of ssAAV9-shRNA.

Conclusions

Although we previously showed substantial inhibition of target gene expression in DRG via intrathecal ssAAV9-shRNA administration, here we succeeded in inhibiting target gene expression in DRG neurons via intraperitoneal injection of ssAAV9-shRNA. AAV9-mediated delivery of shRNA will pave the way for creating animal models for investigating the molecular biology of the mechanisms of pain and sensory ganglionopathies.

Behavioural assessment as substance P antagonists in mice

A series of eleven undeca- and four hexapeptide antagonists of substance P (SP) have been assayed by the SP-induced behavioural test in mice. When 2 nmol of [D-Arg1, D-Pro, D-Trp, Leu]-SP (SP 1-11 I) was intrathecally injected together with SP (0.1 nmol), SP-induced response which consists of scratching, biting and licking was markedly inhibited. [D-Trp, Leu]-SP 6-11 (SP 6-11 I) given in a dose of 2 nmol was also inhibited the SP-induced response to the same degree as SP 1-11 I. Some of SP 1-11 or SP 6-11 analogues substituted with fluorine in positions 7 and/or 8 maintained the antagonistic effect of SP 1-11 I or SP 6-11 I, though the others were weaker. Intrathecal administration of SP 1-11 I and SP 6-11 I resulted in long-lasting antinociceptive effects as measured by the tail-flick test. Fluorine-containing SP analogues were less potent than the above two analogues in producing antinociception. These results suggest that the antagonistic effect of SP analogues on the SP-induced nociceptive response do not necessarily relate to antinociceptive activity at the spinal cord level.

Intrathecal shRNA-AAV9 inhibits target protein expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia of adult mice

Gene therapy for neurological diseases requires efficient gene delivery to target tissues in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although adeno-associated virus is one of the most promising vectors for clinical use against neurological diseases, it is difficult to get it across the blood-brain barrier. A clinically practical approach to using a vector based on adeno-associated virus to decrease the expression of a specific gene in both the central and the peripheral nervous system has yet to be established. Here, we analyzed whether upper lumbar intrathecal administration of a therapeutic vector incorporating adeno-associated virus and short-hairpin RNA against superoxide dismutase-1 bypassed the blood-brain barrier to target the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. The therapeutic vector effectively suppressed mRNA and protein expression of endogenous superoxide dismutase-1 in the lumbar spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Moreover, neither neurological side effects nor toxicity due to the incorporated short-hairpin RNA occurred after the injection. We propose that this approach could be developed into novel therapies for motor neuron diseases and chronic pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome, through silencing of the genes responsible for pathologies in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia.

Effect of 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones and thiosemicarbazones on iodide uptake by the mouse thyroid: the relationship between their structure and anti-thyroid activity

Antithyroid activity of 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones and thiosemicarbazones was tested by measuring the uptake ratio of thyroid: serum (T/S) of 125I through the mouse thyroid. Substitution with an alkyl group at the 5-position of the triazole nucleus remarkably increased the activity but substitution at the N-2 and/or N-4 positions caused a significant decrease in the activity, indicating the necessity of unsubstituted thioureylene moiety for the antithyroid activity. Thiosemicarbazone derivatives which are an open ring structure of triazoles showed comparable antithyroid activities to those in a ring form, but one thiosemicarbazone showed a much higher toxicity than the corresponding ring form compound. This suggests that the ring structure is not essential for the activity but is necessary to reduce toxic effect. Of fourteen compounds tested, 5-methyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione was the most potent antithyroid compound with low toxicity, with a potency tenfold that of propylthiouracil, a drug currently used.

Experimental pulmonary fibrosis induced by trisodium citrate and acid-citrate-dextrose

A single intrapulmonary injection of 3.8% trisodium citrate and acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) into rabbits results in extensive degeneration and necrosis of alveolar pneumocytes, including the type II pneumocyte, and of bronchiolar or bronchial epithelial cells. Subsequently, the alveoli and alveolar ducts collapse, and the septa and ductal walls adhere to each other, accompanied by the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts. These fibroblasts produce fibrous connective tissue which is followed by pulmonary fibrosis in 1 week. Epithelial regeneration, especially that resulting from the proliferation of immature type II pneumocytes, occurs around the periphery of the fibrous lesions. The synthesis and release of large amounts of surfactant materials by the proliferated type II pneumocytes may induce the surfactant materials to reopen the air spaces of the collapsed and adhesive alveoli. By 4 weeks those fibrous areas in the pathological lungs become smaller and/or appear normal. These results suggest that this is a useful experimental animal model for pulmonary fibrosis, and that epithelial cells, especially type II pneumocytes, are associated with both the induction of and the recovery from the disorder; in the early stage, interference by reepithelization resulting from type II pneumocyte proliferation may elicit the proliferation of fibroblasts, and in later stages, reepithelization and surfactant synthesis by newly proliferated type II pneumocytes may permit the reopening of collapsed and adhesive air spaces.

Acute effects of ethanol on feeding behavior and leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in rat hypothalamus

OBJECTIVE

Drinking ethanol stimulates the appetite, producing a positive energy balance. The mechanism by which ethanol regulates the appetite in the central nervous system, however, has not been fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction of ethanol with the satiety effect of leptin, a hormone which suppresses the appetite in the hypothalamic region.

DESIGN

: Leptin (7.5 micro g) or the same dose of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was administered into the third ventricle (i.c.v.), 30 min after an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of ethanol (0.5 g/kg body weight) or the same dose of PBS.

MATERIALS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 290-320 g were used.

MEASUREMENTS

Food intake was measured 2, 12 and 24 h after leptin i.c.v. infusion. The tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator transcription factor 3 (STAT3) in the hypothalamus was analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The cumulative food intakes in the saline/leptin group (saline i.p.+leptin i.c.v.) were markedly reduced to about 45% of the saline/PBS group (saline i.p.+PBS i.c.v.) at 2, 12 and 24 h time points (P<0.05, 0.001, and 0.005, respectively). As compared with the saline/leptin group, those of the ethanol/leptin group (ethanol i.p.+leptin i.c.v.) were significantly increased to the level seen in the saline/PBS group at 12 and 24 h time points (P<0.05, and P<0.005 vs the saline/leptin group, respectively). Ethanol administration resulted in about a 50% reduction of the leptin-induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation seen in the hypothalamic protein as compared to that of the saline/leptin group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ethanol-induced enhancement of the appetite may, in part, result from leptin resistance transiently caused by ethanol to attenuate the leptin signal transduction.

Phase Diagram and Anisotropic Transport Properties of Nd1-xSrxMnO3 Crystals

We have investigated electronic transport and magnetic properties of perovskite-type Nd1-xSrxMnO3 crystals with change of controlled hole-doping level (0.30≤x≤0.80). The electronic phase diagram of Nd1-xSrxMnO3 was obtained by systematic measurements of magnetization (magnetic structure), resistivity, and lattice parameter. We have also studied the anisotropie transport properties of x=0.50 and 0.55 crystals with different magnetic structures: CE-type antiferromagnetic (AF) structure for x=0.50 and A-type layered AF one for x=0.55. In the case of the x=0.55 crystal, the metallic behavior was observed within the ferromagnetic (F) layers, while along the AF-coupling direction the crystal remains insulating over the whole temperature region. The observed large anisotropy is due to the magnetic as well as orbital-ordering induced confinement of the spin-polarized carriers within the F sheets. The nearly isotropie transport behavior has been confirmed for the CE-type AF charge-ordered state in the x=0.50 crystal.