[Endothelin-1 and intraocular inflammation in pigmented rabbit eyes]

We assessed the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the development of anterior chamber inflammation in pigmented rabbit eyes. After the injection of ET-1 (10(-13), 10(-11), 10(-9) or 10(-7) M) into the anterior chamber, aqueous protein concentration increased significantly in a dose-dependent fashion, with a peak at 1 to 2 hours after treatment, and it returned to the normal level 8 hours after the injection. Pupillary diameter was significantly reduced when 10(-9) M or 10(-7) M ET-1 solution was injected. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with anti-prostaglandin agents, i.e., topical indomethacin or venous diclofenac sodium. In the endotoxin-induced experimental uveitis model, ET-1 concentration in the aqueous humor was significantly higher than that of normal controls as well as the plasma ET-1 level. These results suggest that ET-1 is an important mediator in the ocular inflammatory reactions through the arachidonic acid cascade.

A case of microscopic testicular tumour

A 34-year-old male was referred to us for further examination of gynaecomastia. Serum tests revealed high levels of alpha-foeto protein, human chorionic gonadotropin, oestradiol and prolactin. He had a history of testicular pain and mass, and had been under a local physician's care. With the physician's record of the course of regression we made a diagnosis of microscopic testicular tumour. Serial histopathological sections of the testis revealed a 0.8 mm lesion of chorionic and embryonal carcinoma. We discuss the course of spontaneous regression with a review of the literature.

Mechanism of inhibition of IgE-dependent histamine release from rat mast cells by penasterol and penasterone

Penasterol and penasterone, constituents of the Okinawan marine sponge Penares incrustans, dose-dependently inhibited anti-IgE-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. The concentrations of penasterol and penasterone required for 50% inhibition of anti-IgE-induced histamine release (IC50) were 0.5 and 1.5 microM, respectively. Both compounds dose-dependently inhibited phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. Moreover, they inhibited anti-IgE-induced [3H]arachidonic acid from rat mast cells. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition by these compounds of the histamine release induced by anti-IgE was through the inhibition of PLA2.

Axon reflex vasodilatation in cat dental pulp elicited by noxious stimulation of the gingiva

Antidromic stimulation of sensory nerves has been shown to increase blood flow in the tissue they innervate. This study was designed to determine if antidromic vasomotor responses occur in feline dental pulp and if they are mediated by branched axons supplying both tooth pulp and gingiva. Dynamic changes in pulpal blood flow (PBF) elicited by electrical stimulation, pinching, heating, and capsaicin application to the gingivae were investigated in cat mandibular canine teeth by means of Laser Doppler Velocimetry. All inferior alveolar nerve bundles and the cervical sympathetic trunk had been previously sectioned to avoid the occurrence of brainstem reflexes, e.g., somato-autonomic vasomotor reflexes. Increases in PBF were observed in seven out of 12 cats when a restricted gingival area adjacent to the canine teeth was stimulated as described, but the increases were abolished after the sensitive gingival area was painted with lidocaine jelly, a surface anesthetic. These vasodilator responses, remarkably reduced following repeated application of 30 mM of capsaicin, are considered to be induced via antidromic activation of capsaicin-sensitive nociceptive nerve fibers, presumably by axon reflex mechanisms, suggesting that nerve terminals supplying the gingiva originate from parent axons which have collaterals that innervate the canine tooth pulp.

Baccharane glycosides from seeds of Impatiens balsamina

From the seeds of Impatiens balsamina have been isolated four rare baccharane glycosides, hosenkosides L-O. The structures of all isolates were secured by the use of 2D NMR techniques (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, ROESY) and chemical derivatization. Hosenkosides L and M are hosenkol A 3-O-sambubiosyl-28-O-glucoside and 3-O-sambubiosyl-26-O-glucosyl-28-O-glucoside, respectively. Hosenkoside N is hosenkol C 3-O-glucosyl-28-O-glucoside. Hosenkoside O is hosenkol D 3-O-sophorosyl-28-O-glucoside.

Triterpenoid glycosides from Anagallis arvensis

From the herb of Anagallis arvensis, we have isolated four novel oleanane glycosides, anagallosaponins VI-IX, and two artifact saponins, apoanagallosaponins III and IV, formed from anagallosaponins III and IV. The structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral methods, 2D NMR techniques being particularly helpful. The structures of anagallosaponins VI and VII were characterized as priverogenin B 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)]beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), respectively. The structures of anagallosaponins VIII and IX were characterized as 23-hydroxypriverogenin B 22-acetate 3-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)]beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]- alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), respectively. The structures of apoanagallosaponins III and IV were characterized as camelliagenin A 16-acetate 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-arabnopyranoside, 3-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), respectively.

Structures of anagallosaponins I-V and their companion substances from Anagallis arvensis L

From the herb of Anagallis arvensis L., we have isolated five novel oleanane glycosides, anagallosaponins I-V and the artifact, methyl anagallosaponin I, besides anagallosides A, B, C, and desglucoanagallosides A and B. The structures of isolates were identified by the use of 2D-NMR techniques (1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), 1H-detected heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMBC), rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY), total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY). The structures of anagallosaponins I and II were characterized as anagallogenin A. 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-] beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) and anagallogein A 22-acetate 3-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), respectively. The structures of anagallosaponins III, IV and V were characterized as priverogenin B 22-acetate 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, 3-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside), respectively. Methyl anagallosaponin I, the methylacetal of anagallosaponin I might be derived from anagallosaponin I during the isolation procedure.

Hosenkosides F, G, H, I, J, and K, novel baccharane glycosides from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina

From the seeds of Impatiens balsamina we have isolated six novel baccharane glycosides, hosenkosides F-K. The structures of all isolates were determined by the use of two dimensional (2D) NMR techniques (1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC), rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY), total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY)) and chemical derivatization. Hosenkosides F, H and I are hosenkol B 3-O-sambubiosido-26-O-glucoside, 3-O-sambubioside and 3,26-O-diglucoside, respectively. Hosenkoside G is hosenkol C 3-O-sambubiosido-28-O-glucoside. Hosenkosides J and K are hosenkol A 3-O-sophoroside and 3-O-sophorosido-26-O-glucosyl-28-O-glucoside, respectively.

Potent inhibitors of histamine release: polyhydroxylated sterols from the Okinawan soft coral Sinularia abrupta

A new polyhydroxylated steroid (24-methylene-1 alpha, 3 beta, 11 alpha-trihydroxycholest-5-ene-18-oic acid-3-acetate, 1) and known related compounds (2-4) from the soft coral Sinularia abrupta have potently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by anti-immunoglobulin E. The inhibitory effect of 1 was approximately 6500 times stronger than that of disodium cromoglycate, a well-known antiallergic drug.

Mechanism of inhibition of IgE-dependent histamine release from rat mast cells by xestobergsterol A from the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia

Histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by anti-IgE was essentially complete within 4-5 min. Xestobergsterol A and B, which are constituents of the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia Fromont, dose-dependently inhibited anti-IgE-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. The IC50 values of xestobergsterol A and B for histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE were 0.07 and 0.11 microM, respectively. Anti-IgE stimulated PI-PLC activity in a mast cell membrane preparation. Xestobergsterol A dose-dependently inhibited the generation of IP3 and membrane-bound PI-PLC activity. Moreover, xestobergsterol A inhibited Ca(2+)-mobilization from intracellular Ca(2+)-stores as well as histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. On the other hand, xestobergsterol B did not inhibit the membrane-bound and cytosolic PI-PLC activity, IP3 generation or the initial rise in [Ca2+]i in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition by xestobergsterol A of the initial rise in [Ca2+]i, of the generation of IP3, and of histamine release induced by anti-IgE, was through the inhibition of PI-PLC activity.

[A five-year follow-up of the effect of postoperative 5-fluorouracil subconjunctival injections on the surgical outcome of trabeculectomy]

The effects of postoperative subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections on the surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy were studied after a 5-year follow-up in 263 eyes of glaucoma patients by the life table analysis. The success probability (%) to maintain the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 21 mmHg without medication was 58.2 for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 54.8 for secondary glaucoma (SG) and 27.8 for refractory glaucoma, that with or without medication was 92.5 for POAG, 87.4 for SG and 57.5 for refractory glaucoma. The success probability (%) to maintain the postoperative IOP less than 16 mmHg without medication was 55.2 for POAG, 49.8 for SG and 24.5 for refractory glaucoma, that with or without medication was 77.9 for POAG, 66.8 for SG and 26.9 for refractory glaucoma. In each type of glaucoma, the difference between the 5-FU treated and the control groups was highly significant (p < 0.01 or less, log-rank test). Corneal epithelial defect was noted in 38.8%, but no late complications, for example, perforation or necrosis of sclera, were observed. These results indicate that we can use postoperative subconjunctival 5-FU without risk of serious complications.

Histamine release from rat mast cells induced by the inhibition of adenosinetriphosphatase for Na and K channels

6-Tridecylresorcylic acid (TRA) caused histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. The release of histamine by TRA was also time dependent. On the other hand, high K+ (150 mM) strongly inhibited TRA-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. These results suggest that histamine release from mast cells might be associated with K+ channel activity.

Ciwujianosides D1 and C1: powerful inhibitors of histamine release induced by anti-immunoglobulin E from rat peritoneal mast cells

In rat peritoneal mast cells induced by anti-immunoglobulin E, ciwujianosides D1 (1) and C1 (2) from Acanthopanax senticosus (ciwujia) strongly inhibited histamine release in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of 1 was approximately 6800 times stronger than that of disodium cromoglycate.

Untenic Acid, a Novel Ca2+-ATPase Activator From an Okinawan Marine Sponge

A novel furanoterpene, untenic acid (1), which activates sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, has been isolated from an Okinawan marine sponge of the Spongiidae family, and characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data.

Calcium metabolism in acidotic patients induced by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: responses to citrate

Calcium metabolism and its response to citrate were examined in 51 patients with glaucoma receiving carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide or methazolamide). Metabolic acidosis, hypocitraturia and increased incidence of nephrolithiasis were induced by both drugs. However, the acidosis was milder with methazolamide administration. Normocalciuria was observed in 29 patients and was shown to be a result of low filtered calcium. Renal hypercalciuria in 16 patients was associated with elevated parathyroid hormone but nephrogenic cyclic adenosine monophosphate remained within normal limits. Citrate in the form of potassium citrate (4.3 mmol.) and sodium citrate (4.0 mmol.) did not correct the metabolic acidosis or hypocitraturia but consistently decreased fasting and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in patients with renal hypercalciuria. This event did not occur in patients with normocalciuria or absorptive hypercalciuria. These results suggest that a small amount of citrate could reverse renal hypercalciuria without correcting the metabolic acidosis.

Untenospongin A and B, Novel Furanoterpenes With Coronary Vasodilating Activity From the Okinawan Marine Sponge Hippospongia sp

New furanoterpenes, untenospongins A and B, have been isolated from the Okinawan marine sponge Hippospongia sp. as potent coronary vasodilating agents, and their structures elucidated to be (E,E)-1,11-bis(furan-3-yl)-4,8-dimethylundeca-7,10-diene-4,6-diol (1) and (E,E,E)- l,ll -bis(furan-3-yl)-4,8-dimethylundeca-l,4,8-trien-6-ol (2) on the basis of spectral data.

Cardiotonic action of [8]-gingerol, an activator of the Ca++-pumping adenosine triphosphatase of sarcoplasmic reticulum, in guinea pig atrial muscle

[8]-Gingerol (gingerol), a component of ginger, produced a concentration-dependent positive inotropic effect on guinea pig isolated left atria at concentrations of 1 X 10(-6) to 3 X 10(-5) M. Gingerol also exhibited positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on guinea pig right atria. The gingerol-induced inotropic effect was abolished by ryanodine, but was little affected by propranolol, chlorpheniramine, cimetidine, tetrodotoxin, diltiazem or reserpine. The time to peak tension and relaxation time within a single contraction were shortened by gingerol (1 X 10(-5) M) as well as isoproterenol, whereas they were prolonged by BAY K 8644. In guinea pig isolated atrial cells, gingerol (3 X 10(-6) M) caused an increase in the degree and the rate of longitudinal contractions. In guinea pig left atria, gingerol (1 X 10(-6) to 3 X 10(-5) M) gave little influence on the action potential, although it increased the contractile force of the atria. The whole-cell patch-clamp experiments showed that the slow inward current was little affected by gingerol (1 X 10(-6) to 3 X 10(-5) M) in voltage-clamped guinea pig cardiac myocytes. The measurement of extravesicular Ca++ concentration using a Ca++ electrode indicated that gingerol (3 X 10(-6) to 3 X 10(-5) M) accelerated the Ca++ uptake of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) prepared from canine cardiac muscle in a concentration-dependent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gingerol, a novel cardiotonic agent, activates the Ca2+-pumping ATPase in skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

Gingerol, isolated as a potent cardiotonic agent from the rhizome of ginger, stimulated the Ca2+-pumping activity of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) prepared from rabbit skeletal and dog cardiac muscles. The extravesicular Ca2+ concentrations of the heavy fraction of the fragmented SR (HSR) were measured directly with a Ca2+ electrode to examine the effect of gingerol on the SR. Gingerol (3-30 microM) accelerated the Ca2+-pumping rate of skeletal and cardiac SR in a concentration-dependent manner. The rate of 45Ca2+ uptake of HSR was also increased markedly by 30 microM gingerol without affecting the 45Ca2+ efflux from HSR. Furthermore, gingerol activated Ca2+-ATPase activities of skeletal and cardiac SR (EC50, 4 microM). The activation of SR Ca2+-ATPase activity by gingerol (30 microM) was completely reversed by 100-fold dilution with the fresh saline solution. Kinetic analysis of activating effects of gingerol suggests that the activation of SR Ca2+-ATPase is uncompetitive and competitive with respect to Mg . ATP at concentrations of 0.2-0.5 mM and above 1 mM, respectively. Kinetic analysis also suggests that the activation by gingerol is mixed-type with respect to free Ca2+ and this enzyme is activated probably due to the acceleration of enzyme-substrate complex breakdown. Gingerol had no significant effect on sarcolemmal Ca2+-ATPase, myosin Ca2+-ATPase, actin-activated myosin ATPase and cAMP-phosphodiesterase activities, indicating that the effect of gingerol is rather specific to SR Ca2+-ATPase activity. Gingerol may provide a valuable chemical tool for studies aimed at clarifying the regulatory mechanisms of SR Ca2+-pumping systems and the causal relationship between the Ca2+-pumping activity of SR and muscle contractility.

Dehydropipernonaline, an amide possessing coronary vasodilating activity, isolated from Piper longum L

An amide (dehydropipernonaline) that has coronary vasorelaxant activity was isolated from the fruit of Piper longum L. This substance was characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data.

Isolation of evodiamine, a powerful cardiotonic principle, from Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham (Rutaceae)

The crude acetone extract of the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham (Rutaceae) exhibited a positive inotropic effect on the guinea pig isolated left atria. The extract was subject to bioassay-directed fractionation to yield the powerful cardiotonic agent evodiamine.

6-Tridecylresorcylic acid, a novel ATPase inhibitor that blocks the contractile apparatus of skeletal muscle proteins

6-Tridecylresorcylic acid (TRA) isolated from a primula Lysimachia japonica Thunb. inhibited contraction of myofibrils, superprecipitation of myosin B, and ATPase activities of myosin and actomyosin prepared from rabbit skeletal muscle in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values in molarity of TRA were as follows: myosin (K+,EDTA)-ATPase, 3.5 X 10(-6); myosin Ca2+-ATPase, 3.5 X 10(-5); and actomyosin Mg2+-ATPase, 1.6 X 10(-5). The inhibition of ATPase activity of myofibrils by TRA was virtually reversed by washing with the fresh saline solution. Kinetic analysis of inhibitory effects of TRA suggests that the inhibition of (K+,EDTA)-ATPase activity of myosin or subfragment-1 is parabolic noncompetitive. TRA had no effect on alkaline phosphatase and choline acetyltransferase activities. TRA may provide a useful chemical tool for the study of the molecular mechanisms of actin-myosin contractile systems.

Serotonergic receptor antagonist from Nandina domestica Thunberg

A crude methanolic extract of the fruit of Nandina domestica Thunberg strongly inhibits serotonin-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta. The extract of the fruit has been fractionated to afford nantenine (O- methyldomesticine ) as the active agent.