Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene are not associated with obesity in Japanese men

The beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR), beta3AR, or uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) may play a pathogenic role in obesity. In Swedish Caucasians, a polymorphism at codon 27 (Gln27Glu) of the beta2AR gene was shown to be associated with obesity, but no such association was shown for a polymorphism of codon 16 (Arg16Gly). Thus, we investigated whether these polymorphisms contribute to obesity in 210 Japanese men. The frequencies of the Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly polymorphisms were 0.05 and 0.48, respectively, and there was no association with obesity. A strong linkage disequilibrium between the Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly polymorphisms was shown, but there was no apparent additive effect on the clinical or metabolic characteristics. Our results suggest that the Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly polymorphisms of the beta2AR gene are not a major contributing factor to obesity in Japanese men.

Cerivastatin improves survival of mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis

Development of severe sepsis is thought to result from the overproduction of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and nitric oxide. Recently, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, which are antihypercholesterolemic agents, have been reported to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of cytokines and nitric oxide in vitro. In this study, we tested these effects in vivo. After LPS administration (15 mg/kg i.p.) to CD-1 mice, serum levels of both TNF-alpha and IL-1beta transiently increased, and peaked at 2 h. After the peak responses of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, serum levels of nitrite and nitrate increased until at least 8 h. Pretreatment of the mice with cerivastatin (20 mg/kg i.p. 12 and 1 h before LPS injection) reduced serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta at 2 h, and nitrite and nitrate at 8 h, by 93, 60, and 44%, respectively. In this model of sepsis, cerivastatin significantly (P =.016) improved the rate of 7-day survival from 26.7 to 73.3%. These results cast new light on the usefulness of cerivastatin in preventing severe sepsis.

Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with acromegaly

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be linked to retinal ischemia-associated neovascularization. It was recently found that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) enhances VEGF gene expression. In this study we investigated whether plasma VEGF levels are increased in patients with acromegaly, a disease in which plasma IGF-I levels are elevated, and whether plasma VEGF levels are correlated with plasma IGF-I levels in these patients. We retrospectively analyzed plasma samples from 13 active acromegalic patients (7 males and 6 females) aged 33 to 66 years, with a mean age of 52.3+/-10.8 years. The results were compared with plasma VEGF levels in 16 age- and sex-matched, healthy subjects (9 males and 7 females) aged 22 to 66 years, with a mean age of 52.4+/-11.5 years. Plasma VEGF levels were not higher in the acromegalic patients than in the healthy subjects (253+/-61 vs. 197+/-30 pg/mL, P= 0.39). In 5 patients plasma VEGF levels were rather slightly increased after pituitary adenomectomy while one patient showed a reduced plasma VEGF level. In addition there was no correlation between plasma VEGF and GH or IGF-I levels. These data indicate that plasma VEGF levels are not increased in patients with acromegaly and that serum VEGF may play a less important role in the neovascularization in the carcinogenesis and/or disturbances of the cardiovascular system in patients with acromegaly.

Inhibitory effect of troglitazone on TNF-alpha-induced expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in human endothelial cells

Insulin resistance is one of the risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, the new oral insulin-sensitizing drug troglitazone is thought to offer potential in the treatment of diabetes. If adopted for such use, this drug might be helpful in protecting against the development of atherosclerosis and microvascular complications via its improvement of insulin resistance. However, it has not yet been clarified whether troglitazone acts directly on the vascular cells and inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by inducing monocyte migration. Therefore, we investigated the effect of troglitazone on the expression of MCP-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were treated with or without troglitazone (1 or 10 microM) in the presence or absence of various concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (5, 50 or 500 ng/ml), and then the amounts of MCP-1 secreted from the HUVECs were measured. We found that TNF-alpha increased the secretions of MCP-1 119-fold vs. control, and that troglitazone significantly inhibited this TNF-alpha-induced increase in MCP-1 secretions (19.4%). Moreover, Northern blot analysis revealed that troglitazone decreased the MCP-1 mRNA level in HUVECs. Our present studies indicated that troglitazone may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting MCP-1 expression in endothelial cells.

Inhibitory effect of troglitazone on tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in human mesangial cells

Insulin resistance is one of the risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. Recently, the new oral insulin-sensitizing agent troglitazone has been thought to offer potential in the treatment of diabetes. If adopted for this use, it might be helpful in protecting against the development of atherosclerosis and microvascular complications via its improvement of insulin resistance. However, it has not yet been clarified whether troglitazone acts directly on the vascular cells and inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis, including glomerulosclerosis. Meanwhile, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis through the induction of monocyte migration. Therefore, we investigated the effect of troglitazone on the expression of MCP-1 in human mesangial cells (HMCs). HMCs were treated with or without troglitazone (1 or 10 micromol/L) in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) at various concentrations (50 or 500 ng/mL), and then MCP-1 secretion from the HMCs was measured. We found that TNF-alpha increased the secretion of MCP-1 by 55-fold versus the control and troglitazone significantly inhibited this TNF-alpha-induced increase in MCP-1 secretion (49.3%). Moreover, Northern blot analysis showed that troglitazone decreased the MCP-1 mRNA level in HMCs. We demonstrated that alpha-tocopherol also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced MCP-1 production in HMCs, although its effects were not as strong as troglitazone. The present study indicates that troglitazone may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting MCP-1 expression in mesangial cells.

Adrenal insufficiency due to metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

A 73-year-old man with general malaise and nausea following a common cold diagnosed by a local physician was found to have multiple hepatocellular carcinomas with enlarged bilateral adrenal glands, combined with adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone replacement improved the symptoms and laboratory findings. Autopsy findings revealed that each adrenal gland was completely replaced by the tumor measuring 11 cm in diameter, and no adrenal tissue was recognized. Histologically, the adrenal tumors, as well as the liver tumors, were moderately differentiated Edmondson type II hepatocellular carcinomas. This is a second report of adrenal insufficiency due to hepatocellular carcinoma as a primary site of metastatic adrenal tumor.

[Effects of gadobenate dimeglumine on MRI of mouse liver metastasis model constructed by orthotopic transplantation of highly metastatic murine colon carcinoma (C38-OT7): comparison with gadopentetate dimeglumine]

Twelve mice with metastatic liver tumors were divided into two groups of six, with one group administered contrast medium at 0.1 mmol/kg, and the other at 0.2 mmol/kg. Contrast medium, gadobenate dimeglumine (GD) or gadopentetate dimeglumine (GP), was administered at 0.1 or 0.2 mmol/kg via the tail vein to each animal in each group. Using a Signa Horizon 1.5-Tesla MRI unit, spin-echo transverse and coronal T1-weighted sections were obtained every 15 minutes until 2 hours after administration. The numbers of liver tumors detected on films were counted before and after the administration of contrast medium, and the liver/tumor contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. After the completion of MRI, livers were removed, and the number of metastatic nodules on the liver surface were counted as the number of tumors. Liver/tumor CNR rose after administration in both of the GD groups. In the GP group, liver/tumor CNR remained almost constant throughout the observation period. Relative to the number of tumors detected at optical microscopy, approximately 80% and 100% of tumors were detected at MRI after the administration of GD at 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg, respectively. On the other hand, approximately similar numbers of tumors were detected at MRI before and after the administration of GP. These results suggest that GD administered by intravenous injection was transported promptly to the liver, increased liver/tumor CNR, and enhanced detection performance for metastatic liver tumor.

Pioglitazone prevents mice from multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced insulitis and diabetes

Macrophage infiltration into pancreatic islets is thought to be an initial event inducing insulitis in the development of type 1 diabetes. Thiazolidinedione is a direct ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, recently reported to inhibit macrophage activation, including cytokine production and type 2 nitric oxide synthase expression. We investigated the effect of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione compound, on the development of multiple low-dose streptozotocin (MLDS)-induced autoimmune diabetes in mice. CD-1 mice intraperitoneally injected with five daily sub-diabetogenic doses (30 or 40 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin developed mononuclear cell infiltration in and around islets, followed by hyperglycemia. Oral administration of pioglitazone (0.01% food admixture) from 7 days before the first streptozotocin injection prevented or delayed the development of diabetes induced by MLDS. Histologically, pioglitazone blocked the infiltration of mononuclear cells into islets in MLDS mice. Peritoneal macrophages from MLDS mice at day-7 produced significantly large amount of nitric oxide compared with those from control mice. Such activation of peritoneal macrophages was not observed in pioglitazone-treated MLDS mice. These findings suggest that pioglitazone blocks the autoimmune process in the development of MLDS diabetes, partly by inhibiting the macrophage activation.

Phenotypic characterization of the beta3-adrenergic receptor mutation and the uncoupling protein 1 polymorphism in Japanese men

The Trp64Arg mutation of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3AR) gene and A to G polymorphism of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene are reported to be associated with weight gain, and both have been shown to have an additive effect on weight gain in Caucasians. Racial differences have also been noted in the beta3AR mutation; however, the effect of UCP1 polymorphism on body weight is not obvious in the Japanese. Thus, we investigated the association of genetic variations in beta3AR and UCP1 genes and the additive effects of these two genes in 214 Japanese men. The frequency of the Trp64Arg allele was 0.19, and serum triglyceride was significantly higher in Arg64 homozygotes versus Trp64 homozygotes. The frequency of the G allele was 0.51, and the body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in subjects with the G allele (GG homozygotes and AG heterozygotes) versus those without it (AA homozygotes). The beta3AR mutation and UCP1 polymorphism were not found to have additive effects, and they were not related to glucose tolerance patterns and insulin resistance. Our results suggest that the beta3AR mutation is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and the UCP1 polymorphism may be a weak contributing factor to obesity in Japanese men.

Variation of the fatty acid binding protein 2 gene is not associated with obesity and insulin resistance in Japanese subjects

An alanine to threonine substitution at codon 54 of the fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2) gene has been associated with insulin resistance in Pima Indians and with obesity in aboriginal Canadians. We investigated whether this polymorphism contributes to obesity and insulin resistance in 258 Japanese subjects. Thirty-six subjects (13.9%) were homozygous for the Thr54 allele, 106 (41.1%) were heterozygous for the Ala54/Thr54 allele, and 116 (45.0%) were homozygous for the Ala54 allele. The frequency of the Thr54 allele was 0.34 and did not differ significantly between men and women. The incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was not different among the three genotypes. The variation at codon 54 of the FABP2 gene was not associated with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, or hyperinsulinemia. These results suggest that the polymorphism at codon 54 of the FABP2 gene is not a major contributing factor to obesity and insulin resistance in Japanese subjects.

Optical properties and size distribution of aerosols derived from simultaneous measurements with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter

A new method is proposed to derive the optical properties and size distribution of aerosol in an air column from simultaneous measurements of the backscattering coefficient, the optical thickness, and the solar aureole intensity with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter. Inasmuch as the backscattering properties and the optical thickness depend on both the complex refractive index and the size distribution, whereas the forward-scattering properties depend mainly on the size distribution, real and imaginary indices of refraction and size distributions of aerosol are retrieved from these measurements. The real and the imaginary parts of the complex refractive index of an aerosol at a wavelength of 500 nm during the period from November 1991 to March 1992 obtained in Tsukuba, Japan, were estimated to be 1.46-1.48 and 0.005-0.014, respectively. It is inferred from the size distribution and an optical thickness fraction of stratospheric aerosols in the total columnar aerosols that these results reflect the influences of stratospheric aerosols that originated from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Angiotensin II receptor blockade limits kidney injury in two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats with special reference to phenotypic changes

Recent evidence indicates that tubulointerstitial injury plays an important role in hypertensive kidney injury and that phenotypic changes contribute to this pathology. Moreover, angiotensin II is known to be actively involved in the pathogenesis of progressive kidney injury induced by hypertension. The present study was undertaken to see the effect of a newly developed angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1 receptor) antagonist on hypertension-induced kidney injury and to determine the contribution of phenotypic changes to morphologic alterations. Two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C), Goldblatt hypertensive rats (n = 27) were made by clipping the left renal artery. These animals were orally administered 57G709 (a selective non-peptide AT1 receptor antagonist)(10 mg/kg/day), captopril (20 mg/kg/day), or vehicle alone for 23 days beginning 4 weeks after clipping. In the non-clipped kidney of vehicle-treated 2K1 C rats, marked tubulointerstitial injury as well as glomerular sclerosis and/or hyalinosis was found in association with phenotypic changes, as shown by the neoexpression of vimentin in periglomeruli, perivascular walls, distal tubuli, and injured interstitium. Renin expression was markedly suppressed in the non-clipped kidneys of vehicle-treated 2K1C rats as compared with renin expression in normotensive control kidneys of sham-operated rats. Both 57G709 and captopril markedly ameliorated hypertensive kidney injury as reflected by the glomerular sclerosing index and by the tubulointerstitial index as determined by the point-counting method, and this improvement was accompanied by a significant decrease in blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, kidney/body weight ratio, and heart/body weight ratio. In addition, the vimentin neoexpression mentioned above was also suppressed with an inhibition of angiotensin II. These results suggest that in 2K1C Goldblatt hypertensive kidney injury, the AT1 receptor antagonist 57G709 exerts a potent renal protective effect associated with the inhibition of phenotypic changes.

Elevated serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in NIDDM patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

We studied 68 Japanese NIDDM patients (38 men and 30 women), aged 56.9+/-1.2 years (range 33-75 years), with a BMI of 23.1+/-0.5 kg/m2 without hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetic macroangiopathy for evaluating the relationship between serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Fundus examination was performed by an ophthalmologist using an ophthalmoscope, and the findings were graded as: (1) no signs of diabetic retinopathy (NDR), (2) background diabetic retinopathy (BDR), or (3) proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Serum sVCAM-1 levels were measured in duplicate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the soluble VCAM-1 KIT (R&D Systems Ltd., Ablingdon, Oxfordshire, UK). There was no difference in serum sVCAM-1 levels between patients with BDR (n = 17) and patients with NDR (n = 40) (1035.3+/-104.4 and 978.8+/-48.9 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.8), but patients with PDR (n = 11) showed a significant increase of serum sVCAM-1 levels compared with patients with NDR (1281.8+/-166.3 and 978.8+/-48.9 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.02). Although serum sVCAM-1 levels were correlated, not only with age but also with the known diabetic duration (r = 0.39, P = 0.001, and r = 0.40, P = 0.0007, respectively), age-adjusted sVCAM-1 levels were still significantly higher in the PDR group than in the NDR group. In contrast. serum sVCAM-1 levels were not related to the presence of diabetic nephropathy or HbA1c levels. Our results suggest that sVCAM-1 might be implicated in the development of the diabetic retinopathy, and measurement of serum sVCAM-1 levels in NIDDM patients maybe clinically useful for assessing the severity and possibly the activity of diabetic retinopathy.

Amyloid goiter presented as a subacute thyroiditis-like symptom in a patient with hypersensitivity vasculitis

We present a 25-year-old woman with amyloid goiter due to hypersensitivity vasculitis, who developed transient thyrotoxicosis resembling subacute thyroiditis. She received prednisolone (20 mg/ day) for three years for hypersensitivity vasculitis, and was diagnosed as having secondary amyloidosis by biopsies of the stomach, rectum and kidneys. She noticed neck swelling with severe right neck tenderness, palpitation, hyperhidrosis and weight loss. An elastic firm diffuse goiter was palpable, and the upper pole of the right lobe was extremely tender. Her serum free T4 and T3 levels were high, and the serum TSH was suppressed to subnormal. She was positive for serum C-reactive protein. Anti-thyroidal autoantibodies were all negative. Her thyrotoxicosis subsided spontaneously within one week. Serum titers of antibodies to various viruses were unchanged during the clinical course for two weeks, but she was positive for HLA B35. Examination of a needle-biopsy specimen of the thyroid gland showed extensive amyloid deposition and no evidence of subacute thyroiditis. We considered her transient thyrotoxicosis to be associated with amyloid goiter. The clinical course of this case was similar to the subacute thyroiditis-like syndrome, first described by Ikenoue et al. When patients with primary or secondary amyloidosis have symptoms and signs of subacute thyroiditis, but develop an unusual course, amyloid goiter should be considered.

Prolonged cell survival enhances peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer cells

Bcl-2 and a Bcl-2-binding protein BAG-1 function in protection from apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli. Deregulated expression of Bcl-2 leads to inhibition of apoptosis and is correlated with development of various cancers. Here, we provide evidence that prolonged cell survival introduced by overproduction of Bcl-2 or BAG-1 strongly enhances peritoneal dissemination of human gastric cancer MKN74 cells. Gene transfer-mediated overexpression of Bcl-2 or BAG-1 led to prolonged cell survival of MKN74 cells against serum-starved apoptosis and anoikis. When the viable transfectants were inoculated into the intraperitoneal cavity of BALB/c nude mice, the Bcl-2-expressing MKN74 cells and the BAG-1-expressing MKN74 cells exhibited strongly enhanced peritoneal dissemination in BALB/c nude mice and whole disseminated tumor weights were increased by 4-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively, compared with the control transfectants. The enhanced peritoneal dissemination of MKN74-Bcl-2 and MKN74-BAG-1 transfectants correlated well with resistance to cell death induced by serum-starvation and anoikis. However, the overexpression of Bcl-2 or BAG-1 caused no significant difference among the transfectants in cell growth rates, either in vitro or in vivo. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that resistance to apoptosis is a crucial factor for development of peritoneal dissemination of human gastric cancer cells.

Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis of Phalaenopsis

Callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis Richard Shaffer `Santa Cruz' were examined. Protocorm-like body (PLB) segments formed calli in Vacin and Went medium with sucrose. The optimal concentration of sucrose was 40 g ⋅ l^-1. Medium containing 200 ml ⋅ l^-1 coconut water together with 40 g ⋅ l^-1 sucrose was effective for callus induction. Gellan gum was suitable than agar as a gelling agent for callus induction. The calli easily formed PLBs after being transferred to a medium without sucrose. Histological observation suggested that the PLBs were somatic embryos. No variation was observed in the flowering plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis.

Stratification and Size Distribution of Aerosols Retrieved from Simultaneous Measurements with Lidar, a SunPhotometer, and an Aureolemeter

Vertical profiles of backscattering coefficients, optical thicknesses, and columnar size distributions of aerosols were obtained by simultaneous measurements with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter in Tsukuba, Japan, from November 1991 to December 1992. Several conspicuous characteristics were found in the relationship between aerosol size distribution and stratification. In summer an accumulation mode is dominant, and aerosols were heavily loaded in the planetary boundary layer. Turbid atmospheres with an abundance of large particles are observed in the middle troposphere in the spring. In autumn and winter the troposphere is clear so that columnar aerosol size distributions reflect stratospheric aerosols. During the observation period, volcanic aerosols that are due to the Mt. Pinatubo eruption were being loaded in the stratosphere. The mode radius in the volume size distribution of the stratospheric aerosol was observed to increase from 0.45 mum in November 1991 to 0.6 mum in October 1992, and decreased after October 1992. Total aerosol loading in the stratosphere was estimated to be maximum in the spring of 1992, minimum in the autumn of 1992, and increased again after the autumn of 1992.

Transgenic mice overexpressing type 2 nitric-oxide synthase in pancreatic beta cells develop insulin-dependent diabetes without insulitis

We generated transgenic mice carrying the mouse type 2 nitric-oxide synthase (NOS2) cDNA under the control of the insulin promoter. Western and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that NOS2 was expressed abundantly in transgenic islets but not in control islets. When islets were isolated and cultured, high levels of nitrite were released from the transgenic islets. In transgenic mice, the beta cell mass was markedly reduced without the infiltration of macrophages or lymphocytes, and extensive DNA strand breaks were detected in the islets by in situ nick translation. All the transgenic mice developed hypoinsulinemic diabetes by 4 weeks of age, and treatment with an inhibitor of NOS2, aminoguanidine (200 mg/kg body weight every 12 h), prevented or delayed the development of diabetes. The present study shows that the production of nitric oxide by beta cell NOS2 plays an essential role in the beta cell degeneration.

Bupivacaine combined with isoflurane synergistically depressed myocardial contractility in rat working heart preparation

It is well known that both local and volatile anesthetics depress myocardial functions. This study was performed to evaluate the combined effects of commonly utilized local anesthetics (bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and lidocaine) and a volatile anesthetic (isoflurane) on heart rate and myocardial contractility in an isolated rat working heart preparation using each local anesthetic at 0 to 3 x 10(-4) (mol/L) with or without 1 MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) of isoflurane. The three local anesthetics depressed the heart rate and myocardial contractility dose-dependent. Bupivacaine depressed the heart rate more than the other two local anesthetics. One MAC isoflurane showed significant negative inotropic effects, and accelerated the effects of the local anesthetics. By using isobolographic analysis, we concluded that the combined effect of isoflurane and bupivacaine on myocardial negative inotropism was synergistic, while the effects of isoflurane and mepivacaine or lidocaine were additive.

[A case report: surgical treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with acute hemodynamic deterioration due to chordae rupture of the mitral valve]

A 70-year-old woman was found to have new heart systolic murmur and was transferred to our hospital for the treatment of high fever and dyspnea. The chest X ray showed cardiomegaly (CTR 63%) and marked pulmonary congestion. The UCG revealed that there was no evidence of infective endocarditis, but there was hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with the left ventricular pressure gradient of 90 mmHg accompanied by mitral regurgitation (grade 3/4). Two weeks after the admission, mitral regurgitation progressed due to chordae rupture confirmed by UCG. Transaortic subvalvular myectomy and mitral valve replacement were underwent. Post-operative electrocardiogram demonstrated right and left anterior bandle branch block. Eleven months after the operation left ventricular outflow pressure gradient was not detected by echocardiogram and she has been in I/IV NYHA functional class.

Follow-up study of neonatal hypoglycemia

A follow-up study was done on the neurological handicap and intellectual development of high-risk infants with neonatal hypoglycemia. The frequency of neonatal hypoglycemia in high-risk infants is 8.6%, and the incidence of a major neurological handicap in high-risk infants with neonatal hypoglycemia is 11%. Risk factors for the handicap group are very low birthweight, intrauterine growth retardation, perinatal asphyxia and mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Average DQ at 1.5 and 2.5 years and IQ at 4 and 6 years of very low birthweight infants with neonatal hypoglycemia showed no significant difference, in contrast to the control group.

Human gene encoding CD38 (ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase): organization, nucleotide sequence and alternative splicing

We have recently demonstrated that cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) serves as a second messenger for glucose-induced insulin secretion [Takasawa et al. (1993a) Science 259, 370-373] and that CD38 has both ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADRC) and cADPR hydrolase activities [Takasawa et al. (1993b) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26052-26054]. In this study, we determined the structure of the human CD38 gene, and showed that two mRNA forms originated by alternative splicing from the CD38 gene. The human CD38 gene consists of 8 exons that extend more than 77 kb on the human genome. Exon 1 encoded the 5'-untranslated region of the mRNA, the N-terminal end of CD38 and the putative transmembrane domain, and exon 2-8 encoded the remainder of CD38: the exon-intron organization of the human CD38 gene is similar to that of the Aplysia ADRC gene [Nata et al. (1995) Gene 158, 213-218]. This structural conservation between human and Aplysia genes suggests that both genes may have evolved from a common ancestral gene.

Inhibitory effect of cyclosporin A on prolactin synthesis in GH3 cells

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressant, is known to have various effects on the endocrine system, including the pituitary gland, the adrenal cortex, the testes, and the pancreatic islets. In this study, the effects of CsA on prolactin (PRL) synthesis and release were investigated in GH3 cells, a clonal strain of rat pituitary tumor. After incubation of confluent GH3 cells with various concentrations of CsA for 24 hr, the PRL content of the media decreased in a dose-dependent manner: by 28.5% with 100 ng/ml CsA (p < 0.01); and 45.8% with 2,000 ng/ml CsA (p < 0.001), compared with control. However, no significant change was observed in the intracellular PRL content. After removal of CsA from the medium, GH3 cells fully recovered normal secretory activity within 24-48 hr, thus indicating that the inhibitory effect of CsA on PRL secretion was reversible. Northern blot analysis revealed a decrease in the PRL mRNA level in cells treated with CsA. In conclusion, these data suggest that CsA inhibits PRL secretion by reducing the rate of biosynthesis. A possible site of action is on PRL gene expression at the level of mRNA transcription.

[Non-specific elevation of anti-dsDNA antibody measured by Farr method found in a patient with liver cirrhosis]

In a patient with liver cirrhosis, an elevation of serum anti-dsDNA antibody titer (100-193.3 IU/ml) measured by Farr method was found. This anti-dsDNA antibody was not identified by Crithidia Luciliae method, and the analysis using ELISA method showed that the DNA-antibody is an anti-ssDNA antibody (IgG) and that it is reactive only with ssDNA by the suppression test using purified DNA with lambda phage. Based on this finding, the high titer of anti-dsDNA antibody found in this patient using Farr method was considered to be non-specific cross-reaction with ssDNA.

Reduced vasodilator response of the right coronary artery to myocardial ischemia in the hypertrophied right ventricle

The reduced reactive hyperemic response of the right coronary artery (RCA) to brief coronary occlusion was assessed in dogs with pressure-induced right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Right coronary reactive hyperemia was observed in normal dogs and in dogs with pressure-induced RVH. RVH was induced by chronic pulmonary artery banding in eight 3- to 6-month-old dogs, and reactive hyperemia responses to coronary occlusion lasting for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 sec were compared to those in normal dogs. In dogs with RVH, the peak reactive flow rate and excess blood flow debt repayment after the release of 5- to 60 sec RCA occlusion were markedly attenuated. The calculated minimum coronary resistance was higher in RVH dogs than in normal dogs (p < 0.02). The occlusion time that produced one-half of the maximum %PRHc, T1/2, was significantly (p < 0.01) shorter in RVH dogs than in normal dogs, where %PRHc = (peak reactive flow rate baseline flow rate)/(baseline flow rate). T1/2 in RVH dogs varied inversely with right ventricular systolic pressure. Therefore, blood flow in the RCA in RVH is characterized by an attenuated flow response to acute myocardial ischemia, suggesting inadequate development of the coronary vasculature supplying the hypertrophied ventricle.

[Studies of allergen specific IgE antibodies with atopic dermatitis--evaluation of house dust 6 (house dust Japan) specific IgE antibody]

We examined the usefulness of allergen housedust-6 measurement in 44 patients (22 males and 22 females) with atopic dermatitis. The positivity for each of housedust HD-2 and HD-6 and that for each of D-1 and D-2 was well correlated in more than 90% of the patients (correlation coefficient > 0.85). The positivity for HD-2 and for HD-6 was also correlated in 93.2% of the patients. However, there was a discrepancy between D-1 or D-2 and HD-2 or HD-6 in only a few patients. The positivity for antibody against specific IgE was higher in atopic dermatitis-patients with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or bronchial asthma as compared with patients with only atopic dermatitis. Only one patient with severe atopic dermatitis had a negative result for specific IgE, suggesting the contribution of other circumferencial factors in the development of the disease. In conclusion, our study suggested that housedust-6 is useful in clinical evaluation of patients with atopic dermatitis.

[Effect of intra-operative fluid on renal function during hypotensive anesthesia with trimethaphan]

During induced hypotensive anesthesia in 26 cases with trimethaphan, either Ringer's lactate solution (LR group) or 2/3 lactate-saline solution (2/3 LS group) was infused at the same rate. Urine volume, creatinine clearance (Ccr), FENa, urinary gamma-GTP index and urinary Na/K ratio were determined before hypotension, during hypotension and after the operation. During hypotension, FENa and urine Na/K ratio decreased in both groups. In 2/3 LS group, these remained low after the operation compared with the values before hypotension and in LR group. These results suggest that LR solution might depress an endocrine response which is induced by hypotensive anesthesia. As urine volume and Ccr were unchanged by hypotension, and infusion of colloid solution (Hespander) could not increase these figures, circulating blood volume might not be decreased during hypotensive anesthesia. Since urinary gamma-GTP index increased slightly during hypotension or after the operation, there might have been a slight epithelial cell damage of tubules with hypotensive anesthesia.

Regulatory role of CD38 (ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase) in insulin secretion by glucose in pancreatic beta cells. Enhanced insulin secretion in CD38-expressing transgenic mice

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) serves as a second messenger for Ca2+ mobilization in insulin secretion, and CD38 has both ADP-ribosyl cyclase and cADPR hydrolase activities (Takasawa, S., Tohgo, A., Noguchi, N., Koguma, T., Nata, K., Sugimoto, T., Yonekura, H., and Okamoto, H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26052-26054). Here, we produced transgenic mice overexpressing human CD38 in pancreatic beta cells. The enzymatic activity of CD38 in transgenic islets was greatly increased, and ATP efficiently inhibited the cADPR hydrolase activity. The Ca2+ mobilizing activity of cell extracts from transgenic islets incubated in high glucose was 3-fold higher than that of the control, suggesting that ATP produced by glucose metabolism increased cADPR accumulation in transgenic islets. Glucose- and ketoisocaproate-induced but not tolbutamide- nor KCl-induced insulin secretions from transgenic islets were 1.7-2.3-fold higher than that of control. In glucose-tolerance tests, the transgenic serum insulin level was higher than that of control. The present study provides the first evidence that CD38 has a regulatory role in insulin secretion by glucose in beta cells, suggesting that the Ca2+ release from intracellular cADPR-sensitive Ca2+ stores as well as the Ca2+ influx from extracellular sources play important roles in insulin secretion.

[Subdural abscess following chronic subdural hematoma]

This is a report of subdural abscess following chronic subdural hematoma. An 86-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to drowsiness and left hemiparesis. He had been suffering from a spike fever which originated during chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis and which had continued since 2 years prior to admission. On admission, CT scans revealed right chronic subdural hematoma, and the collection of a few old hematomas was suspected in the left subdural space. An emergency removal of the right hematoma was carried out by using right single burr hole. It was found that the old hematoma accompanied a yellow-white abscess in the subdural space. Escherichia coli were detected from a bacterial culture of the abscess. Postoperative enhanced MRI clearly showed the capsule of the right subdural abscess, and the left chronic subdural hematoma. Removal of the left hematoma was performed by using a left single burr hole. But the abscess did not exist in the left subdural space, and only old hematomas had collected there. The bacterial culture of the left old hematoma was negative. Escherichia coli might be implanted on the capsule of the right chronic subdural hematoma by bacteremia derived from chronic cholecystitis. It was considered that the formation of the subdural abscess might have developed through the deterioration of the immunological function under the influence of senility.

The structure of the Aplysia kurodai gene encoding ADP-ribosyl cyclase, a second-messenger enzyme

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequences of the cDNA and gene encoding the marine mollusk Aplysia kurodai (Ak) ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADRC) which synthesizes cyclic ADP-ribose (cADP-ribose), a second messenger for Ca2+ mobilization from endoplasmic reticulum, were determined. Ak ADRC consists of 258 amino acids (aa) (29 kDa). It shares 86% aa sequence homology with that from A. californica, and 31-32% homology with the human, rat and mouse cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) that has both ADRC and cADP-ribose hydrolase activities. The Ak ADRC-encoding gene (ADRC) spans approx. 7 kb and contains eight exons and seven introns. The transcription start point (tsp) determined by primer extension analysis and S1 mapping is 28 bp downstream from the TATA box. This gene is expressed specifically in the ovotestis, although the mammalian CD38-encoding gene is expressed in many kinds of tissues and cells. The 5'-flanking region contains several consensus sequences responsible for the germ-cell-specific expression of the mouse zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) and Drosophila melanogaster chorion genes. The existence of the consensus sequences located at nt -1649, -1161, -234 and -90 may account for the ovotestis-specific expression of the Ak ADRC gene.

Elongation of the side chain of analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 prevents osteopenia in a rat model

Five analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] [1], 26,27-dimethyl-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3] [2], 26,27-dimethyl-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2(Et)2D3] [3], 26,27-dipropyl-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2(Pr)2D3] [4], 26,27-dimethyl-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3], and [5] 24a-homo-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3] were investigated to clarify the possibility that prevents osteopenia induced in rats by ovariectomy and sciatic neurotomy. The objective of our studies was to determine whether these analogs may be effective for treatment of subjects with osteoporosis. 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, 24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, and 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3 prevented decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur, as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The potency of 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3 in this test was higher than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. The potencies of 24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3 and 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3 were similar to that of 1,25(OH)2D3. On the other hand, though 1,25(OH)2(Et)2D3 and 1,25(OH)2(Pr)2D3 had a preventive effect on the decrease in BMD, the potency of two analogs was lower than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. Decreases in cortical and trabecular bone areas of the femur were prevented by three analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, 24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, and 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3. Serum calcium (Ca) concentration was elevated at the last administration of three analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, 24F2-1,25(OH)2-(Me)2D3 and 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

An adult case of neurohypophyseal ectopy presenting ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency

A case of ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency associated with neurohypophyseal ectopy is described. A 42-year-old woman of short stature was admitted for hypoglycemic coma. The patient had hypocortisolemia, an increase in urinary 17-OHCS after consecutive injections of ACTH-Z, and a low plasma ACTH level which showed no response to corticotropin-releasing factor. This indicated the presence of ACTH deficiency. The plasma GH level showed a blunted response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, but its response to GRF was preserved. Other hypothalamo-pituitary axes were intact. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated ectopic neurohypophyseal tissue and a tiny anterior pituitary remnant. ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency might have developed as a consequence of pituitary stalk injury and inadequate regeneration of the anterior lobe.

Assignment of CD38, the gene encoding human leukocyte antigen CD38 (ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase), to chromosome 4p15

CD38 has been used as a phenotype marker of lymphocyte differentiation. Recently, we have demonstrated that cyclic ADP-ribose can be synthesized and hydrolyzed by CD38 and acts as a second messenger in insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. We have mapped the CD38 gene to human chromosome 4p15 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Somatic embryogenesis ofCyclamen persicum Mill. 'Anneke' from aseptic seedlings

InCyclamen persicum 'Anneke', explants from the various vegetative organs of aseptic seedling formed embryoids. The optimal responses were recorded in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 5.0µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.5µM kinetin and 3-6% sucrose. Embryogenesis was enhanced at higher temperature of 25-30°C. On the other hand, light inhibited embryogenesis. Histological and morphological studies confirmed that the embryoids were indeed somatic embryos.

Tropospheric aerosol optical properties derived from lidar, sun photometer, and optical particle counter measurements

Tropospheric aerosols have been observed for the period from November 1990 to April 1992 with a lidar, a sun photometer, and an optical particle counter. Variations of aerosol optical thickness derived from the lidar and the sun photometer data and measurements are presented. The simultaneous measurements of these instruments also allowed us to estimate the extinction-to-backscatter ratio (S(1)), which ranged from 20 to 70. Comparison of optical thicknesses derived from both instruments clearly shows the effect of Mt. Pinatubo's eruption and the temporal variation of optical thickness in the stratosphere over 12 km. The possible range of the complex refractive index for the columnar mean aerosols can be deduced from the probable range of S(1) derived by the use of an S(1) diagram as a function of complex refractive index (m). The imaginary part of m can be estimated provided that the real part of m is known.

Calcium regulating activity of 24a-homo-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 26,27-dimethyl-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Two fluoro analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], 24a-homo-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3], and 26,27-dimethyl-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3] were examined for calcium (Ca)-regulating activity. The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not fluoro substitution at 24-position would alter activities of the original compounds, that is, 26,27-dimethyl 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin. D3[1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3] and 24-homo-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24homo-1,25(OH)2D3], respectively. The relative activities of 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3, 24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 in competing with 1,25(OH)2D3 for binding to chick intestinal cytosol receptor were 0.28:0.5:1.0. The relative potencies of the same series of compounds in competition for the vitamin D-deficient rat serum binding sites were 0.04:0.15:1. Bone-resorbing activities of two fluoro analogs in cultures of neonatal mouse parietal bones were more potent than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. Similar results were recognized in stimulating activities of osteoclast-like cell formation. Responses of two fluoro analogs to intestinal Ca absorption were similar to that of 1,25(OH)2D3. The potencies of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its fluoro analogs in bone Ca mobilization were the highest with 1,25(OH)2D3, followed by 24F2-1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3 and 24aF2-homo-1,25(OH)2D3, in that order. From these results and the data of Paulson et al., fluoro substitution in 24-position of 1,25(OH)2D3 apparently does not alter their activities,hence, the fluoro substitution at 24-position of 1,25(OH)2D3 and the elongation of side chain of 1,25(OH)2D3 may not intensify Ca-regulating activity.

Preferential hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine in rat ischemic heart homogenates during in vitro incubation

Phospholipid-hydrolyzing activities were examined in rat hearts with ischemia induced by occlusion of the left main coronary artery. When homogenates of ischemic heart were incubated in vitro at 37 degrees C, a significant amount of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was degraded, whereas the contents of other phospholipids did not change significantly. During the incubation, a stoichiometrical amount of lysoPE was concomitantly formed. The lysoPE formed had mainly saturated fatty acids and its composition resembled that of fatty acids detected at the sn-1 position in the glycerol backbone of heart PE. No appreciable PE degradation was observed in homogenates prepared from nonischemic rat heart. No difference in phospholipase activities was found between ischemic and nonischemic heart homogenates when exogenous radioactive phospholipids were used as substrates. Rabbit anti-rat 14-kDa type II phospholipase A2 antibody suppressed the degradation of PE observed in ischemic heart homogenates. These findings indicate that the type II phospholipase A2 activity may be involved in the breakdown of endogenous PE in ischemic heart homogenates.

Calcium regulating activity of 26,27-dialkyl analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

A series of analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] with alkyl substitutions in 26- and 27-positions were tested for calcium (Ca) regulating activity. The potencies of dialkyl analogs in stimulating bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvaria cultures were the highest in 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2-(Me)2D3], followed by 1,25(OH)2D3, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-diethylvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2(Et)2D3], and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dipropylvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2(Pr)2D3] in that order. A similar order of potential regarding formation of osteoclast-like cells in mouse bone marrow cell cultures and on bone Ca mobilization with long-term vitamin D-deficient rats was observed in the same series. The relative potencies of 1,25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3, 1,25(OH)2(Et)2D3, and 1,25(OH)2(Pr)2D3 in competing with 1,25(OH)2D3 for binding to chick intestinal cytosol receptors were 1:1:0.16:0.036. A similar order of potential in case of intestinal Ca transport in situ was observed in the same series. The potencies of dialkyl analogs in competing with 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 for binding to rat serum vitamin D binding protein were much lower than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. Effect of 1,25(OH)2(Me)2D3 on osteopenia in rats induced by ovariectomy and right sciatic neurotomy was higher than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. From these results, the lengthening by one carbon at 26- and 27-positions was shown to maintain the Ca regulatory activity of 1,25(OH)2D3.

Cyclosporine A inhibits the secretion of certain anterior pituitary hormones in patients with nephrotic syndrome

To clarify the effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) on the secretion of serum thyrotropin (TSH), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), we performed TRH and LH-RH testing in 4 patients with the nephrotic syndrome before and after the administration of CsA, 6 mg/kg/day for 4 to 12 weeks. Prior to CsA all patients responded normally to TRH with respect to TSH and PRL secretion. Two patients showed normal response of LH and FSH to LH-RH stimulation while the response in 2 other patients, who were both menopausal, was exaggerated. By the third or fourth week of CsA administration the basal and peak TSH and PRL values declined significantly in all patients in response to TRH stimulation while those of LH and FSH showed only a modest decrease in response to LH-RH stimulation. Two to 4 weeks after the cessation of CsA the response of TSH, PRL and FSH returned to the pretreatment level. These observations suggest that: 1) CsA exerts an inhibitory effect on the secretion of at least TSH and PRL in humans, and 2) the effect of CsA on the pituitary may be partially reversible after the cessation of the therapy.

The amplitude of circadian oscillations: temperature dependence, latitudinal clines, and the photoperiodic time measurement

This paper develops several propositions concerning the lability of the amplitude of Drosophila circadian pacemakers. The first is that the amplitude of the pacemaker's motion, unlike its period, is markedly temperature-dependent. The second is that latitudinal variation in pacemaker amplitude (higher in the north) is responsible for two very different sets of observations on Drosophila circadian systems at successively higher latitudes. One of these is a cline in D. auraria's phase-shifting response to light, which steadily weakens in a succession of more northerly strains. The other, concerning D. littoralis in the very far north, is a cline in the rate at which eclosion activity becomes arrhythmic (the circadian rhythm damps out) in constant darkness; damping is faster in the north. The third proposition concerns a plausible selection pressure for the cline in pacemaker amplitude that we propose underlies the two directly observed clines. Two points are emphasized: (1) The amplitude of the pacemaker's daily oscillation declines as the duration of the entraining light pulse (photoperiod) is increased; and (2) the duration of the daily photoperiods throughout the breeding season is steadily increased as one moves toward the poles. Selection for conservation of pacemaker amplitude (during the breeding season) would produce the latitudinal cline we propose. The fourth, and final proposition is that since the amplitude of the pacemaker's daily motion responds systematically to change in photoperiod, amplitude is clearly one way--and a temperature-dependent way--in which insect circadian systems may sense seasonal change. These propositions concerning the temperature and latitude dependence of pacemaker amplitude may be relevant to a wider array of circadian pacemakers than Drosophila.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted benzenesulfonamides as novel potent membrane-bound phospholipase A2 inhibitors

A novel series of 4-[N-methyl-N-[(E)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2- propenoyl]amino]benzenesulfonamides has been prepared and evaluated as membrane-bound phospholipase A2 inhibitors. A structure-activity relationship study indicated that the optimum potency was realized with the N-(phenylalkyl)piperidine derivatives 3 and 4. These compounds inhibited the liberation of arachidonic acid from the rabbit heart membrane fraction with IC30 values of 0.028 and 0.009 microM, respectively. Several compounds (3, 4, and 28), which proved to be potent inhibitors in vitro, significantly reduced the size of myocardial infarction in coronary occluded rats by iv administrations prior to the ligation. N-(1-Benzyl-4-piperidinyl)-4-[N-methyl-N-[(E)-3-[ 4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-propenoyl]amino]-benzenesulfonamide (3, ER-3826), which showed the protective in vivo effects at doses higher than 0.3 mg/kg iv, was finally chosen as a leading candidate.

26,27-Hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (F6-1,25(OH)2D3) prevents osteoporosis induced by immobilization combined with ovariectomy in the rat

The effect of 26,27-hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (F6-1,25(OH)2D3) on experimental osteoporosis in the rat induced by a combination of immobilization and ovariectomy was evaluated. F6-1,25(OH)2D3 increased the femur score and the photo-density. The administration of F6-1,25(OH)2D3 also significantly increased the dry weight, the ash weight and the ash content of the bone. Both F6-1,25(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha(OH)D3 showed a nearly dose-dependent effect and significant inhibition of the decrease of bone mass. Histomorphometry revealed a significant decrease of resorption by the administration of F6-1,25(OH)2D3. Bone formation rate in the F6-1,25(OH)2D3 treated group significantly decreased compared with the vehicle group. In conclusion, the pharmacological effective dose of F6-1,25(OH)2D3 was considered to prevent the osteoporotic decrease of bone mass by suppressing the elevated bone turnover.

Syntheses and antitumor activities of N6,N6-dimethyladenosine carboxylate analogues

Several analogues substituted with fatty acid at the 2'-, 3'-, or 5'-position of the ribose moiety of N6,N6-dimethyladenosine were synthesized and tested for antitumor activity against cultured cells of L1210 leukemia and/or Ehrlich ascites. The cytotoxicity and increase of life span obtained with congeners in the N6,N6-dimethyladenosine 3'- or 5'-substituted series were comparable to in vitro or several times better in vivo than those of the mother compound.