Regulation by lithium of the antagonistic effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide on ohmefentanyl-induced antinociception

The antagonistic effect on opioid analgesia of central cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) has been amply demonstrated by behavioral and electrophysiological studies, although the mechanisms of action remain obscure. Since the phosphatidylinositol (PI) system is known to be involved in CCK effects in pancreatic tissue, and lithium has been shown to interfere with PI turnover, we sought to investigate whether LiCl would block the antiopioid effect of CCK-8 in the CNS. Nociceptive thresholds were assessed by the latency of the tail flick response (TFL). Intrathecal injection (ith) of LiCl at 4 cumulative doses (1.25-25 mumol) produced no significant change in the baseline TFL, nor was the antinociceptive effect induced by ohmefentanyl (OMF, the mu-selective opioid agonist, 20 ng, ith) reversed by LiCl. However, OMF-induced antinociception was dose-dependently reversed by CCK-8 (1-16 ng, ith), which alone at 5 cumulative doses (1-20 ng) had no influence on TFL, and the reversal effect of CCK-8 could be readily antagonized by LiCl (0.6-20 mumol, ith). The results are interpreted to mean that the PI signal system may play an important role in mediating the antiopioid effect of CCK-8.

Three inhibitors of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat-directed gene expression and virus replication

Transcription of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) provirus is governed by the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). Drugs can block HIV-1 replication by inhibiting activity of its LTR. We report that topotecan, beta-lapachone, and curcumin are potent and selective inhibitors of HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression, at concentrations that have minor effects on cells. At these concentrations, each drug inhibited p24 antigen production in cells either acutely or chronically infected with HIV-1. Their target is transcriptional function of the LTR.

A murine CDC25/ras-GRF-related protein implicated in Ras regulation

A partial cDNA encoding a novel putative p2, ras guanine nucleotide release-inducing factor (GRF), GRF2, was amplified from murine embryonic stem cells. The presumptive catalytic region of GRF2 is related to the yeast Ras GRF encoded by CDC25. GRF2 is 80% identical to murine CDC25Mm/ras-GRF, but is more similar to yeast CDC25 than to other ras GRFs related to the Drosophila son of sevenless gene product. A 9-kb GRF2 messenger RNA was highly expressed in brain, but GRF2-specific antibodies recognized apparent GRF2 proteins in various mouse tissues in addition to brain. Thus GRF2 represents a novel widely-expressed protein that is highly related to CDC25Mm/ras-GRF, at least in its catalytic domain. Both GRF2 and CDC25Mm/ras-GRF are expressed in murine embryonic stem cells, suggesting that different Ras activators may regulate ras-dependent proliferation and differentiation in early mouse development.

Influences of cholecystokinin octapeptide on phosphoinositide turnover in neonatal-rat brain cells

Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) has been shown to be coupled to phosphoinositide turnover in pancreatic acini as well as in a kind of neuroblastoma cell and a human embryonic cell line. Little is known, however, about its link with phosphatidylinositol breakdown in the brain. The brains (minus cerebella) from 1-2-day-old neonatal rats were enzymically dissociated into single cells. The intact cells were prelabelled by incubation with myo-[3H]inositol for 3 h, and were then stimulated with agonists in the presence of 10 mM-LiCl. Carbachol at 1 mM induced an increase in InsP3 labelling in brain cells (peak at 30 min, and then a gradual decrease), and a static accumulation of InsP with time, whereas the labelling of InsP2 remained essentially unchanged. A very similar time-response curve was obtained for 10 nM-CCK-8 in stimulating phosphoinositide turnover. The dose-response curve for incubated brain cells revealed that the formation of InsP3 increased when the concentration of CCK-8 was increased from 0.1 to 10 nM. A further increase in CCK-8 concentration to 100-1000 nM resulted in a gradual decrease in InsP3 formation. InsP and InsP2 levels stayed relatively stable. The production of InsP3 stimulated by 10 nM-CCK-8 was dose-dependently suppressed by the CCK-A antagonist Devazepide in the concentration range 1-10 nM; the effect declined when the concentration was further increased to 100-1000 nM. In contrast, the CCK-B antagonist L365,260 showed a sustained suppression of InsP3 production at concentrations above 0.1 nM, i.e. in the range 1-1000 nM. The results provide evidence that CCK-8 stimulates the turnover of phosphoinositide and increases InsP3 labelling in dissociated neonatal-rat brain cells, in which both CCK-A and CCK-B receptors seem to be involved.

[The influences of morphine microinjected into preoptic area on electric activities of pain response neurons in parafascicular nucleus of thalamus in rat]

We have observed the influences of opioid-like substances in preoptic area (POA) on the electric activities of pain response neurons in parafascicular nucleus of thalamus (Pf). The results were as follows: 1. Morphine 10 micrograms/microliters or 1 micrograms/microliters microinjected into POA could remarkably inhibit the pain discharges of most (20/26, 19/23 respectively) pain excitatory neurons (PEN) in Pf. The frequency of evoked discharges was decreased nd the duration was shortened. After injecting 10 micrograms/microliters morphine, three neurons showed inhibitory responses to noxious stimuli. 2. Morphine of the two doses could shorten the complete inhibitory period of pain inhibitory neurons (PIN, 23/33). These results suggest that the opioid-like substances in POA might have an inhibitory effects on pain response neurons in Pf.

[Effect of the regimen of kidney-tonifying and qi-invigorating on aging changes of glucocorticoid receptor]

The plasma cortisol concentration and the sites of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) in the peripheral lymphocytes were measured in 32 healthy aged persons and 13 young adults. In animal experiment, GCR of spleen lymphocytic cell was also measured in 18 aged rats and 9 young rats. The results showed that GCR was significantly lower in the aged persons or rats than that in the young while the plasma cortisol level didn't change with aging. So we think that GCR is more sensitive than the plasma cortisol level to reflect the aging change of the adrenal cortex function. After the treatment with the regimen of Kidney-tonifying and Qi-invigorating, the GCR of the aged persons and rats was enhanced, and in this way, the function of the aged adrenal cortex was improved.

Immunologic protection against VX intoxication in experimental animals

Rabbits immunized with an artificial VX-antigen could survive 1 x LD95 of VX challenge on the 7th day and the 31st day after the last immunization. One hundred microliters of rabbit anti-VX antiserum given intravenously immediately before 1 x LD95 of VX or 200 microliters of antiserum intraperitoneally 1-10 days before 1 x LD95 VX protected all the tested mice from death. The antiserum could prevent the in vitro inhibition of Torpedo AChE activity by VX and reduced its effect on brain AChE activity in vivo. No protective effect of the antiserum was observed on the Torpedo AChE activity inhibited by sarin and soman.

[Growth inhibition of human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro by harringtonine]

Harringtonine was discovered as an anticancer agent in China. It has been shown to be effective against myeloid leukemia. In this report, we have demonstrated that harringtonine inhibited the growth of human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro at low concentrations. Together with the clinical data in which 28% of the patients could be induced into complete remission only by harringtonine, this agent may be used as a first choice of antileukemia agents in the treatment of myeloid leukemia. The mechanism of the antitumor action of harringtonine is considered to be an effect on protein synthesis and is characterized by breakdown of polysomes to monosomes. The mechanism of action appears to be different from those of the other antileukemia agents, such as cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vincristine, or cytosine arabinoside. Harringtonine could be added to the other anti-leukemia agents used routinely in treatment of leukemia, and the combination of harringtonine with the other agents is expected to improve the therapy of myeloid leukemia.

Phorbol ester suppression of opioid analgesia in rats

Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to be an important substrate in intracellular signal transduction. Very little is known concerning its possible role in mediating opiate-induced analgesia. In the present study, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a selective activator of PKC, was injected intrathecally (ith) to assess its influence on the analgesia induced by intrathecal injection of the mu opioid agonist PL017, the delta agonist DPDPE and the kappa agonist 66A-078. Radiant heat-induced tail flick latency (TFL) was taken as an index of nociception. TPA in the dose of 25-50 ng, which did not affect the baseline TFL, produced a marked suppression of opioid antinociception, with a higher potency in blocking mu and delta than the kappa effect. In addition, mu and delta agonists induced remarkable decreases in spinal cyclic AMP (cAMP) content whereas the kappa effect was weak. The results suggest a cross-talk between the PKC system and the signal transduction pathway subserving opioid analgesia.

Curative radiotherapy of early operable non-small cell lung cancer

The results of 44 patients with early operable non-small cell lung cancer treated from January 1975 through 1981 are retrospectively analysed. All were proven by pathology and/or cytology and denied surgery in our joint Chest Clinic for various reasons. 55-70 Gy/6-7 weeks was delivered by conventional fractionation through A-P portals by telecobalt and/or 25-35 MeV high energy electron beam or 8 MV X-ray. 40 Gy/4 weeks was given prophylactically to the mediastinum. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, 93, 55, and 32%, are superior to what is reported in the literature. In the present series, the favorable factors are: (1) patients without any intercurrent disease but refused operation; (2) T1 lesions; (3) complete regression of the lesion at the conclusion of radiotherapy; (4) doses ranging from 69 to 70 Gy. It is shown that early non-small cell lung cancer can be cured by radiotherapy alone giving survival rates comparable to surgery. Prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Suture or graft? Changing trends in melanoma wound closure

The method of wound repair following excision of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma has been assessed in a consecutive series of 256 melanomas of the trunk and limbs between 1972 and 1986. Excision margins of 1, 2 and 3-5 cm were used according to clinical assessment of tumour thickness. Primary closure was the preferred method of wound repair and split skin grafting when it could not be achieved. 30% of wounds were closed primarily between 1972-81, rising to 54% between 1982-86. This change has been partly due to an increase in the number of thin lesions, but also due to improved surgical technique. Simple interrupted suture was used between 1972-81. In 1982 a multilayer subcutaneous and subcuticular prolene suture was introduced as an improved method of direct closure, and led to a reversal in the ratio of grafting to primary closure. This technique is particularly beneficial for wounds with excision margins of 2 and 3 cm. Complication rates have been lower for primary suture (4%) than split skin graft (12%).

[Preliminary evaluation of the combination of Chinese herbal medicine (destagnation) and radiotherapy for esophageal cancer]

From May 1973 to March 1979, a prospective randomized clinical trial on 425 patients with esophageal cancer was conducted. 194 patients were allotted into the destagnation plus radiotherapy group, the other 231 into radiotherapy only group. The result shows that the combination of destagnation and radiotherapy does not give a result superior to radiotherapy alone. However, destagnation does not increase either hematogenous, lymphatic metastasis, perforation or hemorrhea of the esophageal cancer.

[Carcinoma of esophagus treated by 8MV X-ray and checked by simulator]

From January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1983, 570 patients with carcinoma of esophagus were treated by 8 MV X-ray and checked by the Philips simulator. In order to assess their value, a series of 3,798 patients reported previously was used for comparison. To further evaluate the effect of 8 MV X-ray and simulator separately, a series of 154 patients was treatment by non-8 MV X-ray during the same period. The results showed that the 1 and 3 year survival rates of 8 MV X-ray series were better than the 3,798 series (P less than 0.01). It means that after the use of simulator and 8 MV X-ray the survival rates were improved. As compared to the radiation other than 8 MV X-ray, there was no difference between 8 MV X-ray and non-8 MV X-ray series, which means that the improvement may have been due to the better localization by the simulator. Having more importance, no radiation myelitis was found after the use of simulator. The sex, age, length, location, X-ray type, NSD and causes of failure were compared in these groups.

[Superior sulcus cancer of the lung--report on 45 patients]

From 1960 to 1980, 45 patients with superior sulcus cancer of the lung were seen in our hospital. 39 were male and 6 were female. The youngest was 28 years old and the eldest was 75. The presenting symptoms and signs were back and shoulder pain in 32 patients, compression of the brachial plexus in 17, Horner's syndrome in 12, supraclavicular mass in 11, superior cava vena obstruction in 4, shadow in the apex in 45, destruction of the rib in 19 (10 in the second rib), destruction of the adjacent vertebra in 8 (5 in T3) and destruction of the clavicle in 1. In 18 patients proved by pathology and cytology, 8 were adenocarcinoma, 3 squamous cell carcinoma, 3 undifferentiated and 4 unclassified carcinoma. 27 patients were diagnosed by X-ray films. 40 patients were admitted for treatment. 3 recieved chemotherapy alone and all of them died in one year. Of the 6 treated by radiation plus chemotherapy, 3 survived for one year but all died in two years. 2 were treated by radiation plus operation and none survived for more than 3 years. 29 were treated by radiation only. The 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates were 51%, 13.7% and 6.9%. Destruction of the rib or the adjacent vertebral body was irrelative to the prognosis but the presence of supraclavicular mass reduced the survival rate. Cause of death was local recurrence in 48% (13/27) and distant metastasis in 48% (13/27). The authors suggest that radical en bloc resection together with radiation the worth further study.

[Double primary cancer in the larynx and lung--report of 12 cases]

12 patients with double primary cancers in the larynx and lung were treated from 1958 to 1984. The incidence is 1.2% (12/943) of laryngeal carcinomas, 1.3% (12/904) of multiple primary cancers, 1.4% (12/873) of double primary cancers and 39% (12/31) of double primary cancers related to laryngeal cancers. There were 9 male and 3 female. 11 of the first primary cancers occurred in the larynx and only one in the lung. All were proved to be squamous cell carcinoma. In the 11 patients whose second primaries occurred in the lung, 4 were proved to be squamous cell carcinoma, one adenocarcinoma, one oat cell carcinoma, one poorly differentiated carcinoma and one cancer unclassified. Of 10 patients in whom both the first and the second primary cancer were treated, 6 survived for more than 2 years, 4 for 3 years and one for 5 years after the second treatment. It seems that double primary cancers of the larynx and lung could yield favorable results.

[Radiation ulcer after radiotherapy of esophageal carcinoma]

17 patients with esophageal ulceration (benign or non-cancerous ulcer) after irradiation for esophageal carcinoma are reported. Nearly half of these 17 patients had been misdiagnosed as cancer recurrence (malignant ulcer) and deprived of further effective treatment. In this series, the cause of misdiagnosis is analysed. The clinical symptoms of benign ulcer and its manifestations on the X-ray films are described. The etiology and differentiation between the benign and malignant ulcer are discussed.

Hemangioma of the vertebral column. A report on twenty-three patients with special reference to functional recovery after radiation therapy

Twenty-three patients with severely symptomatic hemangiomas of the vertebral column were treated by irradiation. Pain in the back and numbness in the limbs were markedly or completely relieved in most of the patients (88% and 80%, respectively). Five out of 7 paraplegic patients recovered sufficiently to be able to walk again. For patients with a severe compression syndrome of the spinal cord, irradiation could be chosen as the primary treatment without preceding surgical decompression. The result of multiple treatment courses with lower doses was not superior to a single course, for which an optimum dose of 30 Gy to 40 Gy/4 to 6 weeks is recommended by the authors.

The results of radiation therapy in advanced carcinoma of the lung in the Beijing region of China

From 1958 to 1973, 682 patients with lung cancer were treated by radiation therapy in the Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. The clinical presentation, sex, age, histology and stage and palliative effects of radiation therapy were reported. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 40.62, 8.94 and 3.81%, respectively. The prognostic factors such as staging, histology, combination with chemotherapy and response of tumours are discussed. The causes of failure are also analysed. It is suggested that improving the local control rate of squamous cell carcinoma would increase the survival rate.