Two new alkaloids from artabotrys uncinatus

A novel oxazoloaporphine, artabonatine A (1), and a new 7-hydroxyaporphine, artabonatine B (2), have been isolated and characterized from the fresh unripe fruits of Artabotrys uncinatus, along with five known compounds. Structure elucidation of 1 and 2 was based on UV, IR, NMR, and MS analyses.

Surface characterization and platelet adhesion studies of plasma polymerized phosphite and its copolymers with dimethylsulfate

Due to its capability for using a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds as the monomer source, including those which are not polymerizable by conventional methods, plasma polymerization has been used to incorporate various functional groups onto the substrates of interest. Plasma polymerization of trimethylphosphite and triisopropylphosphite was attempted with an aim to deposit a thin film with phosphorous-containing functional groups such as phosphate or phosphite onto the glass substrate. Sulfur-containing functional groups, such as sulfonate, were incorporated as well with the addition of dimethylsulfate to the phosphite monomer inlet. These plasma polymers and plasma copolymers were very hydrophilic. Incomplete surface coverage was noticed under the processing conditions of low phosphite flow rate, low RF input power and shorter deposition time. Extended deposition duration and higher power input resulted in the formation of voids and pits on the plasma polymer surface. In addition, the surface coverage of the plasma copolymers becomes discontinuous if the flow rate ratio of dimethylsulfate to triisopropylphosphite is too high. In vitro platelet adhesion studies indicated the plasma polymers and plasma copolymers with continuous surface coverage are less platelet activating than the glass control. Moreover, the addition of dimethylsulfate into the phosphite monomer flow led to a further reduction in platelet adhesion and activation than the comparable one. This may be attributed to the effect of the sulfur-containing functionalities, such as sulfonate or sulfate, found on the plasma copolymers.

Efficient enantioselective synthesis of sertraline, a potent antidepressant, via a novel intramolecular nucleophilic addition to imine

[formula: see text] An efficient enantioselective synthesis of sertraline, an antidepressant, utilizing anionic imine ring closure is described.

Unraveling a cytoplasmic role for hnRNP D in the in vivo mRNA destabilization directed by the AU-rich element

AU-rich RNA-destabilizing elements (AREs) have become a paradigm for studying cytoplasmic mRNA turnover in mammalian cells. Though many RNA-binding proteins have been shown to bind to AREs in vitro, trans-acting factors that participate in the in vivo destabilization of cytoplasmic RNA by AREs remains unknown. Experiments were performed to investigate the cellular mechanisms and to identify potential trans-acting factors for ARE-directed mRNA decay. These experiments identified hnRNP D, a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) capable of shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm, as an RNA destabilizing protein in vivo in ARE-mediated rapid mRNA decay. Our results show that the ARE destabilizing function is dramatically impeded during hemin-induced erythroid differentiation and not in TPA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation of human erythroleukemic K562 cells. A sequestration of hnRNP D into a hemin-induced protein complex, termed hemin-regulated factor or HRF, correlates well with the loss of ARE-destabilizing function in the cytoplasm. Further experiments show that in hemin-treated cells, ectopic expression of hnRNP D restores the rapid decay directed by the ARE. The extent of destabilizing effect varies among the four isoforms of hnRNP D, with p37 and p42 displaying the most profound effect. These results demonstrate a specific cytoplasmic function for hnRNP D as an RNA-destabilizing protein in ARE-mediated decay pathway. These in vivo findings support an emerging idea that shuttling hnRNP proteins have not only a nuclear but also a cytoplasmic function in mRNA metabolism. The data further imply that shuttling hnRNP proteins define, at least in part, the nuclear history of individual mRNAs and thereby influence their cytoplasmic fate.

Influence of polymorphism at p53, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 loci on p53 mutation and association of p53 mutation with prognosis in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

We previously found that the majority (9/11) of p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations in 60 lung cancer patients in Taiwan were small intragenic deletions and nonsense mutations. To gain insights into the possible etiologic factors involved in these mutations and the prognostic significance of p53 gene mutations in lung cancer in Taiwan, we investigated the influence of polymorphism at p53, cytochrome p450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) loci on p53 gene mutation, and the association of p53 gene mutation with prognosis in these lung cancer patients.

METHODS

The polymorphism of these genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme digestion. The Pearson chi 2 test was used to compare allelic distributions between lung cancer patients and controls. The log-rank test was used to assess the significance of the survival differences between patients with and without p53 mutations.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference with respect to the genotype distribution of p53, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms between patients with and without p53 mutations, although a tendency toward increasing frequency of the wild-type homozygote genotype of p53 polymorphism was noted in lung cancer patients containing p53 mutations. We further analyzed the association of p53 mutation with prognoses in lung cancer patients for whom postoperative survival data were available. The estimated median survival times for patients with and without p53 mutation were 25 and 28 months, respectively. There was no significant correlation between p53 mutation and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that p53 gene mutation may not be associated with polymorphisms of p53, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 genes, and it may have no significant effect on the prognosis of lung cancer patients in Taiwan.

The experience of endoscopic tissue glue injection in the treatment of hepatic sarcoidosis related gastric variceal bleeding: report of a case

A case of hepatic sarcoidosis complicated with portal hypertension and gastric variceal bleeding is described. A 53 year-old male suffered from persistent fever and massive hematemesis. Acute gastric variceal bleeding was diagnosed. Endoscopic tissue glue injection stopped this acute episode and ablated the varices after another two sessions of endoscopic tissue glue injection treatment. Subsequent administration of corticosteroids improved the symptoms and liver function. This was probably the first case of hepatic sarcoidosis associated with gastric variceal bleeding which was successfully treated by endoscopic tissue glue injection to be reported.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm compression is probably responsible for the recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis: case report

An aged male with a known history of abdominal aortic aneurysm suffered from epigastralgia, vomiting and cold sweating for one day. According to the physical examination, serum amylase level and computed tomographic examination, acute pancreatitis was diagnosed. Surgical intervention for the abdominal aortic aneurysm was not performed because of his age, and finally this patient died after three recurrent episodes. Acute pancreatitis co-existing with an intact abdominal aortic aneurysm has never been reported before. The possible pathogenesis of this recurrent acute pancreatitis was discussed.

The costs of body mass index levels in an employed population

We studied 3,066 First Chicago NBD employees by using health risk appraisals and personnel data to determine the direct and indirect costs (in 1996 dollars) associated with varying levels of body mass index (BMI). The BMI is the most widely used measure of weight adjusted by height. We found that as BMI increases, so do the number of sick days, medical claims and health care costs and that the mean annual health care costs for the BMI "at risk" population (men with a BMI of > or = 27.8 kg/m2, women > or = 27.3 kg/m2) was $2,274 versus $1,499 for the "not at risk" group. Major differences in health care costs were observed for employees 45 years old and older, particularly among the women in this age group. Analysis was completed for those employees with and without a risk for BMI. A "J-shaped" curve between medical claims costs and BMI exists, with the low point occurring at about 25 to 27 kg/m2. We conclude that indirect and direct costs to an employer increase with increasing BMI. Employers may benefit from helping employees achieve a healthier weight. The initial target population should be those who are at highest risk of complications from obesity.

Preserved esophagogastric manometric motility in patients after distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A prospective study resolved whether commonly employed distal gastrectomies could influence the esophagogastric manometric measurements and the role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in mediating motility after surgery.

METHODOLOGY

Studied groups consisted of 20 patients following radical subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 20 patients after subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer and 20 controls. Fasting blood was obtained to measure serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels. A pneumohydraulic infusion system measured esophagogastric motility parameters.

RESULTS

Measured lower esophageal sphincter pressures in subjects of gastric cancer surgery, duodenal ulcer surgery and controls were 15.3 +/- 4.7, 13.1 +/- 5.3 and 12.6 +/- 5.0 mmHg, respectively (NS), while the sphincter lengths were 3.15 +/- 0.81, 3.22 +/- 0.79 and 2.86 +/- 0.85 cm, respectively (NS). In addition, other parameters including lower esophageal body remained unchanged. The serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels of three groups were 24.1 +/- 10.8, 22.5 +/- 9.5 and 21.3 +/- 7.8 pg/ml, respectively (NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither gastric cancer nor duodenal ulcer in distal stomach removal can alter the lower esophageal body and LES manometric motilities. Unchanged serum VIP levels after gastric surgery are likely one of the mechanisms preserving esophagogastric integrity.

Improved method to measure urinary alkoxyacetic acids

OBJECTIVES

To simplify the current preparation of samples, and to improve the specificity and reliability of the conventional analytical methods to measure urinary alkoxyacetic acids.

METHODS

Samples containing alkoxyacetic acids including methoxy, ethoxy, and butoxyacetic acids (MAA, EAA, and BAA) were acidified with HCl and extracted with a mixed solvent of methylene chloride and isopropyl alcohol, then analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

RESULTS

Optimal results were obtained when pH was 1.05-1.45, the ratio of methylene chloride and isopropyl alcohol was 2:1, and when extraction time was 10 minutes. Over the concentration range 0.3-200 micrograms/ml, MAA, EAA, and BAA could be determined with a pooled coefficient of variation (nine concentrations, six replicate samples) of 5.55%, 6.37%, and 6.41%, respectively. Urine samples were stable for at least 5 months and 3 freeze-thaw cycles at -20 degrees C. The limits of detection of MAA, EAA, and BAA were 0.055, 0.183, and 0.009 microgram/ml, respectively. The matrix effect of urine samples was negligible for MAA and EAA, but were marginally significant for BAA. The average recoveries of alkoxyacetic acids were 99%-101%. In urine samples MAA from 15 exposed workers showed a strong linear correlation (r = 0.999, slope = 1.01) between the new GC/MS method and Sakai's GC method.

CONCLUSIONS

The simplified non-derivatisation pretreatment of samples coupled with GC/MS can provide a specific, sensitive, simple, safe, and reliable method for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure of ethylene glycol ethers.

In vitro elution of antibiotic from antibiotic-impregnated biodegradable calcium alginate wound dressing

OBJECTIVE

The authors investigated the calcium alginate dressing as a drug-delivery system for the treatment of various surgical infections.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity of the calcium alginate dressing to fibroblasts and HeLa cells was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MITT) colorimetric assay. The calcium alginate dressing was mixed with vancomycin, and lyophilized or not lyophilized to form two types of antibiotic dressings. The antibiotic dressings were placed in 2 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or in PBS containing 0.01% calcium ions, and incubated at 37 degrees C. The PBS was changed daily, and the removed solutions were stored at -70 degrees C until the antibiotic concentration in each sample was determined by high performance liquid chromatography assay.

RESULTS

The results suggested that the antibiotic dressings present no obvious toxic risk to their use as a drug-delivery system. The concentration of vancomycin in each sample was well above the breakpoint sensitivity concentration (the antibiotic concentration at the transition point between bacterial kill. ing and resistance to the antibiotic) for more than 14 days. The release was most marked during the first 48 hours. The concentration of calcium ions in PBS and the lyophilization of the manufacture process of antibiotic dressings prolonged the antibiotic diffusion duration. The diameter of the sample inhibition zone ranged from 10 to 11 mm, and the relative activity of vancomycin ranged from 62.88% to 92.18%.

CONCLUSION

All antibiotic dressings released bactericidal concentrations of the antibiotics in vitro for the period of time needed to treat surgical infections. This study offers a convenient method to meet the specific antibiotic requirement for different patients.

Identification of a novel beta-lactamase produced by Xanthomonas campestris, a phytopathogenic bacterium

The Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 11 chromosome encodes a periplasmic beta-lactamase of 30 kDa. Gene replacement and complementation confirmed the presence of this enzyme. Its deduced amino acid sequence shows identity and conserved domains between it and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia L2 and other Ambler class A/Bush group 2 beta-lactamases. Southern hybridization detected a single homologous fragment in each of 12 other Xanthomonas strains, indicating that the presence of a beta-lactamase gene is common among xanthomonads.

Ectopic ACTH syndrome due to thymic carcinoid tumor in a girl

An 8 year-old girl had a cushingoid appearance for six months. Hormone study showed extremely high serum levels of cortisol (> 60 micrograms/dl) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (930 pg/ml). Initial chest X-ray showed nothing unusual, but a technetium-99mm MIBI scan showed an accumulation lesion in the left upper chest cavity. Chest magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the mass was in the superior anterior mediastinum. She had complete removal of the tumor with partial thymectomy. The pathology revealed a thymic carcinoid tumor. Carcinoid tumors of the thymus are extremely rare in children and they usually present with Cushing's syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient who has ever been reported with this disease.

Percutaneous and endoscopic management of bile leak following endoscopic stone retrieval--a case report

Endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone removal is the method of choice for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. The main complications of this procedure are bleeding, pancreatitis, intestinal perforation and cholangitis. Herein, we report on a case of bile peritonitis in a patient who underwent sphincterotomy and stone retrieval. The literature regarding the etiology and management of bile peritonitis is also reviewed.

Aromin-A, an Annonaceous acetogenin from Annona cherimola

Chromatographic fractionation of a MeOH extract from the stems of Annona cherimola led to the isolation of a new non-adjacent, bis-THF ring acetogenin (one THF ring being at C-4 and the other at C-16), aromin-A (1) along with the known cytotoxic acetogenin squamocin (2). The structures of these isolates were established by means of mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques.

Shape-based grey-level image interpolation

The three-dimensional (3D) object data obtained from a CT scanner usually have unequal sampling frequencies in the x-, y- and z-directions. Generally, the 3D data are first interpolated between slices to obtain isotropic resolution, reconstructed, then operated on using object extraction and display algorithms. The traditional grey-level interpolation introduces a layer of intermediate substance and is not suitable for objects that are very different from the opposite background. The shape-based interpolation method transfers a pixel location to a parameter related to the object shape and the interpolation is performed on that parameter. This process is able to achieve a better interpolation but its application is limited to binary images only. In this paper, we present an improved shape-based interpolation method for grey-level images. The new method uses a polygon to approximate the object shape and performs the interpolation using polygon vertices as references. The binary images representing the shape of the object were first generated via image segmentation on the source images. The target object binary image was then created using regular shape-based interpolation. The polygon enclosing the object for each slice can be generated from the shape of that slice. We determined the relative location in the source slices of each pixel inside the target polygon using the vertices of a polygon as the reference. The target slice grey-level was interpolated from the corresponding source image pixels. The image quality of this interpolation method is better and the mean squared difference is smaller than with traditional grey-level interpolation.

Primary chiasmal sarcoid granuloma: MRI

We report MRI findings of a pathologically proven primary sarcoid granuloma of chiasmal origin that mimicked an optic pathway glioma

Selective inhibition of protein kinase C isozymes by Fas ligation

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) can protect cells from apoptosis induced by various agents, including Fas ligation. To elucidate a possible interaction between Fas-mediated apoptotic signals and activation-related protective signals, we investigated the impact of Fas ligation on PKC activity. We demonstrate that engagement of Fas on human lymphoid Jurkat cells triggered apoptosis, and Fas ligation resulted in partial blockade of cellular PKC activity. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-mediated translocation of PKCtheta from the cytoplasm to the membrane was inhibited by treatment with anti-Fas antibody, whereas the translocation of PKCalpha or epsilon was not affected. In vitro kinase assay of PKCalpha or epsilon phosphotransferase activity demonstrated that Fas ligation inhibited the ability of PKCalpha to phosphorylate histone H1 as substrate but did not inhibit epsilon isozyme activity. This inhibition of PKCalpha activity mediated by Fas ligation was reversed by okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of a member of the protein phosphatase 2A subfamily in this component of Fas signaling. Identical patterns of PKC isozyme inhibition were obtained using mouse thymoma cells overexpressing the fas gene (LF(+)). These results suggest that the selective inhibition of a potentially protective, PKC-mediated pathway by Fas activation may, to some extent, contribute to Fas-induced apoptotic signaling.

Experimental infection of human volunteers with Haemophilus ducreyi does not confer protection against subsequent challenge

Two groups of human volunteers were inoculated with 2 doses of live Haemophilus ducreyi 35000HP. The reinfection group consisted of 7 subjects who previously had participated in experimental infection with 35000HP to the pustular stage of disease. The control group consisted of 7 naive subjects. Papules developed at 92.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.1%-99.8%) of sites inoculated with live bacteria, in the reinfection group, and at 85.7% (95% CI, 57.2%-98. 2%) of sites in the control group. Sixty-nine percent (95% CI, 36. 8%-90.9%) of papules evolved into pustules in the reinfection group, compared with 41% (95% CI, 15.2%-72.3%) in the control group. The recovery rates of H. ducreyi from surface cultures and the histopathology of biopsies obtained from both groups were similar. Thus, experimental infection to the pustular stage of disease does not provide protective immunity against subsequent challenge.

Endothelin-1 is a candidate mediating intestinal dysmotility in patients with acute pancreatitis

We studied whether gastrointestinal transit was disturbed during acute pancreatitis and attempted to identify which mechanisms might be involved in acute pancreatitis. Using a noninvasive hydrogen breath test to determine the orocecal transit time, 24 patients with the clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were enrolled into the intestinal motility study. Orocecal transit time was measured twice in all patients: once at the acute stage and once at recovery. Blood was obtained to study amylase, lipase, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and endothelin-1 and nitrate/nitrite levels. Orocecal transit times measured at the acute stage were significantly delayed compared with those at recovery (mean values +/- SEM, 130.0 +/- 9.0 vs 80.8 +/- 7.4 min, P < 0.001). Plasma endothelin-1 levels exhibited a positive correlation with orocecal transit times in the acute stage (r = 0.509, P = 0.011). The percentages of altered orocecal transit times also correlated with the percentages of altered plasma endothelin-1 levels (r = 0.751, P < 0.001). Plasma nitrate/nitrite levels significantly decreased at the acute stage compared with those at recovery (5.25 +/- 0.82 vs 10.20 +/- 1.24 microM, P < 0.05). We conclude that intestinal transit is delayed in patients with mild to moderate acute pancreatitis. Elevated plasma endothelin-1 levels in the acute stage may be one mechanism mediating intestinal dysmotility.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide appears less important in mediating acid secretion

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide is recognized as an acid inhibitor, while its relationship with Helicobacter pylori colonization is unknown. The present study measured serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels in patients after various types of gastric resection and the influence of demographic characteristics including Helicobacter pylori on serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels.

METHODOLOGY

The study included twenty patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer, 33 patients who underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma and 7 patients who underwent total gastrectomy. Another 58 healthy subjects served as controls. Their demographic characteristics were recorded, while serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels were measured using a homemade radioimmunoassay kit.

RESULTS

The serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels in the three patient groups and the controls were 246.2+/-38.7 pg/ml, 201.7+/-30.9 pg/ml, 183.5+/-34.5 pg/ml and 202.6+/-14.0 pg/ml, respectively. The difference among the four groups was not significant. Neither age, gender, body mass index, smoking, Helicobacter pylori colonization nor type of gastrectomy had an influence on serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels in the controls and the three patient groups. However, elapsed time since operation in patients following total gastrectomy exhibited a significant positive correlation with their gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels (r=0.89, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels remain unchanged in patients undergoing various types of gastrectomy. Colonization of Helicobacter pylori does not influence its level. This peptide is probably less important in mediating gastric acid secretion.

Genital ulcers: etiology, clinical diagnosis, and associated human immunodeficiency virus infection in Kingston, Jamaica

Individuals presenting consecutively with genital ulcers in Kingston, Jamaica, underwent serological testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, chlamydial infection, and syphilis. Ulcer material was analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) analysis. DNA from herpes simplex virus (HSV), Haemophilus ducreyi, and Treponema pallidum was detected in 158 (52.0%), 72 (23.7%), and 31 (10.2%) of 304 ulcer specimens. Of the 304 subjects, 67 (22%) were HIV-seropositive and 64 (21%) were T. pallidum-seroreactive. Granuloma inguinale was clinically diagnosed in nine (13.4%) of 67 ulcers negative by M-PCR analysis and in 12 (5.1%) of 237 ulcers positive by M-PCR analysis (P = .03). Lymphogranuloma venereum was clinically diagnosed in eight patients. Compared with M-PCR analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of a clinical diagnosis of syphilis, herpes, and chancroid were 67.7%, 53.8%, and 75% and 91.2%, 83.6%, and 75.4%, respectively. Reactive syphilis serology was 74% sensitive and 85% specific compared with M-PCR analysis. Reported contact with a prostitute in the preceding 3 months was associated with chancroid (P = .009), reactive syphilis serology (P = .011), and HIV infection (P = .007). The relatively poor accuracy of clinical and locally available laboratory diagnoses pleads for syndromic management of genital ulcers in Jamaica. Prevention efforts should be intensified.

The risk factors for gallstone disease among senior citizens: an Oriental study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Few Occidental studies have addressed the risk factors for gallstone disease (GSD), among aged people. It is unknown whether these factors also present in the Orientals. Therefore, we studied the prevalence and risk factors for GSD among aged people in Taiwan.

METHODOLOGY

1441 aged subjects (> or = 60 years) who received a paid physical checkup at this hospital were investigated. Their demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters were recorded and compared. Ultrasonographic diagnosis revealed a normal gallbladder in 1092 subjects, gallbladder stones in 171, cholecystectomy for gallstones in 65, gallbladder polyps in 83, mixed gallbladder stones/polyps in 10, and miscellaneous results in 20. We enrolled 236 subjects showing either gallbladder stones or cholecystectomy for gallstones as the GSD group.

RESULTS

Excluding those subjects with mixed gallbladder stones/polyps, the overall prevalence of GSD in our series was 16.6%. Using multivariate analysis, the encountered factors manifesting risk for the development of GSD were old age (p<0.001), lower serum high-density lipoprotein level (p<0.01), diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio: 2.127; p<0.001) and glucose intolerance (adjusted odds ratio: 1.954; p<0.001), whereas past history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio: 0.335; p<0.01) exhibited a protective effect against the development of GSD. Other demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters, such as body mass index, ABO blood type, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, hepatitis B virus carrier, liver function, and parity, did not have any correlation to GSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the aged senior citizens in Taiwan, individuals with old age, lower serum high-density lipoprotein level, diabetes and glucose intolerance are at high risk for developing GSD.

Bioactive sesquiterpenes from a Taiwanese marine sponge Parahigginsia sp

Five new sesquiterpenes, parahigginols A-D (1-4) and parahigginic acid (5), have been isolated from a Taiwanese marine sponge Parahigginsia sp. The structural assignments of the new compounds were based on their spectral data, including 1D and 2D NMR. Biological studies revealed that compounds 2-5 exhibited cytotoxicity against murine P-388 and human KB16, A549, and HT-29 tumor cells.

Variation of capsaicin-sensitive motor activities along the rat gastrointestinal tract

Variation in motility may be a character to move gut contents. The aim of present study was to assess whether the rat upper gastrointéstinal motilities were variable according to the segments or studied periods under systemic capsaicin treatment. Sedated rats were intubated with a catheter to feed a suspension containing both charcoal and radiochromium motility markers. Capsaicin in the doses of 0.5 mg kg-1, 1 mg kg-1, 5 mg kg-1 or vehicle were simultaneously injected via intraperitoneal route. They were sacrificed at 5 min or 30 min later and the whole gut was removed. Charcoal transit in the small intestine was computed while the radioactivities of stomach and ten equally divided small intestinal segments were counted to obtain the gastric emptying and geometric center of intestinal transit, respectively. Large dose treatment inhibited early gastric emptying (p < 0.05), whereas late gastric emptying remained unchanged. Larger dose treatment inhibited charcoal represented transit in the early (p < 0.05) and late periods (p < 0.01). The intestinal transits seen with geometric center were almost similar to these of charcoal representation (p < 0.01). In conclusion, capsaicin-sensitive gastric emptying changes with studied periods while intestinal transit is always inhibited at any period. We confirm the notion of variation in capsaicin-sensitive motor responses along the rat upper digestive organ.