Effect of nebracetam on the disruption of spatial cognition in rats

Central cholinergic hypofunction causes the disruption of spatial cognition, while cholinomimetics improve this disruption in rats. Scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) has also been reported to disrupt radial maze performance in rats. Nebracetam (WEB 1881 FU), a new nootropic candidate, was able to correct this scopolamine-induced disruption of spatial cognition at the dose of 10 mg/kg, p.o. Furthermore, nebracetam enhanced oxotremorine-induced tremors in mice. These results indicate that nebracetam has a cholinergic enhancing effect. The scopolamine-induced disruption of spatial cognition has been previously reported to improve not only by cholinomimetics but also by brain noradrenergic drugs such as L-threo-DOPS and amantadine. Nebracetam reversed the change of brain noradrenaline contents in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in which the noradrenaline content decreased by treatment with scopolamine. Nebracetam also decreased the delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (6 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced disruption of spatial cognition, which was reported to be related to the lymbic noradrenergic function. These results suggest that the cognitive enhancing effect of nebracetam involves not only cholinergic mechanisms but also involves lymbic and hippocampal noradrenergic mechanisms.

Histological characteristics of lupus nephritis in F1 mice with chronic graft-versus-host reaction across MHC class II difference

Renal lesions at the chronic phase of MHC class-II-disparate graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) were examined. To induce GVHR, C57BL/6 (B6) spleen cells were injected twice into either (B6 x bm12)F1 (class-II-disparate), (B6 x bm1)F1 (class-I-disparate) or (bm1 x bm12)F1 mice (class-I + II-disparate). For comparison, (C57BL/10 x DBA/2)F1 (BDF1) mice injected with DBA/2 spleen cells were also used. (B6 x bm12)F1 and BDF1 recipients showed marked elevation of anti-DNA antibodies, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and the number of immunoglobulin producing cells (IgPC). At 20 weeks after cell injection, severe immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) was observed in (B6 x bm12)F1 recipients, but was far less severe in (bm1 x bm12)F1 recipients and was not observed in (B6 x bm1)F1 recipients. ICGN was also observed in BDF1 recipients at 12 weeks after cell injection. By immunofluorescent microscopy, IC deposition was detected along the capillary loops and also in the mesangial area in (B6 x bm12)F1 recipients, while BDF1 recipients showed only a capillary pattern. By light microscopy, the renal lesion of (B6 x bm12)F1 recipients appeared similar to those of BDF1 recipients. Histologically, (B6 x bm12)F1 recipients serve as a good model for lupus glomerulonephritis induced by class-II-disparate GVHR.

Interferon gamma but not tumor necrosis factor alpha decreases susceptibility of human renal cell cancer cell lines to lymphokine-activated killer cells

Human renal cell cancer (RCC) cell lines, ACHN and KRC/Y, with or without exposure to cytokines, were examined for their susceptibility to lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Flow-cytometric analysis demonstrated constitutional expression of class I antigen on both cell lines, which was enhanced by interferon alpha (IFN alpha), IFN gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). A 4-h 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that pretreatment of both cell lines with IFN gamma or IFN alpha, but not with TNF alpha, decreased their susceptibility to LAK cells. IFN gamma also decreased susceptibility to natural killer cells in a 16-h 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay. IFN gamma treatment decreased the susceptibility of ACHN cells in a dose-dependent manner. "Cold"-target competition assay clearly showed that IFN gamma- but not TNF alpha-pretreated cells compete less effectively than do untreated target cells. Pretreatment with IFN gamma, however, increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) to a degree comparable to that with TNF alpha. Northern blot analyses using a 520-base-pair ICAM-1 cDNA as a probe demonstrated that more 3.3-kb mRNA is expressed in IFN gamma- and TNF alpha-pretreated cells. These results suggest that IFN gamma-treated RCC cell lines may reduce their ability to be recognized by LAK cells, and that IFN-induced protection of RCC cell lines against LAK cells may depend upon a mechanism independent of the expression of class I antigens or ICAM-1 on tumor cells.

In situ demonstration of proliferating cells in the rat central nervous system during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Evidence suggesting that most infiltrating T cells do not proliferate in the target organ

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in Lewis rats and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-incorporating cells were demonstrated immunohistochemically in lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) to assess the extent of T cell proliferation during EAE. In active EAE, BrdU+ cells were most numerous on day 12 postimmunization, when both clinical signs and inflammation detected by histologic examination were most severe; they declined thereafter although a considerable number of inflammatory foci remained in some rats. In passive EAE, BrdU+ cells were most numerous 2 days before the full-blown EAE and then rapidly decreased in number. On day 6 post-transfer, the CNS showed the most severe histologic changes but virtually no inflammatory cells in the lesions were labeled with BrdU. Double immunofluorescence staining with T cell (OX52) and macrophage/microglia (OX42) markers showed that about half of the BrdU+ cells were labeled with OX52 at the peak of EAE. The proportion of BrdU+OX52+ T cells at later stages was about 20%. BrdU+OX42+ cells ranged between 50 and 80% throughout the course of the disease. Furthermore, serial pulsing experiments during passive EAE revealed that inflammatory cells that had been labeled with BrdU outside the CNS and found later in the CNS were 15 times more numerous than those labeled in situ in the CNS. Taken together, these findings indicate that the majority of T cells involved in EAE undergo DNA synthesis outside the CNS and then infiltrate into the CNS, and that T cells labeled in situ in the CNS are few, and decrease rapidly in number. Since interleukin-2-receptor-positive cells detected by mAb OX39 outnumbered BrdU+ T cells at these later stages, we postulate that an unresponsive state instead of T-cell proliferation was induced in the CNS.

A uniform alteration in serum lipid metabolism occurring during inflammation in mice

The present study was designed to delineate changes in serum lipid levels following various kinds of tissue injury or inflammation such as contact sensitivity to picryl chloride, thermal burn, carrageenin-induced edema, the administration of turpentine oil, Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), killed Bordetella pertussis (BP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A uniform change in the serum lipid metabolism was observed in mice that received these inflammatory stimuli; that is, increases in total cholesterol, free cholesterol and phospholipid levels, a decrease in the ester ratio and a decline in lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity as well as a decrease in albumin levels, which is an index of the acute-phase response. However, serum triglyceride levels were increased by treatment with the bacterial stimuli (FCA, BP and LPS) but decreased by treatment with the other stimuli. The serum free cholesterol and phospholipid levels were significantly correlated with the intensity of contact sensitivity, which was modified by treatment with cyclophosphamide. Indomethacin or dexamethasone suppressed carrageenin-induced edema and inhibited some of the alterations in lipid metabolism that developed during inflammation because each affected a part of the lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that, like the appearance of acute-phase proteins, the uniform change in serum lipid metabolism may be another sensitive index of the acute inflammatory response.

Epithio-11,12-methano-thromboxane A2 stimulates inositol phosphates accumulation in isolated canine mesenteric artery strips

Epithio-11,12-methano-thromboxane A2 (STA2), a stable analog of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), stimulated inositol phosphates (IPs) accumulation in canine mesenteric artery strips, but not in cerebral (basilar) artery strips. When canine mesenteric artery strips were incubated with 0.1 microM [3H]myo-inositol for 15 min and then stimulated with 10 microM STA2 for 30 min, there was a significant increase in 3H-IPs accumulation as measured by anion exchange chromatography (2,028 +/- 204 and 3,526 +/- 210* dpm/mg protein for basal and stimulated accumulations, respectively; means +/- S.E.M., n = 3, *P less than 0.01, significantly different from the basal value). This effect of STA2 was dose-dependent with an EC50 value of 1.6 +/- 0.2 microM. The presence of equimolar concentrations of TXA2 receptor antagonists, either ONO-3708 (9,11-dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-13,14-dihydro-13-aza-14-oxo-15 -cyclopental- 16,17,18,19,20-pentanor-15-epi-thromboxane A2) or S-1452 (5Z-7-(3-endo-phenylsulfonylamino-(2.2.1)-bicyclohept- 2-exo-yl)heptenoic acid), completely blocked the effect of STA2. These results suggest the presence of TXA2 receptors coupled with IPs accumulation in canine mesenteric artery strips. The exact location of the TXA2 receptor-IPs system, however, remains unknown.

Cardiac muscle cell damage through autoimmune mechanism--can cardiac proteins provoke autoimmune myocarditis?

In this paper, the ability of human cardiac myosin to provoke autoimmune myocarditis was investigated. Myosin fractions were immunized into A.SW. mice, Lewis rats or Hartley guinea pigs. All of the immunized rats displayed overt symptoms of myocarditis and, in a few cases, died from it. The hearts of these rats were enlarged and discolored. Histologically, the muscles of the heart were characterized by remarkable cell infiltration, extensive myofiber necrosis and the appearance of polynuclear giant cells. Neither mice nor guinea pigs showed such disease profile. In this novel experimental model, the disease state was transferable by T lymphocytes. Thus, cardiac myosin was shown to provoke muscle cell damage through a T cell mediated autoimmune process.

Characteristics of giant cells and factors related to the formation of giant cells in myocarditis

Giant cell myocarditis is a serious and frequently fatal inflammatory heart disease of which the etiology remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the origin of multinucleated giant cells in myocarditis with the use of an experimental model. We also examined the factors relating to the formation of giant cells in myocarditis. Severe myocarditis characterized by the appearance of multinucleated giant cells was induced in Lewis rats by immunization with cardiac myosin in complete Freund's adjuvant. Two types of giant cells, foreign body giant cell-like and myocytelike, were observed in this myocarditis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that both types of multinucleated giant cells were stained with OX42 and ED1 (macrophage markers) and were not stained with anti-desmin antibody and HHF35 (markers for muscle fibers). Therefore, it is likely that multinucleated giant cells in this myocarditis are derived from macrophages. During the course of the disease, the appearance of multinucleated giant cells was restricted to a period corresponding with the fulminant phase of inflammation. When the severity of the disease was modulated by immunization with various doses of the antigen, multinucleated giant cells appeared only in severe myocarditis after inoculation of a large dose of the antigen. Administration of immunoadjuvants also affected the formation of giant cells. Most of the rats injected with cardiac myosin in complete Freund's adjuvant developed giant cell myocarditis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of chronic administration of carteolol on beta-adrenoceptors in spontaneously hypertensive rat heart

We studied the effects of chronic administration of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists with and without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA): carteolol (with ISA) and propranolol (without ISA), respectively, on the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY). Six-week-old SHRs and WKYs were orally given carteolol or propranolol for ten weeks. The heart rate was reduced in propranolol-treated SHR, but not in carteolol-treated ones. In WKY, carteolol-treatment increased the heart rate. The number and affinities of beta-adrenoceptors were analyzed using [3H]dihydroalprenolol as a ligand. Propranolol at 30 mg/kg increased the number of cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in both SHR and WKY. In contrast, 10 mg/kg carteolol significantly decreased the number of cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in SHR, but not in WKY. These data indicate that carteolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with ISA, does not cause up-regulation of the number of cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in the rat and suggest that this fact is related to a possible lack of "rebound phenomena" after sudden discontinuation of chronic carteolol-therapy in humans.

Analysis of ion behavior and potentials in a Na+ ion-selective membrane containing methyl monensin

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are widely used in clinical examinations. The mechanisms of ISEs have been studied to develop a disposable ISE for "dry chemistry" analyses. The behavior of Na+ and Ag+ in an ion-selective polymer liquid membrane (ISM) containing methyl monensin (MMO), which is selective for Na+, has been clarified by x-ray microanalysis and measurement of electrical potential. The results indicate that Na+ is not transported across the membrane because of a stability of the Na(+)-MMO complex, whereas Ag+ (from the Ag/AgCl electrode) is transported with Cl- across the membrane by diffusion. The difference in potential, which follows a Nernst gradient, is generated by the formation of a double layer of electrons at the interface between the ISM and the electrolyte solution. These results are explainable by the stability of the trap in the polymer liquid membrane. MMO acts as a stable trap of Na+ and as a metastable site of Ag+ for movement.

Identity of brain-associated small cell lung cancer antigen and the CD56 (NKH-1/Leu-19) leukocyte differentiation antigen and the neural cell adhesion molecule

Previous studies have demonstrated the monoclonal antibody, TFS-4, to recognize a cell surface antigen, 124,000 Daltons, of molecular weight expressed selectively on small cell lung cancer but not on non-small cell lung cancer, and to cross-react with the human brain, cardiac muscle and some smooth muscle cells. The cross-reactivity of TFS-4 with peripheral blood lymphocytes was examined by two color immunofluorescence analysis, using monoclonal antibodies to leukocyte differentiation antigens. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an identical subset of cells to express both BASCA and CD56(NKH-1 antigen). The immunofluorescence profiles for both TFS-4 and NKH-1 were, furthermore, identical to those of the background controls, identicating identical quantities of the antigens to be present on each cell within the population. Since CD56 has been show to be identical to the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), we determined the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of BASCA purified from the human brain. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of BASCA was identical to that of N-CAM.

Analysis of ion behavior and potentials in a Na+ ion-selective membrane containing methyl monensin

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are widely used in clinical examinations. The mechanisms of ISEs have been studied to develop a disposable ISE for "dry chemistry" analyses. The behavior of Na+ and Ag+ in an ion-selective polymer liquid membrane (ISM) containing methyl monensin (MMO), which is selective for Na+, has been clarified by x-ray microanalysis and measurement of electrical potential. The results indicate that Na+ is not transported across the membrane because of a stability of the Na(+)-MMO complex, whereas Ag+ (from the Ag/AgCl electrode) is transported with Cl- across the membrane by diffusion. The difference in potential, which follows a Nernst gradient, is generated by the formation of a double layer of electrons at the interface between the ISM and the electrolyte solution. These results are explainable by the stability of the trap in the polymer liquid membrane. MMO acts as a stable trap of Na+ and as a metastable site of Ag+ for movement.

L3T4+ T cells induce hepatic lesions resembling primary biliary cirrhosis in mice with graft-versus-host reactions due to major histocompatibility complex class II disparity

We had shown that the appearance of hepatic lesions such as epithelioid granulomas and chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis (CNSDC)-like bile duct changes characteristic of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in mice undergoing MHC class II-disparate graft-versus-host reactions (GVHR). To further examine the pathogenesis of the disease, we examined in the present study which T cell subset, i.e., L3T4+ or Lyt-2+ T lymphocytes, had an ability to induce such hepatic lesions. (B6 x bm12)F1 recipients were injected with unseparated T cells, L3T4+, or Lyt2+ T cells of B6 mice and on various days postinjection liver specimens were obtained. At Day 14 postinjection, livers of mice injected with whole T cells or L3T4+ T cells showed PBC-like histological changes, but none of the lesions were induced by Lyt-2+ T cells. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that Lyt-2+ as well as L3T4+ T cells were detected around bile ducts and some of them were infiltrating among bile duct epithelial cells. Kinetic studies showed that shortly after injection of L3T4+ T cells, L3T4+ T cells appeared around bile ducts and then Mac-1+ cells emerged. Lyt-2+ T cells and surface IgM+ B cells were detected on Day 5 and increased thereafter. Hepatic granulomas consisted of both L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ T cells with a few B cells. The aberrant expression of MHC class II (Ia) antigen was detected mainly at the lateral surface of bile duct epithelial cells by Day 14 postinjection. Based on these findings, the developmental mechanism of PBC-like hepatic lesions induced in mice with GVHR was discussed.

Induced dipole moment of purple membranes Theoretical analysis

The induced dipole moment of a purple membrane parallel to the membrane surface was analysed based on the two-dimensional fluctuation theory of counterions. The observed polarizability previously measured by electric dichroism and its dependence on the membrane size were derived from theory for the case where the interaction between counterions was screened. The screening effect of salts on the induced dipole moment was estimated from the theory on diffuse double layers.

Induction of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease by local injection of unprimed T cells

The skin is a major target organ in human graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone-marrow transplantation. GVHD can be induced in mice by i.v. injection of T cells into unirradiated semi-allogeneic or lethally irradiated allogeneic recipients. However, in the murine systemic GVHD model, cutaneous lesions occur only in lethally irradiated recipients. Since lethal irradiation itself might induce the epidermal cell damage, several investigators have employed another murine model of cutaneous GVHD, in which cutaneous lesions were induced by intradermal injection of alloreactive T cell clones. Using this system, it has been reported that both MHC class I- and II-reactive T cell clones can induce cutaneous GVHD in non-irradiated or sublethally irradiated recipients. However, it has remained unknown whether or not freshly prepared T cells are able to induce cutaneous GVHD after local injection into non-irradiated recipients. We show that unprimed T cells can induce cutaneous GVHD after local injection into unirradiated MHC class II- or I + II-disparate recipients. In contrast to alloreactive T cell clones, unprimed T cells could elicit only mild cutaneous lesions in MHC class I-disparate recipients. Since sublethal irradiation of MHC class I-disparate recipients did not result in the manifestation of cutaneous lesions after injection of unprimed T cells, host anti-donor responses by radiosensitive cells could not be responsible for this phenomenon. This experimental system provides a useful model for analysis of the regulation mechanisms in the induction of GVHD by unprimed T cells.

[A case report of long-term post-thoracotomy pain management with intrapleural bupivacaine]

A 50-year old woman with right post-thoracotomy pain was referred to us for assistance with pain control. She required pentazocine 60-150 mg per day before our treatment. First, we treated her with intercostal nerve block or oral morphine sulfate. But the result was not satisfactory after five months. Then we tried intrapleural bupivacaine. An epidural catheter was inserted into the pleural space from eight intercostal space at the anterior axillary line and 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine was instilled. The treatment was effective for about 4-5 hours. We continued this method for 42 days with 10 ml of 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine once or twice a day. She felt so good from the intrapleural analgesia and could be discharged. There was no hypotension, respiratory depression, urinary retention except burning thoracic sensation. We think it is possible to use this intrapleural bupivacaine to treat a certain kind of unilateral chronic pain.

Delayed onset of intraventricular hemorrhage following removal of acute subdural hematoma--case report

A 68-year-old male presented with neurological deterioration after a lucid interval following head trauma. Computed tomographic (CT) scans on admission demonstrated a subdural hematoma in the right frontotemporal region accompanied by subarachnoid hemorrhage in the right Sylvian and interhemispheric fissures. The subdural hematoma was removed via a right frontotemporoparietal craniectomy. However, immediate postoperative CT scans revealed hemorrhage in the third and both lateral ventricles, apparently separate from the primary hemorrhages. Decompressive rupture of damaged subependymal veins is suggested as the cause of the delayed traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage.

[Expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on renal cell cancer. De novo expression and modulation by cytokines on renal cell cancer cell lines]

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) play important roles in immune response. In order to investigate the association between renal cell cancer (RCC) and host's immune system, expression of MHC antigens and ICAM-1 was examined on RCC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between the expression of MHC antigens and ICAM-1. In general, tumor with higher degree of mononuclear cell infiltration expressed MHC antigens and ICAM-1 more frequently and intensely. Among cytokines which were reported to be potent inducers of ICAM-1 on malignant melanoma cell lines, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha augmented the expression of ICAM-1 on ACHN cells whereas ICAM-1 and class I antigens on KRC/Y cells. IFN-alpha enhanced MHC class I antigens but not ICAM-1. Class II antigen expression of both cell lines was augmented by only IFN-gamma. These results suggest that cytokines which could be produced by tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells, especially IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, might modulate expression of MHC antigens and ICAM-1, and influence host immune response against RCC.

Endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent contractions mediated by P2X- and P2Y-purinoceptors in canine basilar arteries

Both alpha, beta-methylene ATP and beta, gamma-methylene ATP (P2X selective agonists) were shown to induce transient contraction in intact and endothelium-removed preparations of canine basilar arteries. 2-Methylthio ATP (a P2Y selective agonist) caused transient contraction of intact arteries and this response was nearly abolished by removal of the endothelium. In the presence of alpha, beta-methylene ATP (10(-6) M), the endothelium-independent contractions induced by alpha, beta-methylene ATP itself (10(-6) M) and by beta, gamma-methylene ATP (10(-5) M) were both abolished. The endothelium-dependent contraction induced by 2-methylthio ATP (10(-7) M) was not attenuated by alpha, beta-methylene ATP. The contraction induced by 2-methylthio ATP (10(-7) M) was attenuated markedly by reactive blue 2 (a P2Y antagonist) (3 x 10(-6) M), aspirin (5 x 10(-5) M), OKY-046 (thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor) (10(-5) M) and ONO-3708 (thromboxane A2 antagonist) (10(-8) M). However, these agents did not affect the endothelium-independent contraction induced by alpha, beta-methylene ATP (10(-6) M). Neither TMK-777 (a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor) (10(-7) M) nor superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml) plus catalase (1,000 U/ml) affected either contraction. The present experiments demonstrate that P2X-purinoceptors mediate endothelium-dependent contraction in the canine basilar artery, and that the endothelium-derived contracting factor in this system is probably thromboxane A2.

Vasoinhibitory effect of NP-252, a new dihydropyridine derivative, in canine cerebral artery

The vasoinhibitory effect of NP-252, a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative Ca++ antagonist, was examined in canine cerebral artery, and this effect was compared with that of nifedipine. NP-252 (10(-7)M) and nifedipine (10(-6) M) nearly abolished the contraction induced by addition of Ca++ to Ca(++)-free medium containing KC1. NP-252 (10(-6)M) and nifedipine (10(-6)M) attenuated the contraction produced by thromboxane A2 agonist (STA2) in normal medium, and the resultant contractions were 22% (n = 6) and 35% (n = 6) of the control contraction, respectively. The vasoinhibitory effects of NP-252 were significantly stronger than those of nifedipine in canine cerebral artery. NP-252 (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) dose-dependently attenuated nifedipine-resistant Ca(++)-contraction in the presence of STA2 in both canine cerebral and coronary arteries. The inhibitory effect of combined treatment with NP-252 (10(-6) M) and nitroglycerin (10(-6) M) on nifedipine-resistant Ca(++)-contraction in the cerebral artery was additive. These results indicate that NP-252 possesses a stronger vasoinhibitory effect than that of nifedipine in canine cerebral artery.