Synaptic inputs from the stomach to tuberoinfundibular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in rats

In male rats anesthetized with urethane (600 mg/kg) and alpha-chloralose (60 mg/kg), extracellular recordings were made from tuberoinfundibular (TI) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) identified by antidromic stimulation of the median eminence. Electrical stimulation of the gastric branches of the vagus nerve excited 26 (72%) of 36 TI neurons tested. I.v. (0.5-1 microgram/rat) or i.p. (5 micrograms/rat) administration of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) excited 10 (63%) of 16 TI neurons tested. The excitatory responses induced by CCK-8 were abolished by bilateral cervical vagotomy. These results suggest that TI neurons in the PVN receive excitatory inputs from gastric afferents via vagus nerves.

Effects of beta-adrenergic receptor activation on alveolar macrophage cytoplasmic motility

We studied the effects of fenoterol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, on the cytoplasmic motility of alveolar macrophages (AM) from dog lungs in vitro. Four days after the instillation of Fe3O4 particles (3 mg/kg) into the lower lobe bronchus, AM were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage. Remanent field strength (RFS) from the AM containing Fe3O4 particles (5 x 10(6) cells) was measured immediately after magnetization. RFS decreased with time due to particle rotation (relaxation), which is related to cytoplasmic motility of AM. Fenoterol (10(-9) M to 10(-5) M) decreased the relaxation rate (lambda 0; min-1) in a concentration-dependent fashion with the maximum effect at 10(-6) M. Both forskolin (10(-6) M to 10(-4) M) and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) (10(-3) M) mimicked fenoterol-induced inhibitory effects on lambda 0. Fenoterol and forskolin concentration-dependently increased intracellular levels of cAMP, which were parallel to decreases in lambda 0 induced by these drugs. KT 5720 (10(-5) M), a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, significantly inhibited fenoterol (10(-6) M)-induced inhibitory effects on lambda 0 (P < 0.01). These results imply that beta-adrenergic receptor activation inhibits cytoplasmic motility of AM via increases in intracellular levels of cAMP, which may be coupled with activation of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Live computerized videomicroscopy of cerebral microvessels in brain slices

A model system for studying cerebral microvasculature is presented in which submerged in vitro brain slices are examined by computerized videomicroscopy. Brain slices are superfused continuously with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, while blood vessels are monitored using a transmission light microscope with water immersion objectives. The responses to well-characterized vasoactive compounds indicate that basic physiological characteristics are maintained in this preparation. This model system represents a simple and rapid technique for studying cerebrovascular responses under conditions in which vessels are surrounded by their normal cellular microenvironment. An additional advantage of this technique is the ability to perform simultaneous electrophysiological recordings in identified neurons. This will facilitate the study of interactions between neuronal and vascular elements and may help elucidate mechanisms underlying the local regulation of cerebral microvasculature.

Chromosome abnormalities in eighty-three head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: influence of culture conditions on karyotypic pattern

Short-term cultures from 115 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the head and neck were cytogenetically investigated. Thirty-six of the tumors have been reported previously, whereas 79 are new cases. The material was divided into two series based on the medium used. The 80 tumors of series I were cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with fetal calf serum, glutamine, antibiotics, insulin, cholera toxin, and epidermal growth factor. The 35 tumors of series II were cultured in a chemically defined, serum-free medium with a low calcium concentration, MCDB 153, which stimulates epithelial growth while inhibiting fibroblasts. A total of 83 tumors with clonal karyotypic abnormalities were detected in the two series. Series II had a higher proportion of tumors with complex karyotypic changes than series I (43% versus 15%), a lower proportion of tumors with pseudo- or neardiploid clones characterized by simple rearrangements (3% versus 34%), and a lower frequency of unrelated clones (3% versus 24%), indicating that the different culture conditions favored growth of different cell populations. Except for rearrangements of 1p22, which were mainly found in series I, the distribution of breakpoints in structural aberrations was similar in the two series and clustered to several chromosomal bands or regions, in particular 11q13, 1p22, 1p11-12, 3p11-q11, 5q13, 1q25, 15q10, and 8q10. Unbalanced structural aberrations were more common in series II, frequently leading to loss of segments from chromosome arms 3p, 7q, 8p, 11q, 13p, 14p, and 15p, whereas gain of genetic material often involved chromosome arms 1q, 3q, 8q, and 15q.

Protein kinase C activity and its relationship to myo-inositol uptake during hyperglycemic conditions in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells

Incubation of cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) in minimal essential medium (MEM) containing 40 mM galactose for 20 hr results in an attenuation of 3H-myo-inositol (3H-MI) concentrating ability. Decreased MI uptake could negatively impact on normal phosphoinositide turnover and diacylglycerol production, and presumably, protein kinase C (PKC) activation. The present report examines the relationship between PKC activity, myo-inositol transport and hyperglycemic conditions. PKC activities in the cytosol and particulate fractions of bovine lens epithelial cells in culture were quantitated using a mixed micelle assay following DEAE-cellulose (DE52) and Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Protein kinase C activity was assessed as Ca2+ and phospholipid-dependent Ac-myelin basic protein substrate peptide phosphorylation and confirmed using a PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor peptide (PKC 19-36). Total PKC activity was similar in galactose-incubated cells (871 +/- 64 pmol/mg total protein/min) and control cells (881 +/- 8 pmol/mg total protein/min) after 20 hr. In unstimulated cells, approximately 90% of the total cellular PKC activity was recovered in the cytosolic fraction. Enzyme translocation was induced with the tumor promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), resulting in a 6-fold increase in membrane-associated PKC activity. A similar PMA-induced translocation was observed in BLECs incubated with 40 mM galactose MEM-maintained cells briefly treated with PMA or the non-phorbol PKC activators, SC-10 and mezerein, displayed a rate of 3H-MI uptake similar to the untreated control cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Growth type of colorectal cancer invasion of the proper muscle in relation to DNA ploidy and distribution of PCNA]

In order to elucidate the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer invading the proper muscle, we analyzed DNA ploidy and PCNA labeling index. The growth patterns were divided into three types; those accompanied by intramucosal polypoid growth (PG+), those with non-polypoid growth (PG-), and those ranging between PG+ and PG- (PG+/-). The relationship of DNA ploidy to lymphatic vessel permeation and recurrence was also discussed. The results were as follows: 1) Growth types bore no relation to DNA ploidy and distribution of PCNA. 2) In aneuploidy cancer, it showed a high incidence of lymphatic vessel permeation. A trend of lymphatic metastasis was also observed. Aneuploidy cancer showed a poor prognosis compared with diploidy cancer.

Interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 3 as a primary chromosome abnormality in carcinomas of the breast

Interstitial deletions of the short arm of chromosome 3 were found in short-term cultures of five breast carcinomas (of 41 breast cancers with clonal aberrations analyzed by us during the same period). They were the only clonal structural change in three tumors; in the remaining two, the clone with 3p-coexisted with seemingly unrelated clones that had other structural and numerical aberrations. The deletions were identical, del(3)(p12p14), in four cases. The fifth tumor seemed to have a smaller deletion, interpreted as del(3)(p13p14). Our findings constitute karyotypic evidence that 3p deletions are relatively common in breast carcinomas and concur with the molecular genetic detection of loss of heterozygosity in this chromosome arm. The fact that the deletions were found as solitary changes indicates that loss of genetic information from 3p loci is an early, possibly primary, event in tumorigenesis.

O,O,S-Trimethyl phosphorothioate induces hypothermia in Fischer 344 rats in a manner dependent on both doses and housing temperatures

We explored the effects of O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS-TMP) on body temperatures in Fischer 344 female rats. The 7-day LD50 p.o. for Fischer 344 female rats was found to be 11.8 mg/kg. OOS-TMP induced long-lasting (more than 48 h) and extensive hypothermia at doses > or = 14 mg/kg at a typical laboratory temperature (22 degrees C) while it produced typical symptoms at 10 mg/kg without hypothermia. In contrast, pair-fed (to 20 mg/kg rats) rats (n = 4) did not become hypothermic, negating any role of hypophagia in OOS-TMP associated hypothermia. We next investigated the effects of housing temperatures on toxicities at a LD50 dose (12 mg/kg). At 30 degrees C (n = 11) and 22 degrees C (n = 13), rats did not have hypothermic bouts but at 15 degrees C, eight out of ten rats had. Evidence that changes of housing temperatures neither modified clinical symptoms nor changed mortality rates discards a possibility of hypothermia being involved in delayed toxicity. A novel result of the present study suggests that thermoregulation may be heavily impaired by a special class of organophosphorus compounds.

Genotypic and antigenic identification of two new strains of spotted fever group rickettsiae isolated from China

Four isolates of spotted fever group rickettsiae isolated from ticks in China were compared with all known species and strains of spotted fever group rickettsiae by immunofluorescence assay, DNA polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease fragment length polymorphism analysis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western immunoblot. The Chinese isolates belonged to three types, including a novel serotype which has not been described before. One isolate obtained from tick ova of Dermacentor nuttallii in Inner Mongolia was antigenically and genotypically identical to Rickettsia sibirica. Two isolates obtained from Dermacentor sinicus collected from Beijing were identical, different from other members of spotted fever group rickettsiae but apparently closely related to R. sibirica. HA-91, a strain isolated from Hyalomma asiaticum bv. kozlovi olenew, was antigenically and genotypically unique among spotted fever group rickettsiae, and we feel that data presented here should prompt consideration of it as a new species on the basis of current rickettsial taxonomy.

Partitioning of pulmonary responses to inhaled methacholine in subjects with asymptomatic asthma

To partition the central and peripheral airway resistance, a catheter-tip micromanometer sensing lateral pressure of the airway was wedged into the right lower lobe of a bronchus with a 3 mm inner diameter in 10 patients with asymptomatic asthma. We simultaneously measured mouth flow, transpulmonary pressure (PL) and intra-airway lateral pressure during tidal breathing. Total pulmonary resistance (RL) was calculated from PL and mouth flow, and central airway resistance (RC) was calculated from intra-airway lateral pressure and mouth flow. Peripheral airway resistance (Rp) was obtained by subtraction of RC from RL. Therefore, our measurement of Rp included lung tissue resistance. The technique permitted identification of the site of changes in airway resistance. The baseline values of resistances were 2.3 +/- 0.2 cm H2O/L/s in RL, 1.5 +/- 0.1 cm H2O/L/s in RC, and 0.8 +/- 0.1 cm H2O/L/s in Rp, respectively. To determine the site of airway hyperresponsiveness, dose-response curves of central, peripheral, and total airways to inhaled methacholine were separately constructed. Bronchial responsiveness was evaluated by a log methacholine unit requiring a 35% decrease (PC35) and a 50% decrease (PC50) in pulmonary conductance (a reciprocal of RL). We calculated the increase of resistances in total (delta RL), central (delta RC), and peripheral (delta Rp) airways from the baseline values at either PC35 or PC50.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Oncogene amplification detected by in situ hybridization in radiation-induced skin cancers in rats

Amplification of the c-myc oncogene has been detected by Southern blotting in the DNA of radiation-induced skin cancers in the rat. In the current work the localization of oncogene amplification within specific cells in the different cancers and in multiple biopsies of the same cancer was studied by in situ hybridization. The amount of amplification was measured by counting grains on tissue sections hybridized in situ to biotin-labeled human c-myc third exon, rat v-H-ras, and rat v-Ki-ras probes. The in situ estimates of c-myc amplification were generally correlated with previous findings using the Southern blot method, but within each cancer only a fraction of cells exhibited amplification. Multiple biopsies of a squamous carcinoma showed amplification of v-H-ras and c-myc but not v-Ki-ras during tumor growth, but none of these oncogenes were amplified during tumor regression. The c-myc-positive cells were distributed uniformly within the cancers and exhibited a more uniform nuclear structure in comparison to the more vacuolated c-myc-negative cells. A high [3H]thymidine labeling index was found in irradiated epidermal cells on Day 7 after exposure, and yet no evidence of c-myc oncogene amplification was found in situ. No c-myc amplification was found in unirradiated normal epidermis or in irradiated epidermal cells in the vicinity of radiation-induced cancers. The data indicate that c-myc amplification is cell-specific within radiation-induced carcinomas and does not occur in epidermal cells proliferating in response to radiation exposure.

Transcriptional regulation and increased functional expression of the inositol trisphosphate receptor in retinoic acid-treated HL-60 cells

The inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor is an essential regulator of intracellular calcium in many cells including chemoattractant- and cytokine-stimulated neutrophils and differentiated promyelocytic leukemic (HL-60) cells. We examined the expression and function of the InsP3 receptor and the transcriptional regulation of the InsP3 receptor gene in HL-60 cells and in HL-60 cells treated for 1-5 days with 1 microM retinoic acid. Radioligand binding studies using membranes from control and retinoic acid-treated HL-60 cells showed that the Bmax of InsP3 receptor increased progressively from 0.24 to 0.69 pmol/mg protein during 5 days retinoic acid treatment with no change in KD (19 nM). During this period, maximal InsP3-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization increased 2-3-fold. InsP3 receptor mRNA was present at low levels in HL-60 cells but was increased significantly after treatment with retinoic acid, reaching maximal levels of approximately 4-fold greater than untreated cells after 4 days treatment with retinoic acid. Nuclear run-on assays indicated that the elevated steady state level of InsP3 receptor mRNA in retinoic acid-treated HL-60 cells was primarily the result of enhanced transcription of the InsP3 receptor gene. Furthermore, the transcriptional enhancing effect of retinoic acid was seen in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that the InsP3 receptor gene is directly regulated by retinoic acid. The studies also demonstrate that the InsP3 receptor mRNA is rapidly degraded in HL-60 cells by a mechanism that also requires protein synthesis.

Pseudodiploid karyotypes in adenosquamous carcinomas of the lung

Pseudodiploid karyotypes with clonal structural rearrangements were observed in short-term cultures from two adenosquamous carcinomas (ASC) of the lung, a tumor type hitherto virtually uncharacterized cytogenetically. The karyotypes were 46,XX,der(1)t(1;14)(q44;q22),add(9)(q34) in the first tumor and 46,XX,i(17)(q10) in the second tumor. We suggest that ASC of the lung differ from other lung cancers by having pseudodiploid instead of massively aneuploid tumor stemlines.

IL-3 and GM-CSF induce the expression of the inositol trisphosphate receptor in K562 myeloblast cells

When treated with IL-3 plus GM-CSF, K562 myeloblast cells acquired the ability to mobilize nonmitochondrial stores of intracellular Ca2+ in response to added Ins (1, 4, 5) P3. Untreated K562 cells are capable of sequestering intracellular Ca2+ but released none of this Ca2+ in response to Ins (1, 4, 5) P3. Untreated K562 cells were shown to have no detectable specific [3H] Ins (1, 4, 5) P3 binding sites and no InsP3 receptor mRNA as assayed by Northern blot and PCR. However, following IL-3 and GM-CSF treatment, both a single class of low nM KD Ins (1, 4, 5) P3 binding site and a 10 kb InsP3 receptor mRNA were detectable. The results suggest that IL-3 and GM-CSF regulate the expression of the Ins (1, 4, 5) P3 receptor gene.

[Effects of fertilization on yield of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr]

The experiment revealed that the use of various kinds of fertilizers has apparent effect on the yield of Asparagus cochinchinensis during its growth period. Nitrogen fertilizer and compound fertilizer are suitable for the seeding period, while compound fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are suitable for the period of root forming. The quantity of fertilizer to be used depends on the growing and soil conditions.

Activation of the easter zymogen is regulated by five other genes to define dorsal-ventral polarity in the Drosophila embryo

The product of the Drosophila easter gene, a member of the trypsin family of serine proteases, must be more active ventrally than dorsally to promote normal embryonic polarity. The majority of the easter protein in the embryo is present in the unprocessed zymogen form and appears to be evenly distributed in the extracellular space, indicating that the asymmetric activity of wild-type easter must arise post-translationally. A dominant mutant form of easter that does not require cleavage of the zymogen for activity (ea delta N) is active both dorsally and ventrally. The ea delta N mutant bypasses the requirement for five other maternal effect genes, indicating that these five genes exert their effects on dorsal-ventral patterning solely by controlling the activation of the easter zymogen. We propose that dorsal-ventral asymmetry is initiated by a ventrally-localized molecule in the vitelline membrane that nucleates an easter zymogen activation complex, leading to the production of ventrally active easter enzyme.

[Hygienic epidemiological assessment of electrodialysis drinking water]

It is first reported the hygienic epidemiological assessment of electrodialysis drinking water with multidiscipline methods including environmental epidemiology, toxicology, chemistry and clinical medicine. The results showed that the occurrence of malignant tumours in residents drinking electrodialysis water did not directly associate with their drinking water, we also did not find that there was any influence of electrodialysis water on residents' liver and gastrointestinal function, and the rate of thyroid enlargement, prevalence rates of dental fluorosis and dental caries as well as the level of saliva lysozyme in children. However, the morbidity rate of hypertension in the residents drinking electrodialysis water was higher than that in those drinking non-electrodialysis water.

Clonal structural chromosome aberrations in nonneoplastic cells of the skin and upper aerodigestive tract

Cytogenetic analyses of tumors of the skin and upper aerodigestive tract have repeatedly revealed small, pseudodiploid clones characterized by balanced structural rearrangements and a high frequency of cells with nonclonal structural aberrations. However, the lack of common cytogenetic denominators within the different histologic subtypes, the discrepancy between cytogenetic findings and data obtained from flow cytometric DNA content studies, and the occasional identification of tumors with massively rearranged karyotypes indicate that the chromosome rearrangements present in pseudodiploid cells have little to do with the tumorigenesis or progression. Further support for this conclusion, and indirect evidence that the pseudolipid clones probably do not represent the tumor cell populations, derives from the present study in which clonal and nonclonal structural rearrangements were also found in short-term cultures from nonneoplastic skin and pharyngeal mucosa. It is possible that the aberrations are present in subepithelial fibroblast that have accumulated DNA damage due to extensive exposure to potentially carcinogenic agents.

Effects of Lofexidine, an α2-adrenoreceptor Agonist, on Ocular Blood Flow and Ion Transport of Rabbit Iris-ciliary Body

The effect of topical unilateral application of lofexidine, an alpha 2-agonist, on ocular regional blood flow was tested in anesthetized rabbits using radiolabeled microspheres. A significant reduction in blood flow was found only in the ciliary body of the treated eye at 1 hr after lofexidine treatment. However, the IOP of both eyes was decreased significantly at 30 and 60 min post lofexidine treatment. Yohimbine (i.v.) blocked this IOP lowering effect, but only partially prevented the blood flow response. In addition, no significant difference was found in either basal or amphotericin-B stimulated short-circuit current or potential difference of the isolated rabbit iris-ciliary body after 30 minutes of lofexidine treatment. These observations suggest that the IOP lowering effect of lofexidine appears to be mediated by alpha 2-receptors but unrelated to the reduction in the ocular blood flow and net electrogenic ion transport.

The decline of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression in older rats and the effects of ginsenoside on ANP gene expression

1. The levels of atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) gene expression in rat atria at 2-3 and 14-18 months of age and the effects of ginsenosides on r-ANP gene expression by determining the concentration of ANP-mRNA were investigated. The male and female rats were abdominally (i.p.) injected with aqueous solution of ginsenosides prepared from ginseng stems and leaves (G-PSL) and ginseng roots (G-PR), 50 mg/kg body wt, once a day for 7 days. Atria total RNA was extracted by the cold phenol method. The ANP-mRNA contents were determined using the Northern blot and dot blot hybridization technique with alpha-32*P-labelled r-prepro-ANP-cDNA probe. 2. The ANP-mRNA contents of 14-18 month rats were remarkably less than that of 2-3 month rats. The levels of male and female rats' atria at 14-18 months were about 15 and 60%, the content of male and female rats at 2-3 months respectively. 3. G-PSL and G-PR increased the ANP-mRNA content of male rats at 14-18 months 1- and 2-fold, respectively, whereas G-PSL and G-PR decreased the ANP-mRNA content in male rats of age 2-3 months. 4. These results revealed that the ANP gene expression declined during ontogenic ageing development and ginsenosides possessed anti-ageing effects in the heart endocrineous function aspect.

Unstable tibio-fibular fractures treated with an external fixator--a clinical report of 1033 cases

From 1977 to 1987, 1033 cases of unstable tibio-fibular fractures were treated with an external fixator designed by the authors. Among them, 232 involved open fractures. All of the patients were followed up for 4 to 90 months (average 20 months). The duration of bed confinement averaged 8.3 days, and the mean time necessary for clinical bone union was 54 days. Anatomical or nearly anatomical bone apposition was effected in 878 cases (85.0%), functional apposition in 141 cases (13.6%) and malunion in 14 cases (1.4%). The overall functional results were as follows: excellent in 769 cases (74.4%), good in 218 cases (21.1%), fair in 32 cases (3.1%), and poor in 14 cases (1.4%). The design of the device and its indications are also discussed.

Separation, purification, and sequence identification of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 from bovine milk

Cox and Bürk (Eur. J. Biochem., 1991) reported the partial characterization of Milk Growth Factor (MGF) which stimulated the migration of fibroblasts. We have fractionated the partially purified sample by RP-HPLC and obtained the separation of two peaks of activity. The two active components were isolated as pure MGF-a and MGF-b by RP-HPLC and preparative SDS-PAGE. The purified MGF-a, consisting of a single band by gel electrophoresis and a single peak on an HPLC reversed-phase C-4 column, has the same specific activity as TGF-beta 2 in the fibroblast migration assay. MGF-a was digested by endoprotease Asp-N and the cleaved peptides were analyzed by Edman degradation and plasma desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS). The whole sequence of MGF-a determined by automated sequenator and PDMS of S-pyridylethylated protein and selected fragments was found to be identical to that of TGF-beta 2. MGF-b protein mixture separated by SDS-PAGE was electrophoretically transferred onto a Biometra Glassybond membrane, and the blotted MGF-b protein was directly sequenced on an automated sequenator. The identified 29 amino acids sequence of MGF-b was identical to the amino-terminal sequence of TGF-beta 1. Our study demonstrates that MGF is composed of both TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2. TGF-beta 2 (85%) is the predominant form.

[A quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in osteosarcoma of jaw]

The monoclonal antibody against bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-McAb) was first used for demonstration of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in 13 patients with osteosarcoma. Using avidin-biotin complex method (ABC), we demonstrated that BMP mainly existed in the tumor cell cytoplasm and tumorous osteoblast with positive staining in 10 out of 13 osteosarcoma patients. Using this staining method, we can not only differentiate osteosarcoma from fibrosarcoma (all are negative) and other non-osteogenic tumors, but also further classify osteosarcoma according to the BMP content and distribution by means of quantitative histological analysis. The BMP quantity of osteosarcoma with the patients' clinical situation will be useful in clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The relationship between BMP and the formation of the tumorous bone, and the relation between BMP and the process of osteosarcoma are discussed.

Ocular hypotensive effects of medetomidine and its analogs

The ocular hypotensive effects of medetomidine, a relatively selective alpha 2-agonist, and its analogs were tested in rabbits and cats and their inhibition of adenylate cyclase in the isolated bovine ciliary process was also studied. It was found that topical unilateral administration of medetomidine (0.5-2.0%) to the normotensive rabbits produced a dose-dependent bilateral decrease in IOP with peak reduction in IOP at 2 hr in the treated eye and 1 hr in the untreated eye. A dose-dependent mydriasis was also observed in the treated eye. The dose-response curves of medetomidine and its analogs showed that the ranked order of intrinsic activity at lowering IOP was medetomidine greater than or equal to MPV-1440 greater than detomidine greater than MPV-1441 and MPV-305 BII. At concentrations lower than those used in rabbits, topical application of medetomidine to the normotensive cats lowered IOP in both treated and untreated eyes. Medetomidine and detomidine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Detomidine was found to be a partial agonist producing about 43% of maximum inhibition obtained by medetomidine. The IOP efficacy of these alpha 2-agonists paralleled their effects on adenylate cyclase activity. The results demonstrated that these imidazoline derivatives are effective ocular hypotensive agents which may be useful in understanding the contribution of alpha 2-receptors to the regulation of IOP.

The effects of streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus and fish oil compound on gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide in rat

1. Adult male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ: 55 mg/kg) for inducing diabetes. Then blood and atria for RNA extraction were withdrawn from rats treated 3 and 11 weeks previously with STZ respectively. Atrial total RNA were extracted with cold phenol method. The ANP mRNA contents were determined using Dot blot hybridization technique with alpha-32-P-labelled r-prepro ANP cDNA probe. 2. Plasma glucose was increased and plasma immunoreactive insulin was lowered in rats at 3 and 11 weeks after injection of STZ. ANP gene expression in diabetic rats was depressed. ANP mRNA contents in rats treated 3 and 11 weeks with STZ were 86.4% and 31.7% of that of control rats. 3. Three weeks after treatment of STZ, the rats were gastrically perfused with FOC (Fish Oil Compound) (0.355 ml/kg) once a day successively until 11 weeks. This treatment induces lower blood pressure in rats. ANP gene expression in FOC group was apparently recovered which had been decreased because of the effect of diabetes mellitus.

Rearrangement of 9p13 as the primary chromosomal aberration in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the respiratory tract

Two adenoid cystic carcinomas, one of the nasal cavity, the other a bronchial tumor, were cytogenetically analyzed. The former had a t(6;9)(q21-22;p 13-21) as the sole karyotypic abnormality. The latter had two related abnormal clones, resulting in the mosaic karyotype 46,XY,t(9;17)(p13;p13)/46,Y,t(X;6)(p22;q23),t(9;17)(p13;p13). The karyotypic profiles of the two cases, the only respiratory tract adenoid cystic carcinomas that have been cytogenetically characterized, differ little from those of previously reported adenoid cystic carcinomas of the major salivary glands, underscoring the fundamental biologic similarity among these tumors even when they develop from different structures and in different anatomical sites and organs. Because in the second case the t(9;17) obviously must have preceded the t(X;6), we conclude that both tumors had rearrangement of 9p13 as the primary cytogenetic change. The data thus add to the evidence that 6q changes are frequent, albeit at least sometimes secondary, aberrations in malignant salivary gland tumors. A subset of adenoid cystic carcinomas instead have rearrangement of 9p as the primary, and presumably pathogenetically essential, abnormality.

Report on Shanghai norms for the Chinese translation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised

The Chinese translation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised (WISC-RC) was administered to 660 children (ages 6 through 16 yr.) in the city of Shanghai. The obtained norms represent children's intelligence levels in big cities where the economic and cultural development is advanced. The norms are reported as "Scaled Score Equivalents of Raw Scores" for each age group and as "IQ Equivalents of Sums of Scaled Scores." The reliability and validity of the norms indicate that the WISC-R is suitable for use with school-age children in China. The difference between the results for our Shanghai sample (WISC-RCs) and a USA sample (WISC-R) is also discussed.

The relationship between bone morphogenetic protein and neoplastic bone diseases

The monoclonal antibody against bovine bone morphogenetic protein was used for demonstration of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in neoplastic bone diseases. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method demonstrated that BMP mainly exists in the cytoplasm of tumor cells of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Immunostaining showed that a majority of osteosarcomas and all of the chondrosarcoma cells contained a large quantity of BMP. Conversely, none of the fibrosarcomas showed positive staining. Thus, it was possible to differentiate osteosarcomas from fibrosarcomas by immunostaining. In fibrous dysplasia of bone, BMP was abundant in the fibrocellular tissue that had osteogenic activity. In contrast, fibrous tissue of ossifying fibroma showed weak positive staining; only the osteoblasts rimming the bone showed a positive reaction. Immunostaining showed that BMP was also detected in other neoplastic bone diseases such as osteoma, chondroma, and other tumors.

Immunohistochemical observations on bone morphogenetic protein in normal and abnormal conditions

Localization of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in human tissues and cells is important for investigating the mechanism of bone induction. A stable cell line secreting monoclonal antibody against bovine BMP (bBMP-McAb) was obtained by the hybridoma technique. The result of immunohistochemical staining (ABC method) showed that BMP is distributed along collagen fibers of normal bone, in periosteal cells, and in mesenchymal cells of marrow stroma. Little BMP can be found in bone cells of lamellar bone or in calcified bone matrix. BMP may be abundant in human tooth anlagen such as predentin, cells of the outer and inner enamel epithelium, and cells of dental sac generating bone. BMP is found in the cytoplasm of tumor cells of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemical staining showed that BMP plays a role in bone fracture healing. The ability of BMP-McAb to detect BMP and to inhibit the generation of new bone also makes it potentially useful in diagnosing, treating, and providing a prognosis for osteosarcoma and other bone diseases.

[Studies on the pharmacokinetics of BMY-28100 (II)]

Studies were done in rats on placental transfer and excretion into milk of 14C-BMY-28100 upon single oral administration. Studies on absorption, distribution and excretion of 14C-BMY-28100 were also done upon multiple dosing. 1. Fetal tissue concentration of the drug reached a maximum at 6 hours after dosing on day 18 of gestation. The highest concentration observed was only 0.56 microgram equiv./g in fetal kidney; The transfer of radioactivity into the fetus was low. Similar results were obtained from whole body autoradiograms performed in rats on day 12 and day 18 of gestation. 2. Concentrations of radioactivity in milk reached a maximum of 0.60 microgram equiv./ml at 1 hour after administration, and gradually decreased thereafter. The maximum concentration in milk was 10% of the plasma concentration measured at the same time. 3. In the multiple oral administration study, 24 hours blood levels of radioactivity rose progressively with each dose, and reached a level 3.8 times higher than that observed with single dosing by the final (21st) administration. Tissue concentrations were relatively high in aorta, kidney and large intestine as were found upon single administration. However, the ratios of these levels between multiple and single dosing were lower than those observed in blood; 1.7, 3.6 and 2.9 for aorta, kidney and large intestine, respectively. Urinary and fecal excretion were constant after the 2nd administration.

[Studies on the pharmacokinetics of BMY-28100 (I)]

The pharmacokinetics of BMY-28100 have been studied in rats and monkeys upon oral administration of 14C-BMY-28100. 1. In rats administered with BMY-28100 at a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg, the peak blood level of the drug was 6.30 micrograms equiv./ml at 1 hour after administration. Blood levels declined biphasically, thereafter. The AUC value was 37.0 micrograms equiv..hr/ml, and was 97% of that observed after intravenous administration. This suggests that BMY-28100 is absorbed at a high absorption rate from the gastro-intestinal tract. 2. In monkeys administered with a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg, the peak blood level was 4.26 micrograms equiv./ml at 3 hours after administration. Thereafter, blood levels declined biphasically as did in rats. The AUC was 38.9 micrograms equiv..hr/ml, which is similar to that observed in rats. 3. Urinary and fecal excretion after 20 mg/kg oral administration were 60.9% and 38.1%, respectively, in rats, and 40.3% and 51.2%, respectively, in monkeys. 4. Although absorption from gastro-intestinal tract was delayed by food intake, this did not affect the total amount absorbed in rats. 5. The absorption rates were similar in rats administered with 20 and 60 mg/kg, while a lower rate was obtained with 200 mg/kg. 6. In rats, biliary excretion was 28.5% of dose administered. Thirty-nine percent of the biliary radioactivity was reabsorbed from the intestinal tract. 7. No differences between sexes were observed in absorption and excretion in rats administered with the drug at 20 mg/kg orally. 8. In rats administered with 20 mg/kg, the radioactivity distributed rapidly to the whole body. High levels of radioactivity were found in gastro-intestinal tract, kidney, urinary bladder, aorta and liver. The radioactivity was removed rapidly from the tissues. Autoradiograms of the whole body were consistent with the measured tissue distribution. Relatively high levels of radioactivity were found in aorta, fascia, and ligament at 0.5, 1, 6, and 24 hours. 9. In vivo protein binding, which increased with time after administration, was 56.8 to 73.5% in rat and 36.3 to 58.6% in monkey. The in vitro protein binding at 0.4 to 50 micrograms/ml of drug concentration was 50.0 to 54.7% in rat, 32.3 to 35.0% in monkey, and 33.4 to 36.3% in human. 10. A stability test of 14C-BMY-28100 in plasma solution showed that the drug decomposed gradually into relatively polar compound(s). At 8 and 24 hours, the proportions of unchanged 14C-BMY-28100 were 53.2% and 5.9%, respectively.