Peptidergic Innervation of the Mammalian Anterior Pituitary

The anterior pituitary is regulated by humoral and probably also by neural factors. Immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated substance P-, calcitonin gene-related peptide-, and galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars distalis of several mammalian species, and synapses have been identified on gland cells.

Peptidergic innervation of the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis

Substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have been found in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis in the monkey, dog, and rat. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have also been identified in the dog and rat. The peptidergic fibers are closely related to the glandular cells with synaptic contacts demonstrated between them. It is suggested that neural factors may be directly involved in the regulation of the activities of the anterior pituitary.

Leukocyte redistribution and eicosanoid changes during the autoperfused working heart-lung preparation

We studied the role of leukocyte redistribution and eicosanoid changes in the early stages of instituting 16 rabbit autoperfused working heart-lung preparations (AWHLP). Physiological changes occurring during the transition from the intact animal to the AWHLP may determine the survival and viability of the organ blocks for transplantation. White blood cell (WBC) count decreased from 5,160/microL to 1430/microL (P less than .01) at 60 min of autoperfusion. Differential WBC counts performed in ten of these AWHLP revealed a 63% decrease in lymphocyte count and an 88% decrease in the granulocyte count at 60 min. Thus, the predominant leukocyte remaining in the circulation was the lymphocyte. Blood samples were collected from the intact animal and from the AWHLP for assay of the stable metabolites of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2). Transition from the in situ heart-lung block to the in vitro AWHLP stage caused significant changes in these metabolites. The PGI2 metabolite 6-ketoprostaglandin F1a (6KPGF1a) increased from 2680 +/- 487 to 4339 +/- 478 (pg/mL), P less than .05, while the TxA2 metabolite, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) decreased from 618 +/- 105 to 289 +/- 63 (pg/mL). However, assays of 11-dehydro-TxB2 (11-DHT), a longer lived metabolite of TxA2 (n = 7) increased (668.4 +/- 84.6 to 946.4 +/- 43.7, P less than .05). The transition from the in situ heart-lung block of the intact animal to the AWHLP involves significant physiological changes. Redistribution of leukocytes occurs with a predominant decrease in the granulocyte count, while levels of bioactive lipid mediators show a distinct large rise in the PGI2 metabolites and a lesser increase in TxA2 metabolites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of dietary fats on butyrylcholinesterase and esterase-1 (ES-1) activity in plasma of rats

We studied the effects of dietary fats, especially fish oil, on the activities of esterase-1 (ES-1) and butyrylcholinesterase in the plasma of rats. The identification of nutritional determinants of these enzymes could provide clues as to their physiological function. Fish oil, when compared with corn oil, consistently caused increased activities of both enzymes. Plasma ES-1 activity, but not butyrylcholinesterase activity, was increased after isocaloric replacement of carbohydrates by coconut fat. Dietary medium-chain triglycerides, when compared with corn oil, produced decreased and increased activities of butyrylcholinesterase and ES-1, respectively. Various plant fats, such as corn oil, linseed oil, coconut fat, palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil and rapeseed oil, did not differentially influence butyrylcholinesterase activities. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were lowered by fish oil and increased by coconut fat and palm kernel oil. For individual rats in 5 out of 6 experiments, weak, negative correlation coefficients of the order of 0.3 were found between the changes in plasma butyrylcholinesterase activities and in plasma triglyceride concentrations.

Isolation and partial characterization of aClostridium species transforming para-hydroxybenzoate and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate and producing phenols as the final transformation products

Organisms present in methanogenic freshwater lake sediments from the vicinity of Athens, Georgia, were adapted to mineralize 2,4-dichlorophenol. Repeated addition of 0.5 to 2.7 mmol/liter of phenol, and later of 0.5-6.2 mmol/liter p-hydroxybenzoate (p-OHB), to such enrichments led to the conversion of p-OHB to phenol at a rate of up to 100 mmol p-OHB per liter per day. Subsequently, a spore-forming, obligately anaerobic bacterium, strain JW/Z-1, was isolated which transformed p-OHB to phenol and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (3,4-OHB) to catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) stoichiometrically without further metabolism of the phenols. The strain did not transform benzoate, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorobenzoate, o- and m-hydroxybenzoate, 2,4- and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, 2,3,4- and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, or 4-aminobenzoate. Yeast extract was required for growth of strain JW/Z-1 and only high concentrations of casein hydrolysate or tryptone could substitute it, to some extent. Except for sodium acetate, and some amino acids together with a 20-fold increased concentration of vitamins, no single carbohydrate or defined organic compound has been found to support growth of this strain in the presence (or in the absence) of 0.2 to 0.5% (w/v) yeast extract. The fermentation products during growth on yeast extract indicated that the metabolism of amino acid degradation was the major source for growth. The decarboxylating activity was inducible by p-OHB for the decarboxylation of p-OHB, and at a lower rate for 3,4-OHB, and by 3,4-OHB only for 3,4-OHB, suggesting that two different enzyme systems exist. The addition of the aromatic amino acids phenol or benzoate did not induce the decarboxylation activity in cultures growing with yeast extract. Growth was observed at temperatures ranging from 12-41°C (Topt, 33-34°C) and at pH-values ranging from 6.0-10.0 (pHopt, 7.2-8.2). The shortest doubling time observed for strain JW/Z-1 was 3.2 hours.

[Pharmacological functions of Chinese ant oral syrup]

Experiments show that Chinese Ant Oral Syrup has functions as calmatives, fatigue-resisting agents and androgen. Also it can cause thymic atrophy in small mice, increase their oxygen-deficient endurance under normal pressures, inhibit leucocyte-decrease induced by cyclophosphamidum. The syrup is slightly toxic.

A non-mammalian in vivo model for cellular and molecular analysis of glucose-mediated thickening of basement membranes

An increase of basement membrane thickness in renal glomeruli, blood vessels, and other tissues is a consistent pathological observation in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Although a number of pathological complications of the disease are thought to result from this structural abnormality in basement membranes, the mechanism(s) responsible for this glucose-mediated process remain unknown. The current study was designed to develop a non-mammalian in vivo epithelial/basement membrane model which would facilitate detailed analysis of the cellular and molecular processes which lead to thickening of basement membrane under hyperglycaemic conditions. The system developed utilizes the Cnidarian, Hydra vulgaris. Hydra lends itself to such studies because of (1) its simplified body structure which is composed of an epithelial bilayer with an intervening basement membrane (mesoglea) and (2) its extensive regenerative capacity which allows cell pellets (Hydra cell aggregates), formed from isolated Hydra cells, to develop into adult Hydra within 72-96 h. This process involves reformation of an epithelial bilayer and de novo biosynthesis of a basement membrane. Our studies indicate that exposure of developing Hydra cell aggregates to levels of D-glucose which mimic that observed in the human diabetic patient (15 mmol/l) induces a doubling of Hydra basement membrane thickness within 72-96 h of pellet formation. The same results were obtained using 15 mmol/l D-Ribose which is a highly efficient glycating agent. The data presented support the use of the Hydra cell aggregate system as a potentially powerful non-mammalian in vivo model to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) underlying glucose-mediated basement membrane thickening.

[Computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine fetal distress]

A computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of IFD on the basis of a mathematical model using Fuzzy Set Theory and employing the BASIC Language has been developed to provide a reliable modality for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IFD. The system has been successfully checked in IBM-PC/XT and its compatible computers. Through its application in 300 cases prospectively, the accuracy rate was 92.7%.

The investigation of antiepileptic action of qingyangshen (QYS)--influences of QYS on the development of rat brain and memory behavior

As an anticonvulsant, the influences of Qingyangshen (QYS) on the development of brain and memory behavior were observed in four-week-old male rats. The dosage of QYS was 100 mg/kg/QOD and the period of administration was one month. The results showed that QYS had less influence on the development of body weight and brain wet weight in young-aged rats than diphenylhydantoin (DPH). However, QYS inhibited the establishment of passive avoidance conditional reflex and had influence on memory behavior in young-aged rats.

Pharmacokinetics and autoradiography of [3H] or [14C]stepholidine

After iv [3H]stepholidine (SPD) 12 MBq/kg, the concentration-time curve in rats was found to be a two-compartment open model. The distribution phase T1/2 alpha = 3.6 min, the elimination phase T1/2 beta = 168 min. The absorbed radioactivities of [3H] SPD in 15-30 min were 80-87%. The amounts of [3H]SPD bound to plasma protein, liver and kidney homogenates were estimated to be 37, 31, and 30%, respectively. During 3 d after ip [3H]SPD 50 MBq/kg, 56% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine and 5% in feces, thus, it suggested that [3H]SPD was mainly excreted by kidneys. After iv a single dose of [14C]SPD in mice, the whole-body autoradiography showed that [14C]SPD was rapidly distributed among various tissues. High radioactivities were found in kidneys, liver, brain, salivary glands, Harder's glands, heart blood and muscle at 2 min and intensively localized in kidneys and stomach mucosa at 30 min. The radioactivities in these tissues disappeared 4 and 8 h later, while that in intestine could not be detected 24 h later.

Selective sensitization by L-glutamate of baroreflex-mediated bradycardia following microinjection into the rostral ventrolateral medulla

This study examined the role of L-glutamate receptors in different sites in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL) on baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), sympathetic efferent discharge (SED) as well as baroreflex control of HR and SED. Depending on the site, the hemodynamic responses varied from an increase to a decrease in MAP which was accompanied by a similar or an opposite change in HR; the change in SED correlated positively with the change in MAP. Because injection of the test dose of glutamate (5 nM) into the deepest portion of the RVL produced the most pronounced increases in MAP, which was accompanied by a brisk bradycardia, we decided to investigate the nature of these responses. Dose-related sympathoexcitatory, pressor and bradycardic effects were obtained in response to 1, 3, 5 and 10 nM glutamate. The glutamate antagonist, glutamate diethylester (GDEE) abolished these responses and decreased baseline MAP, HR and SED. That glutamate-evoked bradycardia was baroreceptor-mediated was supported by: (1) the bradycardia was not only eliminated but was also converted to a small but significant tachycardic response in sinoaortic denervated rats and following cardiac muscarinic blockade; (2) glutamate substantially sensitized the baroreceptor HR and had no effect on SED response when tested by phenylephrine; and (3) GDEE abolished the sensitizing action of glutamate on the baroreflex control of HR. We conclude that glutamatergic pathways in the deepest portion of the RVL are tonically active and subserve sympathoexcitatory, pressor and tachycardic effects. Also, glutamate differentially sensitizes the baroreceptor reflex pathways that control HR by mainly activating the vagal component of the reflex, an effect which masks its tachycardic effect.

[Glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus]

Blood glucose at fasting and 1, 2, and 3 hours after meals GHb (glycosylated hemoglobin) were determined in 66 subjects. Based on WHO criterion, 34 of them were diabetics, and 32 were nondiabetics, in whom impairing of glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes were ruled out. The results showed that the concentrations of blood glucose, at fasting, and 1, 2, and 3 hours after meals, blood glucose area, and GHb in diabetic patients were significantly higher than those in the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between GHb and blood glucose at fasting and 2 hours after meal, and between GHb and blood glucose area in all subjects. Relative sensitivity of GHb for detecting diabetes mellitus was 88%, and relative specificity was 93.75%.

[Constituents of the seed coat of Arachis hypogaea L]

From the seed coat of Arachis hypogaea two compounds were isolated. They were identified as the dimer of proanthocyanidin-A type(I) and D-(+)-catechin (II) on the basis of UV, IR, MS, CD, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and chemical evidences. It has been found that II is the effective constituent of this plant and I has some active effects as well.

[A simple useful rhinoresistometer: mechanical principle and clinical applications]

A new rhinoresistometer consisting of a pressure nozzle, a flow nozzle, a two-U-tube manometer and a X-Y chart recorder is introduced in this paper. Such an apparatus is simple in construction and easy to use. The expiratory transnasal pressure difference is measured by a U-tube manometer while the nasal airflow is measured by flowmeter. With this apparatus, the subject's nasal airway resistance can be evaluated accurately and the nasal airway resistance curves drawn automatically. The mechanical principle of the apparatus is described and the nasal airway resistances of 200 normal subjects are reported in this article.

Laboratory and clinical diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus infection after transplantation

Urine and blood specimens from 32 recipients of allograft organ transplant were investigated for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) by conventional cell culture, indirect immunofluorescent assay subsequent to the rapid cell culture and DNA-DNA hybridization. The results showed that the rapid cell culture technique might be the best method for rapid detection of active HCMV infection after transplantation because it possesses the advantages of simplicity, speediness, sensitiveness, and high reliability of detecting productive HCMV infection. The major symptoms were prolonged or intermittent fever unresponsive to antibiotics, dysfunction or loss of function of the transplanted organ, pulmonary infiltrates and leukopenia. As our results suggested, reactivation of a latent infection appears to be the most probable etiologic factor contributing to HCMV infection after transplantation.

New triple microbore cannula system for push-pull perfusion of brain nuclei of the rat

A new miniaturized triple-barreled cannula system has been developed for the push-pull perfusion of a circumscribed area of brain tissue and/or simultaneous microinjection of a drug or other chemical substance at the same site. A three-lumen, microbore glass capillary tube is drawn to a length of 10-15 mm with a tip diameter of 150-190 microM and connected by lengths of PE tubing to a multichannel peristaltic pump. An artificial CSF is then perfused through either one or two tubes at a rate of 5.0-10.0 microliters/min at a selected site. Thus, a pharmacological receptor agonist and/or antagonist, for example, can be delivered simultaneously to the tissue quantitatively to achieve steady-state levels over time. Alternatively, a single volume of a given drug can be micro-injected at the perfusion site during the course of a push-pull perfusion, simply by replacing one push channel with an injection tube. In both cases, aliquots of CSF perfusate from the pull channel(s) are collected on ice for assay by HPLC or other procedures. Because of the diminutive size of the triple-bore cannula system, it is now possible to perfuse an individual nucleus in the hypothalamus or lower brainstem not only with minimal cytopathological damage but also with a punctate dispersion of the perfusion medium. The large number of possible in vivo manipulations which can be undertaken using this cannula system is illustrated experimentally by recovery studies of [14C]glutamate and 45Ca from the nucleus tractus solitarius and hypothalamus of the rat.

[Biological characteristics of Psoralea corylifolia L]

A study has been made on the biological characteristics of Psoralea corylifolia under general cultivating conditions. To search for the laws of growth and development so as to facilitate further studies on the cultivating techniques for higher production of Psoralea corylifolia.