[Detection of carriers of group B streptococci in pregnant women with absorbed charcoal culture. Streptococcal Diseases Study Group]

For prevention of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection in neonates, GBS carriers of pregnant women should be detected. Procedures for detection of carriers were needed to get higher positive rate and to be handled with easy. Urine samples were shown to detect higher rates than vaginal smear samples in pregnant women. GBS in the urine were adsorbed to charcoal granula for easier transporting. These adsorbed charcoal were tested as to whether they could be preserved with different temperatures and days. Urine with 10(1) CFU/ml of GBS added could be detected after 7 days at temperatures of 4, 25, 37, 42 degrees C. The cultures of this procedure with the cultures of urine sediment of pregnant women were compared. Detecting rates of this procedure and urine sediment were 177 (26.2%) and 136 (20.1%) of 676 pregnant women, respectively. These data suggested that adsorbed charcoal culture was useful with higher positive rates for detection of the GBS carriers in pregnant women.

An outbreak of group B streptococcus infection in a neonatal nursery and subsequent trial for prophylaxis of nosocomial transmission

An outbreak of sepsis and meningitis caused by group B streptococcus occurred in three very low birthweight infants. To prevent further nosocomial transmission, immune globulin and ampicillin sodium were administered intravenously to other very low birthweight infants. After this prophylaxis, no other infants were involved in this outbreak. Immuno- and chemoprophylaxis may be considered as procedures to prevent nosocomial infection for very low birthweight infants.

Selective isolation from HeLa cell lines of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli

Using HeLa cell lines, we obtained an optimal and selective isolation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli from samples such as pork, feces and river water heavily contaminated with other bacteria.

[Effect of palonidipine hydrochloride (TC-81), a new dihydropyridine derivative, on various myocardial ischemic models]

The antianginal effects of palonidipine, a novel 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, and nifedipine on various myocardial ischemic models were compared. (1) Palonidipine at 0.5 mg/kg, p.o. significantly inhibited vasopressin-induced ST depression of ECG in Donryu rats. This activity was about 5 times more potent than that of nifedipine and was long-lasting. (2) Palonidipine at 1 mg/kg, i.d. significantly inhibited ST depression induced by isoproterenol in Wistar rats. This activity of TC-81 was more potent than that of nifedipine. (3) Palonidipine at 3 micrograms/kg, i.v. produced an increase in regional myocardial tissue blood flow in the ischemic region of chronic coronary artery occluded dogs. (4) In isolated dog coronary artery, palonidipine at a concentration of 10(-10) M or greater inhibited the amplitude of 3,4-DAP-induced cyclic contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. This activity was 10-30 times more potent than that of nifedipine. (5) An intracoronary injection of endothelin (30 pmol/kg) reduced the coronary blood flow, subepicardial tissue blood flow, and subepicardial pH in anesthetized dogs. The ST elevation of ECG over 0.1 mV also occurred in 8 of 10 cases. In all the cases, ventricular extrasystoles were noted, and 9 out of 10 animals died. Pretreatment with palonidipine (3 micrograms/kg, i.v.) inhibited endothelin-induced ischemic changes, with a potency greater than that of nifedipine. These results suggest that palonidipine may be useful for the therapy of angina-pectoris.

[Effect of palonidipine hydrochloride (TC-81), a novel calcium antagonist, on the canine coronary artery]

The effects of palonidipine hydrochloride [TC-81: (+/-)-3-benzylmethylamino)-2,2-dimethylpropyl methyl 4-(2-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate hydrochloride], a new calcium antagonist, on the coronary artery were studied in dogs. In the isolated canine coronary artery, TC-81 inhibited high K+ (60 mM)-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. The relaxant activity of TC-81 was equal to that of nicardipine and more potent than those of nifedipine and diltiazem. TC-81 increased coronary blood flow in a dose-dependent manner after i.v.-administration in anesthetized open-chest dogs. The activity of TC-81 was equal to that of nifedipine or nicardipine, but the duration of its effect was longer than that of nifedipine or nicardipine. By oral administration in conscious dogs, TC-81 increased coronary blood flow at 0.1 mg/kg or more, and its activity was 10 times more potent than that of nifedipine. These results suggest that TC-81 increases coronary blood flow and is capable of improving the oxygen supply-demand relationship during angina pectoris.

[Inhibitory effects of palonidipine hydrochloride (TC-81) on contractions induced by various vasoconstrictors in rat aorta]

Inhibitions by palonidipine hydrochloride (TC-81), a new Ca entry blocker, of the contractile responses to norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and U-46619, a thromboxane A2 analog, were investigated in isolated rat aorta strips and compared with the inhibition of the high K+ response. TC-81 and nicardipine inhibited the contractile responses to NE, 5-HT, PGF2 alpha, and U-46619 in a concentration-dependent manner, but their relative inhibitions were less than 50% at 10(-8) M. In a Ca(2+)-free medium, 2-hr pretreatment with TC-81 or nicardipine did not inhibit the contractile responses to various vasoconstrictors, but it inhibited the responses to the addition of Ca. Their inhibitory potencies were less than the inhibition with high K+. Also, the treatment with TC-81 or nicardipine at 10(-7) M did not affect the tissue level of cyclic AMP. These results suggest that in isolated rat aorta, the inhibition by TC-81 of the contractile responses to NE, 5-HT, PGF2 alpha and U-46619 is not due to inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ release or an increase in cyclic AMP; rather, it is due to inhibition of the Ca2+ influx. This inhibitory effect was less than that seen on the high K+ response.

Effect of clenbuterol on contractile response in periurethral striated muscle of rabbits

The effect of clenbuterol, a selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, on isolated periurethral striated muscle preparations from rabbits has been investigated. The periurethral striated muscle produced a contraction in response to field stimulation. An application of clenbuterol resulted in a dose-dependent potentiation of the field stimulation-induced contraction. This potentiation was antagonized by propranolol and was greater than that of isoproterenol, suggesting a beta 2-agonistic action.

[Comparison between cultures of urine sediment and of the vagina for detection of carriers of group B Streptococcus (GBS) among pregnant women]

An attempt was made to detect carriers of group B Streptococcus (GBS) among pregnant women by vaginal culture. Reported carrier rates have varied from 3% to 15% and one study has reported that cultures of urine sediment showed a very high positivity rate of 30% among non-pregnant women. In this study, we cultured urine sediment from 110 non-pregnant and 415 pregnant women. Among non-pregnant women, 26% were found to be GBS carriers by culture of urine sediment. Among pregnant women, the carrier rate was 3% by vaginal culture and 15% by culture of urine sediment. The serotypes of cases positive by vaginal vulture were identical with those positive by urine sediment culture. For detection of GBS carriers among pregnant women, culture of urine sediment is easy and reduces the rate of false negativity.

[Comparison between two systems for assaying the level of antibody against Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) type III]

Levels of antibody against GBS type III in pregnant women have been determined using ELISA assay method that we originally deviced. Toyo Jozo Co. have also introduced an assay system (the Toyo kit) that resembles ours. The present study was performed to compare our system with the Toyo kit. Correctivity between the two systems was good, giving a regression curve of Y = 1.18X - 0.60 and a correlation coefficient of r = 0.794. Antibody levels in pregnant women were determined by the Toyo kit, and were found to be less than 10 micrograms/ml in almost all samples. Among 19 serum samples from vaginal carriers of GBS type III, the antibody levels ranged from 1.5 to 93.8 micrograms/ml. Among seven maternal serum samples in cases of GBS type III infection, the maximum level was 6.0 micrograms/ml. Thus, the Toyo kit showed satisfactory sensitivity for determining the level of antibody against GBS type III. Hereafter, we intend to use the Toyo kit for determining antibody levels in pregnant women.

Lack of correlation between haemagglutination and adherence to epithelial cells in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was examined for its haemagglutinating activity and adherence to cultured epithelial cells (HEp-2) in relation to possession of a virulence (VW) plasmid and to growth conditions. VW-lacking (VW-) bacteria were isolated from ten VW+ strains of each serovar which, after they were grown on CFA plates at 37 degrees C, agglutinated the erythrocytes from five different species. In contrast to the bacteria possessing the plasmid (VW+) half of the VW- bacteria, grown on CFA plates at 37 degrees C, did not agglutinate any of the erythrocytes used and the other half agglutinated only human erythrocytes. Furthermore, when grown on CFA plates at 25 degrees C, neither VW+ nor VW- bacteria showed a haemagglutinating activity. When the bacteria were grown in CFA broth, only two strains grown at 25 degrees C did not agglutinate any of the erythrocytes tested. The VW+ and VW- bacteria of the remaining strains, grown either at 25 degrees C or 37 degrees C, showed relatively high haemagglutinating activity. Adherence to HEp-2 cells did not correlate with haemagglutinating activity in Y. pseudotuberculosis; the VW+ bacteria grown at 37 degrees C adhered to HEp-2 cells more efficiently than either the VW- derivatives or the VW+ bacteria grown at 25 degrees C, regardless of the growth medium. These results indicate that some of the haemagglutinins detected on Y. pseudotuberculosis are not involved in the adherence to HEp-2 cells.

Effect of a new anti-ulcer drug, (3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-phenyl] propionic acid hydrochloride, TEI-5103) on prostaglandin (PG) levels in rat gastric mucosa

1. Effect of TEI-5103 on the levels of various prostaglandins (PG's) in rat gastric mucosa was studied by HPLC and RIA methods. 2. When administrated in vivo, TEI-5103 significantly increased the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) but only slightly increased that of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) or thromboxane A2 (TXA2). 3. In the water-immersion stress model, the PGE2 level in control animals was increased immediately after stress and then decreased gradually to the initial level. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) sustained a lower PGE2 level during the experiment, as well as aggravated the lesions. 4. TEI-5103 (400 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the PGE2 level just before stress, and it resulted in the prevention of lesion formation. 5. TEI-5103 inhibited the activity of 15-OH-PG-dehydrogenase from guinea pig lungs, but did not affect the activity of phospholipase A2 from porcine pancreas.

Effect of 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)phenyl] propionic acid hydrochloride on gastric mucosa directly from the lumen

The present experiments were designed to determine if the novel anti-ulcer drug 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)phenyl]propionic acid hydrochloride (TEI-5103, TG-51), acts on the gastric mucosa directly from the lumen when given orally. TEI-5103 given orally (50-400 mg/kg) prevented the lesion formation induced by 0.1N HCl + 60% ethanol, but when given intraperitoneally (50-200 mg/kg) or intravenously (40 mg/kg), it did not prevent the formation of lesions. Indomethacin-induced gastric lesions were inhibited by oral administration of TEI-5103, but not by intraduodenal administration. In pylorus-ligated rats, TEI-5103 given intragastrically also inhibited the development of gastric lesions induced by HCl + ethanol. These results suggest that the presence of TEI-5103 in the stomach is necessary to elicit its anti-ulcer effect. In microautoradiographic examination, silver grains corresponding to [14C]-TEI-5103 distributed in the upper part of the mucosa (luminal side) at 0.5 to 4 h after the oral administration. However, when given intraduodenally or intravenously, this high concentration of [14C]-TEI-5103 was not observed in the stomach tissue. When given orally, the content of [14C]-TEI-5103 in rat stomach tissue was about 100 times higher than that in plasma and the time course of distribution was different from that seen in the gastric content. From these results, it seems that TEI-5103 distributes in the gastric mucosa directly from the lumen. In conclusion, TEI-5103, when given orally, distributes in the gastric mucosa as a target issue directly from the lumen; and only the oral and gastric route of administration lead to the anti-ulcer effect.

Effect of 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-phenyl] propionic acid hydrochloride on gastric mucosal blood flow

The effects of 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)phenyl]propionic acid hydrochloride (TEI-5103, TG-51) on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) in rats, rabbits, and dogs were studied by using hydrogen gas clearance, cross-thermocouple, and 51Cr-labelled erythrocyte methods. TEI-5103 (5 mg/kg i.v.) increased GMBF, measured by hydrogen gas clearance method, in anesthetized rats. At 1-10 mg/kg i.v. it also increased GMBF, measured by cross-thermocouple method, in anesthetized rabbits and dogs. The increasing effect of TEI-5103 was more potent than that of cetraxate. By the intragastric route, TEI-5103 (400 mg/kg) increased the GMBF 1 h after the administration in anesthetized and pylorus-ligated rats. Anti-ulcer doses of TEI-5103 prevented the decrease in the GMBF induced by serotonin or indomethacin in anesthetized rats. The drug also prevented the decrease in gastric mucosal blood volume induced by serotonin. The increase in dog femoral arterial blood flow by TEI-5103 (1-10 mg i.a.) was not affected by propranolol, atropine, diphenhydramine, or aminophylline, nor was it attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin. TEI-5103, like papaverine, inhibited Ca2+-, PGF2 alpha- and norepinephrine-induced contractions of isolated rabbit coeliac artery. The results indicate that TEI-5103 increases GMBF by acting directly on the gastric microcirculation and that this increasing effect may contribute to the anti-ulcer activity of TEI-5103.

Effect of 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)phenyl]propionic acid hydrochloride on gastric mucosal barrier

Effects of 3-[p-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexylcarbonyl)phenyl]propionic acid hydrochloride (TEI-5103, TG-51) on mucosal protection, ion permeability, potential difference, glycoprotein content, and bicarbonate secretion as parameters of the mucosal barrier in rats were studied. TEI-5103 (50-400 mg/kg p.o.) prevented the formation of gastric lesions induced by 75% ethanol, 0.6N HCl, and 0.1N HCl + 60% ethanol. Indometacin (10 mg/kg s.c.) given 30 min prior to TEI-5103 dosing slightly attenuated this protective effect. TEI-5103 (20 mg/ml intragastrically) prevented the increase in acid back-diffusion and ion permeability induced by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 5 mg/kg intragastrically). It also inhibited the decrease in mucosal potential difference induced by ASA and resultant lesion formation at 1 h after ASA dosing. TEI-5103 (400 mg/kg p.o.) improved the decrease in mucosal high molecular glycoprotein content induced by ASA (100 mg/kg p.o.), whereas it did not change the normal mucosal glycoprotein content. By intra-luminal perfusion of TEI-5103 (10 and 20 mg/ml/min), an increase in CO2 concentration in the perfusate was observed, suggesting heightened bicarbonate secretion. Its effect at 20 mg/ml/min was same as that of prostaglandin E2 (20 micrograms/ml/min). These findings suggest that TEI-5103 has a cytoprotective effect like prostaglandin and promotes the integrity of the mucosal barrier. These effects of TEI-5103 may contribute to its overall anti-ulcer effect.

Raw beef, pork and chicken in Japan contaminated with Salmonella sp., Campylobacter sp., Yersinia enterocolitica, and Clostridium perfringens--a comparative study

One hundred and twenty samples each of raw ground beef, pork and chicken from ten local grocery stores in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, were examined for the presence of Salmonella sp. (Sal), Campylobacter jejuni (Cj), Campylobacter coli (Cc), Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye), and Clostridium perfringens (Cp) from April 1984 to March 1985. A total of 205 isolates of Sal (112 strains), Cj (64 strains), Cc (one strain), Ye (7 strains) and Cp (21 strains) were recovered from 17 beef (14.2%), 31 pork (25.8%) and 94 chicken (78.3%) of 120 samples each. Sal biogroup 1 was found in 8.3% of beef, 13.3% of pork and 35.0% of chicken, Sal biogroup 2 in 0.8% of beef, 4.2% of pork and 14.2% of chicken, Cj in 1.7% of beef and pork and 50.0% of chicken, Cc in 0.8% of pork, Ye serotype 03 was found in 5.0% of pork, and Cp in 1.7% of beef and pork and 10.8% of chicken. These enteropathogens were recovered concomitantly from two pork and 31 chicken samples, especially Sal and Cj. Sal was counted at less than or equal to 10(2)/100 g of beef and pork and at less than or equal to 10(3)/100 g of chicken, Cj was counted at less than or equal to 10(1)/g of beef and pork and at less than or equal to 10(2)/g of chicken, Ye serotype 03 was counted at less than or equal to 10(3)/g of pork, Cp was counted at less than or equal to 10(2)/g of pork and at less than or equal to 10(2)g of chicken, and Cc from pork and Cp from beef were recovered by using enrichment culture. This investigation showed that a second-contamination of Sal and Cj from chicken to beef and pork frequently occurred during the warm months of the year. It was suggested that chicken may become a source of infection with plural organisms of enteric pathogens, especially Sal and Cj, at the same time all the year round, and that pork may be an important source of infection with Ye during the cold months.

Occurrence of Yersinia spp. in raw beef, pork and chicken

One hundred and twenty raw ground beef, pork and chicken samples from ten local grocery stores during a one year period were assayed for the presence of Yersinia spp., using direct and postenrichment KOH treatment. Seven thousand and fifty-five different isolates were recovered from 119 (99%) samples of beef and pork and 118 (98%) samples of chicken, including 27 Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 03 biotype 3B phage type 2 (4 pork samples), 4 Y. enterocolitica serotype 03 biotype 4 phage type 8 (3 pork samples), 4,066 Y. enterocolitica biotype 1, 2,194 Yersinia intermedia, 509 Yersinia frederiksenii, and 251 Yersinia kristensenii. Y. enterocolitica serotype 03 was isolated from 6 pork samples, including simultaneously isolation of both biotypes 3B and 4 from one sample. There was the negative correlation between the incidence of isolation of serotype 03 and the environmental temperature, but other environmental Yersinia spp. were frequently isolated through the year. Y. enterocolitica serotype 03 isolates were counted by alkali direct treatment at less than 10(3) cells per g of pork samples, and environmental Yersinia spp. at less than 10(5) cells per g of beef, pork and chicken samples. This may be the first evidence that some pork is contaminated with at least 10(3) Y. enterocolitica serotype 03 cells per g.

Familial basal ganglia calcifications visualized by computerized tomography

Intracranial calcification can now be detected easily and precisely with the advent of computerized tomography. A familial case of striopallidal calcification with a rare hereditary pattern of autosomal dominancy is presented. None of the family members, aged from 8 to 62, displayed any neurological abnormality. All female family members had, bilaterally, short fourth metatarsals. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were not abnormal, although such physical findings are compatible with pseudohypoparathyroidism. The family tree suggested autosomal dominant heredity with a penetrance rate of 100%. Our survey revealed that no more than 10 cases of familial striopallidal calcification excluding ours have been reported to date. Only by utilizing CT was the hereditary pattern of our case determined accurately.

Aggregation of platelets induced by novel synthetic secoprostaglandins

Two series of 8-acetly-12-hydroxyalkadienoic acids and 14-hydroxy-9-oxoalkadienoic acid which can be regarded as 11,12- and 8,12- secoprostaglandin E2 were synthesized and evaluated for their biological properties. Key members of each series, 11,12-(8Ac-HAD) and 8, 12-seco-11-norprostaglandin E2 (14H-OAD), were found to induce platelet aggregation which were inhibited by preincubation of platelet rich plasma with prostaglandin I2 but not inhibited by indomethacin, 8Ac-HAD produced dose-dependent potent contraction of rabbit aorta. Injection of 8Ac-HAD (1 mg/kg) into vein of rat induced sudden death of the animal. Both compounds were stable and platelet aggregating activity did not decrease at least for four hours at 0 degree C. Structure-activity relationship study of the series were carried out. Reduction of the acetyl carbonyl and methoxime formation of 8Ac-HAD lowered platelet aggregating activity, and 8-propionyl substituent and 12-deoxy derivative of 8Ac-HAD showed no activity. 12 (R)-Isomer and dl 12-methyl derivative of 8Ac-HAD retained the platelet aggregating activity. Modification of omega-chain did not cause any essential effect on the activity. Unlike 8Ac-HAD, several modification of 14H-OAD failed to maintain the aggregating activity.

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesizing enzymes by haptoglobin and plasma of rats with inflammation

Administration of carrageenin or adjuvant to rats to induce inflammation produced increases in the plasma haptoglobin level. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the activity of the plasma inhibitor of prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Partially purified haptoglobin inhibited the microsomal over-all conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2. The addition of the haptoglobin inhibited two heme-dependent reactions catalyzed by a purified enzyme of seminal vesicle microsome, i.e., the prostaglandin G2 synthesis from arachidonic acid and the conversion of prostaglandin G2 to H2. However, the plasma inhibitory activity was accounted for only partially by the haptoglobin contained in the plasma from treated rats.

Structure-activity relationships of novel 3-acylpyrrole derivatives: new inhibitors of platelet aggregation

Several N-substituted-3-acyl-2, 5-dimethyl pyrrole derivatives were examined for their potency to inhibit aggregation of platelets in vitro and extra vivo in guinea pigs. A structure-activity relationship study showed that the substitution at 3 position of the pyrrole ring affected in vitro activity of inhibiting platelet aggregation. Compounds with 3-benzoyl or 3-thenoyl substituent had greater potency than those with 3-aliphatic acyl substituent. Modification of benzoyl, such as para substitution of phenyl group or reduction of carbonyl group, decreased the activity. There was no clear correlation between that N-substitution of the pyrrole ring and in vitro anti-platelet activity. However, compounds with a longer alkyl chain in the N-substituent had weaker activity. The in vitro inhibitory activity on prostaglandin synthetase of these compounds, though less potent compared with their antiplatelet activity, has a close correlation with the latter. N-substituents of the pyrrole ring had the effect on extra vivo activity. Compounds which have no N-alpha-methyl group and no hetero atoms such as oxygen or sulfur in the N-substituent diminished the extra vivo activity.

[Biological activity of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1). Effect on intestine and bone in rats (author's transl)]

Biological activity of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol was studied in rats. 1alpha-Hydroxycholecalciferol was found to be more potent and rapidly active than vitamin D in stimulating intestinal calcium transport and calcium mobilization from bone both in normal and vitamin D deficient rats. 1alpha-Hydroxycholecalciferol was also active in nephrectomized and/or thyroparathyroidectomized rats both in intestine and bone. Although it is well known that 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol is metabolized to 1alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the liver, there is the possibility that the former is active without further metabolism. In rats in which hepatitis was induced by CCl4, 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol was active both in the intestine and in the bone, while it was inactive in hepatectomized rats. These data clearly demonstrate that 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol is not active by itself and must be metabolized in the liver. This idea also shows the lag time in response of rats to 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol has more potent antirachitic activity than vitamin D and does not lose its activity with chronic oral administration. In view of these findings, 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol appears to have a good potential for clinical application in cases of renal failure and metabolic bone diseases.