Effect of intrinsic CCK and CCK antagonist on pancreatic growth and pancreatic enzyme secretion in pancreaticobiliary diversion rats

When pancreaticobiliary diversion (PBD) surgery was performed in rats, plasma CCK level increased, the pancreas grew mainly by proliferation, and pancreatic trypsinogen showed a remarkable increase, although amylase and lipase synthesis were somewhat decreased. The sensitivity of amylase release against CCK-8 in the pancreatic acini decreased when plasma CCK level was high. These changes in pancreatic growth and pancreatic enzyme secretion caused by PBD were completely inhibited by the CCK-receptor antagonist loxiglumide. From these results, intrinsic CCK was considered to play an important role in both pancreatic enzyme synthesis and proliferation.

Distribution of calcium binding proteins in sensory organs of the ear, nose and throat

Distributions of spot-35 protein (S-35), calbindin (CaB), and parvalbumin (PaV), three types of calcium-binding protein, were examined immunohistochemically in sensory organs of the ear, nose and throat in guinea pigs and rats. Immunoreactivity of S-35 and CaB was found in the outer hair cells and in vestibular sensory cells situated at the top of the ampulla, and in some cells in the macula. Microvillar cells in the olfactory epithelium, periglomerular cells, and small numbers of cells in the mitral cell layer in the olfactory bulb reacted to anti-S-35 and anti-CaB antisera. In taste buds, most gustatory receptor cells reacted to anti-CaB, although a few reacted to anti-S-35 antiserum. Neuron-like cells in the upper respiratory tract reacted similarly to these antisera. No PaV-immunoreactivity was found in any region. These results indicate that S-35 and CaB play important roles in the special kinds of mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor cells found in the otolaryngeal area.

Survival rate of extremely low birthweight infants and its effect on the amendment of the Eugenic Protection Act in Japan

Because of the increasing survival rate of extremely low birthweight infants in recent years, the viability limit in the Eugenic Protection Act in Japan was amended from 24 to 22 completed weeks of gestation. The Japan Pediatric Society's survey on the outcome of infants born in 1990 focused on infants born before 24 weeks gestation and less than 500 g. The survival rates of infants born in 23, 22 and before 22 weeks gestation overall at 511 hospitals throughout Japan were 43/118 (36%), 3/36 (8%) and 0/8 (0%), respectively. Of 16 infants, none weighing less than 400 g at birth survived but 16 (12%) of 50 infants between 400 and 499 g survived. Up-to-date statistical data is essential to the amendment of the concept of viability and subsequent ethical decision-making on extremely low birthweight infants.

Maturation of an NH2-terminally extended thermostable alpha-amylase in Bacillus subtilis: a possible mechanism examined by in vitro experiments

An artificially inserted extra peptide (21 amino acid peptide) between the B. subtilis alpha-amylase signal peptide and the mature thermostable alpha-amylase was completely cleaved by B. subtilis alkaline protease in vitro. The cleavage to form a mature enzyme was observed between pH 7.5 and 10, but not between pH 6.0 and 6.5, although a similar protease activity toward Azocall was observed between pH 6.0 and 7.5. To analyze the effects of pH on the cleavage, CD spectra at pH 6, 8, and 11 of the NH2-terminally extended thermostable alpha-amylase were analyzed and the results were compared with those of the mature form of the alpha-amylase. It is suggested that the cleavage of the NH2-terminally extended peptide is controlled by the secondary and tertiary structure of the precursor enzyme. Similar cleavage of different NH2-terminally extended peptides by the alkaline protease was also found in other hybrid thermostable alpha-amylases obtained.

Cardiovascular and respiratory actions of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides

Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) and PACAP27 on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems were examined and compared to those of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in anesthetized beagle dogs. Intravenous PACAP27 and PACAP38 produced a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), and an increase in both femoral arterial blood flow (ABF) and in frequency of respiration (FR) with a dose-dependent relationship between 10 and 300 pmol/kg. PACAP27 produced a dose-dependent increase in heart rate (HR) between 10 and 300 pmol/kg while PACAP38 induced tachycardia which was not dose-dependent. Administration of 300 pmol/kg PACAP38 and PACAP27 produced extreme hypertension after transient hypotension. PACAP38 produced severe bradycardia after transient tachycardia. The cardiovascular actions of PACAP38 were persistent compared to those of PACAP27. Intravenous injection of 10-300 pmol/kg VIP brought about hypotension, tachycardia and an increase in ABF and FR with a dose-dependent relationship. VIP, at 2000 pmol/kg, did not produce the biphasic response obtained by a large dose of PACAP38. The present studies demonstrate that PACAP partially possesses VIP-like cardiovascular and respiratory actions and that the C-terminal 11 amino acid residues of PACAP38 are presumably responsible for a prolongation of its actions.

The prevalence of types I and II feline coronavirus infections in cats

The types of feline coronaviruses that are prevalent throughout Japan were determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) Type II and neutralizing test using Type II FIPV as challenge virus. A total of 1,079 cat serum samples were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay for FIPV Type II antigen, all 42 sample from natural cases of FIP, 138 of 647 (21.3%) from cases with some chronic diseases and 57 of 390 (14.6%) from apparently non-diseased cases were positive. Of the 42 cases with FIP, 29 (69%) and 13 (31%) were found to have infection with FIPV Types I and II, respectively. Of the cases with chronic diseases, 111 (80.4%) were shown to have infection with FIPV or FECV Type I, while 14 (10.1%) with FIPV or FECV Type II. All of the 57 apparently non-diseased cases seemed to have been infected with FIPV or FECV Type I. These results indicated that feline coronavirus Type I is more high prevalent in Japan.

Expression of rat renin in mammalian cells and its purification

Rat renin cDNA was transfected into COS-7 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and expressed under the control of the Simian Virus 40 early promoter. Conditioned media of the transfected cells showed renin activity only after trypsin treatment, suggesting prorenin was secreted into the medium. From the trypsinized serum-free culture of the transfected CHO cells active renin was purified to homogeneity by a simple three-step procedure. The active renin had similar specific activity, molecular weight, Km, pH optimum, and isoelectric point compared to native renin. The amino-terminal sequence was the same as that deduced from the renin cDNA. This suggests that the recombinant rat renin is similar to kidney renin in many respects, and is easily obtained by the present procedures.

Dopamine receptors mediate cocaine-induced temperature responses in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats

The involvement of dopaminergic receptors in the responses of conscious, restrained spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats to cocaine was examined using antagonists selective for DA-1 (SCH 23390) or DA-2 (sulpiride) dopamine receptors. Following pretreatment with saline vehicle, SCH 23390 (50 mg/kg, SC), sulpiride (50 mg/kg, IP) or SCH 23390 and sulpiride, cocaine was infused (1.25 mg/kg.min, IV) until death. Cocaine caused an initial pressor and tachycardiac response, which was followed by a progressively developing secondary pressor response. Combined (DA-1 and DA-2) antagonist pretreatment abolished the initial tachycardic response to cocaine. Rectal temperature during cocaine infusion increased in 38.5% of vehicle-treated SHR (designated SHRH), but decreased in the remaining SHR (SHRL) and all vehicle-treated WKY. The time-to-onset of cocaine-induced convulsions (Tc) was reduced in vehicle-treated SHRH compared to vehicle-treated SHRL and WKY. Sulpiride elevated rectal temperature in response to cocaine in SHR and WKY but reduced Tc only in SHR. SCH 23390 abolished hyperthermic responses to cocaine in SHR without altering toxicity in SHR or WKY. Combined pretreatment virtually abolished temperature responses to cocaine in SHR and WKY, but increased the Tc only in WKY. Dopamine receptors, particularly the DA-1 subtype, are involved in cocaine-induced hyperthermia.

[Prolactin, ovarian and adrenal steroid hormone in relation to the vaginal opening in immature female rats]

The serum prolactin levels in human girls are thought to be increased gradually throughout puberty, but some authors have reported that prolactin decreases transitorily before menarche. Prolactin has not been shown to play a significant role on the initiation of human pubertal development. However, in immature female rats, it is thought that prolactin is one of the most important hormones during sexual maturation. In experiment I, the serum concentrations of prolactin, estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHA-S) in immature female rats were measured. Prolactin increases gradually before vaginal opening and tends to decrease after vaginal opening, while E2 increases throughout sexual maturation. No significant changes were noticed in DHA-S levels. In experiment II, sulpiride, which raises serum prolactin level, was injected daily in to 4 groups of immature female rats starting from 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age till the day before vaginal opening. Physiological saline solution was injected daily in to age-matched controls. On the day of vaginal opening, serum levels of prolactin, E2 and DHA-S were studied, weights of bodies and internal genital organs were measured, and corpora lutea of the ovaries were inspected. Vaginal opening was accelerated in the group of rats injected with sulpiride 5mg every morning from 14 days of age (p less than 0.05). The weights of their bodies and internal organs were less than those of the control rats (p less than 0.05). Percent of ovaries which contained corpora lutea were lower than the controls. Although their serum levels of prolactin tended to be suppressed, three hormone levels were not different from those of control rats on the day of vaginal opening. However, when mean prolactin levels were depicted on the day of vaginal opening in both groups, a peak was noticed at 37 days of life, indicating that the secretion pattern of this hormone has been programmed according to the day of life. There was a close relation between prolactin and DHA-S levels (p less than 0.05). No significant relation between prolactin and E2 levels was noticed. The possible role of prolactin and DHA-S on the regulation of sexual development is suggested. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a significant relation between prolactin and DHA-S in immature female rats.

Successful treatment of disseminated cutaneous cytomegalic inclusion disease associated with Hodgkin's disease

A case of disseminated cutaneous cytomegalic inclusion disease associated with Hodgkin's disease is described. The patient had a diffuse eruption of pruritic, erosive erythematous nodules. Histologically, many inclusion bodies were observed in perivascular areas of the skin lesions. Immunohistologically, the inclusion bodies positively stained with both anticytomegalovirus antibody and anti-factor VIII-related antibody. On electron microscopy many virus particles and dense bodies were found in the area where inclusion bodies were observed. Treatment with high-dose intravenous acyclovir and a large amount of immunoglobulin resulted in prompt healing of the skin lesions. Subsequently, the patient's Hodgkin's disease was well controlled on chemotherapy. The patient steadily improved without relapse of skin lesions 1 year after antiviral therapy was administered.

A case of eosinophilic granuloma in the temporal bone

The following case reports a 4-year-old boy with a solitary eosinophilic granuloma in the right temporal bone. The patient complained of an inflammatory tumor in the right external ear canal. The histopathological diagnosis made based on the first specimen of the tumor in the right ear canal was foreign body granuloma. A polyp developed again in the right ear canal with postauricular swelling. Computerized tomography of the skull at that time showed an osteolytic defect in the right temporal bone filled with soft tissue. Diagnosis was established by finding of the presence of Birbeck granules in Langerhans histiocytes by electron microscopy.

Isolation and characterization of recombinant human prorenin in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Recombinant human prorenin (rh-prorenin) was purified from supernatants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line transfected with the cDNA for rh-prorenin by employing a simple two-step procedure which consisted of ammonium sulfate precipitation and immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody specific for the profragment of human prorenin. About 100-fold purification with 35% recovery was achieved after the two steps. Purified rh-prorenin migrated as a single protein band with apparent molecular weights of 46,000-47,000 and about 50,000 on SDS-PAGE and gel filtration (HPLC), respectively, although it consisted of multiple components (pI values, 5.6-6.4) that could be resolved by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The treatment of rh-prorenin with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase converted the rather broad protein band to a sharp band on SDS-PAGE and reduced the number of multiple pI peaks on IEF. Amino-terminal sequence analysis of both the purified rh-prorenin and rh-renin revealed Leu-Pro-Thr-Asp- and Leu-Thr-Leu-Gly-, respectively, which agreed with those predicted from the base sequences of their cDNA. These data suggested that microheterogeneity of rh-prorenin is due to the carbohydrate moiety, but not to the protein moiety. Purified rh-prorenin was almost inactive, but was cleaved at the carboxyl end of a dibasic pair Lys-2-Arg-1 by trypsin and converted to active renin. However, at the early stage during trypsin activation, new intermediate forms between rh-prorenin and rh-renin were formed, suggesting multiple activation steps of rh-prorenin in addition to the one step activation.

A study on the mechanism of antibody-dependent enhancement of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection in feline macrophages by monoclonal antibodies

Enhancement of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) infection of feline macrophages was studied using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the FIPV strain 79-1146. Adherent cells recovered from the feline lung and peritoneal cavity phagocytosed fixed red blood cells, and formed Fc-mediated rosettes. Enhancement of virus infection by MAb was investigated by inoculating alveolar macrophages with a mixtures of viral suspension and MAb, and examining the cells for intracellular viral antigen by the immunofluorescence assay and the amount of infectious virus in the supernatant fluid after incubation. The replication of FIPV in macrophages was enhanced by non-neutralizing MAbs recognizing peplomer protein (S) and transmembrane protein (M) of the virus. Even among the MAbs having the ability to neutralize FIPV strain 79-1146, some reversely enhanced virus infection when they were diluted. The enhancement was suppressed by pretreatment of the MAb with protein A. The enhancement was reduced by the use of F(ab')2 fragment of MAb. These results demonstrated antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of FIPV infection in macrophage. The replication of FIPV 79-1146 strain in macrophages from FIPV antibody-positive cats was more enhanced than in those from antibody-negative cats.

Multi-center study of seasonal affective disorders in Japan. A preliminary report

A multi-center study on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) was conducted from the autumn of 1988 to the spring of 1989 with the cooperation of 16 facilities in Japan. Forty-six SAD patients were identified among 1104 respondents to our advertisements in mass media, or patients seen at the outpatient clinics. Essentially similar findings to other previous reports were obtained in terms of onset age of the first episode, duration of episode, high proportion of depression in first-degree relatives and atypical vegetative symptoms. However, a nearly equal sex ratio, together with a high proportion of unipolar depression, is characteristic of the present study. Increased appetite and carbohydrate craving were predominant only in female patients, whereas hypersomnia was prominent in both sexes. Effective response to light therapy was found in 17 SAD patients. However, a controlled study on a large number of patients is required to allow final conclusions on the efficacy of light therapy in Japanese SAD patients.

Induction of fetal malformations after treatment of mouse embryos with methylnitrosourea at the preimplantation stages

The effects of methylnitrosourea (MNU) on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos were investigated in this study. ICR mice were treated intraperitoneally with single doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg MNU/kg body wt on day 0, 1, 2, or 3 of pregnancy. The uterine contents were examined on day 18 of pregnancy. The fetuses were examined for external and skeletal abnormalities. No significant differences were observed in the number of implantation sites between all the MNU-treated groups and controls. MNU treatment on day 2 or 3 of pregnancy caused dose-dependent significant increases in the incidence of abnormal fetuses over the control level, while treatment on day 0 or 1 failed to cause an increase of abnormalities. Cleft palate, exencephalus, and malformed vertebrae were the most common types of abnormalities. In the embryo transfer experiments, the frequency of fetal abnormalities induced when embryos were transferred from MNU-treated females to untreated pseudopregnant females was significantly higher than that induced when embryos were transferred from untreated females to MNU-treated or untreated pseudopregnant females. The results in the present study confirm and extend the previously proposed hypothesis that the direct effects of MNU on preimplantation embryos make a significant contribution to the induction of fetal malformations.

Restraint alters temperature responses to cocaine in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The body temperature responses to intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous (IV) cocaine in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were examined under restrained and freely moving conditions. Resting values for rectal temperature (RT), in ambient temperatures of 22-24 degrees C, were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in SHR than in WKY rats, under both restrained (39.19 +/- 0.07 vs. 38.01 +/- 0.06 degrees C) and freely moving (39.39 +/- 0.08 vs. 38.08 +/- 0.06 degrees C) conditions. Resting RT did not differ between restrained and freely moving conditions within a strain. An heterogeneity of RT response to both IV and IP cocaine was expressed by restraint in SHR. The SHR could be divided into animals which demonstrated hyperthermia to cocaine (SHRH) and those in which RT fell (SHRL) . However, cocaine produced hyperthermia in all freely moving SHR, regardless of the route of administration. The effects of IV cocaine in restrained WKY rats were similar to those in freely moving SHR, whereas IP cocaine decreased RT in all restrained WKY rats. Under conditions of restraint, divergent RT responses to cocaine were demonstrated following IV and IP administration in WKY rats, but not in SHR. These results indicate that restraint stress can significantly modify the body temperature responses to acute cocaine administration in both SHR and WKY rats.

A processing enzyme for prorenin in mouse submandibular gland. Purification and characterization

Renin is produced from an inactive precursor, prorenin, through proteolytic cleavage at paired basic amino acid residues. In this study, an enzyme which specifically cleaves mouse Ren 2 prorenin at the paired basic residues has been purified from mouse submandibular gland by CM-Toyopearl chromatography, antipain-Sepharose chromatography, and isoelectric focusing. This enzyme, named prorenin converting enzyme, consists of two polypeptide chains of 17 and 10 kDa. The enzyme has an isoelectric point of 9.5-9.8, and its pH optimum is between 7.5 and 8.5. It specifically cleaves the peptide bond on the carboxyl side of the Arg at the Lys-Arg pair of mouse Ren 2 prorenin to yield mature renin but does not cleave mouse Ren 1 and human prorenins. Studies on the effects of inhibitors indicate that this enzyme is a serine protease that differs from the enzymes processing other prohormones at paired basic amino acid residues.

[Effect of pancreatico-biliary diversion on endogenous CCK secretion, pancreatic enzyme synthesis, and amylase release]

Pancreatico-biliary diversion (PBD) by jejunal transposition in rats caused pronounced hyperplasia of pancreas. The increase of pancreatic trypsinogen contents exceeded the pancreatic growth, while pancreatic lipase and amylase contents relatively reduced. The high level of plasma CCK at the early period of PBD gradually decreased. The plasma secretin levels remained unchanged for 14 days after PBD. The plasma CCK levels were not elevated in fasting, but increased after intrajejunal infusion of 0.1 N HCl or Clinimeal. In acini prepared from PBD rats, the responsiveness to CCK8 was decreased when amylase release was expressed relative to DNA. The dose-response curve for CCK8 was shifted 3 fold toward higher concentrations of CCK8 4 days after PBD, but on 7 and 14 days after PBD returned to the same curve as the transected rats (control).

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on aztreonam in neonates and premature infants]

Aztreonam (AZT) was studied for its pharmacokinetics, clinical effect and effect on intestinal bacterial flora in neonates, and the results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Serum concentrations of AZT upon intravenous administration of 20 mg/kg were 38.6 micrograms/ml in 30 minutes, 30.6 micrograms/ml in 1 hour and 13.6 micrograms/ml in 6 hours. The T 1/2 was 3.73 hours. Ampicillin (ABPC) 25 mg/kg was concurrently used with AZT in 2 cases and serum concentrations of AZT in these 2 cases were 40.3 and 36.9 micrograms/ml in 30 minutes, 35.7 and 32.6 micrograms/ml in 1 hour, and 13.1 and 10.2 micrograms/ml in 6 hours, respectively. T 1/2's were 3.32 and 2.91 hours, respectively, and no interaction between the 2 drugs was observed. 2. AZT was administered to 21 neonates between 0 and 83 days of age and ABPC was concurrently administered to 18 of the cases. Clinical evaluation was made in 14 cases, where AZT was remarkably effective in 7 cases, effective in 6 cases and not effective in 1 case. Of the 21 cases, 1 case of diarrhea, 1 case each of eosinophilia, an increase in platelets, an increase in platelets and an elevation of GOT and a decrease in platelets were recorded. 3. With respect to effects of AZT on intestinal bacterial flora, fecal concentrations of AZT upon its single administration to 2 cases were low suggesting, there was little effect on the intestinal flora. Some effect on anaerobes, however, was recognized in 4 cases in which ABPC was concurrently used.

Conversion to renin of exogenously administered recombinant human prorenin in liver and kidney of monkeys

Highly purified recombinant human prorenin, labeled with 125I (125I-prorenin), was intravenously given to monkeys to examine the possible in vivo conversion of this prorenin to renin. 125I-prorenin and 125I-renin were detected using specific anti-prorenin prosegment antibody and anti-renin antibody, respectively. The plasma disappearance of immunoreactive 125I-prorenin in marmosets showed two exponential components with a half-life of 10.4 +/- 0.2 min for the rapid component and 165.7 +/- 12.6 min for the slow component. Fifteen minutes after the injection of 125I-prorenin, 38.7 +/- 2.8 and 3.9 +/- 0.5% of the administered dose accumulated in the liver and kidney, respectively. Less than 1% of the dose injected distributed in the other organs, including the brain, submandibular gland, lung, heart, aorta, adrenal gland, spleen, uterus, ovary, and testis. Thus the labeled prorenin was predominantly taken up by the liver and kidney. Analysis of liver and kidney extracts and plasma, by both gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, demonstrated that 125I-prorenin (Mr = 46,000) taken up by the liver and kidney was significantly converted to 125I-renin (Mr = 42,000), whereas only a negligible amount of 125I-renin (Mr = 42,000) was present in the plasma. Although there seems to be no activation of prorenin in the blood circulation, prorenin does seem to be activated by the liver and kidney.

A case of aqueduct stenosis in adults with various neurological and psychiatric symptoms

A case of aqueduct stenosis in an adult with several depressive episodes and the clinical features of delusional depression is presented. The patient complained of a strange feeling in the throat. She also had had several falls with loss of consciousness. The relationship between aqueduct stenosis and diencephalic dysfunction is discussed.

Site-directed mutagenesis of human prorenin. Substitution of three arginine residues in the propeptide with glutamine residues yields active prorenin

Human prorenin is an inactive zymogen comprising 43 amino acid residues at the amino terminus of human renin. The aim of this work was to determine why prorenin is inactive at neutral pH. Eighteen different mutant prorenins, in which positively charged residues in the propeptide were substituted with either glutamine (Gln) or lysine (Lys) residues by site-directed mutagenesis, were expressed in COS-7 cells and characterized. By replacing each of the three arginine (Arg) residues (Arg10P, Arg15P, and Arg20P) with Gln residues, partially active prorenins were produced, which exhibited significant but not full renin activity without trypsin activation. The effect of double or triple amino acid substitutions on the appearance of active prorenin was cumulative, the activity reaching about 80% in a mutant in which all the three Arg residues were replaced by Gln residues. In contrast, mutant prorenins with Lys residues substituted for the Arg residues were inactive. These results clearly indicate that the positive charges of the three Arg residues are essential for maintenance of the human prorenin in an inactive form.

[Bacteriological and clinical evaluations of cefmenoxime in neonates and premature infants]

The antimicrobial activity of cefmenoxime (CMX) against B group Streptococcus was investigated. The clinical efficacy of CMX was determined in neonates and premature infants. The results are summarized below. 1. MIC's of CMX against 39 strains of B group Streptococcus obtained from the pregnant vagina were below 0.05 micrograms/ml. 2. CMX was given in a dose of 20 mg/kg by intravenous bolus injection to 3 neonates with birth weight over 2,500 grams. Peak serum concentrations ranged from 54.0 to 199 micrograms/ml and the mean half-life was 1.8 hours. 3. Efficacies of CMX were good to excellent in 5 cases administered for treatment and in 4 cases for prophylaxis. As abnormal laboratory parameters, elevation of GOT and eosinophilia were observed in each 2 cases. 4. Examinations on intestinal bacteria in 2 cases revealed that CMX gave as much influences to the flora as other third-generation cephems. 5. The vitamin K deficiency were observed in 2 out of 6 cases examined.

A study of chemoreception based on membrane fluidity and circular dichroism of a membrane assembly model--role of protein penetrating into the lipid bilayer

We attempted to reconstitute a chemical sensing assembly by mimicking the natural constituents of cell membranes. This liposomal arrangement is able to recognize chemical stimulants by detecting perturbation of the ordered lipid bilayer due to penetration by protein molecules. It was ascertained by measuring membrane fluidity using ESR that this assembly may be able to detect individually added chemical stimulants such as short-chain-bearing odorants (isovaleric acid, isovaleraldehyde, and isoamyl alcohol etc) at a concentration of 3 x 10(-4) parts to 1 part water. This recognition mechanism may clarify both the affinity of chemical stimulants for the liposomal arrangement and the trigger action of conformational changes in poly-L-lysine (PLL) due to the penetration of the bilayer of the PLL and sodium octylsulfate complex.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human prorenin profragment and identification of active prorenins in plasma

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against a synthetic peptide (43 amino acid residues) that corresponds to the complete profragment of human prorenin. Seven monoclonal antibodies were chosen for further characterization. Two antibodies, 2-X-C1 and 4-X-E1, reacted with the middle region and C-terminus of the profragment and were isotyped IgG1. The affinity constants of these antibodies against the human profragment were 7.6 x 10(8) and 3.0 x 10(7) M-1, respectively. Immunoaffinity columns containing the antibodies 2-X-C1 and 4-X-E1, respectively, were used for the characterization of active prorenin in human plasma. This active prorenin strongly bound to the 4-X-E1 column and eluted as two separate peaks which corresponded to fully and partially active prorenin, respectively. The partially active prorenin had higher activity with a small substrate, tridecapeptide, than with a large one, angiotensinogen, although the fully active prorenin had the same renin activity irrespective of the size of the substrate. These data suggest that new forms of prorenin, active prorenin, exist in human plasma and that their active sites are completely or partially exposed to the substrates. Moreover, the active prorenin in plasma was found not only in human but also in all tested mammalians. Cross-reactivity among the profragments of mammalian plasma prorenins can be explained by conservation of the amino acid sequence (epitope) of the combining site.

Differential sensitivity to cocaine in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats

Physiological, pharmacological and toxicological responses to two regimens of cocaine administration were compared between spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. An initial experiment examined renal excretory and hemodynamic function in response to an acute volume load in anesthetized SHR and WKY following subacute cocaine treatment (20 mg/kg, s.c., twice a day for 9 days). Anticipated renal responses to volume loading were obtained but the responses of cocaine-treated SHR and WKY did not differ from vehicle-treated rats. A second group of experiments compared responses to continuous i.v. infusions of cocaine (1.25 mg/kg.min). In freely moving animals, no differences were noted between SHR and WKY in the increases in mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) produced during cocaine infusion. The elapsed time-to-onset of convulsions (Tc) elicited by cocaine was similar in both strains. However, when rats were subjected to restraint during the infusion period, pressor and tachycardic responses were observed to be significantly less in WKY than in SHR or in freely moving rats of either strain. Restraint also differentially affected rectal temperature (RT) responses to cocaine. Hypothermic responses to cocaine were observed in all WKY. Both hypothermic and hyperthermic responses were observed in SHR. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the Tc and the maximal change in RT produced during cocaine infusion. Division of SHR into two arbitrary groups was made, based on the direction of cocaine-induced change in RT. A significant (p less than 0.01) shortening of the Tc was obvious in SHR (8 of 15) in whom cocaine produced a hyperthermia. These animals were designated SHRH. The mean value for Tc in those SHR which demonstrated a lowering in RT (SHRL; 7 of 15) in response to cocaine was similar to that for WKY. Moreover, the SHRH evidenced significantly greater increases in HR, but not MBP, to cocaine infusion than did SHRL. The results indicate that restraint stress causes expression of a significant heterogeneity in the RT response of SHR to cocaine. The magnitude and direction of the RT responses are negatively correlated with sensitivity to the convulsive effects of cocaine in SHR. Stress may modify toxic responses to cocaine by interactions with body temperature homeostasis.

Does kallikrein improve the brain function in dementia?

Forty biological units of Kallikrein were administered intramuscularly to nine persons suffering from multi-infarct dementia. With automatic analysis equipment, the wave-form recognition method was used to analyze EEG before injection, immediately after injection, and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after injection. The results of analysis done the five times after injection were then compared with the analysis results before injection. With the passage of time after injection, delta and theta waves showed a gradually decreasing tendency, while alpha and beta waves showed a gradual increase. It was inferred that these changes in the EEG were caused by an increase in the flow of cerebral blood, which in turn was the effect of the dilatation of cerebral blood vessels resulting from the action of the Kallikrein.

[Bacteriological and clinical evaluations of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in neonates and premature infants]

The antimicrobial activity of imipenem against group B streptococci was investigated. The clinical efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) was determined in neonates and premature infants. The results are summarized below. 1. The distribution of MIC values of IPM against 55 clinical isolates of group B streptococci isolated from the vagina of pregnant women peaked at 0.024 micrograms/ml. MIC values of IPM against all clinical isolates tested were 0.05 microgram/ml or less. 2. IPM/CS was used for treatment of bacterial infections in 9 neonates and premature infants. Among these patients, clinical responses were excellent in 5 patients and good in 4 patients. No adverse reaction was observed. Abnormal laboratory test values were observed in 4 patients, eosinophilia in 2 patients and increased platelets in 2. 3. In 7 neonates and premature infants, quantitative cultures for aerobic and anaerobic fecal flora were performed. Fecal flora change was not significantly different than those observed during treatment with latamoxef or cefmenoxime. 4. Ten neonates and premature infants were investigated for effects of IPM/CS on the blood coagulation system. Prolongations of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were observed in 1 patient. Abnormal prothrombin (PIVKA II) was detected in the same patient. There was no tendency for inhibition of platelet function.

[A clinical study of rokitamycin in pediatrics]

A total of 29 patients with pediatric infections was treated orally with 21.4-44.4 mg/kg/day of rokitamycin (RKM) dry syrup. The obtained results are summarized as follows. 1. Clinical responses to RKM in 24 evaluable patients were excellent in 2 and good in 3 of 5 patients with tonsillitis and laryngitis; excellent in 3 and good in 5 of 8 patients with bronchitis; excellent in 3, good in 2 and fair in one of 6 patients with bronchopneumonia; excellent in 2 and good in the other of 3 patients with psittacosis; and excellent in 2 of 2 patients with Campylobacter colitis. The overall efficacy rate was 95.8%. 2. Bacteriological responses to the drug were: reduction in 1 and no change in the other of 2 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes; eradication of a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae and 2 strains of Staphylococcus aureus; eradication of 2 and no change in 3 of 5 strains of Haemophilus influenzae; and eradication of 2 out of 2 strains of Campylobacter spp. 3. Diarrhea was complained of as an adverse reaction to the RKM medication by 1 patient, abdominal pain was reported by another, and anorexia by another of the 27 patients treated. Laboratory examination was performed on some patients, but not abnormal test values were found except in 1 case showing an increase in platelet count from 27.6 to 78.2 X 10(4)/mm8. The results suggested that RKM dry syrup might be a very useful and safe drug for the treatment of pediatric infections.

Role of N-linked oligosaccharides attached to human renin expressed in COS cells

One or both of two putative N-glycosylation sites (at asparagine-5 and -75) of human renin was eliminated by amino acid replacement of the asparagine residue with an alanine residue using site-directed mutagenesis. The three glycosylation-deficient renins (Asn-5, Asn-75, Asn-5 and -75 mutants) were expressed in COS cells and secreted into the conditioned media. The secreted amounts of the three mutants were different from one another, although the mutant and wild-type renins had practically the same specific activity. An Asn-5 and -75 mutant which did not contain any glycosylation sites was unstable in the medium, suggesting that the N-linked oligosaccharides play an important role in stabilization of human renin.

Immunoaffinity purification of human prorenin produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells

A simple immunoaffinity column chromatographic procedure is described whereby recombinant human prorenin secreted from Chinese hamster ovary cells may be isolated in a high state of purity from serum-free culture medium. Prorenin thus purified has been characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by partial sequence analysis which has revealed the expected N-terminal sequence. Trypsin treatment gives rise to renin, and reversible acid activation has also been demonstrated for the recombinant zymogen.

[Fundamental and clinical evaluations of ceftriaxone in neonates]

The antibacterial efficacy of ceftriaxone (CTRX) against group B Streptococcus and its clinical efficacy in newborns were examined, and the results obtained are summarized as follows. 1. MIC's of CTRX against 55 strains of B group Streptococcus from the pregnant vagina were 0.10 micrograms/ml or lower. 2. Efficacies of CTRX were good to excellent in 8 cases administered for treatment, 3 cases for prophylaxis and 1 for observation of adverse reactions. Observed adverse reactions included diarrhea in 4 cases and vomiting in 2 cases. As abnormal laboratory parameters, eosinophilia and thrombocytosis were observed in 1 case each. 3. An examination of intestinal bacteria in 9 cases revealed that CTRX gave as much influence to the flora as other third-generation cephems. 4. An examination for the vitamin K deficiency in 11 cases found a prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) in 3 cases and protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA) II positive in 2 cases. 5. Testing of platelet aggregation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in 7 cases showed little influence of CTRX.

Characterization of N-linked oligosaccharides attached to human renin expressed in COS cells

To study the role of N-linked oligosaccharides attached to human renin, we generated three kinds of glycosylation-deficient renins in which one or both of two putative N-glycosylation sites was eliminated by amino acid replacement using site-directed mutagenesis. Examination of the three mutant renins (Asn-5 to Ala, Asn-75 to Ala, and both Asn-5 and -75 to Ala) expressed in COS cells demonstrated that both putative sites were certainly glycosylated with heterologous N-linked oligosaccharides. Moreover, the oligosaccharide chain attached at Asn-5 was different from that attached at Asn-75 in its molecular size. In addition, the secreted amount of the three mutant renins were different from one another, although the mutant and wild-type renins had practically the same specific activity. Our results suggest that the N-linked oligosaccharides have no effect on the enzymatic activity, but play an important role in stable secretion of human renin.

Cocaine-induced changes in 3H-naloxone binding in brain membranes isolated from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats

Effects of sub-acute cocaine treatment on 3H-naloxone binding to 6 brain regions were examined in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Cocaine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg, i.v.) was given by bolus injection daily for five days. Rats were decapitated 24 hr following the final injection and crude membrane fractions prepared from the cortex (CT), hippocampus (HI), striatum (ST), hypothalamus (HY), midbrain (MB) and medulla/pons (MD). Binding of 3H-naloxone was consistent with a single site model in CT, HI, HY, MB and MD from vehicle-treated SHR and WKY. Cocaine treatment of SHR significantly decreased the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 3H-naloxone in the HI, ST and HY and the binding affinity was increased in HI. In contrast, a significant increase in Bmax was noted in CT and HI membranes isolated from cocaine-treated WKY. The binding affinity of 3H-naloxone to MB membranes of WKY was significantly decreased by cocaine treatment. The binding characteristics of 3H-naloxone in MD membranes were not different following cocaine treatment or between strains. Scatchard analysis indicated biphasic binding of 3H-naloxone binding to ST membranes from both SHR and WKY. Our results indicate that cocaine produces complex and differential changes in opiate receptors and, presumably, opioid peptide neuronal function in SHR and WKY.

The baroreflex-mediated changes in plasma norepinephrine and heart rate in patients with essential hypertension

Baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated in 19 patients with essential hypertension (EH), 8 patients with borderline hypertension (BH) and 12 age-matched normal controls (N), by measuring the reflex-mediated changes in plasma norepinephrine (NE) and heart rate (RR interval) while a phenylephrine hydrochloride or a sodium nitroprusside solution was infused in graded doses for a total of 24 minutes. Changes in RR interval and plasma NE showed a significant linear correlation to those in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in every subject studied. The slopes of RR/MAP and %NE/MAP tended to be reduced in EH and BH patients during both pressor and depressor stimulations. There was a significant (p less than 0.01) inverse correlation between the basal MAP levels and RR/MAP or %NE/MAP except for %NE/MAP during pressor stimulation. Fifteen minutes after the pressor stimulation was stopped, MAP and RR interval in each group tended to be greater than their baselines. Plasma NE remained significantly (p less than 0.01) depressed in N and BH subjects while those in EH returned to their baselines. When pressor stimulations were repeated twice at intervals of 15 minutes in hypertensive subjects, the second response curves of MAP-RR interval tended to shift slightly to the right while the slopes of the second response curves of plasma NE were significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced compared with the first ones. These findings indicate that an inability of the baroreflex to produce a sustained suppression of sympathetic nerve activity associated with an efficient ability to reset at the higher pressure levels in EH patients results in a continued tendency for blood pressure to rise and contributes to the development of hypertension.

[Bacteriological and clinical studies on flomoxef in the pediatric field]

Bacteriological and clinical studies on flomoxef (FMOX, 6315-S) were performed and the results obtained are summarized below. 1. The MIC values of FMOX against 307 clinically isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus were 0.024 to 100 micrograms/ml with a peak MIC of 0.39 microgram/ml, and the MIC90 value was 1.56 micrograms/ml. The MIC90 against methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was 25 micrograms/ml. 2. FMOX was administered to 15 children with pediatric bacterial infections, and the effectiveness was rated excellent or good in all cases. 3. In bacteriological evaluation, 7 of 11 strains identified prior to the treatment were eliminated (63.6%). 4. As side effects, diarrhea or soft stool was found in 3 cases and eruption in 1 case. As abnormal laboratory values, eosinophilia and thrombocytosis were found in 1 case each. 5. On the intestinal bacterial flora, FMOX had a marked influence just as did other Group 4 and 5 cephems antibiotics. 6. FMOX interfered little with the coagulation system or platelet aggregation.

[Fundamental and clinical studies of cefuzonam in pediatrics]

Fundamental and clinical studies on cefuzonam (CZON, L-105) were carried out and the results obtained are summarized below: MICs against 451 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were determined. Antibacterial activity of CZON on S. aureus was similar to that of cefazolin, inferior to that of cloxacillin, and superior to those of benzylpenicillin and cefotaxime. With one-shot intravenous injection of CZON, peak serum concentrations were 40.0 micrograms/ml and 97.5-145 micrograms/ml with a dose of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Half-lives of the drug in serum were 34.2-47.9 minutes. Urinary excretion rates were 46.8-67.3% in 4 hours after injection. In all of 13 cases of pediatric infections tested, the clinical efficacy was excellent or good. Side effects observed were diarrhea in 4 patients, and elevated GOT and thrombocytosis in 1 patient each. From the above results, we have concluded that CZON is useful and safe antibiotic for treating various bacterial infections in children.

The adrenaline contraction test with rhinomanometry

The relationship between the sensation of nasal obstruction as a subjective symptom and nasal resistance was examined, and the adrenaline contraction test combined with rhinomanometry was evaluated. The nasal resistance was determined by the oscillation method using a rhinomanometry. As the sensation of nasal obstruction advanced, the nasal resistance tended to be increased. The group with a (-) sensation of nasal obstruction included patients with a high nasal resistance who corrected their first statement to a (+) sensation as a result of the adrenaline contraction test. The test indicated the sensation of nasal obstruction more accurately. In the 26 patients who underwent septoplasty and conchotomy, the rate of change in BNR by the adrenaline contraction test was 30-40%. The eight patients whose preoperative rate was less than 20% all showed a rate of more than 40% in unilateral rhinomanometry. Indications of reconstructive surgery for nasal obstruction may be present if the rate of change in BNR is 30-40% or the rate of change in unilateral rhinomanometry is more than 40%. Since the test predicted the postoperative nasal resistance, it can also be used in evaluating the results of surgical therapy.

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluation of ceftazidime in neonates and premature infants]

Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of ceftazidime (CAZ) were evaluated in neonates. The results obtained are summarized below. After a bolus intravenous injection of 20 mg/kg CAZ to neonates, peak serum concentrations ranged 55.1-97.4 micrograms/ml with the mean half-life of 2.26 hours in neonates with birth weight of 2,500 g or more, and 59.3-60.7 micrograms/ml with half-lives ranging from 3.98 to 4.22 hours in neonates weighing less than 2,500 g at birth. In the time-course observation, it was noted that the half-life at 2 days after birth was longer than half-lives observed on 4 and 9 days after birth. Four cases were given CAZ for treatment, and 3 cases for prophylaxis of infections, and the clinical efficacy was either excellent or good in all of the cases. Neither adverse effects nor abnormal laboratory findings were observed except rash in 1 case. Intestinal flora was examined in 5 cases. It was found that the effect of CAZ was less than that of LMOX, although some delay was seen in the growth of intestinal flora. There was no vitamin K deficiency in any of 6 cases examined.

Characteristics of opioid receptors in guinea-pig cerebellum and human placenta

Characteristics of opioid receptors were examined in guinea-pig cerebellum and human placental membrane preparations. Two binding sites for [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine ([3H]-EKCZ) were found in guinea-pig cerebellum membranes whereas only one binding site was detected in human placental membranes. The potencies of kappa opioid agonists were decreased in competing with the binding of [3H]-naloxone to guinea-pig cerebellum membranes or human placental membranes by 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)P) and sodium. These results suggest that there may be true kappa receptors in human placenta and that kappa receptors in both preparations may couple with the adenylate cyclase system.