Anthranilic acid metabolism in the isolated perfused rat liver: Detection and determination of anthranilic acid and its related substances using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

In order to elucidate the anthranilic acid metabolism in animal tissue, the metabolism was studied in the isolated perfused liver of rats. A sensitive and rapid method was devised for determination of anthranilic acid and its related substances using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. 5-Hydroxyanthranilic acid and anthranilamide, which have not been detected in animal tissue, were found in the perfusate and in the bile secreted from the perfused liver, respectively. In addition, a non-enzymatic production of anthranilamide from anthraniloyl glucuronide in the presence of ammonium and bicarbonate ions was also observed. These present results suggest that, apart from undergoing glycine or glucuronide conjugation, anthranilic acid is metabolized to 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid and anthranilamide in the rat liver.

Commissural afferents to the cortex surrounding the posterior part of the superior temporal sulcus in the monkey

Commissural afferents to the cortex surrounding the posterior part of the superior temporal sulcus were studied in Japanese monkeys by the horseradish peroxidase method. After injection of the enzyme, many callosal neurons were labeled contralaterally in the cortical area corresponding to the injection site (homotopical area) and in other regions (heterotopical area). Most of the callosal neurons were triangular in shape, occurring for the most part in layer III of both homotopical and heterotopical areas (about 75-90% of the total number of labeled cells). Mean diameters of the cell bodies were about 11-13 micron.

Effect of superoxide dismutase on hydroxylase activity and hydrogen peroxide formation in anthranilamide hydroxylation by a rat liver microsomal monooxygenase system

Anthranilamide was slightly hydroxylated by a reconstituted rat liver microsomal monooxygenase system with NADPH, but a large amount of hydrogen peroxide was formed with a consumption of NADPH during the reaction. Superoxide dismutase stimulated the hydroxylation by depressing the hydrogen peroxide formation, in that there was a reverse correlation between the two effects due to the dismutase. In addition, a trace of 3-hydroxyanthranilamide, one of the products, not only stimulated NADPH-dependent hydrogen peroxide formation via NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase, but also inhibited the reduction of cytochrome P-450 by NADPH in the reconstituted system. These effects of 3-hydroxyanthranilamide were also diminished by superoxide dismutase.

Corticocortical projections to the prefrontal cortex in the rhesus monkey investigated with horseradish peroxidase techniques

The corticocortical afferents innervating the prefrontal cortex in the monkey were studied by means of the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase. After injection of small amounts (0.3-0.5 microliter) of this enzyme into various parts of the prefrontal cortex, many labeled neurons (mostly pyramids of 15-25 microns in diameter) were found in various cortical regions of the ipsilateral hemisphere. A small part of the prefrontal cortex received fibers from other parts of the same cortex. For example, area 8 receives many fibers from both the rostral part of area 9 and a small area adjacent to the inferior branch of the arcuate sulcus. On the other hand, area 9 in the inferior prefrontal convexity receives fibers from localized parts of areas 8 and 9 in the dorsolateral convexity as well as from area 6. It is also apparent that association connections from the dorsolateral to the inferior convexity are stronger than those going in the opposite direction. The prefrontal afferents from other cortical regions include many fibers originating from the posterior association cortex as well as some fibers arising in the cingulate and orbital gyri. The prefrontal cortex does not receive direct corticocortical fibers from the motor and "primary" sensory cortices. There is a topographic pattern in the prefrontal projections from the cortical walls (STs area) surrounding the superior temporal sulcus. Thus, the caudal half of the STs area projects to area 8 and a small adjacent part of area 9. The dorsal wall of the rostral half of the STs area projects to areas 9-12, the fundus to the inferior convexity, and the ventral wall only to the caudal part of the convexity. Projections from the circumjacent association cortex of the STs area to the prefrontal cortex as well as to the STs area are likewise found to be topographically organized. This suggests that certain parts of the posterior association cortex projecting to particular areas of the prefrontal cortex, also send fibers to those parts of the STs area which project to the same prefrontal areas.

An HRP study of neural pathways to neocortical olfactory areas in monkeys

Afferent fiber projections to the two orbitofrontal olfactory areas of monkeys were studied using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. After injections of HRP into the lateroposterior (LPOF) or centroposterior (CPOF) area of the orbitofrontal cortex, some differences were found in the distribution of labeled cells between the projections to the LPOF and CPOF. These results, along with those of previous electrophysiological investigations, suggest the following conclusions: (1) the extrathalamic olfactory pathway to the LPOF identified by Tanabe et al. has relay neurons primarily in the substantia innominata and the amygdala and, secondarily, in the prorhinal cortex and the hypothalamus; (2) direct fibers to the LPOF from the amygdala and the prorhinal cortex pass through the areas ventral to the thalamus; (3) the transthalamic olfactory pathway to the CPOF identified by Yarita et al. has relay neurons concentrated primarily in the magnocellular portion of the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus.

Effect of N-5' on histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells induced by calcium ionophore and ATP

We studied the effect of N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (N-5'), an orally applicable anti-allergic drug, on the histamine release induced by calcium ionophores (A23187 and X537A) and ATP from rat peritoneal exudate cells (PEC). X537A (0.1-33.3 micrograms/ml) induced histamine release in a concentration-related manner, and 2.0 micrograms/ml of X537A induced release to the same extent as allergic histamine release. Histamine release induced by 2.0 micrograms/ml of X537A increased with longer incubation time, reaching a peak of about 100% at 120 min. N-5' had no effect on histamine release induced by X537A at the concentrations used (1-1000 microM), but DSCG exhibited significant inhibition at 1-100 microM. A23187 (0.05-0.5 microgram/ml) induced histamine release in a concentration-related manner, and it seemed that 0.033 microgram/ml of A23187 induces the same degree of histamine release as the allergic one. A23187 induced rapid histamine release which attained maximum 1 min after the addition. N-5' exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on histamine release induced by A23187, and DSCG also exhibited significant inhibition (10 and 1000 microM). N-5' significantly inhibited histamine release induced by 100 microM ATP. These results indicate that N-5' and DSCG effect the histamine release induced by ionophore A23187 and X537A by different manners, and they suggest the possibility that N-5' inhibits some Ca++-dependent processes in histamine release, including the influx of Ca++ into cells, which is a trigger of the A23187 and ATP effects.

Retinotopic scatter of optic tract fibres in the cat

The retinal fibers in the optic tract (OT) of the cat have a roughly retinotopic arrangement. The retinotopic scatter of OT fibres at the rostral pole of the superior colliculus (SC) and at the lateral margin of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) was investigated using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Small lesions and injections were made in the tract and from the distribution of labelled ganglion cells in the retina the retinotopic precision was measured. At an eccentricity of 30 degrees along the horizontal meridian the vertical scatter was 20-30 degrees. This is similar to the precision of the map in the SC. However a comparison with the retinotopic map of the LGN shows the precision there to be much better.

Studies on the mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of N-5' on histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells

To investigate the mechanisms for the inhibition of IgE-mediated histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) by N-5', we studied the relation between the inhibitory effect of N-5' on histamine release and the intracellular levels of adenine nucleotides such as ATP and cAMP. Evident histamine release was induced by the addition of specific antigen to rat PEC sensitized with IgE antiserum in vitro, and the release showed a maximum 30 sec after the antigen challenge. In the same time course as the histamine release, the intracellular levels of ATP and cAMP decreased. N-5' significantly inhibited the histamine release and a decrease in ATP level as a result of the antigen-antibody reaction. A decrease in cAMP level showed a tendency to be suppressed by N-5'. Antigen-induced 14CO2 production for 6-14C-glucose in the sensitized PEC was 3 times that seen in the case without antigen. N-5' dramatically suppressed the acceleration in the production of 14CO2. Differing from the action of papaverine, the inhibitory effect of N-5' on the IgE-mediated histamine release from rat PEC was identical both in the presence or in the absence of glucose. N-5' scarcely affected the ATP level in the non-sensitized PEC in the glucose-free medium. On the other hand, N-5' inhibited the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase, one of the ATP-consuming enzymes, in a dose-dependent fashion. From these results, it is presumed that the suppression of ATP-utilization through the inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase activity is involved in the inhibition of histamine release by N-5'. The relation between the inhibitory effect of N-5' on histamine release and both nucleotides was also discussed.

Effects of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors on aggregation of rabbit platelets

Thromboxane (TX) synthetase activity was selectively inhibited by (E)-3-[4-(1-imidazolylmethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoic acid hydrochloride monohydrate (OKY-046) and sodium (E)-3-[4-(3-pyridylmethyl)phenyl]-2-methyl-propenoate (OKY-1581) (OKYs). Their IC50 for the rabbit platelet enzyme were found to be 11nM and 3nM respectively. Arachidonic acid (AA) or collagen induced platelet aggregation, and generated TXA 2 and prostaglandins (PGs) in rabbit platelets. OKYs inhibited platelet aggregation and TXA2 generation without affecting PGs generation, while aspirin inhibited platelet aggregation, and TXA2 and PGs generation. There was a parallel relation between the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation and TXA2 generation by OKYs, but the inhibitory effects of aspirin on platelet aggregation was related to that on both TXA2 and PGs generation. However, OKYs and aspirin did not inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation which did not involve the generation of TXA2 and PGs. These results suggested that TXA2 generation is related to platelet aggregation induced by AA or collagen, and that the inhibitory effect of OKYs on platelet aggregation is due to the inhibition of TX synthetase.

[Effect of tranilast on the release of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and contraction of the smooth muscle]

Slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and slow reacting substance (SRS) were released from actively sensitized guinea-pig lung with bovine serum albumin and from rat peritoneal exudate cells with ionophore A23187, respectively. FPL55712 markedly inhibited the contraction induced by SRS-A and SRS in guinea-pig ileum which was treated with atropine (10(-7) g/ml), mepyramine (10(-6) g/ml), and cyproheptadine (10(-7) g/ml). Tranilast and isoproterenol markedly suppressed the release of SRS-A in a dose-dependent manner; the concentrations of these drugs that gave 50% inhibition (IC50) were 1.1 X 10(-4)M and 8.3 X 10(-9)M, respectively. Although the inhibitory effect of tranilast (10(-3)M) was not affected in the presence of propranolol (3 X 10(-6)M), the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol was greatly diminished by propranolol. Also, tranilast markedly suppressed the release of SRS in a dose-dependent manner, its IC50 being 6.4 X 10(-5)M. However isoproterenol slightly inhibited the release of SRS. Disodium cromoglycate did not suppressed the release of SRS-A at all, and it suppressed SRS release a little. Tranilast inhibited the contraction induced by leukotriene C4 (0.5 ng/ml) and D4 (1 ng/ml) in guinea-pig trachea in a dose-dependent manner; the IC50 values were 2.2 X 10(-4)M and 2.0 X 10(-4)M, respectively, for these inhibitions. These results suggest that the inhibition of SRS-A release and SRS-A-induced contraction of smooth muscle by tranilast participates in the anti-asthmatic effect of tranilast, and its inhibitory mechanism is different from that of isoproterenol.

[Studies on the inhibitory effect of etafenone hydrochloride on platelet aggregation]

The inhibitory effect of etafenone hydrochloride (etafenone) on platelet aggregation in rabbit platelet rich plasma and the involvement of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in the inhibitory mechanism for etafenone on platelet aggregation were studied. 1) Etafenone exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on collagen (15--20 micrograms/ml)-induced platelet aggregation, and its median inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 1.7 X 10(-5)M. 2) In ADP (20 microM)-induced aggregation, etafenone also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect, but its IC50 was 2.7 X 10(-4)M and was significantly higher than that in the case of collagen. 3) Etafenone inhibited AA (0.3--0.5mM)-induced platelet aggregation dose-dependently. Its IC50 was 2.8 X 10(-5)M. 4) In thromboxane (TX) A2-induced aggregation, etafenone exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition, and the IC50 was 3.2 X 10(-4)M. 5) Trapidil which was reported to inhibit platelet aggregation via phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition had a similar IC50 on ADP- and TXA2-induced platelet aggregation to that of etafenone, but in collagen- and AA-induced aggregation, its IC50 was higher than that of etafenone. 6) Etafenone (3 X 10(-6)--3 X 10(-4)M) dose-dependently inhibited the production of TXB2 in PRP induced by collagen. 7) Etafenone scarcely affected TXA2 synthetase activity in rabbit platelet homogenate. 8) The correlation between the inhibitory effect of etafenone on platelet aggregation and inhibition of AA metabolism activation and PDE inhibition was discussed.

[Case of basal cell adenomas arising from the bilateral parotid glands]

A 64-year-old woman with basal cell adenomas of the bilateral parotid glands is presented. The tumor mass on the right side measured 5.5 X 5.8 cm; on the left it was 6.0 X 7.5 cm. Histologically, the right side tumor was of trabecular type, that of the left, tubular type of basal cell adenoma. The latter lesion had been present for the past 30 years, the former for six years. This may be the first reported case of bilateral basal cell adenomas of the parotid gland.

Thalamocortical neurons projecting to the areas surrounding the anterior and middle suprasylvian sulci in the cat. A horseradish peroxidase study

The thalamic projections to the cortical area surrounding the anterior (ASs) and middle (MSs) suprasylvian sulci in the cat were studied using horseradish peroxidase histochemistry. The medial MSs area (medial wall of the MsS) receives thalamic afferents from the pulvinar-lateralis posterior (Pul-LP) complex, posterior nucleus (Pn) and medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN) and C laminae of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (GLd). Groups of labeled cells in the Pul-LP complex are arranged to form four different neuronal bands oriented dorsoventrally. The four neuronal bands are located, laterally to medially, in the lateral and medial parts of Pul and in the lateral and central parts of LP. The ventral ends of the first (in the lateral Pul) and the third (in the lateral LP) bands extend to MIN and Pn, respectively. The locations of the four bands in the Pul-LP complex appear to correspond to the terminal fields of afferents from four different regions (retina, pretectum, visual cortex and superior colliculus) related to visual function. The anterior part of the lateral MSs area (lateral wall of the MSs) receives thalamic fibers from the lateral and intermediate divisions of the posterior nuclear group (PO1 and POi), while its posterior part receives fibers from the dorsal and medial parts of LP and POi. Both walls of the ASs receive fibers from the ventrolateral part of LP as well as from the anterior part of PO1 and the PO1-POm border. In addition, the ASs-MSs area receives fibers from the central lateral nucleus (CL). It is of interest to correlate the locations of cells projecting to the ASs-MSs area with the pathways terminating in thalamic regions. It is clear that, from the hodological point of view, the ASs-MSs area is functionally segregated, which is in agreement with previous studies we have made corticocortical connections.

Corticocortical neurons projecting to the medial and lateral banks of the middle suprasylvian sulcus in the cat: an experimental study with the horseradish peroxidase method

Corticocortical afferents to both cortical walls of the cat middle suprasylvian sulcus (MSs area) were investigated by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). the visual cortex (V-I and V-II) projects to the medial wall of the MSs, the projection from V-II being heavier. The auditory cortex (A-I, A-II,. and Ep), including cortical walls of the dorsal part of the anterior and posterior ectosylvian sulci, sends fibers to the lateral wall of the MSs. Connections from the first auditory area (A-I) are heavier than from the second (A-II). In the rostral part of the MSs, both the medial and lateral walls receive fibers from the somatosensory (S-I and S-II) cortex. A larger number of association fibers appear to arise from S-II than S-I. Although the MSs as a whole apparently receives various kinds of sensory inputs, there seems to be a parcellation of th MSs area such that the areas receiving cortical association fibers from the visual, auditory, or somatosensory cortical areas also receive thalamic projections from those parts of the thalamus receiving sensory connections of the same modality. The cells of origin of the association fibers were mostly pyramidal, the majority located in layer III (e.g., 80% in the visual cortex and 74% in the auditory cortex), some in layer V, and a few in other layers. Most (76-79%) of the labeled cell bodies were of 15-20 micrometer diameter. Smaller (8-15 micrometer) and larger (20-26 micrometer) cells constituted less than 15% in each case. The mean diameters were 17.0 +/- 2.8 (SD) in the visual cortex and 17.7 +/- 3.2 micrometer (SD) in the auditory cortex.

Corticocortical connections of the cat sensory areas studied by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase

Afferent association connections to each functional cortex, i.e., the auditory, sensorimotor, visual, and "association" cortex, were investigated in the cat with the method of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After injections of HRP in various parts of the cerebral cortex, a large number of labeled cells were found within the same functional areas, while a small number of cells were labeled in other cortical areas. This demonstrates that small parts within the functionally uniform cortical area are strongly interconnected by means of short association fibers. Labeled cells were found both in the cortex of the gyral surfaces and sulcal walls. Corticocortical neurons in the walls of some sulci were also shown to send their axons to various sensory areas. Cells of the origin of association fibers were mostly pyramidal in shape, occurring mainly in layer III of the various cortical areas (about 70% of the total number). Following injections of HRP suspension into the visual cortex, however, the majority of labeled cells (82%) were found in layers V and VI of the Clare-Bishop area, some of them were polygonal in shape. Somal diameters of the labeled cells were 15.8-17.2 micron (mean) +/- 2.5-3.0 (SD).

The metabolism of [carboxyl-14C]anthranilic acid. I. The incorporation of radioactivity into NAD+ and NADP+

A new pathway of NAD+ synthesis from anthranilic acid was found in the livers of rats. Starting from [carboxyl-14C]anthranilic acid, radioactive NAD+ and NADP+ were produced as judged by Dowex-1 X 8-formate column chromatography followed by radiochromatography. Several intermediate compounds, such as quinolinic acid, nicotinic acid mononucleotide, and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide were also identified with the aid of various chromatographic techniques. In the experiments with liver microsomal hydroxylation systems, anthranilic acid was converted into not only 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid but also 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid.

[Pharmacological properties of N-(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (N-5'), a new anti-atopic agent. (3).--Influence on homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis mediated by homocytotropic antibody (author's transl)]

N-5' shows a potent inhibitory action on the homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats mainly through the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells. The present experiment was an attempt to clarify in detail the pharmacological properties of N-5'. Inhibition of PCA was most potent at 30 or 60 min pretreatment with N-5', and negligible at 240 min pretreatment. Given p.o., N-5' produced a dose-dependent, potent inhibitory action at 30-min pretreatment. On the other hand, disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) had little effect on PCA when given orally. On the case of i.v. administration, N-5' (20 mg/kg) and DSCG (5 mg/kg) showed a most potent inhibition of PCA at 5 min pretreatment. The inhibitory action of DSCG was, however, shorter lasting than that of N-5'. Median effective doses (ED50) of DSCG and N-5' on the PCA were estimated to be 0.79 and 8.8 mg/kg i.v., respectively. Inhibitory activity of N-5' in the adrenalectomized rat did not differ from that in sham operated animals. N-5' had a more potent inhibitory action on the PCA in infant rats than in adults. Inhibitory activity of N-5' in the case of 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of successive administration was equipotent to that with a single administration.

[Distribution of association fibers impinging upon the middle suprasylvian sulcus area (MSs area) in the cat (author's transl)]

Following lesions of various cortical areas of altogether 13 adult cats, the distribution of degenerating fibers in the cortical area surrounding the middle suprasylvian sulcus (MSs area) has been studied with the method of Fink and Heimer. Association fibers from the visual cortex mostly end in the vicinity of fundus of the medial wall of the MSs area and a fair number of fibers do in the fundus area of the posterior portion of its lateral wall. Most of the fibers terminate in layers III-V. Fibers from the auditory cortex terminante in the lip of the lateral wall, while few fibers end in the fundus and the medial wall. The fibers from the somatosensory cortex chiefly end in the vicinity of the fundus terminate in layers III-V. The "association cortex" sends a good amount of fibers to the lip region and the upper area of the media wall and lesser amount to the posterior part of the lateral wall of the MSs. The fibers terminant in layer III. From the present and the previous findings, it has become evident that inputs of different kinds of sensory modalities converge upon th elayers III-IV of the MSs area from the various cortical functional areas, and that the MSs area also sends fibers back to the sensory cortical areas. In addition, it has reciprocal connections with some thalamic nuclear groups, e.g., the "pulvinar posterior" system. Based upon the findings of neuronal connections, it can be suggested that the MSs area may play an important role with regard to the "integration of sensory inputs" in the cat cerebral cortex.

[Pharmacological analysis of effects of perimetazine on isolated smooth muscle]

Effects of perimetazine on the motility of the isolated smooth muscle of guinea pig (ileum, taenia coli, uterus, vas deferens and trachea) and the ileum of rabbit were studied. The results obtained are as follows: Perimetazine showed a specific antihistamine, antiadrenaline and antiserotonin action. Moreover, antiacetylcholine and anti-BaC12 actions were observed with high doses of perimetazine as well as chlorpromazine and such actions were attributed to the nonspecific direct action on the smooth muscle. Both the spontaneous movement and the tonus of guinea pig taenia coli were also inhibited by a high concentration of perimetazine. The spontaneous membrane action potentials of the taenia coli recorded by the use of the sucrose-gap method were inhibited by a high concentration of perimetazine both in frequency and in amplitude with relaxation of the tonus. The action potentials were abolished however and change in the resting membrane level was not clearly observed.

Dietary and hormonal regulation of serine synthesis in the rat

The importance of the so-called phosphorylated pathway for the synthesis of serine in rat liver was confirmed by studies on in vitro serine synthesis and also by the existence of a correlation between the serine-synthesizing activity of liver extracts and the activities of the enzymes involved in the pathway under various dietary conditions. Serine-synthesizing activity was found to be distributed in various rat tissues such as kidney, brain, testis, spleen, pancreas, and fat pad. However, only in the liver was the synthesis regulated by dietary protein. In the liver, the three enzymes of the phosphorylated pathway were found to be repressed by high-protein diets or by starvation and induced by low-protein diets. The dietary induction of the enzymes required the presence of insulin and was suppressed by glucocorticoids. A suggestion is made that the effects of diet or hormones may be mediated by changes in the hepatic pool of essential amino acids.