Chemical kindling with Met-enkephalin and transfer between chemical and electrical kindling

The role played by Met-enkephalin (ME) in epileptic seizures was investigated, using 57 ME kindled rats and 10 saline injected control rats. Repeated microinjection of 10 micrograms ME into the right amygdala (AM) of male Wistar rats led to development of generalized convulsions. One week after the completion of ME kindling, 1 or 2 electrical stimulations (200-400 microA, 60 Hz, 1 sec) of the right AM of ME kindled rats resulted in generalized convulsions in 5 rats. The duration of after-discharge (AD) in the first generalized convulsion induced by electrical AM stimulation in the ME kindled rats was significantly longer than that in the first generalized convulsion induced by electrical stimulation in the saline treated control rats (P less than 0.05). One week after the completion of ME kindling, naloxone (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) given 10 min before the infusion of ME into the other 3 ME kindled rats attenuated both convulsive behavior and electrographical seizures. With the progress of convulsive behavior, the frequency of wet-dog shakes (WDS) tended to decrease and was significantly lower after ME injection in the first stage 5 seizures than after the first ME injection (P less than 0.01). These results strongly suggest that ME has a potent epileptogenic effect on the rat brain which is caused by the opioid receptors. There are some differences between chemical kindling with ME and electrical kindling as indicated by the development of the AD duration and the WDS frequency.

Deacetylravidomycin N-oxide, a new antibiotic. Taxonomy and fermentation of the producing organism and isolation, structure and biological properties of the antibiotic

Streptomyces ravidus S50905 was found to produce a new antibiotic, deacetylravidomycin N-oxide, together with ravidomycin and deacetylravidomycin in a culture medium containing sodium anthraquinone-beta-sulfonate. The structure of this new compound was determined from NMR and mass spectrometric data, and further confirmed by chemical synthesis from deacetylravidomycin. Deacetylravidomycin N-oxide was antitumor active against P388 leukemia and Meth A fibrosarcoma in a wide range of doses, and considerably less toxic than deacetylravidomycin. Its antibacterial activity was less potent than deacetylravidomycin. Ravidomycin N-oxide was also synthesized from ravidomycin and its biological properties were tested.

[Amygdaloid kindling in weanling rat and rekindling upon maturization]

To understand the epileptic phenomenon in the immature brain and to investigate whether or not the epileptogenesis acquired in young age is retained after maturation, we carried out the amygdaloid kindling preparation (AM-K) on rat. Ten 3-week-old Wistar rats (3-week-old group) and ten 10-week-old rats (10-week-old group) were stimulated every 2 hours during 09:00-17:00, from five days after operation (Experiment 1). Nine kindled weanling rats (K-group) and ten weanling rats with no stimulation only electrodes implantation (non-K-group) were rekindled upon maturization (Experiment II). Stages of AM-K were classified according to the criteria of Racine. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The 3-week-old group needed significantly fewer stimulations and a shorter AD-durations during early stages (C0-2) of amygdaloid kindling, in comparison with the 10-week-old group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups as to stimulations and AD-duration during later stages (C3-4) of the kindling. 2) The K-group were rekindled significantly fewer stimulations and a shorter AD-durations than non-K group during early stages. On the other hand, there was not significant difference between the two groups as to stimulation and AD-duration during later stages of the kindling. From the results, the following conclusions were made; The seizure susceptibility of weanling rat's limbic system is high and the epileptogenesis in the limbic system can be maintained even up to adulthood.

Prostaglandin E1 in pulmonary hypertension of collagen disease

A 47-yr-old woman with low cardiac output and dyspnea due to pulmonary hypertension associated with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with two vasodilators. Although nicardipine, a Ca-channel blocking agent, reduced the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), it reduced simultaneously the arterial BP, resulting in fluid retention with a low urine output and persistent high CVP. In contrast, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) reduced successfully both the PAP and CVP. Although the BP decreased, a satisfactory urine output was maintained. The cardiac output increased from 3 to 4.5 L/min. PGE1 may help reduce reversible pulmonary hypertension of collagen disease.

New piericidin glucosides, glucopiericidins A and B

The new piericidin group antibiotics, glucopiericidins A and B were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces pactum S48727 (FERM P-8117) as co-metabolite of piericidin A1. The structures of glucopiericidins A and B were determined as piericidin A1, 10-O-beta-D-glucoside and piericidin A1, 3'-O-D-glucoside on the basis of their spectral and chemical properties, respectively. Glucopiericidins were more potent in inhibiting antibody formation than piericidin A1 in vitro. In addition, these substances showed better antimicrobial activities than piericidin A1. Acute toxicities of these substances in mice were lower than that of piericidin A1. This indicates that D-glucose in glucopiericidin molecules is important in modulating their physiological activities.

Serum prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone concentrations after various epileptic seizures

The serial serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), cortisol and growth hormone (GH) were measured after clinical fits of seizures in 49 epileptic patients, aged 13-77. In generalized tonic-clonic seizures, both the serum PRL and cortisol levels transiently rose and reached their maximum 30 min after the onset of clinical fits. Serum GHs were elevated in some of the patients. After complex partial seizures, significant rises were found only in serum cortisol, but no demonstrable change was observed in PRL and GH. In the other minor seizure group, no remarkable change was observed in any of the hormones. These results suggest that the postictal hormonal change is different in each type of seizure, respectively.

The effect of blood glucose concentration on labile A1c in diabetic patients

We investigated the magnitude of labile A1c in total A1c measured rapidly by a chromatographic method, and whether or not there was an effect of blood glucose before and after a meal on labile A1c in 94 type I and 178 type II diabetic subjects. There were strong correlations between serum glucose and labile A1c both in type I (r = 0.76, P less than 0.001) and in type II diabetic subjects (r = 0.72, P less than 0.001). These relationships did not change before and after the meal. As labile A1c increased in proportion to blood glucose, it could be calculated from the blood glucose level in simultaneous blood samples. In type I diabetic subjects, below the 100-mg/dl glucose level labile a was negligible, and above 100 mg/dl about 0.35% labile A1c was increased every 50-mg/dl increment of glucose. In type II diabetic subjects, below a 150-mg/dl glucose level labile A1c was in the normal range (0.58 +/- 0.15%), and above the 150-mg/dl glucose level every 50-mg/dl increment of glucose increased about 0.3% of labile A1c. If this process is used, stable A1c can be calculated easily from total A1c and coincident serum glucose, even though labile A1c is not removed by incubation.

Preferential inhibition of 5-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyuridine phosphorylation by 5'-amino-5'-deoxythymidine in uninfected versus herpes simplex virus-infected cells

The cytotoxic effects of 5-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (CF3dUrd) were effectively antagonized by 5'-amino-5'-deoxythymidine (5'-AdThd). The antiproliferative actions of CF3dUrd were reduced in a dose-dependent manner by 5'-AdThd in both HeLa and Vero cells. In addition, the ability of CF3dUrd to kill HeLa cells (95% at 1 microM and 99% at 3 microM), as measured by cloning efficiency, was ablated entirely by 5'-AdThd (300 microM). In contrast, the inhibition of herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) replication in HeLa cells was not antagonized by 5'-AdThd. In Vero cells, the combination of CF3dUrd and 5'-AdThd produced a greater antiviral effect than either agent alone. The reduction in CF3dUrd cytotoxicity caused by 5'-AdThd in uninfected HeLa and Vero cells was associated with decreased intracellular levels of CF3dUrd nucleotides. In contrast, in HSV-2-infected Vero cells the intracellular levels of CF3dUrd nucleotides were slightly elevated by 5'-AdThd and, in virally infected HeLa cells, a 300-fold excess of 5'-AdThd reduced CF3dUrd uptake only marginally. Since the relative abundance of these phosphorylated derivatives of CF3dUrd was not markedly changed by 5'-AdThd, preferential inhibition of the mammalian thymidine kinase (EC 2.7.1.21) was suggested. Using CF3dUrd as the substrate, the ability of 5'-AdThd to inhibit thymidine kinase activity in extracts prepared from parallel cultures of mock-infected or HSV-2 infected HeLa cells was compared. CF3dUrd was phosphorylated to a lesser extent and the reaction was more potently inhibited by 5'-AdThd in the extracts prepared from the uninfected cells. The HeLa cell and HSV-2 thymidine kinases were purified by affinity column chromatography, and kinetic analyses were then done. Using CF3dUrd as the variable substrate, the Ki values for 5'-AdThd were 2.2 microM for the HeLa enzyme and 36 microM for the viral enzyme. Km values for CF3dUrd were 2.6 microM and 4 microM for the viral and mammalian enzymes, respectively. These data account for the ability of 5'-AdThd to inhibit preferentially the phosphorylation of CF3dUrd in uninfected host cells. The presence of 5'-AdThd substantially increased the therapeutic index of CF3dUrd, indicating that this drug combination, an example of specific inhibition, warrants investigation in vivo.

Dysfunction of tubular phosphate reabsorption related to glomerular filtration and blood glucose control in diabetic children

The renal handling of inorganic phosphate was studied by measuring the urinary excretion rate of phosphate (UPO4V), phosphate-(Cr51) EDTA clearance ratio (CPO4/GFR) and maximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate per litre glomerular filtrate (TmPO4/GFR) during fasting in 26 ambulatory Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic children without clinical signs of microangiopathy (age: 7-14 years; duration of disease: 3-14 years). Similar measurements were made in 28 healthy schoolchildren (age: 8-14 years). UPO4 V and CPO4/GFR were significantly enhanced in the diabetic children (p less than 0.001) and correlated with the degree of hyperglycaemia (p less than 0.005). TmPO4/GFR was significantly suppressed in the diabetic children (1.23 versus 1.73 mmol/l, p less than 0.001). This disturbance was neither related to changes in serum parathyroid hormone nor to growth hormone concentrations but was inversely correlated with the degree of hyperglycaemia (r = -0.61, p less than 0.001) and with tubular reabsorption of glucose (r = -0.53, p less than 0.01). In spite of the markedly lowered TmPO4/GFR in the diabetic subjects, the mean maximal (TmPO4) and absolute tubular phosphate reabsorption rates were equal to those of the 28 healthy subjects. Both in the diabetic and healthy subjects, these parameters were positively correlated with glomerular filtration rate which was significantly elevated in the diabetic children (138 versus 109 ml/min per 1.73 m2, p less than 0.01). The study demonstrates a dysfunction in tubular phosphate reabsorption in diabetic children which is related to glycaemic regulation.

Glycosylated hemoglobin in relation to rapid fluctuations in blood glucose in children with insulin-dependent diabetes: a comparison of methods with and without prior dialysis

To evaluate the importance of dialysis in the determination of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), we studied blood glucose and HbA1 in 38 insulin-dependent diabetic children during a morning fast and again 6 h postprandially. We used two methods to determine glycosylated hemoglobin: (1) the conventional macrocolumn method of Trivelli, which uses dialyzed hemolysate and (2) a commercially available microcolumn procedure, Isolab's Fast Hemoglobin Test System, which uses undialyzed blood samples. When the 6-h changes were assessed, the mean blood glucose had increased from 11.6 to 16.3 mmol/L (P less than 0.001). HbA1, determined by the microcolumn procedure simultaneously increased from 12.6% to 13.4% (P less than 0.001), and the increment in HbA1 correlated significantly with the increment in blood glucose (r = 0.62, P less than 0.001). HbA1 determined by the macrocolumn method increased slightly from 13.1% to 13.4% (P less than 0.01), and no correlation was present between the increment in blood glucose and HbA1 (r = -0.02, NS). When the microcolumn procedure was modified by employing dialyzed hemolysate, this method became unaffected by acute blood glucose variations. Therefore, dialysis in sample preparation appears to be important in minimizing the effect of acute changes in blood glucose on the level of glycohemoglobin. Methods in which dialyzed hemolysates are used may be more useful as an index of long-term glucose control.

Computerized tomography of the brain in schizophrenic patients. A controlled study

Computer tomography (CT) of the brain was carried out in 49 schizophrenic patients and 38 controls in order to study the organic characteristics of the brain in schizophrenia. Between the schizophrenic and control groups aged 21 to 40 years, there was no marked difference in ventricular size or cortical atrophy. In the groups aged 41 to 60 years, however, enlargement of the ventricular system and cortical atrophy were highly significant in the schizophrenic group. Positive correlation was observed (P less than 0.05) between enlargement of the third ventricle and duration of illness. There was a high frequency of cortical atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes in the schizophrenic group.

Effects of long-term administration of anticonvulsant drugs on chromosomes in man

Effects of long=term administration of anticonvulsant drugs on chromosomes in epileptic mothers and their children were examined. Specimens from peripheral lymphocytes were prepared by incubation for 3 days and colchicine treatment. Results obtained were as follows: (1) The incidence of abnormal cells in epileptic mother group over 9 years of drug administration was significantly higher than in the group below 9 years. (2) Most of chromosome abnormalities found in subjects were of comparatively simple morphological aberrations such as gaps or breaks. The incidence of the chromosome-type abnormalities was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. (3) Chromosome abnormality of children showed a positive correlation with that of mothers but was not significant. (4) The incidence of chromosome abnormality in children was reduced along with aging. (5) These observations could be interpreted to suggest that chromosome abnormality appearing in children born from epileptic mothers under drug therapy was probably formed by direct effects of anticonvulsant drugs on the fetal hematopoietic system.

Multi-institutional study on the teratogenicity and fetal toxicity of antiepileptic drugs: a report of a collaborative study group in Japan

A multi-institutional collaborative study was conducted concerning the course of pregnancy and delivery and the incidence of abnormal infants delivered of epileptic women. Of 657 women receiving antiepileptic drugs, 73% delivered live infants, 14% had miscarriage or stillbirth, and 13% underwent induced abortion. In contrast to the above findings, 80% of 162 patients not receiving antiepileptic drugs delivered live infants and 4% had miscarriage or stillbirth. The latter outcome was significantly increased in the medicated patients. In this series, 63 (9.9%) of 638 live births were malformed, 55 (11.5%) being from medicated mothers and 3 (2.3%) from nonmedicated mothers. The incidence of fetal malformation in medicated mothers was thus five times as high as that in nonmedicated mothers. Cleft lip and/or palate and malformations involving the cardiovascular system were found frequently in the infants from medicated mothers. General background factors that might exert teratogenic effects on pregnant patients with epilepsy were studied, and the potential toxicity of antiepileptic drugs to the fetus was also analyzed. In this regard, consideration should be given to whether the patient has partial epileptic seizures, whether the patient herself exhibits any malformation, or whether her previous pregnancy resulted in an abnormal outcome. The incidence of fetal malformation was the highest (12.7%) in the medicated patients who had epileptic seizures during the pregnancy. It is presumed on the basis of the results of analysis of the data that a combination of more than three drugs and a daily dose greater than a certain minimal level is likely to produce malformed infants.

The diurnal variations of glutamic acid decarboxylase activity in some discrete nuclei of rat brain

The diurnal rhythmicity of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity in the nucleus level of the rat brain was examined by the radiochemical micromethod in a light-dark condition. GAD activity showed a biphasic variation in globus pallidus and substantia nigra (zona reticulata and compacta), but a monophasic variation, i.e. high in the dark, in colliculus superior (stratum griseum superficiale and stratum opticum). As for hypothalamus GAD activity of some nuclei (N. arcuatus, N. periventricularis, N. preopticus, etc.) it indicated a monophasic variation, while that of some nuclei (N. suprachiasmaticus, N. ventromedialis, A. lateralis, etc.) it showed no significant variations despite their proved functional activity with rhythmicity.

Nystagmus and REM-density during sleep in patients with various brain lesions

The subjects of this study were 25 patients. Sixteen cases with nystagmus referable to brain stem lesion were divided into two groups; one group was 7 vertical nystagmus (vertical group) and the other group was 9 horizontal nystagmus (horizontal group). Other 9 cases consisted of congenital group (4 cases), cerebellar group (3 cases) and labyrinthine group (2 cases). Normal controls were 8 male volunteers who had no history of particular psychiatric and somatic illness. The results were as follows: 1) Nystagmus observed during wakefulness in all nystagmus groups disappeared during all stages of sleep. 2) The vertical component of nystagmus in the vertical group showed significantly enhanced REM-density compared with that of normal subjects. 3) Both horizontal and vertical REM-densities of the horizontal and labyrinthine group were almost as high as those of normal subjects. 4) Both REM-densities of the congenital group were significantly lower than those of normal subjects. 5) The horizontal REM-density of the cerebellar group was significantly higher than that of normal subjects.

A case of prolonged confusion after temporal lobe psychomotor status

A 36-year-old man with prolonged confusion developed after psychomotor status was reported. He had no past history of epileptic seizures or psychotic disorders. The status continued for 20 hours, and twilight state and a slight fever lasted for about 10 days. Thereafter gross impairment of memory and disorientation became remarkable, and, in addition, strong psychic and autonomic disturbances developed, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, excessive excitement, disturbance of sleep, polyphagia, polydypsia, polyuria and hyperhidrosis. The CT scan, carotide angiography, CSF examination, and complement fixation tests for viruses were all within normal limits. The EEGs showed a slowing of the background activity, 0.6--0.8 Hz periodic high voltage wave discharges and random spikes in each temporal area. The clinical symptoms and EEG findings gradually improved without remarkable damage.

Polygraphic study on the clinical seizures induced during nocturnal sleep

The subjects of this study consisted of 17 epileptic patients with clinical seizures during all-night sleep recording (the seizure group) and another 17 epileptic patients without clinical seizures (the control group). The results obtained were as follows: 1) The 50-90% out of total clinical seizures were induced in non-REM sleep, while a few clinical seizures were induced in REM sleep. The number of clinical seizures in sleep stage of higher activity level increased as the incidence of clinical seizure during all-night grew. 2) In the seizure group REM sleep could not be detectable during all-night in five cases out of 17 cases, while we could not find cases lacking REM sleep in the control group. This difference between two subject groups was statistically significant (P less than 0.025). 3) As to focal spike group, the spike discharge incidence of total sleeping time and of each sleep stage was higher respectively in the seizure group than that in the control group, and particularly in St.1, St.2 and REM sleep the figure of the discharge incidence was found significantly higher in the seizure group than that in the control group (P less than 0.05). We discussed on above-mentioned results, and we emphasized particularly that REM-sleep suppresses clinical seizures, although non-REM sleep induces clinical seizures.