[Effect of Z-103 on wound healing by dermal incision in guinea pigs]

We investigated the effects of Z-103, ZnSO4, L-carnosine and solcoseryl on wound healing by dermal incision in guinea pigs. The tensile strength, hydroxyproline contents and the value of angiogenesis (carmine contents) at the wounded site of dorsal skin were used as indices of wound healing. Z-103, given daily s.c., increased the tensile strength and hydroxyproline contents on day 4 after operation in a dose-dependent manner; in particular, the effect of 10 mg/kg of Z-103 was nearly equal to that of solcoseryl at 0.5 ml/animal. Moreover, Z-103 10 mg/kg increased the value of angiogenesis on day 3 after the operation. On the other hand, ZnSO4 and L-carnosine, components of Z-103, also similarly increased the tensile strength and hydroxyproline contents. These results suggest that Z-103 possessed an accelerative action on wound healing, and these effects may be due to the activity of its components, ZnSO4 and L-carnosine.

Nootropic candidates inhibit head-twitches induced by mescaline in mice

The effects of various nootropic candidates on mescaline-induced head-twitches were studied in mice. The number of head-twitches induced by mescaline (100 mg/kg, s.c.) was significantly reduced by idebenone (32 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), minaprine (0.32-10 mg/kg, p.o.) and nebracetam (100 mg/kg, p.o.). Cholinesterase inhibitors such as tetrahydroaminoacridine (1 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.), NIK-247 (10 and 18 mg/kg, p.o.) and physostigmine (0.32 mg/kg, i.p.) also suppressed the head-twitch response to mescaline. These results suggest that the direct or indirect cholinergic-activating effects of these drugs may be involved in inhibiting mescaline-induced head-twitches.

Effects of inhibitory and excitatory drugs on the metabolic rhythm of the hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro

In order to elucidate the role of excitatory and inhibitory transmitters within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the circadian change of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake in this nucleus, the effects of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), muscimol, flurazepam, pentobarbital and glutamate on uptake of 2-DG by hamster SCN were examined in hypothalamic slice preparations. 2-DG uptake in the SCN was high during the subjective day and low during the subjective night. The high uptake of 2-DG in the SCN during the daytime was inhibited by the superfusion of 8-OH-DPAT, muscimol, flurazepam and pentobarbital in a dose-dependent manner, but the low uptake of 2-DG during the night was unaffected. The low uptake during the night was significantly increased by treatment with glutamate, whereas 2-DG uptake during the day was unaffected. In contrast to the above results, 20 mM KCl and 1 microM tetrodotoxin increased and decreased 2-DG uptake during both the day and night, respectively. The present results strongly suggest that agonists of 5-HT1A receptors and GABAA-benzodiazepine-barbiturate complex receptors regulate the function of the SCN through their inhibitory action on 2-DG uptake during the day, and that glutamate also regulates SCN function through it stimulatory action on 2-DG uptake during the night.

Protection by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists against impairment of working memory in rats following transient cerebral ischemia

A 5-min period of cerebral ischemia increased the number of errors (attempts to pass through two incorrect panels of the three panel-gates at four choice points) assessed by the working memory procedure applied in a three-panel runway task. The selective and competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist CGS 19755 (3.2 and 10 mg/kg), administered i.p. immediately after blood flow reperfusion, significantly reduced the increase in errors expected to occur 24 h after 5 min of ischemia. CGS 19755 10 mg/kg had no effect on the increase in errors when injected 6 h after ischemia. The i.p. administration of the non-competitive NMDA antagonists dextrorphan 10 and 32 mg/kg and MK-801 1.0 mg/kg immediately after reperfusion decreased the increase of errors in the ischemic rats. The protective effects of NMDA antagonists suggest that the mechanism mediated by NMDA receptors during the early reperfusion phase plays a pivotal role in the postischemic impairment of working memory.

Effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the circadian rhythm of wheel-running activity in hamsters

The effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), buspirone and ipsapirone on wheel-running activity in hamsters were investigated in comparison with those of GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and benzodiazepine triazolam. Intraperitoneal administration of 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone, ipsapirone, muscimol and triazolam at circadian time (CT) 8 (CT 12; onset of activity) induced a significant phase advance of wheel-running activity under constant light conditions. However, administration of these drugs at other CT points did not induce phase changes. The administration of trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), a 5-HT1B receptor agonist, at CT8 produced a small phase advance. The phase advance induced by 8-OH-DPAT was blocked by pretreatment with (-)-pindolol, a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. In addition, 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone and SM3997 accelerated the rate of re-entrainment to an 8-h phase advance in the light-dark cycle. These observations suggest that 5-HT1A receptors in the brain participate in the regulation of the circadian rhythm of wheel-running activity in hamsters.

Neuroprotective effect of WEB 1881 FU (nebracetam) on an ischemia-induced deficit of glucose uptake in rat hippocampal and cerebral cortical slices and CA1 field potential in hippocampal slices

Effect of WEB 1881 FU (nebracetam) on hypoxia and ischemia-induced impairment of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake and CA1 field potentials induced by hypoxia and hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia) in rat brain slices was evaluated and compared to the findings obtained with pentobarbital and idebenone. Hippocampal and cortical slices were exposed to 15-20 min of ischemia, and then these slices were returned to oxygenated and glucose-containing buffer for 6 hr. Ischemia reduced both 30 mM KCl-induced 2DG uptake and CA1 field potentials elicited by the stimulation of Schaffer collaterals in the hippocampus. Pretreatment of nebracetam at 1 mM or pentobarbital at 0.1 mM attenuated a decline of 2DG uptake and CA1 field potentials under the condition of ischemia. In addition, nebracetam and pentobarbital relatively recovered the increase of 2DG uptake in the hippocampus under hypoxia for 45 min. Furthermore, these drugs also attenuated the decline of 2DG uptake induced by 10 mM glutamate for 20 min. However, treatment with idebenone did not recover the deficit of 2DG uptake and CA1 field potential. The present result suggests that nebracetam and pentobarbital exert neuroprotective actions against not only ischemia but also glutamate toxicity.

Working and reference memory in rats in the three-panel runway task following dorsal hippocampal lesions

Using a three-panel runway task, the influence of dorsal hippocampal lesions on working and reference memory in rats was investigated. Despite 20 postoperative training sessions, rats with hippocampal lesions were unable to perform the working memory task. In the acquisition process of the reference memory task, however, there was no significant difference between hippocampal- and sham-lesioned rats. On the other hand, rats trained preoperatively with a working memory procedure, and then subjected to hippocampal lesions, showed more errors (pushes made on the two incorrect panels of the three panel-gates located at four choice points) than did sham-lesioned rats. The increase in working errors induced by hippocampal lesions was not reduced during 10 subsequent re-training sessions. Hippocampal lesions had no effect on retention of the reference memory performance. The increase in working errors in hippocampal-lesioned rats was significantly reduced by treatment with the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine at 0.1 mg/kg and the cholinergic activating drug minaprine at 10 mg/kg. These findings suggest that lesions of the dorsal hippocampus selectively impair the ability to carry out the working memory task whether rats are trained preoperatively or postoperatively, and that the working memory loss in hippocampal-lesioned rats is mediated by lowering of the cholinergic function.

Analgesic and discriminative stimulus properties of U-62,066E, the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, in the rat

The analgesic and discriminative stimulus properties of U-62,066E, a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, were investigated in the rat and compared with those of morphine. In the hot-plate test, U-62,066E produced a potent analgesic effect almost comparable to that of morphine. U-62,066E-induced analgesia was far less sensitive to antagonism by naloxone than was morphine-induced analgesia, but was potently reversed by MR-2266, a kappa-receptor antagonist. Although tolerance occurred to both U-62,066E and morphine analgesia, there was no cross-tolerance between these drugs. U-62,066E did show cross-tolerance to U-50,488H, another selective kappa-receptor agonist. Rats were trained to discriminate either 1.0 mg/kg U-62,066E or 3.2 mg/kg morphine from saline in a two-level food-reinforced procedure. The stimulus effect of U-62,066E was substituted for by U-50,488H and E-2078 a stable dynorphin derivative, but not by morphine. None of the kappa-agonists substituted for the morphine stimulus. Although U-62,066E stimulus by itself was not antagonized by MR-2266 or naloxone up to as high a dose as 10 mg/kg, the U-62,066E-like stimulus effect of U-50,488H was markedly blocked by MR-2266. The dopamine antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride substituted for the U-62,066E stimulus cue that was, however, not attenuated by the dopamine agonist lisuride. Lisuride reversed the U-62,066E-like stimulus induced by U-50,488H.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Development of skill of children in the performance of the family computer game "Super Mario Brothers"

The development of skill of children in the performance of a family computer game (Super Mario Brothers) was investigated among three groups of different age: kindergarten children (6 years old) and primary school children (9 and 12 years old). The skill to perform the game with either hand was evaluated by the mean scores gained by the children. In the normal (right and dominant) situation, the mean score improved significantly with advancement of age. Similar was true in the reversed (left hand dominant) situation, but more distinctly. The mean scores were significantly higher in the normal than in the reversed situations. The experienced children were superior to the inexperienced children in playing the game. The correlation between the reaction time and the game score was also investigated with the same subjects for the 9- and 12-year-old school children. Almost no correlation could be elucidated.

Effects of successive doses of nizatidine, cimetidine and ranitidine on serum gastrin level and gastric acid secretion

Nizatidine (N-[2-[[[2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]- 4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]-N'-methyl-2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamine , CAS 76963-41-2) is a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist which shows suppression of gastric acid secretion and antiulcer activity. In the present experiment, the effects of single s.c. administration of nizatidine, cimetidine and ranitidine on serum gastrin levels were studied in fasted rats. Nizatidine at 100 mg/kg increased serum gastrin level 3 h after administration, which however, returned to basal level 6 h after administration. Cimetidine and ranitidine at respective doses of 250 and 100 mg/kg markedly increased serum gastrin levels 3 and 6 h after administration. In a previous study, the suppressive effect of nizatidine on basal gastric acid secretion was 82.8% at a dose of 100 mg/kg s.c. in rat pylrus-ligated model. On the basis of these findings, changes in basal gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin level after withdrawal of nizatidine, cimetidine and ranitidine administered for 14 consecutive days were studied. One day after withdrawal, nizatidine at 100 mg/kg showed a tendency to increase the basal gastric acid secretion. However, 3 and 7 days after administration, almost no changes were obtained. Cimetidine at 250 mg/kg showed a tendency to increase the basal gastric acid secretion 7 days after withdrawal of the drug. Ranitidine at 100 mg/kg induced no changes in basal gastric acid secretion after withdrawal. No obvious influences of all drugs on serum gastrin level after withdrawals were obtained. These results indicate that consecutive administration of nizatidine may cause only a transient increase of gastric acid secretion but no hypergastrinaemia after its withdrawal.

Involvement of the dorsal hippocampus in mediation of the antianxiety action of tandospirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine1A agonistic anxiolytic

The effect of tandospirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A agonist/anxiolytic, injected directly into dorsal hippocampus, on Vogel-type conflict behavior in rats was investigated and the findings were compared with the effects of diazepam and zopiclone. Tandospirone (30 micrograms/2 microliters and 60 micrograms/2 microliters) and diazepam (40 micrograms/2 microliters) but not zopiclone (20 micrograms/2 microliters), produced a potent anticonflict action in rats. The anticonflict action of tandospirone (30 micrograms/2 microliters), injected into the dorsal hippocampus, was significantly blocked by (-)-propranolol (5 mg/kg i.p.). The present findings provide evidence that suggests that tandospirone has an antianxiety action, presumably by stimulating 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal hippocampus.

Cardiovascular changes induced by chemical stimulation of the amygdala in rats

The role of the amygdaloid complex in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system was studied in unanesthetized, unrestrained rat. The injection of carbachol into the amygdaloid complex elicited a pressor response, whereas the injection of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine into the same area caused no significant cardiovascular changes. The greatest pressor response was obtained when carbachol was injected into the central nucleus. Bradycardia and tachycardia occurred when injection of carbachol was made into dorso-central and medio-ventral parts of the amygdaloid complex, respectively. Concomitant with cardiovascular responses, the injection of carbachol into the amygdaloid complex produced behavioral changes including immobilization, body shaking, searching and rearing. The pressor response and bradycardia were suppressed by prior local injection into the amygdaloid complex of atropine but not hexamethonium. These results suggest that the cholinergic system mediated by activation of muscarinic receptors in the amygdaloid complex may play a role in the control of cardiovascular and autonomic function.

Effect of the kappa-receptor agonist, U-50,488H, on cerebral ischemia-induced impairment of working memory assessed in rats by a three-panel runway task

The effect of U-50,488H, a selective kappa-receptor agonist, on memory functions in an animal model of cerebral ischemia was investigated by use of a three-panel runway task. A 5-min period of ischemia caused a significant increase in the number of errors (pushes made on the two incorrect panels of the three panel-gates at four choice points) in a working memory task but it did not impair a reference memory task. U-50,488H at 10 and 32 mg/kg, administered i.p. immediately after blood flow restoration significantly reduced the increase in errors expected to occur in a working memory task assessed 24 h after 5 min of ischemia. This protective effect of U-50,488H on amnesia in the ischemic rat was antagonized by the kappa-receptor antagonist, MR-2266. We conclude that U-50,488H prevents the impairment of working memory following transient forebrain ischemia, an event mediated by the activation of the kappa-opioid receptor.

Pharmacological profile of a potential anxiolytic: AP159, a new benzothieno-pyridine derivative

AP159 [N-cyclohexyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo(b)thieno(2,3c)pyridine]-3- carboamide,hydrochloride) showed clear anti-conflict activity in rats in the absence of effects on muscle relaxation, potentiation of anesthesia (in mice) or anticonvulsant activity (in mice). This anti-conflict effect was antagonized by treatment with Ro15-1788. By contrast with the deficits produced by diazepam, AP159 did not impair passive avoidance. The latter drug also improved scopolamine-induced amnesia in the same task. AP159 did not inhibit 3H-flunitrazepam binding, but potently inhibited 3H-8OH-DPAT binding. This compound increased serotonin and 5HIAA content of the midbrain raphe nuclei and of the amygdala centralis. AP159 has been shown to be a novel non-BZP anxiolytic agent with no side effects in laboratory animals; it could be a clinically effective anxiolytic agent.

WEB 1881 FU ameliorates impairment of working memory induced by scopolamine and cerebral ischemia in the three-panel runway task

Using a repeated acquisition procedure in a 3-panel runway apparatus, the effect of WEB 1881 FU on impairment of working memory produced either by scopolamine or by cerebral ischemia was investigated in rats and compared with those of aniracetam and Ca hopantenate. Intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine at 0.56 mg/kg significantly increased the number of errors (pushes made on the two incorrect panels of the three panel-gates located at each choice point). WEB 1881 FU at 10-32 mg/kg, p.o., caused a dose-related reduction in the increase of errors expected in the scopolamine-treated rats. Aniracetam at 10-100 mg/kg, p.o., or Ca hopantenate at 100 and 560 mg/kg, p.o., also significantly diminished the increase in errors induced by 0.56 mg/kg of scopolamine. Cerebral ischemia for 5 min significantly increased errors in the 3-panel runway task. WEB 1881 FU at 32 and 56 mg/kg, administered p.o. immediately after blood flow recirculation and again 1 hr before the runway test, conducted 24 hr after ischemia, significantly reduced the increase in errors expected to occur after 5 min of ischemia. Aniracetam at 32 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., similarly diminished the increase in errors in ischemic rats. These findings suggest that WEB 1881 FU has a beneficial effect on memory that has been impaired by scopolamine or by cerebral ischemia.

Effects of GABA and anxiolytics on the single unit discharge of suprachiasmatic neurons in rat hypothalamic slices

The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), muscimol, baclofen and the anxiolytics; diazepam (DZP), flurazepam (FZP) and zopiclone on single-unit neural activities in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were investigated using the rat hypothalamic slice preparation. Exposure of the slice to GABA 10(-4) M produced inhibitory responses in 65% of the 49 SCN neurons examined. The threshold concentration of GABA ranged from 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. Neurons responsive to GABA were not found to be restricted to a subdivision of the SCN, but were diffusely distributed throughout the nucleus. DZP, FZP and zopiclone produced responses similar to those of GABA. The inhibitory effects of GABA (10(-5) M) were potentiated by coadministration of DZP (10(-5) M). Muscimol and baclofen (10(-7) M to 10(-4) M) also inhibited SCN neuronal activity in a dose-dependent manner. Bicuculline (10(-5) M-10(-4) M) scarcely affected the baclofen-induced inhibition (1/6) but strongly antagonized the effects of muscimol (6/6), GABA (6/8) and DZP (4/5). These results suggest that the receptors mediating the inhibitory effects of GABA and anxiolytics within the SCN may be GABAA and/or GABAB or GABA-BDZ receptor complex, respectively.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective action of WEB 1881 FU on hypoglycemia/hypoxia-induced neuronal damage using rat striatal slices

Effect of WEB 1881 FU on hypoglycemia/hypoxia-induced brain damage in rats was evaluated and compared to findings obtained with idebenone. We used an in vitro model that facilitated the direct monitoring of dopamine release from striatal slices. The response to high K+ stimulation under perfusion of the slices with D-glucose-free Ringer solution (hypoglycemia) decreased at 40 min, and then practically disappeared. WEB 1881 FU at 10(-6) M or idebenone at 10(-6) M significantly protected against impairment of the striatal responses under the conditions of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic injury, evidenced by a remarkable neuron loss, necrosis and spongyosis was also ameliorated by these drugs. WEB 1881 FU at 10(-6) M had a protective action against the impairment of striatal responses evoked by NaCN (electron transport inhibitor at site 3) and oligomycin (inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthesis), but idebenone at 10(-6) M did not. In light of these observations, the possibility that WEB 1881 FU and idebenone exert neuroprotective actions against hypoglycemic/hypoxic brain injury by activating energy metabolism with different mechanisms from each other has to be considered.

[Studies on anti-ulcer effects of a new compound, zinc L-carnosine (Z-103)]

We investigated the anti-ulcer effects of zinc L-carnosine (Z-103) using several acute experimental models of gastric and duodenal lesions in rats. Effects of Z-103 on various gastric functions, e.g., antacid (in vitro), anti-pepsin (in vitro), gastric secretion, mucosal potential difference (PD) and mucus contents were also examined. Z-103 given orally prevented development of gastric lesions induced by water immersion stress, histamine, HCl-aspirin, HCl-ethanol and also duodenal ulcers induced by mepirizole in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro, Z-103 had a greater antacid effect than sodium bicarbonate; and moreover, the potency of its anti-peptic action (IC50 = 8.7 mM) was higher than those of several other drugs (sodium bicarbonate, sucrose sulfate and aceglutamide aluminum). Intragastric treatment of Z-103 (100 mg/kg alone tended to increase PD, and it also significantly inhibited the decrease in PD induced by aspirin. In addition, pretreatment with Z-103 at 10 and 30 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly prevented the decrease in mucus contents in the gastric mucosa and also mucosal lesions by oral administration of ethanol. On the other hand, Z-103 was not so effective on both basal (pylorus-ligation preparation) and histamine-stimulated gastric secretion (Heidenhain pouch preparation). These results suggest that Z-103 is useful for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers in humans.

beta-CCM inhibits muricide induced by olfactory bulbectomy in rats

Intravenous administration of beta-CCM (methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate) at doses ranging from 0.3 to 10 mg/kg dose-dependently inhibited muricide in olfactory bulbectomized rats. beta-CCM elicited a decrease of locomotor activity at doses ranging from 0.3 to 3 mg/kg, and it impaired rotarod performance at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg. The inhibition of muricide induced by beta-CCM was antagonized by intraperitoneal administration of Ro15-1788 at 10 mg/kg or diazepam at 3 mg/kg. However, the hypolocomotor activity and impairment of rotarod performance induced by beta-CCM were not antagonized by diazepam at 3 mg/kg. These results indicated that beta-CCM exerts an inhibitory effect on muricide through benzodiazepine receptors and this inhibitory effect was not solely caused by its sedative or motor incordinating activity at the dose ranges used in this study.

Minaprine improves impairment of working memory induced by scopolamine and cerebral ischemia in rats

Using a repeated acquisition procedure in a three-panel runway apparatus, the effects of minaprine on the impairment of working memory produced by scopolamine, ethylcholine aziridinium ion (AF64A) or cerebral ischemia were investigated in rats. Minaprine (3.2-32 mg/kg IP) as well as idebenone (10-100 mg/kg IP) and physostigmine (0.1-0.32 mg/kg IP) dose-dependently reduced the increase of errors (pushes made on the two incorrect panels located at each choice point) induced by 0.56 mg/kg IP scopolamine. Cerebral ischemia for 5 min caused a significant increase of errors in the runway task. Minaprine at 3.2 and 10 mg/kg administered IP immediately after blood recirculation and again 30 min before the runway test conducted 24 h after ischemia, significantly reduced increases in errors expected to occur after 5 min of ischemia. Physostigmine 0.1 mg/kg similarly attenuated the increase in errors in ischemic rats. However, minaprine at doses up to 32 mg/kg IP failed to reduce the increase of errors induced by AF64A 2.5 nmol injected into the dorsal hippocampus. These findings suggest that minaprine exerts an ameliorating effect on amnesia produced by scopolamine and cerebral ischemia, probably through mediation of its stimulant action on central cholinergic systems.

Endothelin-triggered brain damage under hypoglycemia evidenced by real-time monitoring of dopamine release from rat striatal slices

The role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of hypoglycemic brain damage in rats was evaluated using an in vitro model with which we could directly monitor the release of dopamine from striatal slices. There was no evidence of impairment in case of non-exposure of the slices to endothelin during 20-40 min of hypoglycemia. The response all but disappeared in striatal slices stimulated with endothelin 10(-5) M twice during 20 min of hypoglycemia. Endothelin-triggered hypoglycemic damage was not observed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of nifedipine 10(-6) M. Our findings provide strong evidence that endothelin is one etiological factor in the development of hypoglycemic/ischemic brain injury, as a result of interaction with specific receptors which activate the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel.

In vivo changes in brain catecholamine release from rat hypothalamus following olfactory bulbectomy

The mechanism eliciting mouse-killing behavior (muricide), induced by bilateral olfactory bulbectomy, has been shown to involve the brain noradrenergic system; this is because muricide is specifically inhibited by the drugs which potentiate the activity of catecholaminergic neurons such as tricyclic antidepressants. Our previous reports also demonstrated that the hypothalamic noradrenaline (NA) contents increased in the rats which exhibited muricide. To further examine the hypothalamic noradrenergic function in muricide, a push-pull perfusion technique was applied for direct measurement of NA release from the lateral (LH) and ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamus in freely moving rats. Subsequently, the perfusates, including catecholamines and their metabolites were measured by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Three days after olfactory bulbectomy, 67% of the rats elicited muricide and NA release from LH tended to decrease. Moreover, 7 days after olfactory bulbectomy, most of the rats elicited muricide and NA release from LH was significantly decreased, but not from VMH. On the other hand, dopamine (DA) release from VMH without LH conversely increased on the 7th day after olfactory bulbectomy. These results suggest that the dysfunction of the noradrenergic system caused by the decrease in NA release from LH played an important role for the incidence of muricide.

A key role of the mammillary body in mediation of the antianxiety action of zopiclone, a cyclopyrrolone derivative

The present study was designed to elucidate the brain site of the anticonflict action of zopiclone (ZOP), a cyclopyrrolone derivative, using the rat conflict procedure. ZOP at 10 micrograms/microliters, bilaterally injected into the mammillary body (MB), produced a significant increase in the punished responses, with no change in the unpunished responses. There were no significant changes in these responses when ZOP was injected into the central amygdala, frontal cortex or dorsal hippocampus. Attention should be given to the possibility that the MB is the site of the anticonflict action of ZOP.

Behavioral and electroencephalographic effects of a depot type neuroleptic fluphenazine decanoate, in rats

The behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of intramuscular fluphenazine decanoate (Fl-D) were investigated in rats and compared with those of fluphenazine enanthate (Fl-E) and fluphenazine HCl (Fl-HCl). It was clearly observed that 1) these two depot type neuroleptics reduced open-field activity, 2) antagonized methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity, 3) inhibited the conditioned avoidance response, and 4) produced catalepsy, for a substantially long period of time (4-35 d). Although both Fl-D and Fl-E significantly inhibited muricide in olfactory bulbectomized rats and impaired rotarod performance, these effects were relatively weak in potency and short-lasting (4 h-2 d). The EEG was changed to a drowsy pattern which consisted of high voltage slow waves following the injection of Fl-D and Fl-E. Fl-D significantly inhibited the EEG arousal response to auditory stimulation, but Fl-E did not. However, neither Fl-D nor Fl-E inhibited the EEG arousal response to electrical stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation and posterior hypothalamus. These results indicate that Fl-D has the same spectrum of pharmacological activity as Fl-E, except for its longer duration of action in antagonizing methamphetamine as well as in inhibiting the EEG arousal response to auditory stimulation.

[Estrogen production in epithelial tumors of the ovary--clinical and endocrinological study in postmenopausal women]

Estrogen-producing activity of common epithelial tumors (54 cases) and metastatic tumors (4 cases) of the ovary was clinically and endocrinologically studied in postmenopausal patients. High serum concentrations of E1 (greater than or equal to 50 pg/ml) and E2 (greater than or equal to 30 pg/ml) were demonstrated in 78% in the group of postmenopausal patients. Mucinous tumors were more commonly associated with high estrogen levels than serous tumors. Patients with malignant tumors more frequently have a high level of serum estrogen than those with benign tumors. Estrogen decreased to normal after complete resection of the tumor, but returned to the abnormal range following a recurrence. The local-peripheral gradient of the estrogen level was noted by measuring the estrogen concentration in the blood of the affected ovarian and peripheral veins at the time of laparotomy. These results indicated that serum estrogen in the patient was originally produced in the ovarian tumor mass. The increased estrogen were reflected in such target tissues as the endometrium and vaginal mucosa. Proliferation, hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia and even a case of carcinoma of the endometrium were observed in patients with ovarian tumors. An increase in the karyopyknotic index (KPI) of the vaginal smear, as well as uterine bleeding, could be an important signs of asymptomatic ovarian tumors in postmenopausal women.