Cocaine infusion increases interferon-gamma and decreases interleukin-10 in cocaine-dependent subjects

The effects of cocaine infusion (40 mg) on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine secretion were examined in 15 cocaine-dependent subjects. Pre- and postcocaine infusion peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), stimulated with phytohemagglutinin A, were cultured for 48 h and the cytokines in the supernatant measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cocaine infusion, but not saline infusion, increased IFN-gamma secretion and decreased IL-10 secretion, while, in PBMC collected simultaneously from control subjects, secretion of these cytokines was unaltered. Baseline IFN-gamma levels were lower and IL-10 levels higher in addicted subjects compared to those in control subjects. White blood cell and lymphocyte number and CD4(+) and CD8(+) counts were all increased following cocaine infusion. In vitro cocaine treatment of PBMC from addicted subjects suppressed both IL-10 and IFN-gamma secretion. These data suggest that acute cocaine administration, via both central and peripheral effects, may enhance Th1-type immune responses and inhibit Th2-type responses.

Cocaine enhances monocyte migration across the blood-brain barrier. Cocaine's connection to AIDS dementia and vasculitis?

Cocaine has wide-ranging effects on the immune and neuroendocrine systems (Fiala et al., 1996) resembling an inflammatory "stress" response with upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulation of the HPA axis (Gan et al., 1997). Cocaine abuse has also been associated with vascular pathology, including vasculitis, vasospasm and hemorrhage. These effects suggest that cocaine could perturb the function of endothelial cells, including the blood-brain barrier, and influence the progression to AIDS in HIV-infected individuals (Shapshak et al., 1997; Goodkin et al., 1997). In order to understand clinical consequences of cocaine abuse, it is important to gain insight into molecular and cellular basis of cocaine's effects on immune and endothelial cells. Cocaine's in vitro effects on (a) permeability, (b) immune cell migration, (c) adhesion molecules, and (d) cytokine expression were investigated in a blood-brain barrier model constructed with brain microvascular endothelial cells and fetal astrocytes with the following results: (a) cocaine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased the model's permeability to inulin similarly in a dose-responsive fashion; (b) cocaine (10(-4) to 10(-8_ M) enhanced monocyte migration across the barrier with the maximum increase, approximately 100%, by 10(-5) M cocaine; (c) cocaine treatment also increased the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (VCAM-1) and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1); (d) although the cocaine in vitro effects on cytokine production by mononuclear cells have been difficult to assess due to a heterogeneity in the degree of responsiveness between individuals, the data suggest that mononuclear cells from cocaine addicts are sensitized to in vitro cocaine challenge with hypersecretion of inflammatory cytokines. Cocaine's in vivo manifestations are compatible with these in vitro effects: (A) chronic cocaine treatment of rats significantly increased rolling white blood cell flux, leukocyte-endothelium adhesion, and ICAM-1 expression in the mesentery (House et al., 1996); (B) cocaine injection to cocaine-dependent subjects tipped the balance of cytokine secretion by mononuclear cells to Th1-type (Gan et al., 1997), and (C) cocaine injection stimulated the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) to increase both anti- and pro-inflammatory hormonal secretion. Collectively, these results suggest that the immune effects of cocaine on endothelial, immune and neuroendocrine cells impair the function of the blood-brain, barrier, increase cell emigration from the blood vessels, in particular into the brain, and may cause vasculitis. These effects could also increase importation of HIV-1 into the brain.

The effects of interaction between morphine and interleukin-1 on the immune response

The findings presented here clearly indicate an association between opioid- and cytokine-dependent systems. Exposure to exogenous opioids can produce profound effects on IL-1-mediated immune responses. Chronic exposure to morphine appears to disrupt the brain-immune axis by desensitizing the IL-1 activation of the HPA axis, and consequently potentiate the LEA response to IL-1. On the other hand, endogeneous IL-1, secreted in response to disease or stress, may alter the endogenous opioid pathway by inducing the expression of opioid receptors in endothelial cells. Clinically, the potential impact on the body's defense mechanisms resulting from the interaction between opioids, such as morphine, and cytokines, such as IL-1, can be substantial. Further investigation of this interaction is essential to understanding the extent of damage in human body caused by drugs of abuse, such as morphine.

Arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) activation of FOS proto-oncogene protein immunoreactivity in the rat brain

It is thought that the physiological actions of endogenous cannabinoid arachidonylethanolamide (AEA), as well as exogenous cannabinoids such as Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are mediated by two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which have recently been characterized. Injection of AEA leads to alterations in motor behavior and endocrine function. While these phenomena have been well characterized, the neuronal substrate of AEA's actions remains undetermined. In this study, FOS immunoreactivity (FOSir) was used to map rat brain nuclei that are responsive to a single intracerebroventricular injection of AEA. The results showed that FOSir was induced in several nuclei including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce), periaqueductal gray area (PAG), dentate gyrus in the hippocampus (Dg), paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVA), median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), periventricular nucleus (Pe), caudate putamen (CPU) and the ependymal lining of the ventricles. The pattern of activation identified correlates, in part, with the distribution of CB receptors. At the same time, a new subset of nuclei, without demonstrable CB receptors, have been shown to respond to an AEA challenge. Activation of these nuclei is consistent with the physiological effects of AEA. These findings provide valuable information on the response to AEA at the level of neuronal activation and provide the basis for a broader understanding of the possible role of CB receptors in the modulation of motor and endocrine function associated with the use of exogenous cannabinoids, such as marijuana.

Temporal expression of elastic fiber components in bladder development

Fetal and postnatal bovine bladders were examined for expression of elastic fiber components by immunohistochemistry as well as by measurement of steady state mRNA levels. Expression of fibrillin-1, microfibril-associated glycoprotein (MAGP) and elastin during the fetal period were compared with that of postnatal two year old animals (heifers) and adults. Each bladder was separated into two distinct tissue samples: 1) the outer smooth muscle layer (detrusor) and 2) the inner epithelium (urothelium) lined lamina propria (urotherial-lamina propria). Each of these samples was analyzed separately. Distribution of the elastic fiber components, determined by immunohistochemistry with matrix-specific antibodies, was different depending upon the region of the bladder wall examined and its developmental stage. In particular, MAGP and fibrillin-1 were conspicuously present in the urothelium during the later fetal stages. RNA products of elastic fiber genes were detectable both in the detrusor smooth muscle and urothelial-lamina propria fractions. The highest level of expression occurred in the urothelial-lamina propria fraction during the late second-early third trimester. Elastin expression was different from that of MAGP and fibrillin-1. The highest levels of steady-state elastin mRNA occurred at the earliest developmental stages examined and then progressively decreased through term. A high level of elastin expression occurred within the inner or lamina propria layer of the bladder. Since this layer is the functional capacitance layer within the bladder, its flexibility is likely related to the structural integration of elastin and associated microfibrillar components.

Dose reconstruction for residents living in 60Co-contaminated rebar buildings

The first 60Co-contaminated rebar building was discovered in Taipei city in 1992. As of 18 July 1997, 144 buildings with 1,327 housing units were confirmed to contain 60Co-contaminated rebars. All these reinforced concrete buildings were constructed between 1982 and 1984. Thousands of residents have been exposed to ionizing radiation of various degrees. Preliminary assessments by the Atomic Energy Council showed that the accumulated maximal doses ranged from a few mSv to several Sv. The purpose of this work was to reconstruct more reliable individual doses for epidemiologic and medical uses. This reconstruction provided the best estimated doses as well as conceivable upper and lower bounds. The variation of residential day-life activities by individual members in a family was considered according to their sex, age, profession, etc. Intensive data on exposure rates were collected using thermoluminescent dosimeters positioned at 1 m height and 1 m x 1 m intersections with additional measurements at special locations such as bed, sofa, dining table, etc. Thermoluminescent dosimeter measurements were performed in all 24 residences studied in this work. This showed that the Atomic Energy Council maximal doses were 2-6 times higher than the present best estimated doses. Among all family members, elders and housewives received the highest doses; children received the lowest doses. The difference in doses among all family members belonging to different cohort categories is within a factor of two.

Transdermal iontophoretic delivery of hydrocortisone from cyclodextrin solutions

Enhanced skin penetration of hydrocortisone can be desirable for treatment of several diseases. Transdermal iontophoretic delivery of hydrocortisone solubilized in an aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) was investigated and compared with chemical enhancement of co-solvent formulations. The passive permeation of hydrocortisone through human cadaver skin was higher when delivered from propylene glycol than when delivered after solubilization in an aqueous solution of HP-beta-CyD. However, the iontophoretic delivery of the 1% hydrocortisone-9% HP-beta-CyD solution was higher than the amount delivered passively by the 1% hydrocortisone-propylene glycol formulation, even if oleic acid was used as a chemical enhancer. Iontophoretic delivery of 1% hydrocortisone with 3% or 15% HP-beta-CyD was lower than that of the 9% HP-beta-CyD solution. These data suggest that free hydrocortisone rather than complexes is predominantly delivered iontophoretically through the skin and the HP-beta-CyD complex serves as a carrier to replenish depletion of hydrocortisone. HP-beta-CyD prevents hydrocortisone from forming a skin reservoir. Iontophoresis provides better enhancement of transdermal delivery of hydrocortisone than the chemical approach when just sufficient HP-beta-CyD is added to solubilize the hydrocortisone.

The commissioning of a flexible low-cost multipurpose X-ray beamline at SRRC

A low-cost multipurpose X-ray beamline has been commissioned at the bending magnet B15 of the Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (SRRC). The beamline is constructed in such a way to accommodate the various needs of small research consortia, from universities or research institutes, whose requirements of a beamline facility are quite diverse while under limited funding support. Flexibility is the special feature of this beamline. It is capable of performing quick test measurements without a prolonged reviewing process. Switching between different techniques, such as white-beam irradiation, EXAFS and X-ray scattering, can be achieved within 1 h. Novel experiments, such as energy-dispersive small-angle scattering experiments and energy-dispersive reflectivity measurements, can also be performed.

A synchrotron radiation beam-position monitor at the Taiwan Light Source

A prototype photon-beam-position monitor has been designed, fabricated and tested at the Taiwan Light Source of the Synchrotron Radiation Research Center. Aluminium was chosen as the material of the blade electrodes due to its low atomic number and high thermal conductivity. The resolution of this photon-beam-position monitor was <+/-1 micro m. The sensitivity of the blade electrode has been measured in situ. Results of measurements for bending-magnet light and undulator light with different gaps are described.

Interleukin-1 induces the expression of mu opioid receptors in endothelial cells

Immunocytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), have been shown to be involved in the activation and/or induction of a variety of transcription factors which may modulate the expression of genes possessing DNA binding sites on which these transcription factors act. The promoter DNA sequence of the mu opioid receptor gene contains IL-1 response elements such as NF-IL6, and, therefore, the receptor gene may be responsive to IL-1. To investigate the effect of IL-1 on the opioid receptor gene, the in vitro expression of mu opioid receptor mRNA in neural microvascular endothelial cells (NMVEC) was determined before and after IL-1 treatment. PCR analysis revealed that there was virtually no mu opioid receptor expression at basal levels and no increase after either IL-1alpha or IL-1beta treatment. However, simultaneous treatment with both IL-1alpha and IL-1beta increased mu opioid receptor expression. This upregulation of mu opioid receptor expression provides direct evidence of a relationship between opioid and cytokine actions, and suggests that opioid-dependent pathways may be modulated in the disease state.

Developmental expression of interstitial collagen genes in fetal bladders

Bovine bladders at 3 stages during fetal development were examined for expression of collagens by immunohistochemistry as well as by measurement of steady state mRNA levels. Expression of type I and type III collagens during the fetal period was compared with that of adult cows as well as a young animal (heifer). Each bladder was separated into a detrusor and a urothelial-lamina propria sample which were then analyzed separately. Distribution and fiber arrangement of types I and III collagens were different depending upon the region of the bladder wall examined. Type III collagen, in particular, has a "coiled" appearance which is especially prominent within the lamina propria. Collagen gene expression showed a distinctive pattern which was different for both type I and type III collagen. While type I collagen gene expression peaked during the late second to early third trimester, type III collagen expression progressively decreased throughout the fetal period. In addition, expression of both collagens was greater in the urothelial-lamina propria fractions. These data demonstrate that the pattern of collagen gene expression in the developing bladder is developmentally regulated and is unique to each of the two major structural layers.

Chronic exposure to morphine, but not ethanol, attenuates the expression of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme in rat spleen

IL-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE), a proteolytic enzyme that converts the inactive precursor of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) to its mature active form, has been abundantly detected in the IL-1 beta producing cells in the spleen. Since IL-1 beta is a potent neuro-endocrine-immuno modulator, alterations in the production of IL-1 beta by an exogenous factor, such as morphine or ethanol, may have deleterious effects on the system as a whole. In this study, we examined the expression of ICE in the spleens of rats given chronic treatment with morphine versus ethanol using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of ICE in the spleen of rats given chronic morphine was clearly less than that of the animals given placebo, however, it was similar for both rats on ethanol and control diets. These data suggest that chronic use of morphine, but not ethanol, attenuates the expression of ICE in the spleen.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the jejunum causing intussusception

Inflammatory fibroid polyp of jejunum is a very rare nonneoplastic lesion of gastrointestinal tract. We reported a 66-year-old male who presented with abdominal fullness, colicky pain, and vomiting for 4 days. Plain abdomen showed intestinal obstruction with dilated small bowel loops. The exploratory laparotomy was performed under the clinical impression of intussusception caused by small bowel tumor. The diagnosis of an inflammatory fibroid polyp causing jejunojejunal intussusception was confirmed after surgery.

FOS expression induced by interleukin-1 or acute morphine treatment in the rat hypothalamus is attenuated by chronic exposure to morphine

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cytokine involved in a variety of biological activities. It has been hypothesized that the immunomodulatory effects of IL-1 are the result of both direct action on immune cells and indirect action on a regulatory cascade mediated through the hypothalamus. Chronic exposure to substances of abuse, such as morphine, appears to modulate immunoresponsiveness by mechanisms not yet defined. The expression of FOS, the protein product of the c-fos proto-oncogene, has been widely used as an anatomical marker for monitoring neuronal activity. We have previously shown that acute treatment with either morphine or IL-1 induces FOS immunoreactivity in the rat brain, including the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamus. In this study, using immunocytochemical staining of FOS, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to morphine attenuates the cellular responsiveness to IL-1 and to morphine in the PVN and SON, whereas pretreatment with naloxone, an opiate receptor antagonist, does not reverse the effect of IL-1 on FOS expression. The results not only confirm that the PVN and SON are neuroanatomical sites where the actions of both morphine and IL-1 converge, but also indicate that chronic exposure to morphine may desensitize the cellular response involved in hypothalamic functions through an IL-1-dependent pathway.

Technetium-99m-DMSA renal SPECT in diagnosing and monitoring pediatric acute pyelonephritis

This study compares the sensitivity of 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal SPECT with planar scintigraphy, concluding the importance of 99mTc-DMSA renal SPECT for the early diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN) in patients under 3 yr of age.

METHODS

Twenty-seven children under 3 yr of age, with clinical and/or laboratory suspicion of APN, were investigated. All 99mTc-DMSA renal SPECT and planar images and voiding cystoureterogram (VCUG) were obtained within 3 days of hospitalization.

RESULTS

In the first examination, renal cortical defects were detected in 23 patients (42 kidneys) with SPECT and in 9 patients (11 kidneys) with planar scintigraphy. One year after treatment, constant renal cortical lesions were observed in 11 patients (14 kidneys) with SPECT and 4 patients (4 kidneys) with planar scintigraphy. The high grades of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (grade >or= 3) correlate better with APN diagnosed by SPECT (34 kidneys) than by planar scintigraphy (8 kidneys). Multiple renal cortical defects (number of lesions >or= 4) were only seen in patients under 1.5 yr old and none of those with a negative 99mTc-DMSA renal SPECT had a positive 99mTc-DMSA renal planar scintigraphy at any time. There is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the diagnostic ability of these two methods of examination.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that 99mTc-DMSA renal SPECT should be used, where possible, instead of planar DMSA in routine examination of children with clinical suspicion of APN, especially for those under 3 yr of age.

The role of acidic amino acid residues in the structural stability of snake cardiotoxins

We have recently shown that membrane-related activities of cardiotoxin V from Naja naja atra (CTX A5) are diminished at acidic pH although the overall beta-sheet structure of the molecule is maintained. In order to understand more about the mechanism of inactivation of CTX at acidic pH, we studied the effect of pH and denaturing reagents on the structural stability of CTX. We found, first, pH-induced structural transitions occurred in CTX A5 at two pH values as judged by the CD ellipticity around 195 nm: an increase in the beta-sheet content occurred around pH 4 and followed by a decrease, therein, around pH 2. The pKa of three acidic amino acid residues in CTX A5, i.e., Glu-17, Asp-42, and Asp-59, were determined to be 4.0, 3.2, and below 2.3, respectively, by NMR spectroscopy. The low pKa value of Asp-59 implies salt bridge formation between Lys-2 and Asp-59. Thus, electrostatic interaction may stabilize the three loop structure in addition to the hydrogen bonds between N- and C-termini of CTX molecule. Second, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) and guanidinium chloride (GdmHCI) were found to induce alpha-helical and random coil formation, respectively, in CTX A5 and eight other beta-sheet CTXs. Comparison of the relative potencies of TFE and GdmHCI to induce structural changes suggests that the amino acid residue located at position 17 plays a role in the structural stability. Specifically, CTXs containing negatively charged Glu-17 are least stable. It is suggested that Glu-17 may perturb the interaction between Lys-2 and Asp-59, and thus the overall stability of beta-sheet, in the presence of denaturing reagent. In conclusion, the perturbed structural stability of CTXs may partially explain the lower activity CTX exhibits at acidic pH. A structural model to account for the unfolding and refolding of CTX molecules without the breaking of disulfide bonds is also proposed.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide attenuates in vivo expression of c-fos in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus of the rat brain

The proto-oncogene, c-fos, is expressed in neurons in response to stimulation by growth factors, neurotransmitters, and immunocytokines. In order to determine whether interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced Fos protein expression in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) can be reduced or eliminated by a c-fos antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, rats were injected with c-fos antisense and Fos expression was examined immunocytochemically. Our results indicate that c-fos antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment decreases the density of Fos immuno-labeled nuclei in the PVN following IL-1 beta administration. These data suggest that, with the use of antisense technology, it may be possible to determine the role of proto-oncogene proteins in specific brain areas.

Angiocentric T-cell lymphoma of the intestine: a distinct etiology of ischemic bowel disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Bowel ischemia and perforation is an infrequent but ominous event in patients with malignant lymphoma. The underlying pathogenesis of this association remains to be clarified in most cases. Seven unusual cases of angiocentric T-cell lymphoma of the intestine presenting with bowel ischemia or perforation are reported. Their clinicopathologic features were analyzed.

METHODS

Clinical records and histopathology were reviewed. Immunophenotypic studies and EBER1 in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus were performed.

RESULTS

All patients (3 men and 4 women; mean age, 42 years) presented with acute abdominal pain, bloody stool, or bowel perforation. The intestinal lesions were ulcerated and transmurally necrotic or gangrenous. The angiodestruction of the tumor cells appeared to be responsible for the presenting bowel ischemia. The neoplastic cells expressed a pan-T-cell antigen CD45RO; 4 of them contained Epstein-Barr virus transcripts EBER1. The prognosis was grave; 6 patients died within 3 months of onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal angiocentric T-cell lymphoma represents a distinct etiology of bowel ischemia. The condition should be taken into consideration, particularly in young adults with ischemic bowel disease.

Chronic exposure to morphine attenuates expression of interleukin-1 beta in the rat hippocampus

The cytokine, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), can modulate both immune and neuroendocrine events. Alteration of IL-1 beta expression by exogenous factors, such as morphine, may affect the neuro-endocrine-immune axis. Brain sections from male rats implanted with either morphine or placebo pellets were stained for IL-1 beta immunoreactivity. The results showed pronounced attenuation of IL-1 beta immuno-reactivity in the dentate gyrus and the CA1-CA3 fields of the hippocampus in morphine-implanted rats compared to placebo controls. It has been suggested that the hippocampus is involved in the regulation of hypothalamic activity. Attenuation of IL-1 beta expression in the hippocampus by chronic exposure to morphine may be one of the mechanisms underlying the neuro-endocrine-immune modulatory effects of opiate addiction.

Activation and desensitization of Fos immunoreactivity in the rat brain following ethanol administration

The expression of the Fos proto-oncogene protein has been used as an anatomical marker of activated brain areas. Detection of Fos immunoreactivity can provide information about the sites of action of various stimuli at the level of single cell resolution. Following intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (16% w/v), Fos immunoreactivity was induced in several rat brain areas including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, the central nucleus of amygdala, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, locus coeruleus nucleus and parabrachial nucleus. The induction was dose dependent, and the length of activation time was different in each nucleus. Fos immunoreactivity in the supraoptic nucleus appeared only when a higher concentration of ethanol was injected. Repeated administration of ethanol twice daily for 17 or 24 days resulted in a desensitization of Fos immunoreactivity in these nuclei. These data suggest that induction of Fos immunoreactivity can be used to determine the sites at which ethanol acts on the brain, and may provide important information about the mechanisms underlying the tolerance and physical dependence of alcohol usage.

Morphine-augmented versus CCK-augmented cholescintigraphy in diagnosing acute cholecystitis

Cholescintigraphy was performed after pharmacological manipulation in 60 patients with a clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis and non-visualization of the gallbladder 1 h after 99Tcm-DISIDA cholescintigraphy. Thirty patients received an intravenous (i.v.) injection of morphine sulphate (group I) and the other 30 patients an i.v. injection of CCK (group II). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94, 100, 100 and 93% in group I and 100, 84, 79 and 100% in group II, respectively. There was a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, morphine-augmented cholescintigraphy could supply more reliable diagnostic information and is less time-consuming in patients with a clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis.