[Cell proliferation and cell death (apoptosis) in epithelial tumors of the stomach--analysis of tumor tissues by the endoscopic mucosal resection]

To answer the question why some gastric cancers make elevation while others make depression in their early stage, and why polypoid cancers grow larger than their benign counterpart adenomas, the distribution of proliferating cells and apoptotic cells was compared between these lesions. Proliferating cells and apoptotic cells were detected with anti Ki-67 antibody (MIB-1) and with the in situ nick end labeling (ISNEL), respectively. A total of 62 gastric tumors, taken by the endoscopic mucosal resection method, was assessed. They consisted of 14 adenomas and 48 mucosal carcinomas (27 polypoid and 21 depressed type). Overall positive rates of Ki-67 were 27.5 +/- 9.0% in adenoma, 40.1 +/- 11.1% in polypoid cancer and 47.5 +/- 9.7% in depressed cancer. Proliferating cells were preferentially found in the cripts of metaplastic mucosa, in the middle to upper layer of adenomas, and in the whole layer including their surface of adenocarcinomas. Within cancers the polypoid type had more positive cells in the upper layer, so did the depressed type in the lower layer. ISNEL positive nuclei showed sphere, fragmented, ringed forms, or the same form as neighboring tumor nuclei. Apoptotic cells lay scattered throughout tumor glands. Apoptotic cell counts per 1000 tumor cells were 26.0 +/- 9.7 in adenoma, 36.3 +/- 32.1 in polypoid cancer, and 52.5 +/- 19.3 in depressed cancer. Depressed type cancers and a few polypoid cancers rich in non-tumor tissues showed higher numbers of apoptotic cells than adenomas and usual polypoid cancers. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The sigma-selective ligand NE-100 attenuates the effect of phencyclidine in a rat diving model

1. Phencyclidine (PCP) reduces the latency of rats diving into a water-filled pool from a hidden platform, without stereotyped behavior. 2. The sigma-selective ligand, NE-100 (N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethyl-amine monohydrochloride), attenuates the effects of PCP in this procedure. 3. The serotonin2 (5-HT2) antagonist, ritanserin, and the sigma receptor ligands, 1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-[2'(4"-fluorophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl]- piperidine HBr (Dup734), 4-[2'-(4"-cyanophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl]-1- (cyclopropylmethyl)piperidine (XJ448), alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine butanol (BMY14802) and rimcazole similarly attenuate the effects of PCP. 4. The dopamine D2/sigma ligands, haloperidol and cis-N-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-2-methoxy-5-chloro-4- methylaminobenzamide (YM-09151-2) completely reverse the effects of PCP, whereas the same dose ranges of these drugs produce sedation. 5. The dopamine D2-selective antagonist, sulpiride, has no apparent effect on the PCP latency to the rat dive. 6. Thus, PCP-induced diving behavior was improved by sigma ligands and the 5-HT2 antagonist. This model of negative symptoms in an experimental animal will facilitate experiments on drug treatments for schizophrenia.

NE-100, a novel sigma ligand: effects on [3H]TCP binding to intact primary cultured neuronal cells

N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100), a potent and highly selective sigma ligand, haloperidol, (+)pentazocine, 1-(cyclopropyl-methyl)-4-(2'-(4"-fluorophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl) piperidine HBr (DuP 734) and 4-(2'-(4"-cyanophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl) 1-(cyclopropylmethyl)piperidine (XJ 448) inhibited carbachol-induced inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) formation in a dose-dependent manner. The rank order of potency of the tested drugs for inhibition was: haloperidol > or = (+)pentazocine = NE-100 > DuP 734 = XJ 448. In addition, the effects of NE-100, DuP 734 and XJ 448 upon [3H]TCP binding were examined using primary cultured neuronal cells derived from the fetal rat telencephalon. These drugs inhibited [3H]TCP binding to intact cells. The ability of the test drugs to inhibit [3H]TCP binding to primary cultured neuronal cells was in the order: NE-100 > DuP 734 > XJ 448. These observations suggest that NE-100 indirectly modulates the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)/phencyclidine (PCP) receptor ion channel complex (NMDA receptor-ion channel), presumably through sigma-1 sites.

Effects of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, on age-related impairment evidence in electroencephalograph, caudate spindle, a passive avoidance task and cerebral blood flow in rats

1. The ability of VA-045 to improve aged-related impairment on electroencephalograph (EEG), caudate spindle, performance on a passive avoidance task and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were evaluated in rats. 2. The cortical EEG of the aged rats showed a higher incidence of spontaneous spindle burst (SSB) than seen in young rats. VA-045 decreased the incidence of SSB in aged rats. In contrast, vinpocetine increased the incidence of SSB in aged rats. 3. Electrical stimulation of the striatum in aged rats lead to a higher incidence of neocortical high voltage spindle (CS) than seen in young rats. In young rats, VA-045 had no effect on the CS, whereas an age-related increase in CS was blocked by VA-045, but was enhanced by vinpocetine. 4. There were no differences in the cortical EEG arousal response elicited by stimulation of the reticular formation of the brain stem in rats of all ages. VA-045 and vinpocetine had no effect on the cortical EEG arousal response in both young and aged rats. 5. VA-045, but not vinpocetine, attenuated the age-related decreased step through latency (STL) on a passive avoidance task. VA-045 and vinpocetine did not enhance the acquisition of learning behavior in a passive avoidance task in young rats. 6. VA-045 increased the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in both young and aged rats and the potency in aged rats was greater than that in young rats. Vinpocetine had no effect on CBF in either young or aged rats. 7. The pharmacological effects of VA-045 on age-related neuronal dysfunction are discussed.

[A comparison of preventive health behaviors among middle-aged males in different types of communities in Tokyo]

Preventive health behaviors of middle-aged men living in areas of Tokyo with differing mortality rates were analyzed to determine if regional differences exist and if so why. Information on seven different health behaviors (cigarette smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, food intake pattern, taking breakfast, hours of sleep, and relative weight) were obtained by a survey among the sample randomly selected from men 35 to 64 years of age living in two separate communities, Koto-Ward with a high middle-aged male mortality and Bunkyo-Ward where it is low. The following results were obtained; 1) In Koto-Ward where middle-aged male mortality is high, the proportion of interviewees who participated physical activity more than once a week and had good food intake patterns was significantly lower than in Bunkyo-Ward. 2) Regional differences in both physical activity and food intake pattern appear to be due to differences in proportion of higher educational attainment which is associated with more frequent participation in physical activity and better food intake patterns.

Cerebral protective effects of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, in mice

The cerebral protective effects of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, were investigated in mice under conditions of normobaric hypoxia, histotoxic anoxia by potassium cyanide (KCN), and complete ischemia. VA-045 and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) showed a significant protective effect on normobaric hypoxia. The duration of action of the protective effect of VA-045 was longer than that of TRH. VA-045 but not TRH significantly prolonged the survival time following administration of KCN. VA-045 and TRH showed a positive effect on complete ischemia, and the duration of the protective effect of VA-045 was longer than that of TRH. Beneficial effects of VA-045 for treating cerebral hypoxia, anoxia and ischemia will be discussed.

Effect of NE-100, a novel sigma receptor ligand, on phencyclidine-induced cognitive dysfunction

N,N-Dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100) is a selective and potent sigma receptor ligand. We investigated the effects of NE-100 on phencyclidine (PCP)-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats in a water maze task. NE-100 significantly shortened the PCP-induced prolonged swimming latency as did 1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-[2'(4"-fluorophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl]- piperidine monohydrobromide (Dup 734), 4-[2'-(4"-cyanophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl]-1-(cyclopropyl-methyl)pi peridine (XJ 448), alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine butanol (BMY 14802) and rimcazole, all of which are sigma receptor ligands and possibly antagonists. Ritanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, also showed a tendency to shorten swimming latencies. Latencies of haloperidol-, cis-N-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-2-methoxy-5-chloro-4-met hyl- aminobenzamide (YM-09151-2)- and sulpiride-, dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, treated groups did not differ from that seen in the PCP-treated group. Thus, PCP-induced cognitive dysfunction may be improved by sigma receptor ligands.

[Sigma-ligands for new therapeutic drugs]

Compounds that show their pharmacological actions via specific receptors are considered potential candidates for new drugs. Recently, several compounds that have specific binding sites and show certain pharmacological actions have been identified, but neither their binding sites, their endogenous substances, nor the functional role of the binding sites have been clarified. Regardless of the exact role of the binding sites of the compounds, research into the sites has opened up new areas of receptor investigation, and also new strategies for developing drugs. The sigma-ligand is one such kind of compound, and the existence of a binding site for the ligand was first postulated to account for the psychotomimetic effects of N-allylnormetazocine and related racemic benzomorphans. The binding site of the sigma-ligand is widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral systems. However, it still remain to be established whether sigma-ligand binding sites are to be referred to as "receptors". The classification of the ligands as agonists or antagonists at the sites and the heterogeneity and the functional role of the binding sites have not yet been clarified. Furthermore, the therapeutic targets have not been clearly determined. However, the sigma-ligands have high potential for developing new drugs. One of the possible targets of the sigma-ligands as new forms of drugs is schizophrenia. Recently, we identified two potent and highly selective sigma-ligands, FH-510 and NE-100. Together with the data on the binding properties and pharmacological actions of these compounds, the possibilities of the sigma-ligand as a new therapeutic drug were discussed.

Local cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in chronic focal ischaemia of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

The relationship between local cerebral blood flow (ICBF) and local cerebral glucose metabolism (ICGU) at the chronic stage of focal cerebral ischaemia was assessed in young stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) following occlusion of the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA). On day 7 following this occlusion, ICBF and ICGU were measured by autoradiographic methods using 14C-iodoantipyrine and 14C-2-deoxyglucose (2DG), respectively. The infarct was limited to the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. A narrow band of increased uptake of 14C-2DG was observed in the border zone at the periphery of infarcted areas. The ICBF in the ischaemic cortex revealed a graded reduction from the ischaemic centre to the surrounding tissues. A significant reduction in ICGU coupled to CBF was also observed in 4 of 13 selected noninfarcted regions ipsilateral to the MCA occlusion. The ischaemic regions had a significant increase in water content. The region with ischaemic oedema was limited to a narrow area compared with the findings regarding ICBF and ICGU. The SHRSP strain has more severe cerebral ischaemia, oedema formation, and metabolic derangement at the chronic stage of focal ischaemia, compared to normo-tensive animals.

[Physiological function of sigma receptors: central pharmacological effects of sigma ligands]

N-allylnormetazocine (SKF-10047) and related benzomorphans induce psychotomimetic effects in animals and humans, and bind a unique, non-opioid receptor, denoted the sigma site. Sigma receptors have been found in the cortical and limbic structures in human postmortem brain: their anatomical distribution is different from phencyclidine (PCP) sites. Sigma receptors regulate not only dopamine, excitatory amino acid and PCP receptors, but also interact neuropeptides. Endogenous sigma ligands are not yet determined. Isolation and cloning of the receptor genes have not yet been successful. Selective loss of cerebral cortical sigma, but not PCP binding sites, has been observed in schizophrenia. A more compelling role for sigma sites in schizophrenia is indicated by the high affinity of some neuroleptic drugs, including haloperidol, for sigma sites. Rimcazole, a weak but selective sigma ligand, has very good clinical efficacy as a neuroleptic agent and has few side effects. Thus, sigma ligands may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. The present review describes properties of sigma receptors and its roles in relation to sigma ligands in the regulation of the central nervous system on the basis of the results of more recent studies.

Cisplatin pasting for radiotherapy of penile cancer

A case of penile cancer (Jackson's stage II) was treated with cisplatin pasta along with radiotherapy. The cancerous masses dissolved by the time of 27 Gy (913 ret) of radiotherapy, and the initial plan of penile amputation was abandoned. This cisplatin pasting would probably be a useful technique in radiotherapy of penile cancer, preserving the function of the organ.

[Prediction of lowest PaO2 during unilateral whole lung lavage in a patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis--unilateral ventilation with nitrogen]

Unilateral whole lung lavage (UWLL) was performed four times in a patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. PaO2 was 94 Torr even under ventilation with 100% O2. Because of the difficulty in providing adequate arterial oxygenation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was indispensable in accomplishing the first right UWLL. During the second left UWLL, the left lung was ventilated with nitrogen (N2) and an attempt was made to predict the lowest PaO2 occurring during lavage in order to establish criteria for the use of ECMO during UWLL. When both lungs were ventilated with 100%. O2, PaO2 rose to 150 Torr. PaO2 fell to 65 Torr after ventilation of the left lung with N2 while the right lung was ventilated with 100% O2 for 7 minutes. The N2 was replaced with 100% O2 and ventilation was continued for another 10 minutes to wash the N2 out of the left lung. When the tracheal tube in the left lung was clamped for 7 minutes for degassing, PaO2 fell to 59 Torr. Subsequently 1,200 ml of physiological saline was injected into the left lung, and PaO2 rose to 155 Torr. A 6 Torr difference was found between the value of PaO2 under ventilation with N2 and that of degassing, but this difference was not statistically significant. The lowest PaO2 occurring during UWLL was considered to be predictable if the unilateral lung was ventilated with N2.

A rat model of phencyclidine psychosis

Phencyclidine (PCP)-induced behavior in rats was investigated in water maze and diving behavior tasks. The swimming and diving latencies of PCP-treated groups placed in a water maze apparatus were gradually shortened, and prolonged, respectively, while rats in a control group performed well. In all rats, stereotyped behavior and hyperlocomotion were absent. We propose that this animal model induced by lower doses of PCP may be useful for further studies to research schizophrenia.

Effects of an apovincaminic acid derivative VA-045 on neuronal activity in rat brain stem reticular formation

Extracellular single unit and spontaneous cortical electroencephalographic (ECoG) recordings were made in the brain stem reticular formation (RF) and the frontal cortex, respectively, of urethane-anesthetized rats. VA-045, an apovincaminic acid derivative had no significant effects on the spontaneous firing rate of the RF neurons and ECoG. Closed head injury (CHI) was induced by dropping a 400 g weight through a tube from 70 cm on a steel helmet placed on the vertex. CHI led to a reduction in the firing rate of RF neurons and ECoG synchronization. VA-045 dose-dependently reversed the CHI-induced decrease in the firing rate of RF and led to ECoG desyncronization. Clonidine, an alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist, and scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, also reduced the firing rate of RF neurons and led to ECoG synchronization. VA-045 dose-dependently antagonized the effects of clonidine, but not the effects of scopolamine on RF neuronal activity and ECoG. Thus, VA-045 has an ameliorating effect on the CHI-induced depression of neuronal activity in the RF. A central alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonistic action may be involved.

Blood-brain barrier, cerebral blood flow, and brain edema in spontaneously hypertensive rats with chronic focal ischemia

This study was conducted to explore the participation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and cerebral blood flow (CBF) on the development of ischemic brain edema in rats with chronic arterial hypertension. Young spontaneously hypertensive rats were used, and focal ischemia was produced by occluding the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA). On day 7 after MCA occlusion, BBB permeability and CBF were measured by autoradiographic methods using 14C-alpha-amino-isobutyric acid (AIB) and 14C-iodoantipyrine. BBB permeability (transfer constant for AIB) was significantly higher in the ischemic center and periphery. The CBF of the ischemic cortex showed a graded reduction from the ischemic center to the surrounding area. The ischemic brain regions showed significantly decreased specific gravity. We conclude that SHRSP may be more vulnerable to BBB disruption after ischemia.

NE-100, a novel sigma receptor ligand: effect on phencyclidine-induced behaviors in rats, dogs and monkeys

Phencyclidine (PCP)-induced psychosis is a useful animal model for studies on schizophrenia. N, N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)-phenyl]- ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100) had no effect on conditioned avoidance responses (CAR) in rats, whereas, the PCP-induced impairment of avoidance inhibition was attenuated by NE-100. The PCP-induced ataxia or decreased attention in rhesus monkeys was to some extent overcome by NE-100. In dogs, PCP-induced either head-weaving behavior or ataxia, effects which were blocked by NE-100. Administration of PCP led to an increase in beta-2 and a decrease in delta relative power (RP) activity in cortical background spectral electroencephalographics (ECoG) in dogs. While NE-100 in itself showed no significant change in beta-2 and delta RP, NE-100 did block the PCP-induced beta-2 increase and delta decrease. These findings indicate that NE-100 attenuates the effect of PCP in experimental animals. This drug is being considered as a therapeutic for the treatment of patients in the schizophrenia.

The effect of VA-045 on disturbance in consciousness in experimental animal models

The effect of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, on disturbance in consciousness was investigated in mice and rats. VA-045 and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) shortened the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleeping in rats. VA-045 and TRH improved head impact-induced disturbed behavior in mice. The duration of action of the improving effect of VA-045 was longer than that of TRH. VA-045 and TRH also ameliorated the global cerebral ischemia-induced neurological deficits. Global cerebral ischemia was produced by a 10 min occlusion of both common carotid arteries 24 hr after the permanent electrocauterization of bilateral vertebral arteries. VA-045, but not TRH, attenuated the global cerebral ischemia-induced decreased step through latency (STL) in a passive avoidance task in rats. TRH enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, whereas VA-045 had no effect on it. The pharmacological effects of VA-045 on disturbance in consciousness will be discussed.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of pradimicin derivatives. Modifications on the aglycone part

Synthesis and antifungal activity of pradimicin analogs modified on the aglycone part is described. Upon modification studies at various sites of the aglycone part using pradimicin A (PRM A), C-11 position was found to be the sole site to be modified without loosing antifungal activity. Further modification studies at C-11 position were carried out with 11-OH derivative of pradimicin T1 (PRM T1) because of its easy availability. Among the compounds prepared, 11-demethoxy derivative of PRM A (12) and 11-O-ethyl (13) and 11-O-fluoroethyl (14) derivatives of PRM T1 showed promising antifungal activity comparable to that of PRM A.

[The influence of target blurring and simulated opacity of the ocular media on automated perimetric thresholds]

The influence of target blurring and simulated opacity of the ocular media on the sensitivity of the central visual field in quantitative static perimetry was studied using a SARGON program of the automated perimeter Octopus 201. Ten eyes of 10 normal subjects aged from 21 to 35 were examined with target sizes 1, 3, and 5; 4 spherical plus lenses of +1.0D, +2.0D, +3.0D, and +5.0D; 5 kinds of occlusion diffusers which corresponded to the visual acuities of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, and 0.1; and 4 neutral density filters of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 log units. The studies suggested that there was little difference between the sensitivity for target size 1 and that for target size 3 in spite of slight blurring of the target and simulated opacity of the ocular media. We concluded that target size 1 was as useful as target size 3 in quantitative static perimetry.

Antifungal activities of pradimicin derivatives modified at C4'-amino group

In order to explore potent derivatives of pradimicins (PRMs), modification of their C4'-amino group was carried out. 4'-N-Cyano (1,2), 4'-deamino-4'-nitroguanidino (4), 4'-deamino-4'-ureido (7-9) and 4'-deamino-4'-thioureido (10) derivatives were synthesized by trimethylsilylation of PRMs A and C, followed by condensation with appropriate reagents. 4'-Deamino-4'-guanidino (5) and 4'-deamino-4'-amidino (6) derivatives were synthesized by catalytic hydrogenation of 4 and 2, respectively. 4'-N-Nitroso derivative 3 was prepared by treatment of PRM A with nitrous acid. Among these compounds, the 4'-N-cyano derivative of PRM C (2) exhibited in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities comparable to the parent compounds together with good water-solubility.

FH-510, a potent and selective ligand for rat brain sigma recognition sites

FH-510 (5,8-dimethyl-4-(2-di-n-propylaminoethyl)carbazol) is a potent ligand for sigma ligand binding sites in rat brain membranes and has an IC50 value of 4.8 +/- 1.0 nM, which is comparable to that of haloperidol (2.2 +/- 0.2 nM). The high selectivity of FH-510 for sigma binding sites was evaluated by its lack of significant affinity for other binding sites, including those for dopamine D2 and phencyclidine. When administered to mice orally, FH-510 suppressed (+)-N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF10,047)-induced stereotyped behavior with an ED25 value of 0.54 mg/kg, which is 14-fold more potent than that for (+)-alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine butanol ((+)-BMY14802) (7.6 mg/kg). These results suggest that FH-510 may be a potent and selective sigma ligand.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of (nitrooxy)alkyl apovincaminates

A series of (nitrooxy)alkyl apovincaminates has been synthesized and evaluated for their effects on vertebral and femoral blood flow. These derivatives were prepared from apovincaminic acid (4). In cerebral circulation, compound 5 (0.03-1.0 mg/kg iv) caused a dose-dependent increase in cerebral blood flow (CerBF) without affecting the blood pressure. It was more potent than vinpocetine (2). The structures of 2 and 5, determined by X-ray crystallography, showed differences in the electrostatic potential image and in the conformation of the ethyl group at the 16-position.

[Biopsy diagnosis for gastric lymphoma--usefulness and limitation of AgNOR staining]

Sixteen cases of resected gastric lymphoma were classified into 3 groups based on the easiness of the diagnosis; mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) 4 cases, superficial type lymphoma 5 cases and ulcerative (mass forming) type lymphoma 7 cases. Sixty seven of pre-operative biopsy reports and 44 biopsy specimens were analyzed. Although lymphoma cells retrospectively obtained in 92%, 69% and 88% of biopsy specimens, the definite diagnosis was only made in 7%, 24% and 38% of endoscopic biopsy. Mean AgNOR number per nucleus in resected specimens were as follows; chronic inflammation 1.20 +/- 0.02, MALToma 1.39 +/- 0.23, superficial lymphoma 2.44 +/- 0.50 and ulcerative lymphoma 3.44 +/- 0.55. They correlated well to proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive rates (r = 0.776, p < 0.01). Supposing that lesions showing 2.0 or more AgNOR dots in biopsy specimens are lymphoma, diagnostic rate improves to 69% in superficial lymphoma and to 88% in ulcerative lymphoma. Biopsy specimens from MALToma never showed 2.0 or more AgNOR dots. These results suggest that application of AgNOR to the biopsy diagnosis is useful in superficial and ulcerative lymphoma and has limitation in MALToma of the stomach.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of alanine-exchanged analogs of pradimicin A

A series of pradimicin analogs were designed and synthesized to investigate the effect of the amino acid side chain on the antifungal activity. The alanine-exchanged analogs (3a approximately 3q) were synthesized from 4'-N-Cbz-pradimic acid by coupling with appropriate amino acids or their equivalents followed by deblocking. All the D-alpha-amino acid derivatives except D-proline analog, 3k retained the antifungal activity.

Impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation of superior mesenteric artery in genetically diabetic WBN/Kob rats

The endothelium-dependent relaxation of superior mesenteric arteries of Wistar and genetically diabetic WBN/Kob rats was compared. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and A23187 was depressed in WBN/Kob rats. Relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside, an endothelium-independent agent, in strips from WBN/Kob rats was similar to that in strips from Wistar rats. Indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M) enhanced the relaxation responses to ACh in strips from both WBN/Kob and Wistar rats; however, endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by ACh remained attenuated in WBN/Kob rats. These results show that endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired not only in thoracic aorta but also in superior mesenteric arteries in genetically diabetic rats.

Reinforcing aerosol cisplatin for radiotherapy of laryngeal cancer

To attain its increased tumor concentration and to avert its systemic adverse effects, aerosol cisplatin (CDDP) was incorporated into radiotherapy (RT) of laryngeal cancer. Nine patients were asked to inhale the aerosol following each RT session. Their clinical tumor response was favorable, and histopathologic survey in selected cases revealed elimination of viable cancer cells. However limited, there have been no reports of cancer recurrence yet. This reinforcing plan of aerosol CDDP for RT bleomycin would certainly offer a better way of treating laryngeal cancer, and probably those malignancies facing the nasopharyngobronchial airway as well.

NE-100, a novel sigma receptor ligand: in vivo tests

It has been suggested that sigma receptor antagonists may be useful as antipsychotic drugs. N, N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100) is a novel compound with high affinity for the sigma receptor (IC50 = 4.16 nM), but low affinity (IC50 > 10,000 nM) for D1, D2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 and phencyclidine (PCP) receptors. The head-weaving behavior induced by either (+)SKF10047 or PCP was dose-dependently antagonized by NE-100 with oral ED50 at 0.27 and 0.12 mg/kg, respectively. NE-100 did not affect dopamine agonists-induced stereotyped behavior and/or hyperactivity. NE-100 failed to induce catalepsy in rats. These findings indicate that NE-100 may have antipsychotic activity without the liability of motor side effects typical of neuroleptics.

Effect of VA-045 on a closed head injury model in rats

The effect of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, was studied in a model of closed head injury (CHI) in rats. CHI was induced by dropping a 400 g weight through a tube from 70 cm above a steel helmet placed on the vertex. Intravenous administration of VA-045 and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) reduced both the duration of loss of righting reflex and the duration of disruption of spontaneous movement caused by CHI. VA-045, but not TRH attenuated the CHI-induced decreased step through latency (STL) on a passive avoidance task. Over the same time schedule, however, VA-045 did not attenuate the scopolamine-induced decreased STL. CHI-induced reduction of the amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) was recovered by VA-045 but not by TRH. These findings indicate that VA-045 may be useful for treating patients with CHI-induced disturbance in consciousness.

Effects of VA-045, a novel apovincaminic acid derivative, on isolated blood vessels: cerebroarterial selectivity

We investigated the effects of VA-045, an apovincaminic acid derivative, on isolated blood vessels. VA-045 (10(-7)-10(-5) M) and vinpocetine (10(-7)-10(-5) M) inhibited the 64 mM KCl-induced and 10(-6)M norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction of rat aortic strips. VA-045 (10(-7)-10(-4) M) and vinpocetine (10(-7)-10(-4) M) inhibited the activity of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in porcine coronary artery. VA-045 (3 x 10(-9-3 x 10(-6) M) relaxed the 64 mM KCl-induced contraction of the canine basilar artery without affecting the peripheral arteries. These results indicate that VA-045 selectively dilates canine cerebral artery, and that it may be a useful agent for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke.

Impacts of the evolutionary concepts of cancer on the study of human diseases

Evolutionary concepts of cancer (Okuyama and Mishina 1984; 1990) have already been found useful in understanding carcinogenesis and anti-cancer defense lines in the body and various cancer attributes. The concept of endosymbiotic disorders gave an impact upon the science of internal medicine leading to discovery of amitosis in Reed-Sternberg cells, a primitive eukaryotism (Okuyama 1991a). A novel concept of vasogenic necrosis was also developed for such diseases of Perthes' disease, cerebral vascular diseases and myocardial infarction: costs of bipedalitic evolution in man.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of pradimicin derivatives, modification at C4'-position

The 4'-N-alkyl(1 approximately 10) and 4'-N-acyl derivatives (11 approximately 21) of pradimicins (PRMs) were synthesized by trimethylsilylation of PRMs A, C and FA-1 followed by condensation with appropriate alkylating and acylating agents. The 4'-hydroxy derivatives (23 and 24) were synthesized from PRM FA-2 in a 3-step sequence. Among these compounds, the 4'-N-carboxyl substituted alkyl (1, 5, 8 and 10), 4'-N-formyl (11) and 4'-axial-hydroxy (23) derivatives retained the antifungal activity of the parent compounds and showed great improvement in water solubility.

[The distribution and localization of alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist on the bladder and urethra of female rats]

The distribution of selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-glycinamidoethanol hydrochloride, midodrine, and its active metabolite 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol, DMAE, was evaluated on bladder and urethra of 8-weeks and 52-weeks old female rats. Prior to the intravenous injection of 14C-labeled midodrine and DMAE, bilateral ureters were ligated to prevent drug uptake from the urinary tract. In 8-weeks rats, 14C-midodrine activity was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in the bladder than in the femoral muscle, which served as a control for drug distribution. Similarly, higher uptake of 14C-DMAE was observed in the bladder than in the femoral muscle (p less than 0.01) and the urethra (p less than 0.05). In 52-weeks rats, there was no significant difference of midodrine uptake among these tissues. However, significantly higher uptake of 14C-DMAE was observed in the urethra than in the femoral muscle (p less than 0.05). Compared with midodrine, the concentration of DMAE was significantly increased in the bladder of 8-weeks rat and in the urethra of 52-weeks rats (respectively, p less than 0.05). In autoradiogram, the grains corresponding to midodrine and DMAE were diffusely distributed on the smooth muscles of bladder (mainly bladder neck and trigone) and urethra. The grains were also recognized on the vessels and perivascular areas of these tissues. These findings support that midodrine and DMAE could be effective for stress incontinence, because these drugs are known to bind specifically to alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Age-related changes in endothelium-dependent relaxation in aorta from genetically diabetic WBN/Kob rats

Experiments were designed to investigate the effects of aging and hyperglycemia on relaxation of the aorta for both endothelium-dependent and -independent agents in Wistar (control) and WBN/Kob (genetically diabetic) rats. The concentration of glucose in serum was elevated significantly in aged (90-92 wk) but not young (13-15 wk) WBN/Kob rats. Endothelium-dependent relaxations of both control and WBN/Kob rats to acetylcholine were reduced by aging. The relaxations induced by acetylcholine in aortic strips were significantly attenuated in both young (nondiabetic) and aged (diabetic) WBN/Kob rats, compared with those from age-matched control vessels, respectively. The concentration-response curves for sodium nitroprusside in aortic strips from both aged control and aged WBN/Kob rats were shifted to the left when compared with those from young rats, respectively. However, the maximal relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside showed no difference among all vessels studied. The relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside in aortic strips from both young and aged WBN/Kob rats were similar to those from age-matched control rats, respectively. The relaxations induced by atrial natriuretic peptide showed no difference among all vessels studied. In genetically diabetic rats, functional changes in endothelium occurred before elevation of the levels of glucose in the serum. Thus impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation may play an important role in the high incidence of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus.

[Observation on structural features and characteristics of occlusal fissures and pits in human permanent molars]

In a series of studies to investigate the structural features and the characteristics of the tooth, a detailed observation was made on the enamel surface and the enamel composing the fissure and pit of the freshly extracted human permanent molars, using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The materials employed in this observation were taken from the noncarious surface of molars. The following results were obtained: The hypocalcified zone was observed more or less in the enamel composing the fissure and pit. In many cases, the dental cuticle can be seen on the enamel surface. A rodless enamel was present, in greater or lesser degree, in the enamel surface layer. Retzius's line was observed clearly in the enamel composing the fissure and pit. In many cases, perikyamata was found on the enamel surface. In some cases, tubular pits invaginated secondarily from the fissure and pit were observed. In some, a dental calculus can be observed in the fissure and pit. By the observation of the inner structure of the dental calculus, mineralization occurred around and within the bacteria and in the interbacterial matrix composing the dental caluculus. Bacteria of the same degree of calcification appear in the microcolonies.

Probable binary fission in a Reed-Sternberg cell

A Reed-Sternberg cell in binary fission was observed in a case of Hodgkin's disease of nodular sclerosis type. This was thought to possibly represent a primitive eukaryotic manifestation or a retrograde replay of the endosymbiotic evolution of the modern eukaryotes as a part of devolution of malignancy (Okuyama and Mishina 1990).

[Subjective health and related factors among middle-aged men living in Tokyo--a comparative study]

Random samples of middle-aged (35-64) male residents of two different areas in Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, a low-mortality area (n = 767) and Koto-ku a high mortality area (n = 790) were interviewed between March and April in 1988, concerning health and life style. The two populations were compared regarding, 1) health status which was examined from the view point of fatigue, symptoms and self-rated health, 2) factors related to the three health indices. The main results were as follows: 1. No significant differences were seen between the two populations in the gross means for health indices. However when the health indices were stratified by age group, mental fatigue and minor symptoms were more prevalent in Bunkyo-ku than Koto-ku among young people, while prevalence of physical fatigue and major symptoms was higher in Koto-ku among old people. 2. The relationship between the health indices and job type, income, education and marital status was examined. In Bunkyo-ku, no relationship was seen after controlling for age, working conditions and life style. On the other hand, in Koto-ku, significant relationships were seen with age, job type and marital status, and health problems were prevalent not only among those with low socioeconomic status but also in other socioeconomic groups. These results were maintained even after controlling for age, working conditions and life style, similar to the analysis for Bunkyo-ku, indicating that health problems in this population do not appear to be solely the result of working conditions or life style.

[Radiotherapy combined with aclarubicin and neocarzinostatin in cancer of the gallbladder]

Cancer of the gallbladder is radioresistant. When a case of such was found inoperable, she was subjected to radiotherapy combined with aclarubicin and neocarzinostatin. Therapeutic effectiveness was confirmed at autopsy as she later succumbed to uterine cervical cancer. Thus, the present radiochemotherapeutic regimen would probably provide a means of overcoming those radioresistant inoperable malignancies. Intravenous administrations of appropriate antibiotics such as azthreonam and reniran may probably be helpful in the prevent ion and treatment of septic peritonitis possible during the course of reinforced radiotherapy of the abdomen.

Synthesis, stereochemistry, and biological properties of the depigmenting agents, melanostatin, feldamycin and analogs

Syntheses of melanostatin and feldamycin have been completed from L-serine and L-threonine, respectively, and the configuration of unknown asymmetric carbons determined. Feldamycin analogs have also been prepared and the L-tryptophyl analog was the most potent in the depigmentation of Streptomyces bikiniensis and B16 melanoma cells.

Protective effects of minaprine in infarction produced by occluding middle cerebral artery in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. We examined the effects of minaprine on cerebral infarction produced by occluding of unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) above the rhinal fissure in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). 2. Oral administration of minaprine (60 mg/kg/day) and vehicle were started 30 min after the occlusion of MCA, and continued for 6 days. 3. The brain was dissected out and 36 coronal multiple sections of the whole brain were histologically prepared to determine the location and extension of infarction. 4. The infarcted area produced by the occlusion of MCA was limited to the cerebral cortex. 5. Body weight of the minaprine-treated rats gradually decreased within 4 days after the occlusion of MCA and thereafter increased, whereas in the vehicle-treated rats, there was a gradual decrease during the experimental period. 6. Size of the infarcted area was serially measured, in each section, using a microcomputer imaging device. In all animals with an occluded MCA, there was a typical pattern of ischemic damage. 7. Post-treatment of MCA occluded SHRSP with minaprine resulted in reduction in infarct size, as compared to findings in the vehicle-treated controls. 8. The pharmacological and histopathological effects of minaprine on the progress of cerebral infarction produced by the occlusion of MCA in SHRSP are discussed.

Improved synthesis of an ester-type prodrug, 1-acetoxyethyl 7-[(Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido]-3-[(Z)-1- propenyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (BMY-28271)

1-Acetoxyethyl 7-[(Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido]-3- [(Z)-1-propenyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (BMY-28271) is an ester-type prodrug of cephalosporin for oral use. Methods suitable for large scale preparation were investigated. The yield was improved by esterification of 7-[(Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-trityloxyiminoacetamido]cep hem-4-carboxylic acid (11) followed by removal of the trityl group and, in addition, column chromatographic purification at each step was eliminated by optimization of the reaction conditions.

5-HT3 receptor antagonists inhibit the response of kappa opioid receptors in the morphine-induced Straub tail [corrected]

We used the morphine-induced Straub tail to examine the actions of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and kappa opioid receptor agonist. The kappa opioid receptor agonist, U-50,488H (4-16 mg/kg i.p.), produced a dose-related inhibition of the tail elevation induced by morphine (10 mg/kg s.c.) in ICR male mice. ICS-205-930 (3 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) and zacopride (0.3 and 1 mg/kg i.p.), 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, attenuated the inhibitory effect of U-50,488H in a dose-dependent manner. ICS-205-930 and zacopride did not inhibit the morphine-induced Straub tail. These observations suggest that the actions of kappa opioid receptors may be modulated by 5-HT3 receptors in the morphine-induced Straub tail.

[Detection of proliferative cells in colorectal carcinomas and adenomas by monoclonal antibody to DNA polymerase alpha]

DNA polymerase alpha is an endogenous DNA replication enzyme expressed in all cells in a proliferation cycle. An immunoperoxidase method and the monoclonal antibody to DNA polymerase alpha were used to identify proliferating cells in colorectal carcinomas (n = 35) and adenomas (n = 43). The labeling index (L.I.) in colorectal carcinomas was 51.6%, being significantly higher than 28.6% in adenomas. The L.I. in colorectal carcinomas correlated with clinical staging (stage I: 33.1%, stage II and III: 49.5%, stage IV and V: 66.9%). Furthermore, the L.I. had a tendency to elevate as carcinoma deeply invaded (pm: 25.8%, ss-s or a1-a2: 52.2%, si or ai: 67.5%). The L.I. in adenoma was related to the degree of atypia. The L.I. in adenomas with mild atypia, with moderate atypia, and cancer in adenoma were 18.3%, 31.5%, and 47.0%, respectively. And the L.I. of cancer in adenoma had no significant difference in advanced carcinomas (47.0% vs 51.6%). These results suggest that the L.I. is useful as a marker for evaluating the degree of biological malignancy of human colorectal carcinomas and the degree of histopathological atypia of adenomas.

Effect of minaprine and other reference drugs on passive avoidance impairment induced by cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils

We examined the characteristics of cerebral ischemia-induced behavioral deficit in the passive avoidance task and the effect of minaprine and other cytoprotective drugs on passive avoidance deficit induced by cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. Severe impairment of passive avoidance was apparent when the duration of the ischemia exceeded 2 min. Histopathological ischemic neuronal damage in CA1 neurons at 7 days after occlusion was also induced when the ischemia was over 2 min. Otherwise, although cerebral ischemia was carried out at 5 min, 2 hr, 5 hr or 24 hr after the training session, the passive avoidance deficit was produced 24 hr after the training session. When the training session was carried out 24 hr before the occlusion, minaprine, which was administered 30 min before the occlusion, led to a recovery of the response latency. Pentobarbital, diazepam and ethylapovincamine improved the passive avoidance deficit induced by 5-min bilateral carotid artery occlusion. On the other hand, the passive avoidance deficit was not ameliorated by Ca(++)-hopantenate, nicardipine and idebenone. The hippocampal damage at 7 days after occlusion was prevented by the drugs that ameliorated the passive avoidance deficit. The relationship between passive avoidance deficit and CA1 neuronal death in the hippocampus induced by cerebral ischemia warrants further attention.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate for lung cancer

A 70-year-old man having severe ischemic heart diseases developed bilateral, duplicate lung cancer of large cell and squamous cell types. Chemoimmunotherapy consisting of carmofur, picibanil inhalation, i.m. sizofilan, and peroral bestatin was started, and 3 months later, peroral medroxyprogesterone acetate was added. The tumor regressed, and the patient survived more than 34 months. This type of nonaggressive regimen may thus be useful for tumors other than adenocarcinomas, too.

[Effect of the lateral hypothalamic area-lesions on the development of gastric mucosal damages by water immersion restraint stress in rats]

The role of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in the development of gastric mucosal damages induced by water immersion restraint stress was evaluated in bilateral LHA-lesioned rats. The ulcer index of lesions (M +/- SEM, mm) was significantly higher in LHA-lesioned rats (21.6 +/- 2.8) than in both thalamus-lesioned rats (9.8 +/- 2.0) and non-treated rats (10.2 +/- 1.5). The gastric acid and pepsin outputs during water immersion for 5 hours were significantly lower in the LHA-lesioned rats than in both the control rats. In the LHA-lesioned rats, PAS-positive mucus content of gastric corpus without lesions was significantly decreased after water immersion restraint stress for 5 hours. All these results suggest that lateral hypothalamic area plays an important role in the process of stress ulcer formation mainly through the disturbance of mucosal defensive mechanism such as changes in gastric mucus contents.

Reinforcing radiotherapy of gallbladder cancer with aclarubicin and neocarzinostatin

Cancer of the gallbladder is radioresistant. When a 59-year-old woman was found to have an inoperable cancer of the gallbladder, she was subjected to radiotherapy combined with aclarubicin and neocarzinostatin. Therapeutic effectiveness was confirmed at autopsy as she later succumbed to uterine cervical cancer. Thus, the present radiochemotherapeutic regimen would probably provide a means of overcoming those radioresistant inoperable malignancies.