Nitric oxide induces hydroxyl radical generation in rat hearts via depolarization-induced nitric oxide synthase activation

We examined the effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOS inhibitor, on extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]o) and induced hydroxyl free radical (.OH) generation by an in vivo microdialysis technique. A flexibly mounted microdialysis technique was used to detect the generation of .OH in in-vivo rat hearts. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and tissue was perfused with Ringer's solution through the microdialysis probe at a rate of 1.0 microl/min. To measure the level of .OH, sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl per min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of .OH as reflected by the nonenzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA). Induction of high-concentration [K+]o (20, 70 and 140 mM) significantly increased formation of .OH trapped as 2,3-DHBA in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the application of L-NAME (50 mg/kg, i.v.) and allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, abolished the [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation. Tyramine (1.0 mM) increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. However, the application of L-NAME did not change the level of 2,3-DHBA. On the other hand, pretreatment with allopurinol (10 mg/kg, i.v.) abolished the KCl- or tyramine-induced .OH generation. Moreover, when iron (II) was administered to [K+]o (70 mM)-pretreated animals, there was a marked increased in the level of 2,3-DHBA. However, the application of L-NAME was not related to a Fenton-type reaction via [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation. To examine the effect of L-NAME on ischemic/reperfused rat myocardium, the heart was subjected to myocardial ischemia for 15 min by occlusion by left anterior descending coronary artery branch (LAD). When the heart was reperfused, a marked elevation of the level of 2,3-DHBA was observed. However, L-NAME attenuated .OH generation by ischemic/reperfused rat heart. These results suggest that NOS inhibition is associated with a cardioprotective effect due to the suppression of [K+]o depolarization-induced .OH generation.

Histamine increases interstitial adenosine concentration via activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in rat hearts in vivo

We examined whether histamine enhances the production of interstitial adenosine via stimulation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (a key enzyme responsible for adenosine production) using microdialysis techniques in in situ rat hearts. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and perfused in the presence of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). Histamine (10-500 microM) administered into the perfusate had a tendency to increase the adenosine concentration. In the presence of prazosin (50 microM), an antagonist of alpha1-adrenoceptors, or of chelerythrine (10 microM), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, and in reserpinized rats, histamine failed to increase the AMP-primed dialysate adenosine concentration. Accumulation of norepinephrine in the extracellular fluid elicited by pargyline (100 microM), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, significantly increased histamine-induced adenosine production. Okadaic acid (50 microM), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase, enhanced the histamine-induced increase in adenosine concentration. Norepinephrine is known to activate alpha1-adrenoceptors and PKC. Taken together, the results demonstrate that histamine-released norepinephrine activates both alpha1-adrenoceptors and PKC, which increased ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and augmented release of adenosine in rat hearts.

Allopurinol suppresses para-nonylphenol and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+))-induced hydroxyl radical generation in rat striatum

We recently demonstrated that para-nonylphenol, an environmental estrogen-like chemical, enhances hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation in the rat striatum. In the present study we have examined whether para-nonylphenol enhanced 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+))-induced *OH generation in the rat striatum using a microdialysis technique. Para-nonylphenol significantly enhanced MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. Further, we studied the effect of allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. Allopurinol significantly suppressed para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. The results indicate that para-nonylphenol enhanced *OH generation based on superoxide anion production, and allopurinol may have preventive effect on para-nonylphenol and MPP(+)-induced *OH generation.

Nitric oxide enhances MPP(+)-induced hydroxyl radical generation via depolarization activated nitric oxide synthase in rat striatum

We examined the effect of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, on extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K(+)](o))-enhanced hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation due to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) was examined in the rat striatum. Rats were anesthetized, and sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl per min) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of.OH as reflected by the non-enzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. Induction of KCl (20, 70 and 140 mM) increased MPP(+)-induced.OH formation trapped as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the application of L-NAME (5 mg/kg i.v.) abolished the [K(+)](o) depolarization-induced.OH formation with MPP(+). Dopamine (DA; 10 microM) also increased the levels of DHBA due to MPP(+). However, the effect of DA after application of L-NAME did not change the levels of DHBA. On the other hand, the application of allopurinol (20 mg/kg i.v., 30 min prior to study), a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor was abolished the both [K(+)](o)- and DA-induced.OH generation. Moreover, when iron(II) was administered to MPP(+) then [K(+)](o) (70 mM)-pretreated animals, a marked increase in the level of DHBA. However, when corresponding experiments were performed with L-NAME-pretreated animals, the same results were obtained. Therefore, NOS activation may be no relation to Fenton-type reaction via [K(+)](o) depolarization-induced.OH generation. The present results suggest that [K(+)](o)-induced depolarization augmented MPP(+)-induced.OH formation by enhancing NO synthesis.

Nicorandil increases adenosine 5'-monophosphate-primed interstitial adenosine via activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in rat hearts

With the use of microdialysis techniques, we examined the effects of nicorandil, a hybrid of an ATP-sensitive K+ (K ATP) channel opener and a nitrate compound, on the production of interstitial adenosine in rat hearts in situ. The level of dialysate adenosine measured under a constant supply of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) reflected the activity of endogenous ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Nicorandil (0.3-3mM) increased the level of AMP (100 microM)-primed dialysate adenosine in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was completely abolished by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (100 microM), but not by the K ATP channel blocker, glibenclamide (10 microM). Another K ATP channel opener, cromakalim (0.1-1mM), did not increase the production of AMP-primed dialysate adenosine. These results suggest that nicorandil increases the level of interstitial adenosine via cyclic guanosine monophosphate-mediated activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase.

Effect of fluvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, on nitric oxide-induced hydroxyl radical generation in the rat heart

We examined the effect of fluvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, on the production of hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation via nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation by an in vivo microdialysis technique. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats and tissue was perfused with Ringer's solution through the microdialysis probe at a rate of 1 microl/min. Sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl/min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of *OH. Induction of [K(+)](o) (70 mM) or tyramine (1 mM), significantly increased the formation of *OH trapped as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA). The application of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOS inhibitor, significantly decreased the K(+) depolarization-induced *OH formation, but the effect of tyramine significantly increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. When fluvastatin (100 microM), an inhibitor of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, was administered to L-NAME-pretreated animals, both KCl and tyramine failed to increase the level of 2,3-DHBA formation. The effect of fluvastatin may be unrelated to K(+) depolarization-induced *OH generation. To examine the effect of fluvastatin on ischemic/reperfused rat myocardium, the heart was subjected to myocardial ischemia for 15 min by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). When the heart was reperfused, a marked elevation of the level of 2,3-DHBA was observed. However, in the presence of fluvastatin (100 microM), the elevation of 2,3-DHBA was not observed in ischemia/reperfused rat heart. Fluvastatin, orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, significantly blunted the rise of serum creatine phosphokinase and improved the electrocardiogram 2 h after coronary occlusion. These results suggest that fluvastatin is associated with a cardioprotective effect due to the suppression of noradrenaline-induced *OH generation by inhibiting LDL oxidation in the heart.

Significance of integrin alpha2/beta1 in peritoneal dissemination of a human gastric cancer xenograft model

In the present study, the role of integrin alpha2/beta1 in peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer was investigated using an in vivo xenograft model for the highly metastatic MKN-45-P gastric cancer cells. Metastatic ability of MKN-45-P cells was significantly associated with the simultaneous expression of integrin alpha2 and alpha3 subunits. In an in vitro adhesion assay, neutralizing antibody for integrin alpha2 or beta1 subunit inhibited the adhesion of MKN-45-P cells to collagen type I and type IV. Moreover, the injection of anti-beta1 monoclonal antibody reduced the number of cancer cells on the peritoneum in nude mice that had been inoculated with MKN-45-P cells. These results suggest that integrin alpha2/beta1 represents a candidate target molecule available for the prevention of gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination.

A motif-based profile scanning approach for genome-wide prediction of signaling pathways

The rapid increase in genomic information requires new techniques to infer protein function and predict protein-protein interactions. Bioinformatics identifies modular signaling domains within protein sequences with a high degree of accuracy. In contrast, little success has been achieved in predicting short linear sequence motifs within proteins targeted by these domains to form complex signaling networks. Here we describe a peptide library-based searching algorithm, accessible over the World Wide Web, that identifies sequence motifs likely to bind to specific protein domains such as 14-3-3, SH2, and SH3 domains, or likely to be phosphorylated by specific protein kinases such as Src and AKT. Predictions from database searches for proteins containing motifs matching two different domains in a common signaling pathway provides a much higher success rate. This technology facilitates prediction of cell signaling networks within proteomes, and could aid in the identification of drug targets for the treatment of human diseases.

[Parkinsonism induced by MPTP and free radical generation]

Oxygen free radical formation has been implicated in dopaminergic toxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and iron. Although MPTP produces a parkinsonian syndrome after its conversion to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) by type B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) in the brain, the etiology of this disease remains obscure. MPP+ is one of the most potent dopamine (DA)-releasing agents. Iron-catalyzed DA autoxidation and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. If indeed the effect of MPP+ on hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation is due to DA release, reserpine-induced DA depletion may reduce MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. Imidapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, can resist MPP(+)-induced .OH formation via suppression of release of DA by angiotensin. Histidine, a singlet oxygen (1O2) scavenger, protects MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. Fluvastatin, an inhibitor of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, can resist MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. The inhibitory effect on the susceptibility of LDL oxidation can reduce .OH generation. These drugs may be applied as antiparkinsonian agents. Further clinical investigation is necessary in the future.

Postrest contraction in the ventricular papillary muscle of spontaneously diabetic WBN/Kob rat

In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of the postrest contraction (PRC) in chronic diabetic ventricular muscle. We used WBN/Kob rats of 7-8 weeks as the spontaneously diabetic animal and Wistar rats of 7-8 weeks as the control. We found: (1) No significant differences were seen in the amplitude, the contracting speed, and the relaxing speed of electrically stimulated twitch tension between control and WBN/Kob rats. In addition, the relationship between amplitude of twitch tension and stimulus cycle lengths (0.2-5 sec) was very similar in both animals. (2) The ratios of the first twitch tension (T1) of PRC with various rest intervals (5-600 sec) to the steady-state tension (Tss) were significantly smaller in the diabetic rats than in the controls. (3) When the preparation was stimulated at shorter cycle lengths, the recovery process of PRC was separated into at least two components (fast and slow components). In the diabetic rats, the time constant (tau) of both components was significantly longer than in controls. (4) After caffeine (10(-3) M) treatment, tau of the fast component in the control rats became longer, whereas it remained unchanged in diabetic rats. These findings suggest a dysfunction of the intracellular calcium handling system in spontaneously diabetic heart that is likely to include impaired calcium sequestration and/or extrusion.

Protective effect of histidine on potassium chloride depolarization enhances 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-induced hydroxyl radical generation in the rat striatum

The present study examined the antioxidant effect of histidine on extracellular potassium ion concentration, [K+]o-induced depolarization enhances 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation in the rat striatum. Rats were anesthetized and sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/M microl/min) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of *OH as reflected by the nonenzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. Induction of [K+]o (20, 70 and 140 mM) significantly increased the level of 2,3-DHBA by the action of MPP+ (5 mM) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, histidine (25 mM) reduced the [K+]o-induced *OH formation. Although the level of MPP+-induced dopamine (DA) and 2,3-DHBA formation after [K+]o (70 mM) treatment increased, [K+]o failed to increase either the level of MPP+-induced DA and 2,3-DHBA in the reserpinized group. When iron (II) was administered to [K+]o (70 mM)-pretreated rats, iron (II) clearly produced a dose-dependent increase in the level of 2,3-DHBA, as compared with MPP+-only treated rats. However, in the presence of histidine (25 mM), the effect of [K+]o was abolished. These results indicated that histidine may reduce the [K+]o-induced depolarization enhanced *OH formation by the action of MPP+ in the rat striatum.

Formation of hydroxy radicals by environmental estrogen-like chemicals in rat striatum

We investigated effects of environmental estrogen-like chemicals, para-nonylphenol and bisphenol A, on hydroxy radical formation in the striatum of adult rats, using an in vivo microdialysis system. Para-nonylphenol significantly stimulated hydroxy radical formation in the striatum. Bisphenol A also increased hydroxy radical formation, albeit effect being slight. The formation of hydroxy radicals induced by para-nonylphenol was dose-dependently inhibited by tamoxifen, which suggests that the effect of this chemical was an estrogenic action via estrogen receptors. The results of the present study are the first demonstration on hydroxy radical formation induced by environmental estrogen-like chemicals and suggest that the in vivo microdialysis may be useful for evaluating toxic effects of environmental chemicals on nervous tissues.

Evidence for existence of immobilization stress-inducible semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase inhibitor in rat brain cytosol

An endogenous inhibitor of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) was separated by gel filtration from 105000xg supernate in rat brain cytosol following immobilization stress (IMMO). The molecular weight of this inhibitor was estimated to be 500-700 by gel filtration. This inhibitor was proved to be heat-stable resistant to protease treatment. These results suggest that this inhibitor is induced by IMMO. SSAO activity in rat brain might be regulated by the level of this inhibitor.

[Polyarthralgia as the initial manifestation of isolated ACTH deficiency]

A 57-year-old man, employed as a taxi driver, noticed arthralgia of his fingers beginning in May 1999. He was unable to work due to the arthralgia and the accompanying general malaise and anorexia, and was thus admitted to a local hospital in July 1999. Since a diagnosis of rheumatic disease was suspected due to elevated inflammatory reactions and joint symptoms, he was referred to our hospital in September 1999. Although no joint swelling was observed, severe tenderness was present in both the fingers and wrists. His grasping power had decreased markedly and fever was intermittently observed. All autoantibodies aside from antinuclear antibody were negative. Given that hyponatremia (126 mEq/l) and fasting hypoglycemia were demonstrated, an endocrinological examination, in particular for hypopituitary-adrenal function, was performed. Both plasma and urinary cortisol concentrations were very low, and an associated low concentration of plasma ACTH (6.0 pg/ml) was noted. The ACTH circadian rhythm was absent and there was no response to the administration of corticotropin releasing hormone. All other pituitary hormones were secreted at normal levels and brain MRI revealed a normal appearance of a pituitary gland. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed as having isolated ACTH deficiency. Arthralgia and general malaise both improved soon after replacement of glucocorticoid, and CRP levels were normalized. Isolated ACTH deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients suffering from polyarthralgia, given that fever and increased inflammatory reactions occasionally develop and that rheumatic symptoms are also present, as in the present case.

Peptide and protein library screening defines optimal substrate motifs for AKT/PKB

AKT was originally identified as a proto-oncogene with a pleckstrin homology and Ser/Thr protein kinase domains. Recent studies revealed that AKT regulates a variety of cellular functions including cell survival, cell growth, cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, transcription, translation, and cellular metabolism. To clarify the substrate specificity of AKT, we have used an oriented peptide library approach to determine optimal amino acids at positions N-terminal and C-terminal to the site of phosphorylation. The predicted optimal peptide substrate (Arg-Lys-Arg-Xaa-Arg-Thr-Tyr-Ser*-Phe-Gly where Ser* is the phosphorylation site) has similarities to but is distinct from optimal substrates that we previously defined for related basophilic protein kinases such as protein kinase A, Ser/Arg-rich kinases, and protein kinase C family members. The positions most important for high V(max)/K(m) ratio were Arg-3>Arg-5>Arg-7. The substrate specificity of AKT was further investigated by screening a lambdaGEX phage HeLa cell cDNA expression library. All of the substrates identified by this procedure contained Arg-Xaa-Arg-Xaa-Xaa-(Ser/Thr) motifs and were in close agreement with the motif identified by peptide library screening. The results of this study should help in prediction of likely AKT substrates from primary sequences.

Methamphetamine enhances 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-induced hydroxyl radical generation in the rat striatum

We determined the methamphetamine (MA), a potent dopamine (DA) releaser, enhances 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+))-induced hydroxyl radical (&z.rad;OH) generation in the rat striatum. Rats were anesthetized, and sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl/min) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of .OH as reflected by the non-enzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. After administration of MA (5 mg/kg i.v., every 2 h, four times), MA drastically increased DA release and the &z.rad;OH formation. When iron (II) was administered to the MA-treated animals, a marked elevation of DHBA was observed, compared with MPP(+)-only treated animals, that showed a positive linear correlation between DA and .OH formation trapped as DHBA (R(2)=0.985) in the dialysate. These results suggest that MA enhances the &z.rad;OH products of efflux/oxidation due to MPP(+).

Smoking and oxidant stress: assay of isoprostane in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Isoprostane (8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha) is synthesized non-enzymatically from arachidonate and active oxygen. We examined the relationship of smoking and excretion of isoprostane in urine with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring assay and the stable isotope dilution method. Urine isoprostane concentrations were significantly higher in smokers (n=81, 605.24+/-59.01 ng/mg creatinine) than in non-smokers (n=39, 424.07+/-70.37 ng/mg creatinine), but concentrations in ex-smokers (n=21, 487.27+/-98.48 ng/mg creatinine) did not differ significantly from those in the other groups. In smokers, age, the duration of smoking, and the number of cigarettes per day were not correlated with urine isoprostane concentrations. However, urine isoprostane concentrations were negatively correlated with time since quitting in ex-smokers and with age in non-smokers. These results indicate that smoking increases isoprostane concentration in urine and suggest that smoking causes lipid peroxidation by oxidant stress.

The protooncogene TCL1 is an Akt kinase coactivator

Human T cell prolymphocytic leukemia can result from chromosomal translocations involving 14q32.1 or Xq28 regions. The regions encode a family of protooncogenes (TCL1, MTCP1, and TCL1b) of unknown function. In yeast two-hybrid screening, we found that TCL1 interacts with Akt. All TCL1 isoforms bind to the Akt pleckstrin homology domain. Both in vitro and in vivo TCL1 increases Akt kinase activity and as a consequence enhances substrate phosphorylation. In vivo, TCL1 stabilizes the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and enhances cell proliferation and survival. In vivo, TCL1 forms trimers, which associate with Akt. TCL1 facilitates the oligomerization and activation of Akt. Our data show that TCL1 is a novel Akt kinase coactivator, which promotes Akt-induced cell survival and proliferation.

Block of cardiac ATP-sensitive K(+) channels reduces hydroxyl radicals in the rat myocardium

The present study examined whether opening of an ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel can induce hydroxyl free radical ((*)OH) generation in the rat myocardium. Sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/microl/min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of (*)OH as reflected by the nonenzymatic formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA). Induction of cromakalim (100 microM), a K(ATP) channel opener, through the microdialysis probe significantly increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. Another K(ATP) channel opener, nicorandil, also increased the level of 2,3-DHBA. When iron(II) was administered to cromakalim-pretreated animals, a marked elevation of DHBA was observed, compared with iron(II) only-treated animals. A positive linear correlation between iron(II) and formation of (*)OH, trapped as DHBA in the dialysate, was shown (r(2) = 0.988). When corresponding experiments were performed with nicorandil-treated animals, a positive linear correlation between iron(II) and DHBA in the dialysate was shown (r(2) = 0.988). However, the presence of glibenclamide (1-50 microM) decreased the cromakalim-induced 2,3-DHBA formation in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50) = 9.1 microM). 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; 100 microM), another K(ATP) channel antagonist, also decreased cromakalim-induced (*)OH formation. The IC(50) value for 5-HD against cromakalim-evoked increase in 2,3-DHBA was 107.2 microM. In the presence of glibenclamide (10 microM), the heart was subjected to myocardial ischemia for 15 min by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). When the heart was reperfused, the normal elevation of 2,3-DHBA in the heart dialysate was not observed in animals pretreated with glibenclamide (10 microM). When corresponding experiments were performed with 5-HD (100 microM) pretreated animals, the same results were obtained. These results suggest that opening of cardiac K(ATP) channels may cause (*)OH generation.

Inhibition of monkey brain semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase by various antidepressants

We examined whether the antidepressant drugs, such as the dicyclic drug zimeldine, the tricyclic drug imipramine, tetracyclic drug maprotiline, and the non-cyclic drug nomifensine, inhibit in vitro semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity in monkey brain. The deamination of 1 microM benzylamine was not inhibited at high concentrations of clorgyline or deprenyl, while it was highly sensitive for semicarbazide. When corresponding experiments were performed with 100 microM benzylamine, the opposite results were obtained. The most potent of inhibition of SSAO was observed by imipramine, followed by maprotiline, zimeldine and nomifensine. Inhibition of SSAO was not enhanced by varying the time of preincubation of the enzyme and various antidepressant drugs, indicating direct action on and reversible inhibition of SSAO. We found the tricyclic antidepressant drug to be the most selective inhibitors of SSAO activity in monkey brain, as compared with other type of antidepressant drugs.

Seizure frequency and bilateral temporal abnormalities: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of temporal lobe epilepsy

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) was performed in seven healthy volunteers and 17 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to clarify the correlation of the severity of epilepsy with bilateral temporal changes in N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho) and creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr). Despite unilateral EEG focus, bilateral temporal reduction in NAA /(Cho + Cr) was revealed in patients with intractable seizures. The potential for seizure generation correlated with the NAA /(Cho + Cr) reduction not only on the ipsilateral side but also on the contralateral side. Proton MRS proved to be a useful measurement for obtaining important information about the neuronal changes as well as the lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in TLE patients.

An increase of the native interstitial adenosine concentration during histidine application

We examined whether histidine can increase the production of interstitial adenosine via noradrenaline (NA) release-mediated activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the ventricular myocardium, with use of microdialysis techniques in in situ rat hearts. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rat hearts and the tissue was perfused with Tyrode's solution containing adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) through the dialysis probe at a rate of 1.0 microl/min. Adenosine in the dialysate collected during perfusion with Tyrode's solution containing 100 microM AMP (through the probe) originated from the hydrolysis of AMP catalyzed by endogenous ecto-5'-nucleotidase, so that the level of adenosine reflected the activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in this tissue. In the presence of NA (10 microM), histidine, a scavenger of highly active singlet oxygen (1O2), significantly increased concentration of adenosine. Histidine (5-50 mM) increased the level of AMP-primed dialysate adenosine in a concentration-dependent manner. When histidine (25 mM) was infused to rat myocardium, small increase in the levels of adenosine were observed. However, when corresponding experiments were performed with NA (10 microM)-pretreated animals, a marked elevation of the level of adenosine in rat heart dialysate was obtained. To confirm the possible mechanism of interaction between 1O2 and NA, we examined the effect of histidine in ischemic-reperfused rat hearts. In the presence of histidine (25 mM), a marked elevation of NA and adenosine was observed. However, when corresponding experiments were performed with reserpinized rat hearts, the elevation of both NA and adenosine was not observed in ischemia-reperfused rat hearts. These results indicate that histidine increases interstitial adenosine concentration via NA release-mediated activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase.

Akt/protein kinase B prevents injury-induced motoneuron death and accelerates axonal regeneration

Motoneurons require neurotrophic factors for their survival and axonal projection during development, as well as nerve regeneration. By using the axotomy-induced neuronal death paradigm and adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, we attempted to gain insight into the functional significances of major growth factor receptor downstream cascades, Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Ras-ERK) pathway and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt) pathway. After neonatal hypoglossal nerve transection, the constitutively active Akt-overexpressing neurons could survive as well as those overexpressing Bcl-2, whereas the constitutively active ERK kinase (MEK)-overexpressing ones failed to survive. A dominant negative Akt experiment demonstrated that inhibition of Akt pathway hastened axotomy-induced neuronal death in the neonate. In addition, the dominant active Akt-overexpressing adult hypoglossal neurons showed accelerated axonal regeneration after axotomy. These results suggest that Akt plays dual roles in motoneuronal survival and nerve regeneration in vivo and that PI3K-Akt pathway is probably more vital in neuronal survival after injury than Ras-ERK pathway.