Potent stimulation and inhibition of the CFTR Cl(-) current by phloxine B

The effects of the fluoresceine derivative, phloxine B, on the Cl(-) current through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) were examined in Xenopus oocytes expressing human CFTR. In whole oocytes, the CFTR Cl(-) current (I(CFTR)) was activated by superfusion with isobutylmethylxanthine and forskolin. I(CFTR) was stable during activation and deactivated rapidly upon washout of the activation solution. Phloxine B slowed deactivation and, at high concentrations, inhibited I(CFTR) weakly. In excised inside-out macropatches, I(CFTR) was activated by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (cPKA) and MgATP. Phloxine B (0.01 - 3 microM), applied after activation, increased I(CFTR) within 30 s followed by a slow decrease which became dominant at high concentrations. Slowing of deactivation of the CFTR was observed at all concentrations. The effect of phloxine B after 30 s had a bell-shaped concentration-dependence with midpoints at 45 and 1600 nM for the stimulatory and the inhibitory limb, respectively; maximum stimulation was about 1.8 times. The slow inhibitory component, measured after 6 min, occurred with an IC(50) value of approximately 1 microM. In the absence of cPKA, phloxine B did not stimulate I(CFTR). In the presence of cPKA and MgATP, the effects of phloxine B were more prominent at low (0.02 mM) than at high ATP (2 mM). The data show that phloxine B modulates I(CFTR) by increasing channel activity and slowing channel deactivation; at high concentrations inhibition dominates. The effects may be mediated by direct interactions with CFTR from the inside of the cell.

In-phantom response of LiF TLD-100 for dosimetry of 192Ir HDR source

An experiment was carried out to reevaluate the response of LiF TLD-100 rods (1 mmx1 mmx6 mm) at different depths in a water substituting phantom to provide an answer to a prevailing controversy about the over-response of LiF to the softened photon spectra of 192Ir HDR source at depths in phantom due to its photon energy dependence. Claims of some authors that LiF TLDs over-responds by 8.5% at 10 cm depth in phantom, necessitating depth-dependent correction factors even for an 192Ir source and of some others for no over-response were evaluated. The over-response of LiF TLD-100 rods, against a calibrated ion chamber having a photon energy-independent response within 2%, was found to be not exceeding 2.5% at a depth of 10 cm in the phantom as compared to a depth at 1 cm, for a precision of the order of +/- 1% (1sigma) in the TLD measurements. By using ISO equivalent photon beams, photon energy dependence of the dosimeters was evaluated and for LiF TLD-100 rods it was found to be in close agreement (within 3%) with the ratios of mass energy absorption coefficients of LiF and water in the range of effective photon energy from 26 keV to 1.25 MeV. Parameters that could contribute to the discrepancy in the reported values of experimental results have been discussed.

Atypical effect of minoxidil sulphate on guinea pig airways

The effects of minoxidil sulphate, an "atypical" K(ATP) channel opener, and bimakalim, a benzopyran-type classical K(ATP) channel opener, on guinea pig airways in vitro and in vivo and on isolated portal veins from rats and guinea pigs were compared. Minoxidil sulphate inhibited the spontaneous activity of isolated guinea pig and rat portal vein preparations with pD2 values of 7.83+/-0.08 and 7.14+/-0.03, respectively (Emax=100% in both preparations). Bimakalim caused a more potent inhibition with pD2 values of 8.80+/-0.05 and 8.20+/-0.04, respectively (Emax=100% in both preparations). Minoxidil sulphate reduced the spontaneous tone of isolated guinea pig tracheal rings with a pIC50 value of 3.92+/-0.02 and the same efficacy as isoprenaline. Bimakalim was more potent (pIC50=7.25+/-0.02) but less efficacious (Emax=75% of the Emax of isoprenaline). The airway relaxant effect of bimakalim, but not minoxidil sulphate, was antagonised by glibenclamide (pA2=7.50) at concentrations above 0.1 microM. Bombesin-induced bronchoconstriction in anaesthetised, ventilated, normoreactive guinea pigs (measured as increase in total lung resistance) was dose-dependently reversed by intratracheally (i.t.) administered bimakalim (ED50=4 microg/kg; Emax=92% of maximally possible inhibition), but not by minoxidil sulphate, at doses up to 1 mg/kg i.t. In the same animals, following i.t. administration of higher doses, both minoxidil sulphate and bimakalim reduced blood pressure. Airways hyperreactivity to histamine induced by acute treatment of guinea pigs with immune complex was dose-dependently reversed by bimakalim (ED50=0.5 microg/kg i.t., Emax=100%). This effect was antagonised by glibenclamide (30 mg/kg i.v.). Minoxidil sulphate had a biphasic effect on airways hyperreactivity: at 1 microg/kg i.t., airways hyperreactivity was augmented, whereas at doses above 3.2 microg/kg i.t. it caused reversal of airways hyperreactivity. Both of the effects of minoxidil sulphate were insensitive to glibenclamide (30 mg/kg i.v.). It is concluded that the pharmacological profile of minoxidil sulphate in guinea pig airways is completely different from that of classical K(ATP) channel openers such as bimakalim. Minoxidil sulphate is either only weakly active or even inactive at K(ATP) channels in guinea pig airways or interacts with these channels in a different manner. The current results are consistent with there being differences between the K(ATP) channels in airways and blood vessels.

A high-precision, high-resolution and fast dosimetry system for beta sources applied in cardiovascular brachytherapy

A fast dosimetry system based on plastic scintillator detectors has been developed which allows three-dimensional measurement of the radiation field in water of beta-sources appropriate for application in cardiovascular brachytherapy. This system fulfills the AAPM Task Group 60 recommendations for dosimetry of cardiovascular brachytherapy sources. To demonstrate the use of the system, measurements have been performed with an 90Y-wire source. The dose distribution was determined with a spatial resolution of better than 0.2 mm, with only a few minutes needed per scan. The scintillator dosemeter was absolutely calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water with a precision of +/-7.5%. The relative precision achievable is +/-2.5%. The response of the system is linear within +/-2% for dose rates from 0.5 mGy s(-1) to 500 mGy s(-1).

Vasorelaxation by new hybrid compounds containing dihydropyridine and pinacidil-like moieties

The synthesis and pharmacological properties of a novel type of vasorelaxant hybrid compounds are described. The investigated compounds originate from fluorinated 4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridines, which are known calcium channel blockers, and/or from fluorinated analogues of pinacidil, which is an opener of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. In particular, we studied the most potent hybrid, 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dicarbomethoxy-4-(2-difluoromethoxy-5-N-(N' '-cyano-N'-1,2,2-trimethyl-propylguanidyl)-phenyl)-1, 4-dihydropyridine (4a), together with its parent compounds, the dihydropyridine 1b and the pinacidil analogue 3. In isolated rat mesenteric arteries, micromolar concentrations of 4a relaxed contractions exerted by K(+)-depolarization or by norepinephrine. The latter effect was sensitive to the potassium channel blocker glibenclamide. Micromolar 4a also inhibited [(3)H](+)-isradipine and [(3)H]P1075 binding to rat cardiac membranes, and it blocked L-type calcium channels expressed in a mammalian cell line. The respective parent compounds 1b and 3 were always more potent and more selective regarding calcium channel or potassium channel interaction, respectively. In contrast, 4a combined both effects within the same concentration range, indicating that it may represent a lead structure for a novel class of pharmacological hybrid compounds.

Fluorescence 125I eye applicator

A new approach to optimize curative eye plaque brachytherapy is presented. The application of ophthalmic plaques is a common therapy modality for small and medium sized intraocular tumors. At Essen University Hospital eye applicators with photon emitting 125I seeds are used for the treatment of tumors with a thickness from 5 to 10 mm. Our clinical experiences indicate that the dose distributions of these applicators-used so far worldwide-are not optimal. A steeper dose falloff would meet the radiobiological requirements better, to provide the eradication of all tumor cells as well as sufficient occlusion of tumor supplying blood vessels. Our investigations for eye plaque optimization are based both on measurements and Monte Carlo simulation. For fast dosimetric measurements we have built a computer controlled device which allows reading out, directly and simultaneously, 16 1 mm3 scintillators. For the numerical simulations of the dose distribution of 125I eye plaques we have adapted a Monte Carlo program originally developed to calculate the synchrotron radiation in particle physics. We have investigated the influence of geometrical as well as physical eye plaque parameters on the dose distribution: Shielding of the primary radiation, penumbra modification, and energy conversion by exploiting fluorescence x-radiation have been considered. New types of fluorescence eye applicators have been designed which are more suitable for the prevention of radiopathic effects on structures at risk.

Coexpression with the inward rectifier K(+) channel Kir6.1 increases the affinity of the vascular sulfonylurea receptor SUR2B for glibenclamide

ATP-sensitive K(+) channels are closed by the hypoglycemic sulfonylureas like glibenclamide (GBC) and activated by a class of vasorelaxant compounds, the K(+) channel openers. These channels are octamers of Kir6.x and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits with 4:4 stoichiometry. The properties of the opener-sensitive K(+) channel in the vasculature are well matched by the SUR2B/Kir6.1 channel; however, the GBC sensitivity of the recombinant channel is unknown. In binding experiments we have determined the affinity of GBC for SUR2B and the SUR2B/Kir6.1 channel and compared the results with the channel blocking potency of GBC. All experiments were performed in whole transfected human embryonic kidney cells at 37 degrees C. The equilibrium dissociation constants (K(D)) of GBC binding to SUR2B and to the SUR2B/Kir6.1 complex were determined to be 32 and 6 nM, respectively; the K(D) value of the opener P1075 (N-cyano-N'-(1, 1-dimethylpropyl)-N"-3-pyridylguanidine) ( approximately 5 nM) was, however, not affected by cotransfection. In whole cell voltage-clamp experiments, GBC inhibited the SUR2B/Kir6.1 channel with IC(50) approximately 43 nM. The data show that, in the intact cell: 1) SUR2B, previously considered to be a low-affinity SUR, has a rather high affinity for GBC; 2) coexpression with the inward rectifier Kir6.1 increases the affinity of SUR2B for GBC; 3) the recombinant channel exhibits the same GBC affinity as the opener-sensitive K(+) channel in vascular tissue; and 4) the K(D) value of GBC binding to the octameric channel is 7 times lower than the IC(50) value for channel inhibition. The latter finding suggests that occupation of all four GBC sites per channel is required for channel closure.

Potent inhibition of the CFTR chloride channel by suramin

After phosphorylation by protein kinase A and in the presence of ATP, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions as a Cl- channel. In this study we have examined the effects of suramin on the CFTR Cl- current (I(CFTR)) in excised inside-out macropatches from Xenopus oocytes expressing human CFTR; glibenclamide, the standard inhibitor of I(CFTR), and some congeners were tested in comparison. I(CFTR) was activated by addition of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and MgATP to the bath. Suramin inhibited I(CFTR) with an IC50 value of 1 microM and a Hill coefficient close to 1; the inhibition showed little voltage dependence and was easily reversed upon washout of the drug. In comparison, glibenclamide inhibited I(CFTR) with an IC50 value of approximately 20 microM. When tested against I(CFTR) in whole oocytes, bath application of suramin was ineffective whereas glibenclamide was about four times weaker than in the inside-out patch configuration. The data show that suramin is the most potent inhibitor of CFTR yet described and suggest that the compound approaches its site of action from the cytosol.

Pharmacological evidence for a KATP channel in renin-secreting cells from rat kidney

1. Openers of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) increase and blockers decrease renin secretion. Here we report the effects of levcromakalim (LCRK, a channel opener) and glibenclamide (GBC, a blocker) on membrane potential, whole-cell current and the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration of renin-secreting cells (RSC). Studies were performed on afferent arterioles from the kidney of Na+-depleted rats. 2. As monitored with the fluorescent oxonol dye DiBAC4(3), LCRK (0.3 and 1 microM) induced a hyperpolarization of approximately 15 mV which was abolished by GBC (1 microM). 3. Whole-cell current-clamp experiments showed that RSC had a membrane potential of -61 +/- 1 mV (n = 16). LCRK (1 microM) induced a hyperpolarization of 9.9 +/- 0.2 mV (n = 16) which, in the majority of cells, decreased slowly with time. 4. Capacitance measurements showed a strong electrical coupling of the cells in the preparation. 5. At -60 mV, LCRK induced a hyperpolarizing current in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 152 +/- 31 nM and a maximum current of about 200 pA. 6. Application of GBC (1 microM) produced no effect; however, when applied after LCRK (300 nM), GBC inhibited the opener-induced hyperpolarizing current with an IC50 of 103 +/- 36 nM. 7. LCRK (0.3 and 1 microM) did not significantly affect the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration either at rest or after stimulation by angiotensin II. 8. The data show that LCRK induces a GBC-sensitive hyperpolarizing current in rat RSC. This current presumably originates from the activation of KATP channels which pharmacologically resemble those in vascular smooth muscle cells. The stimulatory effect of KATP channel opening on renin secretion is not mediated by a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

ATP-Sensitive K+ channel modulator binding to sulfonylurea receptors SUR2A and SUR2B: opposite effects of MgADP

KATP channels are heteromeric complexes of inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunits and sulfonylurea receptors (SURs). SUR2A and SUR2B, which differ within the carboxyl terminal exon 38, are characteristic for the cardiac and smooth muscle type channels, respectively. Here we compare binding of the tritiated KATP channel opener, [3H]P1075, to membranes from human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells transfected with murine SUR2A and 2B at 37 degrees C. Binding to both SURs required addition of Mg2+ and ATP in the low micromolar range. In the presence of MgATP, micromolar concentrations of MgADP, formed by the ATPase activity of the membrane preparation, increased binding to SUR2A but inhibited binding to SUR2B. Decreasing temperatures strongly reduced [3H]P1075 binding to SUR2A, whereas binding to SUR2B was increased in a bell-shaped manner. Kinetic experiments revealed a faster dissociation of the [3H]P1075-SUR2A complex, whereas the association rate constants for [3H]P1075 binding to SUR2A and 2B were similar. Openers inhibited [3H]P1075 binding to SUR2A with potencies approximately 4 times lower than to SUR2B; in contrast, glibenclamide inhibited [3H]P1075 binding to SUR2A approximately 8 times more potently than to SUR2B. The data suggest that SUR2A and 2B represent the opener receptors of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle KATP channels, respectively, and show that MgADP is an important modulator of opener binding to SUR. The different carboxyl termini of SUR2A and 2B lead to differences in the MgADP dependence and the thermodynamics of [3H]P1075 binding, as well as in the affinities for openers and glibenclamide, underlining the importance of this part of the molecule for KATP channel modulator binding.

A fast and sensitive TLD method for measurement of energy and homogeneity of electron beams using transmitted radiation through lead

A simple and fast, but sensitive TLD method for the measurement of energy and homogeneity of therapeutically used electron beams has been developed and tested. This method is based on the fact that when small thicknesses of high-Z absorbers such as lead are interposed in the high-energy electron beams, the transmitted radiation increases with the energy of the electron beams. Consequently, the ratio of readouts of TLDS held on the two sides of a lead plate varied sharply (by factor of 70) with a change in energy of the electron beam from 5 MeV to 18 MeV, offering a very sensitive method for the measurement of the energy of electron beams. By using the ratio of TL readouts of two types of TLD ribbon with widely different sensitivities, LiF TLD-700 ribbons on the upstream side and highly sensitive CaF2:Dy TLD-200 ribbons on the downstream side, an electron energy discrimination of better than +/- 0.1 MeV could be achieved. The homogeneity of the electron beam energy and the absorbed dose was measured by using a jig in which the TLDS were held in the desired array on both sides of a 4 mm thick lead plate. The method takes minimal beam time and makes it possible to carry out measurements for the audit of the quality of electron beams as well as for intercomparison of beams by mail.

Effects of ions on adenosine binding and enzyme activity of purified S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase from bovine kidney

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of various ions on the characteristics of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolase from bovine kidney. The binding sites of [3H]-adenosine to purified SAH hydrolase were not influenced by phosphate, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride or calcium ions at physiological cytosolic concentrations. To test whether NAD+ in the SAH hydrolase is essential for adenosine binding, we prepared the apoenzyme by removing NAD+ with ammonium sulfate. The resulting apoenzyme did not exhibit any [3H]-adenosine binding. Since the apoenzyme was enzymatically inactive, it is suggested that adenosine binds to the active site and not to an allosteric site of the intact enzyme. The kinetics of the hydrolysis and the synthesis of SAH catalyzed by the enzyme SAH hydrolase were measured in the presence and absence of phosphate and magnesium. Phosphate increased the Vmax for both synthesis and hydrolysis. However, only the affinity of adenosine for SAH synthesis was significantly enhanced from 10.1+/-1.3 microM to 5.4+/-0.5 microM by phosphate. This effect was already maximal at a phosphate concentration of 1 mM. All other tested ions were without effect on the enzyme activity. Our results show that phosphate at physiological concentrations shifts the thermodynamic equilibrium of SAH hydrolase in the direction of SAH synthesis. These findings imply that SAH-sensitive transmethylation reactions are inhibited during renal hypoxia when intracellular levels of phosphate, adenosine, and SAH are elevated.

Mg2+ and ATP dependence of K(ATP) channel modulator binding to the recombinant sulphonylurea receptor, SUR2B

1. The binding of modulators of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) to the murine sulphonylurea receptor, SUR2B, was investigated. SUR2B, a proposed subunit of the vascular KATP channel, was expressed in HEK 293 cells and binding assays were performed in membranes at 37 degrees C using the tritiated KATP channel opener, [3H]-P1075. 2. Binding of [3H]-P1075 required the presence of Mg2+ and ATP. MgATP activated binding with EC50 values of 10 and 3 microM at free Mg2+ concentrations of 3 microM and 1 mM, respectively. At 1 mM Mg2+, binding was lower than at 3 microM Mg2+. 3. [3H]-P1075 saturation binding experiments, performed at 3 mM ATP and free Mg2+ concentrations of 3 microM and 1 mM, gave KD values of 1.8 and 3.4 nM and BMAX values of 876 and 698 fmol mg(-1), respectively. 4. In competition experiments, openers inhibited [3H]-P1075 binding with potencies similar to those determined in rings of rat aorta. 5. Glibenclamide inhibited [3H]-P1075 binding with Ki values of 0.35 and 2.4 microM at 3 Mm and 1 mM free Mg2+, respectively. Glibenclamide enhanced the dissociation of the [3H]-P1075-SUR2B complex suggesting a negative allosteric coupling between the binding sites for P1075 and the sulphonylureas. 6. It is concluded that an MgATP site on SUR2B with microM affinity must be occupied to allow opener binding whereas Mg2+ concentrations > or = 10 microM decrease the affinities for openers and glibenclamide. The properties of the [3H]-P1075 site strongly suggest that SUR2B represents the drug receptor of the openers in vascular smooth muscle.

Endovascular brachytherapy--treatment planning and radiation protection

The risk of restenosis, main late effect limiting the success of percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty, can be reduced significantly by vascular radiotherapy, subsequent to PTCA. This discovery lead to the development of new irradiation techniques. Endovascular brachytherapy is the choice in treatment of coronary artery stenosis. Successful irradiation, however, requires precise treatment planning. This review addresses the physical possibilities and problems of intravascular brachytherapy planning, and the radiobiologically based definition of the target volume and of structures at risk. Recommendations for dose specification, recording and reporting are given. The criteria for selecting a vascular radiotherapy technique are discussed as well as the possibilities of dosimetric treatment planning and quality assurance based on precise plastic scintillator dosimetry and intravascular ultrasound. Radiation protection and safety must be reconsidered prior to the usage of therapeutic radiation sources in the catheter laboratory and for the decision about emergency plans. Finally, the design of clinical trials, the role of medical physicists, and the future of irradiation treatment of stenosis is discussed.

Interaction of the diuretics torasemide and U-37883A with the K(ATP) channel in rat isolated aorta

In this study we have investigated the interaction of the loop diuretics torasemide and furosemide and of the eukalemic diuretic U-37883A (4-morpholinocarboximidine-N-1-adamantyl-N'-cyclohexylhyd rochloride) with the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (K(ATP) channel) in rat aortic rings. Torasemide contains a sulphonylurea group which might enable the compound to interfere with K(ATP) channels; this group is lacking in furosemide. U-37883A blocks several types of K(ATP) channels. The interaction with the vascular K(ATP) channel was probed in binding studies, 86Rb+ efflux experiments and vasorelaxation assays. Torasemide inhibited the binding of the K(ATP) channel inhibitor [3H]glibenclamide and of the opener [3H]P1075 with IC50 values of 19 and 45 microM, respectively; furosemide and U-37883A were inactive or interfered with binding in a nonspecific way. In 86Rb+ efflux experiments, the loop diuretics, at microM concentrations, inhibited basal tracer efflux to 50% whereas U-37883A had no effect. P1075-stimulated 86Rb+ efflux, a qualitative measure of K(ATP) channel opening, was inhibited by U-37883A and torasemide with IC50 values of 0.06 and 130 microM, respectively; furosemide induced only a small (23%) inhibition. In experiments measuring isometric force, torasemide and furosemide partially relaxed endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with noradrenaline or KCl with EC50 values between 6 and 10 microM. The vasorelaxant effect of P1075 was inhibited in a noncompetitive manner by torasemide (300 microM) but unaffected by furosemide. U-37883A increased noradrenaline-induced force and inhibited the vasorelaxant effect of P1075 in an apparently competitive manner with an inhibition constant of 0.4 microM. The data show that torasemide interferes specifically with the binding of the K(ATP) channel modulators [3H]glibenclamide and [3H]P1075 and with the K(ATP) channel opening and vasorelaxant effects of P1075 whereas furosemide is inactive. This suggests that the interaction of torasemide with the vascular K(ATP) channel is due to the sulphonylurea group present in torasemide. U-37883A, which does not inhibit P1075 binding, is one of the most potent blockers of P1075-induced 86Rb+ efflux yet described but is relatively weak as an inhibitor of P1075-mediated vasorelaxation. The opposite vascular actions of torasemide and U-37883A are expected to contribute to the renal effects of these drugs.

Binding of K(ATP) channel modulators in rat cardiac membranes

1. The binding of [3H]-P1075, a potent opener of adenosine-5'-triphosphate-(ATP)-sensitive K+ channels, was studied in a crude heart membrane preparation of the rat, at 37 degrees C. 2. Binding required MgATP. In the presence of an ATP-regenerating system, MgATP supported [3H]-P1075 binding with an EC50 value of 100 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.4. 3. In saturation experiments [3H]-P1075 binding was homogeneous with a KD value of 6+/-1 nM and a binding capacity (Bmax) of 33+/-3 fmol mg(-1) protein. 4. Upon addition of an excess of unlabelled P1075, the [3H]-P1075-receptor complex dissociated in a mono-exponential manner with a dissociation rate constant of 0.13+/-0.01 min(-1). If a bi-molecular association mechanism was assumed, the dependence of the association kinetics on label concentration gave an association rate constant of 0.030+/-0.003 nM(-1) min(-1). From the kinetic experiments the KD value was calculated as 4.7+/-0.6 nM. 5. Openers of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel belonging to different structural classes inhibited specific [3H]-P1075 binding in a monophasic manner to completion; an exception was minoxidil sulphate where maximum inhibition was 68%. The potencies of the openers in this assay agree with published values obtained in rat cardiocytes and are on average 3.5 times lower than those determined in rat aorta. 6. Sulphonylureas, such as glibenclamide and glibornuride and the sulphonylurea-related carboxylate, AZ-DF 265, inhibited [3H]-P1075 binding with biphasic inhibition curves. The high affinity component comprised about 60% of the curves with the IC50 value of glibenclamide being approximately 90 nM; affinities for the low affinity component were in the microM concentration range. The fluorescein derivative, phloxine B, showed a monophasic inhibition curve with an IC50 value of 6 microM, a maximum inhibition of 94% and a Hill coefficient of 1.5. 7. It is concluded that binding studies with [3H]-P1075 are feasible in rat heart membranes in the presence of MgATP and of an ATP-regenerating system. The pharmacological profile of the [3H]-P1075 binding sites in the cardiac preparation, which probably contains sulphonylurea receptors (SURs) from cardiac myocytes (SUR2A) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SUR2B), differs from that expected for SUR2A and SUR2B.

[Oral vaccines against poliomyelitis and vaccination-related paralytic poliomyelitis in Germany. Do we need a new immunization strategy?]

Oral vaccination against poliomyelitis, which was carried out worldwide, lead to eradication of poliomyelitis in the United States, in South America and parts of Europe; in other parts of the world, paralytic poliomyelitis is still a severe risk of health. In those countries where poliomyelitis has been eradicated, it is presently discussed whether the vaccination schedules should be changed to an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), as in polio-free countries only cases of paralytic poliomyelitis after vaccinations have been reported. Behringwerke's data from a 30-year period of analysing adverse drug reaction reveal the following: using the trivalent oral polio vaccine (OPV), based on WHO case definition, the risk for vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis with permanent damage is approximately 1 case for 4.5 million vaccinations (0.22 per million) in vaccinees, and approximately 1 case for 11 million (0.09 per million) in contact persons. This low risk is in line with the data ascertained worldwide.

Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton abolishes high affinity 3H-glibenclamide binding in rat aortic rings

The interaction between the cytoskeleton and the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) was studied in rat aortic rings by examining the binding of the sulphonylurea blocker, 3H-glibenclamide, and of the opener, 3H-P1075. The actin cytoskeleton disrupting agents, cytochalasin D (1 microM) and latrunculin B (1 microM), abolished the high affinity component of 3H-glibenclamide binding. Preincubation with the actin cytoskeleton stabilizing agent, phalloidin (10 microM) prevented the effect of cytochalasin D. In contrast, binding of the opener, 3H-P1075, and inhibition of this binding by glibenclamide, were unaffected by cytochalasin D (3 microM). Colchicine (100 microM), which disassembles microtubules, had no effect on the binding of 3H-glibenclamide and 3H-P1075. The data show that high affinity binding of glibenclamide, which mediates the effects of the sulphonylurea in this preparation, requires the presence of an intact actin cytoskeleton. Binding of the opener is unaffected by the state of the cytoskeleton and preserves a conformational state in which high affinity binding of glibenclamide to the sulphonylurea receptor can occur.

[Intravascular irradiation in the combined therapy and prevention of restenosis. Overview]

Despite numerous efforts in catheter technology and procedural approaches the problem of restenosis in interventional cardiology persists. Although the implantation of coronary stents has significantly reduced restenosis rates based on the inhibition of elastic recoil, intimal proliferation as the second major mechanism for postinterventional restenosis could not effectively be suppressed. Intimal proliferation is the response to vessel injury following interventional procedure, e.g. balloon angioplasty. It results in the adhesion of mono- and lymphocytes which themselves trigger the colonisation of myofibroblasts. Intracoronary irradiation seeks to prevent this proliferative process as it destroys or irreversibly alters DNA structures of cells at the site of balloon injury. The antiproliferative effect depends on the irradiation dosis, the timing and the cell cycle phase. Mainly beta- and gamma-radiation is used for intracoronary irradiation. Beta-emitters are characterized by a sharp decline of dose rate within millimeters from the actual source. The exposure to surrounding tissue as well the catheter staff can be kept to a minimum. The high intensity of beta-emitters allow a short treatment period of minutes to gain an effective radiation dose to the target. In contrast, gamma-emitters have a low radial dose distribution resulting in high dosage even centimeters away from the source. These emitters require additional shielding in the catheter laboratory and lead to excessive whole body doses. To achieve a sufficient dose in the target tissue, irradiation times of more than 20 minutes are necessary which prolongs the interventional procedure substantially. At present, catheter based systems or radioactive implantable stents are available to deliver the required dose. Catheter based systems seem more flexible in a number of considerations. On the other hand they require a substantial amount of hardware. Beta-emitting stents are implanted via a conventional stent delivery system with small shielding modifications. However, stents emit an inhomogeneous radiation profile due to the mesh-like structure. In addition, not every lesion can be reached by a stent nor does every lesion require a stent solely to deliver radiation. External irradiation is presently not recommended due to its ineffectiveness and the high rate of side effects. In the experimental setting the porcine model comes closest to the clinical situation in man. Animal experiments have demonstrated the effective reduction of intimal proliferation using beta- and gamma-sources in a wide dose range of 3 to 56 Gy. Although the initial and early results are convincing little is know about the long term results. Only few studies have been and are currently performed in patients. Some of these investigations demonstrate a significant reduction of restenosis rate after 6 months. Again, information on long-term results are lacking. It has to be considered that perivascular fibrosis, which may occur with a delay of 5 to 10 years depending on the dosage, could curtail the initial success. Intracoronary irradiation is a promising method for the prevention of restenosis. The dose finding with respect to the dose effect relation, the determination of the therapeutic window and the timing of irradiation have to be further defined in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, intracoronary irradiation remains high on the priority list in fighting restenosis.

Binding and effects of KATP channel openers in the vascular smooth muscle cell line, A10

1. The ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) in A10 cells, a cell line derived from rat thoracic aorta, was characterized by binding studies with the tritiated KATP channel opener, [3H]-P1075, and by electrophysiological techniques. 2. Saturation binding experiments gave a KD value of 9.2 +/- 5.2 nM and a binding capacity (BMax) of 140 +/- 40 fmol mg-1 protein for [3H]-P1075 binding to A10 cells; from the BMax value a density of binding sites of 5-10 per microns2 plasmalemma was estimated. 3. KATP channel modulators such as the openers P1075, pinacidil, levcromakalim and minoxidil sulphate and the blocker glibenclamide inhibited [3H]-P1075 binding. The extent of inhibition at saturation depended on the compound, levcromakalim inhibiting specific [3H]-P1075 binding by 85%, minoxidil sulphate and glibenclamide by 70%. The inhibition constants were similar to those determined in strips of rat aorta. 4. Resting membrane potential, recorded with microelectrodes, was -51 +/- 1 mV. P1075 and levcromakalim produced a concentration-dependent hyperpolarization by up to -25 mV with EC50 values of 170 +/- 40 nM and 870 +/- 190 nM, respectively. The hyperpolarization induced by levcromakalim (3 microM) was completely reversed by glibenclamide with an IC50 value of 86 +/- 17 nM. 5. Voltage clamp experiments were performed in the whole cell configuration under a physiological K+ gradient. Levcromakalim (10 microM) induced a current which reversed around -80 mV; the current-voltage relationship showed considerable outward rectification. Glibenclamide (3 microM) abolished the effect of levcromakalim. 6. Analysis of the noise of the levcromakalim (10 microM)-induced current at -40 and -20 mV yielded estimates of the channel density, the single channel conductance and the probability of the channel to be open of 0.14 micron-2, 8.8 pS and 0.39, respectively. 7. The experiments showed that A10 cells are endowed with functional KATP channels which resemble those in vascular tissue; hence, these cells provide an easily accessible source of channels for biochemical and pharmacological studies. The density of binding sites for [3H]-P1075 was estimated to be one order of magnitude higher than the density of functional KATP channels; assuming a plasmalemmal localization of the binding sites this suggests a large receptor reserve for the openers in A10 cells.