Efficacy of constant infusion of A-77003, an inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease, in limiting acute HIV-1 infection in vitro

A-77003, a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitor, is effective for both acute and chronic infection in vitro and was evaluated clinically by continuous intravenous infusion administration. The minimum effective dose (the concentration required to completely inhibit viral replication) was determined in vitro in a population of uninfected (99%) and HIV-infected (1%) cells exposed to A-77003 by continuous infusion in hollow-fiber bioreactors. The production of infectious HIV and release of p24 antigen from infected cells were completely inhibited in cultures exposed to A-77003 at or above a concentration of 0.5 microM. Measurement of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA synthesis and flow cytometric analysis for cells expressing HIV p24 antigen demonstrated that the spread of HIV to uninfected cells was also blocked at 0.5 microM A-77003. Dose deescalation to 0.25 microM or removal of A-77003 resulted in the limited spread of the virus throughout the culture, the resumption of viral DNA synthesis, and release of p24. HIV produced after exposure to 0.5 microM A-77003 was noninfectious for a period of 72 h after the removal of the drug. Addition of 1 mg of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein per ml to this in vitro system completely ablated the anti-HIV effect of 0.5 microM A-77003. These data suggest that determination of the minimum effective dose under conditions which simulate human pharmacodynamic patterns may be useful in determining the initial dose and schedule for clinical trials. However, other factors, such as serum protein binding, may influence the selection of a therapeutic regimen.

Kinetic characterization and cross-resistance patterns of HIV-1 protease mutants selected under drug pressure

Eleven different recombinant, drug-resistant HIV-1 protease (HIV PR) mutants--R8Q, V32I, M46I, V82A, V82F, V82I, I84V, V32I/I84V, M46I/V82F, M46I/I84V, and V32I/K45I/F53L/A71V/I84V/L89M--were generated on the basis of results of in vitro selection experiments using the inhibitors A-77003, A-84538, and KNI-272. Kinetic parameters of mutant and wild-type (WT) enzymes were measured along with inhibition constants (Ki) toward the inhibitors A-77003, A-84538, KNI-272, L-735,524, and Ro31-8959. The catalytic efficiency, kcat/Km, for the mutants decreased relative to WT by a factor of 1.2-14.8 and was mainly due to the elevation of Km. The effects of specific mutations on Ki values were unique with respect to both inhibitor and mutant enzyme. A new property, termed vitality, defined as the ratio (Kikcat/Km)mutant/(Kikcat/Km)WT was introduced to compare the selective advantage of different mutants in the presence of a given inhibitor. High vitality values were generally observed with mutations that emerged during in vitro selection studies. The kinetic model along with the panel of mutants described here should be useful for evaluating and predicting patterns of resistance for HIV PR inhibitors and may aid in the selection of inhibitor combinations to combat drug resistance.

Hemodynamic effects of angiotensin II and the influence of angiotensin receptor antagonists in pithed rabbits

We investigated the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II (AII) and the influences of four angiotensin receptor antagonists: losartan, PD123177, BIBS 39, and BIBS 222 in the pithed rabbit preparation. AII (0.03-10 nmol/kg) elicited a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure (BP), left ventricular pressure (LVP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), dP/dtmax, and heart rate (HR). The maximal hypertensive effect of AII is comparable to that of norepinephrine (NE), but its effects on LVEDP and HR are weaker than those of NE. On a molar base, AII is approximately 27 times more potent than NE. Propranolol (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) did not significantly influence the AII-induced increase in diastolic BP (DBP) and LVEDP, but it abolished AII-induced positive chronotropic effects over the entire dose range of angiotensin AII studied. Losartan, but not PD123177, shifted the dose-response curves for AII to the right in a parallel manner. BIBS 39 and BIBS 222 also caused rightward shifts of the AII dose-response curve. These experiments indicate that in propranolol-treated pithed rabbits AII causes vasoconstrictor effects in both resistance vessels and in the venous system, which are both mediated by AT1- but not by AT2-receptors. The AII-induced positive chronotropic effect is an indirect action mediated by the stimulation of postsynaptic beta 1-adrenoceptors. BIBS 39 and BIBS 222, two new nonpeptide angiotensin receptor blockers that have affinity for both AT1- and AT2-receptors are also potent antagonists of the cardiovascular effects of AII in pithed rabbits.

Allergen-induced glycoconjugate secretion in guinea-pig trachea in vivo: modulation by indomethacin, BW B70C and ZD-2138

A method has been established for measurement of tracheal secretions in anaesthetized, ventilated guinea-pigs. The upper trachea was cannulated and perfused with saline. The perfusate was analysed for protein using the Lowry assay and for glycoconjugates ('mucus') by a procedure generating a fluorophore from fucose moieties in the sample. Intravenously infused acetylcholine (ACh) stimulated an increase in glycoconjugate secretion which was maximal after 75 min of ACh administration. Total protein concentration was not increased. Intravenously infused 15-HETE produced a similar increase in glycoconjugate secretion also without increasing protein concentration, but the time of maximal effect was earlier (30 min) than with ACh. Intravenous infusion of allergen (ovalbumin) in antihistamine pretreated, sensitized animals induced a dose-related glycoconjugate secretion which was maximal at 30 min after challenge. Indomethacin potentiated allergen-induced glycoconjugate secretion. The reportedly specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, ZD-2138, substantially inhibited allergen-induced pulmonary bronchoconstriction but did not influence glycoconjugate secretion. In contrast, the selective 5-, 15-lipoxygenase inhibitor BW B70C significantly attenuated both allergic airway closure and glycoconjugate secretion. These studies demonstrate the practicability of measuring glycoconjugate secretion in guinea-pig trachea in vivo, and that ACh and 15-HETE are potent secretagogues in this species. Further, they suggest that allergic glycoconjugate secretion is mediated, at least in part, via the release of lipid mediators from pathways other than via 5-lipoxygenase.

Inhibition of leukotriene B4 synthesis does not prevent development of acute renal failure following storage and transplantation

Compound BW B70C, a selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor was tested for its ability to reduce inflammatory damage in an in vivo rabbit model of renal storage and transplantation. Kidneys were stored at 0-2 degrees C for 48 hr prior to autografting. In controls, renal vein LTB4 levels rose significantly after 30 min reperfusion but fell after 2 hr to baseline. TxB2 levels remained at baseline for the 6 hr measured. 6-k-PGF1 alpha levels rose significantly after 1 hr of reperfusion and remained elevated thereafter. Histology after 6 hr reperfusion showed moderate-to-severe cortical edema and mild congestion. Infused colloidal carbon was retained in the perivascular area in a narrow band at the corticomedullary junction, indicating a zone of vascular permeability. At 3 days after transplant, kidneys exhibited widespread tubular necrosis and calcification but little inflammation. Serum creatinine and urea peaked between days 3 and 5. 3/6 rabbits showed no symptoms of renal failure after 3 weeks. Pretreatment with BW B70C prevented the increase in LTB4 but had little effect on TxB2 and 6-k-PGF1 alpha levels. Histology showed no amelioration of cortical edema at 6 hr and congestion and hemorrhage were exacerbated. BW B70C had no effect on either colloidal carbon retention or distribution but did significantly reduce tubular necrosis and calcification at day 3. There was very little inflammatory infiltrate. BW B70C treatment did not improve the long-term viability of transplanted kidneys: 2/6 rabbits showed no symptoms of renal failure after 3 weeks. These data indicate that inhibition of LTB4 synthesis by BW B70C does not prevent the development of acute renal failure following 48 hr hypothermic storage and transplantation.

Effect of various angiotensin receptor antagonists on cardiovascular responses to angiotensin II in pithed rats

The effects of four nonpeptide angiotensin receptor antagonists, i.e., losartan (AT1) PD123177 (AT2), and 4'-[(2-n-butyl-6-cyclohexylaminocarbonylamino-benzimidazole-1-yl)- methyl]biphenyl-carboxylic acid (BIBS 39; AT1 and AT2), and 2-n-butyl-1-[4-(6-carboxy-2,5-di-chlorbenzoylamino)-benzyl]-6-N- (methylaminocarbonyl)-n-pentylamino-benzimidazole (BIBS 222; AT1 and AT2) on cardiovascular responses to angiotensin II (AII) were investigated in propranolol-pretreated pithed rats. AII (0.01-10 nmol/kg intravenously, i.v.) induced a dose-dependent increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the rate of increase in left ventricular pressure (LVdP/dtmax), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) without changing LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) or heart rate (HR). Losartan 3 and 10 mg/kg i.v. caused dose-dependent parallel rightward shifts of the dose-response curves (DBP and LVdP/dtmax) without altering the maximal responses to AII. PD123177 (100 mg/kg i.v.) did not influence the dose-response curves for AII significantly. BIBS 39 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg i.v.) and BIBS 222 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.v.) shifted the dose-response curves (DBP and LVdP/dtmax) for AII to the right. Although these two compounds (BIBS 39 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg and BIBS 222 1 and 3 mg/kg) did not alter the maximal increase in DBP to angiotensin AII, they decreased the maximal increase in LVdP/dtmax by approximately 35%. BIBS 39 (3 and 10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the increase in CO caused by AII and therefore mean arterial pressure (MAP), whereas the AII-induced increase in TPR remained unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Different types of angiotensin II receptor antagonism induced by BIBS 222 in the rat portal vein and rabbit aorta; the influence of receptor reserve

BIBS 222, a nonpeptide benzimidazole derivative, displayed insurmountable angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonism in the rabbit aorta (pKB = 7.9), whereas it antagonized Ang II-induced phasic contractions in the rat portal vein in a surmountable manner (pA2 = 8.7, slope = 1.02). The mechanism of the different types of antagonism induced by BIBS 222 in vascular preparations was investigated. Using the slowly dissociating Ang II receptor antagonist sarile, we found that the calculated KA values for Ang II in the rat portal vein and in the rabbit aorta were different (6.0 x 10(-8) M vs. 2.0 x 10(-9) M). The estimated receptor reserve at the maximal response for the effect of Ang II in the rat portal vein amounts to 63%, whereas in rabbit aortic rings it is about 9%. In the presence of the disulfide-reducing agent dithiothreitol (0.5 mM), which led to the inactivation of about 70% of the Ang II receptors in the rat portal vein, BIBS 222 (10(-6) M) shifted the concentration-response curve for Ang II to the right and reduced the maximal response by 24 +/- 4.4% (P < .05). In conclusion, rat portal vein possesses a larger receptor reserve for Ang II than rabbit aortic rings. The surmountable Ang II receptor antagonism induced by BIBS 222 may be caused by the large receptor reserve in this preparation. Alternatively, different KA values for Ang II in these tissues may suggest the existence of two subpopulations of Ang II subtype 1 receptors, accounting for the cross-tissue behavior of BIBS 222.

Inhibitory effect of dithiothreitol on angiotensin II-induced contractions mediated by AT1-receptors in rat portal vein and rabbit aorta

The disulfide-reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) has been shown to reduce angiotensin II (Ang II) subtype 1 receptor (AT1) binding sites in various tissues. Its effect on Ang II-induced contractions was studied in the rat portal vein and rabbit aorta. In the isolated rat portal vein, DTT shifted the concentration-response curve for Ang II to the right (DTT 0.5-3 mmol/l) and depressed the maximal response (DTT 1-3 mmol/l). DTT 5 mmol/l almost abolished the effect of Ang II. In the isolated rabbit aorta, the inhibitory effect of DTT was more pronounced and its pattern of effect was different, since DTT 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/l caused a progressive flattening of the concentration-response curve of Ang II. DTT (1 mmol/l) fully suppressed the effect of Ang II. A biphasic curve consisting of a high sensitivity component and a component of low sensitivity for Ang II was observed after pretreatment with DTT 1 mmol/l in the rat portal vein but not in the rabbit aorta. In the presence of DTT 1 mmol/l, the AT1-receptor antagonist losartan antagonized the high sensitivity response to Ang II in a competitive manner with a pA2 value very similar to that obtained in the absence of DTT, suggesting that this response to Ang II is mediated by those AT1-receptors which were not inactivated by DTT. The biphasic curve may be explained by the occurrence of a single AT1-receptor subtype existing in two different states. Another possibility might be the involvement of two AT1-receptor subpopulations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Binding of Yersinia enterocolitica to purified, native small intestinal mucins from rabbits and humans involves interactions with the mucin carbohydrate moiety

Plasmid-bearing (but not plasmid-cured) Yersinia enterocolitica is known to bind to purified small intestinal mucins from rabbits and humans. This study examined which region(s) of the mucin molecule is important for bacterial adherence. Pronase digestion of mucin and removal of nonglycosylated or poorly glycosylated peptide regions had no effect on bacterial binding, suggesting that plasmid-bearing Y. enterocolitica interacts with mucin carbohydrate. Periodate oxidation also did not alter bacterial adherence, indicating that vicinal hydroxyl groups in the mucin sugars are not important for binding. Boiling of mucin, depolymerization by reduction of disulfide bonds, or removal of noncovalently associated lipid actually enhanced bacterial adherence, suggesting that plasmid-bearing Y. enterocolitica can interact with additional domains in the mucin molecule revealed by these treatments. These domains were destroyed by pronase digestion. In delipidated mucin (but not in reduced or boiled mucin), binding to these domains appeared to be hydrophobic since it could be prevented by treatment of bacteria with tetramethyl urea. Oligosaccharides obtained from both human and rabbit small intestinal mucins were capable of inhibiting attachment of plasmid-bearing (but not plasmid-cured) Y. enterocolitica to mucin. After removal of terminal and backbone sugar residues by treatment of mucin with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, binding of plasmid-bearing bacteria increased significantly when N-acetylgalactosamine, either alone or with galactose attached, was revealed, indicating that core regions of the sugar side chains are involved in bacterial binding. Adherence of plasmid-cured organisms was unaffected by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid treatment of mucin. We concluded that virulent Y. enterocolitica interacts with the carbohydrate moiety of native small intestinal mucin through a plasmid-mediated process. When mucin becomes denatured, binding of the organism can increase through hydrophobic and nonhydrophobic interactions with (most likely) the mucin protein.

Toxic effects of dimethylthiourea in rats

Dimethylthiourea (DMTU) is a small, highly diffusible molecule that effectively scavenges toxic oxygen metabolites in vitro and reduces oxidative injury in many biologic systems. Nonetheless, for unknown reasons, DMTU has occasionally failed to decrease damage in some systems where injury is presumed to be mediated by oxygen metabolites. We hypothesized that the inconsistent pattern of protection might partially reflect a direct toxicity of DMTU. Our results supported this premise. We found that rats treated with commonly used doses of highly purified DMTU had increased lung accumulation of intravenously injected iodine 125-labeled albumin (4 hours after DMTU treatment) and decreased blood glutathione levels (24 hours after DMTU treatment) when compared with saline-injected control rats. In contrast, rats treated with dimethylurea, a analog of DMTU, did not develop increased accumulation of labeled albumin in the lungs or decreased blood glutathione levels. We conclude that DMTU has intrinsically toxic effects in rats and that DMTU toxicity may at times obscure its protective action.

Antihypertensive activity of the novel, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists BIBS 39 and BIBS 222 in conscious renal hypertensive rats

BIBS 39 and BIBS 222 are novel, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists with a benzimidazole structure. These compounds, in contrast to the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1) selective drug DuP 753, also display affinity for the angiotensin II receptor subtype 2. Their antihypertensive activity was established in conscious renal hypertensive rats. BIBS 39, BIBS 222 and DuP 753, when administered intravenously, caused a substantial dose-dependent antihypertensive effect with very similar ED30 values of approximately 2 mg/kg. The antihypertensive effect was accompanied by mild and transient reflex tachycardia. Captopril, when administered directly after the maximally effective dose of the three angiotensin II receptor antagonists, caused no further fall in blood pressure. This finding indicates that these angiotensin II receptor antagonists had caused a functionally effective suppression of the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. BIBS 222 had a longer duration of antihypertensive action than its congener BIBS 39. The hemodynamic pattern of DuP 753 was somewhat more complex; after a rapid fall and recovery blood pressure was maintained for a long time at a level somewhat below the control value. BIBS 39 and BIBS 222 appear to be effective antihypertensives in the model of the renal hypertensive rat. Their activity is likely to be associated with AT1 receptor blockade.

Effects of free radical scavengers on cytokine actions on islet cells

We investigated the effect of free radical scavengers on the actions of cytokines on islet cells. Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha reduced the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide content of mouse islet cells; the combination of interferon-gamma (4 x 10(5) U/l) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (4 x 10(5) U/l) caused nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduction by approximately 40%. Dimethyl urea and dimethyl sulfoxide prevented the decrease, whereas superoxide dismutase, catalase, and mannitol were not effective. Dimethyl urea and dimethyl sulfoxide protected islet cells from the synergistic cytotoxic action of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Major histocompatibility complex class II antigen induction by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was also inhibited by dimethyl urea and dimethyl sulfoxide, but not by superoxide dismutase, catalase and mannitol. Since superoxide dismutase of a membrane-penetrable form attenuated the class II antigen induction, the inefficiency of superoxide dismutase, catalase and mannitol may be attributable to their inability to penetrate islet cells. These results suggest that the intracellular generation of free oxygen radicals is involved in islet cell cytotoxicity and class II molecule expression by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduction may be associated with islet cell dysfunction caused by the cytokines.

Effect of BW B70C, a novel inhibitor of arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase, on allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and late-phase lung eosinophil accumulation in sensitised guinea-pigs

The actions of BW B70C, an orally available, biologically persistent and selective inhibitor of arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase, have been examined in two systems of anaphylaxis in actively sensitised guinea-pigs in vivo. In anaesthetised, artificially ventilated animals pretreated with mepyramine and indomethacin to leave only the "peptidoleukotriene-dependent" component (leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4) of the anaphylactic response, direct inhalation of nebulised allergen resulted in a slowly developing bronchoconstriction which was prevented in a dose-dependent manner by BW B70C (2-50 mg/kg p.o.) administered 1 or 6 h before challenge. In conscious animals fasted overnight and then pretreated with mepyramine to prevent death due to acute bronchial anaphylaxis, exposure to nebulised allergen produced slight respiratory symptoms. When blood and lung samples were analysed 4-48 h after allergen provocation a sustained leukocytosis and pulmonary eosinophil accumulation were observed. In contrast, in food-replete conscious animals, the early respiratory symptoms were still observed upon allergen inhalation, but no significant blood leukocytosis or accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs occurred subsequently. The eosinophil influx induced by allergen in fasted animals was assessed both by histological examination and determination of tissue peroxidase content, two measures which demonstrated reasonable agreement. Administration of a single dose of BW B70C (10 mg/kg p.o.) 1 h prior to allergen challenge did not affect the subsequent eosinophil infiltration 24 h later, but 20 mg/kg given in divided doses (-1 and +12 h) produced 67% inhibition of cell accumulation. A single dose of 50 mg/kg (-1 h) had a similar effect (78% inhibition). The potent glucocorticosteroid betamethasone was used as a reference compound, and 4 mg/kg given as a divided dose (-1 and +7) fully inhibited lung inflammation assessed 24 h after provocation with allergen. BW B70C inhibited both acute and allergic bronchoconstriction and late-phase eosinophil accumulation subsequent to allergen inhalation in guinea-pigs. In view of the apparent requirement for sustained plasma levels of BW B70C in order to prevent late-phase eosinophil recruitment to the lung after a single challenge with allergen, it is unclear whether inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase underlies the observed anti-eosinophil accumulation effects of the compound, but the anti-bronchoconstrictor effects are consistent with the known inhibitory activity of BW B70C against 5-lipoxygenase.

Influence of methylamine and N,N'-dimethylurea, the hydrolysis products of methyl isocyanate, on its systemic toxicity

Subcutaneous administration of the LD50 dose of methyl isocyanate (MIC) to rats induced severe hyperglycaemia, lactic acidosis and uraemia in rats. Neither methylamine (MA) nor N,N'-dimethylurea (DMU), the hydrolysis products of MIC, administered in equimolar doses had any influence on these parameters except for a marginal transient increase in plasma urea by DMU. Methyl isocyanate administration led to haemoconcentration, resulting in an increase in the plasma concentration of total proteins and a decrease in both the plasma concentration of albumin and the plasma cholinesterase activity. The hydrolysis products of MIC had no influence on any of these parameters. Thus, it seems reasonable to suggest that the systemic effects of MIC are caused by MIC per se, in spite of its high hydrolytic instability.

In vitro and in vivo effect of methyl isocyanate on rat liver mitochondrial respiration

Previous work has shown that irrespective of the route of exposure methyl isocyanate (MIC) caused acute lactic acidosis in rats (Jeevaratnam et al., Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 19, 314-319, 1990) and the hypoxia was of stagnant type due to tissue hypoperfusion resulting from hypovolemic hypotension in rabbits administered MIC subcutaneously (Jeevarathinam et al., Toxicology 51, 223-240, 1988). The present study was designed to investigate whether MIC could induce histotoxic hyperoxia through its effects on mitochondrial respiration. Male Wistar rats were used for liver mitochondrial and submitochondrial particle (SMP) preparation. Addition of MIC to tightly coupled mitochondria in vitro resulted in stimulation of state 4 respiration, abolition of respiratory control, decrease in ADP/O ratio, and inhibition of state 3 oxidation. The oxidation of NAD(+)-linked substrates (glutamate + malate) was more sensitive (five- to sixfold) to the inhibitory action of MIC than succinate while cytochrome oxidase remained unaffected. MIC induced twofold delay in the onset of anerobiosis, and cytochrome b reduction in SMP with NADH in vitro confirms inhibition of electron transport at complex I region. MIC also stimulated the ATPase activity in tightly coupled mitochondria while lipid peroxidation remained unaffected. As its hydrolysis products, methylamine and N,N'-dimethylurea failed to elicit any change in vitro; these effects reveal that MIC per se acts as an inhibitor of electron transport and a weak uncoupler. Administration of MIC sc at lethal dose caused a similar change only with NAD(+)-linked substrates, reflecting impairment of mitochondrial respiration at complex I region and thereby induction of histotoxic hypoxia in vivo.

Regulation of urea uptake inPseudomonas aeruginosa

The energy-dependent urea permease was studied in two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, measuring the uptake (transport and metabolism) of 14C-urea. In both strains urea uptake in vivo and urease activity in vitro differed significantly with respect to kinetic parameters, temperature and pH dependence and response to metabolic inhibitors. Ammonium strongly interfered both with the expression of the urea uptake system and its activity. The inhibition of the uptake activity by ammonium was partially relieved by hydraziniumsulfate, which prevented the translocation of ammonium into the cell, and in a methylammonium/ammonium transport-defective mutant of strain DSM 50071. Furthermore, methionine-sulfoximine, which prevented the intracellular glutamine formation from ammonium via inhibition of glutamine synthetase, relieved the inhibition of urea uptake by ammonium. These findings suggested that urea uptake activity in P. aeruginosa is regulated by intracellular glutamine.

Characterization of BIBS 39 and BIBS 222: two new nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Two new nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists, 4'-[(2-n-butyl-6-cyclohexylaminocarbonylamino-benzimidazole-1-yl)- methyl ] biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid (BIBS 39) and 2-n-butyl-1-[4-(6-carboxy-2,5-dichlorobenzoylamino)-benzyl]-6-N- (methylaminocarbonyl)-n-pentylamino-benzimidazole (BIBS 222) were characterized in radioligand binding assays, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. BIBS 39 displaced [125I] AII from its specific binding sites with a K(i) value of 29 +/- 7 nM for the AII subtype I (AT1) receptor and a K(i) value of 480 +/- 110 nM for the AII subtype 2 (AT2) receptor. BIBS 222 showed a K(i) value of 20 +/- 7 nM for the AT1 subtype and a K(i) value of 730 +/- 170 nM for the AT2 subtype. Thus BIBS 39 was 17 times more selective for the AT1 subtype and BIBS 222 37 times. Both compounds were specific for AII receptors as they did not show high affinity for other receptors. BIBS 39 shifted the AII concentration-contractile response curves in isolated rabbit aorta to the right in a parallel fashion. A pA2 value of 8.14 +/- 0.08 and a slope of 1.06 +/- 0.07 were calculated. BIBS 222 caused nonparallel shifts to the right and reduced the maximal response induced by AII by about 25%. A KB value of 9.01 (+/- 3.22) x 10(-8) M was determined. At 10(-5) M, neither compounds altered the contractile responses to noradrenaline and KCl. In pithed rats, BIBS 39 dose dependently shifted the dose-response curve of AII to the right without affecting the maximal response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin-1 beta increases the activity of superoxide dismutase in rat pancreatic islets

The suppressive effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) on the function of pancreatic islets may be related to induction of gene transcription and protein synthesis. Presently, the effects of human recombinant IL-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the expression of corresponding genes were studied in rat pancreatic islets. Islets that were exposed to rIL-1 beta for 48 h showed a 2.6-fold greater activity of mitochondrial manganese containing SOD (MnSOD) than control islets. The cytosolic copper- and zinc-containing SOD (CuZnSOD) was, however, less affected by rIL-1 beta. Also, brief exposure of the islets to rIL-beta induced an increase in SOD activities. Hence, 12 h after a 1-h exposure of the islets to rIL-1 beta, there was a 1.4-fold increase in the activity of both MnSOD and CuZnSOD. The early induction of SOD by rIL-1 beta was inhibited by an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein and actinomycin-D, which is a blocker of gene transcription. This suggests that the effects of rIL-1 beta on the islet SOD activities are dependent on binding to membrane receptors and activation of gene transcription. Northern blot analysis showed a 4-fold increase in islet MnSOD mRNA content after a 90-min incubation and a 10-fold increase after a 180-min incubation with rIL-1 beta. Thus, the enhanced MnSOD activity in the islets reflects increased gene expression. To evaluate a possible role for free oxygen radicals as mediators of the early action of rIL-1 beta on the pancreatic B-cells, isolated islets were exposed to rIL-1 beta only or to rIL-1 beta plus various free radical scavengers. None of the scavengers, single or in combinations, could counteract the suppressive action of rIL-1 beta on islet insulin secretion. The present data suggest that rIL-1 beta induces increased activity of SOD, in particular MnSOD, in pancreatic islets. This may be due to a direct action of rIL-1 beta that is mediated by an increase in gene transcription.

Binding of Salmonella strains to immobilized intestinal mucosal preparations from broiler chickens

The binding kinetics of radiolabeled Salmonella california 1989/O (mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin-positive [MSHA+]) to immobilized mucus or enterocytes isolated from broiler ceca and inhibition of binding by D-mannose and sodium metaperiodate were characteristic of adherence of mannose-sensitive type 1 fimbriae of bacteria to eukaryotic mannose-containing receptors. Binding by radiolabeled strains 1989/O (in the presence of D-mannose) and S. typhimurium S 7471 N (MSHA-, non-fimbriated) indicated non-specific binding that was characterized by less binding to enterocytes and mucus and lack of inhibition by carbohydrates or prior treatment with sodium metaperiodate. Inhibition of non-specific binding to enterocytes by pretreatment with various enzymes or by the presence of tetramethylurea or p-nitrophenol (known to disrupt hydrophobic interactions) indicate involvement of multiple sites and hydrophobic bonding. Strain-specific outer-membrane preparations inhibited non-specific binding to a greater extent than did lipopolysaccharide, Escherichia coli outer-membrane preparations, or bovine serum albumin.

Binding of nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa to normal human intestinal mucin and respiratory mucin from patients with cystic fibrosis

Lung infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas cepacia are common in patients with cystic fibrosis. Initial colonization is due to nonmucoid P. aeruginosa, while later mucoid variants emerge and are associated with chronic infection. P. cepacia colonization tends to be more prevalent in older patients. The present study was conducted to discover whether highly purified mucins (from cystic fibrosis sputum and control intestinal secretions) exhibited specific binding of nonmucoid P. aeruginosa. In vitro solid phase microtiter binding assays (with or without a blocking agent) as well as solution phase assays were conducted. Bacteria bound to both mucins via bacterial pili, but no differences in binding capacity were noted between the mucins. Unlike P. cepacia (described in the accompanying manuscript) there was also no preferential binding of P. aeruginosa to mucins versus bovine serum albumin, casein, gelatin, or a host of structurally unrelated proteins and glycoproteins. Carbohydrate hapten inhibition studies did not suggest the existence of specific mucin carbohydrate receptors for P. aeruginosa. In solid phase assays a low concentration (0.05 M) of tetramethylurea abolished P. aeruginosa bacterial binding to both mucins as well as to BSA, whereas in solution phase assays mucin binding to bacteria was not completely disrupted by tetramethylurea. Specific monoclonal antipilus antibodies did not inhibit binding to a greater extent than did Fab fragments of normal mouse IgG. Binding of strains PAO1 and PAK (and isolated PAK pili) to buccal epithelial cells was not influenced by the presence of mucin in binding assay mixtures. Our findings do not support the widely held notion that specific mucin receptors are responsible for the attachment of P. aeruginosa pili, nor do they support the idea that there is a competitive interference by mucins of bacterial binding to respiratory cells. In patients with cystic fibrosis, it would seem unlikely therefore that initial colonization of the lungs by P. aeruginosa is due to a 'selective tropism' of these bacteria for respiratory mucin.

[RNA synthesis and transport in the rat liver under the effects of pesticide cotoran (fluometuron)]

The experiments on the investigation of pesticide cotoran-effect on RNA synthesis and transport were carried out. Cotoran was shown to destroy considerably the processes of RNA biosynthesis in rat liver, that results in the decrease of RNA transport from nuclei into cytoplasm. By special experiments it was established that functional activity and the integrity of nuclear membrane (according to the alteration in the activity of nuclear membrane enzyme Mg2-dependent ATP-ase) was not destroyed.

Influence of chromium on some physiological variables of Anabaena doliolum: interaction with metabolic inhibitors

The impact of 2,4-dinitrophenol and chlorophenyl dimethylurea on ATP content, carbon fixation, O2 evolution, nitrogenase activity and Cr uptake of Anabaena doliolum has been studied. 2,4-Dinitrophenol has been found to be more toxic than chlorophenyldimethylurea for all these processes. However, when Cr toxicity to above variables was assessed in their presence the interaction was less than additive. An initial (10-15 min) concentration-dependent rapid Cr uptake, followed by a slow one, indicates a biphasic uptake. A significant inhibition of Cr uptake in the presence of both these metabolic inhibitors suggests the involvement of metabolic processes in Cr uptake.

Eugenol causes oxidant-mediated edema in isolated perfused rabbit lungs

Eugenol, an extract of cloves, has been associated with pulmonary edema when inhaled from commercially available clove cigarettes. We tested the hypothesis that eugenol directly causes lung edema through oxidant-mediated mechanisms by infusing eugenol (0.1 and 1.0 mM) into isolated rabbit lungs perfused with a cell-free albumin and physiologic salt solution. We observed lung edema (1.0 mM) as demonstrated by increased lung weight gain and wet-to-dry lung weight ratios without alterations in mean pulmonary artery pressure. The oxygen metabolite scavengers catalase (1,000 U/ml) and dimethylthiourea (30 mM) attenuated lung edema. Instillation of dimethylurea, superoxide dismutase, or heat-inactivated catalase did not prevent lung edema formation. We conclude that eugenol causes lung edema in isolated lungs through oxidant-mediated mechanisms in the absence of circulating formed blood elements. Eugenol may be a valuable compound in the laboratory investigation of edemogenic disorders.

Dimethylthiourea inhibition of B16 melanoma growth and induction of phenotypic alterations; relationship to ATP levels

1,3 Dimethylthiourea (DMTU) has previously been shown by us to inhibit the growth of melanoma cells and to induce phenotypic alterations in these cells, including ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria. These findings raised the possibility that impaired mitochondrial function might be involved in mediating the effect of DMTU on cell growth and phenotypic expression. The present study indicates that DMTU as well as another growth inhibitory methylurea derivative, tetramethylurea (TMU) significantly decrease ATP content in the B16 melanoma cell line. 1,3 Dimethylurea (1,3DMU) and 1,1 dimethylurea (1,1DMU) which are poor growth inhibitors, do not reduce ATP content significantly. Altered energy metabolism in the DMTU-treated cells is reflected by inhibition of the activity of cytochrome c oxidase and by increased lactate levels. A cell line selected for resistance to growth inhibition by DMTU was shown to be completely resistant to induction of phenotypic alterations by DMTU. These cells possess high lactate levels, high ATP content and a somewhat decreased Na/K ATPase activity as compared to wild type B16 F10 cells. 1,3 DMTU treatment of the resistant cells leads to a decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, similar to its effect on the wild type B16 F10 cells. DMTU also reduces ATP content moderately in the resistant cells. However, the levels of ATP do not decrease beyond those found in untreated B16 F10 wild type cells. Taken together the results suggest that decreased ATP content might be involved, at least partially, in mediating the effects of DMTU on B16 melanoma cell growth and phenotypic expression.