[Plasma branched-chain ketoacids metabolism in patients with chronic renal failure after oral administration of ketosteril]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the metabolism of branched-chain ketoacids (BCKA) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and healthy control after an oral dose of ketosteril.

METHODS

To determine plasma concentration of BCKA by gas chromatography/mass spectrography(GC/MS).

RESULTS

Fasting plasma concentration of ketoisocaproate (KICA) and ketomethylvalerate(KMVA) in patients with CRF were lower than that of healthy control; The Cmax of KICA, KMVA and ketoisovalerate (KIVA) were (67.7 +/- 12.9), (57.8 +/- 10.3), (30.3 +/- 5.3) mumol/L; Tmax were (43.8 +/- 5.7), (58.1 +/- 4.6), (43.8 +/- 4.5) min; T1/2 were (108.5 +/- 12), (105 +/- 16.6), (116.8 +/- 18) min respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Absorption of BCKA in ketosteril had no significant difference between CRF patients and healthy controls; ketosteril could be used to treat CRF patients effectively.

Epidemiology of human ancylostomiasis among rural villagers in Nanlin County (Zhongzhou village), Anhui Province, China: age-associated prevalence, intensity and hookworm species identification

Hookworm infection has traditionally been highly endemic to Anhui Province, China. Zhongzhou village in southwestern Anhui was identified as an endemic focus of infection caused by the hookworm Ancylostoma duodenale. This species was found to predominate over Necator americanus in ratios ranging from 35:1 based on the recovery of third-stage infective larvae (L,) to 21:1 based on the recovery of adult hookworms after anthelmintic chemotherapy. The overall prevalence of Ancylostoma infection in Zhongzhou was 33.2% with a greater prevalence among males. Unlike the age-associated prevalence patterns for N. americanus in Hainan and other southern Chinese provinces that show increasing prevalence with age and the highest prevalence among the elderly, the age-associated prevalence for A. duodenale in Zhongzhou exhibited a peak in middle-aged adults with subsequent decline. The age-associated intensity pattern exhibited a similar trend although the most of the hookworm infections were light or moderate infections as defined by quantitative egg counts.

[A minitype acceleration circulation device]

This devices uses the circular pulsating air pressure to apply the contracting and stretching actions to the patient's extremities section by section, for promoting the back flow of vein blood and lymph in the extremities. It has better functions in prevention and cure of extremities' edema and vein twist expansion in lower limbs that caused by various block of circulation as well as the forming of vein thrombus in the bedfast patients for a long time.

Epidemiology of human hookworm infections among adult villagers in Hejiang and Santai Counties, Sichuan Province, China

Hookworm infection as well as other intestinal nematodiases are endemic to Sichuan Province in China. In order to research the prevalence and intensity of these infections we visited two villages in Hejiang County (southern Sichuan Province) and Santai County (northwestern Sichuan Province) between July and October of 1997. Fecal examinations were performed on adult villagers over the age of 15 years (currently children under this age are dewormed annually with anthelmintic drugs). Among 310 residents of Lugao Village (Hejiang County), 87, 63 and 60% were infected with hookworm, Ascaris or Trichuris, respectively. The prevalence of hookworm determined to rise linearly with age (r = 0.97). High intensity infections with hookworm still occur in this region as 22% of the residents have over 3000 eggs per gram (PEG) of feces as determined by quantitative egg counts. The majority of these individuals harbored mixed infection with Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale, although the former predominated when adult hookworms were collected from 30 village residents treated with pyrantel pamoate. In contrast, among the 334 Xinjian villagers examined (Santai County) the majority harbored predominantly light hookworm infections--66.1% of the residents has less than 400 EPG by quantitative fecal examination and only 3.7% exhibited greater than 3000 EPG. Again, N. americanus was the predominant hookworm seen after worm expulsion. We have round that despite economic development which is occurring in some parts of China, significant hookworm infections and clinical hookworm anemia still exist in areas of Sichuan Province. In Hejiang County we found that the intensity of hookworm infection has actually risen within the last 10 years. Hookworm is a medical problem among the elderly in Sichuan.

Comparison of three commercial assays for the quantification of HIV-1 RNA in plasma from individuals infected with different HIV-1 subtypes

BACKGROUND

Commercial human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) ribonucleic acid (RNA) quantification assays vary in their ability to quantify different subtypes of HIV-1, a problem in regions where multipte HIV-1 subtypes may be circulating.

OBJECTIVES

To assess commercial HIV-1 RNA quantification assays on two plasma panels. Panel 1 consisted of HIV-1 seronegative plasma 'spiked' with a known amount of cultured virus of different subtypes, and Panel 2 comprised plasma collected from individuals infected with different HIV-1 subtypes.

STUDY DESIGN

The comparison involved the Amplicor HIV-1 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Quantiplex branched DNA, and NucliSens HIV-1 QT assays. Panel 1 consisted of 11 plasma 'spiked' with cultured viruses of HIV-1 subtypes A-F, and Panel 2 included 33 plasma samples from 16 patients infected with subtypes A, B, C, E and G.

RESULTS

In Panel 1, the Quantiplex branched deoxyribonucleic acid (bDNA) assay quantified subtypes A-F efficiently, comparable to published results from two other laboratories. The Amplicor RT-PCR assay quantified subtypes B, C, and D but was relatively less efficient with subtypes E, F, and did not or poorly quantified subtype A. Testing of Panel 2 showed some inter-assay differences. In contrast to Panel 1, the Amplicor RT-PCR assay performed variably with subtype A when compared with the Quantiplex bDNA and NucliSens QT assays, and higher viral load levels were generated with subtype E using the Amplicor RT-PCR assay. Subtypes B and C showed some inter-patient differences but the Quantiplex bDNA generally gave a lower quantification than the Amplicor RT-PCR and NucliSens QT assays.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies confirm that commercial HIV-1 load assays vary in their ability to quantify different HIV-1 subtypes. This may be more apparent with individual patient samples than with 'spiked' panels. This variability emphasizes that it is preferable for patient samples to be tested with the same assay, and care should be taken where infection with unusual subtypes is suspected.

Uteroglobin is essential in preventing immunoglobulin A nephropathy in mice

The molecular mechanism(s) of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, the most common primary renal glomerular disease worldwide, is unknown. Its pathologic features include hematuria, high levels of circulating IgA-fibronectin (Fn) complexes, and glomerular deposition of IgA, complement C3, Fn and collagen. We report here that two independent mouse models (gene knockout and antisense transgenic), both manifesting deficiency of an anti-inflammatory protein, uteroglobin (UG), develop almost all of the pathologic features of human IgA nephropathy. We further demonstrate that Fn-UG heteromerization, reported to prevent abnormal glomerular deposition of Fn and collagen, also abrogates both the formation of IgA-Fn complexes and their binding to glomerular cells. Moreover, UG prevents glomerular accumulation of exogenous IgA in UG-null mice. These results define an essential role for UG in preventing mouse IgA nephropathy and warrant further studies to determine if a similar mechanism(s) underlies the human disease.

Hippocampal field CA1 interneuronal nociceptive responses: modulation by medial septal region and morphine

A majority (24/32) of the extracellularly recorded dorsal hippocampus field CA1 putative GABAergic interneurons were excited in conjunction with theta activation on formalin injection (5%, 0.05 ml, s.c. into right hind-paw) in urethane (1.0 g/kg, i.p.)-anaesthetized rats. An increase in activity was observed to the 10th minute (n=24) and also at later time-periods at which a few of the neurons were recorded following injection of formalin. The mean peak increase in activity within 5 min of formalin injection was 6.43+/-0.81 Hz over the average background activity for these neurons (6.46+/-1.04 Hz). Of 24 neurons, 14 exhibited an increase in activity which was rhythmically modulated with theta. With a concurrent administration of formalin and morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), the presumed interneurons recorded displayed an initial increase in discharge rate (mean peak increase within 5 min of 6.95+/-1.10 Hz) which then declined with a decrease in theta activity. The effect of concurrent morphine was naloxone reversible. Morphine administration alone resulted in an immediate decrease in the interneuronal firing rate. In presence of the medial septal region lesions, formalin did not evoke an excitation of intemeurons or theta activation. Further, such lesions prevented the decrease in intemeuron activity to morphine administration. The above data are consistent with the notion that (i) the field CA1 interneurons participate in a noxious stimulus-induced and medial septal region mediated pyramidal cell suppression, and (ii) morphine affects CA1 nociceptive responses partly in a fashion consistent with the effect of the drug on septohippocampal neural network processing.

IGF-1 decreases collagen degradation in diabetic NOD mesangial cells: implications for diabetic nephropathy

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice develop glomerulosclerosis shortly after the onset of diabetes. We showed that mesangial cells (MCs) from diabetic mice exhibited a stable phenotypic switch, consisting of both increased IGF-1 synthesis and proliferation (Elliot SJ, Striker LJ, Hattori M, Yang CW, He CJ, Peten EP, Striker GE: Mesangial cells from diabetic NOD mice constitutively secrete increased amounts of insulin-like growth factor-I. Endocrinology 133:1783-1788, 1993). Because the extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in diabetic glomerulosclerosis may be partly due to decreased degradation, we examined the effect of excess IGF-1 on collagen turnover and the activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) in diabetic and nondiabetic NOD-MC. Total collagen degradation was reduced by 58 +/- 18% in diabetic NOD-MCs, which correlated with a constitutive decrease in MMP-2 activity and mRNA levels, and nearly undetectable MMP-9 activity and mRNA. TIMP levels were slightly decreased in diabetic NOD-MC. The addition of recombinant IGF-1 to nondiabetic NOD-MC resulted in a decrease in MMP-2 and TIMP activity. Furthermore, treatment of diabetic NOD-MC with a neutralizing antibody against IGF-1 increased the latent form, and restored the active form, of MMP-2. In conclusion, the excessive production of IGF-1 contributes to the altered ECM turnover in diabetic NOD-MC, largely through a reduction of MMP-2 activity. These data suggest that IGF-1 could be a major contributor to the development of diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

Yeast transcriptional regulator Leu3p. Self-masking, specificity of masking, and evidence for regulation by the intracellular level of Leu3p

Recent work suggests that the masking of the activation domain (AD) of yeast transactivator Leu3p, observed in the absence of the metabolic signal alpha-isopropylmalate, is an intramolecular event. Much of the evidence came from the construction and analysis of a mutant form of Leu3p (Leu3-dd) whose AD is permanently masked (Wang, D., Hu, Y., Zheng, F., Zhou, K., and Kohlhaw, G. B. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 19383-19392). In a modified two-hybrid experiment, the ADs of both wild type Leu3p and Leu3-dd were shown to interact with the remainder of the Leu3 protein, in an alpha-isopropylmalate-dependent manner. The finding that masking and unmasking proceed apparently normally when full-length Leu3p is expressed in mammalian cells is also consistent with the notion of intramolecular masking. Here we report on the identification of nine missense mutations (all of them suppressors of the Leu3-dd phenotype) that cause permanent unmasking of Leu3p. The nine mutations map to three short segments located within a 140-residue-long region of the C-terminal part of the middle region of Leu3p. These segments may be part of a spatial trap for the AD. We also performed "domain swaps" between Leu3p and Cha4p, a serine/threonine-responsive activator that, like Leu3p, belongs to the family of Zn(II)2Cys6 proteins. We show that AD masking and response to the appropriate metabolic signal only occur when a given AD remains attached to its own middle region; middle region swapping results in constitutively active proteins. Finally, we show that the extent to which Leu3p regulates reporter gene expression depends on the intracellular concentration of Leu3p. The possible physiological significance of this observation is discussed in light of the known regulation of Leu3p by Gcn4p.

[Study on the analytical method of methyl-parathion and phoxim in methyl-parathion, phoxim and cypermethrin mixed formulation]

This paper describes an HPLC method to simultaneously determine methyl-parathion and phoxim in mixed formulation of methyl-parathion, phoxim and cypermethrin. A C8 column was used. The mobile phase was V(MeOH):V(H2O) = 70:30, Methyl-parathion and phoxim were monitored at 254 nm or 280 nm by UV detector. The average recoveries were 99.8% and 99.9% for methyl-parathion and phoxim respectively. The linearity of detector response vs concentration was calibrated in the concentration ranges from 0.1746 to 1.091 g/L for methyl-parathion and from 0.1927 to 1.205 g/L for phoxim.

Uteroglobin: a novel cytokine?

Blastokinin or uteroglobin (UG) is a steroid-inducible, evolutionarily conserved, multifunctional protein secreted by the mucosal epithelial of virtually all mammals. It is present in the blood and in other body fluids including urine. An antigen immunoreactive to UG antibody is also detectable in the mucosal epithelia of all vertebrates. UG-binding proteins (putative receptor), expressed on several normal and cancer cell types, have been characterized. The human UG gene is mapped to chromosome 11q12.2 13.1, a region that is frequently rearranged or deleted in many cancers. The generation of UG knockout mice revealed that disruption of this gene causes: (i) severe renal disease due to an abnormal deposition of fibronectin and collagen in the glomeruli; (ii) predisposition to a high incidence of malignancies; and (iii) a lack of polychlorinated biphenyl binding and increased oxygen toxicity in the lungs. The mechanism(s) of UG action is likely to be even more complex as it also functions via a putative receptor-mediated pathway that has not yet been clearly defined. Molecular characterization of the UG receptor and signal transduction via this receptor pathway may show that this protein belongs to a novel cytokine/chemokine family.

Morphine reversed formalin-induced CA1 pyramidal cell suppression via an effect on septohippocampal neural processing

We have investigated the effect of morphine on (i) dorsal hippocampus field CA1 nociceptive response to a formalin injection, and (ii) septohippocampal neural processing. Extracellular recordings were made in urethane (1.0 g/kg)-anaesthetized rats. Previously, we reported that formalin (5%, 0.05 ml, s.c.) injection into a hindpaw evoked, in the CA1 field, a "signal-to-noise processing", i.e. a selective excitation of a few pyramidal cells with high spontaneous extracellular activity against a background of widespread pyramidal cell suppression accompanied by an increase in period of rhythmic slow activity. In the present study, morphine administered i.p. concurrent to a formalin injection reversed the pyramidal cell suppression in conjunction with a decrease in the period of evoked rhythmic slow activity. The effect was dose dependent and was prominent at the dose of 5 mg/kg. This dose, administered as a pretreatment, also truncated CA1 pyramidal cell suppression or excitation to a formalin injection. Furthermore, the drug decreased the power and frequency of the posterior hypothalamus-supramammillary region stimulation-evoked hippocampal field CA1 rhythmic slow activity. Such an effect was observed in a time-frame parallel to the decline in the period of formalin injection-induced field CA1 rhythmic slow activity. However, morphine sulphate administration per se did not alter pyramidal cell excitability or extracellular activity. Together, the above findings are consistent with the notion that morphine influences dorsal hippocampus field CA1 pyramidal cell suppression partly via an effect on the septohippocampal neural processing. However, the effect of the drug does not involve a change in the pyramidal cell basal extracellular responses. The effect of morphine on septohippocampal neural processing might be functionally relevant to the influence of the drug on the affective-motivational component of pain.

Schistosomiasis control in China

This review on the control of schistosomiasis in China consists of the disease in the past, epidemiology, control programme, control approaches, achievements, problems existed and an appendix: the criteria for control and elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

[The simultaneous determination of permethrin and tetramethrin in their mixed mothproofer formulation by GC]

Mixed mothproofer of permethrin and tetramethrin is a new formulation for prevention cloth moth in China. A rapid and specific method is needed to simultaneously determine these two active ingredients. For this purpose, a method by GC was established with a 3% OV-101/Chromosorb WAW DMCS(180-250 microns) column at a temperature of 223 degrees C, by using di-iso-octylsebacate as internal standard. The mean coefficient of variation for permethrin and tetramethrin were 0.20% and 0.19% respectively. Linearity of detector response vs. mass concentration ranged from 0.38-2.6 g/L with r = 0.9999.

The inheritance of glomerulosclerosis in mice is controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci

BACKGROUND

Glomerulosclerosis, the common terminal event in chronic glomerular diseases such as diabetic nephropathy or IgA nephropathy, leads to end-stage renal disease. The considerable variation in both the risk of developing glomerulosclerosis and the rate of progression in individual patients suggest a role for genetic factors which have not been identified so far. In this study we sought to examine the mode of inheritance of glomerulosclerosis in mice.

METHODS

F1 animals of a mating between glomerulosclerosis-prone ROP-Os/+ male and non-sclerotic C3H female mice were backcrossed to the ROP strain. We took advantage of the radiation-induced mutation oligosyndactylism (Os) to identify glomerulosclerosis at the age of 3 months. Kidneys were perfused in situ with PBS/Formalin 10%. The extent of glomerulosclerotic lesions was evaluated on PAS stained paraffin sections using computer-aided morphometry.

RESULTS

F1 mice did not show any glomerulosclerosis. In the backcross offspring, we found a wide distribution of glomerular lesions between individual animals, ranging from normal to very severe. We calculated that at least 8-10 loci determine the severity of glomerulosclerosis in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that glomerulosclerosis is inherited in a recessive fashion involving at least 8-10 loci.

Strain differences rather than hyperglycemia determine the severity of glomerulosclerosis in mice

BACKGROUND

We reported that ROP, but not C57, mice were prone to glomerulosclerosis (GS) after nephron reduction (J Clin Invest 97:1242, 1996).

METHODS

In this study, we induced diabetes in ROP and C57 mice to determine if the glomerulosclerotic response was stimulus specific. We used the oligosyndactyly mutation (Os), to produce a congenital 50% reduction in nephron number. Stable hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin and mice were maintained for 12 weeks without insulin treatment.

RESULTS

Glomerular hypertrophy occurred in diabetic ROP +/+ and C57 +/+ mice, but glomeruli of diabetic ROP +/+ mice had 1.92-fold higher laminin B1 and 1.5-fold higher tenascin mRNA levels than diabetic C57 +/+ mice. Diabetic ROP Os/+ mice had severe glomerulosclerosis with arteriolar and tubulointerstitial lesions while there was only moderate mesangial sclerosis in diabetic C57 Os/+ mice. Glomerular size was increased in all non-diabetic Os/+ mice. It was further increased in diabetic ROP Os/+ mice, but not in diabetic C57 Os/+ mice. Glomerular mRNA levels were higher in diabetic ROP OS/+ than in diabetic C57 OS/+ mice [alpha 1 (i.v.) collagen 3.2-fold, laminin B1 2.1-fold, and tenascin 1.6-fold].

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data further support the hypothesis that the susceptibility to glomerulosclerosis is inherited, and suggest that hyperglycemia serves principally as a triggering event in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Since the acceleration of diabetic nephropathy by nephron reduction was also largely strain dependent, it appears that the propensity to glomerulosclerosis is a general renal response and is not stimulus specific.

Electron and light microscopy of peritoneal cellular immune responses in mice vaccinated and challenged with third-stage infective hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) larvae

The role of peritoneal macrophages in a murine model of immunity to living hookworm third-stage larvae (L3) was investigated. Mice immunized orally with 500 L3 once every 2 weeks for three times were challenged intraperitoneally with 2000 L3 1 week after the final immunization. The challenged larvae were collected from the peritoneal cavity at intervals between 2 and 72 h and then examined by inverted light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Peritoneal cellular responses in non-immunized mice served as negative controls. The numbers of peritoneal macrophages in immunized mice were 6-7-fold higher than in non-immunized mice. In the peritoneal cavity of immunized mice, host macrophages adhered to the challenged L3 within 2 h and created a cocoon-like encasing which surrounded the parasite. Extensive damage to the L3 was observed which included swelling, collapse and deformation of the larval cuticle. Lysis and vacuolization of the parasite's internal structures were also observed. In contrast, no significant cellular adherence and damage were observed in L3 recovered from non-immunized mice. L3-specific antibody levels were also elevated in the peritoneum of immunized mice relative to non-immunized controls. These studies implicate macrophages as important effector cells in hookworm larval vaccine immunity.

Epidemiology of human intestinal nematode infections in Wujiang and Pizhou counties, Jiangsu Province, China

Intestinal nematode infections are considered highly endemic in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. In May 1997, the prevalence of intestinal nematodes infections was determined among all of the inhabitants aged 5 to 65 of the southern Jiangsu village of Yaojiakon (Wujiang County) and the northern Jiangsu village of Jianmiao (Pizhou County). It was determined that the prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hook worm infection was greatly reduced compared to when it was last measured in 1990. The reduction was noted to be particularly impressive in Yaojiakon village where the prevalence of ascariasis and trichiuriasis fell to 2% and 1.5% respectively. Much of this reduction was attributed to improvements in economic development which have occurred in southern Jiangsu Province at a rapid pace. In contrast, the reduction in nematode infections among villagers living in northern Jiangsu was more modest. The most striking reduction in both villages was in school-aged children who since 1988 have received yearly treatments with anthelminthic drugs. The intensity of nematode infections was investigated for hookworm where 70% of hookworm-infected Yaojiakon villagers were found to harbor light infections (< 400 eggs per gram) compared to 83% of hookworm-infected Jianmiao villagers. Necator americanus was the predominant hookworm in Yaojiakon village (South), whereas Ancylostoma duodenale predominated in Jianmiao village (North). The majority (76%) of hookworm-infected patients developed IgG antibodies against N. americanus antigen, although 20% of uninfected patients living in the village also had circulating antibodies. Intestinal nematode infections continue to be a significant public health problem in Jiangsu Province although their prevalence has decreased since 1990.

Control of voltage-independent zinc inhibition of NMDA receptors by the NR1 subunit

Zinc inhibits NMDA receptor function through both voltage-dependent and voltage-independent mechanisms. In this report we have investigated the role that the NR1 subunit plays in voltage-independent Zn2+ inhibition. Our data show that inclusion of exon 5 into the NR1 subunit increases the IC50 for voltage-independent Zn2+ inhibition from 3-fold to 10-fold when full length exon 22 is also spliced into the mature NR1 transcript and the NMDA receptor complex contains the NR2A or NR2B subunits; exon 5 has little effect on Zn2+ inhibition of receptors that contain NR2C and NR2D. Mutagenesis within exon 5 indicates that the same residues that control proton inhibition, including Lys211, also control the effects of exon 5 on Zn2+ inhibition. Amino acid exchanges within the NR1 subunit but outside exon 5 (E181Q, E339Q, E342Q, N616R, N616Q, D669N, D669E, C744A, and C798A) that are known to decrease the pH sensitivity also decrease the Zn2+ sensitivity, and concentrations of spermine that relieve tonic proton inhibition also relieve Zn2+ inhibition. In summary, our results define the subunit composition of Zn2+-sensitive NMDA receptors and provide evidence for structural convergence of three allosteric regulators of receptor function: protons, polyamines, and Zn2+.

Tyrosine kinase potentiates NMDA receptor currents by reducing tonic zinc inhibition

Activation of the tyrosine kinase Src potentiates NMDA-receptor currents, which is thought to be necessary for induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation. Although the carboxy(C)-terminal domain of the NR2A subunit contains potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites, the mechanisms by which Src modulates synaptic plasticity and NMDA receptor currents is not fully understood. Here we present evidence from NR1 mutants and splice variants that Src potentiates NMDA-receptor currents by reducing the tonic inhibition of receptors composed of NR1 and NR2A subunits by extracellular zinc. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified three C-terminal tyrosine residues of NR2A that are required for Src's modulation of the zinc sensitivity of NMDA receptors. Our data link two modulatory sites of NMDA receptors that were previously thought to be independent.

[Changes of prostaglandins in kidney tissue in gentamicin-induced acute renal tubular injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and prostaglandins (PGs) in recovery of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) induced by gentamicin in rats and the changes of renal tissue PGs with EGF treatment.

METHODS

Female wistar rats were divided into three groups; normal(NL, n = 7); GM-treated only (Group G, n = 20); GM 200 mg/kg, i.p. x 3 d; GM and EGF-treated (Group G + E, n = 19): EGF(20 micrograms) was given after last GM injection. [3H]thymidine incorporation rate (3HTdR) of renal tissue, serum creatinine concentration (Scr), renal levels of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, TXB2 were measured at day 1,4,8,12 after GM administration.

RESULTS

[3H]thymidine incorporation rate of renal tissue in group G + E was significantly higher than that in group G after toxic injury. The histological lesions of group G + E was less severe than that in group G. 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in group G + E was increased significantly than that in group G, and renal TXB2 in group G + E was lower than that in group G. PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in group G + E was positively correlated with 3HTdR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) changes of renal prostaglandins may be related to the injury/proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells in ATN. (2) Administration of exogenous EGF may enhance the release of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha of renal tissue and inhibit the synthesis of renal TXB2. The results indicate that effect of ameliorating recovery of renal tubular epithelial cells of EGF could be partly related to the changes of renal PGs.

Glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and vascular graft stenosis: treatment with oral heparinoids

At present there is no known treatment for established glomerulosclerosis or atherosclerosis. Since the principal lesion in glomerulosclerosis involves mesangial cells, a vascular smooth muscle cell, we searched for new therapeutic approaches affecting vascular smooth muscle function, especially with respect to modifying the turnover of extracellular matrix. We used mice transgenic for bovine growth hormone (bGH), since these mice develop end-stage renal disease due to progressive glomerulosclerosis. We previously showed that the subcutaneous injection of a non-anticoagulant heparin reduced glomerulosclerosis in bGH mice. Since injectable drugs are not a practical means of controlling glomerulosclerosis in humans, we assessed oral heparin-like compounds and found that oral pentosan polysulfate (PPS) reduced glomerulosclerosis in bGH mice at non-toxic doses. Because the positive therapeutic response in the bGH model could have been principally hormone-mediated, we examined other models of non-immune mediated glomerulosclerosis, including ROP Os/+ non-diabetic and diabetic mice. We found that an oral PPS (Elmiron), which is approved for other indications in humans, reduced sclerosis in all of these forms of chronic, progressive glomerulosclerosis. Based on the similarity of the cellular events in glomerulosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, we assessed the effect(s) of PPS in congenital (Watanabe rabbits) and induced (New Zealand White lipid-fed rabbits) models of arteriosclerosis. The extent and severity of the lesions was significantly reduced in both models by PPS treatment. Finally, we asked whether the proliferative and sclerotic lesion, which is the cause of vascular graft stenosis, might also respond to PPS treatment. To do this we cultured cells from the materials removed from stenotic arteriovenous grafts in hemodialysis patients. We found that PPS inhibits the proliferation and matrix production in a dose-dependent manner.

Evidence that intramolecular interactions are involved in masking the activation domain of transcriptional activator Leu3p

The Leu3 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulates the expression of genes involved in branched chain amino acid biosynthesis and in ammonia assimilation. It is modulated by alpha-isopropylmalate, an intermediate in leucine biosynthesis. In the presence of alpha-isopropylmalate, Leu3p is a transcriptional activator. In the absence of the signal molecule, the activation domain is masked, and Leu3p acts as a repressor. The recent discovery that Leu3p retains its regulatory properties when expressed in mammalian cells (Guo, H., and Kohlhaw, G. B. (1996) FEBS Lett. 390, 191-195) suggests that masking and unmasking of the activation domain occur without the participation of auxiliary proteins. Here we present experimental support for this notion and address the mechanism of masking. We show that modulation of Leu3p is exceedingly sensitive to mutations in the activation domain. An activation domain double mutant (D872N/D874N; designated Leu3-dd) was constructed that has the characteristics of a permanently masked activator. Using separately expressed segments containing either the DNA binding domain-middle region or the activation domain of wild type Leu3p (or Leu3-dd) in a modified yeast two-hybrid system, we provide direct evidence for alpha-isopropylmalate-dependent interaction between these segments. Finally, we use the phenotype of Leu3-dd-containing cells (slow growth in the absence of added leucine) to select for suppressor mutations that map to the middle region of Leu3-dd. The properties of nine such suppressors further support the idea that masking is an intramolecular process and suggest a means for mapping the surface involved in masking.

The role of paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus in stress-ulcer formation in rats

The rat stress model of restraint and cold water immersion was used to investigate the effect of stimulating the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus on the development of stress-induced gastric ulceration. The results were (1) electric stimulation of the PVN increased the stress ulceration, while electrolytic lesion of the PVN decreased it; (2) intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of acetylcholine (Ach) enhanced the effect of PVN stimulation on stress ulcers, and the M-receptor was involved; (3) i.c.v. norepinephrine (NE) attenuated the effect of PVN stimulation on stress ulcers in a dose-dependent manner, and the beta-receptor was involved; (4) i.c.v. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) enhanced the effect of PVN stimulation on stress ulcers; (5) electrolytic lesions of dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) attenuated the effect of PVN stimulation on stress ulcers, while electrolytic lesions of the locus ceruleus (LC) aggravated the effect; (6) thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy, ovariectomy, vagotomy and sympathectomy all attenuated the effect of PVN stimulation on stress ulcers; (7) electric stimulation of the PVN produced no effect on gastric juice volume, acidity, total acid output, pepsin activity or the gastric barrier mucus; but greatly reduced gastric mucosal blood flow. These results indicate that the PVN is an important brain site regulating the development of stress-induced gastric ulcers, that the classical neurotransmitters Ach, NE and 5-HT are involved, and that in the periphery, both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems and the three endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal and gonad) take part in the effect.

Neurokinin A in rat renal afferent neurons and in nerve fibres within smooth muscle and epithelium of rat and guinea-pig renal pelvis

Neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity of dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the kidney were studied with retrograde tracing of FluoroGold dye applied to the cut renal nerves. The proportions and sizes of renal afferent neurons with neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity were quantified in T9-L2 dorsal root ganglia from five rats. Of 240 renal afferent neuronal somata examined, 26 +/- 3% (S.E.M.) showed neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity. Compared with the overall size distribution of renal afferent neurons, those staining for neurokinin A were mostly small-sized neurons with a few medium-sized neurons. All somata with neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity were neurofilament-poor as judged by labelling with an anti-neurofilament antibody, RT97, and it is therefore likely that they had unmyelinated fibres. To examine the sites to which the renal afferent fibres with neurokinin A might project, sections of rat and guinea-pig kidney and upper ureter were examined. Fibres with neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity were found beneath and within the transitional epithelium lining the inner surface of the pelvis, and within the smooth muscle layer beneath the transitional epithelium. Epithelial innervation was found only in regions with underlying smooth muscle and loose connective tissue, and not in sites where the epithelium was closely applied to the renal parenchyma. The network of fibres was most dense towards the pelvo-uretic junction. Fibres with neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity were not seen beneath or within the cuboidal/columnar epithelium covering the papilla within the renal pelvis. Furthermore, only very few fibres with neurokinin A were observed penetrating the transitional epithelium of the upper ureter in both rat and guinea-pig. The distribution of fibres labelled with antibodies to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the renal pelvis was similar to that for fibres with neurokinin A-like immuno-reactivity, although a few fibres penetrated further into the fornices than fibres with neurokinin-A-like immunoreactivity. Thus, many afferent fibres in the renal pelvis may contain neurokinin A as well as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. These fibres may be the source of the neurokinin A, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide which can be released by topical capsaicin treatment. In addition they may be the mechano- and chemo-receptive fibres in the renal pelvis that are known to play important roles in renal haemodynamics. The intra-epithelial position of some of these fibres in the epithelial layer suggests a possible chemosensory or osmosensory role.

Emerging and reemerging helminthiases and the public health of China

Despite great strides in their control throughout the People's Republic of China, helminth infections remain an important public health problem. The Institute of Parasitic Diseases of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, under the guidance of the Chinese Ministry of Health, completed a nationwide survey of more than 1 million people that showed the high prevalence and intensity of intestinal nematode infections; prevalence can sometimes exceed 50% in the Yangtze River valley provinces. Schistosoma japonicum is also a major cause of illness in this region. Attempts to control Chinese helminthic diseases with conventional anthelminthic drugs have been partially thwarted by high posttreatment rates of reinfection. Recently, several new human trematode pathogens have been identified. Novel approaches to chemoprophylaxis and vaccination may alleviate the public health problem caused by Chinese helminths. However, recombinant helminth vaccine development will depend on first cataloguing the extensive genetic diversity of Chinese helminths and candidate vaccine antigens. Evidence from biogeography, genetics, and systematics suggests that the genetic diversification of Chinese helminths and their vectors is an ongoing evolutionary process that began 12 million years ago near the convergence of major Asian river systems. Construction of the Three Gorges Super Dam on the Yangtze River may promote the emergence and reemergence of new helminths and their snail vectors

[Experimental study on effect of Cordyceps sinensis in ameliorating aminoglycoside induced nephrotoxicity]

In order to evaluate the effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on aminoglycoside (AG) induced nephrotoxicity, gentamycin was imposed on the young and old rats with CS administration. The renal tubular injury was ameliorated as evidenced by less prominent increment of BUN, SCr, sodium excretion, urinary NAGase and less severity of histopathological changes as compared with control. In addition, the use of CS could promote an earlier recovery of renal oxygen consumption insulin clearance, and sodium absorption in isolated perfused kidney from CS treated intoxicated rat than that from control. Possible mechanisms of CS on drug-induced nephrotoxicity include: (1) Accelerating the regeneration of tubular cells; (2) Protecting the sodium pump activity of tubular cells; (3) Attenuating the tubular cell lysosome hyperfunction stimulated by phagocytosis of AG as well as decreasing the tubular cell lipoperoxidation in response to toxic injury; (4) Reducing the tissue Ca++ content.

Activation of a metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptor potentiates spike-driven calcium increases in neurons of the dorsolateral septum

(1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD), an agonist for metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), causes depolarization and burst firing in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) neurons and results in long-term potentiation (LTP) at DLSN synapses. In the present study, we investigated whether these actions of 1S,3R-ACPD are attributable to the release of calcium from an inositol triphosphate-sensitive store after activation of mGluRs coupled to phospholipase C. Our data demonstrated that the ACPD-induced depolarization was associated with a small but significant decrease, not an increase, in [Ca2+]i; however, changes of [Ca2+]i, during ACPD-induced bursting were up to seven times larger than those produced by regular firing. Depletion of internal calcium stores by thapsigargin or ryanodine had a small to insignificant effect on the maximum changes of [Ca2+]i, associated with ACPD-induced bursting. Thus, elevation of [Ca2+]i, during firing by 1S,3R-ACPD is likely attributable to enhancement of calcium influx through voltage-gated channels and not to calcium release from internal stores. ACPD-induced burst firing elevated somatic and dendritic calcium levels up to 3 and 6 microM, respectively. Such an increase may be the underlying mechanism for ACPD-induced LTP as well as ACPD-induced acute cell death in rat DLSN.

[Impact of platelet derived growth factor in the glomeruli of active lupus nephritis]

Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) possesses diverse biological activities and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glomeruli nephritis. In order to elucidate the relationship between PDGF and the disease activation in lupus nephritis, PDGF was observed in renal biopsy specimen from 9 cases of lupus nephritis (7 cases with active and 2 cases with inactive lesions) by immunohistochemistry using 4-layer PAP method. The mRNA expression of PDGF-A and -B chain, and the receptor of PDGF-B were analyzed by RT-PCR. It was found that the levels of mRNA expression of PDGF and its receptor were much higher in patients with active lesions in glomeruli as compared with those without active lesions, there changes were paralleled with the degree of hematuria in these patients. Noted that there was no correlation between the expression of PDGF and the cellular proliferation in glomeruli of lupus nephritis. These results indicate that PDGF is a critical mediator for inducing active lesion in glomeruli of lupus nephritis. The effect of PDGF antagonist in the regulation of glomerular damage in lupus nephritis need to further elucidate.

[Immune-mediated tubulointerstitial injury in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the presence of Hantan virus RNA and specific immune-complex deposits in the renal tubular epithelium of HFRS patients.

METHODS

Renal biopsy specimens from 15 cases of HFRS, 3 cases of ischemic ATN and 5 normal controls (donor of transplantation) were investigated. Human HLA-DR, ICAM-ILFA-1 and CD4+, CD8+, CD8+ cells in the renal tissue section were quatitatively analyzed by immuno-peroxidase staining 4 layers PAP. Histo-morphometric analysis of pathological section was made for each specimen.

RESULTS

HFRS presented abundant amount of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 in tubular cells both on cortical and medullary region, while ischemic ATN tended to have such positive results only in cells of cortical region. The intensity and extent of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 LFA-1 staining were closely correlated with the degree of tubulointerstitial damage of HFRS. Interstitial CD4, CD8 and monocytes increased in amount profoundly in HFRS with a preponderance in the medullary region, and particularly of CD8 positive cells. Less marked increment occurred in ATN cases, and no discrepancies were found between cortical and medullary region or cell types. The severity of tubulointerstitial lesion was closely associated with the extent of cellular infiltration and the expression of HLA-DR, ICAM-1 in renal tubular cells.

CONCLUSION

The characteristic changes of tubulointerstitial lesions in HFRS suggest that virus infection may be one of the mediators responsible for the immune kidney injuries in HFRS.

Effects of moderate hypothermia on baroreflex and pulmonary chemoreflex heart rate response in decerebrate ferrets

The effects on the baroreceptor reflexes and pulmonary reflexes of moderate immersion hypothermia (core temperature, 30.2 +/- 0.07 degrees C) have been investigated in the decerebrate ferret. Baroreflex sensitivity was estimated from the relationship between change in cardiac interval and change in systolic blood pressure following i.v. bolus injection of phenylephrine. The responses to phenylephrine in ferrets were best fitted by two linear slopes with an initial shallow slope, a, followed by a steeper slope, b. The slope or sensitivity of b was increased significantly by moderate cooling (n = 6 animals, 36 responses, P < 0.05). Pulmonary J-receptor reflex sensitivity was assessed by i.v. injection of phenylbiguanide (PBG), which evokes a dose-dependent bradycardia. The bradycardic response was unaltered by the hypothermia (n = 6 animals, 88 responses). Electrical stimulation of the right peripheral vagal nerve was employed to assess effects on the efferent components of the reflexes. The bradycardia, in response to stimulation, was significantly increased by moderate cooling at all stimulation frequencies (n = 8 animals, 88 responses, P < 0.001). Thus the results suggested that baroreceptor heart rate reflex sensitivity was enhanced by the moderate hypothermia. At least one component of the enhanced baroreflex response may be the result of changes in the efferent pathway of the reflex response. However, the absence of effect of PBG may indicate a differential afferent and efferent organization of pulmonary J-receptors compared with baroreceptors.

(1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid-induced burst firing is mediated by a native pertussis toxin-sensitive metabotropic receptor at rat dorsolateral septal nucleus neurons

We have reported previously that a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD), caused two primary postsynaptic membrane changes, namely, a slow membrane depolarization, and burst firing in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus neurons. In addition, (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid also potentiates a slow after depolarization in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus neurons. We now report that, among all the postsynaptic membrane changes induced by (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, only the burst firing was selectively blocked by pertussis toxin pretreatment. Thus, aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid induced burst firing was mediated by a metabotropic receptor coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein, while the other induced cellular responses may be mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors insensitive to pertussis toxin. We further characterized this receptor pharmacologically. This metabotropic receptor is activated by several metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists, but is insensitive to L-glutamate or L-aspartate. On the basis of its agonist activity profile, particularly the ineffectiveness of glutamate as an agonist, we have tentatively assigned the name aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid metabotropic receptor, to this native, pertussis toxin-sensitive metabotropic receptor in the dorsolateral septal nucleus. Furthermore, this receptor is coupled to protein kinase C, probably via a phospholipase C independent pathway.

1S,3R-ACPD-preferring inward current in rat dorsolateral septal neurons is mediated by a novel excitatory amino acid receptor

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) form a receptor family that consists of diverse receptor subtypes; now, numbering 8--exclusive of splice variants. (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) has been suggested to be a selective agonist for the mGluRs. We have recently reported that, in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) neurones, a 1S,3R-ACPD-preferring inward current (ACPDi) persists in pertussis toxin-treated rats. We now report that this ACPDi-current: (1) persists in DLSN neurones dialyzed with a stable analog of GTP, namely, GTP gamma S; (2) exhibits a negative slope region with inward rectification in its I-V relationship; (3) persists in neurones superfused with tetrodotoxin or low calcium solutions; (4) is dependent upon both sodium and calcium ions; and (5) is independent of a reduction in temperature. Furthermore, pharmacological data suggest that this current may be activated by a unique type of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor, i.e. a receptor which prefers "metabotropic" EAA agonists and is insensitive to AP5 or CNQX. Activation by ACPD of inward currents associated with a conductance increase have also been reported at cultured mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurones; in slices of rat hippocampal CA1 neurones and slice cultures of hippocampal CA3 neurones. We suggest that this ACPDi current may play an important role within the CNS in the induction of long-term potentiation and other neurological processes; processes attributed previously to currents associated with NMDA receptor activation.

[Different expressions of alpha 2 (IV) and alpha 3 (IV) collagen mRNAs in renal glomeruli of IgA nephropathy]

The levels of extracellular matrix protein mRNAs were increased prior to the appearance of histological glomerulosclerosis in isolated glomeruli from several animal models. Striker studied renal biopsies (Seminar in Nephrology, 13:508,1993). We made a comparable study in human renal biopsies to assess the levels of glomerular alpha 2 (IV) and alpha 3 (IV) collagen gene expressions in renal biopsies. Renal biopsy specimens were obtained from 11 patients (7 IgA nephropathy and 4 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis). Glomerular lesion was divided into 5 grades. The amount of collagen type IV in glomerular matrix was evaluated by immunoperoxidase staining using a monoclonal antibody to type IV collagen. For gene expression analysis, glomeruli were dissected out from about 10% of each biopsy specimen. The expressions of alpha 2 (IV) and alpha 3 (IV) collagen mRNAs were analyzed by using in situ reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction. Each PCR reaction contained an amount of cDNA template equivalent to that obtained from 1/10 of a glomerulus, alpha 2 (IV) and alpha 3 (IV) collagen mRNAs were detected in all specimens. All 3 cases of IgAN with grade III glomerular lesion had a more marked increment of glomerular alpha 2 (IV) collagen cDNA than that of the other 3 IgAN patients with grade II lesion (the intensity of PCR product, grade III 0.54 +/- 0.12, VS grade II 0.25 +/- 0.08, P < 0.05). No discrepancies were detected in the level of glomerular alpha 3 (IV) collagen cDNA and the intensity of collagen IV staining between these two groups of IgAN. Interestingly, in MsPGN patients there was no difference in the expression of glomerular alpha 2 (IV) collagen mRNA between grade II and grade III glomerular lesions. The results suggested that the detection of glomerular alpha 2 (IV) collagen mRNA level in IgAN patients may help to define the pathological classification.

Pharmacologically distinct, pertussis toxin-resistant inward currents evoked by metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists in dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) neurons

We have reported previously that a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD), caused a slow membrane depolarization in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) neurons. Using single electrode voltage-clamp recording methods, we now investigate the pharmacological properties of the receptor that mediates ACPD-induced membrane currents in DLSN neurons recorded from pertussis toxin (PTX)-treated rats. Two pharmacologically distinct inward currents, that is, the ACPD current and Qm current, have been identified based on their agonist preference and sensitivity to various antagonists. The ACPD current is blocked by L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4), but is insensitive to L-aspartic acid-beta-hydroxamate (L-AA beta H), (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (+)-MCPG), or L-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3). The Qm current is blocked by L-AA beta H and (+)-MCPG, but is insensitive to L-AP3 or L-AP4. These two inward currents distribute differentially within subpopulations of DLSN neurons. The ACPD current is the only current observed in most DLSN "burster" neurons, while the Qm current is observed more frequently in DLSN "nonburster" neurons. The pharmacological profiles of these currents suggest that the Qm current is likely mediated by mGluR1 or mGluR5, while the ACPD current is mediated by receptors that are pharmacologically distinct from any of the currently cloned mGluRs.

Immunocytochemical properties of rat renal afferent neurons in dorsal root ganglia: a quantitative study

Immunocytochemical properties of dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the kidney were studied with retrograde tracing of Fluorogold or Fast Blue dyes applied to the cut renal nerves in the rat. The proportions and sizes of renal afferent neurons labelled with a variety of markers were quantified in T9-L1 dorsal root ganglia from five rats. Compared with the overall size distribution in these ganglia, renal afferent neurons were mainly small with a few medium-sized neurons. The majority (79%) of renal afferent dorsal root ganglion neuronal somata were unlabelled by an anti-neurofilament antibody, RT79, and classified as neurofilament-poor with probable C-fibres. These had an approximately normal distribution of cell sizes. Only 21% were RT79-positive and classified as neurofilament-rich with probable A-fibres, and even these were small to medium sized cells, consistent with them being mostly A delta-fibre neurons. Percentages of renal afferent neurons showing labelling were as follows: peripherin-like immunoreactivity: 69%; calcitonin-gene related peptide: 93%; substance P: 37%; the lectins soybean agglutinin: 57% and peanut agglutinin: 68%; Calbindin D28k-like immunoreactivity: 21% (only weak labelling); carbonic anhydrase like immunoreactivity: 0%. There were differences between probable C-fibre and probable A-fibre neurons, classified according to their labelling with RT97. The percentages of RT97-negative and RT97-positive neurons respectively labelled with the other markers were as follows: peripherin-like immunoreactivity: 82%, 25%; calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity: 99%, 79%; substance P-like immunoreactivity: 43%, 0%; soybean agglutinin: 69%, 24%; peanut agglutinin: 76%, 47%; calbindin-like immunoreactivity: 26%, 0%. Thus, the biggest differences between the probable A- and C-fibre renal afferent neurons were in their peripherin, substance P and calbindin contents. Thus, renal afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglion are not homogeneous and it is suggested the differences may relate to the known different afferent receptor types within the kidney. It is suggested that the low proportion of neurons with substance P-like immunoreactivity in the renal afferent innervation compared to that of other viscera may relate to the role of the renal vasculature in urine formation.

[Amelioration of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity by Cordyceps sinensis in old patients]

The protective effect on aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity by Cordyceps sinensis in the old patient was observed. 21 old patients were randomly divided into two groups. Each group received amikacin sulfate for 6 days. In addition, group A was administered Cordyceps sinensis for 7 days and group B was given placebo. The results revealed that group A developed less prominent nephrotoxicity compared with group B as evidenced by less urinary nephro-aminoglycosidase (NAGase) and beta-microglobulin in group A than those in Group B. These results suggested that Cordyceps sinensis exerted a protective effect on aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity in the old patients.