[A case of primary Sjögren syndrome with repeated purpura]

In Sjögren syndrome, purpura is one of its various well known eruptions. Although this disease state is assumed to be based on hypergammaglobulinemia, the details of its mechanism are unknown. We experienced a case involving a female patient with primary Sjögren syndrome showing repeated purpura on the legs, and examined her blood viscosity and histopathology. This girl developed Sjögren syndrome and was admitted to our hospital at 12-years-old. She underwent steroid treatment because of aggravation of the xerosis state and prominent purpura on the legs. Hypergammaglobulinemia was improved during the course; however, purpura appeared repeatedly. Although her blood viscosity was slightly higher than normal, this had no relation to purpura and serum gamma globulin values. Skin biopsy revealed necrotizing angiitis. These results suggest that the purpura of this case was caused not only by hyperviscosity from the hypergammaglobulinemia but also involvement of vasculitis by the primary disease.

Disparate effects of interleukin 11 and thrombopoietin on megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro

The effects of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and thrombopoietin (TPO) on murine megakaryocytopoiesis were studied using a serum-free culture system. Acting alone, both IL-11 and TPO increased the number of acetylcholinesterase (AchE)(+)cells (megakaryocytes), the latter being more potent than the former. TPO, but not IL-11, increased the mean AchE activity per megakaryocyte (AchE activity/megakaryocyte). TPO increased both the number of megakaryocytes with high ploidy, and of those with low ploidy. In contrast, IL-11 increased only the number of megakaryocytes with high ploidy. The effect of TPO on megakaryocyte ploidy was stronger than that of IL-11. Both IL-11 and TPO increased the proportion of large megakaryocytes, but the latter was more potent than the former. While the stimulatory effects of IL-11 and TPO on the number of megakaryocytes were enhanced by IL-3 or stem cell factor (SCF), synergism of IL-11 or TPO with IL-3 or SCF in stimulating AchE activity/megakaryocyte was inconsistent. IL-11 and TPO stimulated the formation of colony-forming units of megakaryocyte in the presence of IL-3, but not alone, with similar maximum colony numbers for both cytokines. Our findings thus demonstrate that IL-11 principally stimulates megakaryocyte maturation rather than the proliferation of megakaryocytes, whereas TPO stimulates both.

Effect of YM-40461, a novel surfactant secretagogue, on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and similar symptoms in guinea pigs

YM-40461 (1-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)urea, CAS 142912-85-4), is a novel surfactant secretagogue. The effect of YM-40461 on symptoms, e.g. change of airway functions and hypoxemia, were examined using guinea pigs with induced subacute bronchitis. Bronchitic guinea pigs exhibited basal lung resistance (RL) was 0.152 +/- 0.005 cm H2O/ml/s (normal: 0.130 +/- 0.002 cm H2O/ml/s) and basal lung compliance (CL) of 0.455 +/- 0.011 ml/cm H2O (normal: 0.509 +/- 0.009 ml/cm H2O). Although YM-40461 slightly improved the lung resistance in these animals, it improved significantly and dose-dependently the lung compliance (0.468 +/- 0.008 ml/cm H2O for 1 mg/kg, 0.477 +/- 0.008 for 3 mg/kg, 0.490 +/- 0.011 for 10 mg/kg, p < 0.05 at 10 mg/kg) compared to nontreated bronchitic guinea pigs. YM-40461 improved airway functions in bronchitic guinea pigs just as wall as the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol. Additionally, YM-40461 significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity in response to intravenously infused acetylcholine (ACh). Basal PaO2 was 83.1 +/- 0.7 cm H2O in healthy guinea pigs and 71.2 +/- 1.7 cm H2O in bronchitic guinea pigs, indicating hypoxemia. A dose of 10 mg/kg of YM-40461 relieved hypoxemia in these animals with the values returning to 81.8 +/- 1.9 cm H2O (p < 0.05). These results suggest that YM-40461 ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like symptoms in bronchitis models due to increased surfactant in the airway.

Interleukin-11 induces osteoblast differentiation and acts synergistically with bone morphogenetic protein-2 in C3H10T1/2 cells

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a pleiotropic cytokine that supports various types of hematopoietic cell growth and is involved in bone resorption. We report here the involvement of recombinant human IL-11 (rHuIL-11) in osteoblast differentiation in mouse mesenchymal progenitor cells, C3H10T1/2. rHuIL-11 alone increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and upregulated expression levels of osteocalcin (OC), bone sialo protein (BSP), and parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) mRNA. rHuIL-11 had no effect on expression of type II collagen, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 (PPAR-gamma2), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein P2 (aP2), and myogenic MyoD protein (MyoD). Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rHuBMP)-2 increased ALP activity and mRNA expression of these genes except for MyoD. The expression patterns of ALP activity and osteoblast-specific or chondrocyte-specific genes suggest that rHuIL-11 may be involved in early differentiation of osteoblasts at a step earlier than that which is affected by rHuBMP-2. In support of this hypothesis, combined treatment with rHuIL-11 and rHuBMP-2 synergistically increased ALP activity and mRNA expression of OC and type II collagen, rHuIL-11 also abrogated the increased levels of PPAR-gamma2, aP2 mRNA caused by rHuBMP-2. Our results suggest that rHuIL-11 alone and in combination with rHuBMP-2 can induce osteoblastic differentiation of progenitor cells and plays an important role in osteogenesis.

Rapid detection and typing of oculopathogenic strain of subgenus D adenoviruses by fiber-based PCR and restriction enzyme analysis

PURPOSE

To develop a new detection and typing method of oculopathogenic strains of subgenus D adenoviruses directly from conjunctival scrapings by a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis (REA).

METHODS

A new PCR method using primer pairs of AF2/AR2, which are specific for the fiber genes, were developed to amplify 1150-bp products from nine oculopathogenic prototypes of subgenus D adenoviruses. Amplicons were cleaved with three restriction enzymes: DdeI, HinfI, and RsaI. Clinical specimens of 102 conjunctival scrapings were also evaluated by this PCR method. Restriction patterns of prototypes were used for the typing of clinical samples. Detection limit was determined by the PCR amplification of a known amount of purified adenovirus serotype 8 DNA.

RESULTS

A novel PCR method based on the fiber genes allowed the amplification of nine oculopathogenic serotypes of subgenus D (Ad8, Ad9, Ad15, Ad17, Ad19, Ad22, Ad28, Ad37, and Ad39). As little as 38.4 fg of adenovirus type 8 could be detected by this method. Positive results were obtained from 48 of 102 samples (47%) by both hexon- and fiber-based PCR, whereas only 29 of 102 (28.4%) yielded positive results by culture isolation/neutralization test (NT). All positive specimens (29 samples) of culture isolation and PCR-RFLP methods showed positive results by our new fiber-based PCR method, and no positive products were detected from other subgenus of adenovirus or nonadenoviral DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

A newly developed fiber-based PCR-REA method for the detection and typing of adenoviruses is faster than any former PCR methods. This all-in-1-day detection and typing method will be quite useful to the rapid diagnosis of subgenus D adenovirus infection.

Dynamic process of apoptosis in adult rat cardiomyocytes analyzed using 48-hour videomicroscopy and electron microscopy: beating and rate are associated with the apoptotic process

Dynamic process of apoptosis has not been elucidated in adult rat cardiomyocytes. Soluble Fas ligand (0.1 microg/ml) in the presence of actinomycin D (0.05 microg/ml) induced apoptosis in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes, as documented by activated caspase-3, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic ultrastructure. In the present model, we observed 60 adult cardiomyocytes with a normal rod shape under a real-time videomicroscope continuously for 48 hours. Seventeen cells (28%) were unchanged and 7 cells (12%) showed oncosis (so-called necrosis) in which no beating was evident. In the remaining 36 cells (apoptosis, 60%), a slow beating (17 +/- 3/min) was initiated 16 +/- 1 hours later. Approximately 1 hour later, the rod cells showed long-axial shortening as bone- or club-like, or square-shaped, accompanied with faster beating rates (35 +/- 7/min). In 29 cells (type A1 and A2), marked shrinkage occurred; the cellular shape became almost completely round with a smooth surface and the beating ceased 3.0 +/- 0.4 hours later. Then, smooth budding appeared 0.6 +/- 0.2 hours later. Apoptotic bodies were found in 8 cells 10 +/- 4 hours later (type A1, 13%) but not in 21 cells (type A2, 35%). In the other 7 cells (type A3, 12%), the cell surface became rough 8 +/- 3 hours later and the beating ceased. Maximal beating rate was greatest in type A1 (72 +/- 26/min) and greater in type A2 (29 +/- 5/min) than in type A3 (10 +/- 2/min). Electron microscopy confirmed apoptotic ultrastructure even in the cardiomyocytes with bone-, club-like, or square shapes, suggesting that type A3 as well as A1 and A2 is also under apoptotic process. A caspase inhibitor, zVAD.fmk, blocked beating, apoptotic morphology, and DNA fragmentation, indicating these depended on caspase activation. In the caspase-dependent apoptotic process of cultured adult cardiomyocytes, beating and the following deformity of the cellular edges were the initial signs and the rate of beating was related with the subsequent three different processes of apoptosis.

Investigation of the effects of YM-31636, a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on defecation in normal and constipated ferrets

We examined the effects of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate), a newly synthesized 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, on defecation in normal and constipated ferrets, and evaluated it as an agent against constipation. YM-31636 facilitated defecation without inducing diarrhea or emetic episodes. This effect occurred within 1 h after oral administration, mostly within 30 min, whereas sodium picosulfate, a widely used laxative, tended to increase the frequency of defecation for several hours with much lower peak incidence than that of YM-31636, and induced diarrhea. UK14304 (brimonidine), an alpha2 receptor agonist, and morphine reduced the frequency of defecation and YM-31636 restored it. These effects of YM-31636 were antagonized by ramosetron, a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that YM-31636 could be promising in the treatment of constipation. Because of an early and reliable onset of action compared with sodium picosulfate, YM-31636 could make it easier to control the time of defecation.

Discovery of novel mesangial cell proliferation inhibitors using a three-dimensional database searching method

A three-dimensional pharmacophore model of mesangial cell (MC) proliferation inhibitors was generated from a training set of 4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl-N-(3-phenyl-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-yl)benzamide, 2, and its derivatives using the Catalyst/HIPHOP software program. On the basis of the in vitro MC proliferation inhibitory activity, a pharmacophore model was generated as seven features consisting of two hydrophobic regions, two hydrophobic aromatic regions, and three hydrogen bond acceptors. Using this model as a three-dimensional query to search the Maybridge database, structurally novel 41 compounds were identified. The evaluation of MC proliferation inhibitory activity using available samples from the 41 identified compounds exhibited over 50% inhibitory activity at the 100 nM range. Interestingly, the newly identified compounds by the 3D database searching method exhibited the reduced inhibition of normal proximal tubular epithelial cell proliferation compared to a training set of compounds.

Prolonged inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by atorvastatin inhibits apo B-100 and triglyceride secretion from HepG2 cells

Atorvastatin is a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that strongly lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels in humans and animals. Since previous data indicated that atorvastatin has prolonged inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis, we tested whether this longer duration of inhibitory effect on cholesterol synthesis decreased hepatic lipoprotein secretion in vitro. We used the HepG2 hepatoma cell line to: (1) determine the time required until levels of secreted apo B-100 and TG declined significantly, (2) examine the relation to the mass of cellular cholesteryl ester (CE) and (3) test microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity which leads to decreased apo B-100 production. Although atorvastatin significantly inhibited cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells regardless of treatment duration (1, 14 or 24 h), it did not inhibit TG synthesis. Apo B-100 and TG secretion were unchanged after 1-h atorvastatin treatment, but declined significantly after 24-h treatment. Atorvastatin treatment also reduced cellular CE mass, exhibiting both time- and dose-dependency. Mevalonolactone, a product of HMG-CoA reductase, attenuated the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin strongly reduced mRNA levels of MTP, whereas it did not inhibit MTP activity as measured by TG transfer assay between liposomes. Simvastatin also induced treatment- and time-dependent reductions in apo B-100, whereas the MTP inhibitor BMS-201038 exhibited no time dependency, instead inhibiting this variable even on 1-h treatment. These results indicate that reduced apo B-100 secretion caused by atorvastatin is a secondary result owing to decreased lipid availability, and that atorvastatin's efficacy depends on the duration of cholesterol synthesis inhibition in the liver.

Long-term inhibition of Rho-kinase induces a regression of arteriosclerotic coronary lesions in a porcine model in vivo

OBJECTIVE

We recently demonstrated that Rho-kinase/ROK/ROCK is functionally upregulated at the arteriosclerotic coronary lesions and plays a key role for coronary vasospastic responses in our porcine model with interleukin (IL)-1beta. In the present study, we tested our hypothesis that Rho-kinase is involved in the pathogenesis of coronary arteriosclerosis per se in our porcine model.

METHODS

Segments of the left porcine coronary artery were chronically treated from the adventitia with IL-1beta. Two weeks after the procedure, coronary stenotic lesions with constrictive remodeling and vasospastic response to serotonin were noted at the IL-1beta-treated site, as previously reported. Then, animals were randomly divided into two groups; one group was treated with fasudil for 8 weeks followed by 1 or 4 weeks of washout period and another group served as a control. After oral absorption, fasudil is metabolized to hydroxyfasudil that is a specific inhibitor of Rho-kinase.

RESULTS

In the fasudil group, coronary stenosis and vasospastic response were progressively reduced in vivo, while the coronary hyperreactivity was abolished both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that in the fasudil group, the Rho-kinase activity (as evaluated by the extent of phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit of myosin phosphatase, one of the major substrates of Rho-kinase) was significantly reduced, while histological examination demonstrated a marked regression of the coronary constrictive remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Rho-kinase is substantially involved in constrictive remodeling and vasospastic activity of the arteriosclerotic coronary artery, both of which could be reversed by long-term inhibition of the molecule in vivo. Thus, Rho-kinase may be regarded as a novel therapeutic target for arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

Effects of YM905, a novel muscarinic M3-receptor antagonist, on experimental models of bowel dysfunction in vivo

We investigated the effects of YM905 [(+)-(1S,3'R)-quinuclidin-3'-yl 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-carboxylate monosuccinate], a new orally active muscarinic M3-receptor antagonist, on bowel dysfunction in vivo using experimental models that reproduce the symptoms present in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). YM905 potently inhibited restraint stress-induced fecal pellet output in fed rats (ED50: 4.0 mg/kg) and diarrhea in fasted rats (ED50: 1.7 mg/kg), with similar potencies to the inhibition of bethanechol-, neostigmine- and nicotine-induced fecal pellet output in rats (ED50: 3.3, 7.9 and 4.5 mg/kg, respectively). YM905 also inhibited 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-, prostaglandin E2- and castor oil-induced secretory diarrhea in mice (ED50: 5.5, 14 and 6.3 mg/kg, respectively), but showed no significant effect on cholera toxin-induced intestinal secretion in mice. In addition, YM905 (3, 10 mg/kg) reversed morphine-decreased postprandial defecation in ferrets, a model of spastic constipation, whereas remosetron, a 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, was not effective. The mode of YM905 action was similar to that of darifenacin, a selective M3-receptor antagonist, with equivalent potencies. By contrast, propantheline, an antimuscarinic drug that has been used for IBS, was much less potent. These results show that YM905 ameliorates a wide spectrum of bowel dysfunctions through the blockade of M3 receptors, suggesting its therapeutic potential for treating IBS.

Apolipoprotein E deposition and astrogliosis are associated with maturation of beta-amyloid plaques in betaAPPswe transgenic mouse: Implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

A transgenic mouse expressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the 'Swedish' mutation, Tg2576, was used to investigate the mechanism of beta-amyloid (Abeta) deposition. Previously, we have reported that the major species of Abeta in the amyloid plaques of Tg2576 mice are Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42. Moreover, Abeta1-42 deposition precedes Abeta1-40 deposition, while Abeta1-40 accumulates in the central part of the plaques later in the pathogenic process. Those data indicate that Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice have similar characteristics to those in Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, to understand more fully the amyloid deposition mechanism implicating Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, we examined immunohistochemically the distributions of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and Abeta in amyloid plaques of aged Tg2576 mouse brains. Our findings suggest that Abeta1-42 deposition precedes apoE deposition, and that Abeta1-40 deposition follows apoE deposition during plaque maturation. We next examined the relationship between apoE and astrogliosis associated with amyloid plaques using a double-immunofluorescence method. Extracellular apoE deposits were always associated with reactive astrocytes whose processes showed enhancement of apoE-immunoreactivity. Taken together, the characteristics of amyloid plaques in Tg2576 mice are similar to those in Alzheimer's disease with respect to apoE and astrogliosis. Furthermore, apoE deposition and astrogliosis may be necessary for amyloid plaque maturation.

β-amyloid deposits in transgenic mice expressing human β-amyloid precursor protein have the same characteristics as those in Alzheimer's disease

A transgenic mouse expressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the "Swedish" mutation, Tg2576, was used to investigate the mechanism of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) deposition. We characterized Abeta deposits in the cerebral cortex biochemically and pathologically. A surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization affinity mass spectrometric study using the 6E10 monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the major species of Abeta in a formic acid-extracted fraction of the cortex were Abeta(1-38), Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42). Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to the carboxy-terminal epitopes of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), as well as 6E10, showed that plaques containing Abeta(1-42) were more numerous than those containing Abeta(1-40) throughout the cortex. Laser confocal analysis of the immunoreactivities in the plaques demonstrated that Abeta(1-40) was preferentially located in the central part of the Abeta(1-42) positive plaques. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) showed that Abeta(1-40) was several-fold more abundant than Abeta(1-42). From these data we suggest that Abeta(1-42) deposition may precede Abeta(1-40) deposition, while Abeta(1-40) begins to deposit in the central part of the plaques and accumulates there. Furthermore, localization of Abeta(1-40) corresponded almost exactly to congophilic structures, which were associated with aberrant swollen synapses detected with antibodies to synaptophysin and alpha-synuclein. Thus, Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice have similar characteristics to those in Alzheimer's disease.

A method for measurement of muscarinic receptor-mediated responses in dissociated single colon longitudinal smooth muscle cells

We previously reported a simple method of acutely preparing dissociated smooth muscle cells from urinary bladder tissue, but the feasibility of this method has not been well ascertained. In the present study, we assessed whether this method is applicable for measuring muscarinic receptor function in intestinal smooth muscle cells. Single smooth muscle cells were prepared from the longitudinal muscle tissue of guinea pig colon by the enzymatic dissociation with papain and hyaluronidase, followed by collagenase digestion. Muscarinic responses in the isolated smooth muscle cells were measured by intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and extracellular acidification through Fura-2 fluorometry and Cytosensor microphysiometry, respectively. A single, viable population of colon longitudinal smooth muscle cells (approximately 6 x 10(6) cells/animal) was obtained. In these cells, carbachol (muscarinic agonist) induced Ca(2+) mobilization and extracellular acidification over the concentration range similar to that previously reported to produce contraction of the intact colon muscle strips. Atropine (nonselective muscarinic antagonist) and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP, M(3)-selective antagonist) inhibited the Ca(2+) mobilization with potencies approximately 3 log units greater than that for methoctramine (M(2)-selective antagonist). For extracellular acidification, the potency differences between these antagonists was approximately 2 log units. In addition, the carbachol-induced extracellular acidification was inhibited by 5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-amiloride, a selective inhibitor of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. These findings indicate that in isolated colonic smooth muscle cells, M(3) receptors are predominantly involved in Ca(2+) mobilization, while a mixed population of M(2) and M(3) receptors seems to contribute to extracellular acidification. Our results further suggest the role of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in muscarinic-mediated extracellular acidification. Consequently, our method produces viable isolated colonic smooth muscle cells that display physiologically appropriate responses to muscarinic receptor activation, and the method may be applicable for several types of nonvascular smooth muscle tissues.

Biomechanical comparisons of anterior cruciate ligament: reconstruction procedures with flexor tendon graft

An experimental study was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of six currently available anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures with flexor digitorum profundus tendons. Forty porcine knees were divided into eight groups, of 5 knees each. In groups A, B, C, and D, the flexor tendon graft was fixed with sutures and an Endobutton, with 20-mm-wide polyester tapes and staples, with 10-mm-wide polyester tapes and an Endobutton, and with bone plugs and interference screws, respectively. In group E, the graft was fixed using a combined procedure of those in groups B and D. In group F, the graft was directly fixed with interference screws. In groups G and H, the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was fixed with interference screws, and sutures, respectively. Each femur-graft-tibia complex specimen was tested with a tensile tester by anteriorly translating the tibia until failure. This study demonstrated that the biomechanical properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex reconstructed with the flexor tendon graft were significantly affected by synthetic fixation devices. Regarding the average maximal load of the groups with the flexor tendon graft, group B had the highest (893 N) and group C had the second highest (770 N). Groups E and A were in the third rank. Group F had the second lowest (312 N), and Group D had the lowest (230 N). The maximal load of group B was significantly greater (P < 0.01) than that of group G (656 N) with the bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts. As to clinical relevance, this study indicated that the flexor tendon graft can be an alternative substitute for the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft for ACL reconstruction, if we understand the biomechanical characteristics of each reconstruction procedure.

Anti-alpha-fodrin antibodies in Sjögren's syndrome in children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of anti-alpha-fodrin antibody specific for adult Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in patients with juvenile onset SS.

METHODS

Serum anti-alpha-fodrin antibody was examined in 15 patients with juvenile SS (11 cases of primary SS and 4 secondary SS) and in 16 children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by Western blot analysis using a recombinant 120 kDa alpha-fodrin fusion protein.

RESULTS

All the 15 serum samples from patients with SS reacted with a recombinant alpha-fodrin fusion protein in Western blot analysis. In contrast, reactivity was found in only 2 of the 16 patients with SLE. The clinical features of the 15 patients with juvenile onset SS were very specific; only 4 patients complained of dryness, while 6 had abnormal excretion ability. Salivary gland enlargement was the most common clinical manifestation. Characteristic laboratory findings in juvenile onset SS included a higher prevalence of antinuclear antibodies, anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, and rheumatoid factor, as well as increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hypergammaglobulinemia.

CONCLUSION

The pathogenesis of juvenile SS seems to be the same as that of adult SS, although subjective symptoms of dryness are less frequent in juvenile cases. This discrepancy may indicate that SS is a slowly progressive disease with a long time span. The anti-alpha-fodrin antibody is likely to be a reliable diagnostic marker for juvenile SS.

Adenovirus-mediated transfer of dominant-negative rho-kinase induces a regression of coronary arteriosclerosis in pigs in vivo

Small GTPase Rho and its target Rho-kinase/ROK/ROCK play an important role in various cellular functions, including smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, and cell adhesion and migration, all of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. Here, we show that adenovirus-mediated transfer of dominant-negative Rho-kinase (DNRhoK) induces a marked regression of coronary constrictive remodeling and abolishes coronary vasospastic activity in vivo. Porcine coronary segments were chronically treated with interleukin-1beta, which resulted in the development of constrictive remodeling and vasospastic responses to serotonin, as previously reported. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of DNRhoK, but not that of beta-galactosidase, into the interleukin-1beta-treated coronary segment caused a marked regression of the constrictive remodeling and abolished the vasospastic activity in 3 weeks. Western blot analysis showed that the phosphorylation of adducin and the ezrin/radixin/moesin family, the target proteins of Rho-kinase, were upregulated at the coronary lesions and were significantly suppressed by the transfer of DNRHOK: These results indicate that Rho-kinase is substantially involved in coronary constrictive remodeling and vasospastic responses, both of which can be reversed by the selective inhibition of the molecule in our porcine model in vivo.

Antiasthmatic effect of YM976, a novel PDE4 inhibitor, in guinea pigs

YM976 is a novel and specific phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. In our previous report, we indicated that YM976 has less emetogenicity, a major adverse effect of PDE4 inhibitors, than rolipram. In the present study, we examined the antiasthmatic effects of YM976 in guinea pigs. YM976 orally administered exhibited inhibition of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, airway plasma leakage, airway eosinophil infiltration, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), with ED(50) values of 7.3, 5.7, 1.0, and 0.52 mg/kg, respectively. Rolipram also dose dependently suppressed these responses. Prednisolone suppressed eosinophil infiltration and AHR, whereas it failed to inhibit bronchoconstriction and plasma leakage. Theophylline moderately suppressed bronchoconstriction and edema, but neither eosinophil infiltration nor AHR. YM976 suppressed the peroxidase activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and elevated the intracellular peroxidase activity and cAMP contents of infiltrated cells, suggesting that YM976 inhibited not only the infiltration but also the activation of leukocytes. In vitro studies revealed that YM976 potently suppressed eosinophil activation (EC(30) = 83 nM), and exerted a little relaxation on LTD(4)-precontracted tracheal smooth muscle (EC(50) = 370 nM). Rolipram exhibited a potent tracheal relaxation activity (EC(50) = 50 nM). In vivo studies indicated that the inhibitory effect of YM976 on LTD(4)-induced bronchospasm was marginal even at 30 mg/kg p.o., although rolipram significantly inhibited the bronchospasm at the same dose. These results suggested that YM976, unlike rolipram, showed the inhibition of antigen-induced airway responses due to anti-inflammatory effects, but not to direct tracheal relaxation. In conclusion, YM976 may have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of asthma through its anti-inflammatory activities.

Kinetic analysis of megakaryopoiesis induced by recombinant human interleukin 11 in myelosuppressed mice

Recombinant human interleukin 11 (rhIL-11) has previously been shown to ameliorate thrombocytopenia in several animal models. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in rhIL-11-induced hematopoiesis, a kinetic analysis of megakaryopoiesis was performed in mitomycin C (MMC)-induced myelosuppressive mice. Mice intravenously injected with MMC (2 mg/kg) for two consecutive days from day -1 developed severe thrombocytopenia with a nadir of platelet counts at 24x10(4)/microl on day 12 and neutropenia. Treatment with rhIL-11 (500 microg/kg/day) from day 1 to 21 significantly ameliorated the degree and duration of thrombocytopenia and enhanced the platelet recovery, and also enhanced the recovery from neutropenia. In MMC-treated mice, the decreases in bone marrow megakaryocyte progenitors and megakaryocyte counts preceded the decrease in platelet counts by MMC treatment. RhIL-11 induced an increase in the number of megakaryocyte progenitors from day 4 to 14, followed by an increase in the megakaryocytes by day 20. There was a ploidy shift in megakaryocytes towards lower ploidy cells by day 9 in myelosuppressed mice. RhIL-11 caused a shift towards a higher ploidy with 32 and 64N on day 4, and 32N on day 14. These results suggest that rhIL-11 ameliorates the thrombocytopenia via the stimulation of both the maturation and commitment followed by the proliferation of megakaryocytic cells.

Protective effects of pamiteplase, a modified t-PA, in a rat model of embolic stroke

The effects of alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator, t-PA) and pamiteplase (a modified t-PA with longer half-life and increased potency) were compared in a clinically relevant model of embolic stroke. Rats were treated with pamiteplase (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg bolus), alteplase (10 mg/kg infusion) or normal saline. Pamiteplase (1 mg/kg) was as effective as alteplase in reducing 24 h brain infarct volumes, neurological deficit scores and residual clot grades. Cerebral blood flow recovery at 30 min after thrombolytic treatment was partial and did not correlate with 24 h infarct volumes or neurological deficits. However, there was good correlation between 24 h residual clot grades and infarct volumes, suggesting a delayed timeframe for pamiteplase- and alteplase-induced reperfusion.

Pharmacological effect of tamsulosin in relation to dog plasma and tissue concentrations: prostatic and urethral retention possibly contributes to uroselectivity of tamsulosin

In the present study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tamsulosin were investigated in anesthetized male dogs. Hypogastric nerve stimulation elevated the intraurethral pressure (IUP), which was inhibited dose dependently by intraduodenal administration of tamsulosin (3-30 microg/kg). The inhibition peaked about 90 min after dosing and lasted up to 240 min. The basal mean blood pressure did not change significantly during the observation period. The plasma, prostatic, and urethral concentrations of tamsulosin were determined by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method. The plasma concentration reached the maximal level within 30 min after dosing and gradually declined thereafter. The maximal total plasma concentration of tamsulosin (C(max, t)) and its unbound concentration (C(max, u)) correlated with the maximal effect on IUP response [r(2) = 0.81 (p<0.01, n = 15) and r(2) = 0.84 (p<0.01, n = 15), respectively]. Each individual unbound plasma concentration did not correlate, however, with its associated inhibition of IUP response (r(2) = 0.04, n = 126). Although the plasma concentration of tamsulosin decreased nearly to the lower limit of quantitation 240 min after dosing, the prostatic and urethral concentrations remained high, i.e., 13 to 44 times greater than the plasma concentration. Our data demonstrate that the maximal inhibition by tamsulosin of IUP response is well correlated with the maximal plasma concentration in the early phase. The sustained effect of tamsulosin on IUP response that follows may be related to prostatic and urethral retention of tamsulosin.

Risk factors for persistence of pulmonary arterial branch stenosis in neonates and young infants

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis (PBS) in neonates is considered to be transient. However, PBS has been found not only in neonates, but also in young infants. Among these patients, we encountered several patients whose PBS was still present after the age of 1 year.

METHODS

To clarify the natural history of PBS in neonates and young infants, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 patients diagnosed with PBS in the neonatal period and early infancy.

RESULTS

The PBS findings were improved in all patients. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis disappeared in 94 patients by the age of 1 year (group A), but persisted after I year of age in nine patients (group B). Group B patients had a significantly lower mean birth weight and greater deltavelocity (the difference in the peak flow velocity between the main pulmonary artery and stenotic branch) at diagnosis than group A patients. Incidences of low birth weight (< 2,500 g) and deltavelocity above 1.2 m/s were significantly higher in group B than group A patients. There was no significant difference in the frequency of premature infants (gestational age < 36 weeks) between the groups, suggesting that intrauterine growth retardation may be related to developmental abnormalities of the pulmonary arterial branch.

CONCLUSIONS

All cases of PBS in neonates and young infants were improved. However, PBS persisted in some patients after the age of 1 year. Low birth weight and deltavelocity above 1.2 m/s are risk factors for persistent PBS. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis was not present after the age of 1 year in 62 of 63 patients without either of these risk factors.