Expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B receptor mRNA in blood vessels

Expression of two subtypes of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A, was investigated in normal rat arteries (abdominal aorta) and veins (inferior vena cava) by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The arterial 5-HT2A receptor mRNA level in artery was 25-fold (p < 0.01) higher than the venous level, and the arterial 5-HT1B receptor mRNA level was at least 7000-fold (p < 0.005) higher the venous level.

[Clinical studies of faropenem in the field of obstetrics and gynecology]

The clinical effect of faropenem was evaluated in 165 ambulatory patients with various infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology at 10 institutions in Yamagata Prefecture. The results obtained are summarized below. 1. The rate of efficacy, as determined from the clinical effect following 3- to 7-day repeated administration at a dose of 600 mg/day, was 97.9% (46/47) for intrauterine infections, 92.0% (23/25) for adnexitis, 93.8% (15/16) for external genital infections, 88.9% (8/9) for mastitis, 94.0% (63/67) for cystitis, and 100% (1/1) for cervicitis. The overall efficacy rate was estimated to be 94.5% (156/165). 2. The rate of clinical efficacy, as classified by isolate, was high, 95.1% for Gram-positive bacteria, 100% for Gram-negative bacteria, and 100% for anaerobes. As for bacteriological response classified by isolate, the eradication rate was high, 91.4% (74/81) for Gram-positive bacteria, 98.4% (62/63) for Gram-negative bacteria, 89.5% (17/19) for anaerobes, and 93.9% (153/163) in all. 3. No adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities were observed in any patient. The results presented suggest that faropenem is a highly safe and effective antibiotic for the treatment of obstetric or gynecological infections of various kinds in an ambulatory setting.

Kinetics of Crystallization in Polydisperse Emulsions

The kinetics of isothermal crystallization of the droplets in polydisperse emulsions are analyzed under the condition that each emulsion droplet gives birth to one nucleus only. Expressions are derived for the time dependences of the number of crystallized droplets and the fraction of crystallized droplet volume in the cases of either volume or surface nucleation of the crystals in the droplets. The time for half-crystallization is determined as a function of the emulsion polydispersity, and it is found that the more polydisperse the emulsion, the shorter this time in comparison with that for the corresponding monodisperse emulsion. Formulae are also obtained for the change of the velocity Kv of propagation of ultrasound through polydisperse emulsions during the time t of isothermal crystallization of the droplets in them. Good agreement is found between theory and experiment in an analysis of available Kv(t) data for crystallization in polydisperse palm oil-in-water and n-hexadecane-in-water emulsions. The results obtained are directly applicable to devitrification and polymorphic transformation of disperse solid phases. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Benefit of in-phase chest wall vibration on the pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

Chest wall vibration of contracting intercostal muscles (in-phase vibration, (IPV)) improves O2 saturation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of IPV on the pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with COPD.

METHODOLOGY

Twelve patients with COPD (FEV1%, 43.7 +/- 14.4%) underwent pulmonary artery catheterization in the supine position; hemodynamic variables as well as arterial and mixed venous gas tension were measured at baseline and after 15 min of IPV with IPV continued during the measurement.

RESULTS

Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa, 21.3 +/- 5.0-19.1 +/- 4.8 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, 294.6 +/- 196.0-228.5 +/- 101.7 dyne.sec.cm-5) decreased significantly, but there was no change in heart rate, cardiac index or systemic blood pressure. PaO2 increased (66.5 +/- 10.3-70.0 +/- 9.7 Torr) and PaCO2 decreased (46.6 +/- 8.9-45.0 +/- 10.1 Torr) significantly. Minute ventilation and tidal volume increased significantly in five out of the eight patients in whom ventilation was monitored throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

IPV improves gas exchange and pulmonary circulation without affecting systemic circulation.

Intramembrane structure of the sensory axon terminals in bullfrog muscle spindles

Much physiologic and morphologic research has been done into the sensory mechanism of the frog muscle spindle. However, no freeze-fracture study has described in detail the shape and intramembrane structure of the nonmyelinated sensory axon terminals of the frog muscle spindle. In this study, muscle spindles were isolated from the red part of bullfrog semitendinous muscles. Chemically fixed spindles were subjected to freeze fracturing. The sensory axon endings were reconstructed, and the size and density of intramembrane particles (IMPs) were measured along the sensory nerve endings. The axon terminals had four distinctive parts: parent trunks (>0.5 microm in diameter), primary branches (0.15-0.5 microm), terminal branches (<0.1 pm), and varicosities (0.02-0.5 microm). IMPs ranged from 5 nm to 21 nm in diameter and were present in the intramembrane space of the plasma membrane all throughout the nonmyelinated sensory nerve endings. Mean IMP sizes in the protoplasmic face (PF) and the external face (EF), respectively, were 8.1 nm and 8.4 nm in the parent trunks, 8.8 nm and 8.8 nm in the primary branches, 9.4 nm and 9.0 nm in the varicosities, and 8.7 nm and 8.7 nm in the terminal branches. Mean IMP size in the PF was smallest in the parent trunk and largest in the varicosity. Mean IMP densities (numbers of IMPs per microm2) in the PF and the EF, respectively, were 2,500 and 700 in the parent trunks, 2,200 and 500 in the primary branches, 1,700 and 400 in the varicosities, and 1,000 and 300 in the terminal branches. Density decreased with the tapering of the axon terminal, with IMPs distributed evenly in the PF and the EF. The characteristic intramembrane structure of sensory nerve endings is discussed.

Preliminary clinical outcome study of mild resuscitative hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest

The effects of mild hypothermia (MH) were investigated. From 1995 to 1996, 28 adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) had return of spontaneous circulation and survived for more than two days. Thirteen patients were in the MH group. In the MH group, core temperature was maintained between 33 and 34 degrees C for 48 h, and then re-warmed to a temperature of 37 degrees C, at a rate of no greater than 1 degrees C per day. Fifteen patients, admitted before the MH protocol was instituted, were in the control group. Despite the fact that the number of witnessed arrests in the control group were greater than in the MH group, there were both more survivors (7/13 vs. 5/15) and more fully recovered patients (3/13 vs. 1/15) in the MH vs Control groups. Eleven of 13 MH patients, as compared to 6/15 controls developed pneumonia. Our study, although preliminary, suggests that MH might confer improved outcome, as has been shown in animal models, after CPA. This treatment is associated with an increase in pneumonic complications.

[Evaluation of the FREEDOM O2, DC Concentrator, a portable oxygen concentrator capable of operating under car battery power]

The FREEDOM O2 DC Concentrator, an oxygen concentrator which can be powered by a car battery, was evaluated. The oxygen concentrator was used by a 67 year-old man with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis who was receiving long-term oxygen therapy at home (HOT), and whose work required automobile trips over long distances. The equipment used was an adsorption-type oxygen concentrator capable of operating on a DC 12 V power supply, and which can be powered from a residential power outlet (AC 100 V) using a dedicated voltage converter. The trunk-shaped equipment measured 21/584 x 42 cm and weighed 17 kg. The noise level of the equipment was 58.2 +/- 2.5 dB (at 1 meter), and the flow rate can be set to 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 l/min.

RESULTS

1) The O2 concentration which can be generated by this equipment is 93 +/- 3% (0.25 to 1.5 l/min) or 90 +/- 2.8% (2.0 l/min). 2) Using this equipment, the patient was capable of driving himself in comfort for two hours or longer. Further, it was possible to stay in a hotel during a trip, inhaling oxygen generated by the equipment. Hereafter, this equipment should enable or facilitate long-distance driving, travel and lodging for HOT patients.

[Measurement of theophylline concentrations by AccuMeter--comparison with the EIA method]

Theophylline is widely used for treating patients with bronchial asthma. However, since the therapeutic concentration range is narrow, adverse reactions are frequent and often difficult to control, making monitoring of theophylline concentration mandatory for its efficient and safe use. In this study, we employed the AccMeter which allowed us to measure theophylline concentrations quickly and with ease, and compared it with EIA method. AccMeter is a kit which consists of two parts. One part consists of a chromatopaper with antitheophylline mouse monoclonal antibody fixed on it, on which a smaple is applied with enzyme-linked theophylline. The other part consists of a coloring solution. We used a part of arterial blood samples collected for gas analysis as trial samples. Both whole blood and plasma from 50 patients who did or did not receive theophlline were analysed. Plasma portions were also used for measurements by the EIA method. Results from all three measurements were almost identical, and showed good correlation. The time necessary for measurement using AccMeter was about 20 minutes. We consider this method to be useful for clinics due to its simplicity and ease of handling, and the accuracy of the results obtained.

[Analysis of inspiratory flow-volume curve]

Inhaled antiasthmatic agents can be effective, but their efficacy depends on the delivery system and on inhalation technique, especially in metered-dose inhalers (MDI). To find out whether inhalation therapy for asthmatics had been performed correctly, we studied inspiratory flow in the slow matter in healthy subjects and bronchial asthma patients. About half of 30 patients studied inspired more than 1 L/sec inspiratory flow rate, especially in male. Inspiratory flow in the fast matter (peak inspiratory flow; PIF) is important in the use of dry powder inhaler, so we studied the correlationship between PIF and expiratory flow and volume parameters. PIF correlated with PEFR, FEV1 and FEV1% in female, FVC and %FVC in male, respectively. In summary, we must recognize slow inspiratory flow can not be gotten easily, and asthmatic patients always have to use MDI carefully in inspiratory flow. Some expiratory parameters of spirometry can accurately predict PIF. The analysis of inspiratory flow-volume curve gives us beneficial data in inhalation therapy.

A close temporal relationship of liver disease to antiribosomal P0 protein antibodies and central nervous system disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a close temporal relationship of liver disease to serum IgG and/or IgM antiribosomal P0 protein antibodies (anti-P0) and central nervous system (CNS) lupus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The study included 70 patients with active SLE. Of these, 30 had IgG and/or IgM anti-P0 and 14 had CNS lupus other than psychiatric disease (nonpsychiatric CNS lupus). Of these 14 patients, 11 had anti-P0. Laboratory manifestations of liver disease were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Liver disease not attributed to any cause other than SLE (SLE liver disease) was present in 8 of the 11 patients with anti-P0 with nonpsychiatric CNS lupus (72.7%), in none of the 19 patients with anti-P0 without nonpsychiatric CNS lupus (0%), and in one of the 40 patients without anti-P0 (2.5%). The prevalence of SLE liver disease was significantly greater in patients with anti-P0 with nonpsychiatric CNS lupus than in the other 2 groups (p < 0.0001). Mean levels of liver enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase) were significantly higher in patients with anti-P0 with nonpsychiatric CNS lupus than in the other 2 groups. Serial studies in 3 patients showed that the appearance of anti-P0 and liver dysfunction slightly preceded the onset of nonpsychiatric CNS lupus.

CONCLUSION

Anti-P0 may be related to the pathogenesis of CNS lupus and SLE liver disease found simultaneously in SLE. The appearance of anti-P0 and liver dysfunction may predict onset of CNS lupus.

Crystal structure of annexin V with its ligand K-201 as a calcium channel activity inhibitor

The crystal structure of recombinant human annexin V complexed with K-201, an inhibitor of the calcium ion channel activity of annexin V, was solved at 3.0 A by molecular replacement including the apo and high-calcium forms. K-201 was bound at the hinge region cavity formed by the N-terminal strand and domains II, III and IV, at the side opposite the calcium and membrane-binding surface, in an L-shaped conformation. Based on the complex and other annexin structures, K-201 is proposed to restrain the hinge movement of annexin V in an allosteric manner, resulting in the inhibition of calcium movement across the annexin V molecule.

Inhibition of annexin V-dependent Ca2+ movement in large unilamellar vesicles by K201, a new 1,4-benzothiazepine derivative

Examination was made of the effect of annexin V on Ca2+ movement into large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) using fura-2, a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye. To avoid the possible difficulties relating to the addition of annexin V and/or Ca2+ in fura-2-loaded LUV, the burst method was used. LUV, preincubated with rat annexin V in the presence of Ca2+, were collected by centrifugation and resuspended, and then burst with Triton X-100 in the presence of fura-2. Inward Ca2+ movement across the artificial lipid membrane was measured by determination of fura-2 fluorescence due to the leaked Ca2+ from ruptured LUV. The observed Ca2+ signal increased dependent on annexin V and Ca2+ concentrations, whereas bovine serum albumin did not affect this signal up to 1 microM. Thus, annexin V shows Ca2+ channel activity in LUV. K201, a novel 1,4-benzothiazepine, inhibited inward Ca2+ movement into LUV caused by annexin V in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 50 nM annexin V and 400 microM Ca2+, 3 microM K201 showed significant inhibition of Ca2+ movement due to annexin V, and 50% inhibition was achieved at 25 microM K201. On the other hand, diltiazem had no such effect even at 30 microM. K201 is thus shown to have inhibitory activity on inward Ca2+ movement due to annexin V in artificial vesicles and may prove useful as a probe for elucidating the functions of annexin V in vivo.

Isolation and some properties of sorbitol oxidase from Streptomyces sp. H-7775

A sorbitol oxidase (SOX) was found in the cell-free extract of a strain isolated from soil. The strain was classified and designated as Streptomyces sp. H-7775. SOX is constitutively expressed in the cell. The molecular weight of SOX that purified from the cell-free extract was 45,000. The optimum pH and the K(m) for sorbitol were 6.5-7.5 and 0.26 mM, respectively. The prosthetic group was a covalently bound FAD. SOX catalyzed oxidation of D-sorbitol to glucose and hydrogen peroxide without any requirements of exogenous cofactors. SOX did not react with glucose, a reaction product of D-sorbitol. This feature is useful in its application for diagnosis.

Presence and comparison of Ca2+ transport activity of annexins I, II, V, and VI in large unilamellar vesicles

This study evaluated whether annexins I, II and VI possess Ca2+ transport activity in phospholipid membranes by the burst method, and the activity of each was compared with that of annexin V. Briefly, in the presence of 400 microM Ca2+, each annexin at 50 nM was added to large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) which were then burst in fura-2 solution with 0.2% Triton X-100, followed by examination of Ca2+ signals. Annexins I, II, V and VI were all shown to express, each to a different degree, Ca2+ activity toward phosphatidylserine/phosphatidyl- ethanolamine-LUV. Ca2+ signal intensity increased dependent on annexin concentration, and the Ca2+ transport activity of annexin V and VI was higher than that of annexin I and II. However, none of annexin I, II, V and VI expressed Ca2+ transport activity in LUV produced using phosphatidylcholine. Ca(2+)-incorporated LUV with no annexin showed signals whose intensity was proportional to Ca2+ concentration. The Ca2+ transport activity of the annexins could be effectively measured by the burst method. Ca2+ signal intensity would thus appear to be unique for each of the annexins and to be determined by the particular function and specificity of each of those considered in this study.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor at the human gastric ulcer margin and in cultured gastric fibroblasts: a new angiogenic factor for gastric ulcer healing

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in gastric ulcer repair. Several growth factors are involved in angiogenesis, and of these, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has received considerable attention, since it is the only factor that specifically acts on endothelial cells. However, the role of VEGF in gastric ulcer repair is not known. In the present study, we demonstrate the specific expression of VEGF at the gastric ulcer margin, using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The specific receptors of VEGF, flt-1 and KDR were also detected in gastric mucosa. We further demonstrate the expression of VEGF by cultured human gastric fibroblasts which is enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These data suggest that VEGF may play a role in angiogenesis in the process of gastric ulcer healing.

Measurement of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in tissues and plasma after thermal injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Cytokines are important modulators of physiologic alterations after thermal injury. Indeed, an increase in the level of circulating cytokines has been documented after thermal injury. However, the mechanism of the increase has not been clarified. We determined cytokine levels in local tissue after thermal injury to identify the tissues responsible for the increase.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 mice each received a 20% full-thickness burn injury. Blood, burned skin, unburned skin, muscle underlying the burn, and muscle of the thigh, liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node were sampled at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injury. Uninjured control mice were treated similarly. The samples were cultured, and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in the culture media were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

IL-6 levels in unburned skin were significantly increased at 1 hour and decreased at 24 hours, compared with the control. IL-6 levels in muscle underlying the burn were significantly decreased at 8 hours. No elevation of plasma IL-6 levels was observed after injury. Neither tumor necrosis factor-alpha IL-10 was detected in any tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that unburned skin may be a major source of IL-6 production after thermal injury and may contribute to the physiologic alterations occurring after such injury.

Studies on the mechanism for Cai-transients in sea urchin zygotes caused by refertilization and external application of sperm extract

Sea urchin zygotes can be refertilized when they are deprived of the fertilization membrane and the hyaline layer. We have earlier reported that a transient increase of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration (Cai-transient) is induced in zygotes refertilized by sperm or treated with a sperm extract (spex) (M. Osawa et al., 1994, Dev. Biol. 166, 268-276). We investigated quantitative characteristics of the Cai-transient induced by sperm and spex, using a Ca2+ indicator, Indo-1. When sperm or spex was applied to zygotes, the peak value of the Cai-transient was 1.16 or 0.69 microM, respectively. Although these values were lower than the peak value of 1.95 microM measured during normal fertilization, the entire time courses of the three types of Cai-transients were similar. The Cai-transients during fertilization is known to be caused both by the IP3-induced Ca2+ release (IICR) and by a mechanism independent of IICR. The Cai-transients during refertilization and fertilization were not inhibited by an IP3 receptor inhibitor, heparin or by a G-protein inhibitor, GDPbetaS. However, heparin delayed the time courses of both Cai-transients. These results suggest that there may be two signal transduction pathways operating during refertilization, one dependent and the other independent of IICR. By contrast, both heparin and GDPbetaS inhibited the spex-induced Cai-transient. The IP3 content in spex-treated zygotes increased, and the spex-induced Cai-transient occurred even in the absence of external Ca2+. Cai-transient was not observed when spex was injected into zygotes. These data suggest that spex induces IICR in zygotes by activating certain cell surface receptors coupled to G-proteins.

Low efficiency of oxygen utilization during exercise in hyperthyroidism

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The mechanism of exercise intolerance in hyperthyroidism has not been fully elucidated. This study was undertaken to determine if hyperthyroidism reduced the efficiency of sub-maximal exercise.

STUDY DESIGN

We measured cardiorespiratory variables up to the anaerobic threshold (AT) during ramp-loading cycle ergometry in 12 patients (New York Heart Association functional class II or III). Studies were performed in the hyperthyroid state and repeated in the euthyroid state after 10 months of medical treatment. In 10-W steps from rest to the AT, we measured oxygen uptake (VO2) as a measure of total body work rate, and pressure rate product (PRP) as a measure of cardiac work rate. Loading watts at AT divided by the increment of Vo2 from rest to the AT (delta Watt/delta VO2) was calculated as an index of work efficiency (where delta means the increment of each value from rest to the AT).

RESULTS

VO2 and PRP at the AT were not significantly different between hyperthyroid and euthyroid states (VO2, 16.6 +/- 3.0 vs 17.5 +/- 2.3 mL/min/kg; PRP, 229 +/- 41 vs 218 +/- 28 x 10(2) mm Hg/min). However, loading watts at the AT were significantly lower in the hyperthyroid than the euthyroid state (28 +/- 22 vs 60 +/- 14 W: p < 0.01). VO2 and PRP while hyperthyroid were significantly higher than when euthyroid at every 10-W step during ramp-loading exercise. Furthermore, delta Watt/delta VO2 was significantly lower in hyperthyroid than euthyroid states (p < 0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation-ship between triiodothyronine and delta Watt/delta Vo2 (r = -0.654, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hyperthyroidism causes low work efficiency, which may limit exercise tolerance.

Efrapeptins block exocytic but not endocytic trafficking of proteins

During the course of screening studies to identify inhibitors of intracellular protein trafficking, we isolated efrapeptins as active principles. These compounds arrested syncytium formation (SF) and cytopathic effect (CPE) in Newcastle disease virus (NDV)- and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-infected BHK cells, respectively, without profoundly affecting glycoprotein synthesis. Efrapeptins blocked cell surface expression of NDV-HN and VSV-G glycoproteins, but did not suppress intoxication by ricin or diphtheria toxin even after prolonged pretreatment. Efrapeptins are inhibitors of F-ATPase, or ATP synthase, but their inhibitory effect on SF and CPE was independent of the amount of intracellular ATP.

[Early steroid withdrawal after kidney transplantation]

BACKGROUND

The side effects of steroid are serious problems in renal transplant patients. However, withdrawal of steroid has been controversial. We evaluated the benefits and risk of early steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The outcomes of early steroid withdrawal from triple immunosuppressive drug therapy were analyzed in four living related and one cadaveric renal transplant recipients. The dosage of steroid was gradually reduced and the time of steroid withdrawal after transplantation was 5 to 7.5 months.

RESULTS

Four Patients have been able to be free from steroid and maintained stable graft functions and normal urinary findings for 14 to 33 months after withdrawal. The findings of rejection were not observed in the graft specimens obtained by serial biopsies. One patient who received a living related graft developed an increase in serum creatinine level and proteinuria two weeks after discontinuation of steroid. The serum creatinine level returned to that before withdrawal and proteinuria disappeared by steroid readministration. Long term side effects of steroid were not observed in 4 patients with successful steroid withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that steroid withdrawal about 6 months after transplantation can be accomplished without jeopardizing graft function in selected renal transplant recipient and the withdrawal in the early stage is preferred for reducing the side effects. Careful and long-term follow up are required to assess the further risk and benefit of steroid withdrawal on immunosuppressive morbidity.