Vanadate, molybdate and tungstate for orthomolecular medicine

Recent studies indicate that oxyanions, such as vanadate (V) or vanadyl (IV), cause insulin-like effects on rats by stimulating the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. Tungstate (VI) and molybdate (VI) show the same effects on rat adipocytes and hepatocytes. Results of uncontrolled trials on volunteers accumulated in Japan also suggest that tungstate effectively regulates diabetes mellitus without detectable side effects. Since these oxyanions naturally exist in organisms, oxyanion therapy, the oral administration of vanadate, vanadyl, molybdate, or tungstate, can be considered to be orthomolecular medicine. Therefore, these oxyanions may provide a viable alternative to chemotherapy. Many diseases in addition to diabetes mellitus might also be treated since the implication of these results is that tyrosine kinases are involved in a variety of diseases.

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the H2O2-forming NADH oxidase from Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans induces both H2O2-forming and H2O-forming NADH oxidases in the presence of O2 [M. Higuchi, J. Gen. Microbiol., 130, 1819-1826 (1984)]. In this paper, a nox-1 gene encoding H2O2-forming NADH oxidase (NOX-1) from Streptococcus mutans was cloned, and the nucleotides sequenced. The structural gene of nox-1 consisted of 1530 base pairs, which encode a polypeptide consisting of 510 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 55,196 Da. The deduced N-terminal amino acid sequence was consistent with that previously found for the purified NOX-1 protein. The nox-1 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli using its own promoter. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of NOX-1 with those of NADH oxidases from other microorganisms showed identities of 55.6%, 20.8%, 20.3%, and 7.3% for those of Amphibacillus xylanus Ep01, Streptococcus faecalis 10C1, Thermoanaerobium brockii Rt8.G4, and Thermus thermophilus HB8, respectively.

Cadmium-induced osteomalacic and osteopetrotic lesions in ovariectomized rats

The effects of long-term administration of cadmium (Cd) chloride on the bone were studied using ovariectomized rats. The rats were injected iv with the compound at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, 5 days a week, for 13 weeks. The serum concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphorus were significantly increased from 8 weeks in the 2.0 mg/kg group. The bone Cd content was gradually increased for 13 weeks in a dose-dependent manner. Calcium and phosphorus contents in the bone, and serum levels of parathyroid hormone and osteocalcin, were not significantly different between Cd-treated and control rats. Histopathologically, chronic Cd nephropathy such as tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis was observed with clinical polyuria and increased enzymuria. The skeletal changes were detected mainly in the femur and tibia. In the metaphysis of Cd-treated rats, cancellous bone mass increased with time. This change was detected as an increased opacity by a roentgenogram. In the cortical bone of the midshaft haversian canals were dilated with clearly bordered osteoid seams and showed a motheaten pattern in rats in the 2.0 mg/kg group at 13 weeks. In the present study, we report Cd nephropathy and osteomalacic changes in ovariectomized rats with iv injection of CdCl2 for 13 weeks. Although an involvement of the indirect action of Cd through renal failure could not be ruled out in this experiment, our biochemical and pathological data suggested that osteomalacia was induced by a direct action of Cd on the bone through abnormal calcium homeostasis.

[Pharmacokinetics of isosorbide dinitrate studied by the extrapolation model]

To make a pharmacokinetic model of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), we infused ISDN at 1, 10 or 30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 into anesthetized rabbits and measured concentrations of ISDN and its metabolites (2-ISMN and 5-ISMN) in plasma, urine and bile. We found the concentration gradient of ISDN between arteries and veins and between the ascending aorta and femoral artery. These concentration gradients may occur due to metabolism and accumulation of ISDN in many organs and tissues, let alone the vascular endothelium. There was no significant difference in plasma concentrations of ISDN or its metabolites between the hepatic vein and femoral vein. It seems that ISDN is metabolized in various organs and tissues. By ISDN infusion of more than 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, the plasma concentration of ISDN showed a pronounced increase. It appears that there is metabolic saturation of ISDN. Using these informations, we extrapolated the model to human and the estimated values were compared with observed values to determine the validity of the extrapolation model. There was no remarkable differences between the estimated values and observed values. This suggests the validity of the model. The plasma concentrations of ISDN, estimated by this extrapolated model, showed a linear increase (Y = 30X) with the flow rate range of 0.2-5.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, when the metabolic rate was normal. With ISDN infusion of more than 5.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, the plasma concentrations of ISDN showed a pronounced increase. In the conditions of impaired metabolism, the plasma concentrations of ISDN increase exponentially.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A study of the biological pharmacology of IFO, a new selective and reversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor

3-[4-[3-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)propoxy]phenyl]-5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4- oxadiazole (IFO), designed to be a novel selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), showed highly selective inhibition for type-B (MAO-B); its IC50 was approximately > 200 microM and 30 nM for type-A (MAO-A) and MAO-B, respectively, in the standard assay using mitochondrial preparations from rat brain or liver. The in vitro MAO-B inhibition by IFO was time-independent, non-competitive and tight-binding; and furthermore, in the presence of sodium cholate its inhibition was not tight-binding and was reversible. Oral administration of IFO (0.5-100 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent MAO-B inhibition in mouse brain; its ED50 (p.o., 1 hr) was 1.6 mg/kg, while L-deprenyl inhibited the enzyme with the ED50 of approximately 8.0 mg/kg. The ED50 for MAO-A was > 100 mg/kg for either IFO and L-deprenyl. The MAO inhibitive effect of IFO in mouse liver was the same as that in the brain, but that of L-deprenyl in mouse liver was different from that in the brain as shown by the ED50 values of 35 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg for MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively. In mice, IFO increased the striatal concentrations of 2-phenylethylamine (2-PEA) and showed almost the same protective efficacy as L-deprenyl against the lethality and striatal dopamine (DA) depletion induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). These results indicate that IFO appears to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-B in mouse brain.

Involvement of the BCL3 gene in two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The t(14;19)(q32;q13) is a recurring translocation found in some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and the t(14;19) juxtaposes the BCL3 gene on chromosome 19 with the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) locus on chromosome 14. Genomic DNAs from 49 patients with chronic B-cell leukemia and the related lymphomas were examined by Southern blot hybridization using 2 separate probes, named p alpha 1.4P and p alpha .5B, from the BCL3 gene locus. None of the 18 patients with leukemic manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas had detectable BCL3 rearrangements. Of 31 patients with CLL, 2 had the BCL3 rearrangements. A comigration study using the C alpha and C epsilon constant gene probe from IGH indicated that the t(14;19) translocation occurred in these 2 patients, and they were diagnosed with CLL/prolymphocytic (PL) according to the French-American-British (FAB) classification. Probes for the IGH locus revealed that leukemia cells of the 2 patients each were clonal, indicating that both small lymphocytes and prolymphocytoid cells found in the peripheral blood of one patient had the t(14;19), as well as a major population of the small lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of a second patient. It thus appears that tumor cells carrying the t(14;19) constitute a distinct disease entity in a group of chronic B-cell leukemia, that has a converting potential to more aggressive forms.

Synthesis and biological activities of the optical isomers of (+/-)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy-N-[[4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2- morpholinyl]methyl]benzamide (mosapride)

The enantiomers, (S)-(-)-1 and (R)-(+)-1, of (+/-)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy- N-[[4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2-morpholinyl]methyl]benzamide (mosapride) [(+/-)-1], a new and selective gastroprokinetic agent, were prepared from optically active [4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2-morpholinyl]methylamines (S)-(-)-4 and (R)-(+)-4, respectively. The requisite (S)-(-)-4 and (R)-(+)-4 were prepared by optical resolution of [4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2-morpholinyl]methyl p-toluenesulfonate [(+/-)-5] using (-)- and (+)-N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)glutamic acids, followed by amination of the tosyloxy groups of (R)-(-)-5 and (S)-(+)-5, respectively. The absolute configurations of (R)-(-)-5 and (S)-(+)-5 were determined on the basis of an asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(-)-5 from (S)-(+)-benzyl glycidyl ether [(S)-(+)-11]. Mosapride and its enantiomers, (S)-(-)-1 and (R)-(+)-1, were essentially equipotent in serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonistic activity on the electrically evoked contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum.

Acute ischemia of the lower legs from blunt abdominal trauma: an unusual cause of atheroembolism--case report

A 79-year-old man sustained blunt abdominal trauma in an automobile crash, resulting in intra-abdominal bleeding and acute ischemia of the lower extremities. Angiography demonstrated occlusion of the popliteal arteries bilaterally. He died of multiple organ failure despite immediate surgical intervention. Pathologic examination revealed diffuse atheroembolism of the lower legs.

[Validity of the values of maximal oxygen intake for women recommended in the 'Quantity of exercise for developing health' by Ministry of Health and Welfare]

The purpose of this study was to examine the value of maximal oxygen intake per kilogram body weight (VO2max/wt) recommended for women between 20 and 29 years of age by the Ministry of Public Welfare. The subjects were 199 female college students, who were not in the habit of drinking and smoking. Results obtained were as follows: After controlling the effects of age and percent body fat (%fat), VO2max/wt showed a significant correlations with %fat, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. The values of VO2max/wt corresponding to borderline values of these CHD risk factors ranged from 27.6 to 29.5ml/kg.min. The highest value of VO2max/wt was very close to the value recommended for women older than 60 years of age by the Ministry of Public Welfare. The subjects were then divided into 4 groups; at above and below the value of VO2max/wt (35ml/kg.min) recommended for women between 20 and 29 years of age, and at above and below the value of VO2max/wt (31ml/kg.min) recommended for women older than 60 years of age by the Ministry of Public Welfare. There were no significant differences among 4 groups in occurrence of abnormal values in CHD risk factors. The results of this study support the validity of the value of VO2max/wt (31ml/kg.min) recommended for women older than 60 years of age by the Ministry of Public Welfare. However, it seems that it is not necessary to recommend the value of VO2max/wt (35ml/kg.min) for women between 20 and 29 years of age, who were not in the habit of drinking and smoking.

[Nonspecific anaphylactoid reaction in low IgE patients]

We reported two cases of anaphylactoid reaction caused by ranitidine and alprostadil. We suggest that these anaphylactoid reactions are nonspecific reactions which are observed in low IgE patients, because plasma IgE was still low 6 weeks after allergic reaction and these drugs have not been given to them before and eosinophilic and basophilic cells showed no change at all. We have to consider that there is a high risk of allergic reaction during general anesthesia, because many drugs are injected intravenously during general anesthesia.

Regulation of gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion by capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons in rats

We investigated the role of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons in regulation of gastroduodenal HCO3- secretion in anesthetized rats. The stomach (under acid inhibition by omeprazole 60 mg/kg i.p.) or the duodenum was perfused with saline (pH 4.5) and HCO3- output was determined by pH change in the perfusate. Both the duodenum and stomach responded to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 300 micrograms/kg i.v.) or luminal acid by a significant increase in pH and HCO3- output. These tissues also responded to luminal application of capsaicin (0.3-6 mg/ml for 30 min), resulting in a significant increase of pH and HCO3- output in a concentration-related manner. The HCO3- stimulatory action of capsaicin was markedly attenuated by functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons, significantly mitigated by indomethacin, and exhibited tachyphylaxis after repeated application at a high concentration. The acid-induced pH and HCO3- responses were also significantly mitigated by sensory deafferentation and by indomethacin, whereas those induced by PGE2 remained unaffected. In addition, defunctionalization of these sensory nerves resulted in macroscopically visible damage in the duodenum when acid secretion was concomitantly stimulated by histamine. We conclude that capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons may be involved in the regulatory mechanism of gastroduodenal HCO3- secretion and contribute to protection of the mucosa against acid. Endogenous PGs may be involved in the HCO3- stimulatory action mediated by capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons.

Dual appearances of pigment cells from in vitro cultured embryonic cells of Japanese flounder: an implication for a differentiation-associated clock

The cells dissociated from developing embryos of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) are cultured in vitro to examine the developmental fate of their pigment cells in relation to establishment of bilaterally asymmetric integumental coloration in vivo. When neurula embryos are dissociated using trypsin-EDTA in Dulbecco's modified Ca(2+)-, Mg(2+)-free phosphate buffered saline and then cultured in vitro using L-15-based fetal calf serum-supplemented growth medium at 20 degrees C, numerous pigment cells appear twice in the same culture with an interval of approximately 1 month even under similar culture conditions. The first group of pigment cells, which is relatively larger in cell size (about 70 microns wide) and lower in cell density, emerges within 12 hr after plating, whereas the second, which is far smaller in cell size (about 30 microns) and overwhelmingly higher in cell density than the first, does so about 1 month after plating. The timing of their appearances in vitro is in good accordance, respectively, with that observed for the larvae under normal development in vivo; the first group appears at the period corresponding to hatching, whereas the second at the period corresponding to the completion of metamorphosis. Light microscopic examinations disclose that each group of pigment cells is composed of black melanophores and reflecting leucophores, and that the population density of melanophores and leucophores in the first group at the climax of appearance is approximated as 1:4. Typical xanthophores that are distributed in the skin of the larvae of this species are scarcely observed in culture in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Postoperative disturbance of consciousness due to tumor emboli of the orifice of pulmonary artery]

We reported a case of an abrupt hypotension and hypoxemia which lasted more than 60 min due to emboli of tumor at the orifice of the pulmonary artery during operation. Although the emboli were removed under the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and later the patient regained good respiratory and hemodynamic conditions, he had a disturbance of consciousness after the operation. We began oxygen hyperbaric therapy (OHP) from the 6th postoperative day under spontaneous ventilation. His consciousness improved quickly after the beginning of OHP. We conclude that OHP and CPB might be useful to treat the postoperative disturbance of consciousness due to hypotension and hypoxemia during operation.

Speculations on the roles of ADP-ribosyl transferase based on analogies between RecA and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase

A model for eukaryotic DNA damage repair is proposed in which poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(NAD+ ADP-ribosyl transferase, EC 2,4,2,30) plays an important role. In this model, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase regulates transcription of genes that are induced by DNA-damaging agents. This transcriptional regulation results from poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and inactivation of DNA sequence-specific regulatory proteins such as silencer element-binding proteins, thereby inducing transcription of DNA polymerase beta, which is a DNA repair enzyme in higher eukaryotes. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase has a number of similarities to RecA in Escherichia coli. Therefore, the genes related to DNA damage repair in higher eukaryotes are proposed to form a "poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase regulatory network" similar to the "SOS regulatory network" in E. coli.

[Effects of DbcAMP on tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 production in human monocytes]

Recent reports have shown that dibutyryl cAMP (DbcAMP) blocks endotoxin-induced lung injury. To determine whether DbcAMP suppresses the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in human monocytes, we measured the levels of TNF and IL-1 in response to E. Coli lipopolysaccharide (40 micrograms.ml-1) in vitro. We now show that DbcAMP suppressed dose-dependently the production of TNF in human monocytes, and DbcAMP totally suppressed it at the dose above 5 x 10(-4) M. However, DbcAMP did not suppress the production of IL-1 even at the dose of 5 x 10(-3) M in human monocytes. These data suggest that the productive mechanism of IL-1 may be different from that of TNF. Further, suppression of TNF by DbcAMP may contribute to the beneficial effects in animal models of septic shock or lung injury and this may have clinical implications.

Acute toxicity of cadmium in rats with or without cadmium pretreatment

The acute toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in male rats was examined with or without Cd pretreatment. Firstly, the metallothionein (MT) contents in the liver and kidney after Cd exposure (2.0 mg/kg, i.v.) were determined. The MT contents in the liver increased immediately to a peak (36.0 +/- 5.5 n mol/g wet tissue) 2 days after Cd exposure and were 55-fold higher than that at 0 day (0.64 +/- 0.25 n mol/g wet tissue). On the other hand, the MT contents in the kidney increased slightly but steadily for 14 days after Cd exposure. In the study for comparison of Cd-induced toxicity, the LD50 value of the Cd-pretreatment group (Group II) was approximately 2-fold higher than that of the non-pretreatment group (Group I). In microscopic findings, differences between rats in Group I and Group II were recognized in the kidney. Cytoplasmic vacuolation of the proximal tubular epithelium in the kidney was observed in Group I, while degeneration or coagulative necrosis in the proximal tubular epithelium was observed in some rats in Group II in addition to the cytoplasmic vacuolation. Because the toxic changes other than in the kidney in Group II were almost equal to or less than that in Group I, in spite of the doubled dosage of Cd, the toxic effects of Cd, except on the kidneys, were considered to be reduced by the pretreatment with Cd.

[Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with calcium antagonist for liver metastases]

We noticed inactivation of calcium antagonists in liver and investigated treatment with combined intraarterial chemotherapy. Both verapamil (VER) and adriamycin were infused into the hepatic artery of patients with liver metastases. The serum concentration of VER in the hepatic vein was 0.325 +/- 0.203 g/ml at maximum in 11 cases receiving bolus infusion. Blood pressures, heart rates and electrocardiograms were stable. The concentration in the peripheral vein was lower (0.089 +/- 0.027 g/ml) in 4 cases receiving 3-hour continuous infusion. Five patients received more than 10 infusions, and a partial response was observed in 2 cases. A more appropriate dose and the corresponding prognosis should be studied in the future.

[Anesthetic management for cesarean section and clipping of aneurysm in a pregnant woman with ruptured cerebral aneurysm]

We report an anesthetic management for Cesarean section and clipping of aneurysm in a pregnant woman with a subarachnoidal hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental, vecuronium and sevoflurane, and maintained with sevoflurane (0.5-1%) before the delivery. Apgar score at 1 min was 1, but after 30 min her activity became almost normal. After the delivery, anesthesia was maintained with fentanyl for clipping surgery, because sevoflurane may inhibit uterine contraction and increase bleeding from the uterus after the delivery. We also infused prostaglandin E1 continuously at a rate of 50-70 ng.kg-1.min-1 to control arterial blood pressure and to maintain good contraction of the uterus during clipping surgery. We conclude that prostaglandin E1 is useful as a vasodilator after delivery because prostaglandin E1 contracts the uterus.

Ovariectomy enhances cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats

The toxicity of cadmium (Cd) chloride was studied in ovariectomized (OX) female rats and non-OX female rats after intravenous administration of the compound at doses of 2.0 and 3.0 mg/kg for 14 days. Mild hypochromic microcytic anemia developed in all rats treated with Cd, but growth retardation in the OX rats was more prominent than that in the non-OX rats. There was an increase of AST and ALT and a decrease of total cholesterol and the A/G ratio in both OX and non-OX rats treated with Cd. The hepatic and renal Cd concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the concentrations in both organs on Day 14 were comparable in the 3.0 mg/kg OX group (liver, 270.0 +/- 39.6 micrograms/g; kidney, 121.3 +/- 10.1 micrograms/g) and non-OX group (liver, 277.0 +/- 29.9 micrograms/g; kidney, 100.8 +/- 1.3 micrograms/g). Hepatocyte necrosis developed only in OX rats treated with Cd, and the nephrotoxicity of Cd was also notably enhanced by ovariectomy, since Cd nephropathy affected the proximal convoluted epithelium more severely and more frequently in OX rats than in non-OX rats. BrdU-labeled cells in the renal cortex were increased by approximately 2.7-fold in OX rat (7.4 cells/mm2) over those in the renal cortex in non-OX rat (2.7 cells/mm2). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that ovariectomy enhanced Cd-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats.

Source analysis of scalp-recorded movement-related electrical potentials

We used brain electric source analysis to study the sources generating the movement-related cortical potentials during the interval from 200 msec before to 200 msec after the movement onset. Dipole solutions were obtained for the peak of the negative slope (pNS') and the frontal peak of the motor potential (fpMP) on scalp-recorded movement-related electrical potentials elicited by self-paced, repetitive unilateral finger movements in 10 normal volunteers. Two sources in homologous areas on each side of a spherical head model provided a satisfactory solution for the activity occurring at the instant of the pNS' in all subjects. The fpMP was modeled by a contralateral source and a midline source in 6 subjects and by a single contralateral source in the remaining 4 subjects. The percentage of the residual variance, or goodness-of-fit, over the interval from -200 to 200 msec, using the derived at pNS' and fpMP, was low. The results support the hypothesis that the NS' originates from the activity of bilateral generators in the sensorimotor cortex, and the motor potential arises from the combined activity of sources in the contralateral postcentral regions and the supplementary motor area.

Deficiency of the gene B impairs differentiation of melanophores in the medaka fish, Oryzias latipes: fine structure studies

In an orange-colored variant of the medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, which is homozygous for b allele, the melanophores represent a tissue-specific differentiation, manifesting an amelanotic appearance in the skin, an incomplete melanogenesis in the choroid and the peritoneum, and mosaic phenotype-like melano-iridophores in the peritoneum. In a wild-type strain of this species carrying the B gene, all melanophores are terminally differentiated irrespective of the tissues in which they are located. This indicates that the deficiency of B gene impairs the differentiation of melanophores in the medaka. Electron microscopy disclosed that the deficiency of B gene causes deterioration of melanogenesis to occur inside the melanosomes and that the manner of deterioration in the melanophores in the skin, the choroid and the peritoneum is different. The ubiquitous occurrence of reflecting platelet-laden melanophores in the peritoneum of this variant and the total absence of a mosaicism in pigment cells of the wild-type strain indicate that the deficiency of B gene predestines melanoblasts distributed in this tissue to an ambiguous state with regard to their differentiation. Little difference is observed between melanosomes maturation in pigment epithelial cells of the orange-colored variant and the wild-type strain, indicating an innocent role of the B gene in their differentiation.

Appearance of tumorous phenotypes in goldfish erythrophores transfected with ras, src, and myc oncogenes and spontaneous differentiation of the transformants in vitro

When goldfish erythrophores isolated from the skin by tissue digestion and centrifugation in a Percoll density gradient were transfected in a monolayer-culture with v-Ha-ras or v-src oncogene either singly or in combination with v-myc by means of calcium phosphate-DNA co-precipitation, there appeared a certain number of transformants manifesting a chromatoblast-like profile and tumorous phenotypes as seen in the capability for unlimited growth, and piling-up in a monolayer-culture or colony formation in semi-solid soft agar. After successive growth in vitro for longer than one month which was scarcely observed with the erythrophores, the vast majority of such transformants began to differentiate into erythrophores and ceased proliferation spontaneously. The onset of their differentiation was ascertained by the deposition of marker pteridine pigments. None of the transformants differentiated into melanophores or iridophores or other neural crest derivatives as seen in goldfish erythrophoroma cells. Little difference was observed in their transforming efficiency (0.2-0.3 transformants/micrograms DNA) between the combinations of oncogenes applied but a tendency was noted that cells transfected with ras or src in combination with myc developed the capacity to grow for a longer period and differentiated at a later stage than those transfected solely with ras or src. One cell line (ESM-1) derived from the erythrophores transfected with src/myc grew successively over nine months, indicating its acquisition of immortality. The expression of the transfected oncogenes in this cell line was examined in comparison with the erythrophoroma cells by Western and Northern blot analyses.

Expression and transmission of wild-type pigmentation in the skin of transgenic orange-colored variants of medaka (Oryzias latipes) bearing the gene for mouse tyrosinase

Transgenic fish carrying a reconstructed mouse tyrosinase gene, mg-Tyrs-J, were produced by microinjecting the gene into the oocyte nucleus of an orange-colored variant of medaka (Oryzias latipes). Of 64 oocytes microinjected and subsequently inseminated, 13 embryos developed normally beyond hatching and three of them exhibited brown skin pigmentation in the adult as was commonly observed in the wild type of this species. Light and electron microscopic examination disclosed a ubiquitous distribution of typical melanophores in the skin of these transgenic fish. Judging from their population density and distribution pattern, it was presumed that melanogenesis in these fish was elicited in amelanotic melanophores that resided in the skin of the orange-colored fish of this variant. Immunofluorescence with use of the anti-mouse tyrosinase antiserum lacking reactivity to medaka tyrosinase clearly disclosed that the gene introduced was expressed in the melanophores of transgenic fish. Crosses of female transgenic fish and males from an orange-colored variant yielded offspring exhibiting wild-type or orange-colored pigmentation in a ratio of 1:1, thus implying that mg-Tyrs-J integrated into the medaka genome behaves like a dominant gene. Little melanogenesis was observed in xanthophores, leucophores and iridophores in transgenic fish, suggesting possible specificity in recognition of teleostean cell types (i.e., melanophores) by the regulatory region of the mouse tyrosinase gene.

Induction of gastric lesions by 2-deoxy-D-glucose in rats following chemical ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons

Effects of chemical ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves on functional and mucosal ulcerogenic responses to 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) were investigated in the rat stomach, in comparison with those of indomethacin, a prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis inhibitor. Intravenous injection of 2DG (200 mg/kg) followed by infusion of this agent (100 mg/kg/hr, i.v.) significantly increased gastric acid secretion and motility, but rarely induced macroscopic damage in the gastric mucosa of normal conscious rats. Chemical ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves or pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) did not significantly affect the acid secretory and motility responses to 2DG, but induced severe hemorrhagic lesions in the stomach within 4 hr. Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) determined by laser Doppler flowmetry under anesthetized conditions did not consistently change during 2DG treatment in any of these three groups, but the rise in GMBF in response to mucosal acidification (0.2 N HCl) was significantly inhibited in the animals pretreated with indomethacin or following chemical deafferentation. We conclude that functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons, similar to the PG deficiency, increases the gastric mucosal vulnerability during 2DG infusion (acid hypersecretion and hypermotility due to vagal excitation), resulting in hemorrhagic lesions, and that the mechanism may be accounted for at least partly by the impairment of gastric mucosal blood flow response to mucosal acidification.

Role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in mucosal blood flow response of rat stomach induced by mild irritants

The role of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) responses to mild irritants was investigated in the rat stomach mounted on a lucite chamber using hypertonic NaCl and 0.2 N HCl. Exposure of the mucosa to hypertonic NaCl (0.5, 0.75, 1 M) for 10 min caused a reduction in the transmucosal potential difference (PD) in a concentration-related manner, followed by an increase of luminal pH and GMBF. In contrast, mucosal application of 0.2 N HCl caused no or little change in PD and pH, but increased GMBF significantly. Functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves significantly inhibited the increase of GMBF after exposure to these irritants, although the PD and pH responses induced by 1 M NaCl remained unaltered by this treatment. Pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, subcutaneously) significantly attenuated the GMBF responses to 1 M NaCl and 0.2 N HCl and inhibited the increase of pH caused by 1 M NaCl. Mucosal application of capsaicin (0.1 mg/ml for 10 min) produced an increase of GMBF without being accompanied by change in PD and pH, and this effect was significantly blocked by either indomethacin or chemical deafferentation. These results suggest that capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves as well as endogenous prostaglandins may be involved in the mechanism of GMBF responses induced by mild irritants, and the latter might sensitize these nerves to mucosal irritation. PD reduction may be obligatory for pH but not GMBF responses.

[A clinical trial of arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with calcium antagonist for liver metastases]

Calcium antagonists enhance the effect of some anticancer agents, but only limited administration is feasible because of their cardiovascular action. We noticed their inactivation in liver and investigated the possibility of combined intra-arterial chemotherapy. Both verapamil (0.5 mg/kg) and adriamycin were infused into hepatic artery in 8 patients with liver metastases. The serum concentration of verapamil in hepatic vein was 182 +/- 178 ng/ml at maximum. Blood pressures, heart rates and electrocardiograms were quite stable. Tumors became nearly necrotic after the therapy in three hepatectomized cases. A more appropriate dose, infusion method and prognosis should be studied in future.

Physiological abnormalities in hereditary hyperekplexia

Five patients from a kindred with hereditary hyperekplexia had physiological testing. The surface-recorded electromyographic pattern of audiogenic muscle jerks was identical to that of the normal acoustic startle reflex. Testing at graded stimulus intensities indicated an increase in the gain of the acoustic startle reflex. Nose-tap stimuli resulted in short-latency generalized electromyographic bursts that were similar to the R1 component of the blink reflex. Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves elicited a pattern of generalized muscle jerks that was similar to that of the acoustic startle reflex. Somatosensory evoked potentials, brainstem auditory evoked potentials, and cortical auditory evoked potentials were normal. The primary physiological abnormality in hereditary hyperekplexia is widespread elevated gain of vestigial withdrawal reflexes in the brainstem and possibly the spinal cord, most likely resulting from increased excitability of reticular neurons.

Novel benzamides as selective and potent gastrokinetic agents. IV. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2-substituted 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-5-chlorobenzamides

A new series of 2-substituted 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-5-chlorobenzamides (4-39) including a few 4-fluorobenzyl analogues were prepared and evaluated for their gastrokinetic activity by determining their effects on the gastric emptying activity of phenol red semisolid meal in rats. The C-2 substituent comprises alkoxy and variously substituted alkoxy groups. Among the derivatives, 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-2-(n-butoxy)-5-chlorobenza mide (5), its 4-fluorobenzyl (6), and 3-methyl-2-butenyloxy analogues (22) were superior to cisapride and essentially equipotent to the 2-ethoxy analogue (1b, AS-4370 as its citrate) in gastrokinetic activity. These compounds, like AS-4370, had no dopamine D2 receptor antagonistic activity.

Stimulation by capsaicin of gastric alkaline secretion in anesthetized rats

Effects of mucosal application of capsaicin on alkaline secretion were examined in the stomachs of anesthetized rats and compared with those in the duodenum. The stomach (acid secretion was inhibited by omeprazole given i.p.) or the duodenum was perfused with saline (pH 4.5); both the pH of the perfusate and transmucosal potential difference (PD) were continuously monitored; and the HCO3- output was determined by the pH change. Under these conditions, the mucosal application of capsaicin (0.3-6 mg/ml for 30 min) caused significantly increased pH and HCO3- output in a concentration-related manner in both tissues, while PD increased in the duodenum and decreased in the stomach. The HCO3- stimulatory action of capsaicin was markedly attenuated by sensory deafferentation, significantly mitigated by prior administration of indomethacin, and exhibited a marked tachyphylaxis after the repeated exposure at a high concentration (6 mg/ml). None of these treatments had any effect on the pH, PD and HCO3- responses induced by prostaglandin E2 (300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) in these tissues. These results indicate that mucosal application of capsaicin increased the gastroduodenal HCO3- output by stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons. This action may be in part mediated by endogenous prostaglandins.

Role of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves in acid-induced bicarbonate secretion in rat stomach

The effect of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves on the alkaline secretory response induced by mucosal acidification was investigated in the ex vivo stomachs of anesthetized rats. The stomach was mounted on a Lucite chamber and perfused with saline (pH 4.5) in the absence of acid secretion (omeprazole pretreatment: 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and luminal pH and transmucosal potential difference (PD) were monitored simultaneously. Under these conditions the gastric mucosa responded to intravenous injection of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2: 300 micrograms/kg) and mucosal acidification (0.2 N HCl for 10 min) by a significant increase of pH with a slight decrease of PD; the HCO3- output was 9.2 +/- 0.7 mumol and 8.4 +/- 0.8 mumol, respectively. The increased pH and HCO3- responses were significantly inhibited by prior administration of indomethacin (5 mg/kg, subcutaneously) or chemical deafferentation following capsaicin injections (total dose: 100 mg/kg, subcutaneously), whereas those induced by PGE2 remained unchanged after either treatment. On the other hand, the mucosal application of capsaicin (0.3-6 mg/ml) increased the luminal pH and HCO3- output in a concentration-related manner, and this action was also significantly attenuated by either indomethacin or chemical deafferentation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons. These results suggest that capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves may be involved in the mechanism of acid-induced HCO3- secretion in the stomach, in addition to endogenous PGs, and these two pathways may interact somewhere in the stimulatory process.

Novel benzamides as selective and potent gastrokinetic agents. III. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy- and 2-ethoxy-N-[(4-substituted 2-morpholinyl)methyl]-benzamides

A series of 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy- and 2-ethoxy-N-[(4-substituted 2-morpholinyl)methyl]benzamides (11-64) were prepared and evaluated for gastrokinetic activity by determining their effects on the gastric emptying of phenol red semisolid meal in rats. The N-4 substituent includes alkyl, phenoxyalkyl, (4-fluorobenzoyl)alkyl, and heteroarylmethyl groups. The benzamide derivatives, having an isopropyl, isoamyl, neopentyl, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-propyl, or pyridylmethyl group at N-4, showed potent in vivo gastric emptying activity. In particular, 4-amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy-N-[[4-(3-pyridylmethyl)-2- morpholinyl]methyl]benzamide (57b) was equipotent to the 4-fluorobenzyl analogue 1b (AS-4370 as its citrate) in the gastrokinetic activity on phenol red semisolid meal in rats and mice, and on resin pellet solid meal in rats. Moreover, compound 57b was free from dopamine D2 receptor antagonistic activity in both in vitro ([3H]spiperone binding) and in vivo (apomorphine-induced emesis in dogs) tests. Structure-activity relationships of compounds with various substituents at N-4 are also discussed.

A novel class of enkephalinase inhibitors containing a C-terminal sulfo group

A new series of sulfonic acids were synthesized and tested for their enkephalinase inhibitory activity. Among them, the most potent was N-(2-benzyl-3-mercaptopropionyl)metanilic acid 10i with an IC50 value of 0.27 nM. Several other analogues (10a,b,j,n,o,gg,hh) showed the inhibitory activity comparable to or greater than thiorphan (IC50 = 2.6 nM), a C-terminal carboxyl-containing inhibitor of enkephalinase. Thus compounds containing a C-terminal sulfo group, instead of the C-terminal carboxyl group, were found to show a remarkably high level of inhibition of enkephalinase. The analgesic activity of 10b, (S)-10b, and (R)-10b was also evaluated by the phenylbenzoquinone writhing test.

[Activation of complement and serial changes of anaphylatoxin (C3a, C5a) in patients for open-heart surgery using a membrane oxygenator]

Activation of complement and serum changes in anaphylatoxin (C3a and C5a) were studied in 8 patients who underwent open-heart surgery using a membrane oxygenator. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-EI), C3, C5, CH50, C3a and C5a were measured serially at 7 points. C1-EI, C3, and C5 were measured by single radial immunodiffusion, CH50 by Mayer's method, and C3a and C5a by radioimmunoassay. Levels of C1-EI, C3 and C5 decreased significantly from 10 min after initiation to 120 min after the end of CPB compared with base line values. Degree of activation of complement increased in proportion to duration of CPB. Significant decreases of C3 and C5 continued until first postoperative day. Level of C3a increased significantly 10 min after initiation of CPB, and gradually increased till immediately after the end of CPB, when the level was maximum (4625 +/- 560 ng.ml-1) among 7 points. Level of C3a decreased gradually till 120 min after end of CPB. C5a was not detected during whole course. No patient showed respiratory distress of pulmonary edema. In conclusion, membrane oxygenator activated classical pathway of complement at 10 min after initiation of CPB. C3a increased significantly from 10 min after initiation of CPB to 120 min after end of CPB, but C5a was not detected at all during the whole course. The significant activation of complement continued till first postoperative day.

[Prostaglandin E1 infusion fails to inhibit the increase of serum granulocyte elastase and myeloperoxidase and the decrease of plasma angiotensin converting enzyme in patients undergoing open-heart surgery]

We studied whether prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) could inhibit the increase of serum granulocyte elastase (GEL) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the decrease of plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) induced by oxygenator in 19 patients undergoing open-heart surgery. The patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: one group (PGE1 group, n = 9) received a continuous infusion of PGE1 at a rate of 30 ng.kg-1.min-1 during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and the other group (control group, n = 10) received saline infusion. GEL, MPO and ACE were measured serially at 8 points: before induction of anesthesia (as baseline), immediately before initiation of CPB, 10 min after initiation, 60 min after initiation, immediately after the end of CPB, 60 min after CPB, 120 min after CPB, and on the first postoperative day. Serum levels of GEL and MPO during 120 min after the end of CPB in both groups increased significantly compared with the baseline values. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Plasma levels of ACE in both groups decreased significantly immediately after the end of CPB compared with values taken 10 min after the initiation of CPB. There was no significant difference between the groups. We conclude that the infusion of PGE1 30 ng.kg-1.min-1 failed to inhibit the increase of GEL as well as MPO, and the decrease of ACE.

Induction of duodenal ulcers in sensory deafferented rats following histamine infusion

We used capsaicin as a selective probe for sensory neuronal mechanisms and examined in rats whether defunctionalization of the sensory nerves caused duodenal ulcers in the presence of acid hypersecretion. Chemical deafferentation was performed by subcutaneous injection of capsaicin for 3 days (total dose: 100 mg/kg) 2 weeks before the experiment. This treatment did not cause by itself any damage in the duodenum. However, intravenous infusion of histamine (4, 8 and 16 mg/kg/h) in these animals caused hemorrhagic lesions in the proximal duodenum within 6 h in a dose-dependent manner with an incidence of 100%. Histamine alone in the control animals did not induce macroscopically visible lesions at lower doses and caused only slight damage at the highest dose (16 mg/kg/h), although acid secretion was stimulated to the maximal degree at 8 mg/kg/h. Ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons did not have any effect on acid secretion induced by histamine (8 mg/kg/h), but significantly inhibited the increase in duodenal HCO3- secretion in response to mucosal acidification. We conclude that functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves impairs duodenal HCO3- secretory response to acid and results in duodenal ulcers if acid hypersecretion is present. These sensory nerves may be important in the defense mechanism of the duodenum against luminal acid.

The predictive value of head ultrasound in the ECMO candidate

Cranial ultrasound (US) examination is the screening technique of choice for assessing preexisting neurological damage in potential neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) candidates. Currently, US evidence of intracranial hemorrhage greater than grade I in severity is a contraindication to ECMO at this ECMO center. In the current study, radiological findings were reviewed in 129 consecutive neonatal ECMO cases in an attempt to identify which pre-ECMO US findings were associated with the development of subsequent intracranial complications while on ECMO. Pre-ECMO head US, post-ECMO head US, and head computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed retrospectively by one radiology team. Ventricular, parenchymal, and extraaxial fluid abnormalities were recorded for each case. Pre-ECMO US findings were then correlated with the subsequent development of significant intracranial radiological abnormalities noted on post-ECMO studies as well as with clinical data regarding ECMO course and outcome. Results showed that infants with evidence of severe edema or periventricular leukomalacia on pre-ECMO imaging had a 63% incidence of subsequent major intracranial complications. This represents a significantly higher risk than in candidates with a normal examination or evidence of grade I intracranial hemorrhage, subependymal cysts, or mild edema. These results suggest that infants with sonographic evidence of ischemic or anoxic damage on pre-ECMO US are at high risk for the development of significant intracranial complications if ECMO therapy is instituted.

[Effects of ulinastatin on granulocyte elastase and fibronectin in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass]

We investigated the effects of ulinastatin on the increase of granulocyte elastase (GEL) and the decrease of fibronectin (FN) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in 30 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Ulinastatin 300,000 units were given immediately after the induction of anesthesia (U1) or during CPB (U2). GEL increased by 20 times after CPB. GEL was lower in U2 than those in other groups. FN increased by 7-13% after CPB in U1 but decreased in other groups. FN decreased by 21-13% on the first postoperative day in three groups. There was a close relationship between CPB time and increase of GEL in the control group (no ulinastatin given) (y = 18.5 x -833, r = 0.751), between CPB time and increase of FN in U1 (y = 1.4 x -163.4, r = 0.683) or increases of GEL and FN in the control group (y = 0.068 x -202.6, r = 0.812). From these results, we recommend that ulinastatin should be given after the induction of anesthesia and during CPB, to keep a favorable host defense function after CPB.

Characterization of gastric mucosal blood flow response induced by intragastric capsaicin in rats

Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was measured in the ex vivo stomachs of anesthetized rats simultaneously with mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), luminal pH and transmucosal potential difference (PD) in an attempt to characterize these responses induced by capsaicin. The stomach was mounted on a Lucite chamber, perfused with saline at the flow rate of 1 ml/min, and GMBF was measured by Laser flowmetry. Under these conditions, the pH, PD and GMBF were 3.5 to 4.0, -30 to -35 mV and 8-12 ml/min/100 g, respectively. Mucosal application of capsaicin (0.03 - 1 mg/ml for 10 min) increased GMBF in a concentration-dependent manner, without any change in PD, pH and MBP. The increased GMBF response caused by capsaicin was abolished by chemical deafferentation following systemic capsaicin injections (total dose: 100 mg/kg), significantly attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) or ruthenium red (300 micrograms/kg, i.v.), but was not affected by spantide (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.), atropine (300 micrograms/kg, i.p.) or disodium cromoglycate (30 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, when the mucosa was exposed to capsaicin repeatedly, this response showed a marked tachyphylaxis at a high concentration (6 mg/ml). These results suggest that intragastric capsaicin increased GMBF selectively through capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons, and this action may involve endogenous prostaglandins.

Synthesis and biological activity of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]- 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives, potential agents for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders

A series of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e] oxepins and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their protective activities against complete ischemia, normobaric hypoxia, lipidperoxidation and convulsion. Structure-activity relationship studies of this series led to the finding of (E)-1-(3-fluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-11-yl)-4-(3- phenyl-2-propenyl)piperazine dimaleate (50), AJ-3941 with the most appropriate property for combined pharmacological activities. Compound 50 also shows an inhibitory effect against cerebral edema as well when orally given to rats.

Role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in alkaline secretory response to luminal acid in the rat duodenum

The role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in acid-induced HCO3- secretion was investigated in the duodenum of anesthetized rats. The proximal duodenum was perfused with saline (pH 4.5), the pH of perfusate and the transmucosal potential differences were continuously monitored, and HCO3- output was determined by pH change. Under these conditions, duodenal pH, potential difference, and HCO3- output were significantly increased in response to IV injection of prostaglandin E2 (300 micrograms/kg) and luminal acidification (10 mmol/L HCl, 10 minutes). These responses induced by luminal acid were significantly attenuated by SC pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg), preexposure of the mucosa to lidocaine (4%, 15 minutes), functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons, or even prior application of capsaicin (6 mg/mL, 30 minutes) to the duodenum. Although capsaicin application by itself (0.3-6 mg/mL) produced a concentration-dependent increase of HCO3- output, this effect was significantly reduced by lidocaine, indomethacin, or chemical deafferentation and exhibited a tachyphylaxis after repeated application at a high concentration (6 mg/mL). Neither of these treatments significantly affected the HCO3- response induced by prostaglandin E2. It was concluded that stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons increased duodenal HCO3- secretion and that these neurons may be involved in the mechanism of HCO3- response induced by luminal acid in the duodenum.

[Inhibition of hepatic DNA synthesis after partial hepatectomy in the rats with obstructive jaundice with special reference to the enhancement of hepatic protein synthesis]

We studied the liver regeneration after partial (68%) hepatectomy in rats with obstructive jaundice followed by the relief of obstruction. Rats received bile duct ligation, then 5 or 14 days later choledocho-duodenostomy was performed. Partial hepatectomy was done at various intervals after the relief of obstruction. DNA synthesis of the regenerating liver, hepatic protein synthesis and mitochondrial swelling induced by exogenous phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were determined. Hepatic DNA synthesis was significantly inhibited in obstructive jaundiced rats compared to controls. While the inhibition disappeared 5 days after the relief of obstruction in 5-day-obstructed group, it was still detectable as late as 21 days after the drainage in 14-day-obstructed group. Hepatic protein synthesis was markedly increased by obstructive jaundice, and this increase continued until 10 days after drainage in 14-day-obstructed group. Partial hepatectomy also increased the hepatic protein synthesis significantly in normal rats, but failed to show any significant changes in obstructive jaundiced rats. Any difference could not be found in PLA2-induced hepatic mitochondrial swelling between obstructive jaundiced rats and normal rats. We concluded the preceding energy-requiring responses in obstructive jaundiced liver resulted in the reduction of hepatic DNA synthesis and in the lack of additional increase of hepatic protein synthesis as the responses to a further insult of partial hepatectomy.