Effect of propolis extract on D-galactosamine-induced hepatic injury in rats

The preventive effect of propolis extract on D-galactosamine-induced hepatic injury was examined in rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were significantly increased at 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (400 mg/kg) in the animals. Propolis extract was administered orally three times in doses of 3 or 30 mg/kg at 18 h and 1 h before and 8 h after D-galactosamine injection. The extract itself and the vehicle alone (dextran) caused no significant changes in serum AST or ALT activities. Treatment with the extract dose-dependently prevented the increases in serum AST and ALT activities induced by D-galactosamine, and significant inhibition was observed at a dose of 30 mg/kg. These results suggested that propolis extract may have an ameliorating effect on hepatic dysfunction.

Impaired duodenal bicarbonate secretion and mucosal integrity in mice lacking prostaglandin E-receptor subtype EP(3)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To examine the involvement of EP(3) receptors in physiological regulation of duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion, we disrupted the gene encoding EP receptors in mice by homologous recombination and evaluated acid-induced HCO(3)(-) secretion, which is physiologically important in the mucosal defense against acid injury, using EP(1)- and EP(3)-receptor knockout mice.

METHODS

The experiments were performed in the following 3 groups of mice after 18 hours of fasting: wild-type [WT (+/+)] mice, EP(1)-receptor knockout [EP(1) (-/-)] mice, and EP(3)-receptor knockout [EP(3) (-/-)] mice. Under urethane anesthesia, the proximal duodenal loop was perfused with saline that was gassed with 100% O(2), heated at 37 degrees C, and kept in a reservoir, and HCO(3)(-) secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH-stat method and by adding 5 mmol/L HCl.

RESULTS

The duodenum of WT (+/+) mice increased HCO(3)(-) secretion in response to luminal perfusion of prostaglandin E(2) and forskolin as well as mucosal acidification. The latter effect was significantly inhibited by prior administration of indomethacin. HCO(3)(-) response to acid was observed in EP(1) (-/-) mice but disappeared totally in EP(3) (-/-) animals, although the acidification increased mucosal PGE(2) generation by similar degrees in all groups. The HCO(3)(-) stimulatory action of PGE(2) was also absent in EP(3) (-/-) but not EP(1) (-/-) mice, but forskolin effect was observed in both groups of animals, similar to WT (+/+) mice. Perfusion of the duodenum with 20 mmol/L HCl for 4 hours caused severe damage in EP(3) (-/-) mice and WT (+/+) animals pretreated with indomethacin, but not in EP(1) (-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of EP(3)-receptors is essential for maintaining duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion and mucosal integrity against luminal acid.

Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of alpha-fluoromethylhistidine on radial maze performance in rats

The effects of alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (alpha-FMH) on spatial cognition were investigated using the eight-arm radial maze paradigm in rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of alpha-FMH resulted in spatial memory deficits characterized by an increase in the number of total errors (TE) and a decrease in the number of initial correct responses (ICR). There was a strong correlation between increases in the number of TE and decreases in histamine contents of the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, which are known to participate in learning and memory. On the other hand, both histamine (50-100 ng, ICV) and thioperamide (10 microg, ICV) significantly ameliorated the memory deficit induced by alpha-FMH. However, metoprine showed no significant effect on the alpha-FMH-induced memory deficit. Pyrilamine and R-(alpha)-methylhistamine enhanced the memory deficit induced by alpha-FMH, at doses that had no appreciable effect when administered alone. In contrast, no significant influence on alpha-FMH-induced memory deficit was observed with zolantidine.

The serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan elevates serum leptin levels in mice

The effects of a serotonin (5-HT) precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on serum leptin levels were investigated in mice. 5-HTP dose dependently increased serum leptin levels in mice. Pretreatment of the peripheral aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa suppressed 5-HTP-induced hyperleptinemia. These results suggest that the secretion of leptin may be modified by serotonergic mechanisms.

Induction of prostaglandin I(2) receptor by tumor necrosis factor alpha in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Mouse osteoblastic cells MC3T3-E1 produced prostaglandin E(2) via the reaction of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Originally, the mRNA level for prostaglandin I(2) receptor (IP) was low in the cells. However, the addition of TNFalpha brought about a marked increase in the IP mRNA with a lag of about 3 h up to an about 8-fold higher level for 24 h. In addition, the induction of IP was supported by a binding experiment of [(3)H]iloprost (a stable analogue of prostaglandin I(2)). The amount of iloprost bound to the TNFalpha-stimulated cell membranes increased to a saturation level around 30 nM. Dexamethasone, cycloheximide and cyclooxygenase inhibitor suppressed the IP mRNA induction. The finding with the latter two compounds suggested a TNFalpha-dependent de novo synthesis of a protein, which is involved in the IP mRNA induction and may be attributed partially to the induced cyclooxygenase-2.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine and fluvoxamine induce hyperglycemia by different mechanisms

The effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, on plasma glucose levels were investigated in mice. Both fluoxetine and fluvoxamine elicited significant hyperglycemia, while a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor maprotiline had no effect. Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine did not change serum insulin levels, although they elicited hyperglycemia. Pretreatment with the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) depleter, p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), abolished fluvoxamine-induced hyperglycemia, although pCPA did not affect the fluoxetine-induced glycemic effects. These results suggest that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine and fluvoxamine induce hyperglycemia by inhibition of insulin release. Moreover, our findings indicate that the glycemic effects of these drugs are differentially associated with serotonergic mechanisms.

Slow wave sleep-inducing effects of first generation H1-antagonists

The present study was performed to see if first-generation histamine H1-antagonists are useful sedative-hypnotic drugs. Increases in electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra of the delta band (0-4 Hz) at the frontal cortex and theta band (4-8 Hz) at the hippocampus in rats were used as an indexes of sleep. The H1-antagonists used in this study resulted in a decrease in sleep latency and an increase in sleep duration (slow wave sleep). The rate of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep during slow wave sleep was decreased by H1-antagonists and brotizolam. The order of potency of H1-antagonists for the reduction in sleep latency (from greatest to least) was promethazine>chlorpheniramine>diphenhydramine and pyrilamine, and that for the increase in sleep duration was chlorpheniramine>promethazine>diphenhydramine and pyrilamine. Brotizolam was more potent than these H1-antagonists, with 14-18-fold and 4-14-fold greater effects on sleep latency and duration, respectively. These results clearly show that H1-antagonists are effective in mild to moderate insomnia as sedative-hypnotic drugs.

Prostanoid receptors: structures, properties, and functions

Prostanoids are the cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid and include prostaglandin (PG) D(2), PGE(2), PGF(2alpha), PGI(2), and thromboxne A(2). They are synthesized and released upon cell stimulation and act on cells in the vicinity of their synthesis to exert their actions. Receptors mediating the actions of prostanoids were recently identified and cloned. They are G protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane domains. There are eight types and subtypes of prostanoid receptors that are encoded by different genes but as a whole constitute a subfamily in the superfamily of the rhodopsin-type receptors. Each of the receptors was expressed in cultured cells, and its ligand-binding properties and signal transduction pathways were characterized. Moreover, domains and amino acid residues conferring the specificities of ligand binding and signal transduction are being clarified. Information also is accumulating as to the distribution of these receptors in the body. It is also becoming clear for some types of receptors how expression of their genes is regulated. Furthermore, the gene for each of the eight types of prostanoid receptor has been disrupted, and mice deficient in each type of receptor are being examined to identify and assess the roles played by each receptor under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this article, we summarize these findings and attempt to give an overview of the current status of research on the prostanoid receptors.

[The future of clinical laboratory database management system]

To assess the present status of the clinical laboratory database management system, the difference between the Clinical Laboratory Information System and Clinical Laboratory System was explained in this study. Although three kinds of database management systems (DBMS) were shown including the relational model, tree model and network model, the relational model was found to be the best DBMS for the clinical laboratory database based on our experience and developments of some clinical laboratory expert systems. As a future clinical laboratory database management system, the IC card system connected to an automatic chemical analyzer was proposed for personal health data management and a microscope/video system was proposed for dynamic data management of leukocytes or bacteria.

[Gene therapy using anticancer drug-resistance genes]

Myelosuppression is a major dose-limiting factor in cancer chemotherapy. Introduction of drug-resistance genes into bone marrow cells of cancer patients has been proposed to overcome this limitation. In theory, any gene whose expression protects cells against the toxic effects of chemotherapy should be useful in vivo for this purpose. Among such genes, human multidrug-resistance gene (MDR1) has been studied most extensively for this purpose, and clinical trials of drug-resistance gene therapy have been started in the US for cancer patients who undergo high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In Japan, our clinical protocol of MDR1 gene therapy "A clinical study of drug-resistance gene therapy to improve the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy against breast cancer" has been submitted to the government. To improve the efficacy and safety of this drug-resistance gene therapy, we have constructed a series of MDR1-bicistronic retrovirus vectors using a retrovirus backbone of Harvey murine sarcoma virus and internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from picornavirus to co-express a second gene with the MDR1 gene. MDR1-MGMT bicistronic vectors can be used to protect bone marrow cells of cancer patients from combination chemotherapy with MDR1-related anticancer agents and nitrosoureas. In addition, MDR1-bicistronic retrovirus vectors can be designed to use the MDR1 gene as an in vivo selectable marker to enrich the transduced cells which express therapeutic genes, if disease is curable by the expression of a single-peptide gene in any types of bone marrow cells or peripheral blood cells.

Abortive expansion of the cumulus and impaired fertility in mice lacking the prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP(2)

Female mice lacking the gene encoding the prostaglandin (PG) E(2) receptor subtype EP(2) (EP(2)(-/-)) become pregnant and deliver their pups at term, but with a much reduced litter size. A decrease in ovulation number and a much reduced fertilization rate were observed in EP(2)(-/-) females without difference of the uterus to support implantation of wild-type embryos. Treatment with gonadotropins induced EP(2) mRNA expression in the cumulus cells of ovarian follicles of wild-type mice. The immature cumuli oophori from wild-type mice expanded in vitro in response to both follicle-stimulating hormone and PGE(2), but the response to PGE(2) was absent in those from EP(2)(-/-) mice. Cumulus expansion proceeded normally in preovulatory follicles but became abortive in a number of ovulated complexes in EP(2)(-/-) mice, indicating that EP(2) is involved in cumulus expansion in the oviduct in vivo. No difference in the fertilization rate between wild-type and EP(2)(-/-) mice was found in in vitro studies using cumulus-free oocytes. These results indicate that PGE(2) cooperates with gonadotropin to complete cumulus expansion for successful fertilization.

Effects of histamine on MK-801-induced memory deficits in radial maze performance in rats

The effects of histamine on the spatial memory deficits induced by MK-801 were investigated using the eight-arm radial maze paradigm in rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of histamine or thioperamide, and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of histidine improved the spatial memory deficits induced by MK-801. Similar results were obtained with 2-thiazolylethylamine. In contrast, 4-methylhistamine showed no significant effect. Based on these observations, it seems likely that the protective effect of histamine on MK-801-induced spatial memory deficit is mediated by H(1)-receptors.

Neuron-specific expression of cationic amino acid transporter 3 in the adult rat brain

CAT3 (cationic amino acid transporter 3) is a member of the murine CAT family which bears a system y(+) transport activity. On the Northern blot of adult rat tissues, the expression of CAT3 is restricted to the brain. In the present study, cellular localization of CAT3 mRNA and protein in the adult rat brain sections was examined by in situ hybridization with cRNA and immunostaining with a CAT3-specific antiserum, respectively. CAT3 mRNA was present both in the cerebral and cerebellar gray matter but most prominently in the nuclei located in the ventromedial part of the brain. These included preoptic nucleus, hypothalamic nucleus, reticular nucleus of thalamus, substantia nigra, central gray around the third ventricle and amygdala. CAT3 protein was also detected both in the cerebral and cerebellar gray matter and strong immunostaining was obtained in the olfactory cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar granular and Purkinje cell layers. Observations at higher magnifications revealed that both mRNA and protein were expressed by neurons but neither by glial nor endothelial cells. These results confirm the neuron-specificity of CAT3 in the adult rat brain and indicate that CAT3 is responsible for the neuronal system y(+) activity. The discrepancy between the distribution of mRNA and its translation product suggests a regional difference in the translation rate of the CAT3 transcript.

Influence of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia in rats

The effects of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclo-hepten-5, 10-imine (MK-801) on 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia were investigated in rats. MK-801 significantly increased 2-deoxy-D-glucose-elicited eating. The facilitating effects of MK-801 on 2-deoxy-D-glucose-elicited feeding were not affected by coadministration of a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, L-arginine. Because NO synthase inhibitors inhibit 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia and activation of the NMDA receptor leads to NO formation, our results suggest that blockade of the NMDA receptor increases 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia, which is unrelated to inhibition of NO, and that NMDA receptors may play a role in satiety.

Roles of prostaglandin E receptors in mesangial cells under high-glucose conditions

BACKGROUND

High glucose reportedly stimulates prostaglandin (PG) E2 production and DNA synthesis in mesangial cells (MCs). However, the pathophysiological significance of PGE2 in MCs has remained unclear.

METHODS

The effects of prostanoids on [3H]-thymidine uptake and cAMP production in rat MCs cultured with 5.6 mM glucose, 25 mM glucose, or 5.6 mM glucose supplemented with 19.4 mM mannitol were examined. The gene expression of PGE2 receptor (EP) subtypes in MCs was analyzed with Northern blotting techniques.

RESULTS

Northern blotting indicated EP1 and EP4 gene expression in MCs. EP1 agonists and PGE2 stimulated [3H]-thymidine uptake in MCs. EP1 antagonists dose dependently attenuated high-glucose-induced [3H]-thymidine uptake, which suggests EP1 involvement, by an increase in intracellular Ca2+, in DNA synthesis of MCs. On the other hand, forskolin, db-cAMP, and 11-deoxy-PGE1, an EP4/EP3/EP2 agonist, significantly decreased DNA synthesis in MCs. These inhibitory effects are thought to be mediated via EP4 as a result of an increase in cAMP synthesis. The effects via EP4 seem to be particularly important because PGE2-induced cAMP synthesis was significantly attenuated in the high-glucose group compared with the mannitol group, in which [3H]-thymidine uptake did not increase in spite of augmented PGE2 production.

CONCLUSION

The increase in DNA synthesis in MCs under high-glucose conditions can be explained, at least in part, by the high-glucose-induced inhibition of cAMP production via EP4, which augments EP1 function in conjunction with the overproduction of PGE2.

[Arg8]-vasopressin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by [Arg8]-vasopressin (AVP) were studied in cultured rat hippocampal neurons by fura-2 fluorometry. AVP (10-1,000 nM) caused a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. The selective V1 vasopressin receptor agonist [Phe2, Ile3, Orn8]-vasopressin also induced a significant increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas the selective V2 vasopressin receptor agonist [deamino Cys1, D-Arg8]-vasopressin showed no effect. The AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was inhibited by the selective V1 vasopressin receptor antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr2(Me), Arg8]-vasopressin and nonpeptide V1 antagonist OPC-21268. On the other hand, no antagonistic effects were observed with the V2 vasopressin antagonist desglycinamide-[d(CH2)5, D-Ile2, Ile4, Arg8]-vasopressin and nonpeptide V2 antagonist OPC-31260. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by AVP was abolished after removal of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, AVP-induced [Ca2+]i elevation was not affected by treatment with verapamil, which blocked the [Ca2+]i increase induced by an isotonic high K(+)-medium (50 mM). However, omega-conotoxin GVIA completely inhibited the effect of AVP. These results suggested that the AVP-induced [Ca2+]i increase in cultured rat hippocampal neurons is due to influx of Ca2+ through V1 VP receptors coupled with N-type calcium channels.

A neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole reduces the 5-HT1A receptor against 8-OH-DPAT-elicited hyperphagia in rats

The effects of the neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole on 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-(propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT)-induced hyperphagia, which is mediated by the 5-HT1A autoreceptor, were investigated in rats. 7-Nitroindazole suppressed 8-OH-DPAT-elicited increases in food intake. The inhibitory effects of 7-nitroindazole on 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding were prevented by the NO precursor L-arginine. Although 8-OH-DPAT decreases 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) synthesis, 7-nitroindazole did not reverse the 8-OH-DPAT-elicited decrease in 5-HT synthesis. Therefore, these results indicate that NO formed in the brain is involved in 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperphagia and that the hypophagic effects of 7-nitroindazole are not dependent on 5-HT synthesis.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein is a positive regulator of keratinocyte growth factor expression by normal dermal fibroblasts

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), an important factor in the pathogenesis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is produced by many normal tissues, including the skin, where it regulates keratinocyte growth and differentiation and dermal fibroblast function. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, is a secretory product of stromal cells and functions as a mediator of epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Phenotypes of the skin in several transgenic mouse models, in which the KGF and PTHrP genes have been overexpressed or disrupted, suggest that these two factors interact in vivo to regulate homeostasis of the skin. In this study, we investigated the effects of KGF on PTHrP secretion and expression by normal human foreskin keratinocytes (NHFK) and the effects of PTHrP on KGF secretion and expression by normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) in vitro. N-terminal PTHrP(1-36) increased KGF secretion, protein expression and mRNA expression by NHDF in a dose-dependent manner, however, KGF did not regulate PTHrP expression and secretion by NHFK. By flow cytometry, PTHrP also increased the percentage of NHDF producing KGF. Our results indicate that PTHrP produced by keratinocytes is a potential paracrine regulator of KGF expression by dermal fibroblasts in vivo. This paracrine regulation may explain, in part, the epidermal atrophy seen in the PTHrP null mice and epidermal hyperplasia seen in transgenic mice overexpressing PTHrP in their basal keratinocytes. Our results also suggest that PTHrP is an important mediator for the healing of skin wounds and growth of neoplasms of squamous origin.

Applicability of bovine microsatellite markers for population genetic studies on African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

The applicability of bovine autosomal microsatellite markers for population genetic studies on African buffalo was investigated. A total of 168 microsatellite markers were tested for PCR amplification on a test panel of seven African buffalo. Amplification was observed for 139 markers (83%), and 101 markers were studied further with 91 (90%) being polymorphic. The mean number of alleles per marker was 5.0 (SE = 0.2) and the mean heterozygosity per marker was 0.61 (SE = 0.03). Considering the overall high level of polymorphism, it was concluded that most bovine microsatellite markers are applicable in African buffalo.

Effects of fujibitol, a remedy for nasal symptoms of immediate and delayed type allergic reactions

The effects of Fujibitol, a remedy for the nasal symptoms of immediate and delayed type allergic reactions were studied. Fujibitol inhibited active systemic anaphylaxis in mice, heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats, Masugi's nephritis in rats and delayed type hypersensitivity induced by picryl chloride in mice, but did not affect homologous PCA or immune complex-induced glomerulonephritis in rats. These results suggested that Fujibitol is effective for treatment of allergy-induced inflammation since IgG and type IV allergic reactions were inhibited.

Prostaglandin E receptor subtypes involved in stimulation of gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats and mice

We investigated prostaglandin E (EP) receptor subtypes responsible for the HCO3- stimulatory action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the gastroduodental mucosa, by examining the effects of various prostanoids with subtype specific EP receptor agonists in rats and those of PGE2 in knockout mice lacking EP1 or EP3 receptors. In rats, gastric HCO3- secretion was stimulated by i.v. administration of PGE2, 17-phenyl PGE2 the selective EP1 agonist as well as sulprostone the EP1 and EP3 agonist, but was not affected by other EP agonists such as butaprost the selective EP2 agonist, ONO-NT-012 the selective EP3 agonist or 11-deoxy PGE1 the EP3 and EP4 agonist. In contrast, the HCO3- secretion in rat duodenums was stimulated by PGE2, sulprostone, ONO-NT-012 as well as 11-deoxy PGE1 but not affected by either 17-phenyl PGE2 or butaprost. The HCO stimulatory effect of sulprostone in the stomach was significantly inhibited by ONO-AE-829, the selective EP1 antagonist. On the other hand, PGE2 applied topically to the mucosa for 10 min caused a dose-dependent increase of HCO3- secretion in both the stomach and duodenum of wild-type mice. The HCO3- stimulatory action of PGE2 in the stomach was also observed dose-dependently in knockout mice lacking EP3-receptors but was absent in EP1-receptor knockout mice, while the stimulatory effect in the duodenum was observed in EP1-receptor knockout mice, similar to wild-type animals, but not in knockout mice lacking EP3-receptors. These results indicate that PGE2 stimulates HCO3- secretion via different EP receptor subtypes in the stomach and duodenum; the former is mediated by EP1-receptors, while the latter mediated by EP3-receptors.

Effects of anti-Parkinsonian drugs on neurobehavioural changes induced by bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions in rats

1. Effects of anti-Parkinsonian drugs on neurobehavioural changes induced by bilateral lesions of dopaminergic neurons were investigated in rats. 2. Dopaminergic neurons in rats were lesioned bilaterally by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 8 micrograms) into the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the posterolateral hypothalamus. As a result, a decrease in locomotor activity and marked catalepsy and prolongation of grasping time were observed. 3. Levodopa, talipexole, bromocriptine and theophylline dose-dependently antagonized the decrease in locomotor activity induced by bilateral 6-OHDA lesions. These drugs also showed antagonistic effects on the appearance of catalepsy and prolongation of grasping time induced by bilateral 6-OHDA lesions. In contrast, trihexyphenidyl showed no antagonizing effect on the neurobehavioural changes induced by 6-OHDA lesions at any concentration tested. 4. Combined treatment with levodopa and talipexole antagonized the neurobehavioural changes induced by bilateral 6-OHDA lesions, whereas no marked changes were observed when either drug was administered separately. The same findings were noted with the simultaneous use of either levodopa (2 mg/kg) and theophylline (2 mg/kg) or talipexole (0.005 mg/kg) and theophylline (2 mg/kg). 5. These results indicate that this model may be useful for estimating the effects of drugs in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

The common marmoset as a target preclinical primate model for cytokine and gene therapy studies

Nonhuman primate models are useful to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new therapeutic modalities, including gene therapy, before the inititation of clinical trials in humans. With the aim of establishing safe and effective approaches to therapeutic gene transfer, we have been focusing on a small New World monkey, the common marmoset, as a target preclinical model. This animal is relatively inexpensive and easy to breed in limited space. First, we characterized marmoset blood and bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs) and showed that human cytokines were effective to maintain and stimulate in culture. We then examined their susceptibility to transduction by retroviral vectors. In a mixed culture system containing both marmoset stromal cells and retroviral producer cells, the transduction efficiency into BMPCs and peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) was 12% to 24%. A series of marmosets then underwent transplantation with autologous PBPCs transduced with a retroviral vector carrying the multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) and were followed for the persistence of these cells in vivo. Proviral DNA was detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood granulocytes and lymphocytes in the recipients of gene transduced progenitors up to 400 days posttransplantation. To examine the function of the MDR1 gene in vivo, recipient maromsets were challenged with docetaxel, an MDR effluxed drug, yet the overall level of gene transfer attained in vivo (<1% in peripheral blood granulocytes) was not sufficient to prevent the neutropenia induced by docetaxel treatment. Using this model, we safely and easily performed a series of in vivo studies in our small animal center. Our results show that this small nonhuman primate, the common marmoset, is a useful model for the evaluation of gene transfer methods targeting hematopoietic stem cells.

Ovalbumin in developing chicken eggs migrates from egg white to embryonic organs while changing its conformation and thermal stability

Ovalbumin was detected in developing chicken eggs. The large majority of these ovalbumin molecules was found to be in a heat-stable form reminiscent of S-ovalbumin. About 83 and 90% of the ovalbumin population was in a heat-stable form in day 14 or stage 40 amniotic fluid and day 18 or stage 44 egg yolk, respectively, whereas ovalbumin in newly deposited eggs was in the heat-unstable, native form. Purified preparations of stable ovalbumin from egg white and amniotic fluid showed a less ordered configuration than native ovalbumin, as analyzed by circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, mass spectrometric analysis exhibited distinct size microheterogeneity between the stable and native forms of ovalbumin. Immunohisotochemical study revealed that ovalbumin was present in the central nervous system and other embryonic organs. These results indicated that egg white ovalbumin migrates into the developing embryo while changing its higher order structure.

Backward movements of cross-bridges by application of stretch and by binding of MgADP to skeletal muscle fibers in the rigor state as studied by x-ray diffraction

The effects of the applied stretch and MgADP binding on the structure of the actomyosin cross-bridges in rabbit and/or frog skeletal muscle fibers in the rigor state have been investigated with improved resolution by x-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. The results showed a remarkable structural similarity between cross-bridge states induced by stretch and MgADP binding. The intensities of the 14.4- and 7.2-nm meridional reflections increased by approximately 23 and 47%, respectively, when 1 mM MgADP was added to the rigor rabbit muscle fibers in the presence of ATP-depletion backup system and an inhibitor for muscle adenylate kinase or by approximately 33 and 17%, respectively, when rigor frog muscle was stretched by approximately 4.5% of the initial muscle length. In addition, both MgADP binding and stretch induced a small but genuine intensity decrease in the region close to the meridian of the 5.9-nm layer line while retaining the intensity profile of its outer portion. No appreciable influence was observed in the intensities of the higher order meridional reflections of the 14.4-nm repeat and the other actin-based reflections as well as the equatorial reflections, indicating a lack of detachment of cross-bridges in both cases. The changes in the axial spacings of the actin-based and the 14.4-nm-based reflections were observed and associated with the tension change. These results indicate that stretch and ADP binding mediate similar structural changes, being in the correct direction to those expected for that the conformational changes are induced in the outer portion distant from the catalytic domain of attached cross-bridges. Modeling of conformational changes of the attached myosin head suggested a small but significant movement (about 10-20 degrees) in the light chain-binding domain of the head toward the M-line of the sarcomere. Both chemical (ADP binding) and mechanical (stretch) intervensions can reverse the contractile cycle by causing a backward movement of this domain of attached myosin heads in the rigor state.

Retroviral expression of a mutant (Gly-533) human DNA topoisomerase I cDNA confers a dominant form of camptothecin resistance

In previous studies, we isolated a mutant DNA topoisomerase I cDNA from a camptothecin (CPT)-resistant human T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, CPT-K5, and demonstrated that an amino acid change from Asp to Gly at residue 533 is responsible for the CPT resistance of the enzyme. In the present study, we have constructed a bicistronic retroviral vector, Ha-TM1-IRES-neo, that carries the mutant (Gly-533) TOP1 cDNA (TM1) and a neomycin-resistance gene to examine the effect of mutant DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) expression on CPT resistance of cells. HeLa S3 cells were transduced with Ha-TM1-IRES-neo, and the transduced cells were selected with G418. Two independently isolated populations of the G418-resistant cells and 2 clones showed 1.7- to 1.8-fold higher resistance to CPT than the control cells. Integration and expression of the exogenous TOP1 were confirmed by genomic and RT-PCR analyses. The topo I enzyme (mixture of mutant and wild-type) expressed in the transduced cells showed 3-fold resistance to CPT in cleavable-complex-formation assay and DNA-relaxation assay. Mutant topo I activity in the transduced cells was as much as 10% that of the endogenous enzyme. Our results clearly show that expression of Gly-533 topo I confers a dominant form of CPT resistance in cells expressing wild-type topo I. The mutant TOP1 could be used for the protection of normal bone marrow cells of cancer patients from the severe hematotoxicity of CPT-derivative anti-tumor agents.

High-resolution, human-bovine comparative mapping based on a closed YAC contig spanning the bovine mh locus

A closed YAC contig spanning the mh locus was assembled by STS content mapping with seven microsatellite markers, eight genes or EST, and nine STS corresponding to YAC ends. The contig comprises 27 YACs, has an average depth of 4.3 YACs, and spans an estimated 1.2 Mb. A linkage map was constructed based on five of the microsatellite markers anchored to the contig and shown to span 7 cM, yielding a ratio of 160 kb/1 cM for the corresponding chromosome region. Comparative mapping data indicate that the constructed contig spans an evolutionary breakpoint connecting two chromosome segments that are syntenic but not adjacent in the human. Consolidation of human gene order by means of whole genome radiation hybrids and its comparison with the bovine order as inferred from the contig confirm conservation of gene order within segments.

Expression of p120 nucleolar proliferating antigen in human gliomas and growth suppression of glioma cells by p120 ribozyme vector

p120 is a nucleolar proliferating antigen which is expressed in tumor cells but not normal resting cells. The expression and localization of p120 in human gliomas were studied by Northern blot analysis, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. All five of the glioma cell lines and all of the glioma specimens we investigated expressed p120 at both the mRNA and protein levels. p120 expression was not detected in adjacent brain tissues. A ribozyme vector was constructed to cleave the first GUC sequence in the coding region of p120 mRNA. This p120 ribozyme vector was transfected into the glioma cell line SF188, which expresses p120. The reduced p120 expression of the transfectant at both the mRNA and protein levels was confirmed. An MTT assay indicated that the transfected cells grew more slowly than control cells. These results indicate that i) p120 has an important role in the proliferation of gliomas, and ii) the ribozyme against p120 mRNA can suppress glioma cell growth.

Female reproduction in mice lacking the prostaglandin F receptor. Roles of prostaglandin and oxytocin receptors in parturition

Female mice lacking the receptor for prostaglandin F2 alpha (FP) do not deliver fetuses at term, although these can be successfully rescued by cesarean section. No induction of oxytocin receptor mRNA is found in the uterus of these mice, and they show no uterine contraction on intravenous administration of oxytocin. Furthermore, a decline in serum progesterone levels during the periparturition period is not observed in these animals. Ovariectomy at day 19 of pregnancy restored induction of the oxytocin receptor and caused successful delivery in these animals. These results indicate not only the essential role of luteolytic PGF 2 alpha action in natural parturition but also the importance of oxytocin receptor induction in this process.

Structure of the monomeric actin-myosin head complex as revealed by X-ray solution scattering

In order to study the structure of a complex of monomeric actin and myosin head (S1) in the presence of nucleotide, non-polymerizable G-actin was prepared by the reaction of G-actin with m-maleimidobenzoic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) and diazonium(1H)tetrazole (DHT). Although singly-modified MBS-actin forms a 2:1 complex with S1, doubly-modified DHT/MBS-G-actin forms a 1:1 complex with a dissociation constant of approximately 10(-6) M and can activate Mg-ATPase of S1 by 2-fold. Using a synchrotron X-ray source, we have measured X-ray solution scattering from reversible acto-S1 complexes obtained by mixing rabbit skeletal S1 and DHT/MBS-G-actin in the absence of nucleotide or in the presence of MgADP. The Guinier plots of the scattering intensity showed straight lines indicating no large aggregates and gave the radii of gyration of the complexes to be 49 and 46 A in the absence and presence of ADP, respectively. The analysis of the scattering curves showed that a monomeric actin binds to a tip of S1, and that the complex undergoes substantial rearrangement resulting in a more compact structure when it binds ADP.

Extensibility of the actin and myosin filaments in various states of skeletal muscle as studied by X-ray diffraction

The effects of length changes applied to resting, contracting and rigor muscles on the reflection spacings of the X-ray diffraction patterns were summarized. The spacing changes of the actin- and myosin-based meridional reflections as a function of tension relative to an isometric tension of active muscle (P0) were linear and almost identical in the active and rigor states, showing that the extension of both filaments is Hookenian and does not depend upon the states of muscle. In addition to their length changes caused by tension generation, there are small but significant length changes of both filaments due purely to activation of muscle. The actin and myosin filaments are elongated by approximately 0.36% and approximately 0.43%, respectively under the maximum active tension. The results indicate that a large part of the sarcomere compliance of an active muscle is caused by the extensibility of the myofilaments. Inspection of the behavior of the meridional and layer-line reflection spacings reveals that there is a close relationship between the extensibility and helical twisting of the actin filaments under active and passive forces. The extension caused by tension is associated with an unwinding of right-handed helices following the actin monomers in the filament. At the pointed end of the filament could rotate anticlockwise through one fifth the complete turn during contraction.

[Gene therapy using anticancer drug-resistance genes]

Myelosuppression is a major dose-limiting factor in cancer chemotherapy. Introduction of drug-resistance genes into bone marrow cells of cancer patients has been proposed to overcome this limitation. In theory, any gene whose expression protects cells against the toxic effects of chemotherapy should be useful in vivo for this purpose. Among such genes, human multidrug-resistance gene (MDR1) and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase gene (MGMT) have been studied most extensively for this purpose, and clinical trials of drug-resistance gene therapy have been started in the US for cancer patients who undergo high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In Japan, our clinical protocol of MDR1 gene therapy, "A clinical study of drug-resistance gene therapy to improve the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy against breast cancer", has been approved by our IRB and submitted to the government. To improve the efficacy and safety of this drug-resistance gene therapy, we have constructed a series of MDR1-bicistronic retrovirus vectors using a retrovirus backbone of Harvey murine sarcoma virus and internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from picornavirus to coexpress a second gene with the MDR1 gene. MDR1-MGMT bicistronic vectors can be used to protect bone marrow cells of cancer patients from combination chemotherapy with MDR1-related anticancer agents and nitrosoureas. In addition, MDR1-bicistronic retrovirus vectors can be designed to use the MDR1 gene as an in vivo selectable marker to enrich the transduced cells which express therapeutic genes, if disease is curable by the expression of a single-peptide gene in bone marrow cells or any types of peripheral blood cells.

[Prototype of a new pediatric emergency scale tape: PES tape]

Drug dosage and appropriate size of medical equipment for emergency pediatric patients are determined by age, body weight and/or height. In an emergency situation, however, such information about the patients is not always clear. Body height is easily measured when the patient lies down supine. Furthermore, child's height could be a better parameter than age to predict appropriate endotracheal tube (ETT) size and body weight. We propose a new pediatric emergency scale tape (PES Tape). PES Tape is graduated in centimeters to measure body height in supine position. Height-based body weight, drug dosage, energy dosage for defibrillation, appropriate size of ETT and lip-tip distance (LTD) are printed on the tape. We studied the reliability of this tape in pediatric anesthesia. Body weight estimated from the tape was accurate, and predicted size of ETT and LTD was appropriate. PES Tape is a reliable tool in pediatric emergency.

Formation of the myosin.ADP.gallium fluoride complex and its solution structure by small-angle synchrotron X-ray scattering

In the presence of MgADP, a novel phosphate analogue of gallium fluoride (GaFn) forms a ternary complex with the myosin subfragment-1 (S-1), in the same way that has been previously reported with aluminum fluoride (AlF4-), beryllium fluoride (BeFn), scandium fluoride (ScFn), and vanadate (Vi), and this complex formation may mimic different states along the ATPase kinetic pathway. This novel complex has been characterized and compared with other complexes to ascertain whether it forms a transition-state analogue of myosin ATPase. The complex formed quickly, although several times slower than the BeFn complex. The half-life of the myosin.ADP.GaFn complex was about 50 h at 4 degreesC. The formation of the myosin.ADP.GaFn complex was accompanied by an increase in tryptophane fluorescence, similar to that observed upon the addition of ATP, but slightly lower than that of the M**.ADP.Pi complex. Upon addition of GaFn to acto-myosin.ADP, acto-myosin did not dissociate, and the S-1.ADP.GaFn complex was scarcely decomposed by actin, like the AlF4- and ScFn complexes but unlike the BeFn and Vi complexes. The conformations at the localized region of SH1, SH2, and RLR, which are very accessible to the binding of ATP, were studied by fluorescent labeling and chemical modification, and the results suggested that these conformations are very similar to that of the M**.ADP.Pi state. Small-angle X-ray solution scattering showed that the radius of gyration value decreases by about 3 A when S-1 forms an S-1.ADP.GaFn complex, suggesting that the shape of the complex becomes compact or rounded in shape, similar to that in the presence of ATP or complexes with other phosphate analogues, and thus mimics the myosin**.ADP.Pi state closely. The overall results may indicate that the complex mimics a somewhat different transient state from that of other complexes but has a similar global conformation along the ATPase kinetic pathway.

The (-)-enantiomer of gossypol inhibits proliferation of stromal cells derived from human breast adipose tissues by enhancing transforming growth factor beta1 production

We report here that (-)-gossypol significantly inhibits the proliferation of stromal cells derived from human breast adipose tissues (human breast adipose stromal cells) in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms involved in the anti-proliferative action of (-)-gossypol on adipose stromal cells were also investigated. (-)-Gossypol stimulated transforming growth factor (TGFbeta1) secretion after 24 h, and RNase protection assay showed that TGFbeta1 mRNA levels were increased as well. We also observed that TGFbeta1 significantly inhibited the growth of human breast adipose stromal cells in a dose-dependent manner. When human breast adipose stromal cells were co-incubated with 5 microM (-)-gossypol and 50 microgram/ml of anti-TGF-beta1,-beta2,-beta3 antibody, growth inhibition caused by (-)-gossypol was completely abrogated. This study indicates that the anti-proliferative activity of (-)-gossypol on human breast adipose stromal cells may be mediated by changes in TGF 1 production.

Postoperative changes over time in size of anterior capsulorrhexis in phacoemulsification/aspiration

In the present study, we attempted to determine the extent to which an anterior capsulorrhexis carried out during cataract surgery contracts postoperatively. The size of the continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) was measured at the end of surgery and at the final follow-up examination in 52 eyes of 40 patients who underwent phacoemulsification/aspiration and implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) with 6-mm optics. Images obtained by video during surgery and by slit-lamp microscopy were used to determine the CCC size with reference to the optics of the IOL. The average CCC size was 5.0 mm at the end of surgery; it contracted to 4.4 mm by the final postoperative examination. The contraction of the anterior capsule progressed rapidly in the first 50 days following surgery and then gradually thereafter. The extent of contraction was greater in older patients. The smaller the CCC size immediately after surgery, the more rapidly it contracted. The size of the capsulorrhexis contracted an average of 22% following cataract surgery. The contraction rate tended to be higher in older patients. The results suggest that the capsulorrhexis carried out in cataract surgery for elderly patients should be sufficiently large, but not larger than the optics size of the IOL.

Characterization of the LPS-stimulated expression of EP2 and EP4 prostaglandin E receptors in mouse macrophage-like cell line, J774.1

The expression of prostaglandin (PG) E receptor subtypes were characterized in J774.1, a mouse macrophage-like cell line. EP2- and EP4-mRNAs were found to be expressed. The expression of EP2 mRNA increased by the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner. EP2 mRNA rapidly increased by more than 5-fold of the control level at 1 h, and decreased after 4 h. EP4 mRNA increased by only 2-fold of the control at 2 h. Gamma interferon inhibited both basal and LPS-induced expression of EP2 mRNA but did not affect the expression level of EP4 mRNA. When tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) accumulation was measured after the treatment ofthe cells with LPS for 90 min, PGE2 was found to inhibit this accumulation, but butaprost, an EP2-selective agonist, did not. When TNF-alpha release was measured after the treatment of the cells with LPS for 8 h, accumulation was inhibited by butaprost as well as PGE2. These results indicated that the inhibitory effects of PGE2 on TNF-alpha production are mediated by EP2 and EP4 in macrophages, and that expression regulation of EP2 and EP4 in macrophages is quite different.

p-Chloroamphetamine, a serotonin-releasing drug, elicited in rats a hyperglycemia mediated by the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B/2C receptors

The effects of a serotonin (5-HT) releasing drug, p-chloroamphetamine, on plasma glucose levels were investigated in rats. p-Chloroamphetamine elicited a significant hyperglycemia. The hyperglycemic effects of p-chloroamphetamine were completely prevented by the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, p-chlorophenylalanine. Prior adrenodemedullation abolished the hyperglycemia elicited by p-chloroamphetamine. p-Chloroamphetamine-induced hyperglycemia was prevented by methysergide, which blocks the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor, the 5-HT1A/1B/2C receptor antagonist, (-)-propranolol, the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl-1-[2'-n-2"pyridinyl)-p-iodobenzamido]-ethyl-pi perazine (p-MPPI), the 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptor antagonists, ritanserin and 4-isopropyl-7-methyl-9-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-propoxycarbonyl)-4,6A,7 ,8,9,10,10A-octahydro-indolo[4,3-FG]quinolone maleate(LY 53857). However, the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, tropisetron, the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, 2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester (SDZ 205-557), and the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin, did not affect the p-chloroamphetamine-induced hyperglycemia. These results suggest that p-chloroamphetamine-induced hyperglycemia is elicited by an enhanced 5-HT release and facilitated adrenaline release. Moreover, our results indicate that p-chloroamphetamine-induced hyperglycemia is mediated by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B/2C receptors.

Effects of the non-selective 5-HT receptor agonist, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, on plasma glucose levels in rats

The effects of the 5-HT1A/1B/1D/5/7 receptor agonist, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), on blood glucose, insulin and glucagon levels in rats were investigated. 5-CT above the dosage of 0.05 mg/kg elicited significant hyperglycemic effects and 0.1 mg/kg, induced a 35% increase in plasma glucose levels. 5-CT did not affect plasma glucagon, and serum insulin levels increased following the high dose of 5-CT. Adrenodemedullation abolished the 5-CT-induced hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia induced by 5-CT was prevented by pretreatment with the 5-HT1/2/7 receptor antagonist, metergoline, and the 5-HT1/2/5/7 receptor antagonist, methysergide, although the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin, the 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin, and the 5-HT3/4 receptor antagonist, tropisetron, had no effect. Although 5-CT has a high affinity with 5-HT1A receptors, the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B and beta receptor antagonist, (-)-popranolol, did not affect 5-CT-induced hyperglycemia. These results indicate that 5-CT-induced hyperglycemia is elicited by facilitation of adrenaline release from the adrenal gland and that 5-CT-induced hyperglycemia is mediated by the 5-HT7 receptor unrelated to 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, 5-HT4 or 5-HT5 receptors.

Effects of anxiolytics, diazepam and tandospirone, on immobilization stress-induced hyperglycemia in mice

The benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam did not affect immobilization-elicited hyperglycemia, although a high dose increased blood glucose levels in normal mice. The serotonergic anxiolytic tandospirone reduced immobilization-induced hyperglycemia dose-dependently. Hyperglycemia elicited by immobilization stress was completely prevented by adrenalectomy but not by pretreatment with the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor dexamethasone. These results suggest that the effects of two anxiolytics, diazepam and tandospirone, on immobilization stress-induced hyperglycemia are quite different, although both drugs reduce anxiety. Furthermore, our results indicate that immobilization stress-elevated hyperglycemia is closely related to adrenaline release from the adrenal gland and that tandospirone may inhibit stress-induced hyperglycemia by modifying this mechanism.

Alteration of the CDKN2A gene in pancreatic cancers: Is it a late event in the progression of pancreatic cancer?

Various genetic changes are involved in progression of various cancers. We examined alterations (deletion, sequence abnormalities, methylation) of the CDKN2A gene in cell lines and tumor tissues of pancreatic cancers. Some alterations of this gene were found in all the 12 cell lines examined. In the primary lesions of pancreatic cancers, homozygous or hemizygous deletion were found in 8 of 24 ductal carcinoma and 4 of 9 other types of carcinomas. It appears that there is an association between the alteration of this gene and tumor size, regional lymph node metastasis and hematogenous distant metastasis in the ductal carcinoma, but not in the other types of carcinomas. All the 5 liver metastatic lesions of the ductal carcinoma examined revealed homozygous or hemizygous deletion and 3 bp deletion. These results suggest that inactivation of the CDKN2A gene occurs more frequently in cell lines than in pancreatic cancer tissues. Such genetic events on the CDKN2A gene may play an important role possibly at a later step in the progression of pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

Identification of a key amino acid of the beta2-adrenergic receptor for high affinity binding of salmeterol

Transmembrane domains (TMDs) I, II, and VII of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) were replaced, individually or in combination, with the corresponding regions of the beta1AR, and vice versa. The beta2-selective binding of salmeterol was not affected by the exchange of TMD I between the beta1- and beta2ARs. The affinity of salmeterol was slightly decreased (32-fold) by replacement of TMD II of the beta2AR with the homologous region of the beta1AR; the affinity was strongly decreased (1870-fold) for the beta2AR with TMD VII of the beta1AR. The affinity of salmeterol was partially restored by the introduction of TMD VII, but not TMD II, of the beta2AR into the beta1AR. By analyzing alanine-substituted mutants, we found that Tyr308 in TMD VII was mainly responsible for the high affinity binding of salmeterol. Two salmeterol derivatives with the ether oxygen at different positions in the side chain showed 33- and 64-fold decreased affinities for the wild-type beta2AR, and a derivative with no ether oxygen showed 147-fold decreased affinity for the wild-type beta2AR. These results indicate that Tyr308 in TMD VII is the major amino acid conferring the beta2-selective binding of salmeterol to the beta2AR and that the position of the ether oxygen in the side chain is also important for beta2-selective binding. A three-dimensional model of the salmeterol-beta2AR complex shows that the phenyl group of Tyr308 interacts with methylene groups near the protonated amine of salmeterol and the ether oxygen interacts with Tyr316.

Drug-selected complete restoration of superoxide generation in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells from p47phox-deficient chronic granulomatous disease patients by using a bicistronic retrovirus vector encoding a human multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) and the p47phox gene

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a group of disorders characterized by the failure of phagocytes to produce superoxide. One-third of the cases of CGD in the USA and Europe results from defects in the gene encoding p47phox, a cytoplasmic component of NADPH oxidase for superoxide generation. In this study, we constructed the bicistronic retrovirus vector Ha-MDR-IRES-p47, which carries cDNAs for a human multi-drug-resistance gene (MDR1) and p47phox. The amphotropic retroviral producer cells were generated, and the supernatant of the producer cells was used to transduce Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B (EBV-B) cells, established from B cells of p47phox-deficient CGD patients, as an in vitro model of gene therapy for p47phox-deficient CGD. The transduced cells expressed both P-glycoprotein and p47phox protein, and the expression levels were increased after appropriate vincristine selection. The levels of superoxide production in the vincristine-selected cells were increased to a level similar to normal EBV-B cells. This result suggests that it is possible to achieve 100% correction of the CGD defect in p47phox-deficient EBV-B cells by using the bicistronic vector. This strategy could be employed not only in vitro, but also in vivo, in the gene therapy of a number of inherited diseases.

Strain differences in histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in rats

1. Peritoneal mast cells from Brown-Norway (BN) rats were compared with those from Wistar and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. 2. Peritoneal mast cells from BN rats showed the smallest values in number, cell diameter and histamine contents compared with those from Wistar and SD rats. 3. BN rat peritoneal mast cells were more sensitive to compound 48/80 and anti-IgE than were those from Wistar and SD rats, and they showed a higher response to A23187 than did cells from Wistar rats. 4. The histamine release from passively sensitized peritoneal mast cells was weaker in BN rats than was that from Wistar and SD rats.

Impaired febrile response in mice lacking the prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP3

Fever, a hallmark of disease, is elicited by exogenous pyrogens, that is, cellular components, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), of infectious organisms, as well as by non-infectious inflammatory insults. Both stimulate the production of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, that act on the brain as endogenous pyrogens. Fever can be suppressed by aspirin-like anti-inflammatory drugs. As these drugs share the ability to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis, it is thought that a prostaglandin is important in fever generation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) may be a neural mediator of fever, but this has been much debated. PGE2 acts by interacting with four subtypes of PGE receptor, the EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 receptors. Here we generate mice lacking each of these receptors by homologous recombination. Only mice lacking the EP3 receptor fail to show a febrile response to PGE2 and to either IL-1beta or LPS. Our results establish that PGE2 mediates fever generation in response to both exogenous and endogenous pyrogens by acting at the EP3 receptor.

Clinical efficacy of the FLUTTER device for airway mucus clearance in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis

Expectoration of mucus is important in preventing the development of airway inflammation in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB). To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the FLUTTER device in clearing mucus from the airways of patients with DPB who have difficulty expectorating, we assessed pulmonary function and symptoms in patients treated with FLUTTER. Eight patients in a stable clinical condition with DPB were included in the study. The study was divided into two consecutive, 1-week periods. The initial week was an observation week. During the following week, patients used FLUTTER four times daily. Expectorated sputum was collected in a container and weighed every day during 2 weeks. Pulmonary function, partial oxygen pressure and partial carbon dioxide pressure in arterial blood were measured in all patients on the last day of the observation week and the FLUTTER treatment week. A symptom score for difficulty of expectoration was determined by questionnaire. A pneumothorax developed in one patient during using FLUTTER. The mean daily sputum weight and peak expiratory flow rate increased significantly after treatment with FLUTTER ( P< 0.04 and P< 0.02, respectively). Symptom score improved significantly after using FLUTTER ( P< 0.02). We conclude that the use of FLUTTER is effective in clearing mucus from the airways. However, the development of a pneumothorax may complicate use of the procedure in some cases.

Moyamoya disease associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis--case report

A 61-year-old female presented with a unique case of moyamoya disease associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis. She was admitted for sudden onset of left temporalgia with episode of numbness on face, tongue, and upper extremity on the right side. The next morning, she had symptoms of Gerstmann syndrome and her ability to speak was disturbed. Her medical history included radical resection of lung cancer on the right side. She had no symptoms of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Neuroimaging showed an infarction in the left occipital lobe. Angiography showed occlusions of the bilateral internal carotid arteries at the supraclinoid portions. Subsequently, a left superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis with encephalo-myo-synangiosis was performed. Ninety-three days after admission, she suddenly developed dyspnea which resulted in death 3 hours later. Autopsy findings showed typical epithelioid granulomas of sarcoid type in the lymph nodes of the peribronchus, lung, and liver. Thrombotic emboli were found in the bilateral pulmonary arteries, and marked fibrous intimal thickening in the bilateral internal carotid arteries. Immunological reaction with inflammatory events may cause pathological changes in patients with moyamoya disease or sarcoidosis. The co-incidence in this case suggests that some common inflammatory events may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases.