CNS cholinergic innervation to the hippocampus in the rat using pseudorabies virus as a neurotracer

The hippocampus is a central area of the memory-related neural system. Combined immunohistochemistry against choline acetyl transferase and retrograde transneuronal labelling of the pseudorabies virus were used to identify cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system projecting to the hippocampal formation of the rat. Five to ten microL of Bartha strain of pseudorabies virus were injected into the dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus of 20 Sprague Dawley rats using stereotaxic instrument. Forty eight to 96 hr after the injection, the brains were removed and the tissue sections were processed for double immunofluorescence procedure using polyclonal antibodies against pseudorabies virus or choline acetyl transferase. The double labelled neurons were distributed at several different nuclei and the labelling patterns of three different areas of the hippocampus were similar. These data suggests that the cholinergic innervation to the hippocampus were distributed in a transsynaptic manner throughout the whole brain area.

Relationships between dietary intake and cognitive function level in Korean elderly people

We examined the relationship between dietary intake and cognitive performance in Korean elderly people. Data for dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and cognitive function tests were collected and the relationships of the variables were analyzed. A random sample of 210 men and 239 women in Korea, aged 60 and over, was selected. Subjects were free-living elderly people who had not experienced major cognitive function impairment. Main outcome measures, 24 h dietary recall method, food behaviour variables, anthropometrics indices, health variables, and Kwon's Mini-Mental State Examination for Koreans (MMSE-K) for cognitive function test. The prevalence rate of poor cognitive function (MMSE-K score < or = 19) of Korean elderly was 22.3%: women with poor cognitive function had a higher rate (31.0%) than that in men (12.3%). Cognitive ability was related negatively with age and positively with school education level. Female subjects of poor cognitive function had significantly lower intakes of total amount of foods, cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, spices, and also, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, Ca, P, Fe, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin than those of the normal cognitive score (> or = 24) group (P < 0.05). Male subjects of poor cognitive function had significantly lower intakes of fruits, fiber, and vitamin C than the normal subjects (P < 0.05). The MMSE-K score of female subjects showed a significant positive correlation with total amount of foods, cereals, beans, fruits, milk, oil, spices, and energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, Ca, Fe, P, riboflavin and niacin intakes. The consumption of adequate nutrients, by taking sufficient amounts and variety of foods, may be important in maintaining adequate cognitive function in elderly Koreans.

Semi-synthesis of 2-deoxo- and 3-epi-paraherquamide A

2-Deoxo- and 3-epi-paraherquamide A were synthesized from paraherquamide A. 2-Deoxoparaherquamide A has good activity against HC and TC in our jird model comparable to the parent compound, while 3-epi-paraherquamide A showed no activity.

High level expression of C4-specific NADP-malic enzyme in leaves and impairment of photoautotrophic growth in a C3 plant, rice

The chloroplastic NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) is a key enzyme of the C4 photosynthesis pathway in NADP-ME type C4 plants such as maize. To express the chloroplastic NADP-ME in leaves of a C3 plant, rice, full-length cDNAs encoding the rice C3-specific isoform and the maize C4-specific isoform of the enzyme were expressed under the control of the rice CAB: promoter. Transformants carrying the rice cDNA showed the NADP-ME activities in the leaves less than several-fold that of non-transformants, while those carrying the maize cDNA showed activities up to 30-fold that of non-transformants or about 60% of the NADP-ME activity of maize leaves. These results indicate that expression of the rice C3-specific NADP-ME is suppressed at co- and/or post-transcriptional levels by some regulation mechanisms intrinsic to rice, while that of the foreign C4-specific isoform can escape from such suppression. The accumulation of the maize C4-specific NADP-ME led to bleaching of leaf color and growth hindrance in rice plants under natural light. These deteriorative effects resulted from enhanced photoinhibition of photosynthesis due to an increase in the level of NADPH inside the chloroplast by the action of the maize enzyme.

Identification of two proteins, S14 and UIP1, that interact with UCH37

By the use of the yeast two-hybrid screen we have identified two proteins that interacted with UCH37: S14, which is a subunit of PA700 and a novel protein, UIP1 (UCH37 interacting protein 1). The interaction of UCH37 with S14 or UIP1 was confirmed by in vitro binding assay and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation analysis. The C-terminal extension of UCH37 is essential for interaction with S14 or UIP1 as shown by the yeast two-hybrid assay and the in vitro binding assay. Furthermore, UIP1 blocked the interaction between UCH37 and S14 in vitro.

Impacts of agrochemical fertilizer on the aquatic environment of paddy fields in Vietnam

To evaluate the impacts of agrochemical fertilizer application on the aquatic environment of paddy fields in tropical regions, 7.04 ha of paddy field situated in northern Vietnam were selected as a study area. The fate of nutrient constituents was surveyed through a questionnaire as well as analytical observation. Taking the major environmental components of the paddy field into account, a mass-balance flow regarding fertilizing constituents such as nitrogen and phosphate was built up and used to estimate the contribution of fertilizer to paddy field water pollution. In the mass-flow analysis, the randomness of fertilizer used by local farmers is incorporated within the conventional input-output model. For the control volume of soil in 0-40 cm below paddy plot surface, the estimated average concentrations in soil were 1.8 ppm for inorganic nitrogen and 1.3 ppm for inorganic phosphate on the assumption of 50% non-excessive probability. From the reasonable consistency of the deduced concentrations of nutrients with observed ones, not only the mass balance of fertilizing substances but also the impacts of fertilizer on the paddy field aquatic environment in Vietnam could be understood. On the results from nutrient mass-balance analysis, it was found that 11.3-13.3 kg N/ha would percolate into the underground aquifer that is linked to surface channel flow in the vicinity of the paddy plots and affect the irrigation water quality. The nutrient portion in the materials harvested as grain and straw occupied 58% of total dosed nitrogen and 75.6% of total supplied phosphorous.

Postpneumonectomy empyema. CT findings in six patients

Chest radiographs and CT scans, obtained in six patients with proven postpneumonectomy empyema, were retrospectively reviewed by comparing the radiologic image obtained at present with that obtained before symptom onset. Convexity or straightening of the concave mediastinal margin of the postpneumonectomy space was identified on CT scans in all of six patients (100%), while contralateral mediastinal shift was noted on both radiographs and CT scans in four patients (67%). Multiple air-fluid levels appeared equally on radiographs and CT scans in three patients (50%). CT depicted increased thickening of the parietal pleura (n=5, 83%) and the extrapleural tissues (n=3, 50%) and empyema necessitans (n=2, 33%), which were not apparent on radiographs. Postpneumonectomy empyema is characterized on CT scans by reversal of the normal concavity of the mediastinal margin with increased thickening of the residual parietal pleura. CT is superior to radiography in assessing the manifestations of postpneumonectomy empyema.

Identification of motifs for cell adhesion within the repeated domains of transforming growth factor-beta-induced gene, betaig-h3

betaig-h3 is a transforming growth factor-beta-inducible cell adhesion molecule that has four characteristic homologous repeated domains. We made recombinant betaig-h3 proteins, which were highly active in mediating human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell adhesion and spreading. The 2nd and the 4th repeated domains were sufficient to mediate HCE cell adhesion. A sequence analysis showed that aspartic acid (Asp) and isoleucine (Ile) of the 2nd and the 4th domains are highly conserved in many fasciclin 1 homologous (fas-1) domains. Substitution mutational study identified these two amino acids are essential for cell adhesion. Synthetic peptides containing Asp and Ile, NKDIL and EPDIM derived from the 2nd and the 4th domains, respectively, almost completely blocked cell adhesion mediated by not only wild type betaig-h3 but also each of the 2nd and the 4th domains. These peptides alone were fully active in mediating cell adhesion. In addition, we demonstrated the functional receptor for betaig-h3 is alpha(3)beta(1) integrin. These results, therefore, establish the essential motifs within the 2nd and the 4th domains of betaig-h3, which interact with alpha(3)beta(1) integrin to mediate HCE cell adhesion to betaig-h3 and suggest that other proteins containing Asp-Ile in their fas-1 domains could possibly function as cell adhesion molecules.

Lavandulylflavonoids: a new class of in vitro apoptogenic agents from Sophora flavescens

The root of Sophora flavescens has been reported to possess antitumor activity in Sarcoma 180, lymphoid leukemia 1210 and melanotic melanoma. We have isolated four cytotoxic flavonoids with a lavandulyl side-chain at C8 and tested for their effects on human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells and human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells, in terms of inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. They showed potent antiproliferative effects with IC(50) values from 11.3 microM to 18.5 microM in HL60 cells and from 13.3 microM to 36. 2 microM in HepG2 cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with the lavandulylflavonoids induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was judged by the detection of DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis and the degree of apoptosis was quantified by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The hydration of C4"'C5"' double bond with or without C3 hydroxylation caused a complete loss of cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the lavandulyl side-chain is essential for the activity of the flavonoids isolated from S. flavescens which may be used as cancer chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents.

Polymethoxyflavonoids from Vitex rotundifolia inhibit proliferation by inducing apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells

Three polymethoxyflavonoids from the fruit of Vitex rotundifolia, namely 2',3',5-trihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (Vx-1), vitexicarpin (Vx-5) and artemetin (Vx-6), were tested for their antiproliferative activity in human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. They showed a dose-dependent decrease in the growth of HL-60 cells. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition of the growth (IC50) after 96 h were 4.03 microM, 0.12 microM and 30.98 microM for Vx-1, Vx-5 and Vx-6, respectively. Treatment of HL-60 cells with the flavonoids induced morphological changes that are characteristic of apoptosis. We judged the induction of apoptosis by the detection of DNA fragmentation in agarose gel electrophoresis and the degree of apoptosis was quantified by a double-antibody sandwich ELISA and by flow cytometric analysis. The C-3 hydroxyl and C-8 methoxyl groups were found not to be essential for the activity, but the C-3' methoxyl instead of hydroxyl group lowered the antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing activity. These results suggest that the polymethoxyflavonoids isolated from V. rotundifolia may be used as potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.

Transactivation of fibronectin promoter by HTLV-I Tax through NF-kappaB pathway

The facts that fibronectin (FN) mRNA is elevated in cells expressing human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein and that Tax is known to transactivate the cellular cAMP-response element (CRE) prompted us to examine whether Tax activates the FN promoter of which CRE is thought to play an important role. We showed that Tax transactivated the FN promoter in Jurkat cells. Deletion analyses showed that the response-element resides within the promoter region of -69 bp and that an NF-kappaB-binding site at -41 bp is involved in the Tax-activation of the FN promoter. Gel-shift assays showed that DNA-protein complexes binding to the NF-kappaB site, composed of NF-kappaB p50/p65, were induced on the NF-kappaB motif at -41 bp by Tax. Overexpression of NF-kappaB enhanced the Tax-activation of the FN promoter. Our study shows that the FN promoter is transactivated by Tax through the NF-kappaB pathway.

Antiallodynic effects produced by stimulation of the periaqueductal gray matter in a rat model of neuropathic pain

It has been well documented that there is opioid resistance in neuropathic pain. This indicates that the endogenous opioid system may not be involved effectively in modulating neuropathic pain. The present study sought to determine if activation of the descending pain inhibition system might produce analgesia in the animal neuropathic model we developed. Under ketamine anesthesia, male Sprague-Dawley rats were chronically implanted with stimulating electrodes in the ventral periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) and both the tibial and sural nerves of the sciatic nerve branches were severed. Pain sensitivity was measured with a von Frey filament and acetone applied to the sensitive area for 1 week postoperatively. Rats with neuropathic pain syndrome after transection of the tibial and sural nerves were tested as to the analgesic effects of ventral PAG stimulation for an additional two weeks. Electrical stimulation of the ventral PAG turned out to be highly effective in alleviating neuropathic pain. Mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia were reduced by PAG stimulation. Naloxone reversed the antiallodynic effects of ventral PAG stimulation. These results suggest that activation of the descending pain inhibition system including the ventral PAG reduces neuropathic pain syndrome and that opiates are involved in this system.

Induction of apoptosis by a novel intestinal metabolite of ginseng saponin via cytochrome c-mediated activation of caspase-3 protease

Ginseng saponins exert various important pharmacological effects with regard to the control of many diseases including cancer. The novel intestinal bacterial metabolites of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponins have recently been found and isolated after the oral administration of ginseng extract in human and rats. 20-O-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (IH-901) formed from ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, and Rc is of particular interest in cancer chemoprevention and treatment. We investigated the effects of IH-901 on the human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 in terms of inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. IH-901 showed a significant cytotoxic activity in HL-60 cells (IC(50) = 24. 3 microM) following a 96-hr incubation. Treatment of HL-60 cells with IH-901 resulted in the formation of internucleosomal DNA fragments. The dose- and time-dependent induction of apoptosis by IH-901 was demonstrated in sandwich enzyme immunoassay and the results were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. Morphological examination of IH-901-treated samples showed cells with chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, and nuclear fragmentation, all typical characteristics of apoptotic cells. The treatment of HL-60 cells with IH-901 caused activation of caspase-3 protease and subsequent proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. IH-901 did not affect the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 but did cause a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into cytosol. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that IH-901 dramatically suppresses HL-60 cell growth by inducing programed cell death through activation of caspase-3 protease, which occurs via mitochondrial cytochrome c release independently of Bcl-2 modulation. These results may provide a pivotal mechanism for the use of IH-901 in the prevention and treatment of leukemia.

The effect of C677T mutation of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene and plasma folate level on hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with meningomyelocele

To evaluate the relationship between genotypes of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and plasma folate and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in meningomyelocele, 21 Korean patients, 47 of their family members, and 43 healthy controls were recruited. The presence of C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene and plasma concentrations of folate/Hcy were investigated. The genotype frequency of C677T mutation was not higher in study groups (patients and family members). The plasma folate concentration showed no difference either between the study and the control groups or among MTHFR-genotypic groups. The plasma Hcy concentration in homozygotes in the study group was higher than that in the control group, and higher than that in heterozygotes when plasma folate levels were low (P=0.006). Although neither MTHFR genotype nor plasma folate/Hcy level plays a definite part on its own, they seem to have an additive effect on the occurrence of meningomyelocele. Our results support folate supplementation for the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia and meningomyelocele.

Up-regulation and co-expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors in human gastric cancer

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), a key regulatory factor of cell growth and differentiation, is involved in embryonic development, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis. To date, four different FGF receptors (FGFRs) have been cloned and characterized. We examined the expression of four FGFRs in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines using Northern analysis, ribonuclease protection assay, and immunohistochemistry. The mRNAs of FGFR-1 (10/14), FGFR-2 (9/14), and FGFR-4 (9/14) were up-regulated in cancer compared with normal tissues. FGFR-3 mRNAs were barely detectable in both normal and cancer tissues. These FGFR mRNAs were co-expressed in various combinations of two or three in the same tissue. Immunohistochemistry confirmed specific staining of multiple FGFRs, except FGFR-3, in the cancer specimens. To investigate the functional significance of FGFR co-expression we examined the invasive property of SNU-16 cells, which exhibited gene amplification of FGFR-2, -3, and -4 as well as over-expression of keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR), a splice variant of FGFR-2, and FGFR-4 mRNA. KGF plus acidic FGF (aFGF), KGF, and aFGF treatment enhanced the invasive potential of SNU-16 cells over the control by 100%, 107%, and 47%, respectively, indicating that neither additive nor synergistic effect was induced by stimulation with aFGF plus KGF. These results suggest that co-expression of FGFRs in various combinations may cause subtle changes in the progression of gastric cancer.

Hypocapnic constriction in rabbit basilar artery in vitro: triggering by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate and dependence on endothelin-1 and alkalosis

This study tested whether hypocapnic constriction of the rabbit basilar artery in vitro can be triggered by a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and whether the resulting constriction is (1) due to the alkaline pH associated with hypocapnia, and (2) endothelin-1 mediated. Hypocapnic (25 mM NaHCO(3); pH 7.76; pCO(2) 14.2) or isocapnic alkaline solution (50 mM NaHCO(3); pH 7.73; pCO(2) 35.0) rarely altered basal tension. N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate (L-NMMA; 0.1 mM) challenge in hypocapnic or isocapnic alkaline solution resulted in near maximal tension that was maintained for 2-2.5 h even following L-NMMA washout. L-NMMA challenge in normal solution (25 mM NaHCO(3); pH 7. 42; pCO(2) 36.9) also induced near maximal tension, although the tension was maintained for only 25 min (mean). Ac-D-Bhg-L-Leu-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp (PD145065), homopiperidinyl-CO-Leu-D-Trp(CHO)-D-Trp (BQ610), and N-cis-2, 6-dimethyl-piperidinocarbonyl L-gamma-MeLeu-D-Trp (COOCH(3))-Nle (BQ788; 1-3 microM), endothelin ET(A)/ET(B), endothelin ET(A), and endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonists, respectively, completely relaxed the tension that resulted from L-NMMA challenge in hypocapnic or isocapnic alkaline solution. These results demonstrate that constriction due to hypocapnia in vitro can be triggered by an NO synthase inhibitor and is endothelin-1 mediated. Additionally, alkaline pH in the absence of decreased pCO(2) is sufficient to elicit the constriction.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of 5/6-arylamino-4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles

5/6-Arylamino-4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles were synthesized and tested for in vitro antifungal activities against pathogenic fungi. Most of the tested 4,7-dioxobenzothiazoles exhibited potent antifungal activities against Candida species and Aspergillus niger.

Reduced verapamil inhibition of endothelin-1-constricted rabbit basilar artery due to enhanced non L-type Ca(2+)-channel-dependent constriction

This study tested whether (1) L-type Ca(2+) channel blockade and extracellular Ca(2+) removal prior to endothelin-1, as compared to during the endothelin-1 constriction, resulted in lesser inhibition, and (2) the reduced inhibition due to prior L-type Ca(2+) channel blockade resulted from enhanced non L-type Ca(2+)-channel-dependent constriction. Pretreatment of rabbit basilar artery in vitro with 1 microM verapamil, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, inhibited 3, 10, 30, and 100 nM endothelin-1 constrictions to a lesser extent than verapamil addition during the plateau endothelin-1 constriction. Ni(2+) (0.03 and 0.1 mM), a nonselective cation channel blocker, relaxed the plateau endothelin-1 constrictions in vessels pretreated with verapamil to greater magnitudes than vessels unexposed to verapamil. Extracellular Ca(2+) removal prior to 10, 30, and 100 nM endothelin-1 also inhibited the endothelin-1 constrictions to smaller magnitudes than Ca(2+) removal during the plateau endothelin-1 constrictions. These results suggest that the reduced inhibition of the endothelin-1 constriction following pretreatment with L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker or Ca(2+)-free solution, as compared to addition of these agents during the endothelin-1 constriction, is the result of non L-type Ca(2+) channel opening and enhanced Ca(2+)-independent constriction, respectively.

The ethanol-soluble part of a hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi inhibits liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of the hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi (Compositae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver injury was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 mL kg(-1)) twice a week during 4 weeks of A. iwayomogi treatment. Extracts from A. iwayomogi were prepared and administered to rats orally (2 g kg(-1) as A. iwayomogi for 4 weeks) as follows: group 1, hot-water extract; group 2, ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract; group 3, ethanol-insoluble part of hot-water extract; and group 4, methanol extract. In rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, liver hydroxyproline content was reduced to 74% that of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). Protein expression of alpha smooth muscle cell like actin was also decreased in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, which indicates inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation. Liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly lowered in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol levels in rats treated with hot-water extract, ethanol-soluble or -insoluble parts of hot-water extract or methanol extract were significantly reduced when compared with those of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). The ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract from A. iwayomogi inhibited fibrosis and lipid peroxidation in rats with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Both hot-water extract (either ethanol-soluble or -insoluble) and methanol extract of A. iwayomogi also lowered serum cholesterol levels in fibrotic rats.

Role of different peripheral components in the expression of neuropathic pain syndrome

Peripheral nerve injury frequently leads to neuropathic pain like hyperalgesia, spontaneous pain, mechanical allodynia, thermal allodynia. It is uncertain where the neuropathic pain originates and how it is transmitted to the central nervous system. This study was performed in order to determine which peripheral component may lead to the symptoms of neuropathic pain. Under halothane anesthesia, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to neuropathic surgery by tightly ligating and cutting the tibial and sural nerves and leaving the common peroneal nerve intact. Behavioral tests for mechanical allodynia, thermal allodynia, and spontaneous pain were performed for 2 weeks postoperatively. Subsequently, second operation was performed as follows: in experiment 1, the neuroma was removed; in experiment 2, the dorsal roots of the L4-L6 spinal segments were cut; in experiment 3, the dorsal roots of the L2-L6 spinal segments were cut. Behavioral tests were performed for 4 weeks after the second operation. Following the removal of the neuroma, neuropathic pain remained in experiment 1. After the cutting of the L4-L6 or L2-L6 dorsal roots, neuropathic pain was reduced in experiments 2 and 3. The most remarkable relief was seen after the cutting of the L2-L6 dorsal roots in experiment 3. According to the fact that the sciatic nerve is composed of the L4-L6 spinal nerves and the femoral nerve is composed of the L2-L4 spinal nerves, neuropathic pain is transmitted to the central nervous system via not only the injured nerves but also adjacent intact nerves. These results also suggest that the dorsal root ganglion is very important in the development of neuropathic pain syndrome.

Microinjection of opiates into the periaqueductal gray matter attenuates neuropathic pain symptoms in rats

We have previously demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the ventral periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) produced analgesia in neuropathic pain in rats. Opioids were also shown to be involved in analgesic effects. This study sought to determine whether opiates microinjected into the ventral PAG produce analgesia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were chronically implanted with a guide cannula in the PAG under pentobarbital anesthesia and both the tibial and sural nerves were completely cut. Pain sensitivity was postoperatively measured with a von Frey filament and acetone applied to the sensitive area for 1 week. Opioids such as [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and [D-Pen ,D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE) were injected into the PAG. DAMGO, a mu-opioid agonist, and DPDPE, a delta-opioid agonist, were highly effective in reducing neuropathic pain. These effects were reversed by naloxone. These results suggest that the neurons in the ventral PAG are activated by opioids to produce analgesia and that specific opioid receptors are involved in the descending pain inhibition system from the PAG.

Sonographic findings of the neopharynx after total laryngectomy: comparison with CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To our knowledge, sonographic findings in the neopharynx have not been well characterized. We describe our results and assess the role of sonography versus CT in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy.

METHODS

We examined 25 patients (24 men and one woman; 44-78 years old) who had had a total laryngectomy. Sonography (with a 10-MHz transducer) and contrast-enhanced CT were performed in all patients. We evaluated the normal shape of the neopharynx and assessed the accuracy of sonography versus CT in detecting tumor recurrence in the neck.

RESULTS

The neopharynx appears as a round or ovoid structure on imaging studies. On sonograms, the neopharyngeal wall has five layers of alternating echogenicity: an innermost hyperechoic layer of superficial mucosa, an inner hypoechoic layer of deep mucosa, a middle hyperechoic layer of submucosa, an outer hypoechoic layer of muscle, and an outermost hyperechoic layer of adventitia. On CT scans, the neopharynx appears as a three-layered structure, with an inner hyperdense layer of mucosa, a middle hypodense layer of submucosa, and an outer isodense layer of pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Nine pathologically proved recurrences were found: three local recurrences, one local recurrence with lymph node metastasis, and five cases of lymph node metastasis only. One instance of false-negative lymph node metastasis was seen at sonography and one case of false-positive local recurrence was seen at CT.

CONCLUSION

The neopharynx has a unique sonographic appearance, and this imaging technique is useful for detecting local tumor recurrence in the neopharynx in patients who have had a total laryngectomy.

Cytotoxic lavandulyl flavanones from Sophora flavescens

Two new lavandulylated flavanones, (2S)-2'-methoxykurarinone (1) and (-)-kurarinone (2), were isolated from the root of Sophora flavescens, together with two known lavandulyl flavanones, sophoraflavanone G (3) and leachianone A (4), and two known isoflavonoids, formononetin and l-maakiain. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of optical rotation and spectral evidence and by comparison with known compounds. Compounds 1-4 exhibited cytotoxic activity against human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells.

General pharmacology of the new antiviral agent SK 1899

The general pharmacological properties of 2-amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purine (CAS 247081-81-8, SK 1899), a new potential antiviral agent, were investigated in mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and dogs. The oral administration of 50, 150, and 500 mg/kg of SK 1899 had no effects on the central nervous system except that it slightly increased the spontaneous locomotor activity in mice at a dose of 500 mg/kg. SK 1899 did not disturb either the spontaneous motility or contractor-induced contraction of the isolated organs such as guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, guinea pig vas deferens, and guinea pig trachea at concentrations up to 10(-4) mol/l. It slightly increased the contractile force in the isolated guinea pig atrium at a concentration of 10(-4) mol/l. Following intravenous infusion of 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg of SK 1899 to anesthetized dogs, it did not change the mean arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and respiratory rate, while it slightly increased the left ventricular positive dP/dtmax (LV + dP/dtmax) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. SK 1899 did not induce any significant changes in the intestinal charcoal meal transit in mice, basal gastric juice secretion in rats, and renal function in rats. It did not affect the blood coagulation system and phenolsulfonphthalein secretion in rats. These findings suggest that SK 1899 has a very low potential to induce any adverse pharmacological effects at the doses showing antiviral activity.