Effects of type of dietary fat on phorbol ester-elicited tumor promotion and other events in mouse skin

Based on the biological activity of arachidonic acid metabolites, we hypothesized that alterations in the consumption of linoleic acid, the precursor to arachidonic acid, would result in a modification in tumor development when fed during the tumor promotion stage of the mouse skin initiation-promotion model. The effects of seven different levels of dietary linoleic acid (LA), supplied as corn oil in a 15% fat diet, on the incidence and rate of papilloma and carcinoma development were determined. SENCAR mice were placed on one of the experimental diets, containing 1.0, 3.6, 6.0, 7.9, 9.9, 12.5, or 15.0% corn oil, 1 week after initiation with 10 nmol of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and 3 weeks prior to the start of twice weekly promotion with 1 micrograms 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At 15 weeks of TPA treatment there were significant differences in papilloma number among diet groups, such that an inverse correlation (r = 0.92) was observed between tumor number and level of corn oil; the lowest corn oil diet group had an average of 11.7 tumors/mouse, while the highest corn oil group had 5.4 tumors/mouse. However, there was little difference in tumor incidence among diet groups. A general relationship between diet and carcinoma incidence was also found, such that the highest corn oil diet group had the lowest carcinoma incidence. In an experiment performed with DBA/2 mice, the average number of papillomas/mouse at 17 weeks was 4.5 (1.0% corn oil), 5.6 (7.9%) corn oil), and 2.3 (15.0% corn oil). Papilloma incidence was also affected by diet, with a 79% incidence for the 15.0% corn oil and an incidence of 93% for the 1.0% corn oil group. analyses of the fatty acid composition of epidermal phospholipids in mice fed the experimental diets reflected the dietary LA levels, in that an accumulation of phospholipid LA, accompanied by an overall decrease in arachidonic acid, occurred with increasing dietary corn oil. In spite of the high membrane levels of LA, no measurable amount of epidermal conjugated dienes of LA could be detected. Epidermal prostaglandin E2 levels in acetone-treated mice were similar for all diet groups (approximately 3 pg/micrograms DNA). However, 6 h after topical application with 4 micrograms of TPA, prostaglandin E2 levels were elevated 5- to 10-fold; an inverse correlation (P less than 0.05) was seen with increasing dietary LA, although the concordance with decreased phospholipid arachidonic acid was not strong.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

4 Beta- and 4 alpha-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate elicit arachidonate release from epidermal cells through different mechanisms

There is substantial evidence that the tumor promoter 4 beta-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) elicits enhanced arachidonic acid release and its metabolism to prostaglandins and lipoxygenase products in many cell types. The goal of this study was to determine whether 4 alpha-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (4 alpha TPA), a stereoisomer of TPA, can induce arachidonic acid release and whether it is by the same mechanism as release induced by TPA. The finding that 10 micrograms/ml 4 alpha TPA produces a response comparable with 1 microgram/ml TPA and with similar kinetics was unexpected. The mechanism mediating the TPA response appears to be the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), which subsequently results in phospholipase A2 activation. This is suggested by the observation that TPA-induced arachidonate release is inhibited 65% by 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7), an inhibitor of PKC and that TPA completely down-regulates PKC. In addition, down-regulation or depletion of PKC by prior treatment with TPA results in a 75% loss of response to a second TPA treatment. In vitro activation of partially purified PKC could be demonstrated for TPA but not 4 alpha TPA. 4 alpha TPA thus appears to induce the release of arachidonate by a different but unknown mechanism. The 4 alpha TPA effect is not significantly reduced by the PKC inhibitor H-7, and no evidence of PKC activation or down-regulation was observed. Additionally, 4 alpha TPA is unable to "down-regulate" arachidonate release when the two-treatment protocol is used and the down-regulation of PKC by TPA has little effect on 4 alpha TPA-induced arachidonate release. Cycloheximide inhibited TPA-induced arachidonate release by 80% and 4 alpha TPA-induced release by 50%, indicating a partial requirement for protein synthesis for both phorbol esters. Actinomycin D, on the other hand, inhibited the TPA response by 70%, but enhanced the 4 alpha TPA response by 169%. When used at 10- or 100-micrograms doses, 4 alpha TPA was found to lack activity with respect to ornithine decarboxylase induction, oxidant production, hyperplasia, inflammation, and tumor promotion, suggesting that arachidonate release is not sufficient to induce these events. This may be related to the observation that with TPA the extent of arachidonate metabolism to prostaglandin E2 is four- to fivefold greater than occurred with 4 alpha TPA, even under conditions of equivalent arachidonate release.

Output and inflation components of medical care and other spending changes

From 1965 to 1990, spending on medical care rose from 5.9 to 12.2 percent of gross national product. This rise was the consequence of greatly expanded government and government subsidized private insurance coverage operating in an environment where payments for insured care by and large covered whatever costs were incurred. As a result, the personal consumption of medical care experienced both output and price average growth rates strikingly above economywide norms. Indeed, the output growth rate in this sector rivaled growth in several goods sectors with greatly expanded supplies. However, whereas goods in the latter sectors have become more accessible through lower relative prices, consumers with insufficient insurance coverage are being crowded out of the market for medical care by higher relative prices.

Analysis of prostaglandins in aqueous solutions by supercritical fluid extraction and chromatography

Trace amounts of prostaglandins (PGs) were selectively analysed without derivatization using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and open tubular column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The specific compounds studied were prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), esters of PGF2 alpha, prostaglandin F1 alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). An open tubular column was used with carbon dioxide as the mobile phase and with universal flame ionization detection. Samples were introduced into the column by direct injection using a 1-microliter sample loop or by SFE with solute focusing. The 11 standard compounds were effectively separated within 35 min using a density program at constant temperature. The minimum detectable quantity (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) using the direct injection method was 9 ng for 15-propionate PGF2 alpha isopropyl ester. Using the extraction method, the sample size in the extraction cell was increased to 100 microliters, which made it possible to analyse compounds that were present in low concentrations. Aqueous PG samples were extracted from adsorbents onto which the samples had been loaded.

Relation of pooled logistic regression to time dependent Cox regression analysis: the Framingham Heart Study

A standard analysis of the Framingham Heart Study data is a generalized person-years approach in which risk factors or covariates are measured every two years with a follow-up between these measurement times to observe the occurrence of events such as cardiovascular disease. Observations over multiple intervals are pooled into a single sample and a logistic regression is employed to relate the risk factors to the occurrence of the event. We show that this pooled logistic regression is close to the time dependent covariate Cox regression analysis. Numerical examples covering a variety of sample sizes and proportions of events display the closeness of this relationship in situations typical of the Framingham Study. A proof of the relationship and the necessary conditions are given in the Appendix.

Cyclic oxygen analogues of alkyl-lysophospholipids. Synthesis and neoplastic cell growth inhibitory properties

Ether phospholipids have demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo activity against a wide variety of tumor cell lines. The known cyclic ether phospholipid, SRI 62-834, was used as the model to prepare eight novel phospholipids containing a cyclic ether. All of the compounds were as effective as ET-18-OCH3 in their ability to activate macrophage-induced cytotoxicity against the Abelson-8.1 tumor cell line but varied in their direct cytotoxic effects. One of the new compounds, SDZ 62-406, was selected for in vivo studies and showed oral and i.v. activity in the mouse MethA fibrosarcoma model in the same range as ET-18-OCH3. No correlation was found between the direct or macrophage-activated cytotoxicity and the ability of the compounds to inhibit or promote platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human platelets.

[Development of a scale to measure the self concept of cesarean section mothers]

Recently, the rate of cesarean section in Korea has been increasing. The results of several previous studies in foreign countries on the emotional responses of cesarean section mothers showed that they might experience difficulties in the mother-infant interaction due to fatigue, lack of early mother-infant interaction, disappointments, anger, feelings of loss of control, and other factors. Human behavior is said to be determined by one's self concept, and self concept is influenced by both internal and external environmental factors. A scale to measure the self concept of cesarean section mothers was needed in order to identify those who might have difficulties in the mother-infant interactions in future. The purposes of this study were to develop a measuring scale, and to test its reliability and validity. The process of this study was as follows. A structured interview was done with 50 cesarean section and vaginal delivery mothers to find their state of emotional reaction after giving birth to their babies. Based on the results of the interviews, a 50 items Likert scale was developed. The self concept of 268 cesarean section and vaginal delivery mothers who were hospitalized at six hospital in seoul were measured, during the period between Feb. 1 and April 30. Reviewing the discriminating power of each item by means of crosstabulation, ten items were selected for the final scale. The reliability and validity of this ten item scale were tested by Cronbach's alpha and t-test, using spss pc + package. The results of this study and recommendation are as follows. 1. The ten selected items were as follows. I feel pains in my breast. (-) I have a good appetite now. (+) I feel pains in my flank. (-) I feel fine now. (+) My body seems to have returned to its prepregnant state. (+) Thinking of the delivery process, I feel sorry. (-) I want to hold my baby in my arms. (+) I want to keep my own life, even if I became a mother. (-) I want to delegate the care of the baby to my mother/mother in law. (-) I think baby is my alter ege. (+) 2. The reliability of this scale was tested by Cronbach's alpha, and the coefficient of this scale was .8066. 3. The construct validity of this scale was tested by means of known group methods. The value of self concept for cesarean section mother was significantly lower than for vaginal delivery mothers (t = -5.51, df = 266, p = 0.007).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of amiodarone on the expression of myosin isoforms and cellular growth of cardiac muscle cells in culture

The effect of amiodarone on the expression of myosin isoforms and the growth of neonatal rat cardiac muscle cells in culture was studied by native gel electrophoresis, assays of DNA and protein synthesis, and electron microscopy. Cardiac myocytes exposed to amiodarone in the absence of triiodothyronine (T3) showed predominant V1. When cardiac myocytes were exposed to amiodarone in the presence of T3, they expressed prevalent isomyosin V3, or both V3 and V1 equally. Supraphysiological concentration of T3 counteracted the effect of amiodarone on myocytes, showing the expression of predominant isomyosin V1. Amiodarone has inhibitory effects on DNA synthesis and differentiation of cardiac myocytes. Myocytes treated with amiodarone showed maximum labeling index with 11% labeled cells after day 1. Subsequently, the labeling indexes declined and on the third day ceased, as opposed to the control culture, which attained a peak in labeling index with 60% labeled myocytes on the third day. The labeling indexes declined, showing 11% labeled myocytes at the terminal time point. Myocytes treated with amiodarone lost most of the well-organized myofibrils and other organelles, and instead contained sparse, scattered segments of myofibrils, free myofilaments, many mitochondria with disrupted cristae, and autophagic vacuoles. The results demonstrated that amiodarone has a direct influence on the expression of isomyosin by cardiac myocytes. Furthermore, this drug has inhibitory and degrading effects on the growth and differentiation of cardiac myocytes.

Value of a run-in period in a drug trial during pregnancy

The Vaginal Infections and Prematurity (VIP) Study included a clinical trial of the efficacy of erythromycin in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. A prerandomization run-in period was part of the trial design. During this period, women were given 1 week's supply of placebo pills to test their compliance. Those who met certain criteria for compliance, were otherwise still eligible, and agreed to participate were then randomized to receive erythromycin or placebo for a maximum of 10 weeks. During 2 years of the VIP Study, 1476 (71%) of 2071 women who began the run-in period were randomized. Women at least 30 years of age, those not smoking during pregnancy or shortly before pregnancy, and those still working outside the home at the time of enrollment were more likely than other women to be randomized after the run-in. Calculations of relative efficiency, based on a standard sample-size formula, suggest that the VIP run-in procedure not only eliminated potentially noncompliant women before randomization but also increased the power of the trial. Similar calculations which incorporated costs suggest that the run-in also resulted in lower costs, compared to a trial with equivalent power but no run-in period.

A two-phase linear regression model for biologic half-life data

In estimating the biologic half-life of an infused drug or biologic agent, one very frequently used model is the biexponential, which reflects a two-compartment physiologic model. The difficulty in using this model is that it is nonlinear in the parameters and requires relatively sophisticated analysis. Furthermore, an interval estimate is not usually reported. We propose the use of a two-phase linear regression approach, which is tantamount to breaking down the model into two straight lines based on the selection of the logarithm of concentration as the ordinate and time as the abscissa. We show how to determine the joint or changeover point for the two lines using a simple iterative procedure, how to select between a one-phase and a two-phase model, and how to provide a simple confidence interval estimate for half-life when it exists. An example using data from a study of Factor VIII pharmacokinetics is given.

Adult cardiac muscle cells in long-term serum-free culture: myofibrillar organization and expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms

A culture system for adult rat cardiac muscle cells has been established without exposure of cells to serum at any step of the procedure. The methodology has been standardized and optimized to obtain better quality and high yield of cells and culture. Subsequent to enzyme perfusion, the release of myocytes from enzyme-perfused tissues was carried out in enzyme-free Joklik's medium instead of exposing cells to proteolytic enzyme(s) as done previously. Approximately 5 million cylindrical muscle cells per ventricle were obtained. The culture medium contained Eagle's minimum essential medium with Earle's salts, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin, transferrin, selenium, norepinephrine, triiodothyronine (T3), bovine serum albumin, nonessential amino acids, and ascorbic acid. The plating efficiency of the experimental cultures was comparable to that of the control cultures grown in the presence of serum. The cells in the serum-free medium contained myofibrillar and myosin isoforms characteristics of the adult myocytes. The cells underwent cellular reorganization comparable to that of the controls. The initial phase of reorganization involved the breakdown of myofibrils and extrusion of mitochondria, degraded myofibrils, and other cellular organelles. The latter phase of reorganization included myofibrillogenesis and organellogenesis resulting in the development of myofibrillar apparatus with cellular organelles. Myocytes were contractile throughout the culture period. Cardiac myocytes grown in serum-free medium expressed the predominant myosin isoform V1 similar to their counterparts in vivo. T3 is essential for the expression of isomyosin V1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical uses of intravenous immunoglobulins

PURPOSE

To ascertain the activity of intravenous immunoglobulin in a wide range of diseases.

DATA IDENTIFICATION

English-language literature search using MEDLINE (1982 to 89), review of meeting reports, and extensive hand searching of bibliographies of identified articles.

STUDY SELECTION

All identified articles.

DATA EXTRACTION

Study quality and specific descriptive information concerning population, intervention, and outcome measurements were assessed.

RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS

There have been few controlled, randomized trials of intravenous immunoglobulin. Available data suggest efficacy in persons with primary immune deficiency, premature infants at risk for group B streptococcus infection, patients with Kawasaki disease, transplant recipients at risk for cytomegalovirus infection, patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and selected patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Data are also favorable concerning the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in some other autoimmune disorders, but randomized trials are needed. Interesting areas for future study include the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), multiple myeloma, and lymphomas. Risks of intravenous immunoglobulin are minimal.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous immunoglobulin is safe and effective in treating several human diseases. Additional randomized trials are needed.

Differential response of cultured adult cardiac muscle cells to a tumor promotor: analysis of myofibrillar organization

Cultured adult rat ventricular cardiac muscle cells were exposed to varying concentrations of 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13 acetate (TPA) for two weeks. A considerable number of cardiac myocytes exposed to a medium with less than 200 ng/ml TPA were rich in myofibrils. The rest of the myocytes lacked organized myofibrils; the terminal parts of these myofibrils were transformed into cord-like structures largely consisting of dense Z-band materials. Some of these aberrant myofibrils contained short normal myofibrillar segments, with sarcomeres. A number of myocytes exposed to 200-250 ng/ml TPA contained myofibrils, which terminated in cord-like structures. The Z-band materials appeared as amorphous dense matrices and some sarcomeres were replaced completely or partially by leptomeres; the myocytes contained autophagosomes. The other myocytes did not contain myofibrils when exposed to the above higher concentrations of TPA. The patches of Z-band materials and structures containing Z-band materials attached to thin filaments on either side were scattered throughout the sarcoplasm of the cells, which were packed with myofilaments and 10 nm microfilaments. Some of these myocytes assumed a spindle shape and contained myofilaments, 10 nm microfilaments and leptomeres. Some of the myocytes, treated with TPA for 1-7 days and then allowed to recover in control medium for 7 days, contained various stages of myofibrillar organization, which did not differ significantly from those of the myofibril-containing cells exposed continuously to TPA as discussed above. The rest of the myocytes during the recovery period in control medium did not contain myofibrils. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies in TPA-treated myocytes were found to be highly developed as compared to the controls. It is evident from these studies that the responsiveness of cardiac myocytes to TPA not only differs from that of skeletal muscle cells studied by others, but also varies within a population of cardiac myocytes.

[Scrub typhus--one case report]

Scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease) is an acute infectious disease caused by Rickettsia tsutsugamushi transmitted through the bite of larvae of certain trombiculid mites. Geographical distribution in Asian-Pacific region is much of the roughly triangular area bounded by Japan, Pakistan and Australia. It is an endemic illness in the Pescadores Islands, but has scarcely been reported in central Taiwan. An eleven-year-old boy was admitted to Changhua Christian Hospital with the chief complaints of fever, lethargy and skin rash for seven days. On physical examination, he was found to have painless eschar, conjunctivitis, meningoencephalitis, pneumonitis, ascites, jaundice, hepatomegaly, liver function impairment and thrombocytopenia. His Proteus OX-K agglutinin titer increased from 1:160 in the acute sera to 1:640 in the convalescent sera. A greater than four-fold rise (greater than 1:640) in antibody titers to Karp, Gilliam, Kato strains of R. tsutsugamushi between acute and convalescent sera were demonstrated by immunofluorescent antibody. The patient was treated with minocycline and chloramphenicol and was completely recovered.

Isolation and characterization of human DNA in agarose block

Classic phenol-chloroform extraction of human DNA results in substantial shearing and low yield. Because DNA analysis in human genetic disorders needs relatively intact DNA, we modified the existing method and systematically analyzed the human DNA isolated from HeLa cells, leukocytes, amniocytes, and fibroblasts in agarose block and compared the results to those obtained by conventional phenol method. Our results showed that DNA isolated by the agarose method was higher in molecular weight, with minimal shearing as compared to the phenol method. Yield of DNA from the agarose method was substantially higher, almost twice that obtained by the phenol method. Restriction enzyme digestion of DNA from the agarose method indicated the usefulness of this DNA for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis without further purification. DNA obtained by the agarose method was found to be more resistant to thermal degradation and more stable on long-term storage than that of phenol-extracted DNA.

Clinical uses of intravenous immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are an important component of host defense against infections. They also play a central role in immune regulation. A wide spectrum of human diseases is associated with decreased or abnormal regulation of immunoglobulin levels. Recently IV preparations of immunoglobulin have become available for clinical studies. There are already substantial data indicating a useful role for IV immunoglobulin in patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia, neonates predisposed to group B streptococcal infections, individuals with ITP, children with Kawasaki disease, and bone marrow transplant patients predisposed to CMV infections. Promising data have been reported in burn patients and in individuals with CLL; these data require confirmation. Potential areas for future investigation include AIDS, autoimmune disorders, and viral disorders other than CMV.

Antitumor activity of SRI 62-834, a cyclic ether analog of ET-18-OCH3

SRI 62-834, an analog of the antitumor agent ET-18-OCH3 in which the oxygen atom at carbon atom 2 has been incorporated into a five-membered heterocycle, has been prepared and evaluated as an antitumor agent. The compound exhibited good cytotoxicity in vitro against a variety of tumor cell lines and was as effective as ET-18-OCH3 given orally in the mouse Meth A sarcoma model. SRI 62-834 was shown to be an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), possibly at the receptor level, and platelet-activating factor (PAF) at the receptor level.

Giant cell arteritis of the skin simulating erythema nodosum

Cutaneous involvement in giant cell arteritis is quite uncommon. A patient is described who presented with pretibial skin lesions clinically indistinguishable from erythema nodosum which, on biopsy, showed subcutaneous pannicular giant cell vasculitis. Cutaneous manifestations of giant cell arteritis are subsequently reviewed.

Study of human chromosome V. The effects of thymidine concentration and timing on the expression of uridine-induced constitutive fragile sites

The induction of fragile sites on human chromosomes has been demonstrated under various conditions that cause thymidylate stress, including exposure to uridine. In this study, we examined common fragile site expression by initially exposing peripheral lymphocytes to uridine, followed by repair of the fragile sites with media containing various concentrations of thymidine. Lymphocytes were cultured in medium 199 with 2 mM uridine. At 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 12, and 18 h before harvest, the uridine medium was removed and replaced by medium containing thymidine at various concentrations. Our results demonstrate that the effect of uridine on chromosome fragility can be reversed by low concentrations of thymidine (2 microM up to 200 microM) and the "rescuing" effect of thymidine can be achieved if the cells were treated prior to 2-3 h before harvest. No repair was found if thymidine was added to culture within 2 h prior to harvesting, suggesting that packing of chromosomes is also an important factor in the expression and repair of fragile sites.

Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma based on dysmorphic features and karyotype analysis

Karyotype analysis of two children with congenital dysmorphic features showed chromosome 13 deletion involving band 13q14. Ophthalmic examination prompted by the karyotype findings resulted in early diagnosis of unilateral multifocal retinoblastoma in each child. Therapy at this early stage of disease allowed preservation of vision in the affected eye in each child.

Chromatography with Supercritical Fluids

In supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) the mobile phase is neither a gas nor a liquid, but is a supercritical fluid. As a result of the unique properties of supercritical fluids, SFC is rapidly becoming a prominent separation technique for the analysis of reactive, thermally labile, and nonvolatile compounds. This article reviews the history, instrumentation, and practice of the technique. Particular emphasis is placed on the different programming methods that allow elution to be selectively controlled in ways that are unique to SFC.

Central nervous system neoplasm in a young man with Martin-Bell syndrome--fra(X)-XLMR

A 17-year-old retarded male developed unilateral leg weakness with foot drop, pain, and incontinence. Workup disclosed a cauda equina tumor which, on surgical exploration, was demonstrated to merge with the conus medullaris. Pathological examination of the subtotally resected tumor led to a diagnosis of malignant ganglioglioma. Further evaluation of the patient documented marginal macro-orchidism, and chromosome studies showed fragile X. Since some neoplasms are known to be associated with chromosomal deletions and other abnormalities, we suggest that the occurrence of this tumor in this patient indicates a more than coincidental relationship between the two diagnoses.

Inhibition and reversal of endotoxin-, aggregated IgG- and paf-induced hypotension in the rat by SRI 63-072, a paf receptor antagonist

Platelet activating factor (paf) given intravenously produces systemic hypotension in the rat. Similar effects can be induced using endotoxin or heat-aggregated IgG challenges, which are thought to involve endogenous paf release. Extending this concept, we have examined the ability of the paf antagonist SRI 63-072 to inhibit or reverse systemic hypotension induced with paf, heat-aggregated IgG or endotoxin 0111-B4 in rats. At 100 ng kg-1 paf, there occurred a 38.6 +/- 5.1% decrease in carotid mean arterial pressure (MAP) followed by a 3.2 +/- 0.7 min recovery period (RP) to return to normal pressure values. The ED50 of SRI 63-072 was 0.16 mg kg-1 i.v. (MAP) and 0.25 mg kg-1 (RP) when given 1-5 min before the paf challenge. Endotoxin (15 mg kg-1 i.v.) produced a hypotensive response (54 +/- 8% decrease in MAP) and a corresponding 80% decrease in mesenteric artery blood flow. When given 2-8 min after endotoxin, 1.0 mg kg-1 i.v. SRI 63-072 totally restored blood pressure and artery blood flow. SRI 63-072 similarly reversed heat-aggregated IgG (10 mg kg-1) induced reduction of MAP, with an ED50 of 0.05 mg kg-1 i.v. The observations that SRI 63-072 can inhibit or reverse systemic vascular effects produced from paf and other provocators of endogenous paf release strongly implicates paf as a common final mediator of hypotension and shock. As SRI 63-072 is a competitive receptor antagonist, the hypotensive effects of these provocators appear to be mediated by vascular receptors for paf.

PROPLEX vs. PROPLEX SX: a controlled double blind study of the effectiveness in treating acute hemarthroses in hemophilia A patients with inhibitors to factor VIII

A blinded randomized multicenter trial of two non-activated prothrombin complex concentrates was carried out to determine the clinical effectivity in the treatment of acute hemarthrosis in hemophiliac patients with inhibitors. The one product was prepared via DEAE Sephadex chromatography, while the second was fractionated via various precipitation procedures including polyethylene glycol. Equivalence of the two products was established with less than 15% difference in efficacy rates.

Schizophrenia and mania in identical twin brothers

Each of a pair of identical twin brothers was independently remanded for mental health assessment. The results of the assessment reliably revealed schizophrenia in one twin and mania in the other. The implications for genetic models of mental disorder are discussed.

Platelet activating factor-induced ischemic bowel necrosis: the effect of PAF antagonists

We have reported a model of ischemic bowel necrosis produced in the rat by injecting platelet activating factor (PAF) or PAF with bacterial endotoxin (LPS) into the mesenteric vasculature. In the present study, we examined the protecting effects of three PAF antagonists, i.e. (R,S)-3-[2-[(2-octadecylaminocarbonyloxymethyltetrahydro-2-fura nylmethoxy) -hydroxyphosphinyloxy]-ethyl]-thiazolium hydroxide inner salt 4-oxide (SRI 63-072), (+/-)-3-[4-[3-octadecylaminocarbonyloxy-2-methoxy)-propoxy]-butyl] -thiazolium bromide (SRI 63-119) and 1-O-hexadecyl-2RS-O-ethyl-3-O -(7-thiazolinoheptyl)-glycerol-methanesulfonate (ONO-6240), on PAF-induced bowel necrosis. The antagonists were injected into the vein 10 min before PAF. Two microgram of PAF or 20 micrograms LPS with 1 microgram of PAF were injected into the aorta above the renal arteries. The parameters assessed included blood pressure, hematocrit, white blood cell count, extent of bowel perfusion and microscopic changes of the bowel. We found that SRI 63-072 (3 mg/kg), SRI 63-119 (3 mg/kg) and ONO-6240 (2 mg/kg) significantly improved the initial hypotension, hemoconcentration and leukopenia caused by PAF. All three drugs also corrected the sustained hypotension and hypoperfusion and gross lesions of the bowel, although microscopic examination still revealed focal mild lesions. SRI 63-072 was also active at a much lower dose (0.3 mg/kg).

Essential thrombocytosis with the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph')

Essential thrombocytosis is a myeloproliferative disease not known to have consistent cytogenetic abnormalities. A 46-year-old black woman with essential thrombocytosis and a Philadelphia chromosome is reported. Iron deficiency and tuberculosis were present but when effectively treated did not result in resolution of thrombocytosis. Megakaryocytic hyperplasia of bone marrow, abnormal platelet function studies and a compatible clinical state suggested the diagnosis of essential thrombocytosis. The diagnostic criteria for other myeloproliferative diseases were not met. The Philadelphia chromosome was consistently obtained from bone marrow preparations. We conclude that the Philadelphia chromosome may be found in essential thrombocytosis as well as other, previously reported, myeloproliferative diseases.

Inhibition of rhesus monkey airway and cutaneous responses to platelet-activating factor (PAF) (AGEPC) with the anti-PAF agent SRI 63-072

Previous studies with synthetic platelet-activating factor (PAF) (AGEPC) showed that aerosol challenges in rhesus monkeys resulted in airway responses simulating acute antigen-induced responses and immediate-type skin reactions [1]. The current studies evaluated whether an antagonist of PAF (SRI 63-072) could inhibit the airway and cutaneous reactivity to PAF. Under the conditions of these experiments, the antagonist partially inhibited PAF activity in both experimental systems. Inhibition of endpoint cutaneous reactivity to PAF may be a suitable system for comparing potency of pharmacologic antagonists in primate skin.

Evidence for a direct effect on vascular permeability of platelet-activating factor induced hemoconcentration in the guinea pig

The ability of synthetic platelet-activating factor (PAF) given intravenously to produce loss (extravasation) of protein rich plasma (resulting in hemoconcentration) has been examined using guinea pigs. Hemoconcentration induced by PAF was not prevented by prior administration of inhibitors of thromboxane synthetase (7-(3-pyridyl)heptanoic acid, UK-37,248-01), PGI2, aspirin, indomethacin or antiserum induced thrombocytopenia. Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, diethylamino octyltrimethoxybenzoate, diltiazem), antihistamines (pyrilamine, cimetidine, diphenhydramine), or the elevator of cAMP IBMX were ineffective in blocking PAF-induced hemoconcentration. In contrast, CV-3988, reported to be a specific antagonist to PAF, was 98% inhibitory of PAF extravasation when given i.a. at 3.5 mg/kg. The ED50 was 0.14 mg/kg I.A. and 15 mg/kg p.o. against 75 ng/kg PAF. These data suggest that PAF-induced hemoconcentration involves receptor mediated alterations of vascular permeability that are inhibited by a specific PAF antagonist.

Study of human chromosomes. IV. Labeling of chromosomal proteins with the amino group specific fluorescent reagent fluorescamine

We describe a method for labeling chromosomal proteins with an amino-group-specific fluorescent reagent, fluorescamine. Chromosomes thus labeled appear either as uniformly fluorescent or as haloes in structure depending on the proteins remaining after treatment with acid-alcohol fixation. Using fluorescamine as a probe, we demonstrate that there is a substantial loss of labeled proteins during the chromosomal preparation and also during the trypsin treatment used in the banding of chromosomes.

Translocation mosaicism in a woman having multiple miscarriages

We concluded cytogenetic studies on a couple who had had several spontaneous abortions. The peripheral lymphocytes of the woman repeatedly showed a mosaic pattern with a structurally altered, apparently balanced, autosomal translocation between chromosomes 4 and 5. Various studies were reviewed and it was concluded that the true frequency of structural rearranged mosaics in recurrent pregnancy loss is not known.

Sterility test systems for product recovery

When presterilized, closed canister, membrane filter units for sterility testing are validated for process, large volumes of therapeutic products for injection can be tested for sterility, recovered, and added to a subsequent bulk prior to sterile filtration. Intermittent positive pressure, applied to the canisters through the vent filters, makes possible the relatively rapid filtration, with minimal foaming, of viscous solutions such as 25% (w/v) normal serum albumin (human). Canister systems appear to be at least as effective as the standard membrane filter method, and the canisters are particularly suited to the sterility testing of bulks.

Effect of platelet activating factor on endothelial permeability to plasma macromolecules

We have examined the effect of intrajugular administration of platelet activating factor (PAF-C16) on vascular permeability in the guinea pig. To examine the loss of selective endothelial permeability, the extravasative effect of PAF was assessed by monitoring hemoconcentration and the plasma loss of 125I-albumin (6.7 nm), 125I-low density lipoproteins (22.0 nm) or 125I-very low density lipoproteins (62.1 nm). Extravasation was dose-dependent and began 1 min after PAF administration, continuing for 5-7 min. During extravasation, there was no evidence for selective plasma retention of any of the labeled plasma tracers, as measured by plasma radioactivity. These results suggest that PAF-induced extravasation is dose-dependent, with increases in vascular permeability sufficient to permit similar plasma efflux rates of albumin, low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins.

Mutagenic activity of methyl-substituted tri- and tetracyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles

A number of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles have been identified in coal-derived products and in shale oils. The mutagenic activity of some of these compounds, including dibenzothiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene and benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene have been determined using the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test. These compounds demonstrated either very weak or no mutagenic activity. The methyl derivatives of each of these four compounds were assayed for mutagenic activity. Salmonella typhimurium TA98 was used as the tester strain. All assays required a rat-liver homogenate metabolic activator. Five of the methylated derivatives, 1-methylbenzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene, 3-methylbenzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene, 1-methylbenzo[b]-naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene, 6-methylbenzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene and 4-methylbenzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene demonstrated mutagenic activity. However, activity was observed only at high concentrations of the metabolic activator.

Microbial mutagenicity of isomeric two-, three-, and four-ring amino polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The isomers of various two-, three-, and four-ring amino polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were tested for mutagenic activity using a microbial plate incorporation test with four Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537). All compounds were assayed with an S9 metabolic activating enzyme system. The two-ring compounds were tested only with TA98. All were weakly mutagenic (1-10 rev/micrograms) except 2-aminobiphenyl, which was not mutagenic under these test conditions. All except two of the 13 fused three-ring compounds (aminofluorenes, aminoanthracenes, and aminophenanthrenes) were active frame shift mutagens; only the aminophenanthrenes were active base-pair mutagens. The potency of this group of isomeric compounds ranged from moderately (approximately 20 rev/microgram) to strongly (greater than 5,000 rev/microgram) mutagenic. As a group, the pericondensed four-ring amino compounds were the most mutagenic of the three groups tested. All of the aminofluoranthene and aminopyrene isomers showed significant mutagenic activity with TA98, TA100, and TA1537. In general, the mutagenic potency of the amino polycyclic aromatic compounds tested was highly dependent on the structural position of the amino group.