Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced neutrophil apoptosis by cyclic AMP: involvement of caspase cascade

Treatment of neutrophils with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the presence of cycloheximide induced apoptosis within 3 h, as evaluated by the occurrence of morphological nuclear changes characteristic of apoptosis. Pretreatment of neutrophils with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) suppressed the TNF-alpha/cycloheximide-induced apoptosis in neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner, while dbcAMP by itself did not induce any morphological changes. Forskolin, or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition on apoptosis. This inhibition by dbcAMP was completely reversed by pretreatment with the protein kinase A inhibitor, N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino) ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulphonamide (H-89). DbcAMP also inhibited the TNF-alpha/cycloheximide-induced activation of caspase-3, but it had no effect on the activation of caspase-8 in human neutrophils. Furthermore, dbcAMP did not directly inhibit activated caspase-3 activity. Inhibitor of protein kinase C, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, tyrosine kinase, nitric oxide synthase, or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor did not affect apoptosis. These results indicate that the elevation of levels of endogenous intracellular cyclic AMP and subsequent activation of protein kinase A play a crucial role in the prevention of apoptosis triggered by TNF-alpha/cycloheximide in human neutrophils, and that the possible target of cyclic AMP is a product in the metabolic pathway between caspase-8 and caspase-3.

Differential role of components of the fibrinolytic system in the formation and removal of thrombus induced by endothelial injury

The role of fibrinolytic system components in thrombus formation and removal in vivo was investigated in groups of six mice deficient in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (u-PA-/-, t-PA-/- or PAI-1-/-, respectively) or of their wild type controls (u-PA+/+, t-PA+/+ or PAI-1+/+). Thrombus was induced in the murine carotid artery by endothelial injury using the photochemical reaction between rose bengal and green light (540 nm). Blood flow was continuously monitored for 90 min on day 0 and for 20 min on days 1, 2 and 3. The times to occlusion after the initiation of endothelial injury in u-PA+/+, t-PA+/+ or PAI-1+/+ mice were 9.4+/-1.3, 9.8+/-1.1 or 9.7+/-1.6 min, respectively. u-PA-/- and t-PA-/- mice were indistinguishable from controls, whereas that of PAI-1-/- mice were significantly prolonged (1 8.4+/-3.7 min). Occlusion persisted for the initial 90 min observation period in 10 of 18 wild type mice and was followed by cyclic reflow and reocclusion in the remaining 8 mice. At day 1, persistent occlusion was observed in 1 wild type mouse, 8 mice had cyclic reflow and reocclusion and 9 mice had persistent reflow. At day 2, all injured arteries had persistent reflow. Persistent occlusion for 90 min on day 0 was observed in 3 u-PA-/-, in all t-PA-/- mice at day 1 and in 2 of the t-PA-/-mice at day 2 (p <0.01 versus wild type mice). Persistent patency was observed in all PAI-1-/- mice at day 1 and in 5 of the 6 u-PA-/- mice at day 2 (both p <0.05 versus wild type mice). In conclusion, t-PA increases the rate of clot lysis after endothelial injury, PAI-1 reduces the time to occlusion and delays clot lysis, whereas u-PA has little effect on thrombus formation and spontaneous lysis.

Involvement of p42/p44 MAP kinase in endothelin-1-induced interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblast-like cells

We previously reported that endothelin-1 induces synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) via activation of protein kinase C in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we further investigated whether p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase is involved in endothelin-1-induced IL-6 synthesis in these cells. Endothelin-1 stimulated p42/p44 MAP kinase activation in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 nmol/L and 0.1 micromol/L. PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the upstream kinase that activates p42/p44 MAP kinase, suppressed endothelin-1-induced IL-6 synthesis as well as endothelin-1-activated p42/p44 MAP kinase. Both p42/p44 MAP kinase activation and IL-6 synthesis induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester, were reduced by PD98059. Calphostin C, a highly specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, suppressed endothelin-1-stimulated p42/p44 MAP kinase activation as well as endothelin-1-induced IL-6 synthesis. These results strongly suggest that protein kinase C-dependent p42/p44 MAP kinase activation is involved in endothelin-1-induced IL-6 synthesis in osteoblast-like cells.

Involvement of free radicals in cerebral vascular reperfusion injury evaluated in a transient focal cerebral ischemia model of rat

Free radicals have been suggested to be largely involved in the genesis of ischemic brain damage, as shown in the protective effects of alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), a spin trapping agent, against ischemic cerebral injury. In the present study, the effects of PBN as well as MCI-186, a newly-developed free radical scavenger, and oxypurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, were evaluated in a rat transient middle cerebral aretery (MCA) occlusion model to clarify the possible role of free radicals in the reperfusion injury of brain. The volume of cerebral infarction, induced by 2-h occlusion and subsequent 2-h reperfusion of MCA in Fisher-344 rats, was evaluated. The administration of PBN (100 mg/kg) and MCI-186 (100 mg/kg) just before reperfusion of MCA significantly reduced the infarction volume. In contrast, oxypurinol (100 mg/kg) failed to show any preventive effect on the infarction. These results suggest that free radical formation is involved in the cerebral damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion of MCA, and that hydroxyl radical is responsible for the reperfusion injury after transient focal brain ischemia. It is also suggested that xanthine oxidase is not a major source of free radicals.

Vasopressin stimulates the induction of heat shock protein 27 and alphaB-crystallin via protein kinase C activation in vascular smooth muscle cells

In the present study, we examined the effect of vasopressin on the induction of the low-molecular-weight heat shock proteins heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and alphaB-crystallin in an aortic smooth muscle cell line, A10 cells. Vasopressin induced a time-dependent accumulation of HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin. The stimulatory effects of vasopressin were dose-dependent over the range 0.1 nmol/L to 0.1 micromol/L. The EC50 values for vasopressin were 2 (HSP27) and 4 nmol/L (alphaB-crystallin). Vasopressin induced increases in the levels of the mRNAs for HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, induced an accumulation of HSP27 (EC50, 20 nmol/L) and alphaB-crystallin (EC50, 2 nmol/L). In contrast, 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a non-PKC-activating phorbol ester, had no such effect. Staurosporine and calphostin C, inhibitors of PKC, significantly reduced the vasopressin-induced accumulation of HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin as well as that induced by TPA. BAPTA/AM and TMB-8, inhibitors of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, significantly reduced the vasopressin-induced accumulation of HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin. These results strongly suggest that vasopressin stimulates the induction of HSP27 and alphaB-crystallin via PKC activation in vascular smooth muscle cells and that this effect of vasopressin is dependent on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

Extracellular sphingomyelinase induces interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts

In osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, we have recently reported that sphingosine 1-phosphate among sphingomyelin metabolites acts as a second messenger for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of extracellular sphingomyelinase on IL-6 synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells. Sphingomyelinase stimulated IL-6 synthesis in a time-dependent manner for up to 24 h. This stimulative effect was dose dependent in the range between 1 and 300 mU/ml. Calphostin C, a highly and potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, enhanced sphingomyelinase-induced IL-6 synthesis. DL-Threo-dihydrosphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, significantly inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by sphingomyelinase. Sphingomyelinase markedly elicited sphingomyelin hydrolysis. In addition, the effect of a combination of sphingomyelinase and TNF on IL-6 synthesis was synergistic. These results strongly suggest that extracellular sphingomyelinase induces sphingomyelin hydrolysis in osteoblasts, resulting in IL-6 synthesis, and that protein kinase C acts as a negative controller of the IL-6 synthesis.

Effect of propofol on arachidonate cascade by vasopressin in aortic smooth muscle cells: inhibition of PGI2 synthesis

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of propofol are not fully understood. Vasopressin, a potent vasoactive peptide, stimulates the arachidonate cascade and the synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2; the main metabolite of the cascade in vascular smooth muscle cells). Arachidonic acid (AA) release by phospholipases is the rate-limiting step in the cascade. We investigated the mechanisms underlying vasopressin-induced AA release and the effect of propofol on PGI2 synthesis in a rat aortic smooth muscle cell line: A10 cells.

METHODS

In cultured A10 cells pretreated with propofol, the stimulation by vasopressin of AA release and PGI2 synthesis was evaluated by measuring [3H]AA and 6-keto PGF1alpha, respectively, in the culture medium. The effects of propofol on vasopressin-induced activation of phosphoinositide-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D were evaluated by measuring inositol phosphate formation and choline formation, respectively.

RESULTS

A phospholipase C inhibitor and a phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor both attenuated vasopressin-induced AA release and PGI2 synthesis, as did a phospholipase A2 inhibitor. Propofol inhibited vasopressin-induced activation of phosphoinositide-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, but this effect of propofol was significant only at supraclinical concentration (0.1 mM). Propofol reduced vasopressin-induced PGI2 synthesis. The inhibitory effect was observed at concentrations (10 microM-0.1 mM) higher than those used clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

Propofol suppresses the arachidonate cascade caused by vasopressin at least partly by inhibiting phosphoinositide-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, resulting in the inhibition of PGI2 synthesis. Propofol-mediated inhibition of vasopressin-stimulated synthesis of PGI2 may reduce the vasorelaxation by propofol.

Transport of fragmented DNA in apical dendrites of gerbil CA1 pyramidal neurons following transient forebrain ischemia

Transport of fragmented DNA in apical dendrites of the CA1 pyramidal neurons of gerbil hippocampus is observed in the apoptotic process following transient forebrain ischemia. The time-course of specific DNA fragmentation was examined after the ischemic insult by in situ nick-end-labeling method and fluorescence detection technique by DAPI. Although the role of the fragmented DNA movement is unclear, the transport mechanism of fragmented DNA is still active in the late phase of apoptotic process.

Sphingosine modulates interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts

We previously reported that prostaglandin (PG)E1 and PGF2alpha induce the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) via activation of protein kinase (PK)A and PKC, respectively, in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, we have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) elicits IL-6 synthesis through intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in these cells and that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induces IL-6 synthesis through sphingosine 1-phosphate produced by sphingomyelin hydrolysis. In the present study, among sphingomyelin metabolites, we examined the effect of sphingosine on IL-6 synthesis induced by various agonists in MC3T3-E1 cells. Sphingosine inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGF2alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, an activator of PKC. Sphingosine suppressed the PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis. The IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin, forskolin, or dibutyryl cAMP was inhibited by sphingosine. Sphingosine inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by bFGF or A23187. However, sphingosine did not affect the IL-6 synthesis induced by interleukin-1. On the contrary, sphingosine enhanced the TNF-induced IL-6 synthesis. DL-threo-Dihydrosphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, reduced the enhancement by sphingosine as well as the TNF-effect. These results indicate that sphingosine modulates the IL-6 synthesis stimulated by various agonists in osteoblasts.

Effect of GR144053, a fibrinogen-receptor antagonist, on thrombus formation and vascular patency after thrombolysis by tPA in the injured carotid artery of the hamster

The antithrombotic effect of GR144053, which inhibits platelet aggregation by binding to the fibrinogen receptor (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa), was investigated in vitro and in vivo by using hamsters. This compound inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP; 2.5 microM) with a mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.2 +/- 0.4 x 10(-5) M. Vascular injury was inflicted in one carotid artery by using a modified catheter to produce endothelial denudation. In the control group, arterial blood flow was interrupted 4.4 +/- 2.3 min (n = 12) after the injury. When GR144053 continuously infused intravenously at doses of 0 (saline) 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg/h (n = 8, each), the time that elapsed before the vessel became completely obstructed was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner. In separate experiments, reperfusion could be obtained by continuous infusion of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA; 0.52 mg/kg) starting 30 min after the initiation of thrombus formation. When GR144053 (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg/h) was infused in addition to tPA, the incidence of reperfusion and the later patency of the reperfused artery were much improved as compared with tPA alone. The bleeding time at the end of tPA infusion was significantly prolonged in the presence of the highest dose of GR144053. Next, neointima formation was evaluated 2 weeks after the vascular injury. When GR144053 (0.3 mg/kg/h) was continuously infused i.v. by an implanted osmotic pump for 14 days, the neointimal area was significantly reduced. In separate hamsters, the proliferating index of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was investigated, and treatment with both tPA and GR144053 significantly decreased the SMC proliferation index in vivo. However, in the in vitro experiments using a hamster SMC line, GR144053 did not have an inhibitory effect on SMC proliferation. These findings suggest that GR144053 inhibits platelet activation on the injured artery and improves vascular patency after thrombolysis with tPA, which furthermore results in suppression of neointima formation.

Protective effect of apoptosis-inhibitory agent, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone against ischemia-induced hippocampal neuronal damage

Delayed neuronal death in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 sector occurs 48 to 72 hours after severe forebrain ischemia. DNA fragmentation is observed in the hippocampal CA1 neurons at around that time. We show here that an inhibitor of proteolytic process of apoptosis, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), protected hippocampal neuronal damage by inhibition of the DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner and that TPCK induced an apoptosis-regulating molecule, Bcl-2 protein, in the surviving neurons. These results suggest the prevention of apoptosis-related DNA fragmentation by TPCK may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for preserving hippocampal neurons from ischemic insult.

Biotransformation of nitroso aromatic compounds and 2-oxo acids to N-hydroxy-N-arylacylamides by thiamine-dependent enzymes in rat liver

The formation of N-hydroxy-N-arylacylamides from nitroso aromatic compounds and 2-oxo acids was investigated using rat liver subcellular fractions. Activities were found in both mitochondria and cytosol, except for activities for phenylpyruvate and glyoxylate; the former did not produce N-hydroxy-N-phenylphenylacetamide and the latter nonenzymatically produced N-hydroxy-N-phenylformamide with nitrosobenzene (NOB). The cytosolic activity of N-hydroxy-N-phenylglycolamide formation was indicated to be due to transketolase, which utilized hydroxypyruvate as a glycolic aldehyde donor to NOB. With mitochondria, 2-oxo acids (including hydroxypyruvate) served as substrates for the biotransformation of NOB to the corresponding N-hydroxy-N-phenylacylamides. The substrate preference was 2-oxobutyrate > pyruvate > 2-oxoisovalerate > 2-oxoisocaproate > 2-oxovalerate > 2-oxo-3-methylvalerate, judging from Vmax/half-saturating concentration for mitochondria values. The half-saturating concentrations for NOB were nearly constant. The mitochondrial activity was due to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and branched-chain 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complex (BCDHC). By using partially purified BCDHC, pyruvate and 2-oxobutyrate were found to be common substrates for both of the enzymes, and 2-oxoisovalerate was shown to be the most effective substrate for BCDHC. Analysis by the Taft equation indicated that the polar effects, rather than the steric effects, of the alkyl groups of 2-oxo acids are important for BCDHC-catalyzed formation of N-hydroxy-N-phenylacylamides. A positive Hammett constant obtained for the formation of N-hydroxy-N-arylisobutyramides indicates that an electron-withdrawing substituent makes the nitroso compounds susceptible to BCDHC-catalyzed biotransformation.

A heat shock-related protein, p20, plays an inhibitory role in platelet activation

Some low molecular mass heat shock proteins (HSPs) appear to act as molecular chaperones, but their exact physiological roles have not been fully elucidated. We reported previously that a 20-kDa protein (p20), which is classified as a low molecular mass HSP, is present at high levels in skeletal and smooth muscles. In the present study, we investigated a physiological role of p20 on platelet function in vitro and ex vivo. p20 inhibited platelet aggregation using human platelets dose-dependently induced by botrocetin. On the other hand, HSP27, the other type of low molecular mass HSP, did not affect platelet aggregation. When p20 (300 microg/kg) was injected intravenously as a bolus in hamsters, platelet aggregation ex vivo induced by botrocetin was also significantly inhibited. In order to further investigate the inhibitory effect by p20 on platelet activation, we performed platelet aggregation induced by thrombin or ADP using human platelets. p20 markedly prevented platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, but not ADP. These findings suggest that p20 can act intercellularly to regulate platelet functions. Our results may provide the basis for a novel defensive system to thrombus formation.

The effects of prostaglandin E1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors on energy status and protein synthetic ability in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

The effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors on hepatic energy status and protein synthesis in ischemic livers were studied using 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a rat model. The continuous administration of PGE1 significantly increased the beta-adenosine triphosphate/inorganic phosphate (beta-ATP/Pi) ratio and hepatic protein synthesis rate (HPS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Microscopic examination showed that the continuous administration of PGE1 inhibited the development of sinusoidal hemorrhage and edema. Thus, it was concluded that PGE1 has a beneficial effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the liver. Pretreatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor also increased the beta-ATP/Pi ratio; however, when tyrosine kinase inhibitor was injected before ischemia, the HPS became significantly reduced. Based on these data, the protective effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor is unconvincing.

Relationship between magnitude of hypothermia during ischemia and preventive effect against post-ischemic DNA fragmentation in the gerbil hippocampus

Protective effect of hypothermia against DNA fragmentation in hippocampal CA1 field after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils was evaluated by changing the magnitude of hypothermia. Inhibition of DNA fragmentation was proportional to the magnitude of hypothermia. The result indicates that, in terms of susceptibility to ischemia, hippocampal CA1 neurons are sensitive to a relatively small decrement of temperature, with temperatures </=35 degreesC being critical for the prevention of apoptotic process following transient forebrain ischemia.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of a new parenteral carbapenem antibiotic, biapenem (L-627), in elderly subjects

The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of a new parenteral carbapenem antibiotic, biapenem (L-627), were studied in healthy elderly volunteers aged 65 to 74 years (71.6 +/- 2.7 years [mean +/- standard deviation], n = 5; group B) and > or = 75 years (77.8 +/- 1.9 years, n = 5; group C), following single intravenous doses (300 and 600 mg), and compared with those of healthy young male volunteers aged 20 to 29 years (23.0 +/- 3.5 years, n = 5; group A). The agent was well tolerated in all three age groups. Serial blood and urine samples were analyzed for biapenem to obtain key pharmacokinetic parameters by both two-compartment model-dependent and -independent methods. The maximum plasma concentration and area under plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) increased in proportion to the dose in all three groups. Statistically significant age-related effects for AUC, total body clearance, and renal clearance (CLR) were found, while elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) and percent cumulative recovery from urine of unchanged drug (% UR) remained unaltered (t1/2 beta, 1.51 +/- 0.42 [300 mg] and 2.19 +/- 0.64 [600 mg] h [group A], 1.82 +/- 1.14 and 1.45 +/- 0.36 h [group B], and 1.75 +/- 0.23 and 1.59 +/- 0.18 h [group C]; % UR, 52.6% +/- 3.0% [300 mg] and 53.1% +/- 5.1% [600 mg] [group A], 46.7% +/- 7.4% and 53.0% +/- 4.8% [group B], and 50.1% +/- 5.2% and 47.1% +/- 7.6% [group C]). A significant linear correlation was observed between the CLR of biapenem and creatinine clearance at the dose of 300 mg but not at 600 mg. The steady-state volume of distribution tended to be decreased with age, although not significantly. Therefore, the age-related changes in parameters of biapenem described above were attributable to the combination of decreased lean body mass and lowered renal function of the elderly subjects. However, the magnitude of those changes does not necessitate dosage adjustment in elderly patients with normal renal function for their age.

A novel recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin, ART-123, activates the protein C pathway in healthy male volunteers

The effect of a novel recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin, ART-123, on protein C activation was investigated by measuring plasma prothrombinase activity in four healthy male volunteers. ART-123 at a dose of 0.3 mg was administered as a bolus intravenous injection for 1 minute. Plasma ART-123 concentration and prothrombinase activity were determined before and immediately, 24, and 48 hours after injection, and thromboelastography was recorded before and immediately and 24 hours after injection. The mean elimination half-life was 19.82 +/- 2.10 hours. Compared with pretreatment levels, ART-123 reduced prothrombinase activity by 44.2 +/- 11.7%, 52.1 +/- 10.8%, and 61.0 +/- 14.7%, respectively, immediately, 24, and 48 hours after injection, suggesting that ART-123 activated the protein C pathway. ART-123 did not affect thromboelastography values. There were no abnormal findings for objective signs or laboratory tests, including blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, body temperature, hematology, coagulation and hemostatic parameters, blood chemistry, and urinalysis. Based on these observations, ART-123 at a dose of 0.3 mg can activate the protein C pathway in healthy volunteers.

Tiludronate inhibits interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts: inhibition of phospholipase D activation in MC3T3-E1 cells

In previous studies, we have reported that PGF2alpha stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by phospholipase D through heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that PGF2alpha and PGE1 induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis via activation of protein kinase C and protein kinase A, respectively. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tiludronate, a bisphosphonate known to inhibit bone resorption, on the PGF2alpha- and PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis in these cells. Tiludronate significantly suppressed the PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 and 30 microM. However, the IL-6 secretion induced by PGE1 or (Bu)2cAMP was hardly affected by tiludronate. The choline formation induced by PGF2alpha was reduced by tiludronate dose-dependently in the range between 0.1 and 30 microM. On the contrary, tiludronate had no effect on PGF2alpha-induced formation of inositol phosphates. Tiludronate suppressed the choline formation induced by NaF, known as an activator of heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein. However, tiludronate had little effect on the formation of choline induced by TPA, a protein kinase C activator. Tiludronate significantly inhibited the NaF-induced IL-6 secretion in human osteoblastic osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells. These results strongly suggest that tiludronate inhibits PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 synthesis via suppression of phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D activation in osteoblasts, and that the inhibitory effect is exerted at the point between heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein and phospholipase D.

Effects of several agents on UVB- and UVA plus systemic fluoroquinolone-induced erythema of guinea pig skin evaluated by reflectance colorimetry

The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms underlying the erythema of guinea pig skin induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation alone and in combination with a systemic fluoroquinolone (FQ). The effects of several drugs which may modify the actions of some inflammatory mediators and radicals possibly released in the inflamed site on the erythema were examined and compared in an objective and quantitative way by measuring the change in color of the irradiated skin, determined as the change in chroma (C*) with use of reflectance colorimetry. After confirming that the C* value increased in an irradiation dose-dependent manner and reached a plateau 1-2 h after irradiation of UVB alone or UVA coadministered with an FQ, Y-26611 (10 mg/kg, i.p.), guinea pigs were pretreated with indomethacin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or beta-carotene before, or treated with H1- or H2-receptor antagonist, superoxide dismutase or N omega-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester after UV irradiation, and their inhibitory effects against erythema were evaluated. It was suggested that there are some substantial differences between UVB- and UVA plus FQ-induced erythemas. Although histamine makes little contribution to both types of erythema, metabolites of arachidonic acid catalyzed by cyclooxygenase contribute more to UVB-induced erythema, whereas superoxides take more part in UVA plus FQ-induced erythema. Furthermore, nitric oxide seems to participate in both types of erythema; however, the pretreatment with BHT or beta-carotene was ineffective against both erythemas. From these results, interventions should be directed to powerfully scavenging radicals for prevention and treatment of UV plus FQ-induced phototoxicity.

Comparative dispositions of ofloxacin in human head, axillary, and pubic hairs

The distribution of ofloxacin (OFLX) along the shaft of each of three hair types, i.e., head, axillary and pubic, was investigated and compared among five healthy male volunteers 1 to 4 months after ingestion of OFLX for 1 or 2 days (total dose, 200 or 600 mg). Five strands of each hair type were sectioned together into successive 0.5-cm lengths starting from the dermal end, over a length of < or = 6 cm, and the OFLX concentration in each hair section was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The distribution of OFLX along the head hair shaft was narrow, having a single peak even 3 to 4 months after administration, suggesting a rather uniform growth rate among hair strands. On the other hand, the OFLX distribution along axillary or pubic hair shafts tended to be broad, even having two apparent peaks, and the growth rate did not seem uniform. Since axillary hair seemed to stop growing after having gained a length of < or = 4 to 5 cm, it was suggested to enter a resting stage after the growth of < or = 3 cm over the 2 to 4 months after OFLX incorporation. These findings indicate that head hair is the most suitable for analysis of individual drug use and the larger growth rate and cycle stage variabilities of strands of the other types of hair should be taken into account.

Multiple inhibition of platelet activation by aurintricarboxylic acid prevents vascular stenosis after endothelial injury in hamster carotid artery

Activated platelets are instrumental in restenosis due to their role in thrombus formation. Aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) has been reported to prevent platelet activation by inhibiting von Willebrand factor binding to platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ib. We investigated the effects of ATA in vitro and in vivo in hamsters. ATA inhibited the in vitro platelet aggregation induced by ADP, botrocetin and thrombin, but not by collagen. The IC50 values during the ex vivo platelet aggregation by ADP, botrocetin and thrombin were 8.2 +/- 1.8 microM, 0.9 +/- 0.4 microg/ml and 2.4 +/- 0.8 unit/ml, respectively. The platelet retention time to collagen-coated beads of hamster blood samples was inhibited by ATA (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg per hour) in a dose-dependent manner. Continuous administration of ATA (0, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg per h) via an infusion pump produced dose-dependent antithrombotic effects: the time to occlude the carotid artery after vascular injury with a modified catheter was prolonged. Only when infused at doses of 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg per hour, bleeding times were significantly prolonged. The continuous treatment with ATA (1.0 mg/kg per h) using a 2ML1 Alzet infusion pump for 2 weeks, resulted in a decrease in neointimal area by 22.2 +/- 6.8% when measured 2 weeks after injury induction. DNA synthesis using DDT1MF2 hamster SMCs was decreased by ATA in a dose-dependent manner. ATA reduced the number of platelets adhering on the injured area, as detected by electron microscopy. These results indicated that treatment with ATA inhibited platelet adhesion but also SMC proliferation. These observations may explain the effect of ATA on neointima formation.

Interleukin-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandin E2: cross-talk regulation by protein kinase C

We previously showed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways as follows: by activation of adenylate cyclase; phosphoinositide (PI)-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-hydrolyzing phospholipase D; and by induction of Ca2+ influx in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of PGE2 on the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its regulatory mechanism in MC3T3-E1 cells. PGE2 significantly stimulated IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 1 nmol/L and 10 micromol/L. A23187, a calcium ionophore, or dibutyryl-cAMP significantly induced IL-6 secretion. The effect of a combination of A23187 and dibutyryl-cAMP on IL-6 secretion was additive. The depletion of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA reduced the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. EP1 receptor antagonist inhibited the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. H-89, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, decreased the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. EP2 receptor agonist alone stimulated IL-6 secretion. However, EP4 receptor antagonist had little effect on IL-6 secretion. Calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), enhanced the secretion of IL-6 induced by PGE2. The stimulative effect of PGE2 on IL-6 secretion was significantly enhanced in PKC downregulated MC3T3-E1 cells. Pertussis toxin enhanced PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. These results strongly suggest that PGE2 stimulates IL-6 synthesis through both Ca2+ mobilization from extracellular space via EP1 receptor and cAMP production via EP2 receptor in osteoblast-like cells, and that the PKC activation by PGE2 itself regulates oversynthesis of IL-6.

Decreased expression and release of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26) in cultured peripheral blood T lymphocytes of oral cancer patients

To investigate the mechanism whereby serum dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV activity in oral cancer patients is decreased, we examined the expression of cell surface DPP IV, also known as CD26, in cultured peripheral blood T lymphocytes of these patients and the amounts of DPP IV released into culture medium; values were compared with those found in healthy subjects. When peripheral blood T lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and/or interleukin-2, the proliferative response and expression of CD26 (DPP IV) in their plasma membranes were greatly diminished in oral cancer patients as compared with those in healthy subjects. In addition, DPP IV activity in lymphocyte culture medium was reduced more in oral cancer patients than in healthy subjects, indicating decreased shedding of DPP IV from activated T lymphocytes in the patients. Based on these findings, it is suggested that suppression of DPP IV expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes is one of the important factors involved in the mechanism of decrease of serum DPP IV activity in oral cancer patients.

Retinoic acid suppresses interleukin-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandins in osteoblasts

We previously reported that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) induces the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) via cAMP production in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that, on the other hand, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) stimulates IL-6 synthesis via activation of protein kinase C. In the present study, we examined the effect of retinoic acid on IL-6 synthesis induced by these two prostaglandins in MC3T3-E1 cells. Retinoic acid inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGF2alpha or PGE1 in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 and 10 nM. Retinoic acid also suppressed the IL-6 synthesis stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. The IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin, forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP was inhibited by retinoic acid. However, retinoic acid had little effect on the IL-6 synthesis induced by interleukin-1. These results indicate that retinoic acid inhibits IL-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandins in osteoblasts as follows: the inhibitory effect on the PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis is exerted at a point downstream from cAMP, and the inhibitory effect on the PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 synthesis is exerted at a point downstream from protein kinase C.