Effects of pyridoxine deficiency on the metabolism of N-nitrosodimethylamine in the rat

The alteration in the metabolic activation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was investigated in the rat during dietary pyridoxine deficiency. The in vitro metabolism of NDMA by demethylase system was measured in both liver and kidney microsomes. The profile of the kidney enzyme appears similar to that of the liver indicating that at least two forms of isozymes with the low and the high Km's are present. Pyridoxine deficiency significantly increased the activity of NDMA-demethylase of both organs. The increase in the activity of NDMA-demethylase induced by dietary pyridoxine deficiency can be reversed by supplementation of pyridoxine (500 micrograms), i.p., daily for two consecutive days. The increase in the NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity was observed after 6 weeks on pyridoxine-deficient diet.

[Predominantly ipsilateral smooth pursuit impairment associated with a lesion in the basal pons]

In contrast to the well-defined brainstem centers for saccades and eye reflexes, the brainstem centers mediating smooth pursuit eye movements are poorly understood. In monkeys, unilateral damage to the basal pons impairs horizontal smooth pursuit in the direction of the side of the lesion. The major source of afferents to the basal pons is the middle temporal area (MT). The dorsolateral pontine nucleus (DLPN) in the basal pons is considered to be the major gateway for smooth pursuit related signals to the contralateral flocculus. In humans, only one patient was found to have a unilateral lesion in the basal pons and selective impairment of smooth pursuit toward the side of the lesion. We report a 34-year-old man with a lesion in the basal pons identified by MRI. He had suffered from recurrent oral aphthosis, erythema nodosum and enterocolitis, and was hospitalized because of dysarthria. He was clinically diagnosed as neuro-Behçet disease. Saccades, smooth pursuit, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), and VOR cancellation were measured. Ipsilateral smooth pursuit eye movements were predominantly impaired and interrupted by saccades, whereas VOR cancellation was impaired in both directions, in contrast with normal saccades and VOR. This observation of predominantly ipsilateral smooth pursuit impairment after a lesion in the human basal pons suggests that the concept of a middle temporal-ponto-floccular pathway for smooth pursuit, previously established in monkeys, can be extended to humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Slow-upward ocular bobbing in a patient with striatonigral degeneration]

We herein report a patient with the abnormal eye movement characterized by a conjugate slow-upward eye movement followed by a fast-downward movement to the primary position (slow-upward ocular bobbing). A 55-year-old man with a 12 years' history of striatonigral degeneration developed pneumonia and was admitted to our hospital. In addition to the parkinsonian features like akinesia and rigidity, examination revealed slow-upward ocular bobbing. There were no accompanying ocular abnormalities. This spontaneous eye movement was recognized throughout his stay in the hospital, irrespective of his consciousness level. Although other forms of ocular bobbing/dipping are usually associated with the loss of consciousness, all three reported patients with this slow-upward ocular bobbing were awake and responsive, therefore, suggesting a different kind of background pathophysiology in this unique eye sign.

Structural requirements for the induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 by imidazole- and pyridine-containing compounds in rats

We investigated the structural requirements for the induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 2B1/2 (P450 2B1/2) and cytochrome P450 1A1/2 (P450 1A1/2) by imidazole- and pyridine-containing compounds in rats. Clotrimazole, an azole antifungal drug, and 1-diphenylmethylimidazole preferentially induced P450 2B1/2 in a dose-dependent manner, and slightly induced P450 1A1/2. 1-Benzylimidazole preferentially induced P450 1A1/2. 1-Phenylimidazole, which lacks the methylene bridge of 1-benzylimidazole, only induced P450 1A1/2. In turn, loss of aromaticity of the N-substituted moiety of imidazole, as in 1-cyclohexylmethylimidazole and 1-tert-butylimidazole, resulted in a preferential induction of P450 2B1/2. Likewise, various pyridine-containing compounds showed structure-dependent induction of P450 species. Namely, 4-diphenylmethylpyridine induced P450 2B1/2. 4-Benzylpyridine induced both P450 2B1/2 and P450 1A1/2. 4-Cyclohexylmethylpyridine and 4-tert-butylpyridine predominantly induced P450 2B1/2. 4-Phenylpyridine preferentially induced P450 1A1/2 rather than P450 2B1/2. Oxygenation products at the methylene bridge, 4-benzoylpyridine and phenyl-4-pyridylmethanol, could not induce P450 1A1/2. In turn, 2,4'-dipyridyl induced both P450 2B1/2 and P450 1A1/2, but not 2,2'-dipyridyl. 4,4'-Trimethylenedipyridine preferentially induced P450 1A1/2 at very low doses. These findings indicate that imidazole- and pyridine-containing compounds having lipophilic groups are inducers of hepatic P450, and that such compounds having aromatic groups and taking coplanar conformational structures are potent inducers of P450 1A1/2.

Transadventitial localisation of atheromatous plaques by fluorescence emission spectrum analysis of mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to demonstrate specific detection of the fluorescence spectra of mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) emitted from atherosclerotic arterial lesions using an extravascular approach.

METHODS

Cholesterol fed atherosclerotic rabbits were injected intravenously with 0.5 mg.kg-1 of NPe6. A fluorescence spectrum analysis system with a dual real time imaging system and a flexible endoscopic catheter was used. The pulsed excimer dye laser excited the photosensitiser. The fluorescence spectra were measured by a fluorescence spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Analysis of fluorescence spectra detected from outside the adventitia showed that a fluorescence spectrum peak at 675 nm was obtained only in parts of the artery with an atheromatous plaque; however, no fluorescence could be shown in aortic segments free of atheroma. It was also noted that the intensity of the specific peak of the spectrum detected from outside a vessel was closely related to the depth of atheromatous lesions, as determined by histological analysis. An in vivo study revealed good correlation between the peak intensity (which could vary with the amount of NPe6 accumulated in the tissue) measured laparoscopically from outside the abdominal aorta and the peak intensity measured angioscopically from inside the abdominal aorta.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to detect atheroma from outside a vessel by fluorescence spectrum analysis employing NPe6 as the probe.

[Bilateral internal carotid artery stenoses in a patient with meningovascular neurosyphilis]

We report a 37-year-old man with cerebral infarction due to meningovascular neurosyphilis. He developed right hemiplegia and motor aphasia preceded by left retroorbital pain lasting a month. Bilateral tonic pupils were also observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed cerebral infarction in the distribution of perforating branches of the left middle cerebral artery. Abnormal enhancement was absent in the meninges on T1-weighted MRI examination. SPECT study with I-123 iodoamphetamine showed decreased perfusion in the area of the left middle cerebral artery on early phase. A delayed SPECT 4 hour later demonstrated redistribution of the cerebral blood flow in the area of its cortical branches. On cerebral angiograms, marked stenoses were disclosed at the supraclinoid segments of the bilateral internal carotid arteries as well as the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. These stenoses were associated with increased collateral circulations on the left side. Atherosclerosis was not apparent, on angiography. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis and positive TPHA. The CSF/serum ratio of TPHA was 1/16. Oligoclonal IgG band was present in the CSF. CSF IgG index was elevated. These findings were consistent with meningovascular neurosyphilis. Causes of angiitis other than syphilis were excluded. A test for antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus was negative. The clinical course of his recovery was similar to that in patients with atherosclerotic thrombosis. The stenosis of the right internal carotid artery demonstrated by angiography could not be expected from the clinical manifestations and SPECT study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of pine cone extract fraction VI with mutagens

Pine cone extract fraction VI (PC-VI) inhibited the mutagenicity of the promutagens tested: the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) dose-dependently, and the aromatic amines 2-aminoanthracene (AA) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) at high concentrations. PC-VI had no effect on the mutagenicity of the direct-acting mutagens 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitrofuryl)acrylamide (AF-2) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), but inhibited the mutagenicity of the direct-acting mutagen N-hydroxy 2-acetylaminofluorene (N-OH AAF, proximate mutagen of AAF). The addition of PC-VI to rat hepatic microsomes resulted in a decrease of their enzyme activities, especially NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. By gas-chromatographic analysis of B[a]P or AA contents after incubation of B[a]P or AA and PC-VI and S9 mix, the inhibition of hepatic metabolizing enzymes and the interaction between AA and PC-VI were confirmed. On the other hand, PC-VI had no effect on the DNA repair systems for B[a]P- or AA-induced mutagenesis. We conclude that PC-VI shows indirect antimutagenicity by interfering with cytochrome P-450-dependent bioactivation and by direct interaction with AA and the proximate mutagenic product of AAF.

Selective effect of chronic lead ingestion on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in brain regions of rats

Alterations of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in various regions of brain from rats postnatally exposed to lead were tested. Three groups of animals were prepared; (1) Rats exposed to lead at a low dose (0.05% lead acetate, PbAc); (2) Rats exposed to lead at a high dose (0.2% PbAc); (3) Age-matched normal control rats. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, weight of brain and body, and concentrations of lead in whole brain of animals in each group were measured. Activities of tyrosine hydroxylase and Na(+)-K+ ATPase were also measured at the same ages in 4 brain regions of each animal. Body weight gain was decreased after 6 weeks of age in rats exposed to lead at a high dose. Concentrations of lead in whole brain were increased from 0.37 to 0.83 (ng/mg wet tissue) in these animals. Exposure of rats to lead generally increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity and decreased Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity. However, changes of tyrosine hydroxylase activity were detected without concomitant changes of Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity in pons-medulla at 2 weeks of age and telencephalon at 6 weeks of age in rats exposed to lead at a low dose, and in midbrain at 4 and 6 weeks of age in rats exposed to lead at a high dose. These data imply that catecholaminergic nervous system in the brain regions described above could be selectively affected by lead.

Selective effect of chronic lead ingestion. II: Effect on phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase activity in brain regions of rats

Selectivity of lead effect to phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) activity in regions of brain from rats postnatally exposed to lead was tested. Three groups of animals were prepared; (1) Rats exposed to lead at a low dose (0.05% PbAcetate: PbAc); (2) Rats exposed to lead at a high dose (0.2% PbAc); (3) Age-matched normal control rats. At 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age weight of whole brain and body in each group were measured. At the same ages activities of PNMT and Na+/K(+)-ATPase were examined on 4 brain regions of each animal. Exposure of rats to lead generally decreased activity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and showed alternative change of those of PNMT. Brain regions where changes of PNMT activity were detected without concomitant changes of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, were telencephalon and pons/medulla at 2 weeks of age and telencephalon at 4 weeks of age in rats exposed to lead at a low dose, and those in rats exposed to lead at a high dose were pons/medulla at 8 weeks of age. These data imply that adrenergic nervous system in the brain regions described above could selectively be affected by lead.

Selective effect of chronic lead ingestion. III: Effect on dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in brain regions of rats

Selectivity of lead effect on dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in regions of brai nfrom rats postnatally exposed to lead was tested. Three groups of animals were prepared; (1) Rats exposed to lead at a low dose (0.05% PbAcetate: PbAc); (2) Rats exposed to lead at a high dose (0.2% PbAc); (3) Age-matched normal control rats. At 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age weight of whole brain and body in each group were measured. At the same ages activities of dopamine beta-hydroxylase and Na+K(+)-ATPase were measured in 5 brain regions of each animal. Exposure of rats to lead generally decreased Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity and showed alternative changes of dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity were detected without concomitant changes of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity were telencephalon and pons/medulla at 2 weeks of age and telencephalon, diencephalon and pons/medulla at 4 weeks of age and midbrain and pons/medulla at 6 weeks of age and cerebellum at 8 weeks of age in rats exposed to lead at a low dose, and those in rats exposed to lead at a high dose were midbrain at 6 weeks of age and cerebellum at 8 weeks of age. These data imply that noradrenergic nervous system in the brain regions described above could selectively be affected by lead.

Trimethadione metabolism as a probe drug to estimate hepatic oxidizing capacity in rats

1. Trimethadione (TMO) has the properties required of probe drugs for the evaluation of hepatic oxidizing capacity in vivo. 2. TMO is demethylated to dimethadione (DMO), its only metabolite, in the liver after oral administration. 3. In rats with various types of hepatic intoxicated-, induced- and partially hepatectomized-rats, the serum DMO/TMO ratios, which were measured on blood samples obtained by a single collection 2 hr after oral administration of TMO, correlated well with the degree of hepatic damage or induction. 4. This finding suggests that TMO may be used as a probe drug in the rapid determination of the functional reserve mass of the liver as well as the hepatic oxidizing capacity.

Establishment of stable cell lines producing anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa monoclonal antibodies and their protective effects for the infection in mice

Human-human hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specific for five major serotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were developed by fusing P. aeruginosa primed and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed cells with human myeloma P109 cells using polyethyleneglycol. The MoAbs which were produced by the hybridomas were protective against lethal intraperitoneal (i.p.) challenge of P. aeruginosa (10 LD50) in mice. The 50% effective dose (ED50) values of MoAbs ranged from 0.5 to 10.2 micrograms/mouse and were 26 to 240 times more protective than a commercial human IgG preparation. MoAb administration to mice promoted bacterial clearance in peritoneal cavity, and prevented bacterial invasion into blood in the way of increasing both the number of bacteria trapped by a macrophage and the ratio of macrophages that trapped bacteria. MoAbs also showed protective effects against lethal infection of P. aeruginosa in the mice which were decreased in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) by cyclophosphamide (CY). All MoAbs showed serotype-specific binding to the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa as well as to the immunized strains. The hybridoma cell lines maintained their capacity to produce MoAb continuously for more than 12 months and produced 10 to 60 micrograms MoAbs per 10(6) cells in 24 hr. It is practicable to use these cell lines for large-scale production of anti-P. aeruginosa MoAbs and such MoAbs must be useful for the therapeutics of patients with P. aeruginosa infection.

Induction by bufalin of differentiation of human leukemia cells HL60, U937, and ML1 toward macrophage/monocyte-like cells and its potent synergistic effect on the differentiation of human leukemia cells in combination with other inducers

We have recently demonstrated that bufalin is a new potent inducer of the differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells. The present work was carried out to examine further the effect of bufalin on the growth and characteristics of human leukemia-derived cell lines U937, ML1, and HL60. At concentrations of 5-10 nM, bufalin decreased the growth of ML1 cells preferentially at the G2 phase and U937 cells at the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Bufalin, under these conditions, induced the differentiation of U937, ML1, and HL60 cells to monocyte/macrophage-like cells by measuring the expression of various differentiation markers, as assessed by morphology and histochemistry, and ability to phagocytose latex particles, to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium, and to develop Fc receptors. U937 and ML1 cells started to differentiate at 4 and 6 h, respectively, after treatment with 10 nM bufalin and showed maximum differentiation 72 h later. At present, a mechanism for the bufalin-mediated induction of the differentiation of these human leukemia cells remains to be determined. The combination of bufalin with all-trans retinoic acid, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin ethylidene-beta-D-glucoside (VP16), or human gamma-interferon synergistically induced the differentiation of HL60 and U937 cells. A similar effect on ML1 cells was observed with the combination of bufalin with VP16 or human rTNF-alpha. These results suggest that bufalin in combination with VP16, all-trans retinoic acid, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, rTNF-alpha, or gamma-interferon may be very useful in the differentiation of human leukemia.

Induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 and drug-metabolizing enzymes by 4-benzylpyridine and its structurally related compounds in rats. Dose- and sex-related differential induction of cytochrome P450 species

We examined the abilities of 4-, 3- and 2-benzylpyridine and 4-tert-butylpyridine to induce hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 and drug-metabolizing enzymes in male and female rats in order to define the effects of pyridine-containing compounds on drug metabolism. 4-Benzylpyridine (0.4 mmol/kg, for 2 consecutive days) induced total cytochrome P450 to about three times that of the controls at 24 hr, and its inducing effect was sustained for 120 hr after the treatment in male and female rats. 4-Benzylpyridine was a more potent inducer of cytochrome P450 than 3- and 2-benzylpyridine, which induced the cytochrome to 71.4 and 43.9%, respectively, of that produced by the 4-substituted isomer. 4-tert-Butylpyridine also induced cytochrome P450. Immunoblot analysis revealed that a single treatment of male rats with 4-benzylpyridine at doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.80 mmol/kg induced cytochrome P450b/e and caused a maximum increase in the level of the isozyme at the 0.2 mmol/kg dose. 4-Benzylpyridine at doses from 0.40 to 0.80 mmol/kg also induced cytochrome P450c/d in male rats. In female rats, 4-benzylpyridine induced cytochrome P450b at doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.80 mmol/kg and produced a maximum increase in the level of this isozyme at 0.40 to 0.60 mmol/kg. Induction of cytochrome P450c/d by 4-benzylpyridine in female rats was observed at a dose of 0.20 mmol/kg, and the magnitude of the induction of the isozyme was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Both 3- and 2-benzylpyridine induced cytochrome P450b/e and/or c/d depending on the increase of total cytochrome P450 without changing the induction patterns of the isozymes. 4-tert-Butylpyridine induced cytochrome P450b at doses ranging from 0.20 to 0.60 mmol/kg and slightly induced P450c/d at doses ranging from 0.10 to 0.40 mmol/kg in male rats. These results and our previous report (Matsuura et al., Biochem Pharmacol 41: 1949-1956, 1991) clearly show that the pyridine compounds having lipophilic groups at the 4- or 3-position of the ring could be inducers of cytochrome P450. The present results also revealed that 4-benzylpyridine shows dose- and sex-related differences in the induction of cytochrome P450b/e and c/d in rats.

Distribution of TNF endogenously induced by various immunopotentiators and Lactobacillus casei in mice

Intravenous administration of heat-killed Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018 (LC) elicited endogenous cytotoxic factor (CF) production in ICR mice, peaking in serum after 2 h and declining gradually to basal level at 23 h. The endogenous CF production was significantly enhanced by priming with high molecular-weight lignins and glucans, but not by phenylpropenoid precursors or partially hydrolyzed products of glucans. The extent of stimulation of CF production by these priming agents was positively related to that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, as judged by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endogenously produced TNF was concentrated more in liver, lung and intestine, as well as in serum, than in other organs. Histochemical examination revealed a significant increase in the number and swelling of Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelium in the liver of the treated mice.

Dysphagia following various degrees of surgical resection for oral cancer

Postoperative swallowing problems were investigated in 20 patients who had undergone various degrees of surgical resection for oral cancer. The swallowing problems were evaluated on the basis of type of food, degree of aspiration, and duration of postoperative nasogastric tube feeding. Two patients with tongue cancer who had had hemiglossectomy without reconstruction ate normal food without aspiration within a week after operation. Eight patients who had undergone two- to three-quarter glossectomy for tongue cancer ate gruel with no or occasional liquid aspiration. Among 4 patients who had had near-total or total glossectomy for tongue cancer, 3 ate thin gruel or liquid with occasional aspiration. The other could not eat orally because of consistent severe aspiration. One patient with mouth floor cancer underwent resection of the mouth floor in combination with hemiglossectomy and she ate gruel without aspiration. Among 5 patients with mouth floor cancer who had had surgical removal accompanied by near-total or total glossectomy, 3 ate gruel with no or occasional liquid aspiration, 1 ate thin gruel with no aspiration, and the other could not eat orally. A diagnosis of T4 lesions, extensive removal of the tongue base, removal of the geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles, and removal of the lateral pharyngeal wall were significantly related to poor swallowing function.

Deacetylation of cinobufagin by rat liver

The enzyme system mediating the deacetylation of cinobufagin (CB) at the 16-position to give deacetylCB was characterized in the rat. Tissue distribution studies showed that the highest activity of CB deacetylation was mainly localized in the liver microsomal fraction. Some activity was also detected in the serum and intestine. Kinetic studies of the enzymatic reaction carried out by microsomes demonstrated that the formation of deacetyl-CB increased linearly with time up to 60 min and with protein content up to 10 mg. Apparent Km and Vmax values calculated from Lineweaver-Burk plots were 2.7 x 10(-4) M and 4.17 nmol/mg of protein/min, respectively. Low concentrations of several metal salts (AgNO3, MgCl2, CoSO4, and CuCl2) did not affect CB deacetylase activity. Microsomal CB deacetylation was inhibited by the organophosphorus compounds cyanox and fenitrothion at 1.0 x 10(-6) M. Eserine sulfate, disulfiram, rifampicin, and phenacetin at 1.0 x 10(-4) M also decreased CB deacetylase activity. Aspirin, sodium fluoride, and EDTA at 1.0 x 10(-3) M did not inhibit the deacetylation. In vivo treatment of rats with phenobarbital resulted in a 2-fold increase in microsomal CB deacetylase activity. All of these results suggest that the enzyme responsible for CB deacetylation is somewhat different from the other characterized esterases.

Stimulation of melanin synthesis of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells by bufalin

Bufalin, which is one of prominent components of Chinese toad venom, was found to decrease the rate of cell proliferation of mouse melanoma clone B16-F10 cells and a concomitant stimulation of expression of its melanotic phenotype. The effect of bufalin on melanogenesis included stimulation of tyrosinase activity and increase of cellular melanin content. These effects became apparent after 48 hr exposure to 10(-4) M bufalin and increased thereafter. Other cardiotonic steroids, such as cinobufagin and ouabain, at the concentration of 10(-4) M for 6 days, also showed the stimulatory effect on melanin synthesis of B16-F10 cells, but not digitoxigenin.

Metabolism of cinobufagin in rat liver microsomes. Identification of epimerized and deacetylated metabolites by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

The metabolism of cinobufagin (CB) in rat liver microsomes was studied. By comparison of retention times and fragmentation patterns obtained by thermospray LC/MS with those of authentic standards, four metabolites of CB were also identified, in addition to deacetylCB (M1) and 3-epideacetylCB (M2), which have been reported previously. The additional four metabolites were identified to be 3-epiCB (M4), 3-ketoCB (M5), 3-keto-16 beta-OH-deacetylCB (M3), and 3-keto-16 alpha-OH-deacetylCB (M6). The primary metabolic products of CB were M1 and M2, with a small amount of M4 and trace amounts of M3, M5, and M6. These results indicate that major metabolic routes of CB were deacetylation at the 16-position and epimerization at the 3-position via the 3-keto intermediate.

Characteristic changes of the GABAA receptor in the brain of phenobarbital-dependent and withdrawn rats

The changes of the GABAA receptor in the brain of phenobarbital (PB)-dependent and -withdrawn rats were investigated using [3H]-muscimol (a potent agonist of GABAA receptor) as the ligand. The dissociation constant for a low affinity binding site (Kd2) of PB-dependent rats significantly increased without affecting the high affinity site (Kd1) and Bmax for both sites. A decrease of specific [3H]-muscimol binding was observed in the whole brain and the cerebellum of the PB-dependent rats, when examined at a fixed drug concentration of 2 nM. Moreover, the specific [3H]-muscimol binding in the withdrawn rats was remarkably lower than that of the dependent rats. These results suggest that the change of the GABAA receptor may be related to the development of PB-dependence and -withdrawal.

Bufalin as a potent inducer of differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells

Bufalin was found to be a potent inducer of differentiation in human erythroleukemia K562 cells by examination of various differentiation markers (as assessed by the morphology, histochemistry, and the abilities to phagocytose latex particles, to reduce nitro-blue tetrazolium and to develop Fc receptors). Bufalin, at a concentration as low as 10 nM, also produced a strong differentiation-inducing activity in three other human leukemia-derived cell lines (human promyelocytic HL60, monoblastic U937 and myeloblastic ML1). Treatment of K562 cells with other cardiotonic steroids, such as cinobufagin, ouabain and digitoxigenin, at the concentration of 10 nM for four days resulted in weak or no effect on the cells. These findings suggest that bufalin might have potentiality as a new agent in the differentiation therapy for human myelogenous leukemia.

Structure-activity relationships in the induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 by clotrimazole and its structurally related compounds in rats

We investigated the structure-activity relationship in the induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 by clotrimazole and its structurally related compounds. For this purpose, we synthesized various compounds structurally analogous to clotrimazole and injected them into rats at a fixed dose of 0.2 mmol/kg. We found that the chlorine atom in clotrimazole was not necessary for the induction of cytochrome P450. The imidazole moiety of clotrimazole, however, was a very important structural component for the induction of cytochrome P450; triazole, but not pyrrole, could be substituted for this moiety. 1-Tritylimidazole, 1-diphenylmethylimidazole and 1-benzylimidazole were also found to be inducers of cytochrome P450, but, to a somewhat lesser extent, with a decreasing number of substituted phenyl groups. Thus, 1-benzylimidazole was a minimum structurally active unit for inducing cytochrome P450. In addition, 4-diphenylmethylpyridine and 4-benzylpyridine also induced cytochrome P450 to extents similar to those induced by the corresponding imidazole derivatives, but 4-benzylpiperidine lacked this effect. When the methylene unit of clotrimazole-related compounds was introduced by a hydroxy or amino group instead of imidazole, there was a less extensive increase in cytochrome P450 content. This inducing effect was lost completely by the lack of an imidazole moiety and imidazole itself. 1-Phenylethylimidazole and 1-benzylimidazole induced cytochrome P450 to a similar extent. All of these findings suggest that 1-substituted heteroaromatic compounds having two or more nitrogen atoms are likely to be required for inducing cytochrome P450. Immunoblot analysis revealed that clotrimazole and other various inducers found in this study increased cytochrome P450b/e content. These results could provide information on the effects of drugs and chemicals on cytochrome P450 induction.

Development of monoclonal antibodies reactive with methamphetamine raised against a new antigen

Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) specific to methamphetamine (MA) were produced using p-amino MA coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glutaraldehyde (GA) as an immunogen and with conventional hybridoma techniques. Hybridoma clones secreting the McAbs were selected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system using both the above conjugate and BSA modified with GA as screening antigens. In the ELISA system were used avidin and biotinyl-alkaline phosphatase which converts nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) into NAD. The final enzyme activity was determined using diformazan of nitroblue tetrazolium formed together with the NAD produced, alcohol dehydrogenase and phenazine methosulfate. The McAbs from 9 clones were characterized by a crossreactivity test using the ELISA. The McAbs recognized MA (100%), methoxyphenamine (8.0%), ephedrine (2.3%), but did not react with metylephedrine, amphetamine, OH-amphetamine, dimethylamphetamine, beta-phenylethylamine, norephedrine, phentermine and ranitidine. An inhibition curve for MA was obtained in the range of 0.75 to 50 ng.

[Electrophysiological studies of a case of startle disease]

A 53-year-old female with startle disease (major form) was reported. An abnormal startle response was the most prominent clinical feature. Physical examination revealed left lateral gaze palsy and left extensor plantar response. The caloric test evoked no responses bilaterally. Blood examinations including lysozomal enzymes and radiological examinations including MRI of the brain were all normal. A pathological startle reflex was elicited by the tap on the upper lip, causing the marked extension of the head with the elbow, hip, and knee joints slightly flexing. The earliest reflex activity in a surface-EMG study was recorded in the masseter muscle and the reflex then spread down the brain stem and the spinal cord. The duration of the discharge varied from 16 to 30 ms. The onset latencies of these responses from the tap were 11.2 ms, 12.7 ms, 14.5 ms, 25.7 ms, 38.5 ms, and 47.5 ms in the masseter, sternocleidomastoid, posterior-neck, biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and tibialis anterior muscle, respectively. An averaged electroencephalogram triggered by the taps showed no abnormal EEG activity preceding the pathological startle response, although a negative peak, which was thought as a normal early component of the trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials, was followed by the reflex. High amplitude SEPs and long loop reflexes were observed following stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve but not of the median nerve. Blink reflexes and auditory evoked potentials were normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antitumor, antiviral and immunopotentiating activities of pine cone extracts: potential medicinal efficacy of natural and synthetic lignin-related materials (review)

Several antitumor substances that effectively inhibited the growth of ascites and solid tumor cells transplanted in mice were isolated from pine cone NaOH extract by acid- and ethanol-precipitation. These antitumor substances were also potent antiviral agents against human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus and influenza virus; they induced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcal aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, and induced antiparasite activity against Hymenolepis nana in mice. Chemical analysis of these substances by IR, UV, NMR, ESR and partition chromatography on cellulose-TLC plate disclosed that they had lignin-related structures complexed with sugars or polysaccharides. Chlorinated decomposition of the lignin portion significantly reduced their antiviral activity. In agreement with this, the antiviral activity of synthesized lignins prepared by polymerization of phenylpropanoid precursors was comparable to that of the undecomposed counterparts of the pine cone extract. Acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide portion significantly reduced the ability of the substances to induce antitumor and antimicrobial activities in mice. With an appropriate eliciting agent, intravenous administration of natural lignified substances transiently induced endogenous production of a cytotoxic factor (possibly tumor necrosis factor) in normal mice. Their priming activity was significantly higher than that of their component units or degradation products. These data suggest the importance of conjugating lignins with polysaccharides for in vivo expression of various kinds of immunopotentiating activity. As possible explanations for their induction of a variety of immunopotentiating activities, these natural and synthetic lignins stimulated macrophage NBT-reducing activity, polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) iodination and splenocyte DNA synthesis and inhibited poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities.

Effect of non-enzymatic glycosylation and heating on browning of human stratum corneum and nail

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of non-enzymatic glycosylation and subsequent heating on the browning of the plantar stratum corneum and the finger-nail, and to elucidate the pathogenesis of the yellow skin and the yellow nail seen in diabetic subjects. We incubated stratum corneum and nail from non-diabetics in 0 (control), 10 (only nail), 20 (only nail), 100 and 250 mM glucose buffer at 37 degrees C for 5 days. These glycosylated samples were dialysed against distilled water for 96 h. Distilled water was changed every 24 h. Then samples were dried for 24 h. The extent of non-enzymatic glycosylation was measured by furosine content. Each 5 mg of sample was hydrolysed by 6 N HCl and processed for measurement of furosine by high-performance liquid chromatography. The rest of each sample was stored at 37, 42 (only nail), 47 and 52 degrees C for 14 days. Browning of the stratum corneum was assessed macroscopically, and that of the nail by spectrophotometry. Based on their spectrophotometric reflectances. Munsell's scores (H = hue score, V = lightness score, C = saturation score) and (H + C)/V were calculated for objective evaluation of browning. Incubation of the stratum corneum and nail with glucose buffer increased their non-enzymatic glycosylation (furosine) dose dependently. Macroscopically, the browning of the stratum corneum was enhanced in proportion to the glucose concentration and storage temperature. However, samples incubated in 10 and 20 mM glucose and stored at 42 degrees C did not show visible browning. Munsell's score of the nail samples treated by glycosylation and heating showed increased hue and saturation but reduced lightness. (H + C)/V values of these nail samples were significantly higher than those of the control. We could not detect any fluorescence with Wood light in the browned samples. The present in vitro study demonstrated that the browning of the stratum corneum and the nail depended on the extent of both non-enzymatic glycosylation and storage temperature. We suggested a hypothesis that the non-enzymatic glycosylation and the storage temperature of the stratum corneum and the nail might be a contributory factor in the development of yellow skin and yellow nail in diabetic patients.

Comparative studies of the effects of stilbene compounds on hepatic ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase induction in rats

Trans-Stilbene oxide (TSO, 2 mmol/kg, ip.) induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) to 60-fold and 5-fold of the controls, respectively, in the liver of rats. Parallel to ODC induction, there was a marked increase in putrescine content to 50-fold of the control levels. Cis-Stilbene oxide (CSO), a stereoisomer of TSO, also produced the induction of ODC and SAMDC and the increase in putrescine content. There was no difference in the ability to induce ODC and SAMDC between TSO and CSO with respect to the extents of induction and the time needed to reach maximal levels. Trans-Stilbene (TS), a mother compound of TSO, did not show such an effect on ODC, while cis-stilbene (CS) induced both ODC and SAMDC. Treatment with glutathione inhibited TSO- and CSO-mediated induction of ODC and SAMDC. These findings add new information concerning the abilities of TSO, CSO and CS on hepatic polyamine metabolism.

Possible role of glutathione depletion in the induction of rate-limiting enzymes involved in heme degradation and polyamine biosynthesis in the liver of rats

Ten compounds with a wide variety of structures, which decreased hepatic glutachione (GSH) content at an early time period after their administration, simultaneously increased hepatic heme oxygenase, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activities in rats. The compounds examined were four alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, two prototype substrates for GSH transferase(s), one epoxide, two isothiocyanates, and an indicator of hepatic function test. Time course studies with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB), which are prototype substrates for GSH transferases, showed that there was an inverse relationship between the early depletion of hepatic GSH content and induction of heme oxygenase, ODC and SAMDC together with a decrease in cytochrome P-450 content and an increase in putrescine content. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, also increased heme oxygenase and SAMDC activities, but not ODC, and it tended to enhance the induction of the enzymes evoked by diethyl maleate (DEM), phorone and CDNB with the sustained depletion of GSH content. In contrast, GSH treatment inhibited DEM-, phorone-, and CDNB-mediated induction of these enzymes and the early depletion of GSH content. N-Acetylcysteine failed to inhibit DEM- and phorone-mediated induction of these enzymes and the early depletion of GSH content, while it inhibited somewhat these changes produced by CDNB. The findings suggest that the early depletion of hepatic GSH content is prerequisite for and plays a role in the induction of heme oxygenase, ODC and SAMDC.

Laser computed-tomography microscope

The computed tomography (CT) technique is implemented in an optical transmission microscope with a laser as a light source. A rotational Pechan prism is used in the illumination optics of the microscope for projecting a thick 3-D sample onto a 2-D array detector in different directions. A minicomputer is employed for 3-D reconstruction from the observed image data. Energy throughput efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio in the developed CT microscope are higher than those of our previously developed CT microscope [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 4, 292 (1987)]. Instrumentation of this microscope is described and some experimental results are shown with biological samples.

Laterality of cerebral controls on somatic and autonomic functions

The mode of cerebral representation for each half of the body is various according to the functions that are represented; contralateral, ipsilateral and bilateral. We reviewed, and discussed the meaning of, such different patterns of cerebral representation for somatic and autonomic functions.

Amplitude asymmetry of hemifield pattern reversal VEPs in healthy subjects

The amplitudes of transient and steady-state visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were measured during hemifield stimulation of the left eye in 10 healthy adults. Pattern reversal of a checkerboard was produced at 4 stimulation frequencies: 1, 5, 10 and 15 Hz. The amplitudes of pattern VEPs were evaluated using the paired t test to determine significant differences between right and left hemifields. The transient VEP amplitudes from midoccipital, midparietal, ipsilateral occipital and contralateral occipital electrodes were significantly greater with right hemifield stimulation. The steady-state VEP amplitudes from the midoccipital electrode during 15 Hz stimulation were significantly greater with right hemifield stimulation. Our neurophysiological data may be compatible with neuroanatomical asymmetries of the occipital lobes in humans.

Immunoassay for methamphetamine with a new antibody

p- and o-Aminomethamphetamine were synthesized as haptens to be coupled with carrier protein at the benzene ring of methamphetamine. Immunogens were prepared by the glutaraldehyde method or the MBS (N-(m-maleimidobenzoyloxy)succinimide) type cross-linking reagent method. In particular, immunization with p-aminomethamphetamine-bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate prepared by the glutaraldehyde method gave an anti-methamphetamine antiserum having a low cross-reactivity with methylephedrine. With the antiserum, three kinds of immunoassays for methamphetamine were established. An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were developed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a label enzyme. The amount of antibody bound ALP conjugate was determined by its activity in dephosphorylating p-nitrophenyl phosphate in EIA and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) in ELISA. The range of methamphetamine measurable by ELISA was 0.025-0.5 ng/well and its sensitivity was superior to that of EIA (0.3-300 ng/tube). A latex agglutination inhibition reaction test (LAIRT) was also developed for the mass screening method of urine samples. The sensitivity of this method for methamphetamine was 0.1 micrograms/ml urine.

A rare fast variant of red cell 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase found in Japanese

In a Japanese family, we discovered by starch-gel electrophoresis a fast variant of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) in red blood cells. This variant is described here for the first time and temporarily named AX. It showed three PGD bands, the usual PGD A band and two faster-moving bands than PGD A. The ratio of the staining intensity of these bands was 2:2:1 in the order of increasing mobility, and negative sensitivity was noted toward 2-mercaptoethanol. Its genotype appeared to be heterozygous PGDA/PGDX, based on examinations of the PGD band composition and the pedigree of the family. It may possibly correspond to the PGD "Kadar" variant (PGDA/PGDKadar), with which it was quite similar, in electrophoretic mobility, staining intensity and sensitivity to 2-mercaptoethanol.

Long-term effects of phenobarbital on rat liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes and heme-metabolizing enzyme

Long-term effects of phenobarbital on changes of rat hepatic enzymes involved in drug and heme metabolism were examined by employing two different treatment schedules which produce tolerance (tolerant group) and/or dependence (dependent group) against the drug. In both treatment groups, phenobarbital produced a marked and persistent induction of cytochrome P-450 and aminopyrine N-demethylase; the response was greater in the tolerant group than that in the dependent group at the early time periods. Thereafter, the magnitude of the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes gradually decreased and finally was maintained at two-fold of the corresponding control levels. Likewise, the induction of cytochrome P-450b+e content, one of the major phenobarbital inducible species, was maintained at 40% of the total cytochrome P-450 content. Phenobarbital treatment resulted in increase of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase (ALAS) activity and a decrease in heme oxygenase (HO) activity. Changes of these enzymes involved in heme metabolism coincided with changes of the drug-metabolizing enzymes. Finally, the changes of enzyme content and activity after terminating phenobarbital treatment were determined and enzyme biological half-lives were calculated employing protein synthesis inhibitors. No significant differences in the changes of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-450b+e content between the groups were observed after terminating phenobarbital treatment. However, changes of ALAS and HO activities after terminating the drug were significantly different between the groups; changes in the dependent group corresponded to the decrease in serum phenobarbital levels. On the other hand, biological half-lives of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes were longer in the tolerant group than in the dependent group.

Autosomal recessive motor and sensory neuropathy with excessive myelin outfolding

Two Japanese persons with consanguinous parents had a motor and sensory neuropathy of the hypertrophic type with excessive myelin outfolding in the myelinated fibers. A morphometric analysis of the biopsied sural nerve was made. Excessive myelin outfolding, segmental demyelination, and remyelination and decrease in the density of both large and small myelinated fibers were evident. Using linear regression, myelin spiral length was shorter relative to axonal area. These patients may have a new variant of hereditary motor sensory neuropathy.

Glycosylated proteins of skin, nail and hair: application as an index for long-term control of diabetes mellitus

The purpose of the present study was to compare the degrees of nonenzymatically glycosylated proteins in the skin (stratum corneum), the nail, the hair, and hemoglobin obtained simultaneously from the same subject and to evaluate the most useful sample for management of diabetic complications. Fifty-one diabetic patients and 20 control patients were examined, utilizing furosine determination. Furosine value of the skin in diabetics was 2.14 +/- 1.70%, whereas that in controls was 1.65 +/- 0.47%. Furosine value of the nail in diabetics was 6.67 +/- 3.30%, whereas that in controls was 4.16 +/- 1.62%. Furosine value of the hair in diabetics was 1.30 +/- 1.11%, whereas that in controls was 1.29 +/- 1.71%. Close correlations were detected between HbA1 (glycosylated hemoglobin) and furosine of the nail (r = 0.58, p less than 0.001), HbA1 and furosine of the skin (r = 0.48, p less than 0.001), and HbA1 and furosine of the hair (r = 0.43, p less than 0.01); however, poor correlations were found between furosine of the hair and the skin (r = 0.35, p less than 0.05) and furosine of the nail and the hair (r = 0.33, p less than 0.05). Furosine of the nail was significantly correlated with the FBS (fasting blood sugar) of the same time, previous 6, and previous 12 months. Furosine value of the nail, we believe, is the most useful indicator for evaluating long term control of diabetics and may provide useful information for management of diabetic complications.

[Clinical study on clarithromycin granule and tablet in the field of pediatrics]

A newly developed macrolide clarithromycin (TE-031, A-56268), with antibacterial spectrum and antibacterial activity nearly equal to those of erythromycin (EM), shows beneficial characteristics such as a higher blood level, higher recovery rate in urine, and better penetration into each tissue than conventional macrolides (MLs). TE-031 has been studied in adults against various infections and proved to be useful. The present paper describes the results of a study in children to examine the usefulness of TE-031 granules and tablets with a potency of 50 mg. TE-031 granules were administered to 132 children with ages from 6 months to 13 years and 10 months. Excluded from the evaluation were 12 cases in which clinical effects were deemed unevaluable. The evaluable subjects consisted of 1 case with pharyngitis, 3 with tonsillitis, 9 with acute bronchitis, 19 with pneumonia, 19 with mycoplasmal pneumonia, 2 with scarlet fever, 20 with Campylobacter enteritis, 11 with impetigo, 2 with subcutaneous abscess, 18 with primary atypical pneumonia and 16 with acute enteritis of unidentified pathogens; a total of 120 subjects. An average daily dose of TE-031 was 25.9 mg/kg, divided into 3 doses except 1 case with 2 daily doses and lengths of the treatment averaged 7 days. TE-031 tablets each containing 50 mg potency, were administered to 49 subjects with ages from 3 year and a month to 14 years consisting of 8 cases with pharyngitis, 1 with tonsillitis, 1 with acute bronchitis, 4 with pneumonia, 14 with mycoplasmal pneumonia, 4 with scarlet fever, 5 with Campylobacter enteritis, 7 with impetigo, 1 with atypical pneumonia, 1 with Salmonella gastroenteritis and 3 with acute enteritis caused by unidentified pathogens, at an average daily dose of 13.5 mg/kg dived into 2-4 doses (2 doses/day for 12 cases, 3 doses for 32, 4 doses for 5) for 7 days on the average. In addition to examine the clinical and bacteriological effects of the 2 dosage forms of TE-031, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for 9 antibiotics consisting of 5 MLs including TE-031, EM, josamycin (JM), midecamycin acetate (MDM acetate), and rokitamycin (RKM), 3 penicillins including ampicillin (ABPC), methicillin, cloxacillin and 1 cephem antibiotic, cefaclor (CCL), against 29 strains consisting of 12 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 7 of Streptococcus pyogenes, 2 of Streptococcus pneumonia 2 of Haemophilus influenzae and 6 of Campylobacter jejuni, out of 71 strains of pathogens or possible pathogens that had been isolated from the cases given TE-031.

Synergistic induction of rat hepatic ornithine decarboxylase by multiple doses of cobalt chloride

The level of rat hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) induced by repetitive administration of Co2+ was determined by affinity labeling with [3H]difluoromethylornithine. Such a treatment with Co2+ ion induced ODC level to a 10-fold greater extent than single dose of the metal ion or well-known inducers of the enzyme, such as thioacetamide or carbon tetrachloride. The half life of ODC activity induced by repetitive treatment with Co2+ (95 min) was substantially increased to about 10-fold over the value obtained from the enzyme induced by single treatment with the metal ion (10 min). ODC activity induced by repetitive treatment with Co2+ was separated into two peaks by DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography. The two independently collected fractions of ODC peaks exhibited different affinity for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in vitro and sensitivity to cycloheximide in vivo.

Comparative studies on the inducing effects of cobalt chloride and co-protoporphyrin on hepatic ornithine decarboxylase and heme oxygenase in rats

Co-protoporphyrin, like Co2+, produced a significant and persistent induction of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) as well as its known inducing effect on heme oxygenase and the decreasing effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes. The induction of ODC and heme oxygenase by Co-protoporphyrin occurred dose-dependently with the lowest effective dose of 6.25 mumol/kg. Although Co-protoporphyrin produced similar effects on ODC and heme oxygenase to Co2+, there were differences in the mode of ODC induction. In particular, pretreatment with diethyl maleate failed to augment the induction of ODC by Co-protoporphyrin. Moreover, multiple administrations of Co2+, but not Co-protoporphyrin, caused super-additive induction of ODC to about 1000-fold over the controls. This super-additive induction of ODC by Co2+ was dependent on the doses and time intervals between two administrations. In parallel with a large induction of ODC evoked by two administrations of Co2+, hepatic putrescine content was increased markedly, while spermine content was decreased as compared to the control levels. Pretreatment with Co2+ led to super-additive induction of ODC by subsequent administration of the metal ion itself or diethyl maleate, but not by other ODC inducers, such as Co-protoporphyrin and thioacetamide, and not by subsequent partial hepatectomy. Under these experimental conditions, the magnitudes of heme oxygenase induction were similar. ODC induced by two doses of Co2+ was insensitive to exogenous putrescine, but sensitive to alpha-difluoromethylornithine and 1,3-diaminopropane. These findings add new insight into the effects of Co2+ and Co-protoporphyrin on hepatic polyamine metabolism; and the results suggest that the metal ion could cause extensive derangement of the ODC regulatory system in a manner different from the metalloporphyrin.

Induction of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase by sulfobromophthalein in rats

The administration of sulfobromophthalein (BSP, 0.5 mmol/kg, ip.) increased ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activities to 30-fold and 5-fold, respectively, of the controls at 12 hr in the liver of rats. Parallel to the increase in ODC, there was an increase in hepatic putrescine content. However, spermine content tended to decrease. BSP increased ODC and SAMDC activities and putrescine content, but decreased spermine content, in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of rats with actinomycin D and cycloheximide almost completely blocked the BSP-mediated increase of ODC and SAMDC activities. Pretreatment with glutathione (GSH) failed to inhibit BSP-mediated increase of ODC and SAMDC activities. In addition, the administration of BSP-GSH conjugate (0.5 mmol/kg, iv.) did not produce the increase of ODC and SAMDC activities. Pretreatment with phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene did not inhibit BSP-mediated increase of ODC and SAMDC. The results indicate that BSP could cause changes in hepatic polyamine content due to the induction of ODC and SAMDC.

[Painful ophthalmoplegia: the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and orbital pseudotumor syndrome]

We experienced 9 patients with "painful ophthalmoplegia", which included 7 cases of the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (2 males and 5 females, with ages ranging from 36 to 65 years) and 2 cases of the orbital pseudotumor syndrome (2 females aged 42 and 68). The diagnosis of these syndromes was based upon Hunt's criteria and the presence of the intraorbital mass on the brain CT scan. Main manifestations of both syndromes were periorbital pain and ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsies. Out of 9 cases, 1 patient with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and 1 patient with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome had bilateral retro-orbital pain and ophthalmoplegia. Pain preceded the ophthalmoplegia except in one patient with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Total paralysis of the extraocular muscles supplied by the oculomotor nerve was noted in all the nine patients, and mydriasis was observed on the affected side in 4 of 7 patients with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and 2 patients with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome. Neurological involvement was not only the oculomotor nerve but also the other cranial nerves; the optic nerve (in 4 cases with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and 2 cases with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome), the abducens nerve (in 3 cases with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and 1 case with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome), and the first division of the trigeminal nerve (in 2 cases with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome). Six patients with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and 2 patients with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome had palpebral edema. Visual disturbance and palpebral edema were severer in the patients with the orbital pseudotumor syndrome. After corticosteroid hormone was administered, there was diminution of the pain within 2 weeks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purified protein derivative induced cytotoxicity in carcinomatous and tuberculous pleurisy

We have found that natural killer (NK) cells were very active in pleural effusions containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cytotoxicity against K562 and Raji was augmented when the mononuclear cells were cocultured for 18 hr with purified protein derivative (PPD) derived from M. tuberculosis culture supernatants. In pleural effusions of cancer patients, PPD-activated mononuclear cells were less cytotoxic than their counterparts in peripheral blood. However, in the same patients, interferon and interleukin-2 production was greater in pleural effusions than in peripheral blood. On the other hand, in tuberculosis patients there was no significant difference in cytotoxicity between peripheral blood and pleural effusion mononuclear cells, but the production of interferon and interleukin-2 was higher in pleural effusions than in peripheral blood. Neither group of patients consistently demonstrated a correlation between production of interferon or interleukin-2 in peripheral blood and cytotoxicity. Both PPD-induced cytotoxicity and the production of interferon and interleukin-2 were lower in mononuclear cells of carcinomatous than tuberculous pleural effusion. These results indicate that peripheral blood and pleural effusion mononuclear cells differ in cytotoxicity as well as in interferon and interleukin-2 production. Further, these activities also differ in tuberculous and carcinomatous pleural effusions.

Inhibitory effect of zinc-protoporphyrin on the induction of heme oxygenase and the associated decrease in cytochrome P-450 content in rats

Pretreatment of rats with zinc-protoporphyrin, which has shown to be a potent competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase, resulted in the inhibition of bromobenzene-mediated induction of heme oxygenase and decreases of the cytochrome P-450 content, aminopyrine demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities. Such an inhibitory effect of zinc-protoporphyrin on the induction of heme oxygenase and concomitant decreases of drug-metabolizing enzymes occurred in a dose-dependent manner with complete inhibition of these effects at a dose of 40 mumol/kg. The effects of zinc-protoporphyrin were also observed in thioacetamide- and BCG-treated rats and ascitic tumor AH 66-bearing rats. Likewise, a decrease of cytochrome b5 content observed under these experimental conditions was also restored significantly by zinc-protoporphyrin. These results strongly suggest that the induction of heme oxygenase is a primarily important early event which consequently leads to the decrease in cytochrome P-450 content and associated enzyme activities.

Sex-related differences in hepatic drug-oxidizing capacity of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Male and female animal models of diabetes were prepared by treating rats with streptozotocin (STZ). Trimethadione (TMO) metabolism was depressed in male but increased in female diabetic rats. The insulin treatment normalized rats of both sexes. Serum dimethadione/TMO ratios at 2 h correlated with the elevated blood glucose levels in male and female control, the STZ-induced diabetic and the insulin-treated diabetic rats. Treatment with STZ in male rats affected the metabolism of antipyrine, decreasing urinary excretion of norantipyrine (NORA) urine but increasing elimination of 4-hydroxyantipyrine (OHA). In female diabetic rats, the amounts of the three major metabolites, NORA, OHA and 3-hydroxymethyl-3-norantipyrine and the total (conjugate + free) were increased compared to the control. In the insulin-treated groups, these changes were normalized. In conclusion, our study showed that the effect of STZ-induced diabetes on drug metabolism varies with the sex and the drugs used. Insulin normalized all these diabetic changes.