Long-term clinical observations on feline immunodeficiency virus infected asymptomatic carriers

Eleven feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected asymptomatic carrier (AC) cats were observed for 2 years for development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Four of the 11 (36.4%) showed progression of the clinical stage. Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy was noted in three cats as the first sign of illness after the AC phase, while the other showed lymphadenopathy with signs of AIDS-related complex. In all four cats the AIDS-related complex stage lasted for 10 months or longer, and two showed progression of the disease into AIDS. The two cats showing AIDS illnesses died within approximately 1 year after they had developed persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of AIDS characterized by the presence of depletion lesions in the lymphoid organs, and of severe infections of an opportunistic nature. The overall mortality of FIV infected AC cats during a 2 year period was two out of 11 (18.2%). These cats showed decreased concanavalin A mitogen response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells as the disease progressed.

Insulin sensitivity during very-low-calorie diets assessed by minimal modeling

The time course of plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide after intravenous glucose (300 mg/kg body wt) injection was analyzed with minimal model approach in nine normal females and seven obese females. Glucose tolerance, estimated by glucose assimilation coefficient (KG), was positively correlated with glucose effectiveness (SG), but not correlated with peripheral insulin sensitivity (SI) in obese females as well as normal females. These factors were estimated before and after weight loss with 1.8-MJ (420-kcal) very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) or with 2.5-3.3-MJ (600-800-kcal) low-calorie diets in two obese subjects. KG and glucose effectiveness decreased after acute weight loss with VLCD, although insulin sensitivity increased. Weight loss with low calorie diets resulted in improvement of KG and glucose effectiveness. These results suggest that a significant amount of glucose is taken up through insulin-independent mechanisms during the intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) in these subjects. This insulin-independent glucose uptake may be an important determinant of the fate of glucose in obese females as well as normal females.

Accelerated purine nucleotide degradation by anaerobic but not by aerobic ergometer muscle exercise

The exact conditions under which exercise causes purine nucleotide degradation are not well understood. We determined plasma hypoxanthine and uric acid levels serially in eight individuals during ergometer muscle exercise. When the load was increased gradually by 15 W/min, plasma hypoxanthine was elevated only after the status exceeded the anaerobic threshold (AT), as determined by analysis of expired gas. Nonstrenuous ergometer exercise, which kept the status continuously below the AT, induced neither blood lactic acid nor plasma hypoxanthine elevation. These results suggest that the AT is also the threshold for the acceleration of purine nucleotide degradation. Muscle exercise to a degree that does not exceed the AT does not cause major purine nucleotide degradation, and, therefore, is expected to be beneficial for patients with gout and/or hyperuricemia.

[Two familial cases with exertion-induced heat stroke--relationship to malignant hyperthermia]

Two patients in a family of exertion-induced heat stroke were reported. Case 1: A 23-year-old male, paternal cousin of case 2, was admitted to our hospital because of loss of consciousness during running under a burning sun. On physical and neurological examinations, he was deeply comatose with high fever, tachycardia, and increased deep tendon reflexes. Laboratory findings disclosed rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver injury, and brain edema. He recovered after intensive cooling, some antibiotics, glycerol and sodium dantrolene administration. Case 2: A 19-year-old male experienced loss of consciousness and high fever during playing soccer at 15 years of age, and was admitted to a hospital. On admission, he had high fever of 38.7 degrees C, and increased serum CK level. He recovered two weeks after admission. He was readmitted to our hospital to evaluate the predisposition for malignant hyperthermia. His physical and neurological examinations showed no abnormalities. Routine laboratory findings were within normal limits. Muscle biopsy findings of cases 1 and 2 were mildly increased number of fibers with centrally placed nuclei. Caffeine test on skinned muscle fibers from the biopsies showed normal response in both type 1 and 2 fibers. The present patients were diagnosed as having exertion-induced heat stroke, but with no increased muscle fiber sensitivity to caffeine, suggesting that the pathomechanism differs from that of malignant hyperthermia induced by malfunction of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

[Rapid detection of mycobacteria in sputa using media supplemented with culture filtrate of Gemella haemolysans]

The effect of the culture filtrate Gemella haemolysans in enhancing mycobacterial growth has been previously demonstrated. In the present studies, an attempt was made to confirm whether the addition of the filtrate into the medium would be an effective method to promote the rapid detection of mycobacteria in sputum specimens of patients. One-hundred and one sputum specimens pretreated with NaOH were inoculated with various media (Dubos, Dubos-agar, 1% Ogawa, Kudo PD, and Middlebrook 7H9) supplemented with the culture filtrate of Gemella haemolysans grown in blood-BHI or blood-HEM at the dilutions of 1/32 or 1/64. Addition of the filtrate reduced the amount of time required to detect mycobacterial growth (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium complex, and M. kansassi) by an average of 60-70%. The media containing the filtrate formed significantly larger numbers of colonies compared with the control media, and those colonies inoculated developed more rapidly in size. The findings clearly indicated that the culture filtrate promotes the effective growth of mycobacteria which cannot or only slowly grows in ordinary media. Also indicated was that the addition of the culture filtrate of Gemella haemolysans into media provides as a useful tool to allow the rapid diagnosis of mycobacterial diseases.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome associated with congenital right-sided diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with a variety of cardiac anomalies. However, its association with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is rare. We treated a female newborn with CDH, HLHS, and omphalocele. The operation for omphalocele and the diaphragmatic defect was successful, although the patient died of cardiac failure after Norwood's operation for HLHS. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case with a combination of these three major anomalies: CDH, HLHS, and omphalocele.

Pure red cell aplasia associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and hemolytic anemia

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) rarely occurs in non-thymic lymphoproliferative disorders. The present article describes a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (follicular, mixed type), who concurrently developed PRCA and warm type autoimmune hemolytic anemia during the clinical course. The PRCA and hemolytic anemia were successfully treated with prednisolone (60 mg/day). The patient died two years later, however, from advanced lymphoma without any recurrence of the PRCA or hemolytic anemia. To our knowledge, only 20 cases of PRCA associated with malignant lymphoma have been reported. The pathogeneses of the PRCA and hemolytic anemia in our patient are discussed.

[Serum concentration of hyaluronic acid in healthy populations and patients with rheumatoid arthritis--relationship to clinical disease activity of RA]

With the sandwich binding protein assay utilizing hyaluronic acid binding protein, we measured serum concentration of hyaluronic acid in 458 healthy persons, 71 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 51 patients with various rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and gout. The mean concentration +/- standard deviation (SD) of healthy persons whose age ranged 2 to 92 years old was 38.5 +/- 35.7ng/ml, and those with over 50 years old had apparently higher concentrations (51.9 +/- 40.5ng/ml) than those with below 50 of age (20.6 +/- 14.8ng/ml). When the upper limit of normal range was set up at 130 ng/ml, abnormal percentages were 62.0% (44/71) in RA, 0% (0/18) in OA, 6.3% (1/16) in PSS, 18.2% (2/11) in SLE and 0% (0/6) in gout. Patients who apparently had arthritis but not RA revealed normal or near to the upper limit in serum hyaluronic acid compared to RA patients having the mean +/- SD of 351.4 +/- 463.7ng/ml. When patients with RA were classified into stage I to IV with X ray of bone destruction, patients with more advanced X ray stage showed significantly higher serum concentrations of hyaluronic acid. Similarly, patients with lower activity of daily living revealed significantly higher serum concentrations of hyaluronic acid. In addition, serum hyaluronic acid level did correlate to concentration of serum CRP and sialic acid. Lansbury's index, strength of grip, joint score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but did not to duration of morning stiffness and titer of rheumatoid factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Cell kinetic effects of crude coal tar application plus long wave ultraviolet radiation on normal and hyperproliferative epidermis of guinea pig skin]

This study investigated the cell kinetic effects of combined treatment with crude coal tar and long wave ultraviolet (UVA) radiation on the normal and n-hexadecane-induced hyperproliferative epidermis of guinea pig skin. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of cells in S phase (S fraction) and G2 + M phase (G2 + M fraction). Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was used to determine the labeling index. Conventional histologic techniques were used to observe the mitotic index. In the normal epidermis after a single treatment with tar and UVA (1 J/cm2) or tar alone, the labeling index showed an initial decrease of 4 hr duration followed by moderate increase. The initial decrease was more pronounced in the tar-UVA-treated epidermis than in the tar-treated epidermis. The mitotic index was depressed during the first 12 hr. S- and G2 + M fraction showed no changes during the first 12 to 18 hour, and then increased in varying degrees. In the hyperproliferative epidermis after two applications of tar and UVA (1 and 4J/cm2) or tar alone, the labeling index was depressed during the first 12 hr, and mitotic index was below the control level until the 36 hr. The inhibitory effects on DNA synthesis and mitosis were more pronounced in the tar-UVA-treated epidermis than in the tar-treated epidermis. The S- and G2 + M fraction exceeded the control level in varying degrees during the whole experimental period. The results indicate that tar inhibits the epidermal DNA synthesis and mitosis by itself, and that the inhibitory effects of tar are intensified by the radiation of UVA.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) elicits down-regulation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E6/E7 mRNA at the transcriptional level in an EGF-stimulated human keratinocyte cell line: functional role of EGF-responsive silencer in the HPV-16 long control region

We have found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) elicits negative regulation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E6/E7 at the mRNA level in the HPV-16-immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (PHK160b). This down-regulation of HPV-16 E6/E7 expression was achieved when the cells were stimulated to proliferate with the concomitantly enhanced c-myc expression by EGF in a dose-dependent manner. By using partly synchronized PHK160b cells, negative and positive regulations of the HPV-16 E6/E7 expression was correlated to EGF-linked cell cycle events in this particular human keratinocyte cell line. In order to study transcriptional control mechanisms of the HPV-16 E6/E7, transient expression assays were performed with CAT expression plasmids that the transcription could be directed by the 5'-deleted HPV-16 long control region (LCR) including the virus P97 promoter. We demonstrated that the HPV-16 LCR contained EGF-responsive elements and that a predominant silencer activity was mapped in the proximal 124-bp region (EGFRE) of the LCR. This restricted LCR region had significant influence on HPV-16-homologous promoters in lowering the CAT expression in the presence and absence of EGF. EGFRE was thus considered to be a conditional transcription-controlling element on HPV-16 E6/E7 expression in this EGF-responsive human keratinocyte cell line. This suggests that specific sequences in the LCR play a critical part in the EGF-induced down-regulation of E6/E7 expression at the transcriptional level. Since the results obtained from the transient expression assay agreed with the mode of expression of the endogenous HPV-16 E6/E7, the present study strongly suggests that the transcriptional regulation of the HPV-16 E6/E7 oncogene is mediated by growth-related specific cellular factors interacting with HPV-16 LCR elements.

Production of interleukin-1 beta-like factor with synovial cell growth promoting activity from adult T-cell leukemia cells

We observed a case of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) with proliferative synovitis. Culture supernatants from ATL cells (ATL-SN) obtained from the peripheral blood constitutively produced an interleukin-1 (IL-1)-like factor in vitro, as shown by the growth inhibition factor (GIF) assay using the A375 melanoma cell line and the lymphocyte activating factor (LAF) assay using C3H/HeJ thymocytes. Neutralization studies indicated that polyclonal antibodies against IL-1 beta blocked most (80%) of the activity in ATL-SN. In addition, increased amounts of IL-1 beta mRNA were found in the ATL cells by dot blot analysis. Sephacryl S-200 chromatography showed that the molecular weight of this factor was approximately 17.5 kDa, and Western blot analysis revealed that this factor reacted with polyclonal anti-IL-1 beta antibody under the reduced condition. The isoelectric point was 7.5. Furthermore, ATL-SN showed significant activity in promoting the growth of synovial cells in parallel with IL-1 activity. These data suggest that the constitutive production of this IL-1 beta-like factor might be responsible for proliferative synovitis in this case.

Effects of chronic bromocriptine-induced hypoprolactinemia on plasma testosterone responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in normal men

To study the role played by normal levels of plasma prolactin (PRL) in the secretion of testosterone (T) in the testes, we induced hypoprolactinemia with a daily dose of 5 mg bromocriptine administered orally in five normal men 20 to 35 years of age for 8 weeks. The basal PRL, T, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and maximum responses of plasma T to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation were measured every 2 weeks. Basal levels of plasma T were reduced in the 1st 2-week-long period of hypoprolactinemia. In the 4-week-long period of hypoprolactinemia, the maximal response of plasma T to hCG stimulation was significantly reduced. The findings suggest that normal levels of plasma PRL may play an important role in the secretion of T in the human testes in vivo.

Altered mitogen response of peripheral blood lymphocytes in different stages of feline immunodeficiency virus infection

To elucidate relationship between disease progress and immunologic alteration in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, we classified naturally infected cats into clinical stage groups using the working criteria modified from those for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Among the five distinct stages described for HIV infection, the three phases; asymptomatic carrier (AC), AIDS related complex (ARC), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), were evaluated for concanavalin A (Con A)-induced lymphocyte blastogenic activities by using glucose consumption assay. There was a significant decrease of lymphocyte response in AC phase. The loss of response became marked as the disease progressed to ARC and AIDS, with an almost complete loss of mitogen response in AIDS phase. In addition to the loss of a lymphocyte function, AIDS in FIV infection was characterized by marked emaciation, anemia or pancytopenia, and postmortem evidences of opportunistic infections and lymphoid depletion.

A major transcript of human papillomavirus type 16 in transformed NIH 3T3 cells contains polycistronic mRNA encoding E7, E5, and E1--E4 fusion gene

We have cloned cDNA of the major 1.8 kb mRNA from HPV 16-transformed NIH 3T3 cells (PM3T3). The entire nucleotide sequences of this cDNA were determined and compared with prototype HPV 16 genomic DNA sequences. The 5'-end of the cDNA was flanked by approximately 300 bp of cellular sequences, and the 3'-end of the cDNA sequences contained poly A residues following at nt 4230. HPV 16 sequences began at nt 124, downstream of a major viral p97 promoter, within the E6 open reading frame (ORF). The first splice donor site was at nt 226 and the splice acceptor site was at nt 409, suggesting that the E6 gene is inert. Second splice donor and acceptor sites were located at nt 880 and at nt 3357, respectively. This mRNA was thus shown to consist of three exons, resulting in polycistronic mRNA containing three potentially functional virus early genes--E7, E1--E4, and E5--actively transcribed in the transformant.

Antithrombin III in children with various renal diseases

Levels of antithrombin III (AT-III) activity and antigen in plasma and urine in children with renal diseases, and their correlation with the light microscopic findings of kidney tissue and the fluorescence of glomeruli, were investigated. AT-III activity in plasma was reduced slightly during the acute stage of acute glomerulonephritis and moderately in the relapse stage of nephrotic syndrome, whereas a small increase of AT-III antigen level in urine was noted in the acute stage of glomerulonephritis and considerably more was observed during the relapse stage of nephrotic syndrome. During the acute stage of glomerulonephritis or in some primary persistent glomerulonephritis (IgA nephritis, non-IgA nephritis), Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, localization of small amounts of AT-III was noted on the capillary walls of glomeruli. These findings were in parallel with the proliferative changes of glomeruli. However, the AT-III localization did not change in parallel with the light microscopic findings or degree of the fluorescence of the fibrinogen/fibrin-related antigen. It was thought that the existence of AT-III antigen on the capillary walls of the glomeruli might be associated with the inhibition of excessive fibrin formation by AT-III.

[Is massive fluid load indispensable for the parturient immediately before regional anesthesia?]

One hundred healthy parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were studied prospectively. Fifty patients received spinal anesthesia with 12mg of hyperbaric tetracaine and were defined as the spinal group. Other fifty patients received epidural anesthesia with 300mg of lidocaine and were defined as the epidural group. A half of patients in each group were given 1,000ml of Ringer's lactate immediately before the regional anesthesia (prehydrated). Rapid hydration was not given to another half of them (non-prehydrated). In the spinal group, ephedrine administration was needed significantly less frequently for prehydrated patients than for non-prehydrated ones. And the mean dose of this drug for prehydrated patients was significantly less than that for non-prehydrated ones. In the epidural group, though prehydration tended to prevent maternal hypotension, neither rate of ephedrine administration nor mean doses of this drug showed any significant difference between prehydrated and non-prehydrated patients. Prehydration did not improve significantly neither acid-base balances of umbilical arterial and venous blood nor Apgar scores of the neonates in either group. We conclude that massive fluid load is not indispensable immediately before the regional anesthesia for the parturient. Furthermore, because this method is not reliable, its advantages and disadvantages including the possibility of enhancing pulmonary edema should be evaluated.

Activity of blood coagulation factor XIII as a prognostic indicator in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Efficacy of factor XIII substitution

Determination of coagulation Factor XIII (F XIII)-related parameters in 21 patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura documented a significant decrease of F XIII activity as well as of the F XIII-related antigenic determinants. Subgroup analysis with regard to the clinical symptoms showed an even further decrease of these parameters in patients with gastrointestinal complications. Stimulated by these findings a substitution therapy with a F XIII concentrate was initiated in those patients whose F XIII activity in plasma remained low and who developed severe abdominal pain accompanied by persisting gastrointestinal bleeding. This therapeutic approach not only corrected the laboratory data, but more important led to a cessation of pain and bleeding. A rapid decrease of F XIII levels after transfusion below 40 U/ml was indicative of relapse of abdominal symptoms, while increasing values were associated with the recovery of the patients.

IN CONCLUSION

F XIII activity determinations appear to have a predictive value in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and the administration of F XIII concentrates may contribute to the improvement of gastrointestinal complications.

Parathyroid hormone-induced lipolysis in human adipose tissue

Relative lipolytic activity of human parathyroid hormone-(1-34) (hPTH-(1-34], hPTH-(3-34), desamino-Ser1-hPTH-(1-34), and rat PTH-(1-34) was compared in human subcutaneous adipose tissues in vitro. Human PTH-(1-34), rat PTH-(1-34), and desamino-Ser1-hPTH-(1-34) stimulated in vitro lipolysis significantly above basal level at the concentration of 10(-6) M. Average increments of lipolytic rate were 2.39, 1.82, and 0.87 mumol/g per 2 hr, respectively, being significantly different among the three groups. On the other hand, hPTH-(3-34)-induced lipolytic rate was 0.83 +/- 0.18 mumol/g per 2 hr, not significantly different from the basal level (0.71 +/- 0.20 mumol/g per 2 hr). The effect of hPTH-(3-34) on glycerol release stimulated by hPTH-(1-34), isoproterenol, or forskolin was subsequently investigated. Human PTH-(3-34) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of hPTH-(1-34)-stimulated lipolysis. In contrast, isoproterenol- and forskolin-induced lipolytic rates were not influenced by hPTH-(3-34). The effect of propranolol on hPTH-(1-34)- or isoproterenol-induced lipolysis was also studied. Propranolol dose-dependently inhibited isoproterenol-induced lipolysis but had no effect on lipolysis stimulated by hPTH-(1-34). These results suggest that the amino acids at positions 1 (serine) and 2 (valine) of PTH are critical for the stimulation of lipolysis in human adipose tissue. Human PTH-(1-34) causes lipolysis after binding to receptors distinct from beta-adrenergic receptors of fat cells and possibly hPTH-(3-34) inhibits hPTH-(1-34)-stimulated lipolysis by competing at the level of PTH receptor.

No substrate specificity of converting enzyme for N-terminal substituted angiotensin I in man

In 5 normal men sarcosine1-angiotensin II (Sar1-ANG II) (Exp. 1) and sarcosine1-angiotensin I (Sar1-ANG I) (Exp. 2) infused iv at a rate of 5 pmol/kg X min from 0900 h to 0930 h caused the same degree of rise in blood pressure (BP). But 100 mg of captopril given orally at 0800 h (Exp. 3) completely abolished the BP rise by Sar1-ANG I. In Exps. 1 and 2 plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased and plasma aldosterone (PA) increased after the infusions. In Exp. 3 PRA increased markedly and PA decreased 60 min after captopril, and at 30 min of Sar1-ANG I infusion PRA decreased to the pre-captopril level despite no BP change but PA was kept at the pre-infusion level. Hence, substrate specificity of converting enzyme previously demonstrated for N-terminal deleted ANG I was not shown for N-terminal substituted ANG I in man because the conversion of Sar1-ANG I to Sar1-ANG II was 100%. Sar1-ANG I may possibly inhibit renin release in normal men.

Biological activities of sarcosine1-angiotensin I in man

In order to examine whether substrate specificity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) exists or not for N-terminal substituted angiotensin I (ANG I) in man, biological activities of sarcosine1-angiotensin I (Sar1-ANG I) and the effects of an ACE inhibitor, captopril, on the Sar1-ANG I activities were studied in 5 normal men. The following 3 experiments were done at 1 week intervals. Sarcosine1-angiotensin II (Sar1-ANG II) was infused iv at a rate of 5 pmol/kg X min from 0900 h to 0930 h in 5 normal men in a recumbent position. Blood pressure rose remarkably and the average increment was 38/31 mmHg at 30 min (p less than 0.001). Average duration of the pressor action after the cessation of the infusion (T) was 40 min for systolic and 50 min for diastolic and much longer than T of isoleucine5-angiotensin II. Plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased (p less than 0.01) and plasma aldosterone (PA) increased significantly (p less than 0.01). Sar1-ANG I was infused iv at a rate of 5 pmol/kg X min from 0900 h to 0930 h. Blood pressure rose to the same extent as in (1) (p less than 0.001). T was 40 min for both systolic and diastolic and much longer than T of ANG I in man. PRA decreased (p less than 0.01) and PA increased (p less than 0.01) significantly. Oral 100 mg captopril was given at 08:00 h and Sar1-ANG I was infused iv at a rate of 5 pmol/kg X min from 09:00 h to 09:30 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of chronic hyperprolactinemia induced by sulpiride on plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) in normal men

In order to elucidate the relationship between plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia (of 60 day duration) in normal men, five normal men (aged 27-46) were administered daily 300 mg of sulpiride orally for 60 days to induce hyperprolactinemia. Plasma levels of prolactin, DHA and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay before sulpiride treatment, at day 14 and day 60 after initiation of the treatment. Plasma levels of prolactin after the administration rose significantly (P less than 0.001) to 71.6-95.3 ng/ml in four out of the five subjects compared with those of the controls. In the same four subjects the mean DHA values in plasma were elevated significantly (P less than 0.05) to 877 +/- 160 ng/dl from the mean baseline values (669 +/- 91 ng/dl). The elevated values remained during sulpiride treatment. Plasma levels of cortisol did not change significantly during sulpiride administration in all subjects. Our results suggest that sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia sustained at least 14-60 days in normal men stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete DHA.

Neutral glyceride synthesis from glucose in human adipose tissue: comparison between growing and mature subjects

Basal and insulin-stimulated neutral glyceride syntheses from glucose were studied in fat cells of different size (fat cell volume, 0.07-0.20, 0.20-0.60, 0.60-1.00, 1.00-1.50 micron3 X 10(6)) obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissues in 20 subjects aged 3 months to 67 years. In 0.07-0.20 or 0.20-0.60 micron3 X 10(6) fat cells, the basal rate of glucose conversion to neutral glyceride was significantly lower in mature (36 to 67 years old) than in growing (0 to 12 years old) subjects. In 0.60-1.00 or 1.00-1.50 micron3 X 10(6) fat cells, however, basal rate was not significantly different between the two groups. The stimulating effect of insulin on conversion of glucose to neutral glyceride was not significantly different from the basal rate in fat cells of each size taken from the mature subjects, whereas in fat cells from growing subjects, it was significantly different from the basal rate in each fat cell size category. These results indicate that when fat cell size is taken into account, not only is the rate of basal glucose conversion to neutral glyceride higher in growing subjects but also its responsiveness to exogenous insulin, and that insulin insensitivity of large fat cells, reported previously, may be influenced by age.

Biological activities of angiotensin II-(1-6)-hexapeptide and angiotensin II-(1-7)-heptapeptide in man

Biological activities of angiotensin II-(1-6)-hexapeptide [ANG-(1-6)] and angiotensin II-(1-7)-heptapeptide [ANG-(1-7)] were studied in 5 normal men and 3 patients with Bartter's syndrome. The angiotensins were infused iv in each subject from 0900 h to 0915 h at a rate of 21 nmol(16.8 micrograms)/kg X min and 18 nmol(16.2 micrograms)/kg X min for ANG-(1-6) and ANG-(1-7), respectively. In the normal men a significant rise in blood pressure was observed by the infusions of both peptides. Average increments of blood pressure for ANG-(1-6) were 17/14, 23/18, 22/15 and 17/14 mmHg at 2, 5, 10 and 15 min, respectively, and those for ANG-(1-7) were 19/15, 20/17, 13/13 and 15/13 mmHg at 2, 5, 10 and 15 min, respectively. The duration of pressor actions after the cessation of the infusions (T) was 10 min for ANG-(1-6) and 20 (for systolic) and 30 (for diastolic) min for ANG-(1-7). T for ANG-(1-6) was shorter than and T for ANG-(1-7) was similar to T for Ile5-angiotensin II (Ile5-ANG II) reported previously in 7 normal men 5 of whom were the same as examined in the present study. On the other hand, both peptides did not cause a rise in blood pressure in the 3 patients with Bartter's syndrome. Both angiotensins did not cause an increase in plasma aldosterone but did cause a significant decrease in plasma renin activity both in the normal men and in the patients. From these results and our previous observations of inactivity of angiotensin II-(5-8)-tetrapeptide, a pressor action of angiotensin II-(4-8)-pentapeptide, and pressor, renin-suppressing and steroidogenic actions of angiotensin II-(3-8)-hexapeptide in normal men, it is thought that ANG-(1-6) and ANG-(1-7) are bound to angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor in the peripheral arterioles and show pressor actions (less than 0.024% and less than 0.028% of Ile5-ANG II, respectively) and suppress renin mainly via short loop feedback and that the shortest biologically active ANG II molecules for pressor, renin-suppressing and steroidogenic actions are Tyr-Ile-His, Val-Tyr-Ile-His and Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe, respectively, in man. It is also evident that ANG-(1-6) is more rapidly metabolized than ANG-(1-7) or Ile5-ANG II in man.

A case of adiposis dolorosa: lipid metabolism and hormone secretion

The present report describes a 53-year-old non-obese man with adiposis dolorosa whose pain was dramatically relieved by the intravenous injection of lidocaine. The patient showed a paradoxical response of growth hormone to thyrotropin-releasing hormone. In addition, in-vitro studies on adipose tissue metabolism revealed the reduced glucose conversion to neutral glycerides in painful adipose tissue. These abnormalities may be related in some ways to the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Pressor activity of angiotensin II-(2-7)-hexapeptide in man

Pressor activity and speed of metabolic degradation of angiotensin II-(2-7)-hexapeptide [ANG-(2-7)] were studied in 5 normal men. When infused iv at a rate of 72 nmol/kg X min for 7 min, ANG-(2-7) caused a very slight but statistically significant increase in blood pressure. Average blood pressure increases at 2, 5 and 7 min were 5/4, 8/10 and 8/9 mmHg, respectively, and the duration of the pressor action after the cessation of the infusion (T) was 5 min on the average. The pressor activity and T of this peptide were much less than or shorter than those of angiotensin II-(1-7)-heptapeptide [ANG-(1-7)] infused previously in the same 5 normal men at a rate of 18 nmol/kg X min, indicating that the pressor activity ratio of both the peptides in man is 1: greater than 7.2 which is similar to that of angiotensin II-(2-8)-heptapeptide (angiotensin III) and Ile5-angiotensin II (Ile5-ANG II) (1: greater than 5) and that the removal of N-terminal aspartic acid from ANG-(1-7) hastens the speed of metabolic degradation of the peptide as from Ile5-ANG II.

Agonistic activities of isoleucine8-angiotensin II in man

In order to clarify the importance of C-terminal phenylalanine in angiotensin II (ANG II) molecule, agonistic activities of a C-terminal substituted peptide, isoleucine8-angiotensin II (Ile8-ANG II), were studied in comparison with those of sarcosine1-, isoleucine8-angiotensin II (Sar1-, Ile8-ANG II) and isoleucine5-angiotensin II (Ile5-ANG II) in 5 normal men. When infused iv at a rate of 600 pmol/kg X min for 30 min, Ile8-ANG II and Sar1-, Ile8-ANG II raised the blood pressure to the same extent (15/15 mmHg on the average), while the average blood pressure increase was 21/21 mmHg after an iv infusion of Ile5-ANG II at a rate of 5 pmol/kg X min for 30 min. Duration of the pressor action after the cessation of each infusion was 50-90, 90-120 and 10-25 min, respectively. In each case plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased and plasma aldosterone (PA) increased. When infused iv at a rate of 10 pmol/kg X min (maximum non-pressor dose) for 120 min, both Ile8-ANG II and Sar1-, Ile8-ANG II lowered PRA and increased PA gradually, but 100 mg oral captopril given immediately before these infusions caused no significant increase in PRA or no significant decrease in PA but again a decrease in PRA and an increase in PA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Relative biological activities of Asn1-,Val5-angiotensin II, Ile5-angiotensin II and Sar1-angiotensin II in man

Biological activities of asn1-,val5-angiotensin II (Hypertensin, Ciba, Asn1-,Val5-ANG II), ile5-angiotensin II (human angiotensin II, Ile5-ANG II) and sar1-angiotensin II (Sar1-ANG II) were compared in man. In 7 normal men 5 pmol/kg X min each of Asn1-,Val5-ANG II, Ile5-ANG II and Sar1-ANG II was infused iv from 0900 h to 0930 h at 1-week intervals. Average increments of blood pressure at the end of the infusions were 11/12, 23/20 and 36/30 mmHg, respectively (significant differences among the 3: P less than 0.001), average decrements of plasma renin activity were 0.30, 0.32 and 0.27 ng/ml X H, respectively (no significant difference among the 3), average increments of plasma aldosterone were 1.1, 2.3 and 4.4 ng/100 ml, respectively (significant difference between the former 2: P les than 0.001, between the latter 2: P less than 0.02), and durations of blood pressure rise after the cessation of these infusions (T) were 2-5 (average 5) min, 10-25 (average 20) min and 35-60 (average 40) min, respectively (significant difference between the former 2:less than P 0.01, between the latter 2: P less than 0.001). From these results it is evident that the pressor and steroidogenic actions of Ile5-ANG II are significantly stronger than those of Asn1-,Val5-ANG II and that the duration of pressor action of the former is much longer than that of the latter. Therefore, when the activities of angiotensin II (ANG II) derivatives are compared with those of ANG II in man, Ile5-ANG II--natural human ANG II--should always be used instead of Asn1-,Val5-ANG II. The pressor and steroidogenic actions and T of Sar1-ANG II are significantly stronger or longer than those of Ile5-ANG II. The reason for this is thought to be that Sar1-ANG II is bound tightly to the vascular and adrenal ANG II receptors and is not readily metabolized.

Influence of chronic hyperprolactinemia induced by sulpiride on the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis in normal men

For elucidation of the effects of hyperprolactinemia on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, five healthy men were exposed to sulpiride (300 mg/day by mouth); four among the five maintained hyperprolactinemia (71.6 to 95.3 ng/ml) for 78 days. Clomiphene citrate (CC), luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin tests were performed before and after sulpiride treatment. The CC test, given as a measure of hypothalamic function, was carried out in each of the five volunteers before sulpiride treatment (control) and on days 14 (2 weeks) and 60 (2 months) of sulpiride administration. Each value of plasma LH stimulated by CC was integrated and expressed as a ratio of the integrated value obtained after administering CC at 2 weeks and 2 months to that from each control experiment. The mean ratio in the four subjects at 2 months (mean +/- standard deviation, 0.769 +/- 0.121) was significantly lower than that at 2 weeks (0.942 +/- 0.073; P less than 0.05) and before sulpiride treatment (1.000; P less than 0.01). Impairment of LH responses to CC by 2-month long sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia suggests that chronic hyperprolactinemia in men partly suppresses LH secretion by its inhibitory action on the hypothalamus.

Responses of patients with Bartter's syndrome to angiotensin III and angiotensin II-(3-8)-hexapeptide

Studies were conducted to determine whether or not angiotensin III [AIII] and angiotensin II-(3-8)-hexapeptide [ANG-(3-8)] have their own specific arteriolar binding sites different from angiotensin II [AII] binding site(s) in man. Four patients with Bartter's syndrome were given asn1-,val5-AII by iv infusion at rates of 10, 20, 50 and 100 pmol/kg X min, each for 7 min. One hour later AIII was infused iv in the same 4 patients at rates of 50, 100, 250 and 500 pmol/kg X min, each for 7 min. After 100 or 150 mg/day of indomethacin treatment for 7 days, the same AII and AIII infusions were repeated. All patients showed blunted pressor responses to both AII and AIII before indomethacin and the responses were improved after indomethacin. Moreover, increment curves of blood pressure for AII were almost identical with those for AIII in individual patients both before and after indomethacin. ANG-(3-8) was infused iv in 3 normal men and 3 of the 4 patients with Bartter's syndrome at a rate of 3.500 pmol (2.838 ng)/kg X min for 15 min. Blood pressure rose in the normal men (12/12 mmHg on the average) but did not rise in the patients. These results suggest that AII, AIII and ANG-(3-8) have the same arteriolar binding sites in man.

Regional differences in carboxylesterase activity between human subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue

Human adipose tissue was shown to contain carboxylesterase activity when measured by methylbutyrate as substrate. The enzyme has the same characteristics as carboxylesterase purified from rat epididymal adipose tissue. Like lipoprotein lipase, carboxylesterase activity was higher in large than in small fat cells. Both cell size and carboxylesterase activity were greater in human subcutaneous than in omental adipose tissue. However, the linear regression lines between the enzyme activity and cell volume in the two tissues were almost superimposable, suggesting that cell size is a determinant of enzyme activity. Although the physiological significance of adipose tissue carboxylesterase must await further clarification, it is possible that the enzyme is related to the hydrolysis of long-chain monoacylglycerols.

Effects of mazindol on lipid metabolism of human adipose tissue in vitro

The interaction of mazindol with catecholamine in regulating peripheral lipid metabolism was studied in vitro. Noradrenaline-induced and adrenaline-induced glycerol release was augmented by addition of 50 ng mazindol. On the other hand, isoproterenol-induced glycerol release was suppressed by addition of 50 ng mazindol. Basal and dopamine-induced glycerol release was not altered by addition of 50 ng mazindol. These results suggest that mazindol may interact with alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue.

Improvement of ejaculatory incompetence with bromocriptine in a man with prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor

We report a case of a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor in a man whose characteristic findings were ejaculatory incompetence and no response of gonadotropin to clomiphene. After treatment with bromocriptine ejaculation was normal, gonadotropin responded slightly to clomiphene and the high level of plasma prolactin returned to normal. A Hardy operation was performed to remove the pituitary tumor. The patient continues to receive 2.5 mg. bromocriptine daily to maintain normal ejaculation.

Effects of a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, MK 421, in normal men and patients

Effects of MK 421, a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, were studied in normal men and patients. MK 421 was given at 0900 h as a single oral dose of 20 mg, to 5 normal men and 2 patients with essential hypertension and 10 mg to a patient with Bartter's syndrome, in the recumbent position. In all of them blood pressure (BP) fell, plasma angiotensin I (Pl AI) and plasma renin activity (PRA) increased, and plasma aldosterone (PA) decreased from 2 h to 6 h. Maximum effects were observed at 4 or 6 h. Then the effects attenuated gradually but still remained at 24 h. In the same 5 normal men angiotensin I (AI) was infused iv at a rate of 20 ng/kg . min from 0900 h to 1500 h, from 2030 h to 2100 h, and the next morning from 0830 to 0900 h. At first the BP rose and PA increased. The onset of the BP fall was at 35, 55, 60, 70 and 85 min in each subject, respectively. Then the BP and PA began to decrease and the Pl AI and PRA began to increase. The maximum effects were observed at 4 or 6 h. Then these inhibitory effects on the AI were attenuated but still remained at 24 h. The 2 patients with essential hypertension and a patient with malignant hypertension was treated with MK 421 at a daily doses of 5 to 40 mg for 2 to 6 months. They all showed a fall in BP and no side-effects were noted. From these results it is concluded that MK 421 is a strong and long-acting antihypertensive drug and its clinical application seems very useful for the treatment of hypertension.

Biological activity of des-asp1-des-arg2-angiotensin II in man

The biological activity of des-asp1-des-arg2-angiotensin II (3-8AII) was studied in man. When 3-8AII was infused iv at rates of 22 and 308 pmol (17.5 and 250 ng)/kg . min separately into 5 normal men each for 120 min, blood pressure showed no change, plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased gradually and plasma aldosterone showed a gradual slight increase. The lower dose of 3-8AII partially inhibited captopril-induced PRA increase and plasma aldosterone decrease in the same 5 normal men and the higher dose of the hexapeptide completely abolished them. In one of the 5 normal men blood pressure rose in response to doses of 3-8AII greater than 2220 pmol (1750 ng)/kg . min. When 3-8AII was infused iv at 308 pmol/kg . min into 2 patients with Bartter's syndrome for 60 min, it caused marked decrease in PRA and plasma aldosterone but no change in blood pressure. This decrease in plasma aldosterone is thought to be secondary to the decrease in PRA. From these results it is evident that 3-8AII has a minimal pressor action, a weak aldosterone-stimulating action and a significant renin-suppressing action in man and this PRA-lowering action is thought to be due to direct inhibition of renin release by its whole molecule or a smaller part of the molecule.