U50,488H inhibits effects of norepinephrine in rat cardiomyocytes-cross-talk between kappa-opioid and beta-adrenergic receptors

In order to determine the effect of kappa-opioid receptor agonist on the beta1-adrenoceptor stimulation in the heart, the effects of norepinephrine (NE), a beta1-adrenoceptor agonist, on contraction and electrically induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transient in the single rat ventricular myocyte pretreated with a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, trans-(+/-)-3, 4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-[1-pyrrolidinyl]cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide (U50,488H), at 0.01-1 microM were studied with a video edge tracker method and a spectrofluorometric method using fura-2 as calcium indicator, respectively. NE at 0.01-10 microM augmented both twitch amplitude and electrically induced [Ca2+]i transient dose-dependently, which were abolished by propranolol at 1 microM, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist. The effects of NE on both contraction and [Ca2+]i transient were attenuated in a dose-dependent manner by U50,488H at 0.01-1 microM, which itself had no effect at all. The maximum response ( Emax) was decreased, while the concentration that produces 50% of the maximum response (EC50) was enhanced, by U50, 488H. The inhibitory effects of U50,488H on beta-adrenoceptor stimulation were completely blocked by pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine, a specific kappa-opioid receptor antagonist at 1 microM, or preincubation with pertussis toxin (PTX) at 200 ng/ml for 6 h. On the other hand, the inhibition on NE-induced augmentation in electrically induced [Ca2+]i transient by U50,488H was not affected by pretreatment with U73122, a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), at 10 microM for 30 min. U50,488H attenuated the augmentation of the electrically stimulated [Ca2+]i transient induced by forskolin at 0.1 and 0.5 microM. It did not, however, affect the augmentation of the electrically induced [Ca2+]i transient by N6, 2'-O-dibutyryl adenosine cyclic monophosphate (DB-cAMP). The results suggest that kappa-opioid receptor stimulation by U50,488H at 10(-6 )M or lower may inhibit the effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation by acting at a PTX-sensitive G-protein and AC, but not via the phosphoinositol pathway.

Warfarin analog inhibition of human CYP2C9-catalyzed S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation

Human metabolism of the S-warfarin enantiomer is catalyzed primarily by cytochrome P4502C9 (CYP2C9), which, because of the enzyme's broad drug substrate specificity, leads to drug-S-warfarin interactions. Several warfarin analogs have been synthesized and used to determine whether they exhibit diminished interactions with CYP2C9. The kinetics of the warfarin analogs' inhibition of human liver microsomal CYP2C9 catalyzed metabolism of S-warfarin to S-7-hydroxywarfarin have been investigated. R- and S-7-fluorowarfarin were both predominantly competitive inhibitors, whereas racemic 6-fluorowarfarin and racemic 6,7,8-trifluorowarfarin were predominantly mixed inhibitors with some competitive inhibition. For the alcohols produced by reductive methylation of the side chain of R- and S-warfarin, the R-enantiomer did not inhibit S-warfarin metabolism, whereas the S-enantiomer was primarily a competitive inhibitor. The fluorine substituted warfarins and the S-warfarin alcohol apparently bind with high affinity to CYP2C9. Thus their use clinically (if efficacious) would not prevent CYP2C9 associated warfarin-drug interactions. The R-warfarin alcohol did not inhibit CYP2C9 catalyzed metabolism of S-warfarin and is less likely than warfarin to participate in CYP2C9 associated warfarin-drug interactions.

Inhibitory effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on dye leakage from single Novikoff cells and on dye transfer between reaggregated cell pairs

The inhibitory effects of 12-O-tetradeconylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the Lucifer Yellow leakage in single (nondissociated and dissociated) Novikoff cells in the presence of ethyleneglycotetraacetic acid (EGTA) and transfer between reaggregated cell pairs were investigated. Under treatment with TPA, single Novikoff cells showed inhibition of the dye leakage in the presence of EGTA, especially after 60-min treatment. There were only slight differences between nondissociated and dissociated cells in these experiments. The dye transfer in reaggregated cell pairs were significantly inhibited after 30-min treatment with TPA. In pretreatment with TPA during the recovery period of reaggregation the dye transfer in cell pairs was completely blocked. It was suggested that TPA blocks the assembly of gap junction, while it had no remarkable effect on gating mechanism of the hemichannels.

The characterization of potent novel warfarin analogs

Racemic sodium warfarin, Coumadin, is widely used in the prevention of thromboembolic disease. The present study was undertaken to characterize three novel classes of warfarin analogs, and to compare them with the warfarin enantiomers. All three classes of compounds inhibit vitamin K epoxide reductase, the enzyme inhibited by racemic warfarin. The alcohol and the ester analogs have reduced protein binding compared with R-(+)-warfarin. The ester and the fluoro-derivatives have similar in vivo anticoagulant activity in the rat to that of S-(-)-warfarin. Thus, it is possible to synthesize novel warfarin analogs that differ from racemic warfarin or its enantiomers in certain selected properties.

[Effect of stressful stimulations on hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA level of rats]

Experiments were carried out in stressful foot shock and noise stimulated male Sprague Dawlay rats. 3'-end digoxigenin-labeled 26 mer oligonucliotide probe was used to detect the vasopressin (AVP) mRNA in hypothalamic tissues. Dot blotting technique was used in the assessment of AVP mRNA level. The results showed that the tail systolic arterial pressure of rats increased gradually after stressful stimulations of foot shock in combination with noise. The difference in tail systolic blood pressure between control and stimulated rats was statistically significant after 5-day stimulation. By the ninth day, the systolic blood pressure of the stressed rats reached the highest level and maintained thereafter for several days. No significant difference was observed in the AVP-mRNA level between control and stressed rats by the time when stimulated for 4 days, but it significantly increases when stimulated for 6 days or longer (by the 6th day: P < 0.005; by the 15th day: P < 0.001). No difference was found in plasma osmolalities between control and stressed animals. These results indicate that the stressful foot shocks in combination with noise stimulations may cause an increase in AVP-mRNA level in the hypothalamus, which was accompanied by an increase in systolic arterial pressure. The mechanism of increase in AVP-mRNA level upon stress stimulation remains to be elucidated.

[Clinical observation on treatment of complications with Chinese medicine according to syndrome differentiation of post-bone marrow transplantation in 22 patients with leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the results of treatment of complications with TCM after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in leukemic patients.

METHODS

Chinese herbal medicine was taken orally according to Syndrome Differentiation.

RESULTS

Ten patients with long term fever (9 patients with unknown causes, 1 case with lung infection) were cured, who were irresponsive to the combinationn of multi-antibiotics. Out of 3 patients with severe jaundice, it was cured in 1 case with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), and improved after treatment of TCM and deteriorated secondary to severe infection in the other 2 cases with graft-versus gastro-intestinal side effects induced by high-dose radio-/chemotherapy, it was cured in 6 cases, improved in 2 cases and no response in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM was showed to be effective in treating the complications post-BMT in patients with leukemia, and could accelerate the recovery of patients.

Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of novel 4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)imidazolines as acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors and antihypercholesterolemic agents

Novel 4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)imidazolines have been found to be the potent acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors. ACAT is responsible for cholesterol esterification in the intestine, liver, and the arterial wall. These novel imidazolines also inhibit cholesterol ester formation in the macrophage. Several compounds have shown potent serum cholesterol-lowering activity in several animal models. Para-substitution of the 2-phenyl is critical for in vitro and in vivo activity. The 4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)imidazolines with a para-cyano group on 2-phenyl and a 4-alkylcyclohexyl amide as the side-chain at the 5-position possess the most potent inhibitory activity in this series. Based on biochemical studies, this series acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to cholesterol binding at the enzyme, which distinguishes it from most of the ACAT inhibitors discovered to date. Preliminary biological studies supported by X-ray crystal structures, molecular modeling, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies suggest that this series may be a cholesterol mimic.

Risk of relapse in leprosy after fixed-duration multidrug therapy

Between 1986 and 1995, 8307 leprosy patients have completed fixed-duration multidrug therapy (FD-MDT) and were followed annually for possible relapse. The mean relapse rate for multibacillary (MB) leprosy is 0.15/1000 person-years (py) and for paucibacillary (PB) 0.55/1000 py. There is no difference in the relapse rates between patients with or without chemotherapy before FD-MDT. In MB patients, the five relapses occurred between 4 and 7 years; in PB patients, five relapses occurred at 4-5 years after FD-MDT. Six additional PB relapses self-reported 1-4 years after the 5-year surveillance period and were not included in the relapse rates. Most PB patients relapsed into MB due to wrong classification and insufficient therapy. For the known 62 irregular MB patients the cumulative relapse rate is 6.5%.

Laryngeal tuberculosis: a series of 46 patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of laryngeal tuberculosis is declining after the advent of anti-tuberculous drugs. The disease itself is changing according to our experience, too. The changing pattern is our interest.

METHODS

A series of 46 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis seen in our institution between 1980 and 1995 were reviewed retrospectively to assess the various features of the disease.

RESULTS

The results showed a mean age of 48 years and a sex ratio of 2:1. Hoarseness is the most frequent presenting symptom (80%), and sore throat (52%) is another important symptom. The frequent locations of lesions are the true cords (57%), epiglottis (39%), false cords (35%), arytenoids (24%) and posterior commissure (7%). Laryngeal tuberculosis was the most common initial working diagnosis before a definite pathological report was completed. In 85% of the patients the disease was transmitted by bronchogenic route, and in the others it was primary laryngeal tuberculosis. Laryngeal tuberculosis responds well to early treatment with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The clinical presentation of laryngeal tuberculosis is changing. It is necessary to detect the disease early to prevent the development of severe sequalae or mortality.

[Changes in the expression of alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chain gene during the development of renal hypertension in rats]

The changes in the expression of cardiac alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene of the left ventricle were investigated in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renal hypertensive rats. The results were as follows: (1) When blood pressure was increased, the left ventricle became hypertrophic, alpha-MHC gene expression was reduced and beta-MHC gene expression was increased in 2K1C renal hypertensive rats. (2) When the animal was treated with captopril, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor 4 W after operation and then 8 W with removal of the ischemic kidney, the blood pressure was decreased with attendant regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, while the increase in beta-MHC mRNA level was attenuated and the inhibition of alpha-MHC mRNA level was reduced. The above results suggest that the rise in arteral pressure is an important factor in the left ventricular hypertrophy and the MHC gene switch. Renin angiotension system may be involved in the cardiac hypertrophic and MHC gene switch during the development and maintenance of 2K1C renal hypertension.

Fixed-duration multidrug therapy in multibacillary leprosy

Six-hundred-fifty-seven active multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients were put on fixed-duration multidrug therapy (FD-MDT) between 1985 and 1992 (190 had had no and 235 had had previous treatment with dapsone) and were followed for 5 years after therapy. Two relapses occurred during year 5 of surveillance and both had received dapsone prior to chemotherapy, giving an overall relapse rate of 0.08/100 person-years (py). Excluding the two relapses, 99.4% of the MB patients converted to smear negativity at year 6 after a regular course of FD-MDT. The relapse rate for 35 MB patients with an initial bacterial index (BI) of > 4 with 5 years of surveillance was 0.24/100 py. Reactions occurred more frequently during the first 6 months of MDT, decreasing gradually thereafter, and reaching 0 in year 4 of surveillance. The deformity rate at intake was 22.7% and only 1.8% of MB patients developed new deformities or an increased grade in deformity during therapy.

[Quantitative analysis of mRNA level by PCR method using single basemutated template as inner standard]

Using simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, a single base changed mutant was generated, to which an EcoR I restriction site was added at a specific position of the primer template. The copies of the mutant could be quantified after amplification by PCR. Then the diluted mutant used as an inner standard was added into the samples to be detected. In the same PCR reaction, the mutated and primer template DNA were amplified. After digestion by EcoR I, the PCR products were electrophoresed in 2% agarose gel. The DNAs of different size were separated by electrophoresis and the copies of the primer template in the samples was quantified. The experimental results showed that the cDNA copies of AVP V1 receptor in reverse transcription products from 1 microgram of total RNA isolated from liver tissue of Sprague Dawley rats was about 1.25 x 10(-20) mol.

Pollination-enhanced expression of a receptor-like protein kinase related gene in tobacco styles

We have isolated a putative serine/threonine receptor kinase gene with an expression pattern indicating that it may play a role in the stylar response to pollination. Differential display PCR was used to select tobacco mRNAs with increased accumulation following pollination. NTS16, a cDNA identified by this method, is homologous to a ca. 2.4 kb mRNA primarily expressed in pistil tissues. Levels of this mRNA increase during floral development and are further increased by pollination reaching maximal accumulation 12-18 hours after pollination and then declining. mRNA levels can also be increased by the application of ethylene to unpollinated flowers. A polypeptide encoded by the NTS 16 open reading frame has sequence similarity to the catalytic domain of several receptor protein kinases from plants including the S-receptor kinases implicated in the rejection of self-pollen in Brassica species and the Pto gene product of tomato which confers resistance to a bacterial pathogen.

Caffeine decreases intracellular free Mg2+ in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes

Caffeine has been extensively used to study intracellular Ca2+ control and contraction-relaxation in cardiomyocytes. The effects of caffeine on intracellular free Mg2+ concentration, [Mg2+]i, were studied in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes by fluorescent techniques using mag-fura-2. Basal [Mg2+]i was 0.62 +/- 0.02 mM, n = 54, in quiescent cells and 0.73 +/- 0.02 mM, n = 23, in electrically-stimulated adult rat ventricular myocytes. Caffeine, 20 mM, significantly decreased [Mg2+] in both quiescent (-0.17 +/- 0.01 mM) and electrically-stimulated (-0.16 +/- 0.01 mM) adult ventricular myocytes. Ryanodine, a blocker for Ca(2+)-release channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, did not have any effect on basal [Mg2+]i, 0.67 +/- 0.02 mM nor on caffeine-induced reduction in [Mg2+]i, -0.16 +/- 0.01 mM in quiescent cardiomyocytes or electrically-stimulated cells; 0.74 +/- 0.03 mM and -0.11 +/- 0.03 mM, respectively. Ruthenium red, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, also failed to alter basal [Mg2+]i, or caffeine-induced reduction in [Mg2+], in either quiescent or electrically-stimulated cells. The effects of caffeine on [Mg2+]i, may be important in considering the use of this drug to study contraction/function studies in heart cells.

No subacute thrombosis and femoral bleeding complications under full anticoagulation in 150 consecutive patients receiving non-heparin-coated intracoronary Palmaz-Schatz stents

Intracoronary stenting has been shown to have better immediate and long-term clinical outcomes and less restenosis than standard balloon angioplasty. However, the benefit was achieved at the cost of higher rates of coronary thrombosis, bleeding complications, the need for anticoagulation, and longer hospital stay. For the latter reasons there is a tendency to replace the anticoagulants by antiplatelet agents alone after stenting. However, we prospectively monitored 150 consecutive patients (133 men, 17 women, mean age 58.5 years) from two centers since February 1993. They all had coronary artery disease and underwent percutaneous implantation of non-heparin-coated Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents under a full but lower dose of anticoagulation. The femoral approach was used in all patients except one. In the 150 patients, 200 stents were implanted in 165 target arteries with 172 lesions. Stenting was performed without the guidance of intravascular ultrasonography; high-pressure poststenting inflation was used in only 17.3% of patients with less than optimal angiographic results. Coronary angiography was performed at baseline, immediately after the procedure, and after 6 months (mean 207 +/- 53.6 days SD) of stenting. The mean (+/-SD) coronary minimum luminal diameter increased from 0.52 0.31 mm to 3.13 +/- 0.42 mm immediately after stenting was performed and was 2.12 +/- 0.91 mm at 6 months. There was a 0% subacute thrombosis rate and a 0% femoral bleeding complication rate in the whole series. Only three (2%) major events occurred: one Q-wave myocardial infarction from closure of an angioplasty site distal to the stent on a very long lesion, one cerebrovascular accident, and one noncoronary-related death. The only patient who underwent the brachial approach had hematoma; otherwise no other minor event occurred. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days in one of the two study centers. The long-term clinical follow-up rate was 97.3%. The mean (+/- SD) clinical follow-up period was 589 +/- 363 days. Clinical symptoms improved; the percentage of patients who had angina according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society functional class II, III, and IV was 31.3%, 44.7%, and 4%, respectively, before stenting was performed and was reduced to 4.7%, 3.7%, and 0%, respectively at 6-month follow-up after stenting was performed. The 6-month angiographic restudy rate was 90.6%, and the restenosis rate was 18.3%. In contrast to other reported series, these results support the idea that with careful puncture technique and meticulous postoperative wound care, intracoronary stenting can be successfully performed with the patient under full anticoagulation without major risks of bleeding and femoral vascular complications. Furthermore with a full but comparatively lower dose of anticoagulation, subacute thrombotic complications can be reduced to 0% even with non-heparin-coated stents without the use of intravascular ultrasound guidance and without the use of adjunctive high-pressure poststenting inflation in most patients. The restenosis rate and long-term clinical outcomes remained very favorable.

Comparison of lucifer yellow leakage and cell-to-cell transfer following intracellular injection in normal and antisense Novikoff cells under treatment with low extracellular Ca2+

Single and paired control Novikoff and connexin 43 antisense-transfected Novikoff cells (antisense cells) were used to investigate the differences of intercellular dye transfer and leakage between these two types of cells. Lucifer Yellow was injected into cells by iontophoresis. There was no dye leakage in single cells of both types in Swims solution. The dye transfer from injected cell to recipient cell in the normal solution was different in the two types of cell pairs. The transfer was significantly suppressed in antisense cells; 46/84 cases were blocked vs. 1/84 in Novikoff cell pairs. Under EGTA treatment, the dye leakage in single antisense cells was suppressed showing an increase in the very slow rate of leakage (16/40 vs. 6/40), and the mean rate of leakage was also significantly low. This suggests that dye transfer and leakage are suppressed in antisense cells and demonstrates that connexin 43 plays an important part both in dye transfer in paired cells and dye leakage in single cells.

[Quality of life of the patients with diabetes mellitus and risk factors ]

Quality of life is a comprehensive index for judging individual's physiological, psychological and social function and living condition. There were 143 patients with diabetes mellitus, based on WHO diagnosis standard, hospitalized' in PLA general hospital participated in the study. Investigation instrument included 156 questions (3 aspects) in total. The content of quality of life consisted of 14 items, covering physiological, psychological, social function and living conditions. The results showed that many abnormal changes of quality of life were found in the patients with diabetes mellitus. AMong them the impaired memory and concentration were most obvious. And less important changes were abnormal emotional reactions, reducing of entertainment activities, social adaptation and work ability. The age, degree of education, condition of the illness, complications, social and family background had effects on the quality of life.

Induction of differentiation and down-regulation of c-myb gene expression in ML-1 human myeloblastic leukemia cells by the clinically effective anti-leukemia agent meisoindigo

Meisoindigo, a second generation derivative of indirubin, is an effective chemotherapeutic agent with very low toxicity used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. To determine the nature of this activity, the effect of a nontoxic concentration (0.72 micrograms/mL) of this compound on ML-1 human myeloblastic leukemic cells was examined. At such a concentration, differentiation induction was found to be the most pronounced drug effect. During the 3-day drug incubation period, the viable cell number remained essentially constant, with approximately 48% of the cells demonstrating a mature phenotype with increased acid phosphatase activity and nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction. As observed with other DNA-specific agents, induction of ML-1 differentiation by meisoindigo was accompanied by the down-regulation of c-myb gene expression. These data suggest that induction of leukemic cell differentiation associated with decreased c-myb expression may be one of the mechanisms of the antitumor action of meisoindigo.

Distinct mechanisms underlie activation of hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons and their medullary catecholaminergic afferents in categorically different stress paradigms

Intermittent electrical footshock induces c-fos expression in parvocellular neurosecretory neurons expressing corticotropin-releasing factor and in other visceromotor cell types of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH). Since catecholaminergic neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract and ventrolateral medulla make up the dominant loci of footshock-responsive cells that project to the PVH, these were evaluated as candidate afferent mediators of hypothalamic neuroendocrine responses. Rats bearing discrete unilateral transections of this projection system were exposed to a single 30-min footshock session and sacrificed 2 hr later. Despite depletion of the aminergic innervation on the ipsilateral side, shock-induced up-regulation of Fos protein and corticotropin-releasing factor mRNA were comparable in strength and distribution in the PVH on both sides of the brain. This lesion did, however, result in a substantial reduction of Fos expression in medullary aminergic neurons on the ipsilateral side. These results contrast diametrically with those obtained in a systemic cytokine (interleukin 1) challenge paradigm, where similar cuts ablated the Fos response in the ipsilateral PVH but left intact the induction seen in the ipsilateral medulla. We conclude that (i) footshock-induced activation of medullary aminergic neurons is a secondary consequence of stress, mediated via a descending projection transected by our ablation, (ii) stress-induced activation of medullary aminergic neurons is not necessarily predictive of an involvement of these cell groups in driving hypothalamic visceromotor responses to a given stressor, and (iii) despite striking similarities in the complement of hypothalamic effector neurons and their afferents that may be activated by stresses of different types, distinct mechanisms may underlie adaptive hypothalamic responses in each.

[Study on prevention of untoward reaction of glucose tolerance test]

The prevention methods of the side effects of 75g glucose tolerance test were studied. The results showed that the speed of taking glucose water was 3-5 minutes; the water temperature was 20-30 degrees C; water volume of dissolving glucose was 300ml; 0.25g citric acid was added, the side effects will be avoided or reduced.

Control of fertility by metabolic cues

In female mammals, reproduction is extremely sensitive to the availability of oxidizable metabolic fuels. When food intake is limited or when an inordinate fraction of the available energy is diverted to other uses such as exercise or fattening, reproductive attempts are suspended in favor of processes necessary for individual survival. Both reproductive physiology and sexual behaviors are influenced by food availability. Nutritional effects on reproductive physiology are mediated by changes in the activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the forebrain, whereas the suppression of sexual behaviors appears to be due, at least in part, to decreases in estrogen receptor in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Work using pharmacological inhibitors of glucose and fatty acid oxidation indicates that reproductive physiology and behavior respond to short-term (minute-to-minute or hour-to-hour) changes in metabolic fuel oxidation, rather than to any aspect of body size or composition (e.g., body fat content or fat-to-lean ratio). These metabolic cues seem to be detected in the viscera (most likely in the liver) and in the caudal hindbrain (probably in the area postrema). This metabolic information is then transmitted to the GnRH-secreting or estradiol-binding effector neurons in the forebrain. There is no evidence to date for direct detection of metabolic cues by these forebrain effector neurons. This metabolic fuels hypothesis is consistent with a large body of evidence and seems to account for the infertility that is seen in a number of situations, including famine, eating disorders, excessive exercise, cold exposure, lactation, some types of obesity, and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Paramagnetic polymerized liposomes as new recirculating MR contrast agents

We describe a well-tolerated blood pool contrast agent with extended recirculatory half-life based on paramagnetic polymerized liposomes (PPLs). PPLs were constructed from a new type of polymerizable lipid molecule that has a derivative of gadopentetate dimeglumine as the hydrophilic head group and diacetylene groups in the hydrophobic acyl chains, which cross-link when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Biodistribution, blood pool half-life, and MR image enhancement were determined for PPLs composed of 10% of the gadopentetate dimeglumine lipid and 90% of ditricosadiynoyl tricosadiynayl phosphatidylcholine (DAPC) at a dose of 0.015 mmol Gd+3/kg in rats. In T1-weighed MR images (TR/TE = 400/18 msec), an average signal enhancement of 34% in the kidneys and 20% in the liver was observed, which persisted for at least 90 minutes after administration of the PPLs. Biodistribution studies using radiolabeled PPLs confirmed that 80% of the injected dose remained in the blood pool after 2 hours. The half-life of elimination from the blood pool was 19 hours. The preparation was well tolerated in rats and produced similar MR contrast enhancement of the blood pool as produced by other liposome contrast agents. However, the half-life of PPL elimination from the blood pool was prolonged relative to other liposome systems.

Lagophthalmos in a multibacillary population under multidrug therapy in the People's Republic of China

Lagophthalmos may be the most common potentially blinding ocular condition in leprosy. The magnitude of the problem among multibacillary patients has not been determined. We sought to ascertain the magnitude of lagophthalmos in a multibacillary leprosy patient population under multidrug therapy (MDT) (both newly diagnosed and with a prior history of dapsone monotherapy) in China and assess factors associated with its presence. In a survey of 640 multibacillary patients 3.8% of the newly diagnosed patients and 10.2% of the patients with prior dapsone monotherapy had lagophthalmos. Corneal disease and vision loss were common in both groups. Poor compliance with MDT, duration between onset and diagnosis, and duration on dapsone monotherapy were associated with the presence of lagophthalmos. Our findings suggest that there may be a threshold at which MDT must be maintained to prevent lagophthalmos. Early leprosy diagnosis and treatment would also lessen the incidence of lagophthalmos in these patients. The high proportion of lagophthalmos patients with corneal disease suggests that there has been inadequate eye care for these patients.

Long-term effect of leprosy control in two Prefectures of China, 1955-1993

In Weifang Prefecture, Shandong Province, and Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province of China, leprosy was highly prevalent in the 1950s. Due to differences in geographical conditions and socioeconomic development, the decline in leprosy prevalence between 1955 and 1993 was 99.5% (10.1 to 0.05/10,000) in Weifang and 93.9% (19.7 to 1.2/10,000) in Wenshan. The decrease in the detection rate was 99.9% (35.2 to 0.05/10,000) in Weifang and 91.7% (69.9 to 5.8/10,000) in Wenshan. The decrease was more apparent in these two prefectures since the implementation of multidrug therapy (MDT) in 1986. Findings such as specific detection rates by age, sex and type, as well as the multibacillary, child, and deformity rates of patients detected since 1980 were studied. Using the detection and prevalence rates between 1980 and 1993, the number of patients until the year 2000 is extrapolated for these two prefectures.

Halicylindramides A-C, antifungal and cytotoxic depsipeptides from the marine sponge Halichondria cylindrata

Halicylindramides A-C (1-3) have been isolated from the Japanese marine sponge Halichondria cylindrata. They are tetradecapeptides with the N-terminus blocked by a formyl group and the C-terminus lactonized with a threonine residue. Their total structures including absolute stereochemistry were determined by a combination of spectral and chemical methods. Halicylindramides A-C were antifungal against Mortierella ramanniana and cytotoxic against P388 murine leukemia cells.

Intracellular lucifer yellow leakage from Novikoff cells in the presence of ATP or low extracellular Ca: evidence for hemi-gap junction channels

Lucifer Yellow was microinjected into Novikoff hepatoma cells and leakage was investigated under treatment with ATP (5 mM) and EGTA (5 mM) in the culture medium. In control conditions, there was no leakage in single or paired cells, except a few cases which showed very slow leakage (defined as slope < -0.0007/sec). Slow leakage rate (slope > -0.0008 but < -0.009/sec) and quick leakage rate (slope > -0.01) of intracellular dye were not seen. Dye transfer between cell pairs after Lucifer Yellow was injected into one cell was divided into two groups: quick transfer rates (4 cases, slope = -0.151 +0.0032) and slow transfer rates (15 cases, slope = -0.041 +0.0018). Under ATP treatment the intracellular dye leakage was observed in single cells (16 of 31 cases) and in cell pairs (20 of 57 cases). Extracellular low Ca2+ (EGTA treatment) enhanced the dye leakage much more: 30 of 40 cases in single cells and 21 of 36 cases in cell pairs. The leakage rates of intracellular dye under these treatments were similar to the transfer rates of the dye between cell pairs with quick and slow rates. It is suggested that the dye leakage from Novikoff cells under treatment with ATP or low [Ca2+]o shares the same mechanism as dye transfer through gap junctions, suggesting that the hemichannels in the plasma membrane can be opened under certain conditions.

[Pharmacokinetics of zinc acexamate (ZAC) in rats]

Zinc acexamate (ZAC) is a new antiulcer drug. This paper reports the pharmacokinetics of ZAC in rats after single oral administration. The concentrations in biological samples were detected by spectrophotometry. This study shows that the concentration-time curve of ZAC in blood conformed to a single-compartment open model after 250, 500 and 750 ng.kg-1 ig. ZAC absorption was fast and the peak plasma level appeared in 1.5 h. The Cmax, AUC and CL/F were shown to be dose dependent. Two hours after oral administration of ZAC to normal rats, the highest level of ZAC was present in the gastrointestinal tract, while appreciable ZAC was present in the kidney, liver, plasma and lung. The level of ZAC in heart, spleen and brain was lower, no drug was detected in muscles and uterus. Six hours after oral administration, the drug concentration in various tissues decreased rapidly, but that of the gastrointestinal decreased very slowly. Feces excretion was an important route of excretion. ZAC excretion was about 11.7% of the administered dosage in feces within 48 h period, and the excreted amount from urine and bile was very small.

[Electron microscopic observation of the denervated flap reinnervation after implantation of sensory nerve]

Flap reinnervation was studied by electron microscopy in the rabbit cervico-shoulder flap with great auricular nerve implanted. After transferring the flap to the dorsal defect of the rabbit's ear and division of its pedicle, the original nerve fibers of the flap underwent a degenerative process which would persist over 2 months. The great auricular nerve implanted into the flap regenerated axons by entering into old endoneurial rube of the flap and sprouting. The development process of the regenerating nerves showed that the unmyelinated fibers appeared first in the 2nd month, and the myelinated ones in the 4th month. The regenerating nerve fibers had often accompanied by blood vessels.

Corticatic acids A-C, antifungal acetylenic acids from the marine sponge, Petrosia corticata

Three new acetylenic acids, corticatic acids A-C [1-3] have been isolated from the marine sponge, Petrosia corticata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, and 1-3 exhibited antifungal activity against Mortieralla ramanniana.

Multidrug therapy and eye disease in leprosy: a cross-sectional study in the People's Republic of China

BACKGROUND

Factors associated with leprosy-related eye disease in a multidrug therapy (MDT) treated population in China were assessed to determine if status prior to inclusion in the MDT programme (newly diagnosed leprosy patient or leprosy patient on prior dapsone monotherapy) contributed to the prevalence of ocular pathology.

METHODS

Trained leprosy paramedical workers in Sichuan Province examined 974 leprosy patients in a standardized fashion. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the contribution of demographic and clinical parameters to leprosy-related eye disease.

RESULTS

In both groups (prior dapsone and new MDT) leprosy-related eye disease was associated with a longer distance to leprosy health worker or health centre. Among patients with a history of prior dapsone monotherapy, age and duration on dapsone monotherapy were also associated with leprosy-related ocular morbidity. Among newly diagnosed leprosy patients the prevalence of ocular morbidity remained between 8% and 11% regardless of when the patient started MDT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that, even when case detection is good, ocular pathology will still occur in MDT treated leprosy patients. There remains an important role for health workers in the prevention of ocular morbidity. Our data also demonstrated that pooling of results from all patients (newly diagnosed and on prior dapsone monotherapy) in a leprosy control programme will likely give rise to inadequate estimates of risk of ocular disease due to variable clinical disease histories in these groups.

Manipulations of metabolic fuel availability alter estrous behavior and neural estrogen receptor immunoreactivity in Syrian hamsters

Decreases in metabolic fuel utilization caused by food deprivation, diabetes, or treatment with metabolic inhibitors have been shown to suppress steroid-induced estrous behavior in ovariectomized Syrian hamsters. These same manipulations also caused a decrease in the number of detectable estrogen-receptor immunoreactive (ERIR) cells in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the adjacent area lateral to it (VLH) in ovariectomized hamsters. Forty-eight hours of food deprivation or treatment with pharmacological blockers of glycolysis (2-deoxy-D-glucose) and fatty acid oxidation (methyl palmoxirate) decreased the number of detectable ERIR cells in the VMH/VLH. However, neither inhibitor given alone was sufficient to affect the number of detectable ERIR cells in the VMH/VLH, even when given in much higher doses. Therefore, the number of ERIR cells in the VMH/VLH, like steroid-induced estrous behavior, responds only to a combination of glucoprivation and lipoprivation and not to either alone. The effects of metabolic fuel restriction are not due to a general suppression of neural ERIR, because food deprivation or treatment with 2-deoxy-D-glucose and methyl palmoxirate actually increased the number of detectable ERIR cells in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and had no effect in the nucleus of the solitary tract. Lesions destroying the area postrema (AP) prevented the decrease in ERIR cells in the VMH/VLH and the inhibition of estrous behavior caused by fuel restriction. However, AP lesions did not alter the effects of metabolic inhibitors on ERIR in the mPOA. On the other hand, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy abolished the effects of metabolic inhibitors on mPOA ERIR, but did not affect either lordosis or VMH/VLH ERIR. These results suggest that the suppression of estrous behavior induced by metabolic fuel restriction is at least in part due to a decrease in the number of ERIR neurons in the VMH/VLH. In addition, the estrogen-sensitive neurons in the VMH/VLH and mPOA receive metabolic cues via different neural pathways. The AP, but not vagus nerves, is required for ERIR neurons in the VMH/VLH to detect fuel availability; the vagus nerves, but not the AP, are necessary for estrogen-binding neurons in the mPOA to detect visceral information.

Effect of pH on intracellular free Mg2+ in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes

Changes in intracellular pH (pHi) alters the cytosolic concentrations of many electrolytes including Ca2+ and Na+. The present studies determined the effect of pHi on intracellular Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) activity in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes. Intracellular magnesium, [Mg2+]i, and calcium, [Ca2+]i, concentrations were measured with microfluorometry. Basal intracellular [Mg2+]i was 634 +/- 27 microM, n = 42 cells, and was not changed following electrical stimulation (0.5 Hz/s) which resulted in transient increases in [Ca2+]i and cell contractions. An NH4Cl pulse was used to rapidly alkalize and acidify the cytosol. Intracellular Mg2+ concentration within single cells decreased by 129 +/- 13 microM with rapid alkalinization of pH from basal levels of 7.1 to 7.6 following a NH4+ pulse. Removal of NH4Cl bathing solution resulted in cytosolic acidification, pH 6.9, and an increase in [Mg2+]i, from 467 +/- 47 to 569 +/- 41 microM. Intracellular [Ca2+] rose with acidification 80 +/- 4 to 149 +/- 19 nM, n = 5, and returned to normal levels, 89 +/- 5 nM, following recovery of pHi. Intracellular acidosis following exposure to 5% CO2/20 mM HCO3- solutions resulted in a significant increase in [Mg2+]i, to 778 +/- 63 microM. These results indicate that intracellular pH may have significant effects on [Mg2+]i in adult cardiomyocytes.

Three-dimensional holographic disks

We describe optical disks that store data holographically in three dimensions by using either angle multiplexing or wavelength multiplexing. Data are stored and retrieved in parallel blocks or pages, and each page consists of approximately 10(6) bits. The storage capacity of such disks is derived as a function of disk thickness, pixel size, page size, and scanning parameters. The optimum storage density is approximately 120 bits/µm(2).

Triterpenoid saponins from Dianthus chinensis

Two novel triterpenoid saponins, dianchinenoside C [23-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3 beta, 16 alpha-dihydroxyolean-12-ene 23 alpha, 28 beta-dioic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside] and dianchinenoside D [3 beta, 16 alpha-dihydroxyolean-12-ene 23 alpha, 28 beta-dioic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl [1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] were isolated from the aerial parts of Dianthus chinensis. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. We also report the revision of a previous misassignment of hainanenside, isolated from Ilex hainanensis Merr. In addition, known compounds, 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, sitosterol 3 beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, isoorientin-2"-O-glucoside, isovitexin-2"-O-glucoside, and chrysoeriol-7-O-glucoside, were also identified.

[Studies on the isolation of endogenous sleep factors from Tupaia Belangeri Chinensis (TBC) after sleep deprivation]

The present study was undertaken to explore endogenous sleep factors isolated from 48-72 h sleep deprived (SD) male Tupaia belangeri chinensis (TBC). Only drink ad libitum (10% glucose) was available within 24 h before collection of urine. Controlled "clean" urinary samples were pooled and stored at 20 C. Fraction I-V from the urine were determined after ultrafiltration and Sephadex-G15. Amino-acid analysis of each fraction was automatically done by a 835 Amino-acid Analyzer, respectively. Bioassay was performed in 40 adult rabbits weighing 2.5-3.5 kg of either sex. Experiments were undertaken via the mesodiencephalic intraventricular infusion. Results show that S2C (Fraction-III) (50 micrograms/rabbit, i.c.v.) exhibited significant delta-enhancing effect compared to the controls. Further purification was done with Sephadex G-25 and Sephadex LH-20. The more purified S4B (50 micrograms/rabbit, i.c.v.) also exhibited significant delta-enhancing effect compared to the controls. The amino-acid analysis of Fraction-III revealed that the compositional contents of S2C and S4B are different from what have been known with Factor S, DSIP and SPS.

Estrogen-receptor immunoreactivity in hamster brain: preoptic area, hypothalamus and amygdala

The distribution of estrogen-receptor containing cells in the preoptic area, hypothalamus and amygdala of female Syrian hamster brain was studied by immunocytochemical methods. Dense populations of estrogen-receptor immunoreactive (ER-IR) cells were found in the medial preoptic area, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, ventral and lateral parts of the hypothalamus, and the arcuate nucleus. Injection of estradiol caused a decrease in estrogen-receptor immunoreactivity (ERIR) containing cells within one hour, a decrease that may reflect a change in the ability of the occupied estrogen receptor to bind the particular antibody (H222) used rather than down-regulation of the estrogen receptor. Our findings on the distribution of estrogen-receptor containing cells in these areas using an immunocytochemical technique are consistent with and extend the findings of others using autoradiographic and in vitro binding techniques to study estrogen receptor distribution in hamster brain.

[Effects of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharides on productivity and longevity in Drosophila melanogaster]

Coriolus versicolor polysaccharides (CVP), extracted from Coriolus versicolor (L) Fr, were composed of 67.53% beta-D-glucose, 12.49% D-mannose, 11.49% L-abequose, 8.21% D-galactose, and trace L-acofriose. On Oregon K stock of Drosophila melanogaster, 0.5%-5% of CVP increased the number of taking food. CVP 2%, 3%, and 5% increased the frequency of mating and 0.5%-3% increased the number of flies in first filial generation (F1). CVP (2% and 3% in mated test; 1% and 2% in unmated test) prolonged the mean lifespan, the maximal lifespan, and median lethal time (LT50) of female flies, but not male flies.

Optical network for real-time face recognition

An optical network is described that is capable of recognizing at standard video rates the identity of faces for which it has been trained. The faces are presented under a wide variety of conditions to the system and the classification performance is measured. The system is trained by gradually adaptingphotorefrac tive holograms.

Effect of chemical hypoxia on intracellular ATP and cytosolic Mg2+ levels

Intracellular magnesium is intimately associated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations and energy utilization. We determined adenine nucleotide concentrations (ATP, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate) and the associated changes in intracellular free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescent methods, respectively. Various mitochondrial inhibitors were used to deplete intracellular ATP and alter energy charge in epithelial cells. The opossum kidney (OK) cell line was used as a prototypic renal epithelial cell. These agents markedly deplete intracellular ATP levels with modest changes in [Mg2+]i and [Ca2+]i. Because these agents have disparate actions, it is likely that these changes were due to alterations in ATP rather than to selective drug effects. Cyanide resulted in a rapid (within 2 minutes) fall in ATP from 25.85 to 10.58 nmol/mg protein or about 3 mmol/L, whereas [Mg2+]i increased gradually (10 minutes), from 513 +/- 7 to 1096 +/- 105 mumol/L [Ca2+]i increased from 109 +/- 12 to 153 +/- 10 nmol/L within 20 seconds, then returned to basal concentrations. The changes in ATP, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were not altered by removing external Na+o, adding ruthenium red, or treating with vanadate. Antimycin diminished ATP levels in a manner similar to the effect of cyanide, but by contrast [Mg2+]i decreased to 436 +/- 13 mumol/L and [Ca2+]i transiently increased. These studies indicate that we are able to distinguish Mg2+ movements from those of Ca2+ by fluorescent techniques and suggest that intracellular regulation of [Mg2+]i is distinctive from that of [Ca2+]i. Oligomycin resulted in marked and rapid falls in [ATP]i with disproportionate increases in [Mg2+]i. The response of magnesium-depleted cells (basal [Mg2+]i, 231 +/- 10 mumol/L) after inhibitor-induced energy depletion was similar to that of control cells. These studies suggest that large changes in intracellular ATP levels do not markedly alter intracellular [Mg2+]i control and, in turn, that intracellular free Mg2+ is not a limiting factor in ATP metabolism after energy depletion with chemical hypoxia.

[A phoniatric treatment report for a dysphonia case with unilateral false cord bulging]

This case report was a 43-year-old male with phonation problem described as hoarseness, reduced loudness and with effort. Patient was examined by a laryngologist and a voice-speech pathologist. The laryngeal finding showed left false cord bulging under indirect laryngoscope and fiberscope. Patient's dysphonia was analyzed from perceptual and acoustic parameters. Patient was diagnosed as dysphonia with left cord bulging and under a phoniatric treatment. The goal of treatment was to eliminate vocal abuse and misuse behaviors, stimulate true cords function by Boone's "inhalation phonation" method then reduce compensatory behaviors of false cord involvement and balance life between work and after work. The results after the phoniatric treatment and underlying phonation mechanism were presented and discussed.

Anti-AIDS agents, 9. Suberosol, a new C31 lanostane-type triterpene and anti-HIV principle from Polyalthia suberosa

A new C31 lanostane-type triterpene, assigned the trivial name suberosol [1], has been isolated from Polyalthia suberosa as an anti-HIV principle. The structure has been characterized as 24-methylenelanost-7,9(11)-diene-3 beta, 15 alpha-diol (suberosol) [1], based on spectroscopic evidence. Compound 1 was found to show anti-HIV replication activity in H9 lymphocyte cells with an EC50 of 3 micrograms/ml.

Adrenal medulla as a mediator of diet-induced hypertension

Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed either a high-fat or glucose-enriched diet for 10 wk developed higher blood pressure (BP) and higher urinary catecholamine excretion than rats fed a control diet. After 10 wk of diet treatment, systolic BP was 164 +/- 3, 156 +/- 2, and 145 +/- 4 mmHg in rats fed the high-fat, glucose, and control diets, respectively (P < 0.02 vs. control). During weeks 7-9 of diet treatment, excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine was increased in hypertensive rats (those fed the high-fat or glucose diet) when compared with rats fed the control diet (P < 0.001). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the hypertensive response to nutrients could be prevented by prior surgical removal of the adrenal medulla. Adrenal demedullation nearly abolished epinephrine excretion, attenuated norepinephrine excretion, and completely blocked the hypertensive response to dietary fat and glucose. These findings suggest that adrenal medullary catecholamines play a role in the hypertensive response to nutrients.

Intracellular Mg2+ concentrations following metabolic inhibition in opossum kidney cells

Intracellular magnesium is associated with intracellular ATP concentrations as Mg-ATP2- and is involved with many enzymes in energy utilization. Intracellular Mg2+ has also been postulated to be involved with various Ca2+ actions. We determined adenine nucleotide concentrations (ATP, ADP and AMP) by HPLC and the associated changes in intracellular free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) by fluorescent methods in an epithelial cell line (opossum kidney cells). CCCP (a mitochondrial uncoupler), iodoacetate and amobarbital resulted in marked and rapid falls in [ATP]i with disproportionate increases in [Mg2+]i. These studies indicate that we are able to distinguish Mg2+ movements from Ca2+ by fluorescent techniques and suggests that intracellular regulation of [Mg2+]i is distinctive from those of [Ca2+]i. As CCCP plus amobarbital are reversible, we removed these inhibitors and tested the effect of Mg(2+)-availability on ATP depletion and recovery. The response of magnesium-depleted cells (basal [Mg2+]i 231 +/- 10 microM) following inhibitor-induced energy depletion and ATP recovery were similar to control cells. Accordingly, intracellular [Mg2+]i does not appear to be a limiting factor in ATP regeneration following removal of the chemical hypoxic insult. Finally, exogenous application of Na2ATP2- altered intracellular energy levels in normal and energy depleted cells but was without effect on [Mg2+]i. These studies suggest that intracellular ATP levels do not directly alter intracellular [Mg2+]i control and, in turn, intracellular free Mg2+ is not a limiting factor in ATP regeneration following energy depletion with chemical hypoxia.