[Detection of sorbitol content in crystalline lens of normal rats and rats with diabetic cataract by 1H-NMR]

The pulse Fourier NMR was employed to measure the artificial diabetic cataract lens at various stages of its formation, and the lenses of the normal rats. Data obtained by using this method show that all the peaks that of water concentrate in the range of delta less than 4 ppm. The peak value at delta = 3.20 ppm is on a marked increase during the formation of cataract which is caused by the phosphate metabolites, such as GPC, ATP, ... etc, in cataract lens. With the development of the disease, the peak width at delta = 3.73 ppm becomes greater and greater, which shows that the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase has decreased. This leads to a high concentration of the sorbitol in the cataract lens. Consequently, the osmosis pressure in the cataract lens is increased, and excessive water might dip into the crystalline lens to keep the balance of the osmosis pressure. And this might result in the hydration of the fiber cell of the crystalline lens, which might cause a swelling or blisters. These results are in favour of the prolongation of the relaxation time of cataractous lens reported in our other papers, and also support those gained by biochemical studies issued in the medical literature.

A New Minor Saponin from the Leaves of Panax ginseng

Seventeen compounds were isolated from the leaves of PANAX GINSENG C. A. Meyer. Among them, a new minor saponin was established as 3beta,6alpha,12beta-trihydroxy-dammar-20(22), 24-diene-6- O-alpha- L-rhamno-pyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- D-glucopyranoside ( 2). Fourteen compounds were identified as 20( R)-protopanaxadiol ( 1), 20( R)-protopanaxatriol, ginsenoside-Rh (3), 20( R)-ginsenoside-Rh (2), 20( S)-ginsenoside-Rh (2), ginsenoside-Rh (1), -Rg (3), -Rg (2), -Rg (1), -Re, -Rd, -Rc, -Rb (2), -Rb (1); the others are still under investigation.

[Study on the variation of relaxation time in diabetic cataractous lenses of rats by using NMRA]

Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMRA) was used to measure the relaxation time T1 and T2 of the protons in the different-stage-diseased lenses of rats with diabetic cataract caused by the streptozotocin, and the results were put in comparison with those obtained from the control group, showing that after one month of medication the values of T1 and T2 in the cataractous lenses are greater than those gained from the control group. The variation, as time goes on, becomes greater and greater. T1 and T2 indicate the speed of the free induction decay (FID) signals, and the variation of the FID signals are in direct proportion to that of the proton content of the samples. This shows that an increase in T1 and T2 indicates an increase in the water content in the diseased lenses, and the changes in ratio of "bound" water to free water. Such changes may be explained that the space for "bound" water is occupied by some other macromolecules, causing the alteration of the macromolecular structure, and consequently the aggregation of protein and the degeneration or dehydration or dehydration of the membrane occur, which may give rise to another scattering centre. So the scattering of the lens increases and its transparency decreases. This result is in agreement with some reports in the medical literature. As T1 and T2 are quite different in the normal and pathological tissues, and the protons are the most extensive nucleus in all biological tissues, NMR is a very important method to determine the proton relaxation time in the biological tissue and to judge if it is normal or not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Birefringent tuning double frequency He-Ne laser

Experimental details are given of a novel, promising kind of double frequency laser-with power output of 0.8-1.4 mW, large frequency difference from 37 MHz to a longitudinal mode interval, and frequency stability of 10(-5), and its potential uses are discussed.

[Volatile components of herbal Cynomorii]

The volatile components were obtained from Herba Cynomorii for the first time (yield 0.02%). These components were analysed by TLC and GC-MS. Twenty-two compounds, including the main components hexadecanoic acid and 9-octadecenoic acid, were identified. Their percent contents were given.

[Separation of 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg2 and its 20(R) epimer by reversed phase low pressure column (Rp-18) chromatography]

20(S)-Ginsenoside-Rg2 and its 20(R) epimer were successfully separated using reversed-phase low pressure column (Rp-18) chromatography. The method has proved very convenient and rapid.

Involvement of type I hypersensitivity in rapid rejection of Trichinella spiralis from adult rats

The role of type I hypersensitivity in the rapid rejection of Trichinella spiralis from actively and passively immunized rats was examined. Net intestinal fluid secretion, which occurs during the rejection of the parasites, was used to verify the expression of local anaphylaxis and was examined for its possible role in the rejection process. Worm establishment in the small intestine 30 min after intraduodenal inoculation was significantly reduced in rats that were passively immunized with immune serum containing anti-Trichinella IgE as compared with recipients of normal serum. Worm-induced fluid secretion in immune rats was completely inhibited by the combined action of indomethacin and diphenhydramine. However, worm rejection was not affected. L-651,392, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, also failed to prevent rejection. Ketanserin (a serotonin S2 receptor antagonist) and MDL-72222 (a serotonin S3 receptor antagonist) together blunted the rapid rejection response and reduced fluid secretion. Furthermore, intra-arterial perfusion of serotonin into nonimmune rats caused fluid secretion and reduced worm establishment. In nonimmune rats prostaglandin E2, cholera toxin, and hypertonic Krebs-mannitol solution were used to evoke the same level of intestinal fluid secretion as that induced by reinfection in immune rats or by serotonin in nonimmune hosts. When larvae were inoculated into the secreting gut, their infectivity was unaffected. The results suggest that anaphylaxis is involved in the rapid rejection of T. spiralis in immune rats and that serotonin is a possible chemical mediator of worm rejection. Although the mode of action of serotonin in the rejection process remains unknown, its possible involvement through fluid secretion can be ruled out.

[Studies on the susceptibility among geographic strains of Aedes albopictus in China to infection with dengue viruses]

The comparative susceptibility to dengue serotype 1, 2 and 4 viruses infection of 9 geographic strains of Azdes albopictus was studied by means of experimental feeding the mosquitoes on pledgets soaked with virus-erythrocyte suspension and intrathoracic inoculation with dengue viruses. Variation in susceptibility for both dengue serotypes 1 and 2 was found among the geographic strains by feeding, but no significant difference among those by intrathoracic inoculation. It was evident that a "gut barrier" was involved. Thresholds of oral infection were not the same for dengue serotypes 1, 2 and 4. In terms of infection rate, Haikou strain was more susceptible to all three serotypes of viruses; Beijing and Chengdu strains were more susceptible to serotypes 1 and 2, respectively. All the geographic strains were more susceptible to dengue serotype 2 comparing with other two serotypes. The mosquito head squash method for demonstrating dengue virus antigen by indirect fluorescent antibody technique was modified by mosquito brain tissue smear. This would be more accurate in detecting the dengue virus antigen in the brain tissue.

Jaundiced Gunn rats have increased synaptic delays in the ventral cochlear nucleus

Recordings were made in vitro from cochlear nuclei of Gunn rats, a strain with a recessive mutation that predisposes rats to hyperbilirubinemia at birth. Delays between shocks to the auditory nerve and earliest synaptic responses of the cochlear nuclear neurons were on average longer in Gunn rats than in heterozygotes. Injections of sulfonamide further increased average synaptic delays in jaundiced rats. Responses to injected current in rats were like those in mice.

[Electrophysiologic effects of intravenous propafenone]

The electrophysiological effects of intravenous propafenone were studied with programmed electrical stimulation in 31 patients. Among them 29 cases with SVT (including WPW syndrome in 11, paroxysmal AF or Af in 3) and the other two cases were studied for other reasons. The results showed that: (1) Propafenone has significant effects on each part of the special conduction tissues of the heart as well as the accessory pathway. (2) It is an effective drug for treating AVNRT and the tachycardias associated with WPW syndrome. (3) There were no effects on sinus node function in all except one patient whose SNRT was prolonged to 2020 ms. (4) Neither blood pressure dropping nor other side effects were found during the studies.

[Radiotherapy of testicular infiltration in childhood leukemia]

330 boys with acute leukemia treated from 1978 to 1987 are reported. Of these patients, 24 (7.3%) developed testicular leukemia and 23 were treated by local irradiation with doses of 20-50 Gy on both sides of the testis. Swollen testis returned to normal size at the end of therapy in 10 patients whereas 13 still had enlarged testis. 18 patients were followed for 3-75 months with a mean survival time of 16.8 months. The incidence, treatment, dose of radiation, and results of therapy of testicular leukemia in children are discussed and biopsy of testis is suggested.

Brain protein kinase C phosphorylating poly(arginine,serine) or lamin B is stimulated by anions and by an activator purified from bovine serum albumin preparations

The phosphorylation of histone by purified protein kinase C (PK-C) from rat brain is dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and lipids. Phosphorylation of a synthetic random polymer of arginine and serine (3:1) is only moderately enhanced by Ca2+ and lipids, but it is greatly enhanced in the absence of Ca2+ and lipids by a contaminant in crystalline bovine serum albumin or by heated cellular fractions. The phosphorylation ratio of histone to poly(arginine,serine) varies between different PK-C fractions from brains of rat, pig, or lamb. These variations are partly caused by a PK-C isozyme that prefers poly(arginine,serine) over histone as substrate. The kinase activator (KA) was partly purified from bovine serum albumin and from extracts of plasma membranes of human placenta. KA is also present in mitochondria, nuclei, and the cytosol. Sulfates and phosphates at 10 mM substitute for KA with poly(arginine,serine) as substrate. The phosphorylation of histone III in the presence of Ca2+ and lipids is moderately stimulated by KA, but the phosphorylation of lamin B and some other endogenous proteins is greatly enhanced by KA. With histones as substrates, inorganic anions do not stimulate phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of poly-(arginine,serine) is very sensitive to low concentrations of staurosporin and is inhibited by PK-C antibody, but, in contrast to histone phosphorylation, it is resistant to sphingosine and polymyxin B. The poly(arginine,serine) phosphorylating activity is more stable at 4 degrees C than the histone phosphorylating activity, but the latter is stabilized by 0.05% Triton X-100.

Immunomodulatory mechanisms of arginine

Dietary supplementation with the amino acid arginine augments T-lymphocyte activation in response to mitogens in clinical and experimental studies. In experimental models arginine enhances specific T cell antitumor immunity. The mechanism of these immunostimulatory effects of arginine on T cell function is unclear, and the scope and specificity of arginine's influence on other components of the effector immune response such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages are unknown. To evaluate the role of arginine in these responses, CBA/J mice (n = 100) were randomized to receive either 1% arginine supplementation or isonitrogenous (1.7%) glycine supplementation for at least 10 days. There was no significant differences in mean body weight between groups during feeding. Arginine supplementation significantly (p less than 0.05) enhanced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte development, poly IC-inducible NK activity, and the kinetics of interleukin-2 receptor expression on activated T cells. Basal- and endotoxin-induced macrophage interleukin-1 and superoxide production were not significantly influenced by supplemental arginine although macrophage cytotoxicity in response to gamma-interferon was augmented (p = 0.07). In subsequent in vitro studies we established that certain effects (NK, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte, and T cell activation) were reproducible after preincubation for 72 hours in pharmacologic levels of arginine. The data strongly suggest that arginine mediates a direct effect on components of the immune system, which results in enhanced production or use of lymphokines.

Sister chromatid exchange and cell cycle patterns of normal human bone marrow cells after in vitro exposure to cytostatic drugs

The effect of different cytostatic chemotherapeutic drugs on the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and growth kinetics of the bone marrow cells in normal adults was studied by means of an in vitro bromodeoxyuridine chromosome labeling method. Cytosine arabinoside, harringtonine, methotrexate, vincristine, and 6-mercaptopurine were tested. Three of these agents induced significantly high frequency of sister chromatid exchange (p less than 0.01 or p less than 0.05). The sister chromatid exchange frequency induced by cytosine arabinoside and that induced by 6-mercaptopurine were higher than those of the control group. The increased frequency of sister chromatid exchange predominated in C and A group chromosomes. At the concentration adopted by the authors, the growth kinetics were little influenced by these drugs.

Study of different phases in growth cycle of human bone marrow cells and their growth speed, using rat-human cell hybridization, premature chromosome condensation, and sister chromatid differentiation techniques

The cytokinetic activity of bone marrow cells is an indication of hemopoietic status. In the routine examination of bone marrow smears, only M phase can be identified, whereas the different phases of the remainder of the cell cycle are not possible to determine. However, by using premature chromosome condensation and bromodeoxyuridine differential staining techniques, cell stage and cell kinetics can be easily determined. Ninety-eight samples of human bone marrow were collected, cells were hybridized with mitotic M3 cells, and 5016 randomly selected hybrid cells were analyzed for cell stage. Our data demonstrated that 80.37% of the cells were in G1 phase, 12.66% were in S phase, 5.29% were in G2 phase, and 1.68% were in M phase. In specimens that had been cultured for 48 h in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine, 57.46% had completed at least two rounds of DNA replication. In 72-h specimens, 69.27% of the cells had completed at least two S phases. In 96-h specimens, 2S and 2S+ cells occupied 74% of the cell population. The use of cell hybridization techniques, premature chromosome condensation, and bromodeoxyuridine-dependent differential staining revealed the phases of the cell cycle distinctly, as well as the kinetics of cell growth.

Mechanism of the therapeutic effect of anisodamine in disseminated intravascular coagulation: study of platelet adhesion and aggregation, malondialdehyde, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and microcirculation

Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening condition that may be encountered in many situations, especially in cases of shock with uncontrollable hemorrhage. Anisodamine, an alkaloid extracted from a Chinese herb, is well known for its dramatic therapeutic effect on DIC. Sixty male rabbits were used to establish an acute DIC model. A total of 240 blood samples were taken for laboratory assays of changes in blood coagulation factors, platelet count, platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, malondialdehyde (MDA), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Changes of the microcirculatory status and the rate of the blood flow in the conjunctival capillaries of 60 rabbits were observed with WXS-II microcirculation microscope. Pathological sections of the lungs and kidneys were studied. Our investigation showed the presence of microthrombi in the microvasculature. After treatment with anisodamine, the prothrombin time stayed in the normal range, fibrinogen consumption was lessened, adenosine-diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited, thromboxane B2 and malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly lower than in the control group, and the elevated quantity of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was spared. We concluded that the anti-platelet-aggregating, microcirculation-facilitating, thromboxane-B2-inhibiting, malondialdehyde-inhibiting, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha-sparing effects of anisodamine are the important mechanisms of its dramatic therapeutic effect on DIC.

An intrinsic membrane glycoprotein of the lens

A major glycoprotein of relative molecular weight of 130,000 daltons of chick lens cell membranes was identified by Concanavalin-A staining and enriched for by Con A-Sepharose chromatography. Using both Con A binding and immunological analyses with a specific polyclonal antibody, the glycoprotein was detected in chick lens epithelium, annular pad, cortex and nucleus. Localization to the plasma membranes of lens cells was demonstrated by immunofluorescence. A similar protein, which cross-reacts with the antibody to the chick protein and also binds Con A was demonstrated in human and bovine lenses.

Electrophysiological studies on the termination sites of double projection spinal dorsal horn neurons in the cat

Some projection neurons in laminae III, IV and V of the feline lumbar dorsal horn have been found to be antidromically driven from stimulation of both the ipsilateral cervical dorsal and dorsolateral funiculi that are well-dissected and insulated from one another. No detectable responses can be evoked from these neurons when stimulation is applied to sites rostral to the lateral cervical nucleus and the dorsal column nuclei, suggesting that the dorsal and dorsolateral funicular branches of these neuron's axons terminate in the lateral cervical nucleus and the dorsal column nuclei, respectively. The results indicate that these neurons are an intersection set of the spinal cervical tract (SCT) and dorsal column postsynaptic (DCPS) neurons and have been thus named spinal cervical tract-dorsal column postsynaptic (SCT-DCPS) neurons.

The 3,4-catechol derivative of propranolol, a minor dihydroxylated metabolite

The O,O-dibenzyl ether of the 3,4-catechol derivative of propranolol (11) was prepared to determine whether the catechol is a product of metabolic hydroxylation. 4-(Allyloxy)-1,2-naphthoquinone (5) was reduced with sodium dithionite and alkylated with benzyl chloride to produce ether 7. Osmium tetroxide oxidation of 7 afforded glycol 8. Subsequent monotosylation, oxirane formation with KOH, and opening with isopropylamine afforded benzyl ether 11. Although hydrogenolysis was successful, catechol 3 was rapidly oxidized to the corresponding o-quinone (12). Reduction of 12 with sodium bisulfite afforded 3, which was derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) to serve as a standard for the metabolic experiments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the Me3Si ethers of the products of metabolism of pseudoracemic propranolol (made up of equal molar (2R)-propranolol-d0/(2S)-propranolol-3',3'-d2) in the presence of the rat liver 9000g supernatant fraction showed four dihydroxylated metabolites, of which catechol 3 was in smallest amount, approximately 9% of the sum of dihydroxylated metabolites. Each of the four dihydroxylated propranolols arises stereoselectively from the 2R enantiomer of propranolol (by 1.15- to 2-fold), as determined by parent ion intensities at m/z 507 vs. 509. Quinone 12 was a nonselective competitive beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, being about 16-fold less potent than propranolol in both beta 1 and beta 2 assays.

Recent progress in x-ray stereoscopes

An improved reconstructed stereoscopic x-ray image display system, based on the principle of binocular parallax, is described. Pulse-synchronized operation of two triode x-ray tubes and one plumbicon TV camera is employed to separate the left and right images for presentation to the two eyes, respectively. The principle of binocular perception, quantitative characteristics of the stereoscopic depth, the overcoming of the inertia problem of the single-camera scheme, and a way to achieve low x-ray dosage and enhanced contrast of image are presented. Experimental results and applications are discussed.

Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of the porcine zona pellucida

Antigens of the porcine zona pellucida were evaluated by 2-dimensional and line immunoelectrophoretic techniques. Zona antigen preparations studied included heat-solubilized isolated zonae pellucidae (SIZP), a purified 60 000 Mr glycoprotein (PPZA, purified pig zona antigen), and two fractions of this 60 000 Mr zona component which had been exposed to SDS (ZP3-E1C and ZP3-E2C). Antisera were raised to intact zonae pellucidae (IZP), SIZP and PPZA. Collectively, electrophoretic data revealed that the porcine zona system is antigenically complex with each zona antiserum tested detecting numerous antigens in the various zona preparations. These antigens, however, all had similar electrophoretic mobilities, and this limited the resolution of these techniques. The 60 000 Mr pig zona macromolecule (ZP3) appeared to be the most immunogenic of the three major pig zona glycoproteins since antisera prepared against IZP or SIZP reacted primarily with this component. However, the 60 000 Mr component does share antigenic determinants with the other major zona glycoproteins as revealed by cross-reactions of the antisera with the various zona preparations. Electrophoretic studies also suggested that the various zona antisera could distinguish, with different degrees of sensitivity, multiple antigenic determinants on the individual zona macromolecules. These studies also indicated that SDS treatment of zona glycoproteins does alter the antigenicity of the macromolecule, both with respect to the total number and individual identity of antigens detected.

Derivatives of beta-adrenergic antagonists. N-Nitrosopropranolol and N-hydroxypropranolol and its aldonitrone

Potential precursors to chemically reactive species derived from the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol were synthesized and tested for mutagenicity in the Ames Salmonella assay. N-Hydroxypropranolol (1), the corresponding aldonitrone, 3-(1-naphthoxy)-2-hydroxypropionaldehyde N-isopropylnitrone (2), and N-nitrosopropranolol (3) were prepared and tested. N-Hydroxypropranolol (1) was obtained by direct alkylation of 3-(1-naphthoxy)-1-bromo-2-propanol with N-isopropylhydroxylamine and isolated as its neutral oxalate or HBr salt. The aldonitrone (2) was obtained by mercuric oxide oxidation of the hydroxylamine. N-Nitrosopropranolol (3) was prepared by treating propranolol with nitrous acid. None of the compounds was mutagenic in the Ames assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA-98 and TA-100 strains, either in the absence or in the presence of the S-9 liver fraction from Arochlor 1254 treated rats. None of the compounds was significantly toxic to the bacteria, except for slight toxicity of the oxalate salt of 1.

Mapping, quantitative distribution and origin of substance p- and VIP-containing nerves in the uvea of guinea pig eye

VIP- and substance P-like immunoreactivities were found in considerable concentrations (VIP: 17.3 +/- 4.8 pmol/g, mean +/- SEM; substance P:11.1 +/- 1.8 pmol/g) in the uveal portion of the guinea pig eye. Immunocytochemistry localised these two regulatory peptides to nerve fibres found principally in a plexus in the iris (substance P) and in an extensive network surrounding the blood vessels of the choroid (VIP). A remarkable anatomical demarcation of the two types of peptide-containing nerves was established by the staining of substance P-containing nerves, which stops at the level of the ciliary body. This uveal area is known to be involved in the ocular responses to nociceptive stimuli. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactivity for both peptides was localised to distinct subpopulations of p-type nerves, distinguishable by the size of their large dense-cored vesicles. Those immunoreactive for VIP were significantly larger (p less than 0.0005) than those immunoreactive for substance P (95 +/- 7 nm and 82 +/- 9 nm respectively; mean +/- SD). Interruption of the trigeminal pathway produced a remarkable decrease of substance P immunoreactivity in the anterior portion of the uvea (9.1 +/- 1.5 pmol/g, mean +/- SEM, control; 5.3 +/- 1.3 pmol/g, denervated), but not of VIP immunoreactivity in the choroid. Following colchicine treatment, VIP-immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies were localised in the choroid. The separate anatomical localisations and distributions of the two uveal peptides appear to be related to their different origins and functional roles in the response of the eye to noxious stimuli.

High-resolution analysis of chromosome markers in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines

Using a high-resolution chromosome banding technique, which provided more elongated and distinctly banded chromosomes, some new evidence was obtained for localization of break points in Burkitt lymphoma marker chromosomes. As a result, the characteristic translocation between chromosomes 8 and 14 was designated as t(8;14) (q24.1;q32.5) and the deletion of chromosome 15 was designated as del(15) (q13q15).