Epidermal growth factor binding by membranes of human renal cell carcinomas: establishment of an epidermal growth factor receptor assay for clinical use

In order to quantitate epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, the binding of isotope-labeled epidermal growth factor (125I-EGF) to pooled membrane samples from human RCC was studied. Specific EGF binding to membranes at 4 degrees C reached a plateau after 2 h of incubation and remained constant up to 8 h; specific binding at 25 degrees C reached a plateau after 30 min of incubation, then decreased gradually. 125I-EGF binding to the membrane was displaced by both EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha, but not by insulin and basic fibroblast growth factor. Scatchard analysis of the specific EGF binding generated a straight line, indicating a single class of binding sites for EGF, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 21.1 x 10(-10) M and a maximum number of binding sites of 57.2 fmol/mg membrane protein. When the protein concentration in the incubation medium was adjusted from 0.71 mg/ml to 2.84 mg/ml, Scatchard analysis revealed identical Kd values, and the maximum number of binding sites was proportional to the protein concentration. These results demonstrate the presence of EGFR on RCC membranes and indicate that these receptors can be studied quantitatively.

Personal exposure to pesticide among workers engaged in pesticide container recycling operations

Pesticide container handling operations in western Canada were examined to determine the exposure of workers to residual pesticide in sorting, metal-container crushing, metal-container shredding, plastic-container shredding, metal washing, and metal melting. Environmental exposure monitoring and biological monitoring were applied, including measurement of pesticide deposition density on outer clothing (test coveralls and other protective wear), deposition on fabric and gauze patches under the outer clothing, inhalation of airborne pesticide residues, dislodgement of pesticide residues by hand washing, and pre- and postexposure urinary excretion of pesticide (2,4-D). Exposure levels were highly variable; some variability was accounted for by work practices or lapses in protection. The highest levels of exposure were observed for metal washing, metal crushing, and metal shredding; sorting and plastic shredding were intermediate, and metal melting was associated with very little exposure. Urinary 2,4-D excretion, as an indicator of internal dose, correlated most closely with exposure by the inhalation route, and both were highest for metal washing and shredding. Deposition of pesticide on garments was highest for metal crushing. Melting of washed metal does not appear to present a significant hazard of exposure. Recommendations are proposed for the protection of workers emphasizing health and safety guidelines, worker education, personal hygiene, exposure and health monitoring, and record-keeping, and specific recommendations for each process. These recommendations apply to all pesticide container recycling operations except melting of washed metal containers.

Antianginal effects of FK409, a new spontaneous NO releaser

1. The aim of this study was to compare antianginal effects of (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (FK409), a new spontaneous nitric oxide releaser, with those of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). We used two types of rat angina model; methacholine- and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced coronary vasospasm models. 2. In the in vitro study, FK409 showed 80 times more potent vasorelaxant effect in dog isolated coronary artery than ISDN (EC50 = 16.7 +/- 4.8 and 1340 +/- 320 nM, respectively). 3. In the rat methacholine-induced coronary vasospasm model, FK409 suppressed the elevation of ST segment dose-dependently and significantly at 0.1 mg kg-1, i.d. On the other hand, ISDN suppressed it significantly at 3.2 mg kg-1, i.d. In addition, the efficacy of 3.2 mg kg-1 ISDN in the model was almost the same as that of 0.1 mg kg-1 FK409. 4. In the above experiments, FK409 and ISDN decreased mean blood pressure significantly at the maximum dose tested (1.0 mg kg-1, i.d. and 3.2 mg kg-1, i.d., respectively) but did not change heart rate at these doses. Therefore, the hypotensive effect of FK409 was 10 times weaker than the antianginal effect of the compound, while those of ISDN were almost the same. 5. In the rat AVP-induced coronary vasospasm model, 32 mg kg-1 FK409 significantly inhibited the depression of ST segment 60 min after oral administration. On the other hand, 32 mg kg-1 ISDN did not inhibit it at 60 and 120 min after oral administration. 6. In conclusion, FK409 inhibits coronary vasospasm more potently in two types of rat angina models than ISDN. In addition, FK409 shows an antianginal effect more selectively that a hypotensive effect,compared with ISDN.

[Patient-hospital relationship and quality of life in elderly patients with hypertension]

To investigate the influence of the patient-hospital relationship on the quality of life (QOL) in elderly patients with hypertension, we developed a comprehensive scale for assessing the patient-hospital relationship. In the first phase, an original questionnaire consisting of 40 items was designed under five fields for global assessment of the concept. We administered this questionnaire to 715 patients with cardiovascular diseases. Variations in the scores were evaluated by factor analysis. Three factors that comprised the majority of variance were derived by principal components analysis and varimax transformation. These orthogonal factors were considered to reflect "convenience of the outpatient clinic", "satisfaction with clinical staff", and "communication with physician". We adopted three items under each of the three domains. Using this instrument, we assessed the patient-hospital relationship in 402 elderly outpatients with hypertension at 8 clinical centers. QOL was simultaneously assessed. A linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between patient-hospital relationship and QOL scores (R = 0.403, p < 0.0001), which means that patient-hospital relationship explained up to 16 percent of the total variability in scores on the Overall Quality of Life scale. Closer correlations were observed in patients aged 80 years or older, and in patients who lived alone. These results indicate that the patient-hospital relationship is one of the substantial factors determining QOL in elderly hypertensive patients, with more substantiality in older patients and patients leading solitary lives.

Determination of the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and physical response to sevoflurane inhalation in horses

The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane required to prevent gross purposeful movement in response to electrical stimulation of the oral mucous membranes was determined in horses, and their physical responses to inhalation of this anesthetic were observed. The MAC was 2.31 +/- 0.11%. The horses showed good ventilation, without any signs of airway irritation such as coughing. The horses became slightly excited before they laid down. The end tidal sevoflurane concentration (ESC) required to produce recumbency was 2.54 +/- 0.11%. These results suggest that sevoflurane is a clinically useful anesthetic agent in horses.

[A successful case of transaortic coronary patch angioplasty for left coronary ostial stenosis in a middle-aged woman]

A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of effort angina. Electrocardiogram on exercise showed a significant ST depression in I, II, III, aVF, and V3-6 201Thallium myocardial scintigram demonstrated a low uptake lesion on effort and redistribution in anterior wall of left ventricle. Coronary angiography showed a 50% stenosis only in the left coronary ostium. Operation was carried out by transaortic patch angioplasty using autologous pericardium fixed with 0.25% glutaraldehyde. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Anginal discomfort disappeared, and favorable results was obtained. Recent reports suggest that an isolated coronary ostial stenosis is a distinct clinical entity which is different from the usual atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease. The transaortic patch angioplasty might be useful operative method for the isolated coronary ostial stenosis.

[Evaluation of a revised "Ikigai" scale and the relationship between motivation for achievement of a purpose and mental health in senior high school students]

The term "ikigai" describes the state in which people have a positive purpose, a sense of being full and social support. In order to measure this condition and its effects on mental and physical health, an Ikigai scale was constructed. In this study, the Ikigai scale was revised by altering the number of choices for each item, and the revised scale was applied to a group of senior high school students. The purpose of the present study is to discuss the revised scale by comparing its results with those from the original scale. In addition, the relationship between motivation for achievement of a purpose and depression which is an index of mental health is studied. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1) The revised Ikigai scale was more reliable than the original scale. 2) The correlation between the Ikigai scale and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) demonstrated that our revised scale had greater validity than the original. 3) Male students who had strong motivation for achievement of a purpose were significantly less depressed than those who had no motivation. From these results, it is concluded that the revised Ikigai scale is better than the original scale and in male students, motivation for achievement of a purpose correlates to mental health.

The effects of calcium antagonists and prostaglandin E1 on isolated canine coronary arterial tension

The effects of calcium antagonists (nifedipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, and verapamil) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the tension of isolated canine coronary arterial strips were studied. In a solution containing 20 mEq/L of K+, 127 mEq/L of Na+, the tension was increased by 500-1,000 mg with 4 mEq/L of Ca2+. This increase in tension was suppressed by Ca-antagonists and PGE1 dose-dependently. Nifedipine 10(-5) M, nicardipine 3 x 10(-7) M, diltiazem 3 x 10(-6) M, and verapamil 3 x 10(-6) M completely suppressed the increased tension. The maximal suppression of the tension produced by PGE1 was about 40% at 10(-10) M. In 20 mEq/L K+ solution (0 mEq/L Ca2+, 37 degrees C), the reduction of the Na+ concentrations from 127 mEq/L to 12 mEq/L increased the tension by 50 to 100 mg. This increase in tension was not suppressed by Ca-antagonists or PGE1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Ca-antagonists and PGE1 suppressed an increase in the tension caused by Ca2+ but did not suppress an increase in the tension caused by Na+ reduction.

Retrotransposon-induced ectopic expression of the Om(2D) gene causes the eye-specific Om(2D) phenotype in Drosophila ananassae

Optic morphology (Om) mutations in Drosophila ananassae map to at least 22 loci, which are scattered throughout the genome. Om mutations are all semidominant, neomorphic, nonpleiotropic, and associated with the insertion of a retrotransposon, tom. We have found that the Om(2D) gene encodes a novel protein containing histidine/proline repeats, and is ubiquitously expressed during embryogenesis. The Om(2D) RNA is not detected in wild-type eye imaginal discs, but is abundantly found in the center of the eye discs of Om(2D) mutants, where excessive cell death occurs. D. melanogaster flies transformed with the Om(2D) cDNA under control of the hsp70 promoter display abnormal eye morphology when heat-shocked at the third larval instar stage. These results suggest that the Om(2D) gene is not normally expressed in the eye imaginal discs, but its ectopic expression, induced by the tom element, in the eye disc of third instar larvae results in defects in adult eye morphology.

[The effects of aging on renal function test]

To determine the effect of aging on renal functions, I measured the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid and serum creatinine. Seven hundred and forty-six healthy women who underwent health screening were divided into 4 groups, 28-39 years old (thirties), 40-49 (forties), 50-59 (fifties) and 60-69 (sixties). I found no significant differences between groups of thirties and forties in the BUN and serum uric acid concentrations. The BUN and uric acid concentrations in groups of fifties and sixties were significantly higher than those in groups of thirties and forties (p < 0.01). On the other hand, no significant differences were found among the four groups in the serum creatinine level. In conclusion, women over the age 50 had significantly higher BUN and serum uric acid values. On the other hand, the serum creatinine concentration remained constant in the thirties to sixties groups. Between the age of 45 and 54, the serum uric acid level in postmenopausal women was significantly higher than that in women prior to the menopause. Considering that the mean age of the menopause is 50 years, the results suggested that female sex hormones had some effect on renal function tests. But further examination, for example comparing the levels of renal function tests in men and women is needed to confirm the effects of female sex hormones.

The in vitro proliferation of thymus epithelial cells stimulated with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I

The experimental system to scrutinize the in vitro proliferation of thymus epithelial cells (TECs) was established on the basis of enhancing their mitotic index and DNA synthetic activity. The TEC line, TAD3 derived from lymphocyte-dominant thymoma, was used as the cell material. Growth hormone (GH) induced a significant proliferation of the cultured cell line in the preconfluent state. The optimal concentration of and the duration of the incubation with GH, in this system, were 50 ng/ml and 18 hrs., respectively. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), the mediator of somatotropic action of GH, also enhanced the DNA synthetic activity of the cultured cells in the preconfluent state. The authors recently found that the TECs, stimulated with GH, released significantly more IGF-I than the cells without GH. It is possible that there are two systems in the TEC proliferation, namely, direct induction by GH itself and indirect induction by IGF-I released from the GH-stimulated TECs. The data showing that GH could directly or indirectly induce proliferation of TECs might possibly be related to the formation of epithelial thymic rudiment in the fetal stage.

Effects of ZCR-2060 on allergic airway inflammation and cell activation in guinea-pigs

The effects of 2-(2-(4-(diphenylmethyl)-1-piperadinyl) ethoxy) benzoic acid malate (ZCR-2060) on allergic airway inflammation and inflammatory cell activation in guinea-pigs were studied. Allergic airway inflammation was induced by inhalation of antigen into actively-sensitized animals and the increase in inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Aeroantigen-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils and neutrophils, in BALF gradually increased, and reached a peak at 6 or 9 h after the challenge. ZCR-2060 (1 mg kg-1 p.o.) clearly inhibited the increase of eosinophil numbers in BALF. Moreover, the effect of ZCR-2060 on inflammatory cell activation in terms of chemotaxis and superoxide generation in-vitro was studied. ZCR-2060 (10(-6)-10(-4) M) inhibited the platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced chemotaxis of eosinophils and neutrophils, but did not inhibit the leukotriene B4-induced chemotaxis of eosinophils and the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils. PAF-induced superoxide anion generation by eosinophils, neutrophils and alveolar macrophages was inhibited by ZCR-2060 (10(-6)-10(-4) M). However, ZCR-2060 did not affect phorbol myristate acetate-induced superoxide anion generation by eosinophils, neutrophils and alveolar macrophages. These results indicate that ZCR-2060 inhibits allergic airway inflammation, and PAF-induced inflammatory cell activation in guinea-pigs. ZCR-2060 may prove useful for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation or allergic disorders, especially inflammatory cell infiltration and activation.

[A case of complete response of breast cancer with pulmonary metastases to combination therapy of 5'-DFUR and MPA]

This paper presents a case with lung metastases from breast cancer. Complete response was obtained by combined chemoendocrine therapy with 5'-DFUR and MPA. The patient was a 62-year-old female. She underwent a standard radical mastectomy in April, 1988. The primary legion was ER (-) and PgR (-). Postoperative treatments using CMF and CAF were eventually discontinued owing to profound damage to the bone marrow. An adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT has been employed since. Two years and 7 months later, hemosputum and coughing appeared, and metastases to the lung were revealed. Combined chemoendocrine therapy with 5'-DFUR and MPA was undertaken. A significant decrease in tumor size was observed 3 months after the chemoendocrine therapy was begun, and complete response was obtained at the 8th month. The state has been maintained for one year and 9 months. The use of combined chemoendocrine therapy with 5'-DFUR and MPA in patients for whom intensive chemotherapy is not possible due to damage to bone marrow function is considered effective for its antitumor effects or maintaining patients' quality of life.

[A case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with high levels of tumor markers]

We report a case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) in which the serum levels of CEA, CA15-3, and TPA, as well as the whole lung lavage fluid levels of CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, CA50, SLX, SCC, and TPA were high. The patient was a 39-year-old man who presented with exertional dyspnea, and nonsegmental bilateral reticular infiltration shadows in the middle and lower lung fields on the chest radiograph. A diagnosis of proteinosis was confirmed by histopathology of the transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) specimen, biochemical analysis of the phospholipids, and an electron microscopic study of lavage fluid. Whole lung lavages alleviated his symptoms, effaced the shadows on the chest radiographs and brought the blood gas values closer to normal. An immunohistochemical study of TBLB specimens showed that CEA, CA153, and SLX were positively stained in the alveolar epithelia. With repeated lavage, tumor markers (CEA, CA15-3, TPA) in the fluid decreased. These results suggest that the alveolar epithelia indeed produced these tumor marker molecules. In PAP, it is well recognized that CEA may be high in at least one of the following: serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and whole lung lavage fluid. To date, however, the site of production of such tumor markers had not been clearly demonstrated to be in the lung tissue. This case is interesting because there are few reports of PAP with high levels of tumor markers in the serum and whole lung lavage fluid, and because the tumor markers found in abnormally high amounts in this patient were produced by alveolar epithelia.

Effects of nifedipine and TMB-8 on angiotensin II-induced mesenteric vasoconstriction in dogs

The effects of a Ca2+ entry blocker, nifedipine, and a putative intracellular Ca2+ release inhibitor, 8-(N, N-diethylamino) octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), on mesenteric vasoconstriction, induced by angiotensin II, were examined in anesthetized dogs. Injection of angiotensin II (5 and 10 ng/kg) into the mesenteric artery decreased the mesenteric blood flow, which was suppressed during intramesenteric arterial infusion of TMB-8 (30 and 100 micrograms/kg/min) but not of nifedipine (0.03 and 0.1 microgram/kg/min). A higher dose of nifedipine (0.3 microgram/kg/min) only slightly attenuated the mesenteric blood flow response. Intravenous injection of angiotensin II (100 ng/kg) decreased the mesenteric and renal blood flow. Both blood flow responses were suppressed during intravenous infusion of TMB-8 (1 and 2 mg/kg/min). Intravenous infusion of nifedipine (0.1-1.0 microgram/kg/min) suppressed the renal blood flow response, whereas the mesenteric blood flow response was relatively resistant to nifedipine. The present results suggest that a TMB-8-sensitive Ca2+ movement pathway participates in the angiotensin II-induced contraction of the dog mesenteric vasculature in vivo. The Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels may not play a significant role in the angiotensin II-induced mesenteric vasoconstriction.

New Method for Isolating Barophiles from Intestinal Contents of Deep-Sea Fishes Retrieved from the Abyssal Zone

We devised a new method (the dorayaki method) using marine agar under in situ pressures to isolate barophilic bacteria from the intestinal contents of three deep-sea fishes (two Coryphaenoides yaquinae samples and one Ilyophis sp. sample) retrieved from depths of 4,700 to 6,100 m in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. All 10 strains isolated from one sample ( C. yaquinae ) were obligately barophilic. One of the 10 strains did not grow at atmospheric pressure and 103.4 MPa but did grow well between 20.7 and 82.7 MPa, with optimal growth at 41.4 MPa. This method is useful for isolating psychrophilic and barophilic deep-sea bacteria.

Respiratory consequences of exposure to wood dust and formaldehyde of workers manufacturing oriented strand board

A cross-sectional study was performed at a plant in which 99 workers were employed in the manufacture of oriented strand board. This group was compared with 165 unexposed workers from the petroleum industry. Both groups were assessed, using a questionnaire, spirometry, and skin prick tests to common environmental antigens. Environmental studies showed a low dust level of 0.27 mg/m3, consisting of particles of a mass median aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 2.5 microns. There were variable concentrations of formaldehyde, up to 0.27 ppm. A significant difference between the oriented strand board workers and oil field workers was noted for the forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio, without significant differences in either the forced expiratory volume in 1 s or the forced vital capacity. Oriented strand board workers who were current smokers were three times as likely to have a forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio of less than 75% of that found in the currently smoking oil field workers. Significant reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = .044) and forced vital capacity (p = .022) in oriented strand board workers were noted across the work shift. The oriented strand board workers complained of self-reported asthma and of lower respiratory tract symptoms significantly more frequently than did oil workers for all of the symptoms examined. The prevalence of atopy was not different in the two groups. Lung function was significantly better in oriented strand board workers who had no symptoms, compared with oriented strand board workers who were symptomatic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Clinical studies of renal trauma]

A total of 70 patients with renal trauma were treated at the Department of Urology, Nara Medical University and Nara Prefectural Hospital, including Life-Saving Emergency center, from January 1982 to June 1993. They were between 3 and 79 years old (mean 30.0) and preponded to the younger generation. The main cause of injury was traffic accident in 46 cases (65.7%). According to the Classification of Renal Injury by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma in Japan, there were 31 cases (44.3%) of type I (subcapsular injury), 18 cases (25.7%) of type II (superficial injury), 15 cases (21.4%) of type III (deep injury), and 6 cases (8.6%) of type IV (pedicle injury). Surgical treatment was performed in 17 cases (24.2%). The major associated injuries were bone fracture in 32 cases (45.7%), lung injury in 17 cases (24.2%), and liver injury in 15 cases (21.4%). Furthermore, hydronephrosis and ureteral tumors were incidentally found in 4 and 1 patient during the course of treatment for renal trauma. Post-traumatic plasma renin activities (PRA) in types III and IV were significantly higher than those in types I and II. Hypertension developed in 1 case of types I and II and 4 cases of types III and IV. The mean level of PRA was significantly decreased 2 years after renal injury in both groups. We should bear in mind that renal trauma may be associated with other urological diseases such as hydronephrosis and urological malignancies, and post-traumatic PRA should be followed carefully.

[An experience of successful valve repair for acquired mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in dextrocardia, situs inversus, bilateral vena cava, and hemiazygos continuation]

A 56-year-old woman was admitted to our department because of congestive heart failure. Chest X-ray showed dextrocardia with situs inversus. The echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation due to prolapse of posterior leaflet and secondary Venography demonstrated the bilateral superior vena cava, huge coronary sinus and hemiazygos continuation with hypoplastic inferior vena cava. Mitral valve regurgitation was repaired by Carpentier's and Burr's technique, and tricuspid valve regurgitation was repaired by Kay's technique. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Valve surgery for acquired valvular lesion in dextrocardia with situs inversus is rare. Although valve repair is easily performed even in mirror-image heart as well as in normal, levo-position heart, preoperative evaluation of systemic venous return is important in the case of dextrocardia with systemic venous anomalies.

[Single-dose toxicity study and twenty-eight-days intravenously repeated dose toxicity study of desethyl-piperacillin in rats]

Desethyl-piperacillin (desethyl-PIPC) is an active metabolite of PIPC which was newly found in clinical field. We carried out a single intravenous toxicity study at the dosage of 2000 mg/kg, and 28-days intravenous toxi-city study at the daily dosage of 400 mg/kg followed by 28-days recovery study using both sexes of rats. The following results were obtained. In the single dose toxicity study, no deaths occurred in rats injected 2000 mg/kg of desethyl-PIPC, therefore it is presumed that minimal lethal dose of desethyl-PIPC is over 2000 mg/kg in both sexes. As clinical signs, decrease in locomotor activity, deep breath and loose stool were observed. In the patho-logical study, dilatation of cecal lumen was observed macroscopically, but no significant changes were observed histologically. In the repeated dose toxicity study, loose stool, increase in water consumption, dilatation of cecal lumen and increase in its weight were noted. These abnormal findings were considered to be due to antimicrobial activity of desethyl-PIPC. In addition, decrease in the ratio of serum gamma-globulin and increase in the ratio of alpha 1-globulin were observed, but A/G ratio was not affected. After withdrawal of desethyl-PIPC administration, these abnormal findings tended to disappear. As mentioned above, the minimal lethal dose of desethyl-PIPC is over 2000 mg/kg in the single dose toxicity study and abnormal signs were slight in the repeated dose toxicity study at the dosage of 400 mg/kg of desethyl-PIPC for 28 days in rats. It is, therefore, concluded that desethyl-PIPC is a low toxic metabolite of PIPC.

[Assay of urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline as potential markers of the rate of bone resorption: usefulness of urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastases]

The collagen crosslinks, pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (D-Pyr), were recently identified as potential markers of the rate of bone resorption. To determine whether urinary concentrations of Pyr and D-Pyr might provide an early warning of bone metastases in patients being monitored for cancer of the prostate, we compared these two newer parameters with the conventional indicators, that is, the serum concentrations of Bone Gla protein (BGP: osteocalcin) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in patients with prostate cancer with and without bone metastases vs. those of age-matched patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urinary excretion of these compounds, expressed as a ratio to urinary creatinine (mg/dl), was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 23 patients with prostate cancer (16 with bone metastases and 7 without bone metastases) and in 23 patients with BPH. The mean values of urinary Pyr and D-Pyr; 65.02 +/- 38.16 pmol/mumol of creatinine and 8.87 +/- 7.01 pmol/mumol of creatinine and 8.87 +/- 7.01 pmol/mumol of creatinine, respectively, for patients with bone metastases of prostate cancer were significantly higher than those for patients without bone metastases of prostate cancer (27.43 +/- 10.29 pmol/mumol of creatinine and 4.24 +/- 1.88 pmol/mumol of creatinine) or for patients with BPH (25.58 +/- 7.54 pmol/mumol of creatinine and 3.52 +/- 1.07 pmol/mumol of creatinine). Among these three groups of patients, there were statistically significant (Pyr: P = 0.0001, D-Pyr: P = 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Patterns of uronosyl epimerization and 4-/6-O-sulphation in chondroitin/dermatan sulphate from decorin and biglycan of various bovine tissues

Dermatan sulphate is a co-polymer of two types of disaccharide repeats: D-glucuronate-N-acetylgalactosamine and L-iduronate-N-acetylgalactosamine. The former can be O-sulphated at C-4 or C-6 of the galactosamine, whereas the latter contains almost exclusively 4-O-sulphated galactosamine. A minor proportion of the L-iduronate may be O-sulphated at C-2. Chondroitin sulphate has no L-iduronate-containing repeats. We have used our recently developed methods for sequence analysis of galactosaminoglycans to investigate the structure of dermatan/chondroitin sulphates of the proteoglycans decorin and biglycan derived from various bovine tissues, like dermis, sclera, tendon, aorta, cartilage and bone. The glycan chains, radioiodinated at the reducing end, were partially cleaved with specific enzymes (chondroitin lyases), and subjected to high-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, blotting and autoradiography to identify fragments extending from the labelled reducing end to the point of cleavage. We used chondroitin B lyase to identify the location of L-iduronate, chondroitin AC-I lyase to locate D-glucuronate and chondroitin C lyase to cleave where D-glucuronate residues were succeeded by 6-O-sulphated N-acetylgalactosamine. We could demonstrate tissue-specific, periodic and wave-like patterns of distribution for the two epimeric uronic acids, as well as specific patterns of sulphation in dermatan sulphates derived from either decorin or biglycan. For example, some dermatan sulphates contained D-glucuronate-rich domains that were always 6-sulphated (scleral decorin), others were always 4-sulphated (decorin from bovine dermis, cartilage and bone; biglycan from aorta) or 6-sulphated near the linkage region, but 4-sulphated in more distal domains (decorin from porcine dermis and bovine tendon). Decorin from bone and articular cartilage, as well as biglycan from articular and nasal cartilage, carried largely chondroitin sulphate chains, but also some dermatan sulphate, whereas galactosaminoglycan chains derived from aggrecan of nasal cartilage were free of L-iduronate. Decorin and biglycan from the same tissue (articular cartilage or sclera) had similar glycan chains. The two side chains in a biglycan molecule are probably also similar to one another. The portion of the glycan chains nearest to the core protein was substituted with charged groups to a variable degree, which may correlate with the structural features of the main chain.

Antiplatelet activities of FK409, a new spontaneous NO releaser

1. We reported that (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (FK409) released nitric oxide (NO) spontaneously with a chemiluminescence analyzer. The aim of this study was to compare antiplatelet activities of FK409, a new NO releaser, with those of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) in vivo and in vitro. In order to elucidate the differences in antiplatelet activities between FK409 and ISDN, we compared their modes of action. 2. In in vitro experiments, FK409 had a more potent inhibitory effect on rat platelet aggregation induced by adenosine 5'-diphosphate (2.0 microM) than ISDN (IC50 = 4.32 +/- 0.95 microM and > 100 microM respectively). 3. In the rat extracorporeal shunt model (in vivo experiments), FK409 suppressed thrombus formation dose-dependently from 0.32 mg kg-1, p.o. and showed the maximum inhibition (52% inhibition vs. vehicle treatment) at 10 mg kg-1, p.o., while ISDN showed no inhibition at 10 mg kg-1 and only 17% inhibition at 32 mg kg-1, p.o. 4. FK409 could generate nitrite, which is an oxidative product of NO, much faster than ISDN in phosphate buffer solution and rat plasma during 60-min incubation at 37 degrees C. 5. These data show that FK409 has more potent antiplatelet effects than ISDN, by acting through spontaneously released NO.

Studies on a novel, potent and orally effective cholecystokinin A antagonist, FK-480. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of FK-480 and related compounds

We prepared various novel tricyclic 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives as cholecystokinin (CCK) A antagonists, which were evaluated preliminarily for inhibition of 125I-CCK-8 binding to rat pancreatic membranes in vitro and inhibiting effect on CCK-8-induced inhibition of charcoal meal gastric emptying in mice. On the basis of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, as well as the stability and availability of the starting materials of those compounds, (S)-N-[1-(2-fluorophenyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-4-oxo- pyrrolo[3,2,1-jk][1,4]benzodiazepin-3-yl]- 1H-indole-2-carboxamide (9f, FK-480) was selected as a candidate compound for further evaluation. The absolute configuration of the precursor of FK-480, (3S)-amino-1,4-benzodiazepine derivative ((S)-8a, R1 = F) was determined by an X-ray crystallographic study of its ureido derivative with (S)-alpha-methylbenzyl isocyanate. FK-480 is now undergoing clinical studies for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.