Calpain is implicated in rat myocardial injury after ischemia or reperfusion

Calpain activity was measured in the various subfractions of rat myocardia after global ischemia for 60 min or after ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion after the chromatographic separation of mu- and m-calpains. The activity of m-calpain after ischemia and that of mu-calpain after reperfusion were both higher than that in the control. The activity of the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin in 10,000 x g supernatant was decreased after both ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. The increase in m- and mu-calpain activities was suppressed by pre-ischemic perfusion with a synthetic calpain inhibitor, transepoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido (4-guanidino) butane (E64d, 100 micrograms/ml). After reperfusion, the calpain activity in the 10,000 x g pellet was also increased, which was inhibited by pre-ischemic perfusion with E64d or dimethylsulfoxide (a solvent for E64d) or by reperfusion with 1 mmol/L ethyleneglycol bis (beta-aminoethylether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the proteolysis of several proteins, including fodrin, in the 10,000 x g and 100,000 x g pellet fractions after ischemia and reperfusion, some of which were confirmed to be in vitro substrates of calpain. The creatine kinase release during the reperfusion was also partially inhibited by E64d or dimethylsulfoxide. Thus, calpain activity in the soluble or particulate fractions was altered during ischemia or reperfusion, and appeared to be implicated in the proteolysis of the membrane proteins, which may contribute to myocardial injury.

Effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on dynamics of the polar head group of phosphatidylserine bilayers

The effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the molecular motion of the polar head group in phosphatidylserine (PS) bilayers were measured by the time-resolved fluorescence depolarization method probed by 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-[N-(4-nitrobenzo- 2-oxa-1,3-diazole)]ethanolamine [formula: see text] (NBD-PE). By this method, the rate and width of the molecular motion at the fluorescent moieties in the probe molecules could be evaluated as the wobbling diffusion rate (Dw, s-1) and the half cone angle of the wobbling cone (theta c, degree). The values of Dw and theta c measured for NBD-PE embedded in bovine brain phosphatidylserine bilayers were 3.7 x 10(7) s-1 and 46 degrees in the absence of divalent cations at 25 degrees C. When 3 mM of Ca2+ was added, both Dw and theta c distinctly dropped to 1.7 x 10(7) s-1 and 38 degrees, respectively. By the addition of 3 mM of Mg2+, however, only Dw decreased to 2.7 x 10(7) s-1 and theta c remained unchanged. These results show that both Ca2+ and Mg2+ decrease the rate of motion at the head part in PS molecules, but only Ca2+ narrows the distance between the neighboring head groups. Since Mg2+ does not promote vesicle fusion, it appears that the deformation at the head group region in the bilayer structure induced by Ca2+ is an important step in the membrane fusion process.

Effect of fibronectin on the production of leukotriene C4 by eosinophils

The effect of fibronectin on leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production by eosinophils was examined. Eosinophils obtained from patients with bronchial asthma were cultured for 3 h with or without fibronectin and culture supernatants were assayed for LTC4 by specific enzyme immunoassay. LTC4 was produced in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the presence of fibronectin, and maximum production of LTC4 was observed 3 h after addition of 100 micrograms/ml of fibronectin. These results suggest that eosinophils may be activated by interaction with extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin, and play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.

C-fos gene expression in rat retinal cells after focal retinal injury

PURPOSE

To examine the expression of c-fos proto-oncogene in the rat retina after focal retinal injury.

METHODS

A penetrating wound was made by pushing a 22-gauge hypodermic needle through the retina into the vitreous. The retinas were analyzed by in situ hybridization using single-stranded RNA probes for c-fos transcripts and by immunocytochemistry using anti-S100 protein antibody.

RESULTS

Thirty minutes after the penetrating wound, c-fos mRNA was expressed in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and the ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the retina. Immunocytochemistry before in situ hybridization demonstrated c-fos mRNA surrounding the S-100 protein immunoreactive cytoplasm in the middle layer of the INL.

CONCLUSIONS

Focal retinal injury of the rat retina induced the expression of c-fos mRNA in retinal cells. In the INL, it is suggested that the major cells that express c-fos mRNA after focal retinal injury were the Müller cells. These results suggest that c-fos may be involved in the transcription in the Müller cells after injury to the retina.

Behavioral studies on FR115427, a novel selective N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist

Behavioral and in vitro receptor binding methods were used to evaluate and compare the effects of FR115427 ((+)-l-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride) with those of MK801, a non-competitive NMDA antagonist. FR115427 inhibited NMDA-induced convulsions in mice by intracerebroventrical(ICV) and systematic injection. FR115427 was found to be about ten times less potent than MK801. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of FR115427 and MK801 on NMDA-induced convulsions was evaluated in time course studies in mice. MK801 exhibited a more sustained anticonvulsive activity than FR115427. In addition, PCP-like behaviors were examined in mice after ICV injection of these compounds. At the lowest dose FR115427 significantly increased locomotor activity, although the effect of this compound was about hundred times less potent than that of MK801. At higher dose a more complex pattern of behavior, e.g. head-movement and eventually ataxia was observed. In binding assays with rat brain membranes, FR115427 inhibited the binding of (3H)TCP (IC50 = 0.249 microM) and (3H)MK801 (IC50 = 0.312 microM) but did not inhibit the binding of (3H)CPP or (3H)glycine. These results suggest that FR115427 is a novel non-competitive NMDA antagonist that acts on a binding site located within the NMDA receptor associated ion channel.

[Inhibitory effects of Forskolin on hepatic metastasis from human colon cancer in nude mice]

Platelet aggregation has been believed to play an important role in implantation of tumor cells into the target organ during the early phase of tumor metastasis. In the present study, the effects of Forskolin, a strong platelet aggregation inhibitor, on experimental hepatic metastasis from human colon cancer (HT29LMM) in nude mice and inhibitory effects of Forskolin on platelet aggregation in the presence of tumor cells were evaluated. A hepatic metastasis model was established by intrasplenic implantation of 3-4 x 10(6) of HT29LMM human colon cancer cells in nude mice. Intraperitoneally 10mg/kg of Forskolin was given 30 minutes before and 24 hours, after implantation of tumor cells, respectively. The control group received saline instead of Forskolin. Phase of hepatic metastasis has been compared for the total weight of hepatic metastatic lesions and the occupied rate between the Forskolin-given group and the control group. The total weight of hepatic metastasis lesions (0.36 +/- 0.33g (SD) vs 3.36 +/- 1.31g) and the occupied rate (8.22 +/- 7.91% vs 67.9 +/- 23.2%) were significantly low in the Forskolin-given group compared with the control group. In vitro inhibitory effects of Forskolin on platelet aggregation was recognized under the presence of HT291LMM. This study suggests that the platelet aggregation inhibitor drug. Forskolin, inhibits hepatic metastasis from human colon cancer by preventing platelet aggregation during the metastatic tumor formation.

[Adenosine triphosphate loading thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy: optimal dose and diagnostic accuracy]

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an alternative to dipyridamole or adenosine in thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy. However, the optimal dose of ATP has not been determined. A Doppler guide wire study showed the coronary flow velocity at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg of ATP was equal or higher than that at 0.14 mg/kg of adenosine or 0.56 mg/kg of dipyridamole. ATP was given intravenously to 67 patients with coronary artery disease at 0.15 mg/kg/min for 6 min. Thallium-201 was injected at 3 min, followed by immediate and delayed (3 hrs) tomographic imaging. There was no serious side effect during examination, although chest pain (26%), dyspnea (17%), and flushing (33%) were common. The sensitivity and specificity to detect coronary artery disease were 98 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity to detect left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery lesions was 94, 59 and 77%, respectively. ATP loading thallium-201 scintigraphy provides an accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The optimal dose of ATP is 0.15 mg/kg/min for 6 min.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with nephrotic syndrome and dermatomyositis

Several types of autoimmune complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been previously reported. However, the tendency to develop autoantibodies is usually restricted to the hematopoietic system. We report a 68-year-old man who had developed dermatomyositis after ten years of chemotherapy for CLL. He also had secondary nephrotic syndrome at the onset of CLL. Subsequently, the patient died of perforation of the small intestine. The association of both nephrotic syndrome and dermatomyositis with CLL is very rare. We discuss the possibility of a casual relation.

Cloning and sequencing of a 36-kb region of the Bacillus subtilis genome between the gnt and iol operons

Within the framework of an international project for the sequencing of the entire Bacillus subtilis genome, a 36-kb chromosome segment, which covers the region between the gnt and iol operons, has been cloned and sequenced. This region (36447 bp) contains 33 complete open reading frames (ORFs; genes) including the four gnt genes and one partial gene. A homology search for the products of the 33 complete ORFs revealed significant homology to known proteins in 16 of them such as tetracycline resistance protein (Clostridium perfringens), asparagine synthetase (Arabidopsis thaliana), aldehyde dehydrogenase (Pseudomonas oleovorans), 2,5-dichloro-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1, 4-diol dehydrogenase (P. paucimobilis), heat shock protein HtpG (Escherichia coli), galactose-proton symporter (E. coli), auxin-induced protein (common tobacco), glucitol operon repressor (E. coli) and methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (P. aeruginosa). Unlike the regions we sequenced so far, this region contained two short sequence multiplications: one was a tandem sequence duplication (409 and 410 bp), and the other a triplication consisting of two highly conserved 118-bp tandem sequences preceded by a less conserved similar sequence (129 bp). The reasons for the presence of these sequence multiplications in the gnt to iol region were deduced.

Pretreatment with chlormadinone acetate eliminates testosterone surge induced by a luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone analogue and the risk of disease flare in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

We investigated the efficacy of 2-week and 4-week pretreatments with 100 mg/day chlormadinone acetate (CMA) to prevent the flare reaction induced by luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. CMA lead-in therapy suppressed bone pain and serum levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and prostate-specific antigen levels. CMA therapy also suppressed the transient increases in these levels associated with the initiation of therapy. The 4-week regimen appeared to be more effective than the 2-week regimen.

Host origin of follicular dendritic cells induced in the spleen of SCID mice after transfer of allogeneic lymphocytes

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are uniquely characterized by the ability to trap immune complexes. In a previous report, it was shown that functional FDC with the capacity to trap immune complexes via complement receptor emerged in the splenic follicle after transferring syngeneic lymphocytes into the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse. In the present report, we have investigated whether FDC are derived from haematopoietic cells or surrounding stromal components, by transferring allogeneic lymphocytes into SCID mice. Transfer of allogeneic T and B lymphocytes (H-2k) into SCID(H-2d) mice, however, failed to induce the development of FDC in the splenic white pulp. This was due to a graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) by allogeneic lymphocytes against host stromal cells, as revealed by the destruction of the splenic reticular meshwork. The GVHR was prevented in transfer experiments of T-cell-depleted allogeneic lymphocytes with daily administration of anti-Thy-1 antibody. This resulted in segregated lodgement of allogeneic B lymphocytes in the proper compartments and, thereafter, generation of FDC in the primary follicle of SCID spleen, as revealed by the trapped immune complexes via complement receptors. The H-2 of the newly generated FDC was examined by two-colour immunofluorescent staining. FDC were defined as the reticular cells stained with anti-CR1/2 or FDC-M1 antibodies. FDC carried host H-2, clearly indicating that newly generated FDC are host-derived. In addition, the FDC shared the BP-3 protein with the surrounding reticular cells, a specific marker of reticular meshwork in the murine lymphoid tissues, and formed a network continuous with the rest of the reticulum, suggesting that FDC and non-FDC reticular cells belong to the same cell lineage.

[The effect of occult hyperprolactinemia (OHP) on gonadotropin secretion system]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of the transient increase of serum prolactin levels on the gonadotropin secretion system in patients with occult hyperprolactinemia (OHP). 216 cases of normoprolactinemic hypothalamic anovulatious were selected by LH-RH and TRH loading tests, and 5mg/day of bromocriptine was administered for more than 8 weeks. The effectiveness of the bromocriptine administration was estimated by the ultrasonic examination of the follicular development. The endocrinological backgrounds were compared between bromocriptine effective (154 cases, group A) and non-effective (62 cases, group B) patients. Serum prolactin levels 30min. after LH-RH and TRH loading (PRL30 in group A were significantly higher than those of group B (74.1 +/- 36.5 vs. 38.0 +/- 18.2ng/ml, p < 0.01). From this result, it was thought that many of the OHP patients were selected in group A. Serum LH levels 30min. after loading test (LH30) in group A also increased compared to those of group B (65.0 +/- 66.5 vs. 43.1 +/- 34.3mIU/ml, p < 0.02). The LH/FSH ratio before loading was also higher in group A (1.3 +/- 0.6) than that of group B (1.0 +/- 0.5, p < 0.02). This fact showed that group A also contained patients with hyper-LH hypothalamic anovulation, which is known as the endocrinological PCOD. There were also significant inverse correlations between serum levels of prolactin and FSH in group A (before loading values: r = 0.272, 30min. after loading: r = 0.224, p < 0.01). By the administration of bromocriptine, serum prolactin levels decreased both in group A and B, and the elevated serum LH/FSH ratio (1.0 +/- 0.4, p < = 0.02), LH30 (46.1 +/- 37.0mIU/ml, p < 0.005) also decreased significantly. Serum levels of FSH in group A increased significantly with treatment (before loading: 5.4 +/- 2.6-->6.2 +/- 2.0, 30min. after loading: 10.6 +/- 6.0-->14.6 +/- 9.9mIU/ml, p < 0.005). From these facts, it was concluded that FSH secretion was suppressed even by a slight increase of serum prolactin levels which was usually seen in the OHP, and bromocriptine administration was effective not only for the suppression of serum prolactin and LH levels, but also for the improvement of FSH secretion in the OHP patients.

[The regulation of testicular function by paracrine mechanism]

It is well accepted that testicular function is controlled by gonadotropins. Androgen secretion is regulated by LH, whereas spermatogenesis is controlled by FSH and locally produced androgens. However, evidence has accumulated to indicate that this extratesticular control system is modulated by equally important intratesticular cell-cell interactions. The study of this local control system has received major impetus from the development techniques which have allowed isolation and culture of purified testicular cells and has revealed that testicular cells respond to previously unexpected variable humoral factors which are produced by testicular cells themselves, namely testicular paracrinology. Numerous reviews with regard to cell-cell interactions have been published. In this paper, we attempted to summarize recent topics of para and autocrinology of testicular androgen biosynthesis and spermatogenesis.

Adult GM1 gangliosidosis: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings in an autopsy case

We report neuropathologic findings for a 66-year-old Japanese man with adult/chronic GM1 gangliosidosis whose main clinical symptoms were speech and gait disturbance attributable to dystonia with rigidity. He was a homozygote for the 51isoleucine (ATC)-->threonine (ACC) mutation in the beta-galactosidase gene. Neuronal loss and intracytoplasmic storage were most prominent in the caudate nucleus and putamen and, to a lesser degree, in the amygdala, globus pallidus, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Other areas of the CNS were relatively spared. We believe that this selective neuronal involvement in the CNS is characteristic of adult/chronic GM1 gangliosidosis and that it reflects a more active turnover of GM1 ganglioside in the affected areas than elsewhere in the CNS.

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.