Induction of antinociception and increased met-enkephalin plasma levels by cyclosporine and morphine in rats: implications of the combined use of cyclosporine and morphine and acute posttransplant neuropsychosis

Methotrexate and cyclosporine treatments modify the activities of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and prolyl oligopeptidase in murine macrophages

Analysis of the effects of cyclosporine A (25–28 mgkg⁻¹) and/or methotrexate (0.1 mgkg⁻¹) treatments on dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) activities and on algesic response in two distinct status of murine macrophages (Mφs) was undertaken. In resident Mφs, DPPIV and POP were affected by neither individual nor combined treatments. In thioglycolate-elicited Mφs, methotrexate increased DPPIV (99–110%) and POP (60%), while cyclosporine inhibited POP (21%). Combined treatment with both drugs promoted a rise (51–84%) of both enzyme activities. Only cyclosporine decreased (42%) the tolerance to algesic stimulus. Methotrexate was revealed to exert prevalent action over that of cyclosporine on proinflammatory Mφ POP. The opposite effects of methotrexate and cyclosporine on POP activity might influence the availability of the nociceptive mediators bradykinin and substance P in proinflammatory Mφs. The exacerbated response to thermally induced algesia observed in cyclosporine-treated animals could be related to upregulation of those mediators.

Bradykinin-Induced Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cells-Dependent Transcription in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Bradykinin produced at sites of tissue injury and inflammation elicits acute pain and alters the sensitivity of nociceptive neurons to subsequent stimuli. We tested the hypothesis that bradykinin could elicit long-lasting changes in nociceptor function by activating members of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors. Bradykinin activation of B2 receptors evoked concentration-dependent (EC50 = 6.0 +/- 0.3 nM) increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a proportion of dorsal root ganglion neurons in primary culture. These [Ca2+] increases were sensitive to inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) and depletion of Ca2+ stores. In neurons expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-NFAT4 fusion protein, a 2-min exposure to bradykinin induced the translocation of GFP-NFAT4 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Translocation was partially inhibited by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by inhibition of calcineurin. Furthermore, bradykinin triggered a concentration-dependent increase in NFAT-mediated transcription of a luciferase gene reporter (EC50 = 24.2 +/- 0.1 nM). This depended on the B2 receptor, PLC activation, and inositol triphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release. Transcription was not inhibited by capsazepine. Finally, as indicated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, bradykinin elicited an increase in cyclooxygenase mRNA. This increase was sensitive to calcineurin and B2 receptor inhibition. These findings suggest a mechanism by which short-lived bradykinin-mediated stimuli can enact lasting changes in nociceptor function and sensitivity.

β-Phenylethylamines and the isoquinoline alkaloids

This review covers beta-phenylethylamines and isoquinoline alkaloids derived from them, including further products of oxidation. condensation with formaldehyde and rearrangement, some of which do not contain an isoquinoline system, together with naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, which have a different biogenetic origin. The occurrence of the alkaloids, with the structures of new bases, together with their reactions, syntheses and biological activities are reported. The literature from July 2002 to June 2003 is reviewed, with 568 references cited.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2002

This paper is the twenty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning over a quarter-century of research. It summarizes papers published during 2002 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).

Hospitalized psychoses after renal transplantation in the United States: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis

Although it is recommended that renal transplant (RT) candidates routinely undergo screening for mental health-related conditions, national statistics for psychoses after RT have not been reported. This is a historical cohort study of 39,628 renal transplant recipients in the United States Renal Data System between July 1, 1994, and June 30, 1998, and followed until December 31, 1999. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) for time to hospitalization for both a primary and secondary discharge diagnosis of psychoses (ICD-9 codes 290.x-299.x) after RT and mortality/graft loss after psychosis were assessed by Cox Regression. In addition, rates of psychosis were compared with 178,986 patients with Medicare as their primary payer who started chronic dialysis from April 1, 1995, to June 29, 1999. The incidence of psychoses was 7.5/1000 person-years (PY) after RT compared with 7.2/1000 PY for all patients on chronic dialysis and 9.6/1000 PY for dialysis patients aged 65 yr or younger. Among RT recipients, graft loss (AHR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.19 to 4.02), allograft rejection, and cadaveric donation were independently associated with psychosis, which was associated with an increased risk of both death (AHR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.71 to 2.56; P < 0.001) and graft loss (AHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.78; P = 0.01). Graft loss due to noncompliance was significantly more common after psychosis (9.0% versus 3.7% in patients not hospitalized for psychosis; P < 0.001). The incidence of hospitalized psychosis was not substantially higher after RT compared with chronic dialysis patients. Psychoses were independently associated with increased risk of death and graft loss after renal transplantation, possibly mediated through medical non-adherence.