TGF-beta signalling-related markers in cancer patients with bone metastasis

We measured transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-dependent biomarkers in plasma and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to identify suitable pharmacodynamic markers for future clinical trials with TGF-beta inhibitors. Forty-nine patients with bone metastasis were enrolled in the study, including patients with breast (n=23) and prostate cancer (n=15). Plasma TGF-beta1 levels were elevated in more than half of the cancer patients (geometric mean 2.63 ng ml(-1)) and positively correlated with increased platelet factor 4 (PF4) levels, parathyroid-related protein (PTHrP), von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and interleukin (IL)-10. PBMC were stimulated ex vivo to determine the individual biological variability of an ex vivo assay measuring pSMAD expression. This assay performed sufficiently well to allow its future use in a clinical trial of a TGF-beta inhibitor.

Effects of posture on shear rates in human brachial and superficial femoral arteries

Shear rate is significantly lower in the superficial femoral compared with the brachial artery in the supine posture. The relative shear rates in these arteries of subjects in the upright posture (seated and/or standing) are unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that upright posture (seated and/or standing) would produce greater shear rates in the superficial femoral compared with the brachial artery. To test this hypothesis, Doppler ultrasound was used to measure mean blood velocity (MBV) and diameter in the brachial and superficial femoral arteries of 21 healthy subjects after being in the supine, seated, and standing postures for 10 min. MBV was significantly higher in the brachial compared with the superficial femoral artery during upright postures. Superficial femoral artery diameter was significantly larger than brachial artery diameter. However, posture had no significant effect on either brachial or superficial femoral artery diameter. The calculated shear rate was significantly greater in the brachial (73 +/- 5, 91 +/- 11, and 97 +/- 13 s(-1)) compared with the superficial femoral (53 +/- 4, 39 +/- 77, and 44 +/- 5 s(-1)) artery in the supine, seated, and standing postures, respectively. Contrary to our hypothesis, our current findings indicate that mean shear rate is lower in the superficial femoral compared with the brachial artery in the supine, seated, and standing postures. These findings of lower shear rates in the superficial femoral artery may be one mechanism for the higher propensity for atherosclerosis in the arteries of the leg than of the arm.

Development and validation of a phosphorylated SMAD ex vivo stimulation assay

Assessing the pharmacodynamics (PD) of a potential therapeutic through the use of a downstream biomarker is essential. This is traditionally performed in the target tissue but limited volume and invasiveness of sampling pose challenges with solid tumours. Currently, there are several small molecule receptor kinase inhibitors and large molecule therapeutic antibodies in clinical trials that interfere with TGFbeta signalling to treat various forms of cancer. With the advent of these new therapies, there is a need for a surrogate tissue that is easily accessible and indicative of tumour response. We propose the use of an ex vivo TGFbeta1 stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) coupled with the measurement of phosphorylated SMAD2 (Sma/Mothers Against dpp, a downstream transcriptional activator) using a sandwich ELISA. TGFbeta is involved in many different cellular responses, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion and immunomodulation. SMAD2 and SMAD3 are phosphorylated as a result of the canonical cascade through ligand binding and receptor kinase activation. These phosphorylated SMADs (pSMAD) associate with SMAD4, a co-SMAD, and transcriptionally activate TGFbeta-mediated genes. This paper describes the novel method for measuring the downstream effects of inhibiting canonical TGFbeta signalling using ex vivo stimulation of surrogate tissue to predict tumour response. In addition, we present the assay validation rationale and data. This novel, validated assay can be used to gain insight into clinical trials regarding TGFbeta signal modulation by multiple inhibitor platforms for both large and small molecules.

Polyamine-mediated apoptosis of alveolar macrophages during Pneumocystis pneumonia

The number of alveolar macrophages is decreased during Pneumocystis pneumonia (Pcp), partly because of activation of apoptosis in these cells. This apoptosis occurs in both rat and mouse models of Pcp. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from Pneumocystis-infected animals were found to contain high levels of polyamines, including spermidine, N1-acetylspermine, and N1-acetylspermidine. These BAL fluids and exogenous polyamines were able to induce apoptosis in alveolar macrophages. Apoptosis of alveolar macrophages during infection, after incubation with BAL fluids from Pneumocystis-infected animals, or after incubation with polyamines was marked by an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, activation of caspases-3 and -9, DNA fragmentation, and leakage of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. When polyamines were depleted from the BAL fluids of infected animals, the ability of these BAL fluids to induce apoptosis was lost. Interestingly, the apoptosis inducing activity of the polyamine-depleted BAL fluids was restored when polyamines were added back. The results of this study suggested that Pneumocystis infection results in accumulation of high levels of polyamines in the lung. These polyamines activate apoptosis of alveolar macrophages, perhaps because of the ROS that are produced during polyamine metabolism.

Optimization of analytical and pre-analytical variables associated with an ex vivo cytokine secretion assay

PURPOSE

Measurements of cytokine release in whole blood after ex vivo stimulation are useful in drug development. The components contributing to variation within such assays have not been clearly defined. Therefore, we characterized the sources of variability within an ex vivo stimulation assay for TNF-alpha release.

METHOD

Fresh whole blood or mononuclear cells from a cell preparation tube were added to silanized, screw-top tubes with a final concentration of 1 microg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Each tube was purged with 95% air/5%CO2 and incubated 4 or 6 h at 37 degrees C in a metabolic water bath. Plasma TNF-alpha was next measured in supernatants by immunoassay. Total method variability was assessed in 10 normal donors each drawn in the morning and afternoon over 3 days. Four additional samples were pre-treated with dexamethasone to investigate inhibition of TNF-alpha release.

RESULTS

Our analysis indicated precise temperature control, the timing and duration of stimulation, and the surface properties of the stimulation vessel most significantly influenced assay performance. A comparison of multiple anticoagulants indicated that careful consideration should be taken in selecting the optimal anticoagulant. The estimated total assay CV for all anticoagulants tested was less than 33.81%. The analytical variability (stimulation and measurement) was less than 25.88% CV. The one exception was mononuclear cells collected in sodium heparin. The total variability estimate incorporated day-to-day, diurnal, inter-donor, tube-to-tube and immunoassay variability. Using our optimized conditions, TNF-alpha release was inhibited by dexamethasone with a mean IC50 of 33.3 +/- 4.6 nM.

CONCLUSIONS

We have described an optimal set of conditions for collection, storage and processing of an ex vivo cytokine stimulation assay. These conditions were selected for operational feasibility, minimal imprecision and elimination of potential confounding factors. The end result is a more robust method that can be applied to clinical drug development.

Suppression of alveolar macrophage apoptosis prolongs survival of rats and mice with pneumocystis pneumonia

The number of alveolar macrophages is decreased in patients or animals with Pneumocystis pneumonia (Pcp). This loss of alveolar macrophages is in part due to apoptosis caused by Pneumocystis infection. The mechanism of apoptosis induction is unknown. Cell-free bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from Pneumocystis-infected rats or mice have the ability to induce apoptosis in normal alveolar macrophages. To characterize the mechanisms by which apoptosis proceeds in alveolar macrophages during Pcp, specific caspase inhibitors are tested for their ability to suppress the apoptosis. In vitro induction of apoptosis can be inhibited by the caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) but not by the inhibitor to caspase-8 or -10. The caspase-9 inhibitor can also inhibit apoptosis of alveolar macrophages in vivo when it is intranasally instilled into dexamethasone-immunosuppressed, Pneumocystis-infected rats or L3T4 cell-depleted, Pneumocystis-infected mice. The number of alveolar macrophages rebounds in caspase-9 inhibitor-treated Pcp animals. Phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages in treated animals is also recovered, and organism burden in these animals is reduced. Administration of caspase-9 inhibitor also clears the exudate that normally fills the alveoli during Pcp and decreases lung inflammation. Furthermore, caspase-9-treated Pcp animals survive for the entire 70-day period of the study, whereas nontreated Pcp animals die 40-60 days after initiation of infection. Depletion of recovered alveolar macrophages by intranasal administration of clodronate-containing liposomes in caspase-9 inhibitor-treated animals abrogates the effects of the inhibitor. Together, these results indicate that immunomodulation of the host response may be an alternative to current treatments for Pcp.

Development, validation, and implementation of a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of five cytokines in human serum

Quantification of biomarkers can provide important information about the safety and efficacy of candidate drugs. Unfortunately, limited sample volume and excess costs often limit analysis of multiple biomarkers. We developed, optimized, validated, and implemented a multiplex immunoassay for simultaneous measurement of multiple circulating cytokines: IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Multiplex immuoassays were performed using the Luminex LabMAP instrument. Capture antibodies for each cytokine were covalently bound to distinct microsphere subsets distinguished by differing dye ratios. The concentration of each individual cytokine determined by measuring orange fluorescence produced by a complex of a biotinylated cytokine-specific antibody and streptavidin-phycoerythrin. The lower limit of quantification for all assays was 20 pg/mL with the exception of IL-8 which was 100 pg/mL. The inter-assay precision was less than 25%CV for all analytes at all control levels both pre-study and in-study. The percent recovery ranged from 83 to 108% pre-study and 90 to 125% in-study. In a linearity assessment, a 15,000 pg/mL multi-analyte control could be diluted 1:50 and maintain expected accuracy. We measured the cytokine concentrations in more than 2000 serum samples from patients with sepsis. Multiplex results for IL-6 were compared to a conventional commercially available ELISA kit. The degree of agreement between the two methods as measured by the concordance correlation coefficient was 84.5%. Multiplex results were 2.36-fold higher than ELISA values on the average. After adjusting for this mean difference, the 95% empirical limits of agreement for the ratio of individual sample values were 0.33, 2.65. This multiplex immunoassay provided simultaneous measurement of circulating cytokines using 80% less patient specimen compared to traditional approaches and at a significantly decreased cost. Efficient use of this platform requires process improvements to fully maximize the positive impact of multiplex assays in clinical drug development.

Vestibular activation of sympathetic nerve activity

AIM

The vestibulosympathetic reflex refers to sympathetic nerve activation by the vestibular system. Animal studies indicate that the vestibular system assists in blood pressure regulation during orthostasis. Although human studies clearly demonstrate activation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during engagement of the otolith organs, the role of the vestibulosympathetic reflex in maintaining blood pressure during orthostasis is not well-established. Examination of the vestibulosympathetic reflex with other cardiovascular reflexes indicates that it is a powerful and independent reflex. Ageing, which is associated with an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension, attenuates the vestibulosympathetic reflex. The attenuated reflex is associated with a reduction in arterial pressure.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the vestibulosympathetic reflex assists in blood pressure regulation in humans, but future studies examining this reflex in other orthostatically intolerant populations are necessary to address this hypothesis.

Hindlimb unweighting decreases endothelium-dependent dilation and eNOS expression in soleus not gastrocnemius

We tested the hypothesis that hindlimb unweighting (HLU) decreases endothelium-dependent vasodilation and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) in arteries of skeletal muscle with reduced blood flow during HLU. Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were exposed to HLU (n = 15) or control (n = 15) conditions for 14 days. ACh-induced dilation was assessed in muscle with reduced [soleus (Sol)] or unchanged [gastrocnemius (Gast)] blood flow during HLU. eNOS and SOD-1 expression were measured in feed arteries (FA) and in first-order (1A), second-order (2A), and third-order (3A) arterioles. Dilation to infusion of ACh in vivo was blunted in Sol but not Gast. In arteries of Sol muscle, HLU decreased eNOS mRNA and protein content. eNOS mRNA content was significantly less in Sol FA (35%), 1A arterioles (25%) and 2A arterioles (18%). eNOS protein content was less in Sol FA (64%) and 1A arterioles (65%) from HLU rats. In arteries of Gast, HLU did not decrease eNOS mRNA or protein. SOD-1 mRNA expression was less in Sol 2A arterioles (31%) and 3A arterioles (29%) of HLU rats. SOD-1 protein content was less in Sol FA (67%) but not arterioles. SOD-1 mRNA and protein content were not decreased in arteries from Gast. These data indicate that HLU decreases endothelium-dependent vasodilation, eNOS expression, and SOD-1 expression primarily in arteries of Sol muscle where blood flow is reduced during HLU.

Effect of short-term microgravity and long-term hindlimb unloading on rat cardiac mass and function

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exposure to short-term microgravity or long-term hindlimb unloading induces cardiac atrophy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. For the microgravity study, rats were subdivided into four groups: preflight (PF, n = 12); flight (Fl, n = 7); flight cage simulation (Sim, n = 6), and vivarium control (Viv, n = 7). Animals in the Fl group were exposed to 7 days of microgravity during the Spacelab 3 mission. Animals in the hindlimb-unloading study were subdivided into three groups: control (Con, n = 20), 7-day hindlimb-unloaded (7HU, n = 10), and 28-day hindlimb-unloaded (28HU, n = 19). Heart mass was unchanged in adult animals exposed to 7 days of actual microgravity (PF 1.33 +/- 0.03 g; Fl 1.32 +/- 0.02 g; Sim 1.28 +/- 0.04 g; Viv 1.35 +/- 0.04 g). Similarly, heart mass was unaltered with hindlimb unloading (Con 1.40 +/- 0.04 g; 7HU 1.35 +/- 0.06 g; 28HU 1.42 +/- 0.03 g). Hindlimb unloading also had no effect on the peak rate of rise in left ventricular pressure, an estimate of myocardial contractility (Con 8,055 +/- 385 mmHg/s; 28HU 8,545 +/- 755 mmHg/s). These data suggest that cardiac atrophy does not occur after short-term exposure to microgravity and that neither short- nor long-term simulated microgravity alters cardiac mass or function.

Contribution of perfusion pressure to vascular resistance response during head-up tilt

We measured brachial and femoral artery flow velocity in eight subjects and peroneal and median muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in five subjects during tilt testing to 40 degrees. Tilt caused similar increases in MSNA in the peroneal and median nerves. Tilt caused a fall in femoral artery flow velocity, whereas no changes in flow velocity were seen in the brachial artery. Moreover, with tilt, the increase in the vascular resistance employed (blood pressure/flow velocity) was greater and more sustained in the leg than in the arm. The ratio of the percent increase in vascular resistance in leg to arm was 2.5:1. We suggest that the greater vascular resistance effects in the leg were due to an interaction between sympathetic nerve activity and the myogenic response.

Muscle sympathetic nerve responses to physiological changes in prostaglandin production in humans

Previous studies suggest that prostaglandins may contribute to exercise-induced increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). To test this hypothesis, MSNA was measured at rest and during exercise before and after oral administration of ketoprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, or placebo. Twenty-one subjects completed two bouts of graded dynamic and isometric handgrip to fatigue. Each exercise bout was followed by 2 min of postexercise muscle ischemia. The second exercise bouts were performed after 60 min of rest in which 11 subjects were given ketoprofen (300 mg) and 10 subjects received a placebo. Ketoprofen significantly lowered plasma thromboxane B(2) in the drug group (from 36 +/- 6 to 22 +/- 3 pg/ml, P < 0.04), whereas thromboxane B(2) in the placebo group increased from 40 +/- 5 to 61 +/- 9 pg/ml from trial 1 to trial 2 (P < 0.008). Ketoprofen and placebo did not change sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to dynamic handgrip, isometric handgrip, and postexercise muscle ischemia. There was no relationship between thromboxane B(2) concentrations and MSNA or arterial pressure responses during both exercise modes. The data indicate that physiological increases or decreases in prostaglandins do not alter exercise-induced increases in MSNA and arterial pressure in humans. These findings suggest that contraction-induced metabolites other than prostaglandins mediate MSNA responses to exercise in humans.

Interaction between vestibulosympathetic and skeletal muscle reflexes on sympathetic activity in humans

Evidence from animals indicates that skeletal muscle afferents activate the vestibular nuclei and that both vestibular and skeletal muscle afferents have inputs to the ventrolateral medulla. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between the vestibulosympathetic and skeletal muscle reflexes on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and arterial pressure in humans. MSNA, arterial pressure, and heart rate were measured in 17 healthy subjects in the prone position during three experimental trials. The three trials were 2 min of 1) head-down rotation (HDR) to engage the vestibulosympathetic reflex, 2) isometric handgrip (IHG) at 30% maximal voluntary contraction to activate skeletal muscle afferents, and 3) HDR and IHG performed simultaneously. The order of the three trials was randomized. HDR and IHG performed alone increased total MSNA by 46 +/- 16 and 77 +/- 24 units, respectively (P < 0.01). During the HDR plus IHG trial, MSNA increased 142 +/- 38 units (P < 0.01). This increase was not significantly different from the sum of the individual trials (130 +/- 41 units). This finding was also observed with mean arterial pressure (sum = 21 +/- 2 mmHg and HDR + IHG = 22 +/- 2 mmHg). These findings suggest that there is an additive interaction for MSNA and arterial pressure when the vestibulosympathetic and skeletal muscle reflexes are engaged simultaneously in humans. Therefore, no central modulation exists between these two reflexes with regard to MSNA output in humans.

Muscle pain perception and sympathetic nerve activity to exercise during opioid modulation

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of the endogenous opioid system on forearm muscle pain and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during dynamic fatiguing exercise. Twelve college-age men (24 +/- 4 yr) performed graded (1-min stages; 30 contractions/min) handgrip to fatigue 1 h after the ingestion of either 60 mg codeine, 50 mg naltrexone, or placebo. Pain (0-10 scale) and exertion (0-10 and 6-20 scales) intensities were measured during the last 15 s of each minute of exercise and every 15 s during recovery. MSNA was measured continuously from the peroneal nerve in the left leg. Pain threshold occurred earlier [1.8 +/- 1, 2. 2 +/- 1, 2.2 +/- 1 J: codeine, naltrexone, and placebo, respectively] and was associated with a lower rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (2.7 +/- 2, 3.6 +/- 2, 3.8 +/- 2: codeine, naltrexone, and placebo, respectively) in the codeine condition compared with either the naltrexone or placebo conditions. There were no main effects (i.e., drugs) or interaction (i.e., drugs x time) for either forearm muscle pain or RPE during exercise [pain: F (2, 22) = 0.69, P = 0.51]. There was no effect of drug on MSNA, heart rate, or blood pressure during baseline, exercise, or recovery. Peak exercise MSNA responses were 21 +/- 1, 21 +/- 2.0, and 21 +/- 2.0 bursts/30 s for codeine, naltrexone, and placebo conditions, respectively. Peak mean arterial pressure responses were 135 +/- 4, 131 +/- 3, and 132 +/- 4 mmHg for codeine, naltrexone, and placebo conditions, respectively. It is concluded that neither 60 mg codeine nor 50 mg naltrexone has an effect on forearm muscle pain, exertion, or MSNA during high- intensity handgrip to fatigue.

Interaction of the vestibular system and baroreflexes on sympathetic nerve activity in humans

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is altered by vestibular otolith stimulation. This study examined interactive effects of the vestibular system and baroreflexes on MSNA in humans. In study 1, MSNA was measured during 4 min of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) at either -10 or -30 mmHg with subjects in prone posture. During the 3rd min of LBNP, subjects lowered their head over the end of a table (head-down rotation, HDR) to engage the otolith organs. The head was returned to baseline upright position during the 4th min. LBNP increased MSNA above baseline during both trials with greater increases during the -30-mmHg trial. HDR increased MSNA further during the 3rd min of LBNP at -10 and -30 mmHg (Delta32% and Delta34%, respectively; P < 0.01). MSNA returned to pre-HDR levels during the 4th min of LBNP when the head was returned upright. In study 2, MSNA was measured during HDR, LBNP, and simultaneously performed HDR and LBNP. The sum of MSNA responses during individual HDR and LBNP trials was not significantly different from that observed during HDR and LBNP performed together (Delta131 +/- 28 vs. Delta118 +/- 47 units and Delta340 +/- 77 vs. Delta380 +/- 90 units for the -10 and -30 trials, respectively). These results demonstrate that vestibular otolith stimulation can increase MSNA during unloading of the cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreflexes. Also, the interaction between the vestibulosympathetic reflex and baroreflexes is additive in humans. These studies indicate that the vestibulosympathetic reflex may help defend against orthostatic challenges in humans by increasing sympathetic outflow.

Effect of gender on vestibular sympathoexcitation

Studies have suggested that premenopausal women are more prone to orthostatic intolerance than men. Additionally, it has been postulated that the vestibulosympathetic reflex is important in regulating postural-related changes in sympathetic activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether men and women differ in their sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the otolith organs elicited by head-down rotation (HDR). Heart rate (HR), arterial pressure, calf blood flow (CBF), and leg muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured during 3 min of HDR in the prone posture in 33 women and 30 men. With the exception of HR (71 +/- 2 and 63 +/- 1 beats/min for women and men, respectively; P < 0.01), all baseline variables were not different between genders. There were no gender differences in responses to HDR. MSNA increased 72 +/- 33 units (43%) in the men and 88 +/- 15 units (59%) in the women during HDR (P < 0.01). CBF decreased [-0.6 +/- 0.1 (15%) and -0.5 +/- 0.1 (19%) ml. min(-1). 100 ml(-1)] and calf vascular resistance increased [8 +/- 2 (21%) and 11 +/- 3 (25%) units during HDR for men and women, respectively (P < 0.01)]. Both in the men and women, HR increased 2 +/- 1 beats/min (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that sympathetic activation during HDR in the prone posture is similar in men and women. Therefore, these findings suggest that the vestibulosympathetic reflex is not different between healthy men and women.

Neck afferent involvement in cardiovascular control during movement

It is well established that labyrinth and neck afferent information contributes to the regulation of somatomotor function during movement and changes in posture. There is also convincing evidence that the vestibular system participates in the modulation of sympathetic outflow and cardiovascular function during changes in posture, presumably to prevent orthostatic hypotension. However, the labyrinth organs do not provide any signals concerning body movements with respect to the head. In contrast, the neck receptors, particularly muscle spindles, are well located and suited to provide information about changes in body position with respect to the head and vestibular signals. Studies in the cat suggest that neck afferent information may modulate the vestibulosympathetic reflex responses to head-neck movements. There is some evidence in the cat to suggest involvement of low threshold mechanoreceptors. However, human studies do not indicate that low threshold mechanoreceptors in the neck modulate cardiovascular responses. The human studies are consistent with the studies in the cat in that they demonstrate the importance of otolith activation in mediating cardiovascular and sympathetic responses to changes in posture. This paper briefly reviews the current experimental evidence concerning the involvement of neck afferent information in the modulation of cardiovascular control during movement and changes in posture.

Isometric handgrip training reduces arterial pressure at rest without changes in sympathetic nerve activity

The purpose of this study was to determine whether isometric handgrip (IHG) training reduces arterial pressure and whether reductions in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) mediate this drop in arterial pressure. Normotensive subjects were assigned to training (n = 9), sham training (n = 7), or control (n = 8) groups. The training protocol consisted of four 3-min bouts of IHG exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) separated by 5-min rest periods. Training was performed four times per week for 5 wk. Subjects' resting arterial pressure and heart rate were measured three times on 3 consecutive days before and after training, with resting MSNA (peroneal nerve) recorded on the third day. Additionally, subjects performed IHG exercise at 30% of MVC to fatigue followed by muscle ischemia. In the trained group, resting diastolic (67 +/- 1 to 62 +/- 1 mmHg) and mean arterial pressure (86 +/- 1 to 82 +/- 1 mmHg) significantly decreased, whereas systolic arterial pressure (116 +/- 3 to 113 +/- 2 mmHg), heart rate (67 +/- 4 to 66 +/- 4 beats/min), and MSNA (14 +/- 2 to 15 +/- 2 bursts/min) did not significantly change following training. MSNA and cardiovascular responses to exercise and postexercise muscle ischemia were unchanged by training. There were no significant changes in any variables for the sham training and control groups. The results indicate that IHG training is an effective nonpharmacological intervention in lowering arterial pressure.

Comparison of sympathetic nerve responses to neck and forearm isometric exercise

PURPOSE

Although the autonomic and cardiovascular responses to arm and leg exercise have been studied, the sympathetic adjustments to exercise of the neck have not. The purpose of the present study was twofold: 1) to determine sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to isometric contractions of the neck extensors and 2) to compare sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise of the neck and forearm.

METHODS

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were measured in nine healthy subjects while performing isometric neck extension (INE) and isometric handgrip (IHG) in the prone position. After a 3-min baseline period, subjects performed three intensities of INE for 2.5 min each: 1) unloaded (supporting head alone), 2) 10% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and 3) 30% MVC, then subjects performed two intensities (10% and 30% MVC) of IHG for 2.5 min.

RESULTS

Supporting the head by itself did not significantly change any of the variables. During [NE, MAP significantly increased by 10 +/- 2 and 31 +/- 4 mm Hg and MSNA increased by 67 +/- 46 and 168 +/- 36 units/30 s for 10% and 30% MVC, respectively. IHG and INE evoked similar responses at 10% MVC, but IHG elicited higher peak MAP and MSNA at 30% MVC (37 +/- 7 mm Hg (P < 0.05) and 300 +/- 48 units/30 s (P < 0.01) for IHG, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that INE can elicit marked increases in MSNA and cardiovascular responses but that it evokes lower peak responses as compared to IHG. We speculate that possible differences in muscle fiber type composition, muscle mass, and/or muscle architecture of the neck and forearm are responsible for these differences in peak responses.

Sympathetic responses to head-down rotations in humans

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) increases with head-down neck flexion (HDNF). The present study had three aims: 1) to examine sympathetic and vascular responses to two different magnitudes of HDNF; 2) to examine these same responses during prolonged HDNF; and 3) to determine the influence of nonspecific pressure receptors in the head on MSNA. The first experiment tested responses to two static head positions in the vertical axis [HDNF and intermediate HDNF (I-HDNF; approximately 50% of HDNF)]. MSNA increased above baseline during both I-HDNF and HDNF (from 219 +/- 36 to 301 +/- 47 and from 238 +/- 42 to 356 +/- 59 units/min, respectively; P < 0.01). Calf blood flow (CBF) decreased and calf vascular resistance increased during both I-HDNF and HDNF (P < 0.01). Both the increase in MSNA and the decrease in CBF were linearly related to the magnitude of the downward head rotations (P < 0.01). The second experiment tested responses during prolonged HDNF. MSNA increased (from 223 +/- 63 to 315 +/- 79 units/min; P < 0.01) and CBF decreased (from 3.2 +/- 0.4 to 2.6 +/- 0.04 ml. 100 ml-1. min-1; P < 0.01) at the onset of HDNF. These responses were maintained throughout the 30-min period. Mean arterial blood pressure gradually increased during the 30 min of HDNF (from 94 +/- 4 to 105 +/- 3 mmHg; P < 0.01). In a third experiment, head-down neck extension was performed with subjects in the supine position. Unlike HDNF, head-down neck extension did not affect MSNA. The results from these studies demonstrate that MSNA: 1) increases in magnitude as the degree of HDNF increases; 2) remains elevated above baseline during prolonged HDNF; and 3) responses during HDNF are not associated with nonspecific receptors in the head activated by increases in cerebral pressure.

Interactions of Streptococcus mutans fimbria-associated surface proteins with salivary components

Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as the major causative agent of human dental caries. S. mutans binds to saliva-coated tooth surfaces, and previous studies suggested that fimbriae may play a role in the initial bacterial adherence to salivary components. The objectives of this study were to establish the ability of an S. mutans fimbria preparation to bind to saliva-coated surfaces and determine the specific salivary components that facilitate binding with fimbriae. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) established that the S. mutans fimbria preparation bound to components of whole saliva. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot techniques were used to separate components of whole saliva and determine fimbria binding. SDS-PAGE separated 15 major protein bands from saliva samples, and Western blot analysis indicated significant binding of the S. mutans fimbria preparation to a 52-kDa salivary protein. The major fimbria-binding salivary protein was isolated by preparative electrophoresis. The ability of the S. mutans fimbria preparation to bind to the purified salivary protein was confirmed by Western blot analysis and ELISA. Incubation of the purified salivary protein with the S. mutans fimbria preparation significantly neutralized binding of the salivary protein-fimbria complex to saliva-coated surfaces. The salivary protein, whole saliva, and commercial amylase reacted similarly with antiamylase antibody in immunoblots. A purified 65-kDa fimbrial protein was demonstrated to bind to both saliva and amylase. These data indicated that the S. mutans fimbria preparation and a purified fimbrial protein bound to whole-saliva-coated surfaces and that amylase is the major salivary component involved in the binding.

Sympathetic adaptations to one-legged training

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of leg exercise training on sympathetic nerve responses at rest and during dynamic exercise. Six men were trained by using high-intensity interval and prolonged continuous one-legged cycling 4 day/wk, 40 min/day, for 6 wk. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; peroneal nerve) were measured during 3 min of upright dynamic one-legged knee extensions at 40 W before and after training. After training, peak oxygen uptake in the trained leg increased 19 +/- 2% (P < 0.01). At rest, heart rate decreased from 77 +/- 3 to 71 +/- 6 beats/min (P < 0.01) with no significant changes in MAP (91 +/- 7 to 91 +/- 11 mmHg) and MSNA (29 +/- 3 to 28 +/- 1 bursts/min). During exercise, both heart rate and MAP were lower after training (108 +/- 5 to 96 +/- 5 beats/min and 132 +/- 8 to 119 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively, during the third minute of exercise; P < 0.01). MSNA decreased similarly from rest during the first 2 min of exercise both before and after training. However, MSNA was significantly less during the third minute of exercise after training (32 +/- 2 to 22 +/- 3 bursts/min; P < 0.01). This training effect on MSNA remained when MSNA was expressed as bursts per 100 heartbeats. Responses to exercise in five untrained control subjects were not different at 0 and 6 wk. These results demonstrate that exercise training prolongs the decrease in MSNA during upright leg exercise and indicates that attenuation of MSNA to exercise reported with forearm training also occurs with leg training.

The effects of (+)-UH232 and (-)-DS121 on local cerebral glucose utilization in rats

Although (+)-UH232 (cis-(+)-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(n-dipropylamino)tetralin) and (-)-DS121 (S(-)-3-(3-(cyanophenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine) are both preferential dopamine autoreceptor antagonists, (-)-DS121 is a more effective behavioral stimulant and dopamine releasing agent. To further compare these two agents, Sokoloff's 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography method was used to study the effects of (+)-UH232 and (-)-DS121 on regional brain energy metabolism. (+)-UH232, 30 mg/kg i.p., depressed metabolism in 37 of 65 brain regions and antagonized the stimulant effects of amphetamine. (-)-DS121, 30 mg/kg i.p., exhibited a strong, nonsignificant trend towards an increase in regional brain energy metabolism by itself and enhanced the stimulant effects of amphetamine. The data demonstrate dramatic differences in the effects of two autoreceptor antagonists on regional brain energy metabolism. It is concluded that, compared to (+)-UH232, (-)-DS121 is a more effective stimulant of brain energy metabolism and autoreceptor antagonist owing to its greater ability to increase DA release.

A 43-nucleotide RNA cis-acting element governs the site-specific formation of the 3' end of a poxvirus late mRNA

The 3' ends of late mRNAs of the ati gene, encoding the major component of the A-type inclusions, are generated by endoribonucleolytic cleavage at a specific site in the primary transcript [Antczak et al., (1992), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 12033-12037]. In this study, sequence analysis of cDNAs of the 3' ends of ati mRNAs showed these mRNAs are 3' polyadenylated at the RNA cleavage site. This suggests that ati mRNA 3' end formation involves cleavage of a late transcript, with subsequent 3' polyadenylation of the 5' cleavage product. The RNA cis-acting element, the AX element, directing orientation-dependent formation of these mRNA 3' ends, was mapped to a 345-bp AluI-XbaI fragment. Deletion analyses of this fragment showed that the boundaries of the AX element are within -5 and +38 of the RNA cleavage site. Scanning mutagenesis showed that the AX element contains at least two subelements: subelement I, 5'-UUUAU downward arrowCCGAUAAUUC-3', containing the cleavage site ( downward arrow), separated from the downstream subelement II, 5'-AAUUUCGGAUUUGAAUGC-3', by a 10-nucleotide region, whose composition may be altered without effect on RNA 3' end formation. These features, which differ from those of other elements controlling RNA processing, suggest that the AX element is a component of a novel mechanism of RNA 3' end formation.

Spinal integration of antidromic mediated cutaneous vasodilation during dorsal spinal cord stimulation in the rat

The purpose of this study was to determine the involvement of supraspinal centers and spinal synaptic integration in cutaneous vasodilation mediated by dorsal spinal cord stimulation (DCS). Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess cutaneous blood flow changes in the rat hindpaw during DCS with a unipolar ball electrode placed at the L2-L3 spinal level. Results demonstrated that transecting the spinal cord at the T10 spinal segment did not alter the DCS response while T13 spinal transection abolished the DCS-induced vasodilation. Inhibition of synaptic activity with topical application of muscimol (0.2 mM) on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord markedly attenuated the DCS response. In conclusion DCS-induced vasodilation involved synaptic integration but did not require input from rostral spinal sites or supraspinal areas.

Rat hindlimb muscle blood flow during level and downhill locomotion

During eccentrically biased exercise (e.g., downhill locomotion), whole body oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentrations are lower than during level locomotion. These general systemic measurements indicate that muscle metabolism is lower during downhill exercise. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hindlimb muscle blood flow is correspondingly lower during downhill vs. level exercise. Muscle blood flow (determined by using radioactive microspheres) was measured in rats after 15 min of treadmill exercise at 15 m/min on the level (L, 0 degrees) or downhill (D, -17 degrees). Blood flow to ankle extensor muscles was either lower (e.g., white gastrocnemius muscle: D, 9 +/- 2; L, 15 +/- 1 ml. min-1. 100 g-1) or not different (e.g., soleus muscle: D, 250 +/- 35; L, 230 +/- 21 ml. min-1. 100 g-1) in downhill vs. level exercise. In contrast, blood flow to ankle flexor muscles was higher (e.g., extensor digitorum longus muscle: D, 53 +/- 5; L, 31 +/- 6 ml. min-1. 100 g-1) during downhill vs. level exercise. When individual extensor and flexor muscle flows were summed, total flow to the leg was lower during downhill exercise (D, 3.24 +/- 0.08; L, 3.47 +/- 0. 05 ml/min). These data indicate that muscle blood flow and metabolism are lower during eccentrically biased exercise but are not uniformly reduced in all active muscles; i.e., flows are equivalent in several ankle extensor muscles and higher in ankle flexor muscles.

Effect of concentric and eccentric muscle actions on muscle sympathetic nerve activity

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of concentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) muscle actions on leg muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Two protocols were utilized. In protocol 1, eight subjects performed Con and Ecc arm curls for 2 min, with a resistance representing 50% of one-repetition maximum for Con curls. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were greater (P < 0. 05) during Con than during Ecc curls. Similarly, the MSNA was greater (P < 0.05) during Con than during Ecc curls. In protocol 2, eight different subjects performed Con and Ecc arm curls to fatigue, followed by postexercise muscle ischemia, by using the same resistance as in protocol 1. Endurance time was significantly greater for Ecc than for Con curls. The increase in HR, MAP, and MSNA was greater (P < 0.05) during Con than during Ecc curls. However, when the data were normalized as a function of endurance time, the differences in HR, MAP, and MSNA between Con and Ecc curls were no longer present. HR, MAP, and MSNA responses during postexercise muscle ischemia were similar for Con and Ecc curls. Con curls elicited greater increase (P < 0.05) in blood lactate concentration than did Ecc curls. In summary, Con actions contribute significantly more to the increase in cardiovascular and MSNA responses during brief, submaximal exercise than do Ecc actions. However, when performed to a similar level of effort (i.e., fatigue), Con and Ecc muscle actions elicit similar cardiovascular and MSNA responses. These results indicate that the increase in MSNA during a typical bout of submaximal dynamic exercise is primarily mediated by the muscle metaboreflex, which is stimulated by metabolites produced predominantly during Con muscle action.

Sympathetic nerve activity during natural stimulation of horizontal semicircular canals in humans

We have shown that static head-down neck flexion elicits increases in muscle (MSNA) but not skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) in humans. These findings suggest that stimulation of the otolith organs causes differential sympathetic outflow to vascular beds. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether yaw head rotation (YHR), which stimulates the horizontal semicircular canals, elicits sympathetic nerve responses. To test this question, we recorded MSNA (n = 33) and SSNA (n = 25) before and during 3 min of sinusoidal YHR performed at 0.1, 0.6, and 1.0 Hz. At all frequencies, YHR elicited no significant changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Likewise, YHR did not significantly change either MSNA or SSNA at all frequencies. Our results indicate that stimulation of the horizontal semicircular canals by YHR does not alter SNA to either muscle or skin. Moreover, these results provide evidence to support the concept that the otolith organs but not the horizontal semicircular canals participate in the regulation of SNA in humans.

Muscle use during dynamic knee extension: implication for perfusion and metabolism

Dynamic one-legged knee extension (DKE) is commonly used to examine physiological responses to "aerobic" exercise. Muscle blood flow during DKE is often expressed relative to quadriceps femoris muscle mass irrespective of work rate. This is contrary to the notion that increased force is achieved by recruitment in large muscles. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine muscle use during DKE. Six subjects had magnetic resonance images taken of their quadriceps femoris before and after 4 min of DKE at 20 and 40 W. Muscle use was determined by shifts in T2. The cross-sectional area of quadriceps femoris that had an elevated T2 was 16 +/- 1% (mean +/- SE) preexercise, and 54 +/- 5 and 94 +/- 4% after 20- and 40-W DKE, respectively. Volume of quadriceps femoris increased 11.4 +/- 0. 2% (P = 0.006), from 2,230 +/- 233 cm3 before exercise to 2,473 +/- 232 cm3 after 40-W DKE. Extrapolation of these data indicates that 1, 301 +/- 111 cm3 of quadriceps femoris were engaged during 20-W DKE compared with 2,292 +/- 154 cm3 during 40-W DKE. By using muscle blood flow data for submaximal DKE at 20 W [P. Andersen and B. Saltin. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 366: 233-249, 1985; and L. B. Rowell, B. Saltin, B. Kiens, and N. J. Christensen. Am. J. Physiol. 251 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 20): H1038-H1044, 1986] and estimating muscle use in those studies from our data (total muscle mass x 0.54), extrapolated blood flow to active muscle (263 and 278 ml . min-1 . 100 g-1, respectively) is comparable to that obtained during peak aerobic DKE when expressed relative to total muscle mass (243 and 250 ml . min-1 . 100 g-1, respectively). These findings indicate that increased power during aerobic DKE is achieved by recruitment. Additionally, they suggest that blood flow to the active quadriceps femoris muscle does not increase with increases in submaximal work rate but instead is maximal to support aerobic metabolism. Thus increases in muscle blood flow are directed to newly recruited muscle, not to increased perfusion of muscle already engaged.

Exercise-induced muscle injury augments forearm vascular resistance during leg exercise

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effect of exercise-induced muscle injury on hemodynamic responses during exercise. Ten subjects performed unilateral isometric knee extensions (IKE) at 30% of preinjury maximum voluntary contraction to fatigue and for 3 min before and 48 h after muscle injury. Muscle injury was elicited by performing 8 sets of 10 repetitions of eccentric muscle actions of the knee extensor muscles (i.e., quadriceps muscles) by lowering a weight equivalent to 75% of eccentric maximum load. Exercise time to fatigue for IKE at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction in the injured leg was significantly decreased from preinjury to postinjury IKE (257 +/- 21 to 203 +/- 23 s; n = 10), but was unchanged in the control leg (244 +/- 16 to 254 +/- 20 s; n = 7). With the use of a 10-cm visual analog scale, ratings of muscle soreness in the injured leg increased from 0 to 5. 1 +/- 0.7 cm (P < 0.001) but were not changed in the control leg (0 both times). Both heart rate and mean arterial pressure responses to exercise were unchanged following muscle injury. Forearm blood flow and forearm vascular resistance were not different at rest and during the first minute of exercise before and after muscle injury. However, after muscle injury, forearm blood flow was significantly lower and forearm vascular resistance was significantly higher (P < 0.03) during the second and third minutes of exercise. There were no significant changes in any variables with the contralateral control leg. In four subjects, resting magnetic resonance images demonstrated a 23% greater relative cross-sectional area of the knee extensor muscles with an elevated transverse relaxation time in the injured versus control leg. The results indicate that forearm vascular resistance is augmented during isometric knee extension following muscle injury of the knee extensor muscles. The data suggest that muscle injury alters vascular control to non-exercising skeletal muscle during exercise.

A third distinct tumor necrosis factor receptor of orthopoxviruses

Cowpox virus Brighton red strain (CPV) contains a gene, crmD, which encodes a 320-aa tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) of 44% and 22% identity, respectively, to the CPV TNFR-like proteins, cytokine response modifiers (crm) CrmB and CrmC. The crmD gene was interrupted in three other cowpox strains examined and absent in various other orthopoxviruses; however, four strains of ectromelia virus (ECT) examined contained an intact crmD (97% identity to CPV crmD) and lacked cognates of crmB and crmC. The protein, CrmD, contains a transport signal; a 151-aa cysteine-rich region with 21 cysteines that align with human TNFRII ligand-binding region cysteines; and C-terminal region sequences that are highly diverged from cellular TNFR C-terminal region sequences involved in signal transduction. Bacterial maltose-binding proteins containing the CPV or ECT CrmD cysteine-rich region bound TNF and lymphotoxin-alpha (LTalpha) and blocked their in vitro cytolytic activity. Secreted viral CrmD bound TNF and LTalpha and was detectable after the early stage of replication, using nonreducing conditions, as 60- to 70-kDa predominant and 90- to 250-kDa minor disulfide-linked complexes that were able to be reduced to a 46-kDa form and deglycosylated to a 38-kDa protein. Cells infected with CPV produced extremely low amounts of CrmD compared with ECT. Possessing up to three TNFRs, including CrmD, which is secreted as disulfide-linked complexes in varied amounts by CPV and ECT, likely enhances the dynamics of the immune modulating mechanisms of orthopoxviruses.

Sympathetic neural adaptations to exercise training in humans: insights from microneurography

Sympathetic nerve activity has long been regarded as an important regulator of blood flow and blood pressure. Its importance has been especially recognized during exercise. The present review examines sympathetic neural adaptations to exercise training in humans obtained by sympathetic nerve recordings to nonactive skeletal muscle. Little evidence exists from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies indicating that training alters resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). However, MSNA responses during exercise appear to be attenuated after training. This attenuation of MSNA seems to be specific to the trained muscle and not generalizable to other muscle groups. The mechanisms for the decrease in exercise-induced MSNA have been attributed to changes in both the muscle metaboreflex and muscle mechanoreflex. In addition to exercise, training has generally not altered MSNA responses to other stressors such as cold pressor test, lower body negative pressure, and upright tilting. However, the effect of training on baroreflex control of MSNA is equivocal. These conclusions are based on few studies. More comprehensive training studies are needed to better understand the role of training on sympathetic neural outflow.

Neck afferents and muscle sympathetic activity in humans: implications for the vestibulosympathetic reflex

We have shown previously that head-down neck flexion (HDNF) in humans elicits increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of neck muscle afferents on MSNA. We studied this question by measuring MSNA before and after head rotation that would activate neck muscle afferents but not the vestibular system (i.e., no stimulation of the otolith organs or semicircular canals). After a 3-min baseline period with the head in the normal erect position, subjects rotated their head to the side (approximately 90%) and maintained this position for 3 min. Head rotation was performed by the subjects in both the prone (n = 5) and sitting (n = 6) positions. Head rotation did not elicit changes in MSNA. Average MSNA, expressed as burst frequency and total activity, was 13 +/- 1 and 13 +/- 1 bursts/min and 146 +/-34 and 132 +/- 27 units/min during baseline and head rotation, respectively. There were no significant changes in calf blood flow (2.6 +/- 0.3 to 2.5 +/- 0.3 ml.100 ml-1.min-1, n = 8) and calf vascular resistance (39 +/- 4 to 41 +/- 4 units; n = 8). Heart rate (64 +/- 3 to 66 +/- 3 beats/min; P = 0.058) and mean arterial pressure (90 +/- 3 to 93 +/- 3; P < 0.05) increased slightly during head rotation. Additional neck flexion studies were performed with subjects lying on their side (n = 5), MSNA, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were unchanged during this maneuver, which also does not engage the vestibular system. HDNF was tested in 9 of the 13 subjects. MSNA was significantly increased by 79 +/- 12% (P < 0.001) during HDNF. These findings indicate that neck afferents activated by horizontal neck rotation or flexion in the absence of significant force development do not elicit changes in MSNA. These findings support the concept that HDNF increases MSNA by the activation of the vestibular system.

Muscle cooling delays activation of the muscle metaboreflex in humans

Elevation of muscle temperature has been shown to increase muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during isometric exercise in humans. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of muscle cooling on MSNA responses during exercise. Eight subjects performed ischemic isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction to fatigue followed by 2 min of postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI), with and without local cooling of the forearm. Local cooling of the forearm decreased forearm muscle temperature from 31.8 +/- 0.4 to 23.1 +/- 0.8 degrees C (P = 0.001). Time to fatigue was not different during the control and cold trials (156 +/- 11 and 154 +/- 5 s, respectively). Arterial pressures and heart rate were not significantly affected by muscle cooling during exercise, although heart rate tended to be higher during the second minute of exercise (P = 0.053) during muscle cooling. Exercise-induced increases in MSNA were delayed during handgrip with local cooling compared with control. However, MSNA responses at fatigue and PEMI were not different between the two conditions. These findings suggest that muscle cooling delayed the activation of the muscle metaboreflex during ischemic isometric exercise but did not prevent its full expression during fatiguing contraction. These results support the concept that muscle temperature can play a role in the regulation of MSNA during exercise.

Skin sympathetic outflow during head-down neck flexion in humans

We have previously demonstrated increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity during head-down neck flexion (HDNF). The purpose of the present study was to determine if HDNF also activates skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA). SSNA, heart rate, arterial pressure, skin blood flow, calf blood flow, and calculated calf vascular resistance (mean arterial pressure/calf blood flow) were determined in 12 subjects during 3 min of baseline (lying prone with chin supported) and 3 min of HDNF. There were no significant changes in heart rate and arterial pressures during HDNF; however, diastolic and mean arterial pressure tended to increase slightly. Calf blood flow decreased 22% and calf vascular resistance increased 46% during HDNF. SSNA did not significantly change during HDNF. In three subjects we measured both muscle and skin sympathetic nerve activity during HDNF. In these trials, muscle sympathetic nerve activity consistently increased, but SSNA did not. The results indicate that HDNF in humans activates muscle sympathetic nerve activity, but does not activate SSNA. Thus vestibular stimulation may elicit differential activation of sympathetic outflow in humans.

Augmentation of exercise-induced muscle sympathetic nerve activity during muscle heating

The muscle metabo- and mechanoreflexes have been shown to increase muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during exercise. Group III and IV muscle afferents, which are believed to mediate this response, have been shown to be thermosensitive in animals. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of muscle temperature on MSNA responses during exercise. Eleven subjects performed ischemic isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction to fatigue, followed by 2 min of postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI), with and without local heating of the forearm. Local heating of the forearm increased forearm muscle temperature from 34.4 +/- 0.2 to 38.9 +/- 0.3 degree C (P = 0.001). Diastolic and mean arterial pressures were augmented during exercise in the heat. MSNA responses were greater during ischemic handgrip with local heating compared with control (no heating) after the first 30 s. MSNA responses at fatigue were greater during local heating. MSNA increased by 16 +/- 2 and 20 +/- 2 bursts per 30 s for control and heating, respectively (P = 0.03). When expressed as a percent change in total activity (total burst amplitude), MSNA increased 531 +/- 159 and 941 +/- 237% for control and heating, respectively (P = 0.001). However, MSNA was not different during PEMI between trials. This finding suggests that the augmentation of MSNA during exercise with heat was due to the stimulation of mechanically sensitive muscle afferents. These results suggest that heat sensitizes skeletal muscle afferents during muscle contraction in humans and may play a role in the regulation of MSNA during exercise.

Middle cerebral artery blood velocity, arterial diameter and muscle sympathetic nerve activity during post-exercise muscle ischaemia

During exercise the transcranial Doppler determined mean blood velocity (Vmean) increases in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and reflects cerebral flood flow when the diameter at the site of investigation remains constant. Sympathetic activation could induce MCA vasoconstriction and in turn elevate Vmean at an unchanged cerebral blood flow. In 12 volunteers we evaluated whether Vmean relates to muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in the peroneal nerve during rhythmic handgrip and post-exercise muscle ischaemia (PEMI). The luminal diameter of the dorsalis pedis artery (AD) was taken to reflect the MSNA influence on a peripheral artery. Rhythmic handgrip increased heart rate (HR) from 74 +/- 20 to 92 +/- 21 beats min-1 and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 87 +/- 7 to 105 +/- 9 mmHg (mean +/- SD; P < 0.05). During PEMI, HR returned to pre-exercise levels while MAP remained elevated (101 +/- 9 mmHg). During handgrip contralateral MCA Vmean increased from 65 +/- 10 to 75 +/- 13 cm s-1 and this was more than on the ipsilateral side (from 63 +/- 10 to 68 +/- 10 cm s-1; P < 0.05). On both sides of the brain Vmean returned to baseline during PEMI. MSNA did not increase significantly during handgrip (from 56 +/- 24 to 116 +/- 39 units) but the elevation became statistically significant during PEMI (135 +/- 86 units, P < 0.05), while AD did not change. Taken together, during exercise and PEMI, Vmean changed independent of an elevation of MSNA by more than 140% and the dorsalis pedis artery diameter was stable. The results provide no evidence for a vasoconstrictive influence of sympathetic nerve activity on medium size arteries of the limbs and the brain during rhythmic handgrip and post-exercise muscle ischaemia.

Sympathetic and vascular responses to head-down neck flexion in humans

Animal studies have demonstrated increases in sympathetic nerve outflow with vestibular stimulation. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether vestibulosympathetic reflexes are engaged in humans. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), heart rate, arterial pressure, calf blood flow (CBF), and calculated calf vascular resistance (CVR; mean arterial pressure/CBF) were determined during 10 min of baseline (laying prone with chin supported) and 10 min of head-down neck flexion (HDNF). MSNA responses were measured in nine subjects, and calf vascular responses were determined in seven of these subjects. Heart rate increased during the first minute of HDNF (71 +/- 2 to 76 +/- 3 beats/min; P < 0.05) and remained slightly elevated (71 +/- 2 to 74 +/- 3 beats/min; P < 0.05) for the duration of HDNF. Diastolic and mean arterial pressures also increased slightly with HDNF (80 +/- 3 to 82 +/- 3 and 96 +/- 3 to 98 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). Systolic arterial pressure did not change significantly during HDNF. CBF decreased 14% (4.63 +/- 0.78 to 3.97 +/- 0.60 ml x min(-1) x 100 ml(-1); P < 0.05), and CVR increased 12% (24.0 +/- 4.3 to 27.4 +/- 4.7 units; P < 0.05) during HDNF. These changes corresponded with significant increases in MSNA during HDNF. MSNA, expressed as burst frequency, increased from 14 +/- 2 to 20 +/- 2 bursts/min (P < 0.05) and increased 63 +/- 23% (P < 0.05) when expressed as the percent change in total activity. All variables returned to baseline during recovery. Thoracic impedance measured in five subjects did not change during HDNF (19.6 +/- 1.2 to 19.7 +/- 1.5 omega), suggesting no major change in central blood volume. The results indicate that HDNF elicits increases in CVR that are mediated by the augmentation of MSNA. Arterial pressure responses and thoracic impedance data suggest that high and low pressure baroreflexes were not the mechanism for sympathetic activation. The immediate increase in MSNA with HDNF suggests a role for vestibulosympathetic reflexes.

The mode of death of pig kidney cells infected with cowpox virus is governed by the expression of the crmA gene

Pig kidney cells (LLC-PK1) were infected with one of three viruses: wild-type cowpox virus (Brighton red strain) expressing the crmA gene; recombinant cowpox virus A602, lacking the crmA gene; or cowpox virus A604, a revertant of virus A602, expressing the crmA gene. The wild-type virus and virus A604 produced identical cytopathic effects consistent with death by necrosis. In these cells, the structural features of the plasma membrane, the nuclear membrane, and the chromatin were maintained until lysis of the cells. In contrast, cowpox virus A602 produced cytopathic effects consistent with death by apoptosis. These effects included loss of microvilli on the cell surface, margination and condensation of the chromatin, progressive convolution of the nuclear membrane, release of dense chromatin masses on disintegration of the nucleus, fragmentation of the DNA, and the generation of apoptotic bodies. These results suggest that the crmA gene is necessary to inhibit processes of apoptosis induced in LLC-PK1 cells by infection with cowpox virus. Thus in cells of certain types, the crmA gene can act with other viral genes to control the mode of death of the virus-infected cell. This capability may be advantageous to virus replication in vivo, potentially facilitating both virus trafficking and interference with antiviral immune defenses.

Antagonism of cocaine's stimulant effects on local cerebral glucose utilization by the preferential autoreceptor antagonist (+)-AJ 76

(+)-AJ 76 is a stimulant dopamine (DA) antagonist, which has a putative preferential action at DA nerve terminal autoreceptors. Because it is both a mild stimulant and a DA antagonist, it has previously been suggested that (+)-AJ 76 might antagonize both the euphoria and craving associated with cocaine abuse and withdrawal, respectively. To evaluate this hypothesis further, (+)-AJ 76 was evaluated for its ability to affect cocaine-induced changes in regional brain energy metabolism. Using Sokoloff's 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique, (+)-AJ 76 antagonized the stimulant effect of cocaine. Although classical DA antagonists are known to depress regional brain energy metabolism, (+)-AJ 76 by itself had no effect. It is concluded that the results are consistent with the previously stated hypothesis that (+)-AJ 76 might be useful as a pharmacotherapy for treatment of cocaine abuse.

Sympathetic nerve activity to nonactive muscle of the exercising and nonexercising limb

The purpose of this study was to determine whether efferent sympathetic nerve activity is different to resting skeletal muscles from the exercising and nonexercising limb. MSNA was measured by microneurography in both legs (peroneal nerve) in six subjects during 2 min of unilateral isometric knee extension (IKE; 10-30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)) followed by postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO). Additional studies using isometric handgrip (30% MVC) followed by PECO were performed. IKE produced significant increases in mean arterial pressure (15 +/- 2 mm Hg) and heart rate (10 +/- 2 bpm). During PECO, mean arterial pressure remained significantly elevated (6 +/- 1 mm Hg) whereas heart rate returned to control. MSNA (bursts.min-1) was not different between the two limbs during control, IKE, PECO, and recovery. Seventy-five to eighty percent of all sympathetic nerve discharges occurred simultaneously in both legs, with the remaining percentage of sympathetic nerve discharges being divided almost equally between the nonexercising and exercising leg. Isometric handgrip produced significant increases in MSNA to the two resting legs with the percent of sympathetic discharges to the two legs being similar to that during IKE. These results indicate that MSNA is similar to the resting muscle in the exercising and nonexercising leg during brief, submaximal isometric exercise (< or = 30% MVC) and postexercise muscle ischemia.

Inhibition of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme by the cowpox virus serpin CrmA. An example of cross-class inhibition

We reported previously that human interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) is regulated by the CrmA serpin encoded by cowpox virus. We now report the mechanism and kinetics of this unusual inhibition of a cysteine proteinase by a member of the serpin superfamily previously thought to inhibit serine proteinase only. CrmA possesses several characteristics typical of a number of inhibitory serpins. It is conformationally unstable, unfolding around 3 M urea, and stable to denaturation in 8 M urea upon complex formation with ICE. CrmA rapidly inhibits ICE with an association rate constant (kon) of 1.7 x 10(7) M-1 s-1, forming a tight complex with an equilibrium constant for inhibition (Ki) of less than 4 x 10(-12) M. These data indicate that CrmA is a potent inhibitor of ICE, consistent with the dramatic effects of CrmA on modifying host responses to virus infection. The inhibition of ICE by CrmA is an example of a "cross-class" interaction, in which a serpin inhibits a non-serine proteinase. Since CrmA possesses characteristics shared by inhibitors of serine proteinases, we presume that ICE, though it is a cysteine proteinase, has a substrate binding geometry strikingly close to that of serine proteinases. We reason that it is the substrate binding geometry, not the catalytic mechanism of a proteinase, that dictates its reactivity with protein inhibitors.

Naloxone does not affect the cardiovascular and sympathetic adjustments to static exercise in humans

Previous studies suggested that endogenous opiates may attenuate the cardiovascular and sympathetic adjustments to static exercise. We tested whether this effect originates from exercising skeletal muscle. Eight men performed 2 min of static handgrip (30% maximum) followed by 2 min of posthandgrip muscle ischemia after three interventions: 1) control, 2) intra-arterial injection of naloxone HCl (60 micrograms) or vehicle (saline) in the exercising arm, and 3) systemic infusion of naloxone (4 mg) or vehicle. Naloxone and vehicle trials were performed double blind on separate days. Preexercise baseline muscle sympathetic nerve activity (burst frequency), heart rate, and blood pressure were similar across interventions on either day. During static handgrip, control, intra-arterial, and systemic administration of vehicle and naloxone elicited similar increases in total muscle sympathetic nerve activity (58 +/- 24 vs. 68 +/- 26, 146 +/- 49 vs. 132 +/- 42, 137 +/- 54 vs. 164 +/- 44%, respectively), heart rate (9 +/- 2 vs. 8 +/- 3, 16 +/- 3 vs. 16 +/- 2, 20 +/- 4 vs. 19 +/- 3 beats/min, respectively), and mean arterial pressure (22 +/- 4 vs. 21 +/- 4, 29 +/- 5 vs. 26 +/- 3, 28 +/- 4 vs. 27 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively). Additionally, there were no differences between vehicle and naloxone trials during posthandgrip muscle ischemia. Thus, contrary to previous reports, we conclude that the endogenous opiate peptide system does not modulate cardiovascular and sympathetic responses to brief periods of static exercise or muscle ischemia in humans.