The FATZO mouse, a next generation model of type 2 diabetes, develops NAFLD and NASH when fed a Western diet supplemented with fructose

BACKGROUND

Metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia are prominent risk factors for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/steatohepatitis (NASH). Dietary rodent models employ high fat, high cholesterol, high fructose, methionine/choline deficient diets or combinations of these to induce NAFLD/NASH. The FATZO mice spontaneously develop the above metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes (T2D) when fed with a normal chow diet. The aim of the present study was to determine if FATZO mice fed a high fat and fructose diet would exacerbate the progression of NAFLD/NASH.

METHODS

Male FATZO mice at the age of 8 weeks were fed with high fat Western diet (D12079B) supplemented with 5% fructose in the drinking water (WDF) for the duration of 20 weeks. The body weight, whole body fat content, serum lipid profiles and liver function markers were examined monthly along with the assessment of liver histology for the development of NASH. In addition, the effects of obeticholic acid (OCA, 30 mg/kg, QD) on improvement of NASH progression in the model were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared to normal control diet (CD), FATZO mice fed with WDF were heavier with higher body fat measured by qNMR, hypercholesterolemia and had progressive elevations in AST (~ 6 fold), ALT (~ 6 fold), liver over body weight (~ 2 fold) and liver triglyceride (TG) content (1.4-2.9 fold). Histological examination displayed evidence of NAFLD/NASH, including hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis in FATZO mice fed WDF. Treatment with OCA for 15 weeks in FATZO mice on WDF significantly alleviated hypercholesterolemia and elevation of AST/ALT, reduced liver weight and liver TG contents, attenuated hepatic ballooning, but did not affect body weight and blood TG levels.

CONCLUSION

WDF fed FATZO mice represent a new model for the study of progressive NAFLD/NASH with concurrent metabolic dysregulation.

Correlation of disease severity with body weight and high fat diet in the FATZO/Pco mouse

Obesity in many current pre-clinical animal models of obesity and diabetes is mediated by monogenic mutations; these are rarely associated with the development of human obesity. A new mouse model, the FATZO mouse, has been developed to provide polygenic obesity and a metabolic pattern of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, that support the presence of insulin resistance similar to metabolic disease in patients with insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes. The FATZO mouse resulted from a cross of C57BL/6J and AKR/J mice followed by selective inbreeding for obesity, increased insulin and hyperglycemia. Since many clinical studies have established a close link between higher body weight and the development of type 2 diabetes, we investigated whether time to progression to type 2 diabetes or disease severity in FATZO mice was dependent on weight gain in young animals. Our results indicate that lighter animals developed metabolic disturbances much slower and to a lesser magnitude than their heavier counterparts. Consumption of a diet containing high fat, accelerated weight gain in parallel with disease progression. A naturally occurring and significant variation in the body weight of FATZO offspring enables these mice to be identified as low, mid and high body weight groups at a young age. These weight groups remain into adulthood and correspond to slow, medium and accelerated development of type 2 diabetes. Thus, body weight inclusion criteria can optimize the FATZO model for studies of prevention, stabilization or treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology of Efegatran (LY294468) : A Novel Antithrombin for the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Efegatran (LY294468), a tripeptide arginal in hibitor of the catalytic site of thrombin, is being devel oped as a parenteral anticoagulant for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Efegatran was studied in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis to determine its ability to prevent thrombus formation and as an ad junctive anticoagulant to thrombolysis, in phase I clinical studies, and phase II clinical studies in unstable angina. In the preclinical in vivo studies in dogs, efegatran pro duced a dose-dependent increase in clotting times and demonstrated a selectivity for thrombin time (TT) changes. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)-TT ratio (that is, based on the dose to double each clotting time) determined in dogs from ex vivo blood samples was 8: 1. This observation was similar to that obtained during the phase I studies in normal volunteers where the APTT-TT ratio was 12:1. The canine and hu man clotting systems responded similarly at doses of efe gatran where comparisons could be made (0.25-1.0 mg/ kg/h). The kinetics of the anticoagulant activity of efega tran in dogs and humans were linear and nonsaturable over the dose ranges studied. Efegatran was also found to be an effective adjunctive anticoagulant during streptoki nase-induced thrombolysis in dogs, preventing reocclu sion without increasing bleeding risk. The novel an tithrombin, efegatran, has demonstrated dose-dependent and safe anticoagulation in animal and human studies. Efegatran is presently undergoing phase II clinical studies in unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction pa tients.

Characterization of the ZDSD Rat: A Translational Model for the Study of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome and T2D produce significant health and economic issues. Many available animal models have monogenic leptin pathway mutations that are absent in the human population. Development of the ZDSD rat model was undertaken to produce a model that expresses polygenic obesity and diabetes with an intact leptin pathway. A lean ZDF rat with the propensity for beta-cell failure was crossed with a polygenetically obese Crl:CD (SD) rat. Offspring were selectively inbred for obesity and diabetes for >30 generations. In the current study, ZDSD rats were followed for 6 months; routine clinical metabolic endpoints were included throughout the study. In the prediabetic metabolic syndrome phase, ZDSD rats exhibited obesity with increased body fat, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and elevated HbA1c. As disease progressed to overt diabetes, ZDSD rats demonstrated elevated glucose levels, abnormal oral glucose tolerance, increases in HbA1c levels, reductions in body weight, increased insulin resistance with decreasing insulin levels, and dyslipidemia. The ZDSD rat develops prediabetic metabolic syndrome and T2D in a manner that mirrors the development of metabolic syndrome and T2D in humans. ZDSD rats will provide a novel, translational animal model for the study of human metabolic diseases and for the development of new therapies.

Fat and water 1H MRI to investigate effects of leptin in obese mice

Leptin is known to be associated with regulation of body weight and fat content. The effects of exogenous leptin on abdominal visceral (VS) and subcutaneous (SC) fat volume and hepatic fat-to-water ratio in leptin-deficient obese mice were investigated by (1)H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Chemical shift-selected fat and water (1)H MRI of control and leptin-treated mice were obtained 1 day before treatment and after 7 days of treatment (0.3 mg/kg/day). Hepatic fat-to-water ratio and VS fat volume decreased significantly with treatment, whereas SC fat volume did not change. Noninvasive measurement of fat and water content in different body regions using MRI should prove useful for evaluating new drugs for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders.

Pharmacological profile of recombinant, human activated protein C (LY203638) in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

The antithrombotic activity of recombinant, human activated protein C (rh-APC, LY203638) was examined in a model of canine coronary artery thrombosis. Three doses of rh-APC (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg/h) were administered intravenously for 2 h. Whole blood clotting times (thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time), ex vivo platelet aggregation, and template bleeding times were determined. Activated partial thromboplastin time significantly increased 2- and 3.7-fold during the 2-h infusion of rh-APC (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg/h, respectively); thrombin time did not change. Intravenous infusions of rh-APC (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg/h) produced significant prolongations to occlusion, 186 +/- 21 and 190 +/- 22 min, respectively, compared with the vehicle and the 0.5 mg/kg/h group (86 +/- 12 and 93 +/- 17 min, respectively). Vessel patency was better at the end of the experiment in the intermediate- and high-dose groups (3 of 6 and 3 of 5 vessels, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg/h, respectively) compared with the vehicle and 0.5 mg/kg/h groups (0/5 and 0/6, respectively). Only the 1.0 mg/kg/h group was found to have significantly elevated template bleeding times, with peak increases seen 60 min into the drug infusion. All groups had returned to baseline values by the end of the study. There was no observed inhibition of platelet aggregation. These data demonstrate that recombinant, human activated protein C is an effective anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent in the dog.

Intravenous administration of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor antagonist 7E3 induces reperfusion of an acute thrombotic occlusion of the canine coronary artery

The ability of the F(ab')2 fragment of the murine monoclonal antibody 7E3 directed against the platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor complex, to cause reperfusion of a totally occluding coronary artery thrombus was examined alone and in combination with aspirin and heparin in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis. A localized thrombus was produced in the left circumflex coronary artery in open-chest dogs by electrolytic injury of the endothelium. Intravenous administration of a single injection of 5.0 mg/kg aspirin and heparin (80 U/kg bolus plus 30 U/kg/hr x 2 hr) maintained vessel patency for approximately 101 +/- 15 minutes. After vessels had been completely occluded for 5 minutes (in the presence of aspirin + heparin), a single intravenous injection of saline (10 ml) or 0.8 mg/kg 7E3 was administered. Reperfusion was observed in all dogs (6 of 6) receiving 7E3; 4 of 6 dogs maintained vessel patency throughout the course of the 2 hour observation period. Activated partial thromboplastin and thrombin times were elevated 1.4 and 9 fold, respectively, in groups that received heparin. Template bleeding times were significantly elevated in the groups receiving 7E3. In the control group, 2 of 5 dogs reperfused briefly, however neither were patent at the end of the observation period. A third group of 4 dogs which did not receive the aspirin + heparin regimen was allowed to occlude and 5 minutes later received a single intravenous injection of 0.8 mg/kg 7E3. None of the 4 dogs in this group reperfused at any time during the study. There were no significant differences between groups in regards to hematological or hemodynamic measurements during the experiment. We concluded from these findings that the monoclonal antibody, 7E3 can promote the dissolution of friable coronary artery thrombi that evolve during standard anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy.

Antithrombotic assessment of the effects of combination therapy with the anticoagulants efegatran and heparin and the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa platelet receptor antagonist 7E3 in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data regarding the antithrombotic pharmacology of the drug-drug interactions between the newer anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. In this investigation, we have studied the antithrombotic effects of combinations of minimum effective doses of the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor antagonist 7E3 [murine F(ab')2] with both heparin and the novel tripeptide arginal antithrombin efegatran (LY294468) in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thrombogenesis was initiated by electrolytic injury of the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery. The groups studied were efegatran (0.25 mg . kg-1. h-1), heparin (80 U/kg, single injection, plus 30 U . kg-1. h-1), 7E3 (0.4 mg/kg, single injection), 7E3+efegatran, and 7E3+heparin. The combination of 7E3+efegatran was found to maintain better vessel patency (P < .05) at the end of the experiment (4 of 5 vessels) than all other groups (0 of 5, 0 of 4, 1 of 6, 2 of 7, and 1 of 6 for the vehicle-, heparin-, 7E3-, efegatran-, and 7E3+heparin-treated groups, respectively). Bleeding times were increased (P < .05) in both the 7E3+heparin group (fourfold) and the 7E3+efegatran group (threefold). 7E3 alone and both combination treatments produced significant reductions in ADP, arachidonic acid, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, whereas efegatran and heparin abolished only thrombin-induced aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation demonstrates that combination therapy with minimum effective doses of 7E3+efegatran provided enhanced antithrombotic efficacy compared with 7E3+heparin in this model of thrombosis.

A family of arginal thrombin inhibitors related to efegatran

Three new tripeptide arginal thrombin inhibitors were shown to have potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity: D-MePhg-Pro-Arg-H (LY287045), D-1-Tiq-Pro-Arg-H (LY294291), and D-MePhe-Pro-Arg-H (Efegatran). Efegatran and the related arginals differ mechanistically from old and from new anticoagulant agents. As illustrated with x-ray diffraction analysis of crystals of the LY294291 complex with human thrombin, the family of arginals binds thrombin with the P3, P2, and P1 residues interacting with the putative S3, S2, and S1 fibrinogen-binding sites. A hemi-acetal bond at Ser 195 was shown to contribute to the tight-binding reversible competitive thrombin inhibition properties observed with the arginal family. Tight-binding Kass values from thrombin inhibition studies correlated with thrombin clottin inhibition potency. The thrombin time (TT) assay was prolonged twofold with 33 nM Efegatran, which demonstrated an apparent Kass value of 0.8 x 10(8) L/mol (for comparison, 17 nM hirudin was required to prolong the TT assay two-fold). There are empirical anticoagulant selectivity differences between Efegatran and hirudin, manifested by large activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)/TT effect ratios (30 to 55) found with the arginals, as compared to the small aPTT/TT effect ratio (2 to 3) found with hirudin. The underlying anticoagulant mechanism differences between the arginals and hirudin appear to be confined to the aPTT pathway and, therefore, might involve different effects toward thrombin feedback activation of factor VIII. The arginals did not substantially inhibit other coagulation factor serine proteases. Antithrombotic effects of Efegatran and the arginal family occur at low infusion doses in dogs and appear to correlate with effects on TT without requiring perturbation of the aPTT. Selectivity properties regarding the fibrinolytic enzymes were shown to be important for successful use of the arginals in vivo as adjunctive agents during tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) thrombolysis. The data suggest that LY287045, LY294291, and Efegatran should be expected to be useful as antithrombotic adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy with t-PA, urokinase, or streptokinase and should be expected to spare endogenous fibrinolysis. Efegatran has been evaluated in phase I clinical studies and is currently under clinical investigation in phase II protocols as a new cardiovascular anticoagulant.

Reversible tripeptide thrombin inhibitors as adjunctive agents to coronary thrombolysis: a comparison with heparin in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

Direct inhibition of thrombin with agents such as hirudin and argatroban reduces reocclusion rates during experimental coronary thrombolysis. We compared the adjunctive potential of the tripeptide thrombin inhibitor D-methyl-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginal (LY294468) during thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) with the less specific tripeptide thrombin inhibitor Boc-D-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginal (LY178207) and the standard anticoagulant heparin. The left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was isolated proximal to the first main branch, and coronary blood flow (CBF) was measured in 26 anesthetized dogs. Thrombogenesis was initiated by electrolytic injury of the intimal surface of the artery, producing an occlusive thrombus. Thrombolytic/adjunctive therapy was started 1 h later in the following groups: (a) t-PA alone (0.9 mg/kg, 1-h infusion), (b) t-PA + LY294468 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg/h, 2-h infusion), (c) t-PA + LY178207 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg/h, 2-h infusion), and (d) t-PA + heparin (80 U/kg bolus + 30 U/kg/h, 2-h infusion). LY294468 provided antireocclusive efficacy (time to reocclusion = > 200 min as compared with 65 min for t-PA alone; six of nine patent vessels vs. zero of six, respectively, at the end of the experiment), with no bleeding liability during t-PA-induced thrombolysis. Heparin and LY178207 were ineffective adjunctive agents. Heparin, however, significantly increased template bleeding times. LY294468 was effective as an adjunctive agent during thrombolysis and may represent a safer (less bleeding) and more effective adjunctive agent than heparin.

Pharmacological assessment of the antithrombotic activity of the peptide thrombin inhibitor, D-methyl-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginal (GYKI-14766), in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

The antithrombotic activity of the tripeptide thrombin inhibitor, D-methyl-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginal (GYKI-14766), was compared to heparin in a model of canine coronary artery thrombosis. Thrombogenesis was initiated by electrolytic injury of the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery. Drug administration was started 15 min before initiation of intimal injury. Clotting times and ex vivo platelet aggregation were determined on citrated blood samples. Gingival template bleeding times were determined. Clotting times (thrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time, APTT; prothrombin time, PT) increased in a dose-dependent manner with both anticoagulants. The two anticoagulants selectively inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. GYKI-14766 and heparin were found to delay thrombosis significantly when compared to vehicle-treated animals; minimum effective antithrombotic doses were 0.25 mg/kg/h and 80 U/kg + 30 U/kg/h, respectively. GYKI-14766 (0.25 mg/kg/h) had no effect on template bleeding time, APTT or PT. Heparin (80 U/kg + 30 U/kg/h), however, was associated with a 2.5- to 3.0-min increase in template bleeding time, a 1.8-fold and 1.7-fold increase in APTT and PT, respectively. Antithrombotic efficacy was achieved at doses of GYKI-14766 that did not affect APTT, PT or template bleeding time, whereas antithrombotic efficacy observed with heparin was associated with significant increases in APTT, PT and template bleeding time. These data demonstrate that the tripeptide thrombin inhibitor, GYKI-14766, could potentially prove to be a safer and more effective antithrombotic agent than heparin.

Comparison of the thrombolytic activity of the novel plasminogen activator, LY210825, to anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex in a canine model of coronary artery thrombolysis

We have compared the thrombolytic efficacy of a novel single-chain, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator variant, LY210825, containing the second kringle and serine protease domains of native tissue-type plasminogen activator, with anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex (APSAC). Male hounds (16-22 kg) were anesthetized, the left circumflex coronary artery was isolated and an electromagnetic flow probe was placed around the artery proximal to the first main branch for the measurement of coronary blood flow. An occlusive thrombus was formed after electrolytic injury of the intima of the coronary artery. After an occlusion period of 1 hr, either LY210825 (n = 8) or APSAC (n = 6) was administered as a single i.v. injection of 0.45 mg/kg. Blood was drawn (3.8% citrate) for determination of plasma fibrinogen, plasminogen and alpha-2 antiplasmin. Time to reperfusion was significantly faster with LY210825 than with APSAC, 20 +/- 2 vs. 54 +/- 8 min, respectively. The incidence of reocclusion was similar for both agents. APSAC produced significant depletion of alpha-2 antiplasmin, plasminogen and circulating fibrinogen, whereas LY210825 caused only slight consumption of plasminogen and only small decreases in fibrinogen. After a single injection of LY210825, thrombolytic concentrations of plasminogen activator were available immediately, whereas there was a significant delay in lytic concentrations of active streptokinase-plasmin complex. Consequently, LY210825 reperfused the coronary artery faster than did APSAC. In addition, LY210825 spared plasma fibrinogen, plasminogen and alpha-2 antiplasmin and therefore, could potentially minimize the risk of bleeding complications.

Thrombolytic activity of a novel plasminogen activator, LY210825, compared with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

LY210825, a recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), which contains the kringle-2 and serine protease functional domains of native tissue-type plasminogen activator, was previously produced by site-directed mutagenesis in a Syrian hamster cell line. We studied the thrombolytic potential of this molecule in a canine thrombosis model. Male hounds (16-22 kg) were anesthetized; a 2.0-cm segment of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was isolated proximal to the first main branch, and the dogs were instrumented with an electromagnetic flow probe to measure coronary blood flow. An occlusive thrombus was formed after injury of the intimal surface of the LCX with an electrical current applied by a needle-tipped anode placed distal to the electromagnetic flow probe. After 1 hour of occlusion, either LY210825 or rt-PA was administered intravenously according to the following protocols: 1) a 1-hour infusion of either 0.25 mg/kg LY210825 or 0.4 mg/kg rt-PA, 2) single injections of 0.15-0.6 mg/kg LY210825, and 3) a single injection of 0.45 mg/kg LY210825 and a 3-hour infusion of 1.0 or 1.7 mg/kg rt-PA. Plasma half-lives of LY210825 and rt-PA were 58 +/- 7 and 3.3 +/- 0.3 minutes, respectively. LY210825 produced more rapid reperfusion of the LCX than did rt-PA. In the third study, 90% of the rt-PA-treated vessels reoccluded within 1 hour after cessation of drug, whereas only 25% of the LY210825-treated vessels reoccluded during a 4-hour washout period. There were significant, but relatively small, reductions produced by both plasminogen activators on plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen (25-35% decreases). Because of its longer plasma half-life, LY210825 could be administered intravenously as a single injection. In a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis, LY210825 was a more effective thrombolytic agent than was rt-PA.

Utility of the Wang 18-gauge transbronchial histology needle in the staging of bronchogenic carcinoma

Use of the Wang 18-gauge histology needle in TBNA was employed as a staging procedure in 29 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and mediastinal adenopathy demonstrated on chest CT. Twenty patients had malignant aspirates; 12 had both histologic and cytologic specimens demonstrating malignancy; six patients had malignant histologic specimens; two had cancerous cytologic specimens as their only evidence of mediastinal disease. Of the nine negative aspirates, four were true negative at surgery. Five patients had false-negative aspirates. Overall sensitivity of the Wang 18-gauge histology needle in the mediastinal staging of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma was 80 percent. When patients with small cell carcinoma were excluded, sensitivity was 82 percent. The enhanced yield of the 18-gauge histology needle warrants its use in mediastinal staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. We conclude that all patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and mediastinal adenopathy demonstrated on chest CT accessible via TBNA should undergo histology needle aspiration as an initial staging procedure.

Preoperative pulmonary evaluation

Factors related to risk of perioperative pulmonary complications include site of incision, obstructive lung disease, prolonged anesthesia time, smoking history with productive cough, and obesity. Hypercapnia is a consistent indicator of high risk. There is no difference between spinal and general anesthesia with regard to risk of pulmonary complications. In patients being evaluated for lung resection, high-risk indicators include predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second of less than 1000 mL, hypercapnia, severe dyspnea on exertion, or advanced age when it is associated with advanced cardiopulmonary disease. Newer methods of assessing cardiopulmonary reserve may prove useful in identifying which patients with one or more of these risk factors are suitable operative candidates. Prevention of postoperative complications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients should begin in the preoperative period with discontinuation of smoking at least eight weeks before surgery and vigorous pulmonary toilet in the 48 to 72 hours before surgery. Prophylactic lung expansion maneuvers can be effective in decreasing the incidence of postoperative atelectasis in high-risk patients undergoing high-risk operations.

Protection of myocardial function and coronary vasculature by streptokinase

Coronary artery reperfusion established by thrombolytic agents early in the evolution of an acute myocardial infarction is known to result in the salvage of otherwise jeopardized heart muscle. Recently, experimental evidence has suggested that reactive products of oxygen are formed as a result of reperfusion and can increase the amount of myocardial tissue that becomes irreversibly damaged. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the thrombolytic agent, streptokinase, could serve to scavenge reactive species of oxygen, thereby protecting the myocardium by a mechanism independent of its ability to lyse an occlusive thrombus. Rabbit isolated hearts were perfused at a constant rate with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (25 ml/min, 31 degrees C, pH 7.4) using a modified Langendorff method. Changes in the permeability of the coronary vascular bed were determined with 125I-labeled albumin added to the perfusion buffer. An intraventricular fluid-filled latex balloon connected to a pressure transducer maintained the left ventricle in an isovolumic state and was used to detect changes in myocardial contractility throughout the study protocol. Electrolysis of the oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit perfusion buffer with a 20 mA direct current for 2 min, delivered with a stainless-steel anode (proximal) and a platinum cathode (distal), resulted in the generation of reactive products of oxygen. Perfusion of the isolated heart with buffer containing the products of electrolysis resulted in an increase in mean coronary artery perfusion pressure, from 48 +/- 3 to 121 +/- 6 mm Hg [mean +/- SEM (n = 17)], and an increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, from 10 +/- 1 to 54 +/- 6 mm Hg. The addition of streptokinase (150 U/ml) or heparin (20 U/ml) to the perfusion medium attenuated the observed increase in coronary artery perfusion pressure from 42 +/- 3 to 73 +/- 9 mm Hg (n = 9) or from 43 +/- 2 to 98 +/- 9 mm Hg (n = 9), respectively. In addition, streptokinase prevented the increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (11 +/- 1 to 36 +/- 5 mm Hg, n = 9) and preserved left ventricular function as determined by the pressure-volume relationship. Myocardial accumulation of 125I-labeled albumin after exposure of the heart to the reactive products of oxygen was attenuated by the addition of streptokinase or heparin to the buffer solution. The data suggest that streptokinase and, to a lesser extent, heparin may preserve myocardial and coronary vascular function by scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Coronary artery vasodilation in the canine: physiological and pharmacological roles of beta-adrenergic receptors

The role of beta 1- and beta 2-receptors as modulators of coronary artery vasodilation was studied in the anesthetized dog. The left circumflex coronary artery was cannulated and perfused under constant pressure with blood drawn from the right femoral artery. Coronary blood flow myocardial contractile force were measured with a cannulating electromagnetic flow probe and Walton-Brodie strain gauges, respectively. The left stellate ganglion was isolated distally, and the postganglionic nerves were stimulated with a bipolar electrode. Coronary artery blood flow and regional myocardial contractile force increased in response to stellate nerve stimulation and to the intracoronary administration of norepinephrine (NE), isoproterenol (ISO), and zinterol (ZIN) before selective beta 1-adrenergic receptor blockade with celiprolol (0.3 mg/kg intravenously, i.v.). The administration of celiprolol inhibited the positive inotropic response to both stellate stimulation and to the intracoronary administration of the selected beta-adrenergic receptor agonists. The increase in coronary artery blood flow observed in response to stellate stimulation or to the intracoronary administration of NE was converted to a decrease in flow in the presence of celiprolol. In contrast, however, the intracoronary administration of ISO or ZIN continued to cause coronary vasodilation despite the presence of beta 1-selective adrenergic receptor blockade with celiprolol. Addition of propranolol (1.0 mg/kg i.v.) in the presence of celiprolol completely inhibited the increase in coronary blood flow in response to ISO and ZIN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of the formed elements of blood with the coronary vasculature in vivo

Considerable attention is being given to the interactions that occur among blood platelets, neutrophils, and the vascular endothelium. There is an increasing awareness that the various blood elements interact in the process of thrombus formation and vascular occlusion. In addition, interactions among these cells can lead to the formation and release of vasoactive substances that have the potential to modulate regional blood flow. This review focuses on the coronary vascular bed and an assessment of how cell-cell interactions, under normal physiological conditions as well as in the presence of myocardial injury, may lead to alterations in coronary vascular resistance and myocardial function. Should related events be operative in human clinical states of disease, the circulating elements of the blood may serve as targets in the development of therapeutic interventions to regulate myocardial blood flow.

O2 free radical-mediated myocardial and vascular dysfunction

In the present investigation electrolysis of a physiological buffer solution for 2 min with a constant current (20 mA, DC stainless steel anode) was observed to generate free radicals, determined by a luminol assay. Rabbit isolated hearts perfused with physiological buffer subjected to electrolysis were observed to undergo an increase in coronary artery perfusion pressure (PP) and in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), 80 +/- 4 and 52 +/- 7 mmHg, respectively. Immediately after electrolysis of the physiological buffer, the hearts were observed to accumulate and retain (8-fold) more 125I-labeled albumin than hearts perfused with normal buffer without electrolysis, indicating an increased vascular permeability. The free radical scavengers, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and catalase (CAT), provided significant protection of the hearts against the changes in PP, LVEDP, and vascular permeability. This study demonstrates that toxic oxygen species generated independently of circulating blood elements or enzymatic reactions can have a direct effect on the vasculature of an isolated heart leading to alterations in cardiac function. The protection afforded by the addition of DMSO or CAT to the perfusion system would suggest that the OH. radical and H2O2 were the reactive oxygen species involved in producing the observed vascular and cardiac effects.

Electrolysis-induced myocardial dysfunction. A novel method for the study of free radical mediated tissue injury

Oxygen-derived free radicals and other oxidizing species are thought to be involved in inflammation and ischemic tissue injuries. Recently, oxygen-derived free radicals also have been implicated in tissue injury of the myocardium subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if electrolysis of a physiological buffer would serve as a source of free radicals, and if these radicals would lead to alterations in myocardial function. Isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts perfused with buffer subjected to a 20 mA D.C. current for 2 min demonstrated significant increases in coronary perfusion pressure (37 +/- 6 mmHg), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (41 +/- 7 mmHg), and loss in left ventricular developed pressure (35 +/- 5%). The free radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase and a combination of tryptophan plus glycine, were effective in protecting the hearts from the effects of electrolysis. The presence of free radicals was semiquantitated with a radical-luminol chemiluminescent assay. In this assay a variety of radical scavengers and antioxidants were effective (i.e., dimethyl sulfoxide, nitro blue tetrazolium, ascorbate, superoxide dismutase, 1, 3-diphenylisobenzofuran, and glycine, catalase), whereas mannitol and tryptophan were not effective. The data indicate that electrolysis of a physiological buffer produces a milieu containing several reactive oxygen species or free radicals that have the potential to produce alterations in a biological system. This method has the advantage over existing protocols for the generation of radicals in that it is a blood-free and an enzyme-free system.

Platelet-activating factor and the release of a platelet-derived coronary artery vasodilator substance in the canine

Platelet-activating factor (acetyl-glyceryl-ether-phosphorylcholine; 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine), which is released by stimulated neutrophils and platelets, possesses the ability to alter vascular tone and permeability and to activate various formed blood elements. We have characterized the hemodynamic effects of intracoronary injections of platelet-activating factor and the influences of pharmacological blockade and platelet depletion on its activity. Intracoronary injections of platelet-activating factor produced maximum increases in left circumflex coronary artery blood flow of 55 +/- 8, 52 +/- 8, and 52 +/- 7 ml/min at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 nM, respectively. Only modest changes in systemic arterial blood pressure and regional developed isometric contractile force were associated with the intracoronary artery administration of platelet-activating factor over the range of doses studied. The increase in left circumflex coronary artery blood flow in response to platelet-activating factor was attenuated (44%), but not prevented, by pretreatment with diphenhydramine, (4 mg/kg, iv), and was not affected by pretreatment with aspirin (20 mg/kg, iv) or the systemic administration of the serotonin receptor antagonist, methysergide. The coronary vasodilator response to platelet-activating factor was reduced significantly by the induction of thrombocytopenia (95 +/- 3% platelet depletion) through the administration of sheep-derived canine platelet antiserum. The intracoronary artery injection of platelet-rich plasma activated with platelet-activating factor into thrombocytopenic dogs produced a significantly greater increase in coronary artery blood flow than the injection of either non-activated platelet-rich plasma or platelet-depleted plasma to which platelet-activating factor was added. Similar changes in coronary artery blood flow could be obtained with the intracoronary artery injection of cell-free supernates from washed platelets activated with platelet-activating factor. The observed results suggest that circulating platelets, when exposed to platelet-activating factor, can release a coronary dilator substance, and that the coronary artery dilation is not prevented by pharmacological receptor antagonists for histamine, serotonin, or inhibitors of cyclooxygenase.

Alterations in alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation of isolated atria from experimental diabetic rats

This purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of experimental diabetes (3 months) on the responsiveness of rat isolated atria to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine. Diabetes was chemically induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.v.) in 42- to 43-day-old, nonfasted male Sprague-Dawley derived rats. Chronotropic (right atria) and inotropic (left atria) indices were recorded in response to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine. These experiments were performed in the presence of beta-adrenoceptor antagonism (timolol). Isolated right atria from diabetic rats demonstrated a greater increase in heart rate in response to phenylephrine than did corresponding control atria. Left atria were supersensitive (decrease in EC50 values) and hyperresponsive to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine when compared with stimulation of control left atria. Diabetic left atria in response to phenylephrine were observed to exchange more radioactive calcium (45Ca2+) than control left atria, whereas both diabetic and control left atria exchanged the same amount of 45Ca2+ during basal contractile conditions. Phenylephrine had no effect on 45Ca2+ efflux from either diabetic or control atria. These results indicate that 3 months of uncontrolled experimental diabetes in the rat produces an enhancement of alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation of isolated atria, and that there is an alteration in Ca2+ mobilization which may contribute to the enhanced receptor activation.

A functional and ultrastructural analysis of experimental diabetic rat myocardium. Manifestation of a cardiomyopathy

The effects of experimental diabetes on cardiac function and ultrastructure were studied in rats that had been diabetic for 6-24 wk. Experimental diabetes was produced by the intravenous (i.v.) injection of 65 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) into rats 42-43 days old. Diabetic rat hearts perfused at 15 cm H2O on the working heart apparatus demonstrated depressed cardiac function (i.e., lower left ventricular pressure and +/- dP/dt) at 6, 12, and 24 wk of diabetes. Electron microscopic analysis of ventricular myocardium revealed increased lipid deposition from 6 to 24 wk of diabetes and progressive deterioration of the myocardial cell integrity at 12 and 24 wk of diabetes. This deterioration was characterized by loss of contractile protein, vacuolization (swollen sarcoplasmic reticulum), myelin formations, myocytolysis, and contracture bands. These alterations paralleled the depression of cardiac function at 12 and 24 wk of diabetes. There was, however, depressed function at 6 wk of diabetes but no observable alterations in myocardial ultrastructure. Therefore, experimental diabetes produced ultrastructural alterations in the rat heart that manifested themselves only after a demonstrable depression in cardiac function.

Role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with hemoptysis and a normal chest roentgenogram

We reviewed the charts of 48 consecutive patients who had fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed in the evaluation of hemoptysis with a normal chest roentgenogram. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy provided a diagnosis other than endobronchial inflammation in only four patients--benign fibromuscular polyp in one patient, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 patient, and carcinoma in two others. A literature review revealed an overall 3 percent incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis and normal findings on chest roentgenogram. Other than abnormal findings on chest roentgenogram, risk factors for carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis include: (1) age greater than 40; (2) significant smoking history; and (3) duration of hemoptysis for longer than one week. We concluded that in patients with hemoptysis and normal chest x-ray film findings, routine fiberoptic bronchoscopy may not always be indicated to rule out malignancy.

Effects of bepridil on regional and global myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury

The effectiveness of the calcium entry blocker bepridil in protecting the myocardium from ischemic injury, was assessed in a canine model of regional ischemia and in a feline model of global ischemia. Bepridil administration (5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg/24 h intravenously) did not reduce ultimate infarct size as assessed in anesthetized, open-chest dogs subjected to 90 min of occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery and 24 h of reperfusion. Bepridil (5 mg/kg administered intravenously to a blood donor cat) did not provide any protection of the isolated blood-perfused cat heart from 90 min of normothermic global ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion. Treatment of the perfused cat heart with bepridil did not prevent tissue accumulation of calcium or loss of tissue potassium and ATP. Bepridil, however, significantly reduced reperfusion tachyarrhythmias in the dog model for assessing ultimate infarct size and prevented reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation of the cat isolated heart. These results indicate that the calcium entry blocker, bepridil, as assessed in the models employed, does not protect the myocardium from ischemic reperfusion injury. However, it does prevent reperfusion-induced tachyarrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation.

Influence of short-term experimental diabetes on blood pressure and heart rate in response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II in the conscious rat

Hypertension, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy account for 80% of all diabetic deaths. A paucity of data exists concerning reactivity of the diabetic vasculature to vasopressor substances. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of short-term (4-5 weeks) diabetes on the responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to vasopressor substances in the intact conscious rat. Diabetes was chemically induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.v.) in 42-43-days-old, nonfasted, male Sprague-Dawley--derived rats. Direct blood pressure and heart rate were recorded, and responses to the vasopressor agonists norepinephrine and angiotensin II were obtained. Short-term diabetic rats were hypotensive and had lower heart rates when compared with control rats. Blood pressure responses to norepinephrine and angiotensin II were depressed in the short-term diabetic rat; however, the baroreceptor reflexes in these rats were more sensitive to increases in blood pressure. Therefore, it appears that there is some type of nonspecific alteration in the responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to the vasopressor agonists in the short-term diabetic rat.

Supersensitivity of isolated mesenteric arteries to noradrenaline in the long-term experimental diabetic rat

1 In the present investigation, noradrenaline-induced vascular contractions in isolated rat mesenteric arteries were studied in short and long-term experimental diabetic rats. The diabetic state was induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.v.). 2 Long-term diabetic rats were hypertensive when compared to age-matched control rats. In contrast, short-term diabetic rats appeared to be hypotensive when compared to age-matched control rats. 3 Long-term diabetic mesenteric arteries were supersensitive to noradrenaline and developed more contractile force in response to noradrenaline when compared to age-matched control mesenteric arteries. beta-adrenoreceptor antagonism had no effect on the sensitivity of the mesenteric arteries (diabetic and control) for noradrenaline, however, there was an increase in the contractile force developed by these tissues in response to noradrenaline during beta-adrenoreceptor antagonism. 4 alpha-Adrenoreceptor antagonism produced a decrease in the sensitivity of both long-term diabetic and corresponding age-matched control mesenteric arteries. alpha-Adrenoreceptor antagonism had no effect on contractile force developed by long-term mesenteric arteries (diabetic and control) in response to noradrenaline. 5 The present data indicate that long-term experimental diabetes produces a supersensitivity of rat mesenteric arteries to noradrenaline. This phenomenon is dependent upon the duration of the diabetic state. Supersensitivity of the mesenteric arteries to noradrenaline may indicate an increased arterial vascular resistance which may contribute to the observed hypertension.

Increased risk of group B streptococcal disease in twins

Infants who are the product of multiple births comprise a newly defined group of patients at increased risk for the development of invasive, group B streptococcal infection. This report summarizes the clinical and bacteriological features of 11 sets of twins and one set of triplets in which one (nine sets) or more (three sets) infants had proved early- or late-onset group B streptococcal infection. Reasons for the enhanced susceptability of index patients and their siblings are discussed. On the basis of these observations, an emperical approach is proposed for the treatment of the apparently noninvolved sibling of a twin with invasive group B streptococcal infection.

Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis in the evaluation of infants with group B streptococcal disease

Admission specimens of CSF, serum, and urine from 67 patients with proved group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteremia and/or meningitis were evaluated by countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). Group B and type-specific antigens were detected in 81% of CSF, 63% of serum, and 96% of concentrated urine specimens by CIE. Each of 26 infants with meningitis from whom all three body fluids were available and ten with bacteremia from whom both serum and urine were collected at admission had GBS antigens detected by CIE in at least one specimen. No false positive reactions were observed. Among patients with type III, GBS meningeal infection, fatal outcome or neurologic sequelae were significantly correlated with concentration of type III antigen in admission CSF and duration of antigenuria when compared to normal survivors (P = less than .05, Mann-Whitney U tests). CIE appears to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool for infants with GBS infection if admission specimens from more than one source are examined and appropriately high-titered antisera are employed for testing.

Influence of age on norepinephrine-induced vascular contractions as a function of extracellular calcium

Age has been shown to produce various morphological and biochemical changes within the vasculature as well as changes in the responsiveness of the vasculature to various drugs. In the present study, the influences of age and extracellular calcium on norephinephrine-induced aortic contractions in male rats were examined. The aging process resulted in a decrease in sensitivity and responsiveness of rat aorta to norepinephrine-induced contractions. The progressive decrease in maximum contractile force (mg force/mg tissue) in response to norepinephrine as the result of aging occurred in all the different extracellular calcium concentrations used. In addition, the EC50 for norepinephrine in aortae from younger animals was directly related to the extracellular calcium concentration. As the animals, however, became progressively older (49-63 weeks) the aortic tissues became less sensitive and the calculated EC50 for norepinephrine was not altered by changes in the extracellular calcium concentration.

Influence of dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) on vascular smooth muscle

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the action of dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) on vascular smooth muscle. The rabbit isolated aortic strip preparation was used. In the present study, Me2SO-induced relaxation of isolated rabbit aorta was demonstrated. The degree of relaxation induced by Me2SO was concentration dependent. In the presence of Me2SO the action of norepinephrine, histamine, carbachol and potassium was significantly (P less than .05) antagonized. The control ED50 values were 5.36 + 0.50 + 10(-8) M, 3.38 +/- 0.74 X 10(-6) M, 1.40 +/- 0.82 X 10(-6) M and 2.43 +/- 0.19 x 10(-2) M, respectively. In the presence of Me2SO the ED50 values were 2.23 +/- 0.23 x 10(-6) M, 1.80 +/- 0.40 X 10(-5) M, 1.00 +/- 0.38 X 10(-4) and 4.21 +/- 0.07 x 10(-2) M, respectively. The maximum response of the tissue to the various vasoactive agents was significantly depressed in the presence of Me2SO. When Me2SO was present in the efflux medium, the amount of 45Ca2+ washed out of aortic strips was significantly (P less than .05) reduced when compared to control. The 45Ca2+ efflux studies supported the hypothesis that Me2SO-induced relaxation could possibly result from enhanced binding of activator Ca2+ to high affinity Ca2+ sites.