Hippocampal Deformations and Entorhinal Cortex Atrophy as an Anatomical Signature of Long-Term Cognitive Impairment: from the MCAO Rat Model to the Stroke Patient

Stroke patients have an elevated risk of developing long-term cognitive disorders or dementia. The latter is often associated with atrophy of the medial temporal lobe. However, it is not clear whether hippocampal and entorhinal cortex atrophy is the sole predictor of long-term post-stroke dementia. We hypothesized that hippocampal deformation (rather than atrophy) is a predictive marker of long-term post-stroke dementia on a rat model and tested this hypothesis in a prospective cohort of stroke patients.Male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and assessed 6 months later. Ninety initially dementia-free patients having suffered a first-ever ischemic stroke were prospectively included in a clinical study. In the rat model, significant impairments in hippocampus-dependent memories were observed. MRI studies did not reveal significant atrophy of the hippocampus volume, but significant deformations were indeed observed-particularly on the ipsilateral side. There, the neuronal surface area was significantly lower in ischemic rats and was associated with a lower tissue density and a markedly thinner entorhinal cortex. At 6 months post-stroke, 49 of the 90 patients displayed cognitive impairment (males 55.10%). Shape analysis revealed marked deformations of their left hippocampus, a significantly lower entorhinal cortex surface area, and a wider rhinal sulcus but no hippocampal atrophy. Hence, hippocampal deformations and entorhinal cortex atrophy were associated with long-term impaired cognitive abilities in a stroke rat model and in stroke patients. When combined with existing biomarkers, these markers might constitute sensitive new tools for the early prediction of post-stroke dementia.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Modulation of the Proliferative Response of Murine Peyer's Patch Lymphocytes by Different Peptides: CCK-8, CGRP, CCK-PZ and VIP. Preliminary Results

There is evidence of an innervation of the mucosal immune system by peptidergic fibers. The modulation of the mitogenic response of the murine Peyer's patch lymphocytes by several peptides present in the gastrointestinal tract, namely, the carboxy-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8), the entire molecule cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ), the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), was studied. The proliferative response of the T lymphocytes induced by 2.5 μg/ml concanavaline A (Con A) was dose dependently inhibited by CGRP and VIP, with a maximal inhibition of 40% and 55% with 10−7 M CGRP and VIP, respectively. On the contrary, CCK-PZ exerted a significant stimulatory effect, 48% increase in thymidine incorporation being observed with 62.5 mU/ml (Crick units) CCK-PZ. CCK-8 was found to have no effect on the T cell proliferation. None of the peptides tested were able to modify the mitogenic response of Peyer's patch B lymphocytes induced by 20 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS), except for CCK-PZ which induced a significant inhibition of the mitogenesis with a maximal effect of 45% inhibition at 500 mU/ml. These preliminary results show that CGRP, VIP and CCK-PZ can affect the murine Peyer's patch T and B lymphocyte response and suggest that they could be implicated in the modulation of the local immune response in the intestine.

Stobadine-induced hastening of sensorimotor recovery after focal ischemia/reperfusion is associated with cerebrovascular protection

In a model of 1 hour-intraluminal occlusion of rat middle cerebral artery (MCA), we investigated the spontaneous recovery of vascular functions and functional deficit together with ischemia volume evolution at 24 h, 3 days and 7 days of reperfusion. Infarct cerebral volumes and edema were quantified with histological methods. Endothelium-dependent and smooth muscle potassium inward rectifier current (Kir2.x)-dependent relaxing responses of MCA were tested using Halpern arteriograph and Kir2.x current density evaluated on MCA myocytes with whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Sensorimotor recovery was estimated according to performances obtained with adhesive removal test and prehensile traction test. A time-dependent improvement of smooth muscle K(+)-dependent vasorelaxation and Kir2.x current density is observed at 7 days of reperfusion while endothelium-dependent relaxation is still impaired. In parallel a significant reduction of functional deficit is observed at 7 days of reperfusion together with a time-matched reduction of striatal infarct and edema volumes. Administration of an antioxidant agent, stobadine, at time of reperfusion and 5 h later allowed: (i) a neuroprotective effect with a significant reduction of infarct size compared to vehicle-treated rats; (ii) a prevention of endothelial-dependent relaxation and Kir2.x current density reductions of MCA ipsilateral to occlusion; (iii) a hastening of the functional recovery. The beneficial effect of stobadine underlines a link between vascular protection, neuronal protection and sensorimotor recovery that could become a promising pharmacological target in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Neurogliovascular unit after cerebral ischemia: is the vascular wall a pharmacological target

Ischemic stroke induces drastic alterations of the functions of the neurogliovascular unit with dramatic consequences on the well-being of the patients in terms of cognitive and motor handicap. Nowadays, only very few therapeutics are available as a treatment of ischemic stroke. Ischemia is a multifactorial pathology involving different cerebral cellular components such as neurons, astrocytes and vessels working as a functional unit. Recent experimental strategy investigation involving different agents with antioxidant properties (dt-BC, stobadine) or pleiotropic effects (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) has been developed to evaluate whether the vascular wall could be considered as a potential target in neuroprotection concept.

PPAR: a new pharmacological target for neuroprotection in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases

PPARs (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors) are ligand-activated transcriptional factor receptors belonging to the so-called nuclear receptor family. The three isoforms of PPAR (alpha, beta/delta and gamma) are involved in regulation of lipid or glucose metabolism. Beyond metabolic effects, PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation also induces anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in different organs. These pleiotropic effects explain why PPARalpha or PPARgamma activation has been tested as a neuroprotective agent in cerebral ischaemia. Fibrates and other non-fibrate PPARalpha activators as well as thiazolidinediones and other non-thiazolidinedione PPARgamma agonists have been demonstrated to induce both preventive and acute neuroprotection. This neuroprotective effect involves both cerebral and vascular mechanisms. PPAR activation induces a decrease in neuronal death by prevention of oxidative or inflammatory mechanisms implicated in cerebral injury. PPARalpha activation induces also a vascular protection as demonstrated by prevention of post-ischaemic endothelial dysfunction. These vascular effects result from a decrease in oxidative stress and prevention of adhesion proteins, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 or intercellular cell-adhesion molecule 1. Moreover, PPAR activation might be able to induce neurorepair and endothelium regeneration. Beyond neuroprotection in cerebral ischaemia, PPARs are also pertinent pharmacological targets to induce neuroprotection in chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

"Use-dependent" effects of cisapride on postrest action potentials in rabbit ventricular myocardium

Repercussions of cisapride-induced blocking effects on repolarisation of K(+) channels in open and inactivated states investigated in rabbit ventricular myocardium during rest and under stimulation were compared with effects of K(+)-blocking drugs (4-aminopyridine, dofetilide, terikalant). Major lengthening in the first postrest action potential indicates affinity for closed channels. Gradual lengthening during stimulation implies affinity for open channels. Four (control, add-in, steady-state, washout) 20-min rest periods were alternated with regular stimulation (0.5 Hz). Each drug was added during add-in and steady-state periods. Similarly to dofetilide (10 nM) and terikalant (0.3 microM), cisapride (1 microM) increasingly lengthened action potentials during stimulation, whereas 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) prolonged mostly the first postrest action potential. Our results indicate that cisapride induced use-dependent lengthening of repolarisation, compatible with an affinity for open K(+) channels. We also found that in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes, cisapride (1-10 microM) decreased the inward rectifier K(+) current, an effect contributing to the proarrhythmic potential.

Increase in endogenous brain superoxide dismutase as a potential mechanism of lipopolysaccharide-induced brain ischemic tolerance

A low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), administered 72 hours before 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion, induced a delayed neuroprotection proven by the significant decrease (-35%) of brain infarct volume in comparison with control, whereas infarct volumes remained unchanged in rats treated 12, 24, or 168 hours before ischemia. This delayed neuroprotective effect of LPS was induced only with low doses (0.25 to 1 mg/kg), whereas this effect disappeared with a higher dose (2 mg/kg). The delayed neuroprotection of LPS was induced in the cortical part of the infarcted zone, not in the subcortical part. The beneficial effect of LPS on consequences of middle cerebral artery occlusion was suppressed by dexamethasone (3 mg/kg) and indomethacin (3 mg/ kg) administered 1 hour before LPS, whereas both drugs had no direct effect on infarct volume by themselves, suggesting that activation of inflammatory pathway is involved in the development of LPS-induced brain ischemic tolerance. Preadministration of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, also blocked LPS-induced brain ischemic tolerance suggesting that a protein synthesis is also necessary as a mediating mechanism. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) could be one of the synthesized proteins because lipopolysaccharide increased SOD brain activity 72 hours, but not 12 hours, after its administration, which paralleled the development of brain ischemic tolerance. In contrast, catalase brain activity remained unchanged after LPS administration. The LPS-induced delayed increase in SOD brain content was suppressed by a previous administration of indomethacin. These data suggest that the delayed neuroprotective effect of low doses of LPS is mediated by an increased synthesis of brain SOD that could be triggered by activation of inflammatory pathway.

Biological effects of continuous exposure of embryos and young chickens to electromagnetic fields emitted by video display units

The effects of continuous exposure of embryos and young chickens to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by video display units (VDUs) were investigated. Embryos and brood were continuously exposed during embryonic and postembryonic phases to EMFs emitted by two types of VDU (TV or computer). Embryonic mortality was evaluated in three independent experiments. Young chickens were immunized three times by porcine thyroglobulin (Tg). Blood samples were assayed after each immunization for specific anti-Tg antibodies (IgG), plasma corticosterone (CORT), and plasma melatonin (MLT). In the sham-exposed samples, embryonic death (10-33%) was restricted to the perinatal period and the IgG, CORT, and MLT responses of young chickens crested after the second immunization. Constant EMF exposure was accompanied by significantly increased fetal loss (47-68%) and markedly depressed levels of circulating anti-Tg IgG, CORT, and MLT. Collectively, these findings indicate that continuous exposure to EMFs, issuing from VDUs, adversely affects embryos and young chickens.

Differential role of nitric oxide pathway and heat shock protein in preconditioning and lipopolysaccharide-induced brain ischemic tolerance

The purposes of this study were to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and 70 kDa heat shock protein in brain ischemic tolerance induced by ischemic preconditioning and lipopolysaccharide. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in rats by intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct volume was significantly reduced (1) in rats subjected to 3 min ischemia 72 h prior to 60 min ischemia; (2) in rats administered lipopolysaccharide (0.5 mg/kg; i.p.) 72 h prior to 60 min ischemia compared with controls. The beneficial effect of ischemic preconditioning was unchanged despite prior administration of nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOS inhibitor. Conversely, the protective effect of lipopolysaccharide was nullified by L-NAME. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we observed that (1) ischemic preconditioning but not lipopolysaccharide induces the expression of 70 kDa heat shock protein in cerebral cortex and (2) lipopolysaccharide induces early increased expression of endothelial NOS in cerebral blood vessels. The results suggest that (1) endothelium-derived NO plays a role of a trigger in the brain tolerance induced by lipopolysaccharide, and (2) 70 kDa heat shock protein is involved in the protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning but not by lipopolysaccharide.

Relationship between inward rectifier potassium current impairment and brain injury after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Functional alterations of barium-sensitive potassium inward rectifier (KIR) current, which is involved in the vasodilation of middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in rat brain, have been described during brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The authors investigate the effects of I/R on KIR current recorded in isolated myocytes from MCA of control rats and from contralateral and ipsilateral MCA of ischemic rats by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, and the relationship between its alteration and the severity of brain injury. The vascular smooth muscle cells exhibited similar morphologic features in all conditions, and the KIR was present in the three groups of myocytes, exhibiting a characteristic inward rectification and a normal external potassium dependence. The KIR density was significantly reduced in cell of MCA ipsilateral to occlusion with a maximum at -135 mV, whereas there was no difference between control and contralateral cells. This alteration in KIR density in occluded MCA was significantly correlated with severity of brain injury and brain edema. These results suggest that the alteration of KIR density in MCA myocytes after I/R and the consecutive impaired dilation of MCA may contribute to aggravation of the brain injury.

Simple and sensitive method for determination of metronidazole in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and sensitive HPLC method for determination of metronidazole in human plasma has been developed. A step of freezing the protein precipitate allowed an efficient separation of aqueous and organic phases minimizing the noise level and improved therefore the limit of quantitation (10 ng ml(-1) using 1 ml of plasma sample). The separation of compounds was performed on a RP 18 column with acetonitrile-aqueous 0.01 M phosphate solution (15:85, v/v) as mobile phase. Detection was performed by UV absorbance at 318 nm. Metronidazole was well resolved from the plasma constituents and internal standard. An excellent linearity was observed between peak-height ratios plasma concentrations over a concentration range of 0.01 to 10 microg ml(-1). Within-day and between-day precision (expressed by relative standard deviation) and accuracy (mean error in per cent) did not exceed 4% between 1 and 10 microg ml(-1) and 8.3 and 7.2% respectively for the limit of quantitation. The method is suitable for bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

Murine macrophage elastolytic activity induced by Aspergillus fumigatusstrains in vitro: evidence of the expression of two macrophage-induced protease genes

The interaction between Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and murine macrophages of various origins was investigated. Cocultures were carried out between A. fumigatus strains and freshly isolated murine pulmonary alveolar macrophages or two murine macrophage cell-lines: murine alveolar cell-line MALU and murine astrocytoma cell-line J774. By measuring the variation of elastolytic activity in the coculture supernatants with two elastin substrates, we demonstrated that either viable or fixed A. fumigatus or C. albicans yeasts or nonspecific particles induced significant macrophage elastolytic activity. The effect of A. fumigatus supernatant or the purified A. fumigatus galactomannan suggested also the possible involvement of this polysaccharide in macrophage-protease gene expression, release, and activity in invasive aspergillosis. The effect of inhibitory compounds demonstrated the potential implication of a macrophagic metalloprotease and a macrophagic cysteine protease. RNA analysis allowed us to demonstrate the induction of expression of two macrophagic protease genes in stimulated macrophages. Two distinctive mechanisms appeared to be implicated in macrophage protease induction: nonspecific phagocytosis in the earliest times of the coculture and (or) specific galactomannan recognition after its gradual release by the mycelium.

A communication process: a new paradigm applied to high-dilution effects on the living body

Living beings communicate with their world nonverbally, whether on a somatic or a psychological level. This paradigm of signifiers or sense takes place in the framework of the logic of analogy. The signifier is the semantic object that materially designates information to be transmitted and dealt with; a homeopathic remedy is the mimetic representation of the disease. Differential levels of information organize the spread of signifiers; each level is the result of regulation and integration of the previous level. The living self is the never-ending process whereby levels of information are synthesized in the face of the informing environment. Such representations meet one another in the communication between the patient and the physician-remedy system. The medical device must reinform the patient and make the patient's signs and symptoms move toward a higher level of integration. The dilution of the remedy permits us to receive and treat it as information about disease. Signs and symptoms can be recognized as an erroneous adaptation; the organism is engaged in a process of paradoxical negation. The action of the remedies consists of a dynamic analogy between pieces of information. The paradigm of signifiers offers a new possibility for the exploration of informative therapeutics.

A role for bursa fabricii and bursin in the ontogeny of the pineal biosynthetic activity in the chicken

The tripeptide bursin (Lys-His-Gly-NH2) is a B cell differentiation hormone derived from the bursa fabricii. The latter is a cloacal diverticulum and the site of B lymphocyte differentiation and selection in aves; also the bursa fabricii is involved in endocrine functions. Herein we demonstrate that in the chicken, the bursa fabricii and bursin are crucial to the ontogeny of both the pineal response to antigenic challenge and pineal circadian synthetic activity. In early embryonically bursectomized chickens, the plasma melatonin response to immunization by porcine thyroglobulin (Tg) was abolished. Also, the amplitudes of both plasma melatonin and pineal N-acetyltransferase (NAT) circadian rhythms were reduced by 50%, whereas the activity of hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) remained unchanged. Conversely, administration of either minute amounts (100 pg, 100 fg) or highly dilute (5 x 10(-27) g) bursin, with the exception of a highest dose (100 micrograms), to bursaless embryos induced recovery of normal antigen-induced melatonin response and normal amplitudes of melatonin and NAT rhythms. These findings establish that early in embryonic life, the bursa fabricii and its derived signal (bursin) are essential for normal development of pineal synthetic activity and underline the efficacy of very dilute bursin as an informative signal.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide on murine CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation

The effects of alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T-murine lymphocytes were investigated. When stimulated by a combination of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (A23187), both neuropeptides in a range of 10(-7)-10(-10) M had an inhibitory effect on the proliferative response of unfractionated splenocytes as well as of purified CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. The inhibitory effect of these two neuropeptides was completely or partially blocked by the antagonists of CGRP and VIP receptors. CGRP8-37 and (p-Cl-D-Phe6, Leu17VIP, respectively. The inhibitory effects of each neuropeptide on purified T cells were observed within 4 h after PMA/A23187 activation and their inhibitory actions were correlated with a decrease of IL-2 production. In addition, the two neuropeptides in a range of 10(-7)-10(-10) M induced a rapid and dose-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP in CD4 and CD8 T cells. This suggests the involvement of this second messenger in the inhibitory effects of these two neuropeptides. Taken together these results show that CD4 and CD8 spleen cells represent at least two of the cellular targets for CGRP and VIP inhibition of proliferation mediated by the same type of mechanism.

[4-Arylpiperazine derivatives: a seedbed of drugs for various therapeutic indications]

The main focus of this review is the pharmacology and the therapeutic use of chemical related agents, the arylpiperazine derivatives. These compounds produce a variety of behavioural responses and pharmacological effects which directly and principally result from activation of serotonin systems. However, minor modifications in the chemical structure of these products involve important changes in affinity and selectivity for 5-HT receptors since it can also display significant affinity for dopaminergic, adrenergic or histaminergic receptors. The different arylpiperazine drugs therapeutically used are described as well as some compounds presently under investigation.

Modulation of the No Secretion in the Pichilan-Activated Murine Macrophage Cell Line, Malu

The mechanism of action of pichilan, a (1->3)-β-D-glucan on nitric oxide production by a murine macrophage cell line, MALU cells, was examined. Different metabolic pathways were investigated in order to understand pichilan-induced NO secretion. We demonstrate in the present paper that neither the acid arachidonic metabolism, the cAMP nor Ca2+accumulation occured in the pichilan mechanism of action on NO secretion. On the other hand, we observed that a phorbol ester, PMA, modulated the NO secretion. An inhibition of 36% of the NO secretion was observed; consequently, pichilan could regulate the NO secretion by way of the protein kinase C. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TNF production stimulated by pichilan activation induced NO secretion by MALU cells. TNF would be the main modulator of NO secretion by pichilan or LPS-activated MALU cells. Moreover, we can note that pichilan and LPS did not act similarly on nitrite secretion by MALU cells.

Idiotypic restriction of murine monoclonal antibodies to a defined antigenic region of human thyroglobulin

In previous studies, we demonstrated that anti-human thyroglobulin (hTg) autoantibodies in patients with thyroid disorders exhibit a restricted epitopic specificity towards antigenic region II defined by its reactivity with four murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb 3, 6, 10, 15). To analyze the relationships between epitopic specificity and idiotypic expression of these mAb, two polyclonal anti-idiotypic sera were generated in rabbits by immunization with F(ab')2 fragments of mAb 3 and mAb 10. These anti-idiotypic preparations (AI 3 and AI 10) were tested against a panel of hTg-mAb produced in different strains of mice (HR BIOZZI and BALB/c). The idiotypic analysis showed that AI 3 and AI 10 specifically recognized framework-associated idiotopes as well as paratope-associated idiotopes shared by region II mAb. These results demonstrate that specificity for region II was strongly associated with a restricted idiotype suggesting a high sequence homology between V regions. In addition, naïve BALB/c mice immunized with AI 3 or AI 10 produced anti-hTg (Ab3) antibodies that recognize region II epitopes. These latter findings reveal that anti-Id contain a population of Ab2 beta carrying the internal image of region II epitopes.

Chemiluminescence and nitrite determinations by the MALU macrophage cell line

The MALU macrophage cell line is an in vitro coculture of mesothelial cells and alveolar macrophages from mice. During the culture, macrophages in a preactivated state can be collected in the supernatant (Lombard et al., 1988). We describe here two methods to measure reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediate (RNI) production by the MALU macrophages. We measured ROI by the chemiluminescence assay with a luminometer and RNI was measured colorimetrically in a spectrophotometer with the Griess reagent. Different parameters (cell number, incubation time, temperature and activating substance) which can interfere with the cell response were analysed. Our results show that the MALU macrophage cell line produces large amounts of ROI and RNI after activation. This cell line is a good model for investigating the effect of pharmacological drugs on ROI and RNI production.

An efficient immunization protocol for production of monoclonal antibodies against soluble human insulin

A new immunization protocol has been developed to obtain specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against the soluble form of human insulin. Various protocols differing on the basis of the nature of immunogen, the number of injections and the route of administration of the antigen were compared. Mice with the highest anti-insulin titers were selected for cell fusion. The results showed that the immunization protocol involving 2 injections of insulin followed by a boost 2 months later mainly stimulated B lymphocytes secreting IgM mAb directed against immobilized insulin. Immunization with 2 injections of human proinsulin followed by 2 injections of a human insulin-bovine serum albumin conjugate and finally with a booster injection of this conjugate on each of the last 4 days preceding fusion was necessary to obtain a high percentage of hybridomas secreting specific IgG mAb able to recognize immobilized insulin (indirect ELISA) as well as iodinated insulin (liquid-phase radioimmunoassay).

Kinetics of appearance of intestinal lesions in mice mono-associated with a lethal or non-lethal strain of Clostridium difficile

The kinetics of the appearance of intestinal lesions induced by orogastric inoculation of gnotobiotic mice with a lethal strain of Clostridium difficile (VPI) that produced toxins A and B in vivo and in vitro was studied and compared with the lesions induced by non-lethal C. difficile strain 786 that produced toxins A and B in vitro but only toxin B in measurable amounts in vivo. Different portions of the intestine were removed 12, 20, 26 and 30 h after inoculation and studied by scanning electronmicroscopy. The remaining portions were homogenised for enumeration of C. difficile and quantification of toxin A by enzyme immunoassay and toxin B by cytotoxicity. The results showed that, following inoculation: (i) measurable amounts of both toxins were necessary to produce lesions; (ii) with strain VPI, the caecum and the colon were rapidly impaired and completely destroyed after 1 day, whereas the small intestine was damaged to a lesser extent; (iii) C. difficile strain 786 did not cause mucosal damage but induced mucus-like or serum-like secretion and morphological changes in the caecal enterocytes only.

Determination of phloroglucinol in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A specific and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of phloroglucinol in plasma; it involves an optimized procedure for blood sampling designed to minimize the in vitro oxidation of the molecule, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after silylation of the compound. The method allowed a reliable determination of phloroglucinol in plasma. The precision and accuracy of the assay, reported as coefficients of variation, were below 15%. Using a plasma sample of 0.25 ml, the limit of quantitation was 5 ng/ml with a precision of 17.4%, which is sensitive enough for pharmacokinetic studies. Stability studies under different conditions revealed that ascorbic acid limits the degradation of phloroglucinol in plasma during storage at freezer temperatures.

Factors involved in catheter obstruction during long-term peritoneal insulin infusion

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy of ECPII and the factors responsible for technical problems often encountered. This treatment has been in use with IDDM patients since 1980.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-four IDDM patients were treated by ECPII for 42-78 mo (mean, 53 mo).

RESULTS

Glycemic equilibrium was improved during treatment (mean plasma glucose level, 7.6 mM; mean GHb level, 8%). Catheter blockage was the main reason for ECPII failure (74%). Mean catheter survival of each catheter, determined by actuarial analysis, was 11.7 mo and significantly decreased with subsequent implantation. SEM of the catheter tips showed deposits composed of fibrin and cells occluding the inner lumen. Factors such as age, sex, local infection, and low insulin basal rate were not found to have any incidence on the catheter survival. Placement of the catheter in the upper part of the peritoneum, however, increased catheter survival. Anti-insulin antibodies did not seem to be directly involved in blockage.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude from this long-term experience that during ECPII, catheter blockage remains the major recurring complication, probably involving a local immune-inflammatory response in the peritoneum.

New antigenic clusters on human thyroglobulin defined by an expanded panel of monoclonal antibodies

Twenty-seven hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against new antigenic clusters on human thyroglobulin (hTg) were obtained by fusion of the mouse myeloma P3-X63-Ag8 653 with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with a mixture of hTg and six anti-hTg mAb with the aim of masking the corresponding antigenic clusters previously reported. Fourteen mAb were selected, produced in ascitic fluid and characterized. All these mAb were of the IgG1 subclass. Five new antigenic clusters on the hTg molecule were defined by the 14 mAb, extending the initial antigenic map of hTg to 11 clusters. These mAb were used in an attempt to probe the interaction between hTg and the autoantibodies from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis who do not recognize antigenic cluster II, a cluster whose recognition by anti-hTg autoantibodies is significantly associated with thyroid disorders.

Conserved natural humoral immunity to thyroglobulin in patients with multiple myeloma

We studied humoral immunity to human thyroglobulin (hTg) during the course of multiple myeloma (MM). In this report, we describe the anti-hTg antibody activity in the sera of patients with MM. Among 63 sera tested, 28 (44%) had IgG anti-hTg autoantibodies (aAb), 16 (25%) exhibited IgM aAb, and six (9%) had IgA anti-hTg aAb. For the majority of sera the anti-hTg autoantibody activity was associated with more than one immunoglobulin class. IgG anti-hTg antibodies were observed in 9/11 patients with IgA MM and in 19/40 patients with IgG MM. The IgM anti-hTG antibody activity was found in the sera of 11 patients with IgG MM. These results show that the anti-hTg activity in these patients is associated with residual polyclonal immunoglobulins. However, in the serum of one patient presenting a double monoclonal gammopathy (IgG and IgA lambda MM), the anti-hTg activity was carried by both the IgG lambda and the IgA lambda molecules, suggesting that in this case the activity was due to the monoclonal immunoglobulin itself. We also studied the epitopic specificity pattern of all these anti-hTg aAb. Only three sera recognized one antigenic region on hTg, suggesting that the majority of the anti-hTg aAb in MM patients were directed against antigenic regions other than those recognized by our panel of murine mAb. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that humoral immunity to hTg is maintained in MM patients. These data contrast with the well-documented suppression of immunity to foreign, especially bacterial, antigens described in MM.

Autoimmunity to human thyroglobulin. Respective epitopic specificity patterns of anti-human thyroglobulin autoantibodies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

We evaluated the epitopic specificity pattern of anti-human thyroglobulin (anti-hTg) autoantibodies from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). All of the primary SS sera tested contained both IgG and IgM anti-hTg autoantibodies recognizing at least 1 region on hTg; in 65% of the cases, 3 or more regions were recognized. A strong recognition of region II, as is seen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, was associated with thyroid disorder in primary SS. These results emphasize the importance of region II in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Biotransformation study of para-substituted phenylpiperazines in beagle dogs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

1. Beagle dogs were treated orally (10 mg/kg) with para-chloro-, para-fluoro- and para-methyl-phenylpiperazine derivatives, and urine was collected for 72 h after treatment. 2. Metabolites were extracted, converted into trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives and examined by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. 3. The metabolites fall into two main groups, N-desphenylated metabolites, which result from N-desphenylation, and N-phenyl metabolites. 4. Two kinds of hydroxylated metabolites were found. Some lost the original para substituent (Cl, F or CH3); others retained it. 5. These results are consistent with the NIH shift reaction.

Inhibition of mouse T-cell proliferation by CGRP and VIP: effects of these neuropeptides on IL-2 production and cAMP synthesis

We compared the effect of two neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), on mitogen-induced murine splenocyte proliferation. Both neuropeptides exerted their maximal effect within 24 hr after activation by Con A. The combination CGRP-VIP caused an additive inhibitory effect on T-cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of VIP could be correlated with a decrease in interleukin 2 (IL-2) production, whereas CGRP did not affect this production. Since we also observed an additive inhibitory effect on T-cell proliferation by the theophylline and CGRP or VIP combination, we measured the effect of each neuropeptide on intracellular cAMP production by enriched T-cells: CGRP, but not VIP, strongly stimulated cAMP synthesis. Taken together, our results indicate that inhibition of murine T-cell proliferation by CGRP and VIP is mediated by different mechanisms.

Prevention of Clostridium difficile-induced experimental pseudomembranous colitis by Saccharomyces boulardii: a scanning electron microscopic and microbiological study

The ability of Saccharomyces boulardii to protect mice against intestinal pathology caused by toxinogenic Clostridium difficile was studied. Different regions of the intestine of experimental mice were prepared for observation by scanning electron microscopy or homogenized for C. difficile enumeration and quantification of toxin A by enzyme immunoassay and toxin B by cytotoxicity. The test group was treated for 6 d with an S. boulardii suspension in drinking water and challenged with C. difficule on day 4. The three control groups were: axenic mice, mice treated with only S. boulardii and mice only challenged with C. difficile. The results showed that: (i) 70% of the mice infected by C. difficile survived when treated with S. boulardii; (ii) the C. difficile-induced lesions on the small and large intestinal mucosa were absent or markedly less severe in S. boulardii-treated mice; and (iii) there was no decrease in the number of C. difficile but rather a reduction in the amount of toxins A and B in S. boulardii-treated mice.

[Pharmacokinetic study of a new benzyl-1 isoquinoline derivative (458 L) after oral administration in men]

Pharmacokinetic study of 458 L. via oral route, was performed in twelve normal volunteers, in a randomized crossover design of three galenic forms. Plasma concentrations were determined, after extraction, by HPLC, with spectrofluorimetric detection. Plasmatic kinetics were fitted to a bi-exponential function with a distribution half-life of 1h and an elimination half-life of 11.5 to 14.7 h according to the form. Pharmacokinetic parameters evaluated as area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax), relative bioavailability (F'), have shown strong interindividual differences, specially in women group, and this with tobacco smoking.

Significance of the recognition of certain antigenic regions on the human thyroglobulin molecule by natural autoantibodies from healthy subjects

We have evaluated the epitope specificity of natural antihuman thyroglobulin (hTg) autoantibodies (aAb) in the plasma of healthy individuals. By an indirect ELISA technique, we selected 56 plasma samples with high anti-hTg antibody activity and used the IgG fraction isolated from these plasma to study the antigenic domains on the hTg molecule recognized by the natural anti-hTg aAb. A panel of 15 mAb, coupled to alkaline phosphatase and recognizing six regions (I to VI) on the hTg molecule, served to identify the domains recognized by the natural anti-hTg aAb using a competitive ELISA procedure. A total of 26 of the IgG fractions was found to interact with at least one of the regions defined by our battery of mAb. Region V was recognized by the majority of the IgG fractions. Interestingly, region II was rarely recognized by the same IgG fraction that reacted with region V. Inasmuch as we have previously shown that region II is mainly recognized by aAb in the serum of subjects with various thyroid disorders, we propose that recognition of region V reflects the normal physiologic state of the immune system with respect to the hTg molecule.

Significance of the recognition of certain antigenic regions on the human thyroglobulin molecule by natural autoantibodies from healthy subjects

We have evaluated the epitope specificity of natural antihuman thyroglobulin (hTg) autoantibodies (aAb) in the plasma of healthy individuals. By an indirect ELISA technique, we selected 56 plasma samples with high anti-hTg antibody activity and used the IgG fraction isolated from these plasma to study the antigenic domains on the hTg molecule recognized by the natural anti-hTg aAb. A panel of 15 mAb, coupled to alkaline phosphatase and recognizing six regions (I to VI) on the hTg molecule, served to identify the domains recognized by the natural anti-hTg aAb using a competitive ELISA procedure. A total of 26 of the IgG fractions was found to interact with at least one of the regions defined by our battery of mAb. Region V was recognized by the majority of the IgG fractions. Interestingly, region II was rarely recognized by the same IgG fraction that reacted with region V. Inasmuch as we have previously shown that region II is mainly recognized by aAb in the serum of subjects with various thyroid disorders, we propose that recognition of region V reflects the normal physiologic state of the immune system with respect to the hTg molecule.

[In vitro effect of itraconazole against various species of Candida]

The authors compared the in vitro antifungal activity of itraconazole to that of miconazole against various species of Candida. The MIC of 88 strains of Candida (C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata) was determined by the agar dilution method using casitone medium at pH 5.5-5.6 for miconazole and pH 7.2-7.4 for itraconazole. C. albicans and C. glabrata were found to be less sensitive in vitro to itraconazole than to miconazole; the contrary was observed for C. parapsilosis. The sensitivity of C. guilliermondii to these antifungal agents was similar. The MIC 50, MIC 90 and G.MIC values for itraconazole with respect to 42 strains of C. albicans was 0.10, 1.4 and 0.138 micrograms ml-1, respectively; the MIC 90 and G.MIC values for miconazole were 0.5 and 0.021 micrograms ml-1, respectively. The effect of itraconazole on the ultrastructure of C. albicans yeast cells and spheroplasts was studied by scanning electron microscopy. This triazole molecule modified the cell wall of C. albicans, caused cell stretching and provoked defective separation between mother and daughter cells. Itraconazole altered the cytoplasmic membrane of the spheroplasts causing them to have a "spongy" appearance. Yeast cells treated with itraconazole appeared to liberate their spheroplast with difficulty.

[Comparative action of 8 azole derivatives against Candida albicans: fungistatic action and cytologic study by scanning electron microscopy]

The authors compared the in vitro antifungal activity of eight imidazole derivatives (clotrimazole, econazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, oxiconazole, terconazole, tioconazole) against 42 strains of Candida albicans by the agar dilution method using casitone medium. The geometric (G) mean MIC values, the MIC 90 and the MIC 50 values and the corresponding standard deviations of each antifungal agent were determined. The G-MIC values were found to be in the range of 0.008-0.390 micrograms ml-1. The effects of these eight antifungal agents on the ultrastructure of C. albicans yeast cells and spheroplasts were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed a good correlation between the lesions observed and the structure of the imidazole derivatives tested. On the basis of the SEM results, the compounds could be divided into three groups: (1) ketoconazole and terconazole; (2) econazole, isoconazole, miconazole, oxiconazole and tioconazole; (3) clotrimazole.

Antigenic domains on the human thyroglobulin molecule recognized by autoantibodies in patients' sera and by natural autoantibodies isolated from the sera of healthy subjects

We determined the regions on the human thyroglobulin (hTg) molecule recognized by anti-hTg autoantibodies (aAbs) in the sera of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and thyroid carcinoma and by anti-hTg natural aAbs isolated from the sera of healthy subjects. Fifteen anti-hTg monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against six distinct antigenic regions were used for this study. The anti-hTg aAbs in the patients' sera recognized mainly region II and occasionally region IV. The natural aAbs were present in the serum at low concentrations; consequently, we isolated and concentrated them for this investigation. The isolated natural aAbs inhibited the interaction of the anti-hTg MAbs with the majority of the antigenic regions identified. Region II was not well recognized, however, by these natural aAbs. This difference in specificity between the anti-hTg aAbs and the anti-hTg natural aAbs may have diagnostic significance.

A comparison of the effects of several antifungal imidazole derivatives and polyenes on Candida albicans: an ultrastructural study by scanning electron microscopy

The early events in the interaction of two polyene (amphotericin B and nystatin) and five imidazole (clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, isoconazole, and econazole) antimycotics used at fungicidal concentrations with the surface of Candida albicans were studied by scanning electron microscopic examination of treated intact young yeast cells, treated spheroplasts, and spheroplasts liberated from treated young yeast cells. In all cases, treatment lasted 2 h. The polyenes passed through the yeast cell wall and interacted with the cytoplasmic membrane causing the spheroplasts to lose their characteristic spheric form and to liberate their contents. Clotrimazole caused the formation of numerous circular openings in the cytoplasmic membrane, but only when the agent was used to treat spheroplasts directly. Ketoconazole, miconazole, isoconazole, and econazole interacted with the cell wall causing formation of convolutions and wrinkles. The three imidazole derivatives that are structurally closely related, miconazole, isoconazole, and econazole, inhibited the enzyme-catalyzed release of spheroplasts from young yeast cells.

[Cytological study of the action of imidazoles on Candida albicans (author's transl)]

Imidazoles (econazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, isoconazole, 10(-3) M.) used to treat intact cells and sphaeroplasts of Candida albicans caused small lesions in the cell wall, but none or minor less in the cytoplasmic membrane. On the other hand, clotrimazole, in the same conditions, caused important lesions in the cytoplasmic membrane and none on the cell wall. Miconazole, econazole and isoconazole inhibited the release of sphaeroplasts from treated intact yeast cells.