Brome mosaic virus Infection of Rice Results in Decreased Accumulation of RNA1

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) (the Russian strain) infects monocot plants and has been studied extensively in barley and wheat. Here, we report BMV can systemically infect rice (Oryza sativa var. japonica), including cultivars in which the genomes have been determined. The BMV capsid protein can be found throughout the inoculated plants. However, infection in rice exhibits delayed symptom expression or no symptoms when compared with wheat (Triticum aestivum). The sequences of BMV RNAs isolated from rice did not reveal any nucleotide changes in RNA1 or RNA2, while RNA3 had only one synonymous nucleotide change from the inoculum sequence. Preparations of purified BMV virions contained RNA1 at a significantly reduced level relative to the other two RNAs. Analysis of BMV RNA replication in rice revealed that minus-strand RNA1 was replicated at a reduced rate when compared with RNA2. Thus, rice appears to either inhibit RNA1 replication or lacks a sufficient amount of a factor needed to support efficient RNA1 replication.

Simultaneous Determination of Residual Veterinary Drugs in Bovine, Porcine, and Chicken Muscle Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A simple and rapid method using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 130 veterinary drugs and their metabolites in bovine, porcine, and chicken muscle was developed. The drugs (1 to 10 ng/g, in muscle) were extracted from bovine, porcine, or chicken muscles with acetonitrile-methanol (95:5, v/v), and the extracts were delipidated with n-hexane saturated with acetonitrile. The extracts were evaporated, dissolved with methanol, analyzed by liquid chromatography with gradient elution on a C18 column, and determined by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The detection limits ranged from 0.03 to 3 ng/g. The quantitation limits ranged from 0.1 to 10 ng/g. One hundred eleven, 122, and 123 drugs from bovine, porcine, and chicken muscle respectively showed recoveries between 70 and 110%.

Evaluation of Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease with the use of neuromelanin MR imaging and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Progressive changes in the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus ceruleus of patients with Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease visualized by neuromelanin MRI and cardiac postganglionic sympathetic nerve function on (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy have not been fully evaluated. We compared the diagnostic value of these modalities among patients with early Parkinson disease, late Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared contrast ratios of signal intensity in medial and lateral regions of the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus ceruleus with those of the tegmentum of the midbrain and the pons, respectively, by use of neuromelanin MRI in patients with early Parkinson disease (n = 13), late Parkinson disease (n = 31), Alzheimer disease (n = 6), and age-matched healthy control subjects (n = 20). We calculated heart-to-mediastinum ratios on (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigrams after setting regions of interest on the left cardiac ventricle and upper mediastinum.

RESULTS

The signal intensity of the lateral substantia nigra pars compacta on neuromelanin MRI was significantly reduced in early and late Parkinson disease, and that of the medial substantia nigra pars compacta was gradually and stage-dependently reduced in Parkinson disease. The signal intensity of the locus ceruleus was obviously reduced in late Parkinson disease. Signal reduction was not significant in the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus ceruleus of patients with Alzheimer disease. The heart-to-mediastinum ratio on (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigrams was stage-dependently reduced in Parkinson disease and normal in Alzheimer disease. The signal intensity ratios in substantia nigra pars compacta and locus ceruleus on neuromelanin MRI positively correlated with the heart-to-mediastinum ratio on (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigrams.

CONCLUSIONS

Both neuromelanin MRI and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy can help to evaluate disease progression in Parkinson disease and are useful for differentiating Parkinson disease from Alzheimer disease.

Probing the metal-insulator phase transition in the (DMEDO-EBDT)2PF6 single crystal by optical measurements

The temperature and polarization dependence of the optical reflectivity  spectra of a quasi-one-dimensional 1/4-filled band system, (DMEDO-EBDT)(2)PF(6), have been investigated. We observed clear anisotropy in the electronic structures corresponding to the anisotropic transport properties. The appearance of a charge gap (E(g) > 0.1 eV) and transfer of the spectral weight accompanied by the metal-insulator phase transition were clearly observed. In addition, a split of the intramolecular vibrational modes was observed, which strongly suggested the existence of charge disproportionation in the low temperature phase. We also observed a photoinduced reflectivity change, which implied the occurrence of a photoinduced phase transition from the low temperature insulating phase to the high temperature metallic phase.

Metabolome analysis of Ephedra plants with different contents of ephedrine alkaloids by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Metabolome analysis of four varieties of Ephedra plants, which contain different amounts of ephedrine alkaloids, was demonstrated in this study. The metabolites were comprehensively analyzed by using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS) and the ephedrine alkaloids were also profiled. Subsequently, multivariate analyses of principal component analysis (PCA) and batch-learning self-organizing mapping (BL-SOM) analysis were applied to the raw data of the total ion chromatogram (TIC). PCA was performed to visualize the fingerprints characteristic for each Ephedra variant and the independent metabolome clusters were formed. The metabolite fingerprints were also visualized by BL-SOM analysis and were displayed as a lattice of colored individual cells which was characteristic for each Ephedra variant. BL-SOM analysis was also used for identification of chemical marker peaks because the information assigned to a cell represented either increases or decreases in peak intensities. Using this analysis, ephedrine alkaloids were successfully selected from the TICs as chemical markers for each Ephedra variant and this result suggested that BL-SOM analysis was an effective method for the selection of marker metabolites. We report our study here as a practical case of metabolomic study on medicinal resources.

Assessment of dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) in order to characterize the prevalence and nature of impairments in these patients.

METHODS

Fifty-eight MSA patients were recruited in our institution between April 1996 and December 2006 and investigated.

RESULTS

Of 58 patients, 10 were diagnosed with dementia. There were no significant differences in age at onset, gender, duration of disease, or severity of cerebellar dysfunction between patients with and without dementia. The early and delayed heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratios obtained with (123)I-metaidobenylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy were significantly decreased in patients with dementia compared with those without dementia. Of the 10 patients with dementia, three were found to have cognitive decline that preceded onset of motor symptoms. White matter lesions were evident in these patients, whilst frontal atrophy was prominent in patients whose cognitive decline was preceded by onset of motor symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Dementia in patients with MSA may be more common than previously thought, furthermore, we speculate that clinical features of dementia in these patients might be heterogeneous.

Metabolite annotations based on the integration of mass spectral information

A large number of metabolites are found in each plant, most of which have not yet been identified. Development of a methodology is required to deal systematically with unknown metabolites, and to elucidate their biological roles in an integrated 'omics' framework. Here we report the development of a 'metabolite annotation' procedure. The metabolite annotation is a process by which structures and functions are inferred for metabolites. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) was used as a model for this study using LC-FTICR-MS. Collected mass spectral features, together with predicted molecular formulae and putative structures, were provided as metabolite annotations for 869 metabolites. Comparison with public databases suggests that 494 metabolites are novel. A grading system was introduced to describe the evidence supporting the annotations. Based on the comprehensive characterization of tomato fruit metabolites, we identified chemical building blocks that are frequently found in tomato fruit tissues, and predicted novel metabolic pathways for flavonoids and glycoalkaloids. These results demonstrate that metabolite annotation facilitates the systematic analysis of unknown metabolites and biological interpretation of their relationships, which provide a basis for integrating metabolite information into the system-level study of plant biology.

Executive dysfunction in non-demented Parkinson's disease patients with hallucinations

OBJECTIVE

We investigated executive function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and focused on executive dysfunction in PD with hallucinations, but without dementia.

METHODS

PD patients were classified by cognitive or neuropsychotic status as PD group, PD with vivid dreaming group, PD with hallucinations group and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) group. Psychomotor speed tests, the Stroop test, a verbal fluency test and the Self-rating Depression Scale were performed.

RESULTS

The PDD group showed poorer scores in every test compared with the PD group. The PD with hallucinations group showed results similar to those of the PDD group, while the PD with vivid dreaming group was similar to the PD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that PD patients with hallucinations, not extensive enough to qualify as dementia, already have executive dysfunction similar to that seen in PDD patients. Executive dysfunction may be an important substrate for hallucinations even when dementia is not yet apparent.

Assessment of hallucinations in Parkinson's disease using a novel scale

OBJECTIVE

To assess hallucinations in Parkinson's disease (PD), we developed a novel practical rating scale that evaluates five items including variety, frequency, and severity of hallucinations, caregiver burden levels, and psychiatric status at nighttime.

METHODS

Forty-one PD patients and their caregivers were examined regarding the status of the hallucinations associated with PD.

RESULTS

As a measure of internal consistency, the Tottori University Hallucination Rating Scale (TUHARS) has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hoehn-Yahr stage were associated with the TUHARS scores in a multivariate regression analysis. Visual hallucinations are the most common. However, half of the patients who reported visual hallucinations also had other hallucinations. The scale scores in the PD patients with dementia (PDD) group were significantly greater than in the PD patients without dementia (PDnD) group.

CONCLUSIONS

TUHARS appears to be a suitable and easily administered instrument for assessment of hallucinations in PD. PD patients experienced various kinds of hallucinations. Hallucinations may have a close relationship with cognitive decline in PD patients.

Differential metabolomics unraveling light/dark regulation of metabolic activities in Arabidopsis cell culture

Differential metabolomics based on a non-targeted FT-ICR/MS analysis demonstrated metabolite accumulation patterns reflecting light/dark conditions in Arabidopsis T87 cell culture. First, FT-ICR/MS data sets were converted into metabolome information using the Dr.DMASS software (http://kanaya.naist.jp/DrDMASS/). A quick search of a metabolite-species database, KNApSAcK (http://kanaya.naist.jp/KNApSAcK/), was implemented to assign metabolite candidates to each accurate MS data (<1 ppm) through the prediction of molecular formulas, and the candidate structures were further studied using MS/MS analyses. Specific metabolites representing the culture conditions included sugars, phenylpropanoid derivatives, flavonol aglycons, and a plastid nonmevalonate pathway intermediate. Transcriptomics data were obtained in parallel and analyzed using a transcriptome analysis tool, KaPPA-View (http://kpv.kazusa.or.jp/kappa-view/). The specific accumulation patterns of flavonol aglycons were in good agreement with the light/dark regulation of a cytochrome P450 gene, CYP75B, and the build-up of 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate, a nonmevalonate pathway intermediate, in the light grown cells was also consistent with a gene expression profile. The differential metablomics scheme based on the FT-ICR/MS metabolomics can serve as an evaluation system of metabolic activities contributing to successful identification and proper manipulation of key enzymatic steps in metabolic engineering studies.

Clinical evaluation of Parkinson's disease dementia: association with aging and visual hallucination

OBJECTIVES

In order to explore factors associated with the development of dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), we systematically investigated the clinical evaluation of PD and DLB patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology at Tottori University Hospital, Japan.

RESULTS

There were 208 patients diagnosed as having PD and 39 patients diagnosed with DLB in this study. Of the patients with PD, 67 (32%) developed dementia and only five PD+ patients were considered to have cognitive impairment attributable to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD). Fifty-four (81%) PDD patients had visual hallucinations (VH) with or without cognitive fluctuation. The onset age of parkinsonian motor symptoms of patients with PD dementia (PDD) did not differ from that of PD patients without dementia. There was a significant inverse correlation between the onset age of motor symptoms in PD and the onset of their dementia in PDD. Seventy-five (36%) patients with PD had experienced VH and most of the PDD patients had experienced VH within 1 year before or after diagnosis of PDD.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that aging and VH are important factors associated with dementia in PD.

In vitro pharmacological characterisation of a novel cyclic nociceptin/orphanin FQ analogue c[Cys(7,10)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH (2)

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous 17 amino acid peptide ligand for the G(i)-protein-coupled N/OFQ receptor (NOP). In an attempt to improve the metabolic stability of N/OFQ, we have produced a truncated cyclic analogue with cysteine residues at positions 7 and 10, c[Cys(7,10)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) (c[Cys(7,10)]). c[Cys(7,10)], the template N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and N/OFQ displaced the binding of [(3)H]N/OFQ to Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing recombinant human NOP (CHO(hNOP)) with pK ( i ) values of 9.98, 9.83 and 9.18, respectively. In addition, c[Cys(7,10)], N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and N/OFQ stimulated the binding of guanosine triphosphate gamma [(35)S] to CHO(hNOP) cells with pEC(50)/E (max) (stimulation factor) of 9.16/5.5, 9.11/4.9 and 8.35/5.5, respectively. c[Cys(7,10)], N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and N/OFQ inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) formation with pEC(50) values of 10.08, 10.11 and 9.78, respectively. All ligands produced complete inhibition of cAMP formation. In both functional assays, c[Cys(7,10)] was a full agonist. In a series of metabolism experiments, incubation of 1 nM c[Cys(7,10)], N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and N/OFQ with a rat brain homogenate produced a time-dependent loss of peptide that was greatest for the native peptide N/OFQ. Amidation in N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) produced some metabolic protection, but this was not significantly improved by further inclusion of c[Cys(7,10)]. In summary, c[Cys(7,10)] is a high-affinity, high-potency full agonist of the NOP receptor. However, we were unable to demonstrate clear metabolic protection.

Convergent evolution in the BAHD family of acyl transferases: identification and characterization of anthocyanin acyl transferases from Arabidopsis thaliana

Members of the BAHD family of plant acyl transferases are very versatile catalytically, and are thought to be able to evolve new substrate specificities rapidly. Acylation of anthocyanins occurs in many plant species and affects anthocyanin stability and light absorption in solution. The versatility of BAHD acyl transferases makes it difficult to identify genes encoding enzymes with defined substrate specificities on the basis of structural homology to genes of known catalytic function alone. Consequently, we have used a modification to standard functional genomics strategies, incorporating co-expression profiling with anthocyanin accumulation, to identify genes encoding three anthocyanin acyl transferases from Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that the activities of these enzymes influence the stability of anthocyanins at neutral pH, and some acylations also affect the anthocyanin absorption maxima. These properties make the BAHD acyl transferases suitable tools for engineering anthocyanins for an improved range of biotechnological applications.

Genetic improvement of the somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in soybean and transformation of the improved breeding lines

Somatic embryos of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] have been used to generate transgenic plants by particle bombardment. The induction and proliferation of somatic embryos from immature cotyledons are dependent on the genotype of the cultivar. Whereas somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration are inefficient in most cultivars, they are efficient in the cultivar Jack. We previously established a breeding line, QF2, by the integration of null mutations of each subunit of the major seed storage proteins glycinin and beta-conglycinin, but the embryogenic response of this line is insufficient to allow efficient transformation. We have now backcrossed QF2 to cultivar Jack in order to combine the null traits with competence for somatic embryogenesis. The backcrossed breeding lines selected on the basis of the absence of the major storage proteins exhibited an improved capacity for the induction and proliferation of somatic embryos compared with that of QF2. The induced somatic embryogenic tissue of these breeding lines was successfully used for the production of transgenic plants by particle bombardment. These results also indicate that somatic embryogenesis in soybean is genetically controlled and inherited in a manner independent of the null traits of the major seed storage proteins.

Loss of anthocyanins in red-wine grape under high temperature

To determine the mechanism of inhibition of anthocyanin accumulation in the skin of grape berries due to high temperature, the effects of high temperature on anthocyanin composition and the responses in terms of gene transcript levels were examined using Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. High temperature (maximum 35 degrees C) reduced the total anthocyanin content to less than half of that in the control berries (maximum 25 degrees C). HPLC analysis showed that the concentrations of anthocyanins, with the exception of malvidin derivatives (3-glucoside, 3-acetylglucoside, and 3-p-coumaroylglucoside), decreased considerably in the berries grown under high temperature as compared with the control. However, Affymetrix Vitis GeneChip microarray analysis indicated that the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were not strongly down-regulated at high temperature. A quantitative real time PCR analysis confirmed this finding. To demonstrate the possibility that high temperature increases anthocyanin degradation in grape skin, stable isotope-labelled tracer experiments were carried out. Softened green berries of Cabernet Sauvignon were cut and aseptically incubated on filter paper with 1 mM aqueous L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine solution for 1 week. Thereafter, the changes in (13)C-labelled anthocyanins were examined under different temperatures (15, 25, and 35 degrees C). In the berries cultured at 35 degrees C, the content of total (13)C-labelled anthocyanins that were produced before exposure to high temperature was markedly reduced as compared with those cultured at 15 degrees C and 25 degrees C. These data suggest that the decrease in anthocyanin accumulation under high temperature results from factors such as anthocyanin degradation as well as the inhibition of mRNA transcription of the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes.

A red fluorescent protein, DsRed2, as a visual reporter for transient expression and stable transformation in soybean

Fluorescent proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria are often used as markers for transient expression and stable transformation in plants, given that their detection does not require a substrate and they can be monitored in a nondestructive manner. We have now evaluated the red fluorescent protein DsRed2 (a mutant form of DsRed from Discosoma sp.) for its suitability as a visual marker in combination with antibiotic selection for genetic transformation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Transient and stable expression of DsRed2 in somatic embryos was readily detected by fluorescence microscopy, allowing easy confirmation of gene introduction. We obtained several fertile transgenic lines, including homozygous lines, that grew and produced seeds in an apparently normal manner. The red fluorescence of DsRed2 was detected by fluorescence microscopy without background fluorescence in both leaves and seeds of the transgenic plants. Furthermore, in contrast to seeds expressing GFP, those expressing DsRed2 were readily identifiable even under white light by the color conferred by the transgene product. The protein composition of seeds was not affected by the introduction of DsRed2, with the exception of the accumulation of DsRed2 itself, which was detectable as an additional band on electrophoresis. These results indicate that DsRed2 is a suitable reporter (even more suitable than GFP) for genetic transformation of soybean.

Elucidation of Gene-to-Gene and Metabolite-to-Gene Networks inArabidopsis by Integration of Metabolomics andTranscriptomics

Since the completion of genome sequences of model organisms, functional identification of unknown genes has become a principal challenge in biology. Post-genomics sciences such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are expected to discover gene functions. This report outlines the elucidation of gene-to-gene and metabolite-to-gene networks via integration of metabolomics with transcriptomics and presents a strategy for the identification of novel gene functions. Metabolomics and transcriptomics data of Arabidopsis grown under sulfur deficiency were combined and analyzed by batch-learning self-organizing mapping. A group of metabolites/genes regulated by the same mechanism clustered together. The metabolism of glucosinolates was shown to be coordinately regulated. Three uncharacterized putative sulfotransferase genes clustering together with known glucosinolate biosynthesis genes were candidates for involvement in biosynthesis. In vitro enzymatic assays of the recombinant gene products confirmed their functions as desulfoglucosinolate sulfotransferases. Several genes involved in sulfur assimilation clustered with O-acetylserine, which is considered a positive regulator of these genes. The genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis clustered with the gene encoding a transcriptional factor that up-regulates specifically anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. These results suggested that regulatory metabolites and transcriptional factor genes can be identified by this approach, based on the assumption that they cluster with the downstream genes they regulate. This strategy is applicable not only to plant but also to other organisms for functional elucidation of unknown genes.

Functional genomics by integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of Arabidopsis plants over-expressing an MYB transcription factor

The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics can provide precise information on gene-to-metabolite networks for identifying the function of unknown genes unless there has been a post-transcriptional modification. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana over-expressing the PAP1 gene encoding an MYB transcription factor, for the identification of novel gene functions involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. For metabolome analysis, we performed flavonoid-targeted analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and non-targeted analysis by Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron mass spectrometry with an ultrahigh-resolution capacity. This combined analysis revealed the specific accumulation of cyanidin and quercetin derivatives, and identified eight novel anthocyanins from an array of putative 1800 metabolites in PAP1 over-expressing plants. The transcriptome analysis of 22,810 genes on a DNA microarray revealed the induction of 38 genes by ectopic PAP1 over-expression. In addition to well-known genes involved in anthocyanin production, several genes with unidentified functions or annotated with putative functions, encoding putative glycosyltransferase, acyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase, sugar transporters and transcription factors, were induced by PAP1. Two putative glycosyltransferase genes (At5g17050 and At4g14090) induced by PAP1 expression were confirmed to encode flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase and anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferase, respectively, from the enzymatic activity of their recombinant proteins in vitro and results of the analysis of anthocyanins in the respective T-DNA-inserted mutants. The functional genomics approach through the integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics presented here provides an innovative means of identifying novel gene functions involved in plant metabolism.

Functional genomics by integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of Arabidopsis plants over-expressing an MYB transcription factor

The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics can provide precise information on gene-to-metabolite networks for identifying the function of unknown genes unless there has been a post-transcriptional modification. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana over-expressing the PAP1 gene encoding an MYB transcription factor, for the identification of novel gene functions involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. For metabolome analysis, we performed flavonoid-targeted analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and non-targeted analysis by Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron mass spectrometry with an ultrahigh-resolution capacity. This combined analysis revealed the specific accumulation of cyanidin and quercetin derivatives, and identified eight novel anthocyanins from an array of putative 1800 metabolites in PAP1 over-expressing plants. The transcriptome analysis of 22,810 genes on a DNA microarray revealed the induction of 38 genes by ectopic PAP1 over-expression. In addition to well-known genes involved in anthocyanin production, several genes with unidentified functions or annotated with putative functions, encoding putative glycosyltransferase, acyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase, sugar transporters and transcription factors, were induced by PAP1. Two putative glycosyltransferase genes (At5g17050 and At4g14090) induced by PAP1 expression were confirmed to encode flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase and anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferase, respectively, from the enzymatic activity of their recombinant proteins in vitro and results of the analysis of anthocyanins in the respective T-DNA-inserted mutants. The functional genomics approach through the integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics presented here provides an innovative means of identifying novel gene functions involved in plant metabolism.

Pharmacological profile of the cyclic nociceptin/orphanin FQ analogues c[Cys10,14]N/OFQ(1-14)NH2 and c[Nphe1,Cys10,14]N/OFQ(1-14)NH2

In this study we describe the activity of two cyclic nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptides; c[Cys(10,14)]N/OFQ(1-14)NH(2) (c[Cys(10,14)]) and its [Nphe(1)] derivative c[Nphe(1),Cys(10,14)]N/OFQ(1-14)NH(2) (c[Nphe(1),Cys(10,14)]) in native rat and mouse and recombinant human N/OFQ receptors (NOP). Cyclisation may protect the peptide from metabolic degradation. In competition binding studies of rat, mouse and human NOP the following rank order pK(i) was obtained: N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2)(reference agonist)>N/OFQ=c[Cys(10,14)]>>c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)]. In GTPgamma(35)S studies of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human NOP (CHO(hNOP)) c[Cys(10,14)] (pEC(50) 8.29) and N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) (pEC(50) 8.57) were full agonists whilst c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] alone was inactive. Following 30 min pre-incubation c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] competitively antagonised the effects of N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) with a pA(2) and slope factor of 6.92 and 1.01 respectively. In cAMP assays c[Cys(10,14)] (pEC(50) 9.29, E(max) 102% inhibition of the forskolin stimulated response), N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) (pEC(50) 10.16, E(max) 103% inhibition) and c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] (~80% inhibition at 10 microM) displayed agonist activity. In the mouse vas deferens c[Cys(10,14)] (pEC(50) 6.82, E(max) 89% inhibition of electrically evoked contractions) and N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) (pEC(50) 7.47, E(max) 93% inhibition) were full agonists whilst c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] alone was inactive. c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] (10 microM) competitively antagonised the effects of N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) with a pK(B) of 5.66. In a crude attempt to assess metabolic stability, c[Cys(10,14)] was incubated with rat brain membranes and then the supernatant assayed for remaining peptide. Following 60 min incubation 64% of the 1 nM added peptide was metabolised (compared with 54% for N/OFQ-NH(2)). In summary, we report that c[Cys(10,14)] is a full agonist with a small reduction in potency but no improvement in stability whilst c[Nphe(1)Cys(10,14)] displays tissue (antagonist in the vas deferens) and assay (antagonist in the GTPgamma(35)S assay and agonist in cAMP assay) dependent activity.

A marked decrease in bispectral index with elevation of suppression ratio by cervical haematoma reducing cerebral perfusion pressure

A 77-year-old man with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing aneurysmectomy were anaesthetised with ketamine under bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, which is a clinical EEG monitor for measurement of depth of anaesthesia/sedation. First marked BIS reduction with elevation of suppression ratio (SR) was observed following severe hypotension by deflation of the aortic occlusion balloon. The re-inflation and rapid blood transfusion improved haemodyanamics and BIS and SR. At second marked BIS reduction with SR elevation, a heavy cervical swelling due to a massive subcutaneous haematoma around the previously mis-punctured right carotid artery extending throughout the whole neck was observed without hypotension. Cervical relief incision improved the BIS and SR. The present case suggests that BIS monitor may be a simple and convenient monitor for cerebral ischaemia detection.

Effects of nicardipine and diltiazem on the bispectral index and 95% spectral edge frequency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel blocking agents increased and the L-type Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 reduced the general anaesthetic potency in animals. As the bispectral index correlates with the depth of sedation, we examined whether L-type Ca2+ channel blocking agents affect the bispectral index.

METHODS

Thirty hypertensive patients (systolic arterial pressure >160 mmHg) presenting for total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and ketamine were recruited. Bispectral index monitoring was commenced directly the patients arrived in the operating theatre. All patients were given either nicardipine or diltiazem intravenously at the discretion of the anaesthesiologist in charge.

RESULTS

Twenty-three and seven patients received nicardipine or diltiazem, respectively. The bispectral index level (mean (95% confidence interval)) did not change with either drug. In the nicardipine group, the bispectral index at 0, 5, 10 and 15 min was 55 (52-58), 55 (51-59), 55 (52-59) and 56 (53-59), respectively. In the diltiazem group, values were 59 (48-71), 60 (51-70), 61 (52-71) and 61 (50-72), respectively. Both L-type Ca2+ channel blocking agents significantly decreased arterial pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical doses of nicardipine and diltiazem do not alter the bispectral index during general anaesthesia.

Origin of Ca2+ necessary for carbachol-induced contraction in longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats

The origin of Ca2+ necessary for carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction of longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats was studied. CCh induced contraction of the muscle consisting of two phases, phasic and tonic phases, with a concomitant biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i. After removal of Ca2+ from the bathing solution of the colonic segments, CCh-induced contraction was rapidly inhibited; there was almost complete inhibition 1 min after the removal. Nicardipine, a blocker of voltage-dependent calcium channel, also significantly inhibited CCh-induced contraction. On the other hand, treatment of the colonic segments with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase, did not significantly affect the contraction except causing a slight decrease in the rate of contraction. These results suggest that Ca> entering through voltage-dependent calcium channels, but not released from SR, is essential for CCh-induced contraction of longitudinal muscle of the proximal colon of rats. This strict dependency of the CCh-induced contraction on extracellular Ca2+ was discussed in relation to the results obtained in the fundus of rats.

[Changes in serum malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris treated by coronary angioplasty]

OBJECTIVES

Serum malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein(MDA-LDL) was measured as a marker of oxidative stress, and the changes in serum MDA-LDL compared in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

METHODS

Forty-one patients with acute myocardial infarction or stable angina pectoris were admitted to our hospitals between January 2000 and June 2000. Direct PTCA was performed in 17 patients(MI group) and elective PTCA in 24 patients(AP group). Coronary angiography was performed in nine control subjects(control group). Serum MDA-LDL was measured in the peripheral venous blood before and immediately after procedures in each group(normal range 20-80 U/l).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, except age, between the MI group and AP group. Serum MDA-LDL was elevated above the normal range before the procedure in both groups(MI group 104.7 +/- 52.0 U/l, AP group 99.7 +/- 42.8 U/l), and significantly decreased immediately after the procedure(MI group 61.3 +/- 25.6 U/l, AP group 62.0 +/- 29.6 U/l), but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Serum MDA-LDL was elevated before the procedure (99.3 +/- 48.9 U/l) in the control group and significantly decreased immediately after the procedure(61.7 +/- 26.2 U/l). However, these values did not differ from the values before and immediately after the procedure in the MI group and the AP group. The percentage changes in serum MDA-LDL before and immediately after the procedure were -38 +/- 16% in the MI group, -37 +/- 17% in the AP group and -36 +/- 20% in the control group, and there were no significant differences between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in the changes in serum MDA-LDL was observed between patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris treated by PTCA. However, anticoagulants may affect the MDA-LDL measurements directly, because similar changes in serum MDA-LDL were observed in control subjects after only coronary angiography.

Preoperative intradermal acupuncture reduces postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, analgesic requirement, and sympathoadrenal responses

BACKGROUND

In a controlled and double-blind study, the authors tested the hypothesis that preoperative insertion of intradermal needles at acupoints 2.5 cm from the spinal vertebrae (bladder meridian) provide satisfactory postoperative analgesia.

METHODS

The authors enrolled patients scheduled for elective upper and lower abdominal surgery. Before anesthesia, patients undergoing each type of surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups: acupuncture (n = 50 and n = 39 for upper and lower abdominal surgery, respectively) or control (n = 48 and n = 38 for upper and lower abdominal surgery, respectively). In the acupuncture group, intradermal needles were inserted to the left and right of bladder meridian 18-24 and 20-26 in upper and lower abdominal surgery before induction of anesthesia, respectively. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with epidural morphine and bolus doses of intravenous morphine. Consumption of intravenous morphine was recorded. Incisional pain at rest and during coughing and deep visceral pain were recorded during recovery and for 4 days thereafter on a four-point verbal rating scale. We also evaluated time-dependent changes in plasma concentrations of cortisol and catecholamines.

RESULTS

Starting from the recovery room, intradermal acupuncture increased the fraction of patients with good pain relief as compared with the control (P < 0.05). Consumption of supplemental intravenous morphine was reduced 50%, and the incidence of postoperative nausea was reduced 20-30% in the acupuncture patients who had undergone either upper or lower abdominal surgery (P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol and epinephrine concentrations were reduced 30-50% in the acupuncture group during recovery and on the first postoperative day (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative insertion of intradermal needles reduces postoperative pain, the analgesic requirement, and opioid-related side effects after both upper and lower abdominal surgery. Acupuncture analgesia also reduces the activation of the sympathoadrenal system that normally accompanies surgery.

Unilateral spatial neglect associated with chronic subdural haematoma: a case report

A 69-year-old right-handed man who exhibited unilateral spatial neglect in association with a chronic subdural haematoma, presented with mild left arm and leg weakness first noted 4 weeks prior to admission. Neurologic examination on admission revealed a mild left hemiparesis, including the face. Neuropsychologic examination revealed left unilateral spatial neglect, but no language disturbance. Minimal support was necessary to maintain activities of daily living. Computed tomography revealed a large right temporoparietal, extraaxial hypodense fluid collection containing scattered hypodense foci. The haematoma was evacuated via a right parietal burr hole. Following surgery, the patient dramatically improved neurologically and neuropsychologically, as well as in independent performance of daily activities. It is suggested that the improvement in ADL provides a behavioural correlate of improvement in the latter, represented a behavioural correlate of improved cerebral function, and that either direct compression by the chronic subdural haematoma or an interhemispheric pressure difference had caused unilateral spatial neglect. Such neglect is an unusual consequence of chronic subdural haematoma.

Co-induction of heme oxygenase-1 and peroxiredoxin I in astrocytes and microglia around hemorrhagic region in the rat brain

Heme[none1] oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxiredoxin I (PrxI) are known to be oxidative stress- and heme-related proteins. The antioxidant activity of PrxI is inhibited by heme, therefore co-expression of HO-1 and PrxI is considered to be a reasonable mechanism to maintain its antioxidative function. Immunoblotting demonstrated that HO-1 and PrxI were induced around the hemorrhagic region. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that, in acute phase, HO-1 and PrxI were induced primarily in microglia. In the subacute and chronic phase, the immunoreactivity of HO-1 and PrxI in astrocytes was the most intense. These data are the first to demonstrate co-induction of HO-1 and PrxI in the brain. Our results suggest that HO-1 and PrxI are localized in a similar manner to assure the antioxidant activity of PrxI under stress conditions associated with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Barbiturates inhibit K(+)-evoked noradrenaline and dopamine release from rat striatal slices--involvement of voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channels

The cellular target site(s) for anaesthetic action remain unclear. In rat striatal slices we have previously demonstrated that K(+)-evoked noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) release is mediated predominantly via P/Q-type voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channels (VSCC). Using this model of Ca(2+) dependent transmitter release we have evaluated the effects of anaesthetic and non-anaesthetic barbiturates. Rat brain striatal slices were incubated in the absence and presence of barbiturate for 10 min at 37 degrees C. The slices were then incubated for 6 min with 40 mM KCl. All anaesthetic barbiturates produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of K(+)-evoked NA and DA release. Non-anaesthetic barbiturate, barbituric acid was ineffective. The pIC(50) for NA and DA release (thiopental: 4.90+/-0.13 and 5.00+/-0.10, pentobarbital: 4.39+/-0.07 and 4.43+/-0.14, phenobarbital: 3.85+/-0.08 and 3.59+/-0.10, respectively) correlated with lipid solubility (NA: r(2)=0.999, DA: r(2)=0.987). We therefore suggest that barbiturates inhibit catecholamine release via an interaction with P/Q VSCC further implicating this channel in anaesthetic action.

Simultaneous kindling of the bilateral hippocampi: an advanced model for epilepsy research

PURPOSE

To examine whether simultaneous kindling of bilateral hippocampi [bilateral kindling (BK)] could accelerate the achievement of seizures by the breakdown of kindling antagonism or decelerate the achievement of seizures by its enhancement.

METHODS

The hippocampi of 17 adult rabbits were simultaneously kindled bilaterally according to Goddard's method.

RESULTS

All animals developed stage 5 convulsions after a mean of 28 stimulations. Six animals showed spontaneous seizure discharges. Afterdischarge duration increased abruptly during the early period of kindling, but thereafter it gradually progressed. Chronological analyses of interictal discharges (IIDs) demonstrated that simple as well as complex types of IIDs increased their frequencies during BK.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with unilaterally kindled animals, the BK procedure significantly increased the percentage of animals that successfully kindled (100% vs. 59%; p < 0.01), whereas it significantly decelerated the kindling progression (28 days vs. 19 days; p < 0.02). We conclude that the BK procedure represents potentiation of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Although the reason why such an antagonistic relationship between them breaks down is still unknown, the BK provides an advanced animal model to study the pathogenic mechanisms of kindling and to screen anticonvulsants.

[Manifestation of primary biliary cirrhosis and Basedow's disease caused by exposure to carbon monoxide in a patient with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy]

A 55-year-old woman with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) was discovered in a rentan kotatsu (Japanese foot warmer with a frame and a coverlet by burning briquet) with conscious disorder and admitted to an emergency hospital. Her conscious disturbance waned the 3rd day after admission with gradual improvement of communication and food intake. However, on the 18th day after admission, her orientation was poor again and she was unable to take food for herself and keep sitting. She was diagnosed as suffering from an interval form of acute carbon monoxide (CMO) poisoning and transferred to our hospital for the purpose of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the 20th day after exposure to CMO. In the course of treatment she recovered but showed jaundice, pruritus, liver dysfunction and elevation of antimitochondrial antibody. She received liver biopsy and was found to have primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). On the 150th day, she manifested perspiration and hypertension. The clinical and immunological feature revealed her Basedow's disease. The relationship between HAM and PBC due to the autoimmune process has been predicted by investigators. The implication of autoimmune disease and HLA haplotype is a main focus of attention. Our case supports their hypothesis, and suggested that the complication occurred with immunological and genetic correlation. Anti-HTLV-1 antibody was positive at a titer of 1:8192 before exposure to CMO. On transferring to us, it was negative and revealed excessive positive at a titer of 1:20,480 on the 80th day. Immunoglobulin analysis was normal on admission and increased during hospitalization. It was reported that prenatal exposure to relatively mild concentrations of CMO in rats reduces splenic macrophage phagocytosis and killing ability as well as macrophage respiratory burst. These data suggested that PBC and Basedow's disease were manifested by exposure to carbon monoxide.

Oxidative stress-related proteins A170 and heme oxygenase-1 are differently induced in the rat cerebellum under kainate-mediated excitotoxicity

A170 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are characterized as oxidative stress-inducible proteins whose induction depends upon common transcription factor via antioxidant responsive element. We investigated the expression of A170 and HO-1 in the cerebellum after kainate administration. In situ hybridization showed constitutive expression of A170 and HO-1 mRNA in Purkinje cell layer; mild induction of A170 or HO-1 was detected, respectively, 8 or 24 h after kainate administration. Immunohistochemical studies also demonstrated that constitutive expression and the induction of A170 protein in Purkinje cells; the induction of HO-1 protein was detected in Bergmann glia but not in Purkinje cells. Thus, the transcription factors involved in the induction of A170 might be different from those in the induction of HO-1 under kainate-mediated excitotoxicity. The existence of cell type-specific stress response was suggested.

Effects of kainate-mediated excitotoxicity on the expression of rat counterparts of A170 and MSP23 stress proteins in the brain

Stress proteins play important roles in the protective mechanisms under critical conditions for cell survival. We report here the expression of A170 and MSP23, oxidative stress-inducible proteins, under kainate-mediated excitotoxicity in the rat brain. A170 mRNA was significantly induced in the brain 5-8 h after i.p. kainate administration. MSP23 mRNA was observed at quite a low level in the rat brain, and the induction of MSP23 mRNA was not observed during the period 24 h after kainate administration. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the maximal expression level of A170 protein occurred 8 h after treatment in each part of the brain. MSP23 protein was constitutively expressed in the brain and the level of this protein was significantly decreased during the period 24 h after kainate administration. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies showed that A170 was expressed predominantly in neurons, especially in pyramidal neurons of the cerebrum and cerebellar Purkinje cells, while MSP23 was expressed in oligodendrocytes. The induction of A170 was observed in the regions which are affected by excitotoxicity and this induction was observed in the earlier phase than cell death. Also, the region which shows high vulnerability to excitotoxicity such as pyramidal cell layer in the hippocampus, showed lower A170 expression than that which shows resistance to excitotoxicity, such as the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. These results suggest that A170 may play a protective role in the brain under kainate-mediated excitotoxicity.

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 in the rat brain by kainic acid-mediated excitotoxicity: the dissociation of mRNA and protein expression in hippocampus

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is induced under various stresses. Here we report the induction and localization of HO-1 in the rat brain by intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (KA). Both mRNA and protein of HO-1 were markedly induced by KA treatment, and each maximal induction was observed 24 h after KA administration. In situ hybridization analysis showed that HO-1 mRNA appeared predominantly in glial cells, and confined neurons were positive in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and hippocampal pyramidal cell layer. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the positive cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were mainly astrocytes and microglia, whereas neurons in the basal ganglia showed intense immunoreactivity. We also demonstrate the dissociation between HO-1 mRNA and protein level in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which is known to be vulnerable against excitotoxicity, and discuss the correlation between this dissociation and the vulnerability of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Short-term and long-term effects of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis on restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA): is lowering Lp(a) by LDL apheresis effective on restenosis after PTCA?

It has been reported that serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels in patients with restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were significantly higher than in patients without restenosis. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effect of LDL apheresis on restenosis after PTCA in patients with hypercholesterolemia. For 10 patients who had shown a serum cholesterol level of more than 220 mg/dl despite treatment with antihypercholesterolemic drugs, LDL apheresis was conducted every 2 weeks after a successful PTCA until restenosis could be checked. In 4 patients, LDL apheresis was conducted for 2 years. LDL apheresis significantly reduced serum cholesterol from 248 +/- 22 mg/dl to 135 +/- 26 mg/dl and Lp(a) from 42 +/- 34 mg/dl to 21 +/- 16 mg/dl. The average degree of stenosis in the 11 lesions undergoing PTCA was 92 +/- 6% before PTCA, 35 +/- 10% immediately after PTCA, and 38 +/- 19% at 3 to 4 months after PTCA. Restenosis was observed in only 1 lesion. In 4 patients who received LDL apheresis for 2 years, restenosis did not occur in any of the 4 lesions treated. We concluded that LDL apheresis was an efficacious therapy to prevent restenosis after PTCA in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Physicochemical properties of calcium polycarbophil, a water-absorbing polymer

The physicochemical properties of calcium polycarbophil were examined. Calcium polycarbophil was decalcified rapidly under acidic conditions, affording polycarbophil. Polycarbophil absorbed about 10 times its own weight of water under acidic conditions, but the swelling ratio markedly increased at above pH 4.0 and reached 70 times the initial weight under neutral conditions. The swelling of polycarbophil was not affected by non-ionic osmolarity, but was affected by ionic strength, showing a decrease with increase of ionic strength. Monovalent metal ions such as sodium and potassium ions in gastrointestinal fluid did not reduce the equilibrium swelling of polycarbophil, but divalent ions such as calcium and magnesium ions did. However, calcium ion only slightly reduced the equilibrium swelling under sodium-rich conditions. The viscosity (as an indicator of fluidity) of polycarbophil was larger than that of CMC-Na at every shear rate and polymer content examined.

Purification and cDNA isolation of chloroplastic phosphoglycerate kinase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Chloroplastic phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) was purified to homogeneity from a soluble fraction of chloroplasts of a cell-wall-deficient mutant strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (cw-15) using ammonium sulfate fractionation, Reactive Blue-72 column chromatography, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. PGK activity was attributed to a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 42 kD. Relative purity and identity of the isolated enzyme was confirmed by N-terminal amino acid sequence determination. Antiserum against this enzyme was raised and a western blot analysis of whole-cell lysate from cw-15 cells using this anti-chloroplastic PGK serum detected a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 42 kD. The cDNA clone corresponding to the Chlamydomonas chloroplastic PGK was isolated from a Chlamydomonas cDNA expression library using the anti-PGK serum. The cDNA sequence was determined and apparently codes for the entire precursor peptide, which consists of 461 codons. The results from Southern and northern blot analyses suggest that the chloroplastic PGK gene exists as a single copy in the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii and is expressed as a 1.8-kb transcript. The C. reinhardtii chloroplastic PGK cDNA has 71 and 66% homology with wheat chloroplastic PGK and spinach chloroplastic PGK, respectively. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence, the chloroplastic PGK of C. reinhardtii has more similarity to plant PGKs than to other PGKs, having both prokaryotic and eukaryotic features.