Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis therapy for patients with active ulcerative colitis associated with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now a pandemic. Although several treatment guidelines have been proposed for patients who have both inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19, immunosuppressive therapy is essentially not recommended, and the treatment options are limited. Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, adjuvant adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis may safely bring ulcerative colitis (UC) into remission by removing activated myeloid cells without the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Our patient was a 25-year-old Japanese male with UC and COVID-19. This is the first case report of the induction of UC remission with granulocyte and monocyte apheresis treatment for active UC associated with COVID-19.

Polymerase-chain reaction testing to prevent hospital-acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in Shinjuku, an epicenter in Tokyo: The Tokyo Women's Medical University model

Hospital-acquired severe acute respiratory virus coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a healthcare challenge. We hypothesized that polymerase chain reaction testing of symptomatic triaged outpatients and all inpatients before hospitalization in Shinjuku, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epicenter in Tokyo, using the Tokyo Women's Medical University (TMWU) model would be feasible and efficient at preventing COVID-19. This retrospective study enrolled 2981 patients from March to May 2020. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.81% (95% credible interval [CI]: 0.95–3.47%) in triaged symptomatic outpatients, 0.04% (95% CI: 0.0002–0.2%) in scheduled asymptomatic inpatients, 3.78% (95% CI: 1.82–7.26%) in emergency inpatients, and 2.4% (95% CI: 1.49–3.82%) in symptomatic patients. There were no cases of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection. This shows that the TWMU model could prevent hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection and is feasible and effective in reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the hospitals.

The Clinical Difference in the Platelet Counts between Liver Cirrhosis with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatitis C Virus

Objective The rate of platelet count reduction appears to differ among different liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the difference in the platelet counts of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and those with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus (CLD-HCV). Methods The study population included 620 patients with NAFLD and 405 patients with CLD-HCV, all of whom were diagnosed by liver biopsy. The relationships between the grade of fibrosis and the platelet count in the two diseases were compared. The optimal cut-off value for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (LC) was measured. The relationships between the platelet count and anti-platelet antibodies, the serum thrombopoietin level, the grade of splenomegaly and liver stiffness were also investigated in both LC groups. Results In NAFLD patients, the platelet count was significantly higher at each grade of fibrosis in comparison to CLD-HCV. The optimal cut-off value for the diagnosis of LC was 16.0×10⁴/μL [sensitivity, 86.7%; specificity, 87.6%; area under the curve (AUC), 0.930] in NAFLD and 12.7×10⁴/μL (sensitivity, 57.8%; specificity, 88.2%; AUC, 0.863) in CLD-HCV. No anti-platelet antibodies were detected in patients with either type of LC. The serum thrombopoietin levels, the distribution of splenomegaly grades, and liver stiffness did not differ between the two LC groups to a statistically significant extent. As the splenomegaly grade increased, the platelet count decreased. Conclusion The optimal cut-off values for diagnosing LC differed between the two diseases and should be determined separately. The reason for the difference in platelet reduction is still unclear, and requires further investigation.

Copper deposition in oligodendroglial cells in an autopsied case of hepatolenticular degeneration

We present a case of hepatolenticular degeneration, so-called Wilson's disease (WD), in a 31-year-old Japanese man with broader deposition of copper in the liver, kidney and brain. The liver showed severe cirrhotic changes with macronodular pseudolobule formation, but there was little difference in immunohistochemical expression patterns of the copper transporter ATP7B between the control and present case. In the brain, there were both WD-related lesions such as the scattering of Opalski cells and changes caused by hepatic encephalopathy including the appearance of Alzheimer type II glia. Of note, we identified copper deposits in the systemic organs, including hepatocytes, renal tubules, and in broad areas of the brain. Surprisingly, as a result of further pursuit, copper accumulation in the brain was rarely identified in neuronal cells, but in Olig2-positive glial cells with double immunohistochemical staining. Together, this rare autopsied case suggests a novel cellular candidate affected by abnormal copper metabolism and the necessity to perform the systemic examination of copper deposition in WD.

The Outcome of Cirrhotic Patients with Ascites Is Improved by the Normalization of the Serum Sodium Level by Tolvaptan

Objective Hyponatremia is frequently observed in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and it is also related to a poor prognosis. The vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan is used to treat cirrhotic patients with ascites and increases the serum sodium (Na) level. In this study, we investigated (i) whether or not correction of the Na level improves the prognosis of cirrhotic patients with ascites and (ii) predictors of normalization of the serum Na level after tolvaptan therapy. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 95 Japanese cirrhotic patients (60 men, median age 63 years) were enrolled and received tolvaptan orally after hospitalization for ascites treatment. The serum Na level was monitored during the period of tolvaptan treatment. The laboratory data and survival rates of patients who achieved serum Na levels of <135 and ≥135 mEq/L after 1 week were compared. Results Patients showed serum Na levels of 136 (121-145) mEq/L, and 42.1% had a serum Na level of <135 mEq/L. Among patients with an initial serum Na level <135 mEq/L, 60.0% achieved a normal level after 1 week, and the survival rate was significantly higher in patients with a normalized serum Na level (p<0.01). The pretreatment brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was predictive of achieving a serum Na level of ≥135 mEq/L (odds ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.316-0.987, p<0.05). Conclusion Normalization of the Na level after one week was associated with a favorable outcome of tolvaptan therapy, and Na correction improved the prognosis.

Response to tolvaptan and its effect on prognosis in cirrhotic patients with ascites

AIM

The vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan has been used for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with ascites; however, no predictor of efficacy and prognosis has been developed. We evaluated candidate predictors of response to tolvaptan treatment.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. Overall, 97 Japanese cirrhotic patients (60 men, median age 63 years), who were hospitalized for ascites treatment including oral tolvaptan coupled with conventional diuretics, were enrolled. The efficacy of tolvaptan was defined as a urination increase of ≥500 mL or a urine volume ≥2000 mL/day on the day following treatment. The prognosis of tolvaptan treatment was evaluated by the post-treatment survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Tolvaptan therapy was effective in 67% of cirrhotic patients. Patients showed -1.5 (-17.2 to +6.2) kg change in body weight and 40% achieved ≥2.0 kg reduction in body weight after 1 week of treatment. Platelet counts, urine sodium (Na) level, and urine Na/potassium (Na/K) ratio were higher, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine (Cr) ratio was lower, in cases showing a response to tolvaptan. The combination of a BUN/Cr ratio ≥17.5 and urine Na/K ratio <3.09 was predictive of being non-responsive to tolvaptan, and the response rate in these patients was only 39% (P < 0.01). The mean post-treatment survival duration was significantly longer in patients who responded to tolvaptan therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary BUN and Na excretion were predictive of a response to tolvaptan, and tolvaptan treatment may improve the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Four cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus showing sharp serum transaminase increases and hepatomegaly due to glycogenic hepatopathy

Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM) patients sometimes show serum transaminase elevations due to steatohepatitis. However, we experienced four cases with type 1 DM with sharp elevations in serum transaminases that could not be explained by steatohepatitis alone and showed bright liver. They were diagnosed with glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) clinicopathologically. The four patients had a median age of 22.5 years (range, 19-29 years) and 12.5 (4-15)-year histories of type 1 DM and showed marked increases in serum transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase, 698 U/L [469-2763 U/L]; alanine transaminase, 255 U/L [216-956 U/L]). Diabetes mellitus control was poor and hemoglobin A1c was 12.7% (11-16.5%). Three cases had a past history of diabetic ketoacidosis. Hepatomegaly and hyperdense liver were seen on computed tomography scans. Magnetic resonance imaging showed low intensity in T2-weighted images. The pathological findings revealed pale and swollen hepatocytes and glycogenated nuclei. The architecture of the liver was preserved, and steatosis and fibrosis were mild. The cytoplasm of hepatocytes stained densely positive with periodic acid-Schiff, and the positive staining disappeared after diastase digestion, suggesting glycogen deposition. No other cause of hepatitis was evident, and the diagnosis was GH. Elevated transaminases improved within 1 month with good glycemic control. Transaminase elevations were observed several times in three cases with poor glycemic control. Glycogenic hepatopathy is rare, but extremely high serum elevations of transaminases are important to identify clinically. Despite showing a good clinical course in general, GH sometimes recurs and requires strict glycemic control. Clinicians should be aware of and recognize GH when dealing with uncontrolled DM patients.

Safety and efficacy of long-term tolvaptan therapy for decompensated liver cirrhosis

AIM

Recently, the short-term efficacy of the vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan for the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis was reported. However, the long-term effects remain unknown. Here, we report the clinical features of decompensated cirrhosis treated using long-term tolvaptan therapy, and evaluate its safety and efficacy.

METHODS

Fifty-five cirrhotic patients hospitalized due to ascites, despite receiving appropriate diuretic treatment, were treated with tolvaptan. We excluded 35 patients due to liver transplant (20.0%), death (28.6%), poor general status (14.3%), improved ascites (5.7%) or other reasons (31.4%). In 20 cases treated with tolvaptan for 6 months, total body water (TBW) and extracellular fluids (ECW) were measured using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) with an InBody720.

RESULTS

The median age of the 20 patients was 64 years (range, 48-90), and 60% were male. The etiology of cirrhosis included hepatitis C (45%), alcohol-induced (20%) and other (35%). The percentage of patients with Child-Pugh class A, B and C was 0%, 40% and 60%, respectively. Biochemical findings revealed that serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate were not affected during 6 months of treatment with tolvaptan, and there was no renal disturbance. The median serum sodium levels were increased from 138 to 139 mEq/L, but serious adverse events related to renal and liver function were not observed. Data also revealed that long-term treatment reduced the BIA-estimated ECW/TBW ratio.

CONCLUSION

Long-term tolvaptan treatment was a safe and effective treatment for decompensated cirrhosis.

Successful Treatment of Ascites using a Denver® Peritoneovenous Shunt in a Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Budd-Chiari syndrome

A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria at 43 years of age and treatment with cyclosporin A was started. Liver cirrhosis, ascites, and thrombus in the hepatic veins were found at 56 years of age and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) was diagnosed according to angiography findings. He was treated with diuretics and paracentesis was performed several times, but with limited efficacy. A Denver^® peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) was inserted into the right jugular vein; his ascites and renal function improved immediately and his general condition has remained good for 12 months since starting the above treatment regimen. A PVS is a treatment option for ascites due to BCS.

Abstract 354: Resistance to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis is not associated with the de-differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a cytokine which induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, some HCC cells show resistance to the induction of apoptosis by TGF-beta. The analyses of the molecular mechanism underlying these phenomena may be related with the mechanisms of acquirement of drug-resistance. Thus, we examined molecularly the apoptosis-resistant HCC cells which we previously established, especially emphasizing on the analyses of the stem-cell marker expression in this study.

Methods: Previously established HuH7R cells, which acquired a resistance to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis after a long-term culture under small amount of TGF-beta, and control parental HuH7 cells, were used. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle state of these cells after TGF-beta treatment were determined by a flow-cytometry. The expression levels of stem-cell surface markers, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and CD133, and those of transcriptional factors: Oct4, HNF3alfa, HNF4beta, and C/EBPbeta, were analyzed by fluorescent labeling using specific antibodies, at 24hrs and 48hrs after TGF-beta treatment.

Results: 1) HuH7 cells showed apoptosis after 48hrs of TGF-beta treatment, whereas HuH7R did not show apoptosis but entered cell-cycle arrest. 2) The expression levels of CD133 were not affected at both 24hrs and 48hrs after TGF-beta treatment, while EpCAM expression levels increased from 24hrs, in both HuH7 and HuH7R cells. 3) The expression levels of Oct4, HNF3alfa, HNF4beta, and C/EBPbeta were also increased in HCC cells. However, those expression profiles were almost comparable in between HuH7 and HuH7R cells.

Conclusions: The acquisition of the resistance to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis in HCCs were not related with the expression changes of stem-cell markers. The acquisition of drug-resistance in HCC cells was considered through mechanisms other than the changes of the cellular differentiation status of HCC cells.

Citation Format: Tomomi Kogiso, Etsuko Hashimoto, Kazuhisa Kodama, Yuichi Ikarashi, Nobuyuki Torii, Makiko Taniai, Katsutoshi Tokushige, Keiko Shiratori. Resistance to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis is not associated with the de-differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 354. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-354

A Novel Guide-Wire Technique for Repositioning a Nasobiliary Catheter from Mouth to Nostril without Using a Nelaton Tube

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the usefulness of a novel guide-wire technique for repositioning without the use of a Nelaton tube and to compare this to the conventional technique.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients who underwent endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) at the Yachiyo Medical Center, Chiba, Japan, were enrolled into the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the use of a novel guide-wire technique (n = 28) or the conventional technique (n = 22). The ENBD catheters were repositioned from the mouth to the nose. The primary end point was the procedural time from the insertion of the Nelaton tube or guide wire into the nostril until the ENBD catheter had been repositioned in the nose. The secondary end point was the success rate of the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean procedure time of our technique (120.8 s) was shorter than the traditional technique (131.9 s), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). Our technique did not involve the use of the Nelaton tube, and so could save the cost of USD 1.17 per patient. The novel technique did not require the removal of the mouthpiece with a laryngoscope or the use of a Nelaton tube, and no postural change was necessary. A single operator performed the novel procedure unassisted. No adverse events were observed relating to either the novel or the traditional technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel guide-wire technique for repositioning ENBD catheters was effective and is recommended for use.

A case of gastric aberrant pancreas with bleeding and diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography

Aberrant pancreas is used to describe ectopic pancreatic tissue lying outside its normal location with no anatomic or vascular connection to the pancreas proper. Patients with aberrant pancreas are usually asymptomatic, so aberrant pancreas are typically discovered incidentally during endoscopy, surgery, or autopsy. This time, we report a case of gastric aberrant pancreas bleeding was repeated and endoscopic hemostasis was difficult. A 22-year-old man was admitted to a hospital with a complaint of epigastric pain and melena. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a submucosal tumor with a bleeding ulcer at the anterior wall of the antrum in the stomach, and diagnosed it as an aberrant pancreas. It was hard to stop bleeding by in total 7 times endoscopic hemostasis and anemia was gradually progressed, so partial gastrectomy was performed. This gastric tumor measured 40 mm × 30 mm × 20 mm and had a severe ulcerative change. The pathological diagnosis was aberrant pancreas with Langerhans islet, acinous cells and excretory duct. (Heinrich type) Until December 2013 in Japan, 13 cases of gastric aberrant pancreas with bleeding have been reported and in these, a surgery was done in 11 cases. In gastric aberrant pancreas cases with ulcer formation like this case, endoscopic hemostasis is expected to be difficult, and surgery is necessary. Hence, early accurate diagnosis by EUS is a very important to decide better treatment plan.

Yokukansan inhibits morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice: the role of α₂A-adrenoceptor

Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese medicine consisting of seven medicinal herbs that is used for the treatment of neurosis, insomnia, and the behavioral/psychological symptoms of dementia. This study examined the effects of YKS on morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice. Daily oral administration of YKS (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg) for 3 weeks significantly attenuated morphine tolerance and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs (jumps and body weight loss) without affecting the analgesic effect of morphine. The inhibitory effect of YKS on withdrawal jumps in morphine-dependent mice was blocked by a single pretreatment with an α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, but not by an α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. A similar inhibitory effect on withdrawal jumps was observed by repeated administration of yohimbine. The membrane expression of α(2A)-adrenoceptors in the pons/medulla was decreased in morphine withdrawn animals; this reduction was prevented by repeated administration of YKS or yohimbine. Competitive radioligand and [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding assays revealed that YKS and its constituent herbs, Glycyrrhiza (GR) and Uncaria hook (UH), had specific binding affinity for and antagonist activity against the α(2A)-adrenoceptor. Certain chemical constituents, including GR -derived glycyrrhizin and its metabolite, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, and UH-derived geissoschizine methyl ether (GME), shared such activities. Repeated administration of GR, UH, glycyrrhizin or GME significantly inhibited morphine withdrawal signs. These results suggest that YKS and its active constituents inhibit morphine tolerance and physical dependence, and that the latter is due at least in part to the prevention of the decreased membrane expression of the α(2A)-adrenoceptor in the brainstem by its prolonged blockade.

Geissoschizine methyl ether, an alkaloid in Uncaria hook, is a potent serotonin ₁A receptor agonist and candidate for amelioration of aggressiveness and sociality by yokukansan

Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese medicine, is composed of seven kinds of dried herbs. It is widely prescribed in clinical situation for treating psychiatric disorders such as aggressiveness in patients with dementia. We previously demonstrated that YKS and Uncaria hook (UH), which is a constituent herb of YKS, had a partial agonistic effect to 5-HT(1A) receptors in vitro. However, it has still been unclear whether this in vitro effect is reflected in in vivo, and what the active ingredients are. The purpose of the present study is to find the active ingredient in YKS and to demonstrate the effect in in vivo. In the present study, we first studied the effect of YKS and UH on aggressiveness and sociality in socially isolated mice. YKS and UH ameliorated the isolation-induced increased aggressiveness and decreased sociality, and these ameliorative effects were counteracted by coadministration of 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY-100635, or disappeared by eliminating UH from YKS. These results suggest that the effect of YKS is mainly attributed to UH, and the active ingredient is contained in UH. To find the candidate ingredients, we examined competitive binding assay and [(35)S] guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) binding assay of seven major alkaloids in UH using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing 5-HT(1A) receptors artificially. Only geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) among seven alkaloids potently bound to 5-HT(1A) receptors and acted as a partial agonist. This in vitro result on GM was further demonstrated in the socially isolated mice. As did YKS and UH, GM ameliorated the isolation-induced increased aggressiveness and decreased sociality, and the effect was counteracted by coadministration of WAY-100635. These lines of results suggest that GM in UH is potent 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist and a candidate for pharmacological effect of YKS on aggressiveness and sociality in socially isolated mice.

In vivo delivery of interferon-α gene enhances tumor immunity and suppresses immunotolerance in reconstituted lymphopenic hosts

T cells recognize tumor-associated antigens under the condition of lymphopenia-induced homeostatic proliferation (HP); however, HP-driven antitumor responses gradually decay in association with tumor growth. Type I interferon (IFN) has important roles in regulating the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study we examined whether a tumor-specific immune response induced by IFN-α could enhance and sustain HP-induced antitumor immunity. An intratumoral IFN-α gene transfer resulted in marked tumor suppression when administered in the early period of syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (synHSCT), and was evident even in distant tumors that were not transduced with the IFN-α vector. The intratumoral delivery of the IFN-α gene promoted the maturation of CD11c(+) cells in the tumors and effectively augmented the antigen-presentation capacity of the cells. An analysis of the cytokine profile showed that the CD11c(+) cells in the treated tumors secreted a large amount of immune-stimulatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6. The CD11c(+) cells rescued effector T-cell proliferation from regulatory T-cell-mediated suppression, and IL-6 may have a dominant role in this phenomenon. The intratumoral IFN-α gene transfer creates an environment strongly supporting the enhancement of antitumor immunity in reconstituted lymphopenic recipients through the induction of tumor-specific immunity and suppression of immunotolerance.

Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, ameliorates memory disturbance and abnormal social interaction with anti-aggregation effect of cerebral amyloid β proteins in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice

The deposition of amyloid β protein (Aβ) is a consistent pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Therefore, inhibition of Aβ aggregation in the brain is an attractive therapeutic and preventive strategy in the development of disease-modifying drugs for AD. An in vitro study demonstrated that yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese medicine, inhibited Aβ aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. An in vivo study demonstrated that YKS and Uncaria hook (UH), a constituent of YKS, prevented the accumulation of cerebral Aβ. YKS also improved the memory disturbance and abnormal social interaction such as increased aggressive behavior and decreased social behavior in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice. These results suggest that YKS is likely to be a potent and novel therapeutic agent to prevent and/or treat AD, and that this may be attributed to UH.

Insufficient ex vivo expansion of Valpha24(+) natural killer T cells in malignant lymphoma patients related to the suppressed expression of CD1d molecules on CD14(+) cells

BACKGROUND

Valpha24(+) natural killer T (NKT) cell is a human counterpart of mice Valpha14(+) NKT cell that has a regulatory role for innate and acquired potential antitumor activity. The efficient expansion of NKT cells is an obstacle to the clinical application of Valpha24(+) NKT cells for immunotherapy.

METHODS

We used mononuclear cells (MNC) obtained from the peripheral blood (PB) of normal healthy donor (HD) and malignant lymphoma (ML) patients before and after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment. MNC were cultured for 12 days with alpha-galactosylceramide (100 ng/mL) and interleukin-2 (IL-2; 100 U/mL).

RESULTS

The fold expansion of Valpha24(+) NKT cells was higher in HD than in ML patients (208 versus 0.00), despite comparable numbers of Valpha24(+) NKT cells before culture. G-CSF administration enhanced the predominance of Valpha24(+) NKT cell fold expansion in HD compared with ML patients (1935 versus 1.95). After treatment with G-CSF, the expression of CD1d molecules was up-regulated in CD14(+) cells from HD but not ML patients. The fold expansion of Valpha24(+) NKT cells and CD1d expression on CD14(+) cells was strongly correlated in both HD and ML patients (r(2)=0.84). However, replacement of a patient's CD14(+) cells with HD cells did not increase the efficacy of Valpha24(+) NKT cell expansion.

DISCUSSION

G-CSF-mobilized PB from ML patients has inhibitory characteristics for Valpha24(+) NKT cell expansion as a result of both monocytes and Valpha24(+) NKT cells. Multiple procedures would be needed for the expansion of patients' Valpha24(+) NKT cells.

Neuroprotective effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in cultured cells

To clarify the mechanism of yokukansan (TJ-54), a traditional Japanese medicine, against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, the effects of TJ-54 on glutamate uptake function were first examined using cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Under thiamine-deficient conditions, the uptake of glutamate into astrocytes, and the levels of proteins and mRNA expressions of glutamate aspartate transporter of astrocytes significantly decreased. These decreases were ameliorated in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with TJ-54 (100-700 microg/ml). The improvement of glutamate uptake with TJ-54 was completely blocked by the glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-threo-beta-hydroxyaspartic acid. Effects of TJ-54 on glutamate-induced neuronal death were next examined by using cultured PC12 cells as a model for neurons. Addition of 17.5 mM glutamate to the culture medium induced an approximately 50% cell death, as evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. TJ-54 (1-1000 microg/ml) inhibited the cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, competitive binding assays to glutamate receptors showed that TJ-54 bound potently to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, in particular, to its glutamate and glycine recognition sites. These results suggest that TJ-54 may exert a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity not only by amelioration of dysfunction of astrocytes but also by direct protection of neuronal cells.

Streptozotocin-induced partial beta cell depletion in nude mice without hyperglycaemia induces pancreatic morphogenesis in transplanted embryonic stem cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

It appears that the adult pancreas has limited regenerative ability following beta cell destruction by streptozotocin (STZ). However, it is not clear if this limitation is due to an inability to respond to, rather than an absence of, regenerative stimuli. In this study we aimed to uncouple the regenerative signal from the regenerative response by using an exogenous stem cell source to detect regenerative stimuli produced by the STZ-injured pancreas at physiological blood glucose levels.

METHOD

Adult nude mice received 150 mg/kg STZ and 1x10(6) J1 mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells by i.p. injection. Permanent beta cell depletion of 50% was estimated from the ratio of beta:alpha cells in pancreata from STZ-treated mice compared with control animals after 24 days.

RESULTS

Transplanted ES cells homed to the STZ-injured pancreas and formed tumours. Immunocytochemical analysis of pancreas-associated ES tumours revealed foci containing insulin/PDX-1 double-positive and glucagon-positive/PDX-1-negative cell clusters associated with PDX-1-positive columnar lumenal epithelium and extensive alpha-amylase-positive pancreatic acini comprising approximately 0.1% of ES tumour volume.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These data indicate that (1) the adult pancreas produces a milieu of regenerative stimuli following beta cell destruction, and (2) this is not dependent on hyperglycaemic conditions; (3) these regenerative stimuli appear to recapitulate the signalling pathways of embryonic development, since both exocrine and endocrine lineages are produced from PDX-1-positive precursor epithelium. This model will be useful for characterising the regenerative mechanisms in the adult pancreas.

Adenovirus-mediated interferon alpha gene transfer induces regional direct cytotoxicity and possible systemic immunity against pancreatic cancer

We previously demonstrated a characteristically high sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) gene transfer, which induced a more prominent growth suppression and cell death in pancreatic cancer cells than in other types of cancers and normal cells. The IFN-alpha protein can exhibit both direct cytotoxicity and indirect immunological antitumour activity. Here, we dissected and examined the two mechanisms, taking advantage of the fact that IFN-alpha did not show any cross-species activity in its in vivo effect. When a human IFN-alpha adenovirus was injected into subcutaneous xenografts of human pancreatic cancer cells in nude mice, tumour growth was significantly suppressed due to cell death in an adenoviral dose-dependent manner. The IFN-alpha protein concentration was markedly increased in the injected subcutaneous tumour, but leakage of the potent cytokine into the systemic blood circulation was minimal. When a mouse IFN-alpha adenovirus was injected into the same subcutaneous tumour system, all mice showed significant tumour inhibition, an effect that was dependent on the indirect antitumour activities of IFN-alpha, notably a stimulation of natural killer cells. Moreover, in this case, tumour regression was observed not only for the injected subcutaneous tumours but also for the untreated tumours at distant sites. This study suggested that a local IFN-alpha gene therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer, due to its dual mechanisms of antitumour activities and lack of significant toxicity.

Effects of the Japanese herbal medicine Keishi-bukuryo-gan and 17beta-estradiol on calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced elevation of skin temperature in ovariectomized rats

The effects of a Japanese herbal medicine, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, and 17beta-estradiol on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced elevation of skin temperature were investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Ovariectomy not only potentiated CGRP-induced elevation of skin temperature and arterial vasorelaxation but also induced a lower concentration of endogenous CGRP in plasma and up-regulation of arterial CGRP receptors, suggesting that lowered CGRP in plasma due to ovarian hormone deficiency increases the number of CGRP receptors and consequently amplifies the stimulatory effects of CGRP to elevate skin temperature. Oral Keishi-bukuryo-gan (100-1000 mg/kg, once a day for 7 days) restored a series of CGRP-related responses observed in OVX rats by normalizing plasma CGRP levels in a dose-dependent manner as effectively as s.c. injection. 17Beta-estradiol (0.010 mg/kg, once a day for 7 days). However, Keishi-bukuryo-gan did not affect the lower concentration of plasma estradiol and the decreased uterine weight due to ovariectomy, although the hormone replacement of 17beta-estradiol restored them. These results suggest that Keishi-bukuryo-gan, which does not confer estrogen activity on plasma, may be useful for the treatment of hot flashes in patients for whom estrogen replacement therapy is contraindicated, as well as menopausal women.

Induction of vasculogenesis in breast cancer models

Recently, there have been reports of postnatal vasculogenesis in cases of ischaemia models. The aim of the present study is to provide evidence of postnatal vasculogenesis in breast-cancer-bearing mice. Based on cell surface antigen expression, we isolated endothelial precursor cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood and tumour-infiltrating cells from mice that had received six human breast cancer xenografts. In all three areas (bone marrow, peripheral blood and tumour-infiltrating cells), endothelial precursor cell population was elevated in all transplanted mice. Differentiation and migration activities of endothelial precursor cells were measured by comparing levels of the endothelial precursor cell maturation markers Flk-1, Flt-1, Tie2, VE-cadherin and CD31 among these three areas. The endothelial precursor cell population was 14% or greater in the gated lymphocyte-size fraction of the inflammatory breast cancer xenograft named WIBC-9, which exhibits a hypervascular structure and de novo formation of vascular channels, namely vasculogenic mimicry (Shirakawa et al, 2001). In vitro, bone marrow-derived endothelial precursor cells from four human breast cancer xenografts proliferated and formed multiple clusters of spindle-shaped attaching cells on a vitronectin-coated dish. The attaching cells, which incorporated DiI-labelled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-acLDL) and were negative for Mac-1. The putative bone marrow derived endothelial precursor cell subset, which was double positive of CD34 and Flk-1, and comparative bone marrow derived CD34 positive with Flk-1 negative subset were cultured. The former subset incorporated DiI-acLDL and were integrated with HUVECs. Furthermore, they demonstrated significantly higher levels of murine vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 in culture supernatant on time course by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These findings constitute direct evidence that breast cancer induces postnatal vasculogenesis in vivo.

Sensitization potential of gold sodium thiosulfate in mice and guinea pigs

Since gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) has been included in a standard patch test series for diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis from gold, the incidence of patients showing positive reactions to gold is increasing. However, there were little reports on induction of gold sensitization in animals. In this study, we have examined the sensitization potential of GST using mice and guinea pigs. In the guinea pig maximization test, 2 or 6 out of 10 animals showed positive skin responses, mainly edema, by challenge with 2% or 5% GST in 50% ethanol solution, respectively. In the mouse ear swelling test, positive ear swelling (20% greater increase in ear thickness) after challenge with GST was shown in 2 out of 6 mice those previously treated with GST. Topical exposure of mice to GST in 70% dimethylsulfoxide solution induced small increases in the lymph node weight and the lymph node cell (LNC) number in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA). A greater degree of LNC responses were observed in the sensitive mouse lymph node assay (SLNA) compared with the LLNA, but the stimulation index of total lymph node response by GST was not so high. From these results, GST was identified as a contact allergen, but the sensitization potential was not so strong. In the mouse IgE test, treatment of mice with GST resulted in a statistically significant increase in the serum IgE antibody concentration that associated with immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction. It may suggest that the sensitization responses from gold would appear not only at the contact site but also systematically.

Potentiation by saiboku-to of diazepam-induced decreases in hippocampal and striatal acetylcholine release in rats

Effects of saiboku-to, a traditional oriental herbal medicine, on diazepam-induced changes in cerebral acetylcholine (ACh) were investigated in rat striatum and hippocampus. Diazepam (10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased tissue concentrations of the ACh in both regions. The increase was enhanced in rats subacutely treated with saiboku-to (2.0 g/kg, p.o., once a day) for 7 days. Diazepam also decreased release levels of ACh in both regions. The release levels were further decreased in saiboku-to-treated rats. On the other hand, no significant changes in ACh synthesizing and the hydrolyzing enzyme activities in either brain region were observed in saiboku-to-, diazepam- and combination-treated rats. These results suggest that not only is the diazepam-induced increase in tissue ACh due to the inhibition of ACh release but also that saiboku-to potentiates diazepam-induced inhibition of ACh release.

Effects of the vasoactive neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on skin temperature in ovariectomized rats

The effects of three vasoactive neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), on vasodilation and skin temperature were investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated control rats. CGRP (0.01-1 nmol), VIP (0.01-10 nmol) and SP (0.1-100 nmol) produced vasodilation in PGF(2 alpha) (10 microM)-induced contraction of mesenteric vascular beds isolated from OVX and sham-operated rats in a dose-dependent manner. Intravenous injection of CGRP (1-10 microg/kg), VIP (10-50 microg/kg) and SP (10-50 microg/kg) elevated the skin temperature in OVX and sham-operated rats in a dose-dependent manner. CGRP had the greatest effect on both parameters, followed by VIP, with the smallest effect in SP. These parallel increases of vasodilation and skin temperature with CGRP were significantly greater in OVX rats than in sham-operated rats. However, no significant differences were observed in VIP- or SP-induced vasodilation and skin temperature increases between OVX and sham-operated rats. These results suggest not only that CGRP is closely related to the elevation of skin temperature but also that CGRP-induced responses are more affected by ovarian hormone deficiency.

Up-regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors underlying elevation of skin temperature in ovariectomized rats

We investigated the mechanism for the augmentation of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced elevation of skin temperature in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. I.v. injection of alphaCGRP (10 micro g/kg) elevated skin temperature of the hind paws. The elevation was significantly greater in OVX rats than in sham-operated rats and was inhibited by pretreatment with human CGRP(8-37) (100-1000 micro g/kg i.v.), a CGRP receptor antagonist, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ovariectomy not only potentiated vasorelaxation due to alphaCGRP but increased the number of CGRP receptors in mesenteric arteries. Further, the plasma concentration of endogenous CGRP was significantly lower in OVX rats. These results suggest that the low concentration of plasma CGRP due to ovarian hormone deficiency may induce the increase in the number of CGRP receptors due to up-regulation. Therefore, the increased number of CGRP receptors may be responsible for potentiation of exogenous alphaCGRP-induced elevation of skin temperature in OVX rats. The mechanism underlying the hot flashes observed in menopausal women may also involve, in part, the up-regulation of CGRP receptors following ovarian hormone deficiency.

Hypothalamic cholinergic regulation of body temperature and water intake in rats

Without disturbing the behavior of unanesthetized rats, the perfusion of neostigmine through microdialysis probe into the anterior hypothalamus (AH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and lateral ventricle (LV) decreased body temperature and increased water intake. On the other hand, the perfusion into the supraoptic nucleus (SON) increased the body temperature. The perfusion of neostigmine increased the extracellular concentration of acetylcholine in the perfusion sites except LV. Changes, both decrease and increase, in body temperature and increase in water intake were correlated with increases in c-fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in the hypothalamus, pons and medulla. Distinct Fos-IR was found in the PVN, SON, median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), locus coeruleus (LC), area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Co-administration of atropine with neostigmine completely suppressed the changes in the body temperature, water intake and Fos-IR, all of which were induced by the neostigmine perfusion into AH, PVN and SON. In the LV-perfused rats, on the other hand, co-administration of atropine and neostigmine only partially prevented body temperature reduction and still induced significant hypothermia. These results suggest that muscarinic receptor activation in specific regions of the hypothalamus and the activation of LC and NTS are implicated in the regulation of body temperature and water intake. Other receptor processes are involved in the LV-induced changes.

Morphological differences between glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) excreted during chemotherapy with antineoplastic drugs and GEC excreted in renal diseases

BACKGROUND

To better understand the mechanisms of glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) injuries in various diseases, we compared GEC excreted during chemotherapy (antineoplastic drugs) and GEC excreted in renal diseases.

METHODS

For 19 patients undergoing chemotherapy (85 courses), 69 patients with IgA nephropathy and 16 patients with Henoch-Schölein purpura nephritis, the number of excreted GEC and GEC casts were counted by an immunofluorescent study. The morphological features of GEC were also studied in an immunofluorescent study combined with Hoechst stain.

RESULTS

Glomerular epithelial cells were detected in 78% of the chemotherapy courses and in 94% of the patients with renal diseases. The GEC casts were observed in 2% of chemotherapy courses, while in renal diseases GEC casts were observed in 60% of the patients. Proteinuria (>30 mg/dL) and hematuria were not identified in any of the chemotherapy courses. The morphology and size of GEC were more variable than that in patients with nephropathy. Furthermore, GEC in patients undergoing chemotherapy often showed small nuclei and fragmented nuclei, which were rarely observed in patients with nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the detachment of podocytes was not directly associated with proteinuria or hematuria. The findings also suggest that GEC are damaged via an apoptotic process by chemotherapy. On the contrary, GEC may be detached through a non-apoptotic process in renal diseases.

Effects of the extract of the bark of Magnolia obovata and its biphenolic constituents magnolol and honokiol on histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in rats

We have previously reported that saiboku-to, an Oriental herbal remedy composed of a mixture of 10 different herbal extracts, possesses anti-histamine release effect on mast cells in rats. This effect may be due mainly to the extract of the bark of Magnolia obovata (M. obovata), a constituent herb of saiboku-to. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the bark extract inhibited compound 48/80 (C48/80)-induced histamine release from mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner (50 % inhibitory concentration, IC(50) = 56.98 microg/ml). Furthermore, the inhibitory activity was found in the methanol fraction, but not in water and 50 % aqueous methanol fractions derived from the bark extract. Magnolol and honokiol isolated from the methanol fraction inhibited C48/80-induced histamine release from mast cells. The potency of magnolol (IC(50) = 1.04 microg/ml) was greater than that of honokiol (IC(50) = 2.77 microg/ml). Furthermore, the actual amount of magnolol (49.76 +/- 1.14 mg) contained in the bark of M. obovata (5 g) was greater than that (8.58 +/- 0.19 mg) of honokiol. Taken together, the present results suggest that magnolol may be responsible for the biological efficacy of the bark extract of M. obovata.

Effect of food reductones, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF) and hydroxyhydroquinone (HHQ), on lipid peroxidation and type IV and I allergy responses of mouse

The effect of long-term supplementation of food reductones, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF) (2%, w/w), detected in many foodstuffs including soy sauce, and hydroxyhydroquinone (1,2,4-benzenetriol) (HHQ) (1.2%, w/w), detected in coffee, on mouse lipid peroxidation and type IV and I allergy responses was investigated. The effect of supplementation of these reductones combined with NO(2) inhalation (5-6 ppm) was also investigated. Levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in lung were remarkably increased, and those in kidney and liver were slightly decreased by supplementation of DMHF or HHQ. The degree of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-sensitized lymph node cell proliferation as assessed by lymph node assay was remarkably enhanced by supplementation of DMHF or HHQ. Both the DNCB-sensitized and the trimellitic anhydride-sensitized increases in IgE levels of mice were enhanced to greater extent by supplementation of DMHF or HHQ. In no cases were additive effects of NO(2) inhalation observable. Allergen-sensitized type IV and I allergy responses of mice may be enhanced by supplementation of food reductones, DMHF or HHQ.

Development of obesity and neurochemical backing in aurothioglucose-treated mice

To clarify the neurochemical backing of aurothioglucose (ATG)-induced obesity in mice, we investigated lesion sites, hypothalamic neurotransmitters and c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR). At day 2 after ATG, tissue loss or cells death was observed in several parts of the ventral area of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), and the dorsal area of arcuate nucleus and in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). However, the greater part of the VMH was retained. Body weight began to increase in week 1. Hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) and the metabolites were increased at day 2. The contents of acetylcholine, norepinephrine and dopamine in the hypothalamus showed no significant change. In week 1, the area shown tissue loss was compacted and plugged up. In the control group, most obvious c-Fos-like immunoreactive region was paraventricular nucleus (PVN). At day 2, Fos-IR was observed around destroyed regions in the hypothalamus and NTS, but few Fos-IR was found in the other regions including PVN. The Fos-IR around destroyed regions diminished after week 1. In week 3, Fos-IR in the PVN increased. These results suggest that the development of ATG-induced obesity cannot be attributed to solely VMH destruction. The restoration processes of the neuronal dysfunction involving PVN seem to play an important role in the development of obesity. NTS lesion and 5-HT system might contribute to decrease in food intake for several days after ATG.

Opposite regulation of body temperature by cholinergic input to the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus in rats

Hypothalamic cholinergic system plays an important role in the regulation of body temperature and fluid balance. We have previously shown that cholinergic stimulation of the anterior hypothalamus and preoptic area was accompanied by a fall in body temperature, increased water intake, and increased Fos protein in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). In the present study, to estimate the role played by cholinergic input to the PVN and SON in thermoregulation and water intake, we used microdialysis for cholinergic stimulation with neostigmine and analysis of the nucleus, and also investigated immunoreactivity for c-Fos protein in the brain. This stimulation increased extracellular concentration of acetylcholine in these nuclei. Stimulation of the PVN decreased body temperature and increased water intake. On the other hand, stimulation of the SON increased body temperature. Both in PVN-stimulated and SON-stimulated rats, c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) was evident in the PVN, SON and certain regions including locus coeruleus (LC), area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Addition of atropine to the dialysis medium attenuated the increase of Fos-IR and suppressed the cholinergic stimulation-induced responses in body temperature and water intake. These results suggest that cholinergic muscarinic mechanisms in PVN and SON play an opposite function in the regulation of body temperature. The same neuronal pathway including LC and NTS may participate in an advance both in hypothermia and in hyperthermia.

Hypothalamic neuroactivity in specific processes and central regulation of body temperature and water intake

The method described was designed to elucidate the role of a particular neuronal system or specific nucleus in the central nervous system (CNS) in controlling physiological and biological functions. The neurochemical aspects of the CNS regulatory mechanism and related networks remain to be further investigated. There is little information available about the relationship between neuroactivity in the specific brain nuclei and physiological or biological responses in mammals. An adequate analysis of this relationship provides valuable insight to clarify which nucleus and what types of neurons are truly involved in the excitation of physiological events and its regulation. In the present study, we used microdialysis for stimulation of the anterior hypothalamus (AH) and simultaneous analysis of cholinergic activity, and we investigated c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in the brain in the same animal following microdialysis. The nuclear protein c-Fos, the product of c-fos oncogene, has been used as a marker of neuronal activity at the cellular level in the brain. Various physiological and pharmacological stimuli have been shown to induce Fos-IR in specific neuronal populations located in various regions of the brain. However, there are few studies investigating the responses produced by c-Fos expression in specific regions in same animals. We showed the involvement of hypothalamic cholinergic mechanisms in the thermoregulatory and water regulatory processes using the above procedures.

Cholinergic input to the supraoptic nucleus increases Fos expression and body temperature in rats

To examine the role played by cholinergic input and processes in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) in the control of body temperature and water intake in rats, we used microdialysis to stimulate and analyze SON without disturbing the behavior of unanesthetized rats. After microdialysis, we also investigated immunoreactivity for c-Fos protein in the brain as an index of neuronal activation. Stimulation with neostigmine, an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, through the microdialysis probe increased the extracellular concentration of acetylcholine in the SON. This cholinergic stimulation dose-dependently increased body temperature but did not significantly change the water intake. The stimulation markedly increased c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in the SON and certain hypothalamic areas, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and median preoptic nucleus (MnPO). Fos-IR was also evident in certain regions of the pons and brainstem, including the locus ceruleus (LC), area postrema (AP), and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Addition of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, to the dialysis medium containing neostigmine attenuated the increase of Fos-IR and suppressed the neostigmine-induced responses in body temperature. These results suggest that cholinergic input and activation of the muscarinic cholinoceptive neurons in the SON contribute to the regulation of body temperature. Activation of noradrenergic pathways in the brainstem including LC and NTS may be involved in the thermoregulation mechanism.

Inhibition of gastric acid secretion by saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine, in rats

Intraduodenal saiboku-to (250-1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced gastric acid secretion and histamine output, without altering acetylcholine output in pylorus-ligated rats. Saiboku-to also inhibited subcutaneous bethanechol (1 mg/kg) and tetragastrin (0.3 mg/kg) -induced increases in gastric acid secretion in vagotomized pylorus-ligated rats; however, it did not inhibit subcutaneous histamine (20 mg/kg) -induced increase in acid secretion. These results, taken together, suggest a possibility that saiboku-to may inhibit histamine release. Thus, the effect of saiboku-to on histamine release was directly investigated by using anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-sensitized rat peritoneal mast cells. Antigen (dinitrophenyl)-induced histamine release from the mast cells was clearly dose-dependently inhibited by saiboku-to at concentrations of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. These results suggest that the inhibited gastric acid secretion with saiboku-to is due to inhibited histamine release.

Role of preoptic and anterior hypothalamic cholinergic input on water intake and body temperature

To elucidate the role played by cholinergic mechanism in the preoptic area (POA) and anterior hypothalamus (AH) in the control of body temperature and water intake of rats, we used microdialysis without disturbing the behavior of unanesthetized animals. After microdialysis, we also investigated immunoreactivity for c-Fos protein in the hypothalamus. Stimulation with neostigmine, an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, through microdialysis probe increased extracellular concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) in the POA and AH, and was accompanied by a dose-dependent fall in body temperature and increased water intake. Addition of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, to the dialysis medium containing neostigmine suppressed the neostigmine-induced changes in rectal temperature and water intake. Neostignime markedly increased c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in certain hypothalamic areas, including the paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and median preoptic nucleus. This increase was also attenuated by atropine. These results suggest that cholinergic inputs and activation of muscarinic processes in POA and AH induced a decline in body temperature and increased water intake.

Effects of an oriental herbal medicine, "Saiboku-to", and its constituent herbs on Compound 48/80-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in rats

Effects of a traditional oriental herbal medicine, "Saiboku-to" and its constituent herbs on Compound 48/80-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in rats were investigated. Saiboku-to inhibited Compound 48/80-induced degranulation of and histamine release from the mast cells, suggesting that Saiboku-to not only possesses anti-histamine release effect from mast cells, but also contains active herbs with this effect. Significant inhibitions were found in 4 of 10 constituent herbs of Saiboku-to: Magnoliae Cortex, Perillae Herba, Bupleuri Radix and Hoelen. In the dose-response curves of the four herbs, the logarithmic linearity was observed for each herb, and 50% inhibitory concentration, the IC50 values, were calculated to be 56.8 microg/ml for Magnoliae Cortex, 175.8 microl/ml for Perillae Herba, 356.6 microg/ml for Bupleuri Radix, and 595.8 microg/ml for Hoelen. One mg/ml of Saiboku-to showing 75% inhibition of Compound 48/80-induced histamine release level from mast cells contains 88.5 microg of Magnoliae Cortex (it was estimated from the dose-response curve that this dose inhibits 62.68% of the Compound 48/80-induced histamine release level), 58.8 microg of Perillae Herba (21% inhibition), 205.9 microg of Bupleuri Radix (35.24% inhibition), and 147.1 microg of Hoelen (11.15% inhibition). From these results, it is suggested that the anti-histamine release effect of Saiboku-to, which contains 10 herbs, may be due mainly to the effect of Magnoliae Cortex and the synergism of the 3 other herbs.

Activation of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell responses by poly(lactide)

This study examined the osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell responses to poly(DL-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) with different weight average molecular weight (M.W.). Colony formation of MC3T3-E1 cells on the PLLA with M.W. 270000 or 1370000 was slightly lower than that on glass. The protein, DNA and hydroxyproline (HYP) content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity for cells cultured on the PLLA (M.W. 270000 or 1370000) for 14 d were almost similar to those on glass. In contrast, the ALP activity of the cells cultured on low M.W. PLLA (M.W. 20000) increased. Osteoblast differentiation was stimulated by low M.W. PLLA but not by high M.W. PLLA. The addition of low M.W. PDLLA (M.W. 5000 or 10000), L-lactide or L-lactic acid into culture increased the protein, DNA and HYP content and ALP activity for cells at 100 microg/ml. Compared with four chemicals, PDLLA (M.W. 10000) had the strongest simulation effect on the cell. The release of L-lactic acid from PLLA and PDLLA into aqueous solution during incubation only slightly affected cell activity. In a cell-free condition, in the presence of PDLLA, the ALP activity was maintained without inactivation, even after 24 h incubation. Such a phenomenon was not seen with L-lactide and L-lactic acid. This may be a reason why PDLLA has a stronger effect on osteoblast differentiation relative to L-lactic acid. These results suggested that increased osteoblast differentiation was induced by low M.W. PDLLA and PLLA, and these may be used as a effective material in the field of orthopedic and drug delivery systems for the treatment of bone diseases.

Anxiolytic-like effect of saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine, on histaminergics-induced anxiety in mice

Effect of saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine, on anxiety in mice was investigated using a light/dark test. Anxiogenic- and anxiolytic-like effects were evaluated on the basis of shortened and prolonged time spent in the light zone of the test. Subacute administration (once a day for 7 days) of saiboku-to (0.5-2.0 g/kg, p.o.) induced anxiolytic-like effect. To assess the effect of saiboku-to on brain histaminergic system in a state of anxiety, Compound 48/80 (1.0 microg/2 microl, i.c.v.), a non-neuronal mast cell histamine releaser, or thioperamide (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.), a neuronal histamine releaser possessing the inhibitory effect of histamine H(3) autoreceptors, induced decrease in the time spent in the light zone by co-injection with cimetidine (10.0 microg/2 microl, i.c.v.), a H(2) inhibitor, suggesting anxiety-like effect. These histaminergics-induced experimental anxieties were inhibited by pre-treatment with subacute administration of saiboku-to, as well as single treatment with diazepam. The results suggest that saiboku-to exhibits anxiolytic-like effect closely related to histaminergic system in the brain.

Differential distribution of ionic channels and muscarinic receptors at the cat tracheal neuromuscular junction

The ionic and pharmacological properties of atropine-sensitive excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) were investigated by the double sucrose gap and microelectrode membrane potential recording methods, and compared with those of inward currents evoked by carbachol (I(CCh)), in cat tracheal smooth muscle. A single and repetitive field stimulation (10-30 V, 50 micros, 20 Hz) evoked atropine-inhibitable EJPs and associated twitch-like contractions. Reduction in external Na+ concentration strongly, but in the external Cl- concentration, decreased the EJP amplitude after 5 min superfusion, although prolonged exposure to low Cl- solutions attenuated the EJPs modestly. Chloride channel blockers such as 9-AC and niflumic acid (each 100 microM), at concentrations high enough to inhibit I(CCh) almost completely, failed to abolish the EJPs. Pirenzepine, AF-DX116 and 4-DAMP all effectively inhibited the EJPs at their concentrations to block respective muscarinic receptor subtypes relatively specifically, while depletion of internal stores by 10 mM caffeine and/or 3 microM ryanodine caused only a partial decrease in the EJP amplitude. These properties are considerably different from those of I(CCh) which is activated exclusively through activation of the M3 receptor/IP3-mediated Ca2+ release pathway and reflects mostly a Ca2+-dependent Cl- current, and suggests the differential distribution of muscarinic receptors and ionic channels inside and outside of the cholinergic neuromuscular junction of this muscle.

[Determination of antimicrobial, 10,10'-oxybis-10H-phenoxarsine, in artificial leather used for the seat of chairs]

Recently, a case of patients with allergic contact dermatitis caused by the poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) seat, containing 10,10'-oxybis-10H-phenoxarsine (OBPA), of a chair was reported. OBPA was developed as an antimicrobial for plastics such as PVC and polyurethane, and it has been widely used in artificial leather for the seats of chairs and sofas. To identify causative chemicals for allergic contact dermatitis, a combination of patch testing in the patients and chemical analysis of causative products is valuable. However, no analytical method and data of OBPA in commercial products was reported. In this study, a method for the determination of OBPA in the artificial leather (PVV base) was developed. OBPA was extracted from PVC samples with methanol. The extract was loaded on an aluminum oxide column, and washed with diethyl ether:hexane, and eluted with ethanol:hexane. The eluate was evaporated, dissolved in methanol and injected to a HPLC equipped an ODS column and an UV detector (detection wavelength 300 nm). OBPA standard crystal was isolated from commercial agents containing OBPA. The calibration curve for OBPA was linear in the range of 0.1-100 micrograms/ml. The minimum detection and determination concentrations of OBPA in samples were 0.07 and 0.25 microgram/g. By this method, eight PVC sheets for the seat of a chair were analyzed. In two PVC sheets, 52.7 and 84.9 micrograms/g of OBPA were detected. In the PVC product that caused contact dermatitis, OBPA was not found.

Effects of drugs acting as histamine releasers or histamine receptor blockers on an experimental anxiety model in mice

Experimental anxiety in mice was evaluated using a light/dark test at 60 min after injection of various histaminergics. Thioperamide, a histamine H(3) receptor inhibitor (5-20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]), Compound 48/80, a mast cell degranulator (0.1-10 microg/2 microl, intracerebroventricularly [ICV]), mepyramine, a histamine H(1) receptor antagonist (0.1-10 microg/2 microl, ICV) or cimetidine, a histamine H(2) receptor antagonist (0.1-10 microg/2 microl, ICV) alone did not affect the locomotive activity, the time spent in the light zone, and number of shuttle crossings in the light/dark test. However, the time spent in the light zone and the number of shuttle crossings significantly decreased only when cimetidine (0.1-10 microg/2 microl, ICV) was co-treated with either thioperamide (10 mg/10 ml/kg, IP) or Compound 48/80 (1.0 microg/2 microl, ICV). The decrease in these behavioral parameters suggests induced experimental anxiety in mice. The experimental anxiety was antagonized by mepyramine (10 microg/2 microl, ICV). These results suggest that not only neuronal histamine release induced by thioperamide but also non-neuronal (mast cells) histamine release induced by Compound 48/80 play an important role in inducing experimental anxiety via post-synaptic H(1) and H(2) receptors. In addition, it is likely that the anxiety may be mediated by the stimulation of H(1) receptors, while H(2) receptors may inhibit the anxiety produced by the activation of H(1) receptors.

Cytokines production of U5A2-13-positive T cells by stimulation with glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide

We have previously established and reported a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), U5A2-13, which recognizes a phenotypically similar population of natural killer (NK)-like T cells. Using U5A2-13 mAb, we now describe the functional properties of U5A2-13(+) T cells in both NK1.1-positive or -negative mouse strains. Similar to NK1.1(+) T cells, hepatic U5A2-13(+) T cells of C57BL/6 (NK1.1(+) strain) mice, but not U5A2-13(-) T cells, could be induced to produce large amounts of IL-4 and IFN-gamma by stimulation with glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) present on dendritic cells (DC) in a dose-dependent manner. The abundant production of these cytokines from U5A2-13(+) T cells of BALB/c (NK1.1(-) strain) mice is similar to that noted in C57BL/6 mice. Cytokine production by cultures stimulated with DC of beta2-microglobulin-deficient mice was significantly less than that of cultures stimulated with DC of intact mice. Overall, U5A2-13(+) T cells recognize alpha-GalCer presented by CD1d, indicating that U5A2-13(+) T cells can be used to analyze NK-like T cell function in various strains of mice.

Potentiation of brain acetylcholine neurons by Kami-Untan-To (KUT) in aged mice: implications for a possible antidementia drug

The effects of a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, Kami-Untan-To (KUT), on brain choline (Ch) and Acetylcholine (ACh) levels in aged mice were examined. Further, the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the medial septum (MS), the vertical limbs of the diagonal band of Broca (VDB), and the nucleus basalis Meynert (NBM) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Following an oral administration of KUT to the aged mice for 3 months, ACh levels in the cortex, striatum and hippocampus were increased significantly. The density of ChAT-immunoreactive cells located in MS, VDB, and NBM in the KUT-treated group was increased significantly as compared to the non-treatment group. The survival rate of aged mice was significantly higher in the KUT-treated group as compared to that in the nontreated group. Our results suggest that KUT potentiates the brain acetylcholinergic system, and may become a possible anti-dementia drug.

Effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on acetylcholine and histamine levels in gastric juice of pylorus-ligated rats anesthetized with urethane

Acetylcholine (ACh) in gastric juice was detected and measured by pretreatment of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, 1 mM eserine (1 ml/rat, p.o.), in pylorus-ligated rats, by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In order to elucidate whether or not the ACh level in gastric juice reflects the activity of cholinergic neurons, the effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a vagus stimulant, on the levels of ACh, histamine and gastric acid in gastric juice was investigated in pylorus-ligated rats anesthetized with urethane (1.25 g/kg, i.p.). Under the non-anesthetic condition, ACh, histamine and gastric acid levels were 100+/-25 pmol/h, 120+/-10 ng/h, and 240+/-32 microequiv./h, respectively. These levels were completely inhibited by urethane anesthesia. Under the anesthetized condition, 2-DG (50-200 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased ACh and histamine levels in gastric juice, as well as acid secretion. The 2-DG (200 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced increases in these levels were completely inhibited by vagotomy. These results suggest that ACh level measured in gastric juice reflects the activity of cholinergic transmission. Furthermore, these results also support the conclusion that vagus stimulation facilitates not only cholinergic transmission but also histaminergic transmission related to gastric acid secretion.