Altered neuronal activity in the auditory brainstem following sound stimulation in thalidomide-induced autism model rats

Auditory hypersensitivity in autism is frequently observed in clinics. Dysfunction in the auditory brainstem has been suspected. We have established autism model rats using prenatal thalidomide exposure. Here we investigated whether abnormal response occurs in the brainstem following sound stimulus in autism model rats. Autism model rats were prepared by prenatal exposure to thalidomide on embryonic days 9 and 10 in pregnant rats. Then, the animals were exposed to 16-kHz pure tone auditory stimulus and c-Fos immunostaining was performed to examine the neuronal activity on postnatal day 49 to 51. Following sound stimulus, increased number of c-Fos-positive neurons was observed in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body of autism model rats compared with the control rats. These results suggest that prenatal thalidomide might cause altered processing of auditory stimulus, leading to the characteristics of auditory hypersensitivity in autism.

Determination of 1,3-Dichloropropanol in Soy Sauce and Related Products by Headspace Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric Detection: Interlaboratory Study

An interlaboratory study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a headspace gas chromatography (GC) method for the determination of 1,3-dichloro-propan-2-ol (1,3-DCP) in soy sauce and related products at levels above 5 ng/g. The test portion is mixed with an internal standard (d5-1,3-DCP) and ammonium sulfate in a sealed headspace vial. After achieving equilibrium, the headspace is sampled either by gas-tight syringe or solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by GC with mass spectrometric detection. 1,3-DCP is detected in the selected-ion mode (monitoring m/z 79 and 81 for 1,3-DCP and m/z 82 for the deuterated internal standard) and quantified by measurement against standards. Test materials comprising soy, dark soy, mushroom soy, and teriyaki sauces, both spiked and naturally contaminated, were sent to 9 laboratories in Europe, Japan, and the United States; of these, 5 used SPME and 4 used syringe headspace analysis. Test portions were spiked at 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 100.0, and 500.0 ng/g. The average recovery for spiked blank samples was 108% (ranging from 96–130%). Based on results for spiked samples (blind pairs at 5, 10, 20, 100, and 500 ng/g) as well as a naturally contaminated sample (split-level pair at 27 and 29 ng/g), the relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 2.9–23.2%. The relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR) ranged from 20.9–35.3%, and HorRat values of between 1.0 and 1.6 were obtained.

Novel acoustic evaluation system for scratching behavior in itching dermatitis: rapid and accurate analysis for nocturnal scratching of atopic dermatitis patients

Quantitative analysis of itching in patients with itching dermatitis including atopic dermatitis (AD) is indispensable for the evaluation of disease activity and response to therapy. However, the objective evaluation system for itching is limited. We have developed a new objective and quantitative scratching behavior detection system using a wristwatch-type sound detector. The scratch sound detected on the wrist is recorded on a personal computer through a filtering, squaring and smoothing process by specific hardware. Subsequently, the data is automatically processed and judged for the scratching movement using specific software based on the periodicity and energy of the signal. Twenty-four measurements for healthy volunteers and those with AD by this system were evaluated by comparison with a simultaneously recorded video analysis system. The ratio of scratching time in sleeping time evaluated by these two systems was almost identical. The healthy subjects scratched their skin approximately 2 min during 6 h of sleeping time, while the mean scratching time of AD subjects was 24 min in their sleeping time. In contrast to the time-consuming video analysis system, this system takes only several minutes for evaluation of an overnight record. This scratch sound detection system is expected to serve as a new objective evaluation tool for itching dermatitis, namely, AD, and development of anti-itch therapies for dermatitis.

The role of 3d electrons in the appearance of ferromagnetism in the antiferromagnetic Ru2MnGe Heusler compound: a magnetic Compton scattering study

The antiferromagnetism in Ru(2)MnGe can be suppressed by the substitution of V by Mn and ferromagnetism appears. Synchrotron-based magnetic Compton scattering experiments are used in order to investigates the role of 3d electrons in the indirect/direct exchange interactions for the appearance of ferromagnetism. A small spin moment for the itinerant electron part on the magnetic Compton profile indicates that the metallic ferromagnet Ru(2)Mn(0.5)V(0.5)Ge has a weak indirect exchange interaction between the d-like and sp-like (itinerant) electrons. This suggests that the appearance of ferromagnetism is caused by the enhancement of the direct exchange interactions between d-d electrons in the Ru(2)MnGe Heusler compound. These findings indicate that the indirect exchange interaction between itinerant electrons and localized electrons is a significant key point for the appearance of ferromagnetism in this system.

Variation of the Ru moment in the Ca(0.3)Sr(0.7)Ru(1-x)Mn(x)O3 system

The variation of the magnetic moment on Ru and Mn atoms in the Ca(0.3)Sr(0.7)Ru(1-x)Mn(x)O(3) system was investigated by the magnetic Compton scattering technique using synchrotron radiation. The Ca(0.3)Sr(0.7)Ru(1-x)Mn(x)O(3) system has ferrimagnetism with an antiferromagnetic coupling between Ru and Mn, and the dominant magnetic component changes from ferromagnetic Ru to ferromagnetic Mn at x ∼0.25 as the Mn substitution proceeds. The mechanism for the change in the magnetism of Ca(0.3)Sr(0.7)Ru(1-x)Mn(x)O(3) is discussed.

Orbital magnetic moment in Ir doped CaMnO(3)

The magnetism of CaMn(0.55)Ir(0.45)O(3) has been studied using the magnetic Compton scattering technique. The analysis of the magnetic Compton profile shows that the spin moments of Mn and Ir form an antiparallel configuration, establishing ferrimagnetism. Moreover, the experimental results indicate the existence of an orbital moment 0.2  μ(B)/f.u.. The possible model for these results has been discussed under the framework of the localized electron model by taking account of the electronic states of the Ir(4+) ion.

Magnetic ground states of CaRu(1-x)Mn(x)O(3)(0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.9): a magnetic Compton scattering study

The magnetism of CaRu(1-x)Mn(x)O(3)(0.2≤x≤0.9) was studied by the magnetic Compton scattering experiment. The result of the spin-polarized electron momentum density distributions (magnetic Compton profiles) and the absolute value of spin moment indicate that Mn doping introduces magnetic moments on Ru ions, and the Ru and Mn spin moments were antiferromagnetically coupled. Moreover the spin moment of Ru ions increased proportionally in the x range. These results were explained by a mixed valence model and inhomogeneous magnetic structure, where the inhomogeneous magnetic ground state in CaRu(1-x)Mn(x)O(3) would be formed by a ferrimagnetic network from the Mn(3.5+) and Ru(4.5+) clusters in the paramagnetic matrix CaRuO(3) for x<0.5 and in the antiferromagnetic matrix CaMnO(3) for x>0.5.

Ferromagnetism in CaMn(1-x)Ir(x)O(3)

The crystallographic, magnetic, and electric properties of CaMn(1-x)Ir(x)O(3) (0≤x≤0.6) were investigated. The lattice constants increase with increasing content of Ir. Specimens of 0.05≤x≤0.2 show antiferromagnetic behavior; however, ferromagnetism is observed for specimens of 0.3≤x≤0.6. T(N) decreases as the Ir content increases. T(N) is superseded by T(C) without passing 0 K and T(C) continues to increase in the ferromagnetic composition range. The effective moment μ(eff) decreases as the Ir content increases. The Weiss temperature is negative for small x; however, it continues to increase while changing its sign at about x = 0.3. The results were explained by assuming a mixed valence state of Mn(3+), Mn(4+), Ir(4+), and Ir(5+) ions. The composition dependence of μ(eff) could be explained qualitatively using the ion fractions estimated from the Ir content dependence of the unit cell volume. Experimental results suggest the coexistence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases. When the volume fraction of the ferromagnetic phase dominates that of the antiferromagnetic phase, the system seems to show ferromagnetism.

A novel acoustic evaluation system of scratching in mouse dermatitis: rapid and specific detection of invisibly rapid scratch in an atopic dermatitis model mouse

Scratching is an essential and a skin specific behavior induced by itching, which is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD) and other types of dermatitis. Itching sensation and scratching are closely associated and thus scratching times are currently used for evaluating itching in animal models. However, objective measuring systems of scratching to assess the grade of dermatitis and the effectiveness of anti-pruritic drugs in animal dermatitis models are lacking. To investigate a quantitative evaluation system for itching, we have developed a novel acoustic scratching counting system and compared its accuracy with time-consuming slow-motion video recording system. We have also objectively evaluated the efficacy of an antihistamine using this novel system. Scratching behavior of an AD model mouse (K14 driven IL-18 transgenic mouse) was recorded visually and acoustically. Specific scratching sound produced by mice was recorded and counted using a software we have developed, and the results obtained using our acoustic system were not statistically different from data obtained using slow motion video system. Surprisingly, mice scratched more than 10 times/second, which was invisibly rapid motion and revealed inaccuracy of conventional hand counting system. Results were identical to that of measured by 10 times time costing slow-motion video analysis. The antihistamine is clearly effective for suppression of scratching as demonstrated using this objective and accurate method. This novel motion analysis system will open a window for physiological and pathological analysis for animal models and development of anti-pruritic drugs.

Suppression of allergic reaction by lambda-carrageenan: toll-like receptor 4/MyD88-dependent and -independent modulation of immunity

BACKGROUND

Recognition of foreign substances by innate immunity through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) regulates acquired immunity such as allergic reaction. Because PRRs recognize heterogeneous ligands, daily food intake can potentially regulate immune allergic reaction.

OBJECTIVE

Elucidation of the effect of lambda-carrageenan on allergic reactions was aimed.

METHOD

IFN-gamma and IL-4 was measured in in vitro T cell-stimulated culture. Cytokine production from macrophages in response to lambda-carrageenan was measured as indicator for innate immunity activation. Mice were immunized with OVA in alum to induce specific IgE, and then histamine release was induced by systemic injection of OVA.

RESULTS

Activation of innate immunity by lambda-carrageenan is dependent on Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and MyD88, in which induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 was largely impaired in macrophages from TLR4- and MyD88-deficient mice. Footpad oedema, a model for in vivo inflammatory reactions, was significantly reduced in these mice. Similar to recent evidence showing a preference for the stimulation of Th1 via TLR/MyD88 signalling, lambda-carrageenan showed enhanced IFN-gamma and decreased IL-4 in stimulated T cell cultures. Interestingly, increased IFN-gamma production was still seen in TLR4- and MyD88-deficient splenocytes. Oral administration of lambda-carrageenan to immunized mice successfully decreased OVA-specific IgE, and lambda-carrageenan was also effective in previously immunized mice. Further, serum histamine release upon systemic challenge of OVA was significantly inhibited. Neither OVA-specific IgG1/IgG2a nor cytokine secretion from in vitro cultures were altered, suggesting the involvement of multiple PRRs as demonstrated by TLR4/MyD88-independent IFN-gamma up-regulation. The simultaneous feeding of OVA with lipopolysaccharide abrogated oral tolerance, but lambda-carrageenan was not only devoid of such an effect but was also found to promote oral tolerance in the absence of TLR4.

CONCLUSION

lambda-Carrageenan was suggested to be a useful dietary supplement to ameliorate allergic reactions while maintaining oral tolerance-dependent intestinal homeostasis.

Photodegradation products of methylprednisolone suleptanate in aqueous solution--evidence of a bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en-2-one intermediate

Two major photodegradation products of methylprednisolone suleptanate (sodium 11 beta, 17 alpha-dihydroxy-6 alpha-methyl-21-[[8-[methyl(2-sulfoethyl)amino]-1,8-dioxooctyl+ ++]oxy]-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione) in aqueous solution irradiated with white fluorescent light at 2000 lux for 28 days at 25 degrees C were isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized. Structures of the photodegradation products were determined as sodium 11 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha, 6 alpha-dimethyl-21-[[8-[methyl(2-sulfoethyl)amino]-1,8-dioxoocty l]-oxy]-19-norpregna-1(10),3-diene-2,20-dione and sodium 1 beta, 11 beta-epoxy-17 alpha-hydroxy-6 alpha-methyl-21-[[8-[methyl(2-sulfoethyl)amino]-1, 8-dioxooctyl]oxy]-19 alpha-pregn-4-ene-2.20-dione. Formation of these compounds, especially the 1,11-epoxy analogue, strongly supports the existence of the bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en-2-one intermediate in the photorearrangement of steroidal cross-conjugated dienones. The intermediate can account for all the major ketonic and phenolic products; these products are generated from the intermediate after subsequent transformations and/or further skeletal rearrangements. The 1,11-epoxy analogues were obtained from the prednisolone steroids in high yields by irradiation with a high-pressure mercury lamp.

Jejunal varices as a cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding

Jejunal varices are not a common manifestation of portal hypertension. This report describes a 46-yr-old man with recurrent massive gastrointestinal bleeding from jejunal varices arising in an area of adhesions between the intestine and the omentum. The bleeding site was identified by exploratory laparotomy. Medical therapy, including vasopressin infusion via the superior mesenteric artery, was of limited success for controlling acute variceal bleeding. However, jejunal resection and anastomosis resulted in complete resolution of the bleeding, and the patient has experienced no recurrent bleeding over a 3-yr follow-up period. A review of the literature shows that this syndrome is characterized by portal hypertension, generally due to liver cirrhosis; frequently, there is a history of abdominal surgery, and the syndrome presents with hematochezia but without hematemesis. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. We propose that bleeding from jejunal varices, though uncommon, should be considered under such clinical conditions.

Renal kinin and kallikrein excretion in cirrhotic patients

Urinary kinin and urinary kallikrein activity were measured in 33 liver cirrhotics, and the values were correlated with the severity of the liver disease. A significant relationship was observed between urinary kinin excretion and urinary kallikrein excretion (r = 0.53; p less than 0.01). Both urinary kinin and kallikrein excretion were significantly lower in Child's group C than in Child's groups A and B (p less than 0.05) and showed positive correlations with serum albumin (r = 0.47, p less than 0.01 and r = 0.46, p less than 0.01, respectively). Increases in urinary kinin and kallikrein excretion after endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy were observed in 18 patients (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that the renal kallikrein-kinin system in suppressed in severe liver disease in proportion to the severity of the underlying liver disease. In this study possible activation of this system after sclerotherapy was also demonstrated.

Manifestations of temporary symptoms during endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy using thrombin as a sclerosant

We performed 93 sclerotherapy sessions on liver cirrhosis patients with recurrent variceal bleedings. In each session, hypertonic glucose, thrombin and 1% polidocanol were consecutively injected into the varices, and changes in the hemostatic system were examined in relation to the symptoms observed during the treatment. Patients underwent sclerotherapy with no complaints in 62 (67%) sessions, and complained of slight symptoms of general fatigue and headache in 19 (20%). In the other 12 (13%) sessions, the procedure was discontinued due to marked manifestations of these symptoms. All symptoms were temporary and disappeared completely after the procedure. These temporary symptoms were closely related to changes in coagulation tests similar to those of disseminated intravascular coagulation, which were observed just after the treatment. Possible activation of the renal kallikrein-kinin system following injection sclerotherapy was also demonstrated.

Effects of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy using GT XIII on blood coagulation tests and the renal kallikrein-kinin system

Forty-six sclerotherapy sessions were performed on liver cirrhotics with high-risk esophageal varices using GT XIII, a sclerosant composed of gelatin, thrombin and coagulation factor XIII. GT XIII was effective for the prevention of temporary symptoms and transient hypotension observed in 55 sclerotherapy sessions using thrombin. In 42 (91%) sessions, patients underwent sclerotherapy with no symptoms, and in the other four (9%) sessions, only slight symptoms of general fatigue and headache were observed. Changes in the mean arterial pressure were significantly smaller in sessions using GT XIII than in those using thrombin (-12.3 +/- 13.6 vs. -26.8 +/- 20.7 mmHg, P less than 0.01). Changes in coagulation tests, similar to those of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), were also reduced in sessions using GT XIII. Urinary kallikrein and kinin excretion significantly increased after the procedure (P less than 0.01), indicating activation of the renal kallikrein-kinin system. Increases in urinary kallikrein and kinin excretion showed a significant relationship with the consumed plasma fibrinogen levels (r = -0.51, P less than 0.01 and r = -0.58, P less than 0.01, respectively), and it was suggested that activation of the glandular kallikrein-kinin system caused by abrupt DIC-like changes in the hemostatic system might play a role in manifestations of temporary complications occurring with the use of hemostatic agents containing thrombin.

Highly sensitive assay for acetylcholinesterase activity by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A highly sensitive assay for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was devised by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. It is based on the separation of acetylcholine and choline on an octadecylsilane reversed-phase column, followed by their enzymatic conversion into hydrogen peroxide through the post-column reaction with immobilized AChE and choline oxidase. The system is highly sensitive, and the relationship between the peak height and the amount of choline is linear over the range 5 pmol to 5 nmol. When homogenate of bovine caudate nucleus was used as enzyme, the Michaelis constant of the enzyme for acetylcholine was 0.4 mM. The regional distribution of AChE activity in rat brain was examined, and the order of the activity from the highest to the lowest agreed with the reported brain distribution of AChE: striatum, thalamus plus hypothalamus, pons plus medulla oblongata, cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, and cerebellum.