An Overview of Rodent Models of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Many animal models that are currently used in appetite and obesity research share at least some main features of human obesity and its comorbidities. Hence, even though no animal model replicates all aspects of "common" human obesity, animal models are imperative in studying the control of energy balance and reasons for its imbalance that may eventually lead to overt obesity. The most frequently used animal models are small rodents that may be based on mutations or manipulations of individual or several genes and on the exposure to obesogenic diets or other manipulations that predispose the animals to gaining or maintaining excessive weight. Characteristics include hyperphagia or changes in energy metabolism and at least in some models the frequent comorbidities of obesity, like hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, or diabetes-like syndromes. Some of the most frequently used animal models of obesity research involve animals with monogenic mutations of the leptin pathway which in fact are useful to study specific mechanistic aspects of eating controls, but typically do not recapitulate "common" obesity in the human population. Hence, this review will mention advantages and disadvantages of respective animal models in order to build a basis for the most appropriate use in biomedical research.

The Quinpirole Hypolocomotive Effects are Strain and Route of Administration Dependent in SHR and SLA16 Isogenic Rats

The SHR and SLA16 inbred strains present behavioral differences in anxiety/emotionality that could be under the influence of dopaminergic neurotransmission. In order to investigate the role of D2 receptors in modulating such differences, an agonist (quinpirole) and an antagonist (haloperidol) of this receptor were administered, either via systemic injection (IP), or microinjected into the ventral area of the hippocampus (vHIP). Quinpirole and haloperidol IP decreased locomotor activity, only in SLA16 rats in the open-field (OF), and in both strains in the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Quinpirole also increased the preference for the aversive areas of the EPM. Quinpirole vHIP decreased locomotor activity in both strains. Haloperidol vHIP did not elicit behavioural changes and no differences in the levels of D2 receptors and of dopamine transporter in the hippocampus were found. Results indicate that systemic activation/blocking of D2 receptors caused a strain-dependent hypolocomotion, whereas activation of D2 receptors in the vHIP, but not D2 receptor antagonism, regardless of dose, decreased general locomotor activity in the two strains. Therefore, we suggest that genomic differences in the chromosome 4 can influence the locomotor activity regulated by the D2 dopaminergic receptor, especially in the vHIP.

Altered expression of GABAA receptors (α4, γ2 subunit), potassium chloride cotransporter 2 and astrogliosis in tremor rat hippocampus

Impaired GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R), potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and astrocytes are of particular importance to GABAergic transmission and thus involved in the development of increased seizure susceptibility. The tremor rat (TRM: tm/tm), a genetic mutant discovered in a Kyoto-Wistar colony, can manifest both absence-like seizures and tonic convulsions without any external stimuli. So far, there are no reports that can elucidate the effects of GABA(A)R (α4, γ2 subunit), KCC2 and astrocytes on TRMs. The present study was undertaken to detect the expressions of GABA(A)R α4, GABA(A)R γ2 and KCC2 in TRMs hippocampus at mRNA and protein levels. In this work, mRNA and protein expressions of GABA(A)R α4 were significantly elevated while GABA(A)R γ2 and KCC2 were both evidently decreased in TRMs hippocampus by real-time RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Furthermore, a dramatic elevation of KCC2 protein level was found after cerebroventricular injection with K252a to TRMs than that in the DMSO-treated TRMs. Besides, our present study also demonstrated that GFAP (a major component of astrocyte) immunoreactivity was much more intense in TRMs hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG regions than that in control group with immnohistochemistry and confocal microscopic analyses. The protein expression of GFAP was also markedly elevated in TRMs hippocampus, suggesting that astrogliosis appeared in the TRM model. These data demonstrate that altered expressions of GABA(A)R (α4, γ2) and KCC2 and astrogliosis observed in TRMs hippocampus may provide us good therapeutic targets for the treatment of genetic epilepsy.

Upregulation of Brain Expression of P-Glycoprotein in MRP2-deficient TR-Rats Resembles Seizure-induced Up-regulation of This Drug Efflux Transporter in Normal Rats

PURPOSE

The multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) is a drug efflux transporter that is expressed predominantly at the apical domain of hepatocytes but seems also to be expressed at the apical membrane of brain capillary endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). MRP2 is absent in the transport-deficient (TR(-)) Wistar rat mutant, so that this rat strain was very helpful in defining substrates of MRP2 by comparing tissue concentrations or functional activities of compounds in MRP2-deficient rats with those in transport-competent Wistar rats. By using this strategy to study the involvement of MRP2 in brain access of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we recently reported that phenytoin is a substrate for MRP2 in the BBB. However, one drawback of such studies in genetically deficient rats is the fact that compensatory changes with upregulation of other transporters can occur. This prompted us to study the brain expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a major drug efflux transporter in many tissues, including the BBB, in TR(-) rats compared with nonmutant (wild-type) Wistar rats.

METHODS

The expression of MRP2 and Pgp in brain and liver sections of TR(-) rats and normal Wistar rats was determined with immunohistochemistry, by using a novel, highly selective monoclonal MRP2 antibody and the monoclonal Pgp antibody C219, respectively.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescence staining with the MRP2 antibody was found to label a high number of microvessels throughout the brain in normal Wistar rats, whereas such labeling was absent in TR(-) rats. TR(-) rats exhibited a significant up-regulation of Pgp in brain capillary endothelial cells compared with wild-type controls. No such obvious upregulation of Pgp was observed in liver sections. A comparable overexpression of Pgp in the BBB was obtained after pilocarpine-induced seizures in wild-type Wistar rats. Experiments with systemic administration of the Pgp substrate phenobarbital and the selective Pgp inhibitor tariquidar in TR(-) rats substantiated that Pgp is functional and compensates for the lack of MRP2 in the BBB.

CONCLUSIONS

The data on TR(-) rats indicate that Pgp plays an important role in the compensation of MRP2 deficiency in the BBB. Because such a compensatory mechanism most likely occurs to reduce injury to the brain from cytotoxic compounds, the present data substantiate the concept that MRP2 performs a protective role in the BBB. Furthermore, our data suggest that TR(-) rats are an interesting tool to study consequences of overexpression of Pgp in the BBB on access of drugs in the brain, without the need of inducing seizures or other Pgp-enhancing events for this purpose.

Identification and distribution of aspartoacylase in the postnatal rat brain

Aspartoacylase metabolizes N-acetylaspartic acid to produce L-aspartate and acetate. An aspartoacylase deficiency in humans is responsible for Canavan disease, a lethal autosomal recessive leukodystrophy. The role of aspartoacylase in the mammalian brain is unclear. Here we have generated and characterized a highly specific polyclonal antibody against aspartoacylase which recognizes a 37 kDa monomer and a dimer in normal but not in aspartoacylase-deficient rat tissue. Aspartoacylase protein expression sharply increases at P14, peaks at P28 and plateaus thereafter. Biochemical analysis reveals immunoreactivity in cytosolic but not in membrane fractions. Histologically, most abundant expression was observed in white matter tracts and thalamus. On the cellular level, aspartoacylase immunoreactivity is restricted to oligodendrocyte somata in both white and gray matter.

Production of knockout rats using ENU mutagenesis and a yeast-based screening assay

The rat is a widely used model in biomedical research and is often the preferred rodent model in many areas of physiological and pathobiological research. Although many genetic tools are available for the rat, methods to produce gene-disrupted knockout rats are greatly needed. In this study, we developed protocols for creating N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced germline mutations in several rat strains. F1 preweanling pups from mutagenized Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were then screened for functional mutations in Brca1 and Brca2 using a yeast gap-repair, ADE2-reporter truncation assay. We produced knockout rats for each of these two breast cancer suppressor genes.

Vulnerability of monoaminergic neurons in the brainstem of the zitter rat in oxidative stress

In the monograph of Santiago Ramon y Cajal, he provided a detailed description about the morphological changes in degeneration and regeneration of peripheral and central nervous systems following lesions. He discussed factors that may promote or inhibit axonal growth after peripheral and/or central nerve injury. Cajal with a brilliant insight anticipated the existence of several factors acting on degeneration and regeneration. Free radicals have been proposed to be one of such factors. These highly reactive oxygen species-derived free radicals play a pathogenetic role in neurological disorders, including ischemia, trauma, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD). In this review we will discuss the similarities and differences between the morphological changes under oxidant stress and Cajal's drawings of degeneration and regeneration following the central injury. The monoaminergic neuron systems in the brainstem appear vulnerable to these free radicals, which have also been implicated in the selective degeneration of the nigrostriatal DA system. We analyzed the degeneration of fibers and the neuronal cell death of brainstem monoaminergic neuron systems in a mutant rat, which has abnormal metabolism of oxygen species in the brain. The degeneration of DA cell bodies and fibers was characterized by swollen varicosities and clustered fibers.

Normotopic and heterotopic cortical representations of mystacial vibrissae in rats with subcortical band heterotopia

The tish rat is a neurological mutant exhibiting bilateral cortical heterotopia similar to those found in certain epileptic patients. Previous work has shown that thalamocortical fibers originating in the ventroposteromedial nucleus, which in normal animals segregate as 'barrel' representations for individual whiskers, terminate in both normotopic and heterotopic areas of the tish cortex (Schottler et al., 1998). Thalamocortical innervation terminates as barrels in layer IV and diffusely in layer VI of the normotopic area. Discrete patches of terminals are also observed in the underlying heterotopic area suggesting that representations of individual vibrissa may be present in the heterotopic somatosensory areas. The present study examines this issue by investigating the organization of the vibrissal somatosensory system in the tish cortex. Staining for cytochrome oxidase or Nissl substance reveals a normal complement of vibrissal barrels in the normotopic area of the tish cortex. Dense patches of cytochrome oxidase staining are also found in the underlying lateral portions of the heterotopic area (i.e. the same area that is innervated by the ventroposteromedial nucleus). Injections of retrograde tracers into vibrissal areas of either the normotopic or heterotopic area produce topographically organized labeling of neurons restricted to one or a small number of barreloids within the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus. Physical stimulation of a single whisker (D3 or E3) elicits enhanced uptake of [(14)C]2-deoxyglucose in restricted zones of both the normotopic and heterotopic areas, demonstrating that single whisker stimulation can increase functional activity in both normotopic and heterotopic neurons. These findings indicate that the barrels are intact in the normotopic area and are most consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the individual vibrissae are 'dually' represented in normotopic and heterotopic positions in the primary somatosensory areas of the tish cortex.

Auditory and vestibular defects in the circling (ci2) rat mutant

The circling rat is an autosomal recessive mutant (homozygous ci2/ci2) that displays lateralized circling behaviour, locomotor hyperactivity, ataxia and stereotypic head-movement. These abnormal behaviours occur in phases or bursts either spontaneously or in response to stress. Heterozygous (ci2/+) littermates display normal spontaneous behaviours. We have previously found that ci2/ci2 rats of both genders have a lower tissue content of dopamine in the striatum ipsilateral to the preferred direction of rotation, indicating that the rats turn away from the brain hemisphere with higher striatal dopaminergic activity. In view of the similarities of the motor syndrome of the ci2/ci2 mutant rat to that of mouse deafness mutants, the present study evaluated the hearing ability of the circling rat mutant by recording brainstem auditory-evoked potentials. To test for vestibular dysfunction, a swimming test was conducted. Histological methods were used to examine the cochlear and vestibular parts of the inner ear and the cochlear and vestibular brainstem nuclei for defects. The absence of auditory-evoked potentials demonstrated a complete hearing loss in the adult ci2/ci2 mutant rat, whereas heterozygous littermates exhibited auditory-evoked potentials with thresholds resembling those of other laboratory strains. Furthermore, the mutant rats were unable to swim. Histological analysis of the inner ear of adult mutants revealed virtually complete loss of the cochlear neuroepithelium, while no such hair cell degeneration was seen in the vestibular parts of the inner ear. However, part of the vestibular hair cells showed protrusions into the endolymphatic space, suggesting alterations in the cytoskeletal architecture. The histological findings in mutant circling rats strongly indicate that the hearing loss of the mutants is of the sensory neural type, the most prevalent type of hearing loss. In the cochlear nuclei of the brain stem of mutant rats, neurons exhibited an abnormal shape, reduced size and increased density compared to controls. In contrast, no abnormal neuronal morphology was seen in the vestibular nuclei, but a significantly reduced neuronal density was found in the medial vestibular nucleus. Abnormal vestibular function would be a likely explanation for the disturbed balance of mutant rats as exemplified by the ataxia and the inability to swim, whereas the previous data on these rats strongly indicate an involvement of the basal ganglia in the abnormal circling behaviour. The genetic defect in the mutant rats, thus, results in a clinical syndrome with features also seen in human genetic disorders with deafness and hyperkinesia, making the ci2/ci2 rat an excellent model for investigating both cochlear/vestibular dysfunction and hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Differential impact of predator or immobilization stressors on central corticotropin-releasing hormone and bombesin-like peptides in Fast and Slow seizing rat

Lines of rats selectively bred for amygdala excitability, as reflected by kindling rates in response to electrical stimulation, also exhibit differences in tests of anxiety. Inasmuch as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and bombesin (BN) have been associated with anxiety, regional levels and release of these peptides, as well as plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone, were assessed in 'Slow' and 'Fast' seizing rats following predator exposure (ferret) or immobilization. Ferret exposure elicited a greater increase of plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations in the Slow than in the Fast rats. In contrast, immobilization provoked a greater rise of plasma ACTH levels in the Fast rats, paralleling the vigorous struggling observed in this line. In Slow rats, stressor exposure elicited increased levels of ir-BN at the anterior hypothalamus, and increased ir-CRH at the median eminence/arcuate nucleus (Me/Arc), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and pituitary (Pit), whereas decreased levels of ir-BN were found at the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Fast rats likewise showed decreased ir-BN at the NTS, but unlike the Slow rats, ir-CRH was reduced in the Me/Arc, PVN and Pit in response to both stressors. In vivo microdialysis experiments revealed that in response to ferret exposure, the Slow rats showed a greater CRH release at the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) as compared to Fast rats. However, immobilization elicited a more pronounced release of CRH in Fast than in Slow rats. Taken together, the results demonstrate that these two lines of rats show differential endocrinological and neurochemical response patterns to these stressors.

The pck rat: a new model that resembles human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney and liver disease

BACKGROUND

The pck rat is a recently identified model of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and liver disease (PLD) that developed spontaneously in the rat strain Crj:CD/SD. Its pattern of inheritance is autosomal recessive.

METHODS

To characterize this new model, we studied pck rats derived from F9 breeding pairs from Charles River Japan and control Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood and tissues (kidneys, liver, and pancreas), obtained from these rats at 1, 7, 21, 70, and 182 days of age, were used for biochemical determinations, light and electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The pck rats develop progressive cystic enlargement of the kidneys after the first week of age, and liver cysts are evident by day 1. The renal cysts developed as a focal process from thick ascending loops of Henle, distal tubules, and collecting ducts in the corticomedullary region and outer medulla. Flat and polypoid epithelial hyperplasia were common in dilated tubules and cysts. Apoptosis was common and affected normal, as well as dilated tubules, but less frequently cysts lined by flat epithelium. The basement membranes of the cyst walls exhibited a variety of alterations, including thinning, lamellation, and thickening. Focal interstitial fibrosis and inflammation were evident by 70 days of age. Segmental glomerulosclerosis and segmental thickening of the basement membrane with associated effacement of the podocyte foot processes were noted in some rats at 70 days of age. The PKD was more severe in male than in female pck rats, as reflected by the higher kidney weights, while there was no gender difference in the severity of the PLD. Mild bile duct dilation was present as early as one day of age. With age, it became more severe, and the livers became markedly enlarged. Even then, however, there was only a mild increase in portal fibrosis, without formation of fibrous septae. Slight elevations of plasma blood urea nitrogen levels were detected at 70 and 182 days of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The pck rat is a new inherited model of PKD and PLD with a natural history and renal and hepatic histologic abnormalities that resemble human autosomal dominant PKD. This model may be useful for studying the pathogenesis and evaluating the potential therapies for PKD and PLD. The identification of the pck gene may provide further insight into the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant PKD.

Selective myelin defects in the anterior medullary velum of the taiep mutant rat

The taiep rat is a myelin mutant in which initial hypomyelination is followed by progressive demyelination of the CNS. An in vitro study suggests that accumulation of microtubules within oligodendrocytes is the cause of the taiep myelin defects (Song et al., 1999). In this article, we analyze microtubule accumulation in relation to taiep myelin defects in vivo in the anterior medullary velum (AMV), a CNS tissue that enables entire oligodendrocyte units to be resolved. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated notably high levels of beta-tubulin and the microtubule associated protein tau in the somata and processes of taiep oligodendrocytes. This was correlated with markedly reduced expression of the myelin proteins, proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP), 2',3 -cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, and both large (L) and small (S) isoforms of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Moreover, PLP and L-MAG, which are dependent on the microtubule system for intracellular transport, accumulated in the perinuclear cytoplasm of the taiep oligodendrocyte. The myelin deficit was most marked in the area of the AMV populated by the small somata oligodendrocytes that have fine long processes that support numerous myelin sheaths of small diameter axons. Type III/IV oligodendrocytes, which have large somata and short processes that support a small number of myelin sheaths of large diameter axons, were also affected to a certain degree in compact myelin sheath formation. These results support the hypothesis that myelin loss and oligodendrocyte disruption in the taiep mutant result from a defect in the microtubule system that transports myelin components from the somata to the myelin sheath.

Effect of repeated seizure experiences on tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivities in the brain of genetically epilepsy-prone rats

The genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) is a model of generalized tonic/clonic epilepsy, and has functional noradrenergic deficiencies that act as partial determinants for the seizure predisposition and expression. The present study investigated the effect of repeated seizure experiences by acoustic stimulation (110 dB, 10 times) on the immunoreactivities of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-determining enzyme in the synthesis of norepinephrine, in brain regions of GEPRs. TH immunoreactivity in locus coeruleus, the major noradrenergic nucleus in brain, was lower in GEPRs than control Sprague-Dawley rats. It was also decreased in several regions including inferior colliculus of GEPRs. Repeated experiences of audiogenic seizures further decreased TH immunoreactivities in locus coeruleus and inferior colliculus of GEPRs. The results from the present study suggest that the lower immunoreactivities of TH in locus coeruleus and inferior colliculus contribute, at least in part, to the noradrenergic deficits in GEPRs, and repeated seizure experiences further intensified these noradrenergic deficits, which may be related to the altered seizure expression by repetitive audiogenic seizure in GEPRs.

Impaired nitric oxide production in coronary endothelial cells of the spontaneously diabetic BB rat is due to tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency

Endothelial cells (EC) from diabetic BioBreeding (BB) rats have an impaired ability to produce NO. This deficiency is not due to a defect in the constitutive isoform of NO synthase in EC (ecNOS) or alterations in intracellular calcium, calmodulin, NADPH or arginine levels. Instead, ecNOS cannot produce sufficient NO because of a deficiency in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), a cofactor necessary for enzyme activity. EC from diabetic rats exhibited only 12% of the BH(4) levels found in EC from normal animals or diabetes-prone animals which did not develop disease. As a result, NO synthesis by EC of diabetic rats was only 18% of that for normal animals. Increasing BH(4) levels with sepiapterin increased NO production, suggesting that BH(4) deficiency is a metabolic basis for impaired endothelial NO synthesis in diabetic BB rats. This deficiency is due to decreased activity of GTP-cyclohydrolase I, the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of BH(4). GTP-cyclohydrolase activity was low because of a decreased expression of the protein in the diabetic cells.

Increased H2O2, vascular endothelial growth factor and receptors in the retina of the BBZ/Wor diabetic rat

Hyperglycemia in diabetes induces increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a reactive oxygen species generated by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase. Nontoxic levels of H2O2 increase endothelial cell permeability. Using a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the BBZ/Wor rat, we investigated retinal levels of H2O2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2 by transmission electron microscopy at sites of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). H2O2 localization was done by the cerium NADH oxidase method, and extravasation of endogenous serum albumin was used to document disruption of the BRB. Higher levels of H2O2 were detected in blood vessels of diabetic (78.7 +/- 4.84%) as compared with vessels from nondiabetic rats (39.0 +/- 4.47%). VEGF immunoreactivity was statistically higher in the inner BRB (24.67 +/- 0.33 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 vs. 21.52 +/- 0.43 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .0001) and outer BRB (42.56 +/- 0.45 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 vs. 15.51 +/- 0.51 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .0001) of diabetic rats as compared with age matched nondiabetic control rats. VEGF-R1 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in diabetic retinas in both the inner BRB (21.66 +/- 0.75 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 vs. 12.69 +/- 0.61 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .0001) and outer BRB (22.76 +/- 2.36 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 vs. 8.53 +/- 2.67 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .0013). VEGF-R2 was statistically higher in the inner BRB (8.97 +/- 0.57 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 versus 7.03 +/- 0.65 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .0419) but not in the outer BRB (29.42 +/- 1.25 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2 vs. 28.07 +/- 1.42 colloidal gold particles/63 microm2, p = .4889). H2O2 levels correlated with increased VEGF (correlation coefficient = 0.82, p = .001) in this model of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. These results support that hyperglycemia is one factor that induces retinal endothelial cells in vivo to increase H2O2 via NADH oxidase and stimulates increases in VEGF resulting in disruption of the BRB.

Different pathways of canalicular secretion of sulfated and non-sulfated fluorescent bile acids: a study in isolated hepatocyte couplets and TR- rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Fluorescent bile acids have proved useful for characterizing bile salt transport mechanisms. The aim of this study was to further validate the use of lysyl-fluorescein conjugated bile acid analogues as surrogate bile acids.

METHODS

We analyzed biliary excretion kinetics of cholyl lysyl fluorescein (CLF), lithocholyl lysyl fluorescein (LLF) and sulfo-lithocholyl lysyl fluorescein (sLLF), both in the isolated rat hepatocyte couplet model and in TR- rats with a selective canalicular transport defect of non-bile acid organic anions.

RESULTS

CLF and LLF, which like their natural nonsulfated bile acid congeners are expected to be handled by the canalicular bile salt export pump, were transferred into the bile canaliculus much faster than sLLF, a putative substrate for the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter in both the in vivo and the in vitro models employed. The contention that different transport systems are involved in sulfated and non-sulfated lysyl fluorescein conjugated bile acids biliary excretion was supported further by studies using TR- rats, in which the cumulative biliary excretion of sLLF was reduced to 6% as compared with that of normal Wistar rats, in good agreement with values for its naturally-occurring radiolabeled parent compound sulfoglycolithocholate. In contrast, CLF and LLF were reduced to 66% and 52%, similar values to these for their congeners, [14C] glycocholate and [14C] lithocholate.

CONCLUSION

The close similarity in behavior of lysyl fluorescein conjugated bile acids to that of their naturally-occurring parent compounds in these different models gives support for both sulfated and nonsulfated lysyl fluorescein conjugated bile acids as substitute molecules for studies of bile acid transport.

Cellular distribution of iron in the brain of the Belgrade rat

In this study, we investigated the cellular distribution of iron in the brain of Belgrade rats. These rats have a mutation in Divalent Metal Transporter 1, which has been implicated in iron transport from endosomes. The Belgrade rats have iron-positive pyramidal neurons, but these are fewer in number and less intensely stained than in controls. In the white matter, iron is normally present in patches of intensely iron-stained oligodendrocytes and myelin, but there is dramatically less iron staining in the Belgrade rat. Those oligodendrocytes that stained for iron did so strongly and were associated with blood vessels. Astrocytic iron staining was seen in the cerebral cortex for both normal rats and Belgrade rats, but the iron-stained astrocytes were less numerous in the mutants. Iron staining in tanycytes, modified astrocytes coursing from the third ventricle to the hypothalamus, was not affected in the Belgrade rat, but was affected by diet. The results of this study indicate that Divalent Metal Transporter 1 is important to iron transport in the brain. Iron is essential in the brain for basic metabolic processes such as heme formation, neurotransmitter production and ATP synthesis. Excess brain iron is associated with a number of common neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms of brain iron delivery is critical for understanding the role of iron in pathological conditions.

Elevated neuropeptide Y and corticotropin-releasing factor in the brain of a novel epileptic mutant rat: Noda epileptic rat

Noda epileptic rat (NER) is a new epileptic rat strain, which was developed by inbreeding rats with spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures in a stock of Crj:Wistar. In the present study, possible changes of two neuropeptides, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), in the brains of NER were investigated. Increased contents of immunoreactive (IR) NPY were found in the striatum and amygdala of 8-week NERs with partial seizure, while these changes extended to the limbic region including hippocampus in 16-week NERs with fully developed generalized tonic-clonic seizure. IR-CRF were elevated only in the entorhinal and pyriform cortex of both 8-week and 16-week NERs. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure in NERs induced a transient increase of NPY mRNA in the granular layer of dentate gyrus. These results suggest that NPY metabolism in the limbic brain contributes to the seizure susceptibility in this model of epilepsy.

Abnormal expression of SNS/PN3 sodium channel in cerebellar Purkinje cells following loss of myelin in the taiep rat

Using in situ hybridization and immunochemical methods, we have observed an increase in the expression of SNS/PN3 sodium channel mRNA and protein in cerebellar Purkinje cells of the taiep rat. These changes are present in taiep rats at 12 months of age, following loss of myelin, but not at one month, prior to loss of myelin. Increased SNS/PN3 expression is not associated with aging per se, because it was not observed in control rats at 12 months of age. These results suggest that altered sodium channel expression in Purkinje cells may contribute to the ataxia that occurs in taiep rats.

Local cerebral glucose utilization in the AS/AGU rat: a mutant with movement disorders

The AS/AGU mutant rat is characterized by a wide staggering gait and a movement disorder of the hindlimbs. Local cerebral glucose utilization in the brain was investigated using the [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique to map any functional alterations in the mutant AS/AGU (agu/agu) compared with Albino Swiss controls (+/+). Locomotor tests were also performed to confirm the phenotypic assignment of the animals. Statistically significant reductions in glucose utilization were apparent in 12 of the 44 regions examined in the AS/AGU animals. The regions showing the most significant differences (P < 0.01) from the control AS strain were the substantia nigra pars compacta (-23%) and medial geniculate body (-17%). Statistically significant decreases (P < 0.05 and P < 0.02) in glucose utilization ranging from -15 to -26% were also displayed in the superior colliculus superficial layer, auditory cortex, ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus, molecular layer of the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, medial amygdaloid nucleus, median raphe nucleus, subthalamic nucleus, medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus and anterior hypothalamus. In no region studied was the mean value of glucose use in the AS/AGU rat greater than in the control animals. The results of this study complement previous behavioural and neurochemical characterization studies of this mutant, confirm that the disorder involves functional disturbances of the basal ganglia, and demonstrate the involvement of the limbic system and some sensory systems.

Stereoselective hepatobiliary transport of the quinolone antibiotic grepafloxacin and its glucuronide in the rat

A comparative pharmacokinetic study was performed for the optical isomers of grepafloxacin (GPFX), an asymmetric quinolone antibiotic. At steady state in rats receiving a constant infusion of each epimer, R(+)-GPFX and S(-)-GPFX, no marked difference between epimers was observed in plasma concentrations or in biliary and urinary excretion rates. The 3-glucuronides of GPFX are diastereomers. The biliary clearance, defined by the liver concentration of the 3-glucuronide of R(+)-GPFX (R-GPFX-Glu), was twice that of the 3-glucuronide of S(-)-GPFX (S-GPFX-Glu). Marked ATP dependence was observed in the uptake of both R-GPFX-Glu and S-GPFX-Glu by bile canalicular membrane vesicles. The ATP-dependent uptake of R-GPFX-Glu was also greater than that of S-GPFX-Glu. Kinetic analysis of the uptake of these glucuronides by bile canalicular membrane vesicles indicated that the affinity (1/Km) of S-GPFX-Glu for the transporter was 1.7 times higher than that of R-GPFX-Glu, whereas the Vmax of R-GPFX-Glu was 2.9 times greater than that of S-GPFX-Glu. The uptake of both glucuronides was reduced in mutant strain Eisai-hyperbilirubinemia rats, which have a hereditary defect in the bile canalicular multispecific organic anion transport system. Both glucuronides inhibited the ATP-dependent uptake of DNP-SG, a typical substrate for the bile canalicular multispecific organic anion transport system in a concentration-dependent manner, with a Ki of 21.5 microM and 8.8 microM for R-GPFX-Glu and S-GPFX-Glu, respectively. These Ki values were comparable with the corresponding Michaelis-Menten constant values for their uptake (17.3 microM and 10.1 microM, respectively). It is concluded that a major part of the stereoselective transport of these glucuronides across the bile canalicular membrane is mediated by a transporter that is deficient in Eisai-hyperbilirubinemia rats-possibly by the bile canalicular multispecific organic anion transport system.

Role of rat strain in the differential sensitivity to pharmaceutical agents and naturally occurring substances

The development of drugs to combat diseases, chemicals to improve food production, or compounds to enhance the quality of life necessitates, by law, the use of laboratory animals to test their safety. In order to simulate the human condition it is necessary to choose a species in which pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic mechanisms are established and resemble those of humans. The advantages of the use of the rat in drug and chemical toxicity testing include (a) metabolic pathway similarities to humans; (b) numerous similar anatomical and physiological characteristics; (c) a large database, which is extremely important for comparative purposes; and (d) the ease of breeding and maintenance of animals at relatively low cost. However, the choice of rat can be complicated, especially when over 200 different strains of rat are known to exist. The aim of this review is to summarize genetically determined differences in the responsiveness of rat strains to drugs and naturally occurring chemicals and to show that susceptibility is dependent on the target organ sensitivities, which may also be strain dependent. It is suggested that detailed studies of strain differences may help to clarify toxic mechanisms. Such studies are usually best conducted using inbred strains in which the genetic characteristics have been fixed, rather than in outbred stocks in which individual samples of animals may differ, the phenotype is variable, and the stocks are subject to substantial genetic drift. The fact that strains may differ also needs to be taken into account in assessing the potential hazard of the chemical, particularly when a study involves only a single strain and therefore provides no assessment of likely strain variation.

Age- and sex-related alterations of microsomal drug- and testosterone-oxidizing cytochrome P450 in Sprague-Dawley strain-derived dwarf rats

Effect of growth hormone (GH) on the age-related changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 (P450) was studied using GH-deficient dwarf and parental Sprague-Dawley rats. Microsomal testosterone (T) T2 alpha- and T2 beta-hydroxylations were lower in livers of mature male dwarf rats than the normals, whereas T16 beta-hydroxylation was rather higher in male dwarf rats. Although T2 alpha-, T2 beta-, T6 beta-, T16 alpha- and T16 beta-hydroxylations were barely detectable in senescence normal rats (24 months old), considerable levels of T6 beta-, T16 alpha- and T16 beta-hydroxylations were maintained in senescence dwarf rats (after 22 months old). These results are caused by the alteration of specific P450 forms including CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 in dwarf rats. Appearance of male-specific CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 and high levels of CYP2B1 and CYP2B2 in female dwarf rats indicate the role of pituitary GH on liver of normal rats. However, the additional role of a factor other than GH was suggested on the sex-related differences and age-associated alterations of specific P450 contents in dwarf rats. CYP2C11 appears in dwarf female rats with the same developmental profile as observed in normal male rats. This form appears apparently with the development of GH receptor in livers, suggesting the possibility that a factor independent from androgen and GH governs the ontogeny of this P450 in the liver. A female-specific protein, CYP2C12, in normal rat livers, also appeared in both sexes of senescence dwarf rats, suggesting the role of non-GH factor on the expression of this P450 in liver.

Regulation of mineral homeostasis in osteopetrotic (op) rats

The osteopetrotic (op) rat is a lethal mutation characterized by severe skeletal sclerosis resulting from reduced bone resorption. Although the skeletal manifestations have been studied extensively, little is known about mineral homeostasis in this mutation. This paucity of data prompted us to undertake this study quantitating circulating levels of calcium, phosphorus, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in op mutants and normal rats between 2 and 8 wk of age. Calcium and phosphorus levels were significantly lower in op mutants at younger ages; both parameters normalized by 6 wk. Serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D were markedly elevated in op rats at all ages and showed no signs of normalization. Serum PTH levels were also elevated at most ages, with the greatest increase occurring when op mutants were severely hypocalcemic. These results demonstrate that, in op mutants, changes in circulating PTH and calcium levels were interdependent; however, levels of 1,25(OH)2D did not change despite normalization of serum calcium and phosphorus. The latter deserves further investigation and supports the hypothesis of a localized (skeletal) resistance to 1,25(OH)2D.

Pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 in the rdw rat with growth hormone- and prolactin-deficient dwarfism

The pituitary gland of the rdw rat (gene symbol: rdw) with hereditary dwarfism expresses 30-100 times less GH and prolactin (PRL) mRNA than normal controls. To clarify the features of rdw rats, TSH and the pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1, which is involved not only in the gene expression of GH and PRL but in somatotroph, lactotroph and thyrotroph development as well, were examined. The rdw pituitary contained about seven times more TSH beta mRNA than the normal control, whereas Pit-1 mRNA expression in rdw and control was the same. Nucleotide sequencing of PCR-amplified Pit-1 cDNA indicated that the deduced amino acid sequence of rdw Pit-1 was identical with that of the normal rat. Using an antibody against rat Pit-1 protein produced in E. coli, Western blotting analysis demonstrated the presence of the same amount of Pit-1 protein in rdw and normal rat pituitaries. The distribution of Pit-1-positive cells in the anterior pituitary was essentially the same in rdw and normal rats. It follows from these findings that the defective gene in the rdw rat is unrelated to the Pit-1 gene and the normal quantity of Pit-1 protein is insufficient to produce normal amounts of GH and PRL in the rdw pituitary. These and previous results suggest that the reduction in GH and PRL production in the rdw pituitary might be due to that in thyroid hormone production.

Copper transport in the Nagase analbuminemic rat

The copper binding components of serum and potential importance of albumin to copper transport were investigated in adult Nagase analbuminemic and Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes. There was a sex difference in total plasma copper concentrations, which were 60 and 130% higher than in the parent strain, in male and female Nagase rats, respectively. The higher levels of plasma copper were accounted for by two- and threefold increases in ceruloplasmin, as measured by p-phenylenediamine oxidase activity and copper by atomic absorption after gel chromatography. Other nonalbumin plasma proteins were also present in higher concentrations. Albumin concentrations were one-four-thousandth that of Sprague-Dawley rats, at 15 micrograms/ml (determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and comparative Western blotting). The tissue distribution and rate of uptake of intravenously injected 67 Cu(II) were unaffected by the lack of circulating albumin. 67Cu entered the liver of Nagase rats at least as rapidly as in the parent strain and reemerged in the blood on ceruloplasmin at an accelerated rate. The initial binding of 67Cu(II) to plasma components was primarily to transcuprein compared with albumin in the case of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the Nagase rats, the rest of the 67Cu bound primarily to nonalbumin proteins with about the same size as albumin; in Sprague-Dawley rats, it bound primarily to transcuprein. Limited analyses of tissue copper confirmed previous reports showing no striking differences from the parent strain. We conclude that albumin is not critical to the normal distribution and metabolism of copper and that it may serve more as a reservoir for excess plasma copper than as a specific conduit for the delivery of this element to hepatocytes or other cells.

Impaired FAD-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity in islet and liver homogenates of fa/fa rats

The mitochondrial FAD-linked enzyme glycerophosphate dehydrogenase plays a key role in the pancreatic B-cell glucose sensing device. In the present study, the activity of this enzyme was examined in islets of fa/fa rats in which inherited diabetes mellitus is associated with obesity, hyperinsulinism and severe insulin resistance. The specific activity of both FAD-linked glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase were decreased in islet and liver homogenates prepared from fa/fa, as compared to Fa/Fa, rats, this coinciding with a low ratio between glutamateoxalacetate and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activity in both islet and liver extracts, islet hyperplasia, hyperinsulinemia and hepatic steatosis in the hyperglycemic fa/fa rats. It is speculated that a low activity of FAD-linked glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in the pancreatic B-cell may participate to the perturbation of glucose homeostasis in fa/fa rats, like in other animal models of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Decreased expression of liver glutathione peroxidase in Long-Evans cinnamon mutant rats predisposed to hepatitis and hepatoma

The Long-Evans Cinnamon rat is a mutant strain that contracts hereditary hepatitis and, eventually, spontaneous hepatoma. Recently, abnormal copper accumulations in Long-Evans Cinnamon rat livers were shown to be genetically linked to the development of hepatitis. Because reduced glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes are known to play important roles in cellular resistance to transition metal toxicity, we determined the levels of reduced glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes in seven different tissues of Long-Evans Cinnamon and control Long-Evans Agouti rats. Of the enzymes examined, only hepatic glutathione peroxidase was markedly decreased in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats. Glutathione peroxidase content in the liver of Long-Evans Cinnamon rats was 39%, 53% and 58% of the control values at 9 (normal stage), 19 (acute hepatitis stage) and 27 (chronic hepatitis stage) wk of age, respectively. Northern-blot analysis revealed that messenger RNA levels of glutathione peroxidase in the livers of Long-Evans Cinnamon rats were about 40% of the control levels. The activity of glutathione S-transferase was slightly decreased in the livers of Long-Evans Cinnamon rats. These data suggest that the liver of the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat is poorly protected against active oxygen species, the production of which is enhanced in the presence of excess copper. Glutathione-reductase activity in the livers of Long-Evans Cinnamon rats increased to 166% and 148% of the control levels at 19 and 27 wk of age, respectively. No significant changes were observed in the activity of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase or in the content of total reduced glutathione in the liver of the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anterior pituitary proopiomelanocortin expression is decreased in hypertensive rat strains

Studies comparing neuroendocrine differences between the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) strains have suggested altered anterior pituitary corticotrope expression of POMC associated with the development of hypertension in SHR animals. One major difficulty in comparing the SHR and WKY strains is that the two strains exhibit genetic differences unrelated to blood pressure status, because inbred in the SHR genome is a profile of behavioral characteristics different from those in the WKY, including hyperactivity in a novel environment and hyperreactivity in responding to stress. The present studies examine two new inbred rat strains, the WKHT and WKHA, which independently express the hypertension and behavioral traits, respectively. Together with the SHR and WKY, these genetically related, homozygous strains permit a more definitive means of examining the neuroendocrine correlates of either hypertension or behavior. The adult (5-month-old) male anterior pituitary gland content of the POMC peptides beta-endorphin and ACTH was decreased approximately 50% in the SHR and WKHT strains compared to that in the WKY strain, whereas hormone levels in the WKHA strain were not significantly different from those in the WKY strain. Reduced POMC peptide levels were, therefore, specifically associated with the hypertensive trait. Hormone content in prehypertensive weanling (5- to 7-week-old) SHR and WKHT animals was also reduced approximately 35% compared to that in WKY animals. Northern blot analysis identified a 45% decrease in POMC mRNA expression in the hypertensive SHR and WKHT strains, which paralleled the changes in tissue hormone content. Using both immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry, the number of labeled cells per unit area of tissues section was reduced approximately 45% in anterior pituitary tissues from SHR and WKHT rats compared to that in WKY tissues. The levels of POMC mRNA per cell, determined by quantitative densitometry, were not statistically different in the anterior pituitaries of WKHT, SHR, and WKY rats. The decrease in hormone content and POMC mRNA levels may, thus, reflect decreased anterior pituitary gland corticotrope populations. Although POMC peptide levels in the anterior pituitaries of adult WKHA animals were not significantly different from those in WKY animals, the morphological studies demonstrated a 30% increase in the corticotrope population in the WKHA strain. In contrast, POMC mRNA levels in WKHA animals were decreased 30%, and the amount of POMC mRNA per corticotrope was decreased approximately 35% compared to that in WKY, SHR, and WKHT tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Impaired growth hormone-releasing hormone signal transduction in the dwarf (dw) rat is independent of a generalized defect in the stimulatory G-protein, Gs alpha

The homozygous dwarf (dw) rat pituitary is characterized by a 95% reduction in GH content as well as a 75-80% reduction in the number of somatotrophs. The nature of the mutation responsible for this phenotype is unknown. Previous investigations from our laboratory indicate that dw somatotrophs exhibit decreased sensitivity and a reduced GH secretory response to GH-releasing hormone in vitro, accompanied by a decreased generation of cAMP. We hypothesized that dw rats have a defect in the pathway linking the GH-releasing hormone receptor to adenylyl cyclase and focused on the expression and function of the stimulatory G-protein, Gs alpha. When corrected for differences in pituitary size and cell number, GH mRNA content was reduced by 78% compared to that in controls. However, there was no difference in Gs alpha mRNA content or size in dw pituitaries. Similarly, there was no difference in the content or size of mRNA for the pituitary transcription factor pit-1 in dw pituitaries. Immunoblot analysis of pituitary membrane proteins using a Gs alpha-specific antibody revealed no differences in size, quantity, or relative distribution of Gs alpha peptides between control and dw pituitaries. In addition, cholera toxin effectively ribosylated dw Gs alpha, and there were no differences in the size, quantity, or relative distribution of ribosylated membrane proteins between dw and control pituitaries. Finally, to examine for mutations in other regions of the Gs alpha-coding sequence, we cloned the full-length Gs alpha cDNA from dw rat pituitaries by polymerase chain reaction. The sequence of this clone was identical to that of normal rat Gs alpha cDNA. These results indicate that 1) 52-kilodalton Gs alpha appears to predominate in both normal and dw pituitary; 2) the content, function, and sequence of Gs alpha in adult dw rats are normal; and 3) a generalized Gs alpha regulatory or structural mutation as the cause of the observed phenotype can be excluded. The results also demonstrate that there is no decrease in pit-1 expression in the adult dw pituitary.

Alterations in spleen norepinephrine and lymphocyte [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding site number in genetically epilepsy-prone rats

Noradrenergic neurotransmission plays an important role in normal immune reactivity. Genetically epilepsy-prone (GEPR-9) rats exhibit deficits in central noradrenergic systems and diminished plaque-forming cell responses following immunization in vivo. In the present study we examined the hypothesis that immunosuppression in GEPR-9 rats is associated with alterations in the splenic noradrenergic system. The content of norepinephrine (NE) in spleens of GEPR-9 age-matched nonepileptic Sprague-Dawley control rats was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). In addition, we measured the number of beta-adrenergic receptors on splenic lymphocyte membranes of GEPR-9 and control rats using the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA). HPLC-EC analysis revealed that splenic norepinephrine content was significantly greater in GEPR-9 rats than in controls. Results from receptor binding studies indicated a 33% reduction in specific binding of [3H]DHA to splenic lymphocyte membranes of GEPR-9 rats. Saturation of binding studies revealed a significant decrease in the maximum number of [3H]DHA binding sites on splenic lymphocyte membranes from GEPR-9 rats. These results indicate that the noradrenergic system in GEPR-9 rat spleen is altered. Whether either or both of these changes contribute to reduced immune reactivity in GEPR-9 rats remains to be determined.

Pressure independence of renin release by isolated kidneys of Lyon hypertensive rats

In the present work the influence of perfusion pressure on renal functions and renin release was studied before and after the blockade of thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors using isolated kidneys from 7-week-old genetically hypertensive (LH), normotensive (LN), and low blood pressure (LL) rats of the Lyon strain. Kidneys were single pass perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution with a gelatine derivative (Polygeline) added as an oncotic agent. A servocontrolled system stabilized the renal perfusion pressure (RPP) at any chosen (+/- 1 mm Hg) level. In baseline conditions (RPP, 90 mm Hg), LH (n = 7) kidneys differed from LN (n = 6) and LL (n = 8) controls by increased vascular resistance, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and natriuresis. The LH kidney responses to stepwise changes in RPP (between 60 and 170 mm Hg) differed from those of LN and LL rats by a significantly lower perfusion flow, glomerular filtration rate, and natriuresis. Above all, the reduction in RPP, which induced a marked and highly reproducible renin release in LN and LL kidneys, was devoid of effects in LH kidneys. The blockade of TXA2/PGH2 receptors by AH23848 (4 x 10(-6) M) did not change the baseline (RPP, 90 mm Hg) functions of kidneys of the three strains. During changes in RPP, the responses of LN and LL kidneys were not modified, whereas LH kidneys exhibited significant increases in both glomerular filtration rate and natriuresis. Finally, AH23848 significantly decreased the renin release by kidneys of the three strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Beneficial effect of intravenous bolus of corticotropin-releasing factor on glucose intolerance of genetically obese (fa/fa) rats

The effect of an ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (oCRF) bolus administered intravenously at the onset of glucose ingestion during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) was evaluated in conscious lean (FA/FA) and genetically obese (fa/fa) rats. When the amount of oCRF was purposely small to not stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, it normalized the glucose intolerance of genetically obese rats as tested during OGTTs and decreased their insulin output, whereas it had no effect in lean rats. In obese rats, plasma xylose levels measured after the ingestion of a xylose load were unaltered by the intravenous oCRF bolus, indicating that the beneficial effect of oCRF on glucose intolerance of fa/fa rats was unlikely to be dependent on glucose absorption. When the intravenous bolus of oCRF was doubled at the onset of OGTTs, it stimulated the HPA axis and produced a worsening of glucose intolerance in obese rats together with an increase in their insulin response. Again, it had no effect in lean rats. The abnormal intravenous glucose tolerance of obese rats was unaffected by the administration of an oCRF bolus: This is in keeping with previous data showing that bypassing the oral cavity fails to elicit several sensory reflexes that markedly influence subsequent glucose clearance. It has been suggested that obese rats may have deficient oropharyngeal reflexes that could be reactivated by the oCRF bolus, thereby being responsible for the normalization of their impaired OGTT, which lies in the hepatic glucose production process.

The role of lipid peroxidation in the possible involvement of membrane-bound monoamine oxidases in gamma-aminobutyric acid and glucosamine deamination in rat brain. Focus on chemical pathogenesis of experimental audiogenic epilepsy

Incubation of rat brain synaptosomes and mitochondria with LPO inducers (Fe2+ and ascorbate) was accompanied by a decrease of deamination of serotonin (substrate of MAO-A) in mitochondria, but not in synaptosomes, with simultaneous stimulation of GABA and GLCA deamination, apparently owing to modification of catalytic properties of brain membrane-bound MAO. Oxidation of PEA (substrate of MAO-B) was insignificantly altered in both fractions. Reactions of deamination of serotonin, GABA, and GLCA (but not PEA), were highly sensitive to a selective inhibitor of MAO-A pyrazidol (pyrlindole). Isoniazid and hydrazides of quinoline carbonic acids (inhibitors of both modified MAO and copper-containing amine oxidases) strongly inhibited deamination of GABA and GLCA. During epileptiformic seizures in rats, genetically selected for high incidence of audiogenic epilepsia, stimulation in brain synaptosomes and mitochondria of LPO was observed. This was accompanied by a marked decrease in serotonin and PEA deamination, with a simultaneous increase in GABA and GLCA deamination in both fractions. The data obtained suggest that appearance of GABA-deaminating activity owing to modification of catalytic properties of MAO, might be an essential pathogenetic component in the development of epileptic seizures.

Increased loop chloride uptake precedes hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

When studied at equivalent renal perfusion pressures, loop segment chloride reabsorption is greater in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (S) than Dahl salt-resistant (R) rats. To determine whether this difference in loop reabsorption is present before the onset of hypertension, volume expanded and euvolemic Dahl rats maintained on low NaCl diets were examined using micropuncture and in vivo microperfusion techniques. Neuroendocrine differences between groups were eliminated by renal denervation and fixing plasma aldosterone, norepinephrine, and vasopressin levels. After volume expansion, urinary NaCl excretion was less in S than R rats. Early distal tubule fluid-to-plasma chloride and inulin (TF/PCl/IN) ratio and chloride delivery were also less while loop chloride reabsorption was greater in S rats. Proximal delivery was not different between groups. In euvolemia, urinary NaCl excretion and loop chloride reabsorption were not different between S and R rats. However, when loop chloride delivery was increased by microperfusion techniques, lower distal TF/PCl/IN ratios and greater loop chloride reabsorption were clearly demonstrated in euvolemic S rats. Thus loop chloride reabsorption is greater in S than R rats before the development of hypertension. This difference depends on increasing delivery rates for its manifestation.

Glycerophosphorylcholine phosphocholine phosphodiesterase activity in cultured oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and central nervous tissue of dysmyelinating rodent mutants

The levels of GPC phosphocholine phosphodiesterase, pNP phosphocholine phosphodiesterase, CNPase, and UDP galactose: ceramide galactosyltransferase activities were estimated with pure cultures of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes; mixed primary glial cells cultures; C-6 cells; and CNS tissue of the dysmyelinating md rat, the jimpy mouse, and the quaking mouse. The highest activity of GPC and pNP phosphocholine phosphodiesterases as with CNPase and C gal T was found in the pure cultured oligodendrocytes. C-6 cells had very low or undetectable activities for these two phosphodiesterases but possessed very high CNPase activity. The activity of GPC phosphocholine phosphodiesterase was significantly decreased in the CNS tissue of the md rat and the jimpy and the quaking mouse. Similar reductions were observed for the pNP phosphocholine phosphodiesterase, CNPase, and C gal T activities. The selective cellular enrichment in oligodendrocytes of the GPC phosphocholine phosphodiesterase activity and decreases of its activity in three dysmyelinating mutants in the same ratio as for CNPase and C gal T suggest that GPC phosphocholine phosphodiesterase is a myelin marker enzyme and it may reflect the quantity of myelin and oligodendrocyte present.

Age-related changes in the function of the pituitary-gonadal axis in a sterile male rat mutant (hd/hd)

Testicular growth is depressed in the genetically sterile male rat (hd/hd) relative to its LE phenotype littermates (by 50% and 73% at 27 and 90 days of age, respectively). Within the hd/hd testis, both the tubular and seminiferous tubule tissues are affected by the mutation. In addition, there is significantly less germ cell production from the primary spermatocyte stage of spermatogenesis onwards and the total number of Sertoli cells observed is less. In the intertubular tissue, the total volume and the total number of Leydig cells per testis is significantly less, but the mean volume of an average Leydig cell is not modified. The serum gonadotropin levels are higher in the hd/hd rat, whereas from 40 days of age onwards the level of testosterone is lower. The FSH and LH binding affinity constants are unchanged by the mutation; however, the total number of FSH binding sites per 10(6) Sertoli cells is lower while that of LH per 10(6) Leydig cells is greater. Indeed, it is likely that the lesser concentration of serum testosterone in the hd/hd rat is a result of a smaller number of Leydig cells since their individual function is not modified. The testicular androgen binding protein (ABP) content and the ABP output towards the epididymis are lower as a consequence of both a lesser number and an altered function of the Sertoli cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of dietary NaCl on norepinephrine turnover in the Dahl rat

To evaluate neural mechanisms in salt-sensitive hypertension, norepinephrine turnover rates were measured in peripheral tissues and selected brain areas of Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats receiving either 1% or 7% NaCl diets for 5 weeks. Norepinephrine turnover was determined by measuring tissue norepinephrine in untreated animals or in separate groups killed 2, 4, 6, and 10 hours after alpha-methyl-tyrosine. Plasma volume (radiolabeled albumin) was also measured. Arterial pressure of Dahl S rats receiving 7% NaCl (167 +/- 4 mm Hg) was higher (p less than 0.001) than that of Dahl S rats receiving 1% NaCl (141 +/- 3mm Hg), which was higher (p less than 0.001) than that of Dahl R rats receiving both NaCl intakes. Norepinephrine turnover was increased (p less than 0.01) by 7% NaCl in both heart and brown adipose tissue in Dahl S rats, whereas norepinephrine turnover in Dahl R rats was decreased (p less than 0.01) by the 7% NaCl intake in the heart and kidney. On the high NaCl intake, norepinephrine turnover in heart and adipose tissue was lower (p less than 0.05) in Dahl R rats than in Dahl S rats. In brain stem tissue, with the 1% NaCl diet, norepinephrine turnover was higher (p less than 0.001) in Dahl S rats than in Dahl R rats, and norepinephrine turnover was inhibited (p less than 0.001) by the high NaCl intake in Dahl S rats but not in Dahl R rats. In posterior hypothalamus, norepinephrine turnover was inhibited (p less than 0.01) by the high NaCl intake in Dahl R rats but not in Dahl S rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Electron microscopic observations and electrophoresis of the glycosaminoglycans in the epiphyseal cartilage of the congenital osteochondrodysplasia rat (ocd/ocd)

The osteochondrodysplasia rat, inherited by a single autosomal recessive lethal gene ocd, shows a typical dwarfing syndrome with systemic subcutaneous edema. The skeletal system is most severely affected. The affected newborn also demonstrates abnormal kidney position and respiratory system anomalies and central nervous malfunction. Previous light microscopic observations show that the chondrocytes are expanded and destroyed, and the amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are decreased. The present studies describe ultrastructural appearances, and measurement and electrophoretic analysis of the major components of the cartilaginous GAGs. Decrease in amounts of ECM and swollen chondrocytes with the expanded organelles were reconfirmed in the ocd/ocd by electron microscopic observation. The large expanded vesicles contained unevenly distributed granular materials and large ruthenium red (RR) granules. The RR granules in the ECM were small and most parts of the collagen fibers did not associate with the granule in the ocd/ocd, while the RR granules attached to all the collagen fibers in the phenotypically normal (+/?). There were large collagen bundles in the region where the chondrocytes were committed to self-destruction. The biochemical analysis of the cartilage showed that noncollagenous proteins were increased and the GAGs were decreased in amount in the ocd/ocd, although the hydroxyproline content was comparable to that of the +/?. The hyaluronic acid was close to the limit of detection by electrophoresis of the cartilaginous GAGs in the ocd/ocd. These results suggest that the ocd gene affects GAG metabolism. The decrease in amounts of GAGs, especially hyaluronic acid, may be responsible for the anomalies of the cartilage in the ocd/ocd.

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of apolipoprotein E, A-I, and A-II gene expression in normal rat liver and during several pathophysiologic states

Assessment of the relative transcription rates and mRNA steady-state levels for apolipoprotein genes E, A-I, and A-II has been performed in normal rat liver, during liver regeneration and following induction of cirrhosis, as well as in rats with inherited analbuminemia associated with hyperlipidemia. Apo E exhibits primarily transcriptional control with an additional component of posttranscriptional control, whereas Apo A-I is controlled primarily at the posttranscriptional level, thus indicating that these genes are regulated independently. The level of control for Apo A-II has not been determined, because of difficulty experienced in measuring the transcription rate of this gene. During liver regeneration, cirrhosis, and analbuminemia, there is a marked increase in the ratio of Apo A-I to Apo E mRNA, resulting from an increase in the Apo A-I mRNA steady-state level and a decrease in Apo E mRNA. These changes are similar in the three pathophysiologic states and seem to occur through a combination of transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

Mechanism of the lack of induction of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity in Gunn rats by 3-methylcholanthrene. Identification of a truncated enzyme

Gunn rats lack UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) activity toward bilirubin. 4-Nitrophenol glucuronidation is mediated by several UDPGT isoforms that are distinct from bilirubin-UDPGT, one of which is induced after 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) administration in normal, but not in Gunn rats. In normal rats, 3-MC-inducible UDPGT mRNA concentration increased 15-fold in the liver and 3-fold in kidney after 3-MC (140 mg/kg) administration. Concentration of this mRNA is much lower in Gunn rat liver and kidney compared to normal. However, this mRNA was normally induced after 3-MC administration. By RNA blot hybridization, the mRNA in Gunn rat liver and kidney appeared to be of normal size. Nuclear run-on studies showed that the transcription rate for 3-MC-inducible UDPGT was 3-fold higher in Gunn rat liver and kidney than in normal and increased 3- to 5-fold after 3-MC administration. Immunotransblot studies revealed an Mr = 56,000 3-MC-inducible UDPGT in liver and kidney of normal, but not in Gunn rats. However, a new immunoreactive UDPGT band (Mr = 43,000) was present in Gunn, but not in normal rats. Cell-free translation of kidney mRNA from 3-MC-treated Gunn rats showed that the Mr = 43,000 UDPGT is synthesized as an Mr = 45,000 protein. Prior hybridization of the mRNA with an isoform-specific oligonucleotide spanning the initiation codon abolishes synthesis of this protein. These results suggest that a sequence abnormality in the 3-MC-inducible UDPGT mRNA in Gunn rats results in reduced mRNA concentration and synthesis of a truncated, enzymically inactive UDPGT.

Vasopressin-deficient paraventricular magnocellular neurons of homozygous Brattleboro rats synthesize neuropeptide Y

Immunohistochemical study was carried out to determine whether neuropeptide Y (NPY), which was only found in certain experimental procedures in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-containing neurons of the magnocellular paraventricular nucleus, might also be synthesized in AVP-deficient homozygous Brattleboro (BB) rats. After an intraventricular colchicine administration, NPY was found in many AVP-deficient non-oxytocinergic magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei in BB rats, but not in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons. The results suggest that the NPY synthesis is a phenotype of magnocellular non-oxytocinergic neurosecretory neurons and occurs independently from the synthesis of AVP.

Dynamic of the GRF-induced GH response in genetically obese Zucker rats: influence of central and peripheral factors

To determine the time onset of the growth hormone (GH) alteration in the genetically obese rat, we studied the in vivo and in vitro rat growth hormone releasing factor (rGRF(1-29)NH2)-induced GH secretion in 6- and 8-week-old lean and obese male Zucker rats. Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, rGRF(1-29)NH2 (GRF) was injected intravenously at two doses: 0.8 and 4.0 micrograms/kg b.w. Basal serum GH concentrations were similar in lean and obese age-matched animals. The GH response to both GRF doses tested was unchanged in 6-week-old obese rats as compared to their lean litter mates. In contrast, a significant decrease of the GH secretion in response to 4.0 micrograms/kg b.w. GRF was observed in the 8-week-old obese rats. The effect of GRF (1.56, 6.25 and 12.5 pM) was further studied in vitro, in a perifusion system of freshly dispersed anterior pituitary cells of lean and obese Zucker rats. Basal GH release was similar in the 6-week-old animal group. In contrast, it was significantly decreased in 8-week-old obese rats as compared to their lean litter mates. Stimulated GH response to 1.56 and 6.25 pM GRF was significantly greater in the 6-week-old obese group than in the age-matched control group. In contrast, the GH response to all GRF concentrations tested was significantly decreased in the 8-week-old obese rats as compared to their respective lean siblings. In 8-week-old obese rats, a decrease of GH pituitary content and an increase of hypothalamic somatostatin (SRIF) concentration were observed. Insulin and free fatty acid serum were significantly increased in 8-week-old obese rats. In contrast, lower insulin-like growth factor I serum levels were observed in the obese animals as compared to their lean litter mates. Finally, to further clarify the role of the periphery in the inhibition of GH secretion observed in the 8-week-old fatty rats, we exposed cultured pituitary cells of 8-week-old lean animals to 17% serum of their obese litter mates. A significant decrease of GRF-stimulated GH secretion of lean rat pituitary cells exposed to the obese serum was noted (P less than 0.05). This study demonstrates that, in the obese Zucker rat, an alteration of the GH response to GRF is evident by the 8th week of life. This defective GH secretion could be related to peripheral and central abnormalities.

Relationship between uptake of norepinephrine by hypothalamic homogenates and the activity of brown adipose tissue

It has previously been established that norepinephrine (NE) in the central nervous system is involved in feeding and the development of obesity. The present experiments were carried out to investigate the relationship between the uptake of NE by a crude hypothalamic homogenate and NE-mediated sympathetic activity in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). Sympathetic nervous system activity was assessed by measuring the binding of the purine nucleotide guanosine-5'-diphosphate (GDP) to mitochondria isolated from IBAT. Four situations known to alter food intake and sympathetic activity, namely, corticotropin releasing factor infusion, adrenalectomy, fenfluramine treatment and obesity due to genetic transmission were studied. In each case, [3H]NE uptake by the hypothalamic preparation and GDP binding to IBAT mitochondria were measured. A highly significant negative correlation between the uptake of NE by hypothalamic homogenates and the binding of GDP to IBAT mitochondria was obtained in both lean and obese animals. These findings are discussed with regard to the regulation of food intake and sympathetic nervous system mediated thermogenesis.

The cell population of somatostatin and growth hormone-releasing factor using quantitative immunohistochemistry in the isolated GH deficient dwarf rat

We examined the cell population of somatostatin (SS) in the periventricular nucleus (PN) and growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) between spontaneous dwarf rats (SDRs; gene symbol: dr), which show isolated GH deficiency, and normal rats using avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunohistochemistry. The total number of SS perikarya per brain weight in the PN of SDRs was 824.8 +/- 49.6 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 4), whereas that of controls was 1108.5 +/- 50.1 (n = 4). The GRF perikarya per brain weight in the ARC of SDRs numbered 1281.0 +/- 26.0 (n = 7), as compared to 685.4 +/- 64.6 (n = 7) in the controls. The SS perikarya in the PN of SDRs were significantly reduced (P less than 0.05), while the GRF perikarya in the SDRs were significantly increased (P less than 0.01). These results suggest that GH itself acts on SS to positively regulate its secretion and on GRF in a negative regulatory manner.

Turnover of [14C] sucrose HDL and uptake by organs in the normal or genetically hypercholesterolemic (RICO) rat using a constant infusion method

The turnover and tissular uptake of HDL (d 1.095-1.21) have been compared in normocholesterolemic or genetically hypercholesterolemic rats by a constant infusion method of [14C] sucrose labelled HDL for 8 h. The HDL clearance rate was not significantly smaller in the RICO than in the normocholesterolemic animal (320 +/- 22 microliters.h-1 versus 366 +/- 24 microliters.h-1 per 100 g of rat). It was the same case for the fractional catabolic rate, respectively equal to 7.8 and 9.4 +/- 0.6%.h-1. For both strains, liver and skeletal muscle were the main catabolic sites for HDL. The HDL uptake rates in intestine or kidney were 3-4-fold smaller than those in the liver. In the RICO rat, intestine, testis and adrenals showed a lesser HDL uptake capacity (expressed per g of organ) than the normocholesterolemic rat.

Altered cellular distribution of iron in the central nervous system of myelin deficient rats

Under normal conditions, iron is found predominantly in oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cell, in the rat brain. A genetic mutant strain of rats known as myelin deficient rats is examined in the present study because their number of oligodendrocytes is decreased and those oligodendrocytes present are structurally abnormal. The levels of iron in the liver (major site of iron storage) and in the pons-cerebellum did not differ statistically between the myelin deficient rats and the littermate control rats, whereas only half of the iron normally found in the cerebrum-midbrain was present in the myelin deficient rat. Histologically, iron was found predominantly in oligodendrocytes in the littermate control rats, as expected. In the myelin deficient rat, iron staining was confirmed to astrocytes and microglia. The results of this study strongly suggest that iron uptake into the brain continues in the absence of normal oligodendrocytes and myelin. Furthermore, these data suggest that iron metabolism can be substantially altered, as indicated by the accumulation of iron in astrocytes and microglia, when normal or near normal levels of iron are quantitatively demonstrated. The response of astrocytes and microglia to sequester the iron (presumably through phagocytosis) in the absence of invasive damage represents, to our knowledge, a new functional observation for these cells. Based on these observations it is clear that iron histochemistry in combination with quantitative analysis is necessary to interpret data regarding iron physiology, at least in neurobiology, and iron accumulation by astrocytes and microglia may provide clues of altered iron metabolism despite normal iron levels.