An analysis of flow volume curves during artificial ventilation

Expiratory flow-volume curves during artificial ventilation (FV-av) were analyzed in 48 patients undergoing general anesthesia. They were divided into 4 groups according to preoperative respiratory disorders; obstructive type (group 1), restrictive type (group 2), small airway disease (group 3) and normal control (group 4). Expiratory flow rates and volumes during artificial ventilation were plotted on an X-Y recorder to calculate V50/V25, mean time constant ratio (MTCR), obstructive index (OI) and slope ratio (SR). FV-av values were compared among groups. FV-av values in groups 2 were significantly higher than those in group 4. The values in group 1 and those in group 3 were not significantly different from those in group 4. FV-av values may reflect restrictive respiratory dysfunctions but they are not sensitive enough to detect obstructive lung disease.

Adult-type neuroblastoma originated in retroperitoneum beginning with obstructive jaundice

Abdominal neuroblastoma in adults is a rare neoplasm and only 30 patients have been described in Japan since 1985. The patient was a 43-year-old woman with jaundice. The tumor originated from retroperitoneum. The enlarged gall bladder and dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts were noted by ultrasonography and computed tomography. We report the first adult-type neuroblastoma with obstructive jaundice.

Alteration in expression profiles of a series of diabetes-related genes in db/db mice following treatment with thiazolidinediones

We studied the effect of pioglitazone on the transcription of 42 genes associated with diabetes to examine the relationship between the antidiabetic action of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and their ability to modulate transcription through their peroxisome proliferater-activated receptor (PPAR)-agonistic activity. Diabetic (db/db) mice were orally administered with pioglitazone for two weeks. Total RNA was prepared from liver, muscle and adipocytes and the quantity of mRNA was determined by comparative RT-PCR. The expression of diabetes-related genes was compared between lean and untreated db/db mice and between untreated and drug-treated db/db mice. The onset of diabetes was associated with a considerable alteration in the expression of a large number of diabetes-related genes. Treatment of db/db mice with pioglitazone modulated the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of glucose, lipids and lipoproteins. This included genes for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, beta-oxidation enzymes, lipoprotein lipase, apolipoprotein AI and uncoupling proteins. Most of the genes responsible for insulin signaling were unaffected. Administration of pioglitazone was also shown to induce PPARgamma expression in liver and muscle. It is therefore possible to hypothesize that TZDs may ameliorate diabetes through a mechanism of action involving a direct decrease in plasma glucose and triglyceride levels and improvements in free fatty acid-induced insulin resistance.

Circulating p53 antibody in patients with colorectal cancer: relation to clinicopathologic features and survival

The presence of serum anti-p53 antibody has been reported to be associated with survival of patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To clarify prognostic significance of p53 antibody in colorectal cancer, serum p53 antibody was measured in patients with colorectal cancer. The 89 patients included 71 with colorectal cancer and 18 with colon polyp. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect p53 antibodies in serum. Clinicopathological parameters such as age, sex, degree of differentiation of cancer, location of tumor, liver metastasis, stage classification, Dukes classification, CEA, CA19-9, and immunostaining of p53 and anti-p53 antibody were evaluated as prognostic factors of colorectal cancer. p53 antibody was positive in 18 of 71 (25%) with colorectal cancer, whereas it was positive in only 1 of 18 (6%) with colon polyp. The patients with p53 antibody had higher CEA and CA19-9 levels, higher positive rates of p53 protein expression in cancer cells, and higher liver metastasis rates. The p53 antibody positivity at stage classification I-IIIb/ Dukes classification A-C was significantly lower than that at stage classification IV/Dukes classification D. Overall survival in colorectal cancer patients with p53 antibody was significantly shorter than in those without p53 antibody. A Cox regression analysis showed that liver metastasis, stage classification, Dukes classification, CA19-9, and p53 antibody were significant prognostic factors in colorectal cancer. Serum anti-p53 antibody could serve as one of the prognostic factors in patients with colorectal cancer.

Circulating p53 antibody in patients with colorectal cancer: relation to clinicopathologic features and survival

The presence of serum anti-p53 antibody has been reported to be associated with survival of patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To clarify prognostic significance of p53 antibody in colorectal cancer, serum p53 antibody was measured in patients with colorectal cancer. The 89 patients included 71 with colorectal cancer and 18 with colon polyp. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect p53 antibodies in serum. Clinicopathological parameters such as age, sex, degree of differentiation of cancer, location of tumor, liver metastasis, stage classification, Dukes classification, CEA, CA19-9, and immunostaining of p53 and anti-p53 antibody were evaluated as prognostic factors of colorectal cancer. p53 antibody was positive in 18 of 71 (25%) with colorectal cancer, whereas it was positive in only 1 of 18 (6%) with colon polyp. The patients with p53 antibody had higher CEA and CA19-9 levels, higher positive rates of p53 protein expression in cancer cells, and higher liver metastasis rates. The p53 antibody positivity at stage classification I-IIIb/ Dukes classification A-C was significantly lower than that at stage classification IV/Dukes classification D. Overall survival in colorectal cancer patients with p53 antibody was significantly shorter than in those without p53 antibody. A Cox regression analysis showed that liver metastasis, stage classification, Dukes classification, CA19-9, and p53 antibody were significant prognostic factors in colorectal cancer. Serum anti-p53 antibody could serve as one of the prognostic factors in patients with colorectal cancer.

Nonpeptide mimic of bradykinin with long-acting properties

Kinins, members of a family of peptides released from kininogens by the action of kallikreins, have been implicated in a variety of biological activities including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, contraction of smooth muscle cells and activation of sensory neurons. However, investigation of the physiological actions of kinins have been greatly hampered because its effects are curtailed by rapid proteolytic degradation. We examined the pharmacological characteristics of the first nonpeptide bradykinin receptor agonist 8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-[(E)-4-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cinnamidoacetyl+ ++]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-methyl-4-(2-pyridylmethoxy)quinolin e (FR190997). FR190997, whose structure is quite different from the natural peptide ligand, but is similar to the nonpeptide antagonists FR165649, FR167344 and FR173657, potently and selectively interacts with the human B2 receptor and markedly stimulates inositol phosphate formation in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. FR190997 induces concentration-dependent contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum. In vivo, FR190997 mimics the biological action of bradykinin and induces hypotensive responses in rats with prolonged duration, presumably as a consequence of its resistance to proteolytic degradation. Therefore, FR190997 is a highly potent and subtype-selective nonpeptide agonist which displays high intrinsic activity at the bradykinin B2 receptor. This compound represents a powerful tool for further investigation of the physiology and pathophysiology of bradykinin receptors.

Nonpeptide mimic of bradykinin with long-acting properties at the bradykinin B2 receptor

Kinins, members of a family of peptides released from kininogens by the action of kallikreins, exhibit a variety of biological activities including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, contraction of smooth muscle cells, and activation of sensory neurons. However, investigation of the physiological actions of kinins has been greatly hampered because its effects are curtailed by rapid proteolysis in blood, lung, and liver. We describe the pharmacological characteristics of a novel nonpeptide bradykinin receptor agonist FR190997 (8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-[(E)-4-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cinnamidoacetyl ]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-methyl-4-(2-pyridylmethoxy)quinoli ne). FR190997 markedly stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in Chinese hamster ovary cells permanently expressing the human bradykinin B2 receptor. The response of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis was antagonized by the B2 receptor selective antagonist Hoe 140 (D-Arg-[hydroxyproline3,beta-thienylalanine4,D-Tic7,++ +Oic8]bradykinin). In competitive experiments using membranes prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human bradykinin receptor subtypes, FR190997 showed a high affinity binding to the B2 receptor with IC50 value of 5.3 nM and no binding affinity for the B1 receptor. In vivo, FR190997 mimics the biological action of bradykinin and induces hypotensive responses in rats with prolonged duration. Therefore, FR190997 is a highly potent and subtype-selective nonpeptide agonist which displays high intrinsic activity. This compound should represent a powerful tool for further investigation of the physiology and pathophysiology of bradykinin receptors.

Clinical evaluation of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases with special reference to inflammatory bowel disease

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is widely expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. However, the clinical significance of HGF in gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases remains unclear. To clarify its clinical significance in these diseases, we determined serum HGF in patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases. Serum HGF was measured in 81 patients with gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatic diseases, and 150 healthy individuals, using a highly sensitive immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). The patients included 55 patients with colonic disorders, 20 with gastric disorders and 6 with pancreatic disorders. Serum HGF levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and chronic pancreatitis were higher than those in normal individuals (p < 0.05, each). Symptomatic patients with inflammatory bowel diseases showed higher values of HGF than symptom-free patients (p < 0.05). Patients with moderately severe or severe ulcerative colitis showed higher values of HGF than patients with mild disease (p < 0.05). Serum HGF values were correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum HGF changed in parallel with clinical courses in patients with ulcerative colitis. The immunohistochemical study showed that HGF was present around the neutrophils infiltrating into the lamina propria, which was biopsied from endoscopically active colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis, while little HGF was observed in the inactive mucosa. The results of the present study suggest that serum HGF changes in gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases, especially in inflammatory bowel diseases.

FR146687, a novel steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor: in vitro and in vivo effects on prostates

BACKGROUND

Steroid 5 alpha-reductase is implicated in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We studied the in vitro and in vivo effects of FR146687, a new inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase.

METHODS

Two isozymes of rat and human 5 alpha-reductases were expressed in 293 cells. In vivo effects of drugs were evaluated on rat and dog prostates. Castrated immature rats were injected with testosterone propionate (TP) or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) to induce growth of the ventral prostates. Testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contents in rat and dog prostates were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

FR146687 showed noncompetitive inhibition in both isozymes and no inhibitory effects on other steroid oxidoreductases. In mature rats and castrated immature rats treated with TP, FR146687 dose-dependently reduced ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight at doses above 0.1 mg/kg, while castrated immature rats treated with DHTP were not affected by FR146687. FR146687 showed more potent reduction of rat prostates than finasteride. DHT concentration in the prostates was significantly reduced when FR146687 was administered to rats and beagles.

CONCLUSIONS

FR146687 is a dual inhibitor for 5 alpha-reductase isozymes and significantly reduced the growth and DHT content in the prostate.

Induction of plasma hepatocyte growth factor in acute colitis of mice

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The study examined plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in acute colitis models on mice.

MATERIALS

Acute colitis was induced in male FVB mice (about 25 g) by intrarectal administration of 200 microliters of 0.5% acetic acid.

METHODS

Plasma was taken at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after acetic acid treatment. Plasma HGF was measured by an enzyme immunoassay in duplicate.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of HGF at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after acetic acid administration were 0.31 +/- 0.11 ng/ml (n = 4), 0.45 +/- 0.04 ng/ml (n = 4), 0.46 +/- 0.13 ng/ml (n = 4), 0.71 +/- 0.22 ng/ml (n = 4), 0.82 +/- 0.15 ng/ml (n = 4) and 0.44 +/- 0.04 ng/ml (n = 4), respectively. Significant increases in plasma HGF levels were observed at 36 and 48 h after the treatment (p < 0.05, compared to at 0 h).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma HGF was induced by acute inflammation of colonic tissues. These findings suggest that HGF in blood may be one of the non-specific markers of inflammation in mice.

Novel subtype-selective nonpeptide bradykinin receptor antagonists FR167344 and FR173657

We describe the receptor binding and antagonistic properties of two novel nonpeptide antagonists, FR167344 (3-bromo-8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-[(E)-4-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)cinnamido acetyl]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hydrochloride) and FR173657 (8-[3-[N-[(E)-3-(6-acetamidopyridin-3-yl)acryloylglycyl]-N-m ethylamino]-2,6-dichlorobenzyloxy]-2-methylquinoline), for the human bradykinin receptor subtypes (B1 and B2). In competitive experiments using membranes prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the bradykinin receptor subtypes, FR167344 and FR173657 showed a high affinity binding to the B2 receptor with IC50 values of 65 and 8.9 nM, respectively, and no binding affinity for the B1 receptor. FR167344 and FR173657 inhibited the B2 receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis and produced a concentration-dependent rightward shift in the dose-response curve to bradykinin. This shift was accompanied by a progressive reduction of maximal response. Estimated pA2 values for the antagonism of bradykinin-induced PI hydrolysis by FR167344 and FR173657 were 8.0 and 9.0, respectively. FR167344 and FR173657 showed no stimulatory effects on PI hydrolysis. Therefore, FR167344 and FR173657 are potent, highly selective, and insurmountable antagonists for the human bradykinin B2 receptor.

Novel steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor FK143: its dual inhibition against the two isozymes and its effect on transcription of the isozyme genes

Recent cloning of the cDNAs for the two isozymes of steroid 5 alpha-reductase (EC 1.3.99.5) allowed individual expression of the isozymes and permitted us to investigate the action of steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors against the individual isozymes without any ambiguity that may be caused by coexistence of the isozymes in tissue preparations. We examined the kinetic characteristics of FK143 (4-[3-[3-[bis(4-isobutylphenyl)methylamino]benzoyl]-1H-indol-1- yl]butyric acid), a novel nonsteroidal steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor against cloned human and rat steroid 5 alpha-reductase isozymes. FK143 was shown to inhibit both isozymes equally. The mode of the inhibition of FK143 against both isozymes was noncompetitive. The inhibition constants Kie and Kies of FK143 for human types 1 and 2 were 27.0 and 19.6 nM and 19.9 and 14.5 nM, respectively. Species selectivity between human and rat of the inhibitory activity of FK143 against both isozymes was not found. We also examined the effect of FK143 on the in vivo expression of the genes encoding for the rat steroid 5 alpha-reductase isozymes. FK143 reduced the testosterone-induced increase in the amount of the type 1 mRNA in castrated rat, whereas it did not substantially affect the amount of the type 2 mRNA.

FK143, a novel nonsteroidal inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase: (2) In vivo effects on rat and dog prostates

FK143 is a nonsteroidal new inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme which converts testosterone into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). We studied in vivo effects of FK143 on rat and dog prostates. FK143 was orally administered to mature male rats for 14 days. At doses above 1 mg/kg, FK143 significantly reduced the wet weights of the ventral prostate and seminal vesicle, but showed no effects on those of the epididymis, testis, and adrenal. Growth of ventral prostate and seminal vesicle was induced by the subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP) in the castrated young rats and was reduced by FK143 administration at doses above 3.2 mg/kg, while growth induced by 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) was not affected. FK143 had no binding affinity for the rat androgen receptor. FK143 showed neither estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects on the rat uterus nor androgenic effect on the rat prostate. Concentration of testosterone and DHT in the rat and dog prostates were measured by GC-MS, and administration of 10 mg/kg of FK143 significantly reduced the intraprostatic concentration of DHT. These results indicate that FK143 reduced the prostate growth by inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase activities in the prostates.

FK143, a novel nonsteroidal inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase: (1) In vitro effects on human and animal prostatic enzymes

Steroid 5 alpha-reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and is implicated in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. We studied in vitro effects of FK143, a nonsteroidal new compound, on 5 alpha-reductase in human and animal prostates. Prostates were obtained from Wistar rats, Beagle dogs, and Cynomolgus monkeys as well as prostatic tissue from BPH patients obtained by the prostatectomy. Nuclear membrane fraction of prostates showed pH dependent 5 alpha-reductase activities, and inhibitory effects of drugs were assayed at pH 6.5. FK143 inhibited human prostatic 5 alpha-reductase in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 1.9 nM and also inhibited animal 5 alpha-reductases with similar IC50 values. FK143 inhibited human and rat 5 alpha-reductases in a noncompetitive fashion while finasteride, a steroidal 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, showed competitive inhibition. The affinities of FK143 for the human 5 alpha-reductase is constant at pH 5 and 6.5. No inhibitory effects were shown to other oxidoreductases. These results indicate that FK143 is a new type of potent and selective 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

[The histological changes in the spinal cord following percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) and correlation of these changes with the efficacy of PCC]

We observed the histological changes in the spinal cord following percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) and correlation of these changes with the efficacy of PCC in 7 cases. A fine monopolar electrode which we used, measured 0.25 mm or 0.27 mm in diameter with exposed length of 2 mm. An oval or elliptical-shaped lesion, 1 to 3 mm in width and 3 to 4 mm in length, was observed in 6 of these cases. The main lesion was found in the anterolateral column in 5 cases. In 3 of these 5 cases, the whole anterolateral column had been destroyed, and in the other 2 cases dorsal one half to two thirds of it had been destroyed. In these 5 cases, pain sensation on the opposite side of PCC was lost for a long time and pain was relieved until death (21-239 days after PCC). In the other 2 cases the lesion in the anterolateral column was tenuous or unrecognizable, and the loss of pain sensation was temporary with pain recurring by the next day. This study showed that an oval or elliptical-shaped lesion was made in PCC and that in cases in which main lesion was located in the anterolateral column, pain relief was long lasting.

Subtype- and species-selectivity of a tachykinin receptor antagonist, FK888, for cloned rat and human tachykinin receptors

We investigated the receptor-binding properties and potencies of FK888 (N2-[(4R)-4-hydroxy-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl-L-prolyl]-N- phenylmethyl-3-(2-naphthyl)-L-alaninamide), a tachykinin receptor antagonist, for the rat and human tachykinin receptor subtypes (NK1, NK2 and NK3) expressed in transfected mammalian cells. In displacement analyses, using membrane preparations derived from monkey kidney COS-7 cells transiently expressing tachykinin receptor subtypes, FK888 showed a subtype selectivity for NK1 receptor and its affinity for the human NK1 receptor was 320-fold higher than that for the rat NK1 receptor, demonstrating species difference in its binding affinity. This was in marked contrast to FK224 (N-[N2-[N-[N-[N-[2,3-didehydro-N-methyl-N-[N-[3-(2-pentylphenyl )- propionyl]-L-threonyl]tyrosyl-L-leucynyl]-D-phenylalanyl]-L- allothreonyl]-L-asparaginyl]-L-serine-n-lactone) that was selective for NK1 and NK2 receptors with similar affinities for the rat and human receptors. In Chinese hamster ovary cells permanently expressing the human NK1 receptor, FK888 inhibited the substance P-induced phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and produced a parallel shift in the dose-response curve for substance P. Schild analysis of the antagonism of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis by FK888 yielded a pA2 value of 8.9 and a slope of 0.97 of the regression line. FK888 itself showed no stimulatory effect on phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human NK1 receptor. Thus, FK888 is a potent, competitive and selective antagonist for human NK1 receptor.

Subtype selectivity of a novel endothelin antagonist, FR139317, for the two endothelin receptors in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells

We investigated the receptor-binding properties and the antagonist activities of FR139317, a novel endothelin (ET) antagonist, in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells permanently expressing the two ET receptor subtypes (ETA and ETB). In displacement analysis using membrane preparations derived from the receptor-expressing cells, FR139317 showed a high affinity for ETA (Ki = 1 nM) and a lower affinity for ETB (Ki = 7.3 microM). FR139317 inhibited ETA-mediated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release and produced a parallel shift in the dose-response curve for ET-1, with respective pA2 values of 8.2 and 7.7. In contrast, FR139317 had no inhibitory effects on these ET-1-induced responses in ETB-expressing cells. FR139317 itself showed no stimulatory effects on phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release in ETA- and ETB-expressing cells. Thus, FR139317 is a potent, competitive, and highly selective antagonist for ETA. This compound should be a powerful tool for investigation of the physiological properties of ETA and exploration of its role in diseases.

Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of a novel 7 beta-(4-carboxybutanamido)cephalosporanic acid acylase gene of Bacillus laterosporus and its expression in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

A strain of Bacillus species which produced an enzyme named glutaryl 7-ACA acylase which converts 7 beta-(4-carboxybutanamido)cephalosporanic acid (glutaryl 7-ACA) to 7-amino cephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) was isolated from soil. The gene for the glutaryl 7-ACA acylase was cloned with pHSG298 in Escherichia coli JM109, and the nucleotide sequence was determined by the M13 dideoxy chain termination method. The DNA sequence revealed only one large open reading frame composed of 1,902 bp corresponding to 634 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence contained a potential signal sequence in its amino-terminal region. Expression of the gene for glutaryl 7-ACA acylase was performed in both E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. The enzyme preparations purified from either recombinant strain of E. coli or B. subtilis were shown to be identical with each other as regards the profile of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and were composed of a single peptide with the molecular size of 70 kDa. Determination of the amino-terminal sequence of the two enzyme preparations revealed that both amino-terminal sequences (the first nine amino acids) were identical and completely coincided with residues 28 to 36 of the open reading frame. Extracellular excretion of the enzyme was observed in a recombinant strain of B. subtilis.

Cloning and nucleotide sequences of the complementary and genomic DNAs for the alkaline protease from Acremonium chrysogenum

Complementary DNA encoding Ac. chrysogenum alkaline protease (Alp) was isolated from the Ac. chrysogenum ATCC11550 cDNA library by express-blot assay. The genomic DNAs encoding Ac. chrysogenum Alp were isolated from the Ac. chrysogenum genomic DNA library using the cloned cDNA as a probe. The 3150 nucleotides of the gene were sequenced. The prepro-Alp consists of 402 amino acids and two intervening sequences are found within the coding region. The amino acid sequence of Ac. chrysogenum Alp has 57% homology to that of Aspergillus oryzae Alp. The entire cDNA, encoding Ac. chrysogenum Alp, when introducing into the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, directed the secretion of enzymatically active Alp into the culture medium.

Construction of a 7-Aminocephalosporanic Acid (7ACA) Biosynthetic Operon and Direct Production of 7ACA in Acremonium Chrysogenum

We have used cDNA encoding D-amino acid oxidase, and genomic DNA encoding cephalosporin acylase from Fusarium solani and Pseudomonas diminuta, respectively, to construct a novel hybrid 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7ACA) biosynthetic operon under the control of regulatory elements from the alkaline protease gene of Acremonium chrysogenum. Transformants of A. chrysogenum BC2116, a high cephalosporin-producing strain, containing this operon, synthesized and secreted low levels of 7ACA. Although the amounts are not yet commercially significant, this represents the first microbial production of 7ACA and demonstrates the feasibility of introducing new biosynthetic capabilities into industrial microorganisms by combining fungal and bacterial genes.

Structure and expression of cDNA for D-amino acid oxidase active against cephalosporin C from Fusarium solani

D-Amino acid oxidase (DAO) was extracted and purified from cultured mycelia of Fusarium solani M-0718 (FERM P-2688). The enzyme was able to oxidatively deaminate cephalosporin C to 7-beta-(5-carboxy-5-oxopentanamido)cephalosporanic acid. Ninety-eight amino acid residues of the F. solani DAO were determined by sequence analysis of 9 peptides derived from Acromobacter protease I digests of the protein. Complementary DNAs encoding F. solani DAO were isolated from the F. solani cDNA library by hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotide probes corresponding to the partial amino acid sequences. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the clones revealed a 1,186-nucleotide sequence with a 5'-terminal untranslated region of 41 nucleotides, an open reading frame of 1,083 nucleotides that encoded 361 amino acids, and a 3'-terminal untranslated region of 62 nucleotides. The amino acid sequence of F. solani DAO had 25% homology to that of porcine kidney DAO [EC 1.4.3.3] and 37% homology to that of Trigonopsis variabilis DAO. The constructed plasmid overproduced F. solani DAO in Escherichia coli. The recombinant DAO had almost the same molecular activity as the native DAO against cephalosporin C.

Nature of monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic Nocardicin A to beta-lactamases

Nocardicin A is the antibiotic which was first found to possess a monocyclic beta-lactam ring. This antibiotic was inactivated by the cleavage of its beta-lactam ring. The direct spectrophotometric assay was applied to measure the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis of Nocardicin A. Nocardicin A was highly stable to both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases. Of the nine beta-lactam antibiotics including cefoxitin and cefuroxime, Nocardicin A was the most stable to the beta-lactamases tested excluding those from Klebsiella oxytoca and Proteus vulgaris. The latter broad-spectrum beta-lactamases hydrolyzed Nocardicin A rather intensively. Extreme stability of Nocardicin A to beta-lactamases was suggested to be due to the combination of its low affinity to the enzymes and stabilization of its monocyclic beta-lactam ring. Nocardicin A was shown to have inducing ability toward beta-lactamases.

Role of the cephalosporinase gene in the resistance of the clinically isolated cephem-resistant Escherichia coli

A small number of highly cephem-resistant strains was found in extensive susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Escherichia coli to the new cephalosporin derivatives. The cephem-resistance of these clinical isolates appeared to be due to the increased cephalosporinase activities. To clarify the mechanism of the resistance, we cloned the cephalosporinase genes from two typical cephem-resistant clinical isolates as well as from an E. coli K-12 strain. The following two lines of evidence indicated that the cephem-resistance resulted from hyper production of the cephalosporinase due to the up-mutation of the regulatory sequence of the cephalosporinase gene. 1) Reciprocal exchange of the regulatory sequence including a short segment of N-terminal coding sequence and the rest of the coding sequence between the cephalosporinase genes from E. coli K-12 and the cephem-resistant clinical isolate showed that the higher cephalosporinase activity was accompanied by the regulatory sequence of the cephalosporinase gene from the clinical isolate. 2) The promoter activities of the cephalosporinase genes were determined by cloning the regulatory sequences into a promoter analysis vector. The promoter activities of the cephalosporinase genes from the clinical isolates were 23-33-fold higher than that of the cephalosporinase gene from E. coli K-12.

Responsiveness of cerebral vessels to changes of blood pressure and partial pressure of carbon dioxide after a transient period of cardiac arrest in dogs

Post-ischemic cerebral hypoperfusion supposedly due to constriction of cerebral vessels is considered to be one of the most important factors limiting the recovery of the brain after cerebral ischemia. An experimental study on dogs was carried out to determine the changes in the responsiveness of cerebral vessel to the dilating effects of increase of arterial pressure (AP) and of CO2 inhalation after 3-6 min of cardiac arrest. Responsiveness was measured by the ratio of change in intracranial pressure (ICP) to change in AP (delta ICP/delta AP) and to change in PCO2 (delta ICP/delta PCO2), since in a bony cranium the changes in cerebral vessel diameter are reflected by instantaneous ICP change. delta ICP/delta AP following the administration of intravenous epinephrine was 33%, 43%, 36%, 37% and 16% of pre-ischemic value 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 5 h after cerebral ischemia, respectively. delta ICP/delta PCO2 following 10% CO2 inhalation was 13%, 32%, 55%, 50%, 70% and 75% of pre-ischemic value 1/2 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 5 h after cerebral ischemia, respectively. Normal delta ICP/central venous pressure (delta CVP) was observed during the post-ischemic period, although statistical analysis was not done. From this we concluded: After 3-6 min of cardiac arrest, cerebral arteries constricted for more than 5 h during post-ischemic period. These arteries did not respond well to the dilating effects of increased arterial pressure or CO2 inhalation, but after 3 h their responses to CO2 inhalation returned to their pre-ischemic levels. The intracranial pressure became more or less dependent on CVP during post-ischemic period.

Mechanism of action of the new orally active cephalosporin FK027

The mechanism of action of a new orally active cephalosporin, FK027, was compared to that of cephalexin and cefaclor to elucidate its excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. FK027 showed very high affinity for the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) 3, 1a and 1bs of Escherichia coli whereas cephalexin showed fairly high affinity for PBPs 1a, 4 and 3. The ability of FK027 to penetrate the outer membranes of E. coli and Enterobacter cloacae was less than that of cephalexin and cefaclor. However, FK027 was extremely stable to both plasmid-mediated penicillinases and chromosomal beta-lactamases except the Bacteroides fragilis enzyme and its stability was superior to that of cephalexin and cefaclor. These results indicate that the potent antibacterial activity of FK027 is based on its enhanced affinity for the target enzymes and its high stability to beta-lactamases.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial properties of FK 027, a new orally active cephem antibiotic

FK 027 was more active than cefaclor, cephalexin, and amoxicillin against stock strains of a wide variety of gram-negative bacteria, including such opportunistic pathogens as Citrobacter and Enterobacter species and Serratia marcescens. FK 027 was significantly more active than the three reference drugs against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, indole-positive and -negative Proteus species, Providencia species, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It was less active than cefaclor, cephalexin, and amoxicillin against staphylococci, but it was similar to cefaclor in its activity against streptococci. With few exceptions, FK 027 was active against strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis that were resistant to the reference agents. The bactericidal activity of FK 027 against various gram-negative bacteria, including Proteus species, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, and S. marcescens, was greater than that of cefaclor, cephalexin, and amoxicillin. The therapeutic activities of FK 027 in mice infected with gram-negative bacilli were far superior to the activities of cefaclor, cephalexin, and amoxicillin, but they were inferior to the activities of these reference drugs against infection with Staphylococcus aureus.

Yeast 2-micrometer plasmid DNA replication in vitro: origin and direction

Most yeast strains harbor extrachromosomal 2-micrometer DNA, and this DNA synthesis, like nuclear DNA replication, is strictly under cell cycle control. A soluble extract of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae carries out semiconservative replication of added 2-micrometer DNA and Escherichia coli chimeric plasmids containing the 2-micrometer DNA. Replication is initiated on 10% of the DNA, and one round of replication is completed. The major products in early stages of replication are theta ("eye") forms which originate 140 +/- 50 nucleotides within one of the 599-base-pair inverted repeats of 2-micrometer DNA. Their replication is bidirectional and discontinuous. Extracts prepared from the cell division cycle mutant cdc8 show temperature-sensitive 2-micrometer DNA synthesis in vitro, suggesting that this in vitro system resembles in vivo 2-micrometer plasmid DNA replication. This system should provide a useful assay for the purification and characterization of yeast DNA replication proteins.

Differences between ceftizoxime and its stereoisomer in antibacterial activity and affinity for penicillin-binding proteins

A new cephalosporin derivative, ceftizoxime (syn FK 749), and its anti isomer, FR 14060, were compared in antibacterial activity, outer membrane permeability, stability to beta-lactamases, and affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), using Escherichia coli NIHJ JC-2 and Enterobacter cloacae 58-5 as the test organisms. Although ceftizoxime was superior in antibacterial activity to FR 14060, no marked differences between the two agents were found in outer membrane permeability and stability to cephalosporinase. However, the affinity for PBPs and stability to penicillinase of ceftizoxime and FR 14060 differed significantly. Concentrations of ceftizoxime required to reduce [14C]penicillin G binding by 50% were below 1 microgram/ml for PBPs 1a and 1bs of E. cloacae 58-5 and below 3.2 microgram/ml for PBPs 1a and 1bs of E. coli NIHJ JC-2. A more than 10-fold-higher concentration of FR 14060 was required for 50% reduction of (14C]penicillin G binding to PBP 1bs of strains tested. Ceftizoxime was severalfold more stable than FR 14060 to penicillinase, but the antibacterial activity of both drugs against penicillinase-producing E. coli was as strong as against non-penicillinase-producing E. coli. These results indicate that the difference between the two compounds in antibacterial activity is likely to be due to differences in their abilities to inhibit peptidoglycan polymerization.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: Report of 3 cases with special reference to its non-surgical treatment

Three patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis had been reported. All patients are females with lesions in the left and sigmoid colon, grouped as idiopathic etiology. Two patients are in middle age, workers in the manufacturing plant for electric apparatus. One patient received surgical resection of the affected segment. After oral antibiotics treatment, one patient was resected only the intensely affected segment, so that many cysts were still remained, but they disappeared after 3 weeks. One patient was treated with lactobacillus preparations and lactulose. Her subjective symptoms and fecal occult blood disappeared, and X-ray studies and endoscopic examination revealed an almost complete recovery.

A novel method for evaluating the outer membrane permeability to beta-lactamase-stable beta-lactam antibiotics

A novel method is described which allows estimation of the outer membrane permeability to beta-lactamase-stable beta-lactams by determining antibiotic concentrations in the periplasm. The method is based on measurement of the inhibiting activity of beta-lactamase-stable beta-lactams on the hydrolysis of a substrate by periplasmic beta-lactamase. Application of the method to carbenicillin revealed that the high level of resistance to carbenicillin of an Escherichia coli strain acquiring the plasmid encoding ampicillin resistance resulted from the poor ability of carbenicillin to penetrate the outer membrane of E. coli.

Enterobacter cloacae outer membrane permeability to ceftizoxime (FK 749) and five other new cephalosporin derivatives

The ability of ceftizoxime to penetrate the outer membrane was compared with those of five other new cephalosporins: cefotiam, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefmetazole and cefoxitin, using a clinical isolate of Enterobacter cloacae as a test strain. Estimation of permeability was performed by a method utilizing the inhibitory activities of the cephalosporins against beta-lactamase located in the periplasm. Of the cephalosporins tested, both ceftizoxime and cefmetazole gave remarkably high concentrations in the periplasm, several times higher than those of cefotaxime and cefoxitin and ten or more times higher than those of cefuroxime and cefotiam. The approximate permeability coefficient of ceftizoxime was also several times higher than those of cefotiam and cefmetazole and over ten times higher than those of cefoxitin, cefuroxime and cefotaxime.

FR-31564, a new phosphonic acid antibiotic: bacterial resistance and membrane permeability

Mutants which acquired resistance to FR-31564 were also resistant to fosfomycin and vice versa. Some exceptions to cross-resistance were found among clinical isolates of certain species. FR-31564 was found to be incorporated into bacterial cells more efficiently than fosfomycin although the extent of incorporation varied among species. In particular, the uptake rate of FR-31564 by a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was ten times that of fosfomycin. The uptake rate of FR-31564 by both FR-31564- and fosfomycin-resistant mutants was less than one-tenth of that by the parent strain. FR-31564 was scarcely inactivated in the culture broths of FR-31564-resistant strains. All of the FR-31564-resistant mutants of P. aeruginosa came under the classification of strains lacking an L-alpha-glycerophosphate transport system.

Antibiotic resistance of indole-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae

Resistance patterns to antibiotics differed markedly between indole-positive and indole-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Multiple-drug-resistant strains were almost exclusively indole-negative. Ampicillin and kanamycin resistances in the indolepositive strains tested were not transmissible, whereas many of those resistances in the indole-negative strains were transmissible, together with other drug resistances to an Escherichia coli recipient. The substrate profile of the beta-lactamase from the indole-positive strains was fairly different from that of the beta-lactamase mediated by the ampicillin resistance plasmid.

Antibacterial activity of ceftizoxime (FK 749), a new cephalosporin, against cephalosporin-resistant bacteria, and its stability to beta-lactamase

Antibacterial activity of FK 749 against ampicillin-resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coli was compared with those of other newly developed cephalosporins. FK 749 was the most active against strains possessing R-plasmids specifying ampicillin resistance and those whose resistance was chromosomally determined. The susceptibility of ampicillin-susceptible E. coli to FK 749 was not decreased by transduction of ampicillin resistance-specifying plasmids. However, most of the transconjugants acquired a high level of resistance to cefoperazone and cefamandole and a moderate level of resistance to cefoperazone and cefamandole and a moderate level to cefotiam. FK 749 was highly stable to both penicillinase- and cephalosporinase-type beta-lactamases, including R-plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase. Its level of resistance to beta-lactamases was comparable to those of cefoxitin, cefmetazole, and cefotaxime, slightly superior to that of cefuroxime, and much superior to those of cefotiam, cefamandole, and cefoperazone.

Inhibitory effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the phagocytic and killing activity of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes: mechanisms of action of a polymorphonuclear leukocyte inhibitor

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) inhibitor isolated from a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is resistant to the phagocytic and killing activities of rabbit PMN inhibited migration of PMN and engulfment of latex particles by PMN. In studies of the bactericidal metabolism of PMN, the PMN inhibitor did not inhibit the intracellular activity and extracellular release of lysosomal enzymes. However, the PMN inhibitor caused a decrease of Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction. The PMN inhibitor had a cytotoxic effect on PMN and inhibited [14C]tyrosine uptake in intact PMN inhibitor had no inhibitory effect on protein synthesis in cell extracts.

Inhibitory effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the phagacytic and killing activities of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes: purification and characterization of an inhibitor of polymorphonuclear leukocyte function

A clinically isolated strain of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-resistant Pseudomonas was found to produce an extracellular substance (PMN inhibitor) that inhibits the phagocytic and killing activities of PMN. The PMN inhibitor was purified from culture filtrates by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 and chromatography on phosphocellulose, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose, and Sephadex G-100. The preparation was homogenous as judged by disc gel electrophoresis. The purified PMN inhibitor appeared to be a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 65,000 that was inactivated by heating and by exposure to a proteolytic enzyme.

Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic VI. Absorption, excretion and tissue distribution in animals

The absorption, excretion and tissue distribution of nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic, were studied in various animals. When nocardicin A was given intramuscularly in single doses of 20 mg/kg to rats, rabbits, and dogs, the peak serum levels of nocardicin A were about 1.6 similar to 2.8 times higher than those of carbenicillin in all animals though the levels varied among the species tested. The serum half-life of nocardicin A in these animals was about twice that of carbenicillin. The 24-hour urinary recovery rate of nocardicin A after intramuscular injection was 68.5 percent in rabbits and 77.0 percent in dogs, but was low in rats; i.e., 0.7 percent. When nocardicin A was given intravenously in single doses of 20 mg/kg to these animals, the peak serum levels varied widely among the test species; i.e. about 3 times higher than those of carbenicillin in rabbits and dogs, similar to those in rats. The peak serum and tissue levels of nocardicin A after intramuscular to intravenous injection were the highest in the kidneys, followed by the liver, serum, lungs, heart and spleen. The levels in the liver were prolonged. Nocardicin A, and traces of unknown substances less active than nocardicin A were observed as active substances in the urine recovered after injection of nocardicin A.

Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic V. In vivo evaluation

Nocardicin A is a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic which provides a potent therapeutic effect in mice experimentally infected with gram-negative bacilli. When given subcutaneously to mice, the therapeutic effect of the drug was stronger than had been anticipated from in vitro studies. Nocardicin A was more potent in therapeutic effect than carbenicillin against infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Pr. vulgaris, Pr. rettgeri and Pr. inconstans, and was similar in effect to carbenicillin against infections due to Escherichia coli in mice. In addition, nocardicin A proved to be active against infections due to Serratia marcescens and other organisms resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. When nocardicin A was given subcutaneously to mice, blood and hepatic levels of the drug were higher than those of carbenicillin.

Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic III. In vitro evaluation

Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic, exerts a comparatively potent antimicrobial activity against gram-negative organisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the indole-positive and indole-negative Proteus groups (except Pr. morganii), Serratia marcescens and the Neisseria groups. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of nocardicin A against clinical isolates of Ps. aeruginosa was about twice that of carbenicillin. The mean MICs of nocardicin A for Pr. mirabilis, Pr. rettgeri and Pr. inconstans ranged from 3.13 to 12.5 microgram/ml and were 25 similar to 50 microgram/ml for Pr. vulgaris. Nocardicin A in concentrations of 12.5 similar to 50 microgram/ml inhibited 30 strains (48 percent) of S. marcescens usually resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. However, nocardicin A had no significant in vitro activity against Staphylococci and Escherichia coli. No cross-resistance was seen between nocardicin A and other beta-lactam antibiotics. This antibiotic was stable to beta-lactamase. The in vitro activity of nocardicin A against Ps. aeruginosa and Pr. mirabilis was greatly influenced by the assay media used. Nocardicin A was bactericidal and appeared to act synergistically with serum bactericidal factors against Ps. aeruginosa and with polymorphonuclear leukocytes against Ps. aeruginosa, E. coli and Pr. vulgaris. The bactericidal activity of nocardicin A against the above 3 organisms, therefore, increased markedly in the presence of fresh serum and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Nocardicin A, a new monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic IV. Factors influencing the in vitro activity of Nocardicin A

Factors influencing the in vitro antimicrobial activity of nocardicin A against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis were investigated. Sodium chloride was identified as a major inhibitor. Some of the amino acids, sugars and divalent cations were found to be minor inhibitors. The presence of potassium phosphates enhanced nocardicin A activity against P. aeruginosa, but antagonized the activity against P. mirabilis.