Cardiotoxicity assessment using 3D vascularized cardiac tissue consisting of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are used for cardiac safety assessment but have limitations for the evaluation of drug-induced contractility. Three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissues are similar to native tissue and valuable for the assessment of contractility. However, a longer time and specialized equipment are required to generate 3D tissues. We previously developed a simple method to generate 3D tissue in a short period by coating the cell surfaces with extracellular matrix proteins. We hypothesized that this 3D cardiac tissue could be used for simultaneous evaluation of drug-induced repolarization and contractility. In the present work, we examined the effects of several compounds with different mechanisms of action by cell motion imaging. Consequently, human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channel blockers with high arrhythmogenic risk caused prolongation of contraction-relaxation duration and arrhythmia-like waveforms. Positive inotropic drugs, which increase intracellular Ca²⁺ levels or myocardial Ca²⁺ sensitivity, caused an increase in maximum contraction speed (MCS) or average deformation distance (ADD) (ouabain, 138% for MCS at 300 nM; pimobendane, 132% for ADD at 3 μM). For negative inotropic drugs, verapamil reduced both MCS and ADD (61% at 100 nM). Thus, this 3D cardiac tissue detected the expected effects of various cardiovascular drugs, suggesting its usefulness for cardiotoxicity evaluation.

The functional shift of endothelin receptor subtypes in dogs with heart failure produced by rapid ventricular pacing

To clarify the functional role of endothelin-A/endothelin- B (ETA/ETB) receptors in congestive heart failure (CHF), we examined the effects of a non-selective endothelin receptor agonist, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and a selective ETB receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c. CHF was induced in dogs by rapid ventricular pacing and resulted in decreased left ventricular dp/dtmax, decreased cardiac output and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Sarafotoxin S6c (0.3 nmol/kg) resulted in decreased left ventricular dp/dtmax (-26 +/- 2%), decreased cardiac output (-47 +/- 3%) and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (+48 +/- 10%) in dogs without CHF. The effects of sarafotoxin S6c were attenuated in dogs with CHF (-12 +/- 5% in left ventricular dp/dtmax, -19 +/- 5% in cardiac output and +7 +/- 5% in pulmonary vascular resistance). In contrast, ET-1 (0.5 nmol/kg) had no effect on left ventricular dp/dtmax in dogs without CHF and increased left ventricular dp/dtmax by 16 +/- 3% in dogs with CHF. These data indicate that reduced cardiac contractile and pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses via the ETB receptor are attenuated and that responses mediated by the ETA receptor are more prominent in the context of CHF. This suggests a functional shift of endothelin receptor subtypes in CHF.

Abnormal expression and function of Fas ligand of lacrimal glands and peripheral blood in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands

The objective of our study was to investigate the possibility of Fas ligand protein abnormalities in certain types of Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands. Fas ligand expression by lymphocytes infiltrating the lacrimal glands and by peripheral blood monocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands was assessed immunohistologically and by immunoblotting. Cytotoxicity of peripheral blood monocytes and sensitivity to steroids in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands were studied by functional assay. Minimal Fas ligand expression was detected in the lymphocytes of the lacrimal glands and a decreased level of Fas ligand was found in peripheral blood monocytes as assessed by immunoblotting. Functional assay confirmed the decreased cytotoxicity of lymphocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands, and that it is not affected by anti-Fas ligand antibody. By contrast, the sensitivity of lymphocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands to steroids was increased. These observations suggest that abnormal expression and function of Fas ligand occurs in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands.

Highly diastereoselective 1,4-addition of an organocuprate to methyl alpha-D-gluco-, alpha-D-manno-, or alpha-D-galactopyranosides tethering an alpha,beta-unsaturated ester. Novel asymmetric access to beta-C-substituted butanoic acids

The 1,4-addition of magnesium divinylcuprate prepared from vinylmagnesium bromide and cuprous bromide to some 4-O-crotonyl derivatives of methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside proceeds with a high level of diastereochemical induction, providing the adduct in good-to-excellent yields. Other organocuprates also serve as effective carbon nucleophiles for the 1,4-addition. Removal of the carbohydrate moiety from each adduct afforded a variety of beta-C-substituted butanoic esters in remarkable enantiomeric excess. The 1,4-addition of the same cuprate to some methyl alpha-D-manno- or alpha-D-galactopyranosidic substrates in which a crotonyl group was incorporated, each at 3-OH, was also investigated. The reverse pi-facial attack of the cuprate was observed when some D-manno-type substrates were subjected to 1,4-addition conditions similar to those used for the D-gluco-type substrates. Furthermore, some D-galacto-type substrates provided 1,4-adducts with higher diastereoselectivities.

Pathophysiological roles of endogenous endothelin-1 in dogs with chronic heart failure produced by rapid right ventricular pacing

This study was designed to analyze the pathophysiological role of the endogenous endothelin (ET) system and the therapeutic approach to congestive heart failure (CHF) with ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonists in a canine CHF model. After 3 weeks of rapid right ventricular pacing (240 beats/min), concentrations of immunoreactive ET-1 in dogs increased approximately 2-fold in plasma and in the left and right ventricles but not in the lung. There were no meaningful changes in the density and affinity of total ET receptors, or in the ratio of ET(A) to ET(B) receptors. To clarify the functional role of endogenous ET, we examined the effects of acute injection of J-104132 (1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.), an ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist, on cardiovascular and renal function in dogs with CHF. Compared with vehicle, J-104132 at both doses significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), and increased cardiac output (CO) and renal blood flow. J-104132 had no effects on heart rate and cardiac contractility. In addition, we examined whether J-104132 has an additive effect in the presence of enalaprilat. J-104132 (1 mg/kg i.v.) administered after enalaprilat (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) induced further decreases in MAP, PCWP and PAP, and further increases in CO, resulting in further decreases in total peripheral resistance. These results indicate that the endogenous ET system is exaggerated in CHF and has a detrimental effect on cardiac function. Therefore, J-104132 given alone or as combination therapy may play a beneficial role in the treatment of CHF in humans.

Effects of bradykinin on renal nerve stimulation-induced antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow in anesthetized dogs

We examined effects of bradykinin on antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in anesthetized dogs, with or without blockade of the B2 receptor by Hoe 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]bradykinin) or the endogenous nitric oxide generation by N(G)nitro-L-arginine (NOARG), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. RNS (0.5-2.0 Hz) produced significant decreases in urine flow, urinary and fractional excretions of sodium, and increases in norepinephrine secretion rate (NESR), without affecting systemic and renal hemodynamics. Intrarenal arterial infusion of bradykinin (5 ng/kg per minute) significantly suppressed the RNS-induced antidiuresis and increase in NESR. Hoe 140 (100 ng/kg per minute) did not affect the RNS-induced renal actions, but in the presence of Hoe 140, bradykinin-induced suppressive actions on reductions in urine formation and increases in NESR in response to RNS were abolished. RNS during intrarenal arterial infusion of NOARG (40 microg/kg per minute) led to potent reductions in urine formation and decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Simultaneously, NESR was markedly increased. During NOARG infusion, bradykinin-induced decreases in renal actions elicited by RNS were markedly attenuated. These findings suggest that bradykinin suppresses the RNS-induced norepinephrine overflow and renal actions via nitric oxide production mediated by activation of B2 receptor. Renal noradrenergic neurotransmission may be inhibited by bradykinin at the prejunctional level, when its local production in the kidney is enhanced.

Improvement of lacrimal function by topical application of CyA in murine models of Sjögren's syndrome

PURPOSE

The object of this study was to evaluate improvement of lacrimal gland (LG) function after topical cyclosporin A (CyA).

METHODS

Topical CyA (0.01% and 0.1%) was applied to two mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome, the NFS/sld after thymectomy and the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, and the functional integrity of the lacrimal gland was evaluated by measuring basal and stimulated tear secretion and its histologic integrity by examining it for apoptosis and lymphocyte invasion.

RESULTS

After treatment with CyA at 0.1% in the NFS/sld mice, tear function increased, and there was a decrease in lymphocyte infiltration of the LG and a decrease in apoptotic figures among the acinar cells. In the NOD mice, tear function also improved, but there was no associated decrease in lymphocyte infiltration. However, the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in NOD mice by infiltrating lymphocytes was suppressed with 0. 1% CyA eye drops.

CONCLUSIONS

CyA appears to improve tear secretion in mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome by preventing lymphocyte-induced apoptosis of acinar cells. In one model this was achieved by preventing lymphocyte infiltration and in the other by reducing expression of FasL expression on infiltrating lymphocytes.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 promotes vitamin K2 metabolism in human osteoblasts

It has been reported that vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4) promoted 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)-induced mineralization and enhanced gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)-containing osteocalcin accumulation in cultured human osteoblasts. In the present study, we investigated whether menaquinone-4 (MK-4) was metabolized in human osteoblasts to act as a cofactor of gamma-glutamyl carboxylase. Both conversions of MK-4 to MK-4 2,3-epoxide (epoxide) and epoxide to MK-4 were observed in cell extracts of cultured human osteoblasts. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 and warfarin on the vitamin K cycle to cultured osteoblasts were examined. With the addition of 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 or 25 microM warfarin in cultured osteoblasts, the yield of epoxide from MK-4 increased. However, the conversion of epoxide to MK-4 was strongly inhibited by the addition of warfarin (2.5-25 microM), whereas it was almost not inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.1-10 nM). To clarify the mechanism for this phenomenon, a cell-free assay system was studied. Osteoblast microsomes were incubated with 10 microM epoxide in the presence or absence of warfarin and 1,25(OH)2D3. Epoxide reductase, one of the enzymes in the vitamin K cycle was strongly inhibited by warfarin (2.5-25 microM), whereas it was not affected by 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.1-1 nM). Moreover, there was no effect of pretreatment of osteoblasts with 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 on the activity of epoxide reductase. However, the activity of epoxidase, that is the gamma-glutamyl carboxylase was induced by the pretreatment of osteoblasts with 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the vitamin K metabolic cycle functions in human osteoblasts as well as in the liver, the post-translational mechanism, by which 1,25(OH)2D3 caused mineralization in cooperation with vitamin K2 was clarified.

Renal haemodynamic and excretory responses to bradykinin in anaesthetized dogs

1. Effects of bradykinin (BK) on renal haemodynamics and urine formation were examined in anaesthetized dogs. 2. Renal arterial infusion of BK at doses of 5 or 50 ng/kg per min produced dose-dependent increases in renal blood flow (RBF), without affecting systemic arterial pressure or glomerular filtration rate. There were also significant and dose-dependent increases in urine flow (UF), urinary excretion of sodium (UNaV) and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and decreases in urine osmolality during BK infusion. 3. Renal haemodynamic and excretory responses to the BK infusion were completely abolished by the simultaneous administration of Hoe 140 (icatibant, 100 ng/kg per min intrarenally), a selective BK B2-receptor antagonist. 4. In the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG; 40 micrograms/kg per min intrarenally), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, BK-induced renal vasodilative and natriuretic effects were markedly attenuated, although responses of UF and urine osmolality to BK remained unchanged. The water diuretic effect of BK was abolished in dogs given both NOARG and ibuprofen (12.5 mg/kg bolus injection plus 12.5 mg/kg per h of sustained infusion intravenously), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. 5. These results clearly indicate that renal haemodynamic and excretory responses to BK were mediated exclusively by the B2-receptor. Renal vasodilative and natriuretic responses are mainly linked to NO generation, while both NO and prostaglandin biosynthesis are involved in the BK-induced water diuresis.

Inhibitory effects of proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide on antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow induced by stimulation of renal nerves in anesthetized dogs

The effects of proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) on changes in renal function and norepinephrine (NE) overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were examined in anesthetized dogs. The intrarenal arterial infusion of PAMP (10, 50, 100 ng/kg/min) did not influence basal levels of systemic and renal hemodynamics, or urine formation. RNS at a low frequency (0.5-2.0 Hz) caused significant decreases in urine flow and urinary excretion of sodium, and increases in NE secretion rate (NESR), without affecting renal hemodynamics. RNS at a high frequency (2.5-5.0 Hz), which diminishes renal hemodynamics, elicited more potent decreases in urine formation and increases in NESR. The low frequency RNS-induced reductions in urine formation and increases in NESR were almost completely abolished by the intrarenal arterial infusion of PAMP at 50 ng/kg/min, a dose that produced no alterations on basal renal hemodynamics and excretory responses. In contrast, high frequency RNS-induced renal vasoconstriction and reductions in urine formation, and increases in NESR were not affected by infusion of the peptide. We next examined the effect of PAMP on exogenously applied NE-induced renal actions, to determine if PAMP functions suppressively at postjunctional sites. The intrarenal arterial infusion of NE (100-150 ng/kg/min) produced a significant renal vasoconstriction and a reduction in urine formation, responses not affected by the administration of PAMP (50 ng/kg/min). From these findings, we suggest that PAMP functions as an inhibitory modulator of renal noradrenergic neurotransmission, via prejunctional mechanisms, and plays an important role in regulating renal functions.

Changes in the enzymatic activities of beagle liver during maturation as assessed both in vitro and in vivo

1. We have examined changes in caffeine and trimethadione (TMO) metabolism in vivo, agents which are used as probe drugs. In this study the total body clearance (Cl) of caffeine and TMO was low 1 week after birth (week 1), increased rapidly from week 3, peaked and then decreased gradually until reaching the level for the mature, adult dog. The elimination half-life (t1/2) of caffeine and TMO was prolonged during week 1; however, it then gradually became shorter. Gradually it became longer and reached the level for the adult dog. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of caffeine did not change throughout the study. However, the Vd of TMO was only high during week 1. 2. The in vitro changes in a variety of typical substrates for seven different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes were examined. In this study three different patterns of metabolism can be identified: (1) activity is low immediately after birth, increases, peaks and then decreases to the adult dog level (p-nitroanisole; CYP1A1, caffeine; CYP1A2, benzphetamine; CYP3A/2B(?), aniline; 2E1 and TMO; CYP2C9/2E1/3A4); (2) activity generally increases rapidly soon after birth, continues to increase, peaks and then gradually decreases to the adult level (phenytoin; CYP2C9); and (3) activity is high (about the same level as the adult) immediately after birth, decreases and then gradually increases to the adult level (erythromycin; CYP3A4/5). 3. The results of these in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that changes in enzyme activity are due to differences in P450 isoenzymes during development.

Effects of FK409, a nitric oxide donor, on renal responses to renal nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs

We examined the effects of (+/-)-(E)-4-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexenamide (FK409), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on renal actions and norepinephrine overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs, with or without N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG), a NO synthase inhibitor. Renal nerve stimulation at a low frequency (0.5-2.0 Hz) produced significant decreases in urine flow and urinary excretion of Na+ and increases in norepinephrine secretion rate. Renal nerve stimulation at a high frequency (2.5-5.0 Hz) which diminishes renal hemodynamics, elicited more marked decreases in urine formation and increases in norepinephrine secretion rate. Intrarenal arterial infusion of FK409 (0.25 microg/kg/min) failed to alter renal actions and increases in norepinephrine secretion rate in response to both low- and high frequency renal nerve stimulation. When NOARG (40 microg/kg/min) was administrated intrarenally, low-frequency renal nerve stimulation caused a potent antidiuresis and renal vasoconstriction. The renal nerve stimulation-induced increase in norepinephrine secretion rate was markedly enhanced by NOARG infusion. Simultaneous infusion of FK409 markedly attenuated the NOARG-induced enhancement of renal actions and increases in norepinephrine secretion rate, in response to low-frequency renal nerve stimulation. These results suggest that exogenous NO suppresses the renal nerve stimulation-induced norepinephrine overflow and renal actions in NO-depleted conditions. We also propose that endogenous NO functions tonically as an inhibitory modulator of renal noradrenergic neurotransmission.

Involvement of nitric oxide in endothelin ETB receptor-mediated inhibitory actions on antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow induced by stimulation of renal nerves in anesthetized dogs

We examined the effect of sarafotoxin S6c (S6c), a selective endothelin ETB-receptor agonist, on renal actions and norepinephrine (NE) overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in anesthetized dogs, with or without blockade of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) generation by NG-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG), a NO synthase inhibitor. RNS (0.5-2.0 Hz) produced significant decreases in urine flow, urinary and fractional excretion of sodium, and increased NE secretion rate, without affecting systemic and renal hemodynamics. When S6c (1 ng/kg/min) was infused intrarenally, there was a slight and transient increase in renal blood flow at 1-2 min after the start of the infusion, without any change in systemic hemodynamics and this response was followed by a gradual reduction. There was a significant increase in the basal level of urine flow with no effects on urinary and fractional excretion of sodium. In addition, S6c administration elicited an increase in urinary excretion of NO metabolites. NO2- and NO3-. During S6c infusion, RNS-induced antidiuretic action and increases in NE secretion rate were significantly attenuated. RNS during intrarenal arterial infusion of NOARG (40 micrograms/kg/min) led to potent reductions in urine formation and decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Simultaneously. NE secretion rate was markedly increased. In the presence of NOARG, S6c-induced suppressive actions on reductions in urine formation and increase in NE secretion rate in response to RNS were markedly attenuated. The peptide did not increase urinary excretion of NO metabolites. These findings suggest that ET functions as an inhibitory modulator of renal noradrenergic neurotransmission through ETB-receptor mechanisms, events that may be caused by NO production induced by the peptide.

Effects of sarafotoxin S6c on renal haemodynamics and urine formation in anaesthetized dogs

1. The effects of sarafotoxin S6c (S6c), a selective endothelin ETB receptor agonist, on renal haemodynamics and urine formation were examined in anaesthetized dogs. 2. Intrarenal arterial infusion of S6c at a rate of 1 or 5 ng/kg per min produced a transient increase in renal blood flow (RBF), with no change in systemic blood pressure and heart rate; RBF then decreased gradually to below the basal value. There were significant and dose-dependent increases in urine flow and free water clearance and decreases in urine osmolality during S6c infusion, whereas urinary excretion of sodium and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remained unchanged. Simultaneously, S6c administration elicited a marked increase in urinary excretion of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, NO2- and NO3- (UNOxV). 3. In dogs simultaneously administered S6c (5 ng/kg per min) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG; 40 micrograms/kg per min), a NO synthase inhibitor, the renal vasodilator effect of S6c was abolished and marked reductions in RBF and GFR were observed. The S6c-induced diuretic action was not affected by NOARG. In the presence of NOARG, there was a small amount of UNOxV at the basal level and the administration of S6c did not increase UNOxV. 4. These results suggest that an intrarenal arterial infusion of S6c enhances the production of NO in the kidney and that this enhancement contributes to the peptide-induced renal vasodilation. In contrast, it is unlikely that S6c-induced water diuresis is related to NO production stimulated by this peptide.

Localization and disposition of a non-peptide angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, and its glucuronide metabolite, in rat

1. The disposition of radioactivity of a non-peptide angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (E4177) has been studied in groups of male rats after a single oral 1 mg/kg dose of 14C-E4177 was administered by gavage. We have also used light-microscopic autoradiography to investigate the localization of radioactivity in the target tissues for this angiotensin II receptor antagonist. 2. The radioactivity was absorbed quickly, and the maximum blood levels (Cmax) were reached at 0.38 +/- 0.14 h after dosing. The concentrations then declined bi-exponentially with a mean apparent half-life for the first phase (t1/2 alpha) of 0.46 +/- 0.07 h and a terminal half-life (t1/2 beta) of 6.22 +/- 1.08 h. By 24 h, the levels had decreased to 2.7 +/- 1.5% Cmax. The blood levels radioactivity at 48 h after administration were below the limit of quantification. 3. Radioactivity was distributed throughout the body at 15 min after administration. Tissues in which radioactivity was present at higher levels than in plasma were the liver and kidney. Radioactivity was rapidly eliminated from the tissues and was not retained in any individual organ. 4. The major route of excretion was via the bile. Since > 90% of the administered radioactivity was recovered by 24 h after administration, the excretion was relatively rapid. The major metabolite in bile was a glucuronide of E4177 biphenylcarboxylic acid (E4177-Glu). 5. Light-microscopic autoradiographic observations revealed a strong localization of radioactivity throughout the surface cells of the adrenal glomerulosa, the blood vessels in kidney and the surface of the aortic smooth muscle cells, which are all rich in angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors.

Effects of sarafotoxin S6c on antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow induced by stimulation of renal nerves in anesthetized dogs

We previously reported that endothelin (ET) may function as an inhibitory modulator of renal noradrenergic neurotransmission (Suzuki et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 19: 905-910, 1992). In our study, we examined the effect of sarafotoxin S6c (S6c), a selective ET(B) receptor agonist, on changes in renal function and norepinephrine overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in anesthetized dogs. RNS at a low frequency (0.5-2.0 Hz) caused significant decreases in urine flow, urinary excretion of sodium and fractional excretion of sodium and increased norepinephrine secretion rate, without affecting systemic and renal hemodynamics. RNS at a high frequency (2.5-5.0 Hz), which diminishes renal hemodynamics, produced more potent decreases in urine formation and increase in norepinephrine secretion rate than seen with low frequency RNS. When S6c (1 ng/kg/min) was infused intrarenally, there was a slight and transient increase in renal blood flow, and then this response was followed by a gradual reduction. S6c administration produced increase in the basal level of urine flow with no apparent effects on urinary excretion of sodium and fractional excretion of sodium. During S6c infusion, low frequency RNS-induced antidiuretic action and increase in norepinephrine secretion rate were markedly attenuated. Qualitatively, similar results were observed in the case of high frequency RNS. In addition, high frequency RNS-induced decreases in glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction were significantly suppressed by S6c infusion. Taken together with our previous findings, it seems likely that ET plays an important role as an inhibitory modulator of renal noradrenergic neurotransmission, through ET(B) receptor mechanisms.

[Evolution of susceptibilities of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from diarrhoeal cases to fluoroquinolones in Tokyo]

Recently, the increase in the number of resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni to fluoroquinolone has been reported in European countries. We also studied antimicrobial susceptibilities of 600 clinical isolates of Campylobacter jejuni isolated during a 6 year period from 1989 through 1994 in four Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals. The susceptibility to 6 antimicrobial agents, norfloxacin (NFLX), ofloxacin (OFLX), ciprofloxacin (CPFX), nalidixic acid (NA), erythromycin (EM) and tetracycline (TC) were examined. The overall resistant rates were as follows: NFLX, 45 strains (7.5%); OFLX, 45 strains (7.5%); CPFX, 44 strains (7.3%); NA, 62 strains (10.3%); EM, 4 strains (0.6%) and TC, 259 strains (43.2%). The number of resistant strains to fluoroquinolones and NA has increased significantly since 1993 in Japan, but the susceptibility to erythromycin has still remained the same level during the past 6 years. The susceptibility to TC was variable, and MICs gave a bimobal distribution, as pointed out previously. The resistance pattern of NFLX, OFLX, CPFX and NA were observed most frequently in those isolates.

Inhibitory effects of endothelin-3 on antidiuresis and norepinephrine overflow induced by stimulation of renal nerves in anesthetized dogs

The effects of endothelin-3 (ET-3) on changes in renal hemodynamics, urine formation, and norepinephrine (NE) overflow induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were examined in anesthetized dogs. RNS at a low frequency (0.5-2.0 Hz) produced significant decreases in urine flow (UF), urinary excretion of sodium (UNaV), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), and increased the NE secretion rate (NESR) without affecting systemic or renal hemodynamics. RNS at a high frequency (2.5-5.0 Hz), which diminishes renal hemodynamics by causing renal vasoconstriction, affected urine formation and NESR more potently than did low-frequency RNS. When ET-3 (2.0 ng/kg/min) was infused into the renal artery, there was a slight and transient increase in renal blood flow (RBF); this response was followed by a gradual reduction. ET-3 infusion tended to increase the basal levels of UF without affecting UNaV, indicating the excretion of hypotonic urine with administration of this peptide. During ET-3 infusion, low-frequency RNS-induced antidiuretic action was significantly attenuated. Simultaneously, increase in NESR elicited by low-frequency RNS was markedly suppressed. Qualitatively similar results were observed in the case of high-frequency RNS. In addition, high-frequency RNS-induced decreases in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the filtration fraction (FF) were suppressed by ET-3 infusion. These findings suggest that ET-3 suppresses renal responses to stimulated renal noradrenergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the release of NE. These findings, together with our previous findings, suggest that ET-3 (and/or ET-1) functions as an inhibitory modulator of the renal noradrenergic nervous system through the prejunctional ETB-receptor mechanism.

Distribution of menaquinone-4, a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis, in bone and other tissues of rats

[14C]Menaquinone-4 was administered orally once daily at a dose of 4 mg/kg for ten days to female rats of different ages to determine its blood and tissue distribution with particular attention to its distribution in bone. Animals aged 10 and 30 months were either ovariectomized or sham-operated as a control, and young rats aged 7 weeks were used as untreated controls. Blood concentrations of radioactivity at 24h after each dose during repeated administration increased daily and approached a steady rate by the seventh dose. Higher concentrations of radioactivity in blood (plasma) were observed in older animals than in the younger ones, but there was little difference between ovariectomized rats (OVX rats) and sham-operated rats (Sham rats). In tissue samples collected at 1.5 h after administration, the liver, adipose tissue, spleen and adrenals showed higher concentrations of radioactivity than the other organs and the plasma. IN bone tissues, the bone marrow (BM) and cancellous tissue (CT) of the femur showed radioactivity concentrations which were higher than that in the plasma, and these increased during repeated administration. Finally, at 24 h after the last dose, the concentrations of radioactivity in bone tissues of older animals (BM, 5,807.2 ng eq/g; CT, 5,264.8 ng eq/g in OVX rats aged 10 months and BM, 11,479.3 ng eq/g; CT, 4,023.0 ng eq/g in OVX rats aged 30 months) were several times higher than those in younger animals (BM, 2,771.6 ng eq/g; CT, 890.2 ng eq/g in 7-week-old untreated rats). The values in OVX rats were also higher than those in Sham rats. Furthermore, micro autoradiography studies of femur sections from OVX rats indicated that [14C] Menaquinone-4 localized in cancellous tissue where bone is known to be actively remodelled. The concentrations of radioactivity in cancellous tissue and bone marrow of OVX rats aged 10 and 30 months were comparable to the pharmacologically effective concentrations of Menaquinone-4 (10(-6)-10(-5) M) in in vitro studies on bone formation. These findings suggest that orally administered Menaquinone-4 distributes specifically into the bone tissues of ovariectomized rats and this is consistent with its effect as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

[Cyclosporine level in blood as monitored by area-under-the-curve (AUC). III. The influence of absorption phase after orally dosing]

The influence of the absorption phase (the time of maximum blood concentration; Tmax) on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine (CYA) in the steady state after oral administration was studied in 26 renal transplant recipients. The patients were divided into three absorption phase groups with the Tmax times as follows, group A (n = 26); OH < or = Tmax < 3 h, group B (n = 6); 3 h < or = Tmax < 6 h and group C (n = 11); 6 h < or = Tmax < or = 12 h. CYA (dose; 1.6-15.0 mg/kg/d) was administered orally to all 26 patients (10-52 years, 33.1-74.2 kg) every 12 h. The blood specimens used in this study were collected just before administration (0 h) in the morning and at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 12 h after administration. The whole blood CYA levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) based on a specific monoclonal antibody. There were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of the dosage (mg/kg/d) and area-under-the-curve (AUC). The trough levels (0, 12 h) correlated well to the AUC only in group A (r = 0.842-0.907, p < 0.001). The morning trough levels (0 h) were significantly higher than the night trough levels (12 h) in groups A and B (p < 0.05-0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radioimmunoassay for the novel platelet activating factor receptor antagonist E5880

A direct radioimmunoassay for E5880, 1-ethyl-2-[[N-(2-methoxybenzoyl)-N-[[(2R)-2-methoxy-3-[[[4- [(octadecylcarbamoyl)- oxy]piperidino]carbonyl]oxy]propoxy]carbonyl]amino]methyl] pyridinium chloride, a novel analogue-type antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF), was developed. In this procedure, [3H]E5880 was used as the radioligand, and the antiserum was obtained from rabbits immunized with hapten covalently bound to bovine serum albumin. The hapten represents a structural analogue of E5880, with a carboxyl group on the terminal carbon of the 3-position side chain. A metabolite of E5880, deacyl-E5880, cross-reacted weakly (1.8%) with this antiserum. The assay buffer for the radioimmunoassay consisted of PBS, pH 6.5, containing 1% BSA to prevent the degradation of E5880 in aqueous solution and its adsorption to the tube. The detection limit of the assay was 200 pg/mL when a 0.1-mL plasma sample was used. The radioimmunoassay was used for the direct analysis of E5880 in dog plasma. The validity of the radioimmunoassay in dog plasma was demonstrated by comparative analysis of a number of samples by HPLC (r = 0.995, slope = 0.9425). The radioimmunoassay was also used to determine the pharmacokinetics of E5880 in the dog. After the intravenous administration of E5880 (0.2 mg/kg), plasma levels declined biexponentially. The initial plasma half-life, including the distribution phase, was 0.26 h, and the plasma half-life of elimination was 9.96 h.

Development of radioimmunoassay for the novel platelet activating factor receptor antagonist, E6123, and its application to pharmacokinetics in laboratory animals

A direct radioimmunoassay for the determination of E6123, a novel antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor, was developed in order to study the pharmacokinetics at low dose. This procedure used [3H]E6123 as the radioligand and an antiserum obtained from rabbits immunized with the hapten covalently bound to bovine serum albumin. M1B, one of the main metabolites of E6123, exhibited cross-reactivity with antisera. But this metabolite had no effect on measurements of E6123, because the amount of M1B in plasma radioactivity after administration of [14C]E6123 to dogs and monkeys was low. The sensitivity limit of this assay was 25 pg/ml of plasma when 0.1 ml of plasma was used and the assay showed good accuracy and high precision. The validity of the radioimmunoassay was demonstrated by comparative analysis of a number of samples after oral and intravenous administration (1.0 mg/kg) by HPLC-UV method (r = 0.972-0.984, slope = 1.0314-1.2143). The pharmacokinetics of E6123 was studied at a dose of 30 micrograms/kg. After intravenous administration, the plasma concentration-time curves in all species fitted a two-compartment model and the terminal half-lives in guinea pigs, dogs and monkeys (both poor and extensive metabolizers) were 4.77, 1.71, 5.34 and 1.07 h, respectively. After oral administration, the maximum plasma concentrations were obtained within 0.83-3.00 h and the half-life for each animal was almost the same as that after intravenous administration. The mean bioavailabilities of E6123 in guinea pigs, dogs and monkeys (poor and extensive metabolizers) were 106.9, 45.7, 59.1 and 22.8%, respectively.

Pharmacokinetic characterization of menaquinone-4 in dogs by sensitive HPLC determination

A simple and sensitive assay method for a pharmacokinetic study of Menaquinone-4 in dogs was established using HPLC with fluorescence detection following extraction with organic solvent. The quantification limit of this method was 1 ng/ml of plasma. A new oily solution formulation of Menaquinone-4 was administered orally to nonfasted dogs at doses of 0.4, 4 and 40 mg/kg. The plasma concentrations reached maximum levels at 1 to 1.5 h after dosing, and then decreased slowly. AUC values up to 24 h after administration were almost dose-proportional. Menaquinone-4 was also administered to dogs in soft-capsules, for comparison with a conventional hard-capsule oral formulation and an intravenous lecithin formulation. The mean AUC for oral dosing in the soft-capsule formulation was 13.5% of that for intravenous dosing in lecithin, and was 4.6 times higher than that for oral dosing in hard-capsules. Additional dosing in fasted dogs indicated that the AUC in pre-fed dogs was about 4 times higher, suggesting that feeding before giving Menaquinone-4 raises the bioavailability. Overall Menaquinone-4 was absorbed rapidly after administration in non-fasted dogs and dose-proportional bioavailability was obtained among the doses of 0.4 to 40 mg/kg. Higher plasma concentrations were observed after administration in the soft-capsule formulation rather than in the hard-capsule formulation. These findings suggest that the soft-capsule formulation would show a good pharmacokinetic profile for elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Isolation of a novel substrate-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitor, desmal, from the plant Desmos chinensis

In the course of a screening program for tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the chloroform extract of a tropical plant, Desmos chinensis, strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. The active substance was purified by silica gel, gel filtration, and finally crystallized. The structure was elucidated by mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography to be 8-formyl-2,5,7-trihydroxy-6- methylflavanone, and we named it desmal. Desmal competed with peptide substrate and non-competed with ATP. It inhibited tyrosine kinase in situ in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-overexpressing NIH3T3 (ER12) cells. It also inhibited EGF-induced inositol phosphate formation and morphological changes.

The placental and mammary transport of [14C]menaquinone-4 in rats

The transfer of menaquinone-4 (vitamin K2(20] to the fetus and milk was studied in pregnant and lactating rats, respectively, after oral administration (4 mg/kg) of [3'-14C]menaquinone-4. Intestinal absorption of menaquinone-4 was rapid and the highest level of radioactivity in each tissue except guts of fetal rats was observed at 4h after dosing. The level in the fetal homogenate was low. At that time, the concentration of menaquinone-4 in the fetal liver was 84 ng/g, corresponding to 9% of the value found in the placenta. Therefore, we conclude that the transfer of menaquinone-4 to the developing rat fetus is restricted by the blood-placenta barrier, but that a sufficient amount of menaquinone-4 (more than the essential amount of vitamin K to ensure full carboxylation) can be transferred into the fetal liver. It was also observed that the radioactivity was transferred to milk after oral administration to lactating rats. Milk/blood concentration ratios at 6 and 24h after dosing were 13.8 and 65.1, respectively. The elimination half-life of radioactivity in milk was about 17h. Eighty-four percent of milk of radioactivity was due to menaquinone-4. These results suggest that the prophylactic maternal oral administration of menaquinone-4 may be efficacious for a prophylaxis of neonatal and infantile vitamin K deficiency.

Identification of menaquinone-4 metabolites in the rat

Four metabolites of menaquinone-4 [MQ-4] were isolated from rat urine, bile and liver. From rat urine following intravenous or oral administration of [14C]MQ-4, two major metabolites were isolated and their aglycones were identified as 2-methyl-3-(5'-carboxy-3'-methyl-2'-pentyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone [K acid 1] and 3-(3'-carboxybutyl)-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone [K acid 2]. The aglycone of a third minor metabolite isolated from bile was tentatively identified as 2-methyl-3-(15'-carboxy-3',7',11'-trimethyl-2',6',10', 14'-hexadecatetranyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone [MQ-4-COOH]. The structures of the three aglycones, which were excreted into the urine or bile mainly as glucuronide conjugates, indicated that oxidative degradation of the alkyl side chain of MQ-4 had occurred by omega- and beta-oxidation. In addition, 2,3-epoxy-MQ-4 was identified in the liver of rats which were pretreated with warfarin and then dosed with [14C]MQ-4.

Effect of solubilizer on the metabolic fate of menaquinone-4 in rats

Following intravenous administration to rats of all-trans [14C]menaquinone-4 solubilized with purified soybean lecithin [L] or with HCO-60 [H], we examined the effect of the solubilizers on the distribution and excretion of menaquinone-4 [MQ-4]. The level of radioactivity in the liver after dosing with L was about 2 times higher than in dosing with H, and a similar result was obtained in the hepatic microsomal fraction, a target of MQ-4. The rate and amount of biliary excretion of radioactivity after dosing with L were greater than in dosing with H. In addition, the uptake of [14C]MQ-4 by the isolated perfused rat liver was greater with L than H, consistent with the in vivo observation. Further, upon incubation of L or H with hepatic microsomes, the MQ-4 metabolizing enzyme was more highly active toward L than H. These results show that L is more easily transported to the target region, and more rapidly metabolized and excreted into the bile than H, suggesting that the lecithin-solubilized preparation of MQ-4 may be more effective clinically.

Structure-activity relationship of swainsonine. Inhibition of human alpha-mannosidases by swainsonine analogues

The inhibitory properties of a series of synthetic epimers and analogues of swainsonine towards the multiple forms of human alpha-mannosidases were studied in vitro and in cells in culture. Of the five epimers tested, only the 8a-epimer and 8,8a-diepimer of swainsonine were specific and competitive inhibitors (Ki values of 7.5 x 10(-5) and 2 x 10(-6) M respectively) of lysosomal alpha-mannosidases in vitro and induced storage of mannose-rich oligosaccharides in human fibroblasts in culture. The structures of these storage products indicated that processing alpha-mannosidases had also been inhibited. This was consistent with the observed inhibition in vitro of these enzymes by these compounds. In contrast, the 8-epimer, 1,8-diepimer and 2,8a-diepimer of swainsonine had no appreciable effect on any alpha-mannosidases. The corresponding open-chain analogues of swainsonine, namely 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-mannitol, of the 8a-epimer, namely 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-talitol, and of the 8,8a-diepimer, namely 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-L-allitol, were weaker competitive inhibitors of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, with Ki values of 1.3 x 10(-5), 1.2 x 10(-4) and 1.2 x 10(-4) M respectively. These analogues also proved less effective at inducing oligosaccharide accumulation and in disturbing glycoprotein processing. These compounds offer the opportunity to determine which alterations in the chirality of the swainsonine molecule affect its inhibitory specificity. A comparison of their biological activities has identified reagents that will be useful for studying steps in the biosynthesis and catabolism of glycoproteins and that may be of potential value in chemotherapy.

Effects of papaverine on the relative distribution of 45Ca ions in subcellular fractions of hog biliary muscles

The mechanisms by which papaverine (Pap) relaxes smooth muscles of hog bile ducts were investigated with respect to the effects of Pap on the distribution of Ca ions in intracellular organelles. Muscles loaded with 45Ca ions in 139 mM KCl-Tyrode's solution were incubated with Pap, [3H]Pap or theophylline (ThP) in Tyrode's solution. The Pap and Ca contents of various subcellular fractions were measured. Pap (40 microM) had no effect on Ca influx into the muscle in normal and 139 mM KCl-Tyrode's solutions. Pap was distributed to a greater extent in the cytosol fraction (F4) than in microsome and mitochondria-enriched fractions (F3) and in the nuclei-enriched fraction (F2). Pap selectively accumulated in the plasma membrane-enriched fraction (PM-F) and was negligible in the sarcoplasmic reticulum-enriched fraction (SR-F) and the mitochondria-enriched fraction (Mit-F). The Ca release of PM-F was greater and more rapid than the release from SR-F or Mit-F. The increase in the content of Ca in PM-F induced by Pap was enhanced by oxalate, suggesting that the increase is based on the increase in Ca uptake, not on the reduced efflux. Pap increased dose-dependently the Ca content of PM-F and appeared to decrease the Ca contents of SR-F and Mit-F. ThP and cyclic AMP (4 microM) had no effect on the Ca uptake of PM-F and no influence on the effects of Pap. These results suggest that Pap relaxation of hog biliary smooth muscle results from the interaction of the drug with the plasma membrane causing cyclic AMP-independent sequestration of Ca.

Bis-sulfated gangliotetraosylceramide from rat kidney

A novel bis-sulfated tetraglycosylceramide containing N-acetylgalactosamine was isolated from the lipid extract of rat kidney. The isolation procedure involved extraction of lipids with chloroform/methanol, alkaline methanolysis, and column chromatographies with DEAE-Sephacel and silica beads. By infrared spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, periodate oxidation, solvolysis, chromium trioxide oxidation, and methylation analysis of the native and partially degraded compounds, the structure of this glycolipid is proposed to be (HSO3-3)Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-4(HSO3-3)Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer. The position of sulfate ester groups and the sequence of carbohydrates were further confirmed by methylation analysis and direct probe mass spectrometry after desulfation-trideuteriomethylation of permethylated glycolipids. The yield of this sulfoglycolipid was 5.5 nmol/g of tissue, which was about 25 and 50 mol %, respectively, of monosulfo-and bis-sulfogangliotriaosylceramide from rat kidney.

Bis-sulfoglycosphingolipid containing a unique 3-O-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine from rat kidney

A novel sulfoglycosphingolipid containing two sulfate ester groups was isolated from the lipid extract of rat kidney. The isolation procedure involved extraction of lipids with chloroform/methanol, alkaline methanolysis, and column chromatographies with DEAE-Sephacel and silica beads. By infrared spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, periodate oxidation, solvolysis, chromium trioxide oxidation, and methylation analysis of the native and partially degraded compounds, the structure of this glycolipid is proposed to be (HSO3-3)GalNAc beta 1-4(HSO3-3)Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer. The presence of a unique 3-O-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine structure was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The yield of this sulfoglycolipid was 11.2 nmol/g of tissue, which was about half of that of monosulfogangliotriaosylceramide from rat kidney.

Isolation and characterization of the sulfated gangliotriaosylceramide from rat kidney

A sulfoglycosphingolipid containing N-acetylgalactosamine has been isolated from the lipid extract of rat kidney. The isolation procedure involved extraction of lipids with chloroform/methanol, alkaline methanolysis, and column chromatographies with DEAE-Sephadex and Silica beads. The components were N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, glucose, sphingoid bases, fatty acids, and sulfate in equimolar amounts. The yield of this sulfoglycolipid was about 24 nmol/g of tissue, which was about 13% of that of galactosylceramide 3-sulfate from rat kidney. By infrared spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, periodate oxidation, solvolysis, chromium trioxide oxidation, and methylation analysis of the native and partially degraded compound, the structure of this glycolipid is proposed to be GalNAc beta 1--4(HSO3-3)Gal beta 1--4Glc beta 1--1Cer.