Endoscopic Manifestations and Clinical Characteristics of Localized Gastric Light-Chain Amyloidosis

To determine the endoscopic and clinical features of localized gastric amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, we retrospectively examined the characteristics of nine patients (eight men and one woman) encountered by the hospitals in our network. Lesions were predominantly flat and depressed with surface vascular dilatation (n=5); others were characterized by subepithelial lesions (n=2), mucosal color change (n=1), and a mass-like morphology with swollen mucosal folds (n=1). Colonoscopy (n=7), video capsule enteroscopy (n=2), serum (n=5) and urine immunoelectrophoresis (n=4), and bone marrow examination (n=3) were performed to exclude involvement of organs other than the stomach. As treatment for gastric lesions of AL amyloidosis, one patient each underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=1) and argon plasma coagulation (n=1), while the remaining seven patients underwent no specific treatment. During a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, one patient died 3.2 years after diagnosis, but the cause of death, which occurred in another hospital, was unknown. The remaining eight patients were alive at the last visit. In conclusion, although localized gastric AL amyloidosis can show various macroscopic features on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flat, depressed lesions with vascular dilatation on the surface are predominant.

Whipple's Disease with Long-term Endoscopic Follow-up

A 72-year-old man presented with anorexia and 15-kg weight loss over 3 years. Endoscopy revealed yellow, shaggy mucosa alternating with erythematous, eroded mucosa in the duodenum. Biopsy specimens showed massive infiltration of periodic acid-Schiff-positive macrophages in the lamina propria, consistent with Whipple's disease. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for four weeks, followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. His condition improved, and he gradually gained weight. Although the endoscopic findings improved with continuous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration, macrophage infiltration of the duodenal mucosa persisted. However, the patient has been symptom-free for eight years.

Electronic excitations of a magnetic impurity state in the diluted magnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As

The electronic structure of doped Mn in (Ga,Mn)As is studied by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. From configuration-interaction cluster-model calculations, the line shapes of the Mn L3 resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectra can be explained by d-d excitations from the Mn ground state dominated by charge-transferred states, in which hole carriers are bound to the Mn impurities, rather than a pure acceptor Mn2+ ground state. Unlike archetypical d-d excitation, the peak widths are broader than the experimental energy resolution. We attribute the broadening to a finite lifetime of the d-d excitations, which decay rapidly to electron-hole pairs in the host valence and conduction bands through the hybridization of the Mn 3d orbital with the ligand band.

Hypothalamic ATF3 is involved in regulating glucose and energy metabolism in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The pancreas and hypothalamus are critical for maintaining nutrient and energy homeostasis, and combined disorders in these organs account for the onset of the metabolic syndrome. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is an adaptive response transcription factor. The physiological role of ATF3 in the pancreas has been controversial, and its role in the hypothalamus remains unknown. To elucidate the roles of ATF3 in these organs, we generated pancreas- and hypothalamus-specific Atf3 knockout (PHT-Atf3-KO) mice in this study.

METHODS

We crossed mice bearing floxed Atf3 alleles with Pdx1-cre mice, in which cre is specifically expressed in the pancreas and hypothalamus, and analysed metabolic variables, pancreatic morphology, food intake, energy expenditure and sympathetic activity in adipose tissue. We also used a hypothalamic cell line to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ATF3 regulates transcription of the gene encoding agouti-related protein (Agrp).

RESULTS

Although PHT-Atf3-KO mice displayed better glucose tolerance, neither plasma glucagon nor insulin level was altered in these mice. However, these mice exhibited higher insulin sensitivity, which was accompanied by a leaner phenotype due to decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure. We also observed decreased hypothalamic Agrp expression in PHT-Atf3-KO mice. Importantly, an increase in ATF3 levels is induced by fasting or low glucose in the hypothalamus. We also showed that ATF3 interacts with forkhead box-containing protein, O subfamily 1 (FoxO1) on the Agrp promoter and activates Agrp transcription.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that ATF3 plays an important role in the control of glucose and energy metabolism by regulating Agrp.

Contribution of Kv2.1 channels to the delayed rectifier current in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from rabbit urethra

We have characterized the native voltage-dependent K(+) (K(v)) current in rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells (RUSMC) and compared its pharmacological and biophysical properties with K(v)2.1 and K(v)2.2 channels cloned from the rabbit urethra and stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells (HEK(Kv2.1) and HEK(Kv2.2)). RUSMC were perfused with Hanks' solution at 37°C and studied using the patch-clamp technique with K(+)-rich pipette solutions. Cells were bathed in 100 nM Penitrem A (Pen A) to block large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) currents and depolarized to +40 mV for 500 ms to evoke K(v) currents. These were unaffected by margatoxin, κ-dendrotoxin, or α-dendrotoxin (100 nM, n = 3-5) but were blocked by stromatoxin-1 (ScTx, IC(50) ∼130 nM), consistent with the idea that the currents were carried through K(v)2 channels. RNA was detected for K(v)2.1, K(v)2.2, and the silent subunit K(v)9.3 in urethral smooth muscle. Immunocytochemistry showed membrane staining for both K(v)2 subtypes and K(v)9.3 in isolated RUSMC. HEK(Kv2.1) and HEK(Kv2.2) currents were blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by ScTx, with estimated IC(50) values of ∼150 nM (K(v)2.1, n = 5) and 70 nM (K(v)2.2, n = 6). The mean half-maximal voltage (V(1/2)) of inactivation of the USMC K(v) current was -56 ± 3 mV (n = 9). This was similar to the HEK(Kv2.1) current (-55 ± 3 mV, n = 13) but significantly different from the HEK(Kv2.2) currents (-30 ± 3 mV, n = 11). Action potentials (AP) evoked from RUSMC studied under current-clamp mode were unaffected by ScTx. However, when ScTx was applied in the presence of Pen A, the AP duration was significantly prolonged. Similarly, ScTx increased the amplitude of spontaneous contractions threefold, but only after Pen A application. These data suggest that K(v)2.1 channels contribute significantly to the K(v) current in RUSMC.

Loss of functional K+ channels encoded by ether-à-go-go-related genes in mouse myometrium prior to labour onset

There is a growing appreciation that ion channels encoded by the ether-à-go-go-related gene family have a functional impact in smooth muscle in addition to their accepted role in cardiac myocytes and neurones. This study aimed to assess the expression of ERG1-3 (KCNH1-3) genes in the murine myometrium (smooth muscle layer of the uterus) and determine the functional impact of the ion channels encoded by these genes in pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Quantitative RT-PCR did not detect message for ERG2 and 3 in whole myometrial tissue extracts. In contrast, message for two isoforms of mERG1 were readily detected with mERG1a more abundant than mERG1b. In isometric tension studies of non-pregnant myometrium, the ERG channel blockers dofetilide (1 microM), E4031 (1 microM) and Be-KM1 (100 nM) increased spontaneous contractility and ERG activators (PD118057 and NS1643) inhibited spontaneous contractility. In contrast, neither ERG blockade nor activation had any effect on the inherent contractility in myometrium from late pregnant (19 days gestation) animals. Moreover, dofetilide-sensitive K(+) currents with distinctive 'hooked' kinetics were considerably smaller in uterine myocytes from late pregnant compared to non-pregnant animals. Expression of mERG1 isoforms did not alter throughout gestation or upon delivery, but the expression of genes encoding auxillary subunits (KCNE) were up-regulated considerably. This study provides the first evidence for a regulation of ERG-encoded K(+) channels as a precursor to late pregnancy physiological activity.

Nature of magnetic coupling between Mn ions in As-grown Ga1-xMnxAs studied by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism

The magnetic properties of as-grown Ga1-xMnxAs have been investigated by the systematic measurements of temperature and magnetic field dependent soft x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The intrinsic XMCD intensity at high temperatures obeys the Curie-Weiss law, but a residual spin magnetic moment appears already around 100 K, significantly above the Curie temperature (T_{C}), suggesting that short-range ferromagnetic correlations are developed above T_{C}. The present results also suggest that the antiferromagnetic interaction between the substitutional and interstitial Mn (Mn_{int}) ions exists and that the amount of the Mn_{int} affects T_{C}.

Molecular expression and pharmacological identification of a role for K(v)7 channels in murine vascular reactivity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study represents a novel characterisation of KCNQ-encoded potassium channels in the vasculature using a variety of pharmacological and molecular tools to determine their role in contractility.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments were undertaken on RNA isolated from mouse aorta, carotid artery, femoral artery and mesenteric artery using primers specific for all known KCNQ genes. RNA isolated from mouse heart and brain were used as positive controls. Pharmacological experiments were undertaken on segments from the same blood vessels to determine channel functionality. Immunocytochemical experiments were performed on isolated myocytes from thoracic aorta.

KEY RESULTS

All blood vessels expressed KCNQ1, 4 and 5 with hitherto 'neuronal' KCNQ4 being, surprisingly, the most abundant. The correlated proteins K(v)7.1, K(v)7.4 and K(v)7.5 were identified in the cell membranes of aortic myocytes by immunocytochemistry. Application of three compounds known to activate K(v)7 channels, retigabine (2 -20 microM), flupirtine (20 microM) and meclofenamic acid (20 microM), relaxed vessels precontracted by phenylephrine or 1 mM 4-aminopyridine but had no effect on contractions produced by 60 mM KCl or the K(v)7 channel blocker XE991 (10 microM). All vessels tested contracted upon application of the K(v)7 channel blockers XE991 and linopirdine (0.1-10 microM).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Murine blood vessels exhibit a distinctive KCNQ expression profile with 'neuronal' KCNQ4 dominating. The ion channels encoded by KCNQ genes have a crucial role in defining vascular reactivity as K(v)7 channel blockers produced marked contractions whereas K(v)7 channel activators were effective vasorelaxants.

C-type natriuretic peptide activates a non-selective cation current in acutely isolated rat cardiac fibroblasts via natriuretic peptide C receptor-mediated signalling

In the heart, fibroblasts play an essential role in the deposition of the extracellular matrix and they also secrete a number of hormonal factors. Although natriuretic peptides, including C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and brain natriuretic peptide, have antifibrotic effects on cardiac fibroblasts, the effects of CNP on fibroblast electrophysiology have not been examined. In this study, acutely isolated ventricular fibroblasts from the adult rat were used to measure the effects of CNP (2 x 10(-8) M) under whole-cell voltage-clamp conditions. CNP, as well as the natriuretic peptide C receptor (NPR-C) agonist cANF (2 x 10(-8) M), significantly increased an outwardly rectifying non-selective cation current (NSCC). This current has a reversal potential near 0 mV. Activation of this NSCC by cANF was abolished by pre-treating fibroblasts with pertussis toxin, indicating the involvement of G(i) proteins. The cANF-activated NSCC was inhibited by the compounds Gd(3+), SKF 96365 and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of mRNA from rat ventricular fibroblasts revealed the expression of several transient receptor potential (TRP) channel transcripts. Additional electrophysiological analysis showed that U73122, a phospholipase C antagonist, inhibited the cANF-activated NSCC. Furthermore, the effects of CNP and cANF were mimicked by the diacylglycerol analogue 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), independently of protein kinase C activity. These are defining characteristics of specific TRPC channels. More detailed molecular analysis confirmed the expression of full-length TRPC2, TRPC3 and TRPC5 transcripts. These data indicate that CNP, acting via the NPR-C receptor, activates a NSCC that is at least partially carried by TRPC channels in cardiac fibroblasts.

Pharmacological and molecular evidence for the involvement of Kv4.3 in ultra-fast activating K+ currents in murine portal vein myocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the molecular identity of a transient K+ current (termed IUF) in mouse portal vein myocytes using pharmacological and molecular tools.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Whole cell currents were recorded using the ruptured patch con from either acutely dispersed single smooth muscle cells from the murine portal vein or human embryonic kidney cells. Reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) experiments were undertaken on RNA isolated from mouse portal vein using primers specific for various voltage-dependent K+ channels, auxillary subunits and calcium-binding proteins. Immunocytochemistry was undertaken using an antibody specific for Kv4.3.

KEY RESULTS

IUF had a mean amplitude at +40 mV of 558 +/- 50 pA (n = 32) with a mean time to peak at +40 mV of approximately 4 ms. IUF activated and inactivated with a half maximal voltage of -12 +/- 2 mV and -85 +/- 2 mV, respectively. IUF was relatively resistant to 4-aminopyridine (5 mM produced 30 +/- 6 % block at +20 mV) but was inhibited effectively by flecainide (IC50 value was 100 nM) and phrixotoxin II. This pharmacological profile is consistent with IUF being comprised of Kv4.x proteins and this is supported by the results from the quantitative PCR and immunocytochemical experiments.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data represent a rigorous investigation of the molecular basis of vascular transient K+ currents and implicates Kv4.3 as a major component of the channel complex.

K+ currents regulate the resting membrane potential, proliferation, and contractile responses in ventricular fibroblasts and myofibroblasts

Despite the important roles played by ventricular fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the formation and maintenance of the extracellular matrix, neither the ionic basis for membrane potential nor the effect of modulating membrane potential on function has been analyzed in detail. In this study, whole cell patch-clamp experiments were done using ventricular fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Time- and voltage-dependent outward K+ currents were recorded at depolarized potentials, and an inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) current was recorded near the resting membrane potential (RMP) and at more hyperpolarized potentials. The apparent reversal potential of Kir currents shifted to more positive potentials as the external K+ concentration ([K+]o) was raised, and this Kir current was blocked by 100–300 μM Ba2+. RT-PCR measurements showed that mRNA for Kir2.1 was expressed. Accordingly, we conclude that Kir current is a primary determinant of RMP in both fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Changes in [K+]o influenced fibroblast membrane potential as well as proliferation and contractile functions. Recordings made with a voltage-sensitive dye, DiBAC3(4), showed that 1.5 mM [K+]o resulted in a hyperpolarization, whereas 20 mM [K+]o produced a depolarization. Low [K+]o (1.5 mM) enhanced myofibroblast number relative to control (5.4 mM [K+]o). In contrast, 20 mM [K+]o resulted in a significant reduction in myofibroblast number. In separate assays, 20 mM [K+]o significantly enhanced contraction of collagen I gels seeded with myofibroblasts compared with control mechanical activity in 5.4 mM [K+]o. In combination, these results show that ventricular fibroblasts and myofibroblasts express a variety of K+ channel α-subunits and demonstrate that Kir current can modulate RMP and alter essential physiological functions.

Improvements in the measurement of stool decay-accelerating factor in the detection of colorectal cancer

We have previously developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure stool decay-accelerating factor (DAF) and found that stool DAF concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with colorectal cancer, suggesting that the measurement of stool DAF may be valuable for the detection of colorectal cancer. In order to refine the assay for the measurement of stool DAF, we investigated 1) effects of centrifugation of stool samples, 2) effects of detergents, and 3) adequate combination of various anti-DAF monoclonal antibodies for the ELISA system using only monoclonal antibodies. We found that high-speed centrifugation could be omitted and that only the removal of large undigested food residues by centrifugation of short duration in a low-speed benchtop microcentrifuge sufficed to adequately prepare the stool samples. Addition of 2 detergents, octyl beta-glucoside and sodium deoxycholate, known to solubilize glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins such as DAF, did not influence stool DAF values. By using 2 mouse anti-DAF monoclonal antibodies (clone 4F11 and 1C6), we were able to achieve a stable ELISA for the measurement of stool DAF using a uniform source of antibodies. The results should allow us to consistently apply the DAF assay for routine use in the detection of colorectal cancer.

Thermoresponsive artificial extracellular matrix for tissue engineering: hyaluronic acid bioconjugated with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) grafts

Thermoresponsive hyaluronans (HAs) were prepared by graft polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) on HA (number-averaged molecular weight, Ma, ca. 1.5 x 10(5) and 5.0 x 10(5)) using dithiocarbamate which is a kind of iniferter (initiator, transfer agent and terminator). The degree of dithiocarbamylation (DD) as an iniferter ranged from 0.4 to 11.4% per disaccharide unit of HA. The estimated Mn of the grafted polyNIPAM (PNIPAM) ranged from approximately 5.0 x 10(3) to 8.4 x 10(4). The PNIPAM-grafted HAs (PNIPAM-HAs) were water-soluble at room temperature, while they precipitated at temperatures above approximately 34 degrees C in water. The temperature at the onset of precipitation (lower critical solution temperature: LCST) was independent of parameters of molecular architecture such as Mn of HA, degree of grafting of PNIPAM, and Mn of PNIPAM. Equilibrium transmittance of the aqueous solution above LCST decreased with an increase in both degree of grafting and Mn of PNIPAM. At physiological temperature, the PNIPAM-HA film cast from a cold solution was very wettable with water. A markedly reduced adhesion of endothelial cells to the film was observed, indicating that the PNIPAM-HA film may serve as a non-cell-adhesive matrix. Scanning electron microscopic observation appeared to differentiate supramolecular structures between rapidly freeze-dried PNIPAM-HA and nongrafted HA:PNIPAM-HA exhibited a nonuniform fibrous network, whereas the morphology of which is markedly different from that of a nongrafted HA gel exhibited a mixture of sharp needle- and platelike structures.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with cycloalkylamine moiety at the C-2 position

Novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with a cycloalkylamine moiety as a side chain were synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These carbapenems showed potent antibacterial activities against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and moderate urinary recovery when administered intraperitoneally in mice.

Synthesis and in vitro antifungal activities of novel triazole antifungal agent CS-758

Synthesis and in vitro antifungal activities of a novel triazole antifungal agent CS-758 (former name, R-120758) are described. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a series of dioxane-triazole compounds related to R-102557 were examined. Variation of the length of the chain between the dioxane ring and the phenyl ring revealed that the linkage with two double bonds is the most preferable. When a cyano group was introduced to the C4 position on the benzene ring, MICs improved further. A fluorine atom was introduced to obtain CS-758. The MICs of CS-758 surpassed those of fluconazole and itraconazole against Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus species. The precursor (E,E)-aldehyde was synthesized stereoselectively from 3-fluoro-4-methylbenzonitrile using the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction.

Principles and application of in-vitro drug pharmacokinetic simulation systems controlled by stepwise method

The principles and application of an in-vitro pharmacokinetic simulation system controlled by a stepwise method are described. In this system, drug concentrations in a culture medium are regulated by a periodic stepwise-adjustment method. The drug concentration is increased by adding a portion of concentrated drug solution, or decreased by draining a portion of the culture medium and the subsequent addition of drug-free medium. The drug concentration is adjusted each minute with peristaltic pumps controlled by a microcomputer. Concentrations of two drugs with independent pharmacokinetics can be simulated in the same medium. An algorithm for controlling drug concentrations by a microcomputer is presented in this report. This pharmacokinetic system was successfully applied to a urinary tract infection system, in which three infection models with different severity were reproduced in vitro. The in-vitro pharmacokinetic simulation system described here could be applicable not only for evaluating the bactericidal activities of antibacterial agents but also for evaluating other categories of drugs, such as antitumor agents, based on their pharmacokinetics.

Local Ca(2+) transients and distribution of BK channels and ryanodine receptors in smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig vas deferens and urinary bladder

1. The relationship between Ca(2+) sparks spontaneously occurring at rest and local Ca(2+) transients elicited by depolarization was analysed using two-dimensional confocal Ca(2+) images of single smooth muscle cells isolated from guinea-pig vas deferens and urinary bladder. The current activation by these Ca(2+) events was also recorded simultaneously under whole-cell voltage clamp. 2. Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) and Ca(2+) sparks were simultaneously detected at -40 mV in approximately 50 % of myocytes of either type. Ca(2+) sparks and corresponding STOCs occurred repetitively in several discrete sites in the subplasmalemmal area. Large conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) (BK) channel density in the plasmalemma near the Ca(2+) spark sites generating STOCs was calculated to be 21 channels microm(-2). 3. When myocytes were depolarized from -60 to 0 mV, several local Ca(2+) transients were elicited within 20 ms in exactly the same peripheral sites where sparks occurred at rest. The local Ca(2+) transients often lasted over 300 ms and spread into other areas. The appearance of local Ca(2+) transients occurred synchronously with the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current (I(K,Ca)). 4. Immunofluorescence staining of the BK channel alpha-subunit (BKalpha) revealed a spot-like pattern on the plasmalemma, in contrast to the uniform staining of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel alpha1C subunits along the plasmalemma. Ryanodine receptor (RyR) immunostaining also suggested punctate localization predominantly in the periphery. Double staining of BKalpha and RyRs revealed spot-like co-localization on/beneath the plasmalemma. 5. Using pipettes of relatively low resistance, inside-out patches that included both clustered BK channels at a density of over 20 channels microm(-2) and functional Ca(2+) storage sites were obtained at a low probability of approximately 5%. The averaged BK channel density was 3-4 channels microm(-2) in both types of myocyte. 6. These results support the idea that a limited number of discrete sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) fragments in the subplasmalemmal area play key roles in the control of BK channel activity in two ways: (i) by generating Ca(2+) sparks at rest to activate STOCs and (ii) by generating Ca(2+) transients presumably triggered by sparks during an action potential to activate a large I(K,Ca) and also induce a contraction. BK channels and RyRs may co-localize densely at the junctional areas of plasmalemma and SR fragments, where Ca(2+) sparks occur to elicit STOCs.

Usefulness and limitation of DiBAC4(3), a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye, for the measurement of membrane potentials regulated by recombinant large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in HEK293 cells

The usefulness of bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)-trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4(3)), a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye, for the measurement of membrane potentials (MPs) was evaluated in HEK293 cells, where alpha or alpha plus beta1 subunits of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels were expressed (HEKBK alpha and HEKBK alphabeta). The fluorescent intensity of DiBAC4(3) was measured at various potentials under voltage-clamp for calibration to estimate the absolute MP semi-quantitatively. The resting MPs measured with DiBAC4(3) were roughly comparable to those recorded with a microelectrode; the MP in HEKBK alphabeta was 10-20 mV more negative than that in native HEK. In HEKBK alpha, the membrane hyperpolarization induced by 10 microM Evans blue, a BK channel opener, was detected with DiBAC4(3). NS-1619, another BK channel opener, induced gradual but substantial change in F/F(K) even in native HEK, while the BK channel opening effect was detected. Oscillatory membrane hyperpolarization was induced in HEKBK alphabeta by application of 10 microM acetylcholine via increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The oscillatory hyperpolarization was, however, detected only as a slow hyperpolarization with DiBAC4(3). It can be concluded that relatively slow effects of BK channel modulators can be semi-quantitatively measured by use of DiBAC4(3) in HEKBK, while the limited temporal resolution and possible artifacts should be taken into account.

[In vitro and in vivo activities of panipenem against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae]

Efficacy of panipenem/betamipron (PAPM/BP) against experimental pneumonia caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP: MIC of benzylpenicillin, > or = 1.56 micrograms/ml) in mice was compared with those of imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS), meropenem (MEPM), cefozopran (CZOP), ceftriaxone (CTRX), ampicillin (ABPC), and vancomycin (VCM). The infection was induced by inoculating a PRSP clinical isolate, 9601 (serotype 6) or 10,693 (serotype 19), into ddY male mice intranasally. Drugs were administered subcutaneously at doses of 0.4, 2, and 10 mg/kg, 18, 26, 42, and 50 hours post-infection. Viable cell counts in the lungs were determined 66 hours post-infection. PAPM/BP showed the greatest efficacy against the infections among tested drugs. MICs of PAPM against PRSP 9601 and 10,693 were both 0.125 microgram/ml, which were superior to those of IPM (0.25 and 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively), MEPM (0.5 and 1 microgram/ml, respectively), CZOP (2 and 1 microgram/ml, respectively), CTRX (both 1 microgram/ml), ABPC (both 4 micrograms/ml), and VCM (0.5 and 0.25 microgram/ml, respectively). These results suggest that the potent in vivo activity of PAPM/BP reflects the potent in vitro activity of PAPM. MICs of PAPM, IPM, MEPM, and CZOP against clinical isolates, penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP: MIC of benzylpenicillin, < or = 0.05 microgram/ml), penicillin-intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP: MIC of benzylpenicillin, 0.1-0.78 microgram/ml), and PRSP, were tested by an agar dilution method. MIC90s of the drugs against the PSSP, PISP, and PRSP were as follows: PAPM, 0.012, 0.05, and 0.39 microgram/ml; IPM, < or = 0.006, 0.1, and 0.78 microgram/ml; MEPM, 0.05, 0.39, and 1.56 micrograms/ml; and CZOP, 0.2, 0.78, and 6.25 micrograms/ml, respectively. Thus, PAPM showed the most potent activity among tested drugs against clinical isolates of PISP and PRSP.

Hypersusceptibility of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa nfxB mutant to beta-lactams due to reduced expression of the ampC beta-lactamase

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa nfxB mutant lacking mexAB-oprM showed hypersusceptibility to 9 out of 24 beta-lactams tested. This hypersusceptibility was found for the nfxB mutant lacking mexAB-oprM-mexXY (N108) but not for the nfxB mutant lacking both mexAB-oprM-mexXY and ampC. The level of the AmpC beta-lactamase induction was reduced in N108. Thus, the reduced AmpC induction must be the cause of the hypersusceptibility.

Molecular cloning and expression of the novel splice variants of K(+) channel-interacting protein 2

Two cDNAs encoding the splice variants of K(+) channel-interacting protein 2 (KChIP2) recently reported as human KChIP2 have been identified from rat, mouse, and human heart by RT-PCR. A longer variant, KChIP2L encodes a protein of 270 amino acids, which has a 50-amino-acid insertion in N-terminus in comparison with a shorter one, KChIP2S. Interestingly, both KChIP2S and KChIP2L (KChIP2S/L) but not the original KChIP2 were expressed in human heart and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). KChIP2S transcripts but not KChIP2L were predominantly expressed in rat, mouse, and human heart and HUVECs, whereas both transcripts were expressed at low levels in other tissues such as brain, aorta, and kidney. Using chimeric proteins of green fluorescence protein (GFP) fused to the N-terminus of KChIP2S/L, the interactions between Kv4.3 and KChIP2S/L were analyzed in native and Kv4.3-expressed HEK293 cells. Specific localization of GFP-fused KChIP2S/L proteins on or near cell membrane was observed only in Kv4.3-expressed HEK293 cells.

Regional expression of the splice variants of Kv4.3 in rat brain and effects of C-terminus deletion on expressed K+ currents

In situ hybridization and RT-PCR analyses have revealed that, among three Kv4.3 splice variants (a, b, and c) with distinct C-terminal cytoplasmic domains, the mRNA for Kv4.3a is abundant in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, olfactory bulb, and medulla oblongata, whereas the mRNA for Kv4.3c is localized mainly to hippocampus. Three new distinct splice variants of Kv4.3 (Kv4.3d, e and f), which consist of 601, 635, and 628 amino acids, respectively, and have distinct C-terminal cytoplasmic domains, were isolated from rat brain by RT-PCR. Kv4.3b, d, e and f were expressed at much lower levels in brain. Mutagenesis which removed 149 amino acids in C-terminal domain of Kv4.3a significantly slowed its rate of recovery from inactivation as measured in heterologous expression in HEK293 cells. Surprisingly, however, neither the rate of inactivation nor voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation were changed.

Comparative study of the molecular and functional expression of L-type Ca2+ channels and large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels in rabbit aorta and vas deferens smooth muscle

The relationship between the density of ionic currents through major two channels, voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels (L-type VDCC) and large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKC), and the mRNA expression levels of alpha1C subunit of L-type VDCC (alpha1C) and alpha/beta subunits of BKC (alphaBK/betaBK) were compared in smooth muscle cells (SMC) of rabbit aorta and vas deferens using whole cell-voltage clamp and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses. The density of the currents through VDCC (ICa) and BKC (IK,Ca) at +10 mV in aortic SMC was approximately one-seventh and one-sixth respectively of that in vas deferens. Whilst application of the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 increased ICa by 75-90% in these SMC, the increase in IK,Ca was far greater in aorta than in vas deferens. The expression of the alpha1C transcript in vas deferens was approximately 3.5 times higher than that in aorta. In contrast, expression of alphaBK/betaBK was almost identical in both tissues, indicating the dissociation of IK,Ca density from the expression levels of BKC transcripts in aorta. The results were supported by Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses using subunit-specific antibodies. The lower Ca2+ influx through VDCC in aorta activates only a very limited fraction of BKC compared with that in vas deferens. The greater expression of BKC than of VDCC in aortic SMC contributes to a strong negative feed-back mechanism that minimizes membrane depolarization and acts as a safety margin to maintain low membrane excitability.

Substrate specificities of MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, and MexXY-oprM efflux pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

To find the exact substrate specificities of three species of tripartite efflux systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, and MexXY-OprM, we constructed a series of isogenic mutants, each of which constitutively overproduced one of the three efflux systems and lacked the other two, and their isogenic mutants, which lacked all these systems. Comparison of the susceptibilities of the constructed mutants to 52 antimicrobial agents belonging to various groups suggested the following substrate specificities. All of the efflux systems extrude a wide variety of antimicrobial agent groups, i.e., quinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, most penicillins (all but carbenicillin and sulbenicillin), most cephems (all but cefsulodin and ceftazidime), meropenem, and S-4661, but none of them extrude polymyxin B or imipenem. Extrusion of aminoglycosides is specific to MexXY-OprM, and extrusion of a group of the beta-lactams, i.e., carbenicillin, sulbenicillin, ceftazidime, moxalactam, and aztreonam, is specific to MexAB-OprM. Moreover, MexAB-OprM and MexCD-OprJ extrude novobiocin, cefsulodin, and flomoxef, while MexXY-OprM does not. These substrate specificities are distinct from those reported previously.

SK4 encodes intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in mouse urinary bladder smooth muscle cells

The single channel current of intermediate conductance Ca2 +-activated K+ channel (IK channel) was measured in mouse urinary bladder myocytes (MBM), and the molecular basis of the channel was suggested to be the SK4 subtype by RT-PCR. Among Ca2+-activated K+ channel subtypes (SK2, SK3, SK4 and BK), the mRNAs of SK4 and BK were predominantly expressed in MBM. IK channel currents recorded from MBM showed: 38.7 pS slope conductance under symmetrical 140 mM K+ conditions, Ca2+-dependent activation, and blockade by charybdotoxin and econazole. These results strongly suggest that SK4 encodes IK channels in MBM.

Contribution of the MexX-MexY-oprM efflux system to intrinsic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

To test the possibility that MexX-MexY, a new set of efflux system components, is associated with OprM and contributes to intrinsic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we constructed a series of isogenic mutants lacking mexXY and/or mexAB and/or oprM from a laboratory strain PAO1, and examined their susceptibilities to ofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, and streptomycin. Loss of either MexXY or OprM from the MexAB-deficient mutant increased susceptibility to all agents tested, whereas loss of MexXY from the MexAB-OprM-deficient mutant caused no change in susceptibility. Introduction of an OprM expression plasmid decreased the susceptibility of the mexAB-oprM-deficient-/mexXY-maintaining mutant, yet caused no change in the susceptibility of a mexAB-oprM- and mexXY-deficient double mutant. Immunoblot analysis using anti-MexX polyclonal rabbit serum generated against synthetic oligopeptides detected expression of MexX in the PAO1 cells grown in medium containing tetracycline, erythromycin, or gentamicin, although expression of MexX was undetectable in the cells incubated in medium without any agent. These results suggest that MexXY induced by these agents is functionally associated with spontaneously expressed OprM and contributes to the intrinsic resistance to these agents.

Diverse expression of delayed rectifier K+ channel subtype transcripts in several types of smooth muscles of the rat

Diverse expression of voltage dependent K+ (Kv) channels was examined in smooth muscles (SMs); carotid artery (CA), mesenteric artery (MA), urinary bladder (UB), and vas deferens (VD) of the rat, using RT-PCR based analyses. Among eight Kv channel subtypes examined (Kv 1.1, Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, Kv 1.6, Kv 2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv 3.1, and Kv 3.2), expression of three delayed rectifier Kv (KD) channel (Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, and Kv 2.1) transcripts was observed in these SMs. To determine precisely the expression levels of the transcripts encoding K(D) subtypes, those of three K(D) subtypes (Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, and Kv 2.1) were determined by competitive PCR. In vascular SM tissues, CA and MA, Kv 1.2 and Kv 1.5 transcripts were expressed at relatively high levels, whereas in visceral SM tissues, UB and VD, Kv 2.1 transcripts were expressed at the relatively high levels. These results suggest that the diverse expression of K(D) subtypes is, at least in part, responsible for differences in electrical excitability and also for the variation of the electrophysiological and pharmacological phenotypes as tonic and phasic SMs.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of R-102557 and related dioxane-triazole derivatives

Novel triazole compounds with a dioxane ring were synthesized. Condensation of the diol precursor 10 with various aromatic aldehydes 11-13 under acidic conditions afforded a series of dioxane-triazole compounds 14-16. The antifungal activities of the compounds 14-16 were evaluated in vivo in mice infection models against Candida and Aspergillus species. High activities were seen for the derivatives with one or two double bond(s) and an aromatic ring substituted with an electron-withdrawing group in the side chain. Among the derivatives, R-102557 (16R: Ar=4-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)phenyl) showed excellent in vivo activities against Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus species. It also showed high tolerance in a preliminary toxicity study in rats.

Molecular analysis of non-specific supersensitivity induced by AF64A in rat iris smooth muscle

Characteristics of supersensitivity induced by the pretreatment with AF64A, an inhibitor of choline uptake at parasympathetic nerve endings, were examined in rat iris sphincter. In preparations isolated and skinned by beta-escin after the micro injection of AF64A to eyes in vivo, the amplitude of maximum contraction in pCa 4.5 solution was increased by 180% of the control from the contralateral eyes. The Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile system was slightly but significantly increased by AF64A injection; the half maximum contraction was obtained at pCa 5.87 and 6.05 in the control and AF64A-injected eyes, respectively. The increase in maximum contraction in AF64A injected ones was neither affected by the addition of calmodulin, GTPgammaS nor H-7. The increase in Ca2+ sensitivity by AF64A injection was not affected by calmodulin, enhanced by GTPgammaS and abolished by H-7. AF64A injection increased the total protein content only by 30% of the control. The contents of contractile proteins per iris were quantified using Western blotting with monoclonal antibodies. The contents of actin and calponin were increased by AF64A, whereas those of myosin, calmodulin and caldesmon were not affected. The results indicate that AF64A-induced enhancement of the maximum contraction is not mainly due to the increase in the contents of major contractile proteins and that the increase in Ca2+ sensitivity could be due to the mechanism in which changes in protein kinase C and/or GTP binding protein activity are involved.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel tricyclic carbapenems (trinems)

Synthesis of new tricyclic carbapenems (trinems) with a pyrrolidinyl moiety at the C-4 position of the tricyclic ring and their antimicrobial activities were studied. These trinems showed potent activities against Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among them, (4R)-[(S)-pyrrolidin-3-ylthiomethyl]trinem (14a) exhibited good activity against MRSA in vitro and in vivo.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new oral carbapenems with 1-methyl-5-oxopyrrolidin-3-ylthio moiety

The synthesis and biological properties of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with 1-methyl-5-oxopyrrolidin-3-ylthio group at the C-2 position were studied. The sodium (1R,5S,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-1-methyl-2-[(R)-1-methyl-5-oxopyrro lidin-3-ylthio]-1-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylate and its (S)-isomer at the 2-position show potent and well-balanced antibacterial activity. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the pivaloyloxymethyl esters of these two carbapenems were compared in mice. The in vivo potency of these carbapenems was compared with that of cefdinir. Good in vivo efficacy of these ester prodrugs reflected the high and prolonged blood levels in parent drugs achieved after oral administration to mice.

Effects of AF64A on the mRNA levels of muscarinic receptor subtypes in the rat iris sphincter

The reduction of parasympathetic nerve activity by the treatment with ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A) in vivo induced both specific and non-specific supersensitivities in the rat iris sphincter (Tanaka et al., 1999). Changes in the expression of muscarinic receptor subtypes, which could be a cause of specific supersensitivity induced by the treatment with AF64A, were examined using competitive PCR techniques. Muscarinic receptor population is composed of m2, m3, and m4 subtypes in the rat iris (Furuta et al., 1998). Interestingly, m4 mRNA was much more abundantly expressed than m2 and m3 in the rat iris sphincter. The treatment with AF64A significantly increased the mRNA levels of m2 and m3 subtypes to 370 and 330% of the control but not that of m4 (approximately 90% of the control). In addition, the total protein contents were increased to approximately 125% of the control. The up-regulation of the mRNA levels of m2 and m3 subtypes by the treatment with AF64A was significant when they were compensated for the increase in total protein contents. The down regulation of m4 mRNA expression was not significant even after being corrected for the protein content. These results suggest that the up-regulation of the mRNA levels of m2 and m3 subtypes may be, at least in part, responsible for the supersensitivity to muscarinic agonists after the treatment with AF64A in vivo.

[In vitro and in vivo activities of cefpodoxime proxetil against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae]

We evaluated in vitro and in vivo activities of cefpodoxime proxetil (CPDX-PR) in comparison with other oral beta-lactams, cefdinir (CFDN), cefditoren pivoxil (CDTR-PI), and faropenem (FRPM), against penicillin-susceptible and -resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. In vitro activities (MICs) of CPDX, CFDN, CDTR, and FRPM against clinical isolates, penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP: MIC of penicillin G, < or = 0.063 microgram/ml), penicillin-intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP: MIC of penicillin G, 0.125-1 microgram/ml), and penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP: MIC of penicillin G, > or = 2 micrograms/ml), were tested by an agar dilution method. The MIC80s of CPDX against 27 PSSP strains, 23 PISP strains, and 23 PRSP strains were 0.032, 1, and 8 micrograms/ml, respectively, which were superior to or equal to those of CFDN (0.063, 4, and 8 micrograms/ml) and were inferior to those of CDTR (0.016, 0.5, and 1 microgram/ml) and FRPM (< or = 0.008, 0.25, and 1 microgram/ml). Infection was induced in mice by inoculating with a PRSP clinical isolate, 9605 or 9601 (serotype 6), or 10692 (serotype 19), through the nares of male ddY mice into the lungs. The mice were treated with drugs with doses of 2-50 mg/kg at 18, 26, 42, and 50 hours after the infection. Viable cell numbers in the lungs and blood were assayed at 66 hours after the infection. The efficacy of each drug was dose-dependent. CPDX-PR showed the most potent in vivo efficacy among the drugs tested against the infections caused by the PRSP strains. MICs of the drugs against PRSP 9605, 9601, and 10692 were as follows: CPDX, 4, 4 and 2 micrograms/ml; CFDN, 16, 16, and 4 micrograms/ml; CDTR, 1, 1, and 0.5 microgram/ml; and FRPM, 1, 0.5, and 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. Thus, CPDX-PR showed a stronger in vivo activity than that expected from the MICs of CPDX. This was probably caused by the pharmacokinetic advantage of CPDX over the other drugs used in this study.

Ca2+ spark as a regulator of ion channel activity

Ca2+ spark is a local and transient Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through the ryanodine receptor Ca2+-releasing channel (RyR). In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ spark is an elementary unit of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) by opening of RyR(s) in junctional SR (jSR), which is triggered by Ca2+-influx through L-type Ca2+ channels to the narrow space between a transverse tubule and jSR. Ca2+ spark has, therefore, been described as the evidence for "the local control of excitation-contraction coupling". In contrast, Ca2+ sparks in smooth muscle have been reported in relation to Ca2+-dependent K+ (K(Ca)) channel activation and muscle relaxation. A spontaneous Ca2+ spark in a superficial area activates 10-100 K(Ca) channels nearby and induces membrane hyperpolarization, which reduces Ca2+ channel activity. In several types of smooth muscle cells, which have relatively high membrane excitability, an action potential (AP) elicits 5-20 Ca2+ hot spots (evoked sparks with long life) in the early stage via CICR in discrete superficial SR elements and activates K(Ca)-channel current highly responsible for AP repolarization and afterhyperpolarization. CICR available for contraction may occur more slowly by the propagation of CICR from superficial SR to deeper ones. The regulatory mechanism of ion channel activity on plasma membrane by superficial SR via Ca2+ spark generation in smooth muscle cells may be analogously common in several types of cells including neurons.

[Combination effect of teicoplanin and panipenem on highly resistant strains of MRSA]

We investigated the in vitro combination effect of teicoplanin (TEIC) and panipenem (PAPM) on highly oxacillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from various clinical specimens. Combination of TEIC and PAPM using checkerboard titration technique by agar dilution exhibited an excellent effect with mean fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.18 +/- 0.07 on 47 MRSA strains, and the effects were judged as synergistic against all of the strains tested. In the combination of TEIC and PAPM at 1/4 MIC each against exponentially growing cells of MRSA, good bactericidal activity was found when TEIC and PAPM were added simultaneously, and PAPM was added at 1 or 2 hours prior to addition of TEIC, although the bactericidal activity was scarcely demonstrated when TEIC was added at 1 or 2 hours prior to addition of PAPM. Bactericidal activity against MRSA was enhanced in the combination of TEIC and PAPM at 1/4 MIC each for MRSA than the bactericidal activity of TEIC at 1 MIC alone. TEIC alone showed no bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa in the mixed cultures with MRSA, while strong bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa was induced by PAPM. In vitro bactericidal activities against mixed cultures of MRSA with P. aeruginosa were evaluated under conditions of concentrations of TEIC and PAPM, alone and in combination, whose plasma concentrations in human were simulated by a pharmacokinetic simulation model. Bactericidal activity against MRSA was enhanced by the combination of TEIC at 200 mg twice or once daily with PAPM at 500 mg twice daily in comparison with the bactericidal activity of each antibiotic alone, and P. aeruginosa was killed by the antibacterial activity of PAPM.

Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle contractility induced by ruthenium red

The effects of ruthenium red (RuR) on contractility were examined in skinned fibers of guinea pig smooth muscles, where sarcoplasmic reticulum function was destroyed by treatment with A-23187. Contractions of skinned fibers of the urinary bladder were enhanced by RuR in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 60 microM at pCa 6.0). The magnitude of contraction at pCa 6.0 was increased to 320% of control by 100 microM RuR. Qualitatively, the same results were obtained in skinned fibers prepared from the ileal longitudinal smooth muscle layer and mesenteric artery. The maximal contraction induced by pCa 4.5 was not affected significantly by RuR. The enhanced contraction by RuR was not reversed by the addition of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) or a peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C [PKC-(19-31)]. The application of microcystin, a potent protein phosphatase inhibitor, induced a tonic contraction of skinned smooth muscle at low Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]; pCa > 8.0). RuR had a dual effect on the microcystin-induced contraction-to- enhancement ratio at low concentrations and suppression at high concentrations. The relaxation following the decrease in [Ca2+] from pCa 5.0 to >8.0 was significantly slowed down by an addition of RuR. Phosphorylation of the myosin light chain at pCa 6.3 was significantly increased by RuR in skinned fibers of the guinea pig ileum. These results indicate that RuR markedly increases the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile system, at least in part via inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase.

Interplay between chromosomal beta-lactamase and the MexAB-OprM efflux system in intrinsic resistance to beta-lactams in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We investigated the role of chromosomal beta-lactamase and the MexAB-OprM efflux system in intrinsic resistance to beta-lactams in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Determination of the susceptibilities of a series of isogenic mutants with impaired production of the beta-lactamase and the efflux system to 16 beta-lactams including penicillins, cephems, oxacephems, carbapenems, and a monobactam demonstrated that the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to most of the beta-lactams is due to the interplay of both factors.

Cytokine-stimulated release of decay-accelerating factor (DAF;CD55) from HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells

Expression of DAF (CD55) is enhanced on colonic epithelial cells of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and stool DAF concentrations are increased in patients with active disease. Cytokines are known to modulate DAF expression in various human cells, and lesions of UC reveal altered profiles of cytokine production. In this study, we evaluate the effects of various cytokines, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), on the synthesis and kinetics of DAF protein in HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells. Using flow cytometry and an ELISA, we found that HT-29 cells constitutively express DAF on the cell surface and spontaneously release DAF into the culture supernatant under standard culture conditions. When the culture supernatant was centrifuged at 100000g, nearly a half of DAF was precipitated, indicating that one half of the released DAF was present as a membrane-bound form and the other half as a soluble form. Analysis of the culture supernatant of biotin surface-labelled HT-29 cells suggested that the soluble form DAF was derived by secretion from within the cell or by cleavage from the cell surface. Among the cytokines, IL-4 markedly, and IL-1beta moderately, enhanced the expression and the release of DAF. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and brefeldin A inhibited the increase in DAF release induced by IL-4 and IL-1beta stimulation. These results suggest that DAF is released from intestinal epithelial cells in response to cytokine stimulation and that IL-4 and IL-1beta are possible cytokines involved in DAF release into the colonic lumen of patients with UC.

The contributions of reactive oxygen intermediates and reactive nitrogen intermediates to listericidal mechanisms differ in macrophages activated pre- and postinfection

The contribution of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) to the killing of Listeria monocytogenes by macrophages activated by addition of spleen cells from listeria-immune mice plus specific antigen was examined. When macrophages were infected with L. monocytogenes and then spleen cells were added, there was not as big a difference in listericidal activity between macrophages cultured with normal spleen cells and those cultured with immune spleen cells as expected. In this culture system, RNI was mainly involved in the macrophage intracellular killing. In macrophages first activated and then infected, a significant level of enhanced killing was observed. Blockade of ROI production drastically affected the enhanced killing ability, while inhibition of RNI production had a negligible effect. Thus, the contributions of ROI and RNI to listericidal mechanisms of macrophages were different between macrophages activated at pre- and postinfection stages.

Molecular cloning of m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in rat iris

Muscarinic receptor subtypes that involved in cholinergic responses in rat iris were identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. mRNAs encoding m2, m3, and m4 subtypes were abundantly expressed in iris, whereas m1 and m5 subtypes were not detected. Selective amplification of the coding regions of m2, m3, and m4 subtypes in iris was carried out using specific primers based on the sequence of each subtype previously cloned from rat brain and heart by RT-PCR. The amino acid sequence for iris m2 was different from published heart and genomic m2 by nine and one residue(s), respectively. It was also found that the sequence for m2 that in brain, heart, and several smooth muscles determined in the present study is completely identical to that in iris but not to that reported previously in heart. The sequence for iris m4 was completely identical to that for m4 in brain. The sequence identity between m3 subtype in iris and that in brain is 99.3%, with four amino acid substitutions at the sites of the position 165 and 184 in the edge of second intracellular loop and the sites of the position 337 and 406 in the central of i3 loop. It was found that iris m3 is slightly but substantially different in amino acid sequence from that in brain of the rat.

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) in stool specimens as a marker of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC)

Colonic epithelial cells of patients with UC express DAF in relation to the severity of mucosal inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine whether this factor in stool could be used as a marker of disease activity in UC patients. Stool DAF was measured by use of an immunoassay in 181 stool specimens obtained from 55 patients with UC of various levels of disease activity. Stool DAF concentrations in patients whose UC was active (0.0-785.6 ng/g stool; median 47.1 ng/g; n = 115) were significantly higher than concentrations in patients whose disease was inactive (0.0-48.6 ng/g; median 0.0 ng/g; n = 66) (P < 0.0001). Values in active UC patients also were higher than those in control patients with diarrhoea (0.0-30.0 ng/g; median 0.0 ng/g; n = 26) (P < 0.0001) and in control subjects without apparent colorectal disease (0-20.4 ng/g; median 0.0 ng/g; n = 44) (P < 0.0001). The elevated levels of stool DAF obtained from UC patients in relapse declined markedly in specimens collected after the disease went into remission following medical therapy. Stool DAF levels correlated with the severity of endoscopic and histological findings and the degree of DAF expression on the colonic epithelia. Our results suggest that the measurement of stool DAF is useful as a non-invasive means of monitoring intestinal disease activity in patients with UC.

Administration of killed bacteria together with listeriolysin O induces protective immunity against Listeria monocytogenes in mice

It is known that only listeriolysin O (LLO)-producing Listeria monocytogenes strains are able to induce protective immunity, but the underlining relationship between LLO produced by virulent strains and generation of protective immunity in the infected host remains poorly understood. In the present study, it was found that LLO gene expression was only detected in the mice infected with virulent strain which was able to induce protective immunity, while non-virulent strains or killed bacteria were not able to generate protective immunity. When mice were immunized with LLO plus killed bacteria in the presence of incomplete Freund's adjuvant, the protective immunity was partially generated, and adoptive transfer experiment confirmed that this protection was antigen specific. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that LLO plus killed bacteria induced the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). Our results also showed CD4+ T cells were the principal cells constituting protective immunity. Taken together, it may be concluded that LLO produced from virulent strains of L. monocytogenes was essential for the generation of protective immunity, and that LLO plus killed bacteria induced IFN-gamma and IL-12 expression which resulted in the generation of protective immunity.

Inhibitory activity to protein prenylation and antifungal activity of zaragozic acid D3, a potent inhibitor of squalene synthase produced by the fungus, Mollisia sp. SANK 10294

Recently we found novel zaragozic acids (ZAs), F-10863A (zaragozic acid D3, ZAD3), B, C and D in the culture broth of the fungus Mollisia sp. SANK 10294 as potent inhibitors of squalene synthase. There are several other enzymes that use farnesylpyrophosphate as their substrate. Among them we chose farnesyl-protein transferase and examined whether ZAD3 and F-10863B inhibit this enzyme's activity. ZAD3 and F-10863B inhibited farnesyl-protein transferase with IC50 values of 0.60 and 3.7 microM, respectively. They also inhibited geranylgeranyl-protein transferase at similar concentrations. In addition, they exhibited potent antifungal activity.

Killing mechanism of Listeria monocytogenes in activated macrophages as determined by an improved assay system

Exposure of Listeria monocytogenes to gentamicin 5 mg/L for 4 h resulted in the killing of most extracellular bacteria, but had no effect on the survival of bacteria inside macrophages. Higher concentrations of gentamicin caused a reduction in the number of intracellular bacteria. This effect was associated with cellular uptake of gentamicin, but was unaffected by activation of macrophages by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide. In experiments in which exposure to gentamicin 5 mg/L for 4 h was used to kill extracellular bacteria, killing by activated macrophages was impaired when O2- production was inhibited by superoxide dismutase, but not when nitric oxide production was blocked by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. These data suggest that the reactive oxygen intermediates are more important than nitric oxide in the killing of L. monocytogenes, at least in macrophages activated in vitro.

Efficacy of CS-834 against experimental pneumonia caused by penicillin-susceptible and -resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice

The efficacy of CS-834, a novel oral carbapenem, was assessed by using a murine model of pneumonia caused by penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and was compared with those of oral cephems, i.e., cefteram pivoxil, cefpodoxime proxetil, cefdinir, and cefditoren pivoxil. Intranasal inoculation of 10(6) CFU of penicillin-susceptible or penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae in the exponential growth phase induced pneumonia and bacteremia in ddY mice within 48 h. For the treatment of infections caused by the penicillin-susceptible strain the antibiotics were administered orally at 0.4, 2, and 10 mg/kg of body weight twice daily for 2 days beginning at 24 h after bacterial inoculation, and for the treatment of infections caused by a penicillin-resistant strain the antibiotics were administered at 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days beginning at 24 h after bacterial inoculation. Among the antibiotics tested, CS-834 exhibited the most potent efficacy against both types of strains. Against infections caused by penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae, CS-834 at all doses significantly reduced the numbers of viable cells in both the lungs and blood. Cefpodoxime proxetil at all doses and cefteram pivoxil and cefditoren pivoxil at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg showed comparable efficacies. Against infections caused by penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, CS-834 at doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg showed the most potent efficacy among the antibiotics tested, resulting in the maximum decrease in the numbers of viable cells in the lungs. Comparable efficacies were observed with cefteram pivoxil and cefpodoxime proxetil at doses of 50 mg/kg each. The concentration of CS-834 in the lungs and blood was higher than that of cefdinir and was lower than those of the other antibiotics tested, suggesting that the potent therapeutic efficacy of CS-834 reflects its strong activity against S. pneumoniae.

Molecular cloning and tissue distribution of an alternatively spliced variant of an A-type K+ channel alpha-subunit, Kv4.3 in the rat

We describe here (1) the heterogeneous expression of Ca2+-independent transient (A-type) K+ channel alpha-subunits (Kv1.4, Kv3.3, Kv3.4, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3) in rat smooth muscle, heart and brain, (2) the molecular cloning and tissue distribution of a novel alternatively spliced variant of an A-type K+ channel alpha-subunit, Kv4.3, and (3) the functional expression of A-type K+ channels in HEK293 cells by the transfection with the novel splice variant of Kv4.3. A cDNA encoding this splice variant was identified from rat vas deferens by RT-PCR cloning. This cDNA clone contains a 1965 bp open reading frame that encodes for a protein of 655 amino acids. It has a 19 amino acid insertion in comparison with Kv4.3 previously reported in rat brain. RT-PCR analyses showed that the mRNAs of this longer variant are abundantly expressed in a number of smooth muscles of the rat, and that the mRNAs of the previously reported clones are absent. The longer splice variant is very weakly expressed in brain, but is the major product in heart.

[Remission induction after pentoxifylline treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis]

Pentoxifylline (POF) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. including suppression of TNF-alpha production by activated macrophages, Th-1 response of T cells, and fibroblasts' proliferation and metalloproteinase production. Pentoxifylline was also reported to possess therapeutic properties in 50% of severe refractory RA in an open study. We experienced a 64 year-old man with seronegative RA, stage 2, class 3. He showed 23 swollen joints, 32 painful joints, ADL score 37/40, and ESR 135 mm/h. All these parameters were dramatically improved 3 weeks after administration of POF 300 mg/d and prednisolone 5 mg/d. Discontinuation of POF resulted in rapid exacerbation of RA. POF was restarted and the patient showed complete recovery from arthritis with normalization of ESR within 3 months and was maintained a complete remission for another 1 year. This case further supports a potential antirheumatic effect of POF on some patients with RA.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of CS-834, a novel oral carbapenem

CS-834 is a novel oral carbapenem antibiotic. This compound is an ester-type prodrug of the active metabolite R-95867. The antibacterial activity of R-95867 was tested against 1,323 clinical isolates of 35 species and was compared with those of oral cephems, i.e., cefteram, cefpodoxime, cefdinir, and cefditoren, and that of a parenteral carbapenem, imipenem. R-95867 exhibited a broad spectrum of activity covering both gram-positive and -negative aerobes and anaerobes. Its activity was superior to those of the other compounds tested against most of the bacterial species tested. R-95867 showed potent antibacterial activity against clinically significant pathogens: methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus including ofloxacin-resistant strains, Streptococcus pneumoniae including penicillin-resistant strains, Clostridium perfringens, Neisseria spp., Moraxella catarrhalis, most members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and Haemophilus influenzae (MIC at which 90% of strains are inhibited, < or =0.006 to 0.78 microg/ml). R-95867 was quite stable to hydrolysis by most of the beta-lactamases tested except the metallo-beta-lactamases from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacteroides fragilis. R-95867 showed potent bactericidal activity against S. aureus and Escherichia coli. Penicillin-binding proteins 1 and 4 of S. aureus and 1Bs, 2, 3, and 4 of E. coli had high affinities for R-95867. The in vivo efficacy of CS-834 was evaluated in murine systemic infections caused by 16 strains of gram-positive and -negative pathogens. The efficacy of CS-834 was in many cases superior to those of cefteram pivoxil, cefpodoxime proxetil, cefdinir, and cefditoren pivoxil, especially against infections caused by S. aureus, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, E. coli, Citrobacter freundii, and Proteus vulgaris. Among the drugs tested, CS-834 showed the highest efficacy against experimental pneumonia in mice caused by penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Apamin-sensitive Ca2+-dependent K+ current and hyperpolarization in human endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial cells have several types of Ca2+-dependent K+ current (I(K-Ca)). Here, we describe apamin-sensitive I(K-Ca) which is activated by treatment with histamine (His) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In 65 % of HUVECs examined, 100 nM apamin potently inhibited I(K-Ca) and hyperpolarization induced by His (19 and 7 % of control, respectively). In contrast, application of 5 mM tetraethylammonium, a non-selective K channel blocker, or 100 nM iberiotoxin, a selective K channel blocker for a large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channel, had small (78 % of control) or no effects (102 % of control) on I(K-Ca), respectively. These findings suggest that apamin-sensitive Ca2+-dependent K+ channels are expressed in HUVECs and activated by receptor stimulation.