Comparative levels of O6-methylguanine, pyridyloxobutyl-, and pyridylhydroxybutyl-DNA adducts in lung and liver of rats treated chronically with the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone

The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a lung carcinogen in rats and may be a cause of lung cancer in smokers. NNK is metabolized by cytochromes P450 to intermediates that react with DNA forming methyl, pyridyloxobutyl (POB), and pyridylhydroxybutyl (PHB) adducts, which are critical in carcinogenesis. The methyl adduct O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)-methyl-G) has miscoding properties, but there are no reports on levels of this adduct in rats treated chronically with NNK in the drinking water, nor has its levels been compared with those of POB- and PHB-DNA adducts. We used liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry-selected reaction monitoring to quantify O(6)-methyl-G in lung and liver DNA of rats treated with a carcinogenic dose of 10 ppm of NNK in the drinking water and sacrificed after 1, 2, 5, 10, 16, and 20 weeks. The maximal level of O(6)-methyl-G in lung DNA, 2550 +/- 263 fmol/mg DNA, was reached at 5 weeks and was significantly greater (P < 0.05) at that point than all other adducts (measured previously) except O(2)-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]thymidine. Overall levels of O(6)-methyl-G in lung were intermediate between those of total POB- and PHB-DNA adducts. In liver, the wave of O(6)-methyl-G peaked at 2 weeks while that of total POB-DNA adducts peaked at 10 weeks, and levels of total PHB-DNA adducts were low throughout. The results of this study demonstrate that substantial amounts of O(6)-methyl-G are formed at various time points in lung and liver DNA of rats treated chronically with NNK, supporting its role in carcinogenesis.

Fecal corticoid metabolites in aged male and female rats after husbandry-related disturbances in the colony room

We applied novel noninvasive fecal steroid measures to characterize aged rats' responses to a series of common animal room disturbances, including a direct comparison of male and female immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites in feces. The fecal measure provides a unique method to measure the physiologic responses of laboratory animals to altered husbandry procedures. This assay is noninvasive and, because rodents produce fecal pellets throughout the day, long-term monitoring can be conducted to capture abnormal levels associated with alterations in husbandry procedures. Over a 3-h period, 10 male and 10 female Fischer 344 rats (age, 82 wk) were exposed to a series of events that can occur in a colony housing room (keys jingling, cage lids opening, alteration of the light cycle). Fecal samples were collected at timed intervals on the day before and several days after the exposure, extracted, and analyzed for fecal corticoid metabolites by use of a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Fecal metabolites in these aged rats were elevated 3- to 5-fold above baseline levels approximately 20 h after exposure to the experimental events. Overall, we detected more immunoreactive fecal corticoid metabolites in feces from male rats than female rats, even though female rats normally secrete greater amounts of glucocorticoids into circulation. Our results indicate that this assay can be used to identify marked elevations in corticoid metabolite levels after alterations in laboratory husbandry procedures. We discuss the implications of these findings for animal researchers and those involved in animal husbandry.

Lewis and Fischer 344 strain differences in α2-adrenoceptors and tyrosine hydroxylase expression

Lewis and Fischer 344 (F344) rats differ in their pharmacological responses to a variety of drugs such as opioids, which has been partially attributed to differences in the endogenous opioid tone. Since opioid and alpha2-adrenergic mechanisms closely interact in nociception and substance abuse, a comparative study of the endogenous alpha2-adrenergic system in both inbred strains is of interest. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor subtypes and tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine biosynthesis, were studied by Taqman RT-PCR analysis of gene expression in four brain areas of F344 and Lewis rats: hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum and cortex. No differences were found in the mRNA levels of alpha2A- and alpha2C-adrenoceptors in any of the areas examined, however F344 rats exhibited lower levels of alpha2B-adrenoceptor transcripts in the hippocampus and higher levels in the hypothalamus. Tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression was found to be higher in hippocampus and striatum of F344 rats compared to Lewis, and a consistent 2-fold increase of the protein levels was detected by Western blots only in the case of the hippocampus. These results together with previous studies strongly suggest that the hippocampal noradrenergic activity of Lewis and F344 rats could be involved in their different responses to pain, stress and drug addiction.

Toxicokinetics of acrylamide and glycidamide in Fischer 344 rats

Acrylamide (AA) is a widely studied industrial chemical that is neurotoxic, mutagenic to somatic and germ cells, and carcinogenic in rodents. The recent discovery of AA at ppm levels in a wide variety of commonly consumed foods has energized research efforts worldwide to define toxic mechanisms, particularly toxicokinetics and bioavailability. This study compares the toxicokinetics of AA and its epoxide metabolite, glycidamide (GA), in serum and tissues of male and female F344 rats following acute exposure by intravenous, gavage, and dietary routes at 0.1 mg/kg AA or intravenous and gavage routes with an equimolar amount of GA. AA was rapidly absorbed after oral dosing, was widely distributed to tissues, was efficiently converted to GA, and produced increased levels of GA-DNA adducts in liver. GA was also rapidly absorbed, widely distributed to tissues, and produced increased liver DNA adduct levels. AA bioavailability after aqueous gavage was 60--98% and from the diet was 32--44%; however, first-pass metabolism or other kinetic change resulted in much higher internal exposures to GA (2- to 7-fold) when compared to the intravenous route. A similar effect on metabolism to GA following oral administration was previously observed under an identical exposure paradigm in mice. Furthermore, DNA adduct formation in rat liver showed the same proportionality with the respective GA AUC value as did mice in the previous study. These findings suggest that as the AA content in food is reduced, species-differences in GA formation and subsequent DNA adduct formation may be minimized. These findings provide additional information needed to assess genotoxic risks from the low levels of AA that are pervasive in the food supply.

Imaging correlates of brain function in monkeys and rats isolates a hippocampal subregion differentially vulnerable to aging

The hippocampal formation contains a distinct population of neurons organized into separate anatomical subregions. Each hippocampal subregion expresses a unique molecular profile accounting for their differential vulnerability to mechanisms of memory dysfunction. Nevertheless, it remains unclear which hippocampal subregion is most sensitive to the effects of advancing age. Here we investigate this question by using separate imaging techniques, each assessing different correlates of neuronal function. First, we used MRI to map cerebral blood volume, an established correlate of basal metabolism, in the hippocampal subregions of young and old rhesus monkeys. Second, we used in situ hybridization to map Arc expression in the hippocampal subregions of young and old rats. Arc is an immediate early gene that is activated in a behavior-dependent manner and is correlated with spike activity. Results show that the dentate gyrus is the hippocampal subregion most sensitive to the effects of advancing age, which together with prior studies establishes a cross-species consensus. This pattern isolates the locus of age-related hippocampal dysfunction and differentiates normal aging from Alzheimer's disease.

The metabolic rate constants and specific activity of human and rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 2E1 toward toluene and chloroform

Chloroform (CHCl3) is a near-ubiquitous environmental contaminant, a by-product of the disinfection of drinking water sources and a commercially important compound. Standards for safe exposure have been established based on information defining its toxicity, which is mediated by metabolites. The metabolism of CHCl3 is via cytochrome P-450 2E1 (CYP2E1)-mediated oxidation to phosgene, which is known to obey a saturable mechanism. CYP2E1 is a highly conserved form, expressed in all mammalian systems studied, and is responsible for the metabolism of a great many low-molecular-weight (halogenated) compounds. However, the Michaelis-Menten rate constants for CHCl3 oxidation have not been derived in vitro, and the specific activity of CYP2E1 toward CHCl3 has not been reported. In this investigation with microsomal protein (MSP), apparent Vmax values of 27.6 and 28.3 nmol/h/mg MSP and apparent K(m) values of 1 and 0.15 microM in rats and human organ donors, respectively, were demonstrated. The specific activity of CYP2E1 toward CHCl3 in rats and humans was 5.29 and 5.24 pmol/min/pmol CYP2E1, respectively. Toluene metabolism to benzyl alcohol (BA), another CYP2E1-dependent reaction, was also highly dependent on CYP2E1 content in humans, and was more efficient than was CHCl3 metabolism. The specific activity of human CYP2E1 toward toluene metabolism in human MSP was 23 pmol/min/pmol CYP2E1. These results demonstrate that differences in CYP2E1 content of MSP among individuals and between species are largely responsible for observed differences in toluene and CHCl3 metabolism in vitro.

Development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for chlorobenzene in F-344 rats

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to describe the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of chlorobenzene in rats was developed. Partition coefficients were experimentally determined in rat tissues and blood samples using an in vitro vial equilibration technique. These solubility ratios were in agreement with previous reports. The in vivo metabolism of chlorobenzene was evaluated using groups of three F344 male rats exposed to initial chlorobenzene concentrations ranging from 82 to 6750 ppm in a closed, recirculating gas uptake system. An optimal fit of the family of uptake curves was obtained by adjusting Michaelis-Menten metabolic constants, K(m) (affinity) and Vmax (capacity), using the PBPK model. At the highest chamber concentration, the uptake curve could not be modeled without the addition of a first-order (Kfo) metabolic pathway. Pretreatment with pyrazole, an inhibitor of oxidative microsomal metabolism, had no impact on the slope of the uptake curve. The completed PBPK model was evaluated against real-time exhaled breath data collected from rats receiving either an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection or oral gavage dose of chlorobenzene in corn oil. Exhaled breath profiles were evaluated and absorption rates were determined. Development of the chlorobenzene PBPK model in rats is the first step toward future extrapolations to apply to humans.

Comparative disposition of (R)-(+)-pulegone in B6C3F1 mice and F344 rats

Pulegone is a monoterpene ketone that is usually associated with the herb pennyroyal but is also found in the essential oils from many other mint species. It is the major constituent of pennyroyal oil. Pennyroyal is used as a flavoring and fragrance and as an herbal medicine to induce menstruation and abortion. A disposition study of 14C-pulegone in B6C3F1 mice and F344 rats has been conducted at doses from 0.8 to 80 mg/kg. Mice excrete 85 to 100% of the dose in 24 h. Rats excrete only 59 to 81% of the administered radioactivity in the same time, primarily in urine and feces, with a trace in respired air. Consequently, tissue concentrations are lower in mice than in rats. Male rats tend to have higher tissue concentrations, especially in kidney, than female rats have, but this sex difference is not seen in mice. The residual radioactivity at 24 h demonstrates potential for accumulation of pulegone-derived material in several tissues following multiple doses. The metabolic profile is complex in both species, with at least three pathways involving hydroxylation, reduction, or conjugation with glutathione as first steps. Mercapturic acid pathway metabolites were detected in bile in mice and both bile and urine in rats.

Carcinogenic potential of o-nitrotoluene and p-nitrotoluene

The potential of o-nitrotoluene and p-nitrotoluene to cause cancer in mammalian species was studied in male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. These chemicals are on the EPA list of high production chemicals and there is potential for human exposure (High Production Volume Chemical List (2000) http://oaspub.cpa.gov/opptintr/chemrtk/volchall.htm.). o-Nitrotoluene, administered in the feed for up to 2 years, caused clear evidence for cancer at multiple sites in rats and mice. Male rats, receiving o-nitrotoluene in the feed ( approximately 0, 25, 50, or 90 mg/kg per day), developed treatment-related mesotheliomas, subcutaneous skin neoplasms, mammary gland fibroadenomas, and liver neoplasms. By 2 years, mesotheliomas, skin, liver, mammary gland and liver tumors also occurred in 'stop-study' male rats that received o-nitrotoluene at 125 or 315 mg/kg per day for only the first 3 months of study. These 'stop-studies' showed that the critical events leading to tumor formation occurred after 3 months of dosing, and these events were irreversible and eventually led to cancer at multiple sites. o-Nitrotoluene given in the feed to female rats (approximately 0, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg per day) and to male and female mice (approximately 0, 150, 320, or 700 mg/kg per day) also caused a carcinogenic response. In female rats, treatment-related subcutaneous skin neoplasms and mammary gland fibroadenomas occurred. Hemangiosarcomas and carcinomas of the large intestine (cecum) were seen in treated male and female mice. In contrast to o-nitrotoluene, p-nitrotoluene given in the feed over approximately the same exposure levels caused only equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats (subcutaneous skin neoplasms); some evidence of carcinogenic activity in female rats (clitoral gland neoplasms); equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity in male mice (lung neoplasms); and no evidence of carcinogenic activity in female mice. Differences in the o-nitrotoluene and p-nitrotoluene carcinogenic activity may be due to differences in the metabolism of the parent compound to carcinogenic metabolites.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced oestrogen receptor regulation in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus of lewis and Fischer rats

Oestrogen receptor (ER) regulation of gene transcription in neurosecretory and pituitary cells has been proposed as an important mechanism for increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses in females of several mammalian species, including humans. Inbred female Fischer (F344/N) and Lewis (LEW/N) rats have similar oestrogen levels, although Fischer rats exhibit hyper- and Lewis rats hypo-HPA axis responses. The blunted HPA axis response of Lewis rats has been associated with their blunted hypothalamic corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) expression. To determine if the female CRH expression deficiency in Lewis rats is associated with defective ER expression and regulation, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) transcript levels of CRH and ER were determined under basal conditions and after immune challenge. Microdissected PVN were obtained from control and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated Lewis and Fischer rats and CRH, ERalpha and beta mRNA levels were determined by semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, ERalpha and beta protein levels were determined by semiquantitative Western blots. ERalpha and beta mRNA and protein levels in the PVN of control Fischer rats were significantly higher than in control Lewis rats. ERalpha and beta mRNA and protein levels in Fischer rats were reduced by LPS administration at the time of maximal CRH mRNA levels but did not change in Lewis rats, an effect independent of oestrogen levels. These data indicate that defective neuroendocrine HPA axis responses are associated with defective ER expression and regulation in Lewis PVN despite oestrogen concentrations.

Hsp70 in the inferior colliculus of Fischer-344 rats: effects of age and acoustic stress

Heat shock proteins 72 and 73 (hsp72 and hsp73) were studied in the inferior colliculus (IC) of Fischer-344 rats to determine if their levels are altered during normal aging and following exposure to intense acoustic noise. Three age groups of rats (3, 18, and 25 months) were exposed to ambient sound (control) or broad-band noise at 108 dB sound pressure level (0.0004 dyn/cm2) for 30 min. Western blotting procedures were used to measure hsp72 and hsp73 in ICs and cerebella (positive control). Immunohistochemistry was performed using 3-month olds to study the localization patterns of hsp72 and hsp73 in both structures. The IC and cerebellum exhibited immunolabeling over neuronal somata and proximal dendrites. Ambient levels of hsp72 in supernatants from aged rats were reduced 56.5%+/-7.8% in the IC relative to 3-month olds. This decrease may render the IC more susceptible to stress-related damage. An increase in constitutive hsp73 (350.7%+/-70.4%) was observed in IC pellet fractions from animals exposed to the 108-dB noise when compared to the ambient-noise controls, suggestive of a lipoprotective role for hsp73. This elevation was consistent across age groups. No noise-induced changes in hsp72 were detectable in the IC, indicating that loud sounds may not be an appropriate stimulus for hsp72 induction in this structure.

Temporal progression of angiogenesis and basal lamina deposition after contusive spinal cord injury in the adult rat

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the absence of an adequate blood supply to injured tissues has been hypothesized to contribute to the lack of regeneration. In this study, blood vessel changes were examined in 28 adult female Fischer 344 rats at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60 days after a 12.5 g x cm NYU impactor injury at the T9 vertebral level. Laminin, collagen IV, endothelial barrier antigen (SMI71), and rat endothelial cell antigen (RECA-1) immunoreactivities were used to quantify blood vessel per area densities and diameters in ventral gray matter (VGM), ventral white matter (VWM), and dorsal columns (DC) at levels ranging 15 mm rostral and caudal to the epicenter. This study demonstrates an angiogenic response, defined as SMI71/RECA-1-immunopositive endothelial cells that colocalize with a robust deposition of basal lamina and basal lamina streamers, 7 days after injury within epicenter VGM. This angiogenesis diminishes concurrent with cystic cavity formation. GAP43- and neurofilament- (68 kDa and 210 kDa) immunopositive fiber outgrowth was associated with these new blood vessels by day 14. Between 28 and 60 days after injury, increases in SMI71-immunopositive blood vessel densities were observed in the remaining VWM and DC with a corresponding increase in vessel diameters up to 15 mm rostral and caudal to the epicenter. This second angiogenesis within VWM and DC, unlike the acute response observed in VGM, did not correspond to any previously described changes in locomotor behaviors in this model. We propose that therapies targeting angiogenic processes be directed at the interval between 3 and 7 days after SCI.

Detection of a quantitative trait locus for intramuscular fat accumulation using the OLETF rat

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese type 2 diabetes. We showed that the OLETF rat exhibits higher levels of intramuscular fat content in Musculus longissimus as compared to the Fischer-344 (F344) rat. Our investigation was designed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributing to the increased levels of intramuscular fat content by performing a whole-genome search using 108 F2 intercross obtained by mating the OLETF and the F344 rats. We identified one QTL responsible for intramuscular fat accumulation on rat chromosome 1 with a maximum lod score of 3.4, which accounts for 5% of the total variance. As expected, the OLETF allele corresponds to the increased levels of intramuscular fat content.

Changes in cortical noradrenergic axon terminals of locus coeruleus neurons in aged F344 rats

The noradrenergic innervations and noradrenaline contents of the frontal cortex in two age groups (9 and 25 months) of male F344 rats have been quantified by electrophysiological and biochemical methods. In the electrophysiological study, the percentage of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons activated antidromically from the frontal cortex decreased with age. In contrast, the percentage of LC neurons showing multiple antidromic latencies, which suggests axonal branching of individual LC neurons, increased markedly between 9 and 25 months in the frontal cortex. In the biochemical study, we found no significant difference in noradrenaline levels in the cortical terminal fields of LC neurons during aging. These results suggest that LC neurons give rise to axonal branches to retain noradrenaline levels in their target fields in the aged brain. Our findings show that LC neurons preserve a strong capability for remodeling their axon terminals even in the aged brain.

Differences in nicotine-induced dopamine release and nicotine pharmacokinetics between Lewis and Fischer 344 rats

Studies have shown a greater preference for the self-administration of drugs such as nicotine and cocaine in the Lewis rat strain than in the Fischer 344 strain. We examined some factors that could contribute to such a difference. The baseline level of extracellular dopamine in nucleus accumbens shell was about 3-times higher in Fischer rats than in Lewis rats (3.18 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.14 pg/ sample). Nicotine (50-100 microg/kg)-induced release of dopamine, expressed in absolute terms, was similar in the two strains. Dopamine release expressed in relative terms (as percent of baseline), however, was significantly greater in Lewis rats than in Fischer rats at 30 min after the first nicotine injection. We suggest that the relative increase is of more influence than the absolute level for determining preference; a lower physiological extracellular dopamine level thus represent a risk factor for increased preference. Amphetamine-induced dopamine release expressed in relative terms was not greater in the Lewis strain. In the initial time period of the microdialysis experiments, a sharper peak in nicotine-induced accumbal dopamine release in Lewis and a less but more sustained release in Fischer rats was observed. This release pattern paralleled the faster clearance of nicotine from blood of Lewis compared to Fischer rats. In tissue slices the electrically induced dopamine release was highest in the nucleus accumbens and lowest in the ventral tegmentum. A significant effect of nicotine was lowering the electrically induced release of dopamine in frontal cortex slices from Fischer brain and increasing this dopamine release in the ventral tegmentum of Lewis brain slices indicating that the ventral tegmentum, an area controlling dopamine release in the accumbens, is more responsive to nicotine in the Lewis rat. Nicotine levels tended to be more sustained in Fischer rats in different brain regions, although the difference in nicotine levels between the strains was not significant at any time period. Several factors contribute to nicotine preference, including the endogenous dopamine level, and the sensitivity of ventral tegmentum neurons to nicotine-induced dopamine release. Strain differences in pharmacokinetics of nicotine may also play a role.

B2 bradykinin receptor immunoreactivity in rat brain

Bradykinin has long been known to exist in the central nervous system and has been hypothesized to mediate specific functions. Despite an increasing understanding of the functions of bradykinin, little is known about the cell types expressing the bradykinin receptor within the brain. The present investigation employed a monoclonal antibody directed against the 15-amino-acid portion of the C-terminal of the human bradykinin B2 receptor to establish the cellular distribution of bradykinin B2 receptor immunoreactivity in the rat brain. Bradykinin B2 receptor immunoreactivity was ubiquitously and selectively observed in neurons, including those within the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal forebrain, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem nuclei. Bradykinin B2 receptor immunoreactivity was also present in the circumventricular organs including choroid plexus, subfornical organ, median eminence, and area postrema. Double-labeling experiments colocalizing the bradykinin B2 receptor with the neuronal marker NeuN or the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein revealed that virtually 100% of the bradykinin B2 receptor-immunoreactive positive cells were neurons. The widespread distribution of bradykinin B2 receptor immunoreactivity in neuronal compartments suggests a greater than previously appreciated role for this peptide in neuronal function.

Differential Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, sacral parasympathetic nucleus and colonic motor response to water avoidance stress in Fischer and Lewis rats

The responsiveness of hypothalamic CRF to various stressors is reduced in the young female Lewis relative to the histocompatible Fischer rat. Whether such a difference impacts the brain-gut response to water avoidance stress was investigated by monitoring Fos immunoreactivity in the brain and sacral spinal cord and fecal pellet output. Exposure for 60 min to water avoidance stress increased the number of Fos positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and the parasympathetic nucleus of the lumbo-sacral spinal cord (L6-S1) in both Lewis and Fischer rats compared with non stress groups. The Fos response was lower by 32.0% in the PVN, and 63% in sacral parasympathetic nucleus in Lewis compared with Fischer rats while similar Fos expression was observed in the NTS. Stress-induced defecation was reduced by 52% in Lewis compared with Fischer rats while colonic motor response to CRF injected intracisternally resulted in a similar pattern and magnitude of defecation in both strains. The CRF receptor antagonist [D-Phe12,Nle(21,38)C(a)MeLeu(37)]-CRF(12-41) injected intracisternally antagonized partly the defecation response in Lewis and Fischer rats. These data indicate that a lower activation of PVN and sacral parasympathetic nuclei in Lewis compared with Fisher rats may contribute to the differential colonic motor response and that the blunted CRF hypothalamic response to stress, unlike responsiveness to central CRF plays a role.

Whole body protein turnover of growing rats in response to different dietary proteins--soy protein or casein

Whole body protein turnover was studied in growing rats fed restrictively on isoenergetic (GE 17.6 MJ/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (104 g CP/kg DM) diets based on soy protein isolate or casein supplemented with D,L-methionine. During each of the three separate experiments six male Fischer rats per group were housed individually in metabolic cages at 24 degrees C. Prefeeding of both dietary groups up to similar body weights at the start of the main experimental periods (105-134 g) lasted up to 16 d for casein-fed rats and up to 30 d for the soy protein-fed rats. Following the energy and nitrogen balance periods whole-body protein synthesis was estimated by the end-product method using a single tracer dose of a mixture of 15N-labelled amino acids. Fractional protein accretion rate [% of the protein pool accreted per day] was significantly lower in soy protein-rats than in casein-fed rats in all three experiments whereas fractional synthesis rate was not significantly lower. Therefore, protein breakdown subsequently calculated as the difference between synthesis and accretion showed a tendency towards higher values in this group. In soy protein-fed rats also a tendency towards higher excretion of 3-methylhistidine as a marker of myofibrillar protein breakdown was observed. It is concluded that increase in lean tissue growth resulting from improved protein quality is brought about by changes of both rates, by small increase of protein synthesis and by reduced rate of body protein breakdown.

Tissue distribution of lycopene in ferrets and rats after lycopene supplementation

To determine lycopene uptake and tissue distribution in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and F344 rats, we supplemented orally 4.6 mg/(kg body wt.d) lycopene in a tomato oleoresin-corn oil mixture (experimental groups). After 9 wk of supplementation, the animals were killed and blood and organs were collected. Plasma and tissue carotenoids were extracted and measured using HPLC. Mean concentrations of lycopene (nmol/kg wet tissue) in saponified tissues of ferrets were as follows: liver 933, intestine 73, prostate 12.7 and stomach 9.3. Levels of lycopene (nmol/kg wet tissue) in saponified tissue of rats were as follows: liver 14213, intestine 3125, stomach 78.6, prostate 24 and testis 3.9. When these organs were extracted without saponification, the lycopene levels were lower, except for rat testis. All-trans-lycopene was the predominant isomer found in tomato oleoresin and in the majority of rat tissues, whereas cis-lycopenes were predominant in rat prostate and plasma. This pattern was reversed in ferrets. The results show the following: 1) lycopene from tomato oleoresin is absorbed and stored primarily in the liver of both animals; 2) saponification generally improves the extraction of lycopene from most tissues of both animals; 3) cis-lycopene and all-trans-lycopene are the predominant isomers in ferret and rat tissues, respectively; and 4) rats absorb lycopene more effectively than ferrets.

Defense of adrenocorticosteroid receptor expression in rat hippocampus: effects of stress and strain

Neuronal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) proteins are glucocorticoid-activated transcription factors that bind identical DNA response elements yet transduce distinct physiological/transcriptional actions. The present study assessed regulation of adrenocorticosteroid receptor RNA and protein following intermittent stress exposure, using Sprague Dawley (S-D) and stress-hyperresponsive Fischer 344 (F344) rat strains. The F344 (but not S-D) strain showed enhanced acute stress responsivity and enhanced corticosterone secretion following prolonged stress. F344 rats also showed reduced responsiveness to a novel stressor after prolonged stress exposure, suggestive of enhanced glucocorticoid negative feed-back. Upon prolonged stress, F344 rats down-regulated MR hnRNA in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus. Transcriptional changes were accompanied by decreased expression of the alpha 5' messenger RNA (mRNA) form, consistent with altered promoter utilization. In contrast, alpha 5' splice variant, full-length mRNA, and MR protein expression were not affected by stress in either strain, implying that transcriptional changes do not affect overall mRNA or protein expression. GR protein was increased in pyramidal and granule cell somata/nuclei of F344 rats despite lack of a change in mRNA expression. These data suggest that prolonged stress elicits restricted changes in MR and GR expression in the F344 strain only. Overall, stable expression of adrenocorticosteroid receptors is rigorously defended in hippocampal neurons, apparently through transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

Application of gene therapy to treat age-related loss of dopamine D2 receptor

We have investigated the feasibility of using gene therapy to attenuate the age-related decline in striatal dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) associated with reduced motor control. To this end, we have constructed an adenoviral vector containing the cDNA for the rat D2R. When injected into HeLa and HS24 cells in vitro, the vector induced an abundant message for D2R, as demonstrated by Northern analysis, and produced a membrane-bound protein capable of binding a D2R ligand, [3H]spiperone. When injected into rat striatum in vivo, the vector produced a marked increase in D2R near the site of injection, as evidenced by increased [3H]spiperone binding as well as by another more specific ligand, [125I]iodosulpride. The D2R produced in the striatum were functional, as evidenced by rotational behavior induced by a subcutaneous injection of the dopamine agonist, apomorphine. However, we did not observe any significant improvement in motor performance during preliminary experiments in which aged rats received bilateral striatal injections of the vector. In young rats, vector-induced expression of D2R in striatum was increased markedly three to five days after infection, but then declined to baseline levels by day 21. Loss of expression in aged rats proceeded at a somewhat lower rate. Because of the loss of expression and lack of significant performance enhancement in aged rats following vector injection into the striatum, we are now pursuing other strategies. These include functional assessment of the current vector in D2R null mutant mice as well as construction of new vectors that may yield more long-term expression.

Genetic analysis of behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical parameters in inbred rodents: initial studies in Lewis and Fischer 344 rats and in A/J and C57BL/6J mice

Previous work has identified inherent behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical differences among inbred rodent strains that have been related to the animals' differential responsiveness to drugs of abuse or stress. In the present study, we sought to determine (1) whether there are genetic correlations among particular phenotypic traits that differ between a pair of inbred rat strains (Lewis and Fischer 344) or a pair of inbred mouse strains (A/J and C57BL/6J); (2) which of these traits might be amenable to quantitative trait locus analysis; and (3) whether additional behavioral or biochemical differences relevant to drug- or stress-responsiveness could be identified in these strains. Specifically, we measured several behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical traits in parental Lewis and Fischer 344 rats and in 298 members of an F2 intercross population, as well as in parental A/J and C57BL/6J mice and in 11 of the AXB/BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains. Traits measured included exploratory locomotor activity in a novel environment; amphetamine-induced locomotor activity; several specific protein levels in striatal regions, including inhibitory G protein subunits, the dopamine transporter, the Fos family member transcription factor DeltaFosB, and the protein phosphatase inhibitor DARPP-32; and late-afternoon plasma corticosterone concentrations. Each of the traits measured in F2 rats or recombinant inbred mice appears to be influenced by multiple genes, as well as by environmental factors. There were statistically significant, albeit relatively weak, correlations among several traits in an F2 intercross population bred from Lewis and Fischer rats. Among the traits studied in Lewis and Fischer rats, one seemed most amenable to quantitative trait locus analysis: the level of the inhibitory G-protein subunit, Galphai, in the nucleus accumbens. We also found a robust genetic correlation between levels of DeltaFosB and levels of the dopamine transporter in striatal regions in AXB/BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains. While these studies demonstrate the likely complexity of the genetic factors that influence the numerous phenotypes associated with altered responsiveness to drugs of abuse and stress, they represent an initial and necessary step toward identifying specific genetic factors involved.

Age-related changes in the 20S and 26S proteasome activities in the liver of male F344 rats

Accumulation of altered proteins in old animals has been ascribed to slower turnover of proteins. Since proteasomes can be regarded as the major proteolytic enzymes responsible for the degradation of the majority of cellular proteins, we examined age-related changes of 20S and 26S proteasomes in the liver of young (8-10-month-old), middle-aged (15-18-month-old) and old (25-28-month-old) Fischer 344 male rats. The two forms of proteasomes were separated by glycerol gradient centrifugation. Fluorogenic peptides were used as substrates to evaluate three types of peptidase activities. The ratio of peptidase activities in the 20S proteasome vs. those in the 26S form did not appear to change with age. Unstimulated chymotrypsin-like activity found only in the 26S form decreased by 30% in the old rats as compared with that in the young ones, while no change in the activity was observed during aging when stimulated by sodium dodecyl sulfate. The trypsin-like activity declined significantly by 17% to an apparently similar extent in both 20S and 26S forms. The peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activity exhibited gradual decrease with age, resulting in 60% lower value in the old rats as compared with the young animals. These changes are considered to account for the age-related extension of half-life of proteins. Since the amount of total proteasomes measured by immunoblot did not appear to change with age, posttranslational modifications or subunit replacement is possibly responsible for the decrease in the activities.

The age-related increase in renal clusterin mRNA is accelerated in obese Zucker rats

Clusterin is a multifunctional glycoprotein associated with development and tissue injury. Because renal function decreases with advancing age in the obese Zucker rat, clusterin mRNA expression was examined in the kidney of young adult Zucker rats and compared with age-related changes in renal clusterin mRNA expression in Fischer 344 (F344) rats. Renal clusterin mRNA levels in the obese Zucker rat were 2.5-fold higher by 3 mo of age and fourfold higher at 5 mo of age compared with the lean strain. In comparison, renal clusterin mRNA in 12-mo-old F344 rats was twofold higher than in 3-mo-old animals and was tenfold higher at 24 mo of age. Clusterin mRNA was positively correlated with urinary protein excretion and negatively correlated with creatinine clearance in Zucker rats. Clusterin was increased in select nephrons of the obese Zucker rat kidney and in 24-mo-old F344 rat kidney as assessed by in situ hybridization. Increased expression of clusterin mRNA occurred mostly in the tubular epithelium of dilated, convoluted proximal tubules. These data indicate that renal clusterin mRNA levels increase as a function of age and that age-related increases in renal clusterin and the associated tubular abnormalities are accelerated in obese Zucker rats.

Characterization of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in the liver of the frog: 1. Comparison to the rat liver enzyme

The characteristics of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were determined in frog liver and compared to those of the rat. In Rana pipiens, tissue distribution studies indicated the order of activity to be: kidney >>> liver >> nerve > egg > lung > heart > skeletal muscle in homogenates. In the Rana pipiens relative to the Fischer 344 rat, the activity of the liver enzyme was somewhat greater (1.8-fold) and the kidney enzyme substantially less (25-fold). Frog liver gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase displayed strain-dependent differences in activity with Rana pipiens and Rana sylvatica exhibiting comparable activities and Xenopus laevis exhibiting 20-fold lower activities. No influence of sex was apparent in Rana pipiens in contrast to the sex dependent differences observed in the Fischer 344 rat: female:male = 7:1. In homogenates and plasma membrane fractions of Rana pipiens, Xenopus laevis and the Fischer 344 rat, high, and comparable relative specific activities, were observed, 8-11, coupled with protein yields of 2.2-2.5 per cent indicating the enzyme to be plasma membrane bound and associated with the sinusoidal surface of the liver cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cholesterol synthesis and lipoprotein reuptake during synaptic remodelling in hippocampus in adult rats

Apolipoprotein E is synthesized and secreted by astrocytes in the hippocampus following lesions of the entorhinal cortex. It was proposed that apolipoprotein E, by analogy to its role in cholesterol transport in circulation, could be involved in the salvage and reutilization of non-esterified cholesterol released during terminal breakdown. The salvaged cholesterol could then be transported to neurons by apolipoprotein E-complexes and taken up via the apolipoprotein E/apolipoprotein B (low-density lipoprotein) receptor. To test this hypothesis, we have examined low-density lipoprotein receptor binding in brain sections of rats undergoing hippocampal reinnervation. The number of neuronal cells labelled by fluorescent Dil-low-density lipoprotein as well as the density of [125I]low-density lipoprotein binding sites in the dentate gyrus were found to increase in parallel with the extent of cholinergic reinnervation occurring in the deafferented hippocampus. In contrast, hippocampal cholesterol synthesis fell by more than 60% at eight days post-lesion, but eventually returned to control levels at 30 days post-lesion. The transient loss of cholesterol synthesis coincided with a peak in hippocampal apolipoprotein E expression. A concomitant accumulation of sudanophilic lipids (cholesterol esters and phospholipids) was detected in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and in the hilar region. The present findings suggest that non-esterified cholesterol released during terminal breakdown is esterified, transported via the apolipoprotein E transport system to neurons undergoing reinnervation, and take-up through the low-density lipoprotein receptor pathway where it is presumably used as a precursor molecule for the synthesis of new synapses and terminals.

The modulatory effects of tryptamine and tyramine on the S9-mediated mutagenesis of IQ and MeIQ in Salmonella strain TA98

The S9-mediated mutagenesis of IQ and MeIQ in Salmonella strain TA98 was modulated by introduction to the assay of tryptamine or tyramine. Both biogenic amines inhibited or enhanced the mutagenic response as a function of amine concentration, strain of rat used as the S9 source, and the IQ-type mutagen tested. Enhancement of IQ mutagenesis by tryptamine (10-80 microM) was observed in the presence of S9 preparations derived from Aroclor 1254-pretreated Fischer rats; the enhancing effect ceased at tryptamine concentrations > 160 microM. When Sprague-Dawley-S9 or Wistar-S9 were used for activation, the enhancement of IQ mutagenesis by tryptamine shifted to inhibition at tryptamine concentrations > 40 microM, with Sprague-Dawley-S9, and > 20 microM, with Wistar-S9. By contrast, MeIQ-mutagenesis was enhanced by tryptamine (10-160 microM), regardless of the rat strain used as S9 source. Tyramine was a weaker enhancer of MeIQ mutagenesis than was tryptamine and, unlike tryptamine, its inhibitory effects on IQ mutagenesis were observed only with Wistar-S9. Tryptamine (10-80 microM) inhibited cytochromes P450IA1 and P450IA2 activities, monitored by the O-deethylation of ethoxyresorufin and Glu-P-1 mutagenesis in TA98, respectively. These data suggest that the effects of biogenic amines on IQ and MeIQ bioactivation are complex. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that tryptamine and tyramine act both as enhancers (comutagens) and as inhibitors (antimutagens) of IQ and MeIQ mutagenesis, depending on the testing conditions.

Fischer and Lewis rat strains differ in basal levels of neurofilament proteins and their regulation by chronic morphine in the mesolimbic dopamine system

We studied levels of neurofilament (NF) proteins in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and other regions of the central nervous system, of two genetically inbred rat strains, Lewis (LEW) and Fischer (F344) rats. These strains represent genetically divergent populations of rats that have been used to study possible genetic factors involved in a variety of biological processes, including drug addiction: compared to F344 rats, LEW rats show a much higher preference for several classes of drugs of abuse. We found 30-50% lower levels of three NF proteins, NF-200 (NF-H), NF-160 (NF-M), and NF-68 (NF-L), in the VTA of LEW compared to F344 rats by use of immunolabeling and Coomassie blue staining. These strain differences were highly specific to this brain region, with no differences observed elsewhere in brain or spinal cord. Interestingly, chronic treatment of F344 rats with morphine decreased levels of these three NF proteins in the VTA, as found previously in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats (Beitner-Johnson, D., Guitart, X., and Nestler, E.J.:J. Neurosci., 12:2165-2176, 1992), whereas morphine had no effect on NF levels in the VTA of LEW rats. A similar strain difference was observed in chronic morphine regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, with morphine increasing enzyme immunoreactivity in the VTA of F344 rats (as has been observed previously in Sprague-Dawley rats [Beitner-Johnson, D., and Nestler, E.J.:J. Neurochem., 57:344-347, 1991]), but not in LEW rats. In view of the observations that LEW and F344 rats show different levels of preference for several types of drugs of abuse, and of the evidence supporting a central role of the mesolimbic dopamine system in drug reward mechanisms, the results of the current study suggest the possibility that levels of NFs and tyrosine hydroxylase may mediate some aspects of drug reinforcement and contribute to individual genetic differences in vulnerability to drug addiction.

Regional distribution of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) and L1 in human and rodent hippocampus

Cell surface adhesion molecules N-CAM and L1 are implicated in central nervous system (CNS) cell migration and axon outgrowth in in vitro and in vivo developmental studies. These molecules show a differential distribution during CNS development, thus suggesting that they subserve different roles in process outgrowth and tissue organization. A variety of N-CAM isoforms are known, and individual N-CAMs undergo posttranslational modification. Such changes and the potential for generating numerous molecules may mediate development of specific neural cell contacts and circuitry. We evaluated immunohistochemical staining of polyclonal antibodies to L1 and N-CAM, as well as monoclonal antibodies directed against embryonic N-CAM and the 140 and 180 kDa species of N-CAM in human, rat, and mouse hippocampus. Staining patterns in the three species were qualitatively similar, but staining in the mouse hippocampus was quantitatively greater for some epitopes. A distinctive pattern of staining was found, corresponding to the known anatomy of the structure. Total N-CAM staining was intense in the hilus and inner molecular layer (ML) of the dentate gyrus with lighter staining in the dentate outer ML. The mossy fiber tract (MFT), comprising axons traveling from the dentate granule cells to CA3 pyramidal cells, was strongly stained by polyclonal antibody to N-CAM. There was abundant staining of the stratum radiatum (SR) and stratum oriens (SO) of CA1, but stratum lacunosum moleculare (LM) showed very little staining. The monoclonal antibody 12F11, which recognizes the 140 and 180 kDa forms of N-CAM, intensely stained the MFT, hilus, and inner ML.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sex and dietary fat modulate hepatic prostaglandin F2 alpha in F344/N rats

The study was designed to determine whether sex and fat calories altered hepatic prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha status; a factor which may reflect susceptibility to cancer development. For 4 weeks, groups of 8 male and 8 female F344/N rats were fed diets with 9% of energy (en%) from linoleate and 15.5, 20, 30 or 40 en% fat. Females had greater hepatic stearate, arachidonate and PGF2 alpha whereas males had greater hepatic myristate, palmitate and oleate. Females also had greater plasma stearate levels. Greater hepatic arachidonate may have stimulated PG production in females. Hepatic oleate increased and hepatic palmitate decreased with increasing en% fat (p < 0.05). Hepatic stearate was greater and hepatic linoleate less when 40 en% fat was fed compared with other levels of dietary fat (p < 0.05). Plasma oleate was greater at 30 or 40 en% fat than at lower levels of fat, whereas plasma linoleate was less at 40 en% than at 15.5% en% fat. The ability of a 30 en% fat diet, containing equal proportions of linoleate and oleate, to suppress hepatic PG production may be related to the effects of dietary fat content and composition on plasma fatty acid profiles. Because suppressed PG production has been linked with suppression of cancer development, dietary recommendations to consume 30 en% fat with a P:M ratio of 1:1 may be cancer-protective.

An extended developmental study of ?-glutamyltranspeptidase in rat liver plasma membranes: identification of specific patterns of changes in activity in the adult as well as the neonatal state

Homogenates and plasma membranes were isolated from the livers of male Fischer 344 rats ranging in age from 19 hr to 92 days postnatal. These plasma membranes exhibited comparable levels of purity: protein yields were 2-2.5%; relative specific activities of 5'-nucleotidase and ouabain-sensitive Na+/K(+)-ATPase were from 8-11 and from 12-19, respectively. 5'-nucleotidase and ouabain-sensitive Na+ K(+)-ATPase displayed distinct and different developmental patterns. The activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase was found to be at exceptionally high levels in isolated plasma membranes immediately after birth and to decline precipitously thereafter achieving and maintaining low levels from days 3-21 postnatal. Liver plasma membrane gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity was observed to increase 9.2 fold from this low point, first rising on day 21, peaking on day 40 and returning to low levels by day 56. From day 56 day to 92 postnatal, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity was expressed at a uniformly low level but a level 2 fold higher than that preceding the rise at day 40. The hormone determinants of these developmental changes in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity are discussed.

Energy metabolism and aging: a lifelong study of Fischer 344 rats

Metabolic rate is widely regarded as an important component of aging processes, but variation of metabolic rate with age has not been well characterized. The purpose of the present study was to measure daily metabolic rate under usual living conditions over the lifespan of barrier-maintained Fischer 344 rats. In addition, effects of life-prolonging food restriction were assessed. Metabolic rate was measured indirectly by analysis of gas entering and leaving standard rodent cages over a 24-h period. Group A rats were fed ad libitum. Group B rats were fed 60% of ad libitum intake from 6 wk of age. Both group A and group B rats exhibited variation of metabolic rate per unit lean mass over the lifespan, with metabolic rate decreasing from 6 to 18 mo and then increasing from 18 to 24 mo of age. Results show estimates of lifetime energy expenditure in rats should take account of variability of metabolic rate and confirm the life-prolonging action of food restriction is not a consequence of reduced metabolic rate per unit metabolic mass. Rather, restricted rats are able to sustain appropriate fluxes of nutrients and appropriate metabolic rate under conditions of fuel utilization which promote maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

Magnesium and calcium absorption in Fischer-344 rats influenced by changes in dietary fibre (wheat bran), fat and calcium

Magnesium and calcium absorption were affected by changes in dietary wheat bran fibre and calcium, but not fat, in Fischer-344 rats when studied in a full factorial study which was a portion of a larger study of diet and colon carcinogenesis. For four weeks, nine-week-old rats were fed experimental purified diets to which had been added: wheat bran 0, 2.5 10, or 20%; fat 1, 5 or 10%; and calcium 0.18, 0.52, or 1.04% of diet weight. From day 26 to 29 all faeces were collected in metabolic cages, and food consumption noted. Dietary magnesium intake and net magnesium absorption increased in direct relation to the quantity of wheat bran in the diet. Calcium supplementation inhibited magnesium absorption on fibre-free diet, but had little effect on magnesium absorption when fibre was present. Fat had no measurable effect on magnesium absorption. A low dietary fibre content enhanced Ca absorption compared to that on a fibre-free diet. However, further increases in fibre content slightly inhibited calcium absorption. We conclude that the magnesium content of dietary wheat bran fibre is available for absorption to rats. Calcium supplementation inhibits magnesium absorption in a fibre-free diet, but presence of dietary fibre protects magnesium absorption from the calcium inhibition observed on a fibre-free diet. Absorption of calcium is increased by including some fibre in the diet. However, calcium absorption may be diminished slightly by increasing wheat bran content of the diet to a high level, probably through calcium binding and excretion with undigested fibre.

Evidence that the V+ fibronectin mRNA is increased in the hippocampus of aged rats

In this study we investigated the splicing pattern of fibronectin (FN) mRNA during development and aging by using Northern blot hybridization with probes that either recognize all forms of FN mRNA or that are specific for the different spliced forms (FN-EIIIA, FN-EIIIB, and FN-V). We find that (1) the FNmRNA in the hippocampus of some but not all old rats showed a pattern of splicing similar to that found in the forebrain of 21 day old rats and (2) the hybridization signal for the alternatively spliced FN mRNA containing the EIIIA, EIIIB, and V95 segments was relatively abundant at early postnatal stages but very few transcripts were detected in adult and old rats. However, the hybridization signal for the juvenile FN-V mRNA was markedly increased in some but not all two-year-old rats suggesting that aging is an individual process.

Disposition of [14C]furan in the male F344 rat

In a recently completed 2-yr bioassay, furan was found to induce cholangiocarcinomas at high incidence in rats. The disposition of single and multiple gavage doses of [2,5-14C]furan has been determined in male F344 rats to aid in interpretation of that study. In the 24 h after dosing about 80% of the furan-derived radioactivity was eliminated, primarily via urine and expired air. [14C]Carbon dioxide was a major metabolite, indicating that furan ring opening followed by complete oxidation of at least one of the labeled carbons was a major part of the overall metabolism of furan. Liver contained more furan-derived radioactivity by far than other tissues after 24 h. Approximately 80% of the radioactivity in liver was not extracted by organic solvents and was associated with protein. There was either no binding to DNA or the furan-DNA adduct was not stable to the isolation procedure. Repeated daily administration of [14C]furan resulted in a more or less linear increase in covalent binding through four doses; at this point the amount of nonextractable radioactivity plateaus. Urine contained at least 10 metabolites, again indicating extensive metabolism of the furan ring. From the data obtained in this study it is clear that furan is metabolized to reactive species, apparently primarily in liver, and these intermediates react with protein. The hepatotoxicity resulting from furan exposure may be due to the reaction of furan metabolites with liver macromolecules; the presence of some of these reactive metabolites following chronic exposure to furan may result in cholangiocarcinomas.

Proton-coupled solute transport in the animal cell plasma membrane

This review focuses primarily on the progress made in the last couple of years in the understanding of the intestinal peptide transporter, a prototype for H(+)-coupled solute transport systems in the animal cell plasma membrane. The impressive number of transport systems currently known to be energized by the components of the proton-motive force indicates that the role of H+ as the coupling ion for active transport has not been lost during evolution.

Comparison of the disposition and in vitro metabolism of 4-vinylcyclohexene in the female mouse and rat

4-Vinylcyclohexene (VCH) is a chemical to which humans are exposed in the rubber industry. A chronic carcinogenicity bioassay conducted by the National Toxicology Program showed that oral administration of VCH induced tumors in the ovaries of mice but not in those of rats. The hypothesis tested was that the species and organ specificity of VCH toxicity was due to differences in the disposition of VCH between the female rat and mouse. Therefore, the disposition of a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg [14C]VCH was studied in female B6C3F1 mice and Fischer 344 rats. Mice eliminated greater than 95% of the dose in 24 hr, whereas rats required 48 hr to eliminate greater than 95% of the dose. The major routes of excretion of [14C]VCH-derived radioactivity were in the urine (50-60%) and expired air (30-40%). No evidence was obtained to indicate that the ovaries of either species retained VCH as a parent compound or as radioactive equivalents. A dramatic difference was observed between the rat and mouse in the appearance of a monoepoxide of VCH in blood from 0.5 to 6 hr after VCH administration (800 mg/kg, ip). VCH-1,2-epoxide was present in the blood of mice with the highest concentration at 2 hr (41 nmol/ml). The blood concentration of VCH-1,2-epoxide in rats was less than 2.5 nmol/ml at all times examined. VCH-7,8-epoxide was not present in the blood of either species at the level of detection. These findings were supported by in vitro studies of VCH epoxidation by liver microsomes. The rate of epoxidation of VCH (1 mM) to VCH-1,2-epoxide was 6.5-fold greater in mouse liver microsomes than that in rat liver microsomes. The species difference in the rate of epoxide formation by the liver may be an important factor in the species difference in susceptibility to VCH-induced ovarian tumors.

The effect of age on digoxin pharmacokinetics in Fischer-344 rats

Digoxin protein binding and pharmacokinetics were studied in 4-, 14-, and 25-month-old male Fischer-344 rats to determine if there were age-dependent changes in digoxin disposition. Serum protein binding did not differ among age groups. The average percentage unbound digoxin for all animals was 61.3 +/- 5.3% (means +/- SD, n = 15). For pharmacokinetic studies, [3H]digoxin and 1 mg/kg unlabeled digoxin were administered as an intravenous bolus dose to animals from each age group. The [3H]digoxin terminal elimination half-life was 2.0, 2.3, and 2.5 hr, respectively. The steady-state volume of distribution in the three age groups was 1.51, 1.49, and 1.27 liters/kg, respectively. Total body clearance for the three age groups was 14.2, 12.1, and 7.5 ml/min/kg, respectively. Analysis of variance of these data followed by Duncan's multiple range test indicated a significant decrease in clearance in the aged rats (25-month-old, p less than 0.05). This age-dependent decrease in clearance suggested that digoxin pharmacokinetics could be a significant factor in age-related alterations in digoxin cardiotoxicity in the rat, as it is in humans, and that the Fischer-344 rat could be a useful model for studies of digoxin pharmacokinetic changes with age.

Acute effects of aspartame on concentrations of brain amines and their metabolites in selected brain regions of Fischer 344 and Sprague-Dawley rats

This study is the first in a series to define a rodent model to document the effects of amino acid-modulating compounds on central neurotransmitter function. A time-response curve for a single dose of orally intubated aspartame was determined in male Fischer 344 and Sprague-Dawley rats. Regional brain concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites were analyzed in the hypothalamus, cerebellum, pons/medulla, hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and midbrain/thalamus at 30, 60, 120, or 240 min after oral aspartame (1000 mg/kg) administration. Without consideration for time and group variables, levels of most compounds were higher in the brain regions of Fischer than Sprague-Dawley rats. Aspartame in Fischer 344 or Sprague-Dawley rats had no significant effect on levels of the catecholamines or indoleamines at any of the time points monitored following its acute administration. From the results of this study, large oral loads of aspartame do not appear to lead to regional alterations in brain biogenic amine levels.

Metabolism of halothane in obese Fischer 344 rats

Halothane is metabolized by an oxidative pathway to stable, nonvolatile end products, trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA) and bromide (Br-), and by reductive pathways to Br-and inorganic fluoride (F-). There is evidence that both oxidatively and reductively formed intermediates may produce hepatotoxicity, although the exact etiology of the fulminant hepatic necrosis seen in humans is unproven. Obese patients receiving volatile anesthetics exhibit higher serum anesthetic metabolite concentrations than do normal-weight patients, and thus might be at greater risk of hepatotoxicity because of higher concentrations of reactive intermediates from halothane metabolism. To eliminate the variables inherent in human clinical studies leading to confounding interpretation of data, this study determined the contributions of oxidative and reductive pathways to halothane metabolism in an animal model of human hypertrophic obesity, the most common form of human obesity. Eight pairs of obese (high-fat diet) and normal-weight (standard chow), male Fischer 344 rats were anesthetized with halothane for 4 h at an inspired concentration of 0.78%. Serum and urinary concentrations of TFAA, Br-, and F-were measured. Thirty-six hours following halothane anesthesia, mean serum TFAA concentrations peaked at 7.3 +/- 1.1 mM in obese rats and 4.7 +/- 0.7 mM in nonobese rats. TFAA urinary excretions during the 180-h period postanesthesia were 519 +/- 69 and 336 +/- 22 mumol, respectively. Peak serum Br- concentrations were 9.1 +/- 1.0 and 6.9 +/- 0.6 mM for obese and nonobese rats, respectively, and Br-urinary excretions were 127 +/- 30 and 79 +/- 14 mumol, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increase in the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase from cortex and midbrain of male Fischer 344 rats in response to acute or repeated sound stress

Exposure of male Fischer 344 rats to an acute sound stress consisting of 100 dB tones of 2-s duration presented at random 60-s intervals for 2 h, increased cortical and midbrain tryptophan hydroxylase activity, measured in vitro, 50% over that from sham-stressed animals. This increase in enzyme activity was observed when animals were killed immediately, but not 1 h, after termination of the sound stress. It was non-additive with the increase in activity induced by incubation of enzyme under phosphorylating conditions and could be reversed in vitro with alkaline phosphatase. Graded increases in enzyme activity were obtained with increments of sound intensity (90-120 dB). In contrast to acute stress, chronic sound stress (110 dB) repeated over a period of 1, 2 or 6 weeks (3 sessions per week each of 2-h duration) produced a 50% increase in cortical enzyme activity that persisted 24 h after the termination of the stress and was not reversed by alkaline phosphatase. However, a further increase in enzyme activity could be produced if the chronically stressed animals were exposed to an acute 2-h stress (110 dB) immediately before being killed. This additional increase in activity was reversible in vitro by alkaline phosphatase and non-additive with that produced by incubation under phosphorylating conditions. In summary, acute sound stress produced a prompt, reversible activation of tryptophan hydroxylase. Repeated exposure to sound stress induced a persistent increase in enzyme activity that was detected 24 h after the last stress.

Role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (gp 108) in passive Heymann nephritis. Use of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats

Injection of antibodies to renal tubular membrane (Fx1A) into Lewis rats induces granular deposits of IgG in glomeruli and proteinuria (passive Heymann nephritis, PHN), and similar lesions are also induced by antibody to one of the antigens in Fx1A, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV, gp 108). In this study, the role of DPP IV in PHN was investigated using DPP IV-deficient F344 rats. The amount of DPP IV found in F344 rat kidneys was less than 0.05% of that present in Wistar rats, and injection of anti-DPP IV antibody into F344 rats did not induce proteinuria. Injection of anti-F344 Fx1A rabbit antibodies that contain no detectable anti-DPP IV antibody into Lewis or F344 rats induced PHN, characterized by granular deposits of rabbit IgG in glomeruli and massive proteinuria, although the appearance of proteinuria was delayed in comparison with that occurring in response to injection of anti-Wistar Fx1A antibodies. These results indicate that DPP IV may contribute to, but is not essential for, the induction of PHN.

The effect of dietary protein levels on xenobiotic biotransformations in F344 male rats

Diets containing protein levels of 8, 12, and 22% were fed for 14 days to Fischer 344 male weanling rats. Enzyme activities in liver and kidney were measured using several substrates for each of the following enzyme systems: Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase, ester hydrolysis, and conjugations with sulfate, glutathione, and glucuronic acid. Enzyme activities, for the various mechanisms, decreased from 15 to 65% with decreased dietary protein, with the exception of glucuronide and sulfate conjugation, which increased with decreased dietary protein. In vivo effects were evaluated by measuring hexobarbital sleeping time, procaine paralysis time, and bromobenzene hepatotoxicity. Increased dietary protein shortened hexobarbital sleeping time and procaine paralysis time, and increased procaine lethality, whereas low protein intake protected against bromobenzene hepatotoxicity. These data suggest that typical laboratory diets (22-25% protein) may provide artificially altered activities of xenobiotic biotransformation in rats, relative to nutritionally adequate (12% protein) diets.

Absence of age-related changes in the binding of the beta adrenergic antagonist 125I-iodohydroxybenzylpindolol in rat heart

The effect of age on the density and the affinity of beta adrenergic receptors was determined in the hearts of Fischer 344 rats at three ages, 6, 12, and 24 months old. The binding of the beta adrenergic antagonist 125I-iodohydroxybenzylpindolol (IHYP), was used to quantitate and characterize cardiac beta adrenergic receptors. The maximal number of binding sites (Bmax = F moles/mg of protein) were 26.3 +/- 2.5, 25.4 +/- 0.99, and 24.5 +/- 2.4 and the dissociation constants (Kd = nM) were 0.166 +/- 0.014, 0.126 +/- 0.006, and 0.135 +/- 0.015 for 6, 12, and 24 months old animals, respectively. There were no significant differences among the three ages. These results support the contention that neither beta adrenergic receptor density or affinity changes with age in the ventricles of the rat heart.

Effect of age and dietary restriction on the expression of alpha 2u-globulin

The effect of aging on the expression of alpha 2u-globulin was studied in liver tissue from 6-30-month-old male Fischer F344 rats. The synthesis of alpha 2u-globulin by suspensions of isolated hepatocytes decreased 90% between 6 and 22 months of age. The levels of alpha 2u-globulin mRNA and the transcription of alpha 2u-globulin genes by isolated liver nuclei decreased 80-85% between 5 and 24 months of age. Because alpha 2u-globulin has been suggested to be a "senescence marker protein," the expression of alpha 2u-globulin was measured in rats fed a diet restricted in calories. This dietary restriction procedure has been shown to increase significantly the longevity of rodents. The expression of alpha 2u-globulin was compared in liver tissue from 18-month-old rats fed ad libitum and a restricted diet (40% restriction of total calories). The synthesis, mRNA levels, and transcription of alpha 2u-globulin were 1.8-3-fold higher for liver tissue from restricted rats compared to liver tissue from rats fed ad libitum. Therefore, dietary restriction alters the age-related change in the expression of alpha 2u-globulin. Our results demonstrate that the changes in alpha 2u-globulin expression that arise during aging or dietary restriction are regulated at the level of transcription.

Disposition of the monoclonal antibody-vinca alkaloid conjugate, KS1/4-DAVLB (LY256787), in Fischer 344 rats and rhesus monkeys

The conjugate, KS1/4-DAVLB, of the murine monoclonal antibody KS1/4 with the vinca alkaloid 4-desacetylvinblastine (DAVLB) was administered intravenously to rats and monkeys. Terminal plasma half-life (t1/2) values were measured as radioequivalents and as functionally immunoreactive antibody conjugate after dosing with KS1/4-[3H]DAVLB. The t1/2 values, determined radiometrically, were 145 hr and 62 hr in male rats after 10 and 100 mg/kg doses and 92 hr and 90 hr in male and female monkeys after a 40 mg/kg dose. Comparable results were obtained when the functionally immunoreactive conjugate concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The ratio of 35S:3H in the plasma after dosing rats with 100 mg/kg [35S]KS 1/4-[3H]DAVLB remained reasonably constant during 336 hr. Less than 1% of the total vinca alkaloid equivalents present in the plasma at any time could be extracted as free vinca species; the major vinca alkaloid metabolities present at early time points were hemisuccinate derivatives of DAVLB, whereas, at later times, DAVLB and its N-oxide were equally as concentrated. The major pathway of elimination was fecal with about one-half of the administered radioactivity cleared in 150-250 hr. After dosing with [35S]KS 1/4-[3H]DAVLB, the ratio of 35S:3H radioactivity in the bile was substantially less than that in the plasma. Evaluation of radioactivity eluted from the bile by size-exclusion HPLC showed that almost all of the tritium was associated with material of lower molecular weight than that of KS 1/4-DAVLB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A decline in myocardial and hepatic norepinephrine turnover with age in Fischer 344 rats

The purpose of the present study was to determine any age-related alterations in norepinephrine (NE) turnover rate in various tissues of the Fischer 344 rats. Female rats ages 3, 12, and 22 mo were given an intraperitoneal injection of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, a known inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase. NE turnover was determined mathematically by monitoring the exponential decline of tissues levels over 7 h. Cardiac NE turnover rates averaged 38.4, 31.4, and 25.2 ng X g-1 X h-1 for the 3-, 12-, and 22-mo-old age groups, respectively. A similar trend was found for the liver NE turnover rates (12.9, 9.2, and 6.8 ng X g-1 X h-1 for 3-, 12-, and 22-mo-old groups, respectively). It was concluded that the reduced catecholamine content seen in various tissues with advancing age can be explained, in part, by a diminished ability for catecholamine synthesis.

Activities of liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation enzymes in rats fed trans fat

The effect of trans fat on the activities of liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation enzymes was examined in various strains of rats. When Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 30 days diets containing either olive oil or partially hydrogenated corn oil as a source of cis- or trans-octadecenoate, respectively, the activities of various enzymes of mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation measured with cis- and trans-9-octadecenoic acid as substrates showed little dietary fat-dependent change. In Fischer 344 rats, feeding trans fat for 15 mo increased only moderately various enzymes of beta-oxidation except for carnitine acyltransferase. The rate of mitochondrial ketogenesis and the activity of carnitine acyltransferase measured with trans-9-octadecenoic acid as a substrate were about half those with the cis-counterpart. Peroxisomes oxidized trans-9-octadecenoyl-CoA at a rate comparable to the cis-counterpart. It was concluded from this study and previous ones that the difference in the geometry of dietary fatty acid had only a marginal effect in modulating the hepatic fatty acid oxidation system, in spite of marked differences in the metabolic behavior of cis- and trans fatty acid in cell-free preparations and perfused liver.