Interactions of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, protein kinase-C, and calcium in dopamine- and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated growth hormone release in the goldfish

In the goldfish, GH release is under the stimulatory control of multiple neuroendocrine factors, including dopamine (DA) and GnRH. We have previously shown that DA-stimulated GH release in the goldfish is mediated via D1 receptors and is dependent on cAMP, whereas the GH response to GnRH involves protein kinase-C (PKC) and extracellular Ca2+ entry through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC). In this study, the interactions of PKC, cAMP, and Ca2+ in the regulation of GH release responses to DA and GnRH were examined using dispersed goldfish pituitary cells. The GnRH-induced GH secretion was unaffected by a protein kinase-A (PKA) inhibitor, but was additive to the GH responses to 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine, or the D1 agonist SKF38393. Similarly, the GH responses to PKC activators were additive to those to 8-Br-cAMP, forskolin, SKF38393, or the general DA agonist apomorphine. In contrast, depletion of cellular PKC content inhibited the GH responses to GnRH and PKC activators, but not those to DA, SKF38393, 8-Br-cAMP, or forskolin. Furthermore, the GH response to 8-Br-cAMP or SKF38393 was unaffected by the selective PKC inhibitor H7. Taken together, these results suggest that GnRH and DA D1 mechanisms stimulate GH release in the goldfish independently via PKC- and cAMP-dependent intracellular signaling pathways, respectively. However, both the cAMP (D1) and PKC (GnRH) mechanisms also interacted with VSCC. The VSCC agonist Bay K8644 potentiated, whereas the VSCC blocker verapamil reduced, the GH responses to GnRH, PKC activators, SKF38393, and activators of the cAMP pathway. A hypothesis is proposed based on these findings. GnRH and DA initiate GH release independently by activation of PKC- and cAMP-dependent mechanisms. The secondary activation of VSCC by either PKC or cAMP/PKA further enhances the GH response.

Cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate mediates dopamine D1-stimulated growth hormone release from goldfish pituitary cells

Previously, we have demonstrated that dopamine (DA) stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from the goldfish pituitary through DA D1 receptors. In the present study, the role of cAMP in DA D1-stimulated GH release was investigated using static incubation of goldfish pituitary cells. The D1 agonist SKF38393 (1 nM-10 microM) induced GH release and cAMP accumulation in a dose-dependent manner with ED50s of 73 +/- 32 and 109 +/- 53 nM, respectively. In contrast, the D2 agonist LY171555 (1 nM-10 microM) was not effective in these regards. The GH-releasing action of SKF38393 was mimicked by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (0.1-40 microM) as well as the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.1 microM-1 mM). Dideoxyforskolin (0.1-40 microM), a derivative of forskolin inactive in stimulating adenylate cyclase, did not affect basal GH secretion. Similar stimulatory effects on GH release were also observed using the membrane-permeant cAMP analogs (10 microM-2 mM), dibutyryl cAMP and 8-bromo cAMP (8Br.cAMP). In the presence of a high dose (1 mM) of Br.cAMP, the ability of SKF38393 (1 nM-10 microM) to stimulate GH release was abolished, suggesting that the GH-releasing actions of cAMP and DA D1 stimulation are mediated through a common signal transduction mechanism. In the present study, the possible involvement of the cAMP-dependent enzyme protein kinase A (PKA) in DA D1-stimulated GH release was also examined. The GH responses to 8Br.cAMP (1 mM) and SKF38393 (1 microM) were blocked by simultaneous treatment with the PKA inhibitor H89 (10 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute endothelial reperfusion injury after coronary artery bypass grafting

Coronary artery endothelium exhibits functional impairment after ischemia and reperfusion. Canine left anterior descending coronary arteries were exposed to ischemia (60 minutes) followed by reperfusion (60 minutes) through a left internal mammary artery graft. In organ chamber experiments, control (left circumflex coronary artery) and reperfused (left anterior descending coronary artery) arterial segments were contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha and exposed to hypoxia (oxygen tension = 35 +/- 5 mm Hg). Reperfused coronary rings with endothelium exhibited contractions to hypoxia that were significantly greater than contractions in control rings with endothelium (+78% +/- 8% and +14% +/- 5%, respectively; p < 0.05). This phenomenon could be blocked by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Electron microscopic studies showed platelet adhesion and aggregation, denudation of the endothelium and disruption of the intercellular junctions, edematous subendothelial matrix, and vesiculation of the smooth muscle cells in reperfused LAD. Swelling, vacuole formation, and loss of neurofilament occurred in the nerve fibers accompanying the vessels. These phenomena were not observed in control vessels. This study demonstrates that early after coronary artery bypass grafting, hypoxia can induce coronary vasospasm mediated by an L-arginine-dependent metabolic pathway in the endothelium. The ultrastructural changes in the coronary endothelium include platelet adhesion, aggregation, and platelet-induced contraction of coronary smooth muscle. The endothelium-dependent hypoxic coronary vasospasm and ultrastructural changes in the coronary endothelium may play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia and infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection with an intraluminal sutureless graft

The surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection remains a great challenge to all cardiac surgeons. From January 1991 to June 1993, 21 consecutive patients (13 men and eight women, aged 34 to 74 years) underwent emergency operations to repair acute type A aortic dissection, with the aid of hypothermic circulatory arrest. The intima tear was located in the ascending aorta in 13 patients, in the aortic arch in five patients, and in the descending aorta in three patients. The dissected ascending aorta was replaced with sutureless, intraluminal vascular grafts in all 21 patients. The intima tears in the aortic arch of five patients were primarily repaired. Modified Cabrol's shunts were created in seven patients for hemostasis, and Dacron grafts were used to wrap the ascending aorta in 18 patients. Retrograde cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest was performed on 15 patients. The circulatory arrest time was 37 +/- 10 minutes (mean +/- SD). All patients survived the operation and regained consciousness in the early postoperative period without neurologic deficit. Post-treatment follow-ups (mean, 18.2 months) were completed in all patients except one, who died 12 months after the operation as a result of a traffic accident. All of the surviving patients are doing well without any further aortic operations. Our experience suggests that surgical repair of the acute type A aortic dissection can be a simple and safe procedure if sutureless intraluminal grafts are used and hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion are utilized.

Reversal of refractory hypotension in septic shock by inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that results from exposure to bacterial endotoxin. It is mediated by the release of cytokines. Some of these cytokines cause the release of vasoactive substances. We report the case of a 62-year-old male patient who received redo operation for replacement of the degenerative porcine aortic and mitral prostheses. High cardiac output shock developed on the seventh postoperative day with severe metabolic acidosis and oliguria. Systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure elevated within 5 min and stabilized 60 min after the start of a single dose of intravenous administration of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (50 mg), a potent and selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. These findings indicate that nitric oxide overproduction is an important contributor to refractory hypotension in high cardiac output septic shock. Our findings suggested the utilization of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in the treatment of septic shock in humans.

Non-denaturing assay for the determination of the potency of recombinant bovine somatotropin by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography

A non-denaturing high-performance size-exclusion chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of the potency of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in bulk materials. A Spherogel TSK 3000 PW column containing a polymer base packing material with very hydrophilic bonded surface was used in this method. Ammonium hydrogencarbonate buffer pH 9.0, was used as the mobile phase. This method was shown to be non-denaturing by rat mass-gain assay and radioreceptor assay. The optimization for the separation and determination of rbST has been investigated. The method was validated for the determination of rbST in bulk materials. In addition, rbST soluble aggregates formed in the production process due to protein association, used to be found in bulk materials. The behavior of rbST soluble aggregates in ammonium hydrogencarbonate solutions have been studied. The bio-inactive aggregates can be separated by the method developed in this study. The high-low chromatographic technique has been used to estimate rbST soluble aggregates in bulk materials.

Entry of extracellular calcium mediates dopamine D1-stimulated growth hormone release from goldfish pituitary cells

Unlike mammals, the goldfish is unique in having dopamine (DA) D1 receptors in the anterior pituitary. In this species, DA stimulates growth hormone (GH) release via D1 receptors coupled to the cAMP-dependent pathway. To further examine the postreceptor mechanisms of this novel pituitary DA D1 system, the role of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e] in mediating DA D1-stimulated GH release was studied using dispersed goldfish pituitary cells. The GH responses to DA (1 nM-10 microM), the D1 agonist SKF38393 (1 microM), and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (10 microM) were abolished by incubation with Ca(2+)-deficient medium. Incubation with depolarizing doses of KCl (10-25 mM), which activate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC), induced GH release in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the VSCC blockers nifedipine (10 microM), nicardipine (10 microM), and verapamil (10 microM) and the inorganic competitor of Ca2+ entry CoCl2 (5 mM) blocked the GH responses to DA (1 microM) as well as SKF38393 (1 microM). These results strongly indicate that the entry of [Ca2+]e via VSCC is an essential part of the signal transduction mechanisms mediating DA D1-stimulated GH release in the goldfish. In this study, the possible interactions between the Ca(2+)- and cAMP-dependent pathways in DA-induced GH secretion were also investigated. The membrane-permeant cAMP analogue 8Br.cAMP (1 mM) and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (10 microM) stimulated GH release from goldfish pituitary cells. These GH responses were suppressed by incubation with Ca(2+)-deficient medium or with the VSCC blocker nifedipine (10 microM). Furthermore, the GH responses to forskolin (10 microM) and the nonselective DA agonist apomorphine (1 microM) were not additive to that of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (10 microM). These results suggest that [Ca2+]e entry induced by DA D1 stimulation occur at steps after activation of the cAMP-dependent pathway.

Modulatory effect of piperine on benzo[a]pyrene cytotoxicity and DNA adduct formation in V-79 lung fibroblast cells

Piperine, a major component of black pepper and long peppers, has been reported previously to have an effect on the activation and deactivation of some exogenous substances. In the present study, piperine was found to promote DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in cultured V-79 lung fibroblast cells. The V-79 cells were treated with a non-toxic dose of piperine (1-20 microM) plus 10 microM B[a]P, or pretreated with piperine for 30 min or 2 hr prior to the administration of 10 microM B[a]P. B[a]P cytotoxicity was potentiated significantly by piperine under each experimental condition. The relative plating efficiency (RPE) was 71% when V-79 cells were exposed to 10 microM B[a]P alone. When the culture was exposed to B[a]P plus piperine or pretreated with piperine for 30 min prior to the administration of B[a]P, the RPE values were 63 and 44% (P < 0.001), respectively. Pretreatment with piperine for 2 hr had no significant effect (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the lowest activities (P < 0.05) of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UDP-GTase) of piperine-treated V-79 cells occurred 30 min to 1 hr after the piperine pretreatment. Pretreatment of V-79 cells with piperine also caused an increase in the covalent binding of B[a]P-diol-epoxide to DNA, 2.3 times greater than that of the V-79 cells without piperine treatment. These results suggest that the promotion by piperine of B[a]P-induced cytotoxicity in V-79 lung fibroblast cells is due to mechanisms that decrease the activities of GST and UDP-GTase and increase the formation of a B[a]P-DNA adduct.

Interactions between protein kinase C and arachidonic acid in the gonadotropin response to salmon and chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II in goldfish

Previous studies have shown that, in goldfish, the gonadotropin (GTH) response to salmon GTH-releasing hormone (sGnRH) is partly mediated by arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via the lipoxygenase enzyme system, whereas protein kinase C (PKC) participates in both sGnRH- and chicken (c)GnRH-II-induced GTH secretion. In this study, the interactions between AA- and PKC-dependent pathways in mediating the long-term GnRH stimulation of GTH release were further investigated using dispersed goldfish pituitary cell cultures in static incubation. Treatments with AA or the PKC activator tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) increased GTH release. The GTH responses to AA and TPA were additive. The lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA) and the PKC inhibitor H7 selectively reduced AA- and TPA-stimulated GTH release, respectively. These findings suggest that the GTH responses to stimulation by AA- and PKC-dependent signaling pathways are independent of one another. In other experiments, the GTH response to cGnRH-II was unaffected by NDGA but was abolished by H7. In contrast, sGnRH-induced GTH release was attenuated by NDGA and H7. Furthermore, in the presence of both NDGA and H7, the GTH response to sGnRH was abolished. These data suggest that sGnRH stimulation of GTH secretion involves both AA- and PKC-dependent mechanisms; in contrast, cGnRH-II action is not dependent on AA metabolism. The pathway by which AA might be mobilized in response to a GnRH challenge was also investigated by pharmacological manipulations. The diacylglcerol (DG) lipase inhibitor, U-57908, did not decrease sGnRH- and cGnRH-II-induced GTH secretion. On the other hand, the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors, bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), chloroquine, and quinacrine, reduced sGnRH-elicited, but not cGnRH-II-stimulated GTH release. The addition of AA reversed the inhibitory action of BPB on sGnRH-elicited GTH release. In addition, the GTH response to AA was additive to the cGnRH-II-induced, but not the sGnRH-elicited GTH release. Together, these findings indicate that sGnRH-induced AA mobilization probably involves activation of PLA2 but not DG lipase. These results also support the hypothesis that the AA signaling component is much less important in mediating the long-term cGnRH-II-stimulated GTH secretion, as compared to sGnRH-elicited GTH release.

Long-term results of polytetrafluoroethylene mitral annuloplasty

Prosthetic rings are customarily used for mitral annuloplasty to plicate and reinforce the annulus and keep the annulus from further dilating. From July 1984 to March 1992, mitral annular plication using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft material was performed on 73 patients (age range, 15 to 69 years; mean, 35.7 years) with mitral regurgitation. The cause of the mitral regurgitation was rheumatic in 50.7% and degenerative in 36.9% of the patients. After other repair procedures on the mitral valve apparatus had been performed, a PTFE graft (3 mm) was tailored to the length of the free edge of the anterior leaflet and then inserted at the posterior part of the mitral annulus between the commissures. The operative mortality was 2.7%. Follow-up ranged from 0.7 to 8.5 years (mean, 5.6 years). Postoperative echocardiography confirmed that 94.2% of the survivors had either no or only mild mitral regurgitation with a large mitral valve area (2.7 +/- 0.3 cm2) and almost no pressure gradient across the mitral valve or left ventricular outflow tract. Two patients successfully underwent redo PTFE mitral annuloplasty. Two patients died, one 15 and the other 20 months later, due to myocardial failure, with no mitral regurgitation. The event-free survival rate was 90% +/- 4% at 8 years. We conclude that PTFE mitral annuloplasty is an effective procedure that yields good long-term results.

Expression of multiple oncogenes in human esophageal carcinomas

To study the oncogenesis of human esophageal carcinoma, the expression of a variety of oncogenes was studied in 10 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and 16 pairs of tumor and nontumor tissues removed from patients with esophageal carcinoma. Northern blot analyses using 11 different oncogene probes revealed that 5 oncogenes, i.e. c-myc, c-H-ras, c-sis, c-raf, and c-fos, were expressed. Among them, a variant c-sis mRNA transcript of 2.7 kilobase (kb) was expressed in 7 of 10 cell lines and in 9 of 16 tumor tissues. Furthermore, an overexpression and an amplification of c-myc gene was observed in some cell lines. These results suggest that multiple oncogene expression may be required for the induction, maintenance, and progression of esophageal carcinoma. The expression of a 2.7-kb transcript, of c-sis and overexpression of c-myc gene may play some role in the carcinogenesis of esophageal carcinoma.

Interactions of somatostatin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and the gonads on dopamine-stimulated growth hormone release in the goldfish

Previously, we have demonstrated that dopamine (DA) stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from the goldfish pituitary through DA D1 receptors. In the present study, the role of DA as a GH-releasing factor was further examined in vitro by studying its interactions with other GH regulators in the goldfish. The GH-releasing effects of DA and salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) were found to be independent and additive at the pituitary cell level. Both the kinetics and the magnitude of DA-stimulated GH release were unaffected by simultaneous treatment with sGnRH and vice versa. Castration of sexually mature (or prespawning) goldfish significantly enhanced the DA-stimulated GH release, but at the same time reduced the GH responses to sGnRH. Furthermore, the GH responses to DA and the D1 agonist SKF38393 were totally abolished by somatostatin (SRIF), a known GH release inhibitor in the goldfish. These findings strongly indicate that SRIF, DA, sGnRH, and gonadal factors interact at the pituitary level to regulate GH release in the goldfish.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery. Manipulation without trocar in 112 consecutive procedures

Since learning of the video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques in the treatment of thoracic diseases, we have encountered many problems and difficulties because of the limited trocar space and lack of suitable instrumentations. Since March 1992, we have found a simple and easier way to perform this procedure, that is, manipulating through the extended incisional wound without using a trocar. Endoscopic and conventional thoracic instruments are able to pass through the incisional channel freely and manipulate similarly to the technique used in open thoracotomy. All the patients had less postoperative pain, reduced operative time, and prompt return to employment. The technique is effective and is herein described.

Presence and biological activity of a GnRH-like factor in the nervous system of Helisoma trivolvis

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) constitutes a family of neuropeptides found throughout the vertebrates. Although a GnRH-like peptide has also been isolated from yeast (alpha-mating factor), the presence of GnRH has not been clearly demonstrated in invertebrate phyla. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that GnRH-like peptides are present and functional in the central nervous system (CNS) of the gastropod mollusc, Helisoma trivolvis. The presence of a GnRH-like peptide was examined by three methods: (1) in immunofluorescence studies with four different antibodies generated against several GnRH peptides, select neurons and putative neurosecretory cells were specifically and consistently labelled throughout the CNS; (2) reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) analysis revealed a GnRH-like factor which co-migrates with mammalian (m)GnRH; and (3) in bioactivity experiments, extracts of Helisoma trivolvis CNS mimicked GnRH in stimulating gonadotropin release from dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in static culture. Two functional assays were carried out to examine the potential biological roles of GnRH-like peptides in Helisoma. (1) Intracellular recordings of left-parietal and visceral ganglion neurons revealed diverse electrophysiological responses to mGnRH. These effects were attenuated by a mGnRH antagonist. (2) Addition of mGnRH arrested neurite outgrowth in a subpopulation of dissociated embryonic Helisoma neurons in culture. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that a mGnRH-like peptide is an important neuropeptide in Helisoma. A hypothesis is presented that GnRH-like peptides may be ancient factors that are conserved both structurally and functionally in the evolution of animals.

Voltage-activated ionic currents in goldfish pituitary cells

The release of gonadotropin and growth hormone from goldfish pituitary cells has been shown to be dependent on the entry of extracellular Ca2+ through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels by pharmacological studies. As a first step to further investigate the involvement of voltage-dependent ion channels in the regulation of anterior pituitary hormone release in the goldfish, cell excitability and voltage-dependent ion currents were characterized using tight-seal whole-cell recordings in dispersed goldfish pituitary cells. Cultured goldfish pituitary cells had an average membrane potential of -36 +/- 3 mV. When held at membrane potentials more negative than -60 mV, these cells were excitable, responding to depolarizing current pulses or anode break with the firing of single action potentials. Results from total current voltage-clamp recordings suggested that all goldfish pituitary cells possess voltage-dependent Na+, Ca2+, and K+ currents. These currents were further characterized independently under isolated current recording conditions. The rapid, transient Na+ current activated at voltages more positive than -40 mV and was sensitive to tetrodotoxin. The steady state inactivation of this Na+ current was also voltage-dependent; at the measured resting potential, > or = 50% of the Na+ current was not available for activation. The voltage-dependence and activation kinetics of the tetraethylammonium-sensitive K+ current resembled those of the delayed rectifier K+ current. The K+ current activated slowly at potentials more positive than -40 mV, and showed little inactivation over the duration of a 1-sec depolarizing pulse. Steady-state inactivation characteristics indicated that < 50% of the K+ current was inactivated at resting potentials. Experiments with 4-aminopyridine indicated the presence of an early transient K+ current that activated in a similar voltage range as the delayed rectifier current. Using barium as the charge carrier to measure Ca2+ currents, a high-voltage activated, long-lasting Ca2+ current was revealed. This "L-type" Ca2+ current activated at potentials more positive than -30 mV and was inhibited by verapamil and nifedipine. This study indicates that goldfish pituitary cells possess the electrophysiological properties required for the participation of voltage-sensitive ion channels in the regulation of hormone release.

Thoracic actinomycosis

Actinomycotic infection is uncommon and primary actinomycosis of the lung and chest wall has been less frequently reported. This disease may present as chronic debilitating illness with radiographic manifestation simulating lung tumor, pulmonary infiltrating lesion, or chronic suppuration. From 1984 to 1990, we experienced 17 cases of thoracic actinomycosis. There were nine patients who presented with a clinical picture of a suppurative lesions and the remaining eight were suspected of having primary lung tumor initially. In no case was an accurate diagnosis made at the time of hospital admission. Final diagnosis was based on aspiration (n = 3), anaerobic sputum culture (n = 1), bronchoscopic biopsy specimens (n = 4), and histologic examination of the resected tissue in the remaining 9 patients who received surgical excision. Among the 17 patients, 8 were treated medically and the other 9 received surgical intervention followed by antibiotic treatment. Regarding the surgically treated patients, suspected malignancy is the most common indication for operation (seven of nine). However, both medically and surgically treated patients achieved good clinical results, and the postoperative courses were uneventful. We would like to remind physicians of this unusual entity and review our own experience with particular emphasis on the clinical diagnosis and management of this unique disease.

Characterization of D1 receptors mediating dopamine-stimulated growth hormone release from pituitary cells of the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Previously, we demonstrated that dopamine (DA) stimulates GH release from the pituitary of goldfish, and this action is mediated by D1-like receptors. In the current study, we have provided evidence for the presence of D1-specific binding sites in the pituitary cells of goldfish. These D1-binding sites were found to be saturable, stereospecific, and selective for D1 ligands. The rank order of binding affinity of these D1-binding sites is (+)SCH23390 > SKF83566 >> (-)SCH23390 > domperidone > LY171555 >> serotonin. The association of these D1-binding sites with [3H]SCH23390, a D1-specific radioligand, was rapid, reversible, and exhibited a high binding affinity in the nanomolar range. The Kd values were estimated to be 33.7 +/- 8.5 nM for mixed populations of pituitary cells and 10.9 +/- 2.5 nM for pituitary cell preparations enriched with somatotrophs. Autoradiographic studies revealed that specific binding of [3H]SCH23390 was predominantly localized in the pars distalis, not in the neurointermediate lobe of the goldfish pituitary. Furthermore, these D1-binding sites in the goldfish pituitary cells could be functionally correlated with the GH-releasing actions of DA. Since these D1-binding sites exhibited the expected pharmacological properties of mammalian D1 receptors, we conclude that DA D1 receptors are present in the goldfish pituitary and are responsible for the mediation of DA D1-stimulated GH release. The apparent similarities of the D1 receptor pharmacology between goldfish and mammals also suggests that DA D1 receptors are highly conserved during vertebrate evolution.

Thromboxane A2: an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor in human internal mammary arteries

The internal mammary artery (IMA) has become the conduct of choice for coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the IMA graft can exhibit vasoconstriction during the perioperative period. Experiments were designed to determine the role of cyclooxygenase products in human IMA during hypoxia. Rings of IMA, with and without endothelium, were suspended in organ baths containing physiologic salt solution. Rings were contracted with norepinephrine and then exposed to hypoxia for 15 minutes. In segments with endothelium, hypoxia induced a transient relaxation followed by contraction. This contraction was associated with a significantly increased production of thromboxane B2, the stable metabolite of thromboxane A2 (n = 10; from 120.7 +/- 3.5 pg/mg wet tissue before hypoxia to 175.8 +/- 5.2 pg/mg during hypoxia; p < 0.05). This hypoxic contraction could be attenuated by indomethacin. However, thromboxane B2 could not be detected in samples from organ baths containing IMA segments without endothelium before or during hypoxia. This study demonstrated that endothelium of human IMA grafts releases thromboxane A2 basally and that production is augmented by hypoxia, which acts to constrict the underlying vascular smooth muscle, increase vascular tone, and promote ischemic events such as vasospasm and thrombosis, particularly in hypoxemic patients.

Involvement of protein kinase C in the modulation of gonadotropin and growth hormone secretion from dispersed goldfish pituitary cells

It has been established that secretion of gonadotropin (GtH) and growth hormone (GH) release in goldfish are both stimulated by GtH-releasing hormone (GnRH); in addition GtH secretion is inhibited by dopamine D2 mechanisms. In the present study, depletion of protein kinase C (PKC) in goldfish pituitary cells reduced the GtH and GH responses to GnRH and an activator of PKC in static culture. In perifusion studies, GtH released in response to sGnRH analog was greatly attenuated in PKC-depleted cells, however, hormone responses to forskolin were enhanced. Stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors reduced the GtH, but not the GH, responses elicited by PKC activators. These results indicate that PKC participates in the GtH and GH responses to natural neuroendocrine regulators in the goldfish.

Intracellular mechanisms mediating gonadotropin and growth hormone release in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Evidence for the involvement of Ca(2+), protein kinase C, cAMP, and arachidonic acid metabolism in mediating gonadotropin (GTH) and growth hormone (GH) release in the goldfish is reviewed. Models for the signal transduction pathways mediating GTH-releasing hormone (GnRH) and dopamine actions on GTH and GH secretion are postulated. A novel hypothesis that two GnRHs which bind to the same receptor type activate different transduction cascade in two different cell types (GTH vs. GH) as well as within the same cell type (GTH) is presented.

Downregulation of protein kinase C levels leads to inhibition of GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion from dispersed pituitary cells of goldfish

We have previously shown that the abilities of the two native goldfish GnRHs, salmon GnRH (sGnRH) and chicken GnRH II (cGnRH II), to stimulate gonadotropin (GtH) secretion and elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels are mimicked by the protein kinase C (PKC) stimulators, 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The ability of PKC inhibitors to attenuate GnRH-stimulated GtH secretion was also demonstrated. In the present study, the involvement of PKC was examined through the reduction of cellular PKC levels by prolonged preincubation of the cells with TPA (TPA desensitization). TPA pretreatment reduced the levels of PKC in fish pituitary cells as measured by immunoblotting (Western blot). Pretreatment of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in static culture with TPA abolished the GtH responses to sGnRH, cGnRH II and ionomycin, and drastically reduced TPA- and DiC8-stimulated GtH release, but had no major effect on forskolin-induced GtH release. TPA pretreatment also reduces the cell content of GtH in goldfish pituitary cells. Interestingly, treatment with all of the pharmacological secretagogues tested led to a decrease in cellular contents of GtH, however, the two native GnRHs had no such effect. In rapid column perifusion experiments (1-min fractions), the GtH responses induced by both native GnRHs were characterized by an initial acute increase in hormone secretion followed by a 'plateau' phase which is smaller in magnitude relative to the initial phase. TPA pretreatment of perifused cells greatly reduced both the peak and plateau phases of sGnRH- and cGnRHII-stimulated GtH secretion;TPA-induced GtH release is also greatly attenuated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dopamine functions as a growth hormone-releasing factor in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

In vivo and in vitro approaches have been used to examine the role of dopamine (DA) as a growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor in the goldfish. DA stimulated GH release from perifused pituitary fragments of goldfish in a dose-dependent manner. The GH-releasing effect of DA was seasonal, being the highest in sexually regressed fish, intermediate in recrudescent fish, and the lowest in sexually mature (prespawning) fish. The GH response to DA was blocked by the D1 antagonist (+)SCH23390, confirming the involvement of D1 receptors in DA-stimulated GH release. In studies using static incubation of pituitary cells, somatostatin, a known physiological GH-release inhibitor in the goldfish, abolished the GH response to DA. Intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine, a non-selective DA agonist, also increased the plasma GH levels and enhanced the linear body growth of goldfish. These results strongly suggest that DA, by acting through DA D1 receptors, functions as a GH-releasing factor in the goldfish.

Gastro-pleural fistula related with penetrating stab injuries of the chest and abdomen: laparotomy or thoracotomy

A 30-year-old male presented with left side empyema due to gastro-pleural fistula following repair of penetrating stab injuries of left lower chest and abdomen. Exploratory thoracotomy was done due to persistent moderate amount of purulent discharge. However, fistula tract was not detected through this approach. The small fistula tract was repaired finally through laparotomy. We recommended the abdominal approach if the disease is not combined with diaphragmatic hernia. Transabdominal approach showed superiority in this rare entity.

In vitro and in vivo evidence that dopamine exerts growth hormone-releasing activity in goldfish

We have previously demonstrated that dopamine (DA) and the DA D1 agonist SKF 38393 stimulate growth hormone (GH) release from perifused pituitary fragments of the goldfish, suggesting an involvement of DA D1 receptors in GH regulation. In the present study, the role of DA on GH release and body growth of the goldfish was further investigated both in vivo and in vitro. DA consistently stimulated GH release in a dose-dependent manner from perifused goldfish pituitary fragments. The GH-releasing action of DA was seasonal, being the highest in sexually regressed fish, intermediate in recrudescent fish, and the lowest in sexually mature (prespawning) fish. Somatostatin, a known GH-release inhibitor in the goldfish, suppressed basal GH release and abolished the GH response to DA in perifused pituitary fragments as well as pituitary cells under static incubation. Intraperitoneal administration of the nonselective DA agonist apomorphine and the D1 agonist SKF 82958 increased the plasma GH levels in the goldfish. These GH responses were blocked by simultaneous treatment with the D1 antagonist Sch 23390 but not the D2 antagonist pimozide. Apomorphine administered orally also induced a similar elevation in plasma GH levels. Long-term feeding with apomorphine was found to be stimulatory to the body growth of goldfish. These results provide evidence that the neurotransmitter DA, by acting through DA D1 receptors in the pituitary, also functions as a GH-releasing factor in the goldfish.