Role of substance P in cough during bronchoconstriction in awake guinea pigs

To examine the role of substance P (SP) in cough during bronchoconstriction, we studied the effects of an aerosolized beta-adrenoceptor agonist, procaterol, and a specific inhibitor of SP (NK1) receptor, FK 888, on bronchoconstriction and cough induced by aerosols of histamine and acetylcholine (ACh) in unsensitized guinea pigs and by those of ovalbumin (OA) antigen in guinea pigs sensitized to OA. Intensity of bronchoconstriction was evaluated by the time to onset of bronchoconstriction after the inhalation of bronchoconstrictors. Both procaterol (10(-6) to 10(-4) M, 2 min) and FK 888 (10(-7) to 10(-5) M, 2 min) dose dependently decreased the number of coughs and increased the time to onset of bronchoconstriction induced by histamine (10(-2) M, 15 s). Procaterol attenuated histamine-induced cough only at the concentrations effective to inhibit bronchoconstriction. However, FK 888 at concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-6) M decreased the number of coughs without effect on bronchoconstriction. Likewise, the inhibitory effects of procaterol (10(-5) M, 2 min) on the number of coughs were parallel to those on bronchoconstriction induced by ACh (10(-1) M, 15 s) and OA antigen (0.1% concentration, 30 s), but FK 888 (10(-6) M, 2 min) decreased the number of coughs without effect on bronchoconstriction induced by them. The number of coughs induced by histamine (10(-2) M, 15 s) was inhibited by systemic capsaicin treatment and enhanced by phosphoramidon (10(-5) M, 5 min) without effect on bronchoconstriction. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhancement of hyperthermic killing in L5178Y cells by protease inhibitors

We have investigated the effect of protease inhibitors on hyperthermic cell killing using cultured mammalian cells (L5178Y) and found that protease inhibitors were potent hyperthermia sensitizers. At 37 degrees C, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine protease inhibitor, was not cytotoxic at the concentration of 400 micrograms/ml for up to 6 h. When cells were exposed to PMSF (200-400 micrograms/ml) during heating at 43 degrees C, significant potentiation of hyperthermic cell killing was observed. Other protease inhibitors, such as chymostatin and diisopropylfluorophosphate (both are serine protease inhibitors); (2S,3S)-trans-epoxy-succinyl-L-leucylamido-3-methylbutane ethyl ester (cysteine protease inhibitor) and pepstatin-A (aspartate protease inhibitor) showed similar effects. However, when cells were heated at 43 degrees C in the presence of cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) together with PMSF, hyperthermic enhancement by PMSF decreased markedly. A decrease in potentiating the effect of PMSF was also noted with thermotolerant cells. These facts suggest that protease inhibitors may exert their hyperthermic cell killing by inhibiting proteases and ubiquitin, which are necessary to degrade denatured proteins induced by heat.

Sleep disturbance in elderly patients with cognitive impairment, decreased daily activity and periventricular white matter lesions

We investigated how sleep disturbance is correlated with brain lesions, cognitive impairment and decreased daily activity (ADL). Two hundred and four chronically ill patients including patients with vascular dementia were classified into eight groups based on cognitive function, ADL and grades of PVL (periventricular lucency) as shown by computerized tomography. Visual monitoring of the sleep/wake state was performed hourly for 14 consecutive days and the daytime sleep hours and the nighttime sleep hours were determined based on detected disturbances in the sleep/wake pattern. Whether any specific infarcted regions were correlated with sleep disturbance was also evaluated. We found that daytime sleep hours were increased and nighttime sleep hours were decreased by three single factors: cognitive impairment, decreased ADL and the severe grade of PVL. As for an interactive effect of the two factors, daytime sleep hours were increased by dementia with decreased ADL (independent of PVL) and increased by decreased ADL with the severe grade of PVL (independent of dementia). Although three factors affected sleep independently, ADL has an interactive effect on sleep with dementia and with PVL. No specific cortical regions related to sleep disturbance were found.

Effects of erythropoietin, IL-3, IL-6 and LIF on a murine megakaryoblastic cell line: growth enhancement and expression of receptor mRNAs

We examined the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), recombinant murine interleukin 3 (rmIL-3), recombinant human interleukin 6 (rhIL-6), recombinant human interleukin 11 (rhIL-11), recombinant murine leukemia inhibitory factor (rmLIF) and recombinant murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) on the growth of murine megakaryocytic cell lines. In serum-free methylcellulose culture supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), the addition of rhEPO (0.1-10 U/ml), rmIL-3 (10-500 U/ml), rhIL-6 (100-10,000 U/ml), rmLIF (100-10,000 U/ml), or rmGM-CSF (10-1000 U/ml) enhanced colony growth in L8057Y5 cells, which had been maintained in protein-free culture, mostly in a dose-dependent fashion; rhIL-11 did not have any stimulatory effect at the tested doses (10-1000 U/ml). In addition, colony growth of L8057 cells, which had been maintained in serum-containing culture, was enhanced, but to a lesser extent, by the addition of these cytokines except rhEPO (the cultures were supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum. Among the cytokines that showed growth-enhancing effects on L8057 cells, the expression of mRNAs encoding receptors for EPO, IL-6 and IL-3 was examined by northern blot analysis or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In both cell lines, mRNAs for EPO-R, IL-6R, gp130, IL-3R alpha and beta chains were constitutively expressed. The results suggest that L8057 and L8057Y5 cell lines have characteristics of megakaryoblastic cells in their biological responses to cytokines, as well as in the expression of cytokine receptor mRNAs, and that the growth-enhancing effects of these cytokines on the cell lines may be achieved through specific receptors. Our findings show the value of these cell lines for investigating the mechanisms of growth signal transduction in megakaryopoiesis.

Erdheim-Chester disease and slowly progressive cerebellar dysfunction

A 59 year old woman developed pronounced thirst, increased water intake, and increased urinary output followed by slowly progressive cerebellar symptoms. Brain MRI showed abnormal hyperintensity on T2 weighted studies in the region of both dentate nuclei without atrophy of the cerebellum or the brainstem. A 99mTC diphosphonate bone scan showed bone lesions in the distal parts of both femurs as well as distal and proximal parts of both tibias. The diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made by bone biopsy. This is the first case of Erdheim-Chester disease presenting as a slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome and diabetes insipidus, and also showing high signal lesions in deep cerebellar nuclei on MRI. Skeletal surveys are indicated for patients with otherwise unexplained slowly progressive cerebellar symptoms.

Oxidants affect permeability and repair of the cultured human tracheal epithelium

To examine the effects of oxidants on the airway epithelial barrier functions, human tracheal epithelial cells were cultured on porous filter membrane. Glucose oxidase (GO; 10 U/ml), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 4 x 10(-3) M), and xanthine (5 x 10(-4) M) plus xanthine oxidase (20 mU/ml) (X-XO) significantly increased electrical conductance across epithelial membrane (G), short-circuit current (Isc) measured with Ussing's chamber methods, and [3H]mannitol flux through the cultured epithelium. Increases in G and Isc induced by oxidants were significantly inhibited by catalase (1,000 U/ml) and the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (10(-7) M), but superoxide dismutase (SOD; 100 U/ml) was without effect. GO, H2O2, and X-XO inhibited the epithelial cell growth, [3H]thymidine incorporation by the cells, and epithelial repair of artificially produced focal epithelial defects (1-2 mm diam) on plastic vessels. Catalase also inhibited effects induced by oxidants on cell growth and proliferation. These results suggest that oxidants reduce tracheal epithelial barrier functions by damaging tight junctions and inhibiting cell proliferation, and these effects of oxidants on epithelial cells may be mediated by H2O2 rather than superoxide anion and by activation of protein kinase C.

Isolation of intramitochondrial helical filaments appearing in outer compartment of mitochondria

BACKGROUND

Packets of helical filaments have been observed in the outer compartment of occasional mitochondria in many cell types in a variety of animals. The composition and function of these intramitochondrial helical filaments (IMHF) are unknown.

METHODS

IMHF were induced in a hepatic mitochondria by administration of ethanol in the drinking water of rats. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated and ruptured by osmotic shock, releasing the IMHF. To purify these structures, the IMHF-containing supernatant was further fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, a 50-60% solution of this reagent being the most effective in this regard. Isolated IMHF were examined by electron microscopy and were analyzed by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS

Isolated IMHF closely resembled their in situ counterparts: they had a right-handed helical structure with a 16 nm pitch. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that they contained three polypeptides with molecular weight of 135, 98, and 53 kD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations will stand as a baseline for comparisons with IMHF that occur naturally or that are induced in other cell types by other kinds of experimental manipulation.

Transcriptional activity of a fluorinated vitamin D analog on VDR-RXR-mediated gene expression

The transcriptional activity of the hexafluorinated derivative of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [F6-1,25-(OH)2D3], was examined in cultured cells by a transient expression assay (CAT assay) using expression vectors for the rat nuclear vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) and the rat 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor (RXR beta), and a reporter plasmid containing a consensus vitamin D3 response element (VDRE) consisting of two directly repeated AGGTCA motifs spaced by 3 bp (DR3). At physiological concentrations, the transcriptional activity of F6-1,25-(OH)2D3 was 2-4 times more potent than that of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in both nontarget (HeLa) and target (UMR106) cells for 1,25-(OH)2D3. The transcriptional activity of F6-1,25-(OH)2D3 was also higher when the endogenous target gene (osteopontin), which has a VDRE related to the DR3 in its promoter, was induced. A gel-shift assay using DR3 as a probe and in vitro synthesized receptors showed that the ligand-induced DNA binding of VDR required RXR to form a heterodimer. Moreover, in this assay we found that F6-1,25-(OH)2D3 induced the receptor-DNA complex at a 10-fold lower concentration than 1,25-(OH)2D3 without influencing the dissociation kinetics. However, the binding affinity of F6-1,25-(OH)2D3 for VDR was slightly lower than that of 1,25-(OH)2D3. The increased DNA binding of ligand-bound VDR by introducing hexafluorines into 1,25-(OH)2D3 may potentiate the transcriptional activity. Thus, the higher biological activity of F6-1,25-(OH)2D3 may be exerted at least in part by enhanced transcriptional activity.

Mapping of the gene for Machado-Joseph disease within a 3.6-cM interval flanked by D14S291/D14S280 and D14S81, on the basis of studies of linkage and linkage disequilibrium in 24 Japanese families

The gene locus of Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) has recently been mapped within a 29-cM subregion of 14q chromosome. We did a linkage study of 24 multigenerational MJD Japanese pedigrees, in an attempt to narrow the candidate region of this gene. Pairwise and multipoint linkage analysis, together with haplotype segregation analysis, led to the conclusion that the MJD gene is located at the 6.8-cM interval between D14S256 and D14S81 (Zmax = 24.78, multipoint linkage analysis). D14S291 and D14S280, located at the center of this interval, showed no obligate recombination with the MJD gene (Zmax = 5.93 for D14S291 and 9.99 for D14S280). A weak, but significant, linkage disequilibrium of MJD gene was noted with D14S81 (P < .05) but not with D14S291 or D14S280. These results suggest that a 3.6-cM interval flanked by D14S291/D14S280 and D14S81 is the most likely location of the MJD gene and that it is closest to D14S81.

Hyperintense putamen on T1-weighted MR images in a case of chorea with hyperglycemia

A 77-year-old woman had an acute onset of chorea after hyperglycemic coma. She had no family history of neurologic disorders. Although brain CT showed no detectable lesions in the putamen, MR revealed a high intensity on T1-weighted images and a low intensity on T2-weighted images in both putamina.

Isoproterenol augments ATP-evoked Cl- secretion across canine tracheal epithelium

Using an Ussing chamber, both the posterior epithelial membrane and cultured epithelial cell monolayers from canine trachea were used for measurements of potential difference (PD) and short circuit current (SCC). Conductance (G) was calculated as the ratio SCC/PD. Adenosine (10(-5) to 10(-3) M) failed to produce any significant increases in PD and SCC. ATP (10(-6) to 10(-4) M) produced a significant transient increase in SCC in a dose-dependent fashion, reaching a peak value within 3 min after stimulation. Isoproterenol (ISOP) at 10(-8) M itself did not significantly alter the SCC value. In both the epithelial membrane and cultured epithelial cells treated with amiloride, however, pretreatment with 10(-8) M ISOP significantly augmented the ATP-induced SCC rise, whereas G did not significantly change. These findings indicate that beta-adrenergic stimulation augments Cl- secretion induced by P2-receptor stimulation in airway epithelial cells.

Effect of ophthalmic preservatives on serum concentration and local irritation of ocularly applied insulin

We previously compared hypoglycemic responses after the instillation of insulin formulations. A hypoglycemic response was actually observed after an instillation of insulin with ophthalmic preservatives. In the present study, in order to evaluate the usefulness of insulin formulation containing ophthalmic preservatives, a serum concentration of insulin and an irritation to the eye were investigated after instillation of the insulin formulation in albino rabbits. The ophthalmic preservatives used were benzalkonium chloride, paraben, 2-phenylethanol, benzyl alcohol and sorbic acid. As a result, ophthalmic preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride and paraben, increased the serum concentration of insulin. The insulin concentration showed a significant correlation with the hypoglycemic response reported previously. This result indicates that ophthalmic preservatives increase the absorption of ocularly applied insulin, and the absorbed insulin decreases serum glucose concentration. The insulin formulation with preservatives showed little irritation on rabbit eyes according to blinking measurements. These results indicate that ophthalmic preservatives are useful for the systemic delivery of ocularly applied insulin.

Localization of histamine N-methyltransferase messenger RNA in human nasal mucosa

BACKGROUND

Histamine is metabolized mainly by histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT) to N tau-methylhistamine in human nasal mucosa. Human HMT cDNA has been cloned and expressed in COS cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the localization of HMT METHODS: The fragment (nucleotide residues 430-1055) of human HMT cDNA was subcloned in a Bluescript vector (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.), and HMT sense anti-sense RNA probes were made with T7 and T3 RNA polymerases. In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes was performed on surgical specimens of human nasal turbinates.

RESULTS

HMT mRNA was localized in cells in the epithelium and submucosa, and densely in endothelial cells of vessels. No HMT mRNA was identified in the submucosal glands. The presence of HMT mRNA was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, and HMT activities were also detected in nasal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that endothelium expresses HMT mRNA, whereas cells in the epithelium and submucosa, which remain unidentified, are an additional source of HMT mRNA.

Serum human hepatocyte growth factor in human menstrual cycle and pregnancy: a novel serum marker of regeneration and reconstruction of human endometrium

Serum concentrations of human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) were measured in normal menstrual cycles and during uncomplicated pregnancies. In the normal menstrual cycle, the concentrations of hHGF increased through the mid and the late luteal phases to reach the highest peak during the menstrual phases, followed by a gradual decline during the follicular phase toward the trough levels seen in the ovulatory and the very early luteal phases. During pregnancy, serum hHGF concentrations increased continuously from the late luteal levels and constituted 4 distinct peaks. By immunostaining, c-Met protein, a receptor for hHGF, was localized not in the stromal but in the epithelial layer of the endometrium. In cultured isolated endometrial cells, hHGF stimulated the proliferation of both the epithelial and the stromal cells. It is likely that hHGF is involved in the repair or reconstruction process of the endometrium after menstrual shedding and implantation.

Ocular permeability of FITC-dextran with absorption promoter for ocular delivery of peptide drug

The purpose of this study is to characterize an ocular permeability of FITC-dextran, as a model of peptide drug, and to evaluate the effects of absorption promoters on the ocular permeability of FITC-dextran. The in vitro penetrations of FITC-dextrans (average molecular weight 4400 and 9400: FD-4 and FD-10) were measured across the isolated corneal and conjunctival membranes of albino rabbits using a two-chamber glass diffusion cell. The corneal permeabilities of FD-4 and FD-10 were much lower than the conjunctival permeabilities. Scraping of corneal epithelium extremely increased the corneal permeabilities. The penetration parameters were estimated according to Fick's equation. Absorption promoters such as EDTA, taurocholic acid, benzalkonium chloride and saponin significantly increased corneal permeabilities of FD-4 and FD-10. Saponin showed the highest promoting activity. Conjunctival permeabilities of FD-4 and FD-10 were also enhanced by absorption promoters although the improvements of conjunctival permeabilities by absorption promoters were smaller than those of corneal permeabilities. Ratios of corneal to conjunctival permeabilities were enhanced by absorption promoters. These results indicate that an ocular delivery of instilled hydrophilic macromolecule is markedly low and a selective use of absorption promoter can improve the extent and pathway of its ocular absorption.

Effect of nadifloxacin on neutrophil functions

Recent reports indicate that nadifloxacin is an effective therapy for acne vulgaris and has a mechanism of action similar to that of the tetracyclines which act directly as antioxidants against infiltrated neutrophils. The effects of nadifloxacin on neutrophil functions, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis and phagocytosis were investigated. Nadifloxacin reduced the numbers of superoxide radical anions (O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.) generated by neutrophils. The drug did not, however, significantly inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis nor did it decrease the levels generated in a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. These results indicate that the clinical effectiveness of nadifloxacin may be partly due to its inhibitory action on the generation of O2- and OH. by neutrophils leading to a reduction in oxidative tissue injury.

Quantitation of P450 aromatase immunoreactivity in human ovary during the menstrual cycle: relationship between the enzyme activity and immunointensity

To understand changes associated with the menstrual cycle in the human ovary, it is very important to examine chronological changes in P450 aromatase (P450arom) enzymatic activity in the normal cycling ovary. Therefore, we initially examined the correlation between intensity of P450arom immunoreactivity and its biochemical enzymatic activity in five estrogen-producing human cancer cell lines (HHUA, Ishikawa, HEC-59, OMC-2, and MCF-7). P450arom immunointensity per cell was evaluated by the CAS 200 computed image analysis system, and its catalytic activity per 10(6) culture cells was analyzed by the tritiated water method. A significant correlation (r = 0.959) was demonstrated between P450arom immunoreactivity and enzymatic activity under optimal conditions of tissue fixation and immunohistochemical procedures. We then investigated P450arom immunointensity in 31 specimens of normal cycling human ovaries to examine chronological changes in P450arom activity per cell throughout the menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase, P450arom was observed in the granulosa cells of one selected antral follicle per case during the mid- to late proliferative period, and its immunointensity per granulosa cell in the follicle was not significantly different between mid- and late proliferative periods, although serum estradiol level was markedly elevated in the late proliferative period. In the luteal phase, both P450arom immunointensity per luteinized granulosa cell in a corpus luteum and serum estradiol level reached a peak in the mid-secretory period. These findings indicate that different factors may influence ovarian P450arom activity during the follicular and luteal phases, i.e., an increased number of granulosa cells in the selected follicle during the follicular phase but changes in P450arom activity per luteinized granulosa cell in the corpus luteum during the luteal phase.