Evaluation and Classification of Incidentally Detected Splenic Lesions Based on B-Mode and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

PURPOSE

To evaluate B-mode ultrasound (B-US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) patterns of focal splenic incidentalomas (FSIs), and to correlate ultrasound patterns with benignity and malignancy via histologic examination and/or the clinical course.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2021, 139 consecutive patients with an FSI detected by B-US were investigated additionally with CEUS. On CEUS, the arterial enhancement (AE) of the FSI (hyperenhancement, isoenhancement, hypoenhancement, and absent enhancement) was analyzed. Subsequently, the malignancy rate according to different B-US echo patterns and CEUS perfusion patterns was determined.

RESULTS

The final diagnosis of FSI was malignant in 9/139 (6.5%) and benign in 130/139 (93.5%) cases. The hypoechoic and hyperechoic lesions on B-US with arterial hyperenhancement on CEUS and the echogenic cystic or complex lesions on B-US with predominantly absent enhancement on CEUS were benign in 54/54 (100%) cases. 6/37 (16.2%) hypoechoic lesions on B-US with arterial hypo-/isoenhancement on CEUS and 3/48 (6.3%) of hyperechoic lesions on B-US with an arterial hypo-/isoenhancement on CEUS were malignant.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, FSIs reveal different malignancy rates depending on the B-US und CEUS patterns, and classification according to these B-US and CEUS patterns may be helpful in further evaluation of an FSI.

Relatively high mortality risk in elderly Swedish subjects with low selenium status

Background/Objectives:

The daily dietary intake of selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is still low in Sweden in spite of decades of nutritional information campaigns and the effect of this on the public health is presently not well known. The objective of this study was to determine the serum Se levels in an elderly Swedish population and to analyze whether a low Se status had any influence on mortality.

Subjects/Methods:

Six-hundred sixty-eight (n=668) elderly participants were invited from a municipality and evaluated in an observational study. Individuals were followed for 6.8 years and Se levels were re-evaluated in 98 individuals after 48 months. Clinical examination of all individuals included functional classification, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and serum Se measurement. All mortality was registered and endpoints of mortality were assessed by Kaplan–Meier plots, and Cox proportional hazard ratios adjusted for potential confounding factors were calculated.

Results:

The mean serum Se level of the study population (n=668) was 67.1 μg/l, corresponding to relatively low Se intake. After adjustment for male gender, smoking, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and impaired heart function, persons with serum Se in the lowest quartile had 43% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–2.00) and 56% (95% CI: 1.03–2.36) increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. The result was not driven by inflammatory effects on Se concentration in serum.

Conclusion:

The mean serum Se concentration in an elderly Swedish population was 67.1 μg/l, which is below the physiological saturation level for several selenoprotein enzymes. This result may suggest the value of modest Se supplementation in order to improve the health of the Swedish population.

Proteomic profiling of the hypothalamus in a mouse model of cancer-induced anorexia-cachexia

Background:

Anorexia-cachexia is a common and severe cancer-related complication but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, using a mouse model for tumour-induced anorexia-cachexia, we screened for proteins that are differentially expressed in the hypothalamus, the brain's metabolic control centre.

Methods:

The hypothalamus of tumour-bearing mice with implanted methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma (MCG 101) displaying anorexia and their sham-implanted pair-fed or free-fed littermates was examined using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE)-based comparative proteomics. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

The 2-DE data showed an increased expression of dynamin 1, hexokinase, pyruvate carboxylase, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor in tumour-bearing mice, whereas heat-shock 70 kDa cognate protein, selenium-binding protein 1, and guanine nucleotide-binding protein Gα₀ were downregulated. The expression of several of the identified proteins was similarly altered also in the caloric-restricted pair-fed mice, suggesting an involvement of these proteins in brain metabolic adaptation to restricted nutrient availability. However, the expression of dynamin 1, which is required for receptor internalisation, and of hexokinase, and pyruvate carboxylase were specifically changed in tumour-bearing mice with anorexia.

Conclusion:

The identified differentially expressed proteins may be new candidate molecules involved in the pathophysiology of tumour-induced anorexia-cachexia.

Neuronal characteristics of amniotic fluid derived cells after adenoviral transformation

Efficient transformation of primary human amniocytes by E1 gene functions of human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) yield in stable cell lines, which exhibit morphological features of epithelial like cells. A thorough investigation using immunocytochemistry confirmed the expression of epithelial cell markers. The analysis also revealed the expression of neuronal and glial marker proteins, such as nestin, vimentin, A2B5 and GFAP. Using RT-PCR, transcripts of the neurotrophic factors nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) could be detected. Neurotrophic factors could also be detected in the cell culture supernatants of transformed amniocytes. In line with previous experimental data on a human Ad5 E1-transformed embryonal kidney cell line (HEK-293), the results suggest a co-expression of epithelial and neuronal marker proteins in E1-transformed human amniotic fluid derived cells and thus a preferential transformation into neuronal-like cells.

Joint mice migration into the deep digital flexor tendon sheath in dogs. Clinical cases and anatomical study

This study describes the appearance of 'joint mice' in the sheath of the deep digital flexor muscle tendon (DDFT) due to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the talocrural joint of 12 dogs. Surgical excision of all free fragments in the DDFT sheath was performed in five dogs, and their clinical progression was documented. The excision of free fragments from the DDFT sheath, but not arthro-tomy, proved clinically beneficial despite the presence of degenerative joint disease. The anatomical communication between the talocrural joint and the DDFT sheath and its dimensions are further illustrated with the use of contrast media and dissection of cadaver limbs.

Biofilm-related infections of cerebrospinal fluid shunts

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts carry a high risk of complications. Infections represent a major cause of shunt failure. Diagnosis and therapy of such infections are complicated by the formation of bacterial biofilms attached to shunt surfaces. This study correlated the pathophysiology and clinical course of biofilm infections with microscopical findings on the respective shunts. Surface irregularities, an important risk-factor for shunt colonisation with bacteria, were found to increase over time because of silicone degradation. Scanning electron-microscopy (SEM) documented residual biological material (dead biofilm), which can further promote extant bacterial adhesion, on newly manufactured shunts. Clinical course and SEM both documented bacterial dissemination against CSF flow and the monodirectional valve. In all cases, biofilms grew on both the inner and outer surfaces of the shunts. Microscopy and conventional culture detected all bacterial shunt infections. Analyses of 16S rDNA sequences using conserved primers identified bacteria in only one of three cases, probably because of previous formalin fixation of the samples.

Low molecular weight compounds with affinity to melanocortin receptors exert neuroprotection in spinal cord injury--an experimental study in the rat

The possibility that five new low molecular weight compounds with varying affinity and selectivity to the melanocortin receptors will exert neuroprotective effects in the spinal cord injury (SCI) induced edema formation and cell damage was examined in a rat model. A focal trauma of the rat spinal cord made by an incision into the right dorsal horn (T10-11) resulted in profound edema formation, leakage of Evans blue albumin and cell injury of the T9 segment at 5 h. Topical application of the Melacure compound ME10501 in high doses (10 microg in 10 microl) given 5 min after SCI resulted in most significant neuroprotection of the T9 segment of the cord compared to other compounds. Thus, marked reduction in water content, leakage of Evans blue albumin, and cell injury were observed in ME10501 treated traumatised rats. These observations suggest that the non-peptide compound ME10501 with affinity to the melanocortin receptor MC4 is capable to induce neuroprotection in the spinal cord following trauma not reported earlier.

Anti-inflammatory potential of melanocortin receptor-directed drugs

Melanocortin receptor-based drug discovery is particularly active in the field of neuroendocrine systems and is mostly related to food intake and novel obesity therapies. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of nonpeptidic, low molecular weight compounds activating the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) provide a new principle for treating various types of inflammation, such as dermal, joint, and gastrointestinal, probably by virtue of the effects acting through modulation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Several reports demonstrate that alpha-MSH, for example, has anti-inflammatory effects in different models. The aim of our study was to design, synthesize, and characterize compounds that bind to and activate the MC1R in vitro. The binding affinities are submicromolar to this receptor, and activation of the receptor (cAMP assay) varies from full agonists to partial agonists as well as antagonists. In vivo, the compounds exert prominent anti-inflammatory effects, with efficacy in the same range as that of dexamethasone, for example. The potential advantages of MC1R-based anti-inflammatory effects versus glucocorticosteroids, for example, are that the latter, albeit exerting prominent anti-inflammatory effects, also have many side effects that most likely will not characterize an MC1R-based anti-inflammatory drug.

Cerebral cysticercosis in a woodchuck (Marmota monax)

A juvenile woodchuck (Marmota monax) with vestibular signs was found in Woodbridge, Ontario (Canada) and later euthanized. At necropsy there was marked distortion of the right side of the skull, where a large, fluctuant, subcutaneous mass extended under the zygomatic arch and caudally from the right eye towards the right ear. The mass was multiloculated and contained a large number of tapeworm cysticerci, each about 1 to 2 mm in diameter. The third and lateral ventricles of the brain were dilated and contained large numbers of similar cysticerci. Based on the exogenous budding of cysts and the morphology of the scolex in each cyst, they were identified as cysticerci of Taenia crassiceps. This is the first report of cerebral cysticercosis in a woodchuck.

Effects of alpha-MSH on kainic acid induced changes in core temperature in rats

The effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of kainic acid (KA) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) alone or in combination, on core temperature of freely moving rats were examined. KA or saline was administered once (10 mg/kg) and alpha-MSH or saline was given repeatedly i.e. 10 min before and 10, 30 and 60 min after the administration of saline or KA. Two doses of alpha-MSH were used: 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg. KA alone produced a biphasic effect on core temperature, i.e. an initial short-lasting hypothermia followed by hyperthermia that lasted about 6 h. The higher dose of alpha-MSH had a potentiating effect on KA-induced hypothermia, while the lower dose of alpha-MSH increased the hyperthermia produced by KA. alpha-MSH administered alone produced a late (3 h), dose-dependent increase in core temperature. It is conceivable that repeated administration of alpha-MSH in the doses used in our study may cause a cumulative effect in raising body temperature for a limited period of time. The previously described interactions between KA and alpha-MSH, respectively, with dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems may account for the effects on core temperature in rats observed in our study.

Early induction of interleukin-6 mRNA in the hippocampus and cortex of APPsw transgenic mice Tg2576

The neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) include the occurrence of activated microglia and astrocytes. Activated microglia expressing interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunoreactivity have been observed in close vicinity of the amyloid plaques in post-mortem tissue from AD patients. In order to further analyze the inflammatory process in relation to amyloidosis, we have studied the levels of markers for inflammation in the brain of Tg(HuAPP695K670N/M671L)2576 transgenic mice (Tg2576) that express high levels of human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the Swedish double mutation and develop prominent AD type neuropathology. The mRNA levels for IL-1beta, IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE/caspase-1) and IL-6 were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum from Tg2576 and wild type (wt) mice. The levels of mRNA for IL-1beta and caspase-1 were not significantly increased in either young (4 months) or aged (18 months) Tg2576 mice as compared to the age-matched wt mice. However, we observed an increase in IL-6 mRNA levels in the hippocampus and cortex of both 4- and 18-month-old transgenic mice as compared to wt mice. The increase in IL-6 mRNA levels in Tg2576 animals thus occurs before amyloid plaques can be detected (9-10 months). This would indicate that IL-6 mRNA induction is an early event in a beta-amyloid-induced immune response cascade or that it may be involved in the amyloidosis.

PLS modeling of chimeric MS04/MSH-peptide and MC1/MC3-receptor interactions reveals a novel method for the analysis of ligand-receptor interactions

A novel method has been developed for the analysis of ligand-receptor interactions. The method utilizes binding data generated from the analysis of chimeric proteins with chimeric peptides. To each chimeric part of the peptide and receptor are assigned descriptors, thus creating a matrix of X descriptors. These descriptors are then correlated with the experimentally determined interaction binding affinities for each chimeric receptor/peptide pair by use of partial least-squares projection to latent structures (PLS). The method was applied to analyze the interactions of chimeric MSH-peptides with wild-type MC1 and MC3 receptors, and MC1/MC3 receptor chimeras (in total 40 peptide-receptor combinations). Two types of PLS models could be created, one that revealed the relationships between receptor and peptide structure and peptide binding pK(i) values (i.e., affinity) (R2 and Q2 being 0.71 and 0.62, respectively), and another that revealed the relationships between peptide and receptor structure and peptide-receptor selectivity (R2 and Q2 being 0.64 and 0.57, respectively). After addition of cross-terms these models improved significantly; the R2 and Q2 being 0.93 and 0.75 for affinity, and 0.92 and 0.72 for selectivity, respectively. The analysis shows that the high affinity of the MSH-peptides is primarily achieved by interactions of the peptides' C-terminal amino acids with TM2 and TM3 of the receptor, and, to a lesser extent, by the interaction of the N-terminus with TM1, TM2 and TM3 of the receptor. However, in contrast, the MC1 receptor selectivity is primarily determined by an interaction of the peptides' N-termini with TM2/3 of the receptor. Moreover, the cross-terms of the PLS model revealed the existence of a strong interaction between TM6/7 and TM2/3 of the receptors.

New aspects on the melanocortins and their receptors

Knowledge of melanocortins and their receptors has increased tremendously over the last few years. The cloning of five melanocortin receptors, and the discovery of two endogenous antagonists for these receptors, agouti and agouti-related peptide, have sparked intense interest in the field. Here we give a comprehensive review of the pharmacology, physiology and molecular biology of the melanocortins and their receptors. In particular, we review the roles of the melanocortins in the immune system, behaviour, feeding, the cardiovascular system and melanoma. Moreover, evidence is discussed suggesting that while many of the actions of the melanocortins are mediated via melanocortin receptors, some appear to be mediated via mechanisms distinct from melanocortin receptors.

Complement C1q is dramatically up-regulated in brain microglia in response to transient global cerebral ischemia

Recent evidence suggests that the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and inflammatory neurological diseases has a neuroimmunological component involving complement, an innate humoral immune defense system. The present study demonstrates the effects of experimentally induced global ischemia on the biosynthesis of C1q, the recognition subcomponent of the classical complement activation pathway, in the CNS. Using semiquantitative in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, a dramatic and widespread increase of C1q biosynthesis in rat brain microglia (but not in astrocytes or neurons) within 24 h after the ischemic insult was observed. A marked increase of C1q functional activity in cerebrospinal fluid taken 1, 24, and 72 h after the ischemic insult was determined by C1q-dependent hemolytic assay. In the light of the well-established role of complement and complement activation products in the initiation and maintenance of inflammation, the ischemia-induced increase of cerebral C1q biosynthesis and of C1q functional activity in the cerebrospinal fluid implies that the proinflammatory activities of locally produced complement are likely to contribute to the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Pharmacological modulation of complement activation in the brain may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of stroke.

Nicergoline stimulates protein kinase C mediated alpha-secretase processing of the amyloid precursor protein in cultured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

We investigated the ability of the antidementia agents, nicergoline, aniracetam and hydergine to stimulate PKC mediated alpha-secretase amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in cultured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Western immunoblotting of cell conditioned media using the Mabs 22C11 and 6E10 revealed the presence of 2 bands with molecular mass of 90 and 120 kDa, corresponding to possible alternatively glycosylated forms of secreted APP (APPs). Short-term (30 min and 2 h) treatment of cells with nicergoline gave an increased intensity of both bands, compared to non-treated cells. Maximal nicergoline effects, of the order of 150-200% over basal APPs release, were seen at concentrations between 1 and 10 microM. Under the same condition, 1 microM PdBu, used as a positive control, gave 500-1000% increases of basal APPs release. In contrast, aniracetam and hydergine, did not show any effect on APPs secretion. 2 h treatment with nicergoline had no effect on cellular full-length APP levels, as determined by immunoblotting of cell extracts with 22C11 and CT15 antibodies. Immunoblotting with PKC isoform specific antibodies of soluble and membrane fractions prepared from 2 h treated cells, showed that nicergoline (50 microM) and PdBu (1 microM) both induced translocation of PKC alpha, gamma and epsilon, but not PKC beta. The involvement of PKC in mediating nicergoline stimulated APPs release was also studied using specific inhibitors. 1 microM calphostin C, a broad range PKC inhibitor, significantly reduced both PdBu (1 microM) and nicergoline (10 microM) induced APPs release. In contrast, Go6976 (1 microM), a selective PKC alpha and beta1 inhibitor, as well as the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, H89 (1 microM) were without effect. These results indicate that nicergoline can modulate alpha-secretase APP processing by a PKC dependent mechanism that is likely to involve the gamma and epsilon isoforms of this enzyme.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis is differentially regulated in primary afferents and motoneurons: influence of glucocorticoids

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is involved in peripheral and spinal mechanisms of inflammatory pain. In this paper, we used collagen II-induced arthritis in the rat as a model to investigate the influence of chronic arthritic pain on calcitonin gene-related peptide gene expression in sensory and motor pathways. Additionally, we examined the effect of the glucocorticoid drug budesonide on arthritis-induced changes of calcitonin gene-related peptide expression and constitutive calcitonin gene-related peptide expression. Thirteen days after the immunization with native rat collagen type II rats developed a progressive and chronic polyarthritis which was scored with respect to the degree of swelling and/or redness of the paw and ankle joints. Budesonide significantly attenuated the extent of arthritis. Changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide expression were evaluated by semiquantitative in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry on day 21 post-immunization. In sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia of arthritic rats, a significant increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA and protein levels was seen. These increases were completely blocked by budesonide. Also in dorsal root ganglia of non-arthritic rats, budesonide had an effect, with reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA levels below constitutive concentrations. Image analysis of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity revealed that changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide expression were due to alterations in calcitonin gene-related peptide expression levels rather than to de novo synthesis or changes in the numbers of calcitonin gene-related peptide expressing neurons. In spinal motoneurons of arthritic rats, marked decreases in calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA and protein levels were measured. These reductions were attenuated by budesonide. The changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in motoneurons correlated with the severity of arthritis in the ipsilateral hind paw. Budesonide had no effects on calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA levels in motoneurons of non-arthritic rats. The opposite regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide gene expression in primary sensory and spinal somatomotor pathways in collagen-induced arthritis suggests that calcitonin gene-related peptide plays a specific role in both chronic inflammatory pain and arthritis-induced motor dysfunction. The sensitivity of constitutive and inflammation-induced sensory calcitonin gene-related peptide expression to budesonide treatment may indicate that the beneficial effects of steroid treatment in inflammation is partly mediated by down-regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide in sensory neurons involved in neurogenic inflammation.

Brain concentrations of kynurenic acid after a systemic neuroprotective dose in the gerbil model of global ischemia

1. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a kynurenine metabolite and a broad spectrum excitatory amino acid antagonist that has been shown to be neuroprotective in models of cerebral ischemia, when administered exogenously. However, the actual concentration required in the CNS to evoke significant neuroprotection has never been assessed. 2. The purpose of this study was to address this question in the gerbil model of forebrain ischemia. KYNA (400-1600 mg/kg) or vehicle were administered i.p. 15 min before 5 min bilateral carotid occlusion. 3. Seven days after reperfusion, ischemia-induced hippocampal nerve cell loss (95% in vehicle-treated) was significantly lower in KYNA-treated gerbils (65% and 52% at 1000 and 1200 mg/Kg, respectively, P < 0.01). Treatment with 1000 mg/kg produced brain KYNA concentrations that were dramatically elevated (135.9 and 42.3 microM in CSF and whole brain, vs 0.032 and 0.16 microM in controls, at 15 min after ischemia), as measured in a separate group of transcardially-perfused gerbils. Cerebral KYNA concentrations tended to return to basal values 2 hours after reperfusion. 4. These results indicate that KYNA has a marked neuroprotective effect in a model of forebrain ischemia. This activity is associated with KYNA concentrations in the brain and CSF that are compatible with the in vitro affinity of the compound for ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Neuroprotective effects of nicergoline in immortalized neurons

We studied the potential neuroprotective action of nicergoline in immortalized hypothalamic GT1-7 cells exposed to agents which deplete levels of reduced glutathione, thus causing oxidative stress and cell death. Treatment with diethylmaleate (1 mM), buthionine sulfoximine (500 microM) or menadione (10-50 microM) caused diffuse GT1-7 cell degeneration, as assessed by using either the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay or the fluorescent dyes fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. Pre- and/or co-exposure of the cells to nicergoline significantly prevented diethylmaleate- or buthionine sulfoximine-induced neuronal death, whereas nicergoline was ineffective against menadione-induced toxicity. This effect was concentration-dependent and was mimicked by the classical antioxidants idebenone and vitamin E, and did not depend on interference with protein kinase C. Interestingly, the antineurodegenerative activity of nicergoline and vitamin E or idebenone was not additive, suggesting that these compounds share some intracellular mechanism(s) responsible for their protective effects. In conclusion, the present data indicate that nicergoline has neuroprotective activity, possibly mediated by the antioxidant activity of the molecule, and give support to the potential use of nicergoline in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroprotective effects of Gly-Pro-Glu, the N-terminal tripeptide of IGF-1, in the hippocampus in vitro

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a critical role in CNS development. IGF-1 can block neuronal apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. IGF-1 is thought to be cleaved into des-N-(1-3)-IGF-1 and an amino terminal glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE tripeptide). Here we report a neuroprotective role for GPE tripeptide, with enhanced survival of the CA1-2 hippocampal neurons following an excitotoxic insult in vitro. Binding and displacement studies suggest uniquely distributed sites of action within the rat including the hippocampal CA1-2, pyriform cortex, amygdala, choroid plexus, blood vessels and to a lesser extent in the cortical regions. A similar pattern of binding was seen in the human. This finding could lead to new strategies to reduce neuronal death after injury and in disease.

Preclinical evaluation of PNU-151774E as a novel anticonvulsant

PNU-151774E [(S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino) propanamide, methanesulfonate] is a structurally novel anticonvulsant having Na+ channel-blocking and glutamate release-inhibiting properties, as well as being a MAOB inhibitor. Its anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in the maximal electroshock (MES) test and in chemically induced seizures (bicuculline, BIC; picrotoxin, PIC; 3-mercaptopropionic acid, 3-MPA; pentylenetetrazole, PTZ; strychnine, STRYC). Behavioral toxicity was evaluated in the rotorod test with measurements of spontaneous locomotor activity and passive avoidance responding. The anti-MES activity of PNU-151774E in both mice and rats, respectively, produced ED50 values of 4.1 mg/kg and 6.9 mg/kg after i.p. administration or 8.0 mg/kg and 11.8 mg/kg after p.o. administration. Oral anti-MES activity in rats peaked between 1 and 2 h after administration and was evident up to 4 h. This activity was related to brain levels of unchanged drug which peaked at 37 mM within 1 h. Oral ED50 values (mg/kg) effective in blocking tonic extension seizures by chemical convulsants in mice were: BIC (26.9), PIC (60.6), 3-MPA (21.5), STRYC (104.1) and PTZ (26.8). This potency was associated with high therapeutic indices relative to: MES (78.2), BIC (23.3), PIC (10.3), 3-MPA (29.1) and STRYC (6.0). No evidence of tolerance to anti-MES activity after repeated dosing was observed. PNU-151774E did not show anti-absence seizure activity as assessed by i.v. infusion of PTZ. PNU-151774E impaired spontaneous activity in rats only at the oral rotorod ED50 dose of 700 mg/kg p.o. PNU-151774E did not impair passive avoidance responding at doses up to 40 times the oral MES ED50 dose in rats. These results indicate that PNU-151774E is an anticonvulsant effective in various seizure models with a wide therapeutic window, and with a low potential to induce tolerance and locomotor or cognitive side effects.

Effects of amperozide, 8-OH-DPAT, and FG 5974 on operant responding for ethanol

Both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors have been implicated in modulating ethanol self-administration. A novel serotonergic compound, FG 5974, with combined 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist activities, has shown effects in decreasing ethanol consumption in two-bottle choice paradigms. In the present study, the effect of this compound on operant responding for ethanol (as well as water and a saccharin solution) was compared to compounds possessing the separate neuropharmacological effects of this drug (the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, and the 5-HT2A antagonist, amperozide). While all three serotonergic compounds decreased operant responding for ethanol, only FG 5974 had no effect on water and saccharin responding. These results suggest that combined 5HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist activity provides a more selective effect on ethanol reinforcement than either neuropharmacological action alone. Therefore, further analysis of mixed serotonergic compounds in general, and FG 5974 in particular, is warranted as they offer potential treatments for alcoholism.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of a new class of 2-[(arylalky)amino]alkanamide derivatives

Although most epilepsies are adequately treated by conventional antiepileptic therapy, there remains an unfulfilled need for safer and more effective anticonvulsant agents. Starting from milacemide, a weak anticonvulsant, and trying to elucidate its mechanism of action, we discovered a structurally novel class of potent and preclinically safe anticonvulsants. Here we report the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study within this series of compounds. Different parts of the structural lead 2-[[4-(3-chlorobenzoxy)benzyl]amino]acetamide (6) were thus varied (Figure 1), and many potent anticonvulsants were found. As an outcome of this study, 57 ((S)-2-[[4-(3-fluorobenzoxy)benzyl]amino]propanamide methanesulfonate, PNU-151774E) emerged as a promising candidate for further development for its potent anticonvulsant activity and outstanding therapeutic indexes (TIs) in different animal tests.

Selective inhibition of alcohol intake in diverse alcohol-preferring rat strains by the 5-HT2A antagonists amperozide and FG 5974

The present studies sought to elucidate the role of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists in suppressing alcohol intake by comparing the effects of amperozide and FG 5974 on alcohol, food, and water intake in strains of alcohol-preferring rats: P, Alko Alcohol (AA), and Fawn-Hooded (FH). Both amperozide and FG 5974 have 5-HT2A receptor antagonist properties, but FG 5974 also shows presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonist activity. After establishment of stable baselines for intake measures in a two-bottle continuous access paradigm, rats (n = 10) were injected with 1 of 5 doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg, sc) of amperozide or FG 5974 at weekly intervals. Amperozide dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake, total fluid intake, and alcohol preference in all three strains under continuous access conditions, whereas FG 5974 was less effective. Food intake was also suppressed by amperozide at higher doses, whereas it was increased by FG 5974. Amperozide also dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake when it was available for only 1 hr/day, but FG 5974 tended to increase it. After oral administration, amperozide was also more effective than FG 5974 in reducing alcohol intake. Despite these differences in efficacy in suppressing alcohol intake, both compounds produced taste aversion to a novel saccharin solution. These complex findings suggest that biochemical properties other than 5-HT2A receptor antagonism (e.g., 5-HT1A receptor agonism) may be involved in the effects of amperozide and FG 5974 on alcohol intake and other consummatory behaviors.

Effectiveness of anthracycline against experimental prion disease in Syrian hamsters

Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative conditions characterized by the accumulation of protease-resistant forms of the prion protein (PrP), termed PrPres, in the brain. Insoluble PrPres tends to aggregate into amyloid fibrils. The anthracycline 4'-iodo-4'-deoxy-doxorubicin (IDX) binds to amyloid fibrils and induces amyloid resorption in patients with systemic amyloidosis. To test IDX in an experimental model of prion disease, Syrian hamsters were inoculated intracerebrally either with scrapie-infected brain homogenate or with infected homogenate coincubated with IDX. In IDX-treated hamsters, clinical signs of disease were delayed and survival time was prolonged. Neuropathological examination showed a parallel delay in the appearance of brain changes and in the accumulation of PrPres and PrP amyloid.

Modulation of the hepatic expression of the estrogen-regulated mRNA stabilizing factor by estrogenic and antiestrogenic nonsteroidal xenobiotics

Estrogen-mediated accumulation of apolipoprotein II (apoII) mRNA in the avian liver is due, in part, to its stabilization. This stabilization appears to be due to the estrogen-regulated mRNA stabilizing factor (E-RmRNASF) that is expressed in response to estrogen. The E-RmRNASF protects the mRNA from targeted endonucleolytic degradation (Ratnasabapathy, Cell Mol Biol Res 41: 583-594, 1995). To determine whether certain environmental xenobiotics altered the expression of the gene encoding E-RmRNASF by mimicking estrogen, roosters were given estrogen, tamoxifen, clomiphene, hexachlorophene, lindane, rotenone, chlordecone, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); Araclor, methoxychlor, dieldrin, toxaphene, or bisphenol-A parenterally. Uniformly radiolabeled, capped, and polyadenylated apoII mRNA, incubated in vitro in the presence of liver cytosolic extracts from birds that received estrogen, tamoxifen, hexachlorophene, chlordecone, or Araclor, remained stable, indicating that these agents were estrogenic and stimulated the expression of E-RmRNASF. However, the same mRNA was degraded in similar extracts from control roosters and those treated with clomiphene, DDT, methoxychlor, dieldrin, rotenone, toxaphene, lindane, or bisphenol-A. To determine whether the latter agents were antiestrogenic, roosters were given a 1:5 molar combination of estrogen and each of the xenobiotics. ApoII mRNA showed degradation in liver extracts from roosters that received clomiphene, toxaphene, or bisphenol-A, indicating that these agents prevented estrogenic stimulation of expression of the E-RmRNASF and were antiestrogenic. However, the rest of the xenobiotics failed to antagonize estrogenic stimulation of E-RmRNASF gene expression. These results set a precedent in showing the estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects in vivo of environmental xenobiotics on the expression of a regulatory protein involved in estrogen-mediated mRNA stabilization.

Effects of nicergoline on age-related decrements in radial maze performance and acetylcholine levels

The effects of chronic oral administration of nicergoline (5.0 mg/kg; bid) on locomotor activity, eight-arm radial maze performance plus striatal, cortical, and hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) levels were examined in young and aged Wistar rats. Chronic nicergoline administration did not modify either the locomotor activity or radial maze learning in young rats. Young rats learned the radial maze procedure rapidly and improved their performance throughout the successive training sessions. Radial maze performance in young rats was characterised by very few arm reentries. Aged rats were hypoactive and did not explore or enter the radial maze arms, and consequently performed poorly in the radial maze throughout the training sessions. Nicergoline treatment did not significantly modify locomotor activity in aged rats. Aged rats treated with nicergoline also performed poorly initially but improved with repeated training in the radial maze. This improvement was associated with an increasing number of arms being entered and very few arm reentries. Reduced acetylcholine (ACh) levels were also associated with age. Aged rats had significantly reduced levels of ACh in the straitum and cortex, but not the hippocampus as compared to young rats. Nicergoline treatment did not change ACh levels in young rats, but substantially restored the reduced ACh levels in aged rats. These results indicate that nicergoline is an effective cognitive enhancer in a learning model of age-related deficits and that these results may be related to changes in the cholinergic system.

Modulation of phosphoinositide turnover by chronic nicergoline in rat brain

Basal and agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and inositol 1,4,5 -trisphospate (InsP3) content in rat brain were investigated after chronic nicergoline (SERMION) treatment. Oral administration of nicergoline (5 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 weeks) enhanced the basal turnover of PI in the cerebral cortex compared to controls. This effect was paralleled by a significant rise of cortical InsP3 levels. No significant changes of noradrenaline- or carbachol-induced accumulation of [3H]-inositol-I-phophate ([3H]-InsP1) were found in cortices from nicergoline-treated rats. On the contrary, in the striatum nicergoline significantly potentiated the responsiveness of noradrenaline- and carbachol-stimulated PI turnover, leaving unchanged the basal production of [3H]-InsP1 and InsP3 levels. The results suggest that the interaction of nicergoline with PI transducing pathway might have relevance to the mechanisms of action of nicergoline.

Neuropeptide-converting enzymes in cerebrospinal fluid: activities increased in pain from herniated lumbar dis, but not from coxarthrosis

We measured activities of dynorphin-converting enzyme (DCE), substance P endopeptidase (SPE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 13 patients with rhizopathic pain from an herniated lumbar disc, in 9 patients with pain from coxarthrosis and in 11 control patients without pain. In the patients with disc hernia and coxarthrosis, another sample of CSF was analyzed 3-12 months after treatment, when pain had subsided. The DCE activity in the patients was higher than that in both the control patients and the patients with pain from coxarthrosis (nociceptive pain). Similarly, the activity of SPE was lower in the patients with herniated lumbar disc than in controls and in the patients with coxarthrosis. After treatment, the difference in activity compared to controls was lower, but still significant in patients with herniated discs. The ACE activity did not differ from controls in patients with ischialgia, while it was increased in patients with coxarthrosis. This increase also remained after arthroplasty with pain relief. In conclusion, measurements of neuropeptides may be useful for evaluating neuropathic pain.

Modulation of hippocampal ACh release by chronic nicergoline treatment in freely moving young and aged rats

The effects of nicergoline on basal and K(+)-stimulated release of ACh in the hippocampus of 3- and 19-month old rats has been studied by microdialysis. A significant decrease of basal ACh release (59%) was found in aged vehicle treated rats in comparison to young rats. High-K+ (100 mM) in the perfusate strongly increased the release of ACh by up to 6-fold over the baseline of both young and aged rats. Chronic oral administration of nicergoline to aged rats (5 mg/kg b.i.d. for 6 weeks) significantly reversed (93%) the age-related decrease of basal release of ACh, leaving the increase due to K+ depolarization unchanged. In young animals, nicergoline did not affect the basal output of ACh, but enhanced the K(+)-evoked release of ACh by 39%. Results from this study demonstrate that nicergoline treatment increases the ability of hippocampal cholinergic terminals to release ACh, and suggest that this drug can reset the cholinergic impairement associated with aging.

Calcitonin gene related peptide gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis

Changes in calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) gene expression in spinal motoneurons and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats subjected to collagen II induced arthritis (CIA) were evaluated by semiquantitative in situ hybridization. The effects of systemic treatment with the corticosteroid budesonide on basal CGRP expression and on changes under inflammatory conditions were examined. CIA caused a significant increase in CGRP mRNA levels in DRG. Budesonide reduced the constitutive CGRP mRNA levels in DRG, compared with untreated control rats, and reversed the CIA-induced increase. In contrast, CIA caused a marked decrease of CGRP mRNA levels in motoneurons. Budesonide had no effect on constitutive CGRP mRNA levels in motoneurons and attenuated the decrease in CGRP mRNA levels in motoneurons of rats subjected to CIA. Thus, peripheral inflammation and systemic corticosteroids have differential effects on CGRP expression in sensory and motor neurons. This may be relevant for the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of chronic inflammatory pain and motor dysfunction in chronic arthritis.

Spinal prodynorphin gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis: influence of the glucocorticosteroid budesonide

Changes in the spinal expression of the opioid precursor and prodynorphin, which has been implicated in the response to peripheral inflammation, were examined with semi-quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry in rats subjected to collagen II-induced arthritis. The effects of glucocorticosteroid treatment on the basal and inflammation-induced prodynorphin expression were evaluated. Collagen II-induced arthritis caused a 16-fold increase in prodynorphin mRNA levels which comprised all neurons expressing low levels under normal conditions. In the superficial dorsal horn, one group of neurons of a large size reacted with a dramatic increase of prodynorphin mRNA, while another group of small neurons exhibited a moderate elevation of prodynorphin mRNA levels. In the deep dorsal horn of arthritic rats, most prodynorphin neurons were large and showed high prodynorphin mRNA levels. Systemic treatment with the glucocorticosteroid budesonide attenuated the arthritis-induced increase of prodynorphin mRNA expression in a topospecific manner. The budesonide-induced reduction of prodynorphin mRNA levels was more pronounced in the deep dorsal horn than in the superficial dorsal horn. Budesonide treatment of control animals caused a small, but significant increase in prodynorphin mRNA levels in the superficial laminae I/II without affecting prodynorphin mRNA levels in the deep dorsal horn. The degree of arthritis correlated closely with spinal prodynorphin mRNA levels. The tight correlation between severity of arthritis and prodynorphin mRNA levels in non-treated and corticosteroid-treated arthritic rats suggests that spinal prodynorphin expression is a good parameter for the evaluation of the influence of peripheral inflammation and of the efficacy of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs in its treatment. Opposite effects of budesonide on basal and inflammation-induced prodynorphin expression may involve a spinal site of action in addition to peripheral anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We suggest that the collagen II-induced arthritis in the rat is an excellent model for human rheumatoid arthritis allowing for the study of molecular plasticity of anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive drug action at different levels of the neuroaxis.

Chronic administration of morphine decreases level of dynorphin A in the rat nucleus accumbens

The effect of chronically administered morphine on the levels of dynorphin A in distinct regions of the brain (including medial frontal cortex, olfactory tubercule, nucleus accumbens, dorsal and medial striatum), was determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The drug was delivered through a subcutaneously implanted Azlet miniosmotic pump over a period of 5 days. The concentration of peptide was probed by radioimmunoassay, following pre-separation of tissue extracts by reversed phase separation on a SepPak C-18 cartridge. The result showed that the level of dynorphin A remained unaltered in all regions studied immediately before (tolerance) and 20 hr after (withdrawal) the pump was removed. A significant decrease in the level of dynorphin was found in the n. accumbens 48 hr (abstinence) after removal of the pump. It is suggested that previously observed changes in the reward system during abstinence may be connected with dynorphinergic neurones in the limbic system.

A rat model for investigation of spinal mechanisms in detrusor instability associated with infravesical outflow obstruction

A rat model of infravesical outflow obstruction was modified to allow cystometric investigation in conscious, free-moving animals after intrathecal drug administration. The catheter position and extent of drug distribution were controlled by injection of dye and dissection of the spinal canal. Continuous cystometries were performed in awake normal rats as well as rats with bladder hypertrophy and hyperactivity following infravesical outflow obstruction. In some animals of each group, cystometry was performed with simultaneous recording of intra-abdominal pressure. The possible effects of the presence of the intrathecal catheter were studied, as well as the effects of saline, local anesthetics, morphine and naloxone administered through the catheter. Neither the presence of the intrathecal catheter nor injection of saline affected the cystometric pattern. Bupivacaine (50 micrograms) produced paralysis of both lower extremities and a complete, though reversible, suppression of micturition in normal rats. In rats with hypertrophy, intrathecal bupivacaine in doses of 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms produced decreases in micturition pressure, increases in bladder capacity and dribbling incontinence. However, the amplitude of spontaneous contractile activity increased after the administration. The inhibitory effects of morphine (0.5-10 micrograms) on micturition in normal rats, which were rapidly reversed by naloxone, were in accordance with results obtained in previous studies in anesthetized animals. Rats with bladder hypertrophy showed a similar response to morphine and naloxone. However, the bladder hyperactivity was not inhibited by morphine. We conclude that the present model seems reliable for the study of spinal mechanisms in the development of detrusor instability associated with infravesical outflow obstruction.

Cerebrospinal fluid dynorphin-converting enzyme activity is increased by voluntary exercise in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dynorphin-converting enzyme (DCE) has been studied after voluntary exercise in the spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rat. The exercise consisted of spontaneous running in wheels for 4-5 weeks and the average running distance during the last two weeks was 4.0 km/24h. CSF samples were obtained under anaesthesia from the cisterna magna after penetration of the atlanto-occipital membrane. DCE transforms the members of the dynorphin family of opioid peptides into Leu-enkephalin-Arg6. In the present investigation a radioimmunoassay was used for quantitation of Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 release from dynorphin A1-17 and dynorphin B1-13. The rats that were running had a DCE activity (vs. both substrates) in CSF that was approximately 6-12 times higher than in animals not given the running opportunity. A statistically significant correlation between the two prodynorphin-derived substrate peptides was found in terms of DCE activity. We therefore propose that a single enzyme activity may be responsible for the hydrolysis of dynorphin B1-13 and dynorphin A1-17. Furthermore, a significant correlation was also found between running activity and DCE activity 12-14 h before the CSF was withdrawn. Besides measurement of DCE activity by radioimmunoassay, the formation of Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 was identified by reversed-phase micro-column liquid chromatography and plasma desorption mass spectrometry. The experiment shows that voluntary exercise affects opioid peptidergic mechanisms.

Repeated intrathecal injections of dezocine produce antinociception without evidence for neurotoxicity in the rat: a study of morphometric evaluation of spinal cord histology

This study was designed to determine the antinociceptive and spinal cord histologic effects of a new agonist/antagonist opioid drug dezocine. This drug was injected intrathecally in rats at a dose of 50 or 125 micrograms twice daily for 14 days. The tail-flick test showed that the antinociceptive effect declined gradually, with no detectable effects by day 14. Quantitative histologic techniques and light and electron microscopy showed that neither dose, compared with vehicle, created any morphologic changes in the spinal cord that could be attributed to a neurotoxic or otherwise degenerative effect of the drug. In conclusion, dezocine is a drug that gives rise to sustained antinociceptive effects when administered intrathecally and causes no morphologic changes in the rat spinal cord that could be indicative of neurotoxic potential.

Decreased cerebrospinal fluid neuropeptide-converting enzyme activity in monoarthritic rats

The activity in rat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dynorphin-converting enzyme (DCE) and substance P endopeptidase (SPE) was determined in control animals and in rats with monoarthritis. Enzymatic activities were measured with specific radioimmunoassays toward the N-terminal products Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 and substance P1-7, respectively. A monoarthritis stable during weeks 2-6 post-injection was induced by injection (0.05 ml) into one joint with Freund's adjuvant. Both SPE and DCE were significantly decreased 15 days after the intraarticular injection. Despite the degree of arthritis that was sustained equally at four weeks after inoculation, both DCE and SPE were back to control levels at that time. It can therefore be concluded that arthritis from a single joint is sufficient to elicit changes in CSF convertase activities, and that these effects disappear between 2 and 4 weeks after injection, although the arthritis persists.

Local antinociceptive and hyperalgesic effects in the formalin test after peripheral administration of adenosine analogues in mice

Adenosine administered to humans has been reported to induce pain after intravenous administration. On the other hand adenosine analogues have been shown to possess antinociceptive effects after peripheral and intrathecal administration in animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of peripheral administration of adenosine agonists with different affinities for the A1 and A2 adenosine receptors on a persistent pain stimulus using the formalin test. The drugs chosen were, R-phenylisopropyl-adenosine (R-PIA) with high affinity for the A1 receptor, N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine (NECA) with almost equal affinity for the A1 and A2 receptor and 2-(2-aminoethylamino)-carbonylethylphenylethylamino-adenosin e (APEC) with high affinity for the A2 receptor. The drugs were mixed with formalin and administered subcutaneously into the dorsal hind paw in mice to study the local effects. They were also injected separately from the formalin solution in different paws to evaluate the systemic effect. The total time of licking the injected paw during the first 5 min. was recorded. In high doses all compounds reduced the licking activity, but a low dose of APEC (1 microM) injected together with the formalin solution had an algesic effect. All effects were antagonized by theophylline. These results suggests that A1 adenosine receptors mediate a local peripheral antinociceptive effect and the involvement of local peripheral A2 receptors in the enhancement of the algesic response.

Decreased neuropeptide-converting enzyme activities in cerebrospinal fluid during acute but not chronic phases of collagen induced arthritis in rats

We investigated the effects of collagen II-induced arthritis on two cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enzymes converting dynorphin A and substance P (SP), namely dynorphin-converting enzyme (DCE) and substance P endopeptidase (SPE). The products generated by these enzymes are the bioactive fragments Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 and substance P, respectively. The strain used (DA rats) is very sensitive towards induction of arthritis. The collagen arthritis is a chronic autoimmune arthritis induced by native rat collagen type II (CII). Following intradermal injection of CII into the tailbase. CSF was sampled on day 21 (acute arthritis) and day 38 (chronic arthritis). Control rats were untreated because the strain used developed an acute and self-limited arthritis (adjuvant arthritis) when administered vehicle (i.e. incomplete Freund's adjuvant). The DCE activity was significantly lowered in the acute phase of arthritis (P less than 0.05) when analysed with two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The enzyme converting SP (SPE) also showed a significant decrease in the acute phase of arthritis (P less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that both DCE and SPE are affected in the acute phase of arthritis. A functional role of these enzymes in processing pain-related neuropeptides is therefore implicated.

Antinociceptive actions of different classes of excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists in mice

Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of the competitive and selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), beta-D-aspartylaminomethyl phosphonic acid (Asp-AMP), 3-((+/-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) and gamma-D-glutamylaminomethyl phosphonic acid (Glu-AMP) produced dose-dependent and reversible analgesic effects in the mouse hot-plate and formalin tests of nociception. They were slightly more potent in the formalin test but had no or negligible effects in the tail-flick test. The non-selective or non-NMDA receptor antagonists 6-cyano-7-nitro-quinoxalinedione (CNQX), 6,7-dinitro-quinoxalinedione (DNQX), gamma-D-glutamylglycine (gamma DGG), gamma-glutamylaminomethyl sulphonic acid (GAMS), kynurenic acid, cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (cis-PDA; partial agonist) and p-bromobenzoyl piperazine dicarboxylic acid (pBB-PzDA) had the same efficacy in the mouse hot-plate, tail-flick and formalin tests (gamma DGG and pBB-PzDA were not tested in the formalin test). This heterogeneous group of antagonists was somewhat more potent in the tail-flick test and slightly less potent in the formalin test than in the hot-plate test. Of the two glycine site antagonists tested, 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-Cl-Kyn) and (+/-)-3-amino-1-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone (HA-966), the effect of the latter was compatible with selective action at the NMDA receptor complex while the action of the former was comparable to those of non-selective excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histopathology and evaluation of potentiation of morphine-induced antinociception by intrathecal droperidol in the rat

Clinical studies have indicated that a low dose of the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist droperidol given epidurally potentiate the antinociceptive effect of epidural morphine. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate this drug interaction in a rat model. Rats were given morphine and droperidol intrathecally in several combinations of doses. It was found that droperidol had no antinociceptive effect by itself, nor in combination with morphine. It was also shown that droperidol and morphine exert no histopathological effects on the rat spinal cord. This discrepancy between clinical findings and experimental pain studies suggests different modes of action of droperidol in the two situations.

The antinociceptive effect of intrathecally administered adenosine analogs in mice correlates with the affinity for the A1-adenosine receptor

In the present study, the antinociceptive effects after intrathecal injection of each of 6 N6-substituted adenosine analogs and of 2-phenylaminoadenosine were compared with the affinity for the A1- and A2-adenosine receptors. Adenosine analogs, substituted in the N6-position, had stereoselective structure-dependent antinociceptive effects in the tail flick and hot plate assays after intrathecal injection in mice. The antinociceptive activity for N6-R- and S-phenylisopropyladenosine (R- and S-PIA), N6-R- and S-1-phenylethyladenosine, N6-1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyladenosine (methylPIA), and N6-cyclooctyladenosine correlated with the affinity for central A1-adenosine receptors. An adenosine analog, 2-phenylaminoadenosine, selective for A2-adenosine receptors was inactive in the two tests. These results strongly suggest that spinal A1-adenosine receptors are responsible for the antinociceptive effects of adenosine and its analogs after intrathecal injection.