Gender difference in tooth autotransplantation with complete root formation: a retrospective survey

Gender-related risk factors in the survival of transplanted teeth with complete root formation have not yet been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in tooth autotransplantation at dental clinics. We asked participating dentists to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 1931 December 2010. The data were screened to exclude patients who underwent more than one transplantation, smokers or those whose smoking habits were unknown, patients under 30 or who were 70 years old and over, cases where the transplanted teeth had incomplete root formation or multiple roots and those with fewer than 20 present teeth post-operation. We analysed 73 teeth of 73 males (mean age, 47.2 years) and 106 teeth of 106 females (mean age, 45.3 years) in this study. The cumulative survival rate and mean survival time were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative survival rate for males was 88.3% at the 5-year mark, 64.8% at 10 years and 48.6% at 15 years; for females, it was 97.2% at the 5-year mark, 85.9% at 10 years and 85.9% at 15 years. A log-rank test indicated the difference between males and females to be significant (P = 0.011). There was also a significant difference in the main causes for the loss of transplanted teeth: males lost more transplanted teeth due to attachment loss than females (P < 0.05). These results indicate that males require more attention during the autotransplantation process, particularly at the stage of pre-operation evaluation and that of follow-up maintenance.

Effect of methionine on production of naphthoquinones in Impatiens balsamina root cultures and detection of some secondary metabolites

CONTEXT

Lawsone, lawsone methyl ether and 3,3'-methylelnebislawsone are the main active compounds of Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae). These compounds possess various pharmacological activities that have been shown to assist with the treatment of skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This work focused on increased naphthoquinone production in I. basamina root cultures using methionine feeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

I. balsamina root cultures were maintained in liquid Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid, 0.1 mg/L kinetin, 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine and 20 g/L sucrose. The effect of methionine concentration (50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg/L) on naphthoquinone production of I. basamina root cultures was determined. Isolation of secondary metabolites from I. balsamina root cultures was also carried out.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Feeding of 300 mg/L methionine to the root cultures at the beginning of the growth cycle increased the production of 3,3'-methylelnebislawsone almost two-fold (0.63 mg/g dry weight, compared to the control group 0.32 mg/g dry weight). Optimization of the feeding conditions showed that adding 500 mg/L methionine to a 21-day old root cultures increased production of lawsone methyl ether and 3,3'-methylenebislawsone up to 2.6- and 3.1-fold higher, respectively, compared to the controls. In addition, various pharmacologically interesting secondary metabolites were isolated from I. balsamina root cultures, such as a flavonoid, luteolin, a naphthoquinone, 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, and a triterpenoid, echinocystic acid. This is the first report of the occurrence of these compounds in this plant.

Risk factors affecting third molar autotransplantation in males: a retrospective survey in dental clinics

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation in males at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. After data screening and elimination, participants of this study consisted of 183 teeth of 171 males ranging from 20 to 72 years of age (mean age, 44·8 years). The cumulative survival rate was 86·0% at the 5-year mark, 59·1% at 10 years and 28·0% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 134·5 months, as calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Single factor analysis using the log-rank test showed that the following factors had significant influence (P < 0·05) on survival of transplanted teeth: periodontal disease as the reason for recipient site tooth extraction, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index Groups B1 to C. Cox regression analysis examined five factors: age, smoking habit, recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index. This analysis showed that two of these factors were significant: fewer than 25 present teeth was 2·63 (95% CI, 1·03-6·69) and recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease was 3·80 (95% CI, 1·61-9·01). The results of this study suggest that long-term survival of transplanted teeth in males is influenced not only by oral bacterium but also by occlusal status.

Oxidative one-carbon cleavage of the octyl side chain of olanexidine, a novel antimicrobial agent, in dog liver microsomes

1. The oxidative one-carbon cleavage reaction in the octyl side chain of olanexidine [1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide], a new potent biguanide antiseptic, was characterized in dog liver microsomes. 2. Olanexidine was initially biotransformed to a monohydroxylated metabolite, 8-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1-biguanidino]-2-octanol (DM-215), and DM-215 was subsequently oxidized to the diol derivative, 8-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1-biguanidino]-1,2-octandiol (DM-220). DM-220 was further biotransformed to 2-hydroxy aldehyde derivative, 2-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivative, and an oxidative C-1-C-2 bond cleavage metabolite, 7-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1-biguanidino] heptanoic acid [DM-223 (C7), a seven-carbon chain derivative], after incubation with dog liver microsomes. 3. DM-223 formation required NADPH as a cofactor and was inhibited by quinidine and quinine, relatively selective inhibitors of CYP2D subfamilies in dogs. 4. The results suggest that the one-carbon fragment of the octyl side chain of olanexidine could be removed by the oxidative C-C bond cleavage with the possible involvement of cytochrome P450 systems such as CYP2D subfamily. This oxidative C-C bond cleavage reaction by cytochrome P450s could play an important role in the removal of one-carbon fragment of other drugs or endogenous compounds containing aliphatic chains.

Studies on constituents from Chamaecyparis pisifera and antibacterial activity of diterpenes

In the course of our research for biologically active constituents from coniferous plants, a chromone derivative (1) and an abietane derivative (2) were isolated along with several diterpenes from Chamaecyparis pisifera. Structures of the new compounds were determined to be 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(1-acetyl-2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-chromone and rel-(8R,10R,20S)-8,10,20-trihydroxy-9(10-->20)-abeo-abieta-9,13-dien-12-one by means of spectral methods including two-dimensional NMR experiments. Some of these abietane-type compounds isolated from this plants showed antibacterial activitv against the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Green tea polyphenols as potent enhancers of glucocorticoid-induced mouse mammary tumor virus gene expression

The effect of natural and synthetic galloyl esters on glucocorticoid-induced gene expression was evaluated by using rat fibroblast 3Y1 cells stably transfected with a luciferase reporter gene under the transcriptional regulation of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter. The glucocorticoid-induced gene transcription was strongly suppressed by synthetic alkyl esters; n-dodecyl gallate showed the most potent inhibition (66% inhibition at 10 microM), which was far more potent than that of crude tannic acid. n-Octyl and n-cetyl gallate also showed good inhibition, while gallic acid itself was not so active, suggesting that the presence of hydrophobic side chain is important for the suppressive effect. On the other hand, surprisingly, green tea gallocatechins, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and theasinensin A, potently enhanced the promoter activity (182 and 247% activity at 1 microM, respectively). The regulation of the level of the glucocorticoid-induced gene expression by the antioxidative gallates is of great interest from a therapeutic point of view.

In vitro characterization of the oxidative cleavage of the octyl side chain of olanexidine, a novel antimicrobial agent, in dog liver microsomes

The metabolism of olanexidine [1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide], a new potent biguanide antiseptic, was investigated in dog liver microsomes to characterize the enzyme(s) catalyzing the biotransformation of olanexidine to C-C bond cleavage metabolites. Olanexidine was initially biotransformed to monohydroxylated metabolite 2-octanol (DM-215), and DM-215 was subsequently oxidized to diol derivatives threo-2,3-octandiol (DM-221) and erythro-2,3-octandiol (DM-222). Diols were further biotransformed to a ketol derivative and C-C bond cleavage metabolite (DM-210, hexanoic acid derivative), an in vivo end product, in the incubation with dog liver microsomes. The formations of DM-215, DM-221, DM-222, and DM-210 followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and Eadie-Hofstee analysis of the metabolite formation activity confirmed single-enzyme Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The K(m) and V(max) values for the formation of DM-210 appeared to be 2.42 microM and 26.6 pmol/min/mg in the oxidation of DM-221 and 2.48 microM and 30.2 pmol/min/mg in the oxidation of DM-222. The intrinsic clearance (V(max)/K(m)) of the C-C bond cleavage reactions was essentially the same with either DM-221 or DM-222 as substrate. These oxidative reactions were significantly inhibited by quinidine, a selective inhibitor of CYP2D subfamilies, indicating the metabolic C-C bond cleavage of the octyl side chain of olanexidine to likely be mediated via the CYP2D subfamily in dog liver microsomes. This aliphatic C-C bond cleavage by cytochrome P450s may play an important role in the metabolism of other drugs or endogenous compounds possessing aliphatic chains.

Oxidative cleavage of the octyl side chain of 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide (OPB-2045) in rat and dog liver preparations

The metabolism of 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide (OPB-2045), a new potent biguanide antiseptic, was investigated using rat and dog liver preparations to elucidate the mechanism of OPB-2045 metabolite formation, in which the octyl side chain is reduced to four, five, or six carbon atoms. Chemical structures of metabolites were characterized by 1H NMR, fast atom bombardment/mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Three main metabolites were observed during incubation of OPB-2045 with rat liver S9: 2-octanol (M-1), 3-octanol (M-2), and 4-octanol (M-3). In the incubation of OPB-2045 with dog liver S9, eight metabolites were observed, seven of which being M-1, M-2, M-3, 2-octanone (M-4), threo-2,3-octandiol (M-5), erythro-2,3-octandiol (M-6), and 1,2-octandiol (M-7). M-5 and M-6 were further biotransformed to a ketol derivative and C-C bond cleavage metabolite (hexanoic acid derivative), an in vivo end product, in the incubation with dog liver microsomes. The reactions required NADPH as a cofactor and were significantly inhibited by the various inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (i.e., CO, n-octylamine, SKF 525-A, metyrapone, and alpha-naphthoflavone). The results indicate that the degraded products of OPB-2045 are produced by C-C bond cleavage after monohydroxylation, dihydroxylation, and ketol formation at the site of the octyl side chain with possible involvement of cytochrome P450 systems. This aliphatic C-C bond cleavage by sequential oxidative reactions may play an important role in the metabolism of other drugs or endogenous compounds that possess aliphatic chains.

Phenacetin deacetylase activity in human liver microsomes: distribution, kinetics, and chemical inhibition and stimulation

Microsomal and cytosolic phenacetin deacetylase activities were examined in human liver and kidneys. Kinetic properties of the activities were also studied in human liver microsomes. Phenacetin deacetylase activity was predominantly localized in the liver microsomal fraction. The specific activities of phenacetin deacetylation in liver cytosol and in kidney microsomes and cytosol were all less than 5% of that in liver microsomes. In human liver microsomes, Eadie-Hofstee plots for phenacetin deacetylation were monophasic, indicating a single-enzyme catalytic reaction. The Michaelis-Menten parameters, K(m) and V(max), for the deacetylation were 4.7 mM and 5.54 nmol/min/mg of protein, respectively. The intrinsic clearance, calculated as V(max)/K(m), was 1.18 microl/min/mg of protein. Although the organophosphate bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphoric acid markedly inhibited the reaction in human liver microsomes, the activity has a tolerance to the treatment of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a serine hydrolase inhibitor. Prazosin, a peripheral alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist, noncompetitively inhibited the phenacetin deacetylation with a K(i) value of 19.0 microM. Flutamide, a nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist, stimulated the activity by up to 349%. This increase was accompanied by a decrease in the K(m) value and no change in the V(max) value, resulting in an increase in the intrinsic clearance by up to 700% of the control. These results suggest that the phenacetin deacetylase localized in human liver microsomes has not only a catalytic site but also a negative and/or positive modulation site or sites.

Differentiation inducing activities of isocoumarins from Hydrangea Dulcis Folium

In the course of searching for differentiation inducers against leukemic cells from plants, we have recognized the differentiation inducing activities of the methanolic extract of Hydrangea Dulcis Folium. Activity guided separation of the extract was carried out using M1 cells, and seven isocoumarins were isolated as active substances. These isocoumarins showed the activities at the concentration of 100 microM and non-cytotoxic effects even at 300 microM.

Green tea polyphenols: novel and potent inhibitors of squalene epoxidase

The green tea gallocatechins, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) (IC(50) = 0.69 microM), (-)-gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (GCG) (IC(50) = 0.67 microM), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG) (IC(50) = 1.3 microM), and theasinensin A (IC(50) = 0.13 microM), were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of rat squalene epoxidase (SE), a rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biogenesis. On the other hand, flavan-3-ols without galloyl group at C-3 did not show significant enzyme inhibition. It was demonstrated for the first time that the cholesterol lowering effect of green tea may be attributed to their potent SE inhibition activities. Inhibition kinetics revealed that EGCG inhibited SE in noncompetitive (K(I) = 0.74 microM), and non-time-dependent manner. The potent enzyme inhibition would be caused by specific binding to the enzyme, and by scavenging reactive oxygen species required for the monooxygenase reaction.

CROP/Luc7A, a novel serine/arginine-rich nuclear protein, isolated from cisplatin-resistant cell line

A novel putative SR protein, designated cisplatin resistance-associated overexpressed protein (CROP), has been cloned from cisplatin-resistant cell lines by differential display. The N-half of the deduced amino acid sequence of 432 amino acids of CROP contains cysteine/histidine motifs and leucine zipper-like repeats. The C-half consists mostly of charged and polar amino acids: arginine (58 residues or 25%), glutamate (36 residues or 16%), serine (35 residues or 15%), lysine (30 residues, 13%), and aspartate (20 residues or 9%). The C-half is extremely hydrophilic and comprises domains rich in lysine and glutamate residues, rich in alternating arginine and glutamate residues, and rich in arginine and serine residues. The arginine/serine-rich domain is dominated by a series of 8 amino acid imperfect repetitive motif (consensus sequence, Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Asp/Glu-Arg-Arg-Arg), which has been found in RNA splicing factors. The RNase protection assay and Western blotting analysis indicate that the expression of CROP is about 2-3-fold higher in mRNA and protein levels in cisplatin-resistant ACHN/CDDP cells than in host ACHN cells. CROP is the human homologue of yeast Luc7p, which is supposed to be involved in 5'-splice site recognition and is essential for vegetative growth.

A critical role for a peritumoral stromal reaction in the induction of T-cell migration responsible for interleukin-12-induced tumor regression

Interleukin (IL) 12 has been shown to elicit tumor regression when this cytokine induces the migration of T cells to tumor sites. The present study investigates the role of a peritumoral stromal reaction in IL-12-induced T-cell migration. In the CSA1M and OV-HM tumor models, IL-12 treatment induced tumor regression that is associated with T-cell migration. Neither T-cell migration nor tumor regression was observed in the Meth A and MCH-1-A1 models. Stromal tissue containing neovascular blood vessels developed at the peritumoral area of the former two IL-12-responsive tumors but not at the peritumoral area of the latter two IL-12-unresponsive tumors. The significance of stroma development was investigated using a pair of tumor models (CSA1M and a subline derived from CSA1M designated the CSA1M variant), both of which exhibit the same tumor immunogenicity. In contrast to the parental CSA1M cell line, the variant cell line was not responsive to IL-12, and neither stroma development nor T-cell migration was observed, even after IL-12 treatment. Histological analyses revealed that the parental cell line had peritumoral stroma with intrastromal vessels but only a few vessels in tumor parenchyma, whereas the variant cell line showed no stroma but had abundant vasculature in the tumor parenchyma. Most importantly, only stromal vessels in the parental tumors expressed detectable and enhanced levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)/ intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) before and after IL-12 treatment, respectively. In contrast, parenchymal vasculature in the variant cell line failed to express VCAM-1/ICAM-1 even after IL-12 treatment. When transferred into recipient tumor-bearing mice, IL-12-stimulated T cells from the parental CSA1M-bearing or the variant CSA1M-bearing mice migrated into the parental but not into the variant tumor mass. Together with our previous finding that T-cell migration depends on the VCAM-1/ICAM-1 adhesive interactions, the present results indicate a critical role for peritumoral stroma/stromal vasculature in the acceptance of tumor-infiltrating T cells that is a prerequisite for IL-12-induced tumor regression.

B cell-mediated down-regulation of IFN-gamma and IL-12 production induced during anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor-bearing state

Unfractionated spleen cells taken from tumor-bearing mice contained tumor-primed T cells which produced lymphokines such as IFN-gamma and IL-2 through collaboration with antigen-presenting cells (APC) binding tumor antigens when cultured in vitro. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying IFN-gamma production by T-APC interactions. Elimination of B cells from a splenic population of tumor-bearing mice resulted in enhanced IFN-gamma production. Adding B cells back into cultures down-regulated IFN-gamma production to almost the same levels as those induced by unfractionated spleen cells. IL-2 production was not enhanced by B cell depletion, but rather was significantly suppressed. IFN-gamma-selective up-regulation was due to an enhancement of IL-12 production because IL-12 was detected in B cell-depleted cultures and enhanced IFN-gamma production was prevented by addition of anti-IL-12 mAb or anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L) mAb capable of inhibiting CD40L-induced IL-12 production. These results indicate that B cells interfere with IFN-gamma production induced through interactions between anti-tumor T cells and APC, and this suppressive effect is based on the capacity of CD40+ B cells to down-regulate the CD40L-induced IL-12 production by APC.

Multiple roles of interferon-gamma in the mediation of interleukin 12-induced tumor regression

Administration of recombinant interleukin 12 (IL-12) induces tumor regression that is associated with T-cell infiltration in the OV-HM ovarian carcinoma and CSA1M fibrosarcoma models. After confirming the blocking of regression by injection of anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody (mAb), we investigated the mechanisms underlying the requirement of IFN-gamma in T-cell migration and tumor regression. T-cell migration was inhibited by injection of anti-IFN-gamma mAb to OV-HM tumor-bearing mice prior to IL-12 treatment. We examined, using the lymphoid cell migration assay, whether IFN-gamma is required for enhancing the migratory capacity of T cells or the T cell-accepting potential of tumor masses during IL-12 treatment. Spleen cells from IL-12-treated or untreated OV-HM-bearing mice were stained in vitro with a fluorescein chemical and transferred i.v. into OV-HM-bearing mice that were not treated with IL-12. Migration of donor cells was quantitated by counting the number of fluorescent cells on cryostat sections of tumor masses from recipient mice. Compared to spleen cells from OV-HM-bearing mice that were not treated with IL-12, enhanced migration was observed for cells from IL-12-treated OV-HM-bearing mice. Anti-IFN-gamma pretreatment of donor mice before IL-12 treatment did not reduce the migratory capacity of T cells, whereas migration was markedly inhibited in recipient mice injected with anti-IFN-gamma. Anti-IFN-gamma pretreatment decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-positive blood vessels at tumor sites. Consistent with this, migration was also inhibited by treatment of recipient mice with either anti-VCAM-1 or anti-ICAM-1 mAb. In contrast to the OV-HM model, T-cell migration was not affected in the CSA1M model following preinjection of anti-IFN-gamma mAb. In this model, VCAM-1-/ICAM-1-positive blood vessels existed even after anti-IFN-gamma treatment, although tumor regression was completely inhibited. These results indicate that IFN-gamma plays two distinct roles in expressing the antitumor efficacy of IL-12: one is to support the T-cell acceptability of tumor masses, and the other is to mediate the antitumor effects of migrated T cells.

Metabolism of 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide in the dog

1. The biotransformation of 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide (OPB-2045), a new potent biguanide antiseptic, was investigated in male beagle dogs. Urinary and faecal excretion of unchanged compound and metabolites were studied following a single subcutaneous injection of 14C-labeled compound at a dose of 1 mg/kg. 2. Four urinary metabolites were structually identified using synthetic standards and/or spectral data as 3,4-dichlorobenzoic acid, 6-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1-biguanidino] hexanoic acid (DM-210), 4-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzl)-1-biguanidino] butanoic acid (DM-212) and 5-[5-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1-biguanidino] pentanoic acid (DM-213). 3. The predominant radioactive substances in the excreta were DM-213 and DM-210 at 26.1% and 25.5%, respectively, of the dose. No unchanged compound was detected in the urine, and in the faeces it was only 2% of the dose.

Polygalasaponins XLII-XLVI from roots of Polygala glomerata

Five new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins XLII-XLVI, along with two known saponins were isolated from the roots of Polygala glomerata Lour. The structures of polygalasaponins XLII-XLVI were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->2)-{4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]}-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- (1-->3)]-[4-O-(E)-p-methoxycinnamoyl]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)]-{4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]}-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[6-O- acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-{4-O- [(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]}-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)- beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->2)-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-{4-O-[(Z)-3, 4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]}-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Involvement of CYP2D1 in the metabolism of carteolol by male rat liver microsomes

1. The metabolism of carteolol, a beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes. 2. The formation of 8-hydroxycarteolol was the principal metabolic pathway of carteolol in vitro and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a K(m) = 11.0 +/- 5.4 microM and a Vmax = 1.58 +/- 0.64 nmol/min/nmol P450 respectively (mean +/- SD, n = 5). Eadie-Hofstee plot analysis of carteolol 8-hydroxylase activity confirmed single-enzyme Michaelis-Menten kinetics. 3. The cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in 8-hydroxylation of carteolol were investigated using selective chemical inhibitors and polyclonal anti-P450 antibodies. Quinine (Ki = 0.06 microM) and quinidine (Ki = 2.0 microM), selective inhibitors of CYP2D1, competitively inhibited 8-hydroxycarteolol formation. Furthermore, only anti-human CYP2D6 antibody inhibited this reaction. 4. These results suggest that carteolol is metabolized to 8-hydroxycarteolol by CYP2D1. The K(m) of carteolol for CYP2D1 in male rat liver microsomes was much greater than those of propranolol or bunitrolol, indicating that carteolol has a lower affinity for CYP2D1 compared with these other beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs.

IL-12-induced tumor regression correlates with in situ activity of IFN-gamma produced by tumor-infiltrating cells and its secondary induction of anti-tumor pathways

Administration of recombinant interleukin-12 (rIL-12) into CSA1M fibrosarcoma-bearing mice results in complete regression of growing tumors. This tumor regression is associated with massive lymphoid cell infiltration to tumor sites and is completely blocked by injection of anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) monoclonal antibody (mAb). We investigated whether anti-IFN-gamma mAb exerts its suppressive effect on tumor regression by blocking the IL-12-induced lymphoid cell migration to tumor sites or by inhibiting the secondary effects of IFN-gamma produced by infiltrating cells. Injection of anti-IFN-gamma mAb to CSA1M-bearing mice before IL-12 treatment prevented the induction of tumor regression, whereas this treatment affected only marginally the infiltration of lymphoid cells to tumor masses. In accordance with this, IFN-gamma mRNA was expressed inside tumor masses by infiltrating cells after IL-12 therapy irrespective of whether anti-IFN-gamma mAb was injected. However, anti-IFN-gamma mAb treatment almost completely abrogated the in situ expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as IFN-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) genes as examples of IFN-gamma-inducible genes. Immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that the expression of iNOS protein was completely inhibited by anti-IFN-gamma injection. These results suggest that the implementation of in situ IFN-gamma activity and its secondary induction of anti-tumor pathways such as iNOS and IP-10 expression are important processes in the IL-12-induced tumor regression.

Oligosaccharide polyesters from roots of Polygala fallax

Five new oligosaccharide polyesters, fallaxoses A-E, along with four known ones, reiniose D, senegose G, tenuifolioses C and P, were isolated from the roots of Polygala fallax. Fallaxoses A-E were elucidated as 3-O-{4-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-feruloyl}-beta-D-fructofuranosyl- (2-->1)-(4,6-di-O-benzoyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-{4-O-[beta-D-glucocopyranosyl-(1-->3)-(2-O-acetyl)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-feruloyl}-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- (4, 6-di-O-benzoyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)]-(4-O-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3 )]-(4-O-feruloyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-feruloyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-(6-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]- (6-O-feruloyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, by spectroscopic and chemical means.

Intracerebral penetration of carteolol hydrochloride in rats

To elucidate the penetrability of carteolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (beta-blocker) into the brain of rats, intracerebral and serum concentrations of the compound were determined in male rats receiving single or repetitive oral administration of carteolol hydrochloride at 30 mg/kg. The time-course of the intracerebral concentration of carteolol following single IV administration of the compound at 10 and 30 mg/kg was also studied in male rats. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determine the intracerebral and serum concentrations. Following single oral dosing, the intracerebral concentration of carteolol reached a maximum of 0.074 microgram/g at 2 h postdosing and declined with a half-life of 3.7 h, and the Cmax and AUC of carteolol in the brain were 12.5% and 19.8% of those in serum. The intracerebral and serum concentrations of carteolol were determined in male rats receiving repetitive oral dosing of the compound once daily for 7 days. The concentration of carteolol in the brain and serum at 1 h postdosing varied within a range of 0.059-0.091 microgram/g and 0.321-0.443 microgram/ml, respectively, throughout the dosing period, showing no changes in the penetrability of the compound into the brain due to repeated dosing. The concentration of carteolol in the brain and serum increased in a dose-dependent manner in rats receiving a single IV administration of the compound. The elimination half-life of carteolol in the serum and brain was 0.6-0.8 h and 1.3-1.7 h, respectively, in rats following single IV dosing of the compound. The half-life in the brain was about twice as long as that in the serum. The brain to serum concentration ratio was 0.306:0.499. From the above results, it was concluded that carteolol is distributed from the circulation to the brain with low penetrability.

Oligosaccharide polyesters from roots of Polygala fallax

Five new oligosaccharide polyesters, fallaxoses A-E, along with four known ones, reiniose D, senegose G, tenuifolioses C and P, were isolated from the roots of Polygala fallax. Fallaxoses A-E were elucidated as 3-O-{4-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-feruloyl}-beta-D-fructofuranosyl- (2-->1)-(4,6-di-O-benzoyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-{4-O-[beta-D-glucocopyranosyl-(1-->3)-(2-O-acetyl)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-feruloyl}-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- (4, 6-di-O-benzoyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)]-(4-O-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3 )]-(4-O-feruloyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-feruloyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-(6-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]- (6-O-feruloyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, by spectroscopic and chemical means.

Characterization of the cytotoxic activity of nitric oxide generating N-nitroso compounds

The NO-generating abilities of aromatic N-nitroso compounds (nitrosoureas, nitrosamides and nitrosamines), and N-acetyl-S-nitroso-DL-penicillamine at ambient temperature were compared by employing the Griess reaction. 3,3-Dibenzyl-1-(4-tolyl)-1-nitrosourea showed the greatest NO-generating ability among the tested compounds. The NO-generating ability of the aromatic N-nitrosoureas and N-nitrosamides was greater than that of the N-nitrosamines, presumably reflecting differences in electrostatic repulsion between the carbonyl oxygen and nitroso oxygen in these compounds. In addition, a conjugative effect between the aromatic ring carbon and neighboring nitrogen influences the NO-generating ability; the conjugative effect in the case of N-nitrosoureas and N-nitrosamides having an ortho-alkyl substituted aromatic ring, or N-nitrosamines having a bulky N-group, such as tert-butyl, is decreased by an increase in steric hindrance around the nitroso group. The N-NO bond then becomes more stable. The NO-generating ability was related to the reciprocal of the ID50 value for growth inhibition of cultured L-5178 Y cells by the aromatic N-nitroso compounds. On the other hand, NO production from the aliphatic N-nitroso compounds was not observed under our conditions, and these N-nitroso compounds did not show effective cytotoxic activity.

Comparative distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in pancreas of the dog and rat: immunocytochemistry of neuronal type NOS and histochemistry of NADPH-diaphorase

We investigated the localization of nitric oxide synthase in the pancreas of the dog in comparison to the rat by the methods of immunocytochemistry using antineuronal type nitric oxide synthase serum and histochemistry using NADPH-diaphorase activity. In both species, the most intense staining was observed in neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the pancreas and nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was completely colocalized with NADPH-diaphorase activity. However, there were differences of the distribution between the two species. In the dog pancreas, immuno- and NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers were numerous around pancreatic ducts and moderate around the arteries and the acini but few in the islets. In contrast, in the rat pancreas, immuno- and diaphorase-positive fibers were fewer around the pancreatic ducts and acini and more abundant in the islets. The expression ratio of NADPH-diaphorase in intrapancreatic ganglion cell bodies that were scattered in the interlobular connective tissue was low to moderate (28.1% in the right lobe, 49.5% in the left lobe) in the dog, while the ratio in rat pancreas was very high in both lobes of the pancreas (about 86%). Except for neuronal staining, weak NADPH-diaphorase-positive reactions were detected in the vascular endothelial cells of the pancreas in both species. In rat islet cells, weak neuronal type nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was observed; however, in dog islet cells, no immunoreactivity was detected. These results suggest that nitric oxide in the pancreas is derived from vascular endothelium and neuronal tissue in both species and that the neuronal nitrergic regulation of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas is different between the species.

Studies on differentiation inducers. VI. Lignan derivatives from Arctium fructus. (2)

In the previous paper, we reported the differentiation inducing activities of lignoids from Arctium Fructus (the fruits of Arctium lappa L., Compositae) against mouse myeloid leukemia cells (M1). We reinvestigated the active components of this extract and isolated three new dilignans. Furthermore, structure modifications were carried out using the most active lignan (arctigenin, 1) and its structure-activity relationship was investigated. Its aliphatic esters were more effective in inducing the differentiation of M1 cells than its aromatic esters. Especially, n-decanoate, which was the most active derivative, induced more than half of the M1 cells into phagocytic cells at a concentration of 2 microM.

Nine new triterpene saponins, polygalasaponins XXXIII--XLI from the roots of Polygala fallax Hemsl

Nine new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins XXXIII--XLI, along with seven known saponins were isolated from the roots of Polygala fallax HEMSL. Polygalasaponins XXXIII-XLI were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->2)-(4-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fuco-pyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-(4-O-acetyl)-beta-D- fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-(3,4-di-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- [(5-O-acetyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosy l- (1-->2)-(3,4-di-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)- (3-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-(4-O-acetyl)-beta-D- fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)- [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-(4-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- [beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)- (3,4-di-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- [(5-O-acetyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl - (1-->2)-(3,4-di-O-acetyl)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Five new triterpene saponins, polygalasaponins XXVIII-XXXII from the root of Polygala japonica Houtt

Five new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins XXVIII-XXXII, along with one known saponin, polygalasaponin XXIV, and one known acylated sucrose, tenuifoliside C, were isolated from the root of Polygala japonica. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl pesenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->5)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamno-pyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyl]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl persenegenin 28-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl]-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

[Recent progress in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices]

Recent advances in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices are reviewed in this paper. Endoscopy, angiography, ultrasound, and ultrasound Doppler are now employed in the diagnosis of varices. As for endoscopic diagnosis, new criteria for the evaluation of gastroesophageal varices have been applied. Angiography is now not only used to demonstrate the varices and collateral circulations in portal hypertension but also used in the embolization therapy for large gastric varices or intractable esophageal varices. Ultrasound and color Doppler are now widely used in the diagnosis of portal hypertension because of its noninvasiveness and conveniency. Furthermore, in its use in endoscopy, varical vessels and blood flow in the wall of the esophagus and the stomach can be directly demonstrated. Recent advances in these diagnostic modalities will made it possible to diagnose gastroesophageal varices and evaluate the pathophysiology in patients with portal hypertension more precisely.

Studies on differentiation inducers. V. Steroid glycosides from periplocae radicis cortex

Six pregnane glycosides and three cardenolides were isolated as differentiation inducers using mouse myeloid leukemia (Ml) cells from Periplocae Radicis Cortex (bark of Periploca sepium BGE., Asclepiadaceae). The cardenolides showed much higher activities than the pregnane glycosides. Besides these nine compounds, commercially available cardenolides were tested for their differentiation inducing activities using Ml cells. Digitoxin and digoxin induced Ml cells into phagocytic cells, but others did not. In the presence of 1 nM of actinomycin-D, the activity of steroid glycosides was enhanced against Ml cells.

[Localization of NADPH-diaphorase activity and NOS immunoreactivity in the pancreas of rat and dog]

To clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pancreas, we investigate the localization of NADPH-diaphorase activity and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity in the pancreas of the rat and dog. NADPH-diaphorase activity and nNOS immunoreactivity were identical in the neuronal element of both species. NADPH-diaphorase activity and nNOS immunoreactivity were localized in neurons and endothelial cells of vascular system. Numerous NADPH-diaphorase positive and nNOS immunoreactive fibers were observed around pancreatic ducts and arteries. A moderate number of NADPH-diaphorase positive and nNOS immunoreactive fibers were observed surrounding the acini of dog pancreas, but there were few of these structures in rat pancreas. The islets of the rat pancreas contained a moderate number of NADPH-diaphorase positive and nNOS immunoreactive fibers. However in the dog, these positive fibers were not detected inside the islets. In the rat pancreas, 85% of the ganglion cells showed NADPH-diaphorase staining. In the dog, however, 30-50% of the ganglion cells demonstrated NADPH-diaphorase activity. Although NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry did not show any positive staining in the islet cells of pancreas in either species, NOS immunocytochemical method demonstrated weak positive staining in the rat islet cells. These results indicate that NO may play an important role for the neuronal regulation of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine activities in both species, but in the species-specific manner.

Studies on the constituents of Polygala japonica HOUTT. II. Structures of polygalasaponins XI-XIX

Nine new oleanane-type saponins polygalasaponins XI-XIX were isolated from the aerial part of Polygala japonica. The structures of these compounds were established on basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

NADPH-diaphorase and nitric oxide synthase in the canine superior cervical ganglion

By means of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that considerable numbers of NADPH-d-positive neurons are distributed throughout the canine superior cervical ganglion (SCG). These neurons also show NOS immunoreactivity. This finding indicates that NADPH-d histochemistry, a simple and reliable technique, can be used as a reliable marker of NOS activity in the sympathetic innervation of canine head and neck. The present findings suggest that the participation of nitric oxide in the SCG differs greatly between species.

Studies on the constituents of Polygala japonica Houtt. I. Structures of polygalasaponins I-X

Ten new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins I-X, along with two known saponins, bayogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and lobatoside B were isolated from the aerial part of Polygala japonica Houtt. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons contain nitric oxide synthase and project to the superior cervical ganglion: combined application of retrograde neuronal tracer and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry

Nitric Oxide (NO), which was initially identified as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, has recently been demonstrated to be a neuronal messenger in central and peripheral nervous systems. In the present study, we examined the possibility of NO producing neurons in teh intermediolateral (IML) cell collum of the thoracic spinal cord (Th) project to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). First, we observed the NADPH-diaphorase-positive/nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunoreactive neurons of the IML and the dorsal part of the central canal at the level of Th1-Th3, and numerous fiber-stainings in the superior cervical ganglion. Second, after injecting WGA-HRP (wheat germ agglutinin-horse radish peroxidase complex), a retrograde neuronal tracer, into the SCG, and developing WGA-immunohistochemistry and the NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry in the same sections, we detected double-labeled neurons in the IML. These findings provide evidence that sympathetic preganglionic NO producing neurons directly innervate to the SCG.

Cell differentiation-inducing diterpenes from Andrographis paniculata Nees

The methanol extract of the aerial part of Andrographis paniculata Nees showed potent cell differentiation-inducing activity on mouse myeloid leukemia (M1) cells. From the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract, six new diterpenoids of ent-labdane type, 14-epi-andrographolide (3), isoandrographolide (4), 14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide (7), 12-epi-14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide (8), 14-deoxy-12-hydroxyandrographolide (9) and 14-deoxy-11-hydroxyandrographolide (10) as well as two new diterpene glucosides, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographi-side (12) and 6'-acetylneoandrographolide (14), and four new diterpene dimers, bis-andrograpolides A (15), B (16), C (17) and D (18), were isolated along with six known compounds. The structures of the diterpenoids were determined by means of spectral methods. Some of these compounds showed potent cell differentiation-inducing activity towards M1 cells.

Development of a novel method for determination of acetyl-CoA:1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acetyltransferase activity and its application to screening for acetyltransferase inhibitors. Inhibition by magnolol and honokiol from Magnoliae cortex

A method was developed for determining the activity of acetyl-CoA:1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.67), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The assay involves measurement of the radioactivity in the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitated complex of radioactive product and albumin after incubation of 1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and [3H]acetyl-CoA with rat spleen microsomes or membrane fractions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The radioactive product associated with the precipitate was identified as PAF using an ultrahigh-sensitivity TV camera system after extraction and separation by TLC. This TCA method was then used to screen the components of crude preparations that inhibited acetyltransferase activity. Major components from the cortex of Magnoliae (magnolol and honokiol), which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions, inhibited the acetyltransferase activity in rat spleen microsomes (IC50, 150 and 150 microM, respectively) and membrane fractions of human PMNs (IC50, 70 and 60 microM, respectively). The inhibitory action of magnolol and honokiol was reversible, and similar to or higher than that of nordihydroguaiaretic acid. PAF production in human PMNs stimulated by the ionophore A23187 was also suppressed dose dependently by magnolol and honokiol. These activities may be relevant to the claimed therapeutic effects of the extract from Magnoliae cortex.

Studies on differentiation inducers. IV. Pregnane derivatives from condurango cortex

In connection with the study of differentiation inducers from plants, the methanol extract of Condurango Cortex (bark of Marsdenia condurango REICH, Asclepiadaceae) was investigated to examine its differentiation-inducing activity towards mouse myeloid leukemia (M1) cell line. Six pregnane glycosides, including three new compounds, were isolated as differentiation inducers. Each of the six active glycosides has three or four deoxylated sugars which are well-known to occur in Asclepiadaceae plants. M1 cells were differentiated into phagocytic cells by these glycosides, and they were found to be more effective than their aglycones. Condurangoglycosides A (7) and C (8), having a cinnamoyl group in their aglycones, were the most potent differentiation inducers and M1 cells became phagocytic cells after 24 h treatment with these compounds.

Studies on the differentiation inducers of myeloid leukemic cells from Citrus species

An attempt was made to isolate differentiation inducers from Aurantii Nobilis Pericarpium and the fruit peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae). Twenty-seven kinds of flavones, including five new flavones, were isolated after repeated chromatography from methanol extracts of these plants and their structures were established, from their physicochemical data, to be highly methoxylated flavones. Each compound, except for two flavone glucosides, showed the differentiation inducing activity toward mouse myeloid leukemia cells (M1), and the cells came to have phagocytic activity. Furthermore, differentiation inducing activity was tested using human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60).

Biphenomycin C, a precursor of biphenomycin A in mixed culture

A precursor of biphenomycin A in mixed culture of Streptomyces griseorubiginosus No. 43708 with Pseudomonas maltophilia No. 1928 was isolated and characterized. The structure of the precursor, designated biphenomycin C was determined to be a peptide which is composed of biphenomycin A and arginylserine residue (Fig. 1), on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Biphenomycin A production by a mixed culture

Production of biphenomycin A by Streptomyces griseorubiginosus 43708 was stimulated by a mixed culture with a partner strain, Pseudomonas maltophilia 1928. This stimulatory effect on biphenomycin A accumulation by the mixed culture was caused by the enzyme activity which strain 1928 possessed. It is suggested that in a mixed culture strain 43708 produces a precursor of biphenomycin A in culture broth and that strain 1928 converts the precursor to biphenomycin A.

Studies on differentiation-inducing activities of triterpenes

Differentiation-inducing activity of over 180 extracts of crude drugs and plants was tested using mouse myeloid leukemia cell line (M1). The methanol extracts of clove (Syzygium aromaticum Merrill et Perry, Myrtaceae) showed remarkable induction of differentiation of M1 cells into macrophage-like cells. From the extract, oleanolic acid (1) and crategolic acid (2) were isolated as the active components. We also tested other triterpenes, such as oleananes, ursanes and dammaranes, to investigate the structure-activity relationship. Some triterpene aglycones showed differentiation-inducing activity, but triterpene glycosides showed little activity. Furthermore, the differentiation-inducing activity of these triterpene compounds was tested against human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60).

Effects of germfree status and food restriction on longevity and growth of mice

An investigation was undertaken to study the effects of germfree (GF) status and mild food restriction on life span in GF and specific pathogen-free (SPF) male ICR mice either full-fed (ad libitum) or on a restricted diet of 4.5 grams per day (equivalent to approximately 80% of full-fed intake) from five-week-old. The mean life span of the full-fed SPF and GF mice was 75.9 and 88.9 weeks respectively, while the mean life span of the food-restricted SPF and GF mice was 117.5 and 109.6 weeks, respectively. Mice in both GF and SPF food-restricted groups were characterized by lower body weight and increased survival. These findings suggest that the cessation of growth may be importantly and perhaps causally related to longevity. The GF mice survived longer than the SPF mice, but the combination of GF status with food restriction did not seem to extend life span more than food restriction alone.

Immunological function of food-restricted germfree and specific pathogen-free mice

The effects of food restriction on immune function was investigated in germfree (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. They were maintained from five weeks of age under either full-fed or food-restricted conditions to 4.5 grams per day (equivalent to approximately 80% of full-fed intake) of a commercial diet. Longest survival rate was attained in food-restricted SPF mice followed by food-restricted GF, full-fed GF, and full-fed SPF animals. Food-restricted GF mice showed shorter survival rate than their SPF counterparts. This result suggests that food restriction may be just as effective as GF status for extending life span. Immune function declined significantly with age in full-fed groups of GF and SPF mice. In both food-restricted GF and SPF mice, mitogenic response to concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide and antibody response to sheep red blood cells were lower early in life and became higher later in life as compared with full-fed mice. Hence, the maintenance of effective immunological function until old age may be the reason for food-restricted groups to live slightly longer than full-fed groups.

Murine cytomegalovirus infection model in Balb/c mice. 3. Immunoglobulin production during infection

In mice infected with a lethal dose of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and the Ig-bearing cells in the spleen dropped to barely detectable levels 2 days after infection. In mice with acute but non-lethal MCMV infection, the serum IgM was twice and the IgG 32 times that of the uninfected controls by Day 8 of infection; the numbers of spleen cells bearing IgM and the IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) were also greatly increased. In the asymptomatically infected group, serum IgM remained unchanged but the IgG increased to 16 times that of uninfected controls by Day 11 of infection; the numbers of spleen cells bearing IgM and IgG subclasses were also increased, although to a lesser extent than in the acute, non-lethally infected mice. In the latter two groups, serum IgA and IgA-bearing cells in the spleen did not alter significantly. Complement-requiring neutralizing antibodies to MCMV were detected 8 days post infection.