Analysis of Urinary Retention Caused by Selective β 3-adrenoceptor Agonists Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database (JADER)

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a frequent chronic disorder which impairs quality of life by frequent, uncontrollable urination. Newly developed selectiveβ 3-adrenoceptor agonists (sβ 3-agonists) have the same efficacy in treating OAB but significantly fewer side effects than the traditionally used anti-muscarinics. However, safety data on these compounds are scarce. In this study, we analysed the occurrence of adverse effects in patients taking sβ 3-agonists and their characteristics using the JADER database. The most frequently reported adverse effect associated with the use of sβ 3-agonists was urinary retention [mirabegron; crude reporting odds ratios (ROR): 62.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 52.0-73.6, P<0.001, vibegron; crude ROR: 250, 95% CI : 134-483, P<0.001]. Data from patients with urinary retention were stratified by sex. In both men and women, the rate of urinary retention was higher when using the mirabegron/anti-muscarinic drug when compared to mirabegron monotherapy; its occurrence was higher in men with a history of benign prostatic hypertrophy than in those without. Weibull analysis showed that approximately 50% of sβ 3 agonist-induced urinary retention occurred within 15 days after initiation of treatment, and then gradually decreased. Although sβ 3-agonists are useful against OAB, they may induce several side effects, especially urinary retention, which can further evolve into more severe conditions. Urinary retention occurs more frequently in patients concomitantly taking medication that either increases urethral resistance or has organic factors that block the urethra. When using sβ 3-agonists, the concomitantly used medications and underlying diseases should be thoroughly reviewed, and safety monitoring should be instituted early during the treatment.

Juzentaihoto extract suppresses adipocyte hypertrophy and improves hyperglycemia in KKAy mice

Juzentaihoto is a herbal medicine with reported anti-inflammatory effects, and it is predicted to improve inflammation and insulin sensitivity within obesity. In the present study, juzentaihoto hot water extract (JTT) was administered to obese type 2 diabetic model mice (KKAy) for 56 days. In addition, the effects of JTT on the adipose tissue, glucose metabolism, and blood lipids were evaluated for examining its impact on insulin sensitivity and obesity. As a result of JTT administration, KKAy mice exhibited suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy, decreased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α, and increased the mRNA levels of adiponectin in epididymal fat tissue. In addition, fasting blood glucose levels, blood triglyceride, and total cholesterol decreased. In summary, these data indicated that JTT administration suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines and increased adiponectin levels in the adipose tissue. Therefore, with improved insulin sensitivity, blood glucose, and lipid decreased.

The transfer of parthenogenetic embryos following artificial insemination in cows can enhance pregnancy recognition via the secretion of interferon tau

Repeat breeding is a reproductive disorder in cattle. Embryo transfer following artificial insemination (AI) improves pregnancy rate by replenishing interferon tau (IFNT), but it results in a notably higher rate of twin occurrence. This study hypothesized that parthenogenetic (PA) embryo transfer following AI (AI + PA) could improve the conception rate because that PA embryo become as a supplemental source of IFNT without twins. PA embryos showed higher IFNT mRNA expression than in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. An examination of the effect of the cultured conditioned media (CM) of PA or IVF embryos on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells with stably introduced promoter-reporter constructs of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15, marker of IFN response) showed higher stimulation levels of ISG15 promoter activity with PA than with IVF embryo. We investigated in vivo the effect of AI + PA on healthy Japanese Black cattle. Cattle transferred with PA embryo alone were non-fertile, but those that underwent AI + PA showed a pregnancy rate of 53.3%, the similar as that with AI alone (60%). In pregnant cattle in AI + PA group, adding the PA embryo upregulated the expression of ISGs and plasma progesterone concentration. No twin were generated in AI only and AI + PA groups. Using repeat breeding Holstein cows that did not become pregnant with 4-9 times of AI, transfer of PA embryo following AI resulted in a higher pregnancy rate than that of control (AI only). We suggest that AI + PA may be beneficial for improving maternal pregnancy recognition in repeat breeder cattle while avoiding twin generation.

Improvement of fertility in repeat breeder dairy cattle by embryo transfer following artificial insemination: possibility of interferon tau replenishment effect

Repeat breeder cattle do not become pregnant until after three or more breeding attempts; this represents a critical reproductive disorder. Embryo transfer (ET) following artificial insemination (AI) in repeat breeder cattle reportedly improves pregnancy rate, leading to speculation that interferon tau (IFNT) is associated with this phenomenon. However, the reason why the conception rate improves remains unknown. We investigated the effect of ET following AI on repeat breeder cattle in field tests, and determined whether adding an embryo affects the maternal immune cells detected by interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), marker genes of IFN response. In total, 1122 repeat breeder cattle were implanted with in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos after previous AI. ET following AI resulted in pregnancy rates of 46.9% in repeat breeder dairy cattle. In basic in vivo tests, to investigate the effect of adding embryos, ISGs mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the AI + ET group than in the AI + sham group (transfer of only embryonic cryopreservation solution). Then, we examined the effect of cultured conditioned media (CM) of IVF embryos on splenic immune cells and Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells with stably introduced ISG15 promoter-reporter constructs. These cells exhibited a specific increase in ISG15 mRNA expression and promoter activity when treated with the CM of IVF embryos, suggesting that IVF embryos have the potential to produce and release IFNT. In conclusion, ET following AI is beneficial for improving conception in repeat breeder cattle. Added embryos may produce and secrete IFNT, resulting in the increased expression of ISGs.

Quality control of hospital preparations: Establishment of a simple and rapid method for quantifying ulinastatin in vaginal suppositories

Ulinastatin vaginal suppositories, used to prevent threatened premature delivery, are frequently used in hospitals. However, there is no established method for quantifying ulinastatin contained in suppositories. Therefore, we investigated a simple and efficient method for quantifying ulinastatin contained in suppositories. Our analytical method involved removal of the base; optimising the enzyme inhibition reaction time and enzyme reaction time; and measuring the absorbance. The modified method was reproducible, operation time was significantly shortened, and cost was reduced to approximately 1/17 of that of the previously reported method. This simple and rapid quantitative method could contribute to the improvement of quality control of ulinastatin vaginal suppositories as an extemporaneous hospital preparation.

Intermittent hypoxia does not increase exercise ventilation at simulated moderate altitude

Recent human studies have shown that resting hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), which is an index of ventilatory chemosensitivity to hypoxia, increased after short-term intermittent hypoxia at rest. In addition, intermittent hypoxia leads to increases in ventilation and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO (2)) during exercise at simulated high altitude, with the increase in ventilation correlated to the change in HVR. However, no study has been made to clarify the relationship between ventilatory chemosensitivity and the exercise ventilation at moderate altitude following intermittent hypoxia during a resting state. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to elucidate whether intermittent hypoxia at rest induces the increase in ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude that is accompanied by an increase in hypoxic chemosensitivity. Eighteen trained male runners were assigned to three groups, i.e., the first hypoxic group (H-1 group, n = 6), the second hypoxic group (H-2 group, n = 6), and a control group (C group, n = 6). The hypoxic tent system was utilized for intermittent hypoxia, and the oxygen levels in the tent were maintained at 15.5 +/- 0.1 % (simulated 2500 m altitude) for the H-1 group and 12.3 +/- 0.2 % (simulated 4300 m altitude) for the H-2 group. The H-1 and H-2 groups spent 1 hour per day in the hypoxic tent for 1 week. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests while breathing 15.5 +/- 0.01 % O (2) (simulated altitude of 2500 m) were performed before and after intermittent hypoxia. Resting HVR was also determined in each subject using a progressive isocapnic hypoxic method. In the H-2 group, HVR increased significantly (p < 0.05) following intermittent hypoxia, while no change in HVR was found in the H-1 or C group. Neither ventilation nor SaO (2) during maximal and submaximal exercise at a simulated altitude of 2500 m were changed in either group after 1 hour per day for 1 week of intermittent hypoxia. These results suggest that the change in resting hypoxic chemosensitivity after short-term intermittent hypoxia does not affect ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude.

181 DIFFERENCES EXIST IN ZONA PELLUCIDA HARDNESS BETWEEN IN VIVO- AND IN VITRO-GENERATED BOVINE EMBRYOS

The zona pellucida (ZP) of mammalian ova plays an important role during maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The hardness of ZP of mammalian ova has been mainly evaluated by a biochemical method, such as a difference in ova dissolution speed with an enzyme or an acid reagent treatment. However, the physical hardness of ZP in bovine embryos is largely unknown. Recently, we developed a system measuring the physical hardness of ZP of mammalian ova with a micro bio-sensor (MBS). The objective of this study was to examine the physical ZP hardness of in vivo- and in vitro-derived bovine embryos using an MBS. In the measurement system, the thin glass needle was connected at the tip of a piezo-electric ceramic tactile sensor, and the sample was pushed into a sensor at fixed speed under the computer-controlled micromanipulation system. The change in frequency at the time of displacement of the sample into the sensor was recorded using the computer program. Measurement of gelatin samples of known concentration (4 to 8%) was used to determine the basic characteristic of a sensor and to make a standard curve. In vivo-generated embryos were recovered from 6 superovulated Japanese Black cows with multiple injection of FSH. On Day 7 after insemination, morulae (M), early blastocysts (EB), and blastocysts (BL) were recovered by nonsurgical flushing of uterine horns. In vitro-generated embryos were produced as described earlier (Yoshida et al. 1998 J. Vet. Med. Sci. 60, 549–554). The M, EB, and BL at Days 5 to 7 of post-insemination in vitro were used for measurement of ZP hardness. When a sensor made contact with a harder gelatin sample, the change in frequency was large; the change in frequency has the characteristic of being small for a softer gelatin sample. By comparison with a standard curve, ZP hardness converted into gelatin concentration for each stage of bovine embryos generated in vivo was 3.95% (M: n = 9), 4.14% (EB: n = 32), and 3.92% (BL: n = 14), respectively. On the other hand, ZP hardness of bovine embryos generated in vitro was 3.42% (M: n = 56), 3.33% (EB: n = 36), and 3.25% (BL: n = 23), respectively. There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.01) in the hardness of ZP between in vivo- and in vitro-generated bovine embryos.

The use of colour Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of retinal detachment

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PURPOSE

To evaluate real-time duplex colour Doppler examination with colour and pulse Doppler ultrasonography (US) (colour Doppler imaging (CDI)) for detection of the retinal detachment from membranous structures in the posterior segment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 33 consecutive patients with ophthalmoscopically invisible eyes (34 eyes), CDI was performed to detect the presence or absence of retinal detachment. The diagnostic criterion for retinal detachment was whether or not spectral waveforms were detected in membranous structures with colour and pulse Doppler US. In all cases, the absence or presence of retinal detachment was confirmed by surgery.

RESULTS

In 27 of 34 eyes, membranes and/or opacities were observed in the vitreous cavity with CDI. In 12 of these 27 eyes, blood flow in those structures was detected by CDI. In all of these 12 eyes, retinal detachment was confirmed at surgery, and in 14 of the 15 eyes in which blood flow was not detected by CDI, absence of retinal detachment was confirmed at surgery. When a diagnosis confirmed by surgery was used as the definitive finding, CDI had a sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 93.3%, and an accuracy in the detection of retinal detachment from membranes and/or opacities in the vitreous cavity of 96.3%.

CONCLUSION

Real-time duplex colour Doppler examination with colour and pulse Doppler US (CDI) is a noninvasive method useful for the detection of retinal detachment from vitreous opacity and/or membrane in the posterior segment.

137 EFFECT OF FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE IN CO-CULTURE MEDIUM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF IN VITRO MATURED AND FERTILIZED BOVINE EMBRYOS

PG concentration is often increased during uterine manipulation with embryo transfer. Embryo viability is affected by the increase in the PGF2α concentration accompanying manipulation of the uterus during embryo transfer. Schrick et al. (2001 Theriogenology 55, 370 abst) observed that treatment with flunixin meglumine, an inhibitor of prostaglandin, increased pregnancy rates depending on the stage and quality of embryos transferred. On the other hand, prostaglandin was secreted by a cumulus cell monolayer in an in vitro culture of bovine oocytes. The present study aimed to assess the effects of flunixin meglumine in culture medium on the development of in vitro-matured and fertilized bovine embryos. COCs were collected from ovaries of slaughtered cows by aspiration. The COCs were matured for 20 h in TCM-199 supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 2% CO2 in air. Matured COCs were inseminated with 1.0 × 107 sperm mL−1 in BO medium (Brackett and Oliphant 1975 Biol. Reprod. 12, 260–274) containing 5 mM theophillin and 5 μg mL−1 heparin for 5 h. All of the inseminated oocytes were introduced into the maturation medium that had been kept with the cumulus cells in the CO2 incubator. At 48 h after insemination, all embryos over the 4-cell stage were cultured in TCM-199 plus 5% FBS supplemented with each of five concentrations of flunixin meglumine (0, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.025%) with a cumulus cell monolayer. Development to the blastocyst stage and quality were examined at Days 7 to 8 (Day 0 = day of insemination) using a microscope. The experiment was replicated four times. Data were analyzed by the chi-square test. The total blastocyst rates from the over-4-cell embryos were 61.2 (52/89), 53.7 (44/89), 65.6 (59/90), 57.3 (51/89), and 33.7% (31/92) for 0, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.025%, flunixin meglumine, respectively. The total blastocyst rate with the flunixin meglumine concentration of 0.025% was significantly lower than those with the other concentrations (P < 0.05). The proportion of grade 1 blastocysts with the flunixin meglumine concentration of 0.005% was significantly higher than that with the 0, 0.0025, and 0.025% concentrations (27.8 vs 11.2, 14.6, and 5.4%; P < 0.05). Our present results show that the addition of 0.005% flunixin meglumine to the co-culture medium is positively associated with blastocyst quality in bovine embryos.

97EFFECT OF RAPID TEMPERATURE CHANGE ON VIABILITY OF FROZEN-THAWED IVM/IVF BOVINE EMBRYOS

In on-farm conditions, frozen bovine embryos are frequently thawed at various environmental temperatures. Thawing temperature is an important factor affecting the viability of frozen-thawed bovine embryos. The present study investigated the effects of rapid temperature change on the viability of frozen IVM/IVF bovine embryos after thawing. Day 7- and 8- (Day 0=day of insemination) expanded blastocysts were used in this study. Embryos were produced as previously described by Hamano &amp; Kuwayama (1993 Theriogenology 39, 703–712,). Embryos were frozen in TCM-199 supplemented with 1.4M glycerol, 20% calf serum (CS), and 0.25-M sucrose. The embryos were loaded into 0.25mL straws. After equilibration, the straws were placed directly into a precooled alcohol chamber of a freezer at −6°C, seeded 1min later, held at −6°C for 10min, cooled to −25°C at a rate of 0.33°C/min, and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Embryos were thawed by holding the straws in room temperature air for 10s, and then immersing them in a 35°C water bath for 10s. The thawed straws were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Some thawed straws were held for 5min at −15, −5, 0, 5, or 15°C, and were then transferred directly into a water bath at 35°C for 5min (Group 1). The remaining straws were subjected to the same post-thaw cooling step procedures as Group 1 two times (Group 2). The embryos were then directly rehydrated in PBS supplemented with 5% CS at 35°C, and cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 5% CS and 0.1mM β-mercaptoethanol. The morphology and hatching of embryos was assessed 72h later. Data were analyzed using the chi-square method and Fisher’s exact test. The results are presented in the Table. There were no significant differences in the hatching rate among 5 temperatures in Group 1. Although there were no differences in the hatching rate of embryos held at −5, 0, 5, or 15°C after thawing, the rate for embryos held at −15°C was significantly lower than those of the other treatments in Group 2 (P&lt;0.05). The straws held at −15°C twice (Group 2), showed refreezing. These results suggest that exposing thawed straws to a broad range of environmental temperatures (−5 to 15°C) had no effect on the viability of frozen-thawed IVM/IVF bovine embryos. However, embryos might be irreversibly damaged when held at −15°C. Table 1 Effect of rapid temperature change on the viability of frozen-thawed IVM/IVF bovine embryos

Gastric Myoelectrical Activity Increases after Moderate-Intensity Exercise with no Meals under Suppressed Vagal Nerve Activity

Postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity recorded by electrogastrogram (EGG) with the subject in a supine position has shown to be enhanced after moderate-intensity pedaling exercise in an upright seated position, despite the suppression of vagal nerve activity. However, it is still unknown whether the effect is due to the exercise itself and/or a meal or how the position change has influenced the effects. To address this, we used a position-controllable cycle ergometer to examine the effects of the moderate-intensity exercise on EGG activity and the high-frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV), an index of vagal nerve activity. To eliminate the effect of position change, we carried out the exercise and the EGG recording in the supine position. The peak amplitude of the EGG was enhanced by prior moderate-intensity exercise with a reduced HF component of HRV, which did not differ for postexercise conditions with or without a meal. The small amount of meal itself, however, enhanced both the peak amplitude of the EGG and the HF component of HRV. The peak frequency of EGG was reduced and the instability coefficient of EGG was increased only after the exercise itself. Taken together, these results suggest that the enhanced amplitude of gastric myoelectrical activity can be induced by moderate-intensity exercise itself, even with suppressed vagal nerve activity, and that the mechanism underlying the exercise effects would differ from that underlying the effect of a meal alone.

168FACTORS AFFECTING ON EMBRYO TRANSFER PREGNANCY RATES OF IN VITRO-PRODUCED BOVINE EMBRYOS

The objective of this study was to analyze factors affecting the pregnancy rates after transfer of IVF-derived Japanese Black embryos. Holstein cows and heifers (n=7250) were selected as recipients, and embryo transfers were performed for 3yr (between 1998 and 2000). The IVM-IVF procedure was performed according to a method previously described (Hamano S and Kuwayama M 1993 Theriogenology 39, 703–712). IVF-derived embryos that developed into expanded blastocysts (grade 1, manual of IETS) after 7 to 8 days (insemination=Day 0) were used for this study. Some of these embryos were frozen in TCM-199 supplemented with 1.4M glycerol, 20% calf serum, and 0.25M sucrose. The embryos were seeded at −6°C, held at −6°C for 10min, and then cooled to −25°C at a rate of 0.33°Cmin−1. Frozen embryos were thawed in a 30 to 35°C water bath after 10s of air thawing. Fresh (n=3952) or frozen-thawed (n=3298) embryos were nonsurgically transferred to recipients on Days 6 to 9 of the estrous cycle. Data collected at the time of embryo transfer included recipient parity (cow or heifer), whether recipient estrus was natural or synchronized with PGF2α, cloprostenol or CIDR, methods of estrous confirmation (showing standing heat, rectal palpation of ovary without standing heat, or showing only mucous vulvular discharge), number of examinations of the CL by palpation per rectum (twice on the day before embryo transfer and the day of embryo transfer, or once on the day of embryo transfer), type of embryos (fresh or frozen), and day of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer. CATMOD procedures of SAS were used to determine the factors affecting the pregnancy rate. Overall pregnancy rates were 37.3% (n=2704). Whether recipient estrus was natural or synchronized and the type of embryos did not influence the pregnancy rates. Heifers had significantly higher pregnancy rates than cows (44.0% v. 33.0%, respectively, P&lt;0.05). Pregnancy rates among the subset of heifers and cows showing standing heat were significantly higher than those showing only mucous vulvular discharge (39.5% v. 33.5%, respectively, P&lt;0.05). Examining the CL twive had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than did a single examination of the CL (41.1% v. 35.6%, respectively, P&lt;0.05). Pregnancy rate on Day 8 (38.4%, 1358/3533) of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer was significantly higher than on Days 6 (27.7%, 23/83) and 7 (36.2%, 1235/3408) (P&lt;0.05), and the pregnancy rate on Day 6 of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer tended to be lower than on Day 9 (38.9%, 88/226) (P&lt;0.08). These results demonstrate that confirming standing heat, performing CL examination twice before embryo transfer, freezing high quality embryos, and performing embryo transfers on Day 8 resulted in an improved pregnancy rate for the transfer of IVF-derived embryos.

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia increases the ability of neutrophils to generate superoxide anion in humans

1. We investigated the effect of intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia on the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2-. 2. Seven male volunteers were exposed intermittently to hypobaric hypoxia, equivalent to an altitude of 4500 m, for 7 successive days. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and after the 2 h course of hypobaric hypoxia on days 1 and 7 and neutrophils were subjected to a chemiluminescence assay for.O2- production. 3. On day 1, 2 h exposure to hypobaric hypoxia induced granulocytosis (P < 0.01), but the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- was unchanged. 4. On day 7, such granulocytosis was not observed, suggesting acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia. 5. The ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- was significantly increased on day 7 (P < 0.01), although there was no definite change in the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits in the cells. 6. The results suggest that the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- may be gradually potentiated by intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia, even after the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood stabilizes.

Effect of intermittent hypoxia on cardiovascular adaptations and response to progressive hypoxia in humans

The aim of the present study was to elucidate (1) the cardiovascular adaptations and response to hypoxic stimuli during short-term intermittent hypoxia and (2) whether the change in cardiovascular response to hypoxia is correlated to the change in hypoxic ventilatory chemosensitivity. Fourteen subjects were decompressed in a chamber to 432 torr, simulating an altitude of 4500 m, over a period of 30 min and were maintained at that pressure for 1 h daily for 7 days. Ventilatory (DeltaV(I)/DeltaSa(O2); Sa(O2) is arterial oxygen saturation), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O2) and DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O2)), and heart rate (DeltaHR/DeltaSa(O2)) responses to progressive isocapnic hypoxia were measured before and after intermittent hypoxia. Resting ventilation, SBP, DBP, and HR did not change after intermittent hypoxia. DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O2) and DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O2) increased significantly after intermittent hypoxia accompanied by an enhanced DeltaV(I)/DeltaSa(C2), but there was no change in DeltaHR/DeltaSa(C2). There were significant correlations between the change in DeltaV(I)/DeltaSa(O2) and both the changes in DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O2) and DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O2) following intermittent hypoxic exposure. These results suggest that short-term intermittent hypoxia leads to the enhanced arterial BP response to hypoxic stimuli in humans, and that the enhanced peripheral chemosensitivity to hypoxia after intermittent hypoxia may play an important role in the increased arterial BP response.

[Supraciliochoroidal fluid at an early stage after trabeculectomy]

PURPOSE

To examine the supraciliochoroidal fluid(SCF) by ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM) at an early stage after trabeculectomy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifteen eyes without post-operative complications were examined by UBM before the operation and less than 2 weeks after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

RESULTS

SCF was detected postoperatively in 6 eyes. One eye had choroidal detachment under indirect-ophthalmoscope and 5 eyes(33%) had SCF without choroidal detachment. The SCF in 4 eyes disappeared within 4 weeks after trabeculectomy. The intraocular pressure was 6.4 +/- 3.4 mmHg(mean +/- standard deviation) when SCF was detected and it rose to 13.2 +/- 7.2 mmHg when SCF disappeared. The intraocular pressure was 11.4 +/- 4.0 mmHg in the eyes without SCF, which was significantly higher than in the eyes with SCF.

CONCLUSION

At an early stage after trabeculectomy, SCF was detected by UBM in some cases without ophthalmoscopic choroidal detachment. Compared with the reported frequency of SCF after 3 or 6 months, our study revealed that SCF was present more frequently at an early stage after trabeculectomy. Our results may indicate that the presence of SCF is related to early low intraocular pressure and that disappearance of SCF induces the elevation of intraocular pressure.

Chiral recognition of dipeptide methyl esters by an anionic beta-cyclodextrin

Chiral recognition of dipeptide methyl esters by anionic heptakis[6-carboxymethylthio-6-deoxy]-beta-cyclodextrin (per-CO(2)(-)-beta-CD) was studied in D(2)O at pD 7.0 by means of (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The methyl esters of alanylalanine (Ala-Ala-OMe), alanylleucine (Ala-Leu-OMe), alanyltryptophan (Ala-Trp-OMe), glycyltryptophan (Gly-Trp-OMe), valyltryptophan (Val-Trp-OMe), leucyltryptophan (Leu-Trp-OMe), and tryptophylalanine (Trp-Ala-OMe) were used as the dipeptides. The binding constant (K) determined from NMR titration increases in the order Ala-Ala-OMe < Ala-Leu-OMe < Ala-Trp-OMe, suggesting that van der Waals interactions between the host and the guest participate in complexation. Coulomb interactions between the protonated dipeptide methyl esters and the anionic host seem to be another attractive force. Per-CO(2)(-)-beta-CD interacts with the (R,R)-enantiomers of the dipeptide methyl esters more strongly than the (S,S)-enantiomers. Such enantioselectivity corresponds to that for alpha-amino acid methyl esters such as Leu-OMe and Trp-OMe, whose (R)-enantiomers are the preferable guests. The enantioselectivity is mainly dominated by amino acid residue at the C-terminal and chirality at the N-terminal residue plays an assistant role. An asymmetrically twisted shape of the host cavity may be essential for chiral recognition.

Intermittent hypoxia increases ventilation and Sa(O2) during hypoxic exercise and hypoxic chemosensitivity

The purpose of this study was 1) to test the hypothesis that ventilation and arterial oxygen saturation (Sa(O2)) during acute hypoxia may increase during intermittent hypoxia and remain elevated for a week without hypoxic exposure and 2) to clarify whether the changes in ventilation and Sa(O2) during hypoxic exercise are correlated with the change in hypoxic chemosensitivity. Six subjects were exposed to a simulated altitude of 4,500 m altitude for 7 days (1 h/day). Oxygen uptake (VO2), expired minute ventilation (VE), and Sa(O2) were measured during maximal and submaximal exercise at 432 Torr before (Pre), after intermittent hypoxia (Post), and again after a week at sea level (De). Hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) was also determined. At both Post and De, significant increases from Pre were found in HVR at rest and in ventilatory equivalent for O2 (VE/VO2) and Sa(O2) during submaximal exercise. There were significant correlations among the changes in HVR at rest and in VE/VO2 and Sa(O2) during hypoxic exercise during intermittent hypoxia. We conclude that 1 wk of daily exposure to 1 h of hypoxia significantly improved oxygenation in exercise during subsequent acute hypoxic exposures up to 1 wk after the conditioning, presumably caused by the enhanced hypoxic ventilatory chemosensitivity.

Ventilatory and circulatory responses at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement in children

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the ventilatory and circulatory responses at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement, especially at the initial stage (phase I), in children are the same as in adults. Ten pre-teenage male children and ten adult men participated in this study. Voluntary exercise and passive movement were performed in a sitting position for about 20 s. Both the exercise and the movement consisted of flexion-extensions of the lower leg from a vertical to horizontal position, either voluntarily or passively, with a frequency of about 60 x min(-1). Inspiratory minute ventilation (V1), tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency, partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 and O2, heart rate (fc) and mean blood pressure (BP) before, during and after exercise or movement were measured using breath-by-breath and beat-to-beat techniques. Cardiorespiratory responses at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement were compared with the relative change (delta), which was estimated from the value at rest (100%). In the present study, it was found that: (1) the V1 during voluntary exercise were significantly lower in the children, mainly due to lower deltaVT; (2) the delta(f)c during voluntary exercise was almost the same in both groups, while deltaf(c) was significantly lower in the children during the last part of passive movement; (3) in the voluntary exercise and passive movement, the BP in the children was increased a little or remained close to the value at rest, while it was significantly decreased in the adults. As a result, there were significant differences in deltaBP between the two groups during voluntary exercise. These results suggest that the cardiorespiratory responses at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement may be modified during the growth process.

Initial ventilatory and circulatory responses to dynamic exercise are slowed in the elderly

To elucidate the characteristics of ventilatory and circulatory responses at the onset of brief and light exercise in the elderly, 13 healthy, elderly men, aged 66.8 yr (mean), exerted bilateral leg extension-flexion movements for only 20 s with a weight around each ankle, with each weight being approximately 2.5% of their body mass. Similar movements were passively performed on the subjects by the experimenters. These results were compared with those of 13 healthy, young men (22.9 yr). Minute ventilation increased at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movements in both groups but showed a slower increase in the elderly. Heart rate also increased in both groups but showed less change in the elderly. Mean blood pressure temporarily decreased in both groups but less in the elderly. The magnitude of relative change (gain) of heart rate in the elderly was significantly smaller than that in the young, whereas the increasing rate to reach one-half of the gain (response time) of ventilation in the elderly was significantly slower than that in the young. Similar tendencies were observed in the passive movements. It is concluded that the elderly show slower ventilatory response and attenuated circulatory response at the onset of dynamic voluntary exercise and passive movements.

Vitamin E supplementation attenuates leakage of enzymes following 6 successive days of running training

The purpose of this study was to examine whether vitamin E supplementation in humans would attenuate an increase of serum enzymes as an indirect marker of muscle damage following a sudden large increase in the running distance in a 6-day running training or not. A randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out on fourteen male runners who were supplied vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol 1200 IU x day(-1); E) or placebo (P) 4 weeks prior to (T1) and during 6 successive days of running training (48.3 +/- 5.7 km x day(-1), means +/- SD). Resting venous blood samples were obtained before maximal treadmill running, at T1, the day immediately before (T2), the next day (T3), and three weeks (T4) after the running training. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol, lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid; TBA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and LDH isozyme 1-5 were quantitatively analyzed. No significant difference was found in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rates following the exhaustive exercise between the P and E group during the experiments. Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased serum alpha-tocopherol (p<0.001) and decreased TBA levels (p < 0.001) compared with pre-supplementation levels. Although serum CK and LDH activities increased significantly at T3 in either group, significantly lower CK (p < 0.05) and LDH (p < 0.001) levels were observed in the E group compared with the P group. The ratio of LDH1 to LDH2 (LDH1/LDH2) decreased significantly at T3 in either group compared with the T1 levels, since there was no significant difference in the LDH1/LDH2 between the P and E group throughout the experiments. These results indicate that vitamin E supplementation can reduce the leakage of CK and LDH following 6 successive days of endurance running. The protective effect of vitamin E against free radicals probably inhibits free-radical-induced muscle damage caused by a sudden large increase in the running distance.

Cross transfer effects of muscular endurance during training and detraining

BACKGROUND

To clarify 1) how the cross-transfer effect, obtained in a contralateral untrained forearm through a 4-week ipsilateral endurance training regimen, is changed during detraining; and 2) how blood flow to the untrained limb is related to the transfer effect of muscular endurance during training and detraining periods.

METHODS

Training regimen: hand-grip training by means of a hand-ergometer with a work-load of 1/3 of the maximum handgrip strength 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Blood flow: a mercury-in-rubber strain-gauge for venous occlusion plethysmography.

MEASURES

1) maximal number of contractions to determine the muscular endurance; 2) reactive hyperaemic blood flow response (RHBF3) to determine whether maximal vasodilatory capacity would be changed in both the forearms post-training and detraining; and 3) maximal work-related blood flow.

RESULTS

We found significant increments both in the muscle endurance and the maximal work-related blood flow not only in the trained (+125%, +30%) but also in the untrained (+40%, +19%) forearms. During detraining, we found decreases both in the muscle endurance and the maximal work-related blood flow (-22%, p<0.01; -16%, p=0.053) of the trained forearm. However, in the untrained arm (-3%, NS) the cross-transfer effect of muscular endurance remained unchanged despite a drop in the maximal work-related blood flow (-17%, p<0.05). The RHBF3 did not change in either of the forearms during the whole periods.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the maintenance of the cross transfer effect of muscle endurance during detraining cannot be explained on the basis of changes in forearm blood flow.

Cardiovascular response to hypoxia after endurance training at altitude and sea level and after detraining

The purpose of this study was to elucidate 1) the effects of endurance exercise training during hypoxia or normoxia and of detraining on ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to progressive isocapnic hypoxia and 2) whether the change in the cardiovascular response to hypoxia is correlated to changes in the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) after training and detraining. Seven men (altitude group) performed endurance training using a cycle ergometer in a hypobaric chamber of simulated 4,500 m, whereas the other seven men (sea-level group) trained at sea level (K. Katayama, Y. Sato, Y. Morotome, N. Shima, K. Ishida, S. Mori, and M. Miyamura. J. Appl. Physiol. 86: 1805-1811, 1999). The HVR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses (DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)), DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O(2))), and heart rate response (DeltaHR/DeltaSa(O(2)); Sa(O(2)) is arterial oxygen saturation) to progressive isocapnic hypoxia were measured before and after training and during detraining. DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) increased significantly in the altitude group and decreased significantly in the sea-level group after training. The changed DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) in both groups was restored during 2 wk of detraining, as were the changes in HVR, whereas there were no changes in the DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) and DeltaHR/DeltaSa(O(2)) throughout the experimental period. The changes in DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) after training and detraining were significantly correlated with those in HVR. These results suggest that DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) to progressive isocapnic hypoxia is variable after endurance training during hypoxia and normoxia and after detraining, as is HVR, but DeltaDBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) and DeltaHR/DeltaSa(O(2)) are not. It also suggests that there is an interaction between the changes in DeltaSBP/DeltaSa(O(2)) and HVR after endurance training or detraining.

Effect of Sho-saiko-to extract on HGF and TGF-beta levels of intraorgans in liver-injured rats after partial hepatectomy

To examine the effects of Sho-saiko-to extract on liver regeneration, Sho-saiko-to extract (0.75%, 1.5% or 3%) was administered to 70% partial hepatectomized rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver-injury. S phase cell number, liver retinoid levels, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) levels in each intraorgan were measured as indicators of liver regeneration. Three to seven days after hepatectomy, HGF and TGF-beta levels of the liver and spleen of the Sho-saiko-to extract groups were significantly different from the levels of the ordinary food group (P < 0.05-0.1). HGF levels in the Sho-saiko-to extract groups were approximately 1.3-1.8 times higher in the liver and approximately 1.8-2.1 times higher in the spleen compared with the levels found in the ordinary food group. TGF-beta levels in the Sho-saiko-to extract groups were approximately 0.38-0.47 times the level in the liver and 0.58-0.77 times the level in the spleen of the ordinary food group. There was no difference in HGF and TGF-beta levels of the kidney and lung between the Sho-saiko-to extract group and the ordinary food group. There was a significant and positive correlation between HGF level and S phase cell number in the liver (r = 0.826, P < 0.01). There was a significant and negative correlation between TGF-beta level and the retinoid level in the liver (r = -0.696, P < 0.01). In addition, the levels of the active constituents of Sho-saiko-to extract (glycyrrhetic acid, baicalin and baicalein) showed high values in the liver and spleen of partial hepatectomized rats, and increased from the third day after partial hepatectomy. These results show that Sho-saiko-to extract induces liver regeneration by increasing the production of HGF and suppressing the production of TGF-beta in the liver and spleen of partial hepatectomized rats. It was considered that the increase in the Sho-saiko-to extract active constituent levels in the liver and spleen greatly influences this action.

Effects of Sho-saiko-to extract on liver fibrosis in relation to the changes in hydroxyproline and retinoid levels of the liver in rats

To examine the effects of Sho-saiko-to extract on liver fibrosis, the drug was administered to rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver-injury at various doses. Hydroxyproline and retinoid levels in the liver were measured as indicators of liver function. In liver-injured rats, the hydroxyproline level in the liver (957+/- 154nmol g(-1)) was about 4.16-times that found in normal liver (230+/-11 nmol g(-1)), but administration of Sho-saiko-to extract (0.75%, 1.5% or 3%) reduced the hydroxyproline level significantly (554+/-58, 356+/-51, 374+/-66nmol g(-1), P<0.01). Single administration of the active constituents of Sho-saiko-to extract, glycyrrhizin, baicalin or baicalein, decreased the hydroxyproline level significantly compared with the ordinary food group (P < 0.05), but the decrease was smaller compared with the Sho-saiko-to extract group. The liver retinoid level was higher in the Sho-saiko-to extract group than the ordinary food group and the value increased dose-dependently. A significant negative correlation, r=-0.814 (P<0.001) was detected between the hydroxyproline level and retinoid level in the liver of liver-injured rats. Significant negative correlations, r =-0.728 (P < 0.001) and r= -0.873 (P < 0.001), were also detected between the liver hydroxyproline level and the liver concentrations of the active constituents (glycyrretic acid, baicalin and baicalein) in the liver-injured rats. From these findings, it was considered that the liver concentrations of hydroxyproline and retinoid as well as the active constituents were involved in the improvement of liver fibrosis in the liver-injured rats administered Sho-saiko-to extract. Administration of Sho-saiko-to extract inhibited collagen production while an increase in retinoid level inhibited activation of Ito cells leading to inhibition and prevention of liver fibrosis.

Ventilatory chemosensitive adaptations to intermittent hypoxic exposure with endurance training and detraining

The present study was performed to clarify the effects of intermittent exposure to an altitude of 4,500 m with endurance training and detraining on ventilatory chemosensitivity. Seven subjects (sea-level group) trained at sea level at 70% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) for 30 min/day, 5 days/wk for 2 wk, whereas the other seven subjects (altitude group) trained at the same relative intensity (70% altitude VO2 max) in a hypobaric chamber. VO2 max, hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), and hypercapnic ventilatory response, as an index of central hypercapnic chemosensitivity (HCVR) and as an index of peripheral chemosensitivity (HCVRSB), were measured. In both groups VO2 max increased significantly after training, and a significant loss of VO2 max occurred during 2 wk of detraining. HVR tended to increase in the altitude group but not significantly, whereas it decreased significantly in the sea-level group after training. HCVR and HCVRSB did not change in each group. After detraining, HVR returned to the pretraining level in both groups. These results suggest that ventilatory chemosensitivity to hypoxia is more variable by endurance training and detraining than that to hypercapnia.

Preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)-polystyrene block copolymers using photochemistry of dithiocarbamate as a reduced cell-adhesive coating material

This article reports a novel preparation method of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-polystyrene (PST) amphiphilic block copolymers with well-defined block lengths by using photopolymerization of an iniferter, benzyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate. PEG macroiniferters, which were prepared by end-capping of PEG monomethyl ethers with benzyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate group at one end, were irradiated with UV light in the presence of styrene (ST). NMR analyses showed that the PST block was chain-extended from the PEG block, resulting in the preparation of PEG-PST block copolymers. The number-average molecular weights of the copolymers increased almost linearly with irradiation time, light intensity, and concentration of ST. The polydispersities of the copolymers remained relatively small throughout the reaction (Mw/Mn approximately 1.3). The composition of two PEG-PST block copolymers thus obtained was as follows: PEG (Mn; 1.9 x 10(3) gmol(-1))-PST (3.0 x 10(3) gmol(-1)) and PEG (4.9 x 10(3) gmol(-1))-PST (2.6 x 10(3) gmol(-1)). These copolymers were coated onto a poly(ethylene terephthalate) film surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and water wettability measurements showed that the PST block was enriched at the outermost layer as cast in air, whereas upon immersion into water, the PEG block was oriented toward water. Enhanced wettability was observed for the diblock copolymer with a higher PEG content. Significantly reduced cell adhesion was observed on both the coated surfaces. Thus, the PEG-PST block copolymer may function as a cell adhesion-resistant coating which reduced cell-substrate interaction.

Effects of endurance physical training on hydroxyl radical generation in rat tissues

Physical exercise is known to increase oxygen consumption to compensate for enhanced ATP consumption and thus to induce oxidative stress in tissues. Our previous data indicate that training significantly increased the hydroxyl radical level in rat tissues after physical exercise, but reduced the basal level in aged rats. This result suggests the paradoxical effect of physical training, which may be to increase or scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by physical exercise. In this paper, the effects of training on the levels of hydroxyl radicals and the anti-oxidative glutathione system, were examined in rats. After 3 weeks' training, rats were sacrificed at rest or after treadmill running, and the levels of hydroxyl radicals trapped with salicylic acid, reduced (GSH); and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in tissues were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Endurance training reduced the basal level of hydroxyl radicals significantly in plasma and soleus muscle. In liver and brain a similar tendency was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant. In liver the basal level of GSH increased significantly after training. Slower training with longer duration reduced the basal levels of hydroxyl radical in plasma more markedly than more intense training. These results suggest that endurance exercise can increase the anti-oxidative capacity in rats.

Initiation of increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity delay during maximal voluntary contraction

To investigate the effects of maximal voluntary exercise on sympathetic nerve activity, contraction force and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were recorded during maximal (MVG) and submaximal voluntary isometric handgrip (SVG) for 2 min in eight healthy subjects. MSNA was determined by a microneurographic technique, and handgrip force, heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) were measured by a non-invasive method during exercise. Grip force decayed rapidly to 58% of maximal grip force (MGF) at 10 s after commencement of exercise and was almost constant (approximately 30% of MGF) 40 s after exercise. MSNA increase was delayed by 20 s during MVG, followed by a gradual increase. HR was elevated immediately after onset of exercise, while mean ABP rise showed a 20 s lag from initiation of MVG exercise. During SVG increases in MSNA, HR and mean ABP were delayed by 50, 40 and 20 s, respectively, relative to commencement of exercise. Thereafter, these parameters increased time-dependently. These results suggested that the MSNA increase during MVG may be predominantly because of the metaboreflex.

The effects of intermittent exposure to hypoxia during endurance exercise training on the ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in humans

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of a combination of intermittent exposure to hypoxia during exercise training for short periods on ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia (HVR and HCVR respectively) in humans. In a hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 4,500 m (barometric pressure 432 mmHg), seven subjects (training group) performed exercise training for 6 consecutive days (30 min x day(-1)), while six subjects (control group) were inactive during the same period. The HVR, HCVR and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) for each subject were measured at sea level before (pre) and after exposure to intermittent hypoxia. The post exposure test was carried out twice, i.e. on the 1st day and 1 week post exposure. It was found that HVR, as an index of peripheral chemosensitivity to hypoxia, was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the control group after intermittent exposure to hypoxia. In contrast, there was no significant increase in HVR in the training group after exposure. The HCVR in both groups was not changed by intermittent exposure to hypoxia, while VO2max increased significantly in the training group. These results would suggest that endurance training during intermittent exposure to hypoxia depresses the increment of chemosensitivity to hypoxia, and that intermittent exposure to hypoxia in the presence or absence of exercise training does not induce an increase in the chemosensitivity to hypercapnia in humans.

Expression of growth factor ligand and their receptor mRNAs in bovine ova during in vitro maturation and after fertilization in vitro

We analyzed the expression of mRNAs for growth factor [epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor A chain (PDGF-A)] and their receptor (R) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in bovine ova during oocyte maturation in vitro (0-21 hr) and after fertilization in vitro (6-144 hr: zygotes to blastocysts). Transcripts for EGF were not found before fertilization. Transcripts for IGF-I were present in immature oocytes immediately after collection and in embryos from the 2-cell stage onward. Transcripts for bFGF were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and after fertilization up to the 16-cell stage. Transcripts for PDGF-A were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and after fertilization up to the 2-cell stage. Transcripts for ErbB3 (a member of the EGF-R subfamily), and bFGF-R were present in all stages of oocyte maturation, after fertilization up to the 2-cell stage, and the blastocyst stage. Transcripts for IGF-I-R and PDGF-Ralpha were present in all stages of oocyte maturation and embryo development. The results of this study showed that eight different messages for growth factor and their receptor were detectable in bovine ova during oocyte maturation and/or after fertilization in vitro and their expression patterns were the gene-specific rather than the developmental stage of bovine ova.

Relationship between maximal pulmonary ventilation and arterialized venous blood potassium and dopamine concentrations obtained at exhaustion in man

This study was performed to test the hypothesis that potassium concentration in arterialized blood may be closely related to maximal pulmonary ventilation (V.Emax) obtained at exhaustion during maximal exercise in man. Eleven healthy men performed bicycle exercise with incremental loading at 60 rpm until exhaustion. Pulmonary ventilation (V.E), oxygen uptake (V.O2), and heart rate (HR) were determined continuously throughout the experiment. Arterialized venous blood samples were collected to measure potassium ([K+]), lactate ([La]), hydrogen ion (pH), catecholamine ([CA]), and dopamine ([DA]) concentrations. A significant correlation (r = 0.98-0.88) between V.E and [K+], [La], and pH during exercise was observed in all subjects. Furthermore, a close relationship was found in this study between dopamine concentration measured at exhaustion ([DA]0) and maximal pulmonary ventilation per kilogram of body weight (V.Emax/W) (r = -0.668, p < 0.05) or maximum oxygen uptake per kilogram of body weight (VO2MAX/W) (r = 0.720, p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between V. Emax/W and [K+]0 (r = 0.202, NS), [La]0 (r = -0.096, NS), and pH0 (r = 0.344, NS). These results suggest that dopamine may play a more important role in the determination of maximal pulmonary ventilation during exercise in man than K+ or pH.

Effects of sho-saiko-to extract on fibrosis and regeneration of the liver in rats

Sho-saiko-to, one of the most widely used Chinese herbal preparations, has long been used for the treatment of chronic liver diseases. We have investigated its effect in retarding the process of liver fibrosis and accelerating liver regeneration, especially its effect on Ito cells that are thought to be deeply involved with liver fibrosis. Sho-saiko-to extract and its active constituents were orally administered to rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver-injury. After treatment with sho-saiko-to extract hepatic function improved, histopathological results confirmed repair of liver tissue, and retinoid levels increased. On the other hand, when active constituents of sho-saiko-to extract were administered alone, liver retinoid levels remained low, implying that interaction among active constituents of the extract was suppressing Ito cell activation. When sho-saiko-to extract was administered to 70% hepatectomized normal and liver-injured rats, liver weight, the number of S-phase-cells and retinoid levels increased with time. However, these changes were different for normal and liver-injured rats, suggesting that the site of action of sho-saiko-to extract in regenerating liver is different for normal and liver-injured rats. These results show that sho-saiko-to extract was useful for suppressing the activation of Ito cells.

Effect of aging on the concentrations of nitrous oxide in exhaled air

Trace gases in exhaled air have been used as a simple means of assessing metabolic reactions. The investigations of trace gases derived from bacteria in human exhalation are usually hydrogen (H2) or methane (CH4). On the other hand, nitrous oxide (N2O) is also derived from microorganisms, especially denitrifying bacteria. Although many kinds of denitrifying bacteria have been isolated on and in the human body, there has been few concerning N2O. We studied 222 healthy people from the age of 5 to 85 years. The analysis of N2O in exhaled air was carried out by a infrared-photoacoustic (IR-PAS) analyzer. It was found that N2O ranged from 0 to 1670 ppbv in exhaled air and that 59% (131) of the subjects were producers of N2O. A highly significant relationship was observed between age and concentrations of N2O (r = 0.40, P < 0.01). The rate of production in young children and in the aged was significantly higher than that in adults aged 20-39 years (P < 0.01), and less than 30% were producers during puberty. The change of normal microflora on and in human body with aging may have caused the significant relationship between age and emissions of N2O.

Comparison of exhaled nitric oxide and cardiorespiratory indices between nasal and oral breathing during submaximal exercise in humans

In order to examine the origin and role of nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air during exercise, exhaled NO outputs of 8 healthy human subjects were compared using different breathing methods, through the mouth or nose, at two intensities of bicycle exercise. The concentration of NO in the exhaled air and ventilatory gas exchange variables were measured by a chemiluminescence analyzer and a mixing chamber method, respectively. The concentration and total output of NO in the expired air was significantly higher under nasal breathing than under oral breathing for both exercise intensities, whereas no significant difference was observed in cardiorespiratory variables between them. NO output increased significantly when exercise intensity was increased from unloaded (0 W) to 60 W under nasal breathing, but not under oral breathing. A negative correlation among subjects was found between NO output and minute ventilation in both breathing methods only for unloaded exercise. Data indicate that nasal airways have a large contribution, at least 50% of total NO output in the exhaled air during nasal breathing, but this nasal NO may have no further modulation on respiratory function during submaximal exercise by healthy humans.

[Metamorphopsia and transient increase in the cerebral blood flow of the left occipital pole on 123I-IMP SPECT: a case report]

A 55-year-old right-handed man suddenly developed unformed visual hallucination of rainbow-colored balls coming out from the lower quadrant of the right visual field. Visual field examination revealed a right lower quadrant homonymous hemianopia. Metamorphopsia of the hand or face appeared 6 days later when he looked at his hands or at the face in the mirror, and persisted for about 10 minutes. 123I-IMP SPECT demonstrated a marked increase in CBF of the left occipital pole while the patient realized the visual symptoms, and a marked decrease in CBF after the symptoms disappeared. T1 and T2-weighted MRIs of the brain were unremarkable, but the Gd-DTPA-enhanced T1-weighted MRI showed high signal in the subcortical white matter of the left occipital pole. The metamorphopsia was induced probably by the activation of the left occipital lesion by the epileptogenic mechanism although the nature of the lesion remained unclarified.

[A study of the association between HLA phenotype and serum concentration of soluble HLA class I]

We investigated the association between the phenotypes of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) class I on the surface of lymphocytes and serum concentrations of soluble HLA (sHLA) in normal and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected subjects. Serum concentrations of sHLA inn normal subjects with HLA-A 24 were significantly higher than those in such subject without HLA-A 24. The similar relation was found in HIV infected subjects whose levels of sHLA significantly increased compared with that of normal subjects. These results might suggest that the mechanism which causes the increase in secretion of sHLA in HIV infected subjects does not change the association between HLA phenotype and serum concentration of sHLA.

Ventilatory response at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement in endurance runners

The present study was performed to examine whether or not the ventilatory response at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement in endurance runners is the same as in untrained subjects. Twelve long-distance runners belonging to the varsity athletic club and 13 untrained subjects of our university participated as subjects in this study. Maximum oxygen uptake was significantly higher in the endurance runner group [mean (SD) 70.8 (4.7) ml.kg-1.min-1] than in the untrained group [49.8 (6.3) ml.kg-1.min-1]. Cardiorespiratory responses during voluntary exercise and passive movement of alternate flexion-extension of the right and left legs for about 15 s at a frequency of about 60 rpm, were determined by means of breath-by-breath techniques. Minute inspiratory ventilation (VI), tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (fb), cardiac output (Qc), stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR) increased significantly immediately at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement. The incremental rate for VI was greater than that for Qc. Average values and standard deviations of changes in VI were calculated as the difference between the mean of the first and second breath and the mean of five breaths preceding the exercise or movement. The rates obtained in voluntary exercise and passive movement in the endurance runner group [2.34 (0.82) and 1.72 (0.71 l.min-1), respectively] were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in the untrained group [4.16 (2.66) and 2.71 (1.56 l.min-1), respectively]. Also changes in VT and HR were significantly lower in the endurance group than in the untrained group with regard to both voluntary exercise and passive movement. The results suggest that the magnitude of cardiorespiratory responses at the onset of voluntary exercise and passive movement in humans is influenced by chronic endurance training for long periods.

Effects of combined beta-adrenergic and cholinergic blockade on the initial ventilatory response to exercise in humans

To elucidate whether combined adrenergic and parasympathetic blockade would affect the ventilatory response to exercise, especially at the initial stage (phase I), six healthy subjects performed a brief and light voluntary bilateral leg extension exercise and passive movements under the conditions of control (before the blockade) and after intravenous administration of combined beta-adrenergic (propranolol, 0.2 mg.kg-1) and muscarinic (atropine, 0.04 mg.kg-1) receptor antagonists. The movements were continued only within two breaths after the onset of the motion. Ventilation increased immediately and significantly (P < 0.05) within the first breath at the onset of voluntary exercise in all conditions as compared with at rest. However, the magnitude of increase in mean ventilation within two breaths at the start of exercise as against the resting value (delta ventilation) was significantly less (P < 0.05) after the combined blockades (2.5 l.min-1) than in the control condition (3.7 l.min-1). Passive movements showed a similar but smaller change as compared with voluntary exercise. The heart rate response to exercise was attenuated by the combined blockade while cardiac output showed a slight change at the onset of exercise. It is concluded that phase I should occur despite the inhibited activity of the beta-adrenergic and the cholinergic systems; nevertheless, the response was attenuated by the combined blockade. These results suggest a possible role of the beta-adrenergic and/or cholinergic systems in the rapid increase in ventilation that occurs at the start of exercise.

Human blood lactate and ammonia levels after supramaximal uphill and downhill running

The purposes of this study were 1) to confirm whether there is a difference in the levels of blood lactate and ammonia after supramaximal uphill and downhill running for the same short duration and 2) to examine the relationship between peak blood lactate levels and work/lean body mass (LBM), as well as the relationship between peak blood ammonia levels and work/LBM following supramaximal uphill and downhill running. Eight healthy, untrained male subjects performed supramaximal uphill and downhill running on a motor-driven treadmill for about 70 sec. Though there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in running speed and work/LBM between supramaximal uphill and downhill running, no significant difference was found in exhaustion time or heart rate. Both the peak blood lactate and ammonia concentrations were significantly lower after downhill running than after uphill running (p < 0.05). Although there was no significant relationship between peak blood ammonia levels and work/LBM following either uphill or downhill running, significant linear relationships between the peak blood lactate levels and work/LBM were observed following uphill running (r = 0.74, p < 0.05) and downhill running (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the differences in the blood lactate and ammonia concentration between supramaximal downhill and uphill running of the same duration may be due to the total recruitable muscle mass during exercise, and that peak blood lactate can be used as an index of anaerobic work capacity for untrained subjects under these running conditions.

[Properties of glycyrrhizin in Kampo extracts including licorice root and changes in the blood concentration of glycyrrhetic acid after oral administration of Kampo extracts]

We investigated in vitro the properties of glycyrrhizin (GL), such as dissolution, absorption and resolution, using a Sho-Seiryu-To extract, a Sho-Saiko-To extract, both including a licorice root, and licorice extract. The dissolution of GL differed with the pH of the solvent. The absorption (partition coefficient) of GL decreased with an increase in pH, and increased in the presence of other active constituents, such as baicalin, baicalein, and ephedrine. In the case of the Sho-Saiko-To extract, the conversion from GL to glycyrrhetic acid (GA) by beta-glucuronidase originated from E. coli occurred slowly. It was also suppressed by adding baicalin. We determined in vivo the pharmacokinetics of GA after oral administration of Kampo extracts in healthy volunteers. In each Kampo extract, the time of administration had no influence on the mean maximum blood concentration (Cmax) and the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC). Tmax was delayed in the case of the administration after meal (p < 0.05).

Ventilatory responses at the onset of passive movement and voluntary exercise with arms and legs

This study was undertaken to elucidate whether phase I appeared at the onset of voluntary and passive arm movements and to compare these results with those of similar leg movements. Instead of the conventional cranking exercise, seven male subjects performed alternately flexion-relaxation of both arms, extension-relaxation of both legs, and combined arm and leg exercise at the rate of about 60 min-1 for four breaths in a sitting position. Similar movements were accomplished passively by the experimenters. In all experiments, minute ventilation increased rapidly within the first breath after the onset of exercise. The difference of ventilation (delta value) between the mean of the first two breaths at the onset of voluntary exercise and that of five breaths during rest was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in arm (7.75 l min-1) than in leg (5.19 l min-1). Passive movement showed a similar tendency. Arm delta ventilation correlated highly (r = 0.74-0.91) with leg delta ventilation and the slope of the regression lines was about 1.2. Heart rate increased abruptly while cardiac output did not always increase rapidly at the onset of locomotion. Oxygen uptake in the voluntary leg exercise continued for 3 min was slightly but nonsignificantly higher than in the arm exercise, indicating the equality of the exercise intensity. In conclusion, ventilatory responses at the onset of the arm exercise are larger than those of the leg in both voluntary and passive conditions regardless of the muscle mass, suggesting the different neurogenic mechanism between arm and leg.

Control of ventilation during exercise in man with special reference to the feature at the onset

When exercise starts, various cardiorespiratory adjustments take place for accommodating the greatly increased metabolic requirements. A rapid response in ventilation (Phase I) may be at least useful for preventing oxygen deficiency and for increasing alveolar ventilation, oxygen tension, and oxygen uptake even if it is minimal. But why is the increasing tidal volume and respiratory frequency elicited so quickly just at the onset of exercise? Dose rapid ventilatory response play an important role as a trigger for surviving in exercising man? It has hitherto been reported that phase I response is observed during not only voluntary and passive movement, but also during electrically induced muscle contraction in man. In addition, it was observed that ventilation in phase I is not affected by hypoxia and is not causally linked to cardiac output. Although these mechanisms have extensively been explored by many investigators, they have still remained obscure until now. At present, the causal factors of phase I are classified as central (descending) and peripheral (ascending) neurogenic stimulus, or as both. In the awake condition, abrupt ventilatory increment immediately after voluntary and passive exercise in man could be attributed to the drives from the central command including cortical and hypothalamic activities as well as some peripheral afferent information mainly through group III and IV fibers. However, further investigations to clarify many unsolved problems should be advanced in future.

Relationship between maximal pulmonary ventilation during exhaustive exercise and postexercise plasma potassium concentration in man

The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) and potassium concentration ([K+]) or lactate concentration ([La]) of venous blood in man. Nine healthy men performed exercise on a bicycle ergometer at a constant rate of 60 rpm until volitional fatigue. VEmax ranged from 100.4 to 153.2 l/min. In all subjects, potassium concentration measured at 1 min ([K+]1.0) after maximal exhaustive exercise was the highest, and it returned quickly to the resting level within a few minutes during recovery. VEmax was significantly correlated (r = 0.750, p < 0.05) to [K+]1.0, but not to lactate concentration determined at 1 min ([La]1.0) during recovery. These results suggest that a higher increase in blood [K+] may, at least partly, contribute to a greater augmentation of VE during exhaustive exercise.

Cardiorespiratory response at the onset of passive leg movements during sleep in humans

To examine the ventilatory response at the onset of passive leg movements during sleep in man and the concomitant changes in cardiac output (Qc), five healthy male subjects had their knee joints extended and flexed alternately at a frequency of about 60.min-1 for about 8 s. Minute ventilation (VI), respiratory frequency, tidal volume, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide and of oxygen, stroke volume (SV), heart rate (fc) and Qc were measured before, during and after passive leg movement during sleep stage III or IV (SLEEP). These values were compared with those of the awake condition (AWAKE). The VI increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the mean of five breaths preceding the movement (pre-movement) within one or two breaths at the onset of passive leg movements in both conditions. The difference between the mean of the first and second breaths after the onset of leg movement and pre-movement was 5.2 (SEM 1.9) l.min-1 for SLEEP and 2.7 (SEM 1.1) l.min-1 for AWAKE, respectively. Four of the five subjects showed a larger increase in ventilation during SLEEP compared with AWAKE. The fc increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the beginning of the passive movement in all cases, while SV showed an increase or decrease so that Qc showed no significant change in either condition. These results would suggest that afferent drive from moving limbs could produce an increase in ventilation without any change in Qc.

[Palilalia and acquired stuttering in a case of Parkinson's disease]

We report palilalia and acquired stuttering in a 60-year-old Japanese male with Parkinson's disease. At the age of 54, he presented with resting tremor in the hand and foot on the left, and gradual slowness in voluntary movements. Two years later, resting tremor involved the right foot, and an expressionless face and frozen gait occurred. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was made and treatment with L-dopa and carbidopa resulted in conspicuous improvement. At the age of 57, he developed compulsive repetitions of syllables, words and phrases, and sentences infrequently when he spoke. They have been persisting for four years. Repetitions increased in spontaneous speech while they decreased in oral reading and repetition of sentences. These repetitions in speech were symptomatologically diagnosed as palilalia and acquired stuttering. Brain CT showed slight brain atrophy, and brain MRI disclosed a few lesions indicating lacunae in the left substantia nigra, left putamen, and right internal capsule. SPECT showed a slight decrease in blood flow in the frontal lobes and basal ganglia bilaterally. Full IQ on WAIS was 105, and neither agnosia nor apraxia was detected. Palilalia and acquired stuttering, though the pathomechanism has not been clarified, have been reported to occur usually secondary to cerebral vascucular lesions and very rarely in Parkinson's disease. In the present case, they may have been produced by the parkinsonian nigro-striatal lesions. Alternatively, they may have been induced by the small vascular lesions demonstrated by MRI.