Reversible Photocontrol of Microtubule Stability by Spiropyran-Conjugated Tau-Derived Peptides

Spatiotemporal modulation of microtubules by light has become an important aspect of the biological and nanotechnological applications of microtubules. We previously developed a Tau-derived peptide as a binding unit to the inside of microtubules. Here, we conjugated the Tau-derived peptide to spiropyran, which is reversibly converted to merocyanine by light, as a reversible photocontrol system to stabilize microtubules. Among the synthesized peptides with spiropyran/merocyanine at different positions, several peptides were bound to the inside of microtubules and stabilized the structures of microtubules. The peptide with spiropyran at the N-terminus induced polymerization and stabilization of microtubules, whereas the same peptide with the merocyanine form did not exert these effects. Reversible formation and dissociation of microtubules were achieved using the peptide with spiropyran conjugated at the N-terminus and irradiation with UV and visible light. Spiropyran-conjugated Tau-derived peptides would be useful for spatiotemporal modulation of microtubule stability through reversible photocontrol of binding.

Light-induced stabilization of microtubules by photo-crosslinking of a Tau-derived peptide

For light-induced stabilization of microtubules (MTs) to manipulate cells, a photo-reactive diazirine group was conjugated to a Tau-derived peptide, a motif binding on the inside of MTs. Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation induced significant stabilization of MTs via the formation of a covalent bond of the peptide and showed toxicity.

Pharmacokinetics of an active cadralazine metabolite in plasma and blood vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The plasma and blood vessel (aorta and mesenteric artery) levels of (+/-)-6-[ethyl(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-3-hydrazinopyridazine (ISF-2405), an active metabolite of cadralazine, were determined and compared with the changes in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats after single oral administration of cadralazine. The mean plasma level of ISF-2405 reached a maximum at 0.5 h after oral administration of 3 mg/kg of cadralazine, followed by a rapid elimination with a half-life of 1.0 h, whereas the mean aorta level of ISF-2405 reached a maximum at 4 h after dosing, followed by a slow elimination with a half-life of 6.5 h. The mean mesenteric artery levels of ISF-2405 were almost the same as the mean aorta levels over the time investigated. Both patterns of aorta and mesenteric artery levels of ISF-2405 were in good agreement with those of the hypotensive effects. These findings substantiate the assumption that the slow onset and long duration of the pharmacological effect of cadralazine is closely related to the distribution pattern of the active metabolite ISF-2405 in blood vessels, a target tissue of antihypertensive vasodilator drugs.

Determination of ISF-2405, an active metabolite of cadralazine, in plasma and tissues by radioimmunoassay

A radioimmunoassay has been developed which makes possible sensitive and specific determination of an active metabolite of cadralazine, (+/-)-6-[ethyl(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-3-hydrazinopyridazine (ISF-2405), in plasma and tissues. On account of its lability in a sample solution, ISF-2405 in biological samples was selectively derivatized to a stable form, (+/-)-6-[ethyl(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl) pyridazine (ISF-3349), by treatment with acetylacetone. The concentration of ISF-2405 was determined by the assay of the resultant ISF-3349. Antiserum against ISF-3349 was elicited in guinea pigs immunized with the ISF-3349 derivative coupled with bovine serum albumin. The obtained antiserum was highly specific for ISF-3349, and did not cross-react with either cadralazine or its metabolites. [Pyrazole-4-3H]labeled ISF-3349 with a specific activity of 13.9 Ci/mmol was used as the radioligand. Assays of ISF-2405 in plasma and tissues were possible over the concentration range from 0.4 to 6.4 ng/ml with 1 ml of plasma, and from 2 to 64 ng/g with 100 mg of tissue. Plasma and blood vessel levels of ISF-2405 in rats after single oral administration of cadralazine have also been determined by the present method.

Lateral approach to the hook of hamate for its fracture

We have recently experienced one case of the fracture of the hook of the hamate that was diagnosed only by the CT scan. As a surgical approach, lateral approach to the hook of the hamate for its fracture was utilized. We found that this approach was safe, easy and quick.

New surgical procedure for correction of club hand

Two cases of radial club hand were treated by a new surgical procedure. This procedure consisted of correction of the wrist deviation and pollicization. The metacarpal of the pollicized digit was used for radial osseous support.

[Sensitive determination of haloperidol in human serum by radioimmunoassay]

An improved procedure for the sensitive determination of the neuroleptic drug, haloperidol, in human serum is described. The method is based on a single hexane extraction procedure and a radioimmunoassay. Antiserum was elicited in guinea pigs immunized with haloperidol hemisuccinate derivative coupled to bovine serum albumin. Any appreciable cross-reactivity was observed neither with known metabolites of haloperidol nor with haloperidol decanoate (KD-136). Some devices in the extraction procedure, e.g. the use of 10 ml of extraction solvent, made it possible to measure haloperidol levels as low as 0.05 ng/ml. The accuracy and reproducibility of the method were shown to be sufficient. The present method can be used to study the pharmacokinetics of haloperidol in the phase 1 study of KD-136. In addition, it is simple enough for use in clinical laboratories that are monitoring haloperidol concentrations in the blood of psychiatric patients.

Experimental studies on the effects of tension on intraneural microcirculation in sutured peripheral nerves

Tension on an end-to-end nerve suture causes injury to the intraneural vessels. Impairment of the transverse anastomoses occurs first, followed by degeneration of the intrafascicular vessels. The the transverse anastomoses undergo complete degeneration, and the extrafascicular vessels also sustain severe damage. This series of circulatory disturbances is an important factor to consider when determining the advisability of an end-to-end nerve suture.

Vascular pedicle fibular transplantation as treatment for bone tumor

In 4 cases of bone tumor in which extensive bone defects resulted from removal of the tumorous focus, vascular pedicle free fibular transplantation was performed using microsurgical techniques together with filling the defects with iliac bone. Early bone union was achieved. Atrophy and fracture were avoided. Early postoperative physical therapy was possible. The vessels selected in the recipient site are dependent upon the location of the graft bed, but the anastomosed site of the vessels should be kept outside of the graft bed. It is important to plan the operation so as to avoid motion at the site of callus formation and tension at the anastomosis site.