Inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation Reduces Cell Viability and Autophagy and Increases Sensitivity to Chemotherapeutic Temozolomide in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor and is associated with short survival. O-GlcNAcylation is an intracellular glycosylation that regulates protein function, enzymatic activity, protein stability, and subcellular localization. Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation is related to the tumorigenesis of different tumors, and mounting evidence supports O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we used two human GB cell lines alongside primary human astrocytes as a non-tumoral control to investigate the role of O-GlcNAcylation in cell proliferation, cell cycle, autophagy, and cell death. We observed that hyper O-GlcNAcylation promoted increased cellular proliferation, independent of alterations in the cell cycle, through the activation of autophagy. On the other hand, hypo O-GlcNAcylation inhibited autophagy, promoted cell death by apoptosis, and reduced cell proliferation. In addition, the decrease in O-GlcNAcylation sensitized GB cells to the chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) without affecting human astrocytes. Combined, these results indicated a role for O-GlcNAcylation in governing cell proliferation, autophagy, cell death, and TMZ response, thereby indicating possible therapeutic implications for treating GB. These findings pave the way for further research and the development of novel treatment approaches which may contribute to improved outcomes and increased survival rates for patients facing this challenging disease.

Evaluation of Bond Strength and Fracture Load of Teeth With Flared Root Canals Restored With Prefabricated, Anatomical, and Computer-aided Design and Computer-aided Manufacturing Fiber Posts

PURPOSE

This study compared the use of anatomical glass fiber posts using bulk-fill composite resin with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milled glass fiber post in oversized root canals, through bond strength (BS) and fracture resistance (FR) tests (fracture load).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 48 mandibular premolars were selected, half of them had their crowns removed at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the other half were sectioned 2 mm above the CEJ. Subsequently, teeth were endodontically treated. After 1 week, the standard preparation of the canals was carried out, and the roots were divided into three groups (n=16), according to the use of different restorative techniques (control: prefabricated glass fiber post [PFP], direct anatomical glass fiber post [AFP], and CAD/CAM milled glass fiber post [MFP]). After luting procedures using Single Bond Universal and RelyX Ultimate (3M ESPE), for eight teeth in each group, six specimens were obtained (two slices from each root third: cervical, middle, and apical). For the remaining eight roots of each group, standardized preparations for metal-free crowns, milling of 5 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline, cementation of the crowns, and periodontal ligament simulation were performed. Then, for each group, the BS was evaluated through the push-out test, and the FR was evaluated in compression. The data obtained from BS were submitted to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; group vs root region) and Tukey (α=0.05) and from FR to one-way ANOVA (group) and Tukey (α=0.05).

RESULTS

For the BS test, the MFP group was statistically superior to the PFP group in all root regions and was statistically superior to the AFP group only in the cervical region, being statistically similar in the middle and apical root regions. For the FR test, the MFP group was statistically superior to the PFP and AFP groups.

CONCLUSION

The milled fiber post technique can be a legitimate alternative in the restoration of weakened roots with flared root canals.

Advanced design of a x-ray absorption spectroscopy setup for measuring transition metals speciation in molten carbonates, hydroxides and hydrogenosulfates

Battery recycling is currently becoming a crucial issue. One possible treatment path involves the use of molten salts. A mechanistic understanding of the underlying processes requires being able to analyze in situ speciation in molten salts at various temperatures. This can be advantageously achieved using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, the use of Quick-EXAFS facilities being particularly appropriate. Consequently, this paper presents the design and development of a new setup allowing carrying out Quick-EXAFS experiments in oxidizing molten salts at high temperatures. We describe the different components of a cell and the performance of the heating device. We illustrate the capabilities of the setup by analyzing the temperature evolution of Co speciation upon dissolution of LiCoO₂, a typical battery electrode material, in molten carbonates, hydroxides, and hydrogenosulphates.

Impacto do pH e Tempo de Aplicação do Ácido Meta-Fosfórico na Longevidade da Interface Resina-Dentina

Avaliar o efeito de diferentes pHs do ácido meta-fosfórico 40% (MPA) em comparação com o ácido ortofosfórico convencional 37% (OPA) em diferentes tempos de aplicação na longevidade da resistência da união (µTBS), nanoinfiltração (NL) e alterações químicas (ATR-FTIR) da superfície dentinária. Molares humanos (n84) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 12 condições experimentais de acordo com a combinação de variáveis: Ácido [ácido ortofosfórico 37% (OPA), ácido metafosfórico 40% (MPA) em pH 0,5, 1 e 2] e Tempo de Aplicação [7, 15 e 30s]. Os dentes foram restaurados e seccionados para se obter palitos de resina-dentina para µTBS e NL testados imediatamente ou após 6 meses de armazenamento em água. Para NL, 3 palitos de cada dente/período foram analisados. 21 dentes foram utilizados para as análises químicas (ATR-FTIR) de acordo com o tempo de aplicação vs. tempo de armazenamento. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA de três fatores e teste de Tukey (a0,05). MPA pH 0,5 mostrou µTBS semelhante ao OPA, independentemente do tempo de aplicação (p> 0,05). Foram observadas diminuições significativas na µTBS e aumentos de NL somente para OPA após 6 meses (p0,001). OPA proporcionou valores de NL estatisticamente mais elevados do que MPA (p 0,003). Em ATR-FTIR, dentina desmineralizada representou picos de brushite e fosfato octacálcico. Contudo, os resultados de MPA foram dependentes do pH/tempo de aplicação. O uso de MPA preservou a interface resina-dentina em um período de 6 meses apresentado a presença de brushite e fosfato octacálcicoPalavras-chave: Adesivos Dentinário. Resistência à Tração. Ácidos Fosfóricos.

Avaliação das Propriedades Adesivas de Sistemas Adesivos Universais na Interface Resina- Dentina Erosionada

Avaliar a resistência de união (TBS) e nanoinfiltração (NL) de sistemas adesivos universais em dentina erosionada (DE) na estratégia self-etch e etch-and-rinse. Duzentos molares foram aleatoriamente distribuídos de acordo com a combinação das variáveis independentes: Superfície dentinária (dentina sadia e dentina erosionada) vs. Sistema adesivo [1) All Bond Universal 2) Ambar Universal 3) Clearfil Universal 4) Futurabond Universal 5) One Coat 7 Universal 6) Peak Universal Bond 7) Prime & Bond Elect 8) Scotchbond Universal 9) Tetric N-Bond Universal 10) Xeno Select] vs. estratégia adesiva [self-etch (SE) e etch-and-rinse (ER)]. Para desafio erosivo, foram realizados ciclos de/remineralização por 10 dias com ácido cítrico. Após aplicação e fotoativação dos sistemas adesivos de acordo as instruções do fabricante, os dentes foram restaurados, armazenados em água por 24 h, seccionados em “palitos” e submetidos ao teste de microtração sob tensão (0,5 mm/min). 3 palitos de cada dente foram imersos em solução de nitrato de prata para análise de NL por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA três fatores    e teste de Tukey (5%). Os valores de TBS em DE foi estatisticamente inferior à dentina sadia, independente da estratégia adesiva (p<0,01). Em DE não houve diferença entre as estratégias adesivas (p>0,61). Uma maior deposição de nitrato de prata foi observada em DE (p <0,002). A erosão diminuiu a TBS, aumentou a NL independente da estratégia adesiva e as variações na composição dos adesivos produziu diferentes desempenhos.Palavras-chave: Adesivos Dentinários. Resistência à Tração. Erosão Dentária.

Three-Year Effects of Deproteinization on the In Vitro Durability of Resin/Dentin-Eroded Interfaces

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite on the immediate and three-year bonding properties of a resin-eroded dentin interface produced by one of two adhesive strategies.

Methods and Materials:

Forty-eight molars were randomly assigned to six experimental groups, according to the combination of the adhesive strategy (etch-and-rinse and self-etch) and the dentin surface (control groups without erosion, eroded dentin surface [ED], and eroded dentin surface + NaOCl 5.2% [ED + NaOCl]). After completing restoration, specimens were stored in water (37°C) for 24 hours and then sectioned into resin–dentin beams (0.8 mm2) to be tested under tension (0.5 mm/min) immediately thereafter or after three years of water storage. To assess nanoleakage (NL), specimens were immersed in silver nitrate solution and examined by scanning electron microscopy at both time points. The dentin-etching pattern was examined under a scanning electron microscope. Data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis (α=0.05)

Results:

In both strategies, a more pronounced and significant reduction of the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) values was observed for the ED groups (p=0.0001) after three years. However, in the ED + NaOCl group, μTBS values were maintained after three years of water storage. Furthermore, application of NaOCl to eroded dentin significantly reduced the immediate NL values and also preserved these values after three years of water storage for both adhesive strategies (p&gt;0.05). When considering the ED group, a superficial removal of the smear layer and enlarged lumen tubules in comparison to control were present. However, for ED + NaOCl, there was a total removal of the smear layer and significant numbers of collagen fibrils were exposed.

Conclusion:

The use of NaOCl may maintain the long-term stability of a resin-eroded dentin interface formed by etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives.

Using CAD/CAM–Modified Correlation Mode to Produce Laminate Veneers: A Six-Month Case Report

The expectation of an esthetically harmonious smile increases the level of difficulty when treating patients. Laminate veneers stand out as a treatment option for cosmetic rehabilitation in clinical practice, as they are a more conservative procedure and mimic dental structures. These laminate veneers are generally made with different techniques; the most common requires an impression of the prepared tooth, an impression antagonist, fabrication models, and extensive laboratory time. The computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system optimizes the fabrication of prosthetic structures, reducing chairside time and promoting good esthetic results. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to present the esthetic result of multiple CAD/CAM manufactured laminate veneers using a new self-etching glass ceramic primer with a lithium disilicate ceramic, using the modified correlation and biogeneric modes.

Four-year Follow-up of a Direct Anatomical Fiber Post and Esthetic Procedures: A Case Report

Knowledge about the stability of fiber posts cemented in widened canal spaces over time is scarce in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this case report was to evaluate the performance of a direct anatomical post in a widened canal space over the course of four years. The present clinical case describes the rehabilitation of a widened canal space using a direct anatomical post (a resin composite combined with a prefabricated glass fiber post) associated with an all-ceramic crown and other restorative procedures. This technique is easy to perform and may solve some of the problems associated with the cementation of a poorly adapted fiber post in a widened canal space.

Use of a Direct Anatomic Post in a Flared Root Canal: A Three-year Follow-up

The following case report describes the three-year follow-up after rehabilitation of a flared root canal using a direct anatomic post (a resin composite combined with a prefabricated glass fiber post) associated with metal-free ceramic restoration. The report presents the clinical protocol for the fabrication of the posts, which provide an intimate fit to the remaining root and mechanical properties similar to those of the dental structure. These posts serve as an alternative to conventional metal cores.

Effect of Operator Experience on the Outcome of Fiber Post Cementation With Different Resin Cements

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of operator experience (dentist vs student) and cementation system (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose [SBMP] + RelyX ARC [1]; Adper Single Bond 2 [SB] + RelyX ARC [2] and RelyX U100 [3]) on the push-out bond strength (BS) of fiber post to radicular dentin.

Materials and Methods

The roots of 48 extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared and divided into six groups (n=8), according to combination of the above factors. Glass fiber posts were cemented in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of each cementation system. After water storage at 37°C for one week, the roots were cross-sectioned into six 1-mm thick slices and the push-out test was performed (0.5 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α=0.05). The BS results obtained by dentist and student for each cementation system were compared using the Student t-test (α=0.05).

Results

Higher BS means were observed for the expert operators, irrespective of the cementation system used (p=0.006). RelyX U100 showed the highest bond strength, but it did not differ from SBMP + RelyX ARC. The Student t-test revealed that only RelyX U100 was not affected by the operator's experience.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the self-adhesive cement RelyX U100 showed the highest bond strength to the root canal in the student's group, and its performance was not affected by the operator's experience.

Differential effect of plant lectins on mast cells of different origins

Histamine release induced by plant lectins was studied with emphasis on the carbohydrate specificity, external calcium requirement, metal binding sites, and mast cell heterogeneity and on the importance of antibodies bound to the mast cell membrane to the lectin effect. Peritoneal mast cells were obtained by direct lavage of the rat peritoneal cavity and guinea pig intestine and hamster cheek pouch mast cells were obtained by dispersion with collagenase type IA. Histamine release was induced with concanavalin A (Con A), lectins from Canavalia brasiliensis, mannose-specific Cymbosema roseum, Maackia amurensis, Parkia platycephala, Triticum vulgaris (WGA), and demetallized Con A and C. brasiliensis, using 1-300 microg/ml lectin concentrations applied to Wistar rat peritoneal mast cells, peaking on 26.9, 21.0, 29.1, 24.9, 17.2, 10.7, 19.9, and 41.5%, respectively. This effect was inhibited in the absence of extracellular calcium. The lectins were also active on hamster cheek pouch mast cells (except demetallized Con A) and on Rowett nude rat (animal free of immunoglobulins) peritoneal mast cells (except for mannose-specific C. roseum, P. platycephala and WGA). No effect was observed in guinea pig intestine mast cells. Glucose-saturated Con A and C. brasiliensis also released histamine from Wistar rat peritoneal mast cells. These results suggest that histamine release induced by lectins is influenced by the heterogeneity of mast cells and depends on extracellular calcium. The results also suggest that this histamine release might occur by alternative mechanisms, because the usual mechanism of lectins is related to their binding properties to metals from which depend the binding to sugars, which would be their sites to bind to immunoglobulins. In the present study, we show that the histamine release by lectins was also induced by demetallized lectins and by sugar-saturated lectins (which would avoid their binding to other sugars). Additionally, the lectins also released histamine from Rowett nude mast cells that are free of immunoglobulins.

Relationship of abomasal histology and parasite-specific immunoglobulin A with the resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection in three breeds of sheep

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship of abomasal inflammatory cells and parasite-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) in mucus, with the resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection in three breeds of sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The breeds were the native Santa Ines sheep, and the European Suffolk and Ile de France breeds. Mast cells, eosinophils and globule leucocytes were enumerated in abomasal mucosa. Eosinophils within the sub-mucosa also were counted separately. Histamine concentration was estimated in abomasal tissue samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out in mucus samples to determine the level of IgA anti-H. contortus third and fifth instar. There were no significant differences among group means of these variables (P>0.05). The correlation coefficients between fecal egg counts (FEC)xmast cells (r=-0.490; P<0.05) and FECxeosinophils in sub-mucosa (r=-0.714; P<0.01) was significant in the Santa Ines sheep. In the Ile de France group, the correlation coefficients between globule leucocytesxFEC (r=-0.879; P<0.001) and histaminexworm burden (r=-0.833; P<0.01) were also significant. In the Santa Ines and Ile de France sheep, correlation coefficients between IgA anti-L3xworm burden and IgA anti-L3xFEC were negative. In general, inflammatory cells and IgA-parasite-specific in abomasum were inversely associated with H. contortus worm burden and FEC indicating that they may impair parasite development or fecundity in the three breeds of sheep. However, similar mean values of inflammatory cells and IgA were found in the resistant (Santa Ines) and in the susceptible (Suffolk and Ile de France) breeds of sheep. The enumeration of cells by histological assessment does not provide information on their functional activity, which may be different among breeds. Thus, the effect of breed on the functional activity of these and other inflammatory cells is an important area for further study.

Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a protective agent against DNA damage in mice

This study was designed to evaluate the toxicogenetic or protective effect of cooked and dehydrated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of exposed mice. The frequency of micronuclei detected using the bone marrow erythrocyte micronucleus test and level of DNA lesions detected by the comet assay were chosen as end-points reflecting mutagenic and genotoxic damage, respectively. Initially, Swiss male mice were fed with a 20% black bean diet in order to detect mutagenic and genotoxic activity. However, no increase in the frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN PCEs) or DNA lesion in leukocytes was observed. In contrast, received diets containing 1, 10 or 20% of black beans, a clear, but not dose-dependent reduction in the frequency of MN PCEs were observed in animals simultaneously treated with cyclophosphamide, an indirect acting mutagen. Similar results were observed in leukocytes by the comet assay. Commercial anthocyanin was also tested in an attempt to identify the bean components responsible for this protective effect. However, instead of being protective, the flavonoid, at the highest dose administered (50 mg/kg bw), induced primary DNA lesion, as detected by the comet assay. These data indicate the importance of food components in preventing genetic damage induced by chemical mutagens, and also reinforce the role of toxicogenetic techniques in protecting human health.

The potentiation of the histamine release induced by adenosine in mast cells from guinea pig lung and heart: sharp dependence on the time of preincubation

We studied here the effect of a wide range of adenosine concentration and time of preincubation, on the histamine release induced in the guinea pig mast cells by different stimulus. Adenosine (10(-5)-10(-3)m) potentiated the histamine release induced by antigen in the guinea pig heart (isolated and dispersed tissue) and lung mast cells but not induced by ionophore A23197. The potentiation caused by adenosine (10(-4)m) was maximum after 1-3 min of preincubation and is probably an extracellular effect since it was not avoided by dipyridamol (3x10(-7)-10(-6)m) that inhibit the uptake of adenosine. Similar potentiation was also produced by the adenosine mimetic 2-chloroadenosine (10(-5)m) and both effects were inhibited by 8-phenyltheophylline indicating an effect on the type A receptors. It is suggested that the adenosine potentiation may not be related to changes on the cyclic AMP levels. 2000 Academic Press@p$hr

Effects of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid on histamine secretion in guinea pig lung mast cells

We studied the direct effects of ethanol and its metabolites on the guinea pig lung mast cell, and the alterations caused in the histamine release induced by different stimuli. Guinea pig lungs cells dispersed by collagenase were used throughout. High concentrations of ethanol (100 mg/ml), acetaldehyde (0.3-3 mg/ml) and acetic acid (3 mg/ml) induced histamine release that was not inhibited by sodium cyanide (0.3 mM). Lower concentration of ethanol (10 mg/ml) and acetic acid (0.3 mg/ml), but not acetaldehyde, inhibited the histamine release induced by antigen and ionophore A23187. The histamine release induced by phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate (1 microM) was also inhibited by ethanol (10 mg/ml). Changes in the levels of calcium, glucose and phosphatidic acid did not influence the effect of ethanol. We conclude that high doses of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid cause a cytotoxic histamine release by independent mechanisms. Low concentrations of acetic acid inhibit the histamine release by pH reduction. Ethanol acts by a generalized effect that is independent of calcium and glucose suggesting a nonspecific effect that, nevertheless, is not cytotoxic since it can be reversed by washing the cells.

Studies on anti-allergic constituents in the leaves and stems of Anchientia salutaris var. martiana (Violaceae)

The anti-allergic active fractionation of hexane extracts of the leaves and stems of Anchietia salutaris var. martiana (family Violaceae) was performed by monitoring their activities with an in vitro bioassay system measuring the inhibitory effects on induced histamine release from guinea pig lung cells. Three known pentacyclic triterpenes (friedelin, alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin) were isolated, but these compounds were inactive. Aliphatic hydrocarbons and methyl esters of fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic acids) were detected in active fractions. All compounds isolated were detected for the first time in this medicinal plant.

Pharmacological antagonism of Anchietia salutaris extracts on the contraction induced by prostaglandin D2 and U46619 in guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips

Anchietia salutaris tea is traditionally used in Brazil to treat allergies, suggesting it contains compounds with antagonistic activity on the allergic mediators. We have evaluated extracts and semi-purified fractions of Anchietia salutaris as a source of compounds having this type of antagonism on the contraction induced in guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips and on platelet aggregation and shape change. After 10 min pre-incubation dichloromethane extracts containing 30 or 100 microg mL(-1) inhibited the contraction induced by prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips with dose ratios (DR) of 0.76+/-0.14 and 0.93+/-0.19, respectively; the amount of inhibition depended both on the concentration and on the time of pre-incubation (DR after 30 min pre-incubation was 1.21+/-0.51). The dichloromethane extract and its semi-purified fractions also inhibited the contractions induced by U46619, a more potent, stable, synthetic agonist of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) prostanoid (TP) receptors, the receptors acted upon by PGD2 to produce lung contractions. The dichloromethane extract did not inhibit the lung parenchymal contractions induced by histamine, leukotriene D4 (LTD4) or platelet-activating factor (PAF). Platelet aggregation induced by U46619, adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) or PAF was not inhibited by the dichloromethane extract. Indeed, the extract potentiated platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of these agonists and also potentiated the shape change induced by U46619. These results imply that the dichloromethane extract of Anchietia salutaris and its semi-purified fractions contain an active principle that competitively inhibits TxA2 TP receptors, the stimulation of which causes lung parenchymal contraction. The inhibition seems to be selective for this receptor subtype, because the extract fails to inhibit platelet aggregation or shape change. This provides additional support of earlier reports suggesting the occurrence of TP receptor subtypes.

Characteristics of the histamine release from hamster cheek pouch mast cells stimulated by lectins from Brazilian beans and concanavalin A

We have characterized the histamine releasing effects of lectins extracted from Brazilian beans, in comparison to concanavalin A, in hamster cheek pouch cell suspensions containing mast cells. The lectins from Dioclea virgata, Canavalia brasiliensis, and Dioclea rostrata induce histamine release in a similar manner to concanavalin A, but appear to differ in potency and efficacy. The effects depended on the temperature, pH, and metabolic energy, demonstrating the non-cytotoxic nature of the histamine release. It is suggested that the lectins studied act by the same mechanism as concanavalin A (interacting with sugars in the antibodies bound to the mast cells), since high concentrations of glucose inhibit the histamine release. The lectins at high concentrations quench the histamine release. This suppression is reversed by increasing calcium concentration, suggesting that the lectins bind to the calcium that is essential for the secretion, thereby confirming and extending our previous data using the lectin from Dioclea virgata in rat peritoneal mast cells.

Histamine release induced by glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans. Comparison with concanavalin A

The histamine releasing properties of glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans was examined. The Canavalia brasiliensis, Dioclea rostrata, and Dioclea virgata lectins induced histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells similar to concanavalin A. Less potency and efficacy was observed for Canavalia maritima, Dioclea guianensis, and Dioclea violacea while very low activities were seen for the lectins from Dioclea grandiflora, Canavalia bonariensis, and Cratylia floribunda. The histamine releasing effect was quenched by higher doses of D. virgata lectin similar to what was reported for concanavalin A. This effect was abrogated by increasing the concentration of calcium in the incubating medium. As these above proteins have sites that bind calcium, higher doses of the lectins might withdraw the calcium which is essential for the mast cell secretion.

Pharmacological evaluation of the inhibitory effect of extracts from Anchietia salutaris on the histamine release induced in the rat and the guinea pig

The tea made with leaves and stems of plant Anchietia salutaris is traditionally used in Brazil to treat allergies. We examined the effects of a crude aqueous extract and of purified fractions of this plant on the histamine release induced in rat and guinea pig tissues. The crude extract (3-10 micrograms/ml) inhibits the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 (0.5 microgram/ml) and antigen in rat peritoneal mast cells. The inhibition is significant after 10 s of preincubation and is completed after 3 min. The crude extract dissolved in the perfusion fluid (1-30 micrograms/ml) also inhibits the histamine release induced in guinea pig heart by cardiac anaphylaxis and in hearts from pretreated animals (10-100 mg/kg i.p.). In pretreated animals, the effect manifests after 3 h, is maximum after 12 h and disappears after 48 h. The histamine release induced in isolated guinea pig heart by ionophore A23187 is inhibited by similar doses as in antigen-induced histamine release. Extraction with solvents concentrated the active principle(s) in the hexane fractions, as demonstrated by the inhibition of the histamine release induced by antigen in isolated cells from guinea pig heart dispersed with collagenase. In subfractions produced by the fractionation of the hexane fraction, the active principle(s) concentrated in the subfractions obtained by extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate, which shows the low polarity of the compound(s). The same subfractions that inhibit the histamine release induced by antigen in cells from guinea pig heart also inhibit pulmonary cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Acute reduction of blood pressure: comparative study of nifedipine and clonidine]

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of clonidine and nifedipine in rapidly reducing blood pressure (BP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients with arterial hypertension of any cause were selected and randomly divided in three groups: P group, consisting of 9 patients who received placebo; N group, consisting of 17 patients, 8 males, mean age of 47 years who received 10 mg of sublingual nifedipine; C group, consisting of 18 patients, 6 males, with mean age of 47 years who received 0.2 mg of clonidine per os. The BP were measured on admission and every 15 minutes for 1 hour. The final goal of treatment was to lower diastolic pressure in 20 mmHg or more.

RESULTS

At the end of 60 minutes the nifedipine as well as clonidine were equally effective in lowering BP. The earliest manifestation of drug activity occurred at 25 minutes after administration. Side effects were noted only with clonidine in 23% of the cases, but without any clinical significance.

CONCLUSION

Nifedipine as well as clonidine are equally effective in rapidly lowering BP with minimal side effects.

Comparative studies on the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on histamine release from mast cells of the rat and guinea pig

The effects of a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on histamine secretion from tissue mast cells of the rat and the guinea pig have been examined. According to the experimental conditions and cell type, the drugs potentiated, inhibited or had no effect on histamine release. The possible mechanisms of these effects are discussed.

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 and cardiac anaphylaxis in guinea-pig isolated heart

Histamine release from guinea pig heart treated with compound 48/80 was potentiated by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and piroxicam but not by aspirin or phenylbutazone. This differential effect suggests that the potentiation is not merely due to an inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Piroxicam potentiated the histamine release induced by cardiac anaphylaxis whereas indomethacin reduced this effect. The SRS-A antagonist FPL 55712 inhibited histamine release induced by cardiac anaphylaxis, but not that evoked by compound 48/80, and also prevented the potentiation due to indomethacin and piroxicam. In total, these data suggest that the potentiation of histamine release by piroxicam and indomethacin is probably due to a diversion of arachidonic acid metabolism from the cyclooxygenase to the lipoxygenase pathways. The resulting lipoxygenase products may then regulate histamine release, with the secretion due to antigen being more sensitive to such modulation than that evoked by compound 48/80.

Histamine release from the isolated guinea-pig heart by compound 48/80

Histamine release was observed in isolated guinea-pig heart perfused by the constant flow method, after bolus injection of 50-200 micrograms of compound 48/80. Practically all the histamine is released within the first 3 min after 48/80. This effect is inhibited by the addition of sodium cyanide (300 microM) to a glucose-free perfusion fluid and also by the removal of calcium of the medium in presence or absence of EDTA (100 microM). This dependence on metabolism and calcium is highly suggestive of a non-cytotoxic action of 48/80 on the mast cells of guinea-pig heart.

Granular dissolution of mast cells and histamine release by compound 48/80 in the isolated guinea-pig heart

It has been shown previously that guinea-pig tissues are highly resistant to the compound 48/80. Very high doses of 48/80 cause histamine release by a cytotoxic process. However, release of histamine from guinea-pig heart can be produced by concentrations of 48/80 as low as 20 micrograms/ml. In this case the mast cells show only morphological signs of matrix dissolution with no changes in the cell membrane or other intracellular organelles. These results are similar to those observed in in vitro anaphylaxis and are indicative of non-cytotoxic histamine release. Dibutyril cyclic adenosine 3', 5', monophosphate (db. cAMP) (10(-4)M) potentiated the granular matrix dissolution and histamine release produced by 48/80 in the isolated guinea-pig heart. The compound 48/80 did not release histamine in the pulmonary perfusate of guinea-pig lung even in a dose twice as much than that used in the heart.