Randomised controlled trial comparing oral and intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) plasma levels when given as preoperative analgesia

Gastric absorption of oral paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be unreliable perioperatively in the starved and stressed patient. We compared plasma concentrations of parenteral paracetamol given preoperatively and oral paracetamol when given as premedication. Patients scheduled for elective ear; nose and throat surgery or orthopaedic surgery were randomised to receive either oral or intravenous paracetamol as preoperative medication. The oral dose was given 30 minutes before induction of anaesthesia and the intravenous dose given pre-induction. All patients were given a standardised anaesthetic by the same specialist anaesthetist who took blood for paracetamol concentrations 30 minutes after the first dose and then at 30 minute intervals for 240 minutes. Therapeutic concentrations of paracetamol were reached in 96% of patients who had received the drug parenterally, and 67% of patients who had received it orally. Maximum median plasma concentrations were 19 mg.l(-1) (interquartile range 15 to 23 mg.l(-1)) and 13 mg.l(-1) (interquartile range 0 to 18 mg.l(-1)) for the intravenous and oral group respectively. The difference between intravenous and oral groups was less marked after 150 minutes but the intravenous preparation gave higher plasma concentrations throughout the study period. It can be concluded that paracetamol gives more reliable therapeutic plasma concentrations when given intravenously.

Ethnicity and social deprivation independently influence metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study was performed to evaluate the influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) on metabolic control in a population-based cohort of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and to evaluate whether any relationship between ethnicity and HbA(1c) is mediated by SES.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients under age 16 years with type 1 diabetes (n = 555) from 1995 to 2005 in the greater Auckland region, New Zealand. Diabetes care variables and HbA(1c) values were collected prospectively, during clinic visits.

RESULTS

The mean population HbA(1c) was 8.3 +/- 1.3%. Maori and Pacific patients had poorer metabolic control than their European counterparts (9.1% and 9.3% vs 8.1%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of moderate to severe hypoglycaemia (31.1 and 24.8 vs 14.9 events/100 patient-years, p = 0.03). In multiple linear regression analysis, both ethnicity and SES were independently associated with HbA(1c) (p < 0.001). Other factors associated with higher HbA(1c) level were longer duration of diabetes, higher insulin dose, lower BMI z score and less frequent blood glucose monitoring (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Both ethnicity and SES independently influenced metabolic control in a large, unselected population of children with type 1 diabetes. Irrespective of SES, Maori and Pacific youth with type 1 diabetes were at greater risk of both moderate to severe hypoglycaemia and long-term complications associated with poor metabolic control.

A genome-screen of a large twin cohort reveals linkage for quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus to 2q33-37 and 4q12-21

A genome-wide screen was performed on a large cohort of dizygous twin pairs to identify regions of the genome that contain QTL for QUS of bone. Suggestive linkage of QUS parameters to 2q33-37 and 4q12-21 highlighted these regions as potentially important for studies of genes that regulate bone.

INTRODUCTION

The genetics of osteoporotic fracture is only partly explained by bone mineral density (BMD). Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus can also be used for independent clinical assessment of osteoporotic fracture risk. Two specific indices are derived from this assessment: broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and velocity of sound (VOS). Both parameters provide information on fracture risk; however, BUA has been studied more extensively and may be favored because it is thought to have a stronger predictive value for osteoporotic fracture and incorporates aspects of trabecular structure and bone quality as well as BMD. Studies of QUS in twins have shown that both derived parameters are under substantial genetic control, independent of BMD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify regions of the genome that contain quantitative trait loci (QTL) for QUS of bone, we performed a genome-wide screen on a large cohort of dizygous twin pairs. Unselected female dizygous twins from 1067 pedigrees from the St Thomas' UK Adult Twin Registry were genome scanned (737 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers). Multipoint linkage analyses provided maximum evidence of linkage for BUA (LOD 2.1-5.1) to 2q33-37. Linkage for VOS (LOD 2.2-3.4) was maximal at 4q12-21. Potential evidence of linkage in the cohort indicated five other possible locations of QTL (LOD > 2.0) relevant to bone density or structure on chromosomes 1, 2, 13, 14, and X.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This study has identified eight genomic locations with linkage of LOD > 2.0. This data should be of value in assisting researchers to localize genes that regulate bone mass and microstructure. These results should complement genome screens of BMD and bone structure and serve to enable further targeted positional candidate and positional cloning studies to advance our understanding of genetic control of bone quality and risk of fracture.

Comparison of genome screens for two independent cohorts provides replication of suggestive linkage of bone mineral density to 3p21 and 1p36

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a major risk factor for osteoporotic fracture. Studies of BMD in families and twins have shown that this trait is under strong genetic control. To identify regions of the genome that contain quantitative trait loci (QTL) for BMD, we performed independent genomewide screens, using two complementary study designs. We analyzed unselected nonidentical twin pairs (1,094 pedigrees) and highly selected, extremely discordant or concordant (EDAC) sib pairs (254 pedigrees). Nonparametric multipoint linkage (NPL) analyses were undertaken for lumbar spine and total-hip BMD in both cohorts and for whole-body BMD in the unselected twin pairs. The maximum evidence of linkage in the unselected twins (spine BMD, LOD 2.7) and the EDAC pedigrees (spine BMD, LOD 2.1) was observed at chromosome 3p21 (76 cM and 69 cM, respectively). These combined data indicate the presence, in this region, of a gene that regulates BMD. Furthermore, evidence of linkage in the twin cohort (whole-body BMD; LOD 2.4) at chromosome 1p36 (17 cM) supports previous findings of suggestive linkage to BMD in the region. Weaker evidence of linkage (LOD 1.0-2.3) in either cohort, but not both, indicates the locality of additional QTLs. These studies validate the use, in linkage analysis, of large cohorts of unselected twins phenotyped for multiple traits, and they highlight the importance of conducting genome scans in replicate populations as a prelude to positional cloning and gene discovery.

Analysis of the CD3 gene region and type 1 diabetes: application of fluorescence-based technology to linkage disequilibrium mapping

The CD3 gene region on chromosome 11q23 has been implicated in susceptibility to type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Using semi-automated fluorescence-based technology, we have undertaken association and linkage analysis of a dinucleotide microsatellite in the CD3 delta (CD3D) gene. We have also performed a large case-control analysis of a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the CD3 epsilon (CD3E) gene, 26 kb from CD3D. We found no evidence for the previously reported association between the 8 kb allele of the RFLP and disease in a UK dataset of 403 diabetic patients and 446 nondiabetic controls. Furthermore, the use of the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) showed no evidence of linkage or association to type 1 diabetes at either marker locus. We conclude that the CD3 gene region does not contribute significantly to IDDM susceptibility. We have successfully applied semi-automated, fluorescence-based technology to undertake association analysis on the CD3D microsatellite. Moreover, by analysing 94 other dinucleotide repeat markers, we conclude that fluorescence-based methodology can generally be applied to large-scale, semi-automated association studies with most microsatellite markers.

Linkage disequilibrium mapping of a type 1 diabetes susceptibility gene (IDDM7) to chromosome 2q31-q33

The role of human chromosome 2 in type 1 diabetes was evaluated by analysing linkage and linkage disequilibrium at 21 microsatellite marker loci, using 348 affected sibpair families and 107 simplex families. The microsatellite D2S152 was linked to, and associated with, disease in families from three different populations. Our evidence localizes a new diabetes susceptibility gene, IDDM7, to within two centiMorgans of D2S152. This places it in a region of chromosome 2q that shows conserved synteny with the region of mouse chromosome 1 containing the murine type 1 diabetes gene, Idd5. These results demonstrate the utility of polymorphic microsatellites for linkage disequilibrium mapping of genes for complex diseases.

A genome-wide search for human type 1 diabetes susceptibility genes

We have searched the human genome for genes that predispose to type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus using semi-automated fluorescence-based technology and linkage analysis. In addition to IDDM1 (in the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21) and IDDM2 (in the insulin gene region on chromosome 11p15), eighteen different chromosome regions showed some positive evidence of linkage to disease. Linkages to chromosomes 11q (IDDM4) and 6q (IDDM5) were confirmed by replication, and chromosome 18 may encode a fifth disease locus. There are probably no genes with large effects aside from IDDM1. Therefore polygenic inheritance is indicated, with a major locus at the major histocompatibility complex.

Chromosome-specific microsatellite sets for fluorescence-based, semi-automated genome mapping

To facilitate large-scale genetic mapping of the human genome, we have developed chromosome-specific sets of microsatellite marker loci suitable for use with a fluorescence-based automated DNA fragment analyser. We present 254 dinucleotide repeat marker loci (80% from the Généthon genetic linkage map) arranged into 39 sets, covering all 22 autosomes and the X chromosome. The average distance between adjacent markers is 13 centiMorgans, and less than 4% of the genome lies more than 20 cM from the nearest marker. Each set of microsatellites consists of up to nine marker loci, with allele size ranges that do not overlap. We selected marker loci on the basis of their reliability in the polymerase chain reaction, polymorphism content, map position and the accuracy with which alleles can be scored automatically by the Genotyper program.

Evidence for a role for Na+-H+ exchange in activation of human platelets by PAF

We have found previously that inhibitors of Na+-H+ exchange block platelet arachidonic acid release and subsequent secondary aggregation and serotonin release in response to epinephrine, ADP, and thrombin (0.004 U/ml). The present study demonstrates that the addition of ethylisopropylamiloride, an inhibitor of Na+-H+ exchange, leads to an inhibition of platelet activating factor-induced serotonin release and thromboxane B2 production in human platelets in citrated plasma. In addition, platelet activating factor-induced platelet secretion is blocked by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the thromboxane antagonist SQ 29548, indicating that arachidonic acid mobilization and metabolism is required for platelet activating factor to elicit platelet activation. Our interpretation of the present findings is that platelet activating factor-induced secretion of dense granules from the human platelet requires the production of cyclooxygenase metabolites from arachidonic acid and that Na+-H+ exchange plays an important, albeit not exclusive, role in mobilization of arachidonic acid in response to platelet activating factor.

Low concentrations of A23187 increase calcium uptake by cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

The divalent cation ionophore A23187 at a concentration of 1 nM produced an increased rate of oxalate-supported calcium uptake by isolated cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum as determined by absorbance changes of the calcium-sensitive dye murexide. Addition of a higher concentration of A23187 (0.1 microM) produced a decreased rate of calcium uptake. Measurement of the time during which ATPase was activated by calcium addition also suggested an increased rate of calcium uptake in the presence of 1 nM A23187 and an inhibition of calcium uptake at a higher concentration of the ionophore (0.1 microM). Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity and incorporation of 32Pi from [gamma-32P]ATP into sarcoplasmic reticular proteins were increased by A23187 at concentrations of 1 nM or greater. An increased coupling of calcium uptake to ATP hydrolysis was observed at 1 nM A23187, while concentrations of the ionophore greater than or equal to 10 nM produced a decreased coupling. Addition of an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase decreased the rate of calcium uptake, and this inhibition was reversed in a concentration-dependent manner by 0.01-1 nM A23187. These data suggest that A23187 can activate a mechanism involving the calcium-dependent phosphorylation of protein that may regulate the activity of the calcium uptake system of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. These observations appear to provide an explanation for some of the contractile effects of A23187 in intact cardiac muscle that suggest that treatment with the ionophore results in an increased sequestration of calcium from the cytoplasm.

Biochemical changes accompanying enhanced cardiac contractility by ionophore A23187

We have reported that the divalent cation ionophore A23187, like the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, increased the force of contraction and rate of relaxation and shortened the duration of contraction of papillary muscles isolated from guinea pigs. A23187 produced a fall in resting tension and decreased the contracture tension of K +/- depolarized muscles, as did isoproterenol. In the present studies, isoproterenol produced a concentration-dependent, rapid, and sustained increase in the cyclic AMP (cAMP) content of papillary muscle. In contrast, A23187 had no detectable effect on cAMP levels, even in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, papaverine. Neither drug, at concentrations maximal for contractile effects, altered cyclic GMP (cGMP). Isoproterenol increased the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio, whereas A23187 did not change the activity of this enzyme. However, both A23187 and isoproterenol produced a concentration-dependent increase in phosphorylase activity. Concentrations of A23187 or isoproterenol that enhanced contractility maximally increased the alkali-labile phosphate (by ca. 35%) but were without effect on the acid-labile, alkali-stable phosphate in the total acid precipitable protein. Contractile effects of isoproterenol, which reflect activated Ca2+ uptake, and the increase in phosphorylase activity produced by this agent are believed to be due to an increase in cAMP with subsequent activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinases and phosphorylation of proteins. A23187 may produce similar contractile effects without an increase in cAMP or cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity by activating other protein kinases and/or inhibiting phosphoprotein phosphatases, most likely by its effects on intracellular calcium.

Effects of divalent cation ionophore A23187 on cardiac contractile parameters

The divalent cation ionophore A23187, when added to guinea pig papillary muscle, produced contractile effects that were similar to those produced by isoproterenol or histamine, but the ionophore's effects did not appear to result from the release of endogenous transmitters or prostaglandin production. Optimally effective concentrations of A23187 (6 microM) and isoproterenol (1 microM) more than doubled the peak contractile force and the rates of force development and relaxation and caused a 25% decrease in the duration of the contraction. Both A23187 and isoproterenol decreased the resting tension by approximately 0.15 g and significantly diminished the magnitude of a potassium-induced contracture. The positive inotropic effect of A23187 was prevented by incubating the tissue in calcium-depleted medium and antagonized by D 600, a blocker of sarcolemmal calcium influx, and acetylcholine. The contractile effects of A23187 appear to be related, in part, to its ability to increase the movement of calcium across the sarcolemma electroneutrally, since no change of the action potential occurred. In addition, possible intracellular actions of this ionophore may produce contractile effects that resemble those produced by isoproterenol and that reflect an increased sequestration of calcium within the myocardial cell.

Ca2+-stimulated, Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity in neutrophil plasma membrane vesicles. Coupling to Ca2+ transport

Low concentrations of free Ca2+ stimulated the hydrolysis of ATP by plasma membrane vesicles purified from guinea pig neutrophils and incubated in 100 mM HEPES/triethanolamine, pH 7.25. In the absence of exogenous magnesium, apparent values obtained were 320 nM (EC50 for free Ca2+), 17.7 nmol of Pi/mg X min (Vmax), and 26 microM (Km for total ATP). Studies using trans- 1,2-diaminocyclohexane- N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid as a chelator showed this activity was dependent on 13 microM magnesium, endogenous to the medium plus membranes. Without added Mg2+, Ca2+ stimulated the hydrolysis of several other nucleotides: ATP congruent to GTP congruent to CTP congruent to ITP greater than UTP, but Ca2+-stimulated ATPase was not coupled to uptake of Ca2+, even in the presence of 5 mM oxalate. When 1 mM MgCl2 was added, the vesicles demonstrated oxalate and ATP-dependent calcium uptake at approximately 8 nmol of Ca2+/mg X min (based on total membrane protein). Ca2+ uptake increased to a maximum of approximately 17-20 nmol of Ca2+/mg X min when KCl replaced HEPES/triethanolamine in the buffer. In the presence of both KCl and MgCl2, Ca2+ stimulated the hydrolysis of ATP selectively over other nucleotides. Apparent values obtained for the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase were 440 nM (EC50 for free Ca2+), 17.5 nmol Pi/mg X min (Vmax) and 100 microM (Km for total ATP). Similar values were found for Ca2+ uptake which was coupled efficiently to Ca2+-stimulated ATPase with a molar ratio of 2.1 +/- 0.1. Exogenous calmodulin had no effect on the Vmax or EC50 for free Ca2+ of the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase, either in the presence or absence of added Mg2+, with or without an ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid pretreatment of the vesicles. The data demonstrate that calcium stimulates ATP hydrolysis by neutrophil plasma membranes that is coupled optimally to transport of Ca2+ in the presence of concentrations of K+ and Mg2+ that appear to mimic intracellular levels.

ATP-dependent calcium transport in plasma membrane vesicles from neutrophil leukocytes

Plasma membrane vesicles were prepared from guinea pig peritoneal exudate neutrophils, using nitrogen cavitation to rupture the plasma membrane and differential centrifugation to separate the vesicles. The vesicles were enriched 13.2-fold in (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity and had a cholesterol:protein ratio of 0.15, characteristic of plasma membranes. Contamination of the vesicle preparation with DNA or marker enzyme activities for intracellular organelles was very low. Studies designed to determine vesicle sidedness and integrity indicated that 33% were sealed, inside-out; 41% were sealed, right side-out, and 26% were leaky. The vesicles accumulated 45Ca2+ in a linear fashion for 45 min. The uptake was dependent on the presence of oxalate and MgATP in the incubating medium. Uptake showed a Ka for free Ca2+ of 164 nM and a Vmax of 17.2 nmol/mg . min (based on total protein). GTP, ITP, CTP, UTP, ADP, or AMP supported uptake at rates less than or equal to 11% of ATP. Ca2+ uptake was maximal at pH 7-7.5. Calcium stimulated the hydrolysis of ATP by the vesicles with a Ka for free Ca2+ of 440 nM and Vmax of 17.5 nmol/mg . min (based on total protein). When the Ca2+ uptake rate was based upon those vesicles expected to transport Ca2+ (33% sealed, inside-out vesicles) and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity was based upon those vesicles expected to express that activity (26% leaky + 33% sealed, inside-out vesicles), the molar stoichiometry of Ca2+ transported:ATP hydrolyzed was 2.12 +/- 0.12. Calmodulin did not increase either Vmax or Ka for free Ca2+ of the uptake system in the vesicles, even when they were treated previously with ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. The high affinity of this system for Ca2+, specificity for ATP, physiological pH optimum, and stoichiometry of Ca2+ transported:ATP hydrolyzed suggest that it represents an important mechanism by which neutrophils maintain low levels of cytoplasmic free Ca2+.

Activation of superoxide production and differential exocytosis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cytochalasins A, B, C, D and E. Effects of various ions

All of the common cytochalasins activate superoxide anion release and exocytosis of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and lysozyme from guinea-pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) incubated in a buffered sucrose medium. Half-maximal activation of both processes is produced by approx. 0.2 microM cytochalasin A, C greater than 2 microM cytochalasin B greater than or equal to 4-5 microM cytochalasin D, E. While maximal rates of O2- release and extents of exocytosis require extracellular calcium (1-2 mM), replacing sucrose with monovalent cation chlorides is inhibitory to neutrophil activation by cytochalasins. Na+, K+ or choline inhibit either cytochalasin B- or E-stimulated O2- production with IC50 values of 5-10 mM and inhibition occurs whether Cl-, NO3- or SCN- is the anion added with Na+ or K+. Release of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in control or cytochalasin B-stimulated cells is inhibited by NaCl(IC50 approximately 10 mM), while cytochalasin E-stimulated exocytosis is reduced less and K+ or choline chloride are ineffective in inhibiting either cytochalasin B- or E-stimulated exocytosis. Release of beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase or acid phosphatase from neutrophils incubated in buffered sucrose is not stimulated by cytochalasin B. Stimulation of either O2- or beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase release by low concentrations of cytochalasin A is followed by inhibition of each at higher concentrations. It appears that all cytochalasins can activate both NAD(P)H oxidase and selective degranulation of neutrophils incubated in salt-restricted media and that differential inhibition of these two processes by monovalent cations and/or anions is produced at some step(s) subsequent to cytochalasin interaction with the cell.

Effect of various lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid on degranulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Lipoxygenase metabolites of guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with 10 microM A23187 plus arachidonic acid were isolated and identified. These metabolites were compared with each other and to chemically synthesized arachidonate metabolites for their ability to stimulate leukocyte degranulation. 5(S),12(R)-Dihydroxy-6,8,10-(cis/trans/trans)14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (leukotriene B4) produced a significant release of lysozyme, but not beta-glucuronidase or beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase at low concentrations (EC50 = 6.5 x 10(-9) M), while the leukocyte nonenzymatically generated 5,12-or 5,6-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids had no effect at these concentrations. Higher concentrations (1--10 microM) of all the dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and its hydroperoxy precursor stimulated significant lysozyme release which was greater than that produced by 15-hydroxy-5,8,11-13-eicosatetraenoic acid, arachidonic acid, or its acetylene analogue, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid. Micromolar concentrations of leukotriene B4 and 5-HETE also stimulated significant release of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase above controls, but not beta-glucuronidase. These results suggest that leukotriene B4 may play a role in regulating the release of certain granule-bound enzymes from polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Evidence for inhibition of leukotriene A4 synthesis by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid in guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The sensitivity of the 5-lipoxygenase to inhibition by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) is species- and/or tissue-dependent. Guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid and stimulated with ionophore A23187 formed 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), as well as several dihydroxy fatty acids, including 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6,8,10-(cis/trans/trans)-14-(cis)-eicosatetraenoic acid. ETYA (40 microM) did not inhibit, but, rather, increased the incorporation of 3H label into 5-HETE. In contrast, ETYA markedly inhibited the formation of radiolabeled dihydroxy acid metabolites by the A23187-stimulated cells. Assay of products from polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated with exogenous arachidonic acid plus A23187, by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet absorption, showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the formation of dihydroxy acid metabolite by ETYA (1-50 microM) and an increase in 5-HETE levels (maximum of 2- to 3-fold). The latter finding was verified by stable isotope dilution assay with deuterated 5-HETE as the internal standard. Another lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, potently inhibited the formation of both 5-HETE and dihydroxy acids, with an IC50 of 2 microM. The data suggest that ETYA can inhibit the enzymatic step whereby 5-hydroperoxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid is converted to leukotriene A4 in guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Stimulation of arachidonic acid metabolism in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte by an N-formylated peptide. Comparison with ionophore A23187

Inhibitors of arachidonic acid oxygenation can inhibit polymorphonuclear leukocyte lysosomal enzyme release, aggregation, and generation of activated oxygen species, as stimulated by N-formylated chemotactic peptides. Guinea Guinea pig peritoneal leukocytes were prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and 5-monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were identified as products produced by these cells. Both Ionophore A23187 and the N-formylated peptide, N-formylmethionylphenylalanine, significantly stimulated release of these products, with the exception of a lack of effect of N-formylmethionylphenylalanine on 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. This metabolite was found to be produced by contaminating mononuclear cells unresponsive to N-formylmethionylphenylalanine stimulation when cell preparations purified to 96 leads to 99% polymorphonuclear cells were studied. The ability of N-formylmethionylphenylalanine to stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was specifically antagonized by a competitive blocker of the formylated peptide receptor, t-butoxy-carbonyl-leucyl-phenylalanyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The results indicate that metabolism of arachidonic acid induced by N-formylmethionylphneylalanine could play a role in the responses of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to this peptide.

Ionophores stimulate prostaglandin and thromboxane biosynthesis

The role of calcium in triggering prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis was studied in several systems with ionophores of different ion specificities. Divalent cationophore A23187 stimulates prostaglandin and thromboxane production by washed human platelets in a concentration-dependent manner (0.3-9 muM). A23187 also induces an antimycin A-insensitive burst in oxygen utilization which is partially blocked by 5 mM aspirin or 10 muM indomethacin. Under our conditions, A23187 (up to 10 muM) does not appear to damage platelet membranes since it does not cause appreciable loss of lactate dehydrogenase or beta-glucuronidase. Mono- and divalent cationophore X537A also stimulates platelet thromboxane B(2) production and oxygen utilization, but monovalent cationophores nigericin, monensin A, A204, and valinomycin have no effect. The synthesis of prostaglandins E(2), D(2), and F(2alpha) by rat renal medulla mince is stimulated by 1 and 5 muM A23187 without changes in tissue ATP content, lactate output, or K(+) efflux. X537A, monensin A, and nigericin (all 5 muM) stimulate both prostaglandin output and K(+) efflux from renal medulla, while 5 muM valinomycin or A204 has no effect on either. None of the ionophores stimulates renomedullary prostaglandin production if calcium is omitted from the incubation medium. A23187 also stimulates prostaglandin production by human lymphoma cells, rat stomach and trachea preparations, and guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These observations suggest a major role for Ca(2+) in stimulating prostaglandin and thromboxane biosynthesis, and also indicate that prostaglandin and/or thromboxane release may partially mediate some of the previously described effects of ionophores on cells and tissues.

Effects of divalent cation ionophore A23187 on potassium permeability of rat erythrocytes

A23187 transports calcium rapidly into rat erythrocytes, apparently by an electroneutral exchange for intracellular magnesium and protons. When red cells are incubated in the absence of any added divalent cations, A23187 transports internal magnesium out of the cells, in exchange for extracellular protons. Magnesium uptake into erythrocytes is produced by A23187, providing the extracellular concentration of this cation exceeds intracellular levels, and the ionophore also transports strontium, but not barium, into red cells. A23187 produces a rapid and extensive loss of intracellular potassium from erythrocytes during uptake of calcium or strontium, but not magnesium. When red cells are incubated in the absence of any exogenous divalent cations, A23187 still produces a potassium efflux and this is inhibited completely by small amounts of ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid and restored by the addition of calcium in excess of the chelator. Although EDTA enhances the extent of magnesium release from erythrocytes incubated with A23187, it prevents the potassium efflux. Dipyridamole and 4-acetamid-4'-isothiocyano-stilbene-2,5'-disulfonic acid, which decrease chloride premeability of erythrocytes, inhibit the A23187-induced potassium loss from red cells. Rutamycin, peliomycin, venturicidin, and A23668B also inhibit potassium efflux from intact cells incubated with A23187, but this effect is not correlated with their abilities to inhibit various ATPases in red cell membrane preparations. It is concluded that A23187 does not transport potassium directly across the erythrocyte plasma membrane, but permits small amounts of endogenous calcium to interact with some membrane component to enhance potassium permeability of the cell.

Contraction of isolated smooth muscle cells by inophore A23187

Ionophore A23187 causes contraction of smooth muscle cells isolated from the stomach muscularis of Bufo marinus. The peak response is reached within 10 sec of inophore addition and then decays to a lesser, sustained contraction. The initial phase of contraction is maximal at A23187 concentrations greater than 5 X 10(-6) M and half maximal at 5 X 10(-7) M. Chelation of extracellular calcium by ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) does not affect the initial contraction produced by A23187, whereas it inhibits completely the sustained, secondary phase. Addition of calcium in excess of EGTA restores this phase rapidly and fully to control levels of contraction. A23187 produces a maximal, rapid contraction of muscle cells previously depolarized by incubation in high potassium medium. The ionophore also contracts isolated strips of stomach smooth muscle. A23187 appears to produce contraction of the isolated smooth muscle cells by transmembrane transport of calcium into the cytoplasm from both intracellular and extracellular sources.

Uncoupling and specific inhibition of phosphoryl transfer reactions in mitochondria by antibiotic A20668

A20668 A, B, and C are polypeptide antibiotics that inhibit phosphorylation of ADP, Mg2t-ATPase, and the ATP-driven transhydrogenase of rat liver submitochondrial particles, but not the purified F1 ATPase. In intact mitochondria, 120668 inhibits uncoupler-induced ATPase, State 3 respiration, and phosphorylation; the A and B forms are approximately equipotent with rutamycin, whereas A20668 C is less effective. Concentrations of A20668 slightly greater than required for complete inhibition of phosphoryl transfer stimulate rapid, uncoupled respiration by mitochondria under State 3 of 4 conditions. A20668 A and B are more effective uncouplers than A20668 C. In the presence of venturicidin or ossamycin, concentrations of A20668, which alone do not uncouple, stimulate oxygen consumption of mitochondria incubated under either State 3 of 4 conditions. A20668 uncoupling is not potentiated by prior inhibition of phosphoryl transfer by venturicidin X, rutamycin, aurovertin, or efrapeptin. A20668 increases mitochondrial permeability to protons in passive swelling experiments where facilitation of proton conductance correlates well with potency to uncouple. A20668 apparently binds initially at a unique locus to inhibit mitochondrial phosphoryl transfer reactions. When this site is saturated, additional antibiotic may uncouple by increasing proton conductance of mitochondria. Binding of venturicidin or ossamycin appears to interfere with the binding of A20668 to its adjacent inhibitory site, thus effectively increasing the concentration of A20668 available to uncouple.