NOAC in "real world" patients with atrial fibrillation in Italy: results from the ISPAF-2 (Indagine Sicoa Paziente Con Fibrillazione Atriale) survey study

In the past few years, new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) targeting directly a single activated clotting factor, have been developed for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), which are currently recommended as first-line therapy in AF. The aim of this study is to provide an overall picture on the extent to which oral anticoagulation (OAC) with NOACs correspond to actually prescribed OAC therapy in an unselected, real world, population of consecutive patients with AF in Italy. Compliance with the therapy and quality of life were also assessed. A 50 cardiology unit network located in different geographic areas of Italy enrolled a total of 1742 consecutive outpatients with AF (54.6% males, 45.4% females, mean age 72.5 years). NOACs were prescribed in 56.1% patients and VKA in 43.9% (P < 0.0001). NOACs were significantly more prescribed than VKA in patients with high thrombo-embolic risk score (i.e., CHA₂DS₂-VASc > 2) (78.2 vs 67.3%, P < 0.0001), but also patients at low risk (i.e., CHA₂DS₂-VASc < 1 and HAS-BLED < 3) were still under OAC therapy with either NOACs (27%) or VKA (73%). Adherence to therapy (Morisky test) was greater in patients taking NOACs as was the quality of life. The ISPAF-2 study shows that in an Italian population of real-world patients with AF the prescription of OAC according to current guidelines and stroke-risk scoring system is rather high although it still needs to be improved. Contrary to recommendations, in a high proportion of low-risk patients, anticoagulation therapy, with either NOACs and VKA is still prescribed, and this exposes patients to unjustified risks.

The Role of A Conventional Simulator in Multileaf-Plan Simulation: A Proposal

Modern computer networks provide satisfying levels of data recording and verification between the treatment planning system (TPS) and the accelerators, while the main weakness of the preparation chain remains the simulation. When a conventional simulator is employed, it may adversely affect the three-dimensional treatment planning system (3DPS) process because of the difficulty to document the leaf positions on the simulator location films and on the patient's skin. With a conventional simulator, hard copies of the DRRs of each field and CT scans at isocenter level are needed.

In an attempt to transfer more information displayed from a BEV perspective from the 3DPS to simulator radiographs, this study aimed to reduce the quality loss by using a 2D conventional simulator in a 3DPS process.

We realized an acetate photocopy of TPS data for each field, from a BEV perspective, containing: DRR, wire frames of the PTV, organs at risk and MLC aperture. The photocopies, with an appropriate magnification factor to obtain a correct projective value (ratio 1:1) at isocenter level, are carefully placed on the radiographic images on the same hard copy which allows us to better understand possible setup errors and obliges us to correct these.

The method provides reliable documentation, facilitates treatment verification, and fulfils the criteria for MLC simulation. It is accurate, simple, and very inexpensive.

Power frequency magnetic field promotes a more malignant phenotype in neuroblastoma cells via redox-related mechanisms

In accordance with the classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are suspected to promote malignant progression by providing survival advantage to cancer cells through the activation of critical cytoprotective pathways. Among these, the major antioxidative and detoxification defence systems might be targeted by ELF-MF by conferring cells significant resistance against clinically-relevant cytotoxic agents. We investigated whether the hyperproliferation that is induced in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by a 50 Hz, 1 mT ELF magnetic field was supported by improved defence towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) and xenobiotics, as well as by reduced vulnerability against both H₂O₂ and anti-tumor ROS-generating drug doxorubicin. ELF-MF induced a proliferative and survival advantage by activating key redox-responsive antioxidative and detoxification cytoprotective pathways that are associated with a more aggressive behavior of neuroblastoma cells. This was coupled with the upregulation of the major sirtuins, as well as with increased signaling activity of the erythroid 2-related nuclear transcription factor 2 (NRF2). Interestingly, we also showed that the exposure to 50 Hz MF as low as 100 µT may still be able to alter behavior and responses of cancer cells to clinically-relevant drugs.

Clastogenic but Not Apoptotic Effects on Human Artery Endothelial Cells by Concentrations of Inorganic Lead Inhibiting Their Nitric Oxide Production

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC 5156) were cultured as monolayers and exposed to concentrations of lead (as acetate, Pb) in the culture medium similar or lower than those commonly found in the blood of human beings occupationally or environmentally exposed to this element. Only at the concentration of 200 ng/mL, Pb reduced growth rate of HCAEC 5156 cells starting from the 3rd day and up to the 5th day of incubation. On the other hand, Pb (0.2, 2 and 200 ng/mL) increased concentration-dependently micronuclei formation in binucleated HCAEC5156 cells, as it was shown by the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN assay) carried out after 48 hours of exposure to the metal. However, Pb was unable, at all the above concentrations, to induce apoptosis in HCAEC 5156 cells following a 48 hour-exposure, as shown by an electrophoretic apoptotic DNA fragmentation test. Moreover, Pb (2 and 200 ng/mL) reduced significantly the concentration of nitric oxide (NO, determined analytically as L-citrulline) in both culture medium and cytosol of HCAEC 5156 cells following a 7 day-exposure to the element. Results were discussed also in relation to evidences of other studies reporting genotoxic and/or apoptotic effects of Pb on various cell types at very elevated dosages or concentrations. The observed clastogenic effects of Pb were explained through a series of mechanisms involving interactions between oxygen reactive species and NO and/or reduced NO synthesis in the endothelium, thus leading to a depressed NO bioavailability. This research first shows that Pb is provided with clastogenic but not apoptotic effects on cultured human endothelial cells. It was emphasized that such effects are induced by Pb concentrations similar to those commonly found in blood and tissues of laboratory animals showing Pb induced cardiovascular and/or neuropsychological alterations.

Zinc opposes genotoxicity of cadmium and vanadium but not of lead

Protection by essential metals against the genotoxic effects of toxic elements is an open question. Here, human Hs27 dermal fibroblasts and B-mel melanoblasts were exposed for 10 days to (1 μM) zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) or selenium (+ 4, Sei; + 6, Sea). Afterwards, cells were exposed for 3 days to subtoxic concentrations of lead (Pb, 100 μM) or vanadium (+ 5, V, 2 μM) or cadmium (Cd, 3 μM), slightly reducing, by themselves, cell proliferation and unaffecting cell viability and apoptosis. Genotoxic damage was evaluated by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay, CA). CBMN and CA were preliminarly assessed following 3, 10 and 30 days of exposure to the above concentrations of Pb, V and Cd: Pb induced micronuclei (MN) formation in both Hs27 and B-mel cells, without determining direct DNA damage (as shown by CA); V did not reveal genotoxic effects on fibroblasts (as shown by CBMN and CA) but increased the frequency of MN and comets in melanoblasts; Cd induced a great number of MN and comets in fibroblasts but not in melanoblasts; all these effects did not differ after 3, 10 or 30 days of exposure to such elements so that Hs27 and B-mel cells were exposed to Pb,V and Cd for 3 days following pretreatment with (1 μM) Zn, Cu, Sei or Sea. By itself, the 10 day-exposure to (1 μM) Zn, Cu, Sei or Sea did not affect cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis and formation of MN or comets in either Hs27 or B-mel cells. Only Zn significantly reduced the Cd- and V-induced MN and comet formation in fibroblasts and melanoblasts, respectively; in these cells, however, Zn did not affect the Pb-induced MN formation. These results emphasize the role of Zn, in respect to other essential metals, in opposing the genotoxic effects of cancerogenic (Cd) or potentially cancerogenic elements (V).

Comparative analysis of isolated cellular organelles by means of soft X-ray contact microscopy with laser-plasma source and transmission electron microscopy

Soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM) is, at present, a useful tool for the examination at submicrometre resolution of biological systems maintained in their natural hydrated conditions. Among current X-ray-generating devices, laser-plasma sources are now easily available and, owing to their pulse nature, offer the opportunity to observe living biological samples before radiation damage occurs, even if the resolution achievable is not as high as with synchrotron-produced X-rays. To assess the potential of laser-plasma source SXCM in the study of cellular organelles, we applied it for the analysis of chloroplasts extracted from spinach leaves and mitochondria isolated from bovine heart and liver. X-ray radiation was generated by a nanosecond laser-plasma source, produced by a single shot excimer XeCl laser focused onto an yttrium target. The images obtained with SXCM were then compared with those produced by transmission electron microscopy observation of the same samples prepared with negative staining, a technique requiring no chemical fixation, in order to facilitate their interpretation and test the applicability of SXCM imaging.

Morphofunctional mitochondrial response to methylglyoxal toxicity in Bufo bufo embryos

Methylglyoxal (2-oxopropanal) is a reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde that can be formed endogenously mainly as a by-product of glycolytic pathway. It is a cytotoxic compound with significant antiproliferative properties as it can bind, under physiological conditions, to nucleic acids and proteins, forming stable adducts. We have recently shown that exogenous methylglyoxal (150-600 microM) is highly toxic for amphibian embryos where it produces, when added to the culture water, inhibition of cell proliferation in the early developmental stages, followed by severe malformations and strongly reduced embryonic viability. In this work we investigate the morphofunctional effect of methylglyoxal on the common toad B. bufo embryo mitochondria in order to verify if its dysmorphogenetic action might be also ascribed to impairment of mitochondrial functions. The mitochondria were isolated from embryos at the developmental stages of morula, neural plate and operculum complete and developing in the presence of 600 microM methylglyoxal. The results show that exogenous methylglyoxal is highly toxic at mitochondrial level, where it produces proliferation, swelling and membrane derangement. As a consequence, mitochondria from treated embryos show decreased oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, as indicated by the significant reduction both of the respiratory control index values and of the embryonic ATP content. On the basis of these data, it is possible that the methylglyoxal-induced embryonic malformations as well as the strongly reduced viability might be also ascribed to energy depletion.

Warm-coding deficits and aberrant inflammatory pain in mice lacking P2X3 receptors

ATP activates damage-sensing neurons (nociceptors) and can evoke a sensation of pain. The ATP receptor P2X3 is selectively expressed by nociceptors and is one of seven ATP-gated, cation-selective ion channels. Here we demonstrate that ablation of the P2X3 gene results in the loss of rapidly desensitizing ATP-gated cation currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons, and that the responses of nodose ganglion neurons to ATP show altered kinetics and pharmacology resulting from the loss of expression of P2X(2/3) heteromultimers. Null mutants have normal sensorimotor function. Behavioural responses to noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli are also normal, although formalin-induced pain behaviour is reduced. In contrast, deletion of the P2X3 receptor causes enhanced thermal hyperalgesia in chronic inflammation. Notably, although dorsal-horn neuronal responses to mechanical and noxious heat application are normal, P2X3-null mice are unable to code the intensity of non-noxious 'warming' stimuli.

Physiological differentiation of the mitochondria during Bufo bufo development

1) The oxygen consumption increases during Bufo bufo development in accordance with the two steps which border at the "heart beat" stage. 2) Cytochrome c oxidase activity is not proportional to the oxygen consumption: it is notable and constant in the first step, and it only increases in the second. 3) In the mitochondria of preneural embryos, citrate synthase, NADP+ dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase activities are very low in respect to malate dehydrogenase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activities. The Krebs cycle results lowered at the condensing reaction level with acetyl accumulation when pyruvate is available. The same behavior has been observed in the Xenopus laevis oocytes and differentiated tissues. 4) The presence of a phosphagen system which is different from creatine phosphate and arginine phosphate, supporting ATP level, has been demonstrated in B. bufo embryos. 5) Mitochondria of postneural embryos are able to accomplish a complete Krebs cycle by increasing citrate synthase, and succinate dehydrogenase activities. 6) In all B. bufo development, malate dehydrogenase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase constitute a multienzymatic system by which the mitochondria accomplish a decarboxylic amino acid shunt required for the transformation of deutoplasm into protoplasm. This shunt is also operative in the X. laevis oocytes. 7) Through pyruvate production, by oxidative decarboxylation of malate, the NAD(P)+ dependent malic enzyme could carry out a fundamental anaplerotic function in the mitochondria which is specialized in the production of biosynthetic blocks belonging to the embryo in which the carbohydrates metabolism rather than the glycolytic activity is designed for pentose phosphate and glycerol phosphate synthesis for protein and cytomembrane production. 8) Consistent metabolic differences have been highlighted between B. bufo embryos and X. laevis embryos.

A new member of the acid-sensing ion channel family

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are members of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-degenerin family of two-pass transmembrane segment protein subunits which form multimeric cation channels. Members of the ENaC-degenerin family are gated by stimuli as diverse as protons, peptides and mechanical distension. Here we describe a new member of the family, SPASIC or ASIC 4 (spinal cord ASIC) which is expressed throughout the central nervous system in an overlapping population of neurons that also express the ASIC subunit MDEG2. ASIC-4 which shows 44% identify with ASIC is developmentally regulated and expressed in a subset of sensory neurons as well as in the CNS. However, despite the strong homology with ASIC, the ASIC-4 transcript does not encode a proton gated cation channel.

ATP, P2X receptors and pain pathways

A role for ATP in nociception and pain induction was proposed on the basis of human psychophysical experiments shortly after the formulation of the purinergic hypothesis. Following the pharmacological definition of distinct P2X and P2Y purinergic receptor subtypes by Burnstock and his collaborators, molecular cloning studies have identified the gene products that underlie the effects of ATP on peripheral sensory neurons. One particular receptor, P2X(3), is of particular interest in the context of pain pathways, because it is relatively selectively expressed at high levels by nociceptive sensory neurons. Evidence that this receptor may play a role in the excitation of sensory neurons has recently been complemented by studies that suggest an additional presynaptic role in the regulation of glutamate release from primary afferent neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In this brief review, we discuss the present state of knowledge of the role of ATP in pain induction through its action on peripheral P2X receptors.

Biochemical, electrophoretic and immunohistochemical aspects of malate dehydrogenase in truffles (Ascomycotina)

The malate dehydrogenase (MDH; EC 1.1.1.37; L-malate-NAD(+)-oxidoreductase) activities of truffles of the genus Tuber (Tuber melanosporum Vittad., Tuber brumale Vittad., Tuber aestivum Vittad., Tuber magnatum Pico, Tuber rufum Pico) have been characterized with regard to the K(m) and V(max) values in the direct and reverse reactions. The isoelectrofocusing has revealed bands showing pI values ranging from pH 5.85 to 7.8. The MDH of T. melanosporum has been partially purified by hydroxyapatite treatment, DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-75 columns. With the partially purified T. melanosporum MDH activity polyclonal anti-T. melanosporum MDH antibodies have been prepared and used to localize MDH in the mycorrhizae and ascocarps of T. melanosporum. These antibodies inhibit T. melanosporum MDH activity as well as that of T. magnatum but not that of rabbit liver; this supports the specificity of the MDH antibodies used to localize MDH in truffle tissues.

Antiproliferative effect and apoptotic response in vitro of human melanoma cells to liposomes containing the ribosome-inactivating protein luffin

The present study describes the liposome-mediated delivery of the type 1 ribosome-inactivating protein luffin to human melanoma cells in vitro. Luffin from Luffa cylindrica seeds has been successfully incorporated into lecithin/cholesterol and lecithin/cholesterol/dicetylphosphate negatively charged liposomes. The exposure of melanoma cells to the two types of liposomes resulted in the inhibition of protein synthesis and cell growth; apoptotic cell death was verified by means of TUNEL reaction and quantitation of cytosolic oligonucleosome-bound DNA. The toxicity of encapsulated luffin varied with the lipid composition of the vesicles; the strongest effect was observed with lecithin/cholesterol liposomes. These results identify liposome-incorporated luffin as a possible alternative to immunotoxins for the treatment of human melanoma in situ.

Ion channels gated by heat

All animals need to sense temperature to avoid hostile environments and to regulate their internal homeostasis. A particularly obvious example is that animals need to avoid damagingly hot stimuli. The mechanisms by which temperature is sensed have until recently been mysterious, but in the last couple of years, we have begun to understand how noxious thermal stimuli are detected by sensory neurons. Heat has been found to open a nonselective cation channel in primary sensory neurons, probably by a direct action. In a separate study, an ion channel gated by capsaicin, the active ingredient of chili peppers, was cloned from sensory neurons. This channel (vanilloid receptor subtype 1, VR1) is gated by heat in a manner similar to the native heat-activated channel, and our current best guess is that this channel is the molecular substrate for the detection of painful heat. Both the heat channel and VR1 are modulated in interesting ways. The response of the heat channel is potentiated by phosphorylation by protein kinase C, whereas VR1 is potentiated by externally applied protons. Protein kinase C is known to be activated by a variety of inflammatory mediators, including bradykinin, whereas extracellular acidification is characteristically produced by anoxia and inflammation. Both modulatory pathways are likely, therefore, to have important physiological correlates in terms of the enhanced pain (hyperalgesia) produced by tissue damage and inflammation. Future work should focus on establishing, in molecular terms, how a single ion channel can detect heat and how the detection threshold can be modulated by hyperalgesic stimuli.

Specific involvement of PKC-epsilon in sensitization of the neuronal response to painful heat

Pain is unique among sensations in that the perceived intensity increases, or sensitizes, during exposure to a strong stimulus. One important mediator of sensitization is bradykinin (BK), a peptide released as a consequence of tissue damage. BK enhances the membrane ionic current activated by heat in nociceptive neurons, using a pathway that involves activation of protein kinase C (PKC). We find that five PKC isoforms are present in sensory neurons but that only PKC-epsilon is translocated to the cell membrane by BK. The heat response is sensitized when constitutively active PKC-epsilon is incorporated into nociceptive neurons. Conversely, BK-induced sensitization is suppressed by a specific peptide inhibitor of PKC-epsilon. We conclude that PKC-epsilon is principally responsible for sensitization of the heat response in nociceptors by bradykinin.

Mitochondria, hexokinase and pyruvate kinase isozymes in the aerobic glycolysis of tumor cells

At 9 mM glucose, experimental results show that mitochondrial phosphate depletion (induced by glucose phosphorylation, catalyzed by mitochondrial hexokinase) reduces the activities of the respiratory chain, oxidative phosphorylation, and glutaminase. Consequently, the 14C-lactate oxidation to 14CO2 is lowered in the presence of glucose. The fall of ATP level triggers a high aerobic glycolysis by deinhibiting fructose-6-P kinase. NADH, generated by enhanced glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase activity, increases the reducing power. Moreover, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) system is shifted toward lactate formation, while NAD+ is regenerated and the oligomycin-inhibited ATP production is replaced by the iodoacetate-inhibited ATP production. From 14CO2 production and lactate accumulation it is calculated that about 60% of 14C-glucose which disappears is channelled into extraglycolytic reactions. On the contrary, 82% of glucose below l mM is metabolized through non-glycolytic reactions. The pyruvate kinase-M2 (PK-M2) inhibition does not limit the glycolytic flow from 9 mM glucose, but it may cause sustained gluconeogenesis.

Peripheral pain mechanisms

Our understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of transduction of painful stimuli has burgeoned in the past year, mainly as a result of studies on isolated sensory neurones in culture. The ion channels underlying neuronal responses to noxious heat, to protons and to ATP have recently been characterized. The typical increase in nociceptor sensitivity produced by tissue damage has been found to be mediated by at least two distinct mechanisms. In the first, bradykinin augments the current activated by heat through a mechanism that involves activation of protein kinase C. In a second sensitization mechanism, prostaglandin E2 alters the voltage threshold of several ion channels, including a novel tetrodotoxin-insensitive Na+ channel, in such a way that initiation of action potentials is facilitated.

A novel heat-activated current in nociceptive neurons and its sensitization by bradykinin

Pain differs from other sensations in many respects. Primary pain-sensitive neurons respond to a wide variety of noxious stimuli, in contrast to the relatively specific responses characteristic of other sensory systems, and the response is often observed to sensitize on repeated presentation of a painful stimulus, while adaptation is typically observed in other sensory systems. In most cases the cellular mechanisms of transduction and sensitization in response to painful stimuli are not understood. We report here that application of pulses of noxious heat to a subpopulation of isolated primary sensory neurons rapidly activates an inward current. The ion channel activated by heat discriminates poorly among alkali cations. Calcium ions both carry current and partially suppress the current carried by other ions. The current is markedly increased by bradykinin, a potent algogenic nonapeptide that is known to be released in vivo by tissue damage. Phosphatase inhibitors prolong the sensitization caused by bradykinin, and a similar sensitization is caused by activators of protein kinase C. We conclude that bradykinin sensitizes the response to heat by activating protein kinase C.

Activation of delta-opioid receptors inhibits neuronal-like calcium channels and distal steps of Ca(2+)-dependent secretion in human small-cell lung carcinoma cells

Human small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells express neuronal-like voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs) and release mitogenic hormones such as serotonin (5-HT). Opioid peptides, on the other hand, have been shown to reduce SCLC cell proliferation by an effective autocrine pathway. Here we show that in GLC8 SCLC cells, only delta-opioid receptor subtype mRNA is expressed. Consistently, the selective delta-opioid agonist [D-Pen2-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE), but not mu and kappa agonists, potently and dose-dependently inhibits high-threshold (HVA) VOCCs in these cells. As in peripheral neurons, this modulation is largely voltage-dependent, mediated by pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins, cAMP-independent, and mainly affecting N-type VOCCs. With the same potency and selectivity, DPDPE also antagonizes the Ca(2+)-dependent release of [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) from GLC8 cells. However, DPDPE inhibits not only the depolarization-induced release, but also the Ca(2+)-dependent secretion induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin. This suggests that besides inhibiting HVA VOCCs, opioids also exert a direct depressive action on the secretory apparatus in GLC8 cells. This latter effect also is mediated by a PTX-sensitive G-protein but, contrary to VOCC inhibition, it can be reversed by elevations of cAMP levels. These results show for the first time that opioids effectively depress both Ca2+ influx and Ca(2+)-dependent hormone release in SCLC cells by using multiple modulatory pathways. It can be speculated that the two mechanisms may contribute to the opioid antimitogenic action on lung neuroendocrine carcinoma cells.

Diabetes-induced activation of system y+ and nitric oxide synthase in human endothelial cells: association with membrane hyperpolarization

1. The activity of the human endothelial cell L-arginine transporter (system y+) has been correlated with cGMP production (index of nitric oxide) and prostacyclin (PGI2) release in umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured from normal or gestational diabetic pregnancies. 2. In non-diabetic and diabetic cells, transport of L-arginine was Na+ and pH independent, inhibited by other cationic L-arginine analogues and unaffected by neutral amino acids. 3. Diabetes was associated with an increased Vmax for saturable L-arginine transport (4.6 +/- 0.13 vs. 9.9 +/- 0.5 pmol (microgram protein)-1 min-1, P < 0.01), but had no effect on initial rates of transport for L-serine, L-citrulline, L-leucine or 2-deoxyglucose. 4. In non-diabetic and diabetic cells, elevated K+ resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition in the initial rates of transport for L-arginine and the membrane potential-sensitive probe tetra[3H]phenylphosphonium (TPP+). 5. When resting membrane potential was measured using the whole-cell patch voltage clamp technique, diabetic cells were hyperpolarized (-78 +/- 0.3 mV) compared with non-diabetic cells (-70 +/- 0.04 mV, P < 0.04). Accumulation of [3H]TPP+ was also increased in diabetic compared with non-diabetic cells. 6. Basal intracellular cGMP levels were elevated 2.5-fold in diabetic cells, and L-NAME (100 microM), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, abolished basal cGMP accumulation in non-diabetic and diabetic cells. 7. Histamine (10 microM) had no effect on L-arginine transport but evoked significant increases in cGMP in non-diabetic and diabetic cells, which were completely inhibited by L-NAME but unaffected by superoxide dismutase. 8. Basal and histamine-stimulated PGI2 release was decreased markedly in diabetic cells. 9. Our findings demonstrate that gestational diabetes is associated with phenotypic changes in fetal endothelial cells, which result in a membrane hyperpolarization, activation of the human endothelial cell L-arginine transporter (system y+), elevation of basal nitric oxide synthesis and decreased PGI2 production.

Rapid synchrony of nuclear and cytosolic Ca2+ signals activated by muscarinic stimulation in the human tumour line TE671/RD

The functional properties of muscarinic cholinergic receptors have been studied in single cells of the TE671/RD human line. Muscarinic stimulation causes large and quick elevations of cytosolic Ca2+ in the majority of the cells; these persist even in the absence of external Ca2+. Electrophysiological experiments reveal, in addition to the expected nicotinic current, the activation of a K(+)-specific current in response to muscarine. The cell nucleus appears freely permeable to the acid form of Fura-2 and the cytosolic Ca2+ changes easily spread into the nucleus, suggesting free diffusion through nuclear pores. Under appropriate Fura-2 loading conditions, fast (up to 0.5 Hz) Ca2+ oscillations can be observed, usually originating from a restricted cytosolic region. This phenomenon is reflected in fast oscillations of the Ca(2+)-activated K+ current.

ATP inhibition competes with activating cations in modulating the NAD(P)(+)-malic enzyme activity in the mitochondrial matrix of Xenopus laevis oocytes

1. ATP inhibits NAD(P)(+)-dependent malic enzyme activity by competing with the essential activators Mn2+ and Mg2+. 2. The kinetics fit an equation of co-operative kind with Ki of 26 microM and KA of 11.3 microM for ATP/Mn2+ competition; with Ki of 1.1 mM and KA of 0.96 mM for ATP/Mg2+ competition. 3. In the absence of the inhibitor, the co-operativity index increases from 1.77 to greater than 4 in the presence of ATP, in the case of ATP/Mn2+ competition, while it increases from 1.88 to greater than 9 for ATP/Mg2+ competition.