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It has previously been shown that covalent incorporation of the photoreactive adenosine derivative (R)-2-azido-N6-p-hydroxyphenytisopropyladenosine [(R)-AHPIA] into the A, adenosine receptor of intact fat cells leads to a persistent activation of this receptor, resulting in a reduction of celular cAMP Ieveis [Mol. Pharmacol. 30:403-409 (1986)]. In contrast, covalent incorporation of (R)-AHPIA into human platelet membranes, which contain only stimulatory A2 adenosine receptors, reduces adenytate cyclase Stimulation via these receptors. This effect of (R)-AHPIA is specific for the A2 receptor and can be prevented by the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline. Binding studies in-dicate that up to 90% of A2 receptors can be blocked by photoincorporation of (R)-AHPIA. However, the remaining 10-20% of A2 receptors are sufficient to mediate an adenylate cyclase Stimulation of up to SOOk of the control value. Similarly, the activation via these 10-20% of receptors occurs with a halflife that is only 2 times Ionger than that in control membranes. This indicates the presence of a receptor reserve, with respect to both the extent and the rate of adenytate cyclase Stimulation. These observations require a modification of the models of receptor-adenytate cyclase coupling, which is described in the accompanying paper [Mol. Pharmacol. 39:524-530 (1991)].
Mechanistic possibilitles responsible for nonlinear shapes of the dose-response relationship in chemical carcinogenesis are discussed. (i) Induction and saturation of enzymatic activation and detoxification processes and of DNA repair affect the relationship between dose and steady-state DNA adduct Ievel; (ii) The fixation of DNA adducts in the form of mutations is accelerated by stimulation of the cell division, for Jnstance due to regenerative hyperplasia at cytotoxic dose Ievels; (iii) The rate of tumor formation results from a superposition of the rates of the individual steps. It can become exponential with dose if more than one step is accelerated by the DNA damage exerted by the genotoxic carcinogen. The strongly sigmoidal shapes often observed for dose-tumor incidence relationships in animal bioassays supports this analysis. A power of four for the dose in the su~linear part of the curve is the maximum observed (formaldehyde). In contrast to animal experiments, epidemiological data ln humans rarely show a slgnificant deviation from linearity. The discrepancy might be explained by the fact that a I arge nu mber of genes contribute to the overall sensitivity of an individual and to the respective heterogeneity within the human population. Mechanistic nonlinearities are flattened out in the presence of genetic and life-style factors which affect the sensitivity for the development of cancer. For a risk assessment, linear extrapolation from the high-dose lncidence to the spontaneaus rate can therefore be approprlate in a heterogeneous population even if the mechanism of action would result in a nonlinear shape of the dose-response curve in a homogeneaus population.
The effect of Escherichia coli strains isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid of septic infants on plasminogen activation was studied. These strains typically carry a filamentous surface protein, S fimbria, that has formerly been shown to bind to endothelial cells and interact with plasminogen. The bacteria effectively promoted plasminogen activation by tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) which was inhibited by e-aminocaproic acid. A recombinant strain expressing S fimbriae accelerated t-PAcatalyzed plasminogen activation to a similar extent as did the wild-type strains whereas the nonfimbriate recipient strain had no effect. After incubation with t-PA and plasminogen, the S-fimbriate strain displayed bacterium-bound plasmin activity whereas the nonfimbriate strain did not. Bacterium-associated plasmin generation was also observed with a strain expressing mutagenized S fimbriae that Iack the cell-binding subunit SfaS but not with a strain lacking the major subunit SfaA. Both t-PA and plasminogen bound to purified S fimbriae in a lysine-dependent manner and purified S fimbriae accelerated t-PA-catalyzed plasminogen activation. The results indicate that E. coli S fimbriae form a complex with t-PA and plasminogen which enhances the rate of plasminogen activation and generates bacterium-bound plasmin. This may promote bacterial invasion and persistence in tissues and contribute to the systemic activation of fibrinolysis in septicaemia.
no abstract available
The livebearing all-female fish Poecilia formosa reproduces by gynogenesis, a modified form of parthenogenesis. P. formosa forms at least two breeding complexes: in its northern range it exists sympatrically with Poecilia latipinna and in its southern range with Poecilia mexicana. Differences between these complexes and their possible origin are discussed. Embryogenesis is triggered by sperm of males of these closely related sympatric species. Because inheritance is stricdy maternal, from the male point of view energy and time invested are totally lost. In this study we wanted to elucidate whether males are able to distinguish between conspecific and parasitic females. It could be shown that males are able to distinguish females optically, but that this ability was obscured as soon as chemical and/or tactile contact was possible. Furthermore, we found that females in an attractive phase of their sexual cycle are always preferred, regardless of species. This is possibly the mechanism by which parasitic females obtain the matings they need to reproduce.
No abstract available.
A comparative study of diabetics with autonomic neuropathy (N = 13) as against nonneuropathic diabetics (N = 16) and healthy control persons (N = 20) was carried out with respect 10 heart rate both at rest and under stress, frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in a 24-h ECG and accuracy of heartbeat and arrhythmia perception. In the subjects with diabetic autonomic neuropathy, the spontaneaus variability and stress-induced reactivity of the heart rate as weil as the number of tachycardic episodes were reduced, whereas the frequency of ventricular extrasystoles was somewhat increased. Impaired heartbeat perception and a complete Ioss of perception of arrhythmias as a consequence of neuropathic deafferentation could be demonstrated. Cardiac perception disordersalso playavital roJe in other clinical problems, e.g. silent myocardial infarction and Iack of awareness of hypoglycaemia in diabetes mellitus.
Legionella pneumophila generares exotoxins, cytolysins, proteases oc hemolysins that darnage host cells llke erythrocytes or rissue cu lrure cells. The gene for a new L. pneumophila hemolysin withour a proteolytic activiry was idemified, cloned in E. coli and sequenced. The gene producr was analysed by SDS-Polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis.
To decrease immunogenicity of the rat kidney, grafts were perfused with an anti-MHC class li monoclonal antibody (mAb ). How effectively this procedure blocked dass li-positive cells, which were mainly dendritic in appearance, was checked by immunostaining renal sections after perfusion and comparing them with in vitro stained sections. Optimum conditions were applied for graft pretreatment before transplantation. This procedure prolonged graft survival, though not satisfactorily from the biological point ofview (9.6 ± 0.8 versus 7.7 ± 0.5 days in the control group; P < 0.02). The dendritic cells were not killed but blocked. Several hours after transplantation, the mAb dissociated from these dass li-positive cells. It was also shown that donor cells migrate into the recipient's spieen early after transplantation. The number of these cells was smaller when the transplanted organ was perfused with the mAb. Further studies are suggested to deplete the graft of donor dendritic cells more adequately. They should also combine graft perfusion with antidass II mAb and recipient immunosuppression at reduced doses.
Rtgulatory aclio11s Iaken to reduu tht risk of harmfultffects of exposure to chemieals ofltn arenot commensurDtt with the toxicologicDf risk SJsstS&ment. A numbtr of factors relating to psychology, sociology, economics Dntl politics rather than science and medicine afftct tht final decision. Wemer Lutz and colleagues illustratt the situation using tht feuktmia-indudng chtmiCJJI benzene as an examplt.
A Goldfish Model for Evaluation of the Neurotaxicity of \(\omega\)-Conotoxin GVI A and Screening of Monoclonal Antibodies. ADEYEMO, 0. M .. SHAPIRA, S., TOMBACCINI, D., POLLARD, H. 8 .• FEUERSTEIN, G .. AND SIREN, A-L. ( 1991 ). Toxicol. App/. Pharmaco/. 108, 489-496. The neurotoxicity of \(\omega\)-conotoxin (\(\omega\)-CgTx), a potent neuronal voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker, was measured using a new bioassay. \(\omega\)-CgTx was administered intraperitoneally (ip) to goldfish weighing approximately 1.6 g, and dose-related changes were observed over a 2-hr period. \(\omega\)CgTx induced time- and dose-dependent abnormal swimming behavior (ASB) and mortality. The antitoxin activity of the antiborlies was investigated in vivo by either ( l) preincubation of the antibody with w-CgTx at 4°C overnight, or (2) pretreatment with antibody, 30 min before \(\omega\)CgTx injection in a 10:1 antibody/\(\omega\)-CgTx molar ratio. The LD50 dose of \(\omega\)-CgTx in goldfish was 5 nmol/kg ip, and preincubation of monoclonal antibody (50 nmol/kg ip) with \(\omega\)-CgTx (5 nmol/kg ip) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mortality. ASB, and toxicity time. The antitoxin activity of the monoclonal antiborlies evidenced in the goldfish bioassay was further tested in the conscious rat. In the rat, the increases in mean arterial pressure and heart rate induced by \(\omega\)-CgTx (0.03 nmol/rat icv) were significantly (p < 0.02 and p < 0.0 l, respectively) attenuated by preincubation of the toxin with the antibody (0.3 nmol/rat). We conclude that the goldfish bioassay provides a simple. accurate, and inexpensive in vivo model for the study of the toxicity of \(\omega\)CgTx
Thyrotropin-releasing hormonewas shown to exert potent ventilatory effects after centrat administration. These data, however, were derived from studies using anesthetized animal preparations. Since TRH elicits strong arousal reactions, the observed ventilatory effects of TRH under anesthesia may have been due to nonspecific reduction in the anesthetic state of the animals. In order to clarify the extent to which the reversal of anesthesia may change ventilatory parameters after TRH application, we investigated the effect of TRH on Ventilation rate, relative tidal volume, relative respiratory minute volume, CO\(_2\) production CO\(_2\) consumption, and locomotor activity in the conscious, unrestrained rat. Intracerebroventricular application of TRH induced a dose-dependent, sustained increase in ventilation rate, relative tidal volume, and relative respiratory minute volume of maximally 128%, 890%, and 235%, respectively. In addition, CO\(_2\) production and O\(_2\) consumption were elevated by 4.6 and 11.7 fold, whiJe no significant changes in locomotor activity were observed. The results suggest that TRH stimulates ventilation by a mechanism independent of its analeptic properties.
The effect of the selective \(\mu\)-opioid agonist o-Ala\(^2\)-Me-Phe\(^4\)-Gly-ol'-enkephalin (DAGO), injected into the medial preoptic nucleus of hypothalamus, on cardiac output and regional blood flow was studied in the conscious rat and the effect of DAGO on renal sympathetic nerve activity and renal blood flow was studied in anesthetized rats. In conscious rats, injections of DAGO (1 or 10 nmol) into the preoptic nucleus increased the blood pressure in a dose-related manner. The maximum rises of mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure after the larger dose were +23 ± 5 mmHg (mean ±SEM, P < 0.01) and + 17 ± 3 mmHg(P < 0.01), respectively. A small dose (0.1 nmol) increased heart rate ( +47 ± 13 bpm, P < 0.05); thc 1 nmol dosc produced bradycardia (- 39 ± 11 bpm, P < 0.05), while the 10 nmol dose initially decreased heart rate ( -68 ± 15 bpm (P < 0.01) and then gradually increased heart rate to a maximum of + 74 ± 13 bpm, (P < 0.0 1). A long-lasting increase in cardiac output was also elicited by DAGO, with maximum changes after 1 and 10 nmol of + 14 ± 6% and +22 ± 7% (P < 0.01), respectively. B1ood flow in the hindquarters increascd after DAGO but the mesenteric and renal blood ftow decreased in a dose-related manner. Significant responscs in hindquarter and mesenteric blood fl.ow after DAGO were independent of systemic hemodynamic responses at the dose ofO.l nmol. The vascular resistance in the hindquarters significantly decreased after a small dose of DAGO while the larger doses dose-dependently increased mesenteric and renal vascular resistance. A crucial role of the sympathetic nervous system in the hemodynamic effects of DAGO was demonstrated: (1) by the profound activation of renal sympathetic nerve activity after injections of DAGO (I nmol/100 nl) into the preoptic nucleus, (2) by blockade of the pressor, tachycardic and regional hemodynamic effects of DAGO (I nmol) by the ganglion blocker ch1orisondamine (5 mg/kg i.v.). The results suggest that the pressor effect of DAGO in preoptic nucleus is due primarily to an increase in cardiac output. The differential changes in blood ftow in organs further suggest that the opioid \(\mu\)-receptors in the preoptic nucleus might be involved in the integration of peripheral blood ftow in the hypothalamus during affective behavior.
CARDIOVASCULAR and vasopressin (A VP) responses to hcmorrhagc wcrc studicd in rats with lesions of the hypothalamic supraoptic nuclei (SONL). Bleeding caused hypotension and increase in heart rate (HR) and A VP. SONL rats failed to fully recover from bleeding as compared to normal rats. Plasma A VP in SONL rats was in the normal in basal conditions, but failed to increase to levels attained in normal rats throughout the post-hemorrhage period. These data suggcst that the supraoptic nuclei are the primary regulatory sitcs for A VP release in rcsponse to hemorrhage and that lack of adequate A VP release significantly retards blood pressure recovery after bleeding.
In addition to hormonal activity, genetic darnage has been proposed as an important factor in oestrogen-mediated carcinogenesis. However, as short-term tests for oestrogens usually fail to show DNA mutations, lesions other than dassie nuclear DNA mutation have to be considered. Oestrogeninduced mitochondrial darnage was studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Stilbene-type, but not steroidal, oestrogens were found to induce respiration-dcficient petite mutation. The effect was inversely correlated with cytotoxicity and required aromatic hydroxyl groups at the stilbene molecule. It only occurred under growth conditions and apparently was not due to the A TPase inhibitory qualities of stilbene oestrogens. Other studies have shown that petite mutation clones, which can be induced by a variety of substances, contain altered mitochondrial DNA. The mechanism of petite mutation induction might be important in tumorigenesis by also acting on nuclear DNA or facilitating carcinogenesis by disturbance of mitochondrial function.
The ~fthetic oes~rog~n diethylsti~boestrol (DES) causes a dose-dependent elevation of the cytoplasuuc Ca concentratton m C6 rat ghoma cells. This Ca2+ rise is caused neither by Ca2+ influx nor ~-r release from the ~a2 + stores of the endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore it seems likely that DES mob!hzes Ca2+ from a nutochondrial source. The DES-induced Ca2+ signal is remarkably similar to the one mduced by the. tumou~ promotor ~hapsigargin. As this compound causes leakage of calcium from the endoplasmt~ rettculum tt ~ms posstble that DES induces a similar leakage from mitochondrial Ca2+ stores. It remaans to be estabhshed whether the DES-mediated rise in intracellular calcium is causally related to the tumour-promoting properties of this compound
The goal of the present study was to determine whether 4- and 5-year-old kindergarten children could be trained to maintain an organizational strategy over 2- and 8 week periods through an elaborate training program. A second goal was to assess the effects of the training program on strategy awareness. Twenty-eight kindergarten children were pretested on two sort-recall tasks and their awareness of the use of the clustering strategy was assessed through a protocol type procedure. Half the children received seven half-hour sessions of individual training in the clustering strategy and half the children participated in a control group. Both groups were post-tested on two sort-recall tasks 2 weeks following training and again 8 weeks following training. Strategy awareness, as measured by verbal protocol, was assessed at both post-test points. The elaborate strategy training program was successful in inducing short- and long-term strategy maintenance of the clustering strategy. Trained children’s clustering during sorting and clustering during recall was consistently related to the amount of items correctly recalled. No differences in strategy awareness were found. These findings demonstrate that the elaborate training procedure used in this study can be a very effective memory technique for young kindergarten children.
The responsiveness to IL-4 with and without costimulation with anti-IgM antibodies or phorbolester was studied in 35 cases of low grade non-Hodgkin Iymphoma by analyzing enhancement of CD23 and HLA dass li expression. The predominant phenotype responds directly to IL-4. Separate differentiation states can be distinguished according to coordinate or differential upregulation of CD23 and HLA dass II molecules by IL-4 alone, and differences in responsiveness to anti-IgM antibodies. A particular subgroup of B-lymphoma cells defines a separate stage of B-eeil differentiation. They fail to express high affinity binding sites for IL-4 and accordingly do not respond to IL-4- mediated signals. Cross-linking membrane lgM receptors or direct activation of protein kinase C via phorbolester induces IL-4 receptor expression and subsequent IL-4 reactivity.
To investigate the possible hemodynamic efl'ects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a single dose of 15 mcg/kg of recombinant IL-6 isolated from Escherichia coli was injected intravenously in six pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. After 30 min, saline infusion was performed to maintain the - pulmonary artery balloon-occluded pressure at baseline Ievel. The animals were observed for up to 5 hours. No other hemodynamic alteration was observed than a gradual decline in cardiac output attributed to anesthesia. Hematologic variables, blood glucose, and total serum proteins were also constant. IL-6 levels were markedly elevated in the blood, bot no tumor necrosis factor activity was detected. Thus a primary role for IL-6 in the early cardiovascular alterations associated with septic shock seems unlikely.
Mutant proteins (muteins) of human lnterleukin-4 (llA) were constructed by means of in vitro mutagenesis. The muteins were expressed in E. co/1, submitted to a renaturation and purification protocol and analysed for biological activity. Exchange of the cysteines at either position 46 or 99 which form one of the three disulfide bridges resulted. in a nearly co•mplete loss · of biological actiyity and an unstable protein. The exchange of tyrosine 124 also inactivated the protein, while a mutation of tyrosine 56 left some residual activity. Exchange of the other four cysteines or of · the single tryptophane had smaller etTects.
Cell kinetic studies of T cells stimulated with the interleukin 2 (11-2), D-4, or both lymphokines were performed with conventional [3H] thymidine incorporation and with the bivariate BrdU/Hoechst technique. 11-2 and 11-4 are able to drive phytohemagglutininactivated T cells through more than one cell cycle. Neither synergistic nor inhibitory efl'ect on T -cell proliferationwas seen for the stimulation with both 11-2 and 11-4 as compared with the effect ofll-2 alone. The quantitative data ofthe cell cycle distribution ofphytohemagglutininactivated T cells suggestthat the population ofll-4-responsive cells is at least an overlapping population, if not a real subset of the ·population of the 11-2-responsive cells.
Four different syntheses of the potent and selective muscanruc antagonist cyclohexyl( 4- fluorophenyl)(3-piperidinopropyl)silanol ( p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol, p-F-HHSiD (2b); isolated as hydrochloride 2b· HCl) are described (starting materials: (CH\(_3\)O)\(_2\)SiCH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)Cl and Si(OCH\(_3\))\(_4\) ). In addition, the synthesis of the corresponding carbon analogue p-fluoro-hexahydro-difenidol ( p-F-HHD (2a); isolated as 2a· HCI) and the syntheses of three p-F-HHSiD derivatives (3-5), with a modified cyclic amino group, are reported (3: piperidinojpyrrolidino exchange, isolated as 3· HCI; 4: piperidinoj hexamethylenimino exchange, isolated as 4 · HCl; 5: quaternization of 2b with methyl iodide). The chiral compounds 2a, 2b, 3, 4 and 5 were prepared as racemates. In functional pharmacological studies, 3-5 behaved as simple competitive antagonists at musearlnie Ml receptors in rabbit vas deferens, M2 receptors in guinea-pig atria, and M3 receptors in guinea-pig ileal smooth rnuscle. The pyrrolidino (3) and hexamethylenimino (4) analogues of the parent drug p-F-HHSiD (2b) displayed the highest affinity for Ml and M3 receptors (pA\(_2\) values: 7.0-7.4) but exhibited lower affinity for cardiac M2 receptors (pA\(_2\) : 5.9 and 6.0). Their affinity profile (Ml- M3 > M2) is different from that of p-F-HHSiD (2b) (M3 > Ml > M2), but qualitatively very similar tothat of p-F-HHD (2a). The methiodide 5 exhibited the highest affinity for Ml receptors (pA\(_2\) : 8.5) but lower affinity for M2 and M3 receptors by factors of 5.6 and 3.6, respectively.
Racemic dimethylphenyl(l-(phenylacetamido)ethyl)silane [rac-5) has been made by a four-step synthesis starting from (chloromethyl)dimethylphenylsilane [PhMe\(_2\)SiCH2Cl (1) ~ PhMe\(_2\)SiCH(Cl)Me (rac-2) - PhMe\(_2\)SiCH(l)Me (rac-3) - PhMe2SiCH(NH2)Me (rac-4) ~ PhMe\(_2\)SiCH[N(H)C(O)CH\(_2\)Ph]Me ( rac-5); total yield 41% ). Enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of rac-5, catalyzed by immobilized penicillin G acylase (E.C. 3.5.1.11) from Escherichia coli 5K (pHM 12), gave (R)-(1- aminoethyl)dimethylphenylsilane [( R )-4] in 40% yield with an enantiomeric purity of 92% ee.
The enantiomers of the antimuscarinic agent 1-cyclohexyl-1- (4-fluorophenyl)-4-piperidino-1-butanol [(R)- and (S)-p-fluorohexahydro- difenidol] ((R)- and (S)-2a] and their methiodides (R)- 3 and (S)-3 were prepared with high enantiomeric purity. (R)- 2a and (S)-2a (isolated as hydrochlorides) were obtained by catalytic hydrogenation (Pd/C contact) of the corresponding enantiomers of 1-cyclohexyl-1-( 4-fl uorophen yl)-4-piperidino- 2-butyn-1-ol [(R)- and (S)-4]. Reaction of (R)-2a and (S)-2a with rnethyl iodide led to (R)-3 and (S)-3, respectively. The unsaturated precursors (R)- and (S}-4 (enantiorneric purity ~ 99.80 and ~99.94% e.e.; calorimetric analysis) were prepared by res-sepaolution of rac-4 [available from 4-FC\(_6\)H\(_4\)C(O)C\(_6\)H\(_{11}\) by reaction with LiC ~ CCH\(_2\)NC\(_5\)H\(_{10}\)] using (R)- and (S)-mandelic acid as resolving agents. The absolute configurations of the (R) and (S) enantiomers of 2a, 3, and 4 were determined by an X-ray crystal-structure analysis of (S)-5, the methiodide of (S)-4. (R)- 2a and (R)-3 exhibit a higher affinity for muscarinic M1, M2, M3, and M4 receptors (by up to two orders of magnitude) than their corresponding antipodes (S)-2a and (S)-3, the degree of stereoselectivity depending on the receptor subtype involved. (R)-2a represents a useful tool for rnuscarinic receptor research (affinity profile: M1 ~ M3 ~ M4 > M2).
(R)-Hexahydro-difenidol has a higher affinity for M\(_1\) receptors in NB-OK 1 cells, pancreas M\(_3\) and striatum M\(_4\) receptors (pKi 7.9 to 8.3) than for cardiac M2 receptors (pKi 7 .0). (8)-Hexahydro-difenidol, by contrast, is nonselective (pKi 5.8 to 6.1). Our goal in the present study was to evaluate the importance ofthe hydrophobic phenyl, and cyclohexyl rings of hexahydro-difenidol for the stereoselectivity and reeeptor selectivity of hexahydro-difenidol binding to the four muscarinic receptors. Our results indieated that replacement of the phenyl ring of hexahydro-difenidol by a cyclohexyl group <~ dicyclidol) and ofthe cyclohexyl ring by a phenyl moiety <~ difenidol) indueed a !arge (4- to 80-fold) decrease in binding affinity for all musearlnie receptors. Difenidol had a signifieant preference for M\(_1\) , M\(_3\) , and M\(_4\) over M\(_2\) receptors; dicyclidol, by eontrast, had a greater affinity for M\(_1\) and M\(_4\) than for M\(_2\) and M\(_3\) receptors. The binding free energy deerease due to replacement ofthe phenyl and the cyelohexyl groups of(R)-hexahydro-difenidol by, respectively, a eyclohexyl and a phenyl moiety was almostadditive in the ease of M\(_4\) (striatum) binding sites. In the ease ofthe cardiac M\(_2\), pancreatic M\(_3\) , or NB-OK 1 M\(_1\) receptors the respective binding free energies were not eompletely additive. These results suggest that the four (R)-hexahydro-difenidol ''binding moieties" (phenyl, cyclohexyl, hydroxy, and protonated amino group) cannot simultaneously form optimal interaetions with the M\(_1\), M\(_2\), and M\(_3\) muscarinic receptors. When eaeh of the hydrophobic groups is modified, the position of the whole molecule, relative to the four subsites, was changed to allow an optimal overall interaction with the musearlnie receptor.
Hexahydro-sila-difenidoJ and eight analogues behaved as simple cumpetitive inhibitors of eHJN·methyl·scopoJamine binding to homogenates frorn human neuroblastoma NB-OK 1 cells (M\(_1\) sites), rat heart (M\(_2\) sites), rat pancreas (M\(_3\) sites), and rat striatum 'B' sites (M\(_4\) sites). Pyrrolidino- and hexamethyleneimino analogues showed the same sekctivity profile as the parent compound. Hexahydro-sila-difenidol methiodide and the methiodide of p-fluoro-hexahydro·sila-difenidol had a fügher affinity but a lower selectivity than the tertiary amines. Compounds containing a p·methoxy, p-chJoro or p-fluoro substituent in the phenyl ring of hexahydro-sila-difenidol showed a qualitative)y similar selectivity profile as the parent compound (i.e., M\(_1\)= M\(_3\) = M\(_4\) >M\(_2\) ), but up to 16-fold lower affinities. o-Methoxy-hexahydro-sila-difenidol has a lower affinity than hexahydro-sila-difeni.:!o! at the four binding sites. lts selectivity profile (M\(_4\) > M\(_1\), M\(_3\) > M\(_2\) ) was different from hexahydro-sila-difenidol. Replacement of the centrat silicon atom of hexahydro-sila-difenidol, p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol and thdr quatemary (N-methylated) analogues by a carbon atom did not change their binding affinities significantly. The iour muscarinic receptors showed a higher affinity for the (R)- than for the (S)-enantiomers of hexahydro-difenidol, p-fluorohexahydro-difenidol and their methiodides. The stereoselectivity varied depending on the receptor subtype and drug considered.
A variety of muscarinic antagonists are currently used as tools to pharmacologically subclassify muscarinic receptors into M\(_1\), M\(_2\) and M\(_3\) subtypes. ln the present study I we have determined the affinity proflies of several of these antagonists at five cloned human muscarinic receptors (m1-m5) stably expressed in Chinesehamster ovary cells (CHO-K1). At all five receptorsl the (R)-enantiomers of trihexyphenidyl and hexbutinol displayed considerably higher affinities (up to 525-fold) than their corresponding (S)-isomers. The stereoselectivity ratios [inhibition constant( S)/inhibition constant(R)] for both pairs of enantiomers were lowest at m2 receptors, suggesting that less stringent configurational demands are made by this receptor subtype. The "M\(_1\)-selective" antagonist (R)-trihexyphenidyl displayed high affinities for m1 and m4 receptors. The "M\(_2\)-selective" antagonists himbacinel (±}-5, 11-dihydro-11-1[(2-[(dipropylamino)methyl]-1- piperidinyllethyl)amino]carbonyii-6H-pyrido(213-b)(1 ~4)benzodiazepine- 6-one (AF-DX 384)1 11-(14-[4-(diethylamino)butyl)-1-piperidinyll acetyl)-5~ 11-dihydro-6H-pyrido(2~3-b) (1~4)benzodiazepine-6-one (AQ-RA 741) and (+K11-(12-[(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyll acetyl)-5~ 11-di-hydro-6H-pyrido(2~3-b)(1,4)benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-OX 250; the (+)-enantiomer of AF-DX 116] exhibited high affinities for m2 and m41 intermediate affinities for m1 and m3 and low affinities for m5 receptors. This selectivity profile was most prominent for AQ-RA 7 41 I which displayed 195- and 129-fold higher affinities for m2 and m4 receptors than for mS receptors. The "M\(_3\)-selective" antagonist (±)-p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol hydrochloride (pFHHsiD) exhibited high affinity for m1 I m3 and m4 receptors. 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) bound with up to 7 -fold higher affinities to m1 I m31 m4 and m5 receptors than to m2 receptors. Although none of the tested antagonists showed more than 2-fold selectivity for one subtype over all other subtypes, each receptor displayed a unique antagonist binding profile.
(SiR,CR)- and (SiS,CR)-t-butyl(l-hydroxyethyl)methylphenylsilane [(SiR,CR)-2 and (SiS,CR)-3] have been prepared by (R)-selective microbial rcduction of racemic acetyl(t-butyl)methylphenylsilane (rac-1) using resting free cells of the yeast Trigonopsis variabilis (DSM 70714) or the bacterium Corynebacterium dioxydans (ATCC 21766). The biotransfonnations were carried out on a 10 g scale. Afterseparation by column chromatography on silica gel, the optically active diastereomers (SiR,CR)-2 and (SiS,CR)-3 produccd by T. variabilis were obtained in good yields [74% ((SiR,CR)-2). 78% ((SiS,CR)-3)]. The products obtained from the reduction with C. dioxydans were isolated in significantly lower yields [20% ((SiR,CR)-2), 20% ((SiS,CR)-3)]; reaction conditions not optimized). Both bioconversions gave products with high enantiomeric purities (T. variabilis: 91% ee ((SiR,CR)-2), 96% ee ((SiS,CR)-3); C. dioxydons: ~ 991 ee ((SiR,CR)-l), ~ 99% ee ((SiS,CR)-3)). To throw light on the stereochemical aspects of these biotransfonnations, an X-ray diffraction study was carried out on the 3,5-dinitrobenzoate of rac-(SiR,CS/SiS,CR)-3. In addition, 1H NMR spectroscopic stereochemical correlation studies were performed with the (S)-MTPA esters derived from (SiR,CR)-l, (SiS,CR)-3, rac-(SiR,CRjSiS,CS)-2 and rac-(SiR,CSjSiS,CR)-3 [rac-(SiR,CR/ SiS,CS)-2 and rac-(SiR,CS/SiS,CR)-3 were obtained by reduction of rac-1 with LiAIH\(_4\) in diethylether, followed by chromatographic separation of the diastereomers on silica gel]. These stereochemical studies allowed assignment of the absolute configurations and enantiomeric purities of the biotransformation products.
A method was developed to detennine the affinities of antimuscarinic drugs at M\(_1\) receptors. [\(^3\)H](±)-Telenzepine served as radioligand in crude preparations of calf superior cervical ganglia and showed high affinity for a single receptor population. consisting of M1 receptors (K\(_D\) = 1.12 nM). Kinetic experiments showed monophasic association (k\(_1\) =0.017 min\(^{-1}\) nM\(^{-1}\) ) and dissociation (k\(_1\) = 0.017 min\(^{-1}\) ) kinetics, the half-life of dissociation being 41 min at 37°C. The kinetie K\(_D\) value amounted to 1.00 nM. M\(_1\) affinities for pirenzepine, methoctramine. hexahydro-sila-difenidol and p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol detennined in competition experiments were similar to those found in functional studies with MI receptors in rabbit isolated vas deferens. The binding assay was used to deterriline the affinities of the (R) and (S) enantiomers of tertiary (trihexyphenidyl, hexahydro-difenidol. hexbutinol, p-fluoro-hexbutinol) and quatemary musearlnie antagonists (trihexyphenidyl methiodide. hexbutinol methiodide). Comparison of results obtained with the rabbit vas deferens suggested that the ionic environment may influence the affinities.
The formation of \(O^6\)-methyldeoxyguanosine (\(O^6\)-MedGuo) was determined by an immuno-slot-blot assay in DNA of various tissues of F344 rats exposed to N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in the drinking waterat 400 ppm for 2 weeks. Although the pyloric region of the glandular stomach is a target organ under these experimental conditions, the extent of DNA methylation was highest in the forestomach (185 \(\mu\)mol \(O^6\)-MedGuojmol guanine). Fundus (91 J.!moljmol guanine) and pylorus (105 J.!moljmol guanine) of the glandular stomach, oesophagus (124 \(\mu\)mol/mol guanine) and duodenum (109 )lmoljmol guanine) showed lower Ievels of \(O^6\) - MedGuo but differed little between each other. Thus, no correlation was observed between target organ specificity and the extent of DNA methylation. This is in contrast to the gastric carcinogen, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), which preferentially alkylates DNA of the pylorus, the main site of induction of gastric carcinomas by this chemical. In contrast to MNU, the nonenzymic decomposition of MNNG is accelerated by thiol compounds (reduced glutathione, L-cysteine), which are present at much higher concentrations in the glandular stomach than in the forestomach and oesophagus. During chronic exposure to MNNG (80 ppm), mucosal cells immunoreactive to 0 6-MedGuo are limited to the luminal surface [Kobori et al. (1988) Carcinogenesis 9:2271-2274]. Although MNU (400 ppm) produced similar Ievels of \(O^6\)-MedGuo in the pylorus, no cells containing methylpurines were detectable by immunohistochemistry, suggesting a more uniform methylation of mucosal cells by MNU than by MNNG. After a single oral dose of MNU (90 mg/kg) cells containing methylpurines were unequivocally identified using antibodies to \(O^6\)-MedGuo and the imidazole-ring-opened product of 7-methyldeoxyguanosine. In the gastric fundus, their distribution was similar to those methylated by exposure to MNNG, whereas the pyloric region contained immunoreactive cells also in the deeper mucosallayers. After a 2-week MNU treatment, the rate of cell proliferation, as determined by bromodeoxyuridine immunoreactivity, was only slightly enhanced in the oesophagus andin the fundus, but markedly in the forestomach and the pyloric region of the glandular stomach. lt is concluded that the overall extent of DNA methylation, the distribution of alkylated cells within the mucosa and the proliferative response all contribute to the organ-specific carcinogenicity of MNU.
Effect of inhalation exposure regimen on DNA binding potency of 1,2-dichloroethane in the rat
(1991)
1 ,2-Dichloroethane (DCE) was reported to be carcinogenic in rats in a long-tenn bioassay using gavage in com oil (24 and 48 mg/kg/day), but not by inhalation (up to 150-250 ppm, 7 h/day, 5 days/week). The daily dose metabolized was similar in the two experiments. In order to address this discrepancy, the genotoxicity of DCE was investigated in vivo under different exposure conditions. Fernale F-344 rats (183-188 g) were exposed to [1,2-14C]DCE in a closed inhalation chamber to either a low, constant concentration (0.3 mg/l = 80 ppm for 4 h) or to a peak concentration (up to 18 mg/1 = 4400 ppm) for a few minutes. After 12 h in the chamber, the dose metabolized under the two conditions was 34 mg/kg and 140 mg/k:g. DNA was isolated from liver and lung and was purified to constant specific radioactivity. DNA was enzymaticaBy hydrolyzed to the 3' -nucleotides which were separated by reverse phase HPLC. Most radioactivity eluted without detectable or with little optical density' indicating that the major part of the DNA radioactivity was due to covalent binding of the test compound. The Ievel of DNA adducts was expressed in the dose-nonnalized units ofthe Covalent Binding Index, CBI = f.Lmol adduct per mol DNA nucleotide/ mmol DCE per kg body wt. In liver DNA, the different exposure regimens resulted in markedly different CBI values of 1.8 and 69, for "constant-low" and ''peak" DCE exposure Ievels. In the Jung, the respective values were 0.9 and 31. It is concluded that the DNA darnage by DCE depends upon the concentration-time profile and that the carcinogenic potency determined in the gavage study should not be used for low-Ievel inhalation exposure.
The mechanism of the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) in affective psychoses is unknown but may in part be related to the potent competitive interaction of CBZ with adenosine-binding sites in the brain. The antioonvulsant and sedative properties of CBZ are reminiscent of the effects evoked by adenosine-agonists and contrast sharply with the opposite aclions of adenosine-antagonists like caffeine. However. indirect evidence suggests an antagonist- rather than an agonist-like activity of CBZ at adenosi11e-receptors. We have used various model systems, in which adenosine receptor subtypes mediate different second messenger-responses, to investigate this apparent paradox. CBZ was found to antagonize the A\(_1\) receptor-mediated inhibition of cydic AMP accumulation in cultured astroblasts and in GH3-cells. Furthermore, CBZ also inhibits the adenosine-induced increase in the level of cyclic AMP in cultured astroblasts, which is mediated by low-affinity A\(_{2b}\)-receptors. ln contrast, CBZ does not block the inhibition elicited by adenosine-agonists of the agonist-induced increased formation of inositolphosphates in human neutrophils, which is mediated by high-affinity A\(_{2a}\)-receptors. The specific antagonism by CBZ of A\(_1\)- but not of high-affinity A\(_{2a}\)-receptors was further supported by binding experiments using rat brain membranes. These results suggest tbat the paradox of CBZ's antagonistic effects at adenosine-receptors might be at least partially reconciled by a selective antagonistic action of CBZ at A\(_1\)recertors but not at high-affinity A\(_{2a}\)-receptors.
Radioligand binding to A\(_1\) adenosine receptors at brain membranes from seven species was investigated. The antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1 ,3-[\(^3\)H]dipropylxanthine ([\(^3\)H]DPCPX) bound with affinities between 0.17 nM in sheep brain and 2.1 nM in guinea pig brain. Competition of several antagonists for [\(^3\)H]DPCPX binding showed that the most potent compounds were DPCPX with K\(_i\) values of 0.05 nM in bovine brain and 1.1 nM in guinea pig brain and xanthine amine congener (XAC) with K\(_i\) values of 0.03 nM in bovine brain and 5.5 nM in guinea pig brain. The differences in affinity of the agonist radio Iigand 2-chloro-N\(^6\) -[\(^3\)H]cyclopen tyladenosine ([\(^3\)H]CCP A) were less pronounced, rauging from a K\(_D\) value of 0.12 nM (hamster brain) to 0.42 nM (guinea pig brain). Agonist competition for [\(^3\)H]DPCPX binding of photoaffinity labelling, however, exhibited marked species differences. N-Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and S-N\(^6\)-phenylisopropyladenosine (S-PIA) showed 20 to 25-fold different K\(_D\) values in different species. NECA had a particularly high affinity in guinea pig brain and was only two-fold less potent than R-PIA. Thus, the difference from the "classical" A\(_1\) receptor profile (R-PIA > -NECA > S-PIA) is not sufficient to speculate that A\(_1\) receptor subtypes may exist that are coupled to different effector systems. Our data show that these difference can easily be explained by species differences.
Species of small fish are becoming useful tools for studies on vertebrate development. Wehave investigated the developing embryo of the Japanese medaka for its application as a transient expression system for the in vivo analysis of gene regulation and function. The temporaland spatial expression patterns ofbacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and galactosidase reporter genes injected in supercoiled plasmid form into the cytoplasm of one cell of the two-cell stage embryo was promoter-specific. The transient expression was found to be mosaic within the tissue and organs reflecting the unequal distribution of extrachromosomal foreign DNA and the intensive cell mixing movements that occur in fish embryogenesis. The expression data are consistent with data on DNA fate. Foreign DNA persisted during embryogenesis and was still detectable in some 3- and 9-month-old adult fish; it was found in high molecular weight form as weil as in circular plasmid conformations. The DNA was replicated during early and late embryogenesis. Our data indicate that the developing medaka embryo is a powerful in vivo assay system for studies of gene regulation and function.
In dooal unisexual vertebrales, the genes specifying the males become dispensable. To study tbe rate of such geoes the gynogeoetic all-female fisb Poecilillfonnolll was treated with androgens. Phenotypic males were obtained that exbibited the complete set of male cbaracteristics of dosely related gooocboristic species, induding body proportions, pigmentation, the extremely complex insemination apparatus of poecilüd fish, sexual bebavior, and spermatogeoesls. Tbe apparent stabllity of such genic structures, induding those involved in androgen regulation, is contrasted by high instability of noncoding sequeaces. Frequent mutations, thelr donal transmission, and at least two truly hypervariable Iod leading to individual difl'ereaces between these othenrise donal organisms were detected by DNA fingerprinting. These observations substantiate the concept that also in "ameiotic" vertebrates certain compartments of the genome are more prooe to mutatiooal alterations than others.
Melanoma formation in Xiphophorus hybrids is mediated by a growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase oncogene encoded by the Tu locus. In the wild-type parental fish no tumors occur due to the activity of a locus that regulates the activity of the melanoma oncogene. Molecu/ar identification of this regulatory locus (R) requires a precise physical map of the chromosomal region. Therefore we studied esterase isozymes in Xiphophorus, two of which have been previously reported to be linked to locus R. We confinn that ES 1 is a distant marker for R ( approx. 30cM), and contrary to earlier studies, we show that this isozyme is present in all species of the genus and at similar activity Ievels in all organs tested. ES4, which has also been reported to be linked to R, was found to be a misclassification of liver ES1. In an attempt to identify markersthat bridge the large distance between ESl and R, we have generated DNA probes which are highly polymorphic. They will be useful in finding Iandmarks on a physical map of the R-containing chromosomal region.
In panic disorder bodily sensations appear to play an important role as a trigger for anxiety. In our psychophysiological model of panic attacks we postulate the following vicious circle: individuals with panic attacks perceive even quite small increases in heart rate and interpret these changes as being catastrophic. This elicits anxiety and a further increase in heart rate. To evaluate this model we conducted a field study of 28 subjects with panic attacks and 20 healthy controls. A 24 hr ambulatory ECG was recorded and the subjects were instructed to report any cardiac perceptions during this period and to rate the anxiety elicited by these perceptions. The incidence of cardiac perceptions was about the same in both groups, but only subjects with panic attacks reported anxiety associated with such perceptions. Analysis of the ECGs revealed that in both groups heart rate accelerations preceded cardiac perceptions. Following cardiac perceptions, the healthy controls showed a heart rate deceleration, whereas the subjects with panic attacks had a further acceleration. This heart rate increase after cardiac perceptions was positively related to the level of anxiety elicited by the perceptions. These results provide clear evidence in support of the vicious circle model of panic attacks.