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Biomedical subjects

A Di Stefano

Publications and source records attributed to A Di Stefano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of 2-(4-chloro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine and N,N-dialkyl derivatives as dopamine receptor ligands.

2-(4-Chloro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (4) and some derivatives were synthesized as dopamine (DA) receptor ligands. Amine 4 retains the dopaminergic pharmacophore 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylamine, and the chlorine atom replaces the "para" hydroxyl group of DA. The derivatives 18a-e were obtained by introducing on the nitrogen of amine 4 the n-propyl and 2-phenylethyl or 3-phenylpropyl groups which can be accommodated by the D-2 receptor lipophilic sites 3C and pi 3, respectively. The affinity and selectivity of these compounds for D-1 and D-2 subtypes was determined in radioligand competition assays for the DA receptors of rat striatum membranes using [3H]SCH 23390 (D-1 selective) and [3H]spiperone (D-2 selective) as radioligands. The amine 4 shows about 7-fold lower affinity than DA for both sites and is not able to discriminate between the two subtypes of DA receptors. The introduction of two n-propyl groups (18a) on the nitrogen atom reduces by one-half and doubles the affinity for D-1 and D-2 binding sites, respectively. The substitution of an n-propyl group with different alkylphenyl groups, to give compounds 18b-e, increases the affinity for the D-2 subtype from 19-fold to 36-fold. These compounds have the same affinity at the D-2 site as the DA agonist N-n-propyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylamine (2a) and are about 20 times more selective than DA for this binding site. In the assay for D-2 receptor mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity, all the tested compounds behaved as D-2 agonists; N-n-propyl-N-[2(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]- (18d) and N-n-propyl-N-(2-phenyl-ethyl)-2-(4-chloro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (18b) were more effective than DA or 2a. On the other hand, all compounds were less effective than DA in stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity in rat striatal homogenates, a kind of effect which is mediated by the D-1 subtype of DA receptors. These results suggest that the nitrogen substitution enhances the affinity and selectivity for the D-2 receptor. In the adenylate cyclase assay, the compounds behave as potent D-2 agonists.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1992

Quantitative separation of uric acid and allantoin from rat liver tissue.

A simple procedure is described for the assay of liver uric acid and allantoin and their specific radioactivity after administration of a radioactive precursor. Uric acid was quantified by the uricase reaction in liver trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extracts. The 'true' allantoin content of the liver could be estimated only after precipitation with Hg-acetate, a step by which the standard allantoin was also quantitatively recovered. Crude extracts lead to the evaluation of 'apparent' allantoin. For the determination of specific radioactivity, the Hg-acetate precipitate was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The purity of the two metabolites was confirmed by ultraviolet absorbance spectra, HPLC, constancy of specific radioactivity and the absence of amino acids. The incorporation of [14C]formate into uric acid and allantoin in the liver was studied by this procedure. The radioactivity in allantoin was several-fold higher than that in uric acid up to 60 min after administration of the precursor. This quite unexpected result is not easily explained on the basis of current knowledge.

Allantoin↗
PubMed1992

Active NaCl transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of the mouse does not require the presence of bicarbonate.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether bicarbonate buffer (CO2 + HCO3-) is required to sustain maximal NaCl transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (cTAL) of the mouse. Transepithelial Na+ and Cl- net fluxes (JNa, JCl, pmol min-1 mm-1), measured by electron microprobe analysis, were similar irrespective of the presence or absence of CO2 + HCO3- in luminal and bathing solutions (JNaCl with CO2 + HCO3- = 203 +/- 25 pmol min-1 mm-1; JNaCl without CO2 + HCO3- = 213 +/- 13 pmol min-1 mm-1, n = 14). Furthermore the transepithelial potential difference, Vte, the transepithelial resistance, Rte, and the basolateral membrane potential, Vbl, were unaffected by CO2 + HCO3-. In the absence of CO2 + HCO3-, Vte was +17.0 +/- 1.7 mV (n = 9) (lumen positive), Rte was 28 +/- 2 omega cm2 (n = 9) and Vbl was -76 +/- 4 mV (n = 6). In the presence of CO2 + HCO3-, Vte, Rte and Vbl were +15.9 +/- 1.5 mV, 29 +/- 1 omega cm2 and -73 +/- 5 mV, respectively. 4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS; 0.1 mmol l-1) and amiloride (1 mmol l-1) added to the (CO2 + HCO3-)-containing lumen perfusate were without effect on Vte and Rte. Finally, the effect of furosemide (0.1 mmol l-1) on Vte and Vbl in the presence of CO2 + HCO3- was investigated. Furosemide reversibly decreased Vte from +13.7 +/- 1.1 mV to +1.7 +/- 0.7 mV (n = 6) and hyperpolarized Vbl from -70 +/- 1 to -89 +/- 3 mV (n = 5), suggesting passive distribution of Cl- across the basolateral membrane. In conclusion, these data suggest that active NaCl transport in the cTAL of the mouse does not require the presence of CO2 + HCO3-.

4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfo↗
PubMed1992

Effect of tuftsin and its retro-inverso analogue on the release of interferon (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) by human leucocytes.

The aim of this work was to demonstrate whether natural tuftsin or a retro-inverso (r.i.) analogue may induce interferon (IFN) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells (PBMC). For this purpose tuftsin or its analogue were added at different molar concentrations to PBMC and the supernatants were tested for IFN and TNF activity. Both cytokines were released after 12 hours incubation with r.i. tuftsin at an optimum concentration of 10(-10) M. Under the same conditions no activity was observed in the presence of natural tuftsin. In comparison to natural tuftsin the stimulatory activity of this tuftsin analogue is likely to be due to its high stability.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Airway mucosal inflammation in occupational asthma induced by toluene diisocyanate.

We examined the light and electron microscopic structure of lobar bronchial biopsies of nine subjects with occupational asthma induced by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and of four control nonasthmatic subjects who had never been exposed to TDI. Inflammatory cell numbers were separately assessed in the intact epithelium, in the more superficial layer of the submucosa, and in the total submucosa. Asthmatic subjects had an increased number of inflammatory cells in the airway mucosa compared with control subjects. Eosinophils were significantly increased in all compartments, CD45-positive cells were significantly increased in the epithelium and in the more superficial layer of the submucosa, and mast cells were significantly increased only in epithelium. By electron microscopy eosinophils and mast cells appeared degranulated only in asthmatic patients. In the areas of epithelium that appeared intact by light microscopy, electron microscopy showed that, although the intercellular spaces between columnar cells were similar in asthmatic and control groups, the intercellular spaces between basal cells were significantly wider in patients with asthma. Patients with TDI-induced asthma also had a thicker subepithelial reticular layer, where immunohistochemistry showed the presence of collagen III. In conclusion, in patients with asthma induced by TDI, the airway mucosa shows pathologic features, such as inflammatory cell infiltrate and thickening of subepithelial collagen, similar to those described in atopic asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Effect of cessation of exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) on bronchial mucosa of subjects with TDI-induced asthma.

The effect of cessation of exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was studied in six patients with TDI-induced asthma, proved by a positive inhalation challenge with TDI. Bronchial challenges with TDI and methacholine were performed, and lobar bronchial biopsies were taken at diagnosis and 6 months later, after cessation of exposure. Biopsies from four nonasthmatic control subjects were also examined. At diagnosis, asthmatic subjects had thickened reticular basement membrane (p less than 0.05) and increased numbers of mononuclear cells (p less than 0.05) and eosinophils (p less than 0.05) in the lamina propria when compared with control subjects. Electron microscopy showed degranulation of eosinophils and mast cells in asthmatics. Six months after cessation of exposure, the thickness of reticular basement membrane was significantly reduced compared with that at diagnosis (p less than 0.05), and it decreased to values similar to those of control biopsies. Inflammatory cell numbers in bronchial mucosa of asthmatic subjects did not change significantly 6 months after removal from exposure, and degranulation of eosinophils and mast cells was still present. At the end of the study, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and/or sensitivity to TDI persisted in most of the asthmatic patients despite the cessation of exposure and the disappearance of asthmatic symptoms. In conclusion, in patients with occupational asthma induced by TDI, the avoidance of exposure to the sensitizing agent for 6 months is able to reverse the reticular basement membrane thickening in the bronchial mucosa, but the inflammatory cell infiltrate, the specific sensitivity to TDI, and the nonspecific airway hyperreactivity may persist.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Structure-activity relationships of N-n-propyl-2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine derivatives as dopamine receptor ligands.

A series of N-n-propyl-2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine derivatives obtained by introducing on nitrogen atom a 2-phenylethyl moiety (with aromatic nucleus substituted at 3 or 4 position with fluorine, chlorine or hydroxy and methyl groups), as well as a 2-cyclohexylethyl or 3-phenylpropyl groups were synthesized. These substituents can interact with the D2 accessory binding site pi 3. The affinities of new compounds for D1 and D2 subtypes of dopamine (DA) receptor were measured in a test involving displacement of [3H]SCH 23390 and [3H]spiperone, respectively, from homogenates of rat striatum. The new derivatives are selective for D2 sites, and are more potent than the parent compound N-n-propyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine 2a. The N-n-propyl-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl) ethylamine (11f) is the most potent and selective member in the series. Other derivatives are less effective but are as potent as the D2 agonist RU 24213. The results indicate that the pi 3 site is a rather large lipophilic pocket which can accommodate not only aromatic nuclei, but also the cyclohexyl group.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The effect of phosphoramidon and epithelium removal on toluene diisocyanate-induced contractions in guinea-pig bronchi.

To evaluate the role of airway neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) and epithelium removal in the contraction of airway smooth muscle in response to toluene diisocyanate (TDI), we studied the effects of the NEP inhibitor, phosphoramidon, on TDI-induced contractions of guinea-pig bronchial rings with intact epithelium and without epithelium. In preparations with intact epithelium, phosphoramidon (10 microM) potentiated the contractile response to TDI (0.3 mM) (mean +/- SEM, 23.7 +/- 2.5% versus 67.9 +/- 10.3%, p less than 0.01). Phosphoramidon also increased TDI-induced contractions in tissues without epithelium (36.9 +/- 4.9% versus 52.5 +/- 7.1%, p less than 0.05). Removal of the epithelium increased the contractile response to TDI (23.7 +/- 2.5% versus 36.9 +/- 4.9%, p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate the response to TDI is increased in epithelium-free compared to intact bronchi and that NEP 24.11 modulates the effects of endogenously released tachykinins by TDI at all of the sites where NEP is found in the airways.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Follicular cysts of the mandible. The diagnostic problems].

The authors describe a case of follicular cyst of the jaw diagnosed in a male infant who was 2 years and 4 months old. The authors discuss recent advances in the classification of this disorder and the difficulties that arise in performing differential diagnosis; some peculiar features of the described case are discussed.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1991

Vasopressin stimulation of NaCl transport in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop is decreased in aging mice.

The maximal urinary osmolality that can be reached by the kidney is reduced with age. This may be due to impaired NaCl transport by the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, which is part of the renal concentrating mechanism and is modulated by antidiuretic hormone (ADH). We therefore tested in vitro a possible age-related change in the transport capacity and in the response of this nephron segment to ADH in young (1-2 months) and old (20-24 months) mice. The transepithelial potential difference (Vte) was significantly higher in young mice (+8.5 +/- 0.4 mV, n = 13) than in old ones (+6.6 +/- 0.5 mV, n = 17). Addition of 0.1 nmol.1-1 ADH to the bath solution significantly increased Vte by 5.2 +/- 0.5 mV in the young and by 3.1 +/- 0.6 mV in the old animals. Application of dibutyryl-cAMP (0.1 mmol.1-1) did not further increase the hormonal response in both groups. The ADH-mediated increase in the corresponding equivalent short-circuit current (ISC = Vte/Rte) was twice as great in young mice as in old, indicating that the stimulation of NaCl transport by ADH across the medullary thick ascending limb is significantly reduced with age. These results suggest that the previously reported age-related defect in the urinary concentrating ability of the kidney is partly due to a decreased response of the medullary thick ascending limb to ADH.

Aging↗
PubMed1991

Stimulation of NaCl reabsorption by antidiuretic hormone in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of the mouse.

The effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on transepithelial Na+ Cl-, Ca2+ and Mg2+ net fluxes (JNa, JCl, JMg, JCa) was investigated in isolated perfused cortical thick ascending limb segments (cTAL) of the mouse nephron, using the microperfusion technique and the electron microprobe analysis to determine the ionic composition of the collected tubular fluid. Simultaneously, the transepithelial potential difference (PDte) and the transepithelial resistance (Rte) were recorded. Prior to the flux measurements cTAL segments were perfused for one hour. During this equilibration period PDte decreased significantly from +19.9 +/- 1.6 to +14.9 +/- 1.1 mV and Rte increased from 30.6 +/- 3.5 omega cm2 to 38.8 +/- 2.4 omega cm2 (n = 7), reflecting a decline in NaCl transport. After ADH was added to the bath solution at 10(-10) mol.l-1, PDte increased from +14.4 +/- 1.1 to +18.0 +/- 1.5 mV, accompanied by a rise in JNa and JCl from 205 +/- 11 to 273 +/- 19 and from 216 +/- 12 to 283 +/- 21 pmol.min-1.mm-1 (n = 7), respectively. JCa and JMg also increased from 0.81 +/- 0.07 to 1.50 +/- 0.12 and from 0.43 +/- 0.11 to 0.76 +/- 0.08 pmol.min-1.mm-1 (n = 7), respectively. All these effects were fully reversible after withdrawal of the hormone. In conclusion our data indicate that ADH stimulates divalent cation transport and NaCl transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of the mouse.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of testosterone on the liver of castrated rats: morphologic study.

It is well known that castration in rats causes atrophy of the sexual organs and, to a lesser extent, of other organs. We have observed that castration causes a reduction of the liver weight due to a reduction (-10%) of the numerical density of the hepatocytes after castration (p less than 0.01). Testosterone administration at high concentration (2.5 mg/100 g b. wt.) as well as at low concentration (0.025 mg/100 g) in the castrated rats causes an increase of the liver weight due to an increase (+30%) in the cellular area (p less than 0.001) as well as in the nuclear area (+20%) (p less than 0.01) of the hepatocytes, revealing a powerful hypertrophic effect of the hormone in the liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Consequences of differential effects of ADH and other peptide hormones on thick ascending limb of mammalian kidney.

Several hormones stimulate the adenylate cyclase system of the thick ascending limb (TAL). There are, however, some species differences concerning the cyclase sensitivity and the hormonal response in this nephron segment. In the mouse, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), parathyroid hormone, glucagon, calcitonin, and isoproterenol stimulate Na+, Cl-, Mg2+, and Ca2+ transports in the cortical TAL, whereas ADH, glucagon, and isoproterenol stimulate NaCl transport only in the medullary TAL. Many of these effects are different from those previously described for the corresponding segments of the rabbit nephron. The close similarity of the cyclase responsiveness to hormones of the mouse and rat TALs makes it possible to interpret the micropuncture data obtained in vivo in the rat superficial (S) and juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons, in the light of the in vitro data obtained in the mouse. Long-term treatment of Brattleboro rats with ADH also elicits differential effects along the TAL. Their consequences on the function of the S and JM nephrons are also examined. There are several indications supporting the view that the newly described hormonal effects in the mouse and rat are of physiological relevance.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Quantitative structural analysis of peripheral airways and arteries in sudden fatal asthma.

The peripheral airways and the adjacent muscular pulmonary arteries were studied by morphometric methods in the autopsy lungs of six asthmatic subjects who died suddenly during an asthma attack, and they were compared with those of six control subjects who died of other causes and had no history of respiratory diseases. Bronchioles of asthmatic subjects had an increased amount of lumen occlusion (p less than 0.01), smooth muscle thickness (p less than 0.001), and inflammatory infiltrate (p less than 0.001), and both mononuclear cells and eosinophils contributed to this increased inflammation. The muscular pulmonary arteries adjacent to occluded and inflamed bronchioles did not have the morphologic features of chronic hypoxia, as shown by the normal medial and intimal thickness, but they had an important inflammatory process in their walls that was particularly marked at sites adjacent to airways. Although the functional significance of these findings is unknown, they may be responsible in part for the gas exchange abnormalities observed in acute severe asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

How do loop diuretics act?

In the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, NaCl reabsorption is mediated by a Na+/2Cl-/K+ cotransport system, present in the luminal membrane of this nephron segment. Loop diuretics such as furosemide (frusemide), piretanide, bumetanide and torasemide bind reversibly to this carrier protein, thus reducing or abolishing NaCl reabsorption. This leads to a decrease in interstitial hypertonicity and thus to a reduced water reabsorption. In nephron segments other than the thick ascending limb, loop diuretics have no quantitative importance with respect to their saluretic and diuretic activities. Loop diuretics also reduce Ca++ and Mg++ reabsorption in the thick ascending limb in a way which is still not clear. Furthermore, these drugs increase the urinary K+ excretion by enhancing distal tubular K+ secretion and reducing K+ reabsorption in the loop of Henle. Finally, by reduction of active NaCl transport, loop diuretics drastically reduce the substrate requirement and oxygen dependence of the thick ascending limb cells. This renders these cells, which are characterised by high transport rates and only limited substrate reserves, less vulnerable in acute renal failure.

Animals↗