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Biomedical subjects

D Guillaume

Publications and source records attributed to D Guillaume.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Phosphorylation of brain (Na+,K+)-ATPase alpha catalytic subunits in normal and epileptic cerebral cortex: II. Partial seizures in human epilepsy.

We examined the activity and phosphorylation level of (Na+,K+)-ATPase (E.C. 3.6.1.3) partially purified from normal and epileptic human cortices. Control patients (n = 11) were operated on for a non-epileptogenic deep brain lesion, while epileptic patients (n = 10) were operated on for temporal or frontal originating partial seizures, resistant to medications or secondary to evolutive brain tumors. No differences in the specific activity of microsomal (Na+,K+)-ATPase were observed between the two groups of patients. After partial purification of the enzyme followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, (Na+,K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit had a decreased affinity for K+ in human epileptic cortex and lost its sensitivity to phenytoin dephosphorylation. Indirect evidence suggests that those abnormalities of (Na+,K+)-ATPase in human epileptic cortex hold preferentially true for the alpha(-) enzymatic subunit. Those results indicate that, in human epileptic cortex, (Na+,K+)-ATPase and most probably its glial subtype is altered in its K+ regulation and phenytoin sensitivity and could be responsible for ictal transformation and seizure spread.

Brain↗

Effect of oral melatonin on the date of the first ovulation after ovarian inactivity in mares under artificial photoperiod.

Two experiments tested the hypothesis that exogenous melatonin (12 mg) given 4 h before dusk (evening melatonin), or near dawn (morning melatonin), would mimic a prolongation of the night and suppress stimulation of the ovaries induced by long days. Experiment 1 consisted of a non-stimulated control group, a control group stimulated by 14.5 h of light, a treated group stimulated with 14.5 h of light plus evening melatonin, a control group given 17.5 h of light and a treatment group given 17.5 h of light plus morning melatonin. The mean (+/- s.e.m.) intervals from the start of treatment to the first ovulation were 135 +/- 26, 68 +/- 4, 147 +/- 11, 94 +/- 6 and 107 +/- 13 days, respectively. Experiment 2 consisted of 3 groups exposed to 14.5 h of light, a control group and a morning and an evening melatonin group. The mean (+/- s.e.m.) intervals from treatment to first ovulation were 53 +/- 12, 62 +/- 8 and 101 +/- 5 days, respectively. Thus, evening melatonin suppressed the stimulatory effect of the applied light, but morning melatonin did not (P greater than 0.05). In non-treated mares, peripheral blood melatonin levels were higher at night than during the day. In the treated mares, very high plasma melatonin concentrations occurred 10-20 min after treatment and levels began to fall again immediately after this peak was reached. This decline was steeper after morning than the evening treatments. Conversely, the endogenous night-time plasma melatonin concentrations before the morning treatment were lower than the night-time levels measured in the treated animals. Two hypotheses are proposed: (a) exogenous treatment with melatonin in the morning is perceived as dusk and is followed by only approximately 5 h of high melatonin concentrations in the blood and (b) in the morning the mare is sensitive to light regardless of the presence of high levels of melatonin in her blood.

Administration, Oral↗

Milacemide stimulates deficient glial Na+, K(+)-ATPase in freezing-induced epileptogenic cortex of cats.

We investigated the influence of milacemide, a glycinamide derivative with putative antiepileptic activity, on the K(+)-activation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in bulk isolated glial cells and synaptosomes of control and epileptogenic cortex of cats with a chronic freeze lesion. In the primary and secondary epileptic foci of non-treated animals, glial Na+,K(+)-ATPase lost its physiological K(+)-activation, while the synaptosomal enzyme was unchanged. These data reproduced previous work done on the kinetic measurement of the enzymic activities. In treated animals (500 mg/kg milacemide given orally for 2 weeks after the freeze lesion), the glial enzyme showed a normal K(+)-activation in the epileptic foci. These results confirm the existence of an abnormal glial Na+,K(+)-ATPase in cold-induced focal epilepsy and suggest that the antiepileptic activity of milacemide might be secondary to an activation of glial Na+,K(+)-ATPase, contributing to antagonize ictal transformation and seizure spread.

Acetamides↗

Synthesis, conformation, and immunosuppressive activities of three analogues of cyclosporin A modified in the 1-position.

The syntheses of three new cyclosporin A (CsA) analogues that contain novel MeBmt derivatives in the 1-position are described. The MeBmt analogue that contains an additional methyl group on C4, (2S,3R,6E)-4,4-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2-(N-methylamino)-6-octenoic acid (MeBm2t), was synthesized in four steps beginning with the reaction of Pmz-Sar-OtBu with (4E)-2,2-dimethyl-4-hexenal. The C4 desmethyl analogue of MeBmt, (2S,3R,6E)-3-hydroxy-2-(N-methylamino)-6-octenoic acid (MeBth), was synthesized in nine steps by a route based on the Sharpless chiral epoxidation procedure. The alkynyl derivative of MeBmt, (2S,3R,4R)-4-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-(N-methylamino)-6-octynoic acid (MeByt), was synthesized by a modification of the procedure described by Tung et al. for the synthesis of MeBmt. Each MeBmt analogue was protected as the N,O-acetonide and coupled with the hexapeptide Abu-Sar-MeLeu-Val-MeLeu-Ala-OBzl. The resulting heptapeptide was deprotected and coupled with Fmoc-D-Ala-MeLeu-MeLeu-MeVal-OH. The resulting undecapeptides were deprotected and cyclized to give the corresponding CsA analogues. Conformational analysis by 1D and 2D NMR methods was carried out for each analogue in chloroform, and the results are compared with the corresponding solution conformations of CsA and dihydrocyclosporin. The immunosuppressive activities of each analogue, determined in concanavalin A stimulated thymocytes, are lower than obtained for CsA. The results establish the important effect the methyl group and the double bond in MeBmt have on the solution conformation of the 1-position residue in CsA and on immunosuppressive activity.

Cyclosporins↗

Synthesis, conformation, and immunosuppressive activity of cyclosporines that contain epsilon-oxygen (4R)-4-[(E)-butenyl]-4,N-dimethyl-L-threonine analogues in the 1-position.

A series of CsA analogues that contain novel epsilon-oxygen isosteres of (4R)-4-[(E)-butenyl]-4,N-dimethyl-L-threonine (MeBmt) in the 1-position were synthesized. The key steps for the syntheses of enantiomerically pure epsilon-oxygen MeBmt analogues 4-7 were based on the stereoselective epoxidation of cis-allylic alcohol derivative 12 with a peracid, followed by the application of a base-catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of epoxyurethane 15, which was derived from the reaction of epoxy alcohol 14 and methyl isocyanate. All epsilon-oxygen MeBmt analogues have the same stereochemistry and the same functional groups as those on the alpha,beta,gamma-carbons of MeBmt except for the double bond of MeBmt, which is replaced by the -OCH2-group. The syntheses of the peptide portion of CsA analogues followed the strategy we reported previously. The immunosuppressive activities of CsA analogues 28a-e, determined by inhibition of concanavalin A stimulated thymocytes, showed that 28b, which has the closest structural resemblance to MeBmt, retains about 7-10% of activity of CsA, whereas the analogues 28a, 28c, and 28e retain about 2-5% activity. It is interesting to note that 28d, which has the larger benzyl group on the end of the side chain, is about 20-25% as active as CsA. Extensive conformational analyses by 1D and 2D NMR indicated that the conformation of the 33-membered peptide ring system for all CsA analogues was very similar to that of CsA. However, the NMR analyses revealed that the 1-position side chain of all these CsA analogues adopted a novel conformation in chloroform by forming a different intramolecular hydrogen bond between the beta-OH and the epsilon-oxygen of the same residue. The NMR data also suggest that the chloroform conformation of these CsA analogues is similar to the conformation observed in the crystal structure of CsA in that the 1-position side chain is folded across the cyclic peptide ring system.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Two isoenzymes of Na+,K+-ATPase have different kinetics of K+ dephosphorylation in normal cat and human brain cortex.

Analysis of purified Na+,K+-ATPase from cat and human cortex by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals two large catalytic subunits called alpha (-) (lower molecular weight) and alpha (+) (higher molecular weight). Differences in K+ dephosphorylation of these two molecular forms have been investigated by measuring the phosphorylation level of each protein after their separation on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels. In the presence of Na+, Mg2+, and ATP, both subunits are phosphorylated. Increasing concentrations (from 0 to 3 mM) of K+ induce progressive dephosphorylation of both alpha-subunits, although the phosphoprotein content of alpha (-) is decreased significantly less than that of alpha (+). Ka values of alpha (-) for K+ are 40% and 50% greater in cat and human cortex, respectively, than values of alpha (+). alpha (-) and alpha (+) are thought to be localized in specific cell types of the brain: alpha (-) is the exclusive form of nonneuronal cells (astrocytes), whereas alpha (+) is the only form of axolemma. Our results support the hypothesis that glial and neuronal Na+,K+-ATPases are different molecular entities differing at least by their K+ sensitivity. Results are discussed in relation to the role of glial cells in the regulation of extracellular K+ in brain.

Animals↗

Phenytoin dephosphorylates the alpha(-) catalytic subunit of (Na+, K+)-ATPase. A study in mouse, cat and human brain.

Phenytoin, a potent antiepileptic drug, has been thought to stimulate Na+, K+ transport across cell membranes, but its influence on (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity remains highly controversial. We have investigated the effects of the drug on the phosphorylation level of (Na+, K+)-ATPase partially purified from mouse, cat and human brain. (Na+, K+)-ATPase catalytic subunits [alpha(+) and alpha(-)] were resolved by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Previous experiments had shown that phenytoin dephosphorylates the (Na+, K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit by +/- 50% in C57/BL mice. In the present study, we showed that phenytoin (10(-4) M) decreases the phosphorylation level of (Na+, K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit by the same value in cat and human cortex. Moreover, that effect is predominant on the alpha(-) subunit, thought to be the predominant enzymatic form in non-neuronal or glial cells. The results are thus favoring the hypothesis that phenytoin stimulates the brain (Na+, K+)-ATPase. They further suggest that phenytoin mainly activates the glial enzymatic form, providing central nervous system with an enhanced ability to regulate extracellular K+.

Animals↗

Synthesis, biological activity, and conformational analysis of (2S,3R,4S)-MeBmt1-cyclosporin, a novel 1-position epimer of cyclosporin A.

Cyclosporin A (CsA, 1), an immunosuppressive cyclic undecapeptide, contains a unique amino acid, (4R)-4-[(E)-butenyl]-4,N-dimethyl-L-threonine (MeBmt), that appears to be critically involved in the biological activity of CsA. In order to further explore the effect that structural elements in MeBmt have on the conformation and biological activity of CsA, the 4-epimer of MeBmt [(4S)-MeBmt, 2] and the corresponding CsA analogue [(4S)-MeBmt1-CsA, 3] have been synthesized. Biological assay using concanavalin A stimulated thymocytes indicated that (4S)-MeBmt1-CsA (3) has only 2-4% immunosuppressive activity relative to CsA. The NMR analysis by 1D and 2D NMR methods establishes the conformation of 3, of which the 33-membered cyclic peptide ring system in chloroform is very similar to that of CsA. However, the NMR analysis also reveals that the 1-position side chain orientation in (4S)-MeBmt1-CsA (3) is very different from that of CsA. Specifically, the (4S)-MeBmt alpha,beta-torsion angle (chi 1) has been rotated approximately 120 degrees relative to that of CsA, and the orientation of the butenyl side chain relative to the 33-membered peptide backbond is different. The orientation of the (4S)-MeBmt side chain is consistent with the possible conformations calculated for (4S)-MeBmt1-CsA (3) by using molecular mechanics (in vacuo) calculations. The conformational analysis suggests that the loss of biological activity for 3 results from an altered conformation of the 1-position side chain relative to the peptide backbond due to the changed chirality at C4 of MeBmt.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Glucosylsterols in extracts of Euryale ferox identified by high resolution NMR and mass spectrometry.

The structures of three glucosylsterols in a glycolipid mixture from the product of the naturally dried medicinal plant Euryale ferox Salisb. have been elucidated by 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopic methods and characterized as follows: 24-methylcholest-5-enyl-3 beta-O-pyranoglucoside, 24-ethylcholest-5-enyl-3 beta-O-pyranoglucoside, and 24-ethylcholesta-5,22E-dienyl-3 beta-O-pyranoglucoside. These constituents may be the active substances of the medicinal plant.

Acetylation↗

Synthesis, conformation, and immunosuppressive activity of a conformationally restricted cyclosporine lactam analogue.

Cyclosporine A (CsA, 1), an immunosuppressive cyclic undecapeptide, in apolar solvents adopts a II' beta-turn at the Sar3-MeLeu4 residues. [D-Proline3]Cs has been reported to be a nonimmunosuppressive analogue in which the II' beta-turn is retained. In order to determine if this loss of activity is caused by steric hindrance between the Cs analogue and its receptor or is caused by a change in the peptide conformation, an analogue that stabilizes a II' beta-turn has been synthesized, [lactam3,4]Cs. We also have studied the solution conformation of two other analogues, [D-MeAla3]Cs and [L-MeAla3]Cs. The conformations have been established by 1D difference NOE and 2D (NOESY or ROESY) NMR. The conformations of [lactam3,4]Cs and [D-MeAla3]Cs are indistinguishable from that of CsA in solution. [L-MeAla3]Cs was found to adopt a conformation with a cis amide bond between Sar3 and MeLeu4. The inhibition of concanavalin A stimulated thymocytes by CsA, [D-MeAla3]Cs, [L-MeAla3]Cs, and [lactam3,4]Cs gave IC50 values (nM) of 5, 6, 100, and 100, respectively. The weak immunosuppressive activity of [lactam3,4]Cs possessing the II' beta-turn suggests that the loss of activity for 4 is due to steric hindrance with the Cs receptor.

Animals↗

Use of the glucose clamp technique for confirmation of insulinoma autonomous hyperinsulinism.

The diagnosis of insulinoma on the basis of persistent hypoglycemia requires further confirmation. The insulin suppression test has been used to support this diagnosis prior to surgical intervention. In this study the euglycemic clamp technique was used to compare five control volunteers with four hypoglycemic patients with suspected insulinoma. Insulin was infused over successive two-hour periods at 2, 4, and 8 mU/kg/min. Plasma glucose levels were clamped at 80 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L) using an artificial pancreas. High insulin levels were measured in all subjects, ranging from 225 +/- 30 microU/mL (1614 +/- 215 pmol/L) to 1018 +/- 239 microU/mL (7304 +/- 1714 pmol/L). Levels of C peptide fell to 0.1 ng/mL (0.028 nmol/L) in control subjects but remained at high levels in the patients. Insulinoma was confirmed on laparotomy in all four patients. In two patients tested after removal of the tumor the results were found to have returned to normal.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Phenytoin dephosphorylates the catalytic subunit of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase in C57/BL mice.

The effects of phenytoin, a potent antiepileptic drug, on the active transport of cations within membranes remain controversial. To assess the direct effects of phenytoin on the Na+,K+ pump, we studied the drug's influence on the phosphorylation of partially purified (Na+,K+)-ATPase from mouse brain. (Na+,K+)-ATPase subunits were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Phenytoin, in vitro, decreased net phosphorylation of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit in a dose-dependent manner (approximately 50% at 10(-4) M). When the conversion of E1-P to E2-P, e.g., the two major phosphorylated conformational states of (Na+,K+)-ATPase, was blocked by oligomycin or N-ethylmaleimide, phenytoin had no effect. The results suggest that phenytoin acts on the phosphatasic component of the reaction cycle, decreasing the phosphorylation level of the enzyme.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The efficacy of intravenous moxaprindine on ventricular ectopic activity.

Moxaprindine, a new derivative of aprindine, has been showed to possess strong antiarrhythmic properties in the dog. It is significantly less toxic than aprindine on hematopoietic cells in culture. This drug was given intravenously (2 mg/kg given over a 30 min period), to 10 patients with severe, refractory and symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. In 8 of them, all ventricular ectopic activity was suppressed for at least 90 min following the end of perfusion. In 7, no ventricular ectopic beats recurred before the end of the experimentation (150 min). There were two non-responders: one of them developed a torsade de pointes phenomenon under the influence of the drug. The mean drug concentration which was reached at the end of perfusion was 4.83 +/- 2.46 gamma/ml. It progressively fell to a value of 1.11 +/- 0.35 gamma/ml, 150 min later. The drug prolongs the PR interval, QRS duration and QT interval. Moxaprindine is a powerful antiarrhythmic agent which deserves further assessment in long term studies.

Adult↗