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Biomedical subjects

E Flückiger

Publications and source records attributed to E Flückiger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Antibodies to histo-blood group substances A and B: agglutination titers, Ig class, and IgG subclasses in healthy persons of different age categories.

Isotypes and IgG subclasses of ABO antibodies from sera of 235 healthy blood donors were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Synthetic A and B trisaccharide-bovine serum albumin glycoconjugates were used for coating and monoclonal antibodies for the detection of heavy chain isotypes. Hemagglutination titers were determined in addition. Blood donors were between 20 and 67 years old, and at least 10 sera per 10-year age category and ABO blood group were included in this study. Antibody concentrations were expressed as a percentage of an internal standard, and sera with subclass-restricted anti-A and/or anti-B (anti-A/B) responses were used to normalize the ELISA values of IgG subclasses. A good correlation between the sum of the four subclasses and the total anti-A/B IgG values (rs = 0.81 for anti-A and 0.84 for anti-B) was obtained. IgG1 and IgG2 were the most predominant subclasses, but were found in various proportions in different individuals. Donor-to-donor variation exceeded age-related changes for all measured parameters. The correlation of anti-A IgM, IgG, IgA, and their sum with the agglutination titers was significant and revealed rs values of 0.70, 0.65, 0.65, and 0.80, respectively. For anti-B as well, the correlation of ELISA values with the agglutination titer was best when all three isotypes were added. We conclude that anti-A/B IgA, together with IgM and IgG, substantially contributes to the agglutination reaction. Potentially autoreactive antibodies were detected in sera of blood groups A, B, and AB.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1989

Enigmatic action of ciclosporine A on the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice.

Various alterations of the immune system have recently been reported to attenuate the severity of morphine withdrawal. The effect of the immunosuppressive agent ciclosporine A on the naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal syndrome in the chronically dependent mouse was investigated. Ciclosporine A significantly suppressed stereotyped behaviour such as jumping and forepaw treading while wet shakes were potentiated. Withdrawal diarrhoea was diminished as a consequence of a promotive action of ciclosporine A on the intestine. A ciclosporine derivative, which is devoid of immunosuppressive activity, had no influence on withdrawal signs. The attenuating effect of ciclosporine A was observed at a dose of 20 mg/kg i.p., which is not regarded as immunosuppressive in the mouse. It was also effective in animals lacking an intact immune system as a result of a genetic T-cell defect (nude mouse) or after selective ablation by whole body irradiation. Nude mice and irradiated normal mice developed dependence on morphine to the same extent as normal animals, as could be derived from the severity of their withdrawal signs. These results suggest that an intact immune system is not a necessary prerequisite for ciclosporine A to attenuate morphine withdrawal and that its action may be attributable to mechanisms other than immunosuppression. It is possibly a result of a direct effect of ciclosporine A on the central nervous system structures involved in the behavioural expression of the opiate withdrawal syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacodynamic profile of CQP 201-403, a novel 8 alpha-amino-ergoline.

The profile of action in animals of CQP 201-403, a novel 8 alpha-amino-ergoline, is in most aspects that of a very potent dopaminomimetic, both as a prolactin secretion inhibitor, and at the levels of the CNS and the cardiovascular system. Qualitatively CQP 201-403 differs slightly from bromocriptine and apomorphine in its effects on the CNS (no influence on serotonin metabolism in the rat cortex; induction of masculine mounting behavior in rats) and the cardiovascular system of the dog (reflex tachycardia in response to a blood-pressure fall). In man the new compound proved to be highly active in lowering prolactin serum levels and be more potent than bromocriptine (Parlodel).

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Interactions of ergot compounds with dopamine receptors and endocrine functions.

Ergot compounds may affect endocrine systems through stimulatory and inhibitory dopamine receptors at the hypothalamic and the pituitary level. In most cases, with the exception of the prolactin and the melanotropin cell receptors, the characterization of the dopamine receptor involved is not yet satisfactory. Comparing in vivo or in vitro dopaminomimetic activities of ergot compounds produces a multiplicity of profiles of actions without a clear pattern.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Central dopamine receptors.

Experimental results with various dopaminomimetic drugs, in particular ergot derivatives, imply the existence in the brain of various subgroups of dopamine (DA) receptors with differing properties. This review focuses on the prolactin cell and on different types of DA receptors in the nigro-striatal system. Some of the apparent complexity of central DA receptors may be due to the particular experimental approaches used (behavioural, biochemical, biophysical) which reveal different functional aspects of the action of DA. Central DA receptors are seen not as a static component of the brain, but their numbers may vary and the functional results of their stimulation may depend on regulatory factors.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1980

Role of serotonin in the regulation of ovulation. Evidence from pharmacological studies.

Using two tests in intact adult rats, it has been found that a high positive correlation exists (p less than 0.005) between the ovulation inhibiting and the serotonin antagonistic activities measured in vivo of five tricyclic compounds and ten ergot derivatives. In these chemically different classes of compounds, certain structural modifications induced similar activity changes in both tests. These pharmacological results support the view that serotonin plays an essential, apparently facilitatory role in the central mechanisms controlling ovulation in the rat.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Two novel prolactin release-inhibiting 8 alpha-amino-ergolines.

Prolactin secretion inhibition and changes in striatal dopamine metabolism in rats were compared after the administration of 8 alpha-amino-ergoline CH 29-717 and 2 derivates. CQ 32-084 was similar to but less potent than CH 29-717, while 32-085, the l-methyl derivative, showed delayed dopaminomimetic effects.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1978

Effects of bromocriptine on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis.

The effects of bromocriptine on the secretion of prolactin, gonadotrophins, thyretrophin (TSH), corticotrophin (ACTH), somatotrophin (GH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) in mammals are presented and the sites and mode of action briefly discussed.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1978

Cardiovascular actions of bromocriptine.

Bromocriptine lowers blood pressure in animals and in man. Results obtained in experiments performed in the dog and cat suggest three possible mechanisms of action: a) relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, principally in splanchnic and renal vessels, (b) inhibition of transmitter release from noradrenergic nerve endings, (c) central inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity. The effect of bromocriptine at each putative site of action can be explained in terms of dopamine receptor stimulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Dopaminergic control of prolactin secretion.

A brief summary is given about present-day knowledge and views on the control of prolactin secretion in mammals. This is followed by the presentation of the evidence that dopamine is the inhibitory hypothalamic transducer controlling hormone release by prolactin cells. Most of the evidence is pharmacological in nature. It is only very recently that dopamine has been found in a meaningful concentration in the blood flowing from the median eminence to the pituitary. Although the dopamine concept of an inhibitory control of prolactin secretion seems quite satisfactory, the possibility of another unrelated inhibitory control system is not excluded.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Inhibition of lactation in rabbits by 2-Br-alpha-Ergokryptine-mesilate (CB154).

The lactating rabbit responds to single injections of the inhibitor of prolactin secretion 2-Br-alpha-ergokryptine-mesilate (CB 154) by a reversible reduction in milk yield, which is dose-dependent. Inhibition of galactopoiesis by CB 154 is also observed in rats, dogs, pigs and in woman, but not in goats and cattle. This points to a difference in prolactin dependence of galactopoiesis in the two groups.

Animals↗