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Biomedical subjects

H Giles

Publications and source records attributed to H Giles.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Selective prostaglandin D2 receptor stimulation elicits ocular hypotensive effects in rabbits and cats.

The effects of the selective prostaglandin D2 (DP) receptor agonists, 572C85 ((+/-)-5-(3-carboxypropylthio)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethyl- amino)hexahydrocyclopenta(d)imidazol-2(1H)-one) and 192C86 ((+/-)-5-(3-carboxypropylthio)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethylidene - amino)-3-ethylhexahydrocyclopenta(d)imidazol-2(1H)-one), were determined on intraocular pressure regulation in rabbits and cats. 572C85 (50 micrograms) in rabbits maximally lowered intraocular pressure by 4.3 mm Hg, and significantly for 4 h compared to control. In cats 572C85 had a similar effect. 192C86 (50 micrograms) reduced intraocular pressure by 2.8 mm Hg for 2 h in rabbits. Following exposure to the specific DP receptor antagonist, BW A868C ((+/-)-3-benzyl-5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethylamin o)- hydantoin; 50 micrograms), which had no effect on intraocular pressure by itself, 572C85 (50 micrograms) did not reduce intraocular pressure in rabbits and cats. The intraocular pressure lowering effect of the mixed DP and EP receptor agonist, BW245C (5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-hydantoin; 50 micrograms), in cats was suppressed by only 64% by BW A868C (50 micrograms). These results clearly show that the DP receptors in rabbit and cat eyes are involved in intraocular pressure regulation. However, under baseline conditions DP receptor activity does not contribute to this regulation.

Animals↗

Improving asthma documentation in a paediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To improve documentation for children presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of The Children's Hospital with acute asthma. METHODOLOGY: In phase I, the documentation process was analysed using a standard total quality management (TQM) approach to identify specific problems leading to poor documentation. Fifty-two medical records of children presenting over a 3 week period were reviewed for nursing and medical documentation. A set of minimum criteria, consistent with the Paediatric Asthma Management Plan, were established for documentation by both medical and nursing staff. Following dissemination and education, compliance with documentation was evaluated and compared to an asthma survey performed in the ED in 1991. In phase II, a specific proforma for medical assessment was developed and 80 medical records of children presenting over a 3 week period were reviewed. Fifty-two (65%) with completed proformas were evaluated. The outcome measure was the documentation rate for minimum criteria established by TQM process. RESULTS: In phase I, nursing compliance with documentation ranged from 46% for signs of respiratory distress to 83% for a past history of asthma and 100% for pulse rate. Doctors were similarly poor at documenting essential elements such as severity (31%), palpable pulsus paradoxus (29%), the child's usual doctor (46%) and follow-up arrangements (21-56%). In phase II, the documentation of the severity of acute asthma (42%) and of the child's usual doctor (42%) remained poor but there were statistically significant improvements in documentation of interval medications, palpable pulsus paradoxus, respiratory rate, pre-treatment oximetry, education, follow-up arrangements and communication letters. CONCLUSION: The process of TQM has proved valuable in improving some aspects of documentation of children presenting to ED with acute asthma. It remains to be shown whether improved documentation will result in improved outcome.

Asthma↗

Platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and size are increased in acute myocardial infarction.

Platelet aggregation, which plays an important role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is mediated by fibrinogen binding to the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa (CD41). This study measured the relative number of GPIIb-IIIa complexes on platelets from patients immediately following AMI (n = 14) compared with those from controls (n = 14). Flow cytometry was used to demonstrate that there were, on average, 20% more GPIIb-IIIa complexes on platelets after AMI compared with controls. Platelet size was also 7% greater in AMI and it is known that larger platelets are more reactive. Since platelet size and protein content are determined at thrombopoiesis the majority of these platelets must have been circulating prior to AMI. Larger platelets, with more GPIIb-IIIa may, therefore, be causally related to AMI.

Aged↗

Patronizing the young: forms and evaluations.

Exploratory work indicated that Californian undergraduates were frequently, and irritatingly, patronized by older adults in a variety of ways. In a follow-up, using multidimensional scaling procedures, three distinct clusters representing young adults' own conceptions of patronizing speech emerged ("non-listening," "disapproving," and "parental"). In the main study, young adults were provided with a single vignette of a short conversation between an older and younger person. Eight versions of this vignette were devised independently varying elder's age (40- vs. 70-years) and speech style (neutral vs. non-listening vs. disapproving vs. parental). Participants were required to evaluate both vignette-targets. As expected, the patronizing elders were negatively perceived. An evaluative hierarchy differentiated between the three patronizing forms, and in ways that differed depending on the nature of the judgmental task. Content analyses of open-ended data also revealed interesting differences in interpretive responses to the various vignette conditions.

Adolescent↗

Cyclic-AMP-dependent Ca2+ influx elicited by prostaglandin D2 in freshly isolated nonchromaffin cells from bovine adrenal medulla.

We previously reported that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) specifically elevates intracellular cyclic AMP in nonchromaffin cells isolated from bovine adrenal medulla (Biochim. Biophys. Acta (1989) 1011, 75-80). Here we again found that PGD2 increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in freshly isolated nonchromaffin cells and investigated the cellular mechanisms of PGD2-induced [Ca2+]i increase using the Ca2+ indicator fura-2 and a fluorescence microscopic imaging system. Treatment of the cells with PGD2 receptor agonists BW245C and ZK110841 resulted in both marked stimulation of cyclic AMP formation and an increase in [Ca2+]i. The [Ca2+]i response was also induced by bypassing of the receptor with forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, but not by PGE2 or PGF2 alpha both of which are devoid of the ability to generate cyclic AMP in the cells. These cyclic AMP and [Ca2+]i responses induced by PGD2 were completely blocked by the PGD2 receptor antagonist BWA868C. The time-course of cyclic AMP production stimulated by PGD2 coincided with that of the [Ca2+]i increase. While the Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormone bradykinin stimulated a rapid inositol phosphate accumulation in nonchromaffin cells, PGD2 did not stimulate it significantly. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ markedly reduced the Ca2+ response to PGD2 in magnitude and duration, but did not alter the peak [Ca2+]i response to bradykinin. These results demonstrate that PGD2 receptor activation induces the increase in [Ca2+]i via cyclic AMP mainly by increasing the Ca2+ influx from the outside, unlike inositol trisphosphate which causes release of Ca2+ from internal stores.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Inotropic polyazapentalene sulmazole analogues.

Aryl substituted 1H-imidazo[1,2-a]imidazole 8, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole 9, 1,4-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]imidazole 11, and 1(2),4-dihydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyrazoles 12-17 have been prepared. An X-ray crystallographic study confirmed the structure of 8 and showed this analogue to exist as the 1H-tautomer. These heterocycles were evaluated as inotropic agents and analogues 12, 15, and 17 found to display inotropic properties which were less potent in vitro, but more potent in vivo, than those of sulmazole. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Animals↗

Type-1 and type-2 astrocytes are distinct targets for prostaglandins D2, E2, and F2 alpha.

Accumulating evidence has revealed that astrocytes are potential targets for various neurotransmitters. Here we investigated the effects of prostaglandins (PGs) on signal transduction in purified primary cultures of rat type-1 and type-2 astrocytes. PGF2 alpha, PGD2, and 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, a metabolite of PGD2 and a stereoisomer of PGF2 alpha, evoked a rapid rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in type-1, but not in type-2, astrocytes. STA2, a stable analogue of thromboxane A2, was less effective, and PGE2 showed little effect. The PG-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was not blocked by an antagonist of either PGD2 receptor or thromboxane A2 receptor. PGF2 alpha and 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 stimulated rapid formation of inositol trisphosphate followed by inositol bisphosphate and inositol monophosphate. On the other hand, PGE2 increased the intracellular level of cyclic AMP in type-2 astrocytes, rather than in type-1 astrocytes. The potency of PGs for cyclic AMP formation was in the following order: PGE2 greater than PGE1 greater than or equal to STA2 much greater than iloprost, a stable analogue of PGI2. PGD2 and PGF2 alpha had no effect on cyclic AMP formation. These results demonstrate that type-1 astrocytes preferentially express PGF2 alpha receptors, the activation of which leads to phosphoinositide metabolism and [Ca2+]i elevation, whereas type-2 astrocytes possess PGE receptors that are linked to cyclic AMP formation.

Animals↗

The effect of a prostaglandin DP-receptor partial agonist (192C86) on platelet aggregation and the cardiovascular system in healthy volunteers.

1. PGD2 (DP)-receptors mediate inhibition of platelet aggregation and vasodilatation. If receptor reserve were greater on platelets it might be possible to separate these effects. To determine whether such a difference in receptor reserve exists, we have examined the effects of a highly selective DP-receptor partial agonist 192C86 on platelet aggregation and the cardiovascular system in healthy volunteers. 2. Using an open, dose-escalating study design, four male volunteers received constant rate intravenous infusions of 192C86 for up to 60 min. Ex vivo platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood (WB) was studied at baseline, after 15, 30 and 60 min of each infusion and at 180 min post-infusion. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured at frequent intervals. Adverse experiences were monitored by checklist. Facial flushing was assessed by the volunteer using a visual analogue scale, by an observer using a numerical scale and by full-face colour photographs. Blood was taken for assay of plasma 192C86 concentrations by radio-immunoassay (r.i.a.). 3. 192C86 (0.007-0.058 micrograms kg-1 min-1) inhibited platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen both in PRP and WB in a dose-dependent manner. However, this was always accompanied by a decrease in DBP, increase in HR and facial flushing. Plasma concentrations of 192C86 were at or below the limits of sensitivity of the r.i.a. (0.5 ng ml-1). 4. The highest infusion rate was stopped after 20 min due to symptomatic hypotension on standing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Inhibition of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by arginine analogues: a pharmacological analysis of agonist and tissue dependence.

1. Isolated rings of rabbit external jugular vein (RbJV) and rat thoracic aorta (RA) were used to study the effect of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on muscarinic and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor-stimulated, endothelium-dependent vascular relaxations. 2. In RbJV relaxations produced by the endothelial 5-HT receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT were potently and non-surmountably inhibited by L-NAME (10 microM), whereas acetylcholine relaxations in this tissue were unaffected by this concentration of inhibitor. By contrast, acetylcholine relaxations in RA were virtually abolished by 10 microM L-NAME. In each case an equivalent concentration of D-NAME was without effect on agonist-induced relaxations. 3. The different effect of L-NAME on acetylcholine relaxations in RbJV and RA was not due to muscarinic receptor differences. Affinity estimates for acetylcholine (pKA = 6.12 +/- 0.09; 6.09 +/- 0.08 respectively) and for 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide (4-DAMP, pKB = 9.01 +2- 0.012; 9.24 +/- 0.16 respectively) indicated that the receptors in both tissues belong to the same M3 class. Tissue differences resulting from the release of a cyclo-oxygenase product or a glibenclamide-sensitive K(+)-channel-linked hyperpolarizing factor were also ruled out by selective inhibition of these pathways. 4. When phenoxybenzamine was used to reduce the efficacy of acetylcholine in RbJV so that it behaved as a partial agonist in this tissue, L-NAME (10 microM) now produced non-surmountable inhibition of relaxation responses. In untreated tissues the same concentration of L-NAME also profoundly inhibited responses produced by butyrylcholine and pilocarpine, both of which behave as partial agonists at the M3 receptor in RbJV. 5. A simple model was developed which describes the theoretical behaviour of receptor-stimulated synthesis and release of NO. The model predicts that competitive inhibition of NO formation results in parallel displacements of the agonist response curve in the case of high efficacy agonist, but right-shift with concomitant depression of the curve maximum in the case of low efficacy agonists. Simulations based on the model showed reasonable agreement with the experimental data. 6. It is concluded that analogues of L-arginine demonstrate tissue- and agonist-dependence in terms of their ability to inhibit receptor-mediated events involving the liberation of NO. This behaviour can reflect differences in agonist efficacy in the receptor systems being studied, a possibility that should be ruled out before apparent resistance to inhibition is taken as evidence for the involvement of heterogeneous endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs).

Acetylcholine↗

Classification of platelet and vascular prostaglandin D2 (DP) receptors: estimation of affinities and relative efficacies for a series of novel bicyclic ligands. With an appendix on goodness-of-fit analyses.

1. The DP receptors located on platelets and vasculature were examined in a human washed platelet preparation and in isolated rings of rabbit external jugular vein. 2. A series of eight novel bicyclic compounds were studied for their effects in the two assays. Seven produced agonism, inhibition of aggregation or vascular relaxation, and one compound was 'silent' in both assays. 3. The operational model of agonism (Black & Leff, 1983) was fitted simultaneously to concentration-effect curve data for the seven agonist compounds. The affinity and efficacy estimates so obtained were tested for similarity between the two tissues by analysis of variance, showing that the model could be fitted to both sets of data by assuming the same relative affinity and efficacy values. However, absolute affinity estimates were consistently lower in the vascular preparation. 4. Analysis of two of the seven agonists as antagonists was also possible. This provided pKB estimates which supported the agonist affinity estimates. The eighth compound was also analysed as an antagonist. It, like the other seven, demonstrated a difference in affinity between the two tissues. 5. The results of this study support the view that platelet and vascular DP receptors are similar, assuming that the systematic difference in affinity estimates for the series of compounds between the two tissues is the consequence of receptor micro-environment and/or accessory binding site differences.

Algorithms↗

Intergenerational talk and communication with older people.

A program of research conducted within an anti-agism paradigm demonstrates that young people process and respond to the speech of older people in stereotypical ways. Such conclusions result from studies using a variety of research methods. Experimental studies demonstrate that older-sounding speech triggers age schematic responses and that young people tend to use agist strategies of information seeking and compliance gaining from older people, while interactive studies explore how stereotypes and age identities are co-produced by young and old people in conversation. We use lifespan and intercultural perspectives to argue that the communicative patterns we observe in our studies are in some senses and contexts counterproductive in both the long and short term, in that they can reproduce negative attitudes toward aging as well as inhibit successful aging.

Adult↗

A comparative study of the prostanoid receptor profile of 9 alpha 11 beta-prostaglandin F2 and prostaglandin D2.

1. The aim of this study was to determine the receptor profile of 9 alpha 11 beta-prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) and compare it with that of its parent, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). The experiments were designed to overcome the problems associated with the presence of multiple prostanoid receptor sub-types in most tissues; the lack of selective antagonists for each receptor means that conclusions regarding efficacy at FP and EP2 receptors must remain provisional. 2. At DP receptors in human platelets and rabbit jugular vein, PGD2 was a full agonist, p[A50] 7.02 +/- 0.09 and 6.60 +/- 0.12 respectively. 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 was approximately 30-60 fold less potent than PGD2. 3. 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 was a full agonist in the FP receptor containing preparation, cat iris sphincter (p [A50] 7.35 +/- 0.09) comparable in potency to PGD2 (p[A50] 7.15 +/- 0.19). Likewise the two prostanoids showed similar potency at the TP receptor in guinea-pig aorta (9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 p[A50] 6.00 +/- 0.07; PGD2 6.24 +/- 0.08). 4. 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 and PGD2 had efficacy but low potency at EP1 receptors (guinea-pig oesophageal muscularis mucosa) and demonstrated 2000-3000 fold lower potency than PGE2 (p[A50] 8.35 +/- 0.09). Similarly, in the EP2 receptor-containing preparation, cat trachea, 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 was 3500 fold less potent and PGD2 700 fold less potent than PGE2 (p[A50] 8.06 +/- 0.26). 5. 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 and PGD2 (10 microM) were without affinity at the IP receptors on human platelets and had no agonist action in the EP3 receptor containing preparation, guinea-pig vas deferens. 6. 9 alpha 11 beta,-PGF2 is a major metabolite of PGD2 in vivo and this conversion clearly represents an inactivation step since 9 alpha 11 beta-PGF2 is of considerably lower potency than PGD2 at DP receptors. However, it is of similar potency to PGD2 at TP, FP, EP1 and EP2 receptors and it may, therefore, contribute to the biological effects which follow PGD2 administration or endogenous synthesis; its actions at these receptors are likely to be similar to those of PGD2 itself.

Animals↗

Information-seeking triggered by age.

Age labels may lead to the seeking of age-stereotypic information from target individuals. Using Carver and de la Garza's information-seeking procedure (which asked respondents to judge the relative importance of various kinds of information they would glean from drivers involved in an automobile accident for assigning accident responsibility), but extending it to a wider life span (16 to 91 years of age) and to both genders, we generalized earlier findings to a similar undergraduate sample (n = 437) in another country. Also demonstrated for the first time is the fact that ageist information-seeking across the life span was independent of the driver's gender, the participant's age, and the participant's gender. Specifically, participants wanted to know from younger drivers about their driving conduct (whether they had been drunk and speeding), and from older drivers about their capacity for driving (mental competence, vision, and health). The seeking of environmental information (car safety and road conditions) did not vary with the age of driver in any systematic way.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Cardiotonic 'C' ring modified isomazole analogues.

Isomazole analogues which have achiral electron withdrawing substituents at the 4'-position and analogues with heterocyclic 'C' rings have been synthesized and evaluated as inotropic agents. It was found that pyridyl could replace phenyl in the 'C' ring without loss of activity. The 4'-methylsulphonyl, -cyano, -carboxamido, and acetyl analogues had similar inotropic potencies to Isomazole whilst displaying superior cardiovascular profiles in in vivo studies.

Animals↗

Estimation of agonist affinity and efficacy by direct, operational model-fitting.

A few years ago Black and Leff (1983) presented a theoretical model for agonist action that can be fitted directly to experimental agonist concentration-effect data in order to estimate affinities and relative efficacies of agonists. The model has been successfully applied to data obtained using experimental designs commonly employed in pharmacologic experiments. This article describes the methodology used to fit the model equations to data for full and partial agonists, shows how affinity and efficacy estimates are calculated for these values, and shows how experimental design influences these calculations.

Models, Biological↗

Inotropic "A" ring substituted sulmazole and isomazole analogues.

A series of "A" ring substituted sulmazole and isomazole analogues have been prepared and evaluated as inotropic agents. pKA's, protonation sites, and log P values were measured for selected compounds and their electronic properties were calculated. No simple correlation between inotropic activity and pKA, protonation site, or log P value was observed. However, in vitro inotropism did correlate with the calculated charge density of the "B" ring imidazo nitrogen atom. The 6-position of sulmazole appeared to be the most tolerant toward substituents, the 6-amino derivative 7 being a more potent inotrope than sulmazole itself. 4-Methoxyisomazole 13 had comparable in vivo inotropic properties to those of isomazole.

Animals↗

The classification of prostaglandin DP-receptors in platelets and vasculature using BW A868C, a novel, selective and potent competitive antagonist.

1. BW A868C, a novel compound, behaved as a simple competitive antagonist in a human washed platelet aggregation assay. Anti-aggregatory concentration-effect curves to BW 245C were displaced in a parallel manner. The shifts accorded with a Schild plot slope of unity and a pKB of 9.26. 2. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) was antagonized with a similar potency, as were the relaxation effects of BW 245C and PGD2 in the rabbit jugular vein. BW A868C can, therefore, be classified as a DP-receptor antagonist. 3. Actions of BW A868C at other prostaglandin receptors (IP, EP1, EP2, TP and FP) were excluded at concentrations up to 1,000 times higher than the DP-receptor affinity. 4. Analyses of BW 245C- and PGD2-mediated effects were complicated by additional agonist receptor interactions which were revealed by BW A868C. In rabbit jugular vein a resistant phase of agonism was detectable, indicating that both agonists exerted effects through another receptor (possibly EP2). Also, PGD2, in addition to its anti-aggregatory effect on platelets, demonstrated a pro-aggregatory action in the presence of BW A868C. 5. The contractile effects of PGD2 in guinea-pig tracheal strips were resistant to 10 microM BW A868C indicating that they were not mediated through DP-receptors. 6. To our knowledge this is the first account of a well-classified competitive antagonist at the DP-receptor. Its potency and selectivity make it an important new tool in prostanoid receptor classification and identification.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗