Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Fujiwara

Publications and source records attributed to M Fujiwara.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Effect of active fragments of arginine-vasopressin on the disturbance of spatial cognition in rats.

The effect of arginine8-vasopressin (AVP1-9) and its metabolite C-terminal fragments on the scopolamine-induced disruption of spatial cognition were investigated using an 8-arm radial maze task in rats. AVP1-9 (10 micrograms/kg s.c.) markedly improved the disruption of spatial cognition by treatment with scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), and 60% of the rats recovered to a normal level. The main metabolite of AVP1-9, AVP4-9 (0.5 and 1 ng/kg s.c.) also significantly improved the scopolamine-induced deficit of spatial memory. The activity of AVP4-9 was determined to be about 10000 fold greater than that of AVP1-9. An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 10 fg of AVP5-8, however, showed a lower activity. Both AVP6-8 and AVP5-7, which are both metabolites of AVP5-8, demonstrated no activity. The scopolamine-induced disruption of spatial memory was found to improve after a microinjection of AVP4-9 (1 fg) into the ventral hippocampus (VH) region, but not into the dorsal hippocampus (DH). In an in vivo microdialysis study, the scopolamine-induced acetylcholine (ACh) release from the VH was slightly potentiated by treatment with AVP4-9 (10 fg i.c.v.). In addition, an AVP4-9 analogue, No. 302, which is a synthetic hexapeptide and has a longer half-life, also demonstrated a markedly improved effect, which had a 10-fold higher activity than that with AVP4-9. AVP4-9 is the most potent activity of all the endogenous metabolites of the AVP1-9 and the new synthetic AVP4-9 analogue, No. 302 (obtained from Nippon Chemiphar Co.), substituting Ser for Cys-Cys in hexapeptide, has higher activity than that of AVP4-9. These results indicated [Ser6] hexapeptide has an important role in behavioral activity. Based on these results, it is possible that AVP1-9 and its metabolite AVP4-9 could, thus, be useful in treating cholinergic dysfunction diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Hexapeptide may play an important role in improving the spatial memory by promoting the release of ACh in the VH region.

Acetylcholine↗

Interleukin-2-dependent augmentation of the anti-TNP antibody production by sodium butyrate in cultured murine splenic B cells.

Previously we found that sodium butyrate (NaBu) markedly enhanced production of the antibody specific for a T-cell-dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in murine splenocytes (Kishiro, Y., Ueda, K., Fujiwara, M. and Yamamoto, I., Jpn J. Phamacol., 1994 66, 369-376. To gain a better understanding of the target cells for NaBu's action on antibody responses, we have utilized the T-cell-independent antigen, trinitrophenyl-lypopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) as a stimulant and have examined an effect of NaBu on the anti-TNP antibody production in vitro. NaBu markedly increased the anti-TNP plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses in murine whole splenocytes, but not in murine splenic B cells. Addition of T-cells or the concanavalin A supernatant (CAS) from murine splenocytes to the B cell cultures completely restored the enhancing effect of NaBu. This effect of CAS was totally blocked by an anti-interleukin (IL)-2 antibody and partially by an anti-IL-1 beta or anti-IL-4 antibody. The full enhancing effect of NaBu was also detected when IL-2 was added to the B cell cultures, while IL-2 alone had no stimulatory effect on the control PFC response. IL-1 beta alone significantly stimulated the antibody production and adding NaBu to this IL-1 beta-supplemented culture caused a further increase. Neither IL-4 alone nor NaBu plus IL-4 had any effect on the PFC response. NaBu did not affect the expression of the IL-2 receptor alpha- and beta-chains in B cells stimulated with TNP-LPS. These results suggest that NaBu is an agent that promotes B cell differentiation in vitro in an IL-2-dependent manner.

Animals↗

Impairment of endothelial function in salt-sensitive hypertension in humans.

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the endothelium-dependent vasodilation and salt sensitivity in patients with essential hypertension. Fifteen untreated hypertensive male patients (age, 29 to 54 years) were sodium restricted (5 g/day) for 1 week, and placed on a high salt diet (20 g/day) the second week. At the end of each period, measurements of forearm vascular responses to drugs (acetylcholine, 3 to 24 microg/min; sodium nitroprusside, 0.15 to 1.2 microg/min; norepinephrine, 0.15 to 1.2 microg/min; and N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine [L-NMMA], 1 to 8 micromol/min) were obtained by using strain-gauge venous plethysmography. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the blood pressure response to sodium loading: salt-sensitive hypertensive group (24-h mean increase of arterial pressure > or = 10%; n = 6) and salt-resistant group (< 10%; n = 9). The two groups showed no significant difference in clinical data or mean arterial pressure during low salt intake. The dose-dependent vasodilation induced by acetylcholine was significantly reduced (P < .05) in the salt-sensitive hypertensive patients v the salt-resistant patients regardless of sodium loading. There were no differences between the two groups in response to sodium nitroprusside, norepinephrine, or L-NMMA. These results indicate that vasodilation to acetylcholine is reduced in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients even on restricted sodium diets. This may contribute to blood pressure elevation when sodium intake is increased.

Acetylcholine↗

Familial aggregation and covariation of diseases in a Japanese rural community: comparison of stomach cancer with other diseases.

PURPOSE: We investigated familial aggregation as well as familial covariation of diseases by means of a questionnaire survey dealing with family histories of stomach cancer, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and tuberculosis as well as life style among 2,769 inhabitants of a rural community (84% of census population). METHODS: The strength of familial aggregation was shown by an odds ratio (OR) that compared the number of families in which siblings suffered from one of the above diseases among families in which at least one parent suffered from it, and among families in which neither did. Probands were divided into two groups for analysis: an under-55 "young group," and a 55-and-older "old group." RESULTS: The OR for stomach cancer was lowest and insignificant in the young group, and significant (2.2, p < 0.05) only in the old group. The OR for stroke, hypertension, and tuberculosis was 4.5-5.1 (p < 0.05) in the young group but decreased to 2.3-3.2 in the old group. Diabetes increased from 3.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.05) with advancing age. Age-related OR trends were not affected by exposure to cigarette smoke in the past. Stomach cancer showed a borderline familial covariation with diabetes and a borderline inverse covariation with hypertension. Hypertension showed a familial covariation with stroke and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Among the investigated diseases, familial aggregation was weakest for stomach cancer. The results suggest that stomach cancer may share a common familial etiologic factor with diabetes and hypotension.

Adult↗

Cranial anomaly of homozygous rSey rat is associated with a defect in the migration pathway of midbrain crest cells.

Craniofacial development of vertebrates depends largely on neural crest contribution and each subdomain of the crest-derived ectomesenchyme follows its specific genetic control. The rat small eye (rSey) involves a mutation in the Pax-6 gene and the external feature of rSey homozygous embryos exhibits craniofacial defects in ocular and frontonasal regions. In order to identify the mechanism of craniofacial development, we examined the cranial morphology and migration of cephalic crest cells in rSey embryos. The chondrocranial defects of homozygous rSey embryos primarily consisted of spheno-orbital and ethmoidal anomalies. The former defects appeared to be brought about by the lack of the eye. In the ethmoid region, the nasal septum and the derivative of the medial nasal prominence were present, while the rest of the nasal capsule, as well as the nasal and lachrymal bones, were totally absent except for a pair of cartilaginous rods in place of the nasal capsule. This suggests that the primary cranial defect is restricted to the lateral nasal prominence derivatives. Dil labeling revealed the abnormal migration of crest cells specifically from the anterior midbrain to the lateral nasal prominence in homozygous rSey embryos. Pax-6 was not expressed in the crest cells but was strongly expressed in the frontonasal ectoderm. To determine whether or not this migratory defect actually resides in environmental cues, normal midbrain crest cells from wild-type embryos were labeled with Dil and were orthotopically injected into host rSey embryos. Migration of the donor crest cells into the lateral nasal prominence was abnormal in homozygous host embryos, while they migrated normally in wild-type or heterozygous embryos. Therefore, the cranial defects in rSey homozygous embryos are due to inappropriate substrate for crest cell migration towards the lateral nasal prominence, which consistently explains the cranial morphology of homozygous rSey embryos.

Animals↗

A case of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor) arising from renal sinus.

A 55-year-old woman had a right renal tumor incidentally diagnosed by ultrasonography. CT revealed a perirenal low density mass 3 cm in diameter. Dynamic CT showed peripheral enhancement of the tumor in early phase and internal homogeneous enhancement in delayed phase. Since hemangioma was considered most likely, we performed tumor resection and spared the right kidney. The tumor was supplied by the superior ureteral artery from the right main renal artery which was considered to be derived from the renal sinus. The tumor was diagnosed as intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor). This is the first report of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia existing in the perirenal space. Although preoperative diagnosis of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is difficult, intra-operative pathology and kidney-sparing treatment should be considered in such a case.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Thiadiazole derivatives: highly potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replications in vitro.

We have recently reported that thiadiazole (TDA) derivatives are highly potent inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. These compounds belong to the family of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). In an attempt to develop more effective and pharmacologically favorable compounds, novel TDA derivatives have been synthesized and examined for their anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro. Among them, RD4-2217 was found to be the most potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication. It inhibited replication of the HTLV-IIIB strain in MT-4 cells at a concentration of 6 nM. RD4-2217 was also inhibitory to clinical isolates and zidovudine-resistant mutants of HIV-1. The combination of RD4-2217 with zidovudine or the protease inhibitor A-75925 synergistically inhibited HIV-1 replication. Studies on the emergence of drug-resistant mutants revealed that, although much higher concentrations (1-10 microM) were required, RD4-2217 completely suppressed the breakthrough of HIV-1 in the supernatants during long-term culturing of infected cells. Furthermore, RD4-2217 at low concentrations (10 or 100 nM), in combination with zidovudine, also completely inhibited viral breakthrough. In addition, RD4-2217 had lower lipophilicity and improved protein binding as compared to its congener RD4-2024 and loviride. These results suggest that RD4-2217, one of the TDA derivatives, is worth pursuing as a candidate drug for the treatment of HIV-1 infections.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Significant correlation of telomerase activity in thyroid papillary carcinomas with cell differentiation, proliferation and extrathyroidal extension.

Telomerase activity was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay in thyroid disease states, including adenomas and carcinomas, and correlated with clinicopathological features. Of a total of 26 papillary carcinomas, 16 cases (61.5%) were positive, with the poorly differentiated subtype being predominant (P < 0.05). A significantly more shortened terminal restriction fragment length (P < 0.05), higher incidence of extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.001), and more elevated Ki-67 labeling indices (P < 0.002) were also found in telomerase-positive than in telomerase-negative papillary carcinomas. Of four follicular carcinomas, 3 cases (75.0%) were positive. Positive telomerase activity in follicular adenomas (9/23 cases, 39.1%) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (12/22 cases, 54.5%) appeared to be mainly caused by infiltrating lymphocytes. However, three cases of atypical adenoma with relatively increased Ki-67 labeling indices were positive, suggesting a possibility of malignant potential. The good correlations with extrathyroidal invasiveness, Ki-67 labeling indices and poor differentiation of papillary carcinomas, established by multivariate analysis, suggest that this parameter might have potential application in the estimation of tumor progression and prognosis, and in clinical management.

Adenoma↗

Induction of intestinal lesions in nu/nu mice induced by transfer of lymphocytes from syngeneic mice infected with murine retrovirus.

BACKGROUND: Murine leukemia virus, LP-BM5, induces severe immunodeficiency with abnormal lymphoproliferation in susceptible C57BL/6 mice. In a previous study, it was shown that a Sjögren's syndrome-like systemic exocrinopathy is induced in the virus infected mice. AIMS: To examine lymphocyte functions of the virus infected mice. METHODS: Four-week old mice were inoculated with the virus and their spleen cells were transferred into syngeneic nu/nu mice. Their organs were examined by light and electron microscopy. Phenotypes of the colon infiltrating cells were examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: All nu/nu recipients had died by six weeks after cell transfer, showing runting disease like cachexia with diarrhoea and anal bleeding. Histopathological examination revealed that systemic exocrinopathy was adoptively transferable and that the colon became thickened due to mononuclear cell infiltration into the mucosal and submucosal layer with hyperplasia of intestinal epithelial cells. No virus particles were found in the colon. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that most of the infiltrating CD4+ T cells showed CD45RBlow. No intestinal lesions were observed in the virus infected mice nor in nu/nu mice inoculated with normal lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Lymphocytes of the virus infected mice induced colitis and hyperplasia of intestinal epithelial cells as well as systemic exocrinopathy in nu/nu mice. Our experimental system may give some insight into intestinal lesions associated with virus infection.

Animals↗

Production of cytokeratin 19 fragment by human squamous lung cancer cell lines.

Cytokeratins form part of the cytoskeleton of both normal and malignant epithelium. A novel tumor marker measuring cytokeratin 19 (CK-19) fragment has been introduced and proven to be suitable for monitoring therapy and following cases of non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell lung cancer in particular. However, whether the serum level of CK-19 fragment reflects the number of proliferating tumor mass remains unknown. We studied the CK-19 fragment produced by two human squamous cell lung cancer cell lines. In Western blotting analysis, culture supernatants of both cell lines displayed bands of 37 and 40 kDa, which represented the CK-19 fragment and the intact CK-19, respectively. Gel filtration demonstrated that a part of soluble CK-19 was released as a large complex form in culture supernatants. The level of CK-19 fragment in culture supernatants increased during the exponential growth phase. CK-19 level decreased by an addition of a cytotoxic agent to non-significant level though the transient release of CK-19 fragment occurred during the first 2 days. After all, soluble CK-19 fragments were detected in culture supernatants of human lung cancer cell lines and its level reflected proliferating cancer cells though it was not determined whether CK-19 fragments were released directly from live cells.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Pax-6 is involved in the specification of hindbrain motor neuron subtype.

Pax-6 is a member of the vertebrate Pax gene family, which is structurally related to the Drosophila pair-rule gene, paired. In mammals, Pax-6 is expressed in several discrete domains of the developing CNS and has been implicated in neural development, although its precise role remains elusive. We found a novel Small eye rat strain (rSey2) with phenotypes similar to mouse and rat Small eye. Analyses of the Pax-6 gene revealed one base (C) insertion in an exon encoding the region downstream of the paired box of the Pax-6 gene, resulting in generation of truncated protein due to the frame shift. To explore the roles of Pax-6 in neural development, we searched for abnormalities in the nervous system in rSey2 homozygous embryos. rSey2/rSey2 exhibited abnormal development of motor neurons in the hindbrain. The Islet-1-positive motor neurons were generated just ventral to the Pax-6-expressing domain both in the wild-type and mutant embryos. However, two somatic motor (SM) nerves, the abducent and hypoglossal nerves, were missing in homozygous embryos. By retrograde and anterograde labeling, we found no SM-type axonogenesis (ventrally growing) in the mutant postotic hindbrain, though branchiomotor and visceral motor (BM/VM)-type axons (dorsally growing) were observed within the neural tube. To discover whether the identity of these motor neuron subtypes was changed in the mutant, we examined expression of LIM homeobox genes, Islet-1, Islet-2 and Lim-3. At the postotic levels of the hindbrain, SM neurons expressed all the three LIM genes, whereas BM/VM-type neurons were marked by Islet-1 only. In the Pax-6 mutant hindbrain, Islet-2 expression was specifically missing, which resulted in the loss of the cells harboring the postotic hindbrain SM-type LIM code (Islet-1 + Islet-2 + Lim-3). Furthermore, we found that expression of Wnt-7b, which overlapped with Pax-6 in the ventrolateral domain of the neural tube, was also specifically missing in the mutant hindbrain, while it remained intact in the dorsal non-overlapping domain. These results strongly suggest that Pax-6 is involved in the specification of subtypes of hindbrain motor neurons, presumably through the regulation of Islet-2 and Wnt-7b expression.

Animals↗

Rolipram and its optical isomers, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, attenuated the scopolamine-induced impairments of learning and memory in rats.

We investigated the effects of (+/-)-rolipram, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, and its isomers on scopolamine-induced deficits of learning and memory in rats using an 8-arm radial maze task and a passive avoidance task. 1) In the 8-arm radial maze task, (+/-)-rolipram (0.02-0.2 mg/kg, p.o.), (-)-rolipram (0.01-0.02 and 0.2-0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) and (+)-rolipram (20-50 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the scopolamine-induced deficits of spatial cognition. As for the minimum effective dose of each drug, (-)-rolipram was 2 and 2000 times as potent as (+/-)-rolipram and (+)-rolipram, respectively. (-)-Rolipram produced a biphasic dose-response and (+/-)-rolipram produced a broad dose-response. 2) (+/-)-Rolipram and its isomers also attenuated the scopolamine-induced deficits in the passive avoidance response. Also for the minimum effective dose, (-)-rolipram (0.01-0.02 mg/kg) was 2 and 200 times as potent as (+/-)-rolipram (0.02-0.1 mg/kg) and (+)-rolipram (2mg/kg). 3) The behaviorally effective doses of (+/-)-rolipram and its isomers also enhanced the oxotremorine-induced tremors in mice. Comparing these racemic isomers, (-)- and (+/-)-rolipram have more potent effects than (+)-rolipram on scopolamine-induced deficits in the 8-arm radial maze task and passive avoidance task. Especially (+/-)-rolipram has a wide dose range in these behavioral study. These results suggest that the ameliorating effects of rolipram might result from the indirect potentiation of various transmitters including cholinergic and noradrenergic systems by an increase in cAMP with the inhibition of PDE4.

Animals↗

Reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and antigenicity of pamiteplase (genetical recombination).

Pamiteplase (genetical recombination), YM866, is a novel recombinant modified human tissue-type plasminogen activator developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. An intended route of administration in the clinical use of this drug is intravenous administration. We conducted an intravenous fertility and general reproduction studies of this drug in male and female rats and teratology study of this drug in rabbits at the dose levels of 0 (vehicle control), 0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg/day. In the rat, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed up to the maximum dose in parental animals and their offspring. In the teratology study in rabbits, prolonged coagulation time at the injection site was observed at 0.3 mg/kg or more. One death and one abortion occurred at 1 mg/kg on days 22 and 23 of pregnancy, respectively. No toxic effects on the litters were observed up to the maximum dose. Results of evaluation of the mutagenicity of YM866 and its ability to induce chromosome aberrations using the L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma assay, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay and the micronucleus assay in mice were negative. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of YM866 by repeated intravenous injection in chimpanzees elicited no confirmed antibody titers.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Oculomotor nerve palsy caused by lung cancer metastasis.

A 39-year-old man with a known diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma developed intermittent double vision with right pupil dilatation. His symptoms eventually progressed to complete oculomotor nerve palsy on the right. Postmortem examinations revealed a metastasis of the adenocarcinoma involving the root of right oculomotor nerve.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Enhanced protection against peroxidation-induced mortality of aortic endothelial cells by ascorbic acid-2-O-phosphate abundantly accumulated in the cell as the dephosphorylated form.

Bovine aortic endothelial BAE-2 cells exposed to the peroxidizing agent, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) or 2,4-nonadienal (NDE), suffered from disruption of cell membrane integrity and from reduction of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity as assessed by fluorometry using ethidium homodimer and photometry using WST-1, respectively. The cells were protected from t-BuOOH-induced injury more markedly by L-ascorbic acid-2-O-phosphate (Asc2P) stably masked at the 2,3-enediol moiety, which is responsible for the antioxidant ability of L-ascorbic acid (Asc), than by Asc itself. In contrast, NDE-induced membrane disruption but not mitochondrial dysfunction was prevented by Asc2P, whereas Asc exhibited no prevention against both types of injury. The amount of intracellular Asc was 7.2- to 9.0-fold larger in Asc2P-administered BAE-2 cells, where the intact from Asc2P was not detected, than in Asc-administered cells as assessed by HPLC of cell extract with detection by coulometric ECD and UV. During transmembrane influx into the cell, Asc2P was concentrated as highly as 70- to 90-fold relative to the extracellular Asc2P concentration, whereas Asc was 8- to 13-fold concentrated as estimated based on an intracellular water content of 0.59 pL/cell determined by [14C]PEG/gas chromatography. Thus, Asc2P but not Asc is highly concentrated in the aqueous phase of the cell after prompt dephosphorylation, and may thereby render the cell more resistant to t-BuOOH-peroxidation assumedly via scavenging of intracellular reactive oxygen species than to peroxidation with the less hydrophilic agent NDE.

Animals↗

[Proliferation and differentiation of olfactory cells in primary culture system].

A primary culture system of olfactory cells derived from newborn mouse was established by coculturing with a feeder layer of brain astrocytes. In this system, the whole lifespan of olfactory cells could be observed in vitro. Neurogenesis occurred from 5 days after plating and coexistence of immature and mature olfactory cells was observed until day 14. After day 15, immature cells were diminished and most of the culture cells appeared differentiated after day 20. The lifespan of differentiated cells was estimated to be 3 to 6 weeks. Cultured cells expressed growth associated protein 43 (GAP43), neurofilament protein (NFP), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and olfactory marker protein (OMP). In addition, other round cells were cytokeratin-positive by immunostaining. RT-PCR of growth factor receptors on the coculture cells revealed the expressions of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and FGFR3, both of which could not be detected in the feeder cell layer of astrocytes. FGFR1 and transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGF beta R) were detected both on the coculture and on feeder cells. FGFR4, insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR) could not be detected in both samples. Furthermore, basic FGF, a prototypic FGF, was also found in the coculture system and in feeder cells. The present study indicated FGF might affect regulation of proliferation and differentiation of olfactory cells.

Animals↗

[Is TLFB method applicable to Japanese drinking population?: a methodological study on measurement of alcohol consumption].

In order to measure alcohol related problems, it is fundamental task to begin with to know the drinking quantity of the people. This study tries to explore the comparative, methodological possibilities of Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) as well as Self-Monitoring (SM) methods to measure drinking quantity, using the sample of Japanese and Sri Lankans. Especially TLFB method has not being so far utilized in Japan for this purpose. This pilot study has done in two stages. In the first stage, it has focused to get data on the correct drinking quantity up to two months period. After analyzing data of the first pilot survey, it was decided to reduce in the second-staged study the time frame to obtain data on drinking quantity only up to one month period. In the second-staged study, 37 Japanese and 36 Sri Lankans living in Japan has been selected. Results show that it is more appropriate SM method than TLFB method to investigate drinking quantity of the Japanese. Further it was evidenced that in order to employ TLFB method to investigate correct drinking quantity of the general Japanese population, it has to be further improved for overcoming ambiguity of respondents' memory on their alcohol consuming behavior. Moreover, it is understood that some characteristic drinking behaviors, influenced by Japanese drinking culture may be another barrier in getting correct drinking quantity data. However, the hypothesized notion of this cultural barriers was not supported. An alternative hypothesis "reflexive sensitivity to drinking", was implied.

Adult↗

Effects of the isocarbacyclin methyl ester clinprost incorporated into lipid microspheres, in focal ischemia of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effects of TTC-909, the isocarbacyclin methyl ester clinprost (CAS 88931-51-5), incorporated into lipid microspheres, on ischemia-induced decrease in norepinephrine (NE) contents in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) with an occluded middle cerebral artery (MCA) were examined. Occluding of MCA led to infarction limited to the cerebral cortex and also a severe decrease in NE contents in peripheral regions of the infarction. TTC-909 was injected immediately after MCA occlusion, and then daily for 6 consecutive days. As TTC-909 in a dose of 200 ng/kg significantly (p < 0.05) prevented decreases in NE contents, TTC-909 may have cytoprotective effects on neuronal damage related to ischemia in humans.

Animals↗