D-(-)4-(3-phosphonopropyl)piperazine-2-carboxylic acid (D-CPP) and its unsaturated analogue (D(-)(E)-4-(3-phosphonoprop-2-enyl) piperazine-2-carboxylic acid (D-CPPene) have been administered to DBA/2 mice (intracerebroventricularly, i.c.v., intraperitoneally, i.p., and orally, p.o.) and to photosensitive baboons, Papio papio (intravenously, i.v., and orally), and their effects on reflexly induced epileptic responses assessed. In DBA/2 mice the clonic phase of the seizure response to sound is suppressed by D-CPP with an ED50 of 5.5 micrograms/mouse, i.c.v.; 0.69 mg (2.75 mumol)/kg i.p. and 16.6 mg (65.8 mumol)/kg p.o. compared with, for D-CPPene, 2.2 micrograms/mouse i.c.v., 0.41 mg (1.54 mumol)/kg i.p. and 10.8 mg (40.2 mumol)/kg, p.o. In Papio papio myoclonic responses to stroboscopic stimulation are suppressed 24 and 48 h after D-CPP 32 mg (127 mumol)/kg p.o. Administration of D-CPPene 8-16 mg (30-60 mumol)/kg i.v. produces protection against myoclonic responses after 1-2 h, lasting for 48 h. Oral administration of D-CPPene 32-64 mg (119-239 mumol)/kg produces protection beginning after 4 h and sustained for 48 h. Measurements of plasma D-CPPene concentration show rapid clearance after i.v. injection and a low plasma concentration 1.5-5 h after oral administration. The prolonged anticonvulsant action of D-CPP and D-CPPene following oral administration suggests that these compounds merit evaluation as antiepileptic therapy in man.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Distinct processing of endogenous and overexpressed recombinant presenilin 1.

The presenilin 1 (PS1) gene has been identified by positional cloning. More than 30 mutations were detected in this gene which cosegregate with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding their role in disease pathogenesis requires a characterization of the PS1 protein. We have generated a set of antibodies against the three major hydrophilic domains of the deduced amino acid sequence. Analyzing cultured cells and brain samples, we identified the endogenous PS1 polypeptide as well as amino- and carboxy-terminal fragments. These metabolites were much more abundant than the full-length molecule, indicating substantial processing. Overexpression of human PS1 markedly increased the full-length polypeptide but hardly altered the amount of the metabolites. Instead, additional proteolytic fragments appeared suggesting a different metabolism of the excess PS1, which may impede studies in transfected cells. Our results indicate a tight regulation of the endogenous PS1 metabolites. PS1 and its fragments are shown to be integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum. The mechanisms regulating the generation of the metabolites, their potential function, and role in AD remain to be studied.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Expansion and long-term culture of differentiated normal rat urothelial cells in vitro.

The objective of this study is to establish a reliable cell culture system for the long-term culture of rat urothelial cells (RUC), in which the cells multiply in vitro and form stratified polarized urothelium. Urothelial cells were harvested by the enzymatic digestion of the urothelium exposed by the eversion of resected rat bladders. Primary cultures were initiated in keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM) for selective proliferation of urothelial cells. Subsequently, the cells were propagated in a mixture of conditioned medium (CM) derived from Swiss 3T3 cell culture supernatant and KSFM (CM-KSFM). Mean population doubling time was 13.8 +/- 0.9 h. RUC were successfully maintained for 18 passages over a period of 4-5 mo. Detailed investigations of culture conditions showed that CM-KSFM yielded a differentiated multilayer structure. The stratified urothelial sheets measuring 4 x 6 cm2 could be formed and then detached using dispase. Cytokeratin pattern in both the cultured urothelial monolayer and engineered stratified layers was similar to those seen in vivo, as assessed with monoclonal antibody against cytokeratin 17. Ultrastructural morphology showed microvilli, basal cell layer, and desmosomes between adjacent cells in the stratified urothelium.

3T3 Cells↗