Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Jeffrey

Publications and source records attributed to P Jeffrey.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Pharmacological actions of a novel, high-affinity, and selective human dopamine D(3) receptor antagonist, SB-277011-A.

SB-277011-A (trans-N-[4-[2-(6-cyano-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)ethyl]cyclohexyl]-4-quinolininecarboxamide), is a brain-penetrant, high-affinity, and selective dopamine D(3) receptor antagonist. Radioligand-binding experiments in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human dopamine D(3) or D(2 long) (hD(3), hD(2)) receptors showed SB-277011-A to have high affinity for the hD(3) receptor (pK(i) = 7.95) with 100-fold selectivity over the hD(2) receptor and over 66 other receptors, enzymes, and ion channels. Similar radioligand-binding data for SB-277011-A were obtained from CHO cells transfected with rat dopamine D(3) or D(2). In the microphysiometer functional assay, SB-277011-A antagonized quinpirole-induced increases in acidification in CHO cells overexpressing the hD(3) receptor (pK(b) = 8.3) and was 80-fold selective over hD(2) receptors. Central nervous system penetration studies showed that SB-277011-A readily entered the brain. In in vivo microdialysis studies, SB-277011-A (2. 8 mg/kg p.o.) reversed the quinelorane-induced reduction of dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens but not striatum, a regional selectivity consistent with the distribution of the dopamine D(3) receptor in rat brain. SB-277011-A (2-42.3 mg/kg p.o.) did not affect spontaneous locomotion, or stimulant-induced hyperlocomotion. SB-277011-A (4.1-42.2 mg/kg p.o.) did not reverse prepulse inhibition deficits in apomorphine- or quinpirole-treated rats, but did significantly reverse the prepulse inhibition deficit in isolation-reared rats at a dose of 3 mg/kg p.o. SB-277011-A (2.5-78. 8 mg/kg p.o.) was noncataleptogenic and did not raise plasma prolactin levels. Thus, dopamine D(3) receptor blockade produces few of the behavioral effects characteristic of nonselective dopamine receptor antagonists. The effect of SB-277011-A on isolation-induced prepulse inhibition deficit suggests that blockade of dopamine D(3) receptors may benefit the treatment of schizophrenia.

Animals↗

Novel 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines with high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor.

Using clearance and brain penetration studies as a screen, tetrahydroisoquinoline 3 was identified as a lead having low clearance in rats (CLb 20 ml/min/kg). Introduction of a 7-CF3SO2O- substituent into the tetrahydroisoquinoline, followed by replacement of the biphenylamido group of 3 by a 3-indolylpropenamido group gave 31, having high D3 receptor affinity (pKi 8.4) and 150 fold selectivity over the D2 receptor.

Animals↗

Small bakeries--a cross-sectional study of respiratory symptoms, sensitization and dust exposure.

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and sensitization to dust components in 224 individuals in 18 small bakeries in Scotland. Each work practice in the bakeries was characterized by an assessment of dust exposure and assigned to a category with either a direct exposure to flour dust of an indirect exposure to flour dust. We found that work-related respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with specific IgE to wheat flour and amylase but not to exposure category (except for nasal/eye symptoms). However, specific IgE to wheat flour was significantly associated with exposure category. There was a higher prevalence of immunological sensitization, reporting of work-related respiratory symptoms and exposure to dust than in other studies and of the 144 personal dust sample results taken, 21 (14.6%) of the total exceeded 10 mg/m3, the substantial dust concentration as outlined by the COSHH Regulations. Follow-up of those with work-related asthma symptoms (questionnaire response) was inconclusive of the work-relatedness of their symptoms, although it did confirm respiratory morbidity.

Adult↗

Creating intracellular structural domains: spatial segregation of actin and tropomyosin isoforms in neurons.

Actin microfilaments play a direct role in a variety of cell processes. Distinct populations of microfilaments are associated with different cellular compartments, such as growth cones, filipodia, stress fibers, and lamellipodia. It is becoming clear that these different populations are often composed of different isoforms of the two core microfilament components, actin and tropomyosin. This is particularly true in neurons, where actin and tropomyosin isoforms are segregated into different intracellular compartments which correspond to functionally distinct regions of the neuron. Developmental regulation of this isoform sorting suggests a specific role for some isoforms in growth and for others in stabilization of neuronal structure. This provides a mechanism by which a neuron can create and independently regulate intracellular domains composed of microfilaments with different functional properties.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Isoform sorting and the creation of intracellular compartments.

The generation of isoforms via gene duplication and alternative splicing has been a valuable evolutionary tool for the creation of biological diversity. In addition to the formation of molecules with related but different functional characteristics, it is now apparent that isoforms can be segregated into different intracellular sites within the same cell. Sorting has been observed in a wide range of genes, including those encoding structural molecules, receptors, channels, enzymes, and signaling molecules. This results in the creation of intracellular compartments that (a) can be independently controlled and (b) have different functional properties. The sorting mechanisms are likely to operate at the level of both proteins and mRNAs. Isoform sorting may be an important consequence of the evolution of isoforms and is likely to have contributed to the diversity of functional properties within groups of isoforms.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Phenytoin dosage.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Child, Preschool↗

Stimulation of 5-HT1B receptors causes hypothermia in the guinea pig.

The selective, brain penetrant, 5-HT(1B/D) (formerly 5-HT(1D beta/alpha)) receptor agonist SKF-99101H (3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-4-chloro-5-propoxyindole hemifumarate) (30 mg/kg i.p.) causes a dose related fall in rectal temperature in guinea pigs which previous studies have shown to be blocked by the non-selective 5-HT(1B/D) receptor antagonist GR-127935 (N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) [1,1'biphenyl]-4-carboxamide oxalate). The present study shows that the hypothermic response to SKF-99101H is dose-dependently blocked by SB-224289G (1'-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-[(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)bipheny l-4-yl]carbonyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-pi peridone] hemioxalate) (0.3-10.0 mg/kg p.o.) (ED50 3.62 mg/kg), which is the first compound to be described which is more than 60 fold selective for the 5-HT1B receptor over the 5-HT1D receptor. SB-216641A (N-[3-(2-dimethylamino) ethoxy-4-methoxy-phenyl] 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-car boxamide hydrochloride) (0.6-20.0 mg/kg i.p.), which is somewhat less selective (30 fold) for the 5-HT1B receptor over the 5-HT1D receptor had a similar effect (ED50 4.43 mg/kg). The brain penetrant 5-HT1D selective receptor antagonist, BRL-15572 (4-(3-chlorophenyl)-alpha-(diphenylmethyl)-1-piperazineethanol+ ++ dihydrochloride) (0.3-100.0 mg/kg i.p.) was inactive. When administered alone neither BRL-15572 (0.1-10 mg/kg i.p.) nor SB-224289G (2.2-22 mg/kg p.o.) had an effect on body temperature. These data demonstrate that 5-HT1B (formerly 5-HT(1D beta)) and not 5-HT1D (formerly 5-HT(1D alpha)) receptors mediate the hypothermic response to SKF-99101H (30 mg/kg i.p.) in guinea pigs. The compounds described are useful pharmacological tools for distinguishing responses to 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors.

Animals↗

Actin and tropomyosin isoforms in morphogenesis.

The major components of the actin microfilament system, actin and tropomyosin (Tm), are encoded by multigene families. There are at least 6 actin and over 20 Tm isoforms in mammals. The observation that isoforms are expressed in a tissue-specific manner has encouraged the hypothesis that they contribute to the formation of cell type-specific structures. Recent studies have indicated that certain specific isoforms do play unique structural roles. One nonmuscle actin isoform, beta, is implicated in the regulation of cell spreading and membrane organisation. The intracellular location of beta-actin mRNA has been shown to be regulated by growth factor stimulation of signal transduction pathways. Actin isoforms have also been shown to differ in their contractile properties in both muscle and non-muscle cells. Tropomyosins have been found to show isoform specific regulation in response to cell transformation. This has correlated with the view that some isoforms of tropomyosin promote filament stability whereas others are associated with more dynamic structures. Neuronal development and maturation are accompanied by dynamic spatial sorting of tropomyosin isoforms into different cellular compartments. It is now apparent that isoforms of these proteins perform different structural tasks. The challenge is now to link the significance of spatial sorting to the different physicochemical properties of these isoforms.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

The molecular composition of neuronal microfilaments is spatially and temporally regulated.

The actin-based microfilament system is thought to play a critical role in neuronal development. We have determined specific changes in the composition of microfilaments accompanying neuronal morphogenesis. By using specific antibodies against the isoforms for tropomyosin (Tm) (Tm-5 and TmBr-1/-3) and actin (beta- and gamma-actin), we found that during early morphogenesis in vivo immature growing axons contain beta- and gamma-actin and Tm-5. In particular, Tm-5 is exclusively located in the immature axonal processes relative to the neuronal cell body. In contrast, beta-actin and Tm-5 are absent in mature, quiescent axons. This developmental loss from axons is associated with an approximately twofold downregulation of beta-actin and Tm-5 levels in the brain; gamma-actin levels do not change, and this molecule is widely distributed throughout neurons during development. The loss of beta-actin and Tm-5 from axons is accompanied by a progressive appearance of TmBr-1/-3. This apparent replacement of Tm-5 with TmBr-1/-3 occurs over a 2 d time period during rat embryonic hindbrain development and is conserved in evolution between birds and mammals. The loss of Tm-5 from axons involves a redistribution of this molecule to the cell soma and dendrites. These findings suggest that specialized microfilament domains are associated with the development and maintenance of neuronal polarity. We conclude that these Tm isoforms and beta-actin are subject to specific patterns of segregation associated with axonal development and neuronal differentiation. This provides a potential molecular basis for the temporal and spatial specificity of microfilament function during neuronal differentiation.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Death of a classified worker probably caused by overexposure to gamma radiation.

This paper describes the case of an industrial radiographer who was seriously overexposed to gamma radiation. The exact circumstances of this exposure were not established but it was concluded that he was repeatedly irradiated probably to a total average whole body dose of at least 10 Gy over several years. Also, a much larger dose to a hand required its partial amputation. He developed myelodysplasia, which progressed to acute myeloid leukaemia from which he died. Karyotypic examination of the leukaemic blasts showed changes very similar to those associated with secondary leukaemia that may develop after radio or chemotherapy. The paper describes his medical case history, the investigation of his workplace, and the attempts to estimate his radiation dose by chromosomal analysis of blood lymphocytes and electron spin resonance of dental enamel and bone.

Acute Disease↗

Amino Acid Sequence and Molecular Weight of Native NADP Malate Dehydrogenase from the C(4) Plant Zea mays.

N-terminus amino acid analysis of purified corn (Zea mays) NADP malate dehydrogenase showed that the mature protein begins at serine-41 of the preprotein sequence and not threonine-58 as previously concluded; therefore, the transit peptide consists of 40 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight of the mature subunit protein (392 amino acids) is 42,564, agreeing with an experimental value of about 43,000. The molecular weight of the native unactivated (dark form) and activated (light form) of NADP malate dehydrogenase, determined by analytical ultracentrifugation analysis, was about 84,000, indicating that both forms are dimers. However, conventional and high performance liquid chromatography gel filtration procedures indicated apparent molecular weights of about 110,000 to 120,000 for the unactivated native enzyme and about 143,000 to 150,000 for the active enzyme; in these cases, the molecular weight may be overestimated due to the effect of an unusual molecular conformation on the mobility of the enzyme.

Journal Article↗

The production of hepatic cirrhosis in rats.

This study investigated the conditions necessary to produce a predictable yield of cirrhosis in rats. A previously published method, using carbon tetrachloride, was used as a basis for the study. Histopathology was used in a semi-quantitative manner to examine which observations could be used for the prediction of progression and final yield of cirrhosis. A comparison of different vehicles for oral carbon tetrachloride administration showed no effect of vehicle on the final yield of cirrhosis. Also, there were no observations during the study that should be used for prediction. Variability in the severity of hepatic impairment is an inherent feature of this model, and supporting histopathology is essential. We recommend a simple protocol for the initiation of cirrhosis in rats using carbon tetrachloride.

Animals↗

The site of inversion of R(-)-ibuprofen: studies using rat in-situ isolated perfused intestine/liver preparations.

The site of metabolic inversion of R(-)-ibuprofen to the pharmacologically active S(+)-enantiomer has been investigated using an array of in-situ rat perfused organ preparations allowing vascular perfusion (55-60 min) of the separate or combined intestine and liver. After addition of R(-)-ibuprofen (20 mg kg-1 body weight) to the closed (static) lumen of isolated 25 cm lengths of duodenum, jejunum or ileum, and single-pass vascular perfusion, both isomers were measured in the lumen and in vascular perfusate plasma (mean plasma AUC values (+/- s.d., micrograms mL-1 min, n = 5) R(-)-ibuprofen: 1669 +/- 115 (duodenum), 1687 +/- 203 (jejunum), 2061 +/- 188 (ileum); S(+)-ibuprofen: 23 +/- 6 (duodenum), 14 +/- 5 (jejunum), 26 +/- 1 (ileum]. Addition of the same dose of S(+)-ibuprofen to the jejunum (n = 5) resulted in AUC values of 1864 +/- 238 for S(+)-ibuprofen and 6 +/- 3 for R(-)-ibuprofen. After addition of R(-)-ibuprofen (30 micrograms mL-1) to the recirculating vascular perfusate (100 mL) of the entire small intestine (n = 6) AUC values were 1647 +/- 34 for R(-)-ibuprofen and 13 +/- 3 for S(-)-ibuprofen. The same dose of R(-)-ibuprofen to combined intestine/liver (n = 6) and liver only preparations (n = 6) gave AUC values of 1011 +/- 25 and 1021 +/- 49 for R(-)-ibuprofen and 220 +/- 28 and 238 +/- 22 for S(+)-ibuprofen, respectively. In all experiments, except those involving perfusion of the combined intestine/liver and the liver, the concentrations of the isomer opposite to that administered could be accounted for solely by the level of enantiomeric impurity (1.3% for R(-)-ibuprofen and 0.6% for S(+)-ibuprofen). We conclude that inversion of R(-)-ibuprofen to the S(+) antipode occurs in the liver but does not occur on either mucosal or serosal sides of the small intestine of the rat.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics and fate of 3H-trospectomycin sulphate, a novel aminocyclitol antibiotic, in male and female rats.

1. The pharmacokinetics and fate of 3H-trospectomycin sulphate, a novel aminocyclitol antibiotic, were examined in male and female rats after intramuscular (i.m.), intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) dosing. 2. Total radioactivity levels in plasma were associated with unchanged trospectomycin. Two radioactive components were found in urine, one was indistinguishable from trospectomycin and the other was probably a degradation product formed after excretion or during storage rather than a metabolite. 3. The disappearance of drug from plasma followed a biphasic pattern with half lives of 0.3-0.4 h and 45-80 h and a large distribution volume, which indicated some retention of drug by tissues. Clearance rates were within the normal range for glomerular filtration rate, which indicated that the primary process of elimination is filtration of unchanged drug. 4. Excretion was initially rapid (greater than 40% by 4 h) and mainly into urine (faecal excretion greater than 20%). Urinary excretion was significantly larger in males than females but faecal excretion was significantly smaller, so that there was no significant difference in total excretion. 5. The bioavailability following s.c. dosing was only approximately 75% but there were few other biologically significant differences between the routes of administration. Absorption following i.m. and s.c. dosing was rapid. 6. Clearance rate and volume of distribution were higher in males than females. Over the dose range 50-200 mg/kg the pharmacokinetics appeared to be mostly linear.

Animals↗

Developmental loss of functional laminin receptors on retinal ganglion cells is regulated by their target tissue, the optic tectum.

The ability of chick retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to extend neurites on tissue culture substrata of the extra-cellular matrix protein laminin is lost during embryonic development. In order to establish the mechanism responsible for the loss of response, the number of high affinity (KD 10(-9) M) laminin receptors on both the cell bodies and neurites of RGCs were determined throughout this period by a ligand binding assay using radio-labelled laminin. It was found that the loss of response paralleled a decrease in receptor numbers on both the cell bodies and the neurites of the RGCs. Bilateral tectal ablation at embryonic day 6 resulted in the subsequent maintenance of laminin-stimulated neurite outgrowth, together with a partial inhibition of the loss of laminin receptors. Thus, the loss of response of the RGCs to laminin reflects a decrease in the numbers of laminin receptors on these neurons, and furthermore, this down-regulation is in turn dependent on innervation of the target tissue.

Animals↗

Does the rat have an empty stomach after an overnight fast?

Variable amounts of food have been observed in the stomachs of male rats following an overnight fast. The effects of diet and diet type on the amount of residual food left in the stomach and on fat deposition and liver weight in the male rat were investigated. The implications of these results on metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies are discussed.

Animals↗