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Biomedical subjects

R C Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to R C Gupta.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

Efficacy of lithium in rheumatoid arthritis with granulocytopenia (felty's syndrome). A preliminary report.

Lithium carbonate was given orally for 6 weeks in varying doses to 10 patients with Felty's syndrome. All patients receiving 900 mg of lithium daily showed statistically significant elevations in granulocyte count during therapy. The effect was usually noted within a week and did not persist when the drug was withdrawn. The percentage increase in mean absolute granulocyte count varied between 138% and 617% of control value in different patients; the lower values were observed in those patients with basal serum lithium concentrations less than 0.5 mEq/liter. It is concluded that a consistent rise in peripheral blood granulocytes was achieved by lithium carbonate in a dosage of 900 mg daily in patients with Felty's syndrome.

Adult↗

The role of protein kinases and protein phosphatases in the regulation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum function.

Canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum is phosphorylated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent and by calcium.calmodulin-dependent protein kinases on a 27,000 proteolipid, called phospholamban. Both types of phosphorylation are associated with an increase in the initial rates of Ca2+ transport by SR vesicles which reflects an increased turnover of elementary steps of the calcium ATPase reaction sequence. The stimulatory effects of the protein kinases on the calcium pump may be reversed by an endogenous protein phosphatase, which can dephosphorylate both the cAMP-dependent and the calcium.calmodulin-dependent sites on phospholamban. Thus, the calcium pump in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum appears to be under reversible regulation mediated by protein kinases and protein phosphatases.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Toxic interaction of tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide and propoxur: some insights into the mechanisms.

Propoxur with a non-toxic dose (5 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (ip) in tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA, 1 mg/kg) pretreated rats subcutaneously, sc) produced severe intoxication of anticholinesterase nature. The observed severity was comparable to that caused by an acute sublethal dose of propoxur (15 mg/kg) suggesting at least threefold potentiation of toxicity. Either drug given alone produced neither signs of toxicity nor alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, while carboxylesterase (CarbE) activity was markedly reduced indicating tremendous nonspecific binding. The administration of iso-OMPA followed by propoxur elicited inhibition of AChE to a critical level and produced severe intoxication. These results suggested that iso-OMPA induced potentiation of propoxur toxicity stemmed through irreversible inhibition of CarbE.

Animals↗

Reduced cAMP levels and glycogen phosphorylase activation in isoproterenol perfused SHR myocardium.

The effect of isoproterenol perfusion on cAMP levels and phosphorylase activity was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Kyoto Wistar normotensive control rat (WKY) heart. The basal force of contraction in physiological salt solution perfused hearts was comparable between SHR and WKY. However, the force of contraction in response to 10 nM isoproterenol perfusion was decreased approximately 20-30% in SHR heart as compared to WKY heart. Basal cAMP levels were reduced in SHR hearts as compared to WKY hearts. Isoproterenol perfusion resulted in an increase in cAMP levels over the basal cAMP values which was 50% and 100% in SHR and WKY hearts, respectively. Basal phosphorylase activity was higher in SHR hearts as compared to WKY hearts. However, the percentage increase in phosphorylase activity by isoproterenol perfusion over the basal values was approximately 400% in WKY hearts and only 200% in SHR hearts. The ouabain-sensitive (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity, Ca2+ binding in the absence of ATP, sialic acid content, and 5'-nucleotidase activity of purified cardiac plasma membranes was not altered in SHR as compared to WKY. These results would suggest beta-adrenergic mediated adenylate cyclase stimulation is decreased in SHR myocardium while other plasma membrane properties and associated enzymes may not be altered.

Animals↗

Cytotoxicity evaluation of natural coptisine and synthesis of coptisine from berberine.

The crude extract (80% MeOH in water) of Chelidonii herba exhibited very interesting cytotoxicity against brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) nauplii and cultured human tumour cell in vitro, the colon carcinoma HT 29 (144 h treatment). Fractionation of the crude extract and bioassay-guided procedures showed that the cytotoxic and the antitumour activities were concentrated in the basic extract. On the basis of IR, MS and 1H NMR the compound responsible of the cytotoxic activity was determined to be coptisine. Cytotoxicity evaluation of coptisine was next extended to a panel of human and murine cell lines in comparison with the established antitumour drugs mitoxantrone, doxorubicin (Dx) and cisplatin (CDDP). Coptisine was cytotoxic on LoVo and HT 29 and less potent on L-1210, and it was partially crossresistant on the human tumour colon cell line resistant to Dx, LoVo/Dx, whereas it was not significantly crossresistant on the murine leukaemia cell line resistant to CDDP, L-1210/CDDP. Coptisine alkaloid was then synthesised in gram amount from commercial berberine. A four-step synthetic route was elaborated. The overall yield was about 8-10%. The structural identity of synthetic coptisine was verified by IR and NMR methods. A comparison of the cytotoxic effects on the human tumour colon cell line LoVo and on the murine leukaemia L1210 showed, for both natural and synthetic coptisines, a comparable cytotoxic activity more evident against HT 29 cell line and LoVo cell line, while the activity was lower against the L1210 cell line.

Animals↗

Mechanism of aralkyl-DNA adduct formation from benzo[a]pyrene in vivo.

Three different pathways have been proposed for the metabolic activation of the ubiquitous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene (BP). The most widely accepted activation mechanism is based on ring oxidation to diol epoxides; the other two relatively less studied pathways involve radical cation formation and benzylic electrophilic ester formation arising from a chain of substitution reactions. The present study was undertaken to test for the existence of the latter mechanism in vivo. Female Sprague-Dawley weanling rats were injected subcutaneously with 320 mumol of BP/kg body weight, and the formation of DNA adducts was examined. 32P-Postlabeling analysis of the subcutaneous tissue DNA under newly developed chromatography conditions exhibited two sets of adduct profiles: one resulting from alkyl substitution and the other from ring oxidation. One major and two minor aralkyl-DNA adducts were detected. The relative adduct labeling (adducts/10(10) nucleotides) remained constant at around 2 during the first 5 days of treatment and then increased to 6.4 +/- 2.6 at day 7. The corresponding total values of the known ring oxidation (e.g., diol epoxide) adducts were 15-50 times higher. When animals were injected with 6-methyl-BP, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-BP, and 6-(acetoxymethyl)-BP, the known or proposed intermediates in the benzylic ester pathway, each of these and the parent compound showed chromatographically identical profiles of aralkyl-DNA adducts. Cochromatography in multiple solvents of these in vivo adducts with standards prepared by reaction of 6-(bromomethyl)-BP with individual nucleotides showed that the predominant in vivo aralkyl-DNA adduct was derived from guanine while the second major adduct was from adenine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The role of acetylation in benzidine metabolism and DNA adduct formation in dog and rat liver.

To determine whether benzidine is acetylated in dog, like rat, the metabolism of benzidine was assessed with dog and rat liver slices. Slices were incubated with 0.05 mM [3M]benzidine for 4 h. Media and cellular DNA were analyzed for acetylated benzidine metabolites and adducts. In rat, benzidine was rapidly converted to acetylated metabolites. At 1 h, benzidine, N-acetylbenzidine, and N,N'-diacetylbenzidine represented 5%, 23%, and 54%, respectively, of the total radioactivity in media. Within 2 h, 75% of the radioactivity was N,N'-diacetylbenzidine. In dog, 45% of the radioactivity was present in metabolites more polar than benzidine by 4 h. No N-acetylated metabolites were observed in dog liver slice media. To identify acetylated benzidine DNA adducts, N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N,N'-diacetylbenzidine was prepared and identified by FAB MS. This nucleoside adduct was used to synthesize N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine and N'-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine. Nucleoside adducts from slices incubated with [3H]benzidine were analyzed by HPLC. With this method of analysis, the 3H-material did not correlate with the synthetic adduct standards. To improve sensitivity and identify liver adducts, a 32P-postlabeling method was developed. 2'-Deoxyguanosine 3'-monophosphate adduct standards of acetylated benzidine were prepared. 32P-Postlabeling analysis demonstrated that rat liver contained only N'-(3'-monophosphodeoxyguanosine-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine after a 1- or 4-h exposure to benzidine. In contrast, no acetylated adducts were detected in dog. Results indicate that dog is a nonacetylator with respect to benzidine. The availability of acetylated benzidine nucleotide standards allowed unambiguous identification of N'-(3'-monophosphodeoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine as the adduct present in rat liver slices. These nucleotide adduct standards will be useful in subsequent studies in animals and human.

Acetylation↗

Detection of PCB adducts by the 32P-postlabeling technique.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether lower chlorinated biphenyls would be bioactivated to electrophilic metabolites by microsomes alone or in combination with peroxidase. Monochloro- and dichlorobiphenyls were incubated with liver microsomes of rats treated with phenobarbital and beta-naphthoflavone, an NADPH-regenerating system, and deoxyguanosine 3'-monophosphate (dGp). The resultant adducts were analyzed by 32P-postlabeling either following microsomal incubation alone ("preoxidized") or coupled with subsequent oxidation with horseradish peroxidase/H2O ("oxidized"). The incubation of 4-monochlorobiphenyl (4-MCB) resulted in the formation of two minor adducts by microsomal activation alone. However, the oxidized sample showed two additional major adducts. Formation of the latter adducts was almost completely (> 80%) inhibited when the oxidation reaction was performed in the presence of ascorbic acid. The other test mono- and dichlorobiphenyls also formed 1-3 major adducts. Compared with microsomal activation alone, these adducts were enhanced after the oxidation reaction or detected only in the oxidized samples. These data suggest that (1) some adducts of the lower chlorinated biphenyls are derived from arene oxides and (2) many adducts may be formed by metabolism of the parent compounds to catechol and p-hydroquinone species, which are oxidized to semiquinones and/or quinones. The involvement of quinones and/or semiquinones was supported by UV/vis spectroscopic measurements, which showed that metabolites of 4-MCB can be oxidized to products with spectra characteristic of quinones. These data raise the possibility that lower chlorinated biphenyls may be genotoxic and may explain the fact that commercial polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures are complete rodent carcinogens.

Animals↗

Recurrent diarrhea in children living in areas with high levels of nitrate in drinking water.

Given that there was documented evidence of an association between diarrhea and high nitrate ingestion, the authors examined drinking water nitrate concentration and its possible correlation(s) with methemoglobin levels, cytochrome b5 reductase activity, and recurrent diarrhea. In addition, the authors studied histopathological changes in the intestines of rabbits in an animal model. Five village areas were studied, and nitrate concentrations (expressed in mg of nitrate per liter of water) of 26, 45, 95, 220, and 459 existed in the respective villages. The study included 88 randomly selected children who were 8 yr of age or younger; they represented 10% of the total population of each of the areas. Detailed histories of recurrent diarrhea were noted, and medical examinations were conducted. Cytochrome b5 reductase activity and methemoglobin levels were estimated biochemically. Collected data were analyzed statistically with Microsoft Excel software. In addition, the authors exposed rabbits to various levels of nitrate, and histopathological changes of the stomach and intestine (small and large) were evaluated. There was a strong relationship between nitrate concentration and recurrent diarrhea; 80% of the recurrent diarrhea cases were explained by nitrate concentration alone. In the rabbit intestines, lymphocytic infiltration and hyperplasia characterized the submucosa as nitrate concentrations increased.

Acute Disease↗

Effect of chloramphenicol pretreatment on malathion-induced acute toxicity in the rat.

Pretreatment of rats with chloramphenicol (CAP) (100 mg/kg, ip) 30 min prior to a single oral LD50 dose of malathion (MTH) at 340 mg/kg completely protected against MTH-induced signs of cholinergic toxicity. Pretreatment with CAP also decreased the extent and duration of MTH-induced inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE). It was previously established that CAP inhibits (1) the cytochrome-P-450-catalyzed oxidative desulfuration of methylparathion to the much more toxic oxygen analog methylparaoxon (MOX) and (2) the carboxyesterase in rat liver. Since carboxyesterases account for 60% or more of the catabolism of MTH in the rat, the present results were surprising. Thus it appears that the inhibition of MTH toxicity by CAP pretreatment is attributable to inhibition by CAP of the metabolic activation of MTH to MOX.

Animals↗

Quantitation of phencyclidine in urine by enzyme immunoassay.

The EMIT phencyclidine assay was modified to permit quantitative results to be obtained on urine from patients intoxicated from ingestion of phencyclidine (PCP). Additional calibrators and a clinical processor for calculating the data are required. Precision and accuracy of the quantitative procedure was determined from urine spiked with PCP. The accuracy and specificity were determined by comparing the results obtained by the EMIT procedure with results obtained by gas chromatography. The procedure meets the requirements for a quantitative clinical assay. The short turnaround time of the assay makes it ideal for emergency room determination of PCP.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Still's disease in an adult: A link between juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis.

A 52-year-old man developed rheumatoid factor negative, chronic, symmetrical polyarthritis associated with high intermittent fever and morbilliform evanescent rash at the onset. A detailed investigation and follow-up for two years failed to reveal any secondary cause. The onset and course resemble Still's disease in children. The synovial membrane histology and electron microscopy were consistent with early rheumatoid arthritis. Adult onset Still's disease reported in the literature is reviewed and compared with Still's disease in children.

Age Factors↗

Properties of adenylate cyclase in the cardiovascular tissues of renal hypertensive rats.

Adenylate cyclase activity in the myocardium and aorta of Grollman one-kidney renal hypertensive rats (RHR) and sham-operated control rats was compared. The experimental rats revealed significantly higher blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy 6-8 weeks postoperation as compared to controls. Basal, guanine nucleotide-, fluoride-, and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were consistently decreased in the myocardium of RHR as compared to control rats. Similar changes were observed in aorta of RHR; however, the magnitude of difference was greater in aorta as compared to myocardium. The kinetic properties of enzyme with regard to the Ka (quantity of agonist required for half-maximal stimulation of adenylate cyclase) values for GTP, Gpp (NH)p, and GTP-gamma-S in the absence and presence of isoproterenol and the Ka values for isoproterenol in the presence of GTP, Gpp(NH)p, or GTP-gamma-S were comparable in RHR and control rats. However, Vmax of adenylate cyclase stimulation by guanine nucleotides, isoproterenol, and fluoride was reduced in RHR as compared to control rats. No differences between RHR and control rat myocardial membranes were observed in the affinity of [3H]DHA binding. However, the number of binding sites was reduced 20-25% in RHR as compared to control rats. These data would suggest that the number of receptor--cyclase complexes may be reduced in the RHR.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

An experimental study of different contrast media in the epidural space.

In the experimental study of different contrast media, metrizamide has been found to be very safe for epidurography as no clinical, radiologic, or histologic changes after epidural injection were seen. Next in order was meglumine iothalmate. However, sodium containing salts like sodium acetrazoate and sodium iothalmate were found to be very irritating to the nerve roots and the spinal cord and, therefore, should not be used for epidurographic studies.

Animals↗

Epididymal sperm reserve in Buffalo-bulls (Bubalus bubalis).

Epididymal sperm reserve was determined in 6 sexually mature fertile buffalo-bulls having normal process of spermatogenesis. The relative distribution of spermatozoa in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis averaged 5.42, 0.75 and 11.45 billion respectively. Total epididymal sperm reserve per bull averaged 36.2 billion. In terms of percentage the caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis contained 30.76, 4.25 and 64.99 per cent sperm respectively.

Animals↗

Mechanism of the stimulation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump by calmodulin.

Calmodulin has been shown to stimulate the initial rates of Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-ATPase in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, when it is present in the reaction assay media for these activities. To determine whether the stimulatory effect of calmodulin is mediated directly through its interaction with the Ca2+-ATPase, or indirectly through phosphorylation of phospholamban by an endogenous protein kinase, two approaches were taken in the present study. In the first approach, the effects of calmodulin were studied on a Ca2+-ATPase preparation, isolated from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, which was essentially free of phospholamban. The enzyme was preincubated with various concentrations of calmodulin at 0 degrees C and 37 degrees C, but there was no effect on the Ca2+-ATPase activity assayed over a wide range of [Ca2+] (0.1-10 microM). In the second approach, cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles were prephosphorylated by an endogenous protein kinase in the presence of calmodulin. Phosphorylation occurred predominantly on phospholamban, an oligomeric proteolipid. The sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles were washed prior to assaying for Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activity in order to remove the added calmodulin. Phosphorylation of phospholamban enhanced the initial rates of Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-ATPase, and this stimulation was associated with an increase in the affinity of the Ca2+-pump for calcium. The EC50 values for calcium activation of Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-ATPase were 0.96 +/- 0.03 microM and 0.96 +/- 0.1 microM calcium by control vesicles, respectively. Phosphorylation decreased these values to 0.64 +/- 0.12 microM calcium for Ca2+-uptake and 0.62 +/- 0.11 microM calcium for Ca2+-ATPase. The stimulatory effect was associated with increases in the apparent initial rates of formation and decomposition of the phosphorylated intermediate of the Ca2+-ATPase. These findings suggest that calmodulin regulates cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum function by protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of phospholamban.

Animals↗