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Biomedical subjects

R L Singhal

Publications and source records attributed to R L Singhal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Increased deoxycytidine kinase activity in cancer cells and inhibition by difluorodeoxycytidine.

The activity of deoxycytidine kinase (EC 2.7.1.74), an important pyrimidine salvage enzyme, was elevated 5- to 30-fold in human ovarian carcinoma and OVCAR-5 cells, in human colon carcinoma and HT-29 cells, in rat hepatoma 3924A solid tumors and cells, and in rat sarcoma as compared with the respective control normal cells. There was an inverse relationship between cell doubling time and deoxycytidine kinase activity in 8 cancer cell lines, with rapidly growing HL-60 cells (20 hr) showing the highest, and slower-growing lung H69 cells (60 hr) the smallest, increase in enzyme activity. In time-sequence studies in human HL-60, OVCAR-5, PANC-1, and rat hepatoma 3924A cells, there was a significant rise in deoxycytidine kinase activity after 3-6 hr of seeding, with peak increases (3.5- to 4-fold) at 48-72 hr in the log phase in comparison with values of the respective plateau phase cells (96-144 hr). In extracts of various cancer cells, the high deoxycytidine kinase activity was competitively inhibited by difluorodeoxycytidine (DFDC), with Ki = 7 to 30 microM. The Km for deoxycytidine in various carcinoma cell lines ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 mM and addition of DFDC increased the apparent Km from 0.7 to 4 mM. Deoxycytidine kinase activity in human HL-60 cells was inhibited by the end product, dCTP, with IC50 = 3 microM; dCTP elevated the Km for deoxycytidine from 0.35 to 0.9 mM. dTTP reversed the inhibition by dCTP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Hormone-independent polyamine metabolism of squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate.

The levels of polyamines and their synthesizing enzymes in squamous cell carcinoma of prostate implanted in intact as well as castrated male rats were determined after certain hormonal manipulations. The tumour was found to grow with an identical rate in non-castrated and castrated rats. Polyamine content and activities of polyamine synthesizing enzymes in the tumour were found to be much lower compared to their values in ventral prostate. Moreover, the levels of these parameters were comparable in tumours whether implanted in non-castrated or gonadectomized animals. The sequential analyses of putrescine and spermidine and activities of L-ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase of tumours at different time intervals showed a significant reduction in their levels at 30 days compared to 10 days post implantation in non-castrated as well as castrated rats. Daily intramuscular administration of tumour-bearing intact or castrated animals with testosterone (50 micrograms/g), beta-estradiol (2 micrograms/g) or cyproterone (12.5 micrograms/g) for 10 days did not influence polyamine metabolism in tumour tissue. However, either beta-estradiol and cyproterone treatments or castration were found to decrease polyamine synthesis in ventral prostate. At the same time, the testosterone replacement therapy did not allow polyamine levels or activities of polyamine synthesizing enzymes to decline in the ventral prostate of castrated rats. Our results demonstrated that contrary to ventral prostate, the polyamine metabolism in squamous cell carcinoma of prostate is independent of hormonal control. The loss of hormonal sensitivity of polyamine metabolism in the prostatic tumour could be the result of qualitative changes that occurred during transformation.

Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase↗
PubMed1985

Kinetics of the uptake of monoamines into synaptosomes from rat brain. Consequences of lithium treatment and withdrawal.

The uptake systems for noradrenaline (NA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) into synaptosomal preparations from rat brain were found to consist of two components, a low-capacity and a high-capacity process. Administration of lithium (2 mequiv./kg) for 12 days was found to cause an increase in the activity of the low-capacity uptake process for NA, but to markedly inhibit the high-capacity system for this neurotransmitter. Following withdrawal of lithium, the activity of the low-capacity system returned to control values, but there was a profound enhancement of the high-capacity uptake process of NA. Both the low- and the high-capacity uptake systems for 5-HT were found to be inhibited by the administration of lithium. The reduced activity of the high-capacity system resulting from administration of lithium was still present 2 days after the cessation of treatment with the drug, whereas the low-capacity process was found to be further depressed. The uptake of dopamine (DA) into synaptosomal preparations appeared to be more complex than that of NA and 5-HT, since the shape of the substrate-velocity curve implied some form of multiple and co-operative process. The administration of lithium resulted in an enhancement of the uptake of DA in all regions of the brain examined, while 2 days of withdrawal from the drug caused a reduction to below control values in the amount of DA taken up. It therefore seems that alterations in monoaminergic uptake processes play a part in the mode of action of lithium, and may be involved in the genesis of the lithium-withdrawal phenomenon.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The present status of biological effects of toxic metals in the environment: lead, cadmium, and manganese.

The number of reports concerning the chemical toxicology of metals which are released in the environment by natural as well as anthropogenic sources, have been increasing constantly. Lead, cadmium, and manganese have found a variety of uses in industry, craft, and agriculture owing to their physical and chemical properties. The environmental burden of heavy metals has been rising substantially by smelter emission in air and waste sewage in water. Further, organic compounds of lead and manganese used as antiknock substances in gasoline are emitted into the atmosphere by automobile exhaustion. Such environmental contamination of air, water, soil, and food is a serious threat to all living kinds. Although these metals are known to produce their toxic effects on a variety of body systems, much emphasis has been placed on their effects on the nervous system owing to apparent association of relatively low or "subclinical" levels of metallic exposure with behavioral and psychological disorders. Clinical and animal data on environmental exposure show that while lead and manganese are most toxic to the nervous system, cadmium exerts profound adverse effects on kidney and the male reproductive system. It appears that the consequences of exposure to lead in adults are less severe than the types of exposure associated with hyperactivity in neonates. Except for a few reports, hyperactivity has indeed been observed in animals exposed to either of these three metals. Experimental work has also shown that these metals produce behavioral changes by altering the metabolism of brain neurotransmitters, especially catecholamines. Recently, it is hypothesized that these metals exert their toxic effect by damaging biological defences which exist in the body to serve as protective mechanisms against exogenous toxins. A voluminous publication list with diverse opinions on the biological effects of metals is available and there is an urgent need to compile assessment of the existing literature to identify the future theme of research work. The problem of metal toxicity becomes even more complex owing to simultaneous or successive exposure of the general population to different physical, chemical, biological, and psychological factors in the environment. The net toxic manifestations produced by multiple exposure should, therefore, be different from those produced by a single factor as the result of their additive, synergistic or antagonistic action. Even though a metal may not exist in sufficient amounts to cause any disability, the toxicity could result when a second factor is also present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed1984

Comparison of the changes in central catecholamine systems following short- and long-term lithium treatment and the consequences of lithium withdrawal.

The effects of treatment with and withdrawal from lithium (Li, 2 mmol/kg) on central catecholamine systems in rat brain were investigated. Synthetic parameters were found to be unchanged after treatment, but abrupt withdrawal resulted in enhanced activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. Noradrenaline levels in most brain regions examined were depressed following both short- and long-term Li administration, with a further decrease in content in the pons but enhanced cortical levels on withdrawal. Li administration resulted in elevated 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels, whereas withdrawal caused an enhancement of homovanillic acid content and depression of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol levels. It appears that the changes in central catecholamine systems are qualitatively the same following both short- and long-term Li treatment, as are the consequences of abrupt Li withdrawal. It is suggested that Li administration results in a disruption of catecholamine storage processes, while withdrawal from Li does not result in a simple return towards normal states.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1983

Diazepam potentiates the effect of neuroleptics on behavioural activity as well as dopamine and norepinephrine turnover: Do benzodiazepines have antipsychotic potency?

A single injection of diazepam (10 mg/kg, s.c.), haloperidol (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or chlorpromazine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the ambulatory as well as sniffing behaviour of rats. These behavioural responses were further decreased when diazepam was administered concurrently with the neuroleptic. Acute haloperidol or chlorpromazine treatment increased striatal dopamine as well as cerebro-cortical norepinephrine turnover. In contrast, diazepam diminished the release of both of these catecholamines. When diazepam was administered together with haloperidol or chlorpromazine, a further decrease particularly in dopamine release was seen in striatum. This effect of diazepam on norepinephrine and dopamine turnover persisted even after 21 days of daily treatment, Similarly, the sedative effect of diazepam elicited in the form of depressed locomotor activity was also apparent after long-term administration of this benzodiazepine. However, chronic administration of neuroleptics enhanced the spontaneous locomotor activity and sniffing behaviour by about 25%. Furthermore, repeated neuroleptic treatment decreased the synthesis and turnover of dopamine and norepinephrine. This was reflected in decreased tyrosine hydroxylase and homovanillic acid level in striatum as well as by low concentration of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol in the cerebral cortex. When diazepam was administered together with haloperidol or chlorpromazine for 21 days, behavioural activity remained elevated and was comparable to groups of rats receiving neuroleptics alone. The cocomitant injection of diazepam and neuroleptics for 21 days elicited a synergistic effect on decreased synthesis and release of dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These data provide neurochemical evidence for potentiation of the neuroleptic effects by a benzodiazepine.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Behavioural and biochemical alterations following haloperidol treatment and withdrawal: the animal model of tardive dyskinesia reexamined.

Behavioural and biochemical studies were carried out in rats given a single daily dose (1 mg/kg, i.p.) of haloperidol for 30 days and subsequently withdrawn for 7 days. Long-term administration of haloperidol resulted in supersensitivity of dopamine receptors. This was manifested by enhanced stereotypic biting, rearing, locomotor and floor activity of haloperidol withdrawn rats when challenged to a low dose of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) on the 8th day. Chronic haloperidol treatment significantly decreased dopamine synthesis and release as evidenced by low activity of tyrosine hydroxylase and low level of homovanillic acid in striatum. Dopamine levels did not change in the frontal cortex, striatum and midbrain. Haloperidol treatment significantly increased striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid content and glutamic acid decarboxylase activity by 17% and 16% respectively. The decreased tyrosine hydroxylase activity and homovanillic acid level in corpus striatum might, in part, be due to an inhibitory effect of GABAergic neurons on dopaminergic system. Rats withdrawn from chronic haloperidol treatment showed significant increases in GABA level and glutamic acid decarboxylase activity. This probably resulted in further inhibition of dopamine release as evidenced by marked accumulation of dopamine in the corpus striatum and midbrain. No significant alterations in the endogenous levels of norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were observed in haloperidol-treated and subsequently withdrawn rats. These data suggest that chronic haloperidol treatment and subsequent withdrawal results in the development of behavioural dopamine supersensitivity as well as biochemical alterations in dopaminergic and GABAergic system. The changes in these two neuronal systems seem to be interrelated.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Fluvoxamine influences serotonergic system in the brain: neurochemical evidence.

The effects of a relatively new antidepressant drug, fluvoxamine, were compared with those produced by chlorimipramine on the 5-hydroxytryptamine system in rat brain. Daily treatment with fluvoxamine (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and an equivalent dose of chlorimipramine (28 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days reduced (3H)5-hydroxytryptamine uptake by crude synaptosomes (P2 pellet) of brain to 56 and 45%, respectively, but produced no change in midbrain monoamine oxidase activity. Repeated administration of these drugs significantly decreased tryptophan hydroxylase activity as well as tryptophan level in the midbrain region. The concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid also was lowered in several discrete areas of the brain, but no change was seen in the endogenous levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Our data suggest that fluvoxamine, like chlorimipramine, is a potent inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake. Unlike tricyclic antidepressants, fluvoxamine does not seem to produce any sedation in animals, which was evidenced by no significant change in spontaneous locomotor activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effects of subacute low level lead exposure on glucose homeostasis.

Administration of low levels of lead (0.001, 0.005 and 0.025 micrograms/g/day p.o.) to neonate rats from age three days to eight weeks failed to alter the activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, the four key gluconeogenic enzymes. Administration of lead at a higher dose (0.1 micrograms/g/day p.o.) was also observed to produce no alterations in enzyme activity at eight weeks. However, the higher dose did enhance the activities of fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase at age six weeks. Plasma insulin and glucagon were not significantly altered by up to 0.025 micrograms/g exposure to lead until eight weeks of age, although levels of these hormones appear to be slightly dose-responsive tending towards elevated glucagon and decreased insulin levels with increasing lead dosage. At 0.1 micrograms/g/day glucagon was significantly increased at eight weeks. Blood glucose and hepatic glycogen remained unaltered. Blood, hepatic and pancreatic lead levels were unchanged by treatment with lead up to 0.025 micrograms/g/day to eight weeks of age, but there was evidence of lead accumulation in pancreatic tissue whereas levels of the metal in the liver paralleled those in the blood. Significant increases were observed with 0.1 micrograms/g/day lead at six and eight weeks in blood and pancreas. Data are presented which suggest that six week old animals are more influenced by subacute lead exposure than are the eight week old animals, as reflected in some alteration of gluconeogenic enzyme activity in younger rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

3',5'-cyclic-nucleotide-dependent protein kinase of squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate.

An adenosine 3'5'-cyclic-monophosphate (Cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase has been identified and partially purified from the rat prostate tumor induced by 20-methylcholanthrene. This enzyme is stimulated 2- to 3-fold by the nucleotide. Equilibrium studies at pH 5.0 suggest the presence of a major class of binding site for cyclic AMP with an association constant of approximately 10(8) M-1. The concentration of binding site is about 1 pmol/mg of protein of the enzyme preparation. The enzyme is stimulated by other cyclic nucleotides as well, but only by higher concentrations. In comparing the ability of different histone subfractions, casein and protamine, to serve as substrate for this particular protein kinase, maximal cyclic-AMP-dependent enzyme activity was observed with histones. The results suggest that factors contributing to the malignant growth of the prostatic tissue do not directly involve changes in the characteristics of a cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

MIF-1: effects on norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin metabolism in certain discrete brain regions.

A single injection of melanocyte-stimulating hormone inhibitory factor (MIF-1) in a dose of 3 mg/kg IP produced no significant effect on dopamine turnover. However, a dose of 5 mg/kg increased striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity by 25% and homovanillic acid level by 27% when compared to control values. No change in either parameter was detected in olfactory tubercles. Dopamine levels also were elevated in striatum, pons-medulla and cerebral cortex in rats receiving 5 mg/kg dose of MIF-1. In olfactory tubercles, dopamine levels were however, reduced to 71% of control values taken as 100%. The concentration of norepinephrine tended to increase in several brain areas examined but, the change was statistically significant only in olfactory tubercles and cerebral cortex. The level of norepinephrine metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol, was lowered to 63% in whole brain of animals given MIF-1 at the dose of 5 mg/kg. These data suggest that MIF-1 enhances the turnover of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. However, MIF-1 treatment seemed to produce no consistent change in brain serotonin turnover. In striatum and cortex, this neuropeptide increased serotonin but elevated the level of its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid indicating that the release of this brain amine was decreased in these two brain regions. The levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were enhanced in hypothalamus and pons-medulla regardless of the dose of MIF-1 administered.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Comparative effects of short- and long-term treatment with neuroleptics on behavioural activity as well as dopamine turnover in striatum.

1. Single injection of haloperidol (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or chlorpromazine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an activation of dopamine synthesis and turnover as evidenced by increased activity of tyrosine hydroxylase and higher levels of homovanillic acid in the striatum of rats. 2. The endogenous concentration of dopamine remained unchanged in striatum and other brain regions examined, except in hippocampus where it was slightly (20%), but significantly decreased by acute haloperidol treatment. 3. In contrast, long-term treatment with neuroleptics over a period of 21 days decreased the synthesis and turnover of dopamine in the striatum. Whereas short-term treatment with chlorpromazine and haloperidol produced marked sedation, chronic treatment enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity by 20 and 26% and sniffing frequency by 19 and 24%, respectively. 4. Our data demonstrate that tolerance develops to the stimulating effect of haloperidol and chlorpromazine on striatal dopamine turnover. This adaptive change might be responsible for the emergence of clinical effects. 5. It is suggested that after repeated treatment, "chemical denervation" occurs as a result of chronic blockade of dopaminergic transmission in the striatum and that the proliferation of dopamine receptors (i.e. supersensitivity) is probably responsible for hyperactivity and overt sniffing behaviour.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Effects of cholinergic and GABAergic drugs on apomorphine-induced gnawing behavior in rats.

The effects of cholinergic and GABAergic agonist and antagonist were studied on the apomorphine-induced gnawing behavior in rats. Physostigmine (0.5 mg/kg) decreased the biting scores, whereas atropine (5 mg/kg) had an opposite effect. Picrotoxin potentiated the physostigmine inhibitory action on gnawing responses. This inhibitory gnawing effect was antagonized by prior treatment with atropine. Pretreatment with amino-oxyacetic acid (25 mg/kg) also potentiated the inhibitory effect of physostigmine on gnawing behavior in animals. Such an additive inhibitory response could be antagonized by simultaneous pretreatment with cholinergic and GABAergic blockers such as atropine and picrotoxin, respectively. These findings indicate that the modulatory action of cholinergic neurons on DA system is probably influenced by changes in the GABAergic system.

Aminooxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1981

Thyrotropin releasing hormone potentiates the effects of imipramine on brain serotonergic system.

Daily administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (20 mg/kg) for 10 days in 2 equally divided doses increased 5-hydroxytryptamine and/or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in certain brain areas. Chronic imipramine treatment (10 mg/kg) for 10 days significantly decreased the levels of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. When TRH was administered concurrently with imipramine (10 mg/kg), this neuropeptide significantly potentiated the effects of imipramine on lowering of endogenous levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (striatum, hypothalamus) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (striatum, midbrain, pons-medulla). Our data provide a possible neurochemical basis for the reported potentiation of tricyclic antidepressant action by TRH.

Animals↗