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Muscarinic control of graded persistent activity in lateral amygdala neurons.

The cholinergic system is crucially involved in several cognitive processes including attention, learning and memory. Muscarinic actions have profound effects on the intrinsic firing pattern of neurons. In principal neurons of the entorhinal cortex (EC), muscarinic receptors activate an intrinsic cation current that causes multiple self-sustained spiking activity, which represents a potential mechanism for transiently sustaining information about novel items. The amygdala appears to be important for experience-dependent learning by emotional arousal, and cholinergic muscarinic influences are essential for the amygdala-mediated modulation of memory. Here we show that principal neurons from the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) can generate intrinsic graded persistent activity that is similar to EC layer V cells. This firing behavior is linked to muscarinic activation of a calcium-sensitive non-specific cation current and can be mimicked by stimulation of cholinergic afferents that originate from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (n. M). Moreover, we demonstrate that the projections from the n. M. are essential and sufficient for the control and modulation of graded firing activity in LA neurons. We found that activation of these cholinergic afferents (i) is required to maintain and to increase firing rates in a graded manner, and (ii) is sufficient for the graded increases of stable discharge rates even without an associated up-regulation of Ca2+. The induction of persistent activity was blocked by flufenamic acid or 2-APB and remained intact after Ca2+-store depletion with thapsigargin. The internal ability of LA neurons to generate graded persistent activity could be essential for amygdala-mediated memory operations.

Acetylcholine↗

Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulates a cAMP-mediated Cl- current in avian salt gland cells.

VIP plays an integral role in both protein and fluid secretion in many exocrine glands. By employing the perforated patch-clamp whole-cell recording technique we investigated the effects of VIP on membrane potential and transmembrane currents in avian exocrine salt gland cells. Prior to application of VIP, salt gland cells had a resting membrane potential close to -45 mV. When challenged with VIP (1-100 nM) a sustained depolarization to ECl- was induced which was mimicked by the application of cell-permeable cAMP analogues or forskolin (1 microM). By employing the voltage-clamp recording configuration a sustained increase in current was observed with a reversal potential which approximated ECl-. Ionic substitution experiments confirmed that the current was a Cl- conductance which was inhibited by the Cl- channel blockers flufenamic acid and niflumic acid and by the inhibitory cAMP isomer, adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate, Rp-isomer. Based on this, and the fact that the kinetic properties of the Cl- current activated by VIP are similar to those activated by cAMP, we propose that VIP-receptor interaction results in the activation of a cAMP-dependent Cl- current.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of oxidoreductases-catalyzing carbonyl reduction of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-methylnitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in human liver cytosol.

1. Four enzymes were purified to homogeneity from human liver cytosol and were demonstrated to be responsible for carbonyl reduction of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-methylnitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). 2. Carbonyl reductase (EC 1.1.1.184), a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily, was compared with three isoenzymes of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily in terms of enzyme kinetics, co-substrate dependence and inhibition pattern. 3. AKR1C1, 1C2 and 1C4, previously designated as dihydrodiol dehydrogenases (DD1, DD2 and DD4), showed lower K(m) (0.2, 0.3 and 0.8 mM respectively) than did carbonyl reductase (7 mM), whereas carbonyl reductase exhibited the highest enzyme efficiency (Vmax/K(m)) for NNK. Multiplication of enzyme efficiencies with the relative quantities of individual enzymes in cytosol resulted in a rough estimate of their contributions to total alcohol metabolite formation. These were approximately 60% for carbonyl reductase, 20% each for AKR1C1 and 1C2, and 1% for AKR1C4. 4. Except for AKR1C4, the enzymes had a strong preference for NADPH over NADH, and the highest activities were measured with an NADPH-regenerating system. Carbonyl reductase activity was extensively inhibited by menadione, rutin and quercitrin, whereas medroxyprogesterone acetate, phenolphthalein and flufenamic acid were potent inhibitors of AKR1C1, 1C2 and 1C4. 5. In conclusion, cytosolic members of the SDR and AKR superfamilies contribute to reductive NNK detoxification in human liver, the enzymes responsible being carbonyl reductase and aldoketo reductases of the AKRIC subfamily.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗

[Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a trans-cutaneous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, etofenamate gel].

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of topically applied etofenamate gel (5% etofenamate) were investigated in experimental animals. Etofenamate gel showed a dose related inhibition against vascular permeability caused by histamine in mice and ultra violet light-induced erythema in guinea pigs at doses of 10--100 mg/site and 25--200 (ED50 = 26.6) mg/site, respectively. The erythema was not inhibited with its topical application of 100 mg/site to the skin distant from the erythema. Granuloma formation, caused by felt-pellet implantation, was inhibited in a dose dependent manner by repeated application of etofenamate gel (10--100 mg/site/day). Etofenamate gel inhibited the pain-like responses in both the arthritic joint and the edematous hind paw of rats with 50--200 mg/joint and 100 mg/paw, respectively. In these tests, the vehicle gel did not show any significant activity. The potency of etofenamate gel was stronger than that of adrenal-extracts ointment (Mobilat) and approximately comparable to indomethacin ointment (1% indomethacin) in a weight basis of formulations. Topical application of etofenamate (0.5--2 mg/ear) resulted in a dose related decrease of contact hypersensitivity to oxazolone in mice, and its activity was nearly equipotent to flufenamic acid and about one-fourth that of indomethacin. From these results, it was suggested that etofenamate gel, applied topically to the inflamed tissue, showed a certain inhibitory activity against acute and subacute-chronic inflammation and inflammatory pain-like responses.

Administration, Topical↗

Death of cultured human neuroblastoma cells induced by HIV-1 gp120 is prevented by NMDA receptor antagonists and inhibitors of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase.

The cytotoxic effects of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coat protein gp120 were studied in human CHP100 neuroblastoma cell cultures. Incubation of neuroblastoma cultures with gp120 (1 pM-10 nM) induces cell death which is not concentration-related. The significant cell death evoked by 10 pM gp120 was prevented by neutralization of the viral protein with a monoclonal anti-gp120 (IgG) antibody. In addition, gp120-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by [DL-(E)-2-amino-4-methyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid] (CGP37849; 100 microM), [(+/-)-3R*, 4as*, 6R*, 8aR*-6-(phosphonomethyl) decahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid] (LY274614; 100 microM), MK801 (dizocilpine; 200 nM) and 7-chloro kynurenic acid (100 microM), selective antagonists of the NMDA receptor complex; by contrast, (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 100 microM), a non-NMDA antagonist, was ineffective. Prevention of the lethality elicited by the HIV-1 coat protein was also obtained by incubating neuroblastoma cells with gp120 in Ca(2+)-free medium. The lethal effects induced by gp120 involve activation of L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway since these were prevented by haemoglobin (10 microM), a NO-trapping agent, and by D-arginine (1 mM), the less active enantiomer of the endogenous precursor of NO synthesis. Cytoprotection was also afforded by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 200 microM), an inhibitor of NO synthase, and this was reversed by L-arginine (1 mM). Interestingly, indomethacin and flufenamic acid (10 microM), two inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, protected neuroblastoma cells from death induced by gp120. Furthermore, indomethacin prevented the neuroblastoma cell death evoked by exposure of cultures to sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.2-1.6 mM), a NO donor. Finally significant cytotoxic effects were observed after incubation of neuroblastoma cells with prostaglandin E2 (0.1-10 microM). In conclusion, the present data suggest that death of human CHP100 neuroblastoma cells in culture produced by gp120 involves NO and PGE2 production.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Enhancement of hemopoietic stem cell proliferation by prostaglandin inhibitory drugs.

The in vivo effect of several prostaglandin inhibitory drugs on the hemopoietic stem cell was studied in SJL/J mice. Repeated intramuscular administration of Indomethacin increased the total number of bone marrow (BM) and spleen pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells (CFUS). The number of spleen colonies in lethally-irradiated normal BM recipients, which had been treated with Indomethacin, Aspirin or Flufenamic acid (all prostaglandin inhibitory drugs), was significantly greater than controls' spleen colonies. After exposure of SJL/J mice to different amounts of irradiation, more endogenous spleen colonies and a greater splenic weight were found among mice which had been treated with Indomethacin in comparison to PBS-treated mice. According to our results, treatment with prostaglandin inhibitory drugs stimulates murine hemopoietic stem cell proliferation and enhances stem cell recovery following irradiation.

Acetaminophen↗

Non-selective cation channels and oxidative stress-induced cell swelling.

Necrosis is considered as a non-specific form of cell death that induces tissue inflammation and is preceded by cell swelling. This increase in cell volume has been ascribed mainly to defective outward pumping of Na+ caused by metabolic depletion and/or to increased Na+ influx via membrane transporters. A specific mechanism of swelling and necrosis driven by the influx of Na+ through nonselective cation channels has been recently proposed (Barros et al., 2001a). We have characterized further the properties of the nonselective cation channel (NSCC) in HTC cells. The NSCC shows a conductance of approximately 18 pS, is equally permeable to Na+ and K+, impermeant to Ca2+, requires high intracellular Ca2+ as well as low intracellular ATP for activation and is inhibited by flufenamic acid. Hydrogen peroxide induced a significant increase in cell volume that was dependent on external Na+. We propose that the NSCC, which is ubiquitous though largely inactive in healthy cells, becomes activated under severe oxidative stress. The ensuing Na+ influx initiates via positive feedback a series of metabolic and electrolytic disturbances, resulting in cell death by necrosis.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Tumor-mediated immunosuppression: prevention by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.

The addition of MC16 tumor cells (a prostaglandin E2-producing cell line induced in C57BL/6J mice by methylcholanthrene) to cultures of cells to sheep red blood cells. This inhibition can be blocked by adding to the cultures prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, such as indomethacin, flufenamic acid and aspirin. These MC16 tumor cells are also immunosuppressive in vivo. Mice bearing the syngeneic MC16 tumor become unresponsive to sheep red blood cells as the tumor grows. As in the in vitro test system, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetases seem to block the immunosuppressive activity of MC16 cells in vivo since tumor-bearing mice, treated therapeutically with indomethacin, responded normally in their production of antibody to sheep red blood cells.

Animals↗

Gap junction hemichannel-mediated release of glutathione from cultured rat astrocytes.

Release of glutathione (GSH) from astrocytes is essential for the supply of neurons with the GSH precursor cysteine. In order to test whether gap junction hemichannels could contribute to GSH release from astrocytes, we incubated astrocyte-rich primary cultures from neonatal rat brain in the absence of divalent cations, a condition that is known to increase the opening probability of hemichannels. During incubation in divalent cation free incubation solution (DCFS) the cells remained viable and released about 50% of the initial cellular GSH within 15 min. This extracellular GSH accumulation in DCFS was lowered by the presence of Ca2+ in a concentration dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibition at a Ca2+ concentration of 107+/-46 microM. Extracellular GSH accumulation in DCFS was also blocked by the divalent cations Mg2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ as well as by the known gap junction inhibitors carbenoxolone (CBX), flufenamic acid (FFA) and lanthanum chloride. In contrast, the P2X7 receptor blocker brilliant blue G (BBG) did not affect GSH release in divalent cation free solution. This pharmacological profile strongly suggests that astrocytes are able to release GSH via open hemichannels. This release of GSH may have severe consequences for the antioxidative defense and for the GSH homeostasis in pathological brain.

Animals↗

A calcium release activated calcium influx in primary cultures of rat osteoblast-like cells.

Osteoblast-like (OBL) cells in primary culture were tested for their ability to generate a calcium release activated calcium flux (CRAC). Influx of Ca2+ was optically detected by fura-2. Intracellular calcium stores (ICS) were emptied in the absence of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]e) by 5 microM thapsigargin (TG) or 2 microM A23187. Readdition of 1.8 mM [Ca2+]e increased the free intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) after a delay of 30-60 seconds at a rate of 2.3 nM/s due to CRAC. This rate depended on [Ca2+]e and was substantially lowered if readdition of 1.8 mM [Ca2+]e was preceded by, e.g., 0.72 mM [Ca2+]e. CRAC-induced [Ca2+]i peaks were correlated (r = 0.543) with [Ca2+]i peaks during the complete depletion of ICS with A23187. Ca2+ influx due to CRAC could be blocked by flufenamic acid (100 microM) but not verapamil (20 microM). Ni2+ (1 mM), although reversibly blocking CRAC, accelerated the initial [Ca2+]i influx rate. Induction of CRAC enhanced the influx of Mn2+ 4.3-fold, as measured by quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. In summary, OBL cells exhibit a CRAC which allows for the permeation of ions other than Ca2+. This Ca2+ flux may be activated by transmembraneous gradients of Ca2+ and Ni2+.

Animals↗

Characterization of an outward potassium current in canine jejunal circular smooth muscle and its activation by fenamates.

1. A perforated patch clamp technique was used to study an outward potassium current in freshly dissociated circular smooth muscle cells of the canine jejunum. 2. A voltage-dependent outward current was identified which was highly potassium selective, weakly holding voltage sensitive, increased its open probability at -65 mV, and reached unit open probability at +5 mV. 3. Quinidine (0.1-1 mM) and tetraethylammonium ion (TEA) (10-50 mM), blocked the potassium current in a dose-dependent manner. Blockade of the outward potassium current was accompanied by membrane depolarization which reversed on removal of the blocker from the bathing solution. 4. Mefenamic and flufenamic acids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the fenamate group, were potent activators of the current. Activation was accompanied by hyperpolarization of the membrane with a mean shift in the membrane voltage of 22 mV. 5. It was concluded that the outward potassium current is a major regulator of the resting membrane voltage in isolated circular smooth muscle cells of the canine jejunum. Fenamates activated this current with potentially profound effects on cellular excitability.

Animals↗

Protective effects of cyclodextrins on drug-induced hemolysis in vitro.

beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) significantly protected the human erythrocytes from hemolysis and shape changes induced with chlorpromazine and flufenamic acid in isotonic solution. A good correlation between the stability constants of inclusion complexes (beta- greater than gamma- greater than alpha-CyD) and the inhibitory effects on drug-induced hemolysis was found. From the observations of drug uptake into erythrocytes and changes in surface tension, the protective effects of CyDs appeared to be due to the decrease in effective concentration of drug through inclusion complexation rather than the direct interaction of CyDs with erythrocyte membrane.

Chlorpromazine↗

Affinity capillary electrophoresis is a powerful tool to identify transthyretin binding drugs for potential therapeutic use in amyloidosis.

In this work we used affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) to investigate the extent of interaction between a pool of drugs and wild-type transthyretin. After qualitative preliminary screening, attention was focused on the most promising molecules, flufenamic acid and flurbiprofen, which underwent a further stage of investigation, the determination of the binding constants, and, when possible, the assessment of the number of binding sites by ACE, frontal analysis (FA) capillary electrophoresis (CE) and parallel ultrafiltration (UF) experiments. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that FA CE is a suitable technique for identifying fibril ligands. This represents a novel CE application of pharmaceutical interest.

Amyloidosis↗

Statistical testing of drug accumulation in skin tissues by linear regression versus contents of stratum corneum lipids.

This investigation is a contribution to standardization in in vitro drug penetration measurements using excised human skin and to statistical treatment of the observations. The wide variations observed in measurements of drug accumulation in and drug permeation through the stratum corneum are caused not only by analytical errors but also by the variability of the horny layer lipid composition. The last-mentioned systematic influence can be compensated for by stepwise (multiple) linear regression using the contents of the main lipid classes as independent variables. In consequence, the S.E. of estimate given by the regression calculation is lower than the S.E. of the means of the observations. Significant differences in drug quantities accumulated in skin tissues (stratum corneum and dermis) are sensitively detected by Chow's F-test of structural change. Accumulation data of flufenamic acid and hydrocortisone penetrated from different bases are given as examples. The calculation mode is exemplarily explained and discussed. The results of the test for structural change, two-independent-groups t-test and paired-samples t-test are compared. The F-test of structural change proves to be a helpful statistical method suitable to the assessment of biopharmaceutical quality parameters and to measurements using biological materials.

Administration, Topical↗

TRPM4, a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation channel in mouse sino-atrial node cells.

OBJECTIVE: A calcium-activated nonselective cation channel (NSC(Ca)) has been recently described in several cardiac preparations. This channel is over-expressed in models of ventricular hypertrophy showing electrophysiological perturbations of heart activity, including occurrence of spontaneous activity. While these perturbations are currently attributed to a modification of the pacemaker I(f) current activity, arguments are also in favor of participation of an NSC(Ca). Similarly, the NSC(Ca) may be expressed in specialized pacemaker cells, i.e. sino-atrial node (SAN) cells. The aim of the present study was to detect such current in mouse pacemaker cells. METHODS: The inside-out configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used in freshly isolated SAN cells from adult mice. Also, RT-PCR and Western-blotting studies were used to probe for TRPM4 mRNA and protein expression. RESULTS: In these cells, an NSC(Ca) activity was detected. The channel is voltage dependant with a conductance of 20.9+/-0.5 pS (n = 11). It is equally permeable for Na+ and K+ but does not conduct Ca2+. It is activated by rise in intracellular calcium concentrations and blocked by intracellular ATP (0.5 mmol/L). Also, as a new property in cardiac cells, the channel is activated by internal application of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (10 microM). It is reversibly inhibited by flufenamic acid and glibenclamide. This channel shows the hallmarks of the TRPM4 molecule, a member of the TRP melastatin subfamily. We confirm the expression of this TRP channel on SAN cells by Western blotting and RT-PCR and validate that TRPM4 is glibenclamide sensitive. CONCLUSION: TRPM4 is functionally expressed in SAN cells and may be a key player in the generation and/or perturbation of heart rhythm.

Animals↗

Characterization of a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation channel during dedifferentiation of cultured rat ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with electrical activity modifications, including sustained depolarization, that lead to a propensity for arrhythmias. The ionic currents underlying the sustained depolarization are not well defined. Similar modifications were reported on adult rat cardiomyocytes in primary culture undergoing dedifferentiation. Using the single-channel measurements on these cells, we identified the appearance of a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation channel (NSCCa) during the dedifferentiation process. In excised inside-out patches the channel presented a linear I/V relationship with a conductance of 26.5 pS. It was equally selective for Na+ and K+ and impermeable to Cl- and Ca2+ ions. The open probability increased with depolarization and with rise in intracellular calcium concentration. The channel activity was reduced by intracellular ATP and suppressed by flufenamic acid. Channel detection increased after incubation with a purinergic receptor agonist (ATPgS) or a PKC activator (PMA). Furthermore, occurrence of the channel developed during the culture. Absent at one day in vitro (d.i.v.), channel activity was present in 5, 46, 27 and 19% of patches after 4, 7, 14 and 21 d.i.v., respectively. We suggest that the channel may be associated with pro-arrhythmic signaling, in particular during the release of transmitters from autonomic nerve endings in the hypertrophied hearts.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

[Animal experiment studies on the effect of intra-articular injections of antiphlogistic-antirheumatic agents on articular cartilage in vivo].

Animal experiments have shown that weekly intraarticular injections of various antiphlogistic/antirheumatic drugs into the knee joint induce progressive degenerative alterations in joint cartilage. The observed degenerations and destructions are most similar to the pathophysiology of osteoarthrosis in humans. By X-ray and macroscopic techniques the degenerative processes can be studied qualitatively and quantitatively. A decrease of joint space is a sensitive and early indicator of osteoarthrosis and showed that 10 weeks after intraarticular application of Ibuprofen, Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone, Flufenamic acid, Niflumic acid, Na-salicylate, Clofezone, Bumadizone and Dexamethasone the degenerative alterations in the injected knee joints were more severe than by applications of Chloroquine,D-penicillamine, Salicylamide and Indometacin. The degenerative effect on articular cartilage by the investigated drugs can be explained by their inhibitory potency on anabolic metabolism of connective tissue. The results of our animal experiments lead to the conclusion, that antiinflammatory drugs may also in man induce or accelerate degenerative joint diseases especially after long term treatment with high doses of these drugs.

Animals↗

Estrogens and antiestrogens stimulate release of bone resorbing activity by cultured human breast cancer cells.

Patients with advanced breast cancer may develop acute, severe hypercalcemia when treated with estrogens or antiestrogens. In this study, we examined the effects of estrogens and related compounds on the release of bone resorbing activity by cultured human breast cancer cells in vitro. We found that the estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 releases bone resorbing activity in response to low concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol. Bone resorbing activity was also released in response to the antiestrogen nafoxidine. Other steroidal compounds had no effect on the release of bone resorbing activity. Estrogen-stimulated release of bone resorbing activity occurred with live bone cultures, but not with devitalized bones, indicating that the effect was bone cell mediated. The breast cancer cell line MDA-231, which does not have estrogen receptors, did not release bone resorbing activity in response to 17 beta-estradiol or nafoxidine. Release of the bone resorbing activity by MCF-7 cells incubated with 17 beta-estradiol was inhibited by indomethacin (10 microM) and flufenamic acid (50 microM), two structurally unrelated compounds that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol and nafoxidine that caused increased release of bone resorbing activity by the breast cancer cells caused a four- to fivefold increase in release of prostaglandins of the E series by MCF-7 cells. These data may explain why some patients with advanced breast cancer develop acute hypercalcemia when treated with estrogens or antiestrogens, and why bone metastases are more common in patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors.

Biological Products↗