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Modulation of plasma and hepatic oxidative status and changes in plasma lipid profile by n-3 (EPA and DHA), n-6 (corn oil) and a 3-thia fatty acid in rats.

This manuscript describes changes in plasma lipid profiles and parameters of oxidative status in the plasma and liver of rats fed 5 different fatty acids: 95% eicosapentaenoic acid, 92% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), corn oil (n-6), 1-mono-(carboxymethylthio)-tetradecane (CMTTD) and palmitic acid (controls) for 3 months. At the given doses both EPA and the 3-thia fatty acid, CMTTD, caused a significant decrease in plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and cholesterol. DHA decreased plasma free fatty acids and cholesterol, while corn oil feeding reduced only plasma free fatty acids. Plasma and hepatic vitamin E levels were significantly decreased in EPA, DHA and CMTTD fed rats, but remained unchanged in corn oil fed rats. Plasma glutathione was noted to decrease after EPA and DHA feeding but remained unchanged in other groups. However, hepatic glutathione content was increased in EPA, DHA and CMTTD fed rats, whereas cysteine levels were noted to decrease. As hepatic levels of cysteinylglycine remained unchanged, increased rate of cellular glutathione synthesis rather than its decreased degradation is likely to contribute to the increased hepatic glutathione content in EPA, DHA and CMTTD fed rats. Except for reduction in the levels of plasma lipid peroxidation caused by CMTTD, no significant changes were noted between the different treatment groups. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was elevated only in rats given DHA. Furthermore, our results show that EPA and DHA cause minimal imbalance of the peroxisomal H2O2 metabolising enzymes as compared to CMTTD. In addition, contrary to the potent peroxisome proliferator compound CMTTD which decreased the activities of glutathione transferase and glutathione peroxidase, EPA and DHA increased the activities of these detoxification enzymes.

Animals↗

Enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for determination of the enantiomers of a new anti-ulcer agent, E3810, in beagle dog plasma and rat plasma.

An enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of E3810, a new anti-ulcer agent, in Beagle dog plasma and rat plasma has been developed. After extraction from plasma with ethyl acetate, E3810 enantiomers were measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a Chiralcel OD-R column. The enantiomers were detected by ultraviolet absorbance detection at 290 nm. The recoveries of E3810 enantiomers and internal standard were greater than 91%. The calibration curves were linear from 0.03 to 20 micrograms/ml for Beagle dog plasma and from 0.1 to 100 micrograms/ml for rat plasma. The limits of quantification of both enantiomers were 0.03 micrograms/ml for Beagle dog plasma and 0.1 micrograms/ml for rat plasma. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision data showed good reproducibility of the method. The assay was applied for the analysis of E3810 enantiomers in plasma after intravenous administration of racemic E3810 to Beagle dogs and rats. This method should be very useful for enantioselective pharmacokinetic studies of E3810.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Amitriptyline plasma protein binding: effect of plasma pH and relevance to clinical overdose.

Reversing ventricular ectopy with plasma alkalinization following acute tricyclic antidepressant overdose is a recognized mode of therapy. The mechanism responsible for this effect is unclear. Changes in plasma protein binding of free drug, effects of the sodium ion on the myocardium, and alterations of plasma concentrations of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein may all interact to alter toxicity of tricyclics in overdose. An in vitro investigation using equilibrium dialysis was designed to examine the effect of altering plasma pH on percentage of free amitriptyline at clinical overdose plasma concentrations. A 1973 report on this effect lacked adequate controls and was faulty in experimental protocol. The current investigation used plasma concentrations typically present in amitriptyline overdose, a sensitive gas liquid chromatographic assay to detect total and free drug, and adequate control of plasma pH. The results of two separate experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in percentage of free amitriptyline of 20% over a pH range of 7.0-7.4 (P less than 0.05) and 42% over a pH range of 7.4-7.8 (P less than 0.05). The rate of change in slope in both experiments was not significantly different (P less than 0.01) indicating similar effects of pH change on plasma protein binding of amitriptyline within the two groups.

Amitriptyline↗

Nonsupplemented children of Latino immigrants have low vitamin E intakes and plasma concentrations and normal vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoid intakes and plasma concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine and evaluate the intakes and plasma concentrations of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), gamma-tocopherol, vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) of nonsupplemented boys and girls, 4 to 8 years old, of Latino immigrants living in rural Nebraska. DESIGN: Dietary intakes of the Latino children were estimated. Their plasma samples (fasting) were analyzed for vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoid concentrations. Data were evaluated by sex. SUBJECTS: The subjects were a convenience sample of 4- to 8-year-old (n=29), apparently healthy, nonsupplemented children of Latino immigrants living in rural Nebraska. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Sex differences in parameter values were determined using general linear models; Pearson r was used for determining correlations. RESULTS: No significant differences in parameter values were observed by sex, with the exception of plasma lutein/zeaxanthin concentration. The majority (69%) had plasma vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations<0.516 mg/dL (12 micromol/L), which is indicative of vitamin E inadequacy, and over half (59%) reported consuming less than the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin E. All subjects had plasma vitamin C and selenium concentrations indicative of adequacy (>0.41 mg/dL or >23 micromol/L, and >6.32 microg/dL or >0.8 micromol/L, respectively), and consumed at least the Recommended Dietary Allowances for these nutrients. The plasma carotenoid concentrations of the children may be useful as norms. CONCLUSIONS: These children of Latino immigrants who did not take supplements had low plasma vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations but normal plasma vitamin C and selenium concentrations. IMPLICATIONS: Dietetics professionals and others involved in health care need to work with Latino immigrant parents so that their children consume adequate amounts of vitamin E.

Ascorbic Acid↗

The influence of beer with different antioxidant potential on plasma lipids, plasma antioxidant capacity, and bile excretion of rats fed cholesterol-containing and cholesterol-free diets.

The aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of beers with different antioxidant potentials on plasma lipid metabolism, plasma antioxidant capacity, and bile excretion of rats fed cholesterol-containing and cholesterol-free diets. Four types of beers were investigated in vitro. Two of them (designated as BeerHigh and BeerLow) with the highest and lowest antioxidant potentials (34.5% and 21.4% and 2.07 mmol/L and 1.65 mmol/L according to beta-carotene assay and Trolox equivalent antioxidant coefficient, respectively), were chosen for the experiment on rats. A total of 60 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 dietary groups of 10 rats each; the groups were designated as Control, BeerA, BeerB, Chol, Chol/BeerA, and Chol/BeerB. The rats in the Control group were fed a basal diet (BD) only, which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, vitamin, and mineral mixtures. To the BD of the other five groups were added the following: BeerHigh (BeerA), BeerLow (BeerB), 1% of cholesterol (Chol), 1% of cholesterol and BeerHigh (Chol/BeerA), and 1% of cholesterol and BeerLow (Chol/BeerB). After 4 weeks of feeding, diets supplemented with BeerHigh and, to a lesser degree, with BeerLow (Chol/BeerA and Chol/BeerB groups) hindered a rise in plasma lipids and a decrease in plasma antioxidant capacity, and increased the bile excretion indices. Supplementation with BeerHigh and, to a lesser degree, with BeerLow in rats fed cholesterol-free diets increased their plasma antioxidant capacity. No significant changes in the plasma lipid levels, antioxidant capacity, and bile excretion indices were observed in the Control group. In conclusion, beer was found to have a positively effect on plasma lipid profile and plasma antioxidant capacity, and to increase the bile excretion indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets. The degree of this positive influence is directly connected to the contents of the bioactive components and the related antioxidant potential of beer. It is suggested that to achieve the best results, beer with the highest antioxidant potential must be consumed.

Animals↗

Linkage and association studies of the lipoprotein lipase gene with postheparin plasma lipase activities, body fat, and plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations: the HERITAGE Family Study.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is responsible for the hydrolysis of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins. The aims of the present study were (1) to test for potential linkages (sib-pair method) between postheparin plasma lipase (lipoprotein and hepatic lipase) activities, body fatness, plasma lipid concentrations, and LPL polymorphisms (Ser447Ter and a tetranucleotide repeat) and microsatellite markers flanking the LPL locus (D8S261 and D8S258); and (2) to investigate associations between the LPL Ser447Ter (S447X) polymorphism and these phenotypes. Data on 190 parents and 312 adult offspring from 99 Caucasian families participating in the HERITAGE Family Study were available for this study. Data were adjusted for the effects of age within sex, and lipases, lipid variables, and abdominal visceral fat were further adjusted for fat mass. A suggestive linkage was observed only between the S447X polymorphism and very-low-density (VLDL)-apolipoprotein B (apo B) (332 sib-pairs, P = .013). The S447X polymorphism was not associated with body fat phenotypes or postheparin plasma LPL (PH-LPL) activity (men, P = .19; women, P = .47). In contrast, the X447 allele carriers had lower plasma TG (men and women, P = .01), VLDL-TG (men and women, P = .01), and VLDL-apo B (men and women, P = .009). The relationships between the X447 allele and plasma TG, VLDL-TG, and VLDL-apo B in both genders were observed in obese (body mass index [BMI] > or = 30 kg/m2) but not in normal-weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) subjects. Thus, the S447X polymorphism of the LPL gene is not associated with body fatness and postheparin plasma lipase activities. However, the obese carriers of the X447 allele have plasma TG, VLDL-TG, and plasma cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels equivalent to those of normal-weight sedentary adults.

Adipose Tissue↗

Comparison of fasting plasma leptin concentrations in healthy subjects with high and low plasma insulin.

This study was initiated to evaluate the role of hyperinsulinemia in the regulation of fasting plasma leptin. We measured plasma leptin and insulin concentrations in 404 healthy nondiabetic subjects. For analytical purposes, the population was divided into quartiles on the basis of the lowest (quartile 1) and highest (quartile 4) plasma insulin response to oral glucose, and fasting plasma leptin values in these 2 dichotomous groups were compared. The total plasma integrated insulin response was 4-fold greater in quartile 4, associated with significantly higher (P < .001) fasting plasma leptin (12.60+/-0.85 v8.53+/-0.56 ng/mL). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations remained significantly higher in the hyperinsulinemic quartile when comparisons were made after subdividing the population on the basis of gender, body mass index (BMI), or waist to hip ratio (WHR). These results demonstrate that fasting plasma leptin concentrations are significantly higher in hyperinsulinemic individuals, and this difference is independent of either overall or central obesity.

Administration, Oral↗

Recall performance, plasma cortisol and plasma norepinephrine in normal human subjects.

This study investigated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) correlates of recall performance in normal human subjects. Twenty-two normal human subjects were given one memory task: short-term recall of unrelated non-organizable lists of neutral words, in immediate recall conditions. Two types of memory were individualized: measures reflecting effortful processing and measures reflecting automatic processing, which were related to 3 daytime plasma cortisol (CORT) and plasma NE values, and assessed after venipuncture. It was hypothesized that plasma CORT is positively related and plasma norepinephrine (NE) is negatively related to effortful processing. Pearson correlation was computed and regression analysis was performed. Positive correlation appeared between plasma CORT values and negative correlation appeared between plasma NE values and measures reflecting effortful processing. However, stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that only morning plasma CORT values are functionally positively and afternoon plasma NE values are functionally negatively related to effortful processing. This suggests that morning HPA-axis activities enhance and afternoon SNS activities inhibit effortful processing.

Adult↗

Highly sensitive method for the determination of tamsulosin hydrochloride in human plasma dialysate, plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

A highly sensitive method for the determination of tamsulosin hydrochloride, a structurally new type of sulphamoile derivative, in human plasma dialysate, plasma and urine has been developed by using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Plasma dialysate, plasma and urine samples were extracted by brief liquid-phase extraction and analyzed using an HPLC system coupled to a mass spectrometer via an electrospray ionization interface. Selected reaction monitoring was used for the detection of tamsulosin and its internal standard. This method was validated in the concentration range 10-1000 pg/ml in plasma dialysate, 0.5-50 ng/ml in plasma, and 1-100 ng/ml in urine with sufficient specificity, accuracy and precision. The in vivo protein binding study demonstrated that the unbound tamsulosin in human plasma obtained by the equilibrium dialysis after 0.4-mg oral dosing was measurable. In addition, the percentage of unbound tamsulosin in an in vitro study (0.71-0.91%) obtained by using spiked 14C-labelled tamsulosin was slightly larger than that of the in vivo study (0.68-0.86%), indicating that the unbound concentration calculated by the product of the plasma concentration and the in vitro unbound fraction (fu) was unfavorably overestimated. These results suggest that the combination of LC-MS-MS and equilibrium dialysis method has enough sensitivity to determine the unbound concentration in clinical use and gives the concentration more exactly than the in vitro fu.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Determination of ivabradine and its N-demethylated metabolite in human plasma and urine, and in rat and dog plasma by a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection.

A sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatographic method with native detection of fluorescence was developed and validated for the quantitation of ivabradine and its N-demethylated metabolite in plasma (rat, dog, human) and human urine. The procedure involves the use of an analogue as internal standard, solid-phase extraction on cyano cartridges, separation on a Nova-Pak C8 column and fluorescence detection. Calibration curves are linear in the concentration ranges from 0.5 to 100 ng/ml in plasma and 2.0 to 500 ng/ml in urine with a limit of quantitation set at 0.5 and 2.0 ng/ml in plasma and urine, respectively. The analysis of plasma and urine samples (spiked with the analytes at low, medium and high concentrations of the calibration range) demonstrates that both analytes can be measured with precision and accuracy within acceptable limits. Quality controls spiked with analyte concentrations up to 10000 ng/ml can also be analysed with excellent precision and accuracy after dilution of the samples. The parent drug and its metabolite are stable in plasma and urine after short-term storage (24 h at room temperature and after three freeze-thaw cycles) as well as after long-term storage at -20 degrees C (at least 6 months in animal plasma and 12 months in human plasma and urine). The method has been used to quantify both compounds in plasma and urine samples from clinical and non-clinical studies with ivabradine.

Animals↗

Validation of an HPLC method for the determination of urinary and plasma levels of N1-methylnicotinamide, an endogenous marker of renal cationic transport and plasma flow.

N1-Methylnicotinamide (NMN) is an endogenous cationic metabolite of nicotinamide (niacine, vitamine PP) whose renal clearance reflects both the capacity of the renal tubular transport system to secrete organic cations and renal plasma flow. NMN is present in human plasma and urine at the 1-117-ng ml(-1) and 0.5-25-microg ml(-1) concentration range, respectively, and its level depends notably on pathophysiological (age, renal or hepatic diseases) conditions. We report the optimization and validation of an HPLC method for the measurement of endogenous NMN in biological fluids after derivatization into a fluorescent compound. Plasma is first deproteinized with TCA 20% and the urine diluted 1:10 with HCI 10(-4) M prior to the derivatization procedure, which includes a condensation reaction of NMN with acetophenone in NaOH at 0 degrees C, followed by dehydration in formic acid and subsequent formation of the fluorescent 1,6-naphthyridine derivatives after heating samples in a boiling water bath. The synthetic homologous derivative N1-ethylnicotinamide (NEN) reacts similarly and is added as internal standard into the biological fluid. The reaction mixture is subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography on a Nucleosil 100-C18 column using a mobile phase (acetonitrile 22%, triethylamine 0.5%, 0.01 M sodium heptanesulfonate adjusted to pH 3.2), delivered isocratically at a flow rate of 1 ml min(-1), NMN and NEN are detected at 7.8 and 10 min by spectrofluorimetry with excitation and emission wavelengths set at 366 and 418 nm, respectively. The addition-calibration method is used with plasma and urine pools. Calibration curves (using the internal standard method) are linear (r2 > 0.997) at concentrations up to 109 ng ml(-1) and 15.7 microg ml(-1) in plasma and urine, respectively. Both intra- and inter-assay precision of plasma control samples at 10, 50 and 90 ng ml(-1) were lower than 3.3% and concentrations not deviating more than 2.7% from their nominal values. In urine intra- and inter-assay CVs of control samples at 1, 5 and 9 microg ml(-1) are lower than 8.3%, with concentrations not deviating more than -9.0 to +11.8% from their nominal values. This analytical method has therefore the required sensitivity and selectivity to measure NMN in plasma and urine, enabling the non-invasive determination of the tubular secretory capacity of the kidney and the renal plasma flow.

Biomarkers↗

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration inversely correlates with left atrial collagen volume fraction in patients with atrial fibrillation: plasma ANP as a possible biochemical marker to predict the outcome of the maze procedure.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level reflects atrial degenerative change and may predict the outcome of the maze procedure. BACKGROUND: Although a larger preoperative left atrial dimension and longer duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported in patients with persistent AF than in those with sinus rhythm (SR), these individual factors were not enough to predict the outcome of the maze procedure. METHODS: Preoperative plasma ANP levels were measured in consecutive 62 patients who underwent the Kosakai's modified maze procedure. Moreover, we performed histological and molecular biological examinations in the resected left atrial tissues. RESULTS: The preoperative plasma ANP was lower in the AF group (n = 13) than it was in the SR group (n = 49) (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of AF and plasma ANP were independently associated with postoperative cardiac rhythm. Among 41 patients with a higher plasma ANP or shorter duration of AF than the median value, SR was restored in 95% of patients. In contrast, in 21 patients with a lower plasma ANP and a longer duration of AF than the median value, SR was restored only in 48% of patients. Histological examination revealed that the collagen volume in the left atrial tissue was higher in AF than it was in SR and inversely correlated with plasma ANP. In addition, the messenger RNA expressions of ANP, collagen type I and type III were lower in AF than they were in SR. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a combination of plasma ANP and/or duration of AF may predict the success rate for the maze operation. Advanced atrial degenerative change may result in a decrease of atrial ANP secretion.

Aged↗

Drugs modifying nitric oxide metabolism affect plasma cholesterol levels, coagulation parameters, blood pressure values and the appearance of plasma myocardial necrosis markers in rabbits: opposite effects of L-NAME and nitroglycerine.

UNLABELLED: Various experiments have shown that decreased nitric oxide values alter plasma lipid levels or coagulation parameters or blood pressure values or cause myocardial necrosis phenomena, but it is not clear whether these alterations are reciprocally connected, or whether nitric oxide changes are involved in the appearance of some coronary disease risk factors (lipid, coagulation, blood pressure alterations) and myocardial necrosis. AIMS: We modified nitric oxide levels in rabbits using L-NAME (a NO synthase blocker) or nitroglycerine (a NO donor), and simultaneously evaluated variations in total and HDL cholesterol levels, some coagulation parameters, mean blood pressure values and myocardial necrosis patterns. RESULTS: L-NAME lowered plasma nitric oxide values, increased plasma total cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol levels, enhanced the amount of plasma fibrinogen, shortened prothrombin times, elevated the mean blood pressure values and caused the appearance of cardiac necrosis markers (c-troponin I, creatine kinase) in plasma and coagulative necrosis lesions in the myocardium. The administration of nitroglycerine to rabbits treated with L-NAME increased plasma nitric oxide levels and reversed the biochemical lesions caused by L-NAME. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the studied alterations in cholesterol values, coagulation parameters, increased mean blood pressure values and myocardial necrosis markers are strictly related to modified plasma nitric oxide levels, and that the regulation of nitric oxide metabolism affects the presence or absence of some coronary disease risk factors (lipid, coagulation and blood pressure alterations) and plasma indicators of myocardial necrosis.

Animals↗

Plasma membrane associated enzymes of mammary tumours as the biochemical indicators of metastasizing capacity. Analyses of enriched plasma membrane preparations.

Plasma membranes from 6 spontaneously metastasizing and 4 non-metastasizing rat mammary carcinomata were isolated by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation of microsomal pellets. The starting microsomal fraction contained 40-50% plasma membranes as determined by the levels of 5'-nucleotidase activity, with a negligible amount of nuclear (1%), mitochondrial (5%) and lysomal (7%) contamination. Five distinct fractions (F1-F5) were banded at densities 1 X 09, 1 X 13, 1 X 15, 1 X 17 and 1 X 21 at 25 degrees C, in addition to a pellet (F6) obtained by centrifuging at 76,000 g for 17 h. The fractions F1 through F5, all contained various concentrations of membranous structures, while the pellet (F6) contained only amorphous materials as evidenced by electron microscopy. The F3 fraction at the gradient 1 X 15 had the highest specific as well as total activity of the plasma membrane marker enzyme, with aggregates of the least contaminated plasma membranes in vesicular forms. This fraction also had the lowest specific activity for glucose-6-phosphatase (smooth ER marker) and for beta-D-glucuronidase (lysomal marker), and therefore was considered to be the "cleanest" plasma membrane fraction. When the activity of 4 additional plasma membrane marker enzymes, i.e., alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase I, nucleotide pyrophosphatase and alkaline ribonuclease was determined in the same F3 fraction, their levels were significantly lower in every metastasizing tumour than in the non-metastasizing ones, with the enzyme activity decreasing in direct proportion to the metastasizing capacity. On the other hand, the marker enzymes were high in all non-metastasizing tumours, with the activity seemingly increasing with the immunogenicity of tumour cells. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups of mammary tumours in the levels of sialic acid, hexosamine, phospholipid or cholesterol in the plasma membranes. Thus, the level of plasma membrane marker enzymes is considered an accurate indicator for metastasizing capacity in the rat mammary tumour system.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The adenylate kinase of human plasma, erythrocytes and platelets in relation to the degradation of adenosine diphosphate in plasma.

1. Adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3) has been shown to be present in human plasma obtained by conventional means and the adenylate-kinase activities of plasma and of lysed and intact human platelets and erythrocytes have been measured at 37 degrees by sensitive spectrophotometric methods. 2. The activities found in plasma ranged from 2.7 to 22.9mumoles of ADP formed/min./l. and in lysed platelets and lysed erythrocytes mean values of 0.79 and 12.0mumoles of ADP formed/min./10(9) cells respectively were found. Intact platelets and erythrocytes showed little or no activity. 3. The apparent K(m) of plasma adenylate kinase for ADP was found to be 1.4-1.6mm. 4. The adenylate-kinase activity of plasma was correlated with the free haemoglobin present and the larger part of the activity could be accounted for by haemolysis occurring either during the withdrawal of the blood or in vivo. 5. Aggregation of platelets by ADP, collagen fibres or thrombin released up to 16% of the platelet adenylate kinase into the suspending medium. 6. Measurement of the rate of breakdown of 1.6mum-ADP in plasma gave values of about 0.1mmu-mole/min./ml. This was not increased by addition of sufficient erythrocyte lysate to increase the activity of plasma adenylate kinase five to ten times. 7. It was concluded that the activity of adenylate kinase found in plasma, even after aggregation of the platelets, is insufficient to account for the rate of breakdown of low concentrations of ADP usually observed, and that another enzyme is responsible for this process.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Low-density lipoprotein is the major carrier of lipid hydroperoxides in plasma. Relevance to determination of total plasma lipid hydroperoxide concentrations.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed as the principal carrier of hydroperoxides in plasma, based upon data gathered with an HPLC-chemiluminescence technique. To test this hypothesis we have measured total lipid hydroperoxides in native plasma using the ferrous oxidation in Xylenol Orange (FOX) assay and then fractionated plasma into very-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL fractions. Hydroperoxides were found to accumulate principally (more than 65%) in LDL, as judged by hydroperoxide content per amount of protein or cholesterol, or expressed as a proportion of total hydroperoxide in plasma. Plasma was also incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence and absence of 2,2'-azo-bis-(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), an azo-initiator of lipid peroxidation. The majority of hydroperoxides generated in plasma were recovered in the LDL fraction. Furthermore, when isolated lipoproteins were subject to oxidation initiated by AAPH, very-low-density lipoprotein and LDL showed the greatest propensity for hydroperoxide accumulation, whereas HDL seemed relatively resistant. Estimates for plasma and LDL peroxidation based upon techniques which measure total lipid hydroperoxides suggest that levels of hydroperoxides in plasma and LDL are far higher than that those estimates generated by ostensibly more selective techniques. Higher levels of hydroperoxides in LDL than those reported by HPLC-chemiluminescence also seem in greater accordance with other available data concerning LDL oxidation.

Amidines↗

Studies on the effect of angiotensin II and of Des -angiotensin II on blood pressure, plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone in the dog.

1. The effect of infusions of equimolar doses of angiotensin II (AII) and of Des -angiotensin II (heptapeptide) on plasma renin activity, blood pressure and plasma aldosterone were compared in normal anaesthetized dexamethasone-suppressed dogs. 2. Plasma renin activity was equally suppressed by both compounds. The increase in blood pressure induced by the heptapeptide averaged 43-62% of the increase during AII infusions. No significant differences in aldosterone increase were observed between AII and the heptapeptide. Plasma aldosterone, however, dropped significantly faster in heptapeptide-treated dogs after the end of the infusions. 3. Sar -Ala -angiotensin II (saralasin, 400 pmol min-1 kg-1) suppressed plasma aldosterone that was stimulated by heptapeptide (20 pmol min-1 kg-1) completely. The same angiotensin antagonist had only a moderate effect on plasma aldosterone stimulated by AII. After stopping the antagonist infusion, plasma aldosterone rose significantly higher in dogs infused with AII than in those receiving the heptapeptide. 4. The results demonstrate differences between the effects of AII and the heptapeptide both on blood pressure and on plasma aldosterone. They do not support the hypothesis that the heptapeptide may be the main mediator of aldosterone secretion.

Aldosterone↗

Diurnal and postural variations in plasma atrial natriuretic factor, plasma guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate and sodium excretion.

1. We studied diurnal patterns of plasma atrial natriuretic factor, plasma guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate and urinary sodium excretion in normal subjects after 3 days on a 200 mmol of sodium/60 mmol of potassium diet. On the fourth day blood samples and urine were collected every 3 h. 2. Two studies were performed. In study 1, normal subjects (n = 8) were recumbent for 23 h from 09.00 hours to 08.00 hours the next day. In study 2, normal subjects (n = 10) were permitted to ambulate from 09.00 hours to 23.00 hours and then were recumbent until 08.00 hours the next day. 3. In study 1, assumption of the recumbent posture was associated with increases in plasma atrial natriuretic factor (P less than 0.01), plasma guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (P less than 0.05) and urinary sodium excretion (P less than 0.05). 4. In contrast, in study 2 there were no significant changes in plasma atrial natriuretic factor during the day; instead, plasma atrial natriuretic factor increased overnight, reaching a peak at 24.00 hours after 1 h of recumbency (P less than 0.01). A smaller rise in plasma guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (P less than 0.05) occurred; urinary sodium excretion decreased markedly (P less than 0.01) and there was no change in creatinine clearance. 5. In both studies, recumbency was associated with an initial drop, followed by a rise, in packed cell volume. 6. These data demonstrate that assumption of the supine position induces a rise in plasma atrial natriuretic factor and accounts for most of the observed variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗