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PubMed1984

Differential sensitivity of Dahl salt-sensitive and Dahl salt-resistant rats to the hypotensive action of acute nifedipine administration.

The calcium antagonist, nifedipine, was intravenously administered in a cumulative fashion, from 0.5 to 12 mg/kg, to Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats which had been maintained on a high (8.0%) or low (0.4%) salt (NaCl) diet. We observed, compared with the DR rats, dose-related and significant (P less than 0.001) falls in the systolic (SBP) (72 +/- 3 and 60 +/- 9%, respectively) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (67 +/- 2 and 62 +/- 6%) o the DS rats maintained either on the low (0.4%) or high (8.0%) salt diets. In contrast, nifedipine therapy comparatively produced only moderate changes in the SBP and DBP of the DR rats (36 +/- 12, 27 +/- 9, 31 +/- 10, and 30 +/- 11%, respectively). We hypothesize that this differential sensitivity of the DS and DR rats to the hypotensive action of nifedipine may reflect a significantly more important role for a high resting Ca2+ influx, through nifedipine sensitive channels, in the maintenance of the blood pressure of the DS rat.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Differential sensitivity to bradykinin of esophageal distension-sensitive mechanoreceptors in vagal and sympathetic afferents of the opossum.

1. Single-unit activity was recorded from afferent fibers in the cervical vagus and thoracic sympathetic nerves in the opossum. Seventy-six fibers that responded to balloon distension (100 mmHg for 10 s) of the smooth muscle portion of the esophagus were selected for further study. 2. Forty-nine distension-sensitive afferents were identified in the vagus nerve. The stimulus response function (SRF) of 41 fibers behaved as "low-threshold mechanoreceptors" (LTM), with mean threshold value of 0.29 +/- 0.17 mmHg and saturation pressure of 50-70 mmHg. All fibers demonstrated background activity, with a mean rate of 8.83 +/- 0.93 imp/s (range 0.5-31.25). 3. Twenty-seven distension-sensitive afferents were identified in the thoracic sympathetic chain (T6-T8) and splanchnic nerve. The SRF study revealed two types of fibers: 1) a wide-dynamic-range mechanonociceptor (WDRMN) with a mean response threshold of 3.43 +/- 0.90 mmHg (n = 15) and 2) a "high-threshold mechanonociceptor" (HTMN) with a mean response threshold of 34.93 +/- 2.70 mmHg (n = 12). The mean background activities of WDRMN and HTMN fibers were 0.5 +/- 0.13 and 0.20 +/- 0.08 imp/s, respectively. Both of these fibers had saturation pressures of > 120 mmHg. 4. The conduction velocities were measured in 14 LTM, 10 WDRMN, and seven HTMN fibers. The mean conduction velocity of LTM fibers was 5.03 +/- 1.35 m/s (range 0.97-18.00), with five unmyelinated "C"-fibers (< 2.5 m/s) and nine A-delta fibers (> 2.5 m/s). The mean conduction velocity of WDRMN fibers was 3.64 +/- 0.84 m/s (range 1.10-8.25), consisting of five C-fibers and five A-delta fibers. The mean conduction velocity of HTMN fibers was 6.22 +/- 2.35 m/s (range 1.73-24.66); three fibers were unmyelinated C-fibers, and four fibers were A-delta fibers. 5. The sensitivity to bradykinin (BK) administered systemically (1-300 micrograms/kg) was tested in LTM (n = 34), WDRMN (n = 15), and HTMN (n = 8) fibers. Twenty-six (66%) LTM fibers responded to BK, and eight (34%) fibers were insensitive to BK. All 15 WDRMN and eight HTMN fibers tested responded to BK. 6. Tachyphylaxis to repeated application of BK was tested in all three classes of fibers. The vagal LTM fibers did not exhibit tachyphylaxis when BK was given at an intervals of 10 min. The sympathetic WDRMN and HTMN fibers demonstrated partial tachyphylaxis when BK was injected at 10-min intervals, but not when BK was injected at 20-min intervals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1996

Stretch-sensitive afferent neurons in cat knee joint capsule: sensitivity to axial and compression stresses and strains.

1. Experiments were performed to determine whether the response of stretch-sensitive mechanoreceptors to tissue deformation is caused by the axial stretching of the tissue or by the associated transverse compression of the tissue caused by the Poisson effect. 2. Single, stretch-sensitive mechanoreceptors were recorded in vitro in a preparation of innervated, isolated capsule from the cat knee. Afferents were isolated in a ligamentous capsule thickening that has a uniform geometry and parallel collagen fibers. The tissue was loaded axially while simultaneously stretching it around the surface of a cylinder to produce compression stresses and strains. Axial stresses and strains were measured or estimated. 3. By altering the diameter of the cylinder, given axial stresses and strains produced different levels of compression stresses and strains. It was possible to compare the neuronal response to pure uniaxial tension with the response when both axial stretching and transverse compression was applied. 4. In 8 of 11 experiments, transverse compression did not significantly change the response (P > 0.05). In one experiment, the response was decreased by compression. In the other two experiments, the response was increased but was not a function of the magnitude of the compressive stress. 5. Compressive strain was not significantly correlated with neuron response in any experiment. 6. The data do not sustain the model that the responses of stretch-sensitive neurons are due to local compression of the afferent ending.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Double sensitization to honeybee and wasp venom: immunotherapy with one or with both venoms? Value of FEIA inhibition for the identification of the cross-reacting ige antibodies in double-sensitized patients to honeybee and wasp venom.

BACKGROUND: Double sensitization to honeybee (Apis mellifera) and wasp venom (Vespula spp.) as determined by skin test and measurement of specific IgE is common in hymenoptera sting allergy. Double-sensitized patients have either distinct antibodies for each venom or cross-reacting antibodies that recognize similar or identical epitopes in both venoms. Unfortunately, patients often fail to identify the stinging insect which makes it difficult to distinguish cross-reactors from non cross-reactors. However, for economic reasons as well as for the benefit of the patients, it would be useful to identify complete cross-reactors. METHODS: In this study we investigated 24 double-sensitized patients who were candidates for venom immunotherapy. Homologous and heterologous FEIA inhibition was carried out with honeybee (Apis mellifera) and wasp venom (Vespula spp.) preparations from two different providers. The inhibitor concentrations were ranging from 0 to 100 microg protein/ml. RESULTS: Sera of 4 patients were completely cross-reacting for one venom (3 honeybee, 1 wasp), 8 patients were partially cross-reacting and 10 patients were not cross-reacting. Two patients were excluded from the study due to insufficient homologous inhibition. Data from specific IgE measurements, skin test, and clinical history were not useful for the identification of cross-reacting patients. CONCLUSION: FEIA inhibition is easy to perform and useful for the identification of patients with complete cross-reactivity. In these patients immunotherapy might be restricted to one venom which is beneficial for the patient and cost-effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Baker's asthma due to xylanase and cellulase without sensitization to alpha-amylase and only weak sensitization to flour.

BACKGROUND: The baking additives xylanase and cellulase were described as baking additives causing baker's asthma. It is not known whether monosensitization to these enzymes may occur. METHODS: We present a case report of a baker with work-related asthma evaluated by skin prick test (SPT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EAST), immunoblot, EAST and immunoblot inhibition, and specific bronchial challenge. Fungal xylanase and alpha-amylase were measured by two-site enzyme immunoassays in products used by the patient at work. RESULTS: Allergy to xylanase and cellulase was demonstrated by SPT, EAST, immunoblot and specific bronchial challenge (for xylanase only). No sensitization to alpha-amylase could be demonstrated, but there was a weak flour allergy as documented by EAST and immunoblot and a positive occupational-type challenge with high concentrations of rye flour. Four baking additives contained measurable amounts of fungal alpha-amylase and xylanase, without a correlation between these enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that occupational asthma due to the baking additives xylanase and cellulase may occur without concomitant sensitization to alpha-amylase and only weak sensitization to flour.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Different IgE reactivity profiles in birch pollen-sensitive patients from six European populations revealed by recombinant allergens: an imprint of local sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Sensitivity to birch pollen allergens is a common feature among European patients with seasonal pollen allergy. In this in vitro study, we examined the specific serum IgE binding profiles to individual birch pollen allergens in birch-sensitive patients from six European populations. METHODS: The study included 242 patients from Finland, Sweden, Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy. All suffered from seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma. Their sera were analyzed for specific IgE reactivity to individual birch pollen allergens (recombinant Bet v 1, Bet v 2 and Bet v 4) and natural birch pollen extract using Pharmacia CAP System and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Almost all Finnish, Swedish and Austrian sera contained IgE specific for Bet v 1 (>or=98%). Bet v 1-specific IgE antibodies were found in 90% of the French sera, and in 65 and 62% of the sera from Switzerland and Italy, respectively. Few Finnish (2%) and Swedish (12%) patients had IgE to Bet v 2, while Bet v 2 reactivity was more common in the other populations (20-43%). Reactivity to Bet v 4 was rare in all populations (5-11%) except for the Italian patients, in whom 3 of 11 sera were positive (27%). The immunoblot results supported the specific IgE profiles obtained with Pharmacia CAP System showing a broader IgE reactivity profile in patients from central and southern Europe as compared to northern Europe. CONCLUSION: Component-resolved allergy diagnosis with recombinant allergens reveals that the IgE reactivity profiles to individual birch pollen allergens vary between European populations. This observation may be explained by sensitization to different allergen sources and will have an impact on allergen-specific prevention and therapy strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

In situ DNAse I sensitivity assay indicates DNA conformation differences between CHO cells and the radiation-sensitive CHO mutant IRS-20.

The radiosensitive mutant cell line IRS-20, its wild type counterpart CHO and a derivative of IRS-20 with a transfected YAC clone (YAC-IRS) that restores radioresistance were tested for DNAse I sensitivity. The three cell lines were cultured under the same conditions and had a mitotic index of 2-5%. One drop of fixed cells from the three lines was always spread on the same microscopic slide. After one day of ageing, slides were exposed to DNAse I and stained with DAPI. Images from every field were captured and the intensity of blue fluorescence was measured with appropriate software. For untreated cells, the fluorescence intensity was similar for all of the cell lines. After DNAse I treatment, CHO and YAC-IRS had an intensity of 85% but IRS-20 had an intensity of 60%, when compared with the controls. DNAse I sensitivity differences between the cell lines indicate that overall conformation of chromatin might contribute to radiation sensitivity of the IRS-20 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Plasma volume after dextran infusion in rats sensitive and non-sensitive to dextran.

Plasma volume determinations were done with RIHSA under normal conditions and after intravenous infusion of dextran solutions. The plasma volume of normal rats in millilitre was found to be 0.026 X body weight + 0.92. Infusion of dextran into dextran-sensitive Sprague-Dawley rats was followed by a marked plasma volume reduction and haemoconcentration as consequence of an anaphylactoid reaction. This reaction could be partially inhibited by pretreatment with cyproheptadine chloride. Plasma volume determination with the method used in this study can be used to evaluate the dextran-anaphylactoid reaction. In dextran non-sensitive Wistar rats, infusion of dextran had a strong plasma volume-expanding effect comparable to the plasma volume-expanding effect of dextran in humans. No signs of abnormal leakage of fluid out into the extravascular space were evident, which indicated that the Wistar rats really were non-sensitive to dextran.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High-sensitivity antitumor drug sensitivity testing.

For antitumor drug sensitivity testing we have been performing the succinic dehydrogenase inhibition test using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). A new tetrazolium salt 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenyl-amino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) has been synthesized recently, and we have been conducting basic studies using it. We were able to obtain a high degree of sensitivity by adding phenazine methosulfate as a promoter in this assay. In these assays, there was a positive correlation between absorbance and cell count and XTT assay was more sensitive than MTT assay. In XTT assay, the production of formazan increases with reaction time over a protracted period of time, we assessed the possibility of performing assays with fewer cells than MTT was used. The results using cancer cell lines showed that when reacted for a longer time (6 h), it was possible to perform adequate assays using this method with 5,000 cells per well, and it will be useful when the amount of biopsy specimen is limited. We also evaluated the inhibition index of each of the drugs, comparing it with the MTT assay.

Cell Count↗
PubMed1977

Increase in serum IgE levels of ovalbumin-sensitized cats and the detection of elastase and collagenase activities in secretions of sensitized feline alveolar macrophages challenged in vitro.

The feline model of respiratory hypersensitivity induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin has been studied. IgE serum antibodies were present for 3-10 weeks following sensitization, with maximum titers occurring between 50 and 70 days. Similarly, peak passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions occurred between 50 and 70 days. Alveolar macrophages, obtained by tracheal lavage at 65 days after sensitization, produced elastase like and collagenase-like secretions 48 h after challenge with ovalbumin in culture. Macrophages from nonsensitized cats did not produce these secretions. It is hypothesized that reaginic antibodies and sensitized alveolar macrophages, such as those found in the cat model, may be responsible in part for the destruction of lung tissue found in long-term respiratory diseases, similar to fibrosing alveolitis and pulmonary emphysema in man.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Coronary arteriolar dilation to acidosis: role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins.

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that coronary arteriolar dilation in response to acidosis is mediated by the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. However, the signal transduction involved in the KATP-channel activation during acidosis has not been elucidated. A recent study in cardiac myocytes implied that pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins may be involved in the signal transduction for KATP-channel activation. However, it remains unclear whether this transduction process also occurs in the vascular tissue and, in particular, whether it exerts functional dilation in response to acidosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: To examine the signaling pathway for acidosis-induced dilation, porcine coronary arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized for in vitro study. The GTPase activity in reconstituted G proteins was examined at different levels of pH. Extravascular acidosis (pH 7.3 to 7.0) produced a graded dilation of coronary arterioles. This dilation was not affected by removal of endothelium but was significantly attenuated after inhibition of KATP channels and G proteins by glibenclamide and PTX, respectively. Glibenclamide and PTX attenuated the acidosis-induced arteriolar dilation to the same extent, and combined administration of both inhibitors did not further inhibit the vasodilation. These results indicated that both inhibitors act on the same vasodilatory pathway. Furthermore, vasodilation of coronary arterioles to the KATP-channel opener pinacidil and to the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside was not affected by PTX. Because PTX inhibited acidosis-induced vasodilation without inhibiting KATP-channel function, it is suggested that PTX inhibits the vasodilatory pathway upstream from KATP channels. GTPase activity in reconstituted G proteins was significantly enhanced by a reduction in pH, indicating that G proteins were directly activated by acidosis. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these findings, we conclude that acidosis-induced coronary arteriolar dilation is mediated by the opening of smooth muscle KATP channels through the activation of PTX-sensitive G proteins.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1997

Mechanisms of coronary microvascular dilation induced by the activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins are vessel-size dependent. Heterogeneous involvement of nitric oxide pathway and ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

G proteins are critically important mediators of many signal transduction systems. In the present study, we investigated the effect of direct activation of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G protein (GPTX) on coronary arterial microvascular tone in 37 open-chest anesthetized dogs in vivo. Coronary arterial microvessels on the surface of the beating left ventricle were visualized by performing fluorescence coronary microangiography using an intravital microscope with a floating objective system. Microvessels were divided into two groups, small microvessels (inner diameter, < or = 130 microns) and large microvessels (inner diameter, > 130 microns). Topically applied mastoparan (G protein activator, 10, 30, and 100 mumol/L) produced homogeneous microvascular dilation in a concentration-dependent manner (10 mumol/L, 7.9 +/- 2.0%; 30 mumol/L, 10.3 +/- 2.4%; and 100 mumol/L, 16.7 +/- 4.5% in small microvessels; 10 mumol/L, 5.3 +/- 1.2%; 30 mumol/L, 9.8 +/- 2.5%; and 100 mumol/L, 15.5 +/- 3.9% in large microvessels). These dilations were reversed to constriction by pretreatment with PTX (300 ng/mL, 2 hours) in both microvessel groups. Blockade of nitric oxide production by NG-nitro-L-arginine (LNNA, 300 mumol/L) offset the mastoparan-induced dilation in large microvessels but not in small microvessels. Cosuperfusion of glibenclamide (10 mumol/L) with LNNA produced constriction of all sizes of microvessels in response to mastoparan, whereas charybdotoxin (10 nmol/L) did not affect the mastoparan effect. Pretreatment with glibenclamide alone reversed mastoparan dilation to constriction in small microvessels, whereas it only offset the dilation without producing constriction in large microvessels. We conclude that the activation of GPTX produces homogeneous coronary arterial microvascular dilation and that the underlining mechanisms of the dilation are vessel size dependent. The L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway mediates the dilation only in large microvessels, whereas ATP-sensitive K+ channel activation plays a central role in the dilation of small microvessels when GPTX is directly activated. ATP-sensitive K+ channels are also involved in the dilation of large microvessels in a synergistic fashion with nitric oxide production.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1998

Insulin-like growth factor-1 but not growth hormone augments mammalian myocardial contractility by sensitizing the myofilament to Ca2+ through a wortmannin-sensitive pathway: studies in rat and ferret isolated muscles.

A growing body of evidence has been accumulated recently suggesting that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) affect cardiac function, but their mechanism(s) of action is unclear. In the present study, GH and IGF-1 were administered to isolated isovolumic aequorin-loaded rat whole hearts and ferret papillary muscles. Although GH had no effect on the indices of cardiac function, IGF-1 increased isovolumic developed pressure by 24% above baseline. The aequorin transients were abbreviated and demonstrated decreased amplitude. The positive inotropic effects of IGF-1 were not associated with increased intracellular Ca2+ availability to the contractile machinery but to a significant increase of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Accordingly, the Ca2+-force relationship obtained under steady-state conditions in tetanized muscle was shifted significantly to the left (EC50, 0.44+/-0.02 versus 0.52+/-0.03 micromol/L with and without IGF-1 in the perfusate, respectively; P<0.05); maximal Ca2+-activated tetanic pressure was increased significantly by 12% (211+/-3 versus 235+/-2 mm Hg in controls and IGF-1-treated hearts, respectively; P<0.01). The positive inotropic actions of IGF-1 were not associated with changes in either pHi or high-energy phosphate content, as assessed by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and were blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. Concomitant administration of IGF binding protein-3 blocked IGF-1-positive inotropic action in ferret papillary muscles. In conclusion, IGF-1 is an endogenous peptide that through a wortmannin-sensitive pathway displays distinct positive inotropic properties by sensitizing the myofilaments to Ca2+ without increasing myocyte [Ca2+]i.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1997

Expression of interleukin-5 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in aspirin-sensitive and non-aspirin-sensitive asthmatic airways.

Increased numbers of eosinophils and mast cells in the bronchial mucosa are characteristic features in subjects with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are involved in the activation, maturation, and perpetuation of survival of eosinophils. Immunohistochemical techniques were therefore used to study the expression of IL-5 and GM-CSF on frozen bronchial biopsies from 13 aspirin-sensitive asthmatic (ASA) and 8 non-ASA (NASA) subjects. Aspirin sensitivity was diagnosed by lysine-aspirin inhalation provocation. ASA airways demonstrated a significant 2-fold increase in the total number of submucosal inflammatory cells expressing IL-5 (p = 0.03) and approximate 4- and 2-fold increases in the numbers of mast cells expressing IL-5 and GM-CSF (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). There was also a 4-fold increase in the number of eosinophils expressing IL-5 (p = 0.004). These results suggest a central role for the mast cell and eosinophil in regulation of the inflammatory cell infiltrate of ASA airways by secretion of the hemopoietic cytokines IL-5 and GM-CSF.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Insulin-sensitive, serum-sensitive protein kinase activity that phosphorylates ribosomal protein S6 in cultured fibroblast-melanoma hybrid cells.

A protein kinase activity (S6PK) that phosphorylates ribosomal protein S6 has been detected in cytosolic extracts prepared from an insulin-sensitive mouse fibroblast-melanoma hybrid cell line. The activity of this enzyme is greatly increased in cells that have been stimulated with insulin or serum for 30 min before preparation of the extract. In the parental melanoma cells, which are insensitive to the growth-stimulatory action of insulin, the activity of the enzyme is lower than in the hybrid cells and is not increased in response to insulin. The insulin-sensitive, serum-sensitive S6PK from the hybrid cells is eluted as a single peak from diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose between 0.15 and 0.2 M KCl. The apparent mol wt of the enzyme, as determined by gel permeation chromatography, is approximately 105,000. A second S6 kinase activity from the hybrid cells is trypsin dependent and elutes from DEAE-cellulose at a lower salt concentration than S6PK. In contrast to S6PK, the trypsin-dependent S6 kinase activity does not vary in a consistent manner in response to insulin or serum. Fractions obtained from DEAE-cellulose chromatography of extracts of the hybrid cells have also been assayed for ability to phosphorylate the synthetic octapeptide Arg-Arg-Leu-Ser-Ser-Leu-Arg-Ala (S6-1), the structure of which is based on a phosphorylated region of the S6 protein. Two trypsin-dependent peaks of protein kinase activity have been found to phosphorylate this peptide, one eluting at 0.05 M KCl and the other at 0.10-0.15 M KCl. The first peak elutes at the same salt concentration as the trypsin-dependent protein kinase(s) that phosphorylate ribosomal protein S6, while the second elutes slightly, but reproducibly ahead of S6PK. Several properties of the second peak of S6-1 phosphorylating activity suggest that it is not S6PK.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Wortmannin-sensitive and -insensitive steps in calcium-controlled exocytosis in pituitary gonadotrophs: evidence that myosin light chain kinase mediates calcium-dependent and wortmannin-sensitive gonadotropin secretion.

In cultured rat pituitary cells, increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and LH release are induced by activation of GnRH receptors as well as by nonreceptor-mediated stimuli. Treatment of pituitary cells with the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor, wortmannin, attenuated GnRH-induced LH release. Wortmannin also reduced the LH responses to nonreceptor-mediated elevation of [Ca2+]i by ionomycin and activation of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels by Bay K 8644 or high K+, as well as Ca2+-induced LH release in permeabilized pituitary cells. The [Ca2+]i responses to these stimuli were unaltered in wortmannin-treated pituitary cells, indicating that this compound inhibits a Ca2+-dependent step in exocytosis without affecting Ca2+ signaling. In perifused pituitary cells, the GnRH-induced early spike phase of LH release was not affected by wortmannin, whereas the subsequent plateau phase was almost completely inhibited. No significant changes in GnRH-induced phospholipase D activity and diacylglycerol production were observed in wortmannin-treated pituitary cells during the sustained phase of agonist stimulation. Wortmannin also had no effect on LH responses to the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, further indicating that the attenuation of agonist-induced LH release is not related to inhibition of the diacylglycerol/protein kinase C pathway. In addition, agonist-induced LH release was attenuated by two other MLCK inhibitors, MS-347a and KT5926. These data suggest that MLCK mediates the downstream effects of Ca2+ on exocytosis, an action supported by the finding of wortmannin-sensitive phosphorylation of a 20-kDa protein in pituitary cells and alphaT3-1 gonadotrophs treated with GnRH, K+, and Bay K 8644. This protein was coprecipitated from pituitary extracts with a specific antibody to nonmuscle myosin IIB and comigrated with 20-kDa smooth muscle myosin light chain on SDS-PAGE. These results demonstrate that Ca2+ controls exocytosis through an initial wortmannin-insensitive step and a sustained wortmannin-sensitive step and suggest that the latter event in the cascade of cellular responses is dependent on phosphorylation of nonmuscle myosin IIB light chain by MLCK.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed2002

Application of eudragit RS to thermo-sensitive drug delivery systems. I. Thermo-sensitive drug release from acetaminophen matrix tablets consisting of eudragit RS/PEG 400 blend polymers.

In order to develop the polymer materials having temperature-sensitive and high biological safety, Eudragit RS-PO and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) blend polymers (EPG) were prepared. The EPGs that have the glass transition temperature (Tg) at around the body temperature were prepared by the addition of 5--13% PEG 400 to Eudragit RS. As glassy polymers are not in thermodynamic equilibrium below their Tg, the effects of isothermal aging on the T(g)s of Eudragit RS and EPG containing 10% PEG 400 (10% EPG) were also studied at various aging temperatures. The Tg values of Eudragit RS increased with the aging time and after 30 d of aging, they apparently reached constant values which markedly differed depending on the aging temperatures. On the other hand, the Tg values of 10% EPG were almost independent of the aging temperature and reached around 33 degrees C at 30 d after aging. The ability as thermo-sensitive polymer of EPG was evaluated by the dissolution test of the acetaminophen (AAP) matrix tablets prepared with EPG. The AAP release rate from the EPG matrix tablets slightly changed below the Tg of tablets, and then, it markedly increased above the Tg. Considering high biological safety of Eudragit RS and PEG 400, EPG might be available to develop the novel thermo-sensitive drug delivery systems.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1988

Verapamil-sensitive and less sensitive contractions in the intestinal smooth muscle of the guinea-pig taenia caeci.

Effect of verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, on the contractions in the intestinal smooth muscle of taenia isolated from guinea-pig caecum was examined. In normal medium, 10 mM-80 mM KCl or 10(-7) M-10(-5) M carbachol induced a transient contraction followed by a sustained one. When the muscle strips were treated with a Ca2+-free solution for 2 min, these stimulants failed to induce contraction except an initial transient contraction induced by 10(-6) M-10(-5) M carbachol. Cumulative application of verapamil during the sustained contraction induced muscle relaxation. Higher concentration of verapamil was needed to inhibit the sustained contraction induced by 10 mM or 20 mM K+ than that induced by 40 mM or 80 mM K+. Similarly, the sensitivity to verapamil of the sustained contraction induced by 10(-7) M carbachol was lower than that induced by 10(-6) M or 10(-5) M carbachol. In the presence of verapamil, addition of either high K+ or carbachol induced an initial transient contraction, although the sustained contraction was strongly inhibited. These results suggest that high K+ and carbachol activate two types of Ca2+ channels; lower concentrations of the stimulants open the channel which is less sensitive to verapamil, and higher concentrations open the channel which is more sensitive to verapamil.

Animals↗