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Non-ginsenoside nicotinic activity in ginseng species.

Amongst the many different therapeutic applications of ginseng are beneficial effects on age-related cognitive impairments. Ageing in the brain is associated with a loss of nicotinic receptor binding and receptor stimulation increases binding. Stimulation of the CNS (central nervous system) nicotinic receptor is considered to be beneficial in relation to symptomatic treatment and neuroprotection in age-associated cognitive disorders which involve a further receptor loss. We assessed Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium and several chemical constituents of these plants for nicotinic activity based on displacement of 3H-(-)nicotine from human brain cerebral cortex membranes in vitro. Dose-dependent displacement was evident in crude ethanol extracts of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium. Assay of an extract of Panax ginseng showed the plant to have affinity for both the nicotinic receptor, and to a lesser extent the muscarinic receptor (IC50 2.12 mg/mL and 5.25 mg/mL respectively). Activity was largely conserved after the extraction of choline and other water soluble quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), indicating that the activity of the plant extracts was not due to choline. Displacement binding assay of some purified chemical constituents, including a number of ginsenosides, showed that these were not primarily responsible for Panax activity. The active chemical constituent has yet to be identified, but the demonstrated nicotinic activity of ginseng warrants further investigation with reference to therapeutic activity in age-related conditions such as dementia.

Adult↗

Mobile gene cassettes and integrons: moving antibiotic resistance genes in gram-negative bacteria.

In Gram-negative pathogens, multiple antibiotic resistance is common and many of the known resistance genes are contained in mobile gene cassettes. Cassettes can be integrated into or deleted from their receptor elements, the integrons, or infrequently may be integrated at other locations via site-specific recombination catalysed by an integron-encoded recombinase. As a consequence, arrays of several different antibiotic resistance genes can be created. Over 40 gene cassettes and three distinct classes of integrons have been identified to date. Cassette-associated genes conferring resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, streptothricin and quaternary ammonium compounds used as antiseptics and disinfectants have been found. In addition, most members of the commonest family of integrons (class 1) include a sulfonamide resistance determinant in the backbone structure. Integrons are themselves translocatable, though most are defective transposon derivatives. Integron movement allows transfer of the cassette-associated resistance genes from one replicon to another or into another active transposon which facilitates spread of integrons that are transposition defective. Horizontal transfer of the resistance genes can be achieved when an integron containing one or more such genes is incorporated into a broad-host-range plasmid. Likewise, single cassettes integrated at secondary sites in a broad-host-range plasmid can also move across species boundaries.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Aluminum chloride-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic gamma-substituted-gamma-lactones.

Preparation of chiral gamma-substituted-gamma-lactones (1) through kinetic resolution is described. (S)-(-)-1-Phenylethylamine (2) in the presence of anhydrous AlCl(3) shows satisfactory levels of enantioselection in reaction with racemic gamma-substituted-gamma-lactones 1, where (R)-1 remains unreacted, while (S)-1 is enantioselectively converted to the ring-opened amide (S,S)-4. The enantiopurity of (R)-(+)- gamma-substituted gamma-lactones recovered ranges from 62-98% ee.

Aluminum Chloride↗

Separation of cresols using coelectroosmotic capillary electrophoresis.

A new method of capillary electrophoresis was established to separate the three cresol isomers. Cresols are of importance due to their use as insecticides, precursors of various dye intermediates, resins, fire-resistant fluids and other purposes. Reversion of the electroosmotic flow was carried out by a polycationic ammonium compound. The separations were carried out at high pH values (pH 12) to obtain complete dissociation of the cresols and short times of analysis (less than 5 min) through fast migration of the cresol towards the anode. Various aliphatic alcohols were added to improve peak shape and resolution.

1-Propanol↗

A model for the acetylcholine binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

A detailed model for the acetylcholine binding site on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is proposed. It is derived from assumptions based on existing biochemical, structural, and pharmacological data, combined with molecular modeling and principles of protein evolution and architecture. Acetylcholine is proposed to fit into a pocket on one face of an antiparallel beta-pleated sheet formed by residues 128-142 on the alpha-subunit. This sheet is flexible yet stable, in part because of a double cystine bridge at its end. Asp138, Thr133, and Gln140 provide a ring of negative charges around the quaternary ammonium group of acetylcholine, Ile131 and alkane segments of the other residues in the binding site provide hydrophobic interactions, and Gln140 provides a hydrogen bond for acetylcholine's carbonyl group; Glu129 would form part of the second anionic subsite for the bis-quaternary ammonium compounds and curares. The model is compatible with the available evidence pertaining to the binding site and with structure-activity relationship studies. It is precise and detailed, thereby making clear predictions, which are directly testable by affinity labeling and site-directed mutagenesis. It should prove useful in the design of such experiments.

Acetylcholine↗

First-pass effect after rectal administration of thiazinamium methylsulfate.

The absorption and metabolism of the quaternary ammonium compound thiazinamium methylsulfate were studied in humans using plasma concentration data and urinary excretion measurements. After giving a dose of 150 mg in suppositories, the relative bioavailability was 5.8 +/- 3.2 (SD) % of the dose, comparable to the values obtained following oral administration. The degree of first-pass effect observed after rectal administration was comparable with that after oral administration.

Aged↗

GLC determination of bretylium in biological fluids.

Bretylium [(o-bromobenzyl)ethyldimethylamine] is a quaternary ammonium compound used as the tosylate salt for treatment of ventricular fibrillation in humans. A sensitive assay was developed for the determination of low bretylium concentrations in plasma and urine. The internal standards were (p-bromobenzyl)ethyldimethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate and (o-methoxybenzyl)ethyldimethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate. Samples were deproteinized with acetonitrile and extracted with methylene chloride. After the evaporation of the organic phase, the residue was reacted with sodium 2,4,5-trichlorothiophenolate in methanol. This procedure yielded volatile compounds with excellent electron-capture capabilities for the GLC analysis. The assay sensitivity is 5 ng/ml. The extraction recovery of bretylium as determined by a direct radioactivity measurement was 90 and 97% for plasma and urine, respectively. The method is highly reproducible with no significant day-to-day variations. Comparisons of 60 standard plasma samples, 25 standard urine samples, and plasma samples from a dog that received [14C]bretylium showed excellent agreement between the GLC method and direct radioactivity measurement of bretylium.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of trazodone hydrochloride in tablets by an ion-selective electrode.

A simple assay procedure for the quantitation of trazodone hydrochloride in tablets, without prior separation, has been developed using a trazodone-selective electrode. The electrode was based on a trazodone:tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate ion-pair complex, dioctyl phthalate, and polyvinyl chloride matrix that were mounted on a PTFE membrane. The electrode showed a near-Nernstian response in the range of 10(-2) to 5 x 10(-6) M trazodone over the pH range of 2.5 to 5.0, with a cationic slope of 58 mV/concentration decade. The durability of the electrode and the reproducibility of the performance among the electrodes were sufficient. The electrode was used for the determination of the pKa value of trazodone. The selectivity of the electrode to a number of interferences was investigated. Many inorganic cations (alkali and alkaline earth metals) and pharmaceutical excipients did not interfere, but some organic ammonium compounds interfered according to their extractability. Determination of 10 to 3000 micrograms/mL of trazodone hydrochloride in aqueous solution showed an average recovery of 100.6% (mean standard deviation 0.4%) by direct potentiometry. This assay was applied to determine trazodone hydrochloride in tablets and the results compared favorably with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

The influence of sediment and colloidal material on the bioavailability of a quaternary ammonium surfactant.

The bioaccumulation and tissue distribution of a quaternary ammonium surfactant (hexadecylpyridinium bromide, HPB) in aquatic organisms was assessed under a variety of exposure conditions. Tadpoles, clams, and minnows were exposed simultaneously to sublethal levels of [3H]HPB under flowthrough conditions for a period of 7 days. Four exposure conditions were studied: water-borne HPB alone, water-borne HPB flowed over a natural sediment, waterborne HPB mixed in a suspension of bentonite clay, and HPB sorbed to a natural sediment. In addition, the significance of ingestion as an exposure pathway for HPB was assessed in a series of oral-dosing experiments conducted with tadpoles. Gill tissues accumulated the highest HPB residues for organisms exposed to the chemical in the absence of sediment or clay. The accumulation of HPB in all tissues, but especially in gills, was reduced significantly in the presence of sediment or clay. This finding is important because gill tissue is a primary site of toxic action for quaternary ammonium compounds. Tadpoles ingested HPB-contaminated sediment and clay, which became a source of exposure for GI-tract tissues. The results of oral-dosing experiments confirmed that sorbed HPB did contribute to the accumulation of this compound in intestinal tissues.

Adsorption↗

Reversal of doxorubicin-induced cardiac metabolic damage by L-carnitine.

Biopharmacological evaluations of the protective effects of L-carnitine (a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound) against doxorubicin-induced metabolic damage were carried out in isolated cardiac myocytes and in isolated rat heart mitochondria. Perfusion of the heart with DOX (0.5 mM) caused a significant 70% inhibition of palmitate oxidation in cardiac myocytes, while L-carnitine (5 mM) perfusion caused stimulation which accounted for 37%. Perfusion of the heart with L-carnitine after 10-min perfusion with DOX (0.5 mM) caused 88% reversal of DOX-induced inhibition of palmitate oxidation in cardiac cells. In rat heart mitochondria, DOX has no effect on either palmitate oxidation or acyl-CoA synthetase activity, whereas Enoximone (c-AMP-dependent phosphodiesterase inhibitor), caused a significant inhibition of palmitate oxidation and acyl-CoA activity (40 and 27%, respectively). The oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA, an index of carnitine palmitoyltransferse reaction was significantly inhibited by DOX as a function of DOX concentration. Preincubation of mitochondria with L-carnitine caused reversal of DOX-induced inhibition of palmitoyl-CoA oxidation depending on the concentration of L-carnitine. Moreover, L-carnitine treatment did not interfere with the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin against the growth of solid Ehrlich carcinoma. The findings of this study may suggest that inhibition of fatty acid oxidation in the heart is at least a part of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and that L-carnitine can be used to prevent the doxorubcin-induced cardiac metabolic damage without interfering with its antitumour activities.

Animals↗

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) glycoproteins: RSV fusion protein can mediate infection and cell fusion.

The genes encoding the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) attachment (G) and fusion (F) envelope glycoproteins were expressed separately as additional genes in recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV). Cells infected with the VSV-RSV F recombinant formed large syncytia illustrating the fusion activity of F in absence of other RSV proteins. Both F and G glycoproteins were expressed at the cell surface and incorporated into virions. Incorporation of these proteins did not require cytoplasmic tail sequences of VSV G. Using a compound, ammonium chloride, that raises the endosomal pH, we showed that presence of the RSV F glycoprotein in the envelope of recombinant VSV allowed for infectivity through a low-pH-independent pathway. Recombinant VSV expressing RSV glycoproteins could be useful as an RSV vaccine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The formation and cleavage of lysinoalanine crosslinks.

Treatment of lysinoalanine (LAL) with methyl iodide at pH-values above 8 leads to cleavage to dehydroalanine (DHA) and Nepsilon-di- or/and trimethyllysine, as was shown by ultraviolet spectra and amino acid analysis. This reaction is due to methylation of the crosslinking NH group of LAL to the quaternary ammonium compound; nucleophilic beta-elimination follows. By this reaction, the epsilon-amino groups of polylysine and its copolymers can be methylated to form di- and/or trimetryl-lysine residues. Chemically modified polypeptides containing Nepsilon-dimethyllysine can be made in this way.

Alanine↗

Analysis of succinylcholine in tissues and body fluids by ion-pair extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The neuromuscular blocking agent succinylcholine (SCh) has been identified and quantitated in biological material using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The bisquaternary ammonium compound SCh is extracted from tissue homogenates or body fluids into dichloromethane as an ion pair with hexanitrodiphenylamine (DPA). The evaporated ion pair residue is demethylated with sodium benzenethiolate to form the corresponding tertiary amine which is identified and quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a glass capillary column coated with SE 52. In the quantitative analysis deuterated SCh is used as internal standard. The instrument is focussed on m/z 58 for demethylated SCh and m/z 62 or 64 for the internal standard. Concentrations as low as 5 ng SCh iodide/g tissue or body fluid are easily detected.

Animals↗

A choline transporter in renal brush-border membrane vesicles: energetics and structural specificity.

Choline is a quaternary ammonium compound that is normally reabsorbed by the renal proximal tubule, despite its acknowledged role as a substrate for the renal organic cation (OC) secretory pathway. The basis for choline reabsorption was examined in studies of transport in rabbit renal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Although an outwardly directed H+ gradient (pH 6.0in: 7.5out) stimulated uptake of tetraethylammonium (TEA), a model substrate of the OC/H+ exchanger in renal BBMV, it had no effect on uptake of 1 microM choline. A 5 mM trans concentration gradient of choline did, however, drive countertransport of both TEA and choline, although trans TEA had no effect on choline accumulation in BBMV. A 20 mM concentration of unlabeled choline blocked uptake of both choline and TEA by greater than 85%, whereas 20 mM TEA blocked only TEA uptake. The kinetics of choline uptake into vesicles preloaded with 1 mM unlabeled choline appeared to involve two, saturable transport processes, one of high affinity for choline (Kt of 97 microM) and a second of low affinity (Kt of approximately 10 mM), the latter presumably reflecting a weak interaction of choline with the OC/H+ exchanger. An inside-negative electrical PD stimulated the rate of uptake and supported the transient concentrative accumulation of choline in BBMV. The high affinity transporter showed a marked specificity for choline and closely related analogues. A model of the molecular determinants of substrate-transporter interaction is described. We conclude that the electrogenic high affinity pathway plays a central role in renal reabsorption of choline.

Animals↗

Deposition of aerosols and bronchial clearance measurements.

A special inhalative device is described for reproducible deposition patterns of radioactive aerosols to measure mucociliary and tussive clearance and to evaluate the effect of drugs on the bronchial tree. Additive actions on mucus transport exist between beta 2-agonists and theophylline, but not in combination with inhalative quaternary ammonium compounds (ipatropium and oxitropium bromide). Mucolytics are generally less effective on mucociliary clearance than beta 2-agonists and theophylline, positive, negative and nonresponders are often seen due to the different viscoelastic properties of the mucus. Mucus transport is more than mucociliary clearance. Two-phase gas/liquid movement and coughing are also important transport mechanisms for bronchial mucus. Therefore, bronchodilators enhance mucus transport by increasing airway patency, which increases total and regional air flow and improves cough clearance.

Aerosols↗

Molybdic and tungstic heteropolyanions for "ionic fixation" of acetylcholine in cholinergic motor nerve terminals.

The treatment of neuromuscular junctions with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) and silicotungstic acid (STA) heteropolyanions permits the visualization of electron dense precipitates in the synaptic vesicles of the cholinergic motor nerve terminals. At the light microscopic level, the uncolored molybdenum salt is visualized after reduction to molybdenum blue. The blue coloration is confined to the nerve terminals. Since PMA and STA are known as strong precipitating agents of quaternary ammonium compounds (cations) it is supposed that they have insolubilized in situ the acetylcholine (Ach) of the synaptic vesicles by means of a rapid ionic interaction. Furthermore, in spite of the strong acidity of PMA and STA solutions, the ultrastructure of the treated tissue is not significantly altered but on the contrary seems to be well preserved. The ionic insolubilization of Ach, added to the good preservation of the ultrastructure prompted us to use the term "ionic fixation".

Acetylcholine↗

Choleresis and hepatic transport mechanisms. IV. Influence of bile salt choleresis on the hepatic transport of the organic cations, D-tubocurarine and N4 -acetyl procainamide ethobromide.

The influence of the bile salts taurocholate and dehydrocholate on the hepatic transport of two quaternary ammonium compounds, D-tubocurarine (dTc) and N4 -acetylprocainamide ethobromide (APAEB) was investigated in rats. The biliary excretion of APAEB and dTc in vivo was not enhanced by 106 mumoles/h of taurocholate or dehydrocholate. Infusion of 268 mumoles/h dehydrocholate caused an inhibition of the plasma disappearance and hepatic transport of dTc. This inhibition, which presumably occurred at the hepatic uptake level, was also observed in isolated perfused rat liver experiments. In animals with an intact renal function, the high dose of dehydrocholate caused a decreased biliary excretion and an increased renal excretion of dTc. The observed concentration gradients, plasma/liver cytosol and bile/liver cytosol 20 min after injection of both drugs were 1.6 and 23 for APAEB and 2.2 and 190 for dTc. These concentration ratios were based on free drug concentrations; corrections were made for plasma protein binding, intracellular binding and bilary micelle binding. No substantial binding of both compounds to ligandin and Z proteins was found. From the amount in the liver 20 min after injection of both drugs 70% of APAEB and 90% of dTc was bound to cellular particles. The rate limiting step in hepatic transport of APAEB from plasma into bile was concluded to be the hepatic uptake, which may explain the lack of effect of bile salt induced choleresis on its biliary excretion.

Animals↗