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The effect of hexane on the ventricular fibrillation threshold of the isolated perfused rat heart.

This investigation was conducted to determine the influence of hexane on the ventricular fibrillation threshold of the isolated perfused rat heart and myocardial electrolyte levels. Ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured using the Langendorff perfusion apparatus. Heart rate was measured by a universal digital counter and the cardiac flow by collecting the outflow of the heating chamber below the heart into a graduated measuring cylinder. Magnesium and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and potassium by flame photometry. Two groups of rats were studied; those in the experimental group were given 0.2 ml of hexane and the control group 0.2 ml olive oil subcutaneously for 90 days. Their hearts were removed under anaesthesia. Half of the experimental and control hearts were mounted on the Langendorff perfusion apparatus and the heart rate, coronary flow and ventricular fibrillation threshold were measured. The hearts of the other half were used to measure myocardial electrolyte levels. In the experimental group the ventricular fibrillation threshold decreased (4.72 (S.D. +/- 1.87) vs 9.48 (S.D. +/- 2.98); P less than 0.001). There was no change in the coronary flow and heart rate in between the groups. The mean myocardial potassium levels (2586 (S.D. +/- 162) vs 2968 (S.D. +/- 218) micrograms/g; P less than 0.001), magnesium levels (164 (S.D. +/- 28) vs 208 (S.D. +/- 18) micrograms/g; P less than 0.001) and zinc levels (19.6 (S.D. +/- 4) vs 33.8 (S.D. +/- 6.8) micrograms/g; P less than 0.001) were significantly lower in the hexane-treated group compared to controls. Hexane, a constituent of glue and benzine, is cardiotoxic; marked derangement in myocardial electrolytes and a reduced ventricular fibrillation threshold, indicating an increased myocardial vulnerability to arrhythmias, was noted in the experimental animals.

Animals↗

Light-scattering studies of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex from escherichia coli. I. Characterization of the self-association of the complex.

The self-association of Escherichia coli alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDC) purified by a column Chromatographic technique, was characterized by light-scattering photometry. The complex adopts a solution conformation somewhat larger than that observed in the electron microscope. The evidence suggests a nonideal indefinite self-association model for KGDC in KCl, phosphate buffer. The KGDC monomer has a molecular charge of about -3 x 10(2) at neutral pH. The self-association is promoted by increasing KCl concentrations, pH (in the range from 6.3 to 7.4) and temperature (from 20 to 30 degrees C). The effects of pH changes suggest a release of protons during the self-association and a minor 'preferential' interaction of phosphate ions. For the association of one monomer to the aggregate at neutral pH and 25 degrees C. DeltaG degrees = -7.8 kcal mol(-1). DeltaH degrees = 24 kcal mol(-1) and DeltaS degrees = 1.1 x 10(2) cal mol(-1) K(-1). These data indicate that hydrophobic interactions drive the association. Thermodynamically, the self-association of KGDC is a complex phenomenon and may serve to stabilize the enzyme complex in solution.

Journal Article↗

Precise ultraviolet absorbance study of the interactions of amino acids and mononucleosides in aqueous solution.

The association constants of various amino acids or their derivatives (methyl esters, amides, etc.) with mononucleosides in aqueous solutions have been measured by using precise ultraviolet difference absorbance photometry. Some of the results are in agreement with those of the previous solubility experiments. The superiority of this ultraviolet absorbance method over the solubility experiments is that it can discriminate between stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. New types of specific interactions of some amino acids with nucleic acid bases by using a peptidyl carboxylate ion and another donor or acceptor in their side chains have been found using this technique.

Amino Acids↗

Optical measurement of aqueous potassium concentration by a hydrophobic indicator in lipid vesicles.

An assay was developed for K+ in aqueous solution at neutral pH. The method was based on the change in optical absorbance of the hydrophobic indicator 7-(n-decyl)-2-methyl-4-(3',5'-dichlorophen-4'-one)indonaphthl++ +-1-ol (MEDPIN) in phospholipid vesicles. Formation of a ternary complex between a valinomycin-K+ pair and the anionic form of MEDPIN in the bilayer resulted in an absorption band at 584 nm. K+ concentration was determined by monitoring the MEDPIN absorbance at 584 nm and MEDPIN quenching of lissamine rhodamine B sulfonylphosphatidylethanolamine (L-RhB-PE) fluorescence by an energy-transfer mechanism. Both the fluorescence intensity and lifetime of L-RhB-PE decreased by more than 25% upon addition of 50 mM K+. Kinetic studies using stopped-flow photometry showed a single-exponential reaction of MEDPIN and valinomycin in vesicles with aqueous K+ (maximum rate 1.7 s-1) that was dependent upon [valinomycin] and [K+]. The lipid surface charge was shown to influence the ratio of anionic to neutral MEDPIN at constant pH, and to alter the sensitivity of MEDPIN absorbance to aqueous [K+]. A 1:20 neutral/negative lipid mole ratio was optimal for K+ detection at pH 7.4. Spectroscopic and kinetic data suggest that the optical response of MEDPIN to K+ involves the formation of a ternary complex between K+, valinomycin and MEDPIN.

Colorimetry↗

Naloxone blocks the formalin-induced increase of substance P in the dorsal horn.

Substance P (SP) has been proposed as a mediator of nociception in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Activation of nociceptive pathways by stimuli such as formalin injected into the hind paw has been shown to produce an increase in the amount of immunoreactive SP in primary afferent neurons. Opiate agonist and antagonist binding in the dorsal horn has been shown to affect the SP levels and release. In order to determine the effects of opiates on SP mediated nociception in the spinal cord, anesthetized rats pretreated subcutaneously with morphine, naloxone, or saline were injected in the right hind paw with 0.4 ml of either saline of 5% formalin. After 1 h, the animals were perfused and the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord removed. SP-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) in the dorsal horns was quantitated using immunohistochemical staining and manual photometry. The results show that formalin injection increases the SPLI in the dorsal horn after 1 h, as does pretreatment with morphine. Morphine pretreatment combined with formalin injection further increases SPLI, but not significantly higher than either treatment alone. The morphine-induced increases could be blocked by naloxone, which had no effects on saline-treated controls. Most importantly, naloxone was able to block the formalin-induced increase in SPLI, implying that endogenous opioid systems play a role in the SP increases seen during formalin-induced nociception.

Animals↗

Time course of the alteration in dorsal horn substance P levels following formalin: blockade by naloxone.

Substance P (SP) found in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord has been proposed as a mediator of nociception. Formalin injected into the hind paw of a rat as a nociceptive stimulus has been shown to increase the amount of immunoreactive SP in the dorsal horn, perhaps by decreasing SP release from primary afferent neurons. These SP changes may be due to the actions of endogenous opiates which can block SP release from primary afferent neurons. In order to determine the time course of SP changes in the dorsal horn and their modulation by naloxone, anesthetized rats pretreated subcutaneously with naloxone or saline were injected in the right hind paw with 0.4 ml of either saline or 5% formalin. After various time intervals, the animals were perfused and the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord removed. Immunohistochemical staining and manual photometry were used to quantitate SP-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) in the dorsal horn. The results show that saline injection produced an increase in SPLI lasting 20 min, while formalin produced a biphasic effect with early (0-20 min) and late (20-60 min) increases in SPLI. Naloxone pretreatment 30 min prior to hind paw injection partially blocked the initial SPLI increase due to saline or formalin. However, this was not the case if naloxone was injected 2 min following hind paw injection. The formalin-induced late SPLI increase was blocked by naloxone only if it was administered prior to the formalin. This blockade of SPLI increases in the dorsal horn by naloxone implies that endogenous opioid systems play a role in the control of SP levels in the dorsal horn during nociception.

Animals↗

Ion-sensitive field effect transistor as a monovalent cation detector for ion chromatography and its application to the measurement of Na+ and K+ concentrations in serum.

An ion-sensitive field effect transistor, which is a small potentiometric ion-sensing probe, was applied as a detector in the ion chromatography of alkali-metal cations. The cation-sensing transistor was prepared by coating the gate part of the probe to form a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane containing tetranactin, which enables detection of alkali-metal ions such as Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+. To be able to analyse amounts less than 1 microliter and make full use of the small ion-sensing probe, we constructed a miniature cation-exchange separation column (support 10 microns polystyrene) with a PTFE tube (20 mm x 1.5 mm I.D. x 2.1 mm O.D). As an application of the system, Na+ and K+ concentrations in serum were determined. The analytical results for these two cations were good agreement with those obtained by flame photometry.

Cations↗

A new biochemical method for estimation of postmortem time.

Hypoxanthine (Hx) is formed by hypoxic degradation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and might be elevated due to antemortem hypoxia. However, it also increases after cessation of the life processes. Until now measurements of potassium in corpus vitreous humor have been used by forensic pathologists to determine postmortem time. In this study the influence of postmortem time and temperature on vitreous humor Hx and potassium levels were compared. Repeated sampling of vitreous humor was performed in 87 subjects with known time of death and diagnosis. The bodies were kept at either 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C or 23 degrees C. Hx was measured by means of HPLC and potassium by flame photometry. In 19 subjects from whom samples were obtained within 1.5 h after death, the normal level of Hx could be estimated to be 7.6 mumol/l and that of potassium to be 5.8 mmol/l. The spread of the potassium levels measured shortly after death was much greater than for the corresponding Hx levels. In the four temperature groups the Hx level increased 4.2, 5.1, 6.2 and 8.8 mumol/l per h, respectively, whereas the corresponding figures for potassium were 0.17, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 mmol/l per h. The vitreous humor concentration of both Hx and potassium increases fairly linearly after death. The slopes are steeper with increasing temperature. Since the scatter of the levels is greater for potassium than for Hx, the latter parameter seems to be better suited for the determination of time of death in cases without antemortem hypoxia, especially during the first 24 h.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of the 1,4-benzodiazepines by methods based on hydrolysis.

The analytical applications of the hydrolysis of 1,4-benzodiazepines to the corresponding benzophenone derivatives are reviewed according to the analytical methods used for their final determination. The scope and limitations of the individual methods for the hydrolysis products are discussed: Colour reactions, photometry, fluorimetry, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Published data on the kinetic parameters and mechanisms are summarized in an attempt to explain the problems involved in exploiting this reaction for analytical applications.

Journal Article↗

In vitro binding of lithium using the cation exchange resin sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a cation exchange resin, should be useful in the treatment of lithium overdosage. This in vitro study was conducted to assess the ability of sodium polystyrene sulfonate to bind lithium, effects of pH on binding, binding efficacy in comparison to charcoal, and affinity for lithium versus potassium. Stock solutions of lithium were added to fixed amounts of sodium polystyrene sulfonate and charcoal. Lithium and potassium concentrations in supernatant were measured by flame photometry. Increasing concentrations of sodium polystyrene sulfonate bound more lithium. Changes in pH had little effect on lithium binding. Lithium is bound to sodium polystyrene sulfonate more readily than to charcoal. Potassium is preferentially bound to sodium polystyrene sulfonate over lithium. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may provide a useful therapeutic modality in the treatment of lithium overdosage.

Binding Sites↗

Alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone secretion and plasma renin activity during ethanol withdrawal: a correlation with the onset of delirium tremens?

It is well established that changes in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis may accompany and are likely to modify the clinical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal reactions. It was of obvious theoretical and practical interest, therefore, to investigate the changes in the secretion of hormones which regulate the fluid and electrolyte homeostasis [alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-ANP), aldosterone (ALDO) and plasma renin activity (PRA)], together with the changes in the serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium) in male chronic alcoholic inpatients. The patients were transferred to the hospital because of severe alcohol withdrawal reactions. Blood samples were taken on Day 1 (severe withdrawal) and Day 10 (partial recovery from withdrawal) of hospitalization. The peptide and steroid hormones were measured with RIA (radioimmunoassay), while flame photometry was used to measure the electrolytes in the serum. At the time of hospital admission, there was an increased PRA and ALDO level observed. Ten days later, the elevated PRA and ALDO levels were greatly reduced and thus they were back to the normal range. In 60% of the patients, delirium tremens has gradually developed during the observation period. In these patients, an elevated level of alpha-ANP was observed at the time of hospital admission, i.e., days before actual onset of delirium tremens. It is concluded that the disturbed volume homeostasis and the consequently altered alpha-ANP secretion might be associated with and therefore used as an indicator of the onset of delirium tremens.

Adult↗

Effect of intracellular pH on cytosolic free [Ca2+] in human epidermoid A-431 cells.

This study characterizes the correlation between intracellular pH (pHi) and the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in suspended and adherent human epidermoid A-431 cells. Using the fluorescent dyes 2,7-bis(carboxyethyl)carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF) and fura-2, the resting pHi and [Ca2+]i in suspended cells were 7.23 +/- 0.03 and 209 +/- 30 nM; those in adherent cells were 7.28 +/- 0.02 and 87 +/- 5 nM. Removal of external Ca2+ did not change the resting pHi but reduced the resting [Ca2+]i, indicating the resting level of [Ca2+]i is in part maintained by an influx of Ca2+ from the external medium. When both suspended and adherent cells were acidified or alkalinized, resting [Ca2+]i was altered. An intracellular acidification induced a fall in [Ca2+]i, and a rise in pHi induced a rise in [Ca2+]i. These changes in [Ca2+]i were correlated with an uptake of 45Ca2+ from the external medium, whereas no Ca2+ efflux occurred. The alteration in [Ca2+]i induced by modification of pHi was abolished in the absence of external Ca2+ or by adding 2 mM CoCl2, LaCl3, and attenuated by the addition of 2 mM MnCl2 to the bathing medium. It was insensitive to the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers nifedipine or verapamil (1 mM). CoCl2, LaCl3, and MnCl2 each induced changes in pHi and [Ca2+]i but verapamil and nifedipine did not. Because CoCl2, LaCl3, and MnCl2 are also known to block Na+/Ca2+ exchange, intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) was measured by flame photometry in acidified or alkalinized cells. In either case no change in [Na+]i was observed. Furthermore, treatment with amiloride (100 microM), a blocker of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, did not inhibit the pH-induced changes in [Ca2+]i. 1,2-bis(o-Aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) (100 microM), a Ca2+ chelator, induced a decrease in pHi as well as a reduction of [Ca2+]i, also supporting the direct relation between pHi and [Ca2+]i. 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)ocytl ester HCl (TMB-8) (100 microM), a known blocker of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, did not change the resting pHi and [Ca2+]i in normal cells or cells acidified or alkalinized. This observation, taken together with data from cells incubated in the absence of external Ca2+, suggests intracellular Ca2+ pools are not involved in changes in [Ca2+]i that result from a modification of pHi. Resting pHi and [Ca2+]i in cells treated with either 8-bromo-dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM) or forskolin (150 microM) are not changed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Calcium↗

Xanthophyll accumulation in the human retina during supplementation with lutein or zeaxanthin - the LUXEA (LUtein Xanthophyll Eye Accumulation) study.

The xanthophylls lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) form the macular pigment with the highest density in the macula lutea. We investigated Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) responses to supplementation with identically formulated (Actilease) L or Z (OPTISHARP) or L+Z over 6-12 months using doses of 10 or 20mg/day. MPOD as well as blue light sensitivity in fovea and parafovea were measured monthly by heterochromatic flicker photometry. Average xanthophyll plasma concentrations, analysed monthly by HPLC, increased up to 27-fold. MPOD increased by 15% upon L or L+Z supplementation. Supplementation of Z alone produced similar pigment accumulation in fovea and parafovea, which confounded MPOD measurements. After correction for this, a 14% MPOD increase resulted for Z. Thus, during supplementation with xanthophylls, L is predominantly deposited in the fovea while Z deposition appears to cover a wider retinal area. This may be relevant to health and disease of the retina.

Adolescent↗

Antioxidant, prooxidant and cytotoxic activity of hydroxylated resveratrol analogues: structure-activity relationship.

Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring hydroxystilbene, is considered an essential antioxidative constituent of red wine possessing chemopreventive properties. However, resveratrol and even more its metabolite piceatannol were reported to have also cytostatic activities. In order to find out whether this is related to antioxidative properties of those compounds, we synthesized five other polyhydroxylated resveratrol analogues and studied structure-activity relationships between pro-/antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity. Radical scavenging experiments with O(2)(*-) (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide/electron spin resonance (DMPO/ESR)) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (photometry) revealed that 3,3',4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene (IC(50): 2.69microM; k(9): 443000M(-1)s(-1)), 3,4,4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene (IC(50): 41.5microM; k(9): 882000M(-1)s(-1)) and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexahydroxystilbene (IC(50): 5.02microM), exerted a more than 6600-fold higher antiradical activity than resveratrol and its two other analogues. Furthermore, in HL-60 leukemic cells hydroxystilbenes with ortho-hydroxyl groups exhibited a more than three-fold higher cytostatic activity compared to hydroxystilbenes with other substitution patterns. Oxidation of ortho-hydroxystilbenes in a microsomal model system resulted in the existence of ortho-semiquinones, which were observed by ESR spectroscopy. Further experiments revealed that these intermediates undergo redox-cycling thereby consuming additional oxygen and forming cytotoxic oxygen radicals. In contrast to compounds with other substitution patterns hydroxystilbenes with one or two resorcinol groups (compounds 1 and 3) did not show an additional oxygen consumption or semiquinone formation. These findings suggest that the increased cytotoxicity of ortho-hydroxystilbenes is related to the presence of ortho-semiquinones formed during metabolism or autoxidation.

Animals↗

Preparation and characterisation of antibody modified gelatin nanoparticles as drug carrier system for uptake in lymphocytes.

Established methods of protein chemistry can be used for the effective attachment of drug targeting ligands to the surface of protein-based nanoparticles. In the present work gelatin nanoparticles were used for the attachment of biotinylated anti-CD3 antibodies by avidin-biotin-complex formation. These antibody modified nanoparticles represent a promising carrier system for the specific drug targeting to T-lymphocytes. The objective of this work was the comprehensive quantification of every chemical reaction step during the preparation procedure of these cell specific nanoparticles. Gelatin nanoparticles were formed by a two-step desolvation process. After the first desolvation step the remaining sediment and the supernatant were analysed for molecular weight distribution by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Nanoparticles then were formed using the high molecular gelatin fraction and subsequently were stabilised by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. A part of the detectable amino groups on the particle surface was reacted with 2-iminothiolane in order to introduce reactive sulfhydryl groups. The thiolated nanoparticles were coupled to NeutrAvidin (NAv) which previously was activated with the heterobifunctional crosslinker sulfo-MBS. All these reaction steps were quantified by photometry or gravimetry. The functionality of NAv after covalent conjugation was confirmed by a biotin-4-fluorescein assay. The NAv-modified nanoparticles then were used for the binding of biotinylated anti-CD3 antibodies by avidin-biotin-complex formation. A highly effective attachment of the ligand was ascertained by different, indirect methods: immunoblotting and fluorimetry. Therefore, a well-defined nanoparticle system with drug targeting ligand modification was established that holds promise for further effective preclinical testing.

Antibodies↗

Lidocaine has better antioxidant potential than ropivacaine and bupivacaine: in vitro comparison in a model of human erythrocytes submitted to an oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Local anesthetic agents may exert antioxidant properties in various models. The aim of this work was to compare the antioxidant properties of lidocaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine using an in vitro model of human erythrocytes submitted to an oxidative stress. METHODS: Blood was obtained from healthy volunteers. After separation, erythrocytes were suspended in phosphate buffer. Oxidative stress was induced by incubation with 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). (1) Effects of four different concentrations (50, 100, 300 and 600 microg ml(-1)) of lidocaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine were studied in absence or presence of AAPH (20 mM). Potassium efflux was assessed by flame photometry. (2) Effects of 50 and 600 microg ml(-1) of lidocaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine on AAPH (50 mM) induced hemolysis were also studied. (3) The oxygen radical absorbing capacity of lidocaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine at the four concentrations was evaluated by the analysis of the allophycocyanin fluorescence. RESULTS: In absence of AAPH, neither extracellular potassium nor hemolysis was noted. AAPH (20 mM) induced a significant increase in extracellular potassium that was reduced by all local anesthetic agents, with greater effects for lidocaine. AAPH-induced hemolysis was significantly decreased by all the local anesthetic agents at higher concentration, but only by lidocaine at 50 microg ml(-1). Finally, none of the local anesthetic agents modified the allophycocyanin fluorescence. CONCLUSION: In this model, lidocaine was proved more effective than bupivacaine and ropivacaine in protecting human erythrocytes submitted to an oxidative challenge. This was not due to a free radical scavenging effect.

Amides↗

Comparative efficacy of liposome-entrapped amiloride and free amiloride in animal models of seizures and serum potassium in mice.

The present study was aimed to evaluate a liposomal formulation of amiloride on experimental seizure models including the increasing current electroshock seizure threshold test (ICES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and PTZ-induced status epilepticus in mice. Further, the effect of liposomal amiloride on serum K(+) levels was also investigated using flame photometry. We found an improved anticonvulsant action with liposome-entrapped amiloride as compared to free amiloride. Further, free amiloride showed an increase in serum K(+) levels, however the latter was unaffected with liposomal formulation treatment. These results, together with previously published data, suggest that as drug delivery vehicles, liposomes can enhance the effectiveness of drugs in the CNS without producing peripheral toxicity (hyperkalemia).

Amiloride↗

Modulation of neuronal [Ca2+]i by caffeine is altered with aging.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels play an important role in controlling many neuronal processes such as neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Any slight alteration in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) can have a considerable impact on various neuronal functions. The effects of caffeine on [Ca2+]i were studied in CA1 hippocampal neurons of young (2 months) and old (24 months) C57BL mice. Fura 2-AM fluorescence photometry was used to measure [Ca2+]i in the presence and absence of caffeine (100 microM) in response to KCl (26 mM) application. Caffeine enhanced the peak [Ca2+]i as compared to control solution in young mice (control: 325+/-8 nM, caffeine: 402+/-10 nM), but had no effect on the peak [Ca2+]i in old mice (control: 222+/-6 nM, caffeine: 223+/-7 nM). These results indicate that caffeine can impact neuronal functions through the modification of [Ca2+]i. The lack of caffeine-induced modulation of [Ca2+]i in old mice suggests that this role of caffeine has been compromised with aging.

Aging↗