Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a simple aliphatic ester of pyruvic acid, has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory molecule in various pathological conditions, which include sepsis or hemorrhagic shock. Recently, we showed that ethyl pyruvate has a neuroprotective effect in the postischemic brain and also in KA-induced pathogenesis in the brain. In this study, we examined whether aspirin augments neuroprotective effect of ethyl pyruvate in transient focal ischemia model by complementing the neuroprotective effects of ethyl pyruvate. Although, most of neuroprotective effect of aspirin has been attributed to the anti-platelet action, aspirin also has direct neuroprotective effects, including NF-kappaB inhibition. Ethyl pyruvate dose-dependently suppressed infarct formation in the postischemic brain, wherein intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg ethyl pyruvate 30 min after the occlusion reduced infarct volume to 34.5 +/- 15.5% (n = 6, P < 0.01) of that of the untreated control. In combination with aspirin (5 mg/kg, i.v.), the neuroprotective effect was enhanced, resulting in 16.0 +/- 5.9% (n = 6, P < 0.01) infarct volume. The time window for synergistic neuroprotection by ethyl pyruvate and aspirin extended to 9 h post-MCAO. The synergistic reduction in infarct volume was accompanied by suppression of the clinical manifestations associated with cerebral ischemia including motor impairment and neurological deficits. Inflammatory processes including microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression were notably suppressed by the combination treatment in the postischemic brain and in primary microglia cultures, wherein ethyl pyruvate and aspirin modulate NF-kappaB signaling differentially. Aspirin interferes with IkappaB phosphorylation and degradation in the cytoplasm, possibly by specifically inhibiting IkappaB kinase-beta, whereas, the effect of ethyl pyruvate seems to occur in the nucleus, where it may interfere with the binding of NF-kappaB to responsive promoter elements in the target genes. Similar enhancement in neuroprotective effect was also observed in primary cortical cultures after NMDA or Zn(2+) treatment or oxygen-glucose deprivation. Together, these results indicate that combination treatment of ethyl pyruvate and aspirin affords synergistic neuroprotection in the postischemic brain with a wide therapeutic window, in part via differential modulation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is an attractive target for human cancer vaccination because its expression is reactivated in most human tumors. We have evaluated the ability of DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) and adenovirus serotype 6 (Ad6) to induce immune responses against hTERT in nonhuman primates (NHPs) (Macaca mulatta). Vaccination was effective in all treated animals, and the adaptive immune response remained detectable and long lasting without side effects. To further enhance the efficacy of the hTERT vaccine, we evaluated the combination of hTERT vaccine and a novel TLR9 agonist, referred to as immunomodulatory oligonucleotide (IMO). Monkeys were dosed weekly with IMO concurrently with the vaccine regimen and showed increases in cytokine secretion and activation of natural killer (NK) cells compared with the group that received vaccine alone. Using a peptide array, a specific profile of B-cell reactive epitopes was identified when hTERT vaccine was combined with IMO. The combination of IMO with hTERT genetic vaccine did not impact vaccine-induced TERT-specific cell-mediated immunity. Our results show that appropriate combination of a DNA-EP/Ad6-based cancer vaccine against hTERT with IMO induces multiple effects on innate and adaptive immune responses in NHPs.

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) obtained from the culture medium of Lactobacillus confusus TISTR 1498 were investigated to determine their molecular characteristics and the effect of molecular weight (Mw) on immunomodulatory activity. The EPS mainly consisted of carbohydrates (81.9±2.4%) with only one type of monosaccharide, D-glucose, which was mostly connected by α-(1→6) glycosidic linkages. The EPS itself was unable to stimulate RAW264.7 cells to produce pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines. However, considerable stimulation of RAW264.7 cells was observed by the low Mw of EPSs having Mw values≤70×10(3)g/mol. The partially hydrolyzed EPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells to induce considerable NO and various cytokine production such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 via up-regulation of their mRNA expression. In addition, the degradation Iκ-B and the phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) were facilitated by BW-30 and MW-40, suggesting that the partially hydrolyzed EPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells through the activation of NF-κB and JNK pathways.

The availability of the most selective, high-affinity, natural opioid agonists for mu-receptors (dermorphin-DM) and delta-receptors (deltorphin-DT) has provided the possibility for in vivo studying of the role of acute and chronic activation of mu- and delta-opioid receptors on the functional activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, both in basal conditions and in response to an acute stress in adult male rats. Plasma corticosterone (CS) and beta-endorphin-like-immunoreactivity (beta-EP-LI) levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays before and after 5 and 30 minutes from the exposure to cold (3 +/- 0.5 C) water and forcing them to swim for 10 minutes (acute cold swimming stress). Acute administration of DM, the specific mu-receptor agonist, enhanced basal and stress induced plasma levels of CS and beta-EP-LI. These effects were antagonized by pretreatment with naloxone, specific mu-opioid receptor antagonist, but not by naltrindole, a delta-opioid receptor antagonist. Long-term administration of DM did not alter resting plasma levels of CS and beta-EP-LI, but significantly reduced stress-induced increase of these hormones. Both the acute and chronic administration of the DT, highly selective delta-opioid receptors agonist, failed to modify resting and stress induced hormone levels. Our present data show that DM throughout mu-opioid receptors, but not DT, modulates the response of HPA axis to acute stress in rats, increasing or decreasing the release of CS and beta-EP-LI when acutely or chronically administered, respectively.

Chai Hu (Radix Burpleuri), a major ingredient in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas, such as Xiao Yan Wan, is used in the treatment of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome (LSSDS). The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of Xiao Yao Wan containing Chai Hu on the changes of plasma indices in patients with LSSDS. Fifty-eight cases of LSSDS were randomly divided into two groups: 41 cases in the experimental group were treated with Xiao Yao Wan containing Chai Hu and 17 cases in the control group were treated with Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan for one consecutive month in a single blind design. Before and after treatment, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine the changes of plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) and dopamine (DA). Radioimmunoassay was performed to measure the amount of plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T), and laser nephelometry was also conducted to measure plasma immunoglobulin A (Ig A) and G (Ig G). Compared to baseline levels, plasma beta-EP was significantly increased (p < 0.01), while E and DA were markedly decreased (p < 0.01) after the administration of Xiao Yao Wan in the experimental group. The other indices did not change. This is the first evidence showing that the effect of Xiao Yao Wan containing Chai Hu on the treatment of patients with LSSDS may be through enhancing plasma beta-EP and decreasing E and DA release. We conclude that Xiao Yao Wan containing Chai Hu regulates nervous and endocrine systems and contributes to the improvement of the clinical status of patients with LSSDS.

<p><div>(<em>b</em>)BACKGROUND</<em>b</em>)</div>Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are heterogeneous and multidimensional; effective treatments are lacking. Cariprazine, a dopamine D<su<em>b</em>)3</su<em>b</em>)-preferring D<su<em>b</em>)3</su<em>b</em>)/D<su<em>b</em>)2</su<em>b</em>) receptor partial agonist and serotonin 5-HT<su<em>b</em>)1A</su<em>b</em>) receptor partial agonist, was significantly more effective than risperidone in treating negative symptoms in a prospectively designed trial in patients with schizophrenia and persistent, predominant negative symptoms.</p><A<em>b</em>stractText>Using post hoc analyses, we evaluated change from <em>b</em>aseline at week 26 in individual items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and PANSS-derived factor models using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (cariprazine = 227; risperidone = 227).</A<em>b</em>stractText><A<em>b</em>stractText>Change from <em>b</em>aseline was significantly different in favor of cariprazine versus risperidone on PANSS items N1-N5 (<em>b</em>lunted affect, emotional withdrawal, poor rapport, passive/apathetic social withdrawal, difficulty in a<em>b</em>stract thinking) (P < .05), <em>b</em>ut not on N6 (lack of spontaneity/flow of conversation) or N7 (stereotyped thinking). On all PANSS-derived negative symptom factor models evaluated (PANSS-Factor Score for Negative Symptoms, Liem<em>b</em>urg factors, Khan factors, Pentagonal Structure Model Negative Symptom factor), statistically significant improvement was demonstrated for cariprazine versus risperidone (P < .01). Small and similar changes in positive/depressive/<em>EPS</em> symptoms suggested that negative symptom improvement was not pseudospecific. Change from <em>b</em>aseline was significantly different for cariprazine versus risperidone on PANSS-<em>b</em>ased factors evaluating other relevant symptom domains (disorganized thoughts, prosocial function, cognition; P < .05).</A<em>b</em>stractText><A<em>b</em>stractText>Since items representing different negative symptom dimensions may represent different fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms, significant improvement versus risperidone on most PANSS Negative Su<em>b</em>scale items and across all PANSS-derived factors suggests <em>b</em>road-spectrum efficacy for cariprazine in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.</A<em>b</em>stractText>

The effects of single and repeated electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) on beta-endorphin (beta-EP), cortisol, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (Prl) plasma levels were investigated in nine depressed patients. Blood samples were monitored a day before ECT, the day of the first and sixth ECT (0, 30, 60 and 90 min after seizures), the day afterwards and 4 weeks after termination of the ECT course. A significant elevation of beta-EP levels was achieved immediately with and 24 h after the first and the sixth ECT. A transient increase in basal beta-EP was observed 1 day following the sixth ECT in comparison with pre-treatment level. Peak and 30 min levels of cortisol were increased compared with baseline by the first ECT. The former (peak) but not the latter (30 min) were increased also at the sixth treatment. GH levels were decreased the day after the first ECT in comparison with the pre-treatment levels and immediately following each ECT in comparison with baseline. A trend toward elevation of Prl was observed immediately after the first and sixth ECT, although the rise did not reach significant levels. ECT administration stimulated beta-EP and cortisol secretion and suppressed human GH release, possibly by activation of endorphinergic and/or serotonergic systems. These mechanisms might be involved in the beneficial effect of ECT in depression.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes of evoked potentials after severe brain injury and the effect of mild hypothermia on acute severe brain injury.

METHODS

A total of 44 patients with severe closed head injury (GCS 3-8, admitted within 10 hours from injury) admitted from May 1998 to March 1999 were selected for this study. All patients were admitted into the intensive care unit and divided into 2 groups, Group A (GCS 3-5) and Group B (GCS 6-8). Patients were also randomly assigned to either normothermia or hypothermia subgroups. Patients in the hypothermia group were cooled to 32-34 degrees C. Median nerve short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SLSEP) and brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were recorded before cooling and 4, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, respectively after cooling and temperature resuming. SLSEP and BAEP were measured at the same time in the normothermia group (control group). The changes of evoked potentials (EP) were analyzed by statistical methods.

RESULTS

In the Group B, N(20) amplitudes in SLSEP and I/V amplitudes in BAEP after mild hypothermia treatment in the hypothermia group differed significantly from those in the control group (P<0.05). However, in the Group A, no significant difference in all parameters was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that mild hypothermia treatment (32-34 degrees C) in the Group B has a significant neuroelectrophysiological effect on severe brain injury. Nevertheless, the effect of mild hypothermia in the Group A is not apparent and needs further studying.

Previously it was demonstrated that nitrous oxide antinociception in the mouse abdominal constriction test is mediated by kappa-opioid receptors. Since nitrous oxide is thought to cause the neuronal release of endogenous opioid peptide to stimulate opioid receptors, this study was designed to identify the opioid peptides involved, especially in the spinal cord, by determining whether nitrous oxide antinociception can be differentially inhibited by intrathecally (i. t.) administered antisera to different opioid peptides. Male NIH Swiss mice were pretreated i.t. with rabbit antisera to opioid peptides then exposed 24 h later to one of three different concentrations of nitrous oxide in oxygen. Dose-response curves constructed from the data indicated that the antinociceptive effect of nitrous oxide was significantly antagonized by antisera to various dynorphins (DYNs) and methionine-enkephalin (ME), but not by antiserum to beta-endorphin (beta-EP). The AD(50) values for nitrous oxide antinociception were significantly elevated by antisera to DYNs and ME but not beta-EP. These findings of this study support the hypothesis that nitrous oxide antinociception in the mouse abdominal constriction test involves the neuronal release of DYN and ME in the spinal cord.

Chemotherapy continues to be a mainstay of cancer treatment, although drug resistance is a major obstacle. Lipid metabolism plays a critical role in cancer pathology, with elevated ether lipid levels. Recently, alkylglyceronephosphate synthase (AGPS), an enzyme that catalyzes the critical step in ether lipid synthesis, was shown to be up-regulated in multiple types of cancer cells and primary tumors. Here, we demonstrated that silencing of AGPS in chemotherapy resistance glioma U87MG/DDP and hepatic carcinoma HepG2/ADM cell lines resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased drug sensitivity, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis through reducing the intracellular concentration of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), lysophosphatidic acid-ether (LPAe) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), resulting in reduction of LPA receptor and EP receptors mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and the expression of several multi-drug resistance genes, like MDR1, MRP1 and ABCG2. β-catenin, caspase-3/8, Bcl-2 and survivin were also found to be involved. In summary, our studies indicate that AGPS plays a role in cancer chemotherapy resistance by mediating signaling lipid metabolism in cancer cells.

BACKGROUND

Radix Astragali (root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, RA), Radix Angelicae sinensis (root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, RAS) and Folium Epimedii (leaves of Epimedium brevicomum Maxim., FE) are three of the extensively applied herbal remedies among traditional Chinese medicines for gynecological disorders and osteoporosis. A derivative herbal recipe-RRF, composed of the three medicines with a weight ratio of 5:1:5, is derived from a famous Chinese herbal formula-Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT). RRF has shown noteworthy protective effect in ovariectomized rats, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of perimenopausal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the herbal recipe RRF for its efficacy on perimenopausal disorders and the underlying mechanisms via ovariectomy (OVX) models.

METHODS

An experimental model of OVX female rats was applied. Vehicle (Sham and OVX group), RRF (564, 282 and 141 mg/kg/d) and conjugated equine estrogens (CEE, 0.1mg/kg/d, reference drug) were all administrated orally once daily for 16 weeks post operation. After the treatment, radioimmunoassay for estradiol (E(2)), lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and β-endorphin (β--EP), neurotransmitter determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) for norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid), bone mineral density (BMD) assay as well as lipid peroxidation assessment, were carried out to probe into the effectiveness of RRF.

RESULTS

(1) RRF treatment enhanced E(2) synthese while diminished the elevated serum FSH and LH levels; in terms of neurotransmitter, β-EP syntheses rallied whereas the hypothalamic NE, DA and 5-HT release experienced varying mitigation in OVX female rats. (2) Repeated administration of RRF was able to attenuate osteoporosis by elevating the BMD levels of total body, and arrest the bone trabeculae degradation. (3) RRF exposure decreased serum levels of constituent MDA and increased endogenous SOD activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the current studies revealed that RRF was capable of acting at multiple targets which presumably underlay its potential protective effect in OVX rats mimicking symptoms as observed in perimenopausal women. Hence, RRF might represent a promising candidate in the treatment of perimenopausal disorders in midlife women.

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells represent an ideal source for in vitro modeling of erythropoiesis and a potential alternative source for red blood cell transfusions. However, iPS cell-derived erythroid cells predominantly produce ε- and γ-globin without β-globin production. We recently demonstrated that ES cell-derived sacs (ES sacs), known to express hemangioblast markers, allow for efficient erythroid cell generation with β-globin production. In this study, we generated several iPS cell lines derived from bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and peripheral blood erythroid progenitors (EPs) from sickle cell disease patients, and evaluated hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) generation after iPS sac induction as well as subsequent erythroid differentiation. MSC-derived iPS sacs yielded greater amounts of immature hematopoietic progenitors (VEGFR2 + GPA-), definitive HSPCs (CD34 + CD45+), and megakaryoerythroid progenitors (GPA + CD41a+), as compared to EP-derived iPS sacs. Erythroid differentiation from MSC-derived iPS sacs resulted in greater amounts of erythroid cells (GPA+) and higher β-globin (and βS-globin) expression, comparable to ES sac-derived cells. These data demonstrate that human MSC-derived iPS sacs allow for more efficient erythroid cell generation with higher β-globin production, likely due to heightened emergence of immature progenitors. Our findings should be important for iPS cell-derived erythroid cell generation. Stem Cells 2017;35:586-596.

OBJECTIVE

Severe hemorrhage is a common cause of death despite the recent advances in critical care. Conventional resuscitation fluids are designed to reestablish tissue perfusion, but they fail to prevent lethal inflammatory responses. Our previous studies indicate that ethyl pyruvate (EP) inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production from macrophages. Here, we analyze whether EP can provide a therapeutic anti-inflammatory value to resuscitation fluids.

METHODS

Laboratory animal experiments.

METHODS

Animal research laboratory at university medical school.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

Lethal hemorrhage over 15 minutes to reach a mean arterial blood pressure of 35-40 mm Hg and subsequent maintenance of this mean arterial blood pressure for another 15 minutes. Resuscitation was limited to 15 mL/kg Hextend with or without EP.

RESULTS

Resuscitation with Hextend supplemented with EP rescued all the animals from lethal hemorrhage. Unlike conventional fluids, EP inhibited the production of inflammatory and cardiodepressant factors such as TNF and high mobility group B protein-1. From a pharmacologic perspective, resuscitation with EP was particularly effective inhibiting TNF production in the spleen and the heart. Unlike other anti-inflammatory strategies, EP mitigated systemic inflammation through a mechanism independent of the spleen. At the molecular level, EP inhibited both poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and p65RelA DNA binding without affecting IkappaBalpha activation.

CONCLUSIONS

EP may be a promising anti-inflammatory supplement to improve survival during resuscitation in critical care.

In order to simulate the distribution and elimination of radioiodinated human beta-endorphin (125I-beta-EP) after iv bolus injection in rats, we proposed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model incorporating diffusional transport of 125I-beta-EP across the capillary membrane. This model assumes that the distribution of 125I-beta-EP is restricted only within the blood and the tissue interstitial fluid, and that a diffusional barrier across the capillary membrane exists in each tissue except the liver. The tissue-to-blood partition coefficients were estimated from the ratios of the concentration in tissues to that in arterial plasma at the terminal (pseudoequilibrium) phase. The total body plasma clearance (9.0 ml/min/kg) was appropriately assigned to the liver and kidney. The transcapillary diffusion clearances of 125I-beta-EP were also estimated and shown to correlate linearly with that of inulin in several tissues. Numerically solving the mass-balance differential equations as to plasma and each tissue simultaneously, simulated concentration curves of 125I-beta-EP corresponded well with the observed data. It was suggested by the simulation that the initial rapid disappearance of 125I-beta-EP from plasma after iv injection could be attributed in part to the transcapillary diffusion of the peptide.

Simultaneous measurements of Pb-B, Pb-U, chelatable lead, ALA-U and EP have been made in a group a asymptomatic children with increased lead absorption. Although the group is small, the results are internally consistent and show linear dose-effect relationships between Pb-U and chelatable lead (indicators of dose) and ALA-U and EP (indicators of lead's effect on heme synthesis). The data show, however, that Pb-B in a rather narrow range (48-68 mug Pb) is not a reliable indicator of the internal dose of lead. These results, as well as others, raise questions concerning the validity of relying exclusively on Pb-B in the clinical management of groups such as young children in old houses and lead-exposed workmen who are at increased risk for plumbism; The results suggest that chelatable lead is most closely related to lead's inhibitory effect on heme synthesis and that, biologically, it may serve as the best "chemical biopsy" of soft tissue lead concentration; A simple AAS method for measureing chelatable lead in urine is described; A new wet digestion technique which is compatible with ASV is also described. EP is apparently a better predictor of chelatable lead than Pb-B. Micro tests for EP, especially the zinc protoporphyrin fraction, are simple and highly useful in monitoring long-term trends in soft tissue levels in individual patients.

The glycine B receptor partial agonists L 687,414, D-cycloserine and (+)-HA 966, and the glycine B receptor antagonists MDL 29,951 and 5,7-dichloro-2,4 dihydroxy-3-phenyl-quinoline dione (DCPQ) dose-dependently inhibited the late phase (LP) of formalin-induced licking (FIL) elicited by intraplantar formalin in mice at doses exerting little motor disruption in the rotarod test. In distinction, the early phase (EP) of FIL and the writhing response to intra-abdominal acetic acid were little influenced and, irrespective of stimulus intensity, they failed to modify the tail-flick response to phasic, thermal or mechanical stimulation of the tail. In contrast to glycine B ligands, competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor recognition site (CPP, CGS 19755, CGP 34879 and 39551) and blockers of the associated ion channel ((+)-MK 801, (-)-MK 801, memantine and ketamine) all blocked both the LP and EP of FIL and induced ataxia at comparable doses. In conclusion, normalization of transmission at NMDA receptors by inhibition of the coupled glycine B site preferentially elicits antinociception against prolonged (chemical) noxious stimulation in the absence of a marked influence upon motor coordination.

The detection and prognosis of prostate cancer in its early stages are critically important. It is therefore essential to improve the existing dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE MRI) techniques commonly used for the assessment of the tumour vascular environment. The goal of this study was to describe a method for the estimation of the arterial input function (AIF) in DCE MRI by measuring R(2) * values in the femoral artery of patients with early-stage prostate cancer. The calculation of contrast agent concentrations was based on calibration curves determined in whole blood samples for a range of normal haematocrit (HCT) values (HCT = 0.35-0.525). Individual AIFs corrected for HCT were compared with individual AIFs calibrated with a mean whole blood [R(2)*-Gd-DTPA-BMA] [Gd-DTPA-BMA, gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate-bis(methylamide) (gadodiamide)] curve at an assumed HCT = 0.44, as well as a population AIF at an assumed HCT = 0.45. The area under the curve of the first-pass bolus ranged between 0.6 min mM at HCT = 0.53 and 1.3 min mM at HCT = 0.39. Significant differences in magnitude at peak contrast agent concentrations (HCT = 0.36, [Gd-DTPA-BMA](max) = 9 ± 0.4 mM; HCT = 0.46, [Gd-DTPA-BMA](max) = 4.0 ± 0.2 mM) were found. Using model-based simulations, the accuracy of the kinetic parameters estimated using individual AIFs corrected for HCT demonstrated that, for the use of individual calibration curves with HCT values differing by more than 10%, K(trans) and k(ep) values were largely underestimated (up to 60% difference for K(trans)). Moreover, blood volume estimates were severely underestimated. Estimates of kinetic parameters in early-stage prostate cancer patients demonstrated that the efflux rate constant (k(ep)) was influenced significantly by the definition of AIF. Regardless of whether an individually calibrated AIF or a population AIF (average of all individually calibrated AIFs) was used, pixel-by-pixel mapping of k(ep) and v(b) in the prostate gland appeared to be more sensitive than with the usual biexponential approach.

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies indicate that ethyl pyruvate (EP) exerts anti-inflammatory properties; however, the effect of EP on ocular inflammation is not known. The efficacy of EP in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats was investigated.

METHODS

EIU in Lewis rats was developed by the subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 150 μg). EP (30 mg/kg body weight) or its carrier was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before or 2 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection. Animals were killed after 3 and 24 hours followed by enucleation of eyes and collection of the aqueous humor (AqH). The number of infiltrating cells and levels of proteins in the AqH were determined. The rat cytokine/chemokine multiplex method was used to determine level of cytokines and chemokines in the AqH. TNF-α and phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression in ocular tissues were determined immunohistochemically. Human primary nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells (HNPECs) were used to determine the in vitro efficacy of EP on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, AqH from the EIU rat eyes had a significantly higher number of infiltrating cells, total protein, and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and the treatment of EP prevented EIU-induced increases. In addition, EP also prevented the expression of TNF-α and activation of NF-κB in the ciliary bodies and retina of the eye. Moreover, in HNPECs, EP inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-κB and expression of Cox-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that EP prevents ocular inflammation in EIU, suggesting that the supplementation of EP could be a novel approach for the treatment of ocular inflammation, specifically uveitis.

The behavioral and immunoendocrine effects of formalin-induced pain were studied in male rats following a subcutaneous injection of formalin (50 microliters; 0.1%, F01 groups, 10%, F10 groups) or sham injection (control groups). After treatment, animals were tested in a transparent open field for either 30 or 60 min and thereafter sacrificed by decapitation. Plasma was collected for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) determinations. Pain-evoked responses (licking, flexing, paw jerk), standard measures of activity (locomotion, rearing, olfactory exploration) and self-grooming were recorded. The higher formalin concentration induced stronger pain-evoked behavioral responses, paralleled by higher levels of ACTH, beta-EP and IL-6, but did not affect the other behavioral parameters. In contrast, the lower formalin concentration induced a marked increase in locomotion and rearing and a decrease in ACTH levels. In both formalin-injected groups, corticosterone did not differ from controls.

Resting pituitary levels of beta-endorphin-(beta-EP-IR), ACTH-(ACTH-IR), and alpha-MSH-(alpha-MSH-IR)-like immunoreactive material were found to differ among 16 inbred mouse strains. Hormone levels correlated genetically with severity of withdrawal from ethanol, which also differed among the strains. Ethanol dependence led to reduced pituitary beta-EP-IR in 4 of 5 strains studied. After 24 hr of withdrawal, 3 of those 4 showed elevated pituitary beta-EP-IR. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetically-determined difference in pituitary hormone functioning underlie some of the genetically-determined differences in ethanol withdrawal severity.

Hyperprolactinemia can reduce the LH secretion in rats, but the mechanism of the effect of PRL is not clear. We have investigated the actions of PRL on the secretion of LHRH and LH and the interaction among PRL, beta-endorphin (beta-EP), and LHRH. The effects of PRL on LHRH and LH secretion were studied in ovariectomized female rats after transplanting four anterior pituitaries to the right kidney capsule of each ovariectomized rat for 2-3 weeks. The level of PRL in rats with pituitary transplants was approximately 5 times higher than that in control rats. The concentration of LHRH in pituitary portal plasma of hyperprolactinemic rats was approximately 4 times lower than that in control rats. Hyperprolactinemic animals also showed lower plasma LH levels than the controls. Since beta-EP inhibits the secretion of LHRH, we have tested whether the reduced secretion of LHRH in hyperprolactinemic ovariectomized rats is associated with an increase in beta-EP activity. This was studied by measuring the concentration of beta-EP in pituitary portal plasma and the response of LHRH and LH to the opiate antagonist naloxone. The level of beta-EP-like immunoreactivity in pituitary portal plasma was significantly higher in hyperprolactinemic rats than in control animals. Naloxone (10 mg/kg, sc) increased both LHRH and LH concentrations in hyperprolactinemic rats, but not in control rats. The present results demonstrate that hyperprolactinemia can reduce LHRH release and suggest a possible involvement of beta-EP in the PRL inhibitory action on LHRH.

We have investigated the effects of interleukin (IL)-12 (natural killer cell stimulatory factor/cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor) on the proliferation of murine myeloid and lymphohematopoietic progenitors in methylcellulose culture. In the presence of erythropoietin (Ep), IL-12 alone failed to support colony formation by mononuclear and enriched marrow cells of normal mice. Steel factor (SF) alone supported primarily formation of granulocyte/macrophage (GM) colony formation. However, the combination of the two cytokines yielded a significant number of multilineage colonies. When tested on marrow cells from 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated mice, the combination of IL-12 and SF, but not the single factors, was effective in support of formation of various types of colonies. Approximately 25% of these colonies yielded pre-B-cell colonies when replated in secondary culture containing SF and IL-7, indicating that IL-12 can interact with SF in supporting the development of primitive lymphohematopoietic progenitors. These results demonstrate that IL-12, a cytokine believed to be involved in the development of cell-mediated immune responses, has a wider range of activity, including committed myeloid and multipotent lymphohematopoietic progenitors.

The circadian rhythm of plasma proopiocortin-related peptides was studied in 15 heroin addicts and in 6 sex- and age-matched controls. ACTH, beta-lipotrophin, (beta-LPH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and cortisol were measured by RIA either directly (cortisol), or after plasma extraction (ACTH) and Sephadex G-75 gel chromatography (beta-LPH and beta-EP) every 4 h from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. the next morning. The means of the two 8 a.m. measurements of beta-LPH (2.67 +/- 0.34 fmol/ml, mean +/- SE), ACTH (2.74 +/- 0.71) and cortisol (218 +/- 31 pmol/ml) levels in heroin addicts were significantly lower than those in controls (6.28 +/- 0.61, 10.1 +/- 0.74 and 364 +/- 27, respectively, P less than 0.01) while beta-EP concentrations in heroin addicts (5.1 +/- 0.6) were similar to those of healthy volunteers (6.44 +/- 0.56). In controls, all three peptides and cortisol show a circadian rhythm of secretion, the lowest values being in the evening and the highest ones in the morning. Heroin addicts partially lack this phenomenon showing constant levels of the three proopiocortin-related peptides throughout the day, with a slight but significant decrease of plasma cortisol. In the 7 subjects who took heroin throughout the study, no systematic changes were observed in the three proopiocortin-related peptides, while it seems that this group of addicts shows a cortisol decrease in the evening to a lesser extent than subjects receiving methadone maintenance only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

While cyclooxygenases are important in endochondral bone formation during fracture healing, mechanisms involved in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulation of chondrocyte maturation are incompletely understood. The present study was undertaken to determine if PGE2 effects on chondrocyte differentiation are related to modulation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. In primary murine sternal chondrocytes, PGE2 differentially regulated genes involved in differentiation. PGE2 induced type II collagen and MMP-13, had minimal effects on alkaline phosphatase, and inhibited the expression of the maturational marker, type X collagen. In BMP-2-treated cultures, PGE2 blocked the induction of type X collagen. All four EP receptors were expressed in chondrocytes and tended to be inhibited by BMP-2 treatment. RCJ3.1C5.18 chondrocytes transfected with the protein kinase A (PKA) responsive reporter, CRE-luciferase, showed luciferase induction following exposure to PGE2, consistent with activation of PKA signaling and the presence of the EPEPbeta to activate the TGF-beta-responsive reporter, 4XSBE. Finally, PGE2 down-regulated BMP-mediated phosphorylation of Smads 1, 5, and 8 in RCJ3.1C5.18 cells and in primary murine sternal chondrocytes. Altogether, the findings show that PGE2 regulates chondrocyte maturation in part by targeting BMP/Smad signaling and suggest an important role for PGE2 in endochondral bone formation.