Comparison of the Physical Characteristics and Behavior in ABC Transporter A1, A7 or Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice with Lipid Transport Dysfunction.

The physical characteristics and behavior of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) A1, A7, and apolipoprotein (apo) E knockout (KO) mice with lipid transport dysfunction were investigated. These KO mice exhibited adequate growth, and their body masses increased steadily. No remarkable changes were observed in their blood pressure and heart rate. However, there was a slight increase in the heart rate of the ABCA7 KO mice compared with that of the wild-type (WT) mice. ABCA1 and apoE KO mice showed hypo- and hyper-cholesterol concentrations in the plasma, respectively. With regard to the cerebrum, however, the weight of the ABCA1 KO mice was lighter than those of the other genotypes. Furthermore, the cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid concentrations, and fatty acid composition were generally similar. Compared with the WT mice, ABCA1 KO mice stayed for a shorter time in the closed arm of the elevated plus maze, and performed worse in the initial stage of the Morris water maze. To thermal stimuli, the ABCA1 and apoE KO mice showed hyper- and hypo-sensitivities, respectively. Only the response of the ABCA1 KO mice was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin. A low concentration of the prostaglandin E metabolites was detected in the plasma of the ABCA1 KO mice. Thus, ABCA1 is thought to play a specific role in the neural function.

The effect of metritis on luteal function in dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: Disturbed uterine involution impairs ovarian function in the first weeks after calving. This study analyzed the long-term effect of metritis on luteal function of 47 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows during the first four postpartum estrous cycles. Cows with abnormal uterine enlargement and malodorous lochia were classified as having metritis (group M, n = 18), and all others were considered healthy (group H, n = 29). Luteal size was measured once between days 9 and 13 of the first (group H, n = 11; group M, n = 12), second (group H, n = 23; group M, n = 18) and fourth (group H, n = 11; group M, n = 7) postpartum luteal phases. Serum progesterone concentration was measured at the same time. Sixteen cows (group H, n = 9; group M, n = 7) underwent transvaginal luteal biopsy for gene expression analysis of steroidogenic regulatory proteins during the second and fourth cycles. Cows with persistence of the corpus luteum (CL) underwent determination of luteal size, luteal biopsy and serum progesterone measurement once between days 29 and 33, followed by prostaglandin treatment to induce luteolysis. The same procedures were repeated once between days 9 and 13 of the induced cycle. RESULTS: The cows in group M had smaller first-cycle CLs than the cows in group H (p = 0.04), but progesterone concentrations did not differ between groups. Luteal size, progesterone concentration and gene expression did not differ between the two groups during the second and fourth cycles. Compared with healthy cows (10%), there was a trend (p = 0.07) toward a higher prevalence of persistent CLs in cows with metritis (33%). Persistent CLs were limited to the first cycle. Persistent CLs and the induced cyclic CLs did not differ with regard to the variables investigated. CONCLUSIONS: An effect of metritis on luteal activity was apparent in the first postpartum estrous cycle. However, after the first postpartum cycle, no differences occurred in analyzed parameters between metritis and control cows. Therefore, a metritis is able to impair luteal activity transiently, but does not seem to have a long-term effect on luteal function.

[Study on analgesic and accompanying toxic and side effects of euodiae fructus based on clinical efficacy dose].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and study the toxic and side effects of water extracts from Euodiae Fructus accompanied with its efficacy analgesic dose and its mechanism, in order to provide experimental basis for the correlation between its "efficacy-toxicity". METHOD: Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups according to weight, namely the normal group, the voltaren group, and Euodiae Fructus water extracts high, middle and low dose groups. Mice were administered with drugs for consecutively seven days, abdominally injected with acetic acid at 90 min and treated with hot plates after the last administration to establish the pain model, in order to the toxic and side effects accompanied with the efficacy. Besides toxic symptoms in mice, activities of ALT and AST, and content of BUN and Cr in serum were detected to calculate indexes in livers and kidneys. The other part of serum was collected to detect the content and activities of PGE2, MDA, SOD, NO, NOS, GSH and GSH-PX in serum. RESULT: Continuous oral administration of water extracts from Euodiae Fructus of efficacy dose could significantly decrease the frequency of writhe in mice and increase the hot plate pain threshold, with good dose-efficacy relationship. During the administration, mice showed such toxic symptoms as diarrhoea, idle move, dysphoria and slow growth of weight. The activities of both ALT and AST in serum and hepatic tissues were remarkably increased and the liver size remarkably increased, without notable chance in content of BUN and CR in serum. Kidney size increased in only the high dose group. The content and activities of PGE2, SOD, GSH, GSH-PX in serum notably decreased, where the content and activities of MDA, NO, NOS in serum increased. The above-mentioned changes gradually aggravated with the rise in dose. There was significant difference compared with the model group, showing 'dose-toxicity' relationship to certain extent. CONCLUSION: Continuous oral administration of certain dose of water extracts from Euodiae Fructus to mice can generate the toxic and side effects in liver accompanying with the analgesic effect, and show dose-dependence relationship to some extent. Its analgesic mechanism is related to the reduction of PGE, content in blood, while its toxic mechanism is related to oxidative injury to some extent.

Effect of Acupuncture on Simple Obesity and Serum Levels of Prostaglandin E and Leptin in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

AIM: The study is aimed at investigating the curative effect of acupuncture on simple obesity and its influence on serum levels of prostaglandin E and leptin in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: In the study, there are 50 male SD rats. We took 10 as healthy controls and fed 40 with a diet of high fat for 8 weeks. After the 40 rat model was established successfully, we fed 10 rats in the model group with a normal diet and treated 10 rats in the acupuncture group by acupuncture. During the experiment, the body fat and body length of rats were measured weekly, and Lee's index was calculated. After the treatment, the levels of leptin, prostaglandin E, C-reactive protein (CRP), triacylglycerol (TG), cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were detected, and the liver fat morphology was observed by electron microscope. RESULTS: Acupuncture significantly downregulated the serum levels of CRP, TG, CHO, LDL, leptin, and prostaglandin E and upregulated the serum levels of HDL in rats with simple obesity. CONCLUSION: On basis of these results, it was found that acupuncture could boost fat metabolism and weight loss by inhibiting the production of leptin and prostaglandin E.

Prostaglandin E production by human blood monocytes and mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Purified populations of both human peripheral blood monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages synthesize and release Prostaglandin E in vitro. In contrast, prostaglandin E was detected in neither the supernate fluids from cultures of highly enriched human lymphocytes and granulocytes, nor in nonadherent murine peritoneal cells. Macrophage prostaglandin E production was markedly enhanced by endotoxin, and completely suppressed by indomethacin. All neoplastic monocyte-macrophage cell lines examined elaborated prostaglandin E in vitro, either constitutively or after induction with endotoxin. In contrast, prostaglandin E production could not be detected from either a T- or B-cell lymphoma, whether or not they were treated with endotoxin. These findings thus indicate that the blood monocyte and tissue macrophage represent an important source of prostaglandin E, a function shared by both normal and neoplastic mononuclear phagocytes.

Acute phase reactants ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin and their relationship to plasma prostaglandins in rabbits bearing the VS2 carcinoma.

Results of previous studies have shown that the VX2 carcinoma in rabbits synthesizes large amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 secreted by the tumor is rapidly metabolized and can be measured in plasma as the metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 (PGE2-M). We have previously proposed that the hypercalcemia that occurs in rabbits bearing the VX2 carcinoma is due to excessive secretion of PGE2 by the tumor and its subsequent action on the skeleton as a bone resorption-stimulating factor. In the course of these studies, we noted that the plasma of rabbits bearing the VS2 carcinoma became blue about 1 wk after tumor implantation. The intensity of the color increased markedly thereafter. We therefore measured ceruloplasmin in plasma by both chemical and immunological assay methods. Plasma ceruloplasmin and PGE2-M rose in parallel (within 7-10 days) and preceded by 7-10 days the development of hypercalcemia. 2 wk after tumor implantation, plasma PGE2-M and ceruloplasmin had risen about 20- and 6-fold, respectively, while the rise in plasma calcium was just beginning. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, given from the time of tumor implantation prevented completely the hypercalcemia and largely inhibited the rise in ceruloplasmin. When given after hyperprostaglandinemia had developed, indomethacin produced a fall in both PGE2-M and ceruloplasmin. A rise in plasma haptoglobin concentrations similar to that seen for ceruloplasmin was also observed. No changes in plasma albumin concentrations occurred. We conclude that the acute phase reactants ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin rise rapidly in the plasma of rabbits bearing the VX2 carcinoma, and that this increase is related to arachidonic acid metabolism in these animals. It is possible that arachidonic acid metabolites also play a role in the elevations of these two plasma proteins observed in certain patients with malignant tumors.

Role of prostaglandin E in the biphasic fever response to endotoxin.

Biphasic fevers were induced in sheep with intravascular infusions or injections of 4-10 mug (80-200 ng/kg) of endotoxin, whereas monophasic fevers were obtained with doses of 1-2/mug (20-40 ng/kg). A marked increase in arterial blood pressure invariably accompanied the onset of fever; the latency of responses to the higher and lower doses of endotoxins averaged 26 min and 42 min, respectively. Prostaglandin (PG) assays of plasma from the carotid artery and jugular vein during fever episodes revealed a surge of PGE and PGF coincident with the pressor response and the first phase of fever, but PG were not detected in plasma samples taken throughout the second phase of fever. PG measurements of arterial and venous plasma collected at a distal site (hind limb) showed a similar surge of PGE and PGF in association with the early fever response, indicating that intravascular PG synthesis and release represents a generalized systemic response to circulating endotoxin. Carotid arterial infusions of PGE(2) produced immediate monophasic fevers and pressor responses, whereas PGD(2) infusions produced an immediate pressor effect but no fever. Infusions of PGF(2alpha) or prostacyclin, however, evoked neither fever nor pressor effects. Intracarotid infusions of leukocyte pyrogen (LP) caused monophasic fevers with latent periods of 15-20 min but pressor responses were not seen and neither PGE nor PGF were detected in plasma samples from the carotid artery or jugular vein before or during fever. Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism, blocked fever responses to endotoxin and to LP. These findings implicate PGE as the mediator of the early phase of endotoxin fever and imply a role for another pyrogenic metabolite ofarachidonic acid in the mediation of the second phase of fever, i.e., the phase associated with circulating LP. It is possible that both pyrogenic metabolites are generated within the vascular compartment, reaching thermoregulatory centers of the brain by transfer across the blood-brain interface.

Altered plasma prostaglandin E2 levels in epilepsy and in response to antiepileptic drug monotherapy.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a physiologically active lipid compound, is increased in several diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. To determine its significance in epilepsy-associated inflammation and response to antiepileptic drug (AED), we evaluated the plasma PGE2 (median, pg/ml) levels in drug-free patients with epilepsy (N = 34) and patients receiving AED monotherapy (N = 55) in addition to that in healthy controls (N = 34). When compared to controls, plasma PGE2 levels were significantly elevated in all drug-free patients independent of the type of epilepsy (137.2 versus 475.7 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). Among the patients receiving AED monotherapy, only valproate responders showed a significant decrease compared to both drug-free patients (232.1 versus 475.7 pg/ml, p < 0.01) as well as valproate non-responders (232.1 versus 611.9 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). Both responders and non-responders on phenytoin or carbamazepine monotherapy had elevated PGE2 levels similar to drug-free patients. In addition, no difference was observed in plasma profiles of PGE2 precursor, arachidonic acid among the groups. Our work presents the clinical evidence of the association between plasma PGE2 levels and valproate efficacy in patients with epilepsy.

Pyrogenic cytokines did not mediate a stress interview-induced hyperthermic response in a patient with psychogenic fever: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if pyrogenic cytokines mediated psychological stress-induced hyperthermic response in a patient with psychogenic fever. Despite many case reports on psychogenic fever, the mechanism responsible for how psychological stress increases core body temperature (Tc) in humans is not yet known. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old girl with fever (>38 degrees C) of unknown causes was referred to our department because psychogenic fever was suspected. To determine if the fever was actually induced by psychological stress, we conducted a 60-minute stress interview. Her baseline oral temperature was 36.60 degrees C and it began to increase immediately after commencement of the interview, reaching a maximum of 37.42 degrees C 20 minutes after the end of the interview. The plasma level of prostaglandin E(2) and the serum interleukin-6 level were increased 90 minutes after the interview. Serum levels of interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha were all less than their minimum detectable level throughout the observation period. We also measured the patient's thermal preference by immersing her hands in warm (40 degrees C) and cold (20 degrees C) water. Her preference changed from cold to warm only during the increasing phase of oral temperature. CONCLUSIONS: This case report shows that a stress interview actually increased Tc in a patient with psychogenic fever. This study suggests that, although pyrogenic cytokines are not involved, the stress interview-induced increase in Tc was an active hyperthermia under the control of the brain, as is infection-induced fever.

Is endothelin-1 luteolytic or antiluteolytic in ewes?

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been reported to mediate prostaglandin (PG) F(2)alpha (PGF(2)alpha)-induced luteolysis. Prostaglandins E (PGE; PGE(1)+PGE(2)) are associated with implantation, maternal recognition of pregnancy, and are antiluteolytic and luteotropic in vitro and in vivo. ET-1 increased PGE secretion by bovine luteal tissue in vitro from cows where estrus was not synchronized or when estrus was synchronized with lutalyse and did not affect luteal PGF(2)alpha or progesterone secretion, which does not support the concept that ET-1 is luteolytic or mediates PGF(2)alpha luteolysis. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine whether ET-1 infused every 6h from 2400 h on day 10-1800 h on day 18 of the ovine estrous cycle either into the interstitial tissue of the ovarian vascular pedicle (IP) or intrauterine (IU) adjacent to the luteal-containing ovary was luteolytic in ewes. Treatments were: Vehicle-IP; Vehicle-IU; ET-1-IP; or ET-1-IU. Weights of corpora lutea differed (P< or = 0.05) among treatment groups. Weights of corpora lutea at 1800 h on day 18 were: VEH-IP-247+/-38 mg; VEH-IU-195+/-31 mg; ET-1-IP-626+/-74 mg; and ET-1-IU-542+/-69 mg. Luteal weights on day 18 in ET-1-IP or ET-1-IU-treated ewes did not differ (P> or =0.05), but were heavier (P< or =0.05) than in the Vehicle-IP or Vehicle-IU treatment groups which did not differ (P> or =0.05). Profiles of progesterone in jugular venous plasma of both control groups treated with Vehicle-IP or Vehicle-IU were lower (P< or =0.05) than in ewes treated with ET-1-IP or ET-1-IU, which did not differ (P> or =0.05) between ET-1-IP or ET-1-IU treatment groups. Treatment with ET-1-IP or ET-1-IU increased (P< or =0.05) the PGE:PGF(2)alpha ratio when compared to the Vehicle-IP or Vehicle-IU treatment groups, which did not differ (P> or =0.05) between each other. In summary, ET-1 prevented the decrease in luteal weights and the decline in progesterone, but increased the PGE:PGF(2)alpha ratio when compared to controls. Therefore, it is concluded that ET-1 is not luteolytic in ewes, but instead may be luteotropic or antiluteolytic by altering uterine secretion of the PGE:PGF(2)alpha ratio, since PGE(1) or PGE(2) are luteotropic in vitro and in vivo, PGE(1) or PGE(2) prevent PGF(2)alpha-induced luteolysis in vitro and in vivo, and PGE(1) and PGE(2) increase two-fold in ewe endometrium to prevent luteolysis during early pregnancy.

Importance of cyclooxygenase 2-mediated low-grade inflammation in the development of fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats.

This study was designed to examine the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2-mediated low-grade inflammation in the development of fructose-induced whole body and muscular insulin resistance in rats. The rats were on regular or fructose-enriched diets for 8 weeks. Fructose-fed rats were further divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group). There were fructose-fed rats, fructose-fed rats with nimesulide (a selective COX2 inhibitor, 30 mg/kg/day, gavage) and fructose-fed rats with celecoxib (a selective COX2 inhibitor, 30 mg/kg/day, gavage). The present result showed that fructose-induced time-dependent increases in systolic blood pressure and fasting plasma insulin and triglyceride levels were significantly suppressed in rats treated with nimesulide or cerecoxib. The ratio of area under glucose curve divided by area under insulin curve obtained during the oral glucose tolerance test was significantly decreased in fructose-fed rats, which were markedly reversed in those co-treated with nimesulide or celecoxib. Accordingly, fructose-induced decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in soleus muscle was significantly reversed in those combined with nimesulide or celecoxib. Fructose-induced time-dependent increases in plasma 8-isoprostane and PGE metabolites were concomitantly suppressed by nimesulide or celecoxib co-treatment. The present study demonstrates that the COX2-mediated low-grade inflammation, especially mediated by increase in oxidative stress was important in the development of insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats.

Traditional versus Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoforaminal Discectomy Effect on the Nervous System Function and Serum LEK, GFAP and PGE-2 in Patients with Senile Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and traditional operation on the nervous system function and the serum leu-enkephalin (LEK), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) in patients with senile lumbar spinal stenosis. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Orthopedics Two, Xinjiang Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Xinjiang, China, from March 2017 to March 2018. METHODOLOGY: A total of 146 patients with senile lumbar spinal stenosis were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 73 in each group. Control group underwent traditional operation, while the observation group underwent PTED. General situation of operation, serum LEK, GFAP, PGE-2, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were compared. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss in observation group was less than that in control group (p<0.001). Both operation time and length of hospital stay in observation group were shorter than those in control group (both p<0.001). At 24 hours later after operation, both levels of serum LEK and ASIA score in observation group were higher than those in control group (p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively), and levels of serum GFAP and PGE-2 and JOA score in observation group were all lower than those in control group (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional operation, PTED has the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time and length of hospital stay, etc. Besides, PTED can effectively reduce serum LEK, BFGF and PGE-2 expression in patients; and dramatically improve their nervous system function and lumbar function.

Polyphenol supplementation inhibits physiological increase of prostaglandin E2 during reproductive period - A randomized clinical trial.

Anti-inflammatory property of polyphenols and their effect on the metabolism of prostaglandins is not established in healthy humans. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of polyphenol supplementation in plasma levels of prostaglandin E2 and other markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women using contraceptives. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, women aged 25-35 years were selected. Participants received capsules containing polyphenols or placebo, to be consumed for fifteen days. From 40 women randomized, 28 completed the study. Control group showed a significant increase in the levels of PGE2 (p=0.01) while the polyphenols group showed no change in these levels (p=0.79). There was an increase in hs-CRP (p<0.01) and F2-isoprostane (p=0.04) in the control group. The GSSG to GSH ratio significantly reduced in the polyphenols group (p=0.02). Supplementation with polyphenol capsules inhibited the increase in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women of childbearing age using combined hormonal contraceptives.

Lipid derivatives of arachidonic acid used as markers of atherosclerotic plaque instability: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the results of computer estimation of atherosclerotic plaque with biochemical data and ascertain any relationship with the occurrence of stroke. METHODS: The study involved 20 atherosclerotic plaques causing 70-99% stenosis of internal carotid arteries (ICA). Ultrasonographic examination (USG) images of plaques were analyzed using a computer program. A histogram was obtained for each plaque and a gray scale median (GSM) was determined for each histogram in order to measure the echogenicity of an examined plaque. Then the plaques, collected during endarterectomy, were examined with regard to the concentration of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and 8 - epi-prostaglandin F2α. This data was compared with GSM and the occurrence of stroke. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed significant correlations between low GSM and the occurrence of strokes. Out of 10 plaques with GSM<35, 6 (60.0%) were associated with a stroke. In contrast, out of 10 plaques with GSM>35, only 1 (10.0%) had a stroke. In addition, there were significant differences in the plaque content of PGE 2, (P<0.05) and (TXA2, P<0.011) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of PGE2 and TXA2, correlated with the low GSM values, may be the features of unstable plaques and that may be associated with a risk for stroke.

Actions of growth factors on plasma calcium. Epidermal growth factor and human transforming growth factor-alpha cause elevation of plasma calcium in mice.

Specific humoral substances produced and secreted by human tumors that cause hypercalcemia have not been identified. Certain growth factors (such as epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factors-alpha and -beta) have been shown to stimulate the resorption of bone in organ culture by both prostaglandin-dependent and prostaglandin-independent pathways. In this report we demonstrate that epidermal growth factor and recombinant human transforming growth factor-alpha induce a significant rise in plasma calcium concentration when administered repeatedly to intact mice for periods ranging from 24 h to 16 d. The elevation of plasma calcium is not dependent on dietary calcium and is not invariably accompanied by an increase in systemic levels of the prostaglandin E2 metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E2. The in vivo calcium-mobilizing activity of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha indicate that these or related growth factors need be considered as potential mediators of tumor-induced hypercalcemia.

Participation of the prostaglandins in the control of renal blood flow during acute reduction of cardiac output in the dog.

To determine whether renal prostaglandins participate in the regulation of renal blood flow during acute reduction of cardiac output, cardiac venous return was decreased in 17 anesthetized dogs by inflating a balloon placed in the thoracic inferior vena cava. This maneuver decreased cardiac output from 3.69+/-0.09 liters/min (mean+/-SEM) to 2.15+/-0.19 liters/min (P < 0.01) and the mean arterial blood pressure from 132+/-4 to 111+/-5 mm Hg (P < 0.01) and increased total peripheral vascular resistance from 37.6+/-2.5 to 57.9+/-4.8 arbitrary resistance units (RU) (P < 0.01). In marked contrast, only slight and insignificant decreases in the renal blood flow from 224+/-16 to 203+/-19 ml/min and renal vascular resistance from 0.66+/-0.06 to 0.61+/-0.05 arbitrary resistance units (ru) were observed during inflation of the balloon. Concomitant with these hemodynamic changes, plasma renin activity and plasma norepinephrine concentration increased significantly in both the arterial and renal venous bloods. Plasma concentration of prostaglandin E(2) in renal venous blood increased from 34+/-6 to 129+/-24 pg/ml (P < 0.01). The subsequent administration of indomethacin or meclofenamate had no significant effect on mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and total peripheral vascular resistance, but reduced renal blood flow from 203+/-19 to 156+/-21 ml/min (P < 0.01) and increased renal vascular resistance from 0.61+/-0.05 to 1.05+/-0.21 ru (P < 0.01). Simultaneously, the plasma concentration of prostaglandin E(2) in renal venous blood fell from 129+/-24 to 19+/-3 pg/ml (P < 0.01). Administration of indomethacin to five dogs without prior obstruction of the inferior vena cava had no effect upon renal blood flow or renal vascular resistance. The results indicate that acute reduction of cardiac output enhances renal renin secretion and the activity of the renal adrenergic nerves as well as renal prostaglandin synthesis without significantly changing renal blood flow or renal vascular resistance. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis during acute reduction of cardiac output results in an increased renal vascular resistance and reduced renal blood flow. Accordingly, that data provide evidence that renal prostaglandins counteract in the kidney the vasoconstrictor mechanisms activated during acute reduction of cardiac output.

Dietary menhaden oil lowers plasma prostaglandins and calcium in mice bearing the prostaglandin-producing HSDM1 fibrosarcoma.

The omega 3 class of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5), has been shown to alter the patterns of arachidonic acid (20:4) metabolism in both in vitro and in vivo systems. To examine further the role of arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandins (PG) in hypercalcemic mice bearing the PG-producing HSDM1 fibrosarcoma, we have performed experiments in which control and tumor-bearing animals were fed diets either low (0.1-0.2% of total fatty acid) or high (17%) in EPA. In all five experiments performed, tumor-bearing mice eating control diets had markedly elevated (average sixfold above control) plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 (PGE2-M), while in mice bearing HSDM1 tumors and eating the EPA-enriched menhaden oil diet, the elevation was reduced to only twice control values. The increase in plasma calcium concentration (approximately 2.5 mg/dl above control) in tumor-bearing animals was also reduced significantly (P less than 0.05) to only 1.3 mg/dl above control in mice eating the diet enriched in EPA. Plasma immunoreactive hydroxy fatty acids (i12-HETE) and sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (iSRS) were not elevated in tumor-bearing mice and were unaffected by diet. The contents of PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were lower in tumor tissue from animals eating the diet high in EPA, whereas the tissue contents of i12-HETE and iSRS were not altered by diet. Fatty acid analysis of liver and tumor tissue revealed marked increases in certain omega 3 fatty acids (20:5, 22:5, and 22:6) from animals eating the enriched diet. Body weights, tumor weights, and tumor histology were not significantly altered by diet. To determine whether dietary calcium played a role in the elevation of plasma calcium in mice bearing the HSDM1 tumor and the reduction of plasma calcium in animals fed EPA, we compared results in mice fed diets containing 0.80% (normal) and 0.015% (deficient) calcium. The increases in plasma calcium and PGE2-M observed in tumor-bearing mice were the same on both normal and very low calcium intakes. We conclude, in mice of the Swiss albino strain bearing the HSDM1 fibrosarcoma, that consumption of a diet enriched in EPA reduces the production of cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism and thereby reduces the elevation of plasma calcium concentration. Dietary enrichment with EPA did not alter the production of serologically determined lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid.

Inhibition of vascular permeability changes in rats by captopril.

Systemic treatment of rats with captopril (50 mg/kg body wt per os), a specific competitive inhibitor of angiotensin l-converting enzyme, significantly inhibits vascular permeability changes induced by the intradermal injection of the vasoactive mediators histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, and compound 48/80. This effect of captopril is both dose- and time-dependent with approximately 60% inhibition of edema formation observed 7 h after captopril treatment (100 mg/kg body wt per os). The inhibitory effect of captopril on edema formation is temporally unrelated to the inhibition of serum angiotensin l-converting enzyme activity or serum prostaglandin E2 levels and is not inhibited by systemic treatment of rats with indomethacin. The data suggest that captopril may have potent antiinflammatory activity through as yet undefined mechanisms.

Stage-dependent reduction in T colony formation in Hodgkin's disease. Coincidence with monocyte synthesis of prostaglandins.

Prostaglandin synthesis and T lymphocyte colony formation have been examined in previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease. Mononuclear cells have been isolated from peripheral blood and spleens of these patients. Significant augmentation in prostaglandin E levels were noted in the mononuclear cell cutures from Hodgkin's disease patients compared with controls (1.64 +/- 0.29 vs. 0.39 +/- 0.09 ng/10(6) cells, P < 0.005). Measured prostaglandin E levels increased with advancing stage of disease. Virtually all of the prostaglandins were synthesized by the adherent monocyte cell population. Prostaglandin E was the major product. Clonal expansion of a T lymphocyte precursor cell, which gives rise to colonies > 50 cells, was determined by a layered soft agar method. T colony formation was significantly reduced in patients with stage II, III, and IV disease. There were progressively reduced colony numbers seen with advancing stage of disease (609 +/- 209, 416 +/- 158, 207 +/- 58 compared with normals 2,274 +/- 360 colonies/10(6) cells plated; P < 0.005). The addition of inhibitors of endogenous prostaglandin synthesis resulted in significant augmentation of T colony number. However, a consistent relative decrease in T colony number was seen even when endogenous prostaglandin E synthesis was blocked. It would appear that both the prostaglandin-dependent and independent T colony precursor cells are lost with progressive stage of disease. A causative role of augmented prostaglandin synthesis in this stage-dependent reduction of T colony formation could not be established.

Influences of variation in total energy intake and dietary composition on regulation of fat cell lipolysis in ideal-weight subjects.

Weight-maintaining fat-rich, "prudent," carbohydrate-rich, as well as energy-restricted diets (300 kcal/d) were fed in succession for 7 d to 12 healthy males of ideal body weight under metabolic ward conditions. At the end of each period isolated fat cells were prepared from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and incubated in vitro in the absence or presence of adenosine deaminase, either alone or in combination with various lipolytic or antilipolytic hormones and agents. Variations in total energy intake and dietary composition had characteristic and specific effects on fat cell lipolysis in vitro. High carbohydrate and prudent diets resulted in low rates of nonstimulated glycerol release and impaired insulin action in the presence of adenosine deaminase (320 mU/ml). High-fat and energy restricted diets were characterized by high rates of nonstimulated glycerol release. Sensitivity of antilipolysis to insulin and prostaglandin E2 was 10 to 200 times lower respectively on energy-restricted than on fat-rich diets. The effects of alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic catecholamines and of N6-phenylisopropyladenosine were not affected by the preceding diets.