Effects of hypoxia on retinal pigmented epithelium cells: protection by antioxidants.

Age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, are probably linked to the effects of oxygen radicals derived from light or metabolic reactions. We have investigated the effects of hypoxia on bovine retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE) and the response of these cells to two antioxidants that have previously shown a beneficial action against free radical-linked senescent involution. The main results of the study were as follows: (i) Hypoxia induced apoptotic damage on RPE cells, with LDH leakage and ATP reduction; (ii) both vitamin C (VC) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) treatment protected against hypoxia-induced apoptosis, with less DNA fragmentation. In our opinion, these findings justify further experimental and clinical work to investigate the role of hypoxia in the mechanisms of age-related RPE injury and death as well as the potential of antioxidant administration to prevent or delay retinal degenerative processes caused by oxygen-dependent pathophysiological conditions.

Inhibition of COX in ocular tissues: an in vitro model to identify selective COX-2 inhibitors.

The aim of this work was to study the regulation of LPS-stimulated PGE 2 synthesis by traditional NSAIDs (piroxicam and diclofenac) and a selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398), in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells and retinal pigmentary epithelial cells. The IC50 values of piroxicam and diclofenac were compared with IC50 values of NS-398, diclofenac, in both types of cells, showed higher potency than piroxicam. Diclofenac seemed to be a COX-2 inhibitor because its IC50 values were similar to the IC50 values of NS-398. We suggest that this in vitro cell assay system could be useful for identifying compounds that selectively inhibit COX-2 in ocular tissues.

An in vitro model of ischemic-like stress in retinal pigmented epithelium cells: protective effects of antioxidants.

We have developed a model of in vitro cell oxidative stress in bovine retinal pigment epithelium cells exposed to a ischemia-like condition obtained by interference with glucose utilization through both oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. This resulted in a statistically significant decrease of the intracellular ATP levels, which reflects a bioenergetic decline similar to that associated with mitochondrial damage or loss in normal post-mitotic cells aging in vivo. This new model of cellular oxygen stress seems adequate for investigation of the protective action of antioxidants, in agreement with our finding of a statistically significant increase in the ATP levels over the values of the non-treated samples in retinal pigment epithelium cells exposed to the above oxygen stress in medium supplemented with 300 microM vitamin C or 10 mM N-acetylcysteine.

Stimulus frequency affects c-fos expression in the rat visual system.

We have characterised the c-fos expression patterns in various centers of the visual pathway of adult rats monocularly stimulated either by continuous or flickering light at different frequencies. Results show different immunocytochemical patterns in all centers studied, the geniculate lateral complex (LGC), superior colliculus (SC) and primary visual cortex (Oc1), depending on the physical characteristics of the stimulus (blinking frequency and light wavelength). After stimulation of the left eye, the ipsilateral pathway presents a substantial density of immunoresponsive cells, which is greater than expected with respect to the number of fibers that project ipsilaterally from the retina to the LGC and the superficial layers of the SC. A surprisingly high positive immunoresponsiveness is obtained in all cases with coherent light stimulation in the red spectrum (634 nm).

The ocular pharmacokinetics of topical diclofenac is affected by ocular inflammation.

The ocular pharmacokinetics of topical diclofenac sodium was studied in two experimental models of ocular inflammation and compared to physiological conditions. Keratitis or uveitis were induced by intrastromal injection of clove oil or by intravitreal lipopolysaccharide in rabbits. The control eyes were not inflamed. Simultaneously to the induction of inflammation, 30 microl of 0.1% diclofenac were applied topically in the right eye. Diclofenac levels were measured by HPLC in the cornea, aqueous humor (AH), iris/ciliary body (ICB) and plasma 30 min, 1, 3, 6 and 12 h after application. In physiological conditions, diclofenac reached a peak level in the cornea and ICB at 30 min slowly decreasing afterwards. Low levels of diclofenac were found in AH. In keratitic eyes, two peak levels which were significantly higher than in the controls were found in the cornea 30 min and 3 h after application. Diclofenac concentrations in keratitic AH and ICB were lower than in controls. In uveitic eyes, corneal and ICB levels peaked at 30 min, being significantly higher than in controls, and decreased quickly to very low levels at 1 h after application. In uveitic AH, diclofenac levels were lower than in controls. Plasma levels were very low (less than 0.1 microg/ml) in all experimental groups. It is concluded that the ocular pharmacokinetics of topical diclofenac is affected by inflammatory processes in the eye, reaching higher levels in the target tissues.

PGE2 synthesis by corneal endothelial cells: effect of glucocorticoids and NSAIDs.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of various anti-inflammatory drugs on PGE2 synthesis in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCECs) stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium. NSAIDs were more potent in inhibiting LPS-stimulated PGE2 synthesis. Diclofenac was more potent than indomethacin, although both drugs showed a 98% maximal inhibitory effect. Dexamethasone inhibited 80% of the A23187-stimulated PGE2 synthesis and only 53% of the LPS-stimulated PGE2 synthesis. Prednisolone did not show an inhibitory effect. The results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of NSAIDs and show differences between the activity of glucocorticoids on PGE2 synthesis in BCECs. Prednisolone could not inhibit PGE2 synthesis in these cells in our experimental conditions.

Concomitant treatment with a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor improves the anti-inflammatory effect of the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase during the early phase of endotoxin-induced uveitis in the rabbit.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors, such as NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), have been shown to attenuate endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) but they could increase leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium. We hypothesize that a concomitant treatment with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) in 50% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, a hydroxyl radical scavenger) could improve the anti-inflammatory activity of L-NAME. EIU was induced in albino rabbits by intravitreal injection of 100 ng lipopolysaccharide. Animals were treated with multiple intraperitoneal injections of 50% DMSO in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), NDGA (10 mg/kg) in 50% DMSO, L-NAME (50 mg/ kg) in PBS, or the combination NDGA+L-NAME. Uveitis was assessed by slit lamp examination, protein levels in aqueous humor, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the iris/ciliary body 6 h after induction. Nitrite, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), platelet-activating factor (PAF) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) levels in aqueous humor were also determined. NDGA or L-NAME alone did not show a significant reduction of uveitis intensity, although a significant decrease in MPO or in proteins was found, respectively. The combination NDGA+L-NAME significantly reduced the uveitis intensity, MPO in the iris/ciliary body, and the levels of nitrites, LTB4, PGE2, and PAF in aqueous humor. IL-1 beta levels were lower than the detection limit of the radioimmunoassay in all treatment groups. We conclude that concomitant treatment with NDGA in DMSO improves the anti-inflammatory activity of L-NAME during the early phase of EIU, suggesting that the inhibition of NO synthesis could enhance leukocyte infiltration and the release of oxygen free radicals.

[Maternal anxiety, family dysfunction, morbidity and attendance at pediatric consultations]. / Ansiedad materna, disfunción familiar, morbilidad y frecuentación a las consultas de pediatría.

OBJECTIVE: To know the use of the pediatric offices and their connection with the family dysfunction, the maternal anxiety and children's morbidity. DESIGN: Observational prospective study the children that attended during a period, of one year. SETTING: EAP Virgen de la Fuensanta. PATIENTS: Children aged 0-12 years old, since 1st. October 1994 to 31st. September 1995, 649 children, except children that suffered chronic disease. MEASURES: Consultation and its diagnoses were registered in the health history, according WONCA classification, completing socioeconomical questionnaire, family APGAR test, and anxiety scale stai/trait (STAI). Groups were compared according attendees, consulting/year average plus one standard deviation, or no attendees. We used statistics techniques squared-Chi, simple regression and logistic regression. RESULTS: To be attendee was significantly associated with minor age of child and morbidity. Significant differences were not found with family dysfunction, neither with maternal anxiety state or trait, nor with socioeconomical variables. CONCLUSIONS: The high use of pediatric consulting may be not, seeing that hyperusers in account of their age and morbidity have bigger hardships.

Additive effect of nitric oxide and prostaglandin-E2 synthesis inhibitors in endotoxin-induced uveitis in the rabbit.

The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was investigated in a model of intraocular inflammation induced by intravitreal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 10 ng) in rabbits. The severity of uveitis, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in iris-ciliary body, and the protein concentration in aqueous humor were determined. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities were assessed respectively by nitrite and PGE2 levels in aqueous humor. Treatment with inhibitors of NOS (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME, 50 mg/kp i.p.) or COX (diclofenac, 30 micrograms, topically), alone or in combination, were compared to a saline-treated group. Diclofenac or L-NAME alone reduced or delayed the intensity of uveitis, and partially decreased the protein concentration in aqueous humor; diclofenac, but not L-NAME, partially reduced the polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the iris ciliary body as indicated by the MPO activity. Treatment with both inhibitors in combination diminished the clinical uveitis, the disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier and the MPO activity in the iris-ciliary body. We conclude that NO and PGE2 have additive effects in endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits, and that the inhibition of both pathways would improve the therapeutical management of uveitis.

[Culture media for the detection and the identification of Streptococcus agalactiae]. / Medios de cultivo para la detección e identificación de Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae, a Group B streptococcus, is the main cause of bacterial perinatal infection and is also an important opportunistic pathogen. Detection and identification of S. agalactiae are straight forward with special culture media, where Group B streptococci show a specific, typical pink or red pigment. To quickly and easily detect the pigment, culture media should contain: (i) starch; (ii) an inhibitor of the folate pathway; (iii) animal serum; (iv) a pepsic proteic hydrolysate; and (v) glucose, together with a high-capacity buffer. When selective antibiotics are added to culture media designed in this way, it is possible to detect S. agalactiae directly from clinical samples by observation of its pigment after less than 12 hours of aerobic incubation.

One further case of unusual origin of three hepatic arteries.

This article describes a triple vascularization of the liver which is not a common vascular anomaly. Dealing with this particular kind of vascularization, we note the following: a main hepatic a. which enters in the right lobe of the liver and two accessory arteries, the right hepatic a. (a branch of the superior mesenteric a.) and left hepatic a. (from the left gastric a.). In the same way, the cystic a. has an unusual origin: the right accessory hepatic artery. The whole hepatic pedicle was dissected, and its branches were described, indicating their relations, length and diameter.

Interaction of opioid drugs with human platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Morphine, naltrexone and naloxone inhibited the binding of [3H]clonidine to the alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human platelet membranes, provided that Mg2+ was present in the medium. In the presence of 5'-guanylyl imidophosphate (Gpp(NH)p) or in the absence of Mg2+ morphine did not modify the binding of [3H]clonidine. Neither [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAGO), nor [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), nor dynorphin-(1-17) affected the [3H]clonidine binding. The presence of 1 mM naloxone did not alter the affinity of either [3H]clonidine or [3H]yohimbine, but reduced the number of binding sites of [3H]clonidine, having no effect on [3H]yohimbine. Naloxone inhibited the binding of adrenaline to high- but not low-affinity sites. It is concluded that morphine and semisynthetic antagonist derivatives interact with alpha 2-adrenoceptors only in the high-affinity state.

Bretylium tosylate and electrically induced cardiac arrhythmias during hypothermia in dogs.

The effect of bretylium tosylate on plasma catecholamines and on electrically induced arrhythmias was evaluated in anesthetized hypothermic dogs. Bretylium at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg was administered prior to cooling from 37 degrees C to 27 degrees C. During cooling, the ventricular arrhythmia threshold (VAT) in control animals decreased from 10.1 +/- 1.9 to 4.4 +/- 1.3 impulses, while the VAT in bretylium-treated animals increased from 9.8 +/- 2.9 to 23.2 +/- 2.7 impulses. Catecholamine levels increased during cooling in all animals. In control animals, the epinephrine/norepinephrine ratio was unchanged, but in animals treated with bretylium tosylate, the ratio increased more than 10-fold (from 0.48 +/- 0.1 to 5.49 +/- 0.32 at 29.9 degrees C). The demonstrated increase in catecholamine levels during hypothermia suggests that the protection offered by bretylium tosylate against cardiac arrhythmias is not explained by modification of catecholamine levels, and is more likely due to an alteration of the electrophysiologic properties of cardiac tissues.

Morphine-ethanol interaction on body temperature.

1. The interaction between ethanol and morphine on core temperature was investigated in Swiss Webster mice. 2. Morphine (2.5-30 mg/kg) and ethanol (0.5-3.0 mg/g) administered individually resulted in a dose dependent decrease in body temperature. 3. When both drugs were injected simultaneously, body temperature decreased less than it would be expected to if the effects were additive. 4. Naloxone antagonized the hypothermic effect of morphine, but the hypothermic effect of ethanol and that of the combination of morphine plus ethanol was only reversed with high doses of naloxone (10 mg/kg). 5. Individual morphine and ethanol plasma levels were not significantly altered by their concomitant administration. 6. Binding of tritiated naloxone to opiate receptors in mouse brain membrane preparations was unchanged by pretreatment with ethanol (0.5 and 2 mg/g). 7. The interaction between morphine and ethanol was found to be less than additive and not related to pharmacokinetic changes of either drug.

11q23 abnormalities in children with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (M4-M5). Association with previous chemotherapy.

Cytogenetic studies of 12 patients aged less than 14 years with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) (M4-M5) showed structural abnormalities on chromosome 11 at band q23-q24 in five cases (41.8%). Four of these 12 patients had ANLL (M4-M5) after treatment with cytostatics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in one case and for an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the other three. Three of these four cases had 11q23 abnormalities [one [one 46,XY,t(11;17)(q23;25); another 47,XY,+8,-15,del(11)(q23),+der(15)t(15;?)(p11;?); the third 47,XX,+8,t(3;17) (p11;q25),t(4;11)(q21;q23)] and one had a normal karyotype on being diagnosed ANLL (M4-M5). The notable increase of ANLL (M4-M5) in our patients who had received cytostatics as treatment for a previous neoplasia makes evaluation of our results timely in comparison with those of other groups who use these therapeutic protocols.

Teratogenic effects of coherent light on chick embryos.

In this work we study the possible teratogenic effects of laser light with very low surface power densities. In all the cases we confirmed embryonic anomalies that were more manifest and generalized as earlier the stage where the embryos were exposed to irradiation.

Action of laser light on the ocular development of chick embryos.

The effects of low-power 632.8 nm coherent light (laser) on the ocular development of chick embryos were studied in stages 10-20 (Hamburger-Hamilton). Irradiation zones were located in the optic vesicles and the mesencephalo-diencephalic border region. A total number of 30 embryos were irradiated and the morphological alterations 48 to 96 h after irradiation were described. Teratogenic alterations observed were divided in 4 groups: 1) anophthalmic, 2) microphthalmic, 3) abnormal localization of the crystalline lens and 4) folded retina.

Trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors: report of six cases.

Complete or partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome #1 was observed in six patients with malignant disorders. Four patients suffered from hematologic diseases (two cases of refractory anemia with excess of blasts and one case each of acute myeloblastic leukemia and Burkitt lymphoma), and two had solid tumors (retinoblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma). In all cases the excess material included the distal part of chromosome #1. Such material was translocated to chromosomes #16 (three patients), #3, #9, and Y (one patient each), and this was accompanied by additional cytogenetic changes in five of the six patients. The present and other previously published observations support the hypothesis of the localization of genes responsible for malignant growth in the distal segments of chromosome #1.