Automated real-time detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis on a lab-on-a-disc by Recombinase Polymerase Amplification.

With the emergence of multi- and extensive-drug (MDR/XDR) resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), tuberculosis (TB) persists as one of the world's leading causes of death. Recently, isothermal DNA amplification methods received much attention due to their ease of translation onto portable point-of-care (POC) devices for TB diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to devise a simple yet robust detection method for M. tb. Amongst the numerous up-and-coming isothermal techniques, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) was chosen for a real-time detection of TB with or without MDR. In our platform, real-time RPA (RT-RPA) was integrated on a lab-on-a-disc (LOAD) with on-board power to maintain temperature for DNA amplification. Sputa collected from healthy volunteers were spiked with respective target M. tb samples for testing. A limit of detection of 102 colony-forming unit per millilitre in 15 min was achieved, making early detection and differentiation of M. tb strains highly feasible in extreme POC settings. Our RT-RPA LOAD platform has also been successfully applied in the differentiation of MDR-TB from H37Ra, an attenuated TB strain. In summary, a quantitative RT-RPA on LOAD assay with a high level of sensitivity was developed as a foundation for further developments in medical bedside and POC diagnostics.

From SARS to Avian Influenza Preparedness in Hong Kong.

The first human H5N1 case was diagnosed in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, experience in effective preparedness strategies that target novel influenza viruses has expanded. Here, we report on avian influenza preparedness in public hospitals in Hong Kong to illustrate policies and practices associated with control of emerging infectious diseases. The Hong Kong government's risk-based preparedness plan for influenza pandemics includes 3 response levels for command, control, and coordination frameworks for territory-wide responses. The tiered levels of alert, serious, and emergency response enable early detection based on epidemiological exposure followed by initiation of a care bundle. Information technology, laboratory preparedness, clinical and public health management, and infection control preparedness provide a comprehensive and generalizable preparedness plan for emerging infectious diseases.

Uptake and protective effects of ergothioneine in human endothelial cells.

Ergothioneine is a thiourea derivative of histidine found in food, especially mushrooms. Experiments in cell-free systems and chemical assays identified this compound as a powerful antioxidant. Experiments were designed to test the ability of endothelial cells to take up ergothioneine and hence benefit from protection against oxidative stress. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting demonstrated transcription and translation of an ergothioneine transporter in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Uptake of [(3)H]ergothioneine occurred by the organic cation transporter novel type-1 (OCTN-1), was sodium-dependent, and was reduced when expression of OCTN-1 was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The effect of ergothioneine on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HBMECs was measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein and lucigenin, and the effect on cell viability was studied using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. ROS production and cell death induced by pyrogallol, xanthine oxidase plus xanthine, and high glucose were suppressed by ergothioneine. The antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of ergothioneine were abolished when OCTN-1 was silenced using siRNA. The expression of NADPH oxidase 1 was decreased, and those of glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enhanced by the compound. In isolated rat basilar arteries, ergothioneine attenuated the reduction in acetylcholine-induced relaxation caused by pyrogallol, xanthine oxidase plus xanthine, or incubation in high glucose. Chronic treatment with the compound improved the response to acetylcholine in arteries of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In summary, ergothioneine is taken up by endothelial cells via OCTN-1, where the compound then protects against oxidative stress, curtailing endothelial dysfunction.

Inhibitory effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on volume-activated chloride channels in rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are synthesized from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases in endothelial cells. It has previously been shown that EETs activate K(+) channels, which are important for the hyperpolarization and dilation of blood vessels. However, the effects of EETs on other ion channels have been less well studied. We investigated the effects of EETs on volume-activated Cl(-) channels (VACCs) in rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells. Whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that hypotonic solution and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTPgammaS) induced a 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB)- and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive VACC current in the primary cultured rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells. The VACC current was inhibited by EETs and the order of potency was 8,9-EET>5,6-EET>11,12-EET>14,15-EET. The inhibitory effects of EETs could be reversed by 14,15 epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE, an EET analog), Rp-cGMP and KT-5823 (protein kinase G inhibitors). Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of EETs on VACCs were not influenced by Rp-cAMP (a protein kinase A antagonist) but it could be abolished by NF-449 (a Gs protein inhibitor), indicating the involvement of cAMP but not protein kinase A. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EETs inhibit VACCs in rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells through a cGMP-dependent pathway, which is probably due to the cross-activation by cAMP. This mechanism may be involved in the regulation of cell volume and membrane potential.

Modulation by simvastatin of iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+-activated K+ channels of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors) have been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular mortality. It is unclear how the expression level of HMG CoA reductase in cardiovascular tissues compares with that in cells derived from the liver. We hypothesized that this enzyme exists in different cardiovascular tissues, and simvastatin modulates the vascular iberiotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES: Expression of HMG CoA reductase in different cardiovascular preparations was measured. Effects of simvastatin on BK(Ca) channel gatings of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells were evaluated. KEY RESULTS: Western immunoblots revealed the biochemical existence of HMG CoA reductase in human cardiovascular tissues and porcine coronary artery. In porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells, extracellular simvastatin (1, 3 and 10 microM) (hydrophobic), but not simvastatin Na+ (hydrophilic), inhibited the BK(Ca) channels with a minimal recovery upon washout. Isopimaric acid (10 microM)-mediated enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude was reversed by external simvastatin. Simvastatin Na+ (10 microM, applied internally), markedly attenuated isopimaric acid (10 microM)-induced enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude. Reduced glutathione (5 mM; in the pipette solution) abolished simvastatin -elicited inhibition. Mevalonolactone (500 microM) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (20 microM) only prevented simvastatin (1 and 3 microM)-induced responses. simvastatin (10 microM ) caused a rottlerin (1 microM)-sensitive (cycloheximide (10 microM)-insensitive) increase of PKC-delta protein expression. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results demonstrated the biochemical presence of HMG CoA reductase in different cardiovascular tissues, and that simvastatin inhibited the BK(Ca) channels of the arterial smooth muscle cells through multiple intracellular pathways.

Modulation by homocysteine of the iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+ -activated K+ channels of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

We evaluated the acute effect of homocysteine on the iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels of the porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells. NS 1619 (1 to 30 microM) caused a concentration-dependent enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude (recorded using the whole-cell, membrane-rupture configuration) only with an elevated [Ca(2+)](i) of approximately 444 nM, but not with [Ca(2+)](i) of approximately 100 nM. Homocysteine (30 microM) caused a small inhibition ( approximately 16%) of the BK(Ca) amplitude ([Ca(2+)](i)= approximately 444 nM), and a greater inhibition ( approximately 77%) was observed with 100 microM NADH present in the pipette solution. The inhibition persisted after washing. With NADPH (100 microM), a smaller magnitude of inhibition ( approximately 34%) of the BK(Ca) amplitude was recorded. The NS 1619-mediated enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude (with elevated [Ca(2+)](i) plus NADH in the pipette) was attenuated by homocysteine. The homocysteine-mediated inhibition of the BK(Ca) amplitude was suppressed by Tiron (10 mM) or diphenylene iodonium (30 nM), applied alone, but not by superoxide dismutase (500 U/ml) and catalase (500 U/ml). Generation of superoxide (O(2)(-)) of the smooth muscle cells (with NADH presence), measured using the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, was markedly increased by angiotensin II (100 nM) and homocysteine (30 microM). The chemiluminescence signal was sensitive to apocynin (300 microM) or Tiron, applied alone, but not to superoxide dismutase and catalase. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that acute homocysteine application inhibits the iberiotoxin-sensitive BK(Ca) channels (with elevated [Ca(2+)](i) and NADH present) which is probably caused by the NADH oxidase activation and the concomitant generation of intracellular superoxide.

Diabetes Mellitus, Cognitive Impairment, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder affecting a large number of people worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that DM can cause damage to multiple systems, leading to complications such as heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disorders. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that DM is closely associated with dementia and cognition dysfunction, with recent research focusing on the role of DM-mediated cerebrovascular damage in dementia. Despite the therapeutic benefits of antidiabetic agents for the treatment of DM-mediated cognitive dysfunction, most of these pharmaceutical agents are associated with various undesirable side-effects and their long-term benefits are therefore in doubt. Early evidence exists to support the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions, which tend to have minimal toxicity and side-effects. More importantly, these TCM interventions appear to offer significant effects in reducing DM-related complications beyond blood glucose control. However, more research is needed to further validate these claims and to explore their relevant mechanisms of action. The aims of this paper are (1) to provide an updated overview on the association between DM and cognitive dysfunction and (2) to review the scientific evidence underpinning the use of TCM interventions for the treatment and prevention of DM-induced cognitive dysfunction and dementia.

Relaxation effect of a novel Danshensu/tetramethylpyrazine derivative on rat mesenteric arteries.

Danshen (Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae) and ChuanXiong (Ligusticum wallichii) are two traditional herbal medicines commonly used in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The active components in Danshen and ChuanXiong are Danshensu (DSS, (R)-3, 4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid) and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), respectively. In the present study, a new compound named ADTM, which is a conjugation of DSS and TMP, was synthesized and its effect on the contractility of rat mesenteric arteries was examined. The relaxation effect of ADTM on rat mesenteric arteries was studied using myography. The effects of ADTM on Ca(2+) channels were measured by Ca(2+) imaging and patch-clamp techniques. The results showed that ADTM caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of rat mesenteric arteries. This relaxation effect was not affected by the removal of endothelium or inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, guanylyl cyclase and adenylyl cyclase. Potassium channel blockers including tetraethylammonium, iberiotoxin, apamin, 4-aminopyridine, BaCl2 and glibenclamide also failed to inhibit the relaxation response to ADTM. ADTM inhibited CaCl2-induced contractions and reduced the Ca(2+) influx in isolated mesenteric arterial muscle cells. Our results suggest that ADTM may be a novel relaxing agent. Its mechanism of action involves the direct blockade of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in a decrease in Ca(2+) influx into the cells.

Modulation by extracellular ATP of L-type calcium channels in guinea-pig single sinoatrial nodal cell.

1. The effects of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate ([ATP]zero) on the L-type Ca2+ channel currents in guinea-pig single sinoatrial nodal (SAN) cells, isolated by enzymatic dissociation, were investigated by use of whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. 2. The application of [ATP]zero (2 microM-1 mM) produced an inhibitory effect on the L-type Ca2+ channel current peak amplitude (10 mM Ba2+ as charge carrier) in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner with an IC50 of 100 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.83. 3. The presence of the adenosine receptor antagonists, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 0.1 microM) and 8-phenyltheophylline (10 microM) did not affect the [ATP]zero-induced inhibition of the Ca2+ channel currents. Adenosine (100 microM) had little effect on the basal Ca2+ channel currents. Adenosine 500 microM, caused 23% inhibition of the Ca2+ channel current, which was abolished by 0.1 microM DPCPX. 4. The presence of the P2-purinoceptor antagonists, suramin (1, 10 and 100 microM), reactive blue 2 (1 and 10 microM) and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 50 and 100 microM) failed to affect the inhibitory action of [ATP]zero on Ca2+ channel currents. 5. The relative rank order of potency of different nucleotides and nucleosides, at a concentration of 100 microM, on the inhibition of the Ca2+ channel currents is as follows: adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) = alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (alpha,beta MeATP) > > 2-methylthioATP (2-MeSATP) > or = adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) > > uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) = adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) > adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) > or = adenosine. 6. These results suggest that [ATP]zero may play an important role in the heart beat by inhibiting the L-type Ca2+ channel currents in single SAN cells. This inhibitory effect is not due to the formation of adenosine resulting from the enzymatic degradation of [ATP]zero. Based on the relative order of inhibitory potency of different nucleotides and nucleosides on the L-type Ca2+ channel currents and the ineffectiveness of the purinoceptor antagonists tested, a novel type of purinoceptor may be involved.

Hypoxia- and endothelium-mediated changes in the pharmacological responsiveness of circumflex coronary artery rings from the sheep.

1. The role(s) of the endothelium in modulating the responsiveness of isolated circumflex coronary artery rings (o.d. = 2.0-2.5 mm and o.d. = 0.6-1.3 mm) from sheep was investigated under oxygenated and hypoxic conditions. 2. Removal of the endothelium abolished the contraction produced by lowering the PO2 from 620 to 8 mmHg (either under optimal resting tension or precontracted by 40 mM KCl). In denuded artery rings sudden hypoxia caused relaxation. 3. Under oxygenated conditions, removal of the endothelium augmented the vasoconstrictor effects of U46619, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and K+. In the denuded artery rings, hypoxia abolished the contractile effects of U46619 and reduced the contractile effects of 5-HT and K+. 4. Under oxygenated conditions, the vasorelaxant effect of adenosine was depressed by removal of the endothelium. In endothelium-denuded preparations, the small relaxant effect of adenosine remaining was greatly potentiated. 5. Haemolysate (1 microliter ml-1) caused an endothelium-dependent contraction under oxygenated conditions. The hypoxic contraction observed in the artery ring under resting tension was significantly potentiated by haemolysate (1 microliter ml-1). Haemolysate 1 microliter ml-1 had no effect on the denuded artery rings under hypoxic conditions. 6. Haemolysate (1 microliter ml-1) potentiated the vasoconstrictor effects of U46619 (0.5 microM), 5-HT (1 microM) and K+ (24 mM) under oxygenated conditions. 7. These results indicate that endothelium profoundly modifies the effect of hypoxia on the responsiveness of sheep isolated left circumflex coronary artery rings.

Effects of hypoxia on the pharmacological responsiveness of isolated coronary artery rings from the sheep.

1. The effects of low oxygen tension on tone and on the responsiveness to contractile and relaxant agents were examined on circumflex coronary artery rings isolated from sheep. 2. When artery rings (2-2.5 mm o.d.) were set at their optimal resting tension, introduction of hypoxia (0% O2) caused a sustained contraction which was reversible on washing with oxygenated Krebs solution. In precontracted (40 mM KCl) arteries, hypoxia caused a similar response except that it was preceded by a transient relaxation. 3. The hypoxia-induced contraction was potentiated by the combination of phentolamine (1 microM) and propranolol (1 microM), markedly reduced by verapamil (10 microM) and either abolished or reduced by indomethacin (1 microM). Indomethacin itself caused a contraction. 4. Under hypoxic conditions, the contractile effects of U46619 (a stable thromboxane analogue) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the vasodilator effects of noradrenaline, iloprost (a prostacyclin mimetic) and adenosine were markedly potentiated. In contrast, vasoconstriction to potassium or acetylcholine was depressed. 5. Changing the gases from 95% O2 to 12% O2 had no significant effect on the contractile effects of U46619. However, the maximum contractile effect of U46619 was significantly enhanced by changing the gases from 12% O2 to 0% O2. 6. Rings from a smaller branch (0.6-1.3 mm o.d.) of the circumflex coronary artery of the sheep, in the presence of hypoxia, exhibited qualitatively similar changes in the responsiveness to U46619, 5-HT and adenosine to those observed in the large artery. However, the effect of potassium was potentiated rather than depressed. 7. It is concluded that hypoxia-induced contraction may involve a modified release of cyclooxygenase products and be partly dependent upon the availability of extracellular calcium. 8. The change in the responsiveness of coronary arteries, under hypoxia, to both constrictor and dilator mediators may have clinical relevance to myocardial ischaemia and angina pectoris.

Effects of neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptide on sheep coronary artery rings under oxygenated, hypoxic and simulated myocardial ischaemic conditions.

1. The effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were examined on sheep circumflex (2-2.5 mm o.d.) coronary artery rings, with and without endothelium, under oxygenated, hypoxic and simulated ischaemic conditions. The interaction between the vasoconstrictor effects of NPY and the thromboxane mimetic, U46619, was also studied. 2. Ischaemia was simulated by modification of the composition of the physiological salt solution by increasing potassium and H+, including lactate and reducing glucose and PO2. 3. Hypoxia alone and simulated ischaemia increased the maximum vasodilatation produced by CGRP. CGRP (30 nM) abolished and markedly reduced the contraction that was induced by hypoxia and simulated ischaemia respectively. 4. Hypoxia increased and simulated ischaemia reduced the contractile response to NPY in endothelium intact rings. When the endothelium was removed, NPY caused a contraction under ischaemic conditions only. The hypoxic and ischaemic-induced contractions were augmented by NPY (30 nM). 5. In the rings containing endothelium, NPY enhanced the contraction caused by U46619 during hypoxia only. In endothelium-denuded preparations, NPY increased or partially restored the contraction caused by U46619. 6. These results show that the responsiveness of coronary artery rings isolated from sheep to either CGRP or NPY is modified by hypoxia or simulated myocardial ischaemia.

Modification of the ischaemic-induced contraction in the sheep circumflex coronary artery by various pharmacological antagonists.

1. Sheep isolated circumflex coronary artery rings were exposed to simulated ischaemia (increased K+ reduced pH, hypoxia, reduced glucose and addition of lactate). Simulated ischaemia caused a transient relaxation lasting approximately 5 min followed by a sustained contraction that was reversible on washing with oxygenated Krebs solution. 2. Haemolysate caused a rise in baseline tension and augmented the ischaemic contraction. 3. The ischaemic contraction was abolished by BW 755C 5 microM and reduced by indomethacin 1 microM, quinacrine 50 microM or the thromboxane A2 antagonist BM 13177 10 microM. The leukotriene D4 antagonist, ICI 198615, had no effect. 4. The ischaemic-induced contraction was enhanced by propranolol 1 microM, methiothepin 1 microM and reduced by ketanserin 1 microM. 5. The ischaemic contraction was markedly inhibited by trypsin (1 mu ml-1) and by verapamil, cromakalim or sodium nitroprusside. 6. The following had no or little effect on the ischaemic contraction: Sar1-Thr8-angiotensin II, mepyramine, atropine, the spin trapping agent PBN or the free radical scavenger dimethylsulphoxide. Superoxide dismutase caused a slight enhancement. 7. The ischaemic-induced contraction was abolished by the simultaneous administration, at subthreshold concentrations, either of two vasodilators (iloprost and adenosine) or of a vasodilator and a vasoconstrictor (iloprost and U46619). 8. The ischaemic relaxation phase was reduced by propranolol and indomethacin, abolished by haemolysate and enhanced by quinacrine or cromakalim. 9. It is concluded that the ischaemic-induced contraction is caused by mediators released from the endothelium including a product of the lipoxygenase pathway. There is also evidence that simulated ischaemia causes the release of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Presynaptic modulation by L-glutamate and GABA of sympathetic co-transmission in rat isolated vas deferens.

1. The modulatory effects of L-glutamate and its structural analogues, and of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), on sympathetic co-transmission were studied in the rat isolated vas deferens exposed to electrical field stimulation (EFS). 2. Application of exogenous L-glutamate caused a concentration-dependent (1 microM-3 mM) inhibition of the rapid twitch component of the biphasic EFS contraction. However, L-glutamate (1 microM-3 mM) had a minimal effect on the phasic contraction induced by exogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP, 150 microM) and noradrenaline (50 microM). Unlike L-glutamate, D-glutamate had no effect on the EFS contraction. 3. The L-glutamate-induced inhibition of the EFS contractions was significantly attenuated by the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) inhibitor 3-mercapto-propionic acid (150 microM) and was abolished in the presence of the GABA transaminase (GABA-T) inhibitor, 2-aminoethyl hydrogen sulphate (500 microM). 4. The L-glutamate-induced inhibition of the electrically evoked contraction was not affected by the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX)(30 nM), reactive blue 2 (30 microM) or the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (50 microM). However, the GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (50 microM) significantly inhibited the L-glutamate effect. 5. Similar to L-glutamate, GABA also caused a concentration-dependent (0.1-100 microM) inhibition of the EFS contractions. This GABA-induced inhibition was not affected by either the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (50 microM) or reactive blue 2 (30 microM). However, a significant attenuation of the GABA-mediated effect was recorded with the GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (50 microM). Contractions of the vas deferens induced by exogenous ATP and noradrenaline were not affected by GABA (0.1-100 microM). 6. The L-glutamate analogues, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) (1 microM-1 mM) and quisqualate (Quis 0.1 microM-0.3 mM) had no effect, whilst kainate (Kain, 1 microM-1 mM) caused an inhibition of the EFS-induced contractions. Effects of Kain could be abolished by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dioxine (CNQX, 10 microM). NMDA, Quis and Kain had no effect on the exogenous ATP- or noradrenaline-induced contractions. 7. It is concluded that the excitatory amino acid L-glutamate modulates the electrically evoked vas deferens contraction through conversion to the inhibitory amino acid GABA by a specific GABA transaminase. The GABA formed may then act on GABAB receptors and cause inhibition of the contraction through a presynaptic mechanism.

Responsiveness of sheep isolated coronary artery rings under simulated myocardial ischaemia.

The effects of simulated myocardial ischaemia on tone and on the responsiveness to contractile and relaxant agents were examined on sheep circumflex coronary artery rings. Introduction of ischaemia caused a transient relaxation followed by sustained contraction which was inhibited by adenosine or by the removal of the endothelium. Under ischaemic conditions, the contractile effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine and acetylcholine were markedly depressed while those of potassium and U46619 (a stable thromboxane analogue) were not modified. In contrast, the vasodilating effects of adenosine, noradrenaline and iloprost (a prostacyclin mimetic) were significantly potentiated. Addition of adenosine to the ischaemic Krebs solution abolished the contractile effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine and U46619 but did not modify the vasorelaxant effects of noradrenaline and iloprost. These results indicate that the ischaemic-induced contraction is endothelium-dependent and the responsiveness of the coronary artery to both constrictors and vasodilators changed under conditions of simulated myocardial ischaemia.

Hormonal modulation of benzodiazepines' actions on rat isolated uterus.

Effects of various benzodiazepines were investigated in ovariectomized rat isolated uterus which had been chronically pre-treated with different female sex hormones: oestrogen, progesterone and oestrogen + progesterone. Uteri obtained from all groups developed a spontaneous, rhythmic activity. The spontaneous activity observed in control uterus was either inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by diazepam, 4'-chlorodiazepam, clonazepam or 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxam ide (PK 11195), or was abolished in [Ca2+]o-free solution. Diazepam, 4'-chlorodiazepam, clonazepam and PK 11195 all caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of the [K+]o-pre-contracted uterus with the relative order of potency: PK 11195 > 4'-chlorodiazepam > diazepam > clonazepam. Administration of [Ca2+]o (1 microM to 10 mM) caused a concentration-dependent contraction of uterus, bathed in [Ca2+]o-free physiological salt solution obtained from different pre-treatment groups. Incubation with different concentrations (microM) of diazepam, 4'-chlorodiazepam, clonazepam and PK 11195 caused a decrease in response to [Ca2+]o-induced contraction in all groups of rat uteri. These results indicate that micromolar benzodiazepine binding sites exist in rat uterus. Diazepam, 4'-chlorodiazepam, clonazepam and PK 11195 caused relaxation of pre-contracted rat uterus and this effect may involve the inhibition of influx of [Ca2+]o and the relaxing effects of different benzodiazepines observed in this study can be modulated by pre-treatment with different female hormones.

Comparison of the vascular relaxant effects of ATP-dependent K+ channel openers on aorta and pulmonary artery isolated from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats.

The vasorelaxant actions of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent K+ channel openers and sodium nitroprusside in isolated thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (14-18 weeks old) were investigated. Cumulative addition of sodium nitroprusside and different ATP-dependent K+ channel openers (pinacidil, cromakalim, nicorandil, 2-(2"(1",3"-dioxolone)-2-methyl-4-(2'-oxo-1'-pyrrolidinyl)-6-nitro -2H-1-benzopyren (KR-30450) and aprikalim) to these preparations caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of noradrenaline-pre-contracted aorta and pulmonary artery from both strains. The relative order of relaxation potency, estimated by comparing the IC50, was sodium nitroprusside > KR-30450 > aprikalim > or = cromakalim > pinacidil > nicorandil in pulmonary artery and aorta from both strains. At high concentrations (> or =1 microM), cromakalim, aprikalim and KR-30450 produced a greater percentage relaxation in SHR aorta than in WKY aorta. However, there was no apparent difference between SHR and WKY in the relaxation response to all drugs tested on the pulmonary artery. The effects of cromakalim, aprikalim, pinacidil and KR-30450 observed in aorta and pulmonary artery were significantly attenuated by 3 microM glibenclamide. 6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (LY 83583, 1 microM), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, abolished the vasorelaxant effects of nicorandil and sodium nitroprusside. In conclusion, sodium nitroprusside and ATP-dependent K+ channel openers cause relaxation of noradrenaline-pre-contracted aorta and pulmonary artery from both strains. However, all the drugs tested failed to cause selective relaxation of the pulmonary artery relative to the thoracic aorta.

Simultaneous quantification of five major biologically active ingredients of saffron by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A simple, sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-UV (HPLC-UV) method has been developed for the first time to simultaneously quantify the five major biologically active ingredients of saffron, namely crocin 1, crocin 2, crocin 3, crocin 4 and crocetin. Calibration curves were derived by spiking authentic compounds and internal standard, 13-cis-retinoic acid, into herbal samples prior to extraction. Extraction was conducted simply by stirring dried herb (20 mg) with 80% aqueous methanol (5 ml) at ambient temperature in the dark for 2 h. The HPLC assay was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with linear gradient elution using methanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid. Calibrations were linear (r2 = 0.999) for all five analytes, with overall intra- and inter-day RSDs of less than 11%. The assay was successfully applied to the determination of four crocins and crocetin in three saffron samples and two Zhizi, another crocin-containing herb. Results indicate that the developed HPLC assay can be readily utilized as a quality control method for crocin-containing medicinal herbs.

Inhibition by extracellular ATP of L-type calcium channel currents in guinea-pig single sinoatrial nodal cells: involvement of protein kinase C.

It is generally accepted that ATP is costored and coreleased with noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerve terminals. The pacemaker region of the mammalian heart is highly innervated with the sympathetic nervous system. It is possible, therefore, that ATP released from nerve terminals can act on pacemaker cells and modulate heart beat activity. However, the physiological role(s) of extracellular ATP in mammalian heart beat has been little evaluated, even though the effect of extracellular ATP observed in in vivo studies has been attributed to the formation of adenosine, the catabolic product of ATP, which is a cardiodepressant. The present study investigated the effect of extracellular ATP on L-type calcium channel currents of guinea-pig single sinoatrial nodal cells, by using the whole cell patch clamp technique. Application of extracellular ATP caused a concentration-dependent and reversible inhibition of calcium channel currents with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 100 microM. The presence of the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin (1, 10 and 100 microM), reactive blue 2 (1 and 10 microM) and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 50 and 100 microM) or the adenosine receptor antagonists 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl-xanthine (DPCPX, 0.1 microM) and 8-phenyltheophylline (10 microM) failed to affect the inhibitory action of extracellular ATP on calcium channel currents. The relative rank order of potency of different nucleotides and nucleosides, at a concentration of 100 microM, on the inhibition of calcium channel currents was as follows: ATP = alpha, beta-methylene-ATP >> 2-methylthioATP > or = adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) >> UTP = ADP > AMP > or = adenosine. Dialysis, by way of the patch pipette, of the cell interior with specific protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (70 nM) or calphostin C (500 nM) abolished extracellular ATP-induced inhibition of calcium channel currents. Therefore, extracellular ATP-mediated inhibition of calcium channel currents in guinea-pig single sinoatrial nodal cells involves activation of protein kinase C.

The effect of platyspondyly and pubertal growth spurt on the stature of patients with beta-thalassaemia major.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the body proportion and pubertal growth spurt on the stature of children with beta-thalassaemia major. METHODS: The height, sitting height, upper to lower segment (U:L) ratio and pubertal development were determined in 71 Chinese children (38 girls and 33 boys) with beta-thalassaemia. The growth patterns of 20 patients with complete growth data between 3 years and final height, were analyzed according to whether they underwent a pubertal growth spurt or not. RESULTS: 27% of the boys and 32% of the girls had a height below the 3rd percentile. About 60% of all the children had a U:L ratio below the 10th percentile for age. Abnormal body proportion was found in patients with or without growth retardation. 34% of the 41 children over the age of 14 years underwent spontaneous puberty. In 28 patients over the age of 16 years, a growth spurt was observed in 46% of the children during spontaneous or induced puberty. The retrospective analysis showed that the height deviation from the mean in adulthood was significantly higher in patients without pubertal growth acceleration than in those with a growth spurt (x = -11.8 cm, s = 7.6 cm vs x = -4.4 cm, s = 4.4 cm; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: An abnormal U:L ratio was commonly observed in patients with beta-thalassaemia major and may be one factor contributing to the short stature of these patients. Abnormal puberty was present in a significant proportion of children and the lack of a pubertal growth spurt was found to be detrimental to adult height.