[6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol, active ingredients of the traditional Japanese medicine hangeshashinto, relief oral ulcerative mucositis-induced pain via action on Na+ channels.

The traditional Japanese herbal medicine hangeshashinto (HST) has beneficial effects for the treatment of oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) in cancer patients. However, the ingredient-based mechanism that underlies its pain-relieving activity remains unknown. In the present study, to clarify the analgesic mechanism of HST on OUM-induced pain, we investigated putative HST ingredients showing antagonistic effects on Na+ channels in vitro and in vivo. A screen of 21 major ingredients using automated patch-clamp recordings in channel-expressing cells showed that [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol, two components of a Processed Ginger extract, considerably inhibited voltage-activated Na+ currents. These two ingredients inhibited the stimulant-induced release of substance P and action potential generation in cultured rat sensory neurons. A submucosal injection of a mixture of [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold in healthy rats. In a rat OUM model, OUM-induced mechanical pain was alleviated 30min after the swab application of HST despite the absence of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions in the OUM area. A swab application of a mixture of [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol induced sufficient analgesia of OUM-induced mechanical or spontaneous pain when co-applied with a Ginseng extract containing abundant saponin. The Ginseng extract demonstrated an acceleration of substance permeability into the oral ulcer tissue without an analgesic effect. These findings suggest that Na+ channel blockage by gingerol/shogaol plays an essential role in HST-associated analgesia of OUM-induced pain. This pharmacological mechanism provides scientific evidence supporting the use of this herbal medicine in patients suffering from OUM-induced pain.

Yokukansan, a Traditional Japanese Medicine, Enhances the L-DOPA-Induced Rotational Response in 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rats: Possible Inhibition of COMT.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan (YKS) on the function of dopamine (DA) in the rat nigrostriatal system. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions were produced in the rat nigrostriatal system. Despite a marked loss in the striatal immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase on the lesion side, striatal serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity was not affected. Treatment using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in conjunction with benserazide for 15 d induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) such as locomotive (rotational response), axial, forelimb, and orolingual movements in the lesioned rats. The L-DOPA-induced locomotive and axial, but not forelimb and orolingual, AIMs were significantly increased and prolonged by the pre-administration of YKS. We next investigated the effects of YKS on the production of DA from L-DOPA in 5-HT synthetic RIN 14B cells. RIN 14B cells produced DA and its metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), following L-DOPA treatment. YKS significantly augmented DA production and inhibited its metabolism to 3-MT in a manner similar to the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor entacapone. YKS and some alkaloids (corynoxeine: CX, geissoschizine methyl ether: GM) in Uncaria hook, a constituent herb of YKS, also inhibited COMT activity, indicating that the augmenting effect of YKS on L-DOPA-induced DA production in 5-HT synthetic cells was due to the inhibition of COMT by CX and GM. Our results suggest that YKS facilitates the DA supplemental effect of L-DOPA, and that COMT inhibition by CX and GM contributes, at least in part, to the effects of YKS.

In vitro identification of human cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of Geissoschizine methyl ether, an active component of the traditional Japanese medicine Yokukansan.

1. Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese medicine also called kampo, which has been used to treat neurosis, insomnia, and night crying and peevishness in children. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM), a major indole alkaloid found in Uncaria hook, has been identified as a major active component of YKS with psychotropic effects. Recently, GM was reported to have a partial agonistic effect on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. However, there is little published information on GM metabolism in humans, although several studies reported the blood kinetics of GM in rats and humans. In this study, we investigated the GM metabolic pathways and metabolizing enzymes in humans. 2. Using recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms and polyclonal antibodies to CYP isoforms, we found that GM was metabolized into hydroxylated, dehydrogenated, hydroxylated+dehydrogenated, demethylated and water adduct forms by some CYP isoforms. 3. The relative activity factors in human liver microsomes were calculated to determine the relative contributions of individual CYP isoforms to GM metabolism in human liver microsomes (HLMs). We identified CYP3A4 as the CYP isoform primarily responsible for GM metabolism in human liver microsomes. 4. These findings provide an important basis for understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GM and YKS.

Keishibukuryogan is not carcinogenic in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Keishibukuryogan is a traditional Japanese medicine widely administered to patients with menopausal symptoms. Because humans use it on a long-term basis, we believed that a carcinogenicity study was warranted. We orally administered keishibukuryogan (TJ-25) extract powder to 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats [Crl:CD(SD)], which were divided into four dosage groups-0 (water for injection), 100, 500 and 2,500 mg/kg/day for 24 months. We found that TJ-25 did not affect the survival rate of either sex. Furthermore, it did not affect the clinical condition of the rats, number of superficial tumors found by palpation, body weight, food consumption, hematology, or gross pathological findings. The severity of degeneration of muscle fiber in the femoral skeletal muscle increased slightly in males and females in the 2,500 mg/kg/day group, but TJ-25 did not increase the number of tumors found on histopathological examination. In our study, oral administration of TJ-25 extract powder in rats for 24 months was not associated with an increased incidence of tumors.

Boiogito, a Kampo medicine, improves hydrarthrosis in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Hydrarthrosis, which is associated with knee pain and limited range of motion, decreases the quality of life (QOL) of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The Kampo medicine boiogito is prescribed for the treatment of knee OA with hydrarthrosis; however, its precise mechanisms of action remain unknown. The purposes of this study were to assess the pharmacological effects of boiogito and its mechanisms of action on joint effusion in rats with surgically induced OA. METHODS: A rat OA model was produced by transecting the anterior (cranial) cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and medial meniscus in the right knee joints of 7-week-old female Wistar rats. The rats were given chow containing boiogito (1 or 2%) or indomethacin (0.002 %) for 4 weeks after surgical transection. Levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Knee joint pain was assessed using an incapacitance tester. Osmotic water permeability in cultured rabbit synovial cells was assessed using stopped-flow analysis. RESULTS: Increased synovial fluid volume and knee joint pain were observed in rats with surgically induced OA. In rats with OA, levels of IL-1ß and HA in the articular cavity were higher but concentration of HA in synovial fluid was lower than in sham-operated rats, suggesting excessive synovial fluid secretion. Administration of boiogito improved hydrarthrosis, IL-1ß, and HA concentrations and alleviated knee joint pain in rats with OA. Indomethacin reduced IL-1ß and knee joint pain but failed to improve hydrarthrosis or HA concentration in rats with OA. Osmotic water permeability in synovial cells, which is related to the function of the water channel aquaporin, was decreased by treatment with boiogito. CONCLUSION: Boiogito ameliorates the increased knee joint effusion in rats with OA by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß production in the articular cavity and regulating function of water transport in the synovium. The improvement of hydrarthrosis by boiogito results in the increased HA concentration in synovial fluid, thus reducing joint pain. Boiogito may be a clinically useful treatment of QOL in patients with OA with hydrarthrosis.

Metabolic profiling of the Uncaria hook alkaloid geissoschizine methyl ether in rat and human liver microsomes using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) is an indole alkaloid found in Uncaria hook, which is a galenical constituent of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine. GM has been identified as the active component responsible for anti-aggressive effects. In this study, the metabolic profiling of GM in rat and human liver microsomes was investigated. Thirteen metabolites of GM were elucidated and identified using a high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method, and their molecular structures were proposed on the basis of the characteristics of their precursor ions, product ions, and chromatographic retention times. There were no differences in the metabolites between the rat and human liver microsomes. Among the 13 identified metabolites, there were two demethylation metabolites, one dehydrogenation metabolite, three methylation metabolites, three oxidation metabolites, two water-adduct metabolites, one di-demethylation metabolite, and one water-adduct metabolite followed by oxidation. The metabolic pathways of GM were proposed on the basis of this study. This study will be helpful in understanding the metabolic routes of GM and related Uncaria hook alkaloids, and provide useful information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This is the first report that describes the separation and identification of GM metabolites in rat and human liver microsomes.

Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Polyphenols in a Traditional Japanese Medicine, Jumihaidokuto, Which Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Dermatitis in Rats.

Most orally administered polyphenols are metabolized, with very little absorbed as aglycones and/or unchanged forms. Metabolic and pharmacokinetic studies are therefore necessary to understand the pharmacological mechanisms of polyphenols. Jumihaidokuto (JHT), a traditional Japanese medicine, has been used for treatment of skin diseases including inflammatory acne. Because JHT contains various types of bioactive polyphenols, our aim was to clarify the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the polyphenols in JHT and identify active metabolites contributing to its antidermatitis effects. Orally administered JHT inhibited the increase in ear thickness in rats induced by intradermal injection of Propionibacterium acnes. Quantification by LC-MS/MS indicated that JHT contains various types of flavonoids and is also rich in hydrolysable tannins, such as 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl glucose. Pharmacokinetic and antioxidant analyses showed that some flavonoid conjugates, such as genistein 7-O-glucuronide and liquiritigenin 7-O-glucuronide, appeared in rat plasma and had an activity to inhibit hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation. Furthermore, 4-O-methylgallic acid, a metabolite of Gallic acid, appeared in rat plasma and inhibited the nitric oxide reaction. JHT has numerous polyphenols; it inhibited dermatitis probably via the antioxidant effect of its metabolites. Our study is beneficial for understanding in vivo actions of orally administered polyphenol drugs.

New cancer cachexia rat model generated by implantation of a peritoneal dissemination-derived human stomach cancer cell line.

Cancer cachexia (CC), a syndrome characterized by anorexia and body weight loss due to low fat-free mass levels, including reduced musculature, markedly worsens patient quality of life. Although stomach cancer patients have the highest incidence of cachexia, few experimental models for the study of stomach CC have been established. Herein, we developed stomach CC animal models using nude rats subcutaneously implanted with two novel cell lines, i.e., MKN45c185, established from the human stomach cancer cell line MKN-45, and 85As2, derived from peritoneal dissemination of orthotopically implanted MKN45c185 cells in mice. Both CC models showed marked weight loss, anorexia, reduced musculature and muscle strength, increased inflammatory markers, and low plasma albumin levels; however, CC developed earlier and was more severe in rats implanted with 85As2 than in those implanted with MKN45cl85. Moreover, human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a known cachectic factor, and hypothalamic orexigenic peptide mRNA levels increased in the models, whereas hypothalamic anorexigenic peptide mRNA levels decreased. Surgical removal of the tumor not only abolished cachexia symptoms but also reduced plasma LIF levels to below detectable limits. Importantly, oral administration of rikkunshito, a traditional Japanese medicine, substantially ameliorated CC-related anorexia and body composition changes. In summary, our novel peritoneal dissemination-derived 85As2 rat model developed severe cachexia, possibly caused by LIF from cancer cells, that was ameliorated by rikkunshito. This model should provide a useful tool for further study into the mechanisms and treatment of stomach CC.

Goshajinkigan, a traditional Japanese medicine, prevents oxaliplatin-induced acute peripheral neuropathy by suppressing functional alteration of TRP channels in rat.

The acute peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin treatment occurs very frequently and is aggravated by exposure to cold. Goshajinkigan (GJG), a traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine, was recently shown to be effective against oxaliplatin-induced acute neuropathy. However, because the effects of GJG and its mechanism in relation to those of its ingredients and its mechanism are not well understood, we examined the effects of GJG on acute neuropathy. Further, we investigated whether GJG affects the functions and gene expressions of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels using a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Administration of oxaliplatin increased withdrawal responses from cold stimulation, and GJG or calcium gluconate/magnesium sulfate significantly inhibited the oxaliplatin-induced cold hypersensitivity. Application of menthol, a TRPA1/TRPM8 agonist, or allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a selective TRPA1 agonist, to the hind paw of oxaliplatin-treated rats enhanced the nocifensive behaviors evoked by each agonist, whereas oxaliplatin had no significant effect on nocifensive behaviors evoked by capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist. GJG treatment reduced menthol- or AITC-evoked withdrawal responses potentiated by oxaliplatin. Furthermore, GJG suppressed the increase of TRPA1 and TRPM8 mRNA expression induced by oxaliplatin in dorsal root ganglia. These findings suggest that GJG prevented oxaliplatin-induced acute peripheral neuropathy by suppressing functional alteration of TRP channels, especially TRPA1 and TRPM8.

Different circulating levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 during the menopausal transition.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to clarify the changes in circulating cytokines and chemokines in women during the menopausal transition by using a detailed classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 554 women were recruited for this study from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokushima University Hospital. We divided the women into seven stages by menstrual regularity and FSH level: mid-reproductive stage, late reproductive stage, early menopausal transition, late menopausal transition, very early postmenopause, early postmenopause and late postmenopause. We measured serum concentrations of nine cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, MIP-1ß and MCP-1). RESULTS: Serum IL-8 concentrations in postmenopausal women were significantly (p = 0.001) higher than those in women in the mid- or late reproductive stage and women in early or late menopausal transition. Serum MCP-1 levels in women in late menopausal transition and postmenopause were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those in women in the mid- or late reproductive stage and women in early menopausal transition. MCP-1 level showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.215, p < 0.01) with FSH level in women in menopausal transition. CONCLUSION: By using a detailed classification of menopausal transition, patterns of changes in IL-8 and MCP-1 levels during the menopausal transition were found to be different. IL-8 level showed a high level after menopause, while MCP-1 level showed a high level in menopausal transition. MCP-1 may be sensitive to hormonal change and may be involved in the development of estrogen deficiency diseases.

Effects of geissoschizine methyl ether, an indole alkaloid in Uncaria hook, a constituent of yokukansan, on human recombinant serotonin 7 receptor.

Effects of seven alkaloids, geissoschizine methyl ether (GM), hirsutine, hirsuteine, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine and isocorynoxeine, in Uncaria hook, a constituent of the kampo medicine yokukansan, on serotonin(7) (5-HT(7)) receptor were investigated using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell membranes and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells stably expressing the human recombinant 5-HT(7) receptor. A competitive binding assay using CHO membranes showed that GM (IC(50) = 0.034 µM) more strongly inhibited the binding of the radioligand [(3)H] LSD to 5-HT(7) receptor than the other alkaloids, suggesting that GM is bound to 5-HT(7) receptor. Agonistic/antagonistic effects of GM (1-50 µM) on the receptor were evaluated by measuring intracellular cAMP levels in HEK239 cells. GM (IC(50) = 6.0 µM) inhibited 5-HT-induced cAMP production in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as the specific 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist SB-269970 (0.1-1 µM). However, GM did not induce intracellular cAMP production as 5-HT did. These results suggest that GM has an antagonistic effect on 5-HT(7) receptor.

Simultaneous quantitative analyses of indole and oxindole alkaloids of Uncaria Hook in rat plasma and brain after oral administration of the traditional Japanese medicine Yokukansan using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Uncaria Hook (UH) alkaloids are involved in the beneficial effects of Yokukansan. However, the pharmacokinetics of UH alkaloids after oral administration of Yokukansan has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we developed and validated a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantitation of seven UH alkaloids (corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, hirsutine, hirsuteine and geissoschizine methyl ether) in rat plasma and brain. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, chromatographic separation was performed using an Ascentis Express RP-amide column, with gradient elution with 0.2% formic acid and acetonitrile at 0.3 mL/min. All analytes in the plasma and brain showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r > 0.995). Intra-day and inter-day variations of each constituent were 8.6 and 8.0% or less in the plasma, and 14.9 and 15.0% or less in the brain, respectively. The validated LC/MS/MS method was applied in the pharmacokinetic studies of UH alkaloids after oral administration of Yokukansan to rats. In the plasma, rhynchophylline, hirsutine, hirsuteine and geissoschizine methyl ether were detected, but only geissoschizine methyl ether was detected in the brain. These results suggest that geissoschizine methyl ether is an important constituent of the pharmacological effects of Yokukansan.

Role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in gastric accommodation in conscious guinea pigs.

We report the establishment of a new model for measuring gastric tone and liquid meal-induced accommodation in conscious guinea pigs and the role played by transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). An indwelling polyethylene bag was placed in proximal stomachs of 5-week-old male Hartley guinea pigs. Gastric tone was measured by distending the bag and recording changes in intrabag pressure at various volumes. Gastric accommodation was measured by administering liquid meals and recording intrabag pressure over time. N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (a nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor), atropine sulfate (atropine) (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) (a TRPA1 agonist), or theophylline-7-(N-4-isopropylphenyl) acetamide (HC-030031) (a selective TRPA1 antagonist) was administered 15 to 60 min before measurement. Gastric tone was increased by stepwise distension of the bag and was further significantly increased by L-NAME and significantly decreased by atropine. A liquid meal (15% w/v; 1.7 kcal) significantly decreased intrabag pressure 5 to 20 min after administration, indicating gastric accommodation; this was completely suppressed by L-NAME and further enhanced by atropine. AITC significantly increased gastric tone; this increase was decreased by HC-030031 and atropine. A combination of AITC and L-NAME significantly increased gastric tone compared with L-NAME alone. HC-030031 alone significantly decreased gastric tone. Liquid meal-induced gastric accommodation was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with AITC. We established a new model for measuring gastric tone and accommodation in conscious guinea pigs. TRPA1 activation suppresses gastric accommodation by increasing gastric tone through cholinergic neuronal pathways.

The blood-brain barrier permeability of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid, a major metabolite of glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza root, a constituent of the traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan.

18ß-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a major metabolite of glycyrrhizin (GL), which is one of the components of glycyrrhiza root, a constituent herb of the traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan. It is well known that most GL is metabolized to GA in the intestine by bacteria. A previous in vitro study using cultured rat cortical astrocytes suggested that GA activates glutamate transport, which is a putative mechanism of the psychotropic effect of yokukansan. To activate the glutamate transport in the brain, GA must be absorbed into the blood after oral administration of yokukansan and then cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the brain. However, there is no data on the BBB permeability of GA derived from yokukansan. In the present study, the BBB permeability of GA was investigated in both in vivo and in vitro studies. In the in vivo study, GA was detected in the plasma, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid of rats orally administered yokukansan. In the in vitro study using a BBB model composed of co-culture of endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, the permeability rate and apparent permeability coefficient of GA were found to be 13.3 ± 0.5 % and 16.5 ± 0.7 × 10(-6) cm/s. These in vivo and in vitro results suggest that GL in orally administered yokukansan is absorbed into the blood as GA, and then reaches the brain through the BBB. This evidence further supports the possibility that GA is an active component in the psychotropic effect of yokukansan.

Antiallodynic effect of herbal medicine yokukansan on peripheral neuropathy in rats with chronic constriction injury.

Yokukansan, one of the traditional Japanese herbal medicines, ameliorated neuropathic pain symptoms in patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of yokukansan on neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Oral administration of yokukansan significantly inhibited mechanical and cold allodynia in the von Frey hair or acetone test, respectively. In comparison, amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, demonstrated moderate, but not significant, antiallodynic effects in the mechanical and cold tests. Yokukansan significantly inhibited the cerebrospinal fluid dialysate level of glutamate that had increased by the stimulation of brush or acetone. Glutamate transporter inhibitors, DL-threo-beta-hydroxy aspartate and dihydrokainate, decreased the yokukansan-induced antiallodynic actions in CCI rats. Our results suggest that yokukansan was confirmed to have antiallodynic effects in CCI rats, which are related to a blockade of glutamatergic neurotransmission via activation of glutamate transporters in the spinal cord.

Isoliquiritigenin is a novel NMDA receptor antagonist in kampo medicine yokukansan.

Effects of a traditional Japanese medicine, yokukansan, which is composed of seven medicinal herbs, on glutamate-induced cell death were examined using primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Yokukansan (10-300 µg/ml) inhibited the 100 µM glutamate-induced neuronal death in a concentration-dependent manner. Among seven constituent herbs, higher potency of protection was found in Uncaria thorn (UT) and Glycyrrhiza root (GR). A similar neuroprotective effect was found in four components (geissoschizine methyl ether, hirsuteine, hirsutine, and rhynchophylline) in UT and four components (glycycoumarin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid) in GR. In the NMDA receptor binding and receptor-linked Ca(2+) influx assays, only isoliquiritigenin bound to NMDA receptors and inhibited the glutamate-induced increase in Ca(2+) influx. Glycycoumarin and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid bound to NMDA receptors, but did not inhibit the Ca(2+) influx. The four UT-derived components did not bind to NMDA receptors. The present results suggest that neuroprotective components (isoliquiritigenin, glycycoumarin, liquiritin, and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid in GR and geissoschizine methyl ether, hirsuteine, hirsutine, and rhynchophylline in UT) are contained in yokukansan, and isoliquiritigenin, which is one of them, is a novel NMDA receptor antagonist.

The blood-brain barrier permeability of geissoschizine methyl ether in Uncaria hook, a galenical constituent of the traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan.

Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) in Uncaria hook, a galenical constituent of yokukansan is thought to be one of active components in the psychotropic effect of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine (kampo medicine). However, there is no data on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of Uncaria hook-derived alkaloids containing GM. In this study, we investigated the BBB permeability of seven Uncaria hook alkaloids (GM, isocorynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, hirsuteine, hirsutine, rhynchophylline, and corynoxeine) using in vivo and in vitro methods. In the in vivo experiment, seven alkaloids in the plasma and brain of rats orally administered with yokukansan were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy/mass spectrometric multiple reaction monitoring assay. In the in vitro experiment, the BBB permeability of seven alkaloids were examined using the BBB model composed of co-culture of endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes. In the in vivo study, six components containing GM but not isocorynoxeine were detected in the plasma, and three (GM, hirsuteine, and corynoxeine) of components were detected in the brain. The in vitro BBB permeability data indicated that seven alkaloids were able to cross brain endothelial cells in culture conditions and that the BBB permeability of GM was higher than those of the other six alkaloids. These results suggest that target ingredient GM in yokukansan administered orally is absorbed into the blood and then reaches the brain through the BBB. This evidence further supports the possibility that GM is an active component in the psychotropic effect of yokukansan.

Possible involvement of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channel in postoperative adhesive obstruction and its prevention by a kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine, daikenchuto.

This study focused on the localization of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) in the intestines in postoperative adhesion model rats and investigated the underlying mechanism for the anti-adhesion action of daikenchuto (DKT), especially in relation to TRPV1. Postoperative intestinal adhesion was induced by sprinkling talc in the small intestine. The expression of TRPV1 mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization and real-time RT-PCR. The effects of DKT and its major ingredient, hydroxy sanshool, with or without ruthenium red, a TRP-channel antagonist, on talc-induced intestinal adhesions were evaluated. The level of TRPV1 mRNA was higher in the adhesion regions of talc-treated rats than in normal small intestine of sham-operated rats. Localization of TRPV1 mRNA expression was identified in the submucosal plexus of both sham-operated and talc-treated rats; and in talc-treated rats, it was observed also in the myenteric plexus and regions of adhesion. Capsaicin, DKT, and hydroxy sanshool significantly prevented formation of intestinal adhesions. The effects of DKT and hydroxy sanshool were abrogated by subcutaneous injection of ruthenium red. These results suggest that pharmacological modulation of TRPV1 might be a possible therapeutic option in postoperative intestinal adhesion, which might be relevant to the prevention of postoperative adhesive obstruction by DKT.

Effects of TJN-598, a new selective phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor on anti-Thy1 nephritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase type IV (PDEIV) plays an important role in the immune response and inflammation. However, it is well known that classical PDEIV inhibitors have systemic side effects, so the clinical and chronic use of these agents as therapy for glomerulonephritis is difficult. This study was performed to elucidate the anti-nephritic effects of TJN-598, a new chemical compound derived from herbal components, on experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. METHODS: We first examined the effects of TJN-598 and captopril on mesangial expansion induced by anti-Thy1 serum in rats. Second, to investigate the effects of TJN-598 and rolipram, which are typical PDEIV inhibitors, on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, glomeruli were isolated from rats with anti-Thy1 nephritis and incubated with the test drugs in vitro for 48 h. RESULTS: Treatment with TJN-598 prevented an increase in the mesangial area/total glomerular area, in the number of cells in the glomerular cross section and matrix index. TJN-598 also inhibited the increases in the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, the TGF-ß1-positive area, in the number of ED-1 positive cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the glomeruli. Furthermore, administration of TJN-598 inhibited increases in the levels of TGF-ß1 protein derived from glomeruli with anti-Thy-1 nephritis. The addition of both TJN-598 and rolipram to the culture supernatant inhibited both increased expression of TGF-ß1 and increases in levels of TNF-α in glomeruli isolated from rats with anti-Thy1 nephritis in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TJN-598, a PDEIV inhibitor, is effective against expansion of mesangial cells, via the suppression of secretion of TGF-ß1 and TNF-α from inflamed glomeruli.

Effects of yokukansan and donepezil on learning disturbance and aggressiveness induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid ß protein in mice.

The effects of yokukansan and donepezil on learning disturbance and aggressiveness were examined in amyloid ß protein (Aß)-injected mice. Intellicage tests showed that both yokukansan and donepezil ameliorated Aß-induced learning disturbance, but the ameliorating effect of donepezil was not enhanced by concomitant administration of yokukansan. On the other hand, a social interaction test showed that Aß-induced aggressiveness was ameliorated by yokukansan, but not by donepezil. Co-administration of both drugs also ameliorated aggressiveness, as did yokukansan alone. In vitro binding assays revealed that yokukansan did not bind to choline receptors or transporters. In vitro enzyme assays revealed that yokukansan did not affect choline acetyltransferase activity or inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, as did donepezil. These results suggest that yokukansan might ameliorate aggressiveness without interfering with the pharmacological efficacy (antidementia effect) of donepezil and also that concomitant administration of yokukansan might be useful for amelioration of aggressiveness, which was not lessened by donepezil. The difference in the efficacies of both drugs may be due to a difference in their pharmacological mechanisms.