[Pathogenic detection and molecular tracing of a bacillary dysentery outbreak by Shigella sonnei in Huainan city].

Objective: To understand the virulence gene and drug resistance profile of Shigella sonnei outbreak in Huainan city, and conduct pathogenic traceability analysis. Methods: Water samples and feces related to an infectious diarrhea outbreak in Huainan city in August 2020 were collected for multiple pathogen detection. Virulence gene, drug sensitivity, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing of Shigella isolates were analyzed respectively. Results: 38 strains of Shigella sonnei were detected in 56 samples of mucilage feces with a positive rate 67.86%, and all serotypes were Shigella sonnei Phase I. Three strains of Shigella sonnei were detected by fluorescence PCR in the Gram-negative (GN) bacterial enrichment solution of terminal water and well water. Virulence genes were ipaH positive (38), ipaH/ial (31) and ipaH/ial/sen positive (1), respectively. The drug resistance spectrum showed that 9 of 14 antibiotics were 100% resistant, and only imipenem, chloramphenicol, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin were effective drugs. XbaⅠ restriction enzyme map type of 36 isolates was completely consistent, and the ST type analysis of 3 strains was ST152. Whole genome sequencing and analysis verified that the outbreak was caused by a single clonal group of strains, and revealed that the isolates of the outbreak were clustered into a large cluster with 3 Chinese strains and 1 Korean strain in the database, far away from the strains of other countries. Conclusion: The outbreak is caused by a single clone of Shigella sonnei, which are low virulence strains and have multiple drug resistance.

All optical mode controllable Er-doped random fiber laser with distributed Bragg gratings.

An all-optical method to control the lasing modes of Er-doped random fiber lasers (RFLs) is proposed and demonstrated. In the RFL, an Er-doped fiber (EDF) recoded with randomly separated fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) is used as the gain medium and randomly distributed reflectors, as well as the controllable element. By combining random feedback of the FBG array and Fresnel feedback of a cleaved fiber end, multi-mode coherent random lasing is obtained with a threshold of 14 mW and power efficiency of 14.4%. Moreover, a laterally-injected control light is used to induce local gain perturbation, providing additional gain for certain random resonance modes. As a result, active mode selection of the RFL is realized by changing locations of the laser cavity that is exposed to the control light.

[Role of 14-3-3σgene in the regulation of endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in human pulmonary epithelial cells].

Objective: To explore the mechanism of 14-3-3σgene in regulating inflammatory response of human pulmonary epithelial cells induced by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: (1) Cells of human normal pulmonary epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cultured in logarithmic growth period were collected and divided into control group and PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup using the random number table, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in control group were transfected with empty plasmid, and cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup were transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid. The protein expression of 14-3-3σin cell was detected by Western blotting at 48 hours after transfection. (2) Cells of human normal pulmonary epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cultured in logarithmic growth period were collected and divided into control group, PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup, PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group, and LPS group using the random number table, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in control group were transfected with empty plasmid for 42 hours. Cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup were transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid for 42 hours. Cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group were stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS (the same final mass concentration below) for 6 hours after being transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid for 42 hours. Cells in LPS group were stimulated by LPS for 6 hours. The protein expressions of Bax and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were detected by Western blotting, and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 was calculated. Apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß) in cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Content of TNF-α and IL-1ß in cell culture supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were statistically analyzed with t test, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference test. Results: (1) At 48 hours after transfection, the protein expression of 14-3-3σin cells of PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup (1.05±0.03) was significantly higher than that in control group (0.78±0.04, t=5.41, P<0.01). (2) Compared with those in control group, the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, apoptotic rate, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß, and content of TNF-α and IL-1ß in cell supernatant in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup showed no significant difference (P>0.05); the above-mentioned indexes of cells in LPS group were significantly higher or increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in LPS group, the above-mentioned indexes of cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group were significantly lower or decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: 14-3-3σis a key factor in regulating apoptosis. It can alleviate the LPS-induced inflammatory responses by regulating the ratio of apoptotic regulators Bax to Bcl-2 and inhibiting apoptosis of human pulmonary epithelial cells.

Efficacy and safety of catnip (Nepeta cataria) as a novel filth fly repellent.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is known for its pseudo-narcotic effects on cats. Recently, it has been reported as an effective mosquito repellent against several Aedes and Culex species, both topically and spatially. Our laboratory bioassays showed that catnip essential oil (at a dosage of 20 mg) resulted in average repellency rates of 96% against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) and 79% against houseflies, Musca domestica (L.), respectively. This finding suggested that the application of repellent could be used as part of filth fly management. Further evaluations of catnip oil toxicity were conducted to provide a broad-spectrum safety profile of catnip oil use as a potential biting and nuisance insect repellent in urban settings. Acute oral, dermal, inhalation, primary dermal and eye irritation toxicity tests were performed. The acute oral LD(50) of catnip oil was found to be 3160 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 2710 mg/kg BW in female and male rats, respectively. The acute dermal LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg BW. The acute inhalation LD50 was observed to be > 10,000 mg/m3. Primary skin irritation tested on New Zealand white rabbits showed that catnip oil is a moderate irritant. Catnip oil was classified as practically non-irritating to the eye. In comparison with other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin and p-menthane-3,8-diol), catnip oil can be considered as a relatively safe repellent, which may cause minor skin irritation.

Tert-Butylhydroquinone Protects Liver Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through Nrf2-Activating Anti-Oxidative Activity.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious complication that occurs in surgical operations such as hepatectomy and liver transplantation. NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that has been proven against inflammatory and oxidative injury. Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), a widely used Nrf2 activator, is a common food preservative. In this study, we attempt to investigate the potential protective role of tBHQ in hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) sham+vehicle group; (2) I/R+vehicle group; (3) sham+tBHQ group; and (4) I/R+tBHQ group. The vehicle or tBHQ was divided into three injections at intervals of 12 hours in a model of hepatic I/R injury. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to examine Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression. The concentrations of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity were accessed, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sham+vehicle group, Nrf2 expression, malondialdehyde, content and serum alanine aminotransferase were significantly increased in the I/R+vehicle group, whereas superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased. However, in the I/R+tBHQ group, tBHQ ameliorated tissue damage; promoted glutathione-S-transferase, quinine oxidoreductase 1, and glutamate cysteine ligase inductions; and regained redox homeostasis in comparison with the I/R+vehicle group. Furthermore, the present study indicated that preconditioning with tBHQ suppressed the I/R-induced increase in the apoptotic protein levels of caspase-3, as well as the I/R-induced decrease in the levels of anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: t-BHQ exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects in I/R-induced liver injury, and tBHQ would be a new effectively therapeutic measure for preventing hepatic I/R injury during liver surgery.

[Epidemiologic features of hand-foot-mouth disease in Haikou city from 2008 to 2015].

Objective: To analyze the epidemiologic features of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Haikou city from 2008 to 2015. Methods: Descriptive methods on epidemiology and detection on pathogens were conducted in Haikou city from 2008 to 2015. Results: A total of 71 611 patients were diagnosed as HFMD in Haikou city from 2008 to 2015, including 728 severe cases, accounting for 1.02% among all the cases. The average annual incidence was 458.89/100 000. A total of 11 deaths were caused by the disease, with the average annual mortality rate as 0.07/100 000. Two peaks of incidence were seen, from April to July and from September to November. Age of the patients mainly fell in children aged 5 and below, taking up 95.78% of the total cases. Among all the patients, 1-year-olds presented the highest incidence as 12 881.24/100 000. The reported incidence for males was higher than that in females. There were 4 districts in Haikou city that reported the disease. Residential areas of the patients were scattered around, with a percentage of 79.89%. Spectrums of pathogens that causing the prevalence of HFMD were EV71 type, Cox A16 type and other enteroviruses, which prevailing in turns, since 2011. Conclusions: Haikou city had been an area with high incidence of HFMD. The incidence started to show a rising trend recently. It is suggested that programs as surveillance, case management, health education and comprehensive prevention and control of disease on HFMD targeting on key population should be intensively implemented to reduce the mortality of the disease.

Quasi mode-locking of coherent feedback random fiber laser.

Mode-locking is a milestone in the history of lasers that allows the generation of short light pulses and stabilization of lasers. This phenomenon is known to occur only in standard ordered lasers for long time and until recently it is found that it also occurs in disordered random lasers formed by nanoscale particles. Here, we report the realization of a so-called quasi mode-locking of coherent feedback random fiber laser which consists of a partially disordered linear cavity formed between a point reflector and a random distributed fiber Bragg grating array with an inserted graphene saturable absorber. We show that multi-groups of regular light pulses/sub-pulses with different repetition frequencies are generated within the quasi mode-locking regime through the so-called collective resonances phenomenon in such a random fiber laser. This work may provide a platform to study mode locking as well as pulse dynamic regulation of random lasing emission of coherent feedback disordered structures and pave the way to the development of novel multi-frequency pulse fiber lasers with potentially wide frequency tuning range.

Tissue selectivity and spasmogen selectivity of relaxant drugs in airway and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle contracted by PGF2 alpha or endothelin.

1. The spasmolytic effects of smooth muscle relaxant drugs with different mechanisms of action have been examined on isolated preparations of guinea-pig trachea and rat pulmonary artery. The preparations were contracted with concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or endothelin selected to give approximately 80% of the agonist maximum response on each tissue. These concentrations also caused similar levels of tone (% of tissue maximum contraction) on each tissue. 2. With endothelin as the spasmogen, the potassium channel opening drug, pinacidil, was more potent on trachea (-log IC50 5.49) than on pulmonary artery (4.39), i.e. was airway-vascular selective, whereas with PGF2 alpha as the spasmogen it was more potent on pulmonary artery (6.01) than on trachea (5.27), i.e. was vascular-airway selective. 3. With endothelin as the spasmogen, fenoterol was also airway-vascular selective (8.35 on trachea; little effect on pulmonary artery), nitroprusside was vascular-airway selective (7.50 on pulmonary artery; 5.99 on trachea) and forskolin was non-selective (6.69 on trachea; 6.70 on pulmonary artery). Thus, the airway-vascular selectivity of the relaxant drugs varied with the drug. 4. On pulmonary artery, pinacidil, nitroprusside and forskolin were all more potent against PGF2 alpha than against endothelin, i.e. 42, 4 and 7 fold respectively. On trachea, these drugs were equipotent against PGF2 alpha and endothelin. 5. The results suggest that, in pulmonary artery, but not in trachea, the relative contribution of protein kinase C activation and calcium influx to the maintenance of tonic contractions to endothelin and PGF2 alpha may be different. If protein kinase C activation should be the predominant mechanism for endothelin in pulmonary artery, then it may be more difficult to reverse this with relaxant drugs that lower intracellular calcium. 6. The study indicates that the airway-vascular selectivity of relaxant drugs can be spasmogen-dependent as well as dependent on the mechanism of action of the relaxant drug. Thus, relaxant drugs, whether of interest for their airway or vascular effects, should be tested against a full range of spasmogens of likely pathophysiological importance.

Mammalian tachykinins stimulate rat uterus by activating NK-2 receptors.

Neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP), and neurokinin B (NKB) enhanced the contractile force of uterine preparations from estrogen-treated rats. Neurokinin A was more and NKB less potent than SP. The actions of SP were enhanced by phosphoramidon (1 microM) but were unaffected by captopril (10 microM) or bestatin (10 microM). The actions of the peptides were enhanced in the combined presence of phosphoramidon, captopril, and bestatin; the potency order remained NKA > SP > NKB. Atropine inhibited responses to NKB but not to NKA, and slightly reduced those to SP. Specific binding of [125I]-iodohistidyl-neurokinin A (INKA) to uterine membranes was displaced by the tachykinins with a potency order of NKA > SP > NKB. These findings indicate that in the rat uterus 1) tachykinins act at an NK-2 receptor, and that another tachykinin receptor on cholinergic nerves may also be present; and 2) endopeptidase-24.11 participates in the inactivation of the tachykinins.

A novel, selective radioligand, [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10), for the tachykinin NK-2 receptor.

A new radioligand, [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10), based on the selective agonist [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) has been developed. Binding in rat fundus membranes was displaced by NP gamma > NKA > or = [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NK(4-10) > neuropeptide K > [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > SP > [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP >> senktide, indicating binding to NK-2 receptors. Preliminary studies demonstrated high specific binding in membranes from rat urinary bladder, duodenum and colon. Specific binding in rat brain and lung was negligible, and binding in a range of guinea-pig tissues was no more than 35% specific. These data may indicate species differences in NK-2 receptors.

Evidence for tachykinin NK-2 receptors in guinea-pig airways from binding and functional studies, using [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10).

The potent contractile responses of guinea-pig airways to neurokinin A (NKA) and neuropeptide gamma (NP gamma) are thought to be mediated by NK-2 receptors. However, NK-2 binding sites are not detectable using the radioligand [125I]-iodohistidyl-NKA. Here, a novel, highly selective iodinated radioligand, [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10), and a number of related peptides have been used to characterize NK-2 receptors on guinea-pig airways, using binding and functional studies. Specific binding of [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10), was saturable and to a single high affinity site, with KD 1.29 +/- 0.36 nM (n = 4). The rank order of potency for tachykinins and analogues as competitors for the binding was: [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > or = NP gamma > or = [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > NKA > or = SR 48968 >> MDL 29913 > or = substance P (SP) = [127I]-Bolton-Hunter NKA (BHNKA) > or = MEN 10207 > neurokinin B (NKB). Septide, [DPro9,Pro10,Trp11]-SP, the NK-1 selective ligands [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP, [Pro9]-SP and CP 96345, the NK-3 selective senktide, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were weak or ineffective. On guinea-pig isolated bronchi, the potency order of contractile agonists was: [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > NKA > or = NP gamma > or = [Lys5,Tyr7,MeLeu9, Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > or = septide = BHNKA > or = [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) > or = [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP > or = NKB = [Pro9]-SP > or = SP >> senktide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Muscarinic m4 receptor activation by some atypical antipsychotic drugs.

To clarify the findings that clozapine is both a muscarinic receptor agonist and antagonist, we examined the effects of neuroleptics on forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human muscarinic m4 receptors (CHO-hm4) and in rat striatum. With CHO-hm4 cells, clozapine induced a concentration-dependent and atropine-sensitive inhibition on cAMP formation, with EC50 = 60 nM and Emax = 74% of carbachol maximum. Other atypical neuroleptics, fluperlapine, tenilapine and olanzapine, were similar but less potent, while risperidone, rilapine, quetiapine (ICI 204,636), sertindole, and ziprasidone had almost no effect. Typical neuroleptics, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, thiothixene, thioridazine, and molindone, showed either no effect or an atropine-resistant inhibition of cAMP formation. However, in rat striatal tissues, clozapine, up to 10 microM, did not show a significant inhibition of cAMP formation, probably due to a relatively low abundance of muscarinic m4 receptors and the presence of multiple types of muscarinic and other receptors, with which clozapine interacts. Nevertheless, muscarinic m4 receptor agonism, to some extent, may be a relevant mechanism for the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of clozapine and some atypical neuroleptics.

An investigation of tachykinin NK2 receptor subtypes in the rat.

The heterogeneity of tachykinin NK2 receptor subtypes was examined in five tissues from the rat, using binding and functional techniques. Initial experiments with the selective radioligand [125I][Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]neurokinin A-(4-10) showed no specific binding to rat spinal cord membranes or sections. However, this radioligand exhibited high specific binding (80-95% of total) in membranes from the rat fundus, colon, bladder and vas deferens. Dissociation constants (KD) were lower in bladder and colon (0.4 nM) than in fundus (1.9 nM) or vas deferens (1.4 nM). Neurokinin A, neuropeptide gamma, [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NK(4-10), SR 48968 [(S)-N-methyl-N[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophen yl)butyl]benzamine], GR 94800 [PhCO-Ala-Ala-DTrp-Phe-DPro-Pro-Nle-NH2] and MEN 10627 [cyclo(Met-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dap-Leu)cyclo(2beta-5beta)] displayed high affinity (pIC50 8.4-9.5) as competitors, with no significant difference in potency between these four tissues. [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]neurokinin A-(4-10) contracted the isolated fundus (EC50 117 nM) and bladder (EC50 10 nM) and these responses were similarly inhibited by the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, SR 48968 and MEN 10627 (pA2 values 7.6-8.2). In spite of differences in KD seen in some tissues, these results do not provide compelling evidence for tachykinin NK2 receptor heterogeneity in smooth muscle-containing tissues in the rat. The absence of detectable binding in rat spinal cord may be due to very low expression of tachykinin NK2 receptors, or to existence of a different receptor subtype.

Characterisation of a novel, selective radioligand, [125I][Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]neurokinin A-(4-10), for the tachykinin NK2 receptor in rat fundus.

The tyrosyl derivative of the tachykinin NK2 selective agonist [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) was iodinated and the product [125I][Lys5,Tyr(I2)2,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) purified using reverse phase HPLC. The binding characteristics of this novel radioligand were investigated in homogenates of rat gastric fundus. Binding was saturable, reversible and to a single population of high affinity sites of KD 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM (n = 4). Specific binding of [125I][Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) was inhibited by neuropeptide gamma SR 48968 > or = neurokinin A (NKA) > or = [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) > [Lys5,Tyr7,MeLeu9,Nle10] NKA-(4-10) > neuropeptide K > [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) > MDL 29,913 > [127I]- Bolton-Hunter-NKA > neurokinin B > substance P (SP) >> MEN 10207 > [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP >> senktide, indicating binding to NK2 receptors. NKA, [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) and [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA-(4-10) contracted the isolated fundus strip, with pD2 values 7.9, 7.7 and 7.4, respectively. This novel, highly selective radioligand should prove useful in characterisation studies in peripheral tissues.

Age-dependence of the effects of pinacidil on rat aorta.

The effect of the K+ channel opening drug, pinacidil, has been examined on aortic ring preparations from young (2 months) and aged (greater than 24 months) rats. The potency (neg log IC50) values for pinacidil in relaxing K+ (20 mM)-contracted preparations were in the range expected for its K+ channel opening (hyperpolarizing) effects but were not significantly different between young (6.34) and aged (6.31) rats. Thus, ageing does not affect the drug's potency as a K+ channel opening drug. The more marked depression of the maximum response to noradrenaline by pinacidil (10 microM) in aged rats (85% reduction) compared with young rats (43% reduction), reflected a reduced alpha-adrenoceptor reserve for noradrenaline in preparations from aged rats. Pinacidil, in concentrations greater than 10 microM, was able to relax preparations contracted with 80 mM K+ suggesting that it may have a second mechanism which does not involve hyperpolarization. It was more potent in producing this effect on the preparations from aged rats.

Tachykinin NK-2 receptors in child urinary bladder.

PURPOSE: Although NK-2 receptors mediate contractions to tachykinins in adult detrusor muscle, little is known about the functions of tachykinins in child urinary bladder. Here we have used highly selective agonists and antagonists to examine NK-2 receptors in child detrusor muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of urinary bladder from 23 children (0 to 10 years0 were obtained at operation for vesicoureteric reflux. Strips of detrusor muscle were mounted in organ baths in Krebs solution containing phosphoramidon (10 microM.), and isometric tension was recorded. Contractile responses were elicited by tachykinins and selective agonists in the presence and absence of autonomic inhibitors and of tachykinin NK-2 receptor antagonists. RESULTS: The NK-2 receptor agonists neurokinin A (NKA), neuropeptide gamma and [Lys5, MeLeu9, Nle10]-NKA(4-10) contracted the isolated child detrusor, with pD2 values of 7.7, 7.2 and 7.3. The maximum response to NKA was greater than that to the other 2 agonists. No age-related differences were seen. Selective agonists for NK-1 receptors ([Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP and septide) and NK-3 receptors (senktide) were ineffective contractile agents. Responses to NKA were unaffected by phentolamine (5 microM.), propranolol (3 microM.), tetrodotoxin (1 microM.) and indomethacin (1 microM.), indicating a direct action on smooth muscle. The tachykinin NK-2 receptor antagonists SR 48968 and MEN 10627 caused a concentration-dependent antagonism of responses to NKA, with apparent pKB values of 9.4 and 8.1. CONCLUSIONS: Neurokinin A appears to act directly on NK-2 receptors on detrusor muscle of infant and child urinary bladder, without involvement of neural or indirect contractile mechanisms. Potency of antagonists was similar to that seen in other tissues. However, agonist potency was significantly lower in the isolated detrusor from children, compared with our previous study in adult detrusor. This discrepancy may be related to age-related differences in NK-2 receptors or in contractile mechanisms; alternatively it may be a result of the reflux condition.

Use of selective antagonists for further characterization of tachykinin NK-2, NK-1 and possible "septide-selective" receptors in guinea pig bronchus.

NK-1 and NK-2 tachykinin receptors in guinea pig airways appear to have some unusual characteristics. The analog [pGlu6,Pro9] SP(6-11) (septide) may also act on atypical NK-1 receptors in guinea pig ileum. In this study, we used new tachykinin antagonists to investigate further the receptors in the guinea pig bronchus. In the presence of 1 microM indomethacin and phosphoramidon, the selective agonists [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and [Pro9]-SP (both NK-1), [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) (NK-2) and septide were full agonists, with pD2 values of 8.00, 7.78, 9.11 and 8.52, respectively on epithelium-intact preparations. Contractions to septide were unaffected by atropine (5 microM) and tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Denudation of epithelium significantly enhanced the potency of [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and [Pro9]-SP but not of septide and [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10). The potency order for NK-2-selective antagonists against [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) was GR 94800 > SR 48968 MDL 29913 > MEN 10207 (pA2 values 8.97, 8.73, 7.11 and 6.49, respectively). The NK-1 selective antagonists, OP 96345, GR 82334 and RP 67580 were weak or ineffective against [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and [Pro9]-SP (pA2 6.69 or less), whereas they were more than one order of magnitude more potent against septide (pA2, 7.78, 7.48 and 6.58, respectively). In epithelium-denuded bronchi, the antagonist potency of GR 82334 was unchanged. These data indicate that septide interacts with tachykinin receptors in guinea pig bronchial smooth muscle in a manner different from that of [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and [Pro9]-SP, and provide some evidence for heterogeneity of NK-1 receptors in the guinea pig airways.

Characterization of the genomic structure, promoter region, and a tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism of the human neurotensin receptor gene.

In the present study, we have cloned the human neurotensin receptor (NTR) gene, determined its structure, demonstrated that its promoter is functional in transfection experiments, and identified the start site of transcription and a tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism that locates at less than 3 kilobase pairs from the gene. The gene contains three introns, all in the coding regions. Several differences in genomic clones and previously characterized cDNA sequences are reconciled. The 5' regulatory region, which is rich in presumptive transcription factors, can drive luciferase expression in transfected CHO-K1 cells. Stepwise 5' deletions identify a positive modulator between -782 and -1309 and a negative modulator between -1309 and -1563. Southern blot analyses demonstrate a single copy gene for the NTR. The tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism is highly informative with at least 23 alleles and might serve as a very useful marker for genetic study of the relationship between the NTR and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Characterization of tachykinin NK2 receptors in human urinary bladder.

Functional and radioligand binding studies with selective agonists and antagonists were used to investigate tachykinin receptors in the human bladder. Strips of detrusor muscle were contracted by the tachykinins neurokinin A and neuropeptide gamma, and by the NK2 receptor selective agonists [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) and [Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4- 10), with pD2 values 8.2, 8.0, 8.1 and 7.1. [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and senktide were ineffective agonists, indicating an absence of NK1 and NK3 receptors. The contractile responses to [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) were inhibited competitively by the NK2 receptor selective antagonists SR 48968, GR 94800 and MDL 29913, with pA2 values 9.1, 8.6 and 7.0. Specific binding of the new NK2 receptor selective radioligand [125I]-[Lys5,Tyr(I2)7,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) was saturable to a high affinity site (KD 2.3 nM.). Specific binding was inhibited by NK2 receptor agonists and antagonists, but not by NK1 and NK3 analogues, showing binding to NK2 receptors only. These data indicate that NK2 receptors may be involved in regulation of detrusor contractility in the human bladder.