Lymphatic Architecture of Suncus Murinus (House Musk Shrew) Palatum.

The architecture of craniocervical lymphatic vessels in rodents has been examined previously. In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of collecting lymphatic vessels in the palate of Suncus, which is known to retain the prototype of placental mammals and is more similar to humans in terms of jaw bone morphology when compared with rodents. Three-dimensional reconstructed images of the Suncus palatum revealed that the collecting lymphatic vessels were connected to each other via smaller branches, and ran in an antero-posterior direction in the periosteum. The vessels entered the pair of posterior palatine foramina located near the fourth premolar or the first molar bilaterally, coursed through the posterior palatine canals, and reached the pterygopalatine fossa positioned posteriorly in the palate. The collecting lymphatic vessels changed directions from medial to superior to lateral while wrapping around arteries during their course, perhaps to enable the smooth transition from the palate to the deep cervical node. Inefficient lymphatic flow in humans is attributed to the superior location of the pterygopalatine fossa in the palate when compared with its location in the Suncus.

Neutron activation analysis of a particle returned from asteroid Itokawa.

A single grain (~3 micrograms) returned by the Hayabusa spacecraft was analyzed by neutron activation analysis. This grain is mainly composed of olivine with minor amounts of plagioclase, troilite, and metal. Our results establish that the Itokawa sample has similar chemical characteristics (iron/scandium and nickel/cobalt ratios) to chondrites, confirming that this grain is extraterrestrial in origin and has primitive chemical compositions. Estimated iridium/nickel and iridium/cobalt ratios for metal in the Itokawa samples are about five times lower than CI carbonaceous chondrite values. A similar depletion of iridium was observed in chondrule metals of ordinary chondrites. These metals must have condensed from the nebular where refractory siderophile elements already condensed and were segregated.

Incipient space weathering observed on the surface of Itokawa dust particles.

The reflectance spectra of the most abundant meteorites, ordinary chondrites, are different from those of the abundant S-type (mnemonic for siliceous) asteroids. This discrepancy has been thought to be due to space weathering, which is an alteration of the surfaces of airless bodies exposed to the space environment. Here we report evidence of space weathering on particles returned from the S-type asteroid 25143 Itokawa by the Hayabusa spacecraft. Surface modification was found in 5 out of 10 particles, which varies depending on mineral species. Sulfur-bearing Fe-rich nanoparticles exist in a thin (5 to 15 nanometers) surface layer on olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, and plagioclase, which is suggestive of vapor deposition. Sulfur-free Fe-rich nanoparticles exist deeper inside (<60 nanometers) ferromagnesian silicates. Their texture suggests formation by metamictization and in situ reduction of Fe(2+).

Differential impacts of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel and ticlopidine.

We examined the influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel and ticlopidine. The platelet aggregation induced by 20 µmol/l adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and CYP2C19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (*2 and *3) was determined in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who were taking aspirin alone (n = 21), aspirin plus clopidogrel (n = 97), or aspirin plus ticlopidine (n = 47). The degree of platelet aggregation in the clopidogrel group, although not in the ticlopidine group, depended on the CYP2C19 polymorphism, and the maximal platelet aggregation in poor metabolizers (PMs) taking clopidogrel was equivalent to that in the group taking aspirin alone. After being switched from clopidogrel to ticlopidine, all seven of the PMs showed markedly lower platelet aggregation. These results suggest that CYP2C19 polymorphisms have a profound impact on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel but not on that of ticlopidine. Ticlopidine may be an effective therapeutic option for CYP2C19 PMs.

Lymphatic architecture of the human gingival interdental papilla.

Many studies have investigated the lymphatic architecture of head and neck using experimental animals, confirming the existence of lymphatic networks beneath the epithelium in gingival tissue. In this study, we investigated the use of these lymphatics as a drug delivery route by studying the architecture of lymphatic vessels in human interdental papilla. Serial cryosections were cut using the film-transfer method. To identify lymphatics, the sections were stained using enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques and three-dimensional images of lymphatics were reconstructed using 3D visualization software. Capillary lymphatic networks were observed in the lamina propria beneath the epithelium in human interdental papilla, and they joined with lymphatic networks beneath the epithelium in free gingiva. The networks consisted of a single layer of large irregular, hexagonal meshes and precollecting lymphatic vessels heading toward collecting lymphatic vessels that exited on the periosteum of the alveolar crest. These findings suggest that lymphatic flow from the interdental papilla drains into collecting lymphatic vessels running buccolingually on the alveolar crest of the interdental papilla. This may be an important anatomical feature during inflammation throughout the oral cavity in that the drainage function is maintained by part of lymphatic flow that is not impaired during the healing process.

Hypertension induced by erythropoietin has a correlation with truncated erythropoietin receptor mRNA in endothelial progenitor cells of hemodialysis patients.

Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) contribute to erythropoietin (EPO)-induced hypertension, a major adverse reaction associated with EPO therapy. To investigate the mechanism of EPO-induced hypertension, we examined circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) taken from 56 hemodialysis (HD) patients. Among these EPCs (which reflect the condition of the endothelium), we looked for EPO receptor (EPOR) mRNAs. A truncated form of EPOR acts as a dominant negative regulator of EPO signaling, leading to hypertension. We found that the ratio of truncated EPOR mRNA in EPCs has a correlation with EPO-induced increase in blood pressure (r = 0.36, P = 0.02). The ratio of truncated to total EPOR mRNA in EPCs had an inverse correlation with EPO-induced cGMP production in vitro (r = -0.31, P = 0.02). A similar correlation was observed in cultured human endothelial cells after transfection of the full-length or truncated forms of EPOR (r = -0.92, P < 0.001). It follows, therefore, that evaluation of EPOR isoform mRNA in EPCs can predict EPO-induced hypertension. The termination of the EPO signal by truncated EPORs may decrease NO/cGMP production after EPO exposure, thereby raising blood pressure.

Clock gene expression in peripheral leucocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Recent studies have demonstrated relationships between circadian clock function and the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether the peripheral circadian clock is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Peripheral leucocytes were obtained from eight patients with diabetes and six comparatively young non-diabetic volunteers at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00 hours (study 1) and from 12 male patients with diabetes and 14 age-matched men at 09:00 hours (study 2). Transcript levels of clock genes (CLOCK, BMAL1 [also known as ARNTL], PER1, PER2, PER3 and CRY1) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: In study 1, mRNA expression patterns of BMAL1, PER1, PER2 and PER3 exhibited 24 h rhythmicity in the leucocytes of all 14 individuals. The expression levels of these mRNAs were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetic individuals at one or more time points. Moreover, the amplitudes of mRNA expression rhythms of PER1 and PER3 genes tended to diminish in patients with diabetes. In study 2, leucocytes obtained from patients with diabetes expressed significantly (p < 0.05) lower transcript levels of BMAL1, PER1 and PER3 compared with leucocytes from control individuals, and transcript expression was inversely correlated with HbA(1c) levels (rho = -0.47 to -0.55, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results suggest that rhythmic mRNA expression of clock genes is dampened in peripheral leucocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes. The impairment of the circadian clock appears to be closely associated with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in humans.

Human CYP3A4-introduced HepG2 cells: in vitro screening system of new chemicals for the evaluation of CYP3A4-inhibiting activity.

1. The aims were to attest whether HepG2-GS-3A4, a cell line into which the human CYP3A4 gene was introduced, can be used for a screening of chemicals that will inhibit CYP3A4 activity. 2. The capacity of the cells for metabolizing CYP3A4 substrates in vitro was evaluated. Also determined was the effect of CYP3A4 inhibitors and non-inhibitors on nifedipine hydroxylation. Western blot, immunohistochemostry and determination of beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-reductase activity were performed. 3. HepG2-GS-3A4 selectively metabolized substrates of CYP3A4 (diazepam, nordiazepam, lidocaine, atorvastatin, and nifedipine) to a greater degree than control. The metabolites were easily detected in the culture medium. Values of V(max) of HepG2-GS-3A4 were about 30- to 100-fold higher than those of the control, while values of K(m) were comparable. Pre-incubation of cimetidine and ketoconazole significantly inhibited nifedipine hydroxylation, while addition of inhibitors specific to other isoforms of CYPs had no substantial effect. The HepG2-GS-3A4 expressed a higher amount of CYP3A4 protein and mRNA than control. Most NADPH reductase activity was detected in microsomal fractions. 4 In conclusion, HepG2-GS-3A4 sufficiently and selectively metabolize substrates of CYP3A4, and inhibitors of CYP3A4 reduced the metabolism. Because the metabolites were easily detected in the culture medium, this cell might be useful for the new and easy screening of new drugs for the evaluation of CYP3A4-inhibiting activity in vitro.

Reliability of Japanese clinical trials estimated from GCP audit findings.

To describe the reliability of Japanese clinical trials, we compared the results of a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) audit conducted between April 1997 and March 2000 (fiscal year (FY) 1997 - 1999) with those from April 2004 - March 2005 (FY2004). The number and proportion of various types of deficiencies described in GCP audit reports were compared between the 2 periods. The audit findings in the former period were based on official audits that covered 331 hospitals and 775 trials. The audits in the latter period targeted 114 hospitals and 189 trials. The inspection of former period was undertaken by the Organization for Pharmaceuticals Safety and Research (OPSR). On the other hand, the latter period was undertaken by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). The total number of deficiencies detected in GCP audits was 1,529 in the former 3-year period (FY1997 - 1999) and 819 in the latter period (FY2004). The total number of deficiencies detected and reported was more than 1.5-fold on an annual basis in the latter period. By category of deficiencies, the proportion of protocol deviations increased from 14.7 (225/1,529) to 45.7% (374/819), while the proportion of errors in case report forms (CRFs) decreased from 43.6 (666/ 1,529) to 27.1% (222/819). There were two remarkable changes in audit findings between FY1997 - 1999 and FY2004; the increase in the proportion of protocol deviations and the decrease in the proportion of CRF-related deficiencies. We think that in Japan the improvement of research environments is needed to provide reliable clinical data responsible for the regulatory standard of GCP.

Indoxyl sulfate stimulates proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a key event in the progression of arteriosclerosis. Clinical studies show that uremic toxins deteriorate the arteriosclerosis in renal failure patients. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a strong protein-bound uremic toxin, but the effect of IS on VSMC proliferation has not been studied. We examined the effect of IS on rat VSMC proliferation, assessed by a cell counting kit (4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio-1,3-benzene disulfonate] assay) and by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation in vitro. We further evaluated a contribution of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; p44/42 MAPK) to VSMC proliferation by IS. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for VSMCs using antirat organic anion transporter (OAT)3 antibody. The mRNA expressions of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A and -C chains, and PDGF-beta receptor were evaluated by real-time PCR. IS stimulated the proliferation of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner and activated p44/42 MAPK. Concentration of IS needed to stimulate the proliferation of rat VSMC was about 250 microM, which is compatible with that in the serum of end-stage renal failure patients. PD98059 (10 microM), a selective inhibitor of MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, inhibited the IS-induced (250 microM) VSMC proliferation and phosphorylation of MAPK. Probenecid (0.5 mM), an inhibitor and substrate of OAT, inhibited the IS-induced (250 microM) VSMC proliferation. Rat OAT3 was detected in VSMCs. The mRNA expressions of PDGF-C chain and PDGF-beta receptor were significantly increased by IS. We conclude that IS directly stimulates rat VSMC proliferation and activates MAPK in vitro. This might be one of the mechanisms underlying the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in end-stage renal disease patients.

Three dimensional architecture of lymphatic vessels in the tongue.

We have three-dimensionally reconstructed the lymphatic architecture of the rabbit tongue using a computer graphic three-dimensional reconstruction method together with histochemically stained serial cryo-sections. Three collecting lymphatic vessels lying in an anteroposterior orientation were identified in the tongue body. A superior longitudinal muscle accompanying collecting lymphatic (SLCL) that lies in the border between superior longitudinal muscle and transverse muscle was identified in this study, in addition to collecting lymphatics in the lingual septum (LSCL) and deep lingual artery accompanying collecting lymphatics (DLCL) that we reported previously. The vertical muscle accompanying collecting lymphatics (VCL) and the transverse muscle accompanying collecting lymphatics (TCL) were also identified as collecting lymphatics that joined the above three collecting lymphatics. Specific regional lymph flow was identified for each collecting lymphatic. A transverse right/left cross flow was identified for the LSCL, while the SLCL served the upper 1/3 of the tongue and the DLCL served the lower 2/3 of the tongue. Each collecting lymphatic that accompanied the internal lingual muscles joined to the SLCL, DLCL and LSCL, and were derived from blind-ended lymphatic capillaries that ran in the endomysium. Internal lingual muscle accompanying collecting lymphatics joined each other in the endomysium, and their blind-ended lymphatic capillaries had no branches.

Three-dimensional changes in lymphatic architecture around VX2 tongue cancer--dynamics of growth of cancer.

Many questions remain regarding the mechanism of cervical lymph node metastasis via lymphatic vessels. We report here the three-dimensional dynamics of the lymphatic architecture around tumor during growth of implanted VX2 tongue cancer. The tongue and the deep cervical lymph nodes of rabbits were observed at 3, 7 and 10 days after transplantation of VX2 cancer cells (n = 5 in each group). Lymph node metastasis was confirmed histopathologically. Morphological changes of the collecting lymphatic vessels and lymphatic capillaries were observed, and the number and diameter of these lymphatic vessels were measured within 500 microns around the tumor using the combined method of 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) staining and three-dimensional reconstruction imaging. The VX2 cells were uniformly detected in cervical lymph nodes of each rabbit of the 10-day group. The number of lymphatic capillaries and the diameters of collecting lymphatic vessels around the tumor in the 7- and 10-day groups were greater than in the 3-day group. These capillaries arose by sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels and showed a tree-like branching pattern. We conclude that the dynamics of the lymphatic architecture around the tumor, especially the increase in number of capillaries on preexisting lymphatic vessels outside the tumor margin, may be associated with lymph node metastasis.

DNA microarray analysis of hematopoietic stem cell-like fractions from individuals with the M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may develop de novo or secondarily to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although the clinical outcome of MDS-related AML is worse than that of de novo AML, it is not easy to differentiate between these two clinical courses without a record of prior MDS. Large-scale profiling of gene expression by DNA microarray analysis is a promising approach with which to identify molecular markers specific to de novo or MDS-related AML. This approach has now been adopted with AC133-positive hematopoietic stem cell-like fractions purified from 10 individuals, each with either de novo or MDS-related AML of the M2 subtype. Sets of genes whose activity was associated with either disease course were identified. Furthermore, on the basis of the expression profiles of these genes, it was possible to predict correctly the clinical diagnosis for 17 (85%) of the 20 cases in a cross-validation trial. Similarly, different sets of genes were identified whose expression level was associated with clinical outcome after induction chemotherapy. These data suggest that, at least in terms of gene expression profiles, de novo AML and MDS-related AML are distinct clinical entities.

Three-dimensional changes in lymphatic architecture around VX2 tongue cancer--dynamic changes after administration of antiangiogenic agent.

We examined the three-dimensional changes of the lymphatic architecture in the rabbit VX2 tongue cancer model after administration of an antiangiogenic agent, TNP-470. TNP-470 at 30 mg/kg was administered via the auricular vein to the rabbit four times every other day from 3 days after transplantation of the tumor. The tongue and both sides of deep cervical lymph nodes of rabbit were observed at 10 days after transplantation. Lymph node metastasis was confirmed histopathologically. Morphological changes of collecting lymphatic vessels and lymphatic capillaries were observed, and the number and diameter of lymphatic vessels within 500 microm around the tumor were measured using the combined method with 5'-nucleotidase staining and three-dimensional reconstruction imaging. Tumor growth and lymph node metastasis were suppressed by administration of TNP-470. In the TNP-treatment group, the mean number of lymphatic capillaries was significantly fewer than in the control group. The mean diameter of collecting lymphatic vessels was significantly smaller than in the control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that cancer cell invasion into the lymphatics is probably decreased by inhibiting not only the growth of tumor but also new formation of lymphatic capillaries around the tumor by administration of TNP-470.

Effect of bile acids on absorption of nitrendipine in healthy subjects.

AIMS: To examine whether bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) can influence the absorption of nitrendipine, a highly lipophilic calcium channel blocker. METHODS: Six healthy subjects received nitrendipine (10 mg) with and without UDCA (50 mg) and CDCA (200 and 600 mg) with an interval of 1 approximately 2 weeks between study phases. RESULTS: Bile acids decreased the Cmax (ng ml(-1)) [control 10.9 +/- 5.8 (mean+/- s.d.), UDCA 5.0 +/- 4.7 (95% confidence interval for difference; 3.9, 7.8, P = 0.0006), CDCA (600 mg) 5.0 +/- 3.9 (2.6, 9.2, P = 0.0059)] and AUC (ng ml(-1) h) [(control; 60 +/- 36, UDCA 15 +/- 13 (20, 73, P = 0.0064), CDCA (600 mg) 19 +/- 19 (21, 63, P = 0.0038)] of nitrendipine, while elimination half-life remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the amount of nitrendipine absorbed was decreased when the drug was administered with UDCA and CDCA.

Different effects of St John's wort on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin and pravastatin.

OBJECTIVE: St John's Wort, a widely used herbal product, is an inducer of CYP3A4 and it decreases blood concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates. The effects of St John's Wort on the pharmacokinetics of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors simvastatin (an inactive lactone pro-drug) and pravastatin were determined in this study. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male subjects (n = 8 in group 1 and n = 8 in group 2) took a St John's Wort caplet (300 mg) or matching placebo three times a day for 14 days in a double-blind, crossover study. On day 14, a single oral dose of 10 mg simvastatin and 20 mg pravastatin was given to subjects in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Blood samples were obtained during a 24-hour period after the administration of each drug. RESULTS: Repeated St John's Wort treatment tended to lower plasma simvastatin concentration and significantly (P <.05) lowered concentrations of simvastatin hydroxy acid, its active metabolite. The peak concentration in plasma (ratio, 0.72 of placebo) of simvastatin hydroxy acid tended to be decreased and its area under the plasma concentration-time curve between time zero and 24 hours after administration (ratio, 0.48 of placebo) was significantly decreased (P <.05) by St John's Wort. On the other hand, St John's Wort did not influence plasma pravastatin concentration. No significant differences were observed in the elimination half-life of simvastatin or pravastatin between the placebo and St John's Wort trials. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that St John's Wort decreases plasma concentrations of simvastatin but not of pravastatin. Because simvastatin is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 in the intestinal wall and liver, which are induced by St John's Wort, it is likely that this interaction is partly caused by the enhancement of the CYP3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism of simvastatin in the small intestine and liver.

Chronotherapy with active vitamin D3 in aged stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, a model of osteoporosis.

The chronotherapeutic effects of 1-alpha-(OH) vitamin D3, a pro-drug of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), were evaluated by repeated dosing of the drug in aged stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive male rats, a model of osteoporosis. Animals (7 months old) were kept in rooms with a 12-h light/dark cycle. Drug (0.5 microg/kg) or vehicle was given once daily at 2 or 14 h after lights on for 3 months. The severity of adverse effects such as body weight loss, hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia was significantly less when the drug was given at 14 h after lights on (14 HALO). Serum 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 concentrations of 2 h after lights on (2 HALO) group and 14 HALO group did not differ significantly after dosing. The decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) level 12 weeks after the start of the study was greater in the 14 HALO group than in the 2 HALO group. Urinary excretion of inorganic Ca and P in the 2 HALO group was greater than that in the 14 HALO group. Urinary excretion of deoxypyridiniline, an index of the bone resorption capacity of osteoclasts, was much suppressed in the 14 HALO group, suggesting that the efficacy of vitamin D3 for suppressing bone resorption might vary with the dosing time. The increase in bone density of both femurs, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorption at the end of the study, was greater in the 14 HALO group than in the 2 HALO group. This is the first study to show the dosing time-dependent efficacy and toxicity of active vitamin D3 in an animal model of osteoporosis. These results indicate that a chronopharmacological approach is beneficial for establishing a more effective and/or safer regimen of active vitamin D3 for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Dosing time-dependent effect of trandolapril on the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy in rats with aortic banding.

Trandolapril was given to male Wistar rats with aortic banding at 10 AM or 10 PM for 6 weeks to examine the influence of dosing time on the development of left ventricular mass (LVM). Aortic banding increased the LVM compared with the sham-operated animals (P<0.01). Trandolapril (1 mg/kg) at 10 AM reduced LVM (1.74+/-0.04 [S.E.M.] mg/g) more than the dosing at 10 PM (1.92+/-0.04 mg/g, P<0.05), suggesting that trandolapril has a dosing time-dependent effect in the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy in rats with aortic banding.