[N-stearoylethanolamine effect on the level of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids, cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNFalpha in rats with nonspecific inflammation caused by thermal burn of skin].

The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of saturated N-acylethanolamine--N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) were investigated on the rat model of nonspecific inflammation (thermal burns of the skin). The results showed that the NSE application in a form of aqueous suspension (10 mg/ml) on the damaged skin area during 12 days significantly accelerated the healing process of burned wounds. NSE also prevented the increase of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids content in the blood of rats with burns. There was also found a significant decrease of cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha) levels under the NSE action. This way may be one of the mechanisms of NSE anti-inflammatory action.

Immunorehabilitating effect of ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic fields in immunocompromised animals.

We observed immunorehabilitation effects of ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic fields (microwaves) in immunocompromised animals. It was shown that microwave irradiation of the thyroid gland area could abolish actinomycin D- and colchicine-induced immunosuppression and did not affect immunosuppression caused by 5-fluorouracil. These findings suggest that changes in the hormonal profile of the organism during microwave exposure can stimulate the processes of transcription and mitotic activity of lymphoid cells.

[The modelling of N-stearoylethanolamine effect of 17beta-estradiol in the organism of male rats].

The influence of N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on total 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-HCS) and testosterone level in the blood of male rats in normal conditions and under the action of 17beta-estradiol (400 mkg/kg of body weight during 3 days) was studied. It was shown that NSE administration per os (50 mg/kg of body weight during 7 days) to intact animals did not change the level of 11-HCS and of testosterone. The administration of NSE to estrogenized male rats decreased the elevated level of 11-HCS and normalized the amount of testosterone in blood. The correction of alterated weight of adenohypophysis and testis of estrogenized male rats compared to control can be a direct evidence of NSE-mediated modelling of the effect on hypothalamic-pituitary hormone system. The effect of NSE in the testis of estrogenized male rats inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation, caused the decrease of the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The NSE showed more expressed antioxidative effect compared to vitamin E. Taking into consideration all above mentioned data we suggested that NSE administration to male rats protected Leydig cells from damage under the increase of estrogen level.

Identification of steroid biosynthetic defects in genotype-proven heterozygous individuals for 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: P450c17 deficiency (17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, 17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP17A1 gene mutations. The D487_F489 deletion in exon 8 and Y329fs in exon 6 are relatively frequent mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in China that completely abolish the enzyme activity of P450c17. However, little remains known about steroid biosynthetic functions in carriers with these mutations in a single allele of the CYP17A1 gene, who are assumed to have 50% P450c17 activity. We investigated adrenal steroidogenic function in genotype-proven heterozygotes carrying such mutations in the CYP17A1 gene in vivo. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: Eight patients and fourteen family members from five families with 17OHD were recruited. The mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in these individuals were screened by sequencing. The hormonal response to cosyntropin (ACTH) was evaluated in the 14 genotype-proven carriers and 45 age- and gender-matched normal controls. RESULTS: Fourteen carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation - seven with the D487_F489 deletion, six with Y329fs and one with H373L - were identified from the five families with 17OHD. Compared with normal controls, carriers showed lower basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol levels but higher ACTH-stimulated corticosterone levels. The ratios of corticosterone to cortisol in the genotype-proven heterozygotes were higher than those of the normal controls at the baseline and after cosyntropin stimulation. Similarly, the progesterone levels and the ratios of progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the male heterozygotes were also higher than those of the normal controls, both before and after ACTH stimulation. CONCLUSION: Genotype-proven carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation who lack apparent clinical symptoms exhibit decreased adrenal 17alpha-hydroxylase activity and altered adrenal gland reserve for steroid biosynthesis.

[Effect of stress on the content of free radical oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions in rats of pubertal age].

The purpose of the present work is to study the influence of immobilization stress of different intensity on the content of protein and lipid oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions in rats of different age. It has been shown that 30-minute immobilization of 1.5-month, 2-month- and 12-month-old rats was not accompanied by accumulation of protein and lipid oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions. A prolonged immobilization of 1.5-month-old rats was accompanied by manifestations of oxidative stress in subcellular brain fractions; such manifestations were not characteristic of the rats of older age groups.

[Neurohumoral mechanisms of the rat heart adaptation to overload].

The present study confirms involvement of the sympathicoadrenal system in adaptation of heart to overload. Besides, at formation of chronic heart failure (CHF) there have been revealed a rise of the histamine and serotonin levels in blood plasma and myocardium as well as glucocorticoid hyperactivation.

[Optimization of hepatoprotective therapy of viral hepatitis with consideration of neuromediatory link of pathogenesis].

AIM: To study therapeutic efficacy of hepatoprotective modalities on the experimental hepatitis model and in patients with parenteral hepatitis B and C regarding neurogenic amines and their coefficients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 hepatoprotectors were screened for the highest activity in 1000 white rats with toxic hepatitis. Blood catecholamines (CA), histamine (H), serotonin (S), 11-oxycorticosteroids (11-OCS) were studied in 100 patients with acute hepatitis B and C. RESULTS: The recommended hepatoprotectors optimized treatment of hepatitis, led to rapid correction of abdominal and dyspeptic syndromes, normalization of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, cytolysis enzymes levels, improvement of neuromediatory balance. Six-month follow-up demonstrated improvement of biochemical indices in patients given hepatoprotectors with a confirmed action. CONCLUSION: Hepatoprotectors are necessary in pathogenetic treatment of acute hepatitis B and C.

Adrenal function in 23 children with paracoccidioidomycosis.

Adrenal involvement by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was described at necropsies and in many clinical studies, but only in adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate adrenal function in children with paracoccidioidomycosis. Twenty-three children with the systemic form of paracoccidioidomycosis were evaluated and divided in two Groups: Group A (n = 8) included children before treatment and Group B (n = 15) children after the end of treatment. Plasma cortisol (basal and after ACTH test), ACTH, renin activity, aldosterone, sodium and potassium were measured. They were within normal range in all cases, except for renin activity and aldosterone, which were elevated in some cases. Group A patients showed basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels significantly greater than Group B patients. The results showed that adrenal function was not compromised in these children with paracoccidioidomycosis.

[Effects of estradiol on synthesis of corticosteroids, protein kinase A and C activity in the adrenal cortex of intact and orchiectomized rats].

Estradiol treatment produced significant increase of total 11-hydroxycorticosteroids level in the blood of intact and castrated rats. Activity of protein kinase A increased in the cytosol and membrane fraction of adrenocorticocytes of intact and orchiectomized rats after estradiol influence. Activity of protein kinase C significantly raised in the cytosol and membrane fraction of adrenocortical cells in all investigated groups. Our results suggest that cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and protein kinase C mediate estradiol effects in adrenal cortex.

[Effect of the perturbed geomagnetic field on the metabolism of the rat connective tissue during heat exposure].

The biochemical data of the researches of the perturbed geomagnetic field influence on the metabolism of the rat's connective tissue by the heating are presented. The possibility of adrenal glands reaction modification under using the perturbed geomagnetic field after high temperature is shown.

[An ACTH-like peptide immunocortin: effect on the activity of cells from the rat adrenal cortex]. / Vliianie AKTG-podobnogo peptida immunokortina na aktivnost' kletok kory nadpochechnikov krysy.

The effect of immunocortin, an ACTH-like decapeptide VKKPGSSVKV corresponding to the 11-20 sequence of the variable part of the human IgG1 heavy chain on the content of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (CS) in rat adrenal glands and blood serum in vivo was studied. An intramuscular injection of immunocortin at a dose of 10 microg/kg was found in an hour to induce a twofold decrease in CS content in the adrenal glands and a 1.8-fold increase in the blood serum CS content. At the same time, an immunocortin dose of 100 microg/kg exerted practically no effect on the CS content and its dose of 1000 microg/kg increased the CS content both in adrenal glands and in blood serum by 1.6 and 2.2 times, respectively. Four hours after the injection of any of the three doses of immunocortin, the CS content in adrenal glands did not differ from the control value, and after 24 h the content decreased threefold. Immunocortin was shown to be bound by the ACTH receptors in the membranes of the rat adrenal cortex with a high affinity and specificity (inhibiting the specific binding of 125I-labeled ACTH-(11-24) peptide with Ki of 1.2 nM).

Elucidation and characteristics of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptors in rat adrenal cortex.

beta-Endorphin-like decapeptide immunorphin (SLTCLVKGFY), a selective agonist of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to specific activity of 24 Ci/mmol. It was used for the detection and characterization of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptors on rat adrenal cortex membranes (Kd1 = 39.6 +/- 2.0 nM, Bmax1 = 40.7 +/- 2.3 pmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 0.25 +/- 0.01 micro M, Bmax2 = 187.8 +/- 9.4 pmol/mg protein). beta-Endorphin was found to inhibit the [3H]immunorphin specific binding to membranes (Ki = 70.0 +/- 9.2 nM); naloxone, [Met5]enkephalin, and alpha- and gamma-endorphins tested in parallel were inactive. Immunorphin at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenocortical membranes, while intramuscular injection of immunorphin at doses of 10-100 micro g/kg was found to reduce the secretion of 11-oxycorticosteroids from the adrenals to the bloodstream.

The effects of lesions to the striatum on the function of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system in adrenalectomized rats.

Experiments on white rats were performed to study the effects of bilateral lesioning of the striatum on activation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system (HHAS) after unilateral adrenalectomy. These studies showed that increases in the weight of the surviving adrenal gland were smaller in striatectomized rats than in controls. There was a significant decrease in corticosteroid production by the intact gland. These changes were most marked after destruction of the dorsal parts of the nucleus. These data provide evidence for involvement of the striatum in controlling HHAS activity via a feedback mechanism.

[Neuroimmune relations in the rat thymus caused by recombinant interleukin-1beta administration]. / Izuchenie neroimmunnykh otnoshenii v timuse krys pri deistvii rekombinantnogo interleikina-1beta.

Interrelations among changes in 11-oxycorticosteroids (11-OSC) in blood plasma, catecholamines (CA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in nerve fibres of the thymus, as well as qualitative content and proliferative capacity of thymic and blood cells under the effect of the rat recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) normally and under conditions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical depression, were studied. The changes were the most obvious within 15 and 120 min following the IL-2 beta administration: elevation of the 11-OSC, increase in the CA content, and decrease in the AChE activity in thymic nerve fibres. Preliminary administration of dexamethasone prevented the effects.

[Modification of the effects of microwave irradiation on biochemical processes by using foreign protein]. / Modifikatsiia vliianiia mikrovolnovogo izlucheniia na biokhimicheskie protsessy s pomoshch'iu chuzherodnogo belka.

The biochemical data on the influence of electromagnetic fields in microwave range on the hormonal-mediator regulation systems are presented. The possibility of biological effects modification under combined action of microwave radiation and foreign protein is discussed.

[Changes in the fractional collagen composition of the kidneys in rats under immobilization stress and alloxan diabetes]. / Izmenenie fraktsionnogo sostava kollagena pochek krys pri immobilizatsionnom stresse na fone alloksanovogo diabeta.

Content of free hydroxyproline, total collagen and neutral salt-soluble, citrate-soluble, nonsoluble fractions of collagen and also collagenolytic activity on combined immobilization stress days 3, 10, 15 and 30 in alloxan diabetes were studied in homogenates of the cortical zone of rats' kidneys. Changes in the fractional collagen composition were found phasic. The additional stress load on its days 1-10 attenuates but in the following days aggravates the catabolic action of alloxan diabetes on collagen metabolism in the kidneys.

[State of the hypophyseal-adrenal system during surgical correction of heart defects under various anesthesiological methods and at distant periods after surgery]. / Sostoianie gipofizarno-nadpochechnikovoi sistemy pri khirurgicheskoi korrektsii porokov serdtsa v usloviiakh razlichnogo anesteziologicheskogo obespecheniia i v otdalennye sroki posle operatsii.

The concentration of 11-HOCS in the blood plasma was measured in 278 patients with heart diseases operated on under various anesthesias at different stages of surgical correction of the defects and in the immediate postoperative period. Plasma ACTH level was measured in 137 of these operated on under deep hypothermia and hypothermal perfusion. The hormonal response was the most expressed in patients operated on under normothermia, whereas in patients exposed to hypothermia the reaction was minimal. 141 patients were examined in remote periods after surgery. Blood plasma 11-HOCS level was normal in the cases with good and satisfactory results of surgical treatment, whereas in those with poor results it was higher or lower than normally.

[The state of the hypophyseal-adrenal system during surgical correction of heart diseases under conditions of different anesthesia and in distant periods after surgery]. / Sostoianie gipofizarno-nadpochechnikovoi sistemy pri khirurgicheskoi korrektsii porokov serdtsa v usloviiakh razlichnogo anesteziologicheskogo obespecheniia i v otdalennye sroki posle operatsii.

Blood plasma levels of 11-HOCS were measured in 278 patients with heart diseases operated on under different anesthesia at various stages of surgical correction of the diseases and during the immediate postoperative period. Blood plasma ACTH levels were measured in 137 patients operated on under deep hypothermal protection and hypothermal perfusion. The most manifest hormonal response was observed during surgery under normothermia, whereas under conditions of hypothermal perfusion the reaction to intervention was the minimal. A total of 141 patients were examined in remote periods after surgery. Blood plasma 11-HOCS levels were normal in patients with good and satisfactory results of surgical treatment and increased for decreased in those with unsatisfactory results.