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H Mistry

Publications and source records attributed to H Mistry.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Nonatopic allergen-independent mast cell activation in parasitized eosinophilic athymic rats.

It is possible to induce eosinophilia in congenitally athymic rats by infection with the parasite Ascaris suum. Athymic bronchial eosinophilia is associated with increased expression of IL-5 and eotaxin mRNA, and with the presence of residual T cells and mast cells. Anamnestic mastocytosis is particularly pronounced and in this study we examine the relationship between mast cell degranulation and IgE production in athymic rats following infection. Incubation of peritoneal mast cells from athymic rats with anti-IgE induced dose-dependent degranulation, as measured by histamine release. However, the failure of mast cells from infected athymic rats to degranulate following incubation with all but one of the parasite antigens selected confirms the absence of a specific IgE response. In contrast, all agonists induced degranulation in euthymic rats. The only parasite-derived factor to induce histamine release in all mast cells was Ascaris body fluid, which contains an element capable of inducing IgE-independent degranulation. Furthermore, increased levels of rat mast cell protease II in athymic bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggest degranulation of mast cells by IgE and allergen independent means in vivo. We believe that the development of eosinophilic lung inflammation in the absence of specific IgE makes this a prototype for investigating the immunological mechanisms underlying nonatopic asthma.

Animals↗

Effect of some indole derivatives on xenobiotic metabolism and xenobiotic-induced toxicity in cultured rat liver slices.

In this study the effect of some indole derivatives on xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and xenobiotic-induced toxicity has been examined in cultured precision-cut liver slices from male Sprague-Dawley rats. While treatment of rat liver slices for 72 hours with 2-200 microM of either indole-3-carbinol (I3C) or indole-3-acetonitrile (3-ICN) had little effect on cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-dependent enzyme activities, enzyme induction was observed after in vivo administration of I3C. The treatment of rat liver slices with 50 microM 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM; a dimer derived from I3C under acidic conditions) for 72 hours resulted in a marked induction of CYP-dependent enzyme activities. DIM appears to be a mixed inducer of CYP in rat liver slices having effects on CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP3A subfamily isoforms. Small increases in liver slice reduced glutathione levels and glutathione S-transferase activity were also observed after DIM treatment. While aflatoxin B1 and monocrotaline produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis in 72-hour-cultured rat liver slices, cytotoxicity was markedly reduced in liver slices cultured with 50 microM DIM. These results demonstrate that cultured rat liver slices may be employed to evaluate the effects of chemicals derived from cruciferous and other vegetables on CYP isoforms. In addition, liver slices can also be utilized to examine the ability of such chemicals to modulate xenobiotic-induced toxicity.

Aflatoxin B1↗

Metabolism of Zaleplon by human hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 isoforms.

1. The metabolism of Zaleplon (CL-284,846; ZAL) has been studied in human liver microsomal preparations and in cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. 2. Human liver microsomes catalysed the NADPH-dependent N-deethylation of ZAL to DZAL (CL-284,859), but not to two other known in vivo metabolites, namely M1 (CL-345,644) and M2 (CL-345,905). Sigmoidal kinetic plots were observed for ZAL deethylation indicating positive cooperativity. 3. The metabolism of ZAL to DZAL was determined in a characterized bank of 24 human liver microsomal preparations. Good correlations (r2 = 0.734-0.937) were observed with caffeine 8-hydroxylase, diazepam 3-hydroxylase, dextromethorphan N-demethylase and testosterone 2 beta-, 6 beta- and 15 beta-hydroxylase activities, which are all catalysed by CYP3A isoforms. In contrast, poor correlations (r2 = 0.152-0.428) were observed for enzymatic markers for CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9/10, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP4A9/11. 4. The metabolism of ZAL to DZAL in human liver microsomes was inhibited to 6-15% of control by 5-50 microM of the mechanism-based CYP3A inhibitor troleandomycin. Whereas some inhibition of DZAL formation was observed in the presence of 200 microM diethyldithiocarbamate, 5-50 microM furafylline, 2-20 microM sulphaphenazole, 50-500 microM S-mephenytoin and 1-10 microM quinidine had little effect. 5. Using human B-lymphoblastoid cell microsomes containing cDNA-expressed CYP isoforms, ZAL was metabolized to DZAL by CYP3A4, hut not to any great extent by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1. 6. In contrast with ZAL, the NADPH-dependent N-deethylation of M2 to M1 proceeded at only a very low rate with both human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed CYP3A4. 7. In summary, by correlation analysis, chemical inhibition studies and the use of cDNA-expressed CYPs, ZAL N-deethylation to DZAL in human liver appears to be catalysed by CYP3A isoforms.

Acetamides↗

Evaluation of computer support for prescribing (CAPSULE) using simulated cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effect of computer support on general practitioners' prescribing, and to compare the effectiveness of three different support levels. DESIGN: Crossover experiment with balanced block design. SUBJECTS: Random sample of 50 general practitioners (42 agreed to participate) from 165 in a geographically defined area of Oxfordshire. INTERVENTIONS: Doctors prescribed for 36 simulated cases constructed from real consultations. Levels of computer support were control (alphabetical list of drugs), limited support (list of preferred drugs), and full support (the same list with explanations available for suggestions). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of cases where doctors ignored a cheaper, equally effective drug; prescribing score (a measure of how closely prescriptions matched expert recommendations); interview to elicit doctors' views of support system. RESULTS: Computer support significantly improved the quality of prescribing. Doctors ignored a cheaper, equally effective drug in a median 50% (range 25%-75%) of control cases, compared with 36% (8%-67%) with limited support and 35% (0-67%) with full support (P < 0.001). The median prescribing score rose from 6.0 units (4.2-7.0) with control support to 6.8 (5.8 to 7.7) and 6.7 (5.6 to 7.8) with limited and full support (P < 0.001). Of 41 doctors, 36 (88%) found the system easy to use and 24 (59%) said they would be likely to use it in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Computer support improved compliance with prescribing guidelines, reducing the occasions when doctors ignored a cheaper, equally effective drug. The system was easy to operate, and most participating doctors would be likely to use it in practice.

Decision Making, Computer-Assisted↗

Comparison of the toxicity of allyl alcohol, coumarin and menadione in precision-cut rat, guinea-pig, cynomolgus monkey and human liver slices.

The toxicity of allyl alcohol, coumarin and menadione has been studied in precision-cut liver slice cultures. Liver slices were prepared from male Sprague-Dawley rats, male Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs and from samples of Cynomolgus monkey and human liver using a Krumdieck tissue slicer. The liver slices were cultured with the test compounds for 24 h in a dynamic organ culture system. Toxicity was assessed by measurement of protein synthesis, potassium content and the MTT assay. At the concentrations examined, menadione produced marked toxicity in liver slices from all four species, whereas rat liver slices were less susceptible to allyl alcohol toxicity. Coumarin produced concentration-dependent toxic effects in rat and guinea-pig liver slices, whereas Cynomolgus monkey and human liver slices were relatively resistant, especially at low coumarin concentrations. At some concentrations of the test compounds examined, the MTT assay appeared to be a less sensitive indicator of toxicity than either protein synthesis or potassium content. These results demonstrate the usefulness of precision-cut liver slices for assessing species differences in xenobiotic-induced toxicity.

1-Propanol↗

Metabolism of [ring-U-14C] agaritine by precision-cut rat, mouse and human liver and lung slices.

Agaritine [(beta-N-[gamma-L(+)glutamyl]-4-hydroxymethylphenylhydrazine] is present in the common cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus and several agaritine derivatives have been shown to produce tumours in experimental animals. In this investigation the metabolism of [ring-U-14C]agaritine has been studied in precision-cut rat, mouse and human liver slices and in precision-cut rat and mouse lung slices. To confirm the functional viability of the tissue slice preparations, the metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin was also studied. Liver and lung slices from all species metabolized 50 microM 7-ethoxycoumarin to 7-hydroxycoumarin, which was conjugated with D-glucuronic acid and sulfate. Incubation of rat, mouse and human liver slices, and rat and mouse lung slices with 25 microM [14C]agaritine resulted in a time-dependent formation of metabolite(s), which bound covalently to tissue slice proteins. Agaritine metabolite covalent binding was greater in mouse liver than in rat and human liver slices and was greater in mouse lung than in rat lung slices. No correlation was observed between agaritine metabolite covalent binding and tissue slice gamma-glutamyltransferase activity. Additional studies with mouse liver slices showed that [14C]agaritine was also metabolized to a number of unknown polar metabolites. These results demonstrate that agaritine can be metabolized by enzymes present in mammalian liver and lung.

Animals↗

Paracetamol self-poisoning. Characteristics, prevention and harm reduction.

BACKGROUND: Paracetamol is now the most common drug used for self-poisoning in the UK and is associated with potentially fatal liver damage. Patients admitted to hospital because of paracetamol overdoses were studied in order to determine their characteristics and factors which might have deterred them from taking paracetamol or reduced the dangers of the overdose. METHOD: Eighty patients were studied in hospital using a structured interview schedule, measures of depression and suicidal intent, information collected through the Oxford Monitoring System for Attempted Suicide, and the results of liver function tests. RESULTS: Acute liver dysfunction (25 patients) was associated with consumption of more than 25 tablets (odds ration 4.46, 95% CI 1.31 to 17.41, P = 0.014). The proportionate use of tablets from blister packs (60%) and loose preparations (46%; 5 patients using both types) reflected their general availability. More of those who took tablets from a loose preparation consumed 25 or more tablets (69%) than those who used a blister-pack preparation (40%; odds ratio = 3.0, 95% CI 1.12 to 9.95, P = 0.028). Only 20 patients thought that any type of warning label would have deterred them from taking a paracetamol overdose. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a maximum number of tablets (e.g. 25) that can be available in individual preparations is likely to reduce the dangers of paracetamol self-poisoning. The potential effects of other measures are uncertain.

Acetaminophen↗

Platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding and function during the menstrual cycle.

Blood platelet receptors are widely used as peripheral models of central nervous system receptors, particularly in attempts to understand the biological basis of a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is important to differentiate factors other than the primary disease process which may influence platelet receptors. One such potential factor is the menstrual cycle. In this study we have determined platelet high-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding, using the agonist ligand 3H-UK-14,304 and platelet aggregatory responses to adrenaline in 14 healthy young women, sampled on four occasions at weekly intervals. Our results indicate that, within the limits of individual variation, neither the KD or Bmax of high-affinity 3H-UK-14,304 binding or the aggregatory responses to adrenaline differed significantly between various stages of the menstrual cycle.

Adolescent↗