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Biomedical subjects

J Molnár

Publications and source records attributed to J Molnár.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Antimicrobial and immunomodulating effects of some phenolic glycosides.

Several phenolic glycosides, i.e. acteoside, desrhamnosyl acteoside, and purpureaside A, B and C, exerted weak antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli. Acteoside had antiplasmid effects, including F'lac plasmid elimination, and inhibited kanamycin resistance transfer in E. coli. Acteoside, desrhamnosyl acteoside and purpureaside A displayed antiviral effect on Aujeszky virus. All of the phenolic glycosides decreased some human leucocyte functions, including rosette formation, mitogen-induced blast transformation and phagocytic activity in vitro. The purpureaside C had significant proinflammatory action, however, other phenolic glycosides showed neither proinflammatory nor antiinflammatory effect on carrageenin-induced inflammation in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Further studies on circadian hormone rhythms after local pharmacological destruction of the serotoninergic innervation of the rat suprachiasmatic region before the onset of the corticosterone rhythm.

In previous studies we observed that local pharmacological destruction of the serotoninergic innervation of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus before the onset of the circadian plasma corticosterone rhythm interferes with the appearance of the corticosterone rhythm up to the age of two months. In the present investigations we studied other hormone rhythms in such rats and tested animals for corticosterone rhythm when they were older than two months. We found normal circadian fluctuations in plasma testosterone and prolactin levels, variations in growth hormone concentrations, but no changes in plasma corticosterone levels of 63-day-old rats receiving 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, a neurotoxin selectively destroying the serotoninergic structures, into the suprachiasmatic nucleus at the age of 16 days. Rats did show circadian variations in plasma corticosterone concentrations when tested 3 months after treatment with the neurotoxin. In these latter animals, a significant amount of serotonin-immunoreactive fibers and terminals were evident in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Only a very few of such elements were seen in rats with a shorter postoperative survival. Our data support the view that serotoninergic innervation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus is essential for the onset of the circadian fluctuations of plasma corticosterone concentrations.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗
PubMed1988

Hypothalamus and puberty.

The effect of a transitory increase in plasma FSH and LH levels during the prepubertal period on puberty has been investigated. Twenty-day-old rats had been bilaterally ovariectomized and 24 hr later they received two ovaries of infantile rats beneath the kidney capsule. These rats exhibited precocious puberty. Animals into which two additional ovaries had been transplanted first and the next day their own ovaries removed showed puberty at the same time as controls. Additional investigations provided evidence that the ovariectomized and ovary implanted rats plasma FSH and LH levels were in the control range four days after implantation. The findings support the assumption that the hypothalamic lesion-induced precocious puberty is due rather to a transitory enhanced release of gonadotropin releasing hormone by the lesion than to the destruction of sex-steroid sensitive structures inhibiting the release of gonadotropic hormones in prepubertal rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Neural control of ovulation.

Pituitary gonadotrophin function is controlled to a great extent by the central nervous system and by the feedback action (positive and negative) of sex steroids. Neural structures involved in this mechanism may be divided into two levels. The first level is represented by the nervous structures releasing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in a pulsatile manner into the portal circulation. The gene encoding the precursor protein for GnRH has been described recently. The precursor protein appears to be composed of 92 amino acids, in which the GnRH decapeptide is preceded by a signal peptide and followed by a peptide termed GAP for GnRH-associated peptide. The GnRH-synthesizing neurones and the nervous structures synchronizing the GnRH discharge (pulse generator) in the monkey, and probably also in the human, reside in the medial basal hypothalamus, which appears to have a highly integrated structure. The GnRH pulse generator is influenced by nervous structures outside the medial basal hypothalamus (second level of control) as well as by ovarian and other hormones. These influences probably impinge directly or indirectly on the hypothalamic oscillator. Concerning the chemical nature of the substances mediating the action, a large number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides have been reported to influence GnRH secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone binding sites in persistent estrous rats.

Pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) binding sites were studied in persistent estrous rats. For comparison females at different stages of the estrous cycle, ovariectomized animals, and intact males were examined. Persistent estrus was induced by a hypothalamic knife cut, administering testosterone to neonatal rats, or by constant illumination. Rats showing spontaneously such alteration were also used in the experiment. Besides pituitary GnRH-binding sites, the GnRH content of the median eminence and plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations were determined. Pituitary GnRH receptors changed during the estrous cycle with the highest concentrations observed on proestrus. In rats in persistent estrus, pituitary GnRH-binding sites varied between proestrous and estrous values of cyclic females. Ovariectomy resulted in a significant increase in receptors. Depending on how the persistent estrous syndrome was induced, very different amounts of GnRH were found in the median eminence of the various groups. Our data indicate that the GnRH-binding sites on pituitary cells of persistent estrous rats are in essence not changed.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Antiplasmid activity of tricyclic compounds.

Three representative groups of tricyclic psychopharmacons were shown to have antiplasmid activity. The first group, e.g., comprises promazine, chlorpromazine, promethazine, levo- and dextromepromazine, thioridazine, diethazine, thiethylperazine. There are two heteroatoms (S and N) in the ring system of these compounds. In the second group, which includes desipramine, imipramine, however, there is only one heteroatom N, or S in chlorprothixene, chlorpenthixols and in the third group amitriptyline, maprotiline contain no heteroatoms. The medical significance of plasmid elimination by tricyclic psychopharmacons and related compounds in vitro is that this opens up a new perspective in the struggle against bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This approach utilizes the beneficial side-effect of the plasmid curing ability of these psychopharmacons, and may serve as a guideline for drug design in the future, to develop related substances which are potent in eliminating the drug resistance-carrying plasmids of bacteria, but which have no other pharmacological effects. Here we propose a new mechanism for plasmid curing by tricyclic drugs.

Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic↗
PubMed1987

Small RNAs of Tetrahymena thermophila.

Highly purified nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs were obtained from Tetrahymena thermophila BVII containing only a minimal amount of cross-contamination. In the nuclear RNA fraction we have detected at least 6 distinct snRNAs. Some of the RNA species showed microheterogeneity. SnRNAs of Tetrahymena thermophila are very similar to rat snRNAs, as far as length is concerned. Our cytoplasmic small RNA fraction contained two RNAs, 7S and T7, reported recently as nuclear, particularly nucleolar RNAs. Moreover, we could detect only one cytoplasmic small RNA species Tc1, Tc2 was not observed. Neither the nuclear nor the cytoplasmic small RNA species are degradation products of ribosomal RNA as was shown by Northern blotting and following hybridization with pGY17 containing the entire transcribed region of the ribosomal DNA of Tetrahymena thermophila.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Adhesion properties of E. coli cells in the presence of promethazine.

Some E. coli strains were tested for adsorption to HEp-2 cells and on aluminium hydroxide gel. The adhesiveness of E. coli to HEp-2 cells was inhibited by promethazine. MRHA (mannose-resistant haemagglutinating activity) positive plasmid-carrying E. coli strains were found to be adsorbed to tissue culture cells more effectively than the MRHA-negative strains. Fifty percent of the clinical isolates contained antibiotic resistance plasmids, but only 40% of these strains were able to transfer the antibiotic resistance properties to E. coli as recipient. It is presumed that the hydrophobic adsorption of bacteria depends on the fimbriae, while aluminium hydroxide gel adsorption correlates with surface properties other than the fimbriae.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1987

The effects of cannabinoids and cannabispiro compounds on Escherichia coli adhesion to tissue culture cells and on leukocyte functions in vitro.

delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid, cannabispirol, acetylcannabispirol, cannabispirone, and cannabispirenone in a low concentration did not affect the adhesion of Escherichia coli on cultured HEp-2 cells. Cannabinoids at 10(-6) M increased the chemiluminescence of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, while the cannabispiro compounds failed to enhance the oxidative burst of leukocytes. In lymphocyte and granulocyte function tests (E- and EA-rosette formation, blast transformation of T-lymphocytes in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin-A, ADCC and phagocytosis) all compounds displayed immunosuppressive effect at 1.5 X 10(-5) M. Tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid exerted the weakest immunosuppression on human leukocyte functions.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗
PubMed1986

Effect of various hypothalamic deafferentations injuring different parts of the GnRH pathway on ovulation, GnRH content of the median eminence, and plasma LH and FSH levels.

Various supra- and retrochiasmatic cuts injuring different parts of the septo-preoptico-infundibular GnRH pathway were made in adult female rats, and their effects on ovulation, median eminence (ME) GnRH content and on plasma LH and FSH levels were studied. Extended retrochiasmatic frontal cut just behind the optic chiasm, or a frontal cut in front of the suprachiasmatic nucleus presumably interrupting the whole GnRH pathway blocked ovulation, led to persistent estrus with polyfollicular ovaries, and reduced the ME GnRH content to 10 and 32%, respectively, expressed in percentage of unoperated control value. Severance of the GnRH pathway on one side or partial interruption of the pathway on the two sides in the retrochiasmatic area did not interfere with ovulation, and the ME GnRH content was 50% or more of the control value. Disconnection of the GnRH fibers coming from the septum resulted in a more than 30% decrease in the GnRH content of the ME, but did not block ovulation. Two separate symmetrical lateral cuts in the suprachiasmatic area leaving intact the presently known GnRH pathway reduced the ME GnRH content to 40% of the intact value, but did not interfere with ovulation. Plasma LH and FSH levels of the animals with different knife cuts were considerably dissociated and there were no apparent correlations between brain interventions and the concentrations of these two hormones in the blood. Our previous findings together with the present data suggest that: half of the GnRH pathway, medial or lateral bundles of the pathway on the two sides are sufficient for ovulation and cyclic gonadotrophic function; persistent estrus develops if the ME GnRH content is below 40% of the control value, and about 60% of the ME GnRH originates outside the preoptic, supra- and retrochiasmatic region. Half of this 60% may come from the septum and the vertical part of the diagonal band of Broca, the other half from the region in front of the preoptic area. The remaining 40% presumably arises from the preoptic (7-10%), supra- (15-20%) and retrochiasmatic region (8-10%).

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Further data on the origin of gonadotropin releasing hormone in the median eminence of the rat hypothalamus.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) content of the two halves of the median eminence of the rat hypothalamus was determined by radioimmunoassay three weeks after three different unilateral knife cuts around the preoptic area. A unilateral cut in front or above the area caused a more than 25% decrease in the GnRH content of the two halves of the median eminence. A cut lateral to the preoptic region had only a slight effect similar to that observed after sham operations. The data suggest that probably more than 50% of the rat median eminence GnRH derives from outside the preoptic-suprachiasmatic region. The GnRH fibres projecting to the median eminence but arising from outside the preoptic region, probably mainly from GnRH perikarya in the limbs of the diagonal band of Broca and septum, enter this area partly from rostral and partly from above, but not from lateral direction. partly from rostral and partly from above, but not from lateral direction. Several of these fibres probably cross before terminating in the median eminence.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The effects of cannabispiro compounds and tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid on the plasmid transfer and maintenance in Escherichia coli.

Some cannabispiro compounds and tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid were tested for antibacterial plasmid curing activity and inhibition of plasmid transfer. MIC values of the compound were above 1500 micrograms/ml. Cannabispirol and tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid eliminated the F'lac plasmid from Escherichia coli, but acetylcannabispirol, cannabispirone and cannabispirenone were ineffective as curing agents. Each compound, except acetyl-cannabispirol, selectively killed plasmid carrying bacteria. The compounds inhibited R144 plasmid transfer from E. coli into E. coli cells via inhibition of mating pair formation, zygotic killing and inhibition of transconjugal DNA synthesis in a lesser extent. All of the cannabispiro compounds and tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid inhibited the transformation with pBR322 plasmid DNA when the bacteria were pretreated with the compounds, via inhibition of the DNA penetration or decreasing the synthesis of plasmid DNA during bacterial growth. Although each of the compounds, except acetyl-cannabispirol, had a weak antibacterial effect which was more definite on plasmid carrying bacteria than plasmidless ones, and inhibited intercellular plasmid transfer and transforming activity of plasmid DNA, only two of them were able to cure F'lac plasmid showing that plasmid elimination is a complex process which strictly depends on the stereochemical configuration of curing agents.

Cannabinoids↗
PubMed1986

Myasthenia gravis: influence of thymic changes on clinical parameters. A study on the basis of 364 thymectomies.

In 364 patients with myasthenia gravis the morphology of thymus glands, thymomas and muscle samples was studied and compared to different clinical, therapeutic and prognostic parameters of the disease. The role of active thymus as the most outstanding finding, was considered for the result of thymectomy and for the prognosis to be positive: The more active the thymus the better the outcome of thymectomy and the final and lasting prognosis of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Changes in the rat's motor behaviour during 4-hr inhalation exposure to prenarcotic concentrations of benzene and its derivatives.

Group motility was recorded continuously in male rats during the inhalation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m- and p-xylene vapours. The solvents were applied in at least six concentrations, up to those inducing anaesthesia. Minimum narcotic concentrations (ppm) were: 5940 (benzene), 3590 (toluene), 2180 (ethyl-benzene), 2180 (0-xylene), 2100 (m-xylene), and 1940 (p-xylene). The results indicate that prenarcotic concentrations of these structurally related aromatic hydrocarbons and also the xylene isomers elicit qualitatively and quantitatively different acute behavioral effects. Except o-xylene which caused depression only the agents produced bell-shaped concentration-action curves characteristic of the biphasic effect, i.e., activation at lower and depression at higher concentrations. The curves differed in form and magnitude depending on the stimulatory potency and on the range of effective concentrations. Based on arbitrary assessment of central excitation, the five aromatics may be ranked as follows: benzene and toluene (striking activation), p-xylene (marked activation), ethylbenzene (moderate activation), m-xylene (slight activation). At the same time, high degree of motor incoordination, and in the case of benzene and p-xylene, also marked tremor could be seen.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides and synthetic pyrethroid.

Dermal and respiratory exposure to pirimiphosmethyl, dimethoate and permethrin were determined for applicators and operators in greenhouse tomato spraying operations. Dermal exposure is several times higher than the degree of respiratory exposure. Dermal exposure in terms of different parts of the body shows significant differences. For applicators the exposure of hands, arms and legs is the greatest, and the operators are the most exposed on their hands and to a small extent on legs. This fact should be taken into account when providing the workers with suitable protective clothing. The carefully selected technology of spraying also has great significance in decreasing the degree of exposure. Because of the chronic toxicity of dimethoate, all possible methods should be taken to reduce exposure.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1985

Myasthenia gravis: long-term prognostic value of thymus lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme pattern of hyperplastic thymus and thymoma.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme pattern and the percent of H-subunit content were determined in the thymus of 62 patients (55 with hyperplasia, 7 with tumours) after thymectomy. An increase in LDH1 relative activity indicates that in the thymus of patients with myasthenia gravis the ratio of mature differentiated thymocytes was higher than in the thymus of control subjects. LDH isoenzyme profiles of thymus tumours were similar to those described in other neoplasms, except that thymomas with apparent predominance of epithelial cells and with minimal lymphocytic reaction exhibited a marked elevation only in LDH2 relative activity, presumably associated with the specific (secretory) function of epithelial cells. The elevation of H-subunit content, a parameter characteristic of both thymic components (lymphoid and epithelial), correlated closely with a poor clinical condition in patients several years after surgery.

Adolescent↗