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Biomedical subjects

K Miyata

Publications and source records attributed to K Miyata.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A simple method for evaluating abnormal lengthening of the QT interval during the face immersion test.

The slope of the relation between the unadjusted QT interval and heart rate during the face immersion test has been reported to be useful as an index for predicting an abnormal lengthening of the QT interval for children with nonfamilial long QT syndrome. Our goals were to determine whether we can replace the slope of the QT/heart rate relation calculated from all data with that calculated from fewer data and to determine whether we can replace the slope with the corrected QT value by heart rate (QTc value) at the minimum heart rate. We studied 19 children with a prolonged QT interval and 54 control children by using statistical analysis. The slope calculated from the selected data points (at least four) was in agreement with the slope calculated from all data, and the relationship between the slope and the QTc value at the minimum heart rate showed a high correlation. It was determined that we can replace the slope calculated from all data with that calculated from at least four data points and replace the slope with the QTc value at the minimum heart rate as an index for predicting an abnormal lengthening of the QT interval.

Adolescent↗

A novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, YM-31636, increases gastrointestinal motility without increasing abdominal pain.

We examined the effects of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate), a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on gastrointestinal functions including visceral pain reflex in rats. Injection of YM-31636 increased the number of fecal pellets. This effect was completely inhibited by ramosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. YM-31636 also increased the intracolonic pressure measured in both conscious and anesthetized rats. In isolated distal colon, YM-31636 increased the short-circuit current response. This effect was abolished by ramosetron. Both the maximal response and the potency of YM-31636 were weaker than those of other 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In two visceral pain reflex models, YM-31636 neither changed the magnitude of pressor response to colonic distension in anesthetized rats nor affected the visceromotor threshold to colorectal distension in conscious rats. In conclusion, YM-31636 facilitated defecation without increasing visceral pain. Consequently, 5-HT3 receptor agonists like YM-31636 would be promising in the treatment of chronic constipation.

Abdominal Pain↗

Disparate effects of interleukin 11 and thrombopoietin on megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro.

The effects of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and thrombopoietin (TPO) on murine megakaryocytopoiesis were studied using a serum-free culture system. Acting alone, both IL-11 and TPO increased the number of acetylcholinesterase (AchE)(+)cells (megakaryocytes), the latter being more potent than the former. TPO, but not IL-11, increased the mean AchE activity per megakaryocyte (AchE activity/megakaryocyte). TPO increased both the number of megakaryocytes with high ploidy, and of those with low ploidy. In contrast, IL-11 increased only the number of megakaryocytes with high ploidy. The effect of TPO on megakaryocyte ploidy was stronger than that of IL-11. Both IL-11 and TPO increased the proportion of large megakaryocytes, but the latter was more potent than the former. While the stimulatory effects of IL-11 and TPO on the number of megakaryocytes were enhanced by IL-3 or stem cell factor (SCF), synergism of IL-11 or TPO with IL-3 or SCF in stimulating AchE activity/megakaryocyte was inconsistent. IL-11 and TPO stimulated the formation of colony-forming units of megakaryocyte in the presence of IL-3, but not alone, with similar maximum colony numbers for both cytokines. Our findings thus demonstrate that IL-11 principally stimulates megakaryocyte maturation rather than the proliferation of megakaryocytes, whereas TPO stimulates both.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Investigation of the effects of YM-31636, a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on defecation in normal and constipated ferrets.

We examined the effects of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate), a newly synthesized 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, on defecation in normal and constipated ferrets, and evaluated it as an agent against constipation. YM-31636 facilitated defecation without inducing diarrhea or emetic episodes. This effect occurred within 1 h after oral administration, mostly within 30 min, whereas sodium picosulfate, a widely used laxative, tended to increase the frequency of defecation for several hours with much lower peak incidence than that of YM-31636, and induced diarrhea. UK14304 (brimonidine), an alpha2 receptor agonist, and morphine reduced the frequency of defecation and YM-31636 restored it. These effects of YM-31636 were antagonized by ramosetron, a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that YM-31636 could be promising in the treatment of constipation. Because of an early and reliable onset of action compared with sodium picosulfate, YM-31636 could make it easier to control the time of defecation.

Animals↗

Discovery of novel mesangial cell proliferation inhibitors using a three-dimensional database searching method.

A three-dimensional pharmacophore model of mesangial cell (MC) proliferation inhibitors was generated from a training set of 4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl-N-(3-phenyl-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-yl)benzamide, 2, and its derivatives using the Catalyst/HIPHOP software program. On the basis of the in vitro MC proliferation inhibitory activity, a pharmacophore model was generated as seven features consisting of two hydrophobic regions, two hydrophobic aromatic regions, and three hydrogen bond acceptors. Using this model as a three-dimensional query to search the Maybridge database, structurally novel 41 compounds were identified. The evaluation of MC proliferation inhibitory activity using available samples from the 41 identified compounds exhibited over 50% inhibitory activity at the 100 nM range. Interestingly, the newly identified compounds by the 3D database searching method exhibited the reduced inhibition of normal proximal tubular epithelial cell proliferation compared to a training set of compounds.

Benzamides↗

Apolipoprotein E deposition and astrogliosis are associated with maturation of beta-amyloid plaques in betaAPPswe transgenic mouse: Implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

A transgenic mouse expressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the 'Swedish' mutation, Tg2576, was used to investigate the mechanism of beta-amyloid (Abeta) deposition. Previously, we have reported that the major species of Abeta in the amyloid plaques of Tg2576 mice are Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42. Moreover, Abeta1-42 deposition precedes Abeta1-40 deposition, while Abeta1-40 accumulates in the central part of the plaques later in the pathogenic process. Those data indicate that Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice have similar characteristics to those in Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, to understand more fully the amyloid deposition mechanism implicating Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, we examined immunohistochemically the distributions of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and Abeta in amyloid plaques of aged Tg2576 mouse brains. Our findings suggest that Abeta1-42 deposition precedes apoE deposition, and that Abeta1-40 deposition follows apoE deposition during plaque maturation. We next examined the relationship between apoE and astrogliosis associated with amyloid plaques using a double-immunofluorescence method. Extracellular apoE deposits were always associated with reactive astrocytes whose processes showed enhancement of apoE-immunoreactivity. Taken together, the characteristics of amyloid plaques in Tg2576 mice are similar to those in Alzheimer's disease with respect to apoE and astrogliosis. Furthermore, apoE deposition and astrogliosis may be necessary for amyloid plaque maturation.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Kinetic analysis of megakaryopoiesis induced by recombinant human interleukin 11 in myelosuppressed mice.

Recombinant human interleukin 11 (rhIL-11) has previously been shown to ameliorate thrombocytopenia in several animal models. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in rhIL-11-induced hematopoiesis, a kinetic analysis of megakaryopoiesis was performed in mitomycin C (MMC)-induced myelosuppressive mice. Mice intravenously injected with MMC (2 mg/kg) for two consecutive days from day -1 developed severe thrombocytopenia with a nadir of platelet counts at 24x10(4)/microl on day 12 and neutropenia. Treatment with rhIL-11 (500 microg/kg/day) from day 1 to 21 significantly ameliorated the degree and duration of thrombocytopenia and enhanced the platelet recovery, and also enhanced the recovery from neutropenia. In MMC-treated mice, the decreases in bone marrow megakaryocyte progenitors and megakaryocyte counts preceded the decrease in platelet counts by MMC treatment. RhIL-11 induced an increase in the number of megakaryocyte progenitors from day 4 to 14, followed by an increase in the megakaryocytes by day 20. There was a ploidy shift in megakaryocytes towards lower ploidy cells by day 9 in myelosuppressed mice. RhIL-11 caused a shift towards a higher ploidy with 32 and 64N on day 4, and 32N on day 14. These results suggest that rhIL-11 ameliorates the thrombocytopenia via the stimulation of both the maturation and commitment followed by the proliferation of megakaryocytic cells.

Alkylating Agents↗

Protective effects of pamiteplase, a modified t-PA, in a rat model of embolic stroke.

The effects of alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator, t-PA) and pamiteplase (a modified t-PA with longer half-life and increased potency) were compared in a clinically relevant model of embolic stroke. Rats were treated with pamiteplase (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg bolus), alteplase (10 mg/kg infusion) or normal saline. Pamiteplase (1 mg/kg) was as effective as alteplase in reducing 24 h brain infarct volumes, neurological deficit scores and residual clot grades. Cerebral blood flow recovery at 30 min after thrombolytic treatment was partial and did not correlate with 24 h infarct volumes or neurological deficits. However, there was good correlation between 24 h residual clot grades and infarct volumes, suggesting a delayed timeframe for pamiteplase- and alteplase-induced reperfusion.

Animals↗

Dynamic process of apoptosis in adult rat cardiomyocytes analyzed using 48-hour videomicroscopy and electron microscopy: beating and rate are associated with the apoptotic process.

Dynamic process of apoptosis has not been elucidated in adult rat cardiomyocytes. Soluble Fas ligand (0.1 microg/ml) in the presence of actinomycin D (0.05 microg/ml) induced apoptosis in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes, as documented by activated caspase-3, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic ultrastructure. In the present model, we observed 60 adult cardiomyocytes with a normal rod shape under a real-time videomicroscope continuously for 48 hours. Seventeen cells (28%) were unchanged and 7 cells (12%) showed oncosis (so-called necrosis) in which no beating was evident. In the remaining 36 cells (apoptosis, 60%), a slow beating (17 +/- 3/min) was initiated 16 +/- 1 hours later. Approximately 1 hour later, the rod cells showed long-axial shortening as bone- or club-like, or square-shaped, accompanied with faster beating rates (35 +/- 7/min). In 29 cells (type A1 and A2), marked shrinkage occurred; the cellular shape became almost completely round with a smooth surface and the beating ceased 3.0 +/- 0.4 hours later. Then, smooth budding appeared 0.6 +/- 0.2 hours later. Apoptotic bodies were found in 8 cells 10 +/- 4 hours later (type A1, 13%) but not in 21 cells (type A2, 35%). In the other 7 cells (type A3, 12%), the cell surface became rough 8 +/- 3 hours later and the beating ceased. Maximal beating rate was greatest in type A1 (72 +/- 26/min) and greater in type A2 (29 +/- 5/min) than in type A3 (10 +/- 2/min). Electron microscopy confirmed apoptotic ultrastructure even in the cardiomyocytes with bone-, club-like, or square shapes, suggesting that type A3 as well as A1 and A2 is also under apoptotic process. A caspase inhibitor, zVAD.fmk, blocked beating, apoptotic morphology, and DNA fragmentation, indicating these depended on caspase activation. In the caspase-dependent apoptotic process of cultured adult cardiomyocytes, beating and the following deformity of the cellular edges were the initial signs and the rate of beating was related with the subsequent three different processes of apoptosis.

Animals↗

Long-term inhibition of Rho-kinase induces a regression of arteriosclerotic coronary lesions in a porcine model in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: We recently demonstrated that Rho-kinase/ROK/ROCK is functionally upregulated at the arteriosclerotic coronary lesions and plays a key role for coronary vasospastic responses in our porcine model with interleukin (IL)-1beta. In the present study, we tested our hypothesis that Rho-kinase is involved in the pathogenesis of coronary arteriosclerosis per se in our porcine model. METHODS: Segments of the left porcine coronary artery were chronically treated from the adventitia with IL-1beta. Two weeks after the procedure, coronary stenotic lesions with constrictive remodeling and vasospastic response to serotonin were noted at the IL-1beta-treated site, as previously reported. Then, animals were randomly divided into two groups; one group was treated with fasudil for 8 weeks followed by 1 or 4 weeks of washout period and another group served as a control. After oral absorption, fasudil is metabolized to hydroxyfasudil that is a specific inhibitor of Rho-kinase. RESULTS: In the fasudil group, coronary stenosis and vasospastic response were progressively reduced in vivo, while the coronary hyperreactivity was abolished both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that in the fasudil group, the Rho-kinase activity (as evaluated by the extent of phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit of myosin phosphatase, one of the major substrates of Rho-kinase) was significantly reduced, while histological examination demonstrated a marked regression of the coronary constrictive remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that Rho-kinase is substantially involved in constrictive remodeling and vasospastic activity of the arteriosclerotic coronary artery, both of which could be reversed by long-term inhibition of the molecule in vivo. Thus, Rho-kinase may be regarded as a novel therapeutic target for arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Prolonged inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by atorvastatin inhibits apo B-100 and triglyceride secretion from HepG2 cells.

Atorvastatin is a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that strongly lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels in humans and animals. Since previous data indicated that atorvastatin has prolonged inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis, we tested whether this longer duration of inhibitory effect on cholesterol synthesis decreased hepatic lipoprotein secretion in vitro. We used the HepG2 hepatoma cell line to: (1) determine the time required until levels of secreted apo B-100 and TG declined significantly, (2) examine the relation to the mass of cellular cholesteryl ester (CE) and (3) test microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity which leads to decreased apo B-100 production. Although atorvastatin significantly inhibited cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells regardless of treatment duration (1, 14 or 24 h), it did not inhibit TG synthesis. Apo B-100 and TG secretion were unchanged after 1-h atorvastatin treatment, but declined significantly after 24-h treatment. Atorvastatin treatment also reduced cellular CE mass, exhibiting both time- and dose-dependency. Mevalonolactone, a product of HMG-CoA reductase, attenuated the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin strongly reduced mRNA levels of MTP, whereas it did not inhibit MTP activity as measured by TG transfer assay between liposomes. Simvastatin also induced treatment- and time-dependent reductions in apo B-100, whereas the MTP inhibitor BMS-201038 exhibited no time dependency, instead inhibiting this variable even on 1-h treatment. These results indicate that reduced apo B-100 secretion caused by atorvastatin is a secondary result owing to decreased lipid availability, and that atorvastatin's efficacy depends on the duration of cholesterol synthesis inhibition in the liver.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Mechanical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule and to explore the possibility of surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized interventional comparative trial and comparative human tissue study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight eyes of 32 patients undergoing primary pars plana vitrectomy combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation and 3 eye bank eyes for histopathologic examination. METHODS: The anterior hyaloid membrane and posterior lens capsule were observed with a fiberoptic endoscope. Surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane was attempted by either the hydrodissection method before cataract extraction (18 eyes) or the direct suction method after cataract extraction (20 eyes). In eye bank eyes, histopathologic examination was performed with (one eye) and without (two eyes) surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of spontaneous detachment and success rate of surgical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane. RESULTS: No eye displayed spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane. Using the hydrodissection method, complete detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane was achieved in 10 eyes (55.6%), partial detachment was attained in 2 eyes (11.1%), and detachment was not induced at all in 6 eyes (33.3%). With the direct suction method, the anterior hyaloid membrane was completely separated from the posterior lens capsule in 10 eyes (50%), partially detached in 10 eyes (50%), and not detached at all in any eye. The direct suction method had a significantly higher success rate than the hydrodissection method (P < 0.001, chi-square test). In eye bank eyes, the surgical manipulation induced complete separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the lens capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule is very rare. Under endoscopic observation, surgical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane was possible in half of the patients.

Adult↗

Corneal irregular astigmatism and contrast sensitivity after photorefractive keratectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between contrast sensitivity and corneal irregular astigmatism in eyes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Seventy-nine eyes without corneal haze 6 months or more after PRK and 30 normal control eyes. METHODS: Videokeratography was taken with TMS-1 (Computed Anatomy Inc. New York, NY), and contrast sensitivity for day and night vision was measured using a Multivision Contrast Tester 8000 (Vistech Consultants, Inc., Dayton, OH). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Regular and irregular astigmatism (asymmetry and higher order irregularity components) were computed using Fourier series harmonic analysis of the videokeratography data. Area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated from the contrast sensitivity data taken at five spatial frequencies. RESULTS: After PRK, AULCSFs were significantly smaller for day vision (P = 0.007, unpaired t test) and night vision (P = 0.020) compared with normal controls. AULCSFs for day vision were significantly negatively correlated with asymmetry (Pearson's correlation coefficient, R = -0.23, P = 0.049) and higher order irregularity (R = -0.33, P = 0.004) components but not with the regular astigmatism component (P > 0.3). AULCSF for night vision correlated significantly with asymmetry (R = -0.31, P = 0.013) and higher order irregularity (R = -0.30, P = 0.016) components but not with the regular astigmatism component (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal irregular astigmatism after PRK significantly influences contrast sensitivity.

Adult↗

beta-amyloid deposits in transgenic mice expressing human beta-amyloid precursor protein have the same characteristics as those in Alzheimer's disease.

A transgenic mouse expressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the "Swedish" mutation, Tg2576, was used to investigate the mechanism of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) deposition. We characterized Abeta deposits in the cerebral cortex biochemically and pathologically. A surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization affinity mass spectrometric study using the 6E10 monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the major species of Abeta in a formic acid-extracted fraction of the cortex were Abeta(1-38), Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42). Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to the carboxy-terminal epitopes of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), as well as 6E10, showed that plaques containing Abeta(1-42) were more numerous than those containing Abeta(1-40) throughout the cortex. Laser confocal analysis of the immunoreactivities in the plaques demonstrated that Abeta(1-40) was preferentially located in the central part of the Abeta(1-42) positive plaques. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) showed that Abeta(1-40) was several-fold more abundant than Abeta(1-42). From these data we suggest that Abeta(1-42) deposition may precede Abeta(1-40) deposition, while Abeta(1-40) begins to deposit in the central part of the plaques and accumulates there. Furthermore, localization of Abeta(1-40) corresponded almost exactly to congophilic structures, which were associated with aberrant swollen synapses detected with antibodies to synaptophysin and alpha-synuclein. Thus, Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice have similar characteristics to those in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/TrkB pathway in neuroprotecive effect of cyclosporin A in forebrain ischemia.

Recent studies have shown that cyclosporin A, a specific antagonist of calcineurin, a phosphatase, ameliorates neuronal cell death in the CA1 sector of the hippocampus after forebrain ischemia in animal models. The mechanism of this neuroprotective effect, however, has not yet been established. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophins, is one of the potent survival and developmental factors whose expression is regulated by cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). Activation of CREB is dependent on its phosphorylation at Ser(133), and calcineurin has been reported to dephosphorylate CREB via protein phosphatase 1. Based on these observations, we attempted to investigate how cyclosporin A treatment would affect the changes of phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), BDNF and its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) after forebrain ischemia in rats. Phosphorylation of CREB was kept augmented throughout the time course examined in cyclosporin A-treated animals, while it ceased without cyclosporin A. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed prolonged maintenance of BDNF mRNA expression in the CA1 sector of cyclosporin A-treated animals. The protein expression of BDNF and TrkB appeared to be up-regulated in cyclosporin A-treated animals, whereas it was transiently up-regulated but decreased to the marginal level of expression without cyclosporin A.From these results we suggest that cyclosporin A induces pCREB by an inhibition of calcineurin, resulting in the induction of BDNF. The mechanisms by which cyclosporin A protects the CA1 region from neuronal cell death in forebrain ischemia may involve the interaction of pCREB, BDNF and TrkB.

Animals↗

Risk factors for persistence of pulmonary arterial branch stenosis in neonates and young infants.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis (PBS) in neonates is considered to be transient. However, PBS has been found not only in neonates, but also in young infants. Among these patients, we encountered several patients whose PBS was still present after the age of 1 year. METHODS: To clarify the natural history of PBS in neonates and young infants, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 patients diagnosed with PBS in the neonatal period and early infancy. RESULTS: The PBS findings were improved in all patients. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis disappeared in 94 patients by the age of 1 year (group A), but persisted after I year of age in nine patients (group B). Group B patients had a significantly lower mean birth weight and greater deltavelocity (the difference in the peak flow velocity between the main pulmonary artery and stenotic branch) at diagnosis than group A patients. Incidences of low birth weight (< 2,500 g) and deltavelocity above 1.2 m/s were significantly higher in group B than group A patients. There was no significant difference in the frequency of premature infants (gestational age < 36 weeks) between the groups, suggesting that intrauterine growth retardation may be related to developmental abnormalities of the pulmonary arterial branch. CONCLUSIONS: All cases of PBS in neonates and young infants were improved. However, PBS persisted in some patients after the age of 1 year. Low birth weight and deltavelocity above 1.2 m/s are risk factors for persistent PBS. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis was not present after the age of 1 year in 62 of 63 patients without either of these risk factors.

Age Factors↗

Effect of YM-40461, a novel surfactant secretagogue, on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and similar symptoms in guinea pigs.

YM-40461 (1-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)urea, CAS 142912-85-4), is a novel surfactant secretagogue. The effect of YM-40461 on symptoms, e.g. change of airway functions and hypoxemia, were examined using guinea pigs with induced subacute bronchitis. Bronchitic guinea pigs exhibited basal lung resistance (RL) was 0.152 +/- 0.005 cm H2O/ml/s (normal: 0.130 +/- 0.002 cm H2O/ml/s) and basal lung compliance (CL) of 0.455 +/- 0.011 ml/cm H2O (normal: 0.509 +/- 0.009 ml/cm H2O). Although YM-40461 slightly improved the lung resistance in these animals, it improved significantly and dose-dependently the lung compliance (0.468 +/- 0.008 ml/cm H2O for 1 mg/kg, 0.477 +/- 0.008 for 3 mg/kg, 0.490 +/- 0.011 for 10 mg/kg, p < 0.05 at 10 mg/kg) compared to nontreated bronchitic guinea pigs. YM-40461 improved airway functions in bronchitic guinea pigs just as wall as the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol. Additionally, YM-40461 significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity in response to intravenously infused acetylcholine (ACh). Basal PaO2 was 83.1 +/- 0.7 cm H2O in healthy guinea pigs and 71.2 +/- 1.7 cm H2O in bronchitic guinea pigs, indicating hypoxemia. A dose of 10 mg/kg of YM-40461 relieved hypoxemia in these animals with the values returning to 81.8 +/- 1.9 cm H2O (p < 0.05). These results suggest that YM-40461 ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like symptoms in bronchitis models due to increased surfactant in the airway.

Acetylcholine↗

Interleukin-11 induces osteoblast differentiation and acts synergistically with bone morphogenetic protein-2 in C3H10T1/2 cells.

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a pleiotropic cytokine that supports various types of hematopoietic cell growth and is involved in bone resorption. We report here the involvement of recombinant human IL-11 (rHuIL-11) in osteoblast differentiation in mouse mesenchymal progenitor cells, C3H10T1/2. rHuIL-11 alone increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and upregulated expression levels of osteocalcin (OC), bone sialo protein (BSP), and parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) mRNA. rHuIL-11 had no effect on expression of type II collagen, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 (PPAR-gamma2), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein P2 (aP2), and myogenic MyoD protein (MyoD). Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rHuBMP)-2 increased ALP activity and mRNA expression of these genes except for MyoD. The expression patterns of ALP activity and osteoblast-specific or chondrocyte-specific genes suggest that rHuIL-11 may be involved in early differentiation of osteoblasts at a step earlier than that which is affected by rHuBMP-2. In support of this hypothesis, combined treatment with rHuIL-11 and rHuBMP-2 synergistically increased ALP activity and mRNA expression of OC and type II collagen, rHuIL-11 also abrogated the increased levels of PPAR-gamma2, aP2 mRNA caused by rHuBMP-2. Our results suggest that rHuIL-11 alone and in combination with rHuBMP-2 can induce osteoblastic differentiation of progenitor cells and plays an important role in osteogenesis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗