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Biomedical subjects

M Glass

Publications and source records attributed to M Glass.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Concurrent stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors augments cAMP accumulation in striatal neurons: evidence for a Gs linkage to the CB1 receptor.

Cannabinoids act at the CB1 receptor to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. Within the striatum, CB1 receptors have been shown to be localized on the same neurons as Gi-coupled dopamine D2 receptors. In this study we have examined the interactions of CB1 and D2 receptors on adenylate cyclase. In striatal neurons in primary culture, both the CB1 receptor agonist [3-(1, 1-dimethylheptyl)-11-hydroxy-Delta8tetrahydrocannabinol] (HU210) and the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation when applied separately. In contrast, HU210 and quinpirole in combination augmented cAMP accumulation. This augmentation was blocked by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A or the D2 antagonist sulpride. Pertussis toxin treatment of striatal neurons prevented the inhibition of cAMP accumulation by D2 receptors but unmasked a cannabinoid receptor-mediated stimulatory effect on cAMP accumulation. The cannabinoid receptor-stimulated accumulation of cAMP was blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by SR141716A, suggesting that the response was regulated through the CB1 receptor. Similar augmentation of cAMP accumulation after pertussis toxin treatment was observed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with, and stably expressing, the CB1 receptor. This stimulation of cAMP was not Ca2+-sensitive and was unaffected by a range of protein kinase inhibitors. Treatment of the pertussis toxin-treated cells with cholera toxin before CB1 receptor activation amplified the stimulatory pathway, suggesting that this response was mediated through a Gs-type G-protein. Stimulation of cAMP accumulation was not observed after pertussis toxin treatment of CHO cells expressing the human CB2 receptor, suggesting that this novel signaling pathway is unique to the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.

Animals↗

Cannabinoid receptors in the human brain: a detailed anatomical and quantitative autoradiographic study in the fetal, neonatal and adult human brain.

The anatomical distribution and density of cannabinoid receptors in the human brain was studied in one fetal (33 weeks gestation), two neonatal (aged three to six months) and eight adult (aged 21-81 years) human cases using quantitative receptor autoradiography following in vitro labelling of sections with the synthetic cannabinoid agonist [3H]CP55,940. Cannabinoid receptors were distributed in a heterogeneous fashion throughout the adult human brain and spinal cord. The allocortex contained very high concentrations of cannabinoid receptor binding sites in the dentate gyrus, Ammons's horn and subiculum of the hippocampal formation; high concentrations of receptors were also present in the entorhinal cortex and amygdaloid complex. Cannabinoid receptor binding sites were also present throughout all regions of the neocortex, where they showed a marked variation in density between the primary, secondary and associational cortical regions: the greatest densities of receptors were present in the associational cortical regions of the frontal and limbic lobes, with moderate densities in the secondary sensory and motor cortical regions, and with the lowest densities of receptors in the primary sensory and motor cortical regions. Relatively high concentrations of cannabinoid receptors were consistently seen in cortical regions of the left (dominant) hemisphere, known to be associated with verbal language functions. In all of the cortical regions, the pattern and density of receptor labelling followed the neocortical laminar organization, with the greatest density of receptors localized in two discrete bands--a clearly delineated narrow superficial band which coincided with lamina I and a deeper broader, conspicuous band of labelling which corresponded to laminae V and VI. Labelling in the intervening cortical laminae (II-IV) showed lower densities, with a well delineated narrow band of label in the middle of laminae IV in the associational cortical regions. The thalamus showed a distinctive heterogeneous distribution of cannabinoid receptors, with the highest concentration of receptors localized in the mediodorsal nucleus, anterior nuclear complex, and in the midline and intralaminar complex of nuclei, i.e. in thalamic nuclei which have connectional affiliations with the associational cortical areas. The basal ganglia showed a distinctive heterogeneous pattern of receptor binding, with the very highest concentrations in the globus pallidus internus, moderate concentrations in the globus pallidus externus and ventral pallidum, and moderately low levels of binding throughout the striatal complex. In the midbrain, some of the highest levels of cannabinoid receptor binding sites in the human brain were present in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, with very low levels of labelling in all other midbrain areas. The highest densities of cannabinoid receptor binding in the hindbrain were localized in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, with moderate densities of receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract. The spinal cord showed very low levels of receptor binding. Studies on the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the fetal and neonatal human brain showed similar patterns of receptor distribution to that observed in the adult human brain, except that the density of receptor binding was generally markedly higher, especially in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra. The pattern of cannabinoid receptor labelling in the striatum showed a striking patchy pattern of organization which was especially conspicuous in the fetal brain. These results show that cannabinoid receptor binding sites in the human brain are localized mainly in: forebrain areas associated with higher cognitive functions; forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain areas associated with the control of movement; and in hindbrain areas associated with the control of motor and sensory functions of the autonomic nervous system. (AB

Adult↗

Simultaneous multianalyte nucleic acid detection for gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens using GeneSTAR technology.

The use of Gene-based simultaneous target amplification and recognition (GeneSTAR) technologies allows for the rapid detection of five different bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens from stool sample. The process involves DNA isolation, multianalyte polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and single base mismatch detection in a microtiter plate format. The analysis is instrument compatible and can be completed in less than five hours.

Bacteria↗

Inhibition of interleukin-8 reduces tumorigenesis of human non-small cell lung cancer in SCID mice.

The salient feature of solid tumor growth is the strict dependence on local angiogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that IL-8 is an angiogenic factor present in freshly isolated specimens of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using a model of human NSCLC tumorigenesis in SCID mice, we now report that IL-8 acts as a promoter of human NSCLC tumor growth through its angiogenic properties. Passive immunization with neutralizing antibodies to IL-8 resulted in more than 40% reduction in tumor size and was associated with a decline in tumor-associated vascular density and angiogenic activity. IL-8 did not act as an autocrine growth factor for NSCLC proliferation. The reduction in primary tumor size in response to neutralizing antibodies to IL-8 was also accompanied by a trend toward a decrease in spontaneous metastasis to the lung. These data support the notion that IL-8 plays a significant role in mediating angiogenic activity during tumorigenesis of human NSCLC, thereby offering a potential target for immunotherapy against solid tumors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Loss of A1 adenosine receptors in human temporal lobe epilepsy.

Using quantitative receptor autoradiographic methods we have examined A1 adenosine receptors, adenosine uptake sites, benzodiazepine receptors, NMDA, AMPA, and kainic acid receptors in temporal lobes removed from patients suffering from complex partial seizures and in normal control post-mortem temporal cortex. Binding to A1 adenosine receptors and NMDA receptors was reduced in epileptic temporal cortex, while the other neurochemical parameters were unchanged. The reason for this A1 receptor loss is unclear as it occurred in both idiopathic and symptomatic cases and thus may be a consequence rather than an initial cause of seizures. However, because adenosine is a powerful anticonvulsant substance, loss of anticonvulsant A1 receptors may contribute to the human epileptic condition. It is also possible that the observed differences in A1 binding are due to autopsy vs. biopsy changes in the levels of A1 adenosine receptors.

Adolescent↗

Localisation of the adenosine uptake site in the human brain: a comparison with the distribution of adenosine A1 receptors.

Using quantitative receptor autoradiography we investigated the distribution of the adenosine uptake site labelled with [3H]NBTI in post-mortem human brain and compared its distribution with that of the A1 adenosine receptor labelled with [3H]CHA. The highest levels of [3H]NBTI binding were found in the cortex and striatum, with moderate levels in the hippocampus, globus pallidus, cerebellum and some midbrain and spinal cord nuclei. The distribution of A1 receptors and this adenosine uptake site differed in the hippocampus where A1 receptors were highest in CA1 but the uptake site was low in CA1 and higher in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. These results define the anatomical distribution of the high affinity NBTI sensitive adenosine uptake site in the normal human brain.

Adenosine↗

Guidelines for the retention, storage, and use of residual dried blood spot samples after newborn screening analysis: statement of the Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services.

These guidelines provide scientific information for policy development by state health departments considering appropriate use of newborn screening specimens after screening tests are finished. Information was collected, debated, and formulated into a policy statement by the Newborn Screening Committee of the Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services (CORN), a federally funded national consortium of representatives from 10 regional genetics networks. Newborn screening programs vary widely in approaches and policies concerning residual dried blood spot samples (DBS) collected for newborn screening. Recognition of the epidemiological utility of DBS samples for HIV seroprevalence surveys and a growing interest in DBSs for DNA analysis has intensified consideration of issues regarding retention, storage, and use of residual DBS samples. Potentially these samples provide a genetic material "bank" for all newborns nationwide. Their values as a resource for other uses has already been recognized by scientists, administrators, and judicial officials. Programs should promulgate rules for retention and use of residual newborn screening DBS samples based on scientifically valid information. Banking of newborn samples as sources of genetic material should be considered in light of potential benefit or harm to society.

Blood Specimen Collection↗

Induction of the Krox 24 transcription factor in striosomes by a cannabinoid agonist.

The striatum is composed of two compartments arranged as a mosaic, the striosomes (patches) and the matrix, which differ in their neurochemical and neuroanatomical properties. Along with a large number of neurotransmitter-related differences, these regions have recently been shown to differ in their immediate early gene (IEG) response to indirect dopamine agonists. Both Fos and Krox 24 can be preferentially induced in the striosomal compartment of the striatum by amphetamine. This compartmentalization of response suggests that there are functionally distinct molecular signalling pathways in striosomes and matrix. This paper examines the response of Krox 24 to i.p. administration of the cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 and demonstrates a selective induction of this protein within the striosomes 2 h after drug administration. This result suggests that cannabinoid receptors may regulate striatal gene expression.

Animals↗

Neurochemical and morphological changes associated with human epilepsy.

To date a multitude of studies into the morphology and neurochemistry of human epilepsy have been undertaken with variable, and often inconsistent, results. This review summarises these studies on a range of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and their receptors. In addition to this, novel changes in cell viability and sprouting have been identified and are discussed. Whether the alterations observed are a result of the seizures or are a contributory factor is unclear. However, it may be that following an initial insult (such as febrile convulsions, status epilepticus or head injury) secondary processes occur both of an anticonvulsant nature in an attempt to compensate for seizure activity, and in a kindling type of fashion, resulting in an increased susceptibility to seizures, leading to future seizures. Many of the alterations documented in this study probably represent one or both of these processes. Clearly no single chemical abnormality or morphological alteration is going to explain the clinically diverse disorder of epilepsy. However, by drawing together the neurochemistry and morphology of epilepsy, we may begin to understand the mechanisms involved in seizure disorders.

Brain↗

The leukotriene D4-receptor antagonist, ICI 204,219, relieves symptoms of acute seasonal allergic rhinitis.

The efficacy and safety of single oral doses of the leukotriene D4-receptor antagonist, ICI 204,219, were tested in subjects with acute seasonal allergic rhinitis. Subjects who were enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial spent 8 h/d for two consecutive days in a park at the peak of ragweed season (counts > 1,000 grains/m3). Subjects (n = 164) who had sufficient symptoms during a 3-h baseline period on Day 1 were randomized to treatment with 10 (n = 33), 20 (n = 33), 40 (n = 33), or 100 mg (n = 32) of ICI 204,219 or placebo (n = 33). Rhinitis symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose, throat and palate, and eye symptoms) were recorded hourly in the park and three times each evening at home. Blood samples were collected twice daily to determine plasma levels of ICI 204,219. Nasal congestion improved (p < 0.01) most consistently from the evening of Day 1 through Day 2 after treatment with 20- and 40-mg doses of ICI 204,219 versus placebo. Sneezing and rhinorrhea (p < or = 0.05) also improved on Day 2 for subjects who received 20- and 40-mg doses of ICI 204,219 compared with placebo. Mean symptoms scores for the entire day showed that 20 mg of ICI 204,219 was the minimally effective dose in this trial. The onset of action for all treatment groups, including placebo, was within the first 2 h of dosing. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial. ICI 204,219 was well tolerated and relieved symptoms of acute seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Administration, Oral↗

c-fos antisense reduces expression of Krox 24 in rat caudate and neocortex.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the neurochemical effects and measure the anatomical spread of infusion of c-fos antisense (AS) DNA into the striatum. 2. Rats were anesthetized and infused in opposing striata with c-fos AS and c-fos sense (S) DNA. Ten hours later they were injected with apomorphine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and 20 min later they were overdosed with sodium pentobarbital and their brains either perfused or frozen. Vibratome-cut sections were immunostained for the detection of c-fos, JunB, Krox 24, somatostatin, substance P, dynorphin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and enkephalin. Cryostat-cut sections from the caudate were immunostained for the detection of c-fos, JunB, and Krox 24, as well as in situ hybridization for proenkephalin mRNA. Sections from the globus pallidus were used for the autoradiographic localization of D2 dopamine and A2a adenosine receptors. Sections from the substantia nigra were used for the autoradiographic localization of D1 dopamine and cannabinoid receptors. A second group of rats were injected in opposing striata with biotin-labeled c-fos AS DNA and c-fos S DNA. Ten hours later they were challenged with apomorphine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and 20 min later brains were either perfused or frozen. Sections from these brains were cut throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the forebrain and the biotin labeled AS DNA was localized. 3. Krox 24 was expressed at high levels on the sense side of the brain in the striatum and overlying neocortex. However, on the AS-injected side there was a reduction in Krox 24 expression in striatum and overlying cortex. The biotin-labeled AS studies confirmed that the striatal infusion spread throughout the dorsal striatum as well as the overlying neocortex. We did not detect any changes in neurotransmitter receptors, neuropeptides, or tyrosine hydroxylase in AS/S-injected rat brains. 4. These results demonstrate that c-fos AS reduces Krox 24 expression in striatal and neocortical neurons but does not change the expression of a number of other proteins involved in basal ganglia function. Whether this effect is due to nonspecific actions of c-fos AS or to its effects on a component of the transduction pathway responsible for basal Krox 24 expression (NMDA receptors?) is unknown.

Animals↗

Effects of 6 weeks of therapy with oral doses of ICI 204,219, a leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, in subjects with bronchial asthma. ACCOLATE Asthma Trialists Group.

The efficacy of 6 wk of therapy with oral ICI 204,219, a selective leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor antagonist, was evaluated in subjects with moderate asthma during a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study. Subjects who entered the trial had been chronically treated for asthma with beta agonist alone or in combination with theophylline. Subjects were randomized to treatment with twice daily doses of ICI 204,219 (5, 10, or 20 mg) or placebo if they had an FEV1 between 40 and 75% of predicted values without bronchodilator therapy and a daytime asthma score > 10 (range 0 to 21 per wk) for 7 consecutive d. Efficacy was evaluated from the results of symptom assessments, pulmonary function tests, and rescue medication use. Of 276 subjects randomized to treatment, 266 (10 mg, n = 66; 20 mg, n = 67; 40 mg, n = 67; placebo, n = 66) were analyzed for efficacy. Diary card assessments showed that treatment with increasing doses of ICI 204,219 linearly improved five efficacy criteria without increasing the number or severity of adverse events. The 40 mg dose was more effective than placebo (p < 0.05) in reducing nighttime awakenings, first morning asthma symptoms, the daytime asthma score, and albuterol use and in increasing evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates as well as FEV1. Compared with baseline measurements, the 40 mg dose decreased awakenings by 46%, albuterol use by 30%, and daytime symptoms by 26% and increased FEV1 by 11%. ICI 204,219 improves objective and subjective measures of asthma severity in moderately ill asthmatic subjects and may provide a new treatment option for the disease.

Administration, Oral↗

Inhaled ICI 204,219 blocks antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with bronchial asthma.

Three inhalation formulations of ICI 204,219 were compared for antagonism of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in 16 subjects with asthma who demonstrated reproducible hypersensitivity to allergen during screening challenges. Each subject received a single 0.2-mg dose of each formulation and was challenged with ragweed 30 min after administration of ICI 204,219 until the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decreased by 20 percent or the maximum allergen concentration (100 micrograms/ml) was reached. The majority of subjects tolerated 100 micrograms/ml of allergen without a 20 percent decrease in FEV1. Inhalation formulations of ICI 204,219 successfully inhibited bronchoconstriction in subjects with reproducible sensitivity to ragweed challenges.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Loss of cannabinoid receptors in the substantia nigra in Huntington's disease.

Previous autoradiographic studies in rats using [3H]CP55,940 have demonstrated the cannabinoid receptor to be located on the axon terminals of striatal efferent neurons projecting to the globus pallidus and substantia nigra. Because these neurons are selectively lost in Huntington's disease, a loss of [3H]CP55,940 binding is predicted in the substantia nigra of the Huntington's disease brain. We have used autoradiography to compare the binding of [3H]CP55,940 in the substantia nigra of Huntington's disease and neurologically normal brains. The results have demonstrated that cannabinoid receptors in the normal human substantia nigra are discreetly localized within the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In contrast, the Huntington's disease brains show a massive loss (97.5%) of cannabinoid receptor binding in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. These results show that in the substantia nigra of the human brain cannabinoid receptors are located on striatonigral terminals which degenerate in Huntington's disease.

Aged↗

Inhibition of leukotriene D4-induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with asthma: a concentration-effect study of ICI 204,219.

The peptide-leukotriene antagonist, ICI 204,219 [4-(5-cyclopentyloxycarbonylamino-lmethylindol-3-ylmethyl )-3-methoxy-n-o-tolylsulfonyl benzamide], was administered 12 hours before an inhaled leukotriene D4 (LTD4) challenge during a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, two-period crossover trial. Subjects with mild asthma were randomized into five treatment groups (six subjects each) and received single oral doses of placebo and either 5, 10, 20, 40, or 100 mg of ICI 204,219 on day 1 of each treatment period. ICI 204,219 was tolerated well by all subjects. A progressive dose response was observed for doses of ICI 204,219 from 5 mg through 100 mg. Compared with placebo, ICI 204,219 increased the concentration (PC20FEV1) and dose of LTD4 needed to reduce forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) by 20%. Mean LTD4 PC20FEV1 for groups that received placebo and 10, 40, or 100 mg ICI 204,219 increased by tenfold or more (p < 0.05). An association was found between the plasma concentration and protective effect of ICI 204,219 (p < 0.01). ICI 204,219 is the first leukotriene receptor antagonist for which a relationship has been established between drug plasma levels and its protective effect in subjects with asthma.

Adolescent↗

Effect of the oral leukotriene antagonist, ICI 204,219, on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with asthma.

We studied the effect of a single oral dose of ICI 204,219 on subject response to bronchoprovocation and quantitative skin testing with standardized allergen (cat dander). Cat-allergic male subjects with asthma entered the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Each subject received a 40 mg dose of ICI 204,219 or placebo on study days separated by at least 10 days. After dosing, each subject underwent bronchoprovocation with cat allergen until a provocative dose of allergen caused a 20% decrease in FEV1 or a maximum dose of 30,000 AU/ml was reached. Fifteen subjects entered and 13 completed the study. No significant shift in the dose-response curve of the quantitative skin test occurred in any subject. A mean tenfold increase in the interpolated provocative concentration causing a 20% decrease in FEV1 was observed between ICI 204,219 (6996 +/- 3204 AU/ml) and placebo (460 +/- 98 AU/ml). Eight of 12 subjects required more antigen to provoke a bronchoprovocation response after dosing with ICI 204,219 than that required with placebo (range, threefold to 30-fold), three demonstrated no difference (less than twofold), and one subject required less antigen after ICI 204,219 (sevenfold less). Area under the curve measurements were significantly different (p less than 0.05) between ICI 204,219 and placebo for the fixed time from the end point of the allergen bronchoprovocation to 5 hours after provocation. In conclusion, this trial demonstrates that a single oral dose of ICI 204,219 antagonizes the bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled cat allergen.

Administration, Oral↗