Biomedical subjects

N J DelRaso

Publications and source records attributed to N J DelRaso.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Effects of chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomer fatty acids on recombinant GABA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

GABA-activated Cl- current was expressed in Xenopus oocytes after injecting cRNA that had been transcribed in vitro from complementary DNA (cDNA) coding for a single GABA rho i-subunit cloned from human retina. The expressed current was insensitive to 100 microM bicuculline, but was activated by the GABA analogue trans-4-aminocrontonic acid (TACA). Anion-selective permeability of the expressed rho 1-subunit was determined by isotonically replacing the extracellular Cl- with different anions. The anion permeability was very similar to the native GABAA receptor/channel following a sequence of SCN- > I- > NO3- > Br- > or = Cl-. Halogenated fatty acids, such as chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and perfluorinated oligomer acids inhibited the GABA-induced current in oocytes expressing the human retinal GABA rho 1-subunit or rat brain GABAA receptor alpha 1,beta 2,gamma 2 subunits. The inhibitory effect of halogenated fatty acids demonstrated a carbon chain length-dependent manner of: C10 > C8 > C6 > C4. Perfluorinated C8-oligomer acid (PFOA) was less effective at blocking this channel than the C8-CTFE oligomer acid. Radiolabeled GABA binding assay indicated that CTFE oligomer acids do not interfere at the GABA binding site of the receptor. Furthermore, the C8-CTFE oligomer fatty acid did not compete with picrotoxin for binding sites within the pore of the channel. These studies demonstrated that the heterologous expression system is useful for studying the molecular interaction between potential neurotoxic agents and neuroreceptors. Our results provide detailed information that should contribute to our understanding of the structure and function of retinal GABA receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

In vitro methodologies for enhanced toxicity testing.

This report will give a general overview of some of the in vitro methodologies used in toxicity testing. The use of computer-based structure-activity relationships and cell culture testing systems can provide valuable toxicological data for hazard and risk assessments. In vitro systems allow for a more rapid identification of toxic compounds and can be utilized to study mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular and subcellular level. The data derived from these types of studies can be used to improve the predictability of animal models for chemical or drug toxicity. This report focused on primary hepatocytes as an in vitro model for cytotoxicity and metabolic studies.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

PubMed1991

Effects of short-term oral dosing of polychlorotrifluoroethylene (polyCTFE) on the rhesus monkey.

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (polyCTFE--primarily oligomers with 3-4 monomer units), a non-flammable hydraulic fluid for aircraft, was given daily for 15 days by oral gavage to four Rhesus monkeys at a concentration of 0.725 g kg-1. The administered dose was at a level that had caused toxicity in rats. Steady-state blood and liver concentrations reached were the same in both species. In monkeys, polyCTFE did not cause the electrolyte, serum protein, liver enzyme and anemic disturbances previously seen in rats. Liver sections taken at 15 days, analyzed for palmitoyl Co-A beta-oxidation rates or by electron microscopy, showed no significant indication of peroxisomal proliferation. An increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at 15 days was the only clinical pathological abnormality seen in both monkeys and rats. Previously unobserved effects were increased triglycerides and glycogen depletion.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1991

Comparative hepatotoxicity of two polychlorotrifluoroethylenes (3.1 oils) and two chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) oligomers in male Fischer 344 rats.

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (3.1 oil) is a nonflammable hydraulic fluid composed of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) oligomers of different carbon chain lengths (C5 to C9), primarily six (trimer) and eight (tetramer) carbons. Four test groups of Fischer 344 rats (16 rats/group) were orally gavaged daily over a 2-week period at doses of 1.25 g/kg with 3.1 oil containing a 55:45 ratio of trimer and tetramer (3.1 oil-C6:C8), 3.1 oil composed of 95% trimer (3.1 oil-C6), pure tetramer, and pure trimer. Four rats per treatment group were terminated after 1, 3, 7, and 14 doses. Rats dosed with either 3.1 oil-C6:C8 or pure tetramer demonstrated significant weight losses, increased liver weights, increased rates of liver fatty acid beta-oxidation, pronounced hepatomegaly and altered hepatocellular architecture, and elevated serum liver-associated enzymes. Rats dosed with either 3.1 oil-C6 or only pure trimer demonstrated significant increase in liver weight and moderate liver histopathologic changes. Compositional analyses of the ratio percentage of trimer to tetramer present in 3.1 oil-C6:C8 (55:45) were found to be altered when measured in the liver (32:68). Differential CTFE oligomer toxicity was indicated by effects on liver, body weight, and peroxisomal beta-oxidation and may allow for less toxic formulations of 3.1 oil to be generated by reducing or eliminating the tetramer component.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Evidence of hepatic conversion of C6 and C8 chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) oligomers to their corresponding CTFE acids.

The toxicity of polychlorotrifluoroethylene oil (3.1 oil) hydraulic fluid is believed to be related to the conversion of neutral chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) oligomers to their corresponding halogenated fatty acids. Male Fischer-344 rats were orally gavaged (1.25 g/kg/d) with two batch formulated 3.1 oils (3.1 oil-C6 and 3.1 oil-C6:C8) and C6 CTFE (trimer) and C8 CTFE (tetramer) oligomers, respectively. All rats exposed to test compounds for 7 days demonstrated significant 2-fold increases in liver weight over controls. After 24-h and 7-day dosings, the amount of tetramer acid formed in the liver was 2x and 11x the amount of trimer acid formed, respectively. In addition to the formation of tetramer acid, rats dosed with tetramer also indicated comparable amounts of trimer acid. These data indicate that toxicity induced by the 3.1 oil may be due to the retention of the tetramer and the resulting persistent high concentrations of halogenated fatty acids.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1990

Lack of detectable metabolism for solubilized 2,3,4-trimethylpentane by rat kidney proximal tubules.

Primary proximal tubule suspension cultures exposed to solubilized 2,3,4-trimethylpentane (2,3,4-TMP) resulted in a linear dose response, as determined by cellular lactate dehydrogenase leakage. The EC50 for 2,3,4-TMP was 16.3 mM. Metabolite analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of supernate and cell extracts from cultures exposed to 2,3,4-TMP (12.0 mM) failed to detect the presence of metabolites. Electron-microscopic examination of proximal tubules exposed to 2,3,4-TMP indicated ultrastructural changes that included increased mitochondrial swelling, increased vesiculation, decreased microvilli and pyknotic nuclei. This study indicates that kidney proximal tubules do not appear to metabolize 2,3,4-TMP.

Animals↗