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Biomedical subjects

R E Biagini

Publications and source records attributed to R E Biagini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Inhibition of rat heart mitochondrial electron transport in vitro: implications for the cardiotoxic action of allylamine or its primary metabolite, acrolein.

Allylamine (3-aminopropene) is a specific cardiac toxicant that causes aortic, valvular and myocardial lesions in many species. Myocardial necrosis can be observed 24 h after a single dose. Acute toxicity is believed to involve metabolism of allylamine to highly reactive acrolein (2-propenal). Allylamine has been shown to bind to mitochondria from aorta and heart, suggesting that the subcellular site of injury is at or near the mitochondrion. The present investigation compared the effect of allylamine and its primary metabolite, acrolein, on electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from rat heart (RHM). Both compounds weakly inhibited mitochondrial electron transport with either the combination of glutamate, malate, and malonate (GMM, NADH-linked) or succinate as substrate. Comparisons of the slopes of concentration-effect regression (range of concentrations tested, 0.20-2.0 mM) lines showed acrolein to have significantly greater inhibitory effects than allylamine (range of concentrations tested, 0.22-6.4 mM) on GMM oxidation, while no significant difference in the abilities of the compounds to inhibit succinate oxidation were observed, indicating site preferences for inhibitory action. The addition of an uncoupling agent could not reverse inhibition with either substrate system. These results indicate that both the parent compound and its proposed metabolite primarily inhibit electron transport with little direct effect on the coupling mechanism. The State III EC50 (effective concentrations for 50% inhibition of control mitochondrial enzyme activities) for allylamine (2.29 mM with succinate as substrate and 1.22 mM with GMM) and acrolein (0.80 mM with succinate as substrate and 0.39 mM with GMM) are probably too great to invoke the direct action of either the parent compound or its oxidized metabolite on mitochondrial electron transport as a primary mechanism in the cardiotoxic action of allylamine.

Acrolein↗

Antibodies to morphine in workers exposed to opiates at a narcotics manufacturing facility and evidence for similar antibodies in heroin abusers.

According to the International Narcotics Control Board, over 45,000 kg of morphine and 54,000 kg of codeine were ethically manufactured in 1986 at three facilities in the United States. Little information exists about possible adverse health effects associated with workplace exposure to opiate compounds in this industry. Because there are no specific federal standards for workplace exposure to narcotic dusts, exposure-control defaults to the nuisance dust standard (10 mg/m3, as an 8 hr time-weighted average). Narcotics manufacturing workers were evaluated for anti-morphine IgG before and 10 mo. after the implementation of an improved respiratory protection program (RPP). Significantly elevated IgG levels were measured before the improved RPP (P less than 0.005). After the improved RPP, a significant reduction was observed (P less than 0.001), suggesting that specific antibody levels could be used as biomarkers of exposure. Inhibition studies showed that the antibodies were specifically directed against morphine with some cross reactivity with morphine derivatives. Preliminary results are also shown which indicate that similar anti-morphine antibodies are present in the sera of intravenous heroin abusers. Elevated levels (P less than 0.05) of anti-morphine antibodies were detected in sera from heroin abusers, providing evidence that similar antibodies may be produced from non-occupational exposure to opiates. These finding have potentially far-reaching implications for addiction research and drug testing.

Air Pollution↗

Cold air challenge and platinum skin reactivity in platinum refinery workers. Bronchial reactivity precedes skin prick response.

An investigation of a platinum refinery operation consisted of an administered questionnaire, spirometry, skin prick testing with platinum salts and common aeroallergens, serum total IgE, radioallergosorbent test for platinum salts, and measurement of nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness by cold air challenge testing. Among 136 employees examined, there were 107 current and 29 medically terminated workers; 23 (17 percent) subjects had a positive platinum salts prick skin test and 19 (14 percent) displayed a positive cold air challenge. RAST binding for platinum salts IgE antibodies showed a high level of agreement with platinum skin prick test results. A proportion (63 percent) of the population (74 current and 12 terminated workers) underwent repeat platinum skin testing one year later. Among current workers, there was conversion of the platinum skin test from negative to a positive test in five employees, with three conversions occurring in workers who showed only a positive cold air challenge test the year before. Platinum skin sensitivity, asthma symptoms, and nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness persisted for years after termination of exposure in some medically terminated workers presumably because of a delay in removal from work of employees who became sensitized to platinum salts. It is suggested that proper surveillance for occupational asthma involves the use of several testing procedures. Prompt removal from work of individuals found to become sensitized to platinum salts is important in this industry.

Adult↗

Comparative toxicity of allylamine and acrolein in cultured myocytes and fibroblasts from neonatal rat heart.

Allylamine is toxic to the cardiovascular system causing aortic, valvular and myocardial lesions. Acute toxicity is believed to involve metabolism of allylamine to highly reactive acrolein. Comparative toxicity of allylamine and acrolein was evaluated in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes, which were obtained from neonatal rat hearts by a differential plating technique. Allylamine and acrolein were added directly to serum supplemented culture media (M199). Toxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release as an indicator of cell lysis. Spontaneous beating activity of myocytes, and adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) levels of myocytes and fibroblasts were also assessed. Cell lysis occurred 4 h after treatment of myocytes with 0.5 mM allylamine, whereas 20 mM allylamine was required to lyse fibroblasts. Acrolein, at a concentration of 0.05 mM, was equally toxic to fibroblasts and myocytes. Semicarbazide, a benzylamine oxidase inhibitor, protected myocytes from allylamine toxicity, but clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, was ineffective. Semicarbazide was ineffective against acrolein toxicity. Beating activity of myocytes was arrested by 0.05 mM acrolein and 0.5 mM allylamine, although 0.05-0.1 mM allylamine reduced beating activity. Myocyte ATP levels were reduced 4 h after exposure to 0.01 mM acrolein. Allylamine at 0.05 mM reduced ATP in myocytes, but 10 mM allylamine was required to reduce ATP in fibroblasts. ATP levels remained normal in myocytes exposed to 1 mM allylamine in the presence of 0.1 mM semicarbazide. The findings support the hypothesis that the toxicity of allylamine in cultured myocytes is dependent on its metabolism to acrolein, and that cytotoxicity may result from interference with energy production.

Acrolein↗

Immune responses of cynomolgus monkeys to phthalic anhydride.

Four groups of four Macaca fascicularis monkeys were administered 10 consecutive weekly subcutaneous injections of 2 mg aluminum hydroxide plus one of the following: 200 micrograms of phthalic anhydride (PA)-monkey serum albumin (PA-MSA, group 1); 200 micrograms of PA dissolved in ethanol-saline (EtOH-sal, group 2); 200 micrograms of MSA (group 3); or EtOH-sal alone (group 4). Direct intracutaneous tests to PA-MSA, PA-EtOH-sal, MSA, and EtOH-sal were applied at biweekly intervals throughout the course of the immunization. Serum-specific IgG to PA-MSA and specific IgE to PA-MSA were determined at 2-week intervals according to the ELISA and RAST methods, respectively. The prevalence of cutaneous sensitivity to PA-MSA in the PA-MSA-immunized group (group 1) was significantly greater after 4 and 6 (p less than 0.01) and 8 and 10 (p less than 0.05) weeks, compared with the other treatment groups. Significantly elevated (p less than 0.01) PA-MSA-specific IgG was also observed in monkeys in group 1 compared with the other treatment groups. No significant changes in PA-MSA RAST or total IgE were observed in any group during the study. These results indicate that parenteral sensitization to PA in subhuman primates requires the presence of new antigenic determinants formed by PA on protein carriers.

Animals↗

Ozone enhancement of platinum asthma in a primate model.

Three groups of adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were exposed to either 200 micrograms/m3 ammonium hexachloroplatinate [(NH4)2PtCl6], 200 micrograms (NH4)2PtCl6 concurrently with 1 ppm ozone (O3), or to 1 ppm O3 only. The animals were exposed by inhalation for 6 h per day, 5 days per week for 12 wk. The experimental design included methacholine preexposure and Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation challenge evaluations, Na2PtCl6 threshold skin tests, and sera for analyses of antibodies. Two weeks after the 12-wk exposures, these same indices were reevaluated. Baseline pulmonary function was not significantly affected by the exposure regimens; however, the combination of exposure to O3 and (NH4)2PtCl6 significantly reduced the concentration of platinum (Pt) salt and methacholine necessary to increase average pulmonary flow resistance (RL) 200% (EC200 RL). Ozone or Pt exposure alone had no significant effect on these parameters. Platinum and methacholine EC200 RL values were highly correlated for both Pt-exposed groups after exposure. These data indicated that combined O3 and Pt exposure significantly increased specific (Pt) and nonspecific (methacholine) bronchial hyperreactivity more often than did exposure to either O3 or the Pt salt alone. Combined O3 plus Pt exposure also significantly increases the incidence of positive Pt skin tests when compared with the other exposure groups. Similar to the human experience, radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) for Pt-specific antibodies was not as sensitive as direct skin testing in identifying allergic persons.

Animals↗

Pulmonary responsiveness to methacholine and disodium hexachloroplatinate (Na2PtCl6) aerosols in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

Hyperreactivity of the airways is a common finding in human asthma, and responsiveness to inhaled methacholine aerosols is routinely used for assessing airway irritability. Workers in precious metal refineries demonstrate pulmonary signs suggestive of asthma, presumably related to exposure to soluble platinum salts. In these workers, evidence of physiologic dysfunction precedes immunologic evidence (skin test) of disease, suggesting an initial pharmacologic mechanism. With a primate animal model for the screening of occupational asthmogens, 24 Cynomolgus monkeys were evaluated for their comparative pulmonary responsiveness to inhaled aerosols of methacholine and sodium hexachloroplatinate (Na2PtCl6). Average pulmonary flow resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (CLdyn), maximum expiratory flow volume (MEFV), and respiratory frequency changes were evaluated after bronchoprovocation challenge. Both agents produced dose-dependent increases in RL, dose-dependent decreases in CLdyn and MEFV, and no effect on respiratory rates. Analyses of the correlation between concentration effects of the two agents showed no association between cholinergic airway irritability status and Na2PtCl6-induced bronchoconstriction. Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation produced significantly greater flow impairment at lower lung volumes when compared to methacholine concentrations with equipotent effects on RL and CLdyn. These compounds have differential effects on peripheral airway function. The lack of respiratory rate change seen on bronchoprovocation with these compounds, in comparison to the rapid shallow breathing in anesthetized monkeys following irritant or histamine challenge, indicates that neither aerosol stimulated pulmonary irritant receptors.

Airway Resistance↗

The diversity of reaginic immune responses to platinum and palladium metallic salts.

As part of a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health health hazards evaluation, workers employed in a precious metal refinery exposed to platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and other group VIII metallic salts were evaluated for direct skin test sensitivity to Pt. Current (107) and former (30) workers who quit or were discharged because of Pt-related health problems were prick tested with ammonium hexachloroplatinate ([NH4]2 PtCl6). Of the 107 currently exposed workers, 15 (14%) exhibited positive skin tests, as indexed by immediate reactivity at a dose of 10(-3) gm/ml or less. Eight (27%) of the 30 former workers no longer exposed to Pt also demonstrated positive Pt skin tests. Sera obtained from the workers were assessed for transferable antibodies to Pt and Pd salts by monkey passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, Pt-specific antibodies were evaluated by RAST. Results of these studies suggested that short- and long-term passive cutaneous anaphylaxis immune responses occur after exposure to both Pt and Pd compounds. Results of RAST analysis for Pt-specific antibodies indicated that significantly higher (p less than 0.001) levels were present in the sera of skin test-positive workers as compared to control sera from Pt-exposed, skin test-negative workers or nonexposed control subjects. Evidence was also obtained that Pt or Pt-protein adducts present in the sera of exposed workers may compete for IgE-binding sites in the RAST assay. The specificity of the Pt-specific RAST system was proved by inhibition experiments.

Animals↗

Pulmonary hyperreactivity in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from nose-only inhalation exposure to disodium hexachloroplatinate, Na2PtCl6.

The pulmonary and dermal effects of exposure to Na2PtCl6 were investigated in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) exposed by the nose-only inhalation and percutaneous routes. Separate inhalation exposures were performed in monkeys at 200 micrograms/m3 and 2 mg/m3 (4 hr/day, biweekly for 12 weeks), while another group of monkeys was percutaneously exposed biweekly by an open patch method. After a 2-week refractory period, serial Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation challenges and intradermal Na2PtCl6 sensitivity evaluations were performed. Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation in naive control monkeys yielded significant impairments in post-challenge pulmonary mechanics and ventilatory function. These results indicate a pharmacologic or irritant-mediated bronchoconstriction mechanism for acute exposure to this compound. When the post-challenge pulmonary function of animals exposed for the 12-week exposure regimen (across treatments) was compared to pulmonary deficits observed in control animals upon challenge, significantly greater pulmonary deficits were seen in animals exposed at the 200 micrograms/m3 concentration. Exposure at this concentration yielded significant changes in post-challenge average pulmonary flow resistance (RL) and forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec corrected for vital capacity (FEV0.5/FVC) when compared to control monkey responses. Animals exposed by the percutaneous route or at 2 mg/m3 showed no significant post-challenge pulmonary deficits when compared to control animals. Intradermal Na2PtCl6 sensitivity was found not to be exposure related in the conditions of this experiment.

Aerosols↗

[Mycetoma in northern Argentina].

From 1972 to October 1982 we have observed 39 cases of mycetoma in the Skin Department of the Hospital del Milagro, Salta (Argentina). The diagnosis was based on the clinical aspect, mycological studies and in most cases histopathology was done as well. The mayoritary of the patients were farmers. From the clinical point of view there si a true prevalence of Nocardia Brasiliensis. Most of the mycetomas can be found in the lower limbs. Some of the patients presented quite severe lesions and eight of them had bone involvement. The combination of long action sulphas with sulphonas has been efficient enough in the treatment of mycetomas caused by Nocardia Brasiliensis.

Actinomycetaceae↗

Disodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2PdCl4), an inhibitor of rat liver mitochondrial electron transport.

The effects of Na2PdCl4 were studied on isolated rat liver mitochondrial electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation in vitro. Significant reductions in ADP-stimulated respiration were observed with increasing Na2PdCl4 concentrations with both succinate and NADH-linked substrate oxidations. Concentration necessary for half-maximal inhibition of oxygen uptake (EC50) for an NADH-linked substrate system was 18 muM while with succinate as substrate the EC50 was 15 muM. At 64 muM both systems were inhibited maximally at 60 and 80%, respectively. At concentrations of Na2PdCl4 sufficient to inhibit acceptor-stimulated oxygen uptake, there was a concomitant decrease in the rate of ADP phosphorylation as measured by proton absorption. Uncoupling agents had no effect on Na2PdCl4 inhibited mitochondria. Mg-ATPase activity and phosphate acceptor limited (State 4) respiratory activity were not stimulated by any Na2PdCl4 concentration used in these investigations. Data from these experiments indicate that Na2PdCl4 inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain in vitro.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The inhibition by a series of potentially bioreductive naphthoquinones of rat liver mitochondria and sarcoma 180 tumor cell respiration.

A series of potentially bioreductive naphthoquinones were investigated for their effects on rat liver mitochondrial electron transport and energy transfer and their ability to inhibit Sarcoma 180 tumor cell respiration in vitro. It was found that all the naphthoquinones evaluated, inhibited tumor cell respiration and rat liver mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. It was also found that 1,4-naphthoquinones substituted at the 2 and 3 positions were more effective inhibitors of the respiratory and energy transfer systems studied than those substituted at the 2 position only. 2,3-bis(chloromethyl) 1,4-naphthoquinone was found to cause the most rapid onset of inhibition, cause an immediate burst of cyanide insensitive respiration, and cause a preferential reduction of cytochromes c, a and a3 following oxygen depletion.

Animals↗

Effects of the bioreductive alkylating agent 2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone on coupled mitochondria isolated from sarcoma 180 ascites cells.

The effect of CMNQ was studied on mitochondria isolated from S-180 ascites tumor cells. It was found that the primary metabolic event upon addition of CMNQ to S-180 mitochondria was a stimulation of oxygen uptake. The oxygen utilization rate was maximized at about 50 nmoles CMNQ/mg protein; at doses higher than this, inhibition of respiration was observed relative to the stimulation of respiration produced by CCCP. It was also up to 50 nmoles CMNQ/mg protein. S-180 ATPase activity is stimulated maximally by 125 nmoles CMNQ/mg protein; at doses higher than this, slight inhibition of the ATPase activity relative to the stimulation produced by CCCP is seen. In vivo treatment of CMNQ to tumor bearing animals leads to a significant reduction of in vitro S-180 cellular respiration rates. The data presented in this work coupled with previously published reports involving CMNQ support the proposal for a mitochondrial level of action for this bioreductive alkylating antineoplastic agent.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Mode of action of the bioreductive alkylating agent, 2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone.

The bioreductive alkylating agent, 2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4-napthoquinone (CMNQ), has been shown to inhibit the growth of Sarcoma 180 ascites cells in vivo. Evidence for the reductive activation of this agent via the mitochondrial respiratory chain was provided by CMNQ-induced oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; the interaction was shown to be on the substrate side of the site of rotenone inhibition. Consistent with the concept that reduction of CMNQ to a hydroquinone results in the generation of an alkylating species (i.e., a quinone methide) was the finding that radioactivity from [14C]CMNQ present in Sarcoma 180 ascites cells was associated with DNA, RNA, and protein for a period of up to 72 hr after exposure to tumor-bearing animals to this agent. Inhibition of the incorporation of [3H]thymidine, [3H]uridine, and [14C]leucine into DNA, RNA, and protein, respectively, of Sarcoma 180 ascites cells was produced by this agent, with DNA biosynthesis being the most susceptible. The inhibitory effect of CMNQ on the formation of DNA was, at least in part, the result of a prevention of the conversion of thymidine to its nucleotide forms. This action was due to (a) a drug-induced decrease in intracellular levels of adenosine 5'-triphosphate, presumably resulting from uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by CMNQ; and (b) a partial loss of thymidine kinase activity in Sarcoma 180 cells, which did not appear to be due to direct inhibition of the enzyme by the drug. Although the primary event produced by CMNQ at the mitochondrial level appeared to be release of respiratory control, other effects of mitochondrial metabolism occurred. These included inhibition of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and succinoxidase activities, as previously demonstrated, and mitochondrial swelling, which suggested interaction of CMNQ with the inner mitochondrial membrane. These findings indicate a variety of biochemical lesions are associated with the antineoplastic activity of CMNQ and demonstrate a relationship between the effects of this drug on mitochondrial respiratory control and DNA biosynthesis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Hypersensitivity reactions and specific antibodies in workers exposed to industrial enzymes at a biotechnology plant.

Thirty-six employees who produced industrial enzymes from selected strains of bacteria and fungi were evaluated by epicutaneous threshold testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for specific IgE and IgG antibodies. The workers complained of 'asthma- and flu-like' symptoms, which generally lessened away from work. The enzymes evaluated were: alpha-amylase (1,4-alpha-d-glucan glucanohydrolase) from Bacillus licheniformis (alpha ABl), B. subtilis formation 1 (alpha A1Bs) and B. subtilis formation 2 (alpha A2Bs); purified alpha-amylase from B. licheniformis (C alpha ABl) and A. oryzae (C alpha AAo); alkaline protease from B. licheniformis (APBl) and purified alkaline protease (CAPBl); amyloglucosidase (1,4-alpha-d-glucan glucohydrolase) from A. niger (AGAn) and purified amyloglucosidase (CAGAn). Statistically significant increases (P > 0.05) in the proportion of workers having positive skin tests to CAPBl, AGAn and CAGAn were found. Significantly elevated (P > 0.05) mean specific IgE results were observed for C alpha AAo CAGAn and AGAn, and elevated (P > 0.05) mean specific IgGs were observed for C alpha AAo, CAGAn, AGAn, alpha A1Bs, alpha AB1 and alpha A2Bs. These results indicate that occupational exposure to some industrial enzymes can cause immediate-onset cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, pulmonary function deficits and significantly elevated specific antibody levels. Our results are equivocal as to whether work-related respiratory and cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are antibody mediated, as there was no statistically significant association between these reactions and specific IgE or IgG levels.

Adult↗

Acute airway narrowing in monkeys from challenge with 2.5 ppm formaldehyde generated from formalin.

Nine adult male Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were exposed for 10 min to 2.55 +/- 0.03 ppm formaldehyde (HCHO; mean +/- standard error of the mean, SEM) generated from formalin with a newly developed HCHO challenge system. The generation system was capable of producing highly stable HCHO vapor concentrations with fluctuations of HCHO concentrations of less than +/- 5%. The experimental design included pre-exposure methacholine challenge to determine if responses to HCHO were associated with pre-existing bronchial hyperreactivity. Significant changes in average pulmonary flow resistance (RL) were observed (compared to control RL values) at 2 (p less than 0.01), 5 (p less than 0.01), and 10 min (p less than 0.005) post-HCHO challenge. Pre-challenge RL values (mean +/- SEM) were 11.3 +/- 1.4 cm H2O.l/s, while at 2, 5, and 10 min after HCHO challenge, values were 16.1 +/- 2.1, 16.9 +/- 2.8 and 20.0 +/- 3.4 cm H2O.l/s, respectively. Methacholine challenge data suggest that reactions to HCHO tend to be greater in monkeys hyperreactive to methacholine, but the relationship does not reach statistical significance in this small series of animals. These data indicate that significant pulmonary function deficits occur immediately after challenge with 2.55 ppm HCHO vapor in monkeys.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Immunologic analyses of peripheral leukocytes from workers at an ethical narcotics manufacturing facility.

Little information exists about possible adverse health effects associated with workplace exposure to opiate compounds. We have previously reported opiate-specific IgG antibodies, positive epicutaneous tests, and pulmonary function decrements in workers exposed occupationally to opiates. In the present work, we extended these findings to investigate the effect of occupational opiate exposure on lymphocyte subpopulations and mitogen-induced lymphoblastogenesis. Thirty-three opiate-exposed workers and 8 nonexposed control workers were evaluated for lymphocyte subpopulation absolute numbers and percentages, by evaluating cell surface antigen expression with flow cytometry. A complete blood count with differential, common clinical chemistry parameters, and serum immunoglobulin levels were also evaluated. Opiate-exposed workers showed significantly (p < .05) increased absolute numbers and percentages of HLA-DR+ cells (MHC class II histocompatibility antigen), significantly (p < .01) decreased percentages of T helper-inducer (CD4+) cells, and significantly (p < .05) decreased numbers of basophils, compared with nonexposed opiate workers from the same factory. A trend toward reduction in the T helper-inducer (CD4+)/T cytotoxic-suppressor (CD8+) lymphocyte ratio was also evident. There was also a significant decrease in lymphocyte activity stimulated by pokeweed mitogen (p < .05) in opiate-exposed workers. These data indicate that occupational opiate exposure may change the number and types of circulating peripheral blood leukocytes, or alternatively, alter the expression of receptors on the surface of these cells. In addition, occupational opiate exposure appears to decrease the sensitivity of B-cells to pokeweed mitogen stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antigens, CD↗