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Biomedical subjects

S Archer

Publications and source records attributed to S Archer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

N-methylcarbamate derivatives of ellipticine and olivacine with cytotoxic activity against four human lung cancer cell lines.

A series of analogues of the antitumor alkaloids ellipticine and olivacine were tested for cytotoxicity against four human lung cancer cell lines: H69, N417, H460, and H358. Adriamycin (doxorubicin), ellipticine, olivacine, and celiptinium were used as standards. Adriamycin was cytotoxic at 2 microM and celiptinium was inactive at the highest concentrations tested (IC50 > 48 microM). N-methylcarbamates of 9-methoxy-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole 1-,5-, and 11-methanols gave IC50 values ranging from 0.02 to 0.11 microM against N417, H460, and H358 and were only slightly less effective against H69.

Animals

The non specificity of specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

L-NAME (Nw-Nitro-L-arginine methylester) and L-NMMA (NG- Monomethyl-L-arginine, monoacetate) are used widely as nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors. Because of their functional groups (alcohols, amines and carboxylates), it appeared that they could interact with iron in a variety of systems. Using three in vitro models we observed these two compounds had inhibitory effects on cytochrome C reduction by ferrous iron, by ferrous iron accelerated by an unsaturated fatty acid or by epinephrine. This suggests that L-NAME and L-NMMA could have effects in iron containing systems found intracellularly apart from their inhibition of (NO) synthesis.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases

Synthesis and characterization of 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD)-labeled fluorescent opioids.

Alkylation of sarcosine with 4-chloro-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-chloride) furnished a fluorescent tag that was coupled with a tetrahydrothebaine derivative and beta-naltrexamine, respectively, to yield the fluorescent opioids 7 alpha-(1R)-1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propyl]-6,14- endoethenotetrahydrothebaine NBD-sarcosinate (ASM-5-10) and N-cyclopropylmethyl-3-hydroxy-14 beta-hydroxy-6 beta-(NBD sarcosinyl)-amino-epoxymorphinan (ASM-5-67). The fluorescence intensity of the novel opioids allowed their detection at subnanomolar concentrations, and was dependent on the polarity of the solvent. Maximum quantum yield was obtained in ethyl acetate and ethanol, and minimal fluorescence in heptane and water. Compounds ASM-5-10 and ASM-5-67 displaced the opioid receptor binding of [3H]Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-(Me)Phe-Gly-ol in monkey brain membranes with IC50 values of 8.4 and 1.5 nM, respectively. Whereas ASM-5-67 bound to mu, delta, and kappa receptors with comparable affinities, ASM-5-10 was mu-selective, with selectivity indices (ratio of respective IC50 values) of 0.04 for both mu/delta and mu/kappa. The sodium response ratio in binding revealed a pronounced agonist property of ASM-5-10. Both opioids were lipophilic, with octanol-water partition coefficients (log Papp) of 2.8 (ASM-5-10) and 1.0 (ASM-5-67). ASM-5-10 exhibited particularly strong membrane retention that was not reversible by four washes. Their favorable characteristics in fluorescence, receptor binding, and membrane interaction make these newly developed ligands useful molecular probes to study opioid receptor mechanisms.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan

Hycanthone resistance in schistosomes correlates with the lack of an enzymatic activity which produces the covalent binding of hycanthone to parasite macromolecules.

Crude extracts of hycanthone sensitive Schistosoma mansoni incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence of ATP and Mg2+ induced the covalent binding of tritiated hycanthone (HC) to macromolecules. The same behavior was shown by the HC sensitive species, Schistosoma rodhaini, whereas two independently isolated HC resistant S. mansoni strains had no detectable activity. Sensitive male schistosomes had more activity than females or immature worms. Virtually no activity was present in mouse liver, in human liver, in HeLa cells or in the naturally resistant species Schistosoma japonicum. The activity was destroyed by boiling or by Proteinase K treatment. Covalent binding of tritiated HC to macromolecules could be inhibited by cold HC, oxamniquine or IA-4, while none of the in vitro ineffective analogs, like lucanthone, UK-3883 or 4-desmethyl lucanthone, were inhibitory. These results strongly support the previously advanced suggestion that HC is activated by enzymatic mechanisms which are present only in drug sensitive schistosomes.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Antinociceptive properties of two alkylating derivatives of morphinone: 14 beta-(thioglycolamido)-7,8-dihydromorphinone (TAMO) and 14 beta-(bromoacetamido)-7,8-dihydromorphinone (H2BAMO).

This study investigated the antinociceptive properties of two alkylating derivatives of morphinone, 14 beta-(thioglycolamido)-7,8- dihydromorphinone (TAMO) and 14 beta-(bromoacetamido)-7,8-dihydromorphinone (H2BAMO) in the mouse tail-flick assay. Intracerebroventricular administration of either TAMO or H2BAMO produced short-term antinociception. Both TAMO and H2BAMO were 11.6-fold more potent than an i.c.v. administration of morphine. These effects were antagonized by the mu-selective antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine, but not by the delta-selective antagonist, N,N-diallyl-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH. TAMO pretreatment from 8 to 48 hr produced a time-related, dose-dependent antagonism of morphine-induced antinociception without showing any agonistic effect. Pretreatment with TAMO for 24 hr antagonized antinociception produced by both H2BAMO and morphine, as well as TAMO itself, but not that of the delta-selective agonist [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) or U50,488, a kappa-selective agonist. In order to distinguish this antagonistic effect from cross-tolerance between TAMO and morphine, two mu agonists, [D-Ala2,N(Me)Phe4,Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) and H2BAMO, were chosen for comparison. A single i.c.v. pretreatment of DAMGO or H2BAMO, at a dose that had equivalent analgesic effects as TAMO, attenuated morphine-induced antinociception, reaching a maximal effect at the time of the disappearance of agonistic effects of DAMGO and H2BAMO and lasting up to 24 hr. Additionally, a 16-hr pretreatment with TAMO, but not DAMGO or H2BAMO, reduced the development of physical dependence to morphine at 24 hr after morphine pellet implantation. Therefore, this study demonstrated that both TAMO and H2BAMO act as mu opioid agonists to produce short-term antinociception.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analgesics

Synthesis, rodent biodistribution, dosimetry, metabolism, and monkey images of carbon-11-labeled (+)-2 alpha-tropanyl benzilate: a central muscarinic receptor imaging agent.

Muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChR) are abundant in the brain, and the mAChR system mediates many aspects of brain function. There is evidence of alterations in muscarinic binding in degenerative brain disorders. A muscarinic receptor radioligand, carbon-11-(+)-2 alpha-tropanyl benzilate ([11C]TRB), has been prepared through N-[11C]methylation of N-desmethyl TRB, and evaluated in rodents and primates. Full body biodistribution in rats has been determined and the expected human dosimetry calculated. Comparisons with [11C]scopolamine in rats showed 2-6 times greater brain uptake of [11C] TRB. Highly specific and saturable binding of [11C]TRB in the striatum and cortex was demonstrated by greater than 85% blockade of uptake following QNB or scopolamine pretreatment. Striatum/cerebellum ratios in mice at 60 min exceeded 12.6. TLC analysis of rat tissues showed the absence of 11C-metabolites in brain and heart, and a rapid solid phase C-18 Sep-Pak method found that unmetabolized plasma [11C]TRB in monkeys fell from 81% at 5 min to 48% at 80 min. Finally, brains of living primates have been imaged using PET and [11C]TRB; regional localization was consistent with muscarinic receptor distribution. These results represent intermediate steps in the development of [11C]TRB for quantification of central muscarinic receptors in man.

Animals

Duodenal necrosis and intramural haematoma complicating acute pancreatitis.

Although segmental bowel necrosis is a recognized complication of pancreatitis, the duodenum is rarely involved. We report a unique case of acute duodenal obstruction characterized by transmural necrosis and intramural duodenal haematoma in a young man with acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis. The patient recovered following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Acute Disease

Mode of action of the schistosomicide hycanthone: site of DNA alkylation.

Condensation of hycanthone N-methylcarbamate (HNMC) with deoxyguanosine (dG) furnished a mixture of the N-1 and N2 adducts which were purified and characterized as their acetates. Condensation of HNMC with thymidine (T) gave the N-3 adduct in poor yield. Adenosine (A) and cytidine (C) did not react with HNMC. Incubation of schistosomes with either [3H]hycanthone (HC) or [3H]HNMC furnished DNA to which [3H]HC was covalently bound. The alkylated DNA was degraded enzymically and the radiolabeled nucleosides were separated using HPLC. Two major peaks were observed which coincided in retention time with the synthetic N-1 and N2 alkylated dG. Alkylated T was absent. Thus, the site of alkylation of DNA by either HC or HNMC is dG.

Alkylation

Similarity assessment and attribute scaling of sucrose and aspartame in grape drink.

The present study investigated the perception of sweetness of aspartame in comparison to various concentrations of sucrose. Twenty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to taste a chilled or room temperature Kool-Aid beverage sweetened with either aspartame or five different concentrations of sucrose. Subjects assessed the perceived similarity in sweetness of an aspartame-aspartame pair and five different aspartame-sucrose pairings and rated each beverage on five bipolar adjectives. Analysis of the similarity ratings revealed that subjects did not perceive the pairs of beverages to differ in perceived sweetness. Analysis of the adjective ratings revealed that aspartame and the lower sucrose concentrations were perceived as being less sweet and more sour than the higher sucrose concentrations.

Aspartame

Affinity labeling of mu opioid receptors by sulfhydryl alkylating derivatives of morphine and morphinone.

After reduction of a disulfide bond at or near the mu opioid binding site in rat brain membranes, incubating membranes with 14 beta-bromoacetamido derivatives of either morphine, dihydromorphine, morphinone, or dihydromorphinone resulted in the irreversible inhibition of mu opioid binding to rat brain membranes. Without the addition of the disulfide bond-reducing reagent dithiothreitol, these affinity ligands bound reversibly to opioid binding sites. Binding to either delta or kappa opioid binding sites was not altered by alkylation of the membranes with the affinity ligands. The percentage of irreversible inhibition of mu opioid binding was dependent on the time and temperature of the incubation of membranes with the affinity ligands and on the concentrations of dithiothreitol and the affinity ligands. Incubating membranes with morphine afforded almost complete protection from alkylation of the mu opioid binding site. Naloxone and the l-isomer levorphanol also protected the site from alkylation, whereas the d-isomer dextrorphan and the kappa-selective opioid U50,488H did not protect the site. The mu-selective peptide [D-Ala2, (Me)Phe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin was the peptide that afforded the greatest protection. These studies have shown that, after the reduction of a disulfide bond at or near the mu opioid binding site, this sulfhydryl group can be specifically alkylated, resulting in the affinity labeling of the mu opioid binding site.

Affinity Labels

Intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil infusion for treatment of both peritoneal and liver micrometastases.

Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has the potential to reduce the locoregional recurrence rate of gastrointestinal cancer. We have tested this hypothesis in a rat model, in which liver and peritoneal micrometastases were induced by the injection of cultured colonic cancer spheroids into both the portal vein and peritoneal cavity, respectively. Sixty-seven tumor-bearing animals were randomized to receive either no treatment, superior mesenteric vein 5-FU, or intraperitoneal 5-FU. Infusions were begun 2 days after tumor inoculation at a dose of 45 mg/kg/day and continued for 5 days. All untreated animals had advanced liver and peritoneal metastases 1 month after tumor implantation. Intraperitoneal 5-FU totally prevented the development of macroscopic tumor on peritoneal surfaces in 57% of animals. Paradoxically, rats treated with portal vein 5-FU had significantly more tumor or peritoneal surfaces than did the untreated group (p = 0.038). Both intraperitoneal and portal vein chemotherapy resulted in approximately a 50% reduction in total liver metastases compared with untreated animals (p = 0.78). Comparison of hepatic tumor growth within different lobes or segments demonstrated that although intraperitoneal 5-FU produced a homogeneous reduction in liver metastases, the effect of portal vein chemotherapy was unevenly distributed. We conclude that intraperitoneal chemotherapy was not only effective in eradicating peritoneal micrometastases but also received the same overall reduction in liver metastases as did portal vein chemotherapy. Moreover, regional differences in hepatic tumor responses as a result of drug streaming during portal vein 5-FU infusion were not observed after intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Animals

14 beta-(Bromoacetamido)morphine irreversibly labels mu opioid receptors in rat brain membranes.

The binding properties of 14 beta-(bromoacetamido)morphine (BAM) and the ability of BAM to irreversibly inhibit opioid binding to rat brain membranes were examined to characterize the affinity and selectivity of BAM as an irreversible affinity ligand for opioid receptors. BAM had the same receptor selectivity as morphine, with a 3-5-fold decrease in affinity for the different types of opioid receptors. When brain membranes were incubated with BAM, followed by extensive washing, opioid binding was restored to control levels. However, when membranes were incubated with dithiothreitol (DTT), followed by BAM, and subsequently washed, 90% of the 0.25 nM [3H] [D-Ala2,(Me)Phe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAGO) binding was irreversibly inhibited as a result of the specific alkylation of a sulfhydryl group at the mu binding site. This inhibition was dependent on the concentrations of both DTT and BAM. The mu receptor specificity of BAM alkylation was demonstrated by the ability of BAM alkylated membranes to still bind the delta-selective peptide [3H] [D-penicillamine2,D-penicillamine5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and (-)-[3H]bremazocine in the presence of mu and delta blockers, selective for kappa binding sites. Under conditions where 90% of the 0.25 nM [3H]DAGO binding sites were blocked, 80% of the 0.8 nM [3H]naloxone binding and 50% of the 0.25 nM 125I-labeled beta h-endorphin binding were inhibited by BAM alkylation. Morphine and naloxone partially protected the binding site from alkylation with BAM, while ligands that did not bind to the mu site did not afford protection.2+hese studies have demonstrated that when a disulfide bond

Alkylation

Resistance of schistosomes to hycanthone and oxamniquine.

Genetic crosses between phenotypically resistant and sensitive schistosomes demonstrated that resistance to hycanthone and oxamniquine behaves like a recessive trait, thus suggesting that resistance is due to the lack of some factor. We hypothesized that, in order to kill schistosomes, hycanthone and oxamniquine need to be converted into an active metabolite by some parasite enzyme which, if inactive, results in drug resistance. Esterification of the drugs seemed to be the most likely event as it would lead to the production of an alkylating agent upon dissociation of the ester. An artificial ester of hycanthone was indeed active even in resistant worms, thus indirectly supporting our hypothesis. In addition, several lines of evidence demonstrated that exposure to hycanthone and oxamniquine results in alkylation of worm macromolecules. Thus, radioactive drugs formed covalent bonds with the DNA of sensitive (but not of resistant) schistosomes; an antiserum raised against hycanthone detected the presence of the drug in the purified DNA fraction of sensitive (but not of resistant) schistosomes; a drug-DNA adduct was isolated from hycanthone-treated worms and fully characterized as hycanthone-deoxyguanosine.

Alkylation

Characterization of a polyclonal antibody to the mu opioid receptor.

Active opioid receptors have been solubilized from bovine striatal synaptosomal membranes and purified approximately 4000-fold using a combination of affinity and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The affinity column was constructed by attaching hybromet, a newly synthesized opioid ligand with high affinity for the mu receptor, to a solid support matrix. A polyclonal antibody was generated to opioid receptors by injection of the purified receptor preparation into female New Zealand rabbits. The specificity of the antiserum was demonstrated by receptor competition and immunoprecipitation studies. Immunological titration of opioid binding activity from rat brain showed that the antibody was able to displace specific binding of [3H]etorphine (universal opioid) and [3H]dihydromorphine (mu opioid) from rat membranes, but was ineffective against the binding of [3H]ethylketocyclazocine (kappa [3H]D-Ala2,D-Leu5-enkephalin (delta opioid) or [3H]phencyclidine (phencyclidine/sigma receptor ligand). The antibody was able to precipitate the Mr 94,000 component of the 125I-labeled affinity-purified receptor, a finding which suggests that this subunit may be an opioid recognition component. By indirect immunofluorescence, the antibody was shown to bind specifically to the plasma membranes of the neurotumor cell line NCB-20 (neuroblastoma X Chinese hamster brain hybrid cells), which has high affinity opioid receptors. The observed fluorescence in the neuroblastoma cells was prevented by pre-adsorption of the antibody with purified receptor from rat brain. These results indicate that the antibody is specific for opioid receptors and may prove useful in the precise localization of opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems by immunohistochemical procedures.

Animals