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S J Rozovski

Publications and source records attributed to S J Rozovski.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effects of pravastatin on cholesterol metabolism in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits.

Pravastatin, a competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase) is a potent hypocholesterolemic agent in humans as well as experimental animals, including the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, lacking low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activity. We studied the effect of pravastatin on several aspects of cholesterol metabolism in WHHL rabbits. Cholesterol synthesis was measured by intraperitoneal injection of radioacetate and determination of its incorporation into the nonsaponifiable lipid fraction of liver, plasma, adrenal glands and gonads. A single dose of pravastatin (25 mg/kg) caused statistically significant inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours following oral administration. By 48 hours, the inhibitory effect of the drug was no longer demonstrable. The pattern of radioactivity in the plasma was similar to that in the liver. The drug had no statistically significant effect on cholesterol synthesis in adrenal glands and gonads, suggesting a selective effect on the liver. Cholesterol absorption was studied after simultaneous oral administration of [3H] cholesterol and [14C] beta-sitosterol. Pravastatin, 50 mg/kg for 10 days had no effect on fecal excretion of the radiolabelled steroids over 4 days. At 24 hours the plasma level of [14C] cholesterol was 1/3 that of control in pravastatin treated animals (p < 0.05) but did not undergo an accelerated decline over 6 days. The activity of acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in intestinal mucosa and the concentration of hepatic cholesterol were similar in animals treated over one year with pravastatin 50 mg/kg/day or with placebo. Our data do not allow us to make definitive conclusions about the effect of pravastatin on cholesterol absorption but are compatible with the hypothesis that the drug inhibits the hepatic synthesis as well as the assembly of cholesterol into lipoproteins.

Absorption↗
PubMed1991

Pravastatin decreases serum lipids and vascular cholesterol deposition in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits.

The effects of long term administration of pravastatin (a competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase) were assessed by measuring serum lipids and aortic and coronary atherosclerosis in Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. Six-month-old WHHL rabbits were given either 50 mg/kg/day of the drug or vehicle. The rabbits were sacrificed following 6 or 12 months of treatment and serum cholesterol and triglycerides and aortic cholesterol and hydroxyproline were measured. Atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta and coronary arteries were quantified with morphometric methods. Mean serum cholesterol +/- SEM (n) in the control vs. pravastatin groups after 6 months were: 535 +/- 34 (11) vs. 411 +/- 22 (12) (p less than 0.005) and after 12 months 458 +/- 43 (9) vs. 309 +/- 29 mg/dl (12) (p less than 0.005). In the pravastatin group, percent aortic area covered with plaque and aortic cholesterol content were reduced 35% (ns) and 55% (p less than 0.05) at 6 months, and 26% (ns) and 44% (ns) at 12 months, respectively. Little difference was found in serum triglycerides and aortic hydroxyproline in the 2 groups. There was strong correlation of serum cholesterol with aortic cholesterol content (r = 0.61, p less than 0.003) and with the percent aortic plaque area (r = 0.67, p less than 0.001), at 12 months. Morphometric analysis of wall thickness and lumen area of major coronary arteries revealed no significant differences in the 2 groups. In conclusion, pravastatin effectively lowered the serum cholesterol level in an animal model defective in low density lipoprotein receptors; this reduction was strongly correlated with amelioration of such atherosclerotic processes as lipid deposition and plaque formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Protein synthesis and degradation in biopsies of rat skeletal muscle.

The use of 20- to 40-mg biopsies of rat skeletal muscle to measure protein synthesis and degradation rates in vitro was investigated and compared to that of the intact extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. During incubations in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer with glucose, insulin, 23 amino acids at 10 times rat plasma levels, and [14C]tyrosine, the specific activity of intracellular tyrosine approximated that of the incubation medium and was constant in the biopsy, the EDL, and the soleus. The rate of incorporation of tyrosine into the protein of the biopsy was constant for 3 hr and was 39 and 32% of the rates of the EDL and soleus, respectively. The rate of release of tyrosine from protein in the biopsy during incubations in buffer with glucose and cycloheximide was constant for 3 hr and was intermediate between the rates of the EDL and soleus. The effects of starvation on the in vitro protein metabolism of the biopsy were the same as on the intact muscles. The 42% decrease in synthesis and the 53% increase in degradation in the biopsy were intermediate between the changes measured in the EDL and soleus muscles. The ability of this technique to identify proportional changes in the in vitro protein synthesis and degradation rates makes this a valid technique suitable for the measurement of changes of in vitro protein metabolism using serial biopsies from larger animals, including man.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Diaphragmatic activity is a determinant of postnatal lung growth.

To test the hypothesis that activity of respiratory muscles determines regional growth of lung parenchyma, we studied the effects of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis on contralateral/ipsilateral lung growth in cats and piglets. Five 10- to 12-wk-old cats and five 8-wk-old piglets underwent unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis by thoracic and cervical phrenectomy, respectively. Five to seven weeks after surgery, when the cats were killed for studies of lung growth, gain in body weight was the same as in five sham-operated controls. At this time, mean pleural pressure ipsilateral to the paralyzed hemidiaphragm was the same as contralateral mean pleural pressure during tidal breathing, and values did not differ from controls. However overall functional residual capacity was lower in the phrenectomized cats (35 +/- 4 ml) than in the controls (55 +/- 11 ml, P less than 0.01). Growth of contralateral lungs relative to ipsilateral lungs was greater in the phrenectomized cats than in the controls, as shown by ratios of contralateral/ipsilateral wet lung weight (1.44 vs. 1.34, P less than 0.01), maximum inflation volume (1.53 vs. 1.33, P less than 0.05), and total protein content (1.45 vs. 1.26, P less than 0.05). Ratios of total protein to DNA and RNA to DNA were unchanged. One week after surgery in the piglets, the ratio of contralateral/ipsilateral wet lung weight was increased (1.61 vs. 1.29, P less than 0.01) and total weight of both lungs was reduced. We conclude that regional growth of lung parenchyma by cell proliferation depends in part on regional distribution of respiratory muscle activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Protein malnutrition in aged rats: an experimental model.

Although protein requirements have been shown to decrease in rats with age, very few studies have dealth with old animals. In addition, a model of protein deficiency in aged rats has not been established. Nineteen-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a 25 (control), 5, or 3.5% casein diet for 1 week ad libitum. Liver protein and RNA content were reduced in the 3.5% casein group when compared to controls. No differences were observed between the control and the 5% casein group. Also, no differences were observed in incorporation of [14C]orotic acid into liver nuclear RNA between these two groups. However, this variable was significantly higher in the 3.5% casein group when compared to control. When comparing the results of this study with our previous studies in young adult rats, the 3.5% casein diet produced biochemical changes in liver that are qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the ones observed in young adult rats fed a 6% casein diet ad libitum, which allows a more direct comparison of the effect of protein deficiency on the aged rat.

Aging↗
PubMed1983

Age-related changes in thermoregulation in male albino rats.

Male Sprague Dawley rats were followed longitudinally from 3 to 24 months of age. Resting oxygen consumption (VO2), measured in the thermal neutral zone (29 +/- 1.0 degrees C) decreased 47% between 3 and 24 months of age with a stable period from 6 to 9 months. Changes in rectal temperature in general followed changes in VO2. On the average the decline in rectal temperature from 3 to 24 months was 0.8 degrees C. Thermal conductance dropped initially from 3 to 6 months and remained stable during further age periods. Thermal circulation index rose slightly from 3 to 13 months, and dropped thereafter from 13 to 24 months. When animals were exposed to a mild cold challenge (18-19 degrees C for 90 min.), the increase in VO2 was the same from 3 to 13 months of age. At 24 months this increase was significantly higher. The capacity for non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) measured after norepinephrine stimulation declined from 3 to 6 months, remained stable from 6 to 9 months and declined to 13 months. The capacity for NST after a mild cold challenge was significantly decreased at 24 months of age. These results suggest that shivering thermogenesis (ST) may be the main source of heat production in the old organism when faced with a mild cold challenge. Since ST is more energy consuming than NST it may explain the accidental hypothermia which occurs often in the elderly.

Aging↗
PubMed1983

Thermoregulation in young adult rats during short- and long-term protein malnutrition.

Energy metabolism and thermoregulation were evaluated in malnourished (6% casein diet) or control (25% casein diet) young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 1 week offered the diet, malnourished animals showed a decreased body weight, oxygen consumption (VO2) expressed per unit of body mass [milliliters O2/(gram X hour)] or per unit body surface [milliliters O2/(kilograms body weight0.75 X minute)] and food intake when compared to control animals. Rectal temperature was unchanged while ear temperature was slightly reduced in the protein-deprived animals. As malnutrition progressed, VO2 increased, reaching values significantly higher than controls by week 3. Oxygen consumption then decreased and by week 6 remained slightly higher (but not significantly) than in controls. Food intake followed to some extent changes in VO2. Rectal and shell (paws and tail) temperature measured in room temperature (range 24-25 degrees) showed the following changes: rectal temperature increased after week 1 of malnutrition to values significantly higher than controls and remained so until week 4, after which they declined to values still higher (but not significantly) than controls. Shell temperature in the malnourished animals was lower than in controls throughout the experiment. Exposure to a mild cold challenge (18-19 degrees) significantly increased VO2 and decreased body temperature in malnourished animals to a greater extent than in controls.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Ribonucleic acid metabolism in rat liver during long-term adaptation to malnutrition.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNA polymerase I) activities increased in the liver of young adult male rats fed a 6% casein diet (malnourished) for 1 week when compared with rats fed a 25% casein diet (control). ODC activity increased progressively and reached a peak after 3 weeks of malnutrition and then decreased to control values by 5 weeks. RNA polymerase I reached peak activity 1 week after malnutrition was imposed, decreasing thereafter to control values by 3 weeks. At 4 and 5 weeks, RNA polymerase I activity in malnourished animals was lower than control. Nucleoplasmic DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity remained unchanged in the first 2 weeks of malnutrition and decreased thereafter to values significantly lower than control. The data confirm our previous observations of cyclical changes during prolonged malnutrition and suggests a process of "biochemical adaptation" to malnutrition in which the organism enhances essential metabolic processes to maintain cellular homeostasis to the detriment of less essential functions like systemic growth.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1982

Partial characterization of an insulin-dependent serum factor that regulates ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle.

We have previously shown that a factor(s) in rat serum induces ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in incubated muscle and that its activity is diminished in sera from diabetic rats. To characterize this factor further, we have studied some of its physicochemical and biologic properties. As judged from its ability to induce ODC in the incubated rat soleus muscle, the factor is protease-sensitive and both heat- and acid-stable. In untreated whole serum its activity is associated with a high-molecular-weight fraction whereas after boiling at pH 5.5, activity is principally in a fraction with a molecular weight between 3500 and 12,000 daltons. The activity of the factor is diminished in hypophysectomized, starved, and aged as well as diabetic rats. In diabetic rat serum it is restored to normal by the addition of a purified somatomedin, multiplication-stimulating activity. These findings suggest that the "ODC inducing factor" is a low-molecular-weight peptide and that it has many of the characteristics of a somatomedin.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Drug-nutrient interaction.

The effect of certain drugs on nutrient metabolism is discussed. Antituberculotic drugs such as INH and cycloserine interfere with vitamin B6 metabolism and may produce a secondary niacin deficiency. Oral contraceptives interfere with the metabolism of folic acid and ascorbic acid, and in cases of deficient nutrition, they also seem to interfere with riboflavin. Anticonvulsants can act as folate antagonists and precipitate folic acid deficiency. Therefore, in some cases, supplementation with folate has been recommended simultaneously with anticonvulsant therapy. Cholestyramine therapy has been associated with malabsorption of vitamins; several reports suggest that cholestyramine affects absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins K and D and, in addition, may alter water-soluble vitamins, including folic acid. The study of the interaction of drugs and nutrients is an area that deserves a greater attention in the future, especially in groups where nutrient deficiencies may be prevalent.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1981

Regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle: evidence for the involvement of an insulin-dependent serum factor.

Previous studies in vivo have shown that the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-controlling enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is markedly decreased in muscle of diabetic rats and is restored to normal by insulin therapy. Also, muscle ODC is diminished by starvation and increased by refeeding. To investigate the basis for these findings, the regulation of ODC was studied in vitro using rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Incubation of muscles from fed rats in Krebs-Henseleit solution resulted in a 75% decrease in ODC activity within 1 h. Addition of insulin and amino acids had no effect; however, 50% rat serum increased ODC activity four- to seven-fold after the initial decrease. Rat serum also increased ODC in muscles from starved rats. The effect of serum was blocked by both cycloheximide and antinomycin D. Serum from diabetic rats was only 50% as effective as serum from normal rats in increasing ODC activity. Addition of physiologic levels of insulin to diabetic serum had no effect; however, treatment of diabetic rats with insulin in vivo restored serum activity to normal. These findings suggest that insulin modulates the synthesis of ODC via production of a second circulating factor, the activity of which is diminished in serum of diabetic rats. They also suggest that the stimulation of polyamine biosynthesis by this factor may be an integral component of the growth-promoting effect of insulin on muscle in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Ornithine decarboxylase activity in insulin-deficient states.

The activity of ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-controlling enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, was determined in tissues of normal control rats and rats made diabetic with streptozotocin. In untreated diabetic rats fed ad libitum, ornithine decarboxylase activity was markedly diminished in liver, skeletal muscle, heart and thymus. Ornithine decarboxylase was not diminished in a comparable group of diabetic rats maintained on insulin. Starvation for 48h decreased ornithine decarboxylase activity to very low values in tissues of both normal and diabetic rats. In the normal group, refeeding caused a biphasic increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase; there was a 20-fold increase in activity at 3h followed by a decrease in activity, and a second peak between 9 and 24h. Increases in ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle, heart and thymus were not evident until after 24-48h of refeeding, and only a single increase occurred. The increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase in diabetic rats was greater than in normal rats after 3h of refeeding, but there was no second peak. In peripheral tissues, the increase in ornithine decarboxylase with refeeding was diminished. Skeletal-muscle ornithine decarboxylase is induced more rapidly when meal-fed rats are refed after a period without food. Refeeding these rats after a 48h period without food caused a 5-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle at 3h in control rats but failed to increase activity in diabetic rats. When insulin was administered alone or together with food to the diabetic rats, muscle ornithine decarboxylase increased to activities even higher than in the refed controls. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in many tissues is grossly impaired in diabetes and starvation. They also suggest that polyamine formation in vivo is an integral component of the growth-promoting effect of insulin or some factor dependent on insulin.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Thyroid-hormone effects on ornithine decarboxylase.

We examined thyroidectomized, normal and hyperthyroid rats and found that ornithine decarboxylase activity was directly correlated with thyroid functional state in heart and liver and unaffected in brain, testes and spleen, phenomena that correlate with the known effect of thyroid hormone on protein synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Changes in lung lysyl oxidase activity in streptozotocin-diabetes and in starvation.

The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and of starvation on the lysyl oxidase activity of rat lung were investigated. Enzyme activity was elevated 2--3 fold in the lungs of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. In contrast, starvation of rats produced a rapid loss of lung lysyl oxidase activity, with levels approximating 25% of control values after 48--72 h of starvation. Enzyme activity was essentially fully restored to control values upon refeeding the 48-h starved animals for 3 h. These studies demonstrate the responsiveness of lysyl oxidase to these physiological states and suggest a component, enzymatic basis of change in lung function known to occur in the diabetic state.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1978

Effect of malnutrition and rehabilitation on the metabolism of polyamines in rat liver.

In adult male rats the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMD) and the concentration of putrescine and spermidine increased markedly 3 to 4 weeks after feeding the animals a 6% casein diet. Incorporation of [14C]orotic acid into nuclear RNA also increased during this period of time. In contrast, spermine concentration remained unchanged. During the fifth week of protein restriction enzyme activities, putrescine and spermidine concentrations and orotic acid incorporation returned to control levels. After the restricted rats were put on a control diet there was a rapid increase above control levels in ODC activity and a proportionally smaller increase in SAMD activity. Putrescine and spermidine concentration also increase above control levels. Both enzyme activities and polyamine concentrations were within normal levels 96 hours after refeeding. Spermine values were unmodified by refeeding. After a transient rise 12 hours after refeeding, incorporation of labeled orotic acid into RNA decreased significantly for the rest of the experiment.

Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase↗