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Biomedical subjects

S L Patrick

Publications and source records attributed to S L Patrick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evidence for a role of endogenous cannabinoids in the modulation of acute and tonic pain sensitivity.

The competitive CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A was used to test the hypothesis that endogenous cannabinoids modulate tonic pain sensitivity. Pretreatment with the antagonist significantly enhanced the response to a chemical nociceptive stimulus in the formalin test. Postreatment with the antagonist 5 min following the induction of tonic pain produced hyperalgesia during the tonic phase only. These findings suggest that endogenous cannabinoids serve naturally to modulate the maintenance of pain following repeated noxious stimulation.

Acute Disease↗

Cannabinoid effects in basal ganglia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Cannabinoid receptors in the brain are highly concentrated in the basal ganglia, which is in accordance with their well known effects on motor behavior. In this study, rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway were implanted with cannulae in the striatum, globus pallidus and substantia nigra. The effect of unilateral infusion of the potent cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 on turning behavior was studied for each structure. Lesioned animals responded to intrapallidal and intrastriatal administration of the cannabinoid in a manner that was similar to that of unlesioned animals. However, lesioned animals showed greater contralateral turning in response to the cannabinoid infusions in the substantia nigra than unlesioned animals.

Animals↗

IDDM incidence in a multiracial population. The Hawaii IDDM Registry, 1980-1990.

OBJECTIVE: The Hawaii IDDM Registry was created to determine the incidence rate of IDDM among children aged < 15 years of Oahu between 1980 and 1990. Because of the multiracial population living in Hawaii, it is an ideal state in which to study the effect of migration on IDDM incidence. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected by a retrospective hospital chart review and physician survey. Registry criteria included 0-14 years of age at IDDM diagnosis and primary residence on Oahu. Children who were military dependents were excluded. Denominator data were compared from two sources. RESULTS: A total of 113 new-onset IDDM cases were identified. Case ascertainment was 97%. The unadjusted annual incidence rate was 7.04-7.61 per 100,000 (95% CI 5.83-9.19), depending on which denominator source was used. Race- and ethnicity-specific rates varied greatly (all rates per 100,000): part Hawaiian, 15.34-16.58; Caucasian, 6.21-6.71; Filipino, 3.66-3.96; and Japanese, 2.85-3.08. Temporally, the incidence fluctuated between a low of 2.96 per 100,000 in 1981 to highs of 11.11 and 11.85 per 100,000 in 1985 and 1989, respectively. Ascertainment-corrected rates for these years (3.70, 11.76, and 13.48 per 100,000, respectively) show that the fourfold incidence increase between 1980 and 1989 was not due to ascertainment differences. CONCLUSIONS: IDDM incidence among children < 15 years of age in Hawaii was the lowest documented in the U.S. The incidence among part-Hawaiian children was 2.5 times greater than that of Caucasian children in Hawaii. IDDM incidence rates among Japanese children in Hawaii were comparable with rates in Japan. The temporal variation in IDDM incidence corresponded with a mid-1980s pandemic of IDDM documented elsewhere.

Adolescent↗

Dissociation of the motor effects of (+)-pentazocine from binding to sigma 1 sites.

Radioligand binding and behavioral studies were conducted to determine whether a relationship existed between the motor effects produced by (+)-pentazocine and its binding to sigma sites. Scatchard analyses revealed decreased [3H](+)-pentazocine binding in middle aged rats (5-6 months old) compared to young adult rats (2-3 months old). However, there was no difference between the extent of circling behavior or dystonia produced by microinjection of (+)-pentazocine into the substantia nigra or red nucleus in the older animals compared to the young adult rats. There was also a significant decrease in [3H](+)-pentazocine binding in rats chronically treated with haloperidol. Again, however, despite the reduction in [3H](+)-pentazocine binding, there was no difference between the extent of dystonia produced by unilateral intrarubral microinjection of (+)-pentazocine into animals chronically treated with haloperidol vs. saline. The postural changes produced by (+)-pentazocine could not be attenuated with coadministration of the putative sigma receptor antagonist BD1047 (N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(dimethylamino) ethylamine), or the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone. However, the (+)-opiate, (+)-nordihydrocodeinone, partially attenuated the postural effects of (+)-pentazocine, despite its very low affinity for sigma 1, sigma 2, or opiate receptors. Taken together with previous studies, the results suggest that [3H](+)-pentazocine is a potent and selective probe for sigma 1 binding sites, but the in vivo effects of (+)-pentazocine cannot be fully attributed to actions through these sites. Some of the in vivo effects of (+)-pentazocine appear to involve other binding sites that are not detected under the conditions normally used in in vitro assays.

Aging↗

Effects of intranigral cannabinoids on rotational behavior in rats: interactions with the dopaminergic system.

The effect of unilateral intranigral cannabinoid receptor stimulation on rotational behavior was explored. The potent cannabinoid agonist CP 55,940 (5 and 10 micrograms/0.5 microliter) induced contralateral turning when microinjected unilaterally into the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In addition, the cannabinoid agonist markedly attenuated the contralateral rotation induced by the dopamine D1 agonist SKF 82958 and completely reversed the ipsilateral rotation induced by the dopamine D2 agonist quinpirole. In both cases, the coadministration of the cannabinoid agonist together with the D1 or D2 agonist induced contralateral rotation. It appears that cannabinoids may exert different effects depending on the state of the ongoing chemical activation of this brain circuitry.

Animals↗

Physical withdrawal in rats tolerant to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol precipitated by a cannabinoid receptor antagonist.

Tolerance to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) was produced in rats by twice daily injections (15 mg/kg i.p.) for 6.5 days. Administration of the cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A (i.p. or i.c.v.) induced a profound precipitated withdrawal syndrome in delta 9-THC-tolerant animals. The syndrome was characterized by a disorganized pattern of constantly changing brief sequences of motor behavior. Autonomic signs were not evident. THC-tolerant animals that were treated with vehicle remained quiet throughout the observation period.

Animals↗

Stimulation of rat striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity following intranigral administration of sigma receptor ligands.

The effects of sigma ligands on turning behavior and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity were determined following microinjection of two chemically dissimilar sigma ligands into the rat substantia nigra. Striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity was monitored by measuring the amount of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) formed following inhibition of DOPA decarboxylase activity with m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine (NSD-1015). The sigma ligands, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) and (-)-deoxy-N-benzylnormetazocine, produced a significant increase both in contralateral turning and in tyrosine hydroxylase activity. The DTG-induced increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity was not antagonized by intranigral injection of the NMDA receptor antagonist, 3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP). CPP alone produced significant contralateral turning that was not accompanied by an increase in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity, indicating that turning per se is not sufficient to activate striatal tyrosine hydroxylase. The DTG-induced increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity was antagonized by general anesthetics such as halothane and chloral hydrate. These results indicate that occupancy of sigma receptors in the substantia nigra is associated with an activation of dopamine formation in dopaminergic terminals in the striatum and support the concept that sigma activity in the substantia nigra produces an activation of dopamine-mediated responses in the striatum.

Animals↗

An examination of the central sites of action of cannabinoid-induced antinociception in the rat.

Microinjections of low doses of the potent and selective cannabinoids WIN 55,212-2 and CP 55,940 into the lateral ventricle produce long-lasting reduction in sensitivity to noxious thermal stimuli (1). To determine the central distribution of ventricularly administered WIN 55,212-2, we microinjected an analgesic dose of the drug with [3H]WIN 55,212-2. At the peak time of antinociception, the radiolabeled drug was confined to periventricular sites throughout the brain. The contribution of particular periventricular structures to the antinociceptive effect was evaluated using intracerebral microinjection techniques and the tail-flick test. Guide cannulae were implanted above the following periventricular structures: the medial septal area, lateral habenlua, perihypothalamic area, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, dorsal raphe nucleus and the dorsolateral and ventrolateral aspects of the periaqueductal gray. Microinjections of WIN 55,212-2 (5 micrograms/0.5 microliter) into the medial septal area, lateral habenula, perihypothalamic area, arcuate nucleus, and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray did not significantly affect tail-flick latencies. By contrast, microinjections of WIN 55,212-2 into the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray and the dorsal raphe significantly elevated tail-flick latencies. The results of this study indicate that at least two periventricular structures within the brain are involved in cannabinoid antinociception.

Analgesics↗

Regional variation in the ratio of sigma 1 to sigma 2 binding in rat brain.

In vitro binding experiments were performed to determine whether known subtypes of the putative sigma receptor exhibit a differential distribution across brain regions and species. Rat brains were dissected into nine regions, pooled, and used to prepare membranes for ligand binding studies. Whole guinea pig brains were prepared in an identical manner for comparison to rat. sigma 1 Receptors were labeled with [3H](+)-pentazocine. sigma 2 Receptors were labeled with [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) in the presence of 1 microM dextrallorphan to mask sigma 1 sites. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 10 microM haloperidol. Filtration and scintillation spectroscopy provided the binding values. The experiment revealed marked variation in the ratio of sigma 2 to sigma 1 binding across brain regions ranging from a low of 1.63 in the hindbrain to 3.51 in the cerebellum, that result mainly differences in the density of the receptors. Scatchard analysis on membranes derived from the hindbrain and cortex suggested that the effects were due primarily to regional differences in densities of receptor subtypes rather than different affinities. Guinea pig brain showed a marked preponderance of sigma 1 receptors with a ratio (sigma 2/sigma 1) of 0.67. These findings demonstrate that sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors are differentially distributed in rat brain.

Animals↗

Antinociceptive actions of cannabinoids following intraventricular administration in rats.

Intraventricular administration of 5 or 20 micrograms of the cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 and CP-55,940 markedly reduced rat's responses to noxious thermal stimuli in the tail-flick test; no significant effect was found at 1 micrograms. The dose-response curves were steep and monotonic, the onset was rapid, and the effect lasted about an hour at the highest dose. In contrast to their antinociceptive actions, WIN55,212-2 and CP-55,940 failed to alter the latency of righting reflexes at the highest dose, suggesting that motor impairment did not cause the decreased responsiveness to the thermal stimulus. Finally, an assessment of the biodistribution of intraventricularly administered [3H]WIN55,212-2 in brain and spinal cord at the time of maximal antinociception revealed that the drug was confined to the brain. The levels of [3H]WIN55,212-2 found in S3-S4, the location of the spinal mechanisms for tail-flick, were below the limit of detectability. Together, these findings provide direct evidence that the antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids are mediated, at least in part, by their actions in the brain.

Analgesics↗

Increases in rat striatal extracellular dopamine and vacuous chewing produced by two sigma receptor ligands.

The present studies were carried out to analyze the neurochemical and behavioral effects of peripheral sigma ligand administration in the rat. Based upon previous studies which showed an increase in turning behavior following unilateral intranigral administration of sigma ligands, we determined the effects of two sigma ligands, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) and (+)-pentazocine, on extracellular dopamine levels in the rat striatum. Dopamine levels were monitored via microdialysis in awake freely moving animals following i.p. injection of the ligands. Both DTG (1 and 3 mg/kg) and (+)-pentazocine (10 mg/kg) produced a significant (30-50%) increase in extracellular dopamine. Given the relatively high concentration of sigma receptors in brain nuclei involved in facial and mouth movements, we have also determined the effects of the two sigma ligands on facial movements. Both ligands produced a significant increase in vacuous chewing movements, suggesting that studies on the consequences of sigma receptor activation may have relevance to animal models of human dystonia and/or dyskinesia.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

A comparison of (-)-deoxybenzomorphans devoid of opiate activity with their dextrorotatory phenolic counterparts suggests role of sigma 2 receptors in motor function.

Three novel benzomorphans, (+)-N-benzylnormetazocine, (-)-deoxy-N-benzylnormetazocine, and (-)-deoxypentazocine were tested for their ability to produce circling behavior in rats following intranigral microinjections. Dose studies revealed the following rank order of potency: (-)-deoxypentazocine > (-)-deoxy-N-benzylnormetazocine > (+)-N-benzylnormetazocine. This rank order approximates that for affinities for sigma 2 receptors but not sigma 1 receptors. It is very unlikely that the effects of the (-)-deoxybenzomorphans were mediated by opiate receptors for the following reasons: (1) consistent with the known requirement for the phenolic hydroxyl group for opiate activity, both (-)-deoxy compounds showed very low affinity for opiate receptors; (2) naloxone (4 micrograms) co-administered with (-)-deoxy-N-benzylnormetazocine failed to reduce its efficacy; (3) both (-)-deoxy compounds failed to produce marked analgesic effects in the tail flick test following systemic injections of 20 mg/kg s.c. These finding suggest that sigma 2 receptors mediate the motor effects of sigma ligands in rats.

Animals↗

Effects of 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), a sigma ligand, on local cerebral glucose utilization in rat brain.

The 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose ([14C]DG) method was used to examine the effects of the relatively selective sigma ligand 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) on cerebral metabolism in freely moving rats. Each animal received an i.p. injection of DTG (0.2, 1, or 5 mg/kg) or normal saline 20 min prior to the infusion of [14C]DG. DTG induced dose-dependent changes in local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) in several motor and limbic structures. Most structures showed increases in LCGU, with a maximum effect at 1 mg/kg. The most profound increases in LCGU were observed in brain regions that are rich in sigma receptors. These included cerebellar and related nuclei (interpositus, lateral and medial cerebellar n., vestibular n., olivary n.), ambiguus n., superior colliculus (superior layers), hippocampus (CA2, CA3, DG), n. basalis of Meynert interpeduncular n., and the substantia nigra pars compacta and pars reticulata. No significant decreases in glucose utilization were observed at any dose. Although the areas affected by DTG are similar to those previously reported for other sigma ligands, future studies employing a range of doses for additional selective sigma ligands must be carried out in order to confirm whether these changes in LCGU were sigma-mediated.

Animals↗

Autoradiographic distribution of [3H](+)-pentazocine and [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) binding sites in guinea pig brain: a comparative study.

Binding studies suggested the selectivity of (+)-pentazocine for sigma receptors, and subsequent synthesis and testing of [3H](+)-pentazocine confirmed its high potency and selectivity for sigma sites. Newer data have demonstrated the selectivity of (+)-pentazocine for a subtype of the sigma receptor called sigma-1. Based on these findings, the distribution of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding sites in the guinea pig brain was examined using in vitro autoradiography. [3H](+)-Pentazocine binding was high in the cingulate cortex, dorsal diagonal band, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum and cranial nerve nuclei. It was relatively low in the nucleus accumbens, neocortical areas and caudate nucleus. A significant correlation was found between the binding of [3H](+)-pentazocine and [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine, a selective sigma ligand across brain regions. However, certain nuclei exhibited markedly different ratios of binding of the two ligands. Since DTG is not selective for the sigma subtypes, while (+)-pentazocine is selective for the sigma-1 type, the data are suggestive of relative differences in the distributions of sigma-1 and sigma-2 sites.

Animals↗

Elevated maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in pregnancies complicated by preterm labor.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether maternal plasma levels of the placental hormone corticotropin-releasing hormone are elevated in pregnancies complicated by preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: Mean maternal corticotropin-releasing hormone levels were studied in women who met specific criteria for preterm labor and in women with normal pregnancies. Levels were also compared in the latent and active phases during term labor. RESULTS: In pregnancies complicated by preterm labor, maternal corticotropin-releasing hormone levels were higher than in normal pregnancies; this elevation occurred before labor was diagnosed clinically (p less than 0.05). When preterm labor was associated with infection, the mean levels were not elevated. Mean plasma levels were similar in latent and active phases during labor at term. CONCLUSION: Maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels are elevated in association with preterm labor. This elevation does not appear to be due to labor itself and may reflect an early activation of the placenta before the onset of preterm labor.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone↗

Concomitant sensitization of amphetamine-induced behavioral stimulation and in vivo dopamine release from rat caudate nucleus.

Rats were treated twice daily either with saline or d-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) for 5 days. When challenged approximately 15 days later with an injection of 0.5 mg/kg amphetamine, the chronic amphetamine animals showed (1) an augmented release of dopamine in the caudate nucleus in vivo and (2) an increase in stereotyped behavior compared to the chronic saline animals. These results suggest that an increase in dopamine release from the caudate may contribute to amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization.

Animals↗

The association of physical activity and diabetic complications in individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study--VII.

The relationship between leisure-time physical activity and diabetes complications was examined in 628 individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Neuropathy was based upon clinical exam; retinopathy by fundus photographs; nephropathy by urine samples and macrovascular disease by clinician diagnosis. Past week physical activity was found to be inversely related to complication status but since current inactivity could be the result of the complications, historical activity (estimated leisure activity during ages 14-17) was also examined in relation to complication status. Males reporting higher levels of historical physical activity had a significantly lower prevalence of nephropathy and neuropathy but not retinopathy as demonstrated by multivariate analysis (controlling for duration of disease, age, and current activity levels). The lack of similar findings in women may be due to their low levels of reported physical activity. The consistent relationship between historical leisure physical activity and development of complications in males suggests that activity may be protective or at least not detrimental to the individual with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Adolescent↗

Further examination of the equity sensitivity construct.

This study was conducted to investigate whether a measure of equity sensitivity can predict individual reactions to inequity. The equity sensitivity construct suggests that there are three categories of individual preferences for equity: (1) benevolent individuals prefer their input:outcome ratios be less than those of their comparison others, (2) equity sensitive individuals prefer their input:outcome ratios be equal to those of comparison others, and (3) entitled individuals prefer their input:outcome ratios be higher than those of comparison others. To identify their appropriate equity sensitivity category, 639 undergraduate students and 119 fast-food restaurant employees were administered the Equity Sensitivity Instrument. These subjects were then asked to react to two underreward/overreward scenarios. Analysis indicates that equity sensitivity groups generally exhibit reactions in the direction predicted by the study; however, some inconsistencies require further study. Research should examine why some reactions to inequity are chosen over others and how the longitudinal effects of a work relationship may influence one's reactions to inequity.

Adaptation, Psychological↗