Characterization of a putative pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) receptor from the pheromone gland of Heliothis peltigera.

The binding of [(3)H]tyrosyl-PBAN28-33NH(2) to pheromone gland membranes of the moth Heliothis peltigera was investigated. The study describes the development of a pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) radioreceptor assay and demonstrates the presence of a putative PBAN binding site on the pheromone gland. It also describes synthesis of a radioligand and optimization of binding conditions with respect to membrane preparation, number of gland equivalents, kinetics of ligand binding and composition of the binding solution.

Assessment of left internal mammary artery graft patency by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.

Background: The successful application of noninvasive Doppler spectrum analysis has been reported for the hemodynamic assessment of LIMA graft after myocardial revascularization.

Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) in providing information on LIMA flow in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods: In all, 22 patients (aged 62 +/- 8 years) with LIMA graft to the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery who underwent coronary angiography were assessed using high-frequency (5 MHz) transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.

Insect neuropeptide antagonist. Part II. Synthesis and biological activity of backbone cyclic and precyclic PBAN antagonists.

A new approach for the design and synthesis of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) agonists and antagonists using the backbone cyclization and cycloscan concepts is described. Two backbone cyclic (BBC) libraries were synthesized: library I (Ser library) was based on the active C-terminal hexapeptide sequence Tyr-Phe-Ser-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2 of PBAN1-33NH2; whereas library II (D-Phe library) was based on the sequence of the PBAN lead linear antagonist Arg-Tyr-Phe-d-Phe-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2. In both libraries the Pro residue was replaced by the BBC building unit Nalpha-(omega-aminoalkyl) Gly having various lengths of alkyl chain.

Pyrokinin/PBAN radio-receptor assay: development and application for the characterization of a putative receptor from the pheromone gland of Heliothis peltigera.

A radio-receptor assay (RRA) for the insect pyrokinin/PBAN family has been developed. The development involved examination of the ligand (3H-tyrosyl-PBAN28-33NH2)-receptor interaction under various incubation conditions and variations on sex pheromone gland membrane preparation. Application of the RRA for a partial characterization of the putative pyrokinin/PBAN receptor in the pheromone gland of H.

Regulation of an outwardly rectifying chloride conductance in renal epithelial cells by external and internal calcium.

We have used perforated patch clamp and Fura-2 microfluorescence measurements to study Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents in cultured mouse renal inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCD-3). The conductance was spontaneously active under resting conditions and whole cell currents were time and voltage-independent with an outwardly rectifying current-voltage relationship. The channel blockers DIDS, niflumic acid, glybenclamide and NPPB reversibly decreased the basal currents, whereas the sulfhydryl agent, DTT produced an irreversible inhibition.

Discovery of a linear lead antagonist to the insect pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN).

We report the discovery of a linear lead antagonist for the insect pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) which inhibits sex pheromone biosynthesis in the female moth Heliothis peltigera. Two approaches have been used in attempting to convert PBAN agonists into antagonists. The first involved omission of the C-terminal amide and reduction of the sequence from the N-terminus in a linear library based on PBAN 1-33NH(2.

Ca2+ and cAMP-activated Cl- conductances mediate Cl- secretion in a mouse renal inner medullary collecting duct cell line.

1. The nature of Cl- conductance(s) participating in transepithelial anion secretion by renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD, mIMCD-K2 cell line) was investigated. 2.

On-line monitoring of the intravascular volume during haemodialysis by continuous refractometry.

The control of intravascular volume (IVV) by continuous on-line measurement of protein concentration would optimise the patients' specific rate of ultrafiltration. To prove the accuracy of a refractometric device, plasma was continuously drawn by haemofiltration during 10 haemodialysis treatments of male patients. Refractometry reflects highly significant changes in the concentrations of filtrate proteins (r = 0.

Backbone cyclic peptide antagonists, derived from the insect pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide, inhibit sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths.

We describe an application of the backbone cyclization and cycloscan concept for the design and synthesis of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) antagonists capable of inhibiting sex pheromone biosynthesis in Heliothis peltigera female moths. Two backbone cyclic (BBC) sub-libraries were designed and synthesized. The structure of the first sub-library ([Arg27]PBAN27-33NH2, termed the Ser sub-library) was based on the active C-terminal hexapeptide sequence (Tyr-Phe-Ser-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2) of PBAN1-33NH2, which was found to comprise its active core.

The cardiovascular safety of triphasic contraceptive steroids.

It was hypothesized that estrogen-induced cardioprotection is mediated by up-regulation and down-regulation of expression of nitric oxide (NO) and P-selectin, respectively. Published data on circulating levels of the vasodilator NO, atherogenic glycoprotein P-selectin, and lipoprotein-a [Lp(a)] in users of triphasic contraceptive steroids are lacking. A total of 30 healthy women (nonusers, controls) and 82 women using oral triphasic contraceptive steroids (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel: Triovlar, Schering AG) for 18 to 24 cycles participated in this study.

Serum interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Objective: To investigate serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2) levels in gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD).

Methods: Sixty-six patients with GTDs and 23 first-trimester healthy pregnant women (controls) participated in this study. According to the World Health Organization scoring system, GTDs were subgrouped into the following groups: 30 hydatidiform mole spontaneous regression (HMSR), 12 postmolar gestational trophoblastic tumors of high risk (PMHR), 14 low-risk choriocarcinomas, and ten high-risk choriocarcinomas.

Serum tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in benign and malignant lesions of the endometrium in postmenopausal women. A preliminary study.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) concentration was determined by a solid phase immunoradiometric assay in sera of 20 healthy postmenopausal women (reference group), 10 women suffering from postmenopausal bleeding with histologically confirmed cystic glandular hyperplasia, and 10 postmenopausal bleeding patients with histologically confirmed endometrial adenocarcinoma. In cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma serum TNF alpha (157.6 +/- 28 pg/ml) was found to be significantly higher than in controls (80.

Immunochemical and biological analysis of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide in Heliothis peltigera.

This study describes the preparation and characterization of a highly specific antiserum to Helicoverpa zea pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (Hez-PBAN), and the use of this antiserum, in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to determine: a) the content of endogenous PBAN in head extracts of male and female Heliothis peltigera; b) the level of PBAN at different developmental stages; and c) the content of PBAN in four different moth species. Cross-reactivity studies revealed that the antiserum is directed mainly toward the N-terminal region of the neuropeptide, and that it exhibits similar binding affinities toward the oxidized and reduced forms of PBAN. Analysis of PBAN content in head extracts of male and female H.

[Electrochemical measuring system for the registration of transmucosal gastrointestinal potential differences].

An electrochemical measuring system for the recording of transmucosal gastrointestinal potential differences based on silver electrodes with double-junctions and continuous-flow saline bridges is described. Under bioelectrochemical control, a probe can passed from the esophagus via the stomach into the duodenum can be accurately assigned to each of these three segments of the intestine. Measurements are demonstrated and applications discussed.

Plasma beta-endorphin level in cases of luteal phase defect.

Objective: To evaluate beta-endorphin secretion in euprolactinemic cases of luteal phase defect (LPD).

Design: Serial blood samples from the 18th to the 26th day of the menstrual cycle were assayed for beta-endorphin, progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL) in cases of LPD and controls. Diagnosis of LPD was based on determinations of serum P and premenstrual endometrial biopsy.

[Mechanism of electrolyte and water transport in the first 2 minutes of hypotonic water resorption].

1.2 ml of water or 1.2-2.

[Osmotic equilibrium between the intestinal lumen and blood of the growing rat without increase in the fluid content of portal vein blood].

In rats weighting 230-280 g, the resistance, the protein, and the electrolyte concentration of portal vein blood were measured continuously. At constant electrolyte concentration (Cel) resistance was a true measure of hematocrit. Protein concentration (Cprot) was monitored refractometrically in a continuous stream of filtered plasma.

Continuous measurement of plasma protein content in the alert rat during and after 3 to 5 minutes of moderate activity.

A refractometric method was used for the continuous registration of plasma protein concentration in rats during and after 3 and 5 minutes of provoked activity. Simultaneous conductometric measurements of hematocrit (hct) showed that, although both invariably changing in the same direction, the relative change of protein concentration is always less than that of hct: plasma volume changes calculated from the former fall short of those calculated from hct by 34 +/- 23% during the hemoconcentrative period during activity and by 52 +/- 11% during the hemodilutory period after activity. The difference between these figures was significant, thus implying that fluid leaving the circulation during the filtration phase is less rich in protein than that entering it during the absorptive phase of microvascular adjustments.

Continuous simultaneous measurement of plasma protein concentration and hematocrit in the alert rat. A short preliminary report.

A method for continuous plasmapheresis and refractometric determination of the protein concentration of blood circulating in the vascular system of the unanesthetized rat is presented. The method is applied to demonstrate very rapid transvascular fluid exchange during physical activity of the animal, noradrenalin infusions and hemorrhage. Changes of protein concentration are compared with concomitant changes of hematocrit in the hepatic portal vein and the v.

[Effect of intestinal circulation on the osmotic balance between the intestinal lumen and blood in awake rats].

Total electrolyte concentrations in portal vein and aortic blood of unanesthetized rats were measured continuously by means of ultrafiltrate conductometry. Portal flow rate and mesenteric venous pressure (pmes) could also be measured. The last could be raised to any desired level by a specially developed portal vein clamp.

Volume control during periodic changes of blood volume in the alert rat.

Blood (3.4-13.5% of blood volume) was pumped in and out of the circulation of rats at different rates and period lengths during continuous measurements of blood conductivity (reciprocally related to hematocrit) and arterial pressure.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis of the classical noduloulcerative variety is endemic in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia. In a clinical study in which 56 Saudi patients and 66 non-Saudi patients were examined, it was found that the Saudi patients were considerably younger and had significantly milder disease compared with the non-Saudi patients.

Studies on intestinal absorption by single-injection technique and continuous measurement of portal vein blood electrolyte concentration and hematocrit in the alert rat.

Whole blood and ultrafiltrate conductivity in the portal vein (as a measure of hematocrit and total electrolyte concentration, Cel, respectively) and arterial pressure of alert rats were measured continuously. Single intraduodenal injections of solutions iso- and hyperosmotic to blood (0.5 or 1 per cent of body weight) produced characteristic changes which were compared with those after the application of water.

Venous pressures in the alert rat: effects of activity and single injections of catecholamines.

Short bursts of activity are accompanied by a sharp rise, then a sharp drop, followed facultatively by a tonic rise of pressure in the portal and mesenteric vein. Caval vein and abdominal pressure show only a monophasic rise during activity. The drop of portal pressure immediately after the activity peak can be shown to be passive, due to a fall in portal flow rate.

The influence of arterial pressure changes on blood volume replacement after acute hemorrhage in the alert rat.

The fluid content of circulating blood was followed continuously by conductometric measurement of large vein hematocrit in the alert rat. Arterial pressure was registered simultaneously. 2.