Reprofiling a classical anthelmintic, pyrvinium pamoate, as an anti-cancer drug targeting mitochondrial respiration.

Pyrvinium pamoate (PP) is an FDA-approved classical anthelmintic, but is now attracting particular attention as an anti-cancer drug after recent findings of its potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines only during glucose starvation, as well as its anti-tumor activity against hypovascular pancreatic cancer cells transplanted in mice. The molecular mechanisms by which PP promotes such preferential toxicity against cancer cells are currently under extensive investigation. PP suppressed the NADH-fumarate reductase system that mediates a reverse reaction of the mitochondrial electron-transport chain complex II in anaerobic organisms such as parasitic helminthes or mammalian cells under tumor microenvironment-mimicking hypoglycemic/hypoxic conditions, thereby inhibiting efficient ATP production.

Pyrvinium pamoate inhibits proliferation of myeloma/erythroleukemia cells by suppressing mitochondrial respiratory complex I and STAT3.

Pyrvinium pamoate (PP), a classical anthelminthic, potently inhibited proliferation and STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation of human myeloma (U266B1 and PCM6)/erythroleukemia (HEL 92.1.7) cells.

Comparative study on the morphology and the composition of the otoliths in the teleosts.

Conclusion: Saccular otoliths of teleosts were mostly larger than utricular otoliths, which might relate to the three-dimensional movement. The large and heavy otolith may be better suited in saccules of the bottom and reef fishes. The quantities of iron in lagenar otoliths were found to be lower than those of birds.

The relation between the migration function of birds and fishes and their lagenal function.

Conclusion: The lagena of pigeons is a unique organ and it is concluded that it is a key element in the magnetic sensor system of pigeons and migrating birds. The lagenal otolith in pigeons contains more iron than saccular and utricular otoliths. The function of the lagena of pigeons was clarified because the homing ability of pigeons was largely disrupted after unilateral lagenal nerve section and attachment of magnetic balls with a magnetic field strength under 5 Gauss.

CD41+/CD45+ cells without acetylcholinesterase activity are immature and a major megakaryocytic population in murine bone marrow.

Murine megakaryocytes (MKs) are defined by CD41/CD61 expression and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; however, their stages of differentiation in bone marrow (BM) have not been fully elucidated. In murine lineage-negative (Lin(-))/CD45(+) BM cells, we found CD41(+) MKs without AChE activity (AChE(-)) except for CD41(++) MKs with AChE activity (AChE(+)), in which CD61 expression was similar to their CD41 level. Lin(-)/CD41(+)/CD45(+)/AChE(-) MKs could differentiate into AChE(+), with an accompanying increase in CD41/CD61 during in vitro culture.

Efficient gene expression in megakaryocytic cell line using nucleofection.

To clarify the mechanism of platelet production from megakaryocytes, expression of target proteins by gene transfection was examined using various gene delivery techniques. Transfection into hematopoietic cells, including megakaryocytes, by conventional gene delivery techniques such as electroporation and lipofection are known to be difficult. In this study, in addition to electroporation and lipofection, we tested other gene-transfer methods (nucleofection, transfection using inactivated virus envelope, and transferrin-linked cationic polymer) with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene into the human megakaryocytic cell line MEG-01.

Constituents of holothuroidea, 12. Isolation and structure of glucocerebrosides from the sea cucumber Holothuria pervicax.

Ten glucocerebrosides, HPC-3-A-HPC-3-J, have been isolated from their obtained parent glucocerebroside molecular species HPC-3, together with other glucocerebroside molecular species HPC-1 and HPC-2, from the less polar lipid fraction of a chloroform/methanol extract of the sea cucumber Holothuria pervicax. The structures of these glucocerebrosides have been determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Reversed-phase HPLC, including a recycling system, was effective in isolating these glucocerebrosides, revealing a very close resemblance in structure, though the problem due to regio-isomers remains.

Comparison of the morphology of the inner ear between newts and frogs in relation to their locomotory capability.

The ultrastructural differences between the inner ears of Japanese red-bellied newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster) and black-spotted pond frogs (Rana nigromaculata) were investigated. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed apparent morphological differences in the shape of the ampulla cristae and the localization of the striola in the saccular macula. There were differences in the length of the kinocilia of the sensory hairs in each sensory region.

Experimental analysis of behavior of homing pigeons as a result of functional disorders of their lagena.

Behavioral experiments concerning the homing abilities of pigeons were done by sectioning their lagenal nerves or interfering with the function of the lagena using a magnet. Twenty-one birds were treated in this way and 30 birds from the same loft of racing pigeons were used as controls. The results of homing tests clearly revealed a magnetic influence on the function of the lagena in terms of the navigation ability of pigeons: the treated birds were either lost or significantly delayed while the controls returned within 30 min of release.