2-Oxoadenosine induces cytotoxicity through intracellular accumulation of 2-oxo-ATP and depletion of ATP but not via the p38 MAPK pathway.

2-Oxoadenosine (2-oxo-Ado), an oxidized form of adenosine, is cytotoxic and induces growth arrest and cell death, which has potential as an anti-cancer drug. However, it is not well understood how 2-oxo-Ado exerts its cytotoxicity. We examined the effects of 2-oxo-Ado on non-tumour cells, namely immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblast lines, and investigated mechanisms by which 2-oxo-Ado exerts its cytotoxicity.

SCH23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, suppressed scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 in mice.

To clarify the mechanisms by which compound 48/80 (C48/80) induces scratching behavior, the involvement of dopamine D(1) receptors was investigated. The intracisternal (i.t.

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid modifies the brain endocannabinoid system in mice.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has a role of biogenic regulation through modifying prostaglandin production. However, its effects on related metabolites of arachidonate remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of CLA on brain endocannabinoid content as well as its analogs were investigated.

mRNA expression of lysyl oxidase and matrix metalloproteinase-12 in mouse skin.

Elastic fibers in the dermis play an important role in skin elasticity. The desmosine crosslinking structure constructed of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in elastic fibers contributes to elasticity, while elastic fibers are primarily degraded by one of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-12. We investigated the gender differences and diurnal variation of these enzymes.

Arachidonic acid prevents fatty liver induced by conjugated linoleic acid in mice.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has anti-obesity effects, but induces fatty liver in mice. The present study investigated whether co-administration of arachidonic acid (ARA) attenuates fat accumulation in the mouse liver induced by CLA. Male mice (8 weeks old) were given diets with either no addition of dietary fat (control), 3 % linoleic acid (LA), 3 % CLA, 3 % CLA+1 % ARA, or 3 % CLA+2 % ARA for 4 weeks.