Multiple Transport Mechanisms Involved in the Intestinal Absorption of Metformin: Impact on the Nonlinear Absorption Kinetics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of multiple transport mechanisms to the intestinal absorption of metformin, focusing on OCT3, PMAT, THTR2, SERT and OCTN2. We also assessed the impact of these transporters on the nonlinear absorption of metformin. Uptake studies with MDCKII cells expressing OCT3, PMAT, THTR2 or SERT confirmed that metformin is a substrate of these transporters.

NNC 55-0396, a T-type calcium channel blocker, protects against the brain injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in mice.

We tested whether NNC 55-0396 (NNC), a T-type calcium channel (T-channel) blocker, reduces the brain injury caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice. NNC, administered i.c.

Involvement of ERK in NMDA receptor-independent cortical neurotoxicity of hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), a gasotransmitter, exerts both neurotoxicity and neuroprotection, and targets multiple molecules including NMDA receptors, T-type calcium channels and NO synthase (NOS) that might affect neuronal viability. Here, we determined and characterized effects of NaHS, an H(2)S donor, on cell viability in the primary cultures of mouse fetal cortical neurons. NaHS caused neuronal death, as assessed by LDH release and trypan blue staining, but did not significantly reduce the glutamate toxicity.

[Comparative study of oral tracheal tube extubation force in a baby manikin model: taping methods and tube diameters].

Background: Adhesive tape is the standard method for securing tracheal tubes. There have been several studies about extubation forces in adult models. However, there have been few in pediatric models.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits activity of three isoforms of recombinant nitric oxide synthase.

To clarify the presence of cross-talk between H(2)S and NO, we investigated effect of NaHS, an H(2)S donor, on activity of recombinant NO synthase (NOS) isoforms. Activity of all nNOS, iNOS and eNOS was inhibited by NaHS (IC(50): 0.13-0.

Hydrogen sulfide causes relaxation in mouse bronchial smooth muscle.

We investigated the effects of NaHS, a hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) donor, on the tension of isolated mouse and guinea-pig bronchial rings. NaHS at 0.01 - 10 mM had no effect on the tone of those preparations without precontraction.

Effects of tributyltin on the immune system of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

Effects of tributyltin (TBT) which has been used for antifouling paint of ship's hulls and fishing nets on the immune system in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were investigated. After short-term exposure to a high level of TBT, leucocytes in the head kidney from 1-year-old flounder were examined for the proportion of neutrophils in total leucocytes. Also examined were their respiratory burst activities using flow cytometry, the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and lysozyme activities.

Direct inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by hydrogen sulfide: contribution to dual modulation of vascular tension.

We characterized actions of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on tension of isolated rat and mouse aortae, and then examined if H(2)S could directly modulate activity of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). Isometric tension was recorded in rat and mouse aortic rings. Activity of recombinant bovine eNOS was determined as conversion of [(3)H]-arginine into [(3)H]-citrulline.

Concentrations of antifouling biocides in sediment and mussel samples collected from Otsuchi bay, Japan.

Organotin compounds (OTs) and representative booster biocides were measured in sediment and mussels from Otsuchi Bay, Japan. The mean amounts of tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) compounds in sediment were 13 microg kg(-1) dry and 3 microg kg(-1) dry, respectively. Representative booster biocides (Sea-Nine 211, Diuron, Dichlofluanid, Irgarol 1501, M1, which is a degradation compound of Irgarol 1051, and Copper pyrithione) were also detected in sediment from Otsuchi Bay.

Evaluation of the Ishikawa cell line bioassay for the detection of estrogenic substances from sediment extracts.

This study examines the application of Ishikawa human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells to measure the estrogenic activity of fractionated extracts of sediments from Tokyo Bay, Japan. Estrogen stimulates alkaline phosphatase activity in this cell line. The results of these assays were compared with those of a yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay.

Suppressive effect of a hot water extract of adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) on hyperglycemia after sucrose loading in mice and diabetic rats.

A hot water extract obtained by boiling adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) to produce bean paste for Japanese cake showed inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, maltase, sucrase, and isomaltase after HP-20 column chromatography. The IC(50) values for each hydrolylase were 0.78 mg/ml (alpha-amylase), 2.