Effects of C18 Fatty Acids on Intracellular Ca2+ Mobilization and Histamine Release in RBL-2H3 Cells

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of C18 fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) on mast cells, we measured the effect of C18 fatty acids on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and histamine release in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Stearic acid rapidly increased initial peak of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, whereas linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid gradually increased this mobilization. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, stearic acid (100 microM) did not cause any increase of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Both linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid increased intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, but the increase was smaller than that in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that C18 fatty acid-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization is mainly dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx. Verapamil dose-dependently inhibited stearic acid-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, but did not affect both linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. These data suggest that the underlying mechanism of stearic acid, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization may differ. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid significantly increased histamine release. Linoleic acid (C18:2: omega-6)-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and histamine release were more prominent than alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3: omega-3). These data support the view that the intake of more alpha-linolenic acid than linoleic acid is useful in preventing inflammation.

Effect of Lutein on L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

We investigated the antihypertensive effect of lutein on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Daily oral administration of L-NAME (40 mg/kg)-induced a rapid progressive increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). L-NAME significantly increased MAP from the first week compared to that in the control and reached 193.3+/-9.6 mmHg at the end of treatment. MAP in the lutein groups was dose-dependently lower than that in the L-NAME group. Similar results were observed for systolic and diastolic blood pressure of L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. The control group showed little change in heart rate for 3 weeks, whereas L-NAME significantly reduced heart rate from 434+/-26 to 376+/-33 beats/min. Lutein (2 mg/kg) significantly prevented the reduced heart rate induced by L-NAME. L-NAME caused hypertrophy of heart and kidney, and increased plasma lipid peroxidation four-fold but significantly reduced plasma nitrite and glutathione concentrations, which were significantly prevented by lutein in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that lutein affords significant antihypertensive and antioxidant effects against L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats.

The Electrophysiologic Diagnosis of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness

An analysis of four patients with congenital stationary night blindness showed that all had essentially normal fundi. We studied electro physiologic examinations including electroretinogram(ERG), electrooculogram(EOG) and pattern visual evoked potential(VEP). We classified these patients into two groups, one case as Schubert-Bornschein type and three cases as Riggs type based on the evaluation of scotopic and single bright flash ERG. The oscillatory potentials were absent in one case of Schubert-Bornschein type and reduced in two cases of Riggs type. The hereditary mode of three patients in one family was autosomal dominant.

The Standardization of Electroretinogram C-wave in Pigmented Rabbits

The electroretinogram c-wave is known as a good electrophysiologic test of retinal pigment epithelial function, but its large inter and intra individual variation prevented clinical and experimental application. We recorded a stable c-wave in pigmented rabbits and the following result was obtained. Under dark adaptation state the c-wave amplitude reached equilibrium after 60 minutes, but its interindividal variation was large. The similar c-wave amplitude of right and left eye indicates that contralateral eye can be used as a control during local administration of drugs. The interindividual variation of c-wave amplitude under dim light is much smaller than under dark adaptation. This may be a good indicator in pharmacologic experiment of systemically administered drugs.

Clinical Evaluation of Bendazac Lysine Salt in the Treatment of Senile and Adult Cataract

The lysine salt of Bendazac was orally administered(500mg daily) to 18 patients(29 eyes) suffering from senile or adult cataract, for the range of 2 to 6 months. The visual acuity tests and the evaluation of variations of lens opacities by means of slit lamp biomicroscopy showed some improvement in 3 eyes(10.3%) whereas no changes occurred in 24 eyes(82.8%) and aggravation in 2 eyes(6.9%). Although visual improvement was seen in 3 eyes, this was statistically not significant(p>0.1). Group treated with Bendazac lysine salt was not compared with the placebo group.