Plasma CD147 reflects histological features in patients with lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: A glycosylated transmembrane protein, CD147, has been implicated in regulating lymphocyte responsiveness and leukocyte recruitment. As lupus nephritis (LN) often follows a relapsing-remitting disease course, accurate understanding of the disease activity would be extremely helpful in improving prognosis. Unfortunately, neither clinical nor serological data can accurately reflect the histological features of LN. The present study investigated whether CD147 can accurately predict pathological features of LN. METHODS: Plasma and spot urine samples were collected from 64 patients who underwent renal biopsy between 2008 and 2011. Disease activity for LN tissues was evaluated using the biopsy activity index, and compared to levels of biomarkers including CD147. RESULTS: In LN tissues, CD147 induction was striking in injured glomeruli and infiltrating inflammatory cells, but not in damaged tubules representing atrophy. Plasma CD147 levels accurately reflected the histological disease activity. However, prediction using a single molecule would be quite difficult because of the complex pathogenesis of LN. The diagnostic accuracy of multiplex parameters indicated that the combination including plasma CD147 might yield excellent diagnostic abilities for guiding ideal LN therapy. CONCLUSION: Plasma CD147 levels might offer useful insights into disease activity as a crucial biomarker in patients with LN.

New monoclonal antibody (AIC) identifies interstitial cells of Cajal in the musculature of the mouse gastrointestinal tract.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemaker cells for the spontaneous muscular contractions and neuromodulators that mediate neurotransmission from enteric neurons to smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They express c-Kit, and the antibody for c-Kit (especially ACK2) has been a useful tool for functional and morphological studies. ACK2, however, does not work on tissues fixed with paraformaldehyde, and not all ICC express c-Kit in human. Therefore, in order to find a new marker of ICC and/or new antibody resisting aldehyde fixation, we produced a new monoclonal antibody that identifies ICC and then investigated the properties of its antigen. Isolated ICC were used for immunization. Hybridomas fused with myeloma SP2 were screened by immunohistochemistry. ACK2 and each antibody were applied on serial sections, and the clone producing anti-ICC antibody (AIC) that stains ICC was established. The distribution of AIC immunopositive cells was examined in other organs and also GI muscles of W/Wv mice. The biochemical properties were studied using dot blot analysis. AIC recognized ICC; however, distribution of immunopositive cells in W/Wv mice and other organs was different from that of c-Kit. The immunoreactivity was stable for paraformaldehyde but was blocked by either Triton X-100 or SDS. In conclusion, new antibody AIC recognized ICC but the antigen was not c-Kit, which confirms the existence of good markers of ICC besides c-Kit. Although the antigen has not been isolated, AIC is suitable for morphological study and is useful for investigation of ICC in c-Kit mutants.

Characteristics of the antihistamine effect of TAK-427, a novel imidazopyridazine derivative.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The characteristics of the antihistamine effect of the new antiallergic compound TAK-427 were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro binding assay of [(3)H] pyrilamine was performed using recombinant human histamine H(1) receptors (rhH(1)R). In vivo studies were performed in male ICR mice or Hartley guinea pigs. Drugs were administered orally 1 h before examinations. Determinations were made of histamine-induced skin reaction, ex vivo measured radioligand binding to brain and lung H(1) receptors, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction, and antigen-induced itch-scratch responses (ISRs). RESULTS: TAK-427 inhibited ligand binding to rhH(1)R with an IC(50) value of 17.3 nmol/l. TAK-427 inhibited histamine-induced skin reactions in guinea pigs and mice with an ID(50) value of 0.884 and 0.450 mg/kg, p.o., respectively; significant inhibition associated with 10 mg/kg of TAK-427 was still observed 24 h after dosing in guinea pigs. TAK-427 showed as high selectivity for peripheral H(1) receptors as terfenadine and epinastine did, which was evaluated by ex vivo measured radioligand binding. Even at 300 mg/kg, TAK-427 did not affect pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice. TAK-427 significantly inhibited PCA in mice and guinea pigs, and also inhibited antigen-induced ISRs in guinea pigs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TAK-427 may have a long-lasting antihistamine activity with minimum sedative side effect and suppress acute phase allergic reactions.

Effects of TAK-637, a novel neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, on colonic function in vivo.

Substance P (SP) is an important neurotransmitter that mediates various gut functions; however, its precise pathophysiological role remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of SP on colonic function and the effect of TAK-637 [(aR,9R)-7-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-9-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7H-[1,4]diazocino[2,1-g][1,7]naphthyridine-6,13-dione] a new neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, on colonic responses to SP or stress in Mongolian gerbils. SP and the selective NK1 agonist [pGlu6]SP6-11 significantly increased fecal pellet output. TAK-637 reduced [pGlu6]SP6-11-induced defecation, but did not significantly affect neurokinin A-, 5-hydroxytryptamine- or carbachol-stimulated defecation. Oral TAK-637 decreased restraint stress-stimulated fecal pellet output with an ID50 value of 0.33 mg/kg. Ondansetron and atropine, but not the peripheral kappa-receptor agonist trimebutine, also reduced restraint stress-stimulated defecation. TAK-637 inhibited the increase in fecal pellet output stimulated by intracerebroventricular injection of corticotropin-releasing factor, but did not affect the stress-induced increase in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Denervation of the sensory neurons with capsaicin did not affect stress-stimulated defecation. These results suggest that NK1 receptors in the enteric plexus play an important role in stress-induced changes in colonic function, and that TAK-637 may be useful in the treatment of functional bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Production of biologically active recombinant bovine interferon-gamma by two different baculovirus gene expression systems using insect cells and silkworm larvae.

The full-length bovine interferon-gamma (bIFN-gamma) cDNA, including the secretion signal peptide coding region was recloned into baculovirus transfer vectors pAcYM1 and pBm050. These vectors were co-transfected with Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) or Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) DNA into Spodoptera frugiperda cells (SF21AE) and Bombyx mori cells (BmN), respectively. The recombinant viruses, named AcBIFN-gamma and BmBIFN-gamma, were then recovered. Recombinant bIFN-gamma (rbIFN-gamma) was accumulated in the culture fluid of AcBIFN-gamma-infected Trichoplusia ni cells and BmBIFN-gamma-infected silkworm larvae. These rbIFN-gamma forms were shown to be glycosylated 20 and 22 kDa proteins as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and tunicamycin treatment. These products were sensitive to cystein proteinase. Both rbIFN-gamma proteins, showed high-level biological activities by plaque reduction assay using vesicular stomatitis virus, and MHC class II antigen induction on bovine macrophage cells.

Simultaneous ipsilateral fractures of distal and proximal ends of the radius.

We treated a patient with a rare combination of ipsilateral fractures of the distal and proximal ends of the radius. A woman aged 52 years had simultaneous fractures of the distal and proximal ends of the radius (radial head and neck) after she fell from a high place. The fracture of the radial head was treated by open fixation with a cancellous bone screw, and the fractured distal end of the radius was treated by bone graft, with the subsequent application of an external fixator. At the 1-year follow up, the patient had minor residual limitation of forearm pronation and elbow joint extension, but she had no pain on movement, and had a good result based on Cooney's score (90 points).

Examination of synovial fluid and serum hyaluronidase activity as a joint marker in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients (by zymography).

OBJECTIVE: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important joint marker and the substrate for hyaluronidase (HAase). Synovial fluid (SF) and serum HAase were measured to investigate the potential use of HAase as a joint marker in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. METHODS: The subjects were 39 patients with RA and 42 patients with OA. HAase activity was measured by zymography and its relation with various parameters examined statistically. RESULTS: In RA SF a positive correlation (r = 0.458, p = 0.0186) was found between SF HAase activity and the concentration of serum C reactive protein. A positive correlation (r = 0.45, p = 0.024) was also found between SF HAase activity and platelet count in the RA group. Serum HAase activity in the RA group was significantly higher than in the OA group (p < 0.0001) and normal controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that SF HAase activity could be used as a marker of synovial inflammation.

Cytotoxic triterpenes from Cleome africana.

Eighteen dammarane-type triterpenes were obtained from the whole plant of Cleome africana by means of cytotoxic bioassay-directed fractionation. Twelve of them were novel compounds whose structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods.

Involvement of thromboxane A2 and histamine in experimental allergic rhinitis of guinea pigs.

To identify the chemical mediators involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, we studied the effects of the thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist seratrodast, the peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist pranlukast and the antihistamine azelastine using a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis. In guinea pigs actively sensitized by aerosol inhalation of antigen, antigen challenge into the nasal cavity increased both the nasal vascular permeability and the intranasal pressure; it also induced swelling of the nasal mucosa, which was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Both seratrodast and azelastine significantly inhibited these antigen-induced responses when the drugs were administered p.o. 1 hr before antigen challenge. Also, the TX synthetase inhibitor ozagrel reduced the antigen-induced increase in nasal vascular permeability. On the other hand, pranlukast had little effect on the antigen-induced increases in nasal vascular permeability and intranasal pressure. Perfusions and inhalations of U-46619, a stable TXA2 mimetic, or of histamine into the nasal cavity caused concentration-dependent increases in nasal vascular permeability and intranasal pressure in normal guinea pigs. Leukotriene C4 also induced these responses, but the maximal responses to leukotriene C4 were less than the maximal responses to U-46619 or histamine. On the other hand, these responses were not induced by prostaglandin D2 or prostaglandin F2alpha. Moreover, the U-46619- and histamine-induced increases in vascular permeability and intranasal pressure were significantly inhibited by seratrodast and azelastine, respectively. In addition, levels of TXB2, a stable breakdown product of TXA2, and histamine in nasal lavage fluid increased after antigen challenge in actively sensitized guinea pigs. These results suggest that TXA2 and histamine play important roles in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs.

Role of endogenous basic fibroblast growth factor in the healing of gastric ulcers in rats.

Recently, it has been pointed out that growth factors play an important role in the healing of gastrointestinal ulcers. In the present study, we examined the role of endogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the healing of gastric ulcers in the rat. In male SD rats, gastric ulcers were induced in the antrum by injection of acetic acid. Time-dependent changes in the area and bFGF content in the ulcerated area and distribution of bFGF in the ulcerated mucosa were examined. Effects of bFGF mutein CS23 (TGP-580) and a monoclonal antibody for bFGF (MAb 3H3) on the healing of the gastric ulcers and angiogenesis in the ulcer bed were also examined. The content of bFGF in the ulcerated area increased with time as the ulcer healed and reached a maximum 7 days after ulcer formation. In the gastric ulcer bed, many cells such as fibroblasts and macrophages were positively stained immunohistochemically by anti-bFGF antiserum. MAb 3H3 (0.1 mg/rat/day, i.v.) inhibited angiogenesis in the ulcer bed and significantly delayed ulcer healing, while TGP-580 (0.001-0.1 mg/kg x 2/day, p.o.) increased the number of microvessels in the ulcer bed and accelerated the healing. These results suggest that endogenous bFGF may play an important role in the healing of gastric ulcers in the rat and that the angiogenic properties of bFGF (TGP-580) may be involved in its effect on ulcer healing.

[Effects of lansoprazole on indomethacin-induced gastric bleeding and mucosal lesions in rats].

The effects of lansoprazole given intravenously on indomethacin-induced gastric bleeding and mucosal lesions were investigated in rats in comparison with those of omeprazole, famotidine and ranitidine. Lansoprazole inhibited gastric bleeding induced by indomethacin with an ID50 value of 0.29 mg/kg. Omeprazole and famotidine significantly inhibited gastric bleeding, but ranitidine provided negligible inhibition. A correlation was found between the inhibitory action of lansoprazole on gastric bleeding, and acid secretion, and its inhibitory action on gastric bleeding was almost completely abolished by adding 50 mM-HCl to the gastric perfusate, suggesting that lansoprazole's inhibitory action on gastric bleeding was mainly due to its antisecretory action. Lansoprazole inhibited the development of gastric lesions induced by indomethacin with an ID50 value of 0.10 mg/kg, whereas histamine H2-receptor antagonists did not display a potent inhibitory effect. ID50 values for omeprazole, famotidine and ranitidine were 0.69, 2.58 and 24.6 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate that lansoprazole has a potent inhibitory action on indomethacin-induced gastric bleeding and mucosal lesions and that it is useful in the treatment of acute gastric mucosal lesions.

[Possible mechanisms for (H+ + K+)-ATPase inhibition by proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole, lansoprazole and SCH 28080].

Proton pump inhibitors are classified into two distinct types, and the mechanisms are reviewed. Substituted benzimidazole such as omeprazole and lansorrazole, inhibit (H+ + K+)-ATPase by reacting with SH groups of enzyme after the drugs are transformed into their active forms in the acidic environment of the intracellular canaliculi of parietal cells. This type of enzyme inhibition results in potent and long-lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion. On the other hand, substituted imidazo pyridines, such as SCH 28080, inhibit (H+ + K+)-ATPase by competing with K+. This inhibition is reversible and the antisecretory effect is short-lived. Recent studies on DNA cloning and sequencing for (H+ + K+)-ATPase have led to a better understanding of enzyme structure and also the sites of action of the proton pump inhibitors.

Effects of the enantiomers of lansoprazole (AG-1749) on (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity in canine gastric microsomes and acid formation in isolated canine parietal cells.

The effects of the enantiomers of 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl]-sulfinyl ]- 1H-benzimidazole (lansoprazole, AG-1749) on acid formation in isolated canine parietal cells and (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity in canine gastric microsomes were investigated. Both the (+)-and the (-)-enantiomer of lansoprazole inhibited the acid formation stimulated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) in isolated canine parietal cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 59 and 82 nM, respectively. The enantiomers showed concentration-dependent inhibition of (H+ + K+)-ATPase with IC50 values of 4.2 and 5.2 microM, respectively. On the other hand, the IC50 values of lansoprazole for db-cAMP-stimulated acid formation and (H+ + K+)-ATPase were 59 nM and 2.1 microM, respectively. These results suggest that the two enantiomers of lansoprazole have antisecretory action due to inhibition of (H+ + K+)-ATPase.

Differences in the antisecretory actions of the proton pump inhibitor AG-1749 (lansoprazole) and the histamine H2-receptor antagonist famotidine in rats and dogs.

Antisecretory effects of a substituted benzimidazole, (+/-)-2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) were compared with those of a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, famotidine. AG-1749 inhibited acid formation regardless of the stimulant in isolated canine parietal cells, while famotidine inhibited the histamine-stimulated acid formation selectively. In pylorus-ligated rats, AG-1749 suppressed basal acid secretion, histamine-, bethanechol-, pentagastrin-, 2-deoxy-D-glucose- and stress (restraint and water-immersion)-induced acid secretion; ID50 values were 1.0-6.0 mg/kg. On the other hand, famotidine only partially inhibited the acid secretion induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose or stress, although it suppressed the acid secretion stimulated by other secretagogues several times more potently than AG-1749. The antisecretory effect of AG-1749 lasted longer than that of famotidine, especially in the case of bethanechol-stimulated acid secretion. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, both AG-1749 and famotidine potently inhibited histamine-, bethanechol-, pentagastrin- and peptone meal-stimulated acid secretion, but the inhibitory effect of famotidine was short-lived in the case of bethanechol- and pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. These results suggest that AG-1749 persistently inhibits acid secretion induced by both peripheral and central stimuli and suggest that the antisecretory effect of famotidine depends on the nature of the stimuli.

Effects of a proton pump inhibitor, AG-1749 (lansoprazole), on reflux esophagitis and experimental ulcers in rats.

The effects of (+/-)-2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy-2- pyridyl]methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (lansoprazole, AG-1749) and famotidine on various experimental ulcers in rats were compared. AG-1749 inhibited reflux esophagitis; gastric lesions induced by water-immersion stress, aspirin or ethanol; and duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine or mepirizole in a dose-dependent manner: the ID50 values were 0.7, 2.4, 0.7, 8.5, 1.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, p.o. or i.d., respectively. Famotidine inhibited reflux esophagitis with an ID50 value of 12.9 mg/kg, but did not cause 50% inhibition of ethanol-induced gastric lesions even at 100 mg/kg, although it showed almost the same or a little stronger potency on other experimental ulcers: ID50 values were 0.3-1.4 mg/kg. Significant aggravation of ethanol- or water-immersion stress-induced lesions was observed in rats given famotidine at 30 mg/kg twice daily for 4 days, but not in rats given AG-1749 at 10 mg/kg twice daily. Administration of AG-1749 for 14 consecutive days markedly accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers, and the healing effect was significant at 10 and 30 mg/kg/day, p.o. Famotidine also accelerated the healing of ulcers, but its potency was less than that of AG-1749. The results of this study indicate that although AG-1749 is slightly less potent than famotidine in inhibiting acutely induced gastroduodenal lesions, this agent is superior to famotidine in promoting the healing of ulcers and in inhibiting reflux esophagitis and ethanol-induced gastric lesions.

[Reappraisal of inhalant allergens available for allergy practice in Japan. A need to increase allergen extracts available for immunotherapy].

In an attempt to assess whether or not the availability of inhalant allergens for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in Japan is adequate, we tested 21 Japanese patients with allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma against 75 inhalant allergens commonly used in the United States of America. These 21 patients had never lived outside of Japan and came to the United States for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of their allergic diseases. We determined the importance of each allergen by calculating an allergenicity index. Allergenicity index for a given allergen was defined as a sum of a multiple of each of 4 grades of prick test reactions to the allergen and a number of patients reacting to the allergen with each corresponding grade. Mite had the highest allergenicity index, followed by house dust. All 14 pollen allergens occupying the 3rd through 12th ranks including many grass and weed pollens are not available for immunotherapy in Japan. Japanese cedar pollen which is considered the most important pollen allergen in Japan ranked the 13th. Of a total 25 allergens occupying from the 1st through 13th ranks 22 allergens are not available for immunotherapy including the most important allergen, mite. These results suggest that we should expand the list of allergens available for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in Japan.

Possible mechanism for the inhibition of acid formation by the proton pump inhibitor AG-1749 in isolated canine parietal cells.

We have reported previously that 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluorethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinil]- 1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) inhibits (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase after being transformed into its cyclic sulfenamide form (AG-2000) or disulfide form (AG-1812) under acidic conditions. In this study, mechanisms related to the inhibition of acid formation by AG-1749 were investigated in isolated canine parietal cells. AG-1749 suppressed the acid formation stimulated by histamine, carbachol or dibutyryl cyclic AMP with IC50 values of approximately 0.09 microM: AG-1749 being twice as potent as omeprazole. The inhibitory effect of AG-1749 was antagonized by dithiothreitol (1 mM). 2-Cyclo-hexen-1-one (3 mM) decreased cytosolic glutathione to less than 10% of control value, and caused a 3-fold increase in the inhibitory effect of AG-1749. Glutathione, however, when added exogenously, did not affect the action of AG-1749. The inhibition was reversed by removing AG-1749 from the medium or by adding dithiothreitol (1 mM). The reversal of inhibition by these two procedures was hardly affected by puromycin (100 microM) or cycloheximide (300 microM) but significantly prevented by 2-cyclo-hexen-1-one (1 mM). Exogenously added AG-2000 (10 microM) or AG-1812 (5 microM), active forms of AG-1749, did not inhibit acid formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible mechanism for the inhibition of gastric (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase by the proton pump inhibitor AG-1749.

Mechanisms related to the inhibition of (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) by 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) were studied using canine gastric microsomes. AG-1749 (1-100 microM) inhibited the K+-stimulated ATP hydrolysis and vesicular accumulation of H+. AG-1749 bound to the microsomes concentration-dependently and decreased the number of free SH groups; the binding correlating with the enzyme inhibition. Both the binding and inhibition were antagonized by dithiothreitol. N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the (H+ + K+)-ATPase and decreased the binding of [14C]AG-1749 to the microsomes. The inhibitory effect of AG-1749 gradually increased with incubation time, and was enhanced by lowering the pH. AG-2000 and AG-1812, acid-induced rearrangement products of AG-1749, inhibited (H+ + K+)-ATPase potently, rapidly and independently of pH; the inhibition was antagonized by dithiothreitol. We propose that AG-1749 is transformed into its active forms within the acidic compartment of the parietal cells and that the active compounds inhibit (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity by reacting with the SH groups of the enzyme.

Antisecretory and antiulcer activities of a novel proton pump inhibitor AG-1749 in dogs and rats.

The antisecretory and antiulcer activities of 2[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) were investigated in dogs and rats. AG-1749 inhibited both the (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity in canine gastric microsomes and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated acid formation in isolated canine parietal cells and suppressed the acid secretion stimulated by histamine, pentagastrin, bethanechol or a peptone meal in Heidenhain pouch dogs; the ID50 values were between 0.2 and 0.7 mg/kg p.o. AG-1749 inhibited both the histamine-stimulated and the basal acid secretion in pylorusligated rats and prevented water immersion stress or aspirin-induced gastric lesions and mepirizole or cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats; the ID50 values were between 0.3 to 3.6 mg/kg p.o. or i.d. Furthermore, AG-1749 prevented gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol or acidified aspirin, and accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric or duodenal ulcers in rats. The inhibitory potency of AG-1749 in dogs was much the same as that of omeprazole and about half that of ranitidine. However, it was about 2 to 10 times more potent than omeprazole and 4 to 34 times more potent than ranitidine in rats. These results suggest that AG-1749 exerts prominent antiulcer activities mainly by suppressing acid secretion via an inhibition of a proton pump in gastric parietal cells and partly by protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa against various ulcerative stimuli.

The role of the nigrotegmental GABAergic pathway in the propagation of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures.

Recent evidence suggests that the substantia nigra (SN) may be involved in the modification of various experimental epilepsy models. We determined the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic activity of the SN and the target sites of SN efferents, the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and superior colliculus (SC), in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats. Bilateral administration of a GABA agonist (muscimol) into the SN significantly reduced seizure severity; its administration into the PPN significantly augmented seizure severity; administration into the SC did not alter the seizure severity. On the other hand, infusion of a GABA antagonist (bicuculline) into the PPN revealed a protective effect against seizures. Our findings indicate that the nigral GABAergic projections to the PPN play an important role in seizure propagation. Thus, PPN neurons may be a possible target site of nigral output modulating seizure propagation.