Type-specific detection of echovirus 30 isolates using degenerate reverse transcriptase PCR primers.

Following an approach used to specifically identify polioviruses and enterovirus 71, we have developed reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR primers containing mixed-base residues or deoxyinosine at positions of codon degeneracy. These primers permit specific RT-PCR amplification of echovirus 30 (E30) sequences by targeting sites that encode conserved amino acid motifs within the major capsid protein, VP1. All 221 E30 strains tested, isolated in 16 countries over a 44-year period, yielded the predicted 158-bp PCR product. No specific products were obtained by PCR assays containing templates from any of the other 63 EV serotypes. Inosine-containing degenerate primers may be widely applicable to the identification of echovirus serotypes by PCR.

Molecular and antigenic characterization of a highly evolved derivative of the type 2 oral poliovaccine strain isolated from sewage in Israel.

An unusual, highly diverged derivative of the Sabin type 2 oral poliovaccine (OPV) strain was recovered from environmental samples during routine screening for wild polioviruses. Virus was cultivated in L20B cells and then passaged on BGM cells at 40 degrees C (RCT [reproductive capacity at supraoptimal temperature]-positive marker) to select against most OPV strains. All but 1 of 25 RCT-positive OPV-derived environmental isolates were antigenically and genetically (>99.5% VP1 sequence match) similar to the respective Sabin strains. However, isolate PV2/4568-1/ISR98 (referred to below as 4568-1) escaped neutralization with Sabin 2-specific monoclonal antibodies and cross-adsorbed sera, and had multiple nucleotide substitutions (220 of 2,646; 8.3%) in the P1 capsid region. Fourteen of the 44 associated amino acid substitutions in the capsid mapped to neutralizing antigenic sites. Neutralizing titers in the sera of 50 Israeli children 15 years old were significantly lower to 4568-1 (geometric mean titer [GMT], 47) than to Sabin 2 (GMT, 162) or to the prototype wild strain, PV2/MEF-1/EGY42 (GMT, 108). Two key attenuating sites had also reverted in 4568-1 (A(481) to G in the 5' untranslated region and the VP1 amino acid I(143) to T), and the isolate was highly neurovirulent for transgenic mice expressing the poliovirus receptor (PVR-Tg21 mice). The extensive genetic divergence of 4568-1 from the parental Sabin 2 strain suggested that the virus had replicated in one or more people for approximately 6 years. The presence in the environment of a highly evolved, neurovirulent OPV-derived poliovirus in the absence of polio cases has important implications for strategies for the cessation of immunization with OPV following global polio eradication.

Compartmentalization of the inflammatory response to inhaled grain dust.

Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and the secreted form of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA) are involved in the inflammatory response to inhaled grain dust. Previously, we found considerable production of these cytokines in the lower respiratory tract of workers exposed by inhalation to aqueous extracts of corn dust extract. Alveolar macrophages (AM) have long been considered the cell type responsible for producing these cytokines, and only recently has it been realized that airway epithelial cells may also be involved in cytokine production. In order to determine whether airway epithelia are involved in the inflammatory response to inhaled corn dust extract and to compare the magnitude of response of bronchial epithelial cells (BE) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, we used the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique in a semiquantitative manner to evaluate the concentration of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and sIL-1RA. Alveolar cells were obtained by BAL, and BE were obtained by endobronchial brush biopsy from 15 grain handlers 6 h after experimental inhalation of saline or an aqueous corn dust extract. After inhalation of saline, BE expressed low but detectable levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta (> 1 complementary DNA [cDNA] molecule/cell). After inhalation of corn dust extract, the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-1beta and IL-8 in the BE were significantly increased, whereas no change was seen in IL-6, sIL-1RA, and TNF-alpha mRNA expression. Comparing cytokine mRNA levels in BE and BAL cells from the same subjects after inhalation of corn dust extract, BE and BAL cells expressed equivalent amounts of IL-8 mRNA; IL-1beta was 11-fold higher in BAL cells; and TNF-alpha and sIL-1RA were expressed exclusively by BAL cells. Immunostaining for the cytokines in BAL cells showed cytokine protein expression in AMs but not in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). On the other hand, sIL-1RA was strongly expressed in both AMs and PMNs. Analysis of cytokine protein levels in endobronchial lavage (EBL) fluid demonstrated that only IL-8 was released in detectable amounts into the airway lumen, whereas all the other cytokines of interest were exclusively found in the BAL fluid. Thus, within 6 h after inhalation exposure to corn dust extract, BE appear to contribute to airway inflammation by producing IL-8. AMs are responsible for most of the IL-1beta and IL-6 production in the alveolar region, whereas AMs and PMNs both produce sIL-1RA. Our findings suggest that the inflammatory response to inhaled grain dust is compartmentalized, involving specific mediators of inflammation released by macrophages, neutrophils, and airway epithelial cells.

Activation of MAPKs in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to metals.

We have previously shown that in vitro exposure to metallic compounds enhances expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human bronchial epithelial cells. To characterize signaling pathways involved in metal-induced expression of inflammatory mediators and to identify metals that activate them, we studied the effects of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, V, and Zn on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) extracellular receptor kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and P38 in BEAS cells. Noncytotoxic concentrations of As, V, and Zn induced a rapid phosphorylation of MAPK in BEAS cells. Activity assays confirmed marked activation of ERK, JNK, and P38 in BEAS cells exposed to As, V, and Zn. Cr and Cu exposure resulted in a relatively small activation of MAPK, whereas Fe and Ni did not activate MAPK under these conditions. Similarly, the transcription factors c-Jun and ATF-2, substrates of JNK and P38, respectively, were markedly phosphorylated in BEAS cells treated with As, Cr, Cu, V, and Zn. The same acute exposure to As, V, or Zn that activated MAPK was sufficient to induce a subsequent increase in IL-8 protein expression in BEAS cells. These data suggest that MAPK may mediate metal-induced expression of inflammatory proteins in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Copper-dependent inflammation and nuclear factor-kappaB activation by particulate air pollution.

Particulate air pollution causes increased cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality, but the chemical determinants responsible for its biologic effects are not understood. We studied the effect of total suspended particulates collected in Provo, Utah, an area where an increase in respiratory symptoms in relation to levels of particulate pollution has been well documented. Provo particulates caused cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-dependent inflammation of rat lungs. Provo particulates stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 production, increased IL-8 messenger RNA (mRNA) and enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cultured BEAS-2B cells, and stimulated IL-8 secretion in primary cultures of human bronchial epithelium. Cytokine secretion was preceded by activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and was reduced by treatment of cultures with superoxide dismutase, deferoxamine, or N-acetylcysteine. These biologic effects were replicated by culturing BEAS cells with quantities of Cu2+ found in Provo extract. IL-8 secretion by BEAS cells could be modified by addition of normal constituents of airway lining fluid to the culture medium. Mucin significantly reduced IL-8 secretion, and ceruloplasmin significantly increased IL-8 secretion and activation of NF-kappaB. These findings suggest that copper ions may cause some of the biologic effects of inhaled particulate air pollution in the Provo region of the United States, and may provide an explanation for the sensitivity of asthmatic individuals to Provo particulates that has been observed in epidemiologic studies.

Air pollution particles induce IL-6 gene expression in human airway epithelial cells via NF-kappaB activation.

Fine particles in the air have been associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Particulate air pollution is a complex mixture which varies by region and includes a number of components including residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a byproduct of power plant and industry fuel-oil combustion. Human airway epithelial cells exposed to ROFA release inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor. Expression of these genes is dependent upon pretranscriptional binding of cis regulatory elements, including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). To investigate the role of NF-kappaB in the particulate-induced IL-6 response, we exposed human airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to ROFA in vitro. ROFA stimulated a time- and dose-dependent increase in IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA), which was preceded by the activation of nuclear proteins binding to the NF-kappaB sequence motif in the IL-6 promoter. Transient transfection of BEAS-2B cells with the 5' promoter region of the IL-6 gene linked to a luciferase reporter gene confirmed that NF-kappaB binding is necessary for the transcription of IL-6 mRNA. The IL-6 response was inhibited by the metal chelator deferoxamine and the free radical scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, suggesting that the activation of NF-kappaB may be mediated through reactive oxygen intermediates generated by transition metals found in ROFA. Activation of NF-kappaB may therefore be a critical first step in the inflammatory cascade following exposure to particles generated by oil combustion.

Metal-dependent expression of ferritin and lactoferrin by respiratory epithelial cells.

Increased availability of catalytically active metal has been associated with an oxidative injury. The sequestration of transition metals within intracellular ferritin confers an antioxidant function to this protein. Such storage by ferritin requires that the metal be transported across a cell membrane. We tested the hypothesis that, in response to in vitro exposures to catalytically active metal, respiratory epithelial cells increase the production of lactoferrin and ferritin to bind, transport, and store this metal with their coordination sites fully complexed. Residual oil fly ash is an emission source air pollution particle with biological effects that, both in vitro and in vivo, correspond with its metal content. Cell cultures were exposed to 0-200 micrograms/ml of oil fly ash for 2 and 24 h. Concentrations of ferritin and lactoferrin mRNA were estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and concentrations of ferritin and lactoferrin proteins were measured in parallel. mRNA for ferritin did not change with exposure to oil fly ash. However, ferritin protein concentrations increased. Although mRNA for transferrin receptor decreased, mRNA for lactoferrin increased after incubation with the particle. Similar to changes in mRNA, transferrin concentration decreased, whereas that of lactoferrin increased. Deferoxamine, a metal chelator, inhibited these responses, and exposure of the cells to vanadium compounds alone reproduced elevations in lactoferrin mRNA. We conclude that increases in ferritin and lactoferrin expression can be metal dependent. This response can function to diminish the oxidative stress a metal chelate presents to a living system.

Ferritin expression after in vitro exposures of human alveolar macrophages to silica is iron-dependent.

The increased availability of catalytically active iron after silica exposure can present an oxidative injury to a living system. Sequestration of reactive iron would, therefore, confer a protective effect. The intracellular storage of iron by ferritin within macrophages can limit the potential for radical generation and cellular injury resulting from exposure to a metal chelate. We tested the hypothesis that in vitro exposure of human alveolar macrophages to silica increases the expression of ferritin through a posttranscriptional mechanism. Exposure of 1.0 x 10(6) macrophages to 100 microg/ml silica for 4 h increased light-subunit (L)-ferritin protein concentrations in both cell supernatants and lysates. Inclusion of 1.0 mM deferoxamine in the reaction mixtures inhibited increases in ferritin after silica. To test for a posttranscriptional regulation of ferritin protein expression, cells were incubated with acid-washed particles, silica with complexed zinc cation, and silica with complexed iron cation. L-ferritin protein concentrations were increased in both cell supernatants and lysates after 4 h of exposure to silica with complexed iron cation. There were no increases in L-ferritin after incubations with acid-washed particles or silica with complexed zinc cation. There were no significant differences in levels of L-ferritin cDNA between any of the exposures, suggesting a posttranscriptional control of ferritin expression.

Grain dust-induced airflow obstruction and inflammation of the lower respiratory tract.

To investigate the relationship between the physiologic and biologic effects of grain dust inhalation, we exposed 15 nonsmoking, nonasthmatic, nonatopic male grain handlers to buffered saline and aqueous corn dust extract by inhalation challenge in a crossover study. The inhalation challenges to buffered saline and corn dust extract were separated by at least 14 d. Compared with buffered saline, inhalation of corn dust extract resulted in significant airflow obstruction, which was observed within 30 min of exposure and persisted for 5 h. Inhalation of corn dust extract resulted in an acute inflammatory response characterized by higher concentrations of neutrophils (p = 0.001), IL-1 beta (p = 0.001), IL-1RA (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.001), IL-8 (p = 0.001), and TNF-alpha (p = 0.04) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. mRNA levels specific for IL-1 beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, and IL-8 from cells present in the BAL fluid were significantly greater after challenge with corn dust extract than after challenge with buffered saline. Importantly, no significant differences were observed in the concentration of lymphocytes or eosinophils in the BAL fluid following inhalation of corn dust extract, and the concentrations of histamine and 15-HETE were similar in BAL fluid after the two challenges. The maximal percentage decrease in FEV1 was significantly associated with the absolute neutrophil concentration in the BAL fluid (p = 0.001), as well as the concentration of TNF-alpha (p = 0.03), IL-1 beta (p = 0.005), IL-1RA (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.001), and IL-8 (p = 0.001) in the BAL fluid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Constitutive and stimulated MCP-1, GRO alpha, beta, and gamma expression in human airway epithelium and bronchoalveolar macrophages.

Constitutive expression of mRNAs for GRO alpha, GRO beta, GRO gamma, and MCP-1, belonging to the chemokine family of 8- to 10-kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties for granulocytes and monocytes, has been identified in freshly isolated human nasal and bronchial epithelium, and in bronchoalveolar macrophages (AM). Expression of GRO alpha, GRO gamma, and MCP-1, but not GRO beta, was found in airway epithelial cells. AM expressed all three GRO genes in addition to MCP-1. On reverse transcription, chemokine mRNAs yielded 0.5-30 cDNA molecules/cell, depending on the chemokine and cell type, as determined by a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. When chemokine mRNA expression in AM and bronchial epithelium from healthy nonatopic individuals was compared, AM expressed more GRO alpha, but similar levels of GRO gamma, MCP-1, and interleukin-8 (IL-8), as in the bronchial epithelial cells. Modulation of chemokine expression by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; 10 ng/ml) or endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 100 ng/ml] exposure was studied in primary nasal epithelial cell and alveolar macrophage cultures. In epithelial cells, LPS did not induce chemokine expression but GRO alpha, IL-8, and MCP-1 were upregulated approximately 100-fold by TNF alpha; GRO gamma expression was elevated only 1.5- to 4-fold. In AM cultures, all three GROs were strongly induced by LPS with peak mRNA expression 24 h after stimulation (approximately 50- to 100-fold increase compared with control cultures). MCP-1 mRNA expression, on the other hand, was not increased by LPS in AM. GRO protein was present in supernatants of stimulated epithelial cells and AM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of pentamidine on cytokine (IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, IL-6) production by human alveolar macrophages in vitro.

Pentamidine (Pe) is an aromatic diamidine drug used clinically to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia by aerosol inhalation. Nothing has been reported about the effects of this drug on human alveolar macrophage (AM) properties. In this study AM were exposed in vitro to various concentrations of Pe (10(-4)-10(-6) M) alone or in combination with bacterial endotoxin (LPS). Supernatants were collected at 3, 6, and 24 h and assayed for secreted IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha. While the drug did not induce release of these cytokines, LPS-induced secretion of all three cytokines was inhibited by Pe in a dose-dependent manner. At the most effective Pe dose, 10(-5) M, AM viability (as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion) was reduced by 14% at 24 h, while no effect on viability was seen at lower concentrations. mRNA expression of all three cytokines was examined by PCR and Northern analysis to establish if the decrease in cytokine secretion was determined on a pre- or post-translational level. Reduced steady-state mRNA levels were found as early as 3 h after LPS stimulation, with Pe concentrations corresponding to those that decreased cytokine secretion. At the later time points, Pe also inhibited beta-actin, ornithine decarboxylase, and GAPDH mRNA expression, indicating that pentamidine had a general toxic effect on mRNA transcription in the macrophages. It is concluded that Pe, at pharmaceutically relevant concentrations and with apparent low cytotoxicity as determined by dye uptake, nonspecifically inhibits cytokine production by a toxic effect on transcriptional events.

Chemical nature and immunotoxicological properties of arachidonic acid degradation products formed by exposure to ozone.

Ozone (O3) exposure in vivo has been reported to degrade arachidonic acid (AA) in the lungs of rodents. The O3-degraded AA products may play a role in the responses to this toxicant. To study the chemical nature and biological activity of O3-exposed AA, we exposed AA in a cell-free, aqueous environment to air, 0.1 ppm O3, or 1.0 ppm O3 for 30-120 min. AA exposed to air was not degraded. All O3 exposures degraded > 98% of the AA to more polar products, which were predominantly aldehydic substances (as determined by reactivity with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and subsequent separation by HPLC) and hydrogen peroxide. The type and amount of aldehydic substances formed depended on the O3 concentration and exposure duration. A human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B, S6 subclone) exposed in vitro to either 0.1 ppm or 1.0 ppm O3 for 1 hr produced AA-derived aldehydic substances, some of which eluted with similar retention times as the aldehydic substances derived from O3 degradation of AA in the cell-free system. In vitro, O3-degraded AA induced an increase in human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) polarization, decreased human peripheral blood T-lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens, and decreased human peripheral blood natural killer cell lysis of K562 target cells. The aldehydic substances, but not hydrogen peroxide, appeared to be the principal active agents responsible for the observed effects. O3-degraded AA may play a role in the PMN influx into lungs and in decreased T-lymphocyte mitogenesis and natural killer cell activity observed in humans and rodents exposed to O3.

Cytokine (tumor necrosis factor, IL-6, and IL-8) production by respiratory syncytial virus-infected human alveolar macrophages.

Human alveolar macrophages (AM) are susceptible to infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but the infection is abortive after the initial cycles of virus replication. We have investigated if RSV infection of AM results in the production of cytokines TNF, IL-6, and IL-8, all of which may modulate inflammatory and immune responses to the virus, as well as may directly protect respiratory epithelial cells against spread of infection. Within 1 h after interaction with RSV, increased mRNA levels were found for all three cytokines. Peak expression of the mRNAs occurred at 3 to 6 h. The virus most effectively induced TNF mRNA expression greater than IL-6 mRNA greater than IL-8 mRNA, as compared to cytokine mRNA expression induced by bacterial endotoxin. Inactivated virus was almost as effective as live virus in inducing and maintaining increased IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA over 16 h, whereas live infectious RSV was necessary for maintaining TNF mRNA expression over the same time. Protein concentrations of the different cytokines in the supernatants of infected AM reflected the increased levels of mRNA in the cells. Despite the high levels of cytokines with possible antiviral activity (TNF and IL-6) in the AM supernatants, neither supernatants nor rTNF when added to bronchial epithelial cells protected them from infection with RSV. However, TNF, IL-1, and RSV, but not IL-6, induced IL-8 and IL-6 mRNA expression by the bronchial epithelial cells suggesting that cytokines produced by RSV-infected AM may be more important in modulating the inflammatory response in infection than directly interfering with virus infection/replication of airway epithelium.

Effect of ozone on immunoglobulin production by human B cells in vitro.

Animal studies indicate that ozone (O3) inhalation results in reduced ability to generate a humoral response to soluble and particulate antigens. In this study, human lymphocytes have been exposed to O3 in vitro (1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 ppm/2 h) and then evaluated for the ability of B cells to produce immunoglobulin G (IgG) in response to the T-cell-dependent stimulus pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and to the T-cell-independent stimulus Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I strain (SAC). Suppression of IgG production was found with O3-exposed PWM-stimulated lymphocytes, while no effect of O3 was seen with SAC-stimulated cells, suggesting that T cells, but not B cells, were sensitive to O3. However, exposing either cell type alone to O3 indicated that both T cells and B cells were affected by the pollutant. The O3-exposed B cells produced less IgG in response to PWM but produced more IgG in response to SAC. On the other hand, O3-exposed T cells were suppressive in both PWM and SAC responses. Since the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells is regulated by complex interactions of cytokines secreted by T cells and antigen-presenting cells, possible O3-induced alterations in secretion of some of these regulatory lymphokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-gamma) were investigated in lymphocyte cultures stimulated with PWM. A decrease in IL-2 production was found, while in contrast, IL-6 production was significantly increased. IFN-gamma secretion was not altered, and IL-4 levels were below the limits of detectability. These results suggest that O3-induced changes in IgG production may be mediated by altered production by T cells of important immunoregulatory molecules, in addition to any direct effects of O3 on the IgG-producing cells themselves.

Thrombolytic activity of a novel plasminogen activator, LY210825, compared with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis.

LY210825, a recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), which contains the kringle-2 and serine protease functional domains of native tissue-type plasminogen activator, was previously produced by site-directed mutagenesis in a Syrian hamster cell line. We studied the thrombolytic potential of this molecule in a canine thrombosis model. Male hounds (16-22 kg) were anesthetized; a 2.0-cm segment of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was isolated proximal to the first main branch, and the dogs were instrumented with an electromagnetic flow probe to measure coronary blood flow. An occlusive thrombus was formed after injury of the intimal surface of the LCX with an electrical current applied by a needle-tipped anode placed distal to the electromagnetic flow probe. After 1 hour of occlusion, either LY210825 or rt-PA was administered intravenously according to the following protocols: 1) a 1-hour infusion of either 0.25 mg/kg LY210825 or 0.4 mg/kg rt-PA, 2) single injections of 0.15-0.6 mg/kg LY210825, and 3) a single injection of 0.45 mg/kg LY210825 and a 3-hour infusion of 1.0 or 1.7 mg/kg rt-PA. Plasma half-lives of LY210825 and rt-PA were 58 +/- 7 and 3.3 +/- 0.3 minutes, respectively. LY210825 produced more rapid reperfusion of the LCX than did rt-PA. In the third study, 90% of the rt-PA-treated vessels reoccluded within 1 hour after cessation of drug, whereas only 25% of the LY210825-treated vessels reoccluded during a 4-hour washout period. There were significant, but relatively small, reductions produced by both plasminogen activators on plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen (25-35% decreases). Because of its longer plasma half-life, LY210825 could be administered intravenously as a single injection. In a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis, LY210825 was a more effective thrombolytic agent than was rt-PA.

Altered T-lymphocyte response following aggressive encounters in mice.

Intermale aggression is a natural form of psychosocial stress that can alter a variety of physiological functions, including immune function. In Experiment 1, daily fighting between pairs of previously isolated male mice differentially altered immunological measures of T-cell responsiveness in dominant and submissive animals. Submissive mice had lower T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production, when compared to dominant, nonfought, or witness mice. Since the fighting behavior often results in wounding of the submissive animal, Experiment 2 used a relatively nonaggressive test to determine whether the immunological differences between dominant and submissive mice were due to wounding or due to the psychosocial state of dominance. Dominant mice had elevated T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production when compared to the other treatment groups. Therefore, it appears that in dominant/submissive pairs of mice a severe physical stress, such as intense fighting, influences the immune system in a different manner than psychological or mild aggressive encounters.

The effect of antidepressants on immune function in mice.

Depression or its treatment with antidepressant agents may have an impact on the normal function of the immune system. To address this issue in an animal model, we studied the effect of maprotiline and desipramine treatment of mice on several immunological activities associated with host resistance to cancer and infections. Our results indicate that chronic maprotiline treatment depressed natural killer (NK) cell function, measured in vivo as clearance of tumor cells from the lung or in vitro as cytolytic activity. Cell-mediated immunity, measured as delayed hypersensitivity in vivo and T and B lymphocyte proliferative responses in vitro, was largely unaffected. Although antidepressant toxicity at high concentrations inhibited T, B, and NK cell activity, it is unlikely that this is the basis for the in vivo effects.

Oral absorption of cephalosporin antibiotics. 1. Synthesis, biological properties, and oral bioavailability of 7-(arylacetamido)-3-chloro cephalosporins in animals.

A number of 7-(arylacetamido)-3-substituted cephalosporins were prepared and tested in animals for oral absorbability. Bioavailability in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys was determined after oral or parenteral administration. Oral bioavailability of five compounds selected for more intensive study was generally higher than that of penicillin V in all species tested. The results of ED50 testing against experimental infections in mice generally supported the bioavailability studies. Antibiotic activities were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms with some derivatives expressing in vitro activity similar to cefaclor. The plasma half-life in rats was relatively short and the plasma curves were strongly influenced by probenecid, indicating rapid renal secretion. Some 7-(arylacetamido)-3-chloro cephalosporins are orally absorbed in animals to a greater extent than penicillin V, and antibacterial agent of proven clinical utility.

Liquid chromatographic analysis of enviradene, a new antiviral agent, in plasma and its application in bioavailability studies in the dog.

A rapid and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay has been developed for the determination of enviradene, 1, at concentrations of 2-5 ng/mL in plasma. The drug was extracted from the samples using benzene. The benzene extract was evaporated and the residue dissolved in the mobile phase. The HPLC system consisted of a reversed-phase column and a 75% methanol:25% 0.2 M sodium acetate mobile phase. Either a UV detector set at 268 nm or an electrochemical (EC) detector set at a potential of +0.9 V (versus Ag/AgCl/3 M NaCl) was used to monitor the drug. A column-switching system was used to remove late-eluting plasma constituents that interfered in subsequent chromatograms. The limit of sensitivity was 2 ng/mL for the HPLC-EC procedure and 5 ng/mL for the HPLC-UV procedure. Recovery from plasma was approximately 97%; the procedure had a relative error of approximately 3% and a relative standard deviation of 4.5% over the range of 20-200 ng of 1/mL of plasma. Following intravenous administration of 1 or 2 mg/kg of 1 to dogs, the parent drug was quantitated in plasma for 24 h using this procedure. The terminal phase half-life in plasma was calculated to be 10 h. Oral administration to dogs of single 8 mg/kg doses of 1, formulated with povidone-30 or polysorbate 80 and microcrystalline cellulose, produced high and persistent plasma concentrations of drug. At doses below 2 mg/kg, plasma concentrations were found to be nonlinearly related to the amount of the dose administered. The bioavailability of the drug in dogs was found to be increased by the concomitant administration of food.