Interaction of selected pregna-D'-pentaranes with cytosolic receptors of myometrium and endometrium in various disease states

The relative capacities of several pregna-D'-pentaranes to combine with cytosolic receptors of the myometrium and endometrium in various disease states are investigated, and one of the compounds, 6α-methyl-16α, 17α-cyclohexanoprogesterone, is identified as holding particular promise for clinical use in replacement therapy and as a contraceptive agent. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 163–165, February, 1995     

Impact of 8-isoestrone analogs on estradiol binding in uterine tissue from ovariectomized rats

8-Isoanalogs of estrone were studied for their ability to influence estradiol binding in the cytosolic fraction of uterine tissue from ovariectomized rats and for their uterotropic activity 24 h after injection into such rats. Two groups of estrone 8-isoanalogs with opposite biological effects were identified: those increasing estradiol binding in the cytosolic fraction of uterine tissue and those decreasing this binding. Uterogenic activity was exhibited by all of the compounds tested, with the exception of compound I. No correlation was found between the uterogenic activity of the isoanalogs and hormone-receptor interactions. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 165–167, February, 1995     

Relationship between psychological and bioenergetic characteristics in neurotic old rats

Old rats are found to have greatly reduced capacities for learning conditioned responses of various types, particularly when induced to develop a neurosis-like state which impairs autonomic functions and their regulation. The development of hypertensive responses is accompanied at the cellular level by a significant rise of succinate dehydrogenase activity in the sensorimotor cortex of young neurotic rats and by its significant fall in that of their old counterparts, in which the predominant oxidation substrates are NAD-dependent compounds. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 3, pp. 242–245, March, 1995     

Carnosine and related compounds inhibit chemiluminescence of human plasma lipoproteinsin vitro

The antioxidant activity of carnosine and related compounds (5 and 10 mM) is assessed from the chemiluminescence curve using a model of Fe-initiated lipid peroxidation of human serum apoB-lipoproteins. These agents lower to different degrees the amplitudes of “fast” and “slow” bursts, the reaction rate, and the chemiluminescence light sum; the latency is prolonged, which may occur upon reduction of lipid hydroperoxides and/or inactivation of free radicals. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 152–154, February, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin. Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Radiometric evaluation of the effect of xenobiotics on proliferation of bone marrow cells in mice

A radiometric method of evaluating the effect of chemical compounds on the proliferative activity of bone marrow cells is described which consists of measuring the incorporation of labeled³H-thymidine in DNA. Results are reported on a comparative study of the effect of known immunotropic substances on bone marrow cell proliferation using the present method and the method of evaluating endogenous colony formation. Analysis of the results obtained by two variants ofin vivo andin vitro experiments provides additional information regarding the mechanism of action of the substances. Translated fromByulleten Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 222–224, August, 1995 Presented by Yu. A. Romanov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Impact of maternal supine position on some parameters of fetal function in rabbits

Fixation of a pregnant rabbit in the supine position is shown to result in hemodynamic disturbances in the maternal-placental-fetal system, apparently due to a hypotensive syndrome developing in the mother. The heart rate, body temperature, and motor activity in the fetuses of such mothers were similar to those recorded for fetuses with retarded development. It is concluded that maternal position needs to be taken into consideration in experiments designed to examine interrelated responses of mother and fetus to external stimuli. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 1, pp. 33–35, January, 1996 Presented by B. I. Tkachenko, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Time course of the cytotoxicity of blood mononuclears in patients with bladder cancer during endolymphatic immunotherapy with lymphokine-activated killers and recombinant interleukin-2

A specific stimulation of mononuclear cellsin vivo was observed after 3 or 4 endolymphatic injections of autologous lymphokine-activated killers and recombinant interleukin-2 in male patients with disseminated bladder cancer. This activation presented as an increase of the cytotoxicity of mononuclears towards target cells of bladder carcinoma. A statistically reliable increase of natural killer activity was observed, and in one patient a reliable increase of the cytolytic activity of mononuclear cells against Mel-1 target cells. After 1 or 2 injections the activity of natural killers increased to 80–90% for an initial level of 23–50%. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 2, pp. 188–191, February, 1996 Presented by N. N. Trapeznikov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effects of azaleptine and its new derivative seleptine on spontaneous EEG activity and the activation reaction in rabbits

The neuroleptic azaleptine and its new derivative seleptine with anticonvulsive properties were examined in a chronic experiment on rabbits for their comparative effects on the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) and the activation reaction in the sensorimotor cortex and dorsal hippocampus. Azaleptine induced synchronization of electroencephalographic activity in all frequency ranges of both cortical and hippocampal EEGs, while seleptine induced desynchronization in the cortical EEG and synchronization in the δ, θ and β ranges of the hippocampal EEG. Both compounds prevented the activation or altered its pattern, leading to a decrease in the power of the β range rather than increasing it as is normally observed. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 3, pp. 252–255, March, 1995 Presented by G. N. Kryzhanovskii, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effects of hydrocortisone,retabolil, and their combination on the phagocytic activity of rat blood neutrophils

Effects of retabolil on the phagocytic index, phagocytic number, and the nitro blue tetrazolium reduction test with rat blood neutrophils were studied. The drug was found to reduce these parameters. Pretreatment with retabolil arrested or attenuated the depression of neutrophil phagocytic activity caused by hydrocortisone. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 179–180, February, 1995     

Role of the interaction between different types of serotonin and α2-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 micereceptors in the regulation of audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice

It is shown that the serotonin receptors 5-HT_1c, 5-HT₃, and 5-HT₄ and α₂-adrenergic receptors are involved in the regulation of audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice, and that the effects of these serotonin receptors on the duration and magnitude of convulsive activity are the opoosite of those produced by α₂-adrenergic receptors. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 4, pp. 381–383, April, 1995     

Effects of fibroblast-keratinocyte interactions on the secretion of interleukin-8

Using two models for preparing skin equivalent, the effects of interactions between various types of fibroblasts and keratinocytes on their secretory activity in the production of interleukin-8 are studied. The secretion of an antiinflammatory cytokine is found to depend on the type and function of fibroblasts, the level of their proliferative activity, and the extent of formation of the dermal layer. Keratinocytes are capable of recognizing fibroblast function and stimulate or inhibit the secretion of interleukin-8 depending on the functional status. A new concept of hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis in psoriasis is proposed, which is based on a defect in the autoregulation of mediators, specifically, interleukin-8. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 2, pp. 181–184, February, 1996 Presented by D. S. Sarkisov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effects of methyluracil and hydroxymethacil on free-radical oxidation in model systems

Three pyrimidine derivatives — methyluracil, hydroxymethacil (a new compound), and its lithium salt — were tested in model systems of differing complexity for antioxidant properties in comparison with the well-known antioxidant ionol. Tests for antiradical activity and for effects on spontaneous and Fe²⁺-ascorbate- or NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation revealed high antioxidant activity (comparable to that of ionol) of the hydroxymethacil lithium salt. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 142–144, August, 1995 Presented by G.N. Kryzhanovskii, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Differential induction of natural suppressor activity of bone marrow cellsin vitro by different types of tumors

The suppressor activity of bone marrow cells not adhering to plastic is shown to appreciably increase after their 48-hour joint preincubation with mastocytoma P-815 supernatant or WEHI-3 myelomonocytic strain and to be unchanged after incubation with dupernatants of K-2 erythroleukemic strain or Ehrlich's ascitic carcinoma. P-815, WEHI-3, and K-2 tumors are shown to produce factors characterized by colony-stimulating activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 184–187, August, 1995 Presented by N. V. Vasil'ev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Evalution of changes in secretion of active oxygen forms by polymorphonuclear lymphocytes

The increased NBT activity of leukocytes in immunized rabbits is found to be dependent on the antigen concentration and is probably related to the direct effect of antigen on the cells. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 117, N ^o 2, pp. 163–165, February, 1994 Presented by Yu. A. Vladimirov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Role of the specific determinant of group A streptococcus polysaccharide in inhibition of T-suppressor activity

Group A streptococcus polysaccharide is found to inhibit the activity of ConA-stimulated T suppressors. A-variant streptococcus polysaccharide, representing an L-rhamnose homopolymer which is identical to the rhamnose carcass of group A streptococcus polysaccharide, does not possess such an effect. The effect of group A streptococcus polysaccharide on the activity of T suppressors is considered to be associated with its determinant including N-acetylglucosamine as an obligatory component. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 201–203, February, 1995 Presented by S. V. Prozorovskii, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of L-arginine on myogenic reactions of vascular smooth muscle cells in hypercholesterolemia

In hypercholesterolemia, the reduced vascular response observed during stretching of the vessel wall is probably caused by disorders of endothelial functional activity. L-arginine stimulates synthetic activity of the endothelium, making it possible to use of this amino acid for correction of these impairments. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 118–120, February, 1995 Presented by B. I. Tkachenko, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Sensitivity to antineoplastic agents of human tumor strains in immunodeficient mice

A total of 19 human tumor strains transplanted to athymic mice and rats are tested for their sensitivity to antineoplastic agents of different classes including alkylating compounds, platinum complexes, and nitroso compounds. It is noted that the observed growth patterns of these strains and their recorded differential sensitivities to the compounds tested can help in selecting appropriate models for preclinical trials of new compounds and for biomedical experiments. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 298–299, September, 1994 Presented by Yu. N. Solov'ev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Relative binding capacity of pentarane substances with plasma membrane receptors of uterine cells of oophorectomized rats

The relative capacity of substances of the pentarane group for binding with progesterone receptors of the plasma membranes of uterine cells of oophorectomized rats is studied. Introduction of an extra carbocycle D' in the progesterone molecule at the 16α and 17α sites and further modification of the molecule cause an increase of the relative binding capacity of these compounds. Analysis of the findings identifies substance III, showing the highest activity toward all the discussed parameters and a promising candidate for further preclinical studies. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol., 118, N ^o 7, pp. 31–32, July, 1994     

Threshold of seizure activity of the brain and higher nervous activity in the postresuscitation period for intracerebral allotransplantation of fetal neocortex tissue

The threshold of seizure activity of the brain, long-term memory, and learning ability are studied in Wistar rats for bilateral transplantation of fetal nervous tissue in area CA1 of the hippocampus. The grafts are performed on the 2nd, 7th, 14th and 30th days after clinical death caused by asphyxia. A neurotransplantation performed on the 2nd day of the postresuscitation period is found to prevent seizure activity, whereas that performed on the 7th–14th days results in a sharp decline or cessation of spontaneous and induced epileptiform convulsive seizures, prolonged preservation of the long-term memory trace, an improvement of learning ability, and a lessening of defensive and phobic behavior in a large proportion of the animals. Translated fromByulleten's Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 2, pp. 234–237, February, 1996 Presented by V. A. Negovskii, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Correlations between the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of pharmacological effects of bromantane

It is shown that there is a mathematical correlation between an integral characteristic of activity of the organism (the capacity for work), electrophysiological indexes of functioning of the brain structures, and the concentration of a novel derivative of 2-aminoadamantane, bromantane, in the brain. The nature of the correlation between integral characteristics of the organism studied on different levels is found to change depending on the time elapsed from the administration of the preparation and on its concentration in the blood or target tissue. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 3 pp. 305–308, March, 1995 Presented by M. D. Mashkovskii, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences