A cocaine analog and a GBR analog label the same protein in rat striatal membranes.

Because some evidence suggests that cocaine and GBR12935 bind to different sites, we utilized photoaffinity probes from both classes of compounds to see if they label the same protein. [125I]RTI-82 a cocaine analog, and [125I]DEEP, a GBR analog, labeled protein(s) showing the same molecular weight, a similar pharmacological profile and a similar sensitivity to neuraminidase.     

Anaphylaxis to omeprazole: diagnosis and desensitization protocol.

BACKGROUND: Omeprazole is an inhibitor of the parietal cell enzyme H+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase. Immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria, angioedema, and hypotension, induced by omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors are rare. OBJECTIVES: To confirm the immediate-type mechanism of recurrent anaphylactic reactions to the repeated administration of omeprazole using skin testing and to enable safe administration of the drug after successful oral desensitization. METHODS: Intradermal skin tests were performed with omeprazole (0.04 and 0.4 mg/mL) prepared from the oral and intravenous commercial preparations and with pantoprazole (0.02 and 0.2 mg/mL) prepared from the oral commercial preparation. Skin tests were repeated after completion of the desensitization. Oral desensitization was applied at a starting dose of 0.001 mg of omeprazole, and a full dose of 16 mg was achieved after 5.6 hours (cumulative dose of 32.6 mg). RESULTS: Intradermal skin test results were positive to omeprazole and pantoprazole at all tested concentrations. After successful desensitization, omeprazole was administered in the full dose uneventfully. The wheal size of the intradermal skin tests performed after completion of the desensitization was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: When indicated, this newly designed desensitization protocol may be used in patients with omeprazole-induced anaphylaxis.     

The exclusion among the Ustilago viruses — A dsRNA restriction modification system?

Summary Specific exclusion relations are know among the three Ustilago maydis viruses that are associated with the cytoplasmically transmitted killer phemomenon. Of the three viruses P1, P4 and P6, only P1, and P4 cancoexist in one host cell. Mutual exclusion occurs between P1 and P6 and P4 unilaterally excludes P6. The exclusion relations were originally defined among the wild-type viruses. Those relations can be modified by two specific segments that are a part of the P4 dsRNA genome and were also found in some sensitive strains that contained part of the viral genome. Also, deletion of the dsRNA segment that is assumed to encode the toxin information permits the formation of hybrid genomes that otherwise cannot be formed. The data is interpreted in terms of a dsRNA restriction modification system in which the killer toxin or a toxin-linked function acts as the restriction factor and segments H3 and H4 or H4 alone contain the necessary information for the modification of certain sites on the M and L segments of the P1 and P4 viruses but not on the P6 segments.     

Altruism and the Vietnam War Veteran: The Relationship of Helping to Symptomatology

This study examines the relationships among demographic factors, combat experiences, personality characteristics, altruism, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. Participants were Vietnam War veterans currently undergoing treatment for PTSD. The developmental level of internalized schemas of interpersonal relations (object relatedness) and the altruistic intent to help were significant predictors of PTSD symptomatology, with lower levels of symptomatology associated with higher levels of altruism. Results indicated that predispositional variables and altruistic intentions may be important factors to consider in designing and implementing treatment programs for chronically impaired veterans with PTSD.     

Effect of low-dose treatment with selegiline on dopamine transporter (DAT) expression and amphetamine-induced dopamine release in vivo

1. Chronic treatment with low doses of the selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitors selegiline [(-)-deprenyl] and rasagiline, causes elevation in extracellular level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) in the rat striatum in vivo (Lamensdorf et al., 1996). The present study was carried out to determine whether this effect of selegiline could be the result of an inhibition of the high-affinity dopamine neuronal transport process. 2. Changes in activity of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in vivo following selegiline treatment were evaluated indirectly by microdialysis technique in the rat, from the change in striatal dopamine extracellular concentration following systemic amphetamine administration (4 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Striatal levels of the DAT molecule were determined by immunoblotting. Uptake of [3H]-dopamine was determined in synaptosomes from selegiline-treated animals. 3. Amphetamine-induced increase in striatal extracellular dopamine level was attenuated by one day and by chronic (21 days) treatment with selegiline (0.25 mg kg(-1), s.c.). 4. Striatal levels of DAT were elevated after 1 and 21 days treatment with selegiline, but were not affected by clorgyline, rasagiline, nomifensine or amphetamine. 5. The increase in DAT expression, and attenuation of amphetamine-induced dopamine release, were not accompanied by a change in [3H]-dopamine uptake in synaptosomes of selegiline-treated animals. 6. The results suggest that a reversible inhibition of dopamine uptake occurs following chronic low dose selegiline treatment in vivo which may be mediated by an increase in endogenous MAO-B substrates such as 2-phenylethylamine, rather than by the inhibitor molecule or its metabolites. Increased DAT expression appears to be a special property of the selegiline molecule, since it occurs after one low dose of selegiline, and is not seen with other inhibitors of MAO-A or MAO-B. The new DAT molecules formed following selegiline treatment appear not to be functionally active.     

Postoperative management of Dupuytren’s disease with topical nitroglycerin

Dupuytren’s contracture remains a significant clinical challenge due to associated complications and a recurrence rate of up to 60%. Commonly, the operated skin tends to rebuild scar in the area of surgery. Assuming local ischemia as an etiological factor, two cases in which topical nitroglycerin was used following surgical treatment of Dupuytren’s disease are presented. In these patients, no raised scar formation developed during healing. At least six months after surgery, disease recurrence was not noted and the patients and surgeon reported improved skin quality. In the present study, the use of topical nitroglycerin, a local vasodilator, appeared to prevent recurrent scar formation, possibly through prevention of local ischemia. Further study and follow-up is necessary.