普罗帕酮对Kv1.4通道内口突变前后的影响

目的探讨普罗帕酮对编码瞬时外向钾电流(Ito)慢通道Kv1.4通道(fKv1.4ΔN)内口突变(fKv1.4[V561A]ΔN)前后的影响。方法将fKv1.4ΔN和fKv1.4[V561A]ΔN的cRNA注射到非洲爪蟾卵母细胞,孵育24～72 h后使用不同刺激程序用双微电极法记录通道电流的表达。用Clampfit 9.0对数据进行分析。部分电流用相应的方程拟合。结果普罗帕酮对fKv1.4ΔN和fKv1.4[V561A]ΔN的阻滞效应都呈电压和频率依赖性。通道内口的V561A突变使fKv1.4ΔN通道与普罗帕酮的结合能力减小,50%抑制浓度(IC50)在突变前后分别为100μmol/L和380μmol/L(P<0.01)。普罗帕酮能改变fKv1.4ΔN和fKv1.4[V561A]ΔN的失活特性。尽管普罗帕酮对fKv1.4ΔN的失活后恢复没有影响,但是它能延长fKv1.4[V561A]ΔN的50%失活后恢复时间。结论普罗帕酮是fKv1.4ΔN通道的开放通道阻滞剂,fKv1.4ΔN通道内口突变(V561A)能改变普罗帕酮与通道之间的结合能力,从而影响通道的失活和失活后恢复。     

地尔硫卓对Kv1.4钾通道动力学的影响

目的:研究地尔硫卓对异源表达在卵母细胞上的克隆fKv1.4钾通道电流的激活及失活动力学影响。方法: 在非洲爪蟾卵母细胞上异源表达雪貂心脏来源的去N端Kv1.4（fKv1.4ΔN）通道基因,采用双电极电压钳制技术记录电流、记录药物对fKv1.4ΔN通道电流的影响。结果: 地尔硫卓以频率依赖性、电压依赖性及浓度依赖性的方式抑制fKv1.4ΔN通道电流,其半抑制浓度（IC50）为(241.04±23.06) μmol/L(+50 mV)。对照条件下,fKv1.4ΔN通道电流失活的表现为单指数方程拟合,在应用地尔硫卓后,fKv1.4ΔN通道电流失活变为双指数方程拟合,即药物诱导的快速失活成分及较慢的C型失活成分。地尔硫卓可加快C型失活,但其不影响fKv1.4ΔN通道电流的激活过程。结论: 地尔硫卓为fKv1.4ΔN通道的开放状态阻滞剂,可加快Kv1.4ΔN通道的失活过程。     

替米沙坦对电压依赖性的Kv1.3和Kv1.5通道电流阻断作用的实验研究

目的 通过观察替米沙坦对电压依赖性的Kv1.3和Kv1.5的阻断作用,探讨替米沙坦对此类通道的阻断可能具有的临床作用.方法 使用双电极电压钳技术记录表达于非洲爪蟾卵母细胞的Kv1.3和Kv1.5钾通道电流,不同浓度灌流观察其对电流影响.结果 (1)替米沙坦浓度依赖性的阻断Kv1.3通道,其阻断的IC50是2.05 μmol/L.替米沙坦对Kv1.3电流的阻断具有电压依赖性.(2)替米沙坦浓度依赖件的阻断Kv1.5通道,其阻断的IC50是2.37 μmol/L.替米沙坦对Kv1.5电流的阻断具有更显著的电压依赖性.结论 替米沙坦阻断开放状态的Kv1.3可能是其发挥免疫调节和抗动脉粥样硬化作用的机制之一.替米沙坦对开放状态的Kv1.5钾通道的阻断可能是其减少心房颤动发生率的作用机制之一.     

参松养心胶囊对Kv1.4钾电流特性的影响

目的: 探讨中药复方制剂参松养心胶囊对KV1.4钾通道C型(KV1.4△N)失活的影响。方法: 将Kv1.4ΔN mRNA注射入非洲爪蟾卵母细胞中,使用双电极钳制法（Two electrodes voltage clamp TEV）观察参松养心胶囊对KV1.4ΔN电生理特性的影响 。结果: 参松养心胶囊对Kv1.4ΔN通道的峰电流有抑制作用,这种阻滞作用具有电压依赖性,随电位的升高而作用加强,符合单指数和线性关系。参松养心胶囊可加速KV1.4ΔN钾通道电流的失活过程,同时可使KV1.4ΔN通道失活后的恢复减慢 。结论: 参松养心胶囊能显著抑制KV1.4钾通道电流,这可能是其抗心律失常作用的机制之一。     

阿魏酸钠对卵母细胞Kv1.2外向钾电流的影响

目的了解阿魏酸钠抗心律失常作用可能的分子机制。方法利用表达Kv1.2通道的卵母细胞为模型,以经典的Ⅲ类抗心律失常药物胺碘酮为对照,了解阿魏酸钠对Kv1.2通道的作用及其分子机制。结果阿魏酸钠和胺碘酮均能阻滞Kv1.2通道的外向钾电流,这一作用具有浓度依赖性。阿魏酸钠和胺碘酮对Kv1.2外向钾电流作用无差异(P>0.05)。结论阿魏酸钠对Kv1.2通道外向钾电流的阻滞作用可能是其抗心律失常作用的分子机制之一。     

厄贝沙坦对电压依赖性的Kv1.3和Kv1.5通道电流的阻断作用

目的通过观察厄贝沙坦对电压依赖性的Kv1.3和Kv1.5的阻断作用,探讨厄贝沙坦对此类通道的阻断可能具有的临床作用。方法使用双电极电压钳技术记录表达于非洲爪蟾卵母细胞的Kv1.3和Kv1.5钾通道电流,不同浓度厄贝沙坦灌流对其电流的影响。结果①厄贝沙坦浓度依赖性的阻断Kv1.3通道,阻断的IC50是2.46μmol/L,且阻断具有电压依赖性。②厄贝沙坦浓度依赖性的阻断Kv1.5通道,阻断的IC50是0.47μmol/L,且阻断具有显著的电压依赖性。结论厄贝沙坦阻断开放状态的Kv1.3可能是其发挥免疫调节和抗动脉粥样硬化作用的机制之一;而对开放状态的Kv1.5的阻断可能是其具备减少心房颤动发生率的作用机制之一。     

苄基四氢巴马汀对卵母细胞膜Kv1.2通道的作用

目的:研究苄基四氢巴马汀(BTHP)抗心律失常作用的分子机制。方法:比较BTHP和经典Ⅲ类抗心律失常药胺碘酮对卵母细胞膜上表达的Kv1.2通道的外向钾电流的阻滞作用。结果:BTHP和胺碘酮对Kv1.2通道的外向钾电流均有阻滞作用,在10-3～10mmol/L浓度范围内,对电流的阻滞作用增强,二者相比,差异无统计学意义。结论:BTHP能够阻滞Kv1.2通道的外向钾电流,这是其抗心律失常作用的分子机制之一。     

普罗帕酮对HERG钾通道孔胞膜外侧氨基酸突变前后的作用

目的:探讨普罗帕酮对人类ether-a-go-go相关基因(HERG)钾通道孔道胞膜外侧突变后结合能力的影响。方法:将HERG野生型通道(WT)和HERG突变型通道(MT)的互补核糖核酸(cRNA)注射到非洲爪蟾卵母细胞,孵育24～72h后以不同刺激程序用双微电极法记录通道电流的表达。用Clampfit9.2版本软件对数据进行分析。部分电流用相应的方程拟合。结果:HERGWT外侧的第628位点的甘氨酸突变为半胱氨酸(G628C)和第631位点的丝氨酸突变为半胱氨酸(S631C)成HERGMT后普罗帕酮与HERGMT通道的结合能力减小,50%抑制浓度(IC50)对HERGWT,HERGMT分别为5.31μmol/L和7.81μmol/L。普罗帕酮对HERGWT和HERGMT的阻滞效应都呈电压和浓度依赖性。普罗帕酮减小HERGWT,但未减少HERGMT通道的半数激活电压。结论:普罗帕酮是HERG通道的开放通道阻滞剂,HERG通道孔道膜外侧突变(G628C和S631C)能改变普罗帕酮与通道之间的结合能力,从而影响通道的激活。     

姜黄素对Kv1.4钾通道C型失活的影响

目的研究姜黄素对去N端Kv1.4(Kv1.4ΔN)通道C型失活特性的影响。方法将Kv1.4ΔN的mR-NA注射入非洲爪蟾卵母细胞并于18～20℃下孵育,成功表达后使用双微电极钳制法记录电流,观察姜黄素对Kv1.4ΔN电流失活、复活的影响。结果①姜黄素对Kv1.4ΔN峰电流的抑制作用呈电压依赖性。②姜黄素对Kv1.4ΔN通道失活速度无明显影响。姜黄素灌流前后失活时间常数变化不大(2765±118msvs2513±193ms,n=5,P>0.05)。③通道失活后的恢复时间延长。结论姜黄素抑制钾电流并延长其恢复时间,但对稳态失活并无明显影响。其机制可能与它对通道的开放状态比失活态有更高的亲和力有关。     

替米沙坦对表达在卵母细胞上Kv1.5通道的抑制效应

目的:研究替米沙坦对表达在卵母细胞上的克隆人类Kv1.5通道的作用,探讨其在心脏复极中的潜在效应。方法:在非洲爪蟾卵母细胞上异源表达克隆人类Kv1.5通道基因,使用双电极电压钳技术记录全细胞电流,检测药物对Ikur电流的影响。结果:替米沙坦以电压依赖性和浓度依赖性方式抑制Kv1.5通道电流,且对峰电流及1.5s末端电流的抑制效应不同,在1μmol/L浓度下,抑制效应分别达到(7.75±2.39)和(52.64±3.77),其半抑制浓度(IC50)分别为(2.25±0.97)μmol/L和(0.82±0.39)μmol/L。替米沙坦对通道的稳态失活没有显著改变,在对照条件下,V1/2的值为(14.47±3.71)mV,斜坡因子k为(23.24±3.86)mV;在1μmol/L替米沙坦作用下,V1/2和k的值分别为(14.38±4.62)mV和(26.26±5.04)mV(n=6,P>0.05)。同时,替米沙坦显著加速了Kv1.5通道的失活。在对照条件下,Kv1.5通道的失活慢时间常数是(693.74±23.16)ms,在应用1μmol/L替米沙坦后,其失活的慢时间常数下降为(523.85±10.28)ms(n=5,P<0.05)。结论:替米沙坦在临床有效浓度范围内能显著抑制表达在卵母细胞上的Ikur电流,提示它兼有选择性阻滞Kv1.5通道的作用。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.