Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Israelensis to Chironomids in Pond Mesocosms

A pond mesocosm study was conducted in a central Minnesota wetland to evaluate the potential toxicity of the microbially-derived insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (B.t.i.) to chironomids. B.t.i. was applied as VectoBac® G to mesocosms on two occasions (21 d apart) at five rates (0.3X, 1X, 2.5X, 5X, 10X) with three replicate mesocosms per rate. The 1X rate (9 kg/ha) was that operationally used by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Mosquito Control District for early summer mosquito control. Chironomid abundances following B.t.i. treatment were compared to abundances in untreated control mesocosms. The abundance of Chironomidae larvae was significantly reduced at the 10X treatment 4 d after the first B.t.i. application. Chironomid abundance was also reduced after the second application with 10X, but showed strong signs of recovery within 32 d. Chironominae, the numerically dominant subfamily within the Chironomidae, showed a similar response. The abundance of Orthocladiinae larvae was significantly reduced at both the 10X and 5X treatments, whereas the Tanypodinae appeared unaffected by all B.t.i. treatments. Of the two tribes comprising the Chironominae, the Chironomini displayed a response very similar to that of its parent subfamily, although reductions in abundance were not statistically significant. The tribe was dominated by Dicrotendipes, Einfeldia, and Endochironomus, none of which were significantly reduced following either 10X application. The second tribe, the Tanytarsini, were slightly more susceptible to B.t.i. than the Chironomini, displaying significant reductions in abundance after both 10X applications. The Tanytarsini were dominated by Paratanytarsus, which were reduced by 91% 4 d after both 10X B.t.i. applications. Tanytarsini and Chironomini were also reduced in abundance (by 83 and 75%, respectively) at the 5X treatment, but reductions were not statistically significant. Regressions of larval chironomid abundance versus B.t.i. treatment rate indicated that the B.t.i. rates required to reduce chironomid abundance by 25, 50, and 75% were 1.5–2.0X, 2.1–3.3X, and 3.5–11.0X, respectively. Emergence of adult Chironomidae was significantly reduced at the 10X B.t.i. treatment, but not at 5X. The same trend was observed for the Chironominae, which comprised 82% of the family, but not for Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae. Emergence of Ceratopogonidae and Chaoboridae was unaffected by all B.t.i. treatments.     

alpha-glucosidase (CHO) (Genzyme)

Genzyme General is developing recombinant human alpha-glucosidase, produced in mammalian cell culture, as a potential treatment for Pompe disease. By July 2004, enrollment was completed in two clinical trials and an observational study in adults. Genzyme was planning to file for regulatory approval in Europe during 2004, followed by filings in the US and Japan in mid-2005.     

Agonist binding and activation of the rat beta(1)-adrenergic receptor: role of Trp(134(3.28)), Ser(190(4.57)) and Tyr(356(7.43))

We investigated the role of Trp(134(3.28)), Ser(190(4.57)) and Tyr(356(7.43)) in agonist binding to, and activation of, the rat beta(1)-adrenergic receptor by comparing pK(i)s and functional responses of W134A, S190A and Y356F mutant receptors to wild type, all stably expressed in CHO cells. All three mutations significantly (P < 0.05) reduced adenylyl cyclase intrinsic activity (IA) compared to wild type in response to stimulation with both (-)-isoprenaline (53-88%) and (-)-RO363 (46-61%), and there was no significant correlation either between IA or pD(2) and pK(i) (P > 0.4), suggesting that changes in pK(i) were not sufficient to explain the fall in adenylyl cyclase activity. The most pronounced reduction in affinity (126-fold, P < 0.01) was displayed by xamoterol for the Y356F mutation, suggesting that xamoterol is able to directly interact with Tyr(356(7.43)). For the other agonists, the change in pK(i) values for the mutant receptors ranged from a 20-fold decrease to a 2-fold increase compared to the wild type. In a three-dimensional model of the rat beta(1)-adrenergic receptor, Trp(134(3.28)) and Tyr(356(7.43)) form part of a hydrophobic binding pocket involving residues in transmembrane helices 1, 2, 3 and 7. Our results suggest that Trp(134(3.28)) and Tyr(356(7.43)), together with Trp(353(7.40)), are able to interact via pi-pi interactions to stabilize the extracellular ends of transmembrane helices 3 and 7. Ser(190(4.57)) appears to be involved in a hydrogen bonding network, which maintains the spatial relationship between transmembrane helices 3 and 4. These interhelical interactions suggest that the three mutated residues stabilize the active receptor state by maintaining the proper packing of their respective transmembrane helix within the helix bundle, facilitating the appropriate movement and rotation of the transmembrane regions during the activation process.     

(S)-oxybutynin (Sepracor)

Sepracor is developing (S)-oxybutynin, a single-isomer version of Alza's Ditropan (racemic oxybutynin), a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, as a potential treatment for urinary incontinence.     

Regulation of human D(1), d(2(long)), d(2(short)), D(3) and D(4) dopamine receptors by amiloride and amiloride analogues

1. The modulatory effects of the allosteric effectors methylisobutylamiloride (MIA), benzamil and amiloride have been examined at human D(1), D(2), D(3) and D(4) dopamine receptors. The subtype selectivity and the mechanism of action of this allosteric regulation was examined. 2. In radioligand dissociation experiments each modulator accelerated dissociation from all four receptor subtypes indicating allosteric regulation. MIA displayed selectivity for the D(3) subtype for acceleration of radioligand dissociation. 3. In equilibrium binding (pseudo-competition) experiments the three compounds inhibited radioligand binding at the four receptor subtypes. Inhibition curves for D(1), D(2(short)), D(2(long)) and D(3) receptors were described by Hill coefficients exceeding unity and data were fitted best by a model that assumes binding of modulator to both the primary and allosteric binding sites of the receptor (the allosteric/competitive model). 4. At the D(4) subtype, Hill coefficients of unity described the binding data for amiloride and benzamil, consistent with competitive inhibition. The Hill coefficient for MIA at the D(4) subtype was less than unity and data could be fitted well by the allosteric/competitive model, but it was not possible to define unambiguously the modulatory mechanism. For this effect a better definition of the mechanism could be obtained by simultaneous analysis of data obtained in the presence of a range of concentrations of a purely competitive ligand. 5. MIA reduced the potency with which dopamine stimulated [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding at the D(2) receptor. The effects of MIA could be described by the allosteric/competitive model with effects of MIA to inhibit the binding of dopamine but not its ability to induce a response.     

Modeling of human dermal absorption of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D(4)) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D(5)).

In this study, data for human dermal absorption of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, D(4), and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, D(5), through axilla skin in vivo are interpreted using pharmacokinetic models of dermal absorption by adding the dermal exposure route to inhalation physiologically based pharmacokinetics models developed previously. The compartmental model describing dermal absorption of these compounds included volatilization of the applied chemical from the skin surface, diffusion of absorbed chemical back to the skin surface and evaporation of this chemical from the skin surface after the applied dose had cleared from the application site, uptake from the skin compartment into blood, and a storage compartment within the skin. Data from exposures in volunteers (i.e., D(4) and D(5) concentrations in exhaled air and plasma) were used to estimate model parameters. In volunteers exposed to either D(4) or D(5), the maximum concentration of chemical in exhaled air reached a maximum at or prior to 1 h following administration of the test chemical. Based on model calculations, the percent of applied dose of D(4) that was absorbed into systemic circulation for men and women was 0.12 and 0.30%, respectively; for D(5) about 0.05% of the applied dose was absorbed for both men and women. For both D(4) and D(5), model calculations indicate that more than 83% of the chemical that reached systemic circulation was eliminated by exhalation within 24 h. These whole-body pharmacokinetic models for dermal absorption of two semi-volatile compounds provide a valuable tool for understanding factors controlling their dermal absorption through axilla skin and for applying results from these studies in consumer product risk assessments.     

四-(三氟乙烷氧基)酞菁锌的光物理性质研究

目的研究2（3）,9（10）,16（17）,23（24）-四（三氟乙烷氧基）酞菁锌（ZnPcF）光物理性质（包括紫外吸收光谱、荧光光谱）和光敏化作用产生的单线态氧量子产率。方法采用紫外-可见分光光度法和荧光分光光度法分别测定ZnPcF的紫外-可见吸收光谱、荧光光谱;应用9,10-二甲基蒽为捕捉单线态氧的探针,通过测定光敏化过程中探针浓度的变化,计算ZnPcF的单线态氧（1O2）量子产率。结果与酞菁锌（ZnPc）相比,ZnPcF的紫外可见光谱和荧光光谱都有一定程度的红移。ZnPcF的摩尔消光系数（ε）为1.65×104 L·mol^-1·cm^-1,荧光量子产率为0.197,单线态氧量子产率为0.547。结论 ZnPcF有较大的摩尔消光系数、荧光及单线态氧量子产率,有进一步开发其抗肿瘤效果的前景。     

Allosteric interaction of zinc with recombinant alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) and alpha(1)beta(2) GABA(A) receptors

In a recent study we have provided evidence that inhibition of native GABA(A) receptors by zinc depends primarily on the allosteric modulation of receptor gating. Both the kinetics and the sensitivity of the GABA(A) receptor to zinc depend on subunit composition, especially on the presence of the gamma(2) subunit. To analyze the mechanism of action of zinc its effects have been tested on recombinant alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) and alpha(1)beta(2) receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells. The currents produced by ultrafast application of GABA have been measured to assess the impact of zinc ions on GABA(A) receptor gating with resolution corresponding to the time scale of synaptic currents. While, as expected, zinc markedly reduced the peak amplitude of alpha(1)beta(2)-mediated currents, its effect on kinetics was significantly different from that observed for alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2). In particular, unlike alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2), zinc did not affect the onset of alpha(1)beta(2)-mediated responses. Moreover, zinc increased the extent of desensitisation of alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) receptors and reduced desensitisation of alpha(1)beta(2) ones. Quantitative analysis suggests that zinc exerts an allosteric modulation on both alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) and alpha(1)beta(2) receptors. Zinc effects on alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) were qualitatively similar to those reported for native receptors.     

Compounds that block both intermediate-conductance (IK(Ca)) and small-conductance (SK(Ca)) calcium-activated potassium channels

1. Nine bis-quinolinyl and bis-quinolinium compounds related to dequalinium, and previously shown to block apamin-sensitive small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK(Ca)), have been tested for their inhibitory effects on actions mediated by intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (IK(Ca)) in rabbit blood cells. 2. In most experiments, a K(+)-sensitive electrode was employed to monitor the IK(Ca)-mediated net loss of cell K(+) that followed the addition of the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (2 microM) to red cells suspended at an haematocrit of 1% in a low K(+) (0.12 - 0.17 mM) solution. The remainder used an optical method based on measuring the reduction in light transmission that occurred on applying A23187 (0.4 or 2 microM) to a very dilute suspension of red cells (haematocrit 0.02%). 3. Of the compounds tested, the most potent IK(Ca) blocker was 1,12 bis[(2-methylquinolin-4-yl)amino]dodecane (UCL 1407) which had an IC(50) of 0.85+/-0.06 microM (mean+/-s.d. mean). 4. The inhibitory action of UCL 1407 and its three most active congeners was characterized by (i) a Hill slope greater than unity, (ii) sensitivity to an increase in external [K(+)], and (iii) a time course of onset that suggested use-dependence. Also, the potency of the nonquaternary compounds tested increased with their predicted lipophilicity. These findings suggested that the IK(Ca) blocking action resembles that of cetiedil rather than of clotrimazole. 5. Some quaternized members of the series were also active. The most potent was the monoquaternary UCL 1440 ((1-[N-[1-(3, 5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-methylquinolinium-4-yl]amino]-10-[N'-(2-me thylqu inolinium-4yl)amino] decane (trifluoroacetate) which had an IC(50) of 1.8+/-0.1 microM. The corresponding bisquaternary UCL 1438 (1, 10-bis[N-[1-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-methylquinolinium-4-yl]amino] decane bis(trifluoroacetate) was almost as active (IC(50) 2.7+/-0.3 microM). 6. A bis-aminoquinolium cyclophane (UCL 1684) had little IK(Ca) blocking action despite its great potency at SK(Ca) channels (IC(50) 4.1+/-0.2 nM). 7. The main outcome is the identification of new intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers with a wide range of IK(Ca)/SK(Ca) selectivities.     

Di(isononyl) phthalate (DINP) and di(isodecyl) phthalate (DIDP) are not mutagenic

Recently there have been reports of liver and kidney tumors in rodents following long-term exposure to di(isononyl) phthalate (DINP). Mechanistic studies suggested that the liver tumors were a consequence of peroxisomal proliferation, whereas the kidney tumors (found only in male rats) were associated with induction of alpha(2u)-globulin. Because both peroxisomal proliferation and alpha(2u)-globulin are considered to be non-genotoxic carcinogenic processes, it seemed appropriate to investigate the genotoxic potential of DINP. Additional studies were also conducted on di(isodecyl) phthalate (DIDP), a structurally related substance that also induces peroxisomal proliferation, although it has not been tested in a carcinogenicity bioassay. The DINP was tested in Salmonella, in vitro cytogenetics and mouse micronucleus assays, whereas DIDP was evaluated in a mouse micronucleus test. All of these tests produced negative results, i.e. neither phthalate was mutagenic in any of the test systems. These data are consistent with results of other published and unpublished genotoxicity tests and provide support for the hypothesis that the liver and kidney tumors induced by DINP were the result of non-genotoxic processes.     

Developmental toxicity of di-(C(7)-C(9) alkyl) phthalate and di-(C(9)-C(11) alkyl) phthalate in the rat

Two phthalate esters, di-(C(7)-C(9) alkyl) phthalate (D79P) and di-(C(9)-C(11) alkyl) phthalate (D911P), have been assessed for their potential to cause developmental toxicity in the rat. Groups of 22 timed-mated Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg D79P or D911P daily by oral gavage (5 ml/kg) between gestation days (GD) 1 and 19. Control animals received the vehicle (olive oil) alone. On GD20, the animals were sacrificed and the fetuses examined. Treatment resulted in no signs of maternal toxicity, as assessed by adjusted maternal bodyweight gain throughout gestation and clinical examinations, and no effects upon litter size, fetal survival or bodyweight. Pups of the high dose D79P and intermediate and high dose D911P groups showed increased incidences of supernumerary lumbar ribs. There was a significant increase in dilated renal pelves in pups of the low dose D79P and high dose D911P groups, but only for D911P was there a significant trend. Consequently, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity for both D79P and D911P is 1000 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL values for developmental toxicity are 500 mg/kg/day D79P and 250 mg/kg/day D911P.     

Physicochemical Properties and Pharmacological Activity of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), AND Zn(II) Gluconates

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal -     

1,2-环己二胺柠檬酸铂(Ⅱ)及异柠檬酸铂(Ⅱ)的合成和抗癌活性

报道了1,2-环己二胺异柠檬酸铂(Ⅱ)及1,2-环己二胺柠檬酸铂(Ⅱ)的合成及鉴定方法。抗癌试验表明前者在40及80mg/kg 剂量下对小鼠 L1210、P388及S180均有明显的抑瘤作用,且有部分动物可治愈;后者对 L1210也有明显的抑瘤作用,但较前者为弱。     

Two-generation reproduction toxicity studies of di-(C(7)-C(9) alkyl) phthalate and di-(C(9)-C(11) alkyl) phthalate in the rat

Di-(C(7)-C(9) alkyl) phthalate (D79P) and di-(C(9)-C(11) alkyl) phthalate (D911P), based on high-normality linear oxo-alcohols, have been assessed for their impact upon reproductive performance in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were continuously exposed to either D79P or D911P at dietary levels of 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% over two generations. Selected F(0) offspring (F(1) generation) were exposed to the same dietary concentration of D79P or D911P as the respective F(0) animals, and were mated to produce F(1) offspring. Both D79P and D911P markedly reduced body weight gain in F(0) and F(1) adult males at the highest dose, but females were affected to a lesser extent. There was no impairment of fertility, fecundity, or development in either generation, but body weights of offspring in the 1.0% D79P and 1.0% D911P groups were slightly and transiently reduced over the weaning period. Although decreases in the weight of several organs were accounted for by depressed body weight, ovary weights were reduced in both generations exposed to 1.0% D79P, and epididymidal weights were slightly reduced in adults of both generations exposed to 1.0% D911P. However, ovarian function-assessed by the oestrus cycle and mating behaviour-and epididymidal sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were unaffected by either substance. Treatment resulted in liver changes, particularly in males, characterised by increased liver weight in young animals, histopathologic changes and reduced organ weight in mature animals, and an increase in palmitoyl CoA oxidase activity. In conclusion, neither D79P nor D911P impaired reproductive function in rats when administered in the diet at levels that induce systemic toxicity, and the NOAEL for effects on reproduction in the rat is 0.5% for both D79P and D911P.     

Effect of alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine (alpha-MPG) and sodium dipropylacetate (DPA) on antibody formation (I) (author's transl)]

The humoral immuno-response: A study was carried out to determine the effect of alpha-MPG and DPA on humoral antibody formation. The following results were obtained: The 1st and 2nd immuno-responses in rabbits to bacterial alpha-amylase were potentiated by treatment with both alpha-MPG and DPA given i.p. for 10 days after the 1st immunization, but the treatment after the 2nd immunization did not affect the 2nd immuno-response. Formation of hemolytic plaque forming cells (HPFC) in the spleen of mice immunized with 5 X 10(8) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was potentiated by the administration of the both drugs given i.p. for 5 days before or after the immunization. No appreciable formation of HPFC was observed by immunization with 5 X 10(6) SRBC, and here alpha-MPG or DPA were without effects. Immunization with more than 5 X 10(7) SRBC resulted in an increase of HPFC in a dose-dependent fashion. Such an increase was further reinforced by treatment with both drugs. HPFC increased with a single dose of alpha-MPG at 48 hr before or 24 approximately 72 hr after the immunization and also increased with that of DPA at 24 hr before or immediately after the SRBC treatment.     

Kaliumoxalat-(Kleesalz-)Vergiftungen. (Selbstmordversuche.)

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Complexes between pilocarpine and cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions

The properties of pilocarpine as a ligand toward the halides of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) were investigated. Pilocarpine behaved as a monodentate ligand, giving rise to compounds with the general formula methyl(pilocarpine)2X2. The coordinating geometry at the metal ion was pseudotetrahedral in every case. PMR studies showed that the pyridine-type nitrogen of the imidazole ring of pilocarpine was the donor atom of the ligand.     

Tollkirschen-Vergiftung (tödliche?) (Giftmord?)

Ohne Zusammenfassung