A tissue-selective prostaglandin E2 analog with potent antifertility effects.

N-methanesulfonyl 16-phenoxy-omega-tetranor PGE2 is a prostaglandin analog which is markedly more tissue selective than PGE2. This compound is 10-30 times more potent than PGE2 in animal models which are considered relevant to antifertility effects in humans. In pharmacological tests which are believed to be predictive for side effects in humans, the compound has potency either equal to or less than that of PGE2.     

The relationship of the renal vasodilator action of bradykinin to the release of a prostaglandin E-like substance

Zusammenfassung Nachweis, dass Bradykinin den renalen Blutstrom um 58% der Kontrollwerte (282±40 ml min) erhöht und gleichzeitig im venösen Nierenblut die Konzentration einer Substanz, welche die physicochemischen und biologischen Eigenschatten eines Prostaglandins der E-Serie besitzt, steigert, wobei die Konzentration einer PGF-ähnlichen Substanz unverändert blieb.     

Differential effects of ethanol on prostaglandin responses of arterial and venous smooth muscles.

The present results, using isolated rat aortic strips and portal vein segments, demonstrate that ethanol, depending upon concentration, can either enhance or attenuate the contractile actions of PGF2alpha on at least 2 different types of vascular smooth muscle. At the very least, the present findings question that the use of ethanol as a solvent when investigating the contractile actions of PG molecules on smooth muscles.     

Is the effect of diphenolic laxatives mediated via release of prostaglandin E?

The diphenolic laxatives, bisacodyl and phenolphthalein, and the osmotic laxative mannitol increase intestinal fluid volume in the rat colon in situ. The diphenolic laxatives stimulate the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E (PGE) whereas mannitol does not. Inhibition of PG-biosynthesis by pretreatment with indomethacin only reduces the effect of the diphenolic laxatives. It is suggested that diphenolic laxatives increase intestinal fluid volume via stimulation of PGE biosynthesis in the colon.     

Is the effect of diphenolic laxatives mediated via release of prostaglandin E?

Summary The diphenolic laxatives, bisacodyl and phenolphthalein, and the osmotic laxative mannitol increase intestinal fluid volume in the rat colon in situ. The diphenolic laxatives stimulate the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E (PGE) whereas mannitol does not. Inhibition of PG-biosynthesis by pretreatment with indomethacin only reduces the effect of the diphenolic laxatives. It is suggested that diphenolic laxatives increase intestinal fluid volume via stimulation of PGE biosynthesis in the colon.     

Insecticidal effects of essential oils. A study of the effects of essential oils extracted from eleven Greek aromatic plants on Drosophila auraria.

Effects of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from eleven aromatic plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (common in the Greek flora) were examined upon three different developmental stages of Drosophila auraria. All of the EOs examined exhibited insecticidal effects, either by preventing egg hatching, or by causing the death of larvae and adult flies. In several cases, malformation and/or prohibition of puparium formation was also observed.     

A comparative study on the effects of brain extracts and mesodermal membrane extracts on nerve cell differentiation.

Extracts prepared from the mesodermal tissue surrounding the brain stimulate the differentiation of morphologically undifferentiated neuroblasts, while the differentiation of more mature neuroblasts is influenced by brain extracts.     

A simple staining technique to demonstrate chromosomal DNA replication.

With the BrdU technique here described, Giemsa stained metaphases with either early or late replicational patterns can be obtained within 1 day after cell harvesting, showing a better resolution than 3H-thymidine autoradiography.     

Opposite effects of vasotocin injected intrapituitarly and intraventricularly on corticotropin release in mice.

A single injection of 10 pg synthetic arginine vasotocin into the pituitary significantly potentiated adrenal hypertrophy produced in male mice by unilateral adrenalectomy, whereas the same concentration injected into the 3rd ventricle produced adrenal atrophy.     

Autoradiographic study of a bacterial colony. Application to the effects of polymyxin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies]

The autoradiograph of a colony of Ps. a. which has been transferred, during growth, on a medium added with polymyxin and tritiate leucin makes it possible to locate an upper zone with a high metabolic activity and a basal zone with no metabolic activity. The latter, which consists of lysed cells, acts probably as a selective filter against the drug.     

Differential effects of ethanol on prostaglandin responses of arterial and venous smooth muscle

Summary The present results, using isolated rat aortic strips and portal vein segments, demonstrate that ethanol, depending upon concentration, can either enhance or attenuate the contractile actions of PGF₂ on at least 2 different types of vascular smooth muscle. At the very least, the present findings question the use of ethanol as a solvent when investigating the contractile actions of PG molecules on smooth muscles.Supported by NIH grant No. HL-18015 and NIMH grant No. MH-26236. The authors are indebted to Dr.John E. Pike and Dr.John Babcock of the Upjohn Company for generously providing us with the PGF₂ used in this study.     

A study on the effects of some drugs on DOCA induced hypertension in the rat

Chronic treatment with various drugs reduced the increase in arterial blood pressure, the ventricular hypertrophy and the thickening of pulmonary arterial and arteriolar walls.     

A study on the effects of some drugs on DOCA induced hypertension in the rat

Summary Chronic treatment with various drugs reduced the increase in arterial blood pressure, the ventricular hypertrophy and the thickening of pulmonary arterial and arteriolar walls.This work was supported by the Italian CNR (contract No. 7901928.04 and 7902391.65).