Chromatography of mast cell sensitizing antibodies in guinea-pigs

Résumé L'inoculation intraveineuse d'albumine humaine (HA), provoque chez le cobaye l'apparition d'un anticorps (-1) sensibilisant les cellules mast (CM) homologues. L'inoculation dans le coussinet plantaire (HA et adjuvant de Freund complet) fait apparaître deux anticorps: l'un (-2) sensibilisant les CM hétérologues, l'autre (dans le-1 ainsi que dans le-2) sensibilisant les CM homologues.

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We thank Mrs.Nava Raz, Mrs.Tamar Minai and Mr.I. Ofek for technical assistance.     

Minoxidil-induced cardiac hypertrophy in guinea pigs

To investigate whether during cardiac hypertrophy changes occur in contractile protein composition and in mechanical and energetic properties of the myocardium, contractile protein composition, isometric force and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption were studied in control and hypertrophied guinea-pig hearts. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by adding minoxidil (120 or 200 mg/l) to the drinking water. Protein analysis was performed by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The myosin heavy-chain (MHC) composition was determined in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ATP consumption and force development were simultaneously measured during isometric contraction in chemically skinned trabeculae. Histochemical analysis of cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes and interstitial space was performed on the left ventricular tissue of 200 mg/l minoxidil-treated and control guinea pigs. Minoxidil treatment (120 and 200 mg/l) significantly increased left ventricular dry weight normalized for body weight by 19 ± 4 and 24 ± 4%, respectively. No significant differences were found in the cellular cross-sectional area, while interstitial space was slightly decreased in minoxidil-treated hearts. In left ventricular trabeculae of 200 mg/l minoxidil-treated guinea pigs, ATPase activity was slightly less than in those of control guinea pigs, whereas force did not differ significantly. Calcium sensitivity of force and ATPase activity were not affected by minoxidil treatment. Gel electrophoresis revealed no difference in contractile protein composition, but a tendency towards a lower amount of α-MHC in the minoxidil-treated hearts was found in ELISA. Received 1 February 1999; accepted 15 March 1999     

Drug metabolism in spontaneously diabetic guinea pigs

Summary Both sexes of spontaneously diabetic guinea pigs exhibit hyperinsulinemia (>4-fold normal). This diabetic state is associated with the inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism in males but not females.Supported in part by NIH Grants AM 21282 from the NIAMDD and RR00469 from the DRR     

The histamine content of guinea pig mast cells

Zusammenfassung Von der Voraussetzung ausgehend, dass alles Histamin in den Mastzellen lokalisiert ist, wurde berechnet, dass jede Mastzelle in Aorta, Trachea, Uterus und Jejunum des Meerschweinchens 25–34 µµg Histamin-Base enthält. Die anaphylaktische Freisetzung des Histamins war proportional der Verminderung des Mastzellengehaltes und wurde zu 12–17 µµg/Mastzelle berechnet. Jejunum gab keine anaphylaktische Reaktion.     

On the excretion of 17-ketosteroids in guinea pigs

Zusammenfassung Im Harn von weiblichen Meerschweinchen wurde im Gegensatz zu männlichen Tieren Epiandrosteron als Haupt-17-Ketosteroid nachgewiesen.Untersuchungen über die 17-Ketosteroidkonjugate im Harn von weiblichen Meerschweinchen ergaben, dass ein grosser Teil (30–40%) als freie Steroide nachweisbar ist. 40–50% liegen als Schwefelsäurekonjugate und 3–6% wahrscheinlich als Glucuronide vor. Bei den konjugierten 17-Ketosteroiden handelt es sich vornehmlich um 11-oxygenierte Steroide.     

Azelastine inhibits bronchial hyperreactivity to acetylcholine in guinea pigs

Contractile responses to acetylcholine were measured using isolated tracheae obtained from actively sensitized guinea pigs 0.5, 1, 5, 20, 24, 48 and 72 h after antigen challenge. Tracheal contractions to acetylcholine and to histamine were significantly increased 20 h but not 0.5, 1, 5, 24, 48 and 72 h after antigen challenge indicating bronchial hyperreactivity. When animals were pretreated with azelastine and then exposed to antigen challenge, concentration-response curve to acetylcholine did not differ from that obtained in control (non-challenged) tracheae. It is likely that azelastine is able to inhibit bronchial hyperresponsiveness to chemical mediators of bronchial asthma.     

Study of prostaglandin synthesis during anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs]

In guinea pigs actively sensitized with ovalbumin and shocked, we have measured blood histamine and histaminase, pulmonary content in cycli AMP and prostaglandins (PG) E1, E2 and F2alpha. In pulmonary efferent blood, both PGE and PGF are increased. In lung tissue, only PGF2alpha, which are bronchoconstructive mediators, are increased. Th increased level in PG seems to have two origins: first a specific increase, then an increased synthesis secondary to histamine release.     

Fluorescent mast cell in precancerous mouse skin

Résumé L'application d'un hydrocarbure cancérigène à la peau de la souris est suivie d'une mastocytose très nette qui évolue dans le tissu conjonctif. Après traitement au formaldéhyde d'une coupe gelée, quelques mastocytes prennent au microscope à fluorescence une couleur brun doré. Par essai direct et par chromatographie sur papier, on a constaté que la substance fluorescente est le dérivé-carboline de la 5-hydroxy-tryptamine.     

Specific inhibition of mast cell disruption in vitro

Résumé Les «mast cells» péritonéales de Rats hypersensibles à la -globuline humaine, subissent une «dégranulation» in vitro en présence de l'antigène. Cette «dégranulation» est inhibée par les antisérums spécifiques. Les sérums de Rats hypersensibles ont la propriété de sensibiliser au même antigène les «mast cells» de Rats normaux.