3-Methylcholanthrene (3-MC) greatly inhibits the growth of two lines of human squamous carcinoma cells, SCC-9 and SCC-12B2. Exposure of the cells to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alone was much less effective and, in the presence of 3-MC, did not alter the sensitivity (EC50 = 0.3 microM) or extent of growth inhibition by the latter. The degree of 3-MC-mediated inhibition, however, was mar...

We determined the relative contribution of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation to the positive inotropic responses of human atrial myocardium to catecholamines. (-)Norepinephrine produced stimulation predominantly through beta 1-receptors and (-)epinephrine through both beta 1- and beta 2-receptors. However, there were marked differences in the responses of tissues from patients treated...

Limnocharis flava is an edible wetland plant, whose phenolic acid and flavonoid compositions as well as bioactivities were underexplored. This study analyzed the profiles of selected hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids in the aqueous extracts of L. flava leaf, rhizome and root by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Anti-lipoxygenase and antioxidant (iron chelat...

The ability of a number of prostaglandin F 2 alpha (PGF 2 alpha) analogs to mobilize intracellular Ca2+[Ca2+]iand to compete for [3H]PGF 2 alpha binding to prostaglandin F 2 alpha receptors (FP) was evaluated. Radioligand binding studies measuring displacement of [3H]PGF 2 alpha by a variety of FP prostaglandin analogs yielded the following rank order of affinities: travoprost acid [(+)-16-m-tr...

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) have a different sensitivity to cadmium (Cd) in vivo (trout < LC50 < perch). Metals and particularly Cd impair cortisol secretion by adrenocortical cells in both species. The purpose of the present study was to assess in vitro the effect of Cd on cortisol secretion by adrenocortical cells of trout and perch, to compare the ...

To ascertain the tolerance mechanisms of aquatic organisms to artificial chemicals, intergenerational sensitivity changes Chironomus yoshimatsui a carbamate pesticide (pirimicarb) and pharmaceutical chemical (diazepam) were investigated. The larvae (<48-h-old) in each generation exposed both chemicals for 48 h then surviving chironomids cultured until fifth (F0–F4) without addition. 48-h 50% ef...

PGs of the E series are involved in the control of LHRH secretion. The present experiments were conducted to clarify whether PGI2 (prostacyclin) might be also involved in such a control, using multiple methodological approaches on immortalized LHRH-secreting neurons. A RT-PCR procedure to detect mouse PGI2 receptor (IP) messenger RNA was first applied, and the results obtained showed the presen...

The straightforward and efficient synthesis of complex aza- and carbobicyclic compounds, which are of importance for medicinal chemistry, is a challenge for modern chemical methodology. An unprecedented metal-free six-step domino reaction of aldehydes with malononitrile was presented in our previous study to provide, in a single operation, these bicyclic nitrogen-containing molecules. Presented...

Studies have shown that pesticides are sometimes detected at rather high levels in seawater and it has been suggested that these chemical compounds could act as additional stress factor for oysters cultured in coastal environments. The effects of pesticides on marine molluscs could be particularly harmful in the early stages which correspond to critical life stages. This study aimed to assess t...

BACKGROUND To determine the median effective concentration of sufentanil as an analgesic during wake-up tests after sevoflurane anesthesia during surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS This is a randomised controlled trial. Sixty patients aged 13-18 years scheduled for AIS surgery were randomized into six groups of 10 patients each to receive target effect-site concentrati...