Subthalamic nucleus neurones in slices from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned mice show irregular, dopamine-reversible firing pattern changes, but without synchronous activity

The loss of dopamine in idiopathic or animal models of Parkinson's disease induces synchronized low-frequency oscillatory burst-firing in subthalamic nucleus neurones. We sought to establish whether these firing patterns observed in vivo were preserved in slices taken from dopamine-depleted animals, thus establishing a role for the isolated subthalamic-globus pallidus complex in generating the pathological activity. Mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) showed significant reductions of over 90% in levels of dopamine as measured in striatum by high pressure liquid chromatography. Likewise, significant reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining within the striatum (>90%) and tyrosine hydroxylase positive cell numbers (65%) in substantia nigra were observed. Compared with slices from intact mice, neurones in slices from MPTP-lesioned mice fired significantly more slowly (mean rate of 4.2 Hz, cf. 7.2 Hz in control) and more irregularly (mean coefficient of variation of inter-spike interval of 94.4%, cf. 37.9% in control). Application of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) and the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin caused no change in firing pattern. Bath application of dopamine significantly increased cell firing rate and regularized the pattern of activity in cells from slices from both MPTP-treated and control animals. Although the absolute change was more modest in control slices, the maximum dopamine effect in the two groups was comparable. Indeed, when taking into account the basal firing rate, no differences in the sensitivity to dopamine were observed between these two cohorts. Furthermore, pairs of subthalamic nucleus cells showed no correlated activity in slices from either control (21 pairs) or MPTP-treated animals (20 pairs). These results indicate that the isolated but interconnected subthalamic-globus pallidus network is not itself sufficient to generate the aberrant firing patterns in dopamine-depleted animals. More likely, inputs from other regions, such as the cortex, are needed to generate pathological oscillatory activity. © 2006 IBRO.

The role of tissue transglutaminase in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced toxicity in differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) can induce post-translational modification of proteins, resulting in protein cross-linking or incorporation of polyamines into substrates, and can also function as a signal transducing G protein. The role of TG2 in the formation of insoluble cross-links has led to its implication in some neurodegenerative conditions. Exposure of pre-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to the Parkinsonian neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) resulted in significant dose-dependent reductions in TG2 protein levels, measured by probing Western blots with a TG2-specific antibody. Transglutaminase (TG) transamidating activity, on the other hand, monitored by incorporation of a polyamine pseudo-substrate into cellular proteins, was increased. Inhibitors of TG (putrescine) and TG2 (R283) exacerbated MPP+ toxicity, suggesting that activation of TG2 may promote a survival response in this toxicity paradigm.

Studies in the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate

A study has been made of the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate using butyllithium and polystyryl lithium as initiators and using aluminium triisobutyl as a cocatalyst. The aspects of the polymerization that were examined were the effect of changing the order of addition of reagents, the temperature at which polymerization takes place and the polarity of the solvent. Trends were assessed in terms of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and tacticity. In addition, a second monomer addition test was carried out to verify that the polymerization was truly a living one, and a kinetic study was attempted. Studies to investigate the effect of changing the order of addition of reagents showed that polymer with similar polydispersities and tacticities are produced whether the pre-mixing (mixing initiator and cocatalyst before addition of monomer) or the post-mixing (mixing monomer and cocatalyst before addition of initiator) method were used. However, polymerizations using the post-mixing mixing method demonstrated lower initiator efficiencies, possibly indicating a different initiating species. Investigations into the effect of changing the polymerization temperature show the molecular weight distribution to narrow as the temperature decreases, although a small amount of low molecular weight tailing was also observed at low temperature. A clear relationship between tacticity and temperature was observed with syndiotacticity increasing with decreasing temperature. Changes in solvent polarity were achieved by using mixtures of the standard solvent, toluene, with varying amounts of cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane. Experiments at low solvent polarity (using toluene/cyclohexane mixtures) showed problems with initiator solubility but produced polymer with lower polydispersity and higher syndiotacticity than in toluene alone. Experiments using toluene/THF mixtures yielded no polymer, thought to be owing to a side reaction between THF and aluminium triisobutyl. Increased solvent polarity, achieved using toluene/dichloromethane mixtures produced polymer with higher polydispersity and at lower yields than the conventional system, but also with higher syndiotacticity. Second monomer addition reactions demonstrated that the polymerization was 'living' since an increase in molecular weight was observed with no increase in polydispersity. Kinetic studies demonstrated the high speed of the polymerization but yielded no useful data.

The metabolism of n-methyl compounds

The metabolism of compounds containing the N-methyl group is discussed with particular consideration being made to the possible role of the product of oxidative metabolism, the N-hydroxymethyl moiety, in the generation of potentially toxic, reactive electrophiles. Particular pathways which are considered are: (i), the production of formaldehyde; (ii), the generation of iminium ions or imines; and (iii), the formation of N-formyl compounds which might act as formylating agents. 4-Chloro-N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-hydroxy-methyl-1-methylurea (the product of oxidative metabolism of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) are model carbinolamides which do not readily release formaldehyde. The electrophilic properties of these model carbinolamides were investigated: neither reacted with nucleophiles such as cyanide or glutathione under physiological conditions. In contrast, N-(acetoxymethyl)-4-chlorobenzamide yielded the cyanomethylamide with potassium cyanide and S-(4-chlorobenzamidomethyl)glutathione with glutathione. 4-Chloro-N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea were not biotransformed to electrophilic moieties when incubated with mouse hepatic 9000 x g supernatant and Acetyl-CoA or PAPS-generating system. N-(Acetoxymethyl)-4-chlorobenzamide was non-mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in the short term bacterial assay; but toxicity to the bacteria was observed. 4-Chloro-N-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea showed no mutagenicity or toxicity in the mutagenicity assay including an Aroclor-induced rat hepatic 9000 x g supernatant. Addition of Acetyl-CoA or a PAPS-generating system did not produce a mutagenic response. 4-Chloro-N-formlbenzamide did not act as a formylating agent towards the weak nucleophile aniline. However, 4-chloro-N-formylbenzamide, N-formylbenzamide, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-formyl-1-methylurea and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-formylurea are all metabolised by mouse hepatic mirosomes and post-microsomal supernatant. The results demonstrate the potential for N-hydroxymethyl compounds to generate highly reactive species if these are substrates for conjugation with sulphate (or acetate). The model compounds employed here, apparently do not show any ability to be conjugated themselves, however, other N-hydroxymethyl compounds might be readily conjugated. The formation of N-formyl compounds does not appear to be toxicologically significant, as adjudged on limited experiments performed, but rather represent a detoxification pathway.

Polymer PCF Bragg grating sensors based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and TOPAS cyclic olefin copolymer

Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been fabricated in polymer photonic crystal fibre (PCF). Results are presented using two different types of polymer optical fibre (POF); first multimode PCF with a core diameter of 50µm based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and second, endlessly single mode PCF with a core diameter of 6µm based on TOPAS cyclic olefin copolymer. Bragg grating inscription was achieved using a 30mW continuous wave 325nm helium cadmium laser. Both TOPAS and PMMA fibre have a large attenuation of around 1dB/cm in the 1550nm spectral region, limiting fibre lengths to no longer than 10cm. However, both have improved attenuation of under 10dB/m in the 800nm spectral region, thus allowing for fibre lengths to be much longer. The focus of current research is to utilise the increased fibre length, widening the range of sensor applications. The Bragg wavelength shift of a grating fabricated in PMMA fibre at 827nm has been monitored whilst the POF is thermally annealed at 80°C for 7 hours. The large length of POF enables real time monitoring of the grating, which demonstrates a permanent negative Bragg wavelength shift of 24nm during the 7 hours. This creates the possibility to manufacture multiplexed Bragg sensors in POF using a single phase mask in the UV inscription manufacturing. TOPAS holds certain advantages over PMMA including a much lower affinity for water, this should allow for the elimination of cross-sensitivity to humidity when monitoring temperature changes or axial strain, which is a significant concern when using PMMA fibre.

Photosensitivity mechanism of undoped poly(methyl methacrylate) under UV radiation at 325 nm and its spatial resolution limit

In this Letter, we provide evidence suggesting that the main photosensitive mechanism of an undoped poly(methyl methacrylate)-based microstructured optical fiber under UV radiation at 325 nm is a competitive process of both photodegradation and polymerization. We found experimentally that increasing strain during photo-inscription leads to an increased photosensitivity, which is evidence of photodegradation. Likewise, refractive index change in the fiber was measured to be positive, which provides evidence for further polymerization of the material. Finally, we relate the data obtained to the spatial recording resolution of the samples. © 2014 Optical Society of America.

The nitric oxide-donating pravastatin derivative, NCX 6550 [(1S-[1α(βS*, δS*), 2α, 6α, 8β-(R*), 8aα]]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-β, δ, 6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-1-naphtalene-heptanoic acid 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester)], reduces splenocyte adhesion and reactive oxygen species generation in normal and atherosclerotic mice

Statins possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their ability to slow atherogenesis, whereas nitric oxide (NO) also influences inflammatory cell adhesion. This study aimed to determine whether a novel NO-donating pravastatin derivative, NCX 6550 [(1S-[1∝(ßS*,dS*),2∝,6a∝,8ß-(R*),8a∝]]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-ß,δ,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-1-naphthalene-heptanoic acid 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester)], has greater anti-inflammatory properties compared with pravastatin in normal and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E receptor knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. C57BL/6 and ApoE-/- mice were administered pravastatin (40 mg/kg), NCX 6550 (48.5 mg/kg), or vehicle orally for 5 days. Ex vivo studies assessed splenocyte adhesion to arterial segments and splenocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. NCX 6550 significantly reduced splenocyte adhesion to artery segments in both C57BL/6 (8.8 ± 1.9% versus 16.6 ± 6.7% adhesion; P < 0.05) and ApoE-/- mice (9.3 ± 2.9% versus 23.4 ± 4.6% adhesion; P < 0.05) concomitant with an inhibition of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. NCX 6550 also significantly reduced phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced ROS production that was enhanced in isolated ApoE-/- splenocytes. Conversely, pravastatin had no significant effects on adhesion in normal or ApoE-/- mice but reduced the enhanced ROS production from ApoE-/- splenocytes. In separate groups of ApoE-/- mice, NCX 6550 significantly enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation to carbachol in aortic segments precon-tracted with phenylephrine (-logEC50, 6.37 ± 0.37) compared with both vehicle-treated (-logEC50, 5.81 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) and pravastatin-treated (-logEC50, 5.57 ± 0.45; P < 0.05) mice. NCX 6550 also significantly reduced plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels (648.8 pg/ml) compared with both vehicle (1191.1 pg/ml; P < 0.001) and pravastatin (847 ± 71.0 pg/ml; P < 0.05) treatment. These data show that NCX 6550 exerts superior anti-inflammatory actions compared with pravastatin, possibly through NO-related mechanisms.

Humidity responsivity of poly(methyl methacrylate)-based optical fiber Bragg grating sensors

The humidity response of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based optical fiber Bragg gratings (POFBGs) has been studied. The characteristic wavelength of the grating is modulated by water absorption-induced swelling and refractive index change in the fiber. This work indicates that anisotropic expansion may exist in PMMA optical fiber, reducing the humidity responsivity of the grating and introducing uncertainty in the responsivity from fiber to fiber. By pre-straining a grating, one can get rid of this uncertainty and simultaneously improve the POFBG response time. © 2014 Optical Society of America.

X-ray crystallographic and theoretical studies of an anticonvulsant enaminone:methyl 4-(4'-bromophenyl)amino-6-methyl-2-oxocyclohex-3-en-1-oate

Objective: The aims of this study were to establish the structure of the potent anticonvulsant enaminone methyl 4-(4′-bromophenyl)amino-6-methyl-2- oxocyclohex-3-en-1-oate (E139), and to determine the energetically preferred conformation of the molecule, which is responsible for the biological activity. Materials and Methods: The structure of the molecule was determined by X-ray crystallography. Theoretical ab initio calculations with different basis sets were used to compare the energies of the different enantiomers and to other structurally related compounds. Results: The X-ray crystal structure revealed two independent molecules of E139, both with absolute configuration C11(S), C12(R), and their inverse. Ab initio calculations with the 6-31G, 3-21G and STO-3G basis sets confirmed that the C11(S), C12(R) enantiomer with both substituents equatorial had the lowest energy. Compared to relevant crystal structures, the geometry of the theoretical structures shows a longer C-N and shorter C=O distance with more cyclohexene ring puckering in the isolated molecule. Conclusion: Based on a pharmacophoric model it is suggested that the enaminone system HN-C=C-C=O and the 4-bromophenyl group in E139 are necessary to confer anticonvulsant property that could lead to the design of new and improved anticonvulsant agents. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) model study of optical surface quality after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To evaluate lenses produced by excimer laser ablation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plates. Setting: University research laboratory. Methods: Two Nidek EC-5000 scanning-slit excimer laser systems were used to ablate plane-parallel plates of PMMA. The ablated lenses were examined by focimetry, interferometry, and mechanical surface profiling. Results: The spherical optical powers of the lenses matched the expected values, but the cylindrical powers were generally lower than intended. Interferometry revealed marked irregularity in the surface of negative corrections, which often had a positive “island” at their center. Positive corrections were generally smoother. These findings were supported by the results of mechanical profiling. Contrast sensitivity measurements carried out when observing through ablated lenses whose power had been neutralized with a suitable spectacle lens of opposite sign confirmed that the surface irregularities of the ablated lenses markedly reduced contrast sensitivity over a range of spatial frequencies. Conclusion: Improvements in beam delivery systems seem desirable.

Novel 5-HT7 ligands as antidepressants:automated synthesis of N-substituted-N-[1-methyl-3-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-arylsulfon amides

The 5-HT7 receptor is linked with various CNS disorders. Using an automated solution phase synthesis a combinatorial library of 384 N-substituted N-[1-methyl-3-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-arylsulfonamides was prepared with 24 chemically diverse amines 1-24 and 16 sulfonyl chlorides A-P. The chemical library of alkylated sulfonamides was evaluated in a receptor binding assay with [3]H-5-CT as ligand. The key synthetic step was the alkylation of a sulfonamide with iodide E, which was prepared from butanediol in 4 synthetic steps. The target compounds 1A, 1B .....24A ... 24P were purified by solvent extraction on a Teacan liquid handling system. Sulfonamide J20, B23, D23, G23, G23, J23 , I24 and O24 displayed a binding affinity IC50 between 100 nM and 10 nM. The crystalline J20 (IC50=39 nM) and O24 (IC50=83 nM) were evaluated further in the despair swimming test and the tail suspension assay. A significant antidepressant activity was found in mice of a greater magnitude than imipramine and fluoxetine at low doses. © 2006 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Molecular mechanisms of salt effects on carbon nanotube dispersions in an organic solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone)

We consider the effects of salt (sodium iodide) on pristine carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions in an organic solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). We investigate the molecular-scale mechanisms of ion interactions with the nanotube surface and we show how the microscopic ion-surface interactions affect the stability of CNT dispersions in NMP. In our study we use a combination of fully atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations of sodium and iodide ions at the CNT-NMP interface with direct experiments on the CNT dispersions. In the experiments we analyze the effects of salt on the stability of the dispersions by photoluminescence (PL) and optical absorption spectroscopy of the samples as well as by visual inspection. By fully atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations we investigate the molecular-scale mechanisms of sodium and iodide ion interactions with the nanotube surface. Our simulations reveal that both ions are depleted from the CNT surface in the CNT-NMP dispersions mainly due to the two reasons: (1) there is a high energy penalty for the ion partial desolvation at the CNT surface; (2) NMP molecules form a dense solvation layer at the CNT surface that prevents ions to come close to the CNT surface. As a result, an increase of the salt concentration increases the "osmotic" stress in the CNT-NMP system and, thus, decreases the stability of the CNT dispersions in NMP. Direct experiments confirm the simulation results: addition of NaI salt into the NMP dispersions of pristine CNTs leads to precipitation of CNTs (bundle formation) even at very small salt concentration (∼10 -3 mol L -1). In line with the simulation predictions, the effect increases with the increase of the salt concentration. Overall, our results show that dissolved salt ions have strong effects on the stability of CNT dispersions. Therefore, it is possible to stimulate the bundle formation in the CNT-NMP dispersions and regulate the overall concentration of nanotubes in the dispersions by changing the NaI concentration in the solvent. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.