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Peroxisome proliferation, a well-documented subcellular reaction which follows the administration of hypolipidemic agents, has been well studied in rodents. However, quantitative studies of this phenomenon in other species of laboratory animals are not readily available even though these species are commonly used as predictors of tolerance or safety in humans. The quantitative stereologic studies reported here compared the effects of the new hypolipidemic agent gemfibrozil on hepatic peroxisomes of monkeys, dogs, hamsters and rats of both sexes under several treatment schedules. Gemfibrozil was administered to rats at 300 mg per kg per day for 1 year in the diet; to hamsters at 400 mg per kg per day for 2 weeks by diet admixture; to dogs at 300 mg per kg per day in gelatin capsules for 1 year; and to monkeys at 300 mg per kg day for 3 months by gavage. These dose levels were selected on the basis of tolerance from preliminary studies in each species. At the end of each experimental interval, liver samples were processed for quantitative microscopy. Peroxisomes from male rats were enlarged and the number of peroxisomes per cell were increased 7-fold over controls, resulting in a 20-fold increased peroxisome volume per cell. Statistically, significant increases also occurred in female rats and the difference between treated and controls was 3-fold for both number and volume of peroxisomes per cytoplasmic unit volume. In hamsters, peroxisomes were proliferated and were of significantly smaller size to the extent that the volume of cytoplasm occupied by peroxisomes was not significantly changed. In dogs, the number of peroxisomes per cell was increased and the volume fraction was significantly increased in females only. The number of peroxisomes in young monkeys did not change after treatment, and the peroxisome volume was decreased in males and increased in females. Aged monkeys had increased number of peroxisomes per hepatocyte with increased volume fraction. These results indicate significant differences in the magnitude and direction of peroxisome changes, reflecting species-dependent organelle response to hypolipidemic agents. The order of susceptibility of peroxisome proliferation in laboratory animals is dog less than monkey less than hamster less than rat.

When effects of di-n-propylacetate (nDPA) on various patterns of behaviour in mice in "novel environment" tests are compared with the effects of oxazepam, it appears that the stimulating action of nDPA is more evident than its antianxiety effects. Learning seems to be facilitated by this stimulating action.

In order to test for dopamine-receptor stimulating activity a new, sensitive biochemical screening method was designed. For behavioral studies and for determination of the duration of action on the compounds, motor activity measurements were used. O,O'-Dipivaloyl-N,N-dipropyldopamine (4) was the only derivative of a series of dipivaloyl-N,N-dialkyldopamines studied that showed any significant activity. However, the monopivaloyl ester 2-(3-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-N,N-dipropylethylamine (8) seemed to be more potent. The same relationship was found for the corresponding phenols, N,N-dipropyldopamine (3) and 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N,N-dipropylethylamine (7), although both were more active than their pivaloyl esters.

In adipocytes from fed rats, the rate of fatty acid synthesis in the presence of glucose and insulin was inhibited 40% by valine (5 mm). tthis inhibition was largely abolished by the addition to the incubation medium of the transaminase inhibitor aminooxy acetate, and of pyruvate and agents which raise the intracellular pyruvate levels such as N,N,N1,N1-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine. Pyruvate output into the incubation medium from fat pads obtained from fed rats and incubated with glucose and insulin was decreased significantly by the addition of valine. When adipocytes were incubated under similar conditions, the final concentration of pyruvate in the incubation medium was 42 +/- 1.6 muM under control conditions and approximately one third of this value in the presence of 2.5 mM valine. Valine had no significant effect on pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoate) (EC 1.2.4.1) activity when assayed in homogenates prepared from adipose tissue previously incubated for 60 min with the amino acid. Although the ketoacid analogue of valine alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, is a competitive inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoate) (K1 = 1.4 mM), this cannot solely account for the valine-induced reduced rate of lipogenesis. Rather, the mechanism involves a reduction in pyruvate concentration and thereby a diminished flow through pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoate). Details of the possible mechanism are discussed.

In animal studies, gemfibrozil markedly elevates high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. In humans with primary hyperlipoproteinemia and lipoprotein phenotypes IIA, IIB and IV, gemfibrozil, 1,200 mg/day, was associated with a 25%, 20% and 17% increase in HDL cholesterol, respectively. Gemfibrozil also substantially increased the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol, reflecting both an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Compared with a placebo in subjects with types IIA, IIB and IV lipoprotein phenotypes, therapy with gemfibrozil led to an increase of 33%, 34% and 23%, respectively, in the ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol. With gemfibrozil therapy, about 80% of subjects with hypertriglyceridemia had a reduction in triglycerides of 35% or a return to normal levels; 50% of subjects with hypercholesterolemia had a cholesterol reduction of 20% or a return to normal levels.

n-di-propylacetate (nDPA) reduced the heart rate level of Mice. Heart rate is often related to animal's emotionality. The nDPA would reduce the emotional behaviour.

A quantitative study was made of the action of GABA, some structurally-related agonists and antagonists on the dactyl opener muscle fibres of the lobster. It was concluded that the GABA dose/conductance relationship was better described by a two independent binding-site receptor model (with KII = 30 microM) than by a single-site or a two-site high co-operativity model. The dose/conductance curves for gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB), delta-aminovaleric acid (DAV) and piperazine indicated 'full' agonist behaviour, whereas those for guanidoacetic acid (GuAc) indicated a partial agonist action. beta-guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GP) and gamma-guanidinobutyric acid (gamma-GB) behaved as weak competitive GABA antagonists. Bicuculline was found to antagonize GABA non-competitively on the lobster as in the crayfish, whereas picrotoxin appeared to act in a 'mixed' antagonistic fashion.

The effect of gemfibrozil, a new lipid-lowering agent, was studied in 22 patients. Each patient served as his own control in a double blind study. The administration of gemfibrozil, for a period of 24 months, 1200 mg daily, reduced mean serum triglyceride levels by 45.6% (p less than 0.001) and mean serum cholesterol levels by 8.3% (p less than 0.001). Mean serum HDL cholesterol was increased by 32.3% (p less than .0001) and mean serum LDL cholesterol levels were decreased by 11.4% (p less than 0.01). Mean serum VLDL cholesterol was decreased by 45.9% (p less than 0.001). A 3-hour glucose-tolerance test was done in each patient during a placebo-control period and during the administration of gemfibrozil. Mean plasma glucose was moderately increased during the administration of gemfibrozil at all points on the glucose tolerance curve, and to levels of significance at one (p less than 0.05) and two hours (p less than 0.02). There was no effect of the drug on serum immunoreactive insulin. No subjective side effects were apparent.

1. Five-carbon-atom organic acids (C-5 acids) have been administered intravenously to rabbits with ventriculocisternal perfusion and continuous electroencephalographic recording (EEG). The concentration of the acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) perfusate have been compared with changes in integrated low-frequency activity in the EEG. 2. The C-5 acids investigated were those accumulating in inborn errors of metabolism, i.e. isovaleric acid, beta-methylcrotonic acid, tiglic acid and alpha-keto- and alpha-hydroxy-isovaleric acid. There activity was compared with that of valeric acid. 3. Valeric acid and isovaleric acid produced coma and pronounced increase in slow-wave electrical activity and these changes paralleled the increase in concentration of the acids in the CSF perfusate. 4. The concentration of beta-methylcrotonic acid and tiglic acid in the CSF perfusate reached values comparable with valeric acid and isovaleric acid but showed less encephalopathic activity. An interaction between beta-methylcrotonic acid and isovaleric acid was observed. 5. Although the concentrations of alpha-ketoisovaleric acid and alpha-hydroxyisovaleric acid rose to the lesser extent in the CSF perfusate, changes in rousability of the animal and in the EEG recording were demonstrated. 6. It is concluded that all the C-5 acids tested have encephalopathic activity although this is lessened by the presence of either a double bond or an oxygenated functional group.

Gemfibrozil is a potent lipid regulating drug whose major effects are to increase plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) and to decrease plasma triglycerides (TG) in a wide variety of primary and secondary dyslipoproteinemias. Its mechanism of action is not clear. Six patients with primary familial endogenous hypertriglyceridemia with fasting chylomicronemia (type V lipoprotein phenotype) with concurrent subnormal HDL cholesterol levels (HDL deficiency) were treated initially by diet and once stabilized, were given gemfibrozil (1,200 mg/d). Each patient was admitted to the Clinical Research Center with metabolic kitchen facilities, for investigation of HDL and TG metabolism immediately before and after 8 wk of gemfibrozil treatment. Gemfibrozil significantly increased plasma HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) AI, and apo AII by 36%, 29%, and 38% from base line, respectively. Plasma TG decreased by 54%. Kinetics of apo AI and apo AII metabolism were assessed by analysis of the specific radioactivity decay curves after injection of autologous HDL labeled with 125I. Gemfibrozil increased synthetic rates of apo AI and apo AII by 27% and 34%, respectively, without changing the fractional catabolic rates. Stimulation of apo AI and apo AII synthesis by gemfibrozil was associated with the appearance in plasma of smaller (and heavier) HDL particles as assessed by gradient gel electrophoresis and HDL composition. Postheparin extra-hepatic lipoprotein lipase activity increased significantly by 25% after gemfibrozil, and was associated with the appearance in plasma of smaller very low density lipoprotein particles whose apo CIII:CII ratio was decreased. These data suggest that gemfibrozil increases plasma HDL levels by stimulating their synthesis. Increased transport (turnover) of HDL induced by gemfibrozil may be significant in increasing tissue cholesterol removal in these patients.

1. Two inhibitors of rumen methane production were given to sheep and their effects were measured using an in vitro technique. 2. The substances used were trichloroethyl pivalate (TCE-P) and trichloroethyl adipate (TCE-A). In one experiment with two sheep TCE-P was injected into the rumen and in another experiment with two sheep the same inhibitor was mixed with the food just before feeding. In another experiment, TCE-A was given to two sheep at two dose levels, and in an experiment with four sheep two levels of inhibitor and two levels of diet were used. 3. In general the inhibition of methane production was greater with samples of rumen contents taken after feeding than with those taken before feeding. When sheep were given 120--300 mg TCE-P/d the inhibition of methane production ranged from 21 to 81%. When sheep given maintenance rations were given 125-300 mg TCE-A/d there was 28--90% inhibition of methane production. When sheep were given twice maintenance rations 150 mg TCE-A/d gave no inhibition and 300 mg TCE-A/d gave very low inhibition of methane production (about 16%). 4. In most experiments there was a significant increase in the propionic acid:acetic acid concentration ratio in the rumen when methane production was inhibited. 5. The possible practical use of inhibitors is discussed.

n-Dipropylacetate (nDPA), at a dose of 100 mg/kg, has a facilitating action on the acquisition of conditioned reactions with negative reinforcement in mice. On the other hand, nDPA reduces the number of conditioned reactions with a dose of 200 mg/kg. These effects of nDPA on conditioned behaviour are correlated with the increase of the level of brain gamma-aminobutyric acid, following administration of nDPA.

Incubation of HeLa cells in the presence of millimolar concentrations of propionate, butyrate, or pentanoate increases the specific activity of CMP-sialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase 7-20-fold within 24 h. Longer-chain saturated fatty acids or acetate are much less effective, decanoate showing no induction. Unsaturated fatty acid analogs of butyrate and other compounds are ineffective. Only the three most effective compounds also produce characteristic smooth extended cell processes in HeLa cells. Butyrate (5 mM) induces the sialyltransferase after a 4-h lag, producing maximum specific activity by 24 h. The amount of sialyl-lactosylceramide, the glycolipid product of the enzyme, increases during that time 3.5 times more than in control cultures. No other glycosphingolipid enzyme is significantly altered by butyrate exposure. The cellular shape changes occur 2-3 h later than the increase of sialyltransferase activity, and both processes require the continuous presence of inducer and the synthesis of RNA and protein but not the synthesis of DNA or the presence of serum.

Valproic acid [dipropylacetic acid (DPA)] was evaluated in an alumina-gel monkey model (N = 12) by constant-rate intravenous infusion. The data indicated: (a) a statistically significant decrease in seizure frequency the first 2 days of drug Step I (45-55 mug/ml) and drug Step II (90-110 mug/ml) which was temporary, lasting 2 days only; (b) a later, more permanent decrease in siezure frequency which was not apparent until drug Setp III (130-170 mug/ml); and a delayed return of the seizure frequency to predrug levels for 2 weeks after drug administration was discontinued, with no DPA detectable in plasma after the initial postdrug day. Whether DPA will behave as a reversibly acting drug was discussed.

The authors carried out pharmacologic studies on the valepotriate component-valtrate, isolated from the plant Centranthus ruber, for its central depressive action. The data from the conducted studies showed that the valtrate possessed neurotropic activity, characteristic of psycholeptic (anxiolytic) properties. The orientation reflexes and motor activity were much manifestly inhibited, when specific tests for central depressive action were used. The convulsive effects of pentetrazol and the excitation effects of morphine and to less degree of amphetamine were antagonized. Hexobarbital narcosis was enhanced. The examined substance could be included in the group of psycholeptics and more exactly in the group of anxiolyitics.

The oxidation of 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by nonsynaptosomal mitochondria isolated from rat forebrain and the inhibition of this metabolism by the branched-chain fatty acids 2-methyl-2-ethyl caproate (MEC) and 2.2-dimethyl valerate (DMV) were studied. The rate of GABA oxidation, as measured by O2 uptake, was determined in medium containing either 5 or 100 mM-[K+]. The apparent Km for GABA was 1.16 +/- 0.19 mM and the Vmax in state 3 was 23.8 +/- 5.5 ng-atoms O2 x min-1 x mg protein-1 in 5 m M-[K+]. In a medium with 100 mM-[K+] the apparent Km was 1.11 +/- 0.17 mM and Vmax was 47.4 +/- 5.7 ng-atoms O2 x min-1 x mg protein-1. The Ki for MEC was determined to be 0.58 +/- 0.24 or 0.32 +/- 0.08 mM, in 5 or 100 mM-[K+], respectively. For DMV, the Ki was 0.28 +/- 0.05 or 0.34 +/- 0.06 mM, in 5 or 100 mM-[K+] medium, respectively. The O2 uptake of the mitochondria in the presence of GABA was coupled to the formation of glutamate and aspartate; the ratio of oxygen uptake to the rate of amino acid formation was close to the theoretical value of 3. Neither the [K+] nor any of the above inhibitors had any effect on this ratio. The metabolism of exogenous succinic semialdehyde (SSA) by these same mitochondria was also examined. The Vmax for utilization of oxygen in the presence of SSA was much greater than that found with exogenously added GABA, indicating that the capacity for GABA oxidation by these mitochondria is not limited by SSA dehydrogenase. In addition, the branched-chain fatty acids did not inhibit the metabolism of exogenously added SSA. Thus, the inhibitors examined apparently act by competitively inhibiting the GABA transaminase system of the mitochondria.

R 68 070 or (E)-5-[[[(3-pyridinyl)[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]- methylen]amino]oxy] pentanoic acid (Janssen Research Foundation, Belgium), a newly developed compound, combining specific thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibition with TXA2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor blockade in one molecule, is active in vivo in man and in experimental animals. In man (n = 5), a single oral 400-mg dose of R 68 070 produces deep and protracted inhibition of platelet TXA2 synthetase activity (greater than or equal to 90% for 48 h), increases serum levels of immunoreactive 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, reduces platelet aggregation in P.R.P. induced by U 46619, collagen (greater than 70% for 8 h), arachidonic acid (greater than 90% for 18 h) and prolongs template bleeding times significantly, without affecting plasma coagulation or fibrinolysis. In rats, R 68 070 (1.25 mg/kg orally, -2 h) singly prolongs tail bleeding times as much as a combination of TXA2 synthetase inhibition (dazoxiben 10 mg/kg) and TXA2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor blockade (BM 13177 40 mg/kg). In dogs, the compound reduces coronary thrombosis induced by electrical damage (1.25 mg/kg i.v.) and prevents the evolution of occlusion/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias into ventricular fibrillation (2.5 mg/kg i.v.). R 68 070 thus may be an appropriate pharmacological tool to analyze the roles and interactions of agonistic (TXA2, prostaglandin endoperoxides) and antagonistic (PGD2, PGE2, PGI2) metabolites of arachidonic acid in experimental and human pathologies.

The lipid lowering drug Gemfibrozil significantly increased the levels of HDL-apoproteins, apoA-I and apoA-II in a group of 20 Swedish hyperlipemic males who were given 1200 mg daily of the drug for 8 weeks and thereafter submitted to a 4 weeks placebo period. It strikingly increased serum reserve cholesterol in binding capacity (SRCBC). No change was observed in "free" apoA-I or inthe level of Lp(a) lipoprotein. The results suggest that the effect of Gemfibrozil on HDL, may be particularly striking on a subclass (or on subclasses) of HDL responsible for most of SRCBC. The findings suggest that Gemfibrozil may become a useful drug for hyperlipidemic people, if its safety in pharmacological doses can be established.

The influence of Dipropyl-Acetate (DPA, Ergenyl) on hemostasis parameters was examined in 12 patients. In 8 cases there was a prolongation of bleeding time, in 2 cases thrombocytopenia, in 6 out of 10 cases the platelet adhesiveness was pathologically reduced. We therefore recommend hemostasis-examinations--with emphasis on the thrombocytic system--in patients taking DPA.

When exposed to hypoxia, the isolated rat atria released lactate into the bathing medium and underwent a rise in resting tension and a decline of the contractions frequency. In some of them, it also occurred a complete cessation of the pacemaker activity. Atria from 24-h fasted rats, when compared to those from fed ones, exhibited a lower lactate output, a higher rise in resting tension, a faster decay of the contraction frequency and an increased occurrence of atrial arrest. In both the fed and fasted rats atria, some triacylglycerol lipolysis remained throughout the hypoxic incubation. Addition of 2 mM 4-pentenoic acid abolished the lipolytic activity and reduced lactate output in both groups of atria. In the fed rats atria it also accelerated the decrease of the pacemaker frequency. Pentanoic acid reduced lactate output in both groups of atria and in those from fed rats it did not alter lipolysis but increased the rise in resting tension, the decline of the pacemaker frequency and the occurrence of atrial arrest. Present data indicate that although 4-pentenoic acid inhibits fatty acid oxidation and endogenous lipolysis, it was not able to reduce the noxious effects of hypoxia. Since the effects of 4-pentenoic acid were rather similar to those of fasting and pentanoic acid, they might be ascribed to the accumulation of its own oxidative metabolites which could be detrimental for the hypoxic atria.

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a new plasma lipid-regulating drug that decreases very low and low density lipoprotein (VLD/LDL) and increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations in man. The present experiments tested the effects of gemfibrozil on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in rats fed high fat/high cholesterol diets. Compared to chow-fed rats, cholesterol feeding for 2 weeks (20% olive oil/2% cholesterol) produced the expected increases in VLDL and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) while lowering plasma HDL. This was documented by using three methods of lipoprotein isolation: sequential ultracentrifugation, density gradient ultracentrifugation, and agarose gel filtration. Gemfibrozil gavaged at 50 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks during cholesterol feeding prevented these changes such that lipoprotein patterns were similar to those in chow-fed animals. Whole plasma apoE and apoA-I concentrations were decreased and apoB increased due to cholesterol feeding as determined by electroimmunoassay, but again gemfibrozil treatment prevented these diet-induced alterations. Gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of the total d less than 1.21 g/ml lipoprotein fractions reflected the changes in apolipoprotein concentrations and further demonstrated a greater increase of apoBl compared to apoBh in cholesterol-fed rats. Gemfibrozil lowered the concentration of both apoB variants and prevented the shift of apoE from HDL to lower density lipoproteins. Changes in the distribution of apoE were confirmed using agarose gel column chromatography followed by electroimmunoassay. These methods also revealed a shift of apoA-IV from HDL to the d greater than 1.21 g/ml, lipoprotein-free fraction with gemfibrozil treatment when blood was taken from fasted or postabsorptive animals. Since it was also noted that in chow-fed rats more apoA-IV was present in the d greater than 1.21 g/ml fraction in the postabsorptive or fed state compared to fasted animals, it could be postulated that the shift of apoA-IV into this fraction in gemfibrozil-treated rats is related to an accelerated clearance of chylomicrons. It is concluded that gemfibrozil largely prevents the accumulation of abnormal lipoproteins in this model of dyslipoproteinemia, and that apoE may play a critical role in this normalization process.

In perifused isolated pancreatic islets alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) or alpha-ketocaproic acid (KC) induced a high insulin secretion rate and a steep increase of the fluorescence of reduced pyridine pyridine nucleotides [NAD(P)H] which fell again to almost prestimulatory levels 6 min after medium change. Insulin release in response to alpha-ketooctanoic (KO) acid started slowly and was accompanied by a decrease of the NAD(P)H-fluorescence trace. Beta-phenylpyruvate which is known to initiate insulin release also caused a fluorescence decrease. Alpha-keto-isovaleric (KIV) acid or pyruvate had no significant effects upon insulin secretion or NAD(P)H-fluorescence. In contrast to l-leucine, l-norleucine or l-valine did not enhance insulin release or fluorescence of NAD(P)H. KIV, alpha-keto-beta-methylvaleric acid (KMV), KIC and KC raised the production their corresponding amino acids by islet cells. From these results it is concluded that alpha-ketomonocarboxylic acids as such trigger insulin release by acting upon receptor sites which differ from those occupied by amino acids.

The effect of short-chain aliphatic acids on [3H]deoxythymidine incorporation into DNA was studied in human mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes. Butyric acid at 1-2 mM level was strongly inhibitory; however, its hydroxy or amino derivatives were ineffective. Valeric and propionic acids were less inhibitory. Formic, acetic, and hexanoic acids did not have any inhibitory effect. The effect of butyrate persisted in washed lymphocytes for 24-48 hr depending on the concentration used and the time of its addition into the incubation medium. The inhibitory effects of butyrate, valerate, and propionate on deoxythymidine and amino acid incorporation into DNA and protein were also found in human leukocytes in myelocytic and lymphocytic leukemias.

1. Pancreatic islet insulin secretion and 45Ca uptake showed similar responses to variation in the extracellular concentration of 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate with a threshold at 4 mM and a maximal response at a 25 mM concentration. 2. Islet respiration, acetoacetate production and rates of substrate utilization, oxidation and amination all changed as a simple hyperbolic function of 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate concentration and exhibited a maximal response at 25 mM. 3. The responses of ATP content, [ATP]/[ADP] ratio, adenylate energy charge and [NADH]/[NAD+] ratio were also hyperbolic in nature but were maximally elevated at lower concentrations of the secretagogue. The islet [NADPH]/[NADP+] ratio, however, was tightly correlated with parameters of metabolic flux, 45Ca uptake and insulin release. 4. NH4+ and menadione, agents that promote a more oxidized state in islet NADP, did not affect islet ATP content or the rates of [U-14C]4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate oxidation or amination, but markedly inhibited islet 45Ca uptake and insulin release. 5. It is proposed that changes in the redox state of NADP and Ca transport may serve as mediators in the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism of insulin release induced by 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate.

Several 5-aryl-3-methylvaleric acid derivatives have been shown to be more potent hypolipidemic agents than the previously reported 5-(4-biphenylyl)-3-methylvaleric acid (1). The most active compound in this series was 5-(4-phenylsulfonylphenyl)-3-methylvaleric acid (10) which lowered serum cholesterol levels 45% and serum triglyceride levels 60% in normal rats. Significant lowering of the serum triglyceride levels was the predominant effect noted with most of the compounds tested.

Leucine metabolism in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with isovaleric acidemia was compared with that in normal fibroblasts and in cells from patients with maple syrup urine disease using [1-(14)C] and [2-(14)C] leucine as substrates. Inhibitory effects of methylenecyclopropylacetic acid on leucine metabolism in normal cells were also investigated. Production of 14CO2 from [2-(14)C] leucine was very reduced (96-99%) in both types of mutant cells. Radioactive isovaleric acid accumulated in assay media with isovaleric acidemia cells but not in those with maple syrup urine disease cells. Unexpectedly, 14CO2 production from [1-(14)C] leucine was partially depressed (80%) in isovaleric acidemia cells whereas in maple syrup urine disease cells it was strongly depressed (99%) as expected. These two mutant cells were clearly distinguished by detection of 14C-isovaleric acid accumulation after incubation with [2-(14)C] leucine. A pattern of inhibition of leucine oxidation similar to that seen in isovaleric acidemia cells was induced in normal cells by the addition of 0.7 mM methylenecyclopropylacetic acid to the assay medium. The partial inhibition of [1-(14)C] leucine oxidation seen in isovaleric acidemia cells and also in normal cells in the presence of the inhibitor appears to be, at least in part, due to an accumulation of isovalerate in the cells. Isovaleric acid (5-10) mM) inhibited [1-(14)C] leucine oxidation 32-68% when added to the assay medium with normal cells. Addition of flavin adenine dinucleoside to culture medium or assay medium or both did not restore oxidation of either leucine substrate in isovaleric acidemia cells.

The kinetic mechanism of glutamate dehydrogenase with the monocarboxylic substrate norvaline was examined by using initial-rate steady-state kinetics and inhibition kinetics. To a first approximation the reaction mechanism can be described as a rapid-equilibrium random-order one. Binding synergism between the monocarboxylic substrate and coenzyme is not observed. Dissociation constants for NAD+ and 2-oxoglutarate calculated from the kinetic data assuming a rapid-equilibrium random-order model are in good agreement with independently obtained estimates. Lineweaver-Burk plots with varied norvaline concentration are not strictly linear, and it is concluded that a steady-state random-order model more accurately reflects the observed kinetics with norvaline as substrate.

5-(2-Thienyl)valeric acid (TVA), a biotin analogue which can be easily prepared through chemical process, inhibited the growth of a biotin synthesizing Rhodotorula glutinis. The growth inhibition was reversed by the addition of biotin. Among biotin intermediates, dethiobiotin and 7,8-diaminopelargonic acid reversed the inhibition by TVA, while 7-keto-8-amino-pelargonic acid and pimelic acid did not. From these results, it was concluded that TVA is a biotin antagonist which probably acts as an inhibitor of biotin biosynthesis.

The effects of the lipid-lowering drug gemfibrozil on platelet reactivity at rest and during submaximal exercise were investigated in 10 patients with serum cholesterol levels greater than 270 mg/dl. No significant changes were observed in platelet reactivity at rest after gemfibrozil treatment. However, a marked decrease in platelet reactivity was seen in almost all patients treated with gemfibrozil during exercise. The adrenaline concentration necessary to induce secondary aggregation increased in eight patients during exercise after gemfibrozil and in two after placebo treatment. When adenosine diphosphatase (2 to 4 mumol/L) was used to induce aggregation, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and thromboxane B2 secretion by platelets decreased by 35% and 67%, respectively, during exercise in patients treated with gemfibrozil. The area under the aggregation curve decreased by 28% during exercise after gemfibrozil. No significant changes occurred in these variables during exercise after placebo. Thus, gemfibrozil seems to have antiplatelet effects that might have importance in the prevention of acute complications of atherosclerosis in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The anticonvulsant effect of di-n-propylacetic acid (n-DPA) was studied in mice and compared to those of phenobarbital, trimethadione and ethosuximide. n-DPA was only weakly active in the maximal electroshock test, but had an ED50 of 420 mg/kg orally in the pentetrazole seizure threshold test, which corresponds rather well to the activity of trimethadione and ethosuximide. The duration of action was only short, and the first signs of neurotoxicity--inability to perform in the chimney test--appeared well below the anticonvulsant ED50 against pentetrazole. n-DPA proved to be most active against convulsions induced by picrotoxin (ED50 200 mg/kg orally), which might indicate a role of the elevation of the central levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the anticonvulsant effect of the drug.

From mycelial cultures of Oudemansiella mucida a crystalline optically active antibiotic, oudemansin (2), has been isolated; its structure is closely related to strobilurin A (1). The relative configuration of oudemansin have been determined by X-ray analysis. The antibiotic exhibits strong antifungal properties and inhibits respiration in fungi, cells of the ascitic form of EHRLICH carcinoma, and rat liver mitochondria.