Sample records for narcotic antagonists

  1. Narcotic antagonists. Treatment tool for addiction.

    PubMed

    Valentine, N M; Meyer, R E

    1976-09-01

    Narcotic antagonists have recently gained attention through research aimed at evaluating both biochemical effects and treatment potential for opiate addiction. Narcotic antagonists are a classification of drugs which block the euphoric (and all other) effects of opiates. Naltrexone is the most promising narcotic antagonist based on ability to produce blockade, length of duration, and relative absence of side effects. The narcotic antagonists offer an adjunctive or alternative method of treatment for opiate addicts based on Wikler's biobehavioral theory of conditioned abstinence. Narcotic antagonists are presently being investigated at seven research centers throughout the United States and may be available for clinical use in the future.

  2. Intravenous Narcotic Antagonists in Ambulatory Oral Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Greenfield, William; Granada, Margarito G.

    1975-01-01

    Results of a study indicate that significant respiratory depression can be produced by the intravenous administration of narcotics in the anesthetic management of oral surgery patients. Naloxone hydrochloride reversed this reaction in all instances. Naloxone is a unique narcotic antagonist in that it does not possess agonistic properties of its own, it is effective in reversing respiratory depression resulting from all commonly used narcotics and narcotic antagonists, it causes no undesirable side effects, and it acts as a placebo when administered to a patient who has not had a narcotic. The use of naloxone should be considered when a potent narcotic is administered to an ambulatory patient. PMID:19598479

  3. 31 CFR 598.310 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 598.310... General Definitions § 598.310 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any illicit activity to cultivate, produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, finance, or transport narcotic drugs...

  4. 31 CFR 536.311 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 536.311... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 536.311 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any activity...

  5. 31 CFR 536.311 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 536.311 Section... FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 536.311 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any activity undertaken...

  6. 31 CFR 598.310 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 598.310 Section... Definitions § 598.310 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any illicit activity to cultivate, produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, finance, or transport narcotic drugs, controlled...

  7. 31 CFR 598.310 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 598.310 Section 598.310 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) OFFICE OF... Definitions § 598.310 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any illicit activity to...

  8. 31 CFR 598.310 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 598.310 Section 598.310 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) OFFICE OF... Definitions § 598.310 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any illicit activity to...

  9. 31 CFR 598.310 - Narcotics trafficking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Narcotics trafficking. 598.310 Section 598.310 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) OFFICE OF... Definitions § 598.310 Narcotics trafficking. The term narcotics trafficking means any illicit activity to...

  10. [Provision System of Medical Narcotics].

    PubMed

    Kushida, Kazuki; Toshima, Chiaki; Fujimaki, Yoko; Watanabe, Mutsuko; Hirohara, Masayoshi

    2015-12-01

    Patients with cancer are increasingly opting for home health care, resulting in a rapid increase in the number of prescriptions for narcotics aimed at pain control. As these narcotics are issued by pharmacies only upon presentation of valid prescriptions, the quantity stored in the pharmacies is of importance. Although many pharmaceutical outlets are certified for retail sale of narcotic drugs, the available stock is often extremely limited in variety and quantity. Affiliated stores of wholesale(or central wholesale)dealers do not always have the necessary certifications to provide medical narcotics. Invariably, the quantity stored by individual branches or sales offices is also limited. Hence, it may prove difficult to urgently secure the necessary and appropriate drugs according to prescription in certain areas of the community. This report discusses the problems faced by wholesalers and pharmacies during acquisition, storage, supply, and issue of prescription opioids from a stockpiling perspective.

  11. Narcotic Use and Postoperative Doctor Shopping in the Orthopaedic Trauma Population.

    PubMed

    Morris, Brent J; Zumsteg, Justin W; Archer, Kristin R; Cash, Brian; Mir, Hassan R

    2014-08-06

    The negative consequences of narcotic use and diversion for nonmedical use are on the rise. A growing number of narcotic abusers obtain narcotic prescriptions from multiple providers ("doctor shopping"). This study sought to determine the effects of multiple postoperative narcotic providers on the number of narcotic prescriptions, duration of narcotics, and morphine equivalent dose per day in the orthopaedic trauma population. Our prospective cohort study used the state-controlled substance monitoring database to identify all narcotic prescriptions filled three months prior to admission and six months following discharge for enrolled patients. Patients were assigned into two groups: a single narcotic provider group with prescriptions only from the treating surgeon (or extenders) or a multiple narcotic provider group with prescriptions from both the treating surgeon and an additional provider or providers. Complete data were available for 130 of 151 eligible patients. Preoperative narcotic use, defined by three or more narcotic prescriptions within three months of admission, was noted in 8.5% of patients. Overall, 20.8% of patients sought multiple narcotic providers postoperatively. There were significant increases in postoperative narcotic prescriptions (p < 0.001) between the single narcotic provider group (two prescriptions) and the multiple narcotic provider group (seven prescriptions), in duration of postoperative narcotic use (p < 0.001) between the single narcotic provider group (twenty-eight days) and the multiple narcotic provider group (110 days), and in morphine equivalent dose per day (p = 0.002) between the single narcotic provider group (26 mg) and the multiple narcotic provider group (43 mg). Patients with a high school education or less were 3.2 times more likely to seek multiple providers (p = 0.02), and patients with a history of preoperative narcotic use were 4.5 times more likely to seek multiple providers (p < 0.001). There is a 20.8% prevalence

  12. 44 CFR 15.9 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines as defined in Title 21 of... property being under the influence of or using or possessing any narcotic drug, marijuana, hallucinogen... influence of alcoholic beverages; (d) Bringing alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana...

  13. 44 CFR 15.9 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines as defined in Title 21 of... property being under the influence of or using or possessing any narcotic drug, marijuana, hallucinogen... influence of alcoholic beverages; (d) Bringing alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana...

  14. 44 CFR 15.9 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines as defined in Title 21 of... property being under the influence of or using or possessing any narcotic drug, marijuana, hallucinogen... influence of alcoholic beverages; (d) Bringing alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana...

  15. 44 CFR 15.9 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines as defined in Title 21 of... property being under the influence of or using or possessing any narcotic drug, marijuana, hallucinogen... influence of alcoholic beverages; (d) Bringing alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana...

  16. 44 CFR 15.9 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines as defined in Title 21 of... property being under the influence of or using or possessing any narcotic drug, marijuana, hallucinogen... influence of alcoholic beverages; (d) Bringing alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana...

  17. Narcotic Drug and Marihuana Controls.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Donald E.

    As a background paper for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Drug Education Conference held in November, 1966, this paper focuses first on narcotic control in general, and second, on the reasons for insisting on marijuana control. Brief descriptions are given of the currently existing narcotics acts at federal and state…

  18. 15 CFR 265.37 - Narcotics and other drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Narcotics and other drugs. 265.37... other drugs. The possession, sale, consumption, or use on the site of narcotic or other drugs illegal... with respect to the possession, sale, consumption, or use of narcotic or other drugs. ...

  19. 15 CFR 265.37 - Narcotics and other drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Narcotics and other drugs. 265.37... other drugs. The possession, sale, consumption, or use on the site of narcotic or other drugs illegal... with respect to the possession, sale, consumption, or use of narcotic or other drugs. ...

  20. 15 CFR 265.37 - Narcotics and other drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Narcotics and other drugs. 265.37... other drugs. The possession, sale, consumption, or use on the site of narcotic or other drugs illegal... with respect to the possession, sale, consumption, or use of narcotic or other drugs. ...

  1. 15 CFR 265.37 - Narcotics and other drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Narcotics and other drugs. 265.37... other drugs. The possession, sale, consumption, or use on the site of narcotic or other drugs illegal... with respect to the possession, sale, consumption, or use of narcotic or other drugs. ...

  2. Narcotic Use for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk Factors During Hospitalization

    PubMed Central

    Long, Millie D.; Barnes, Edward L.; Herfarth, Hans H.; Drossman, Douglas A.

    2012-01-01

    Background and Aims Growing evidence demonstrates adverse effects of narcotics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to study the relationship between narcotic use, objective measures of disease activity and other associated factors in hospitalized patients with IBD. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all adult IBD patients admitted to a general medical or surgical ward service at a United States tertiary care center over a 1 year period. We collected demographic and disease specific information, inpatient narcotic use and disease activity measurements from endoscopic and radiologic reports. Bivariate comparisons were made between characteristics and narcotic use. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effects of characteristics on narcotic use. Results A total of 117 IBD patients were included. Narcotics were given to 70.1% of hospitalized patients. Factors significantly associated with any inpatient narcotic use: Crohn’s disease (CD); p=<0.01, duration of IBD, p=0.02, prior psychiatric diagnosis, p=0.02, outpatient narcotic use, p=<0.01, current smoking, p=<0.01, prior IBD-specific surgery, p<0.02, and prior IBD-IBS diagnosis, p=0.02. Narcotic use was not significantly associated with disease severity on computed tomography (CT) scan or endoscopy. On multivariate analysis, smoking (OR 4.34, 95% CI 1.21–15.6) and prior outpatient narcotic use (OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.54–19.0) were independently associated with inpatient narcotic use. Conclusions A majority of patients with IBD are prescribed narcotics during hospitalization in spite of data on increased complications. Risk factors for narcotic use include CD and associated factors (disease duration, surgeries), substance abuse (outpatient narcotics and smoking), psychiatric diagnoses and IBD-IBS. PMID:21739533

  3. Pain medications - narcotics

    MedlinePlus

    ... other medical problems does not itself lead to dependence. Store narcotics safely and securely in your home. ... help with constipation, drink more fluids, get more exercise, eat foods with extra fiber, and use stool ...

  4. Narcotic Independence After Pancreatic Duct Stenting Predicts Narcotic Independence After Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Richard S; Young, Benjamin E; Marsteller, William F; Lawrence, Christopher; Wu, Bechien U; Lee, Linda S; Mullady, Daniel; Klibansky, David A; Gardner, Timothy B; Simeone, Diane M

    2016-09-01

    This study aimed to determine if the improved pain response to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogrphy (ERCP) and pancreatic stent placement (EPS) predicts pain response in patients with chronic pancreatitis after modified lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ). A multi-institutional, retrospective review of patients who underwent successful EPS before LPJ between 2001 and 2010 was performed. The primary outcome was narcotic independence (NI) within 2 months after ERCP or LPJ. A total of 31 narcotic-dependent patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent successful EPS before LPJ. Ten (32%) achieved post-LPJ NI (median follow-up, 8.5 months; interquartile range [IQR], 2-38 months). Eight (80%) of 10 patients with NI post-ERCP achieved NI post-LPJ. Two (10%) without NI post-ERCP achieved NI post-LPJ. Narcotic independence post-EPS was associated strongly with NI post-LPJ with an odds ratio of 38 (P = 0.0025) and predicted post-LPJ NI with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 80%, 90.5%, 80%, and 90.5%, respectively. Narcotic independence after EPS is associated with NI after LPJ. Failure to achieve NI post-ERCP predicts failure to achieve NI post-LPJ. These results support the need for larger studies to confirm the predictive value of pancreatic duct stenting for better selection of chronic pancreatitis patients who will benefit from LPJ.

  5. Factors Associated With Narcotic Use After Clavicle Fractures.

    PubMed

    Weinberg, Douglas S; Napora, Joshua K; West, William H; Grimberg, Dominic C; Vallier, Heather A

    2016-09-01

    Clavicle fractures are common in adults. Recent studies have shown that operative treatment of clavicle fractures has benefits in many situations. However, there is controversy about the indications. Data on social outcomes are limited. A total of 434 patients with 436 clavicle fractures treated both operatively and nonoperatively at a level 1 trauma center were identified. Narcotic use was recorded 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks after injury for both treatment groups. Other descriptive data included age, sex, laterality, hand dominance, rib fractures, smoking, alcohol use, employment, long bone or spine fracture, open clavicle fracture, and mechanism of injury. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of narcotic use after clavicle fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 105 fractures (24%), and 329 fractures were managed nonoperatively. A total of 154 patients (35%) reported some narcotic use 2 weeks after injury, and 15% were still using narcotics 16 weeks after injury. Narcotic use decreased over time in patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (10% vs 15% after nonoperative management). Patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation reported reduced narcotic use at 16 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 0.454; P=.070). Concurrent rib fracture (OR, 5.668; P<.001), smoking (OR, 3.095; P=.013), unemployment (OR, 5.429; P<.0005), and long bone or spine fracture (OR, 6.761; P<.001) were predictors of narcotic use. Further studies of the social, economic, and financial outcomes of clavicle fracture and osteosynthesis are warranted. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(5):e917-e923.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

  6. Narcotics detection using piezoelectric ringing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rayner, Timothy J.; Magnuson, Erik E.; West, Rebecca; Lyndquist, R.

    1997-02-01

    Piezo-electric ringing (PER) has been demonstrated to be an effective means of scanning cargo for the presence of hidden narcotics. The PER signal is characteristic of certain types of crystallized material, such as cocaine hydrochloride. However, the PER signal cannot be used to conclusively identify all types of narcotic material, as the signal is not unique. For the purposes of cargo scanning, the PER technique is therefore most effective when used in combination with quadrupole resonance analysis (QRA). PER shares the same methodology as QRA technology, and can therefore be very easily and inexpensively integrated into existing QRA detectors. PER can be used as a pre-scanning technique before the QRA scan is applied and, because the PER scan is of a very short duration, can effectively offset some of the throughput limitations of standard QRA narcotics detectors. Following is a discussion of a PER detector developed by Quantum Manetics under contract to United States Customs. Design philosophy and performance are discussed, supported by results from recent tests conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Customs.

  7. Opioid antagonists for smoking cessation

    PubMed Central

    David, Sean P; Lancaster, Tim; Stead, Lindsay F; Evins, A. Eden; Prochaska, Judith J

    2014-01-01

    Background The reinforcing properties of nicotine may be mediated through release of various neurotransmitters both centrally and systemically. People who smoke report positive effects such as pleasure, arousal, and relaxation as well as relief of negative affect, tension, and anxiety. Opioid (narcotic) antagonists are of particular interest to investigators as potential agents to attenuate the rewarding effects of cigarette smoking. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of opioid antagonists in promoting long-term smoking cessation. The drugs include naloxone and the longer-acting opioid antagonist naltrexone. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialised Register for trials of naloxone, naltrexone and other opioid antagonists and conducted an additional search of MEDLINE using ’Narcotic antagonists’ and smoking terms in April 2013. We also contacted investigators, when possible, for information on unpublished studies. Selection criteria We considered randomised controlled trials comparing opioid antagonists to placebo or an alternative therapeutic control for smoking cessation. We included in the meta-analysis only those trials which reported data on abstinence for a minimum of six months. We also reviewed, for descriptive purposes, results from short-term laboratory-based studies of opioid antagonists designed to evaluate psycho-biological mediating variables associated with nicotine dependence. Data collection and analysis We extracted data in duplicate on the study population, the nature of the drug therapy, the outcome measures, method of randomisation, and completeness of follow-up. The main outcome measure was abstinence from smoking after at least six months follow-up in patients smoking at baseline. Abstinence at end of treatment was a secondary outcome. We extracted cotinine- or carbon monoxide-verified abstinence where available. Where appropriate, we performed meta-analysis, pooling risk ratios using a Mantel

  8. 31 CFR 598.313 - Significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. 598.313 Section 598.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.313 Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. The term significant...

  9. 31 CFR 598.313 - Significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. 598.313 Section 598.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.313 Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. The term significant...

  10. 31 CFR 598.313 - Significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. 598.313 Section 598.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.313 Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. The term significant...

  11. 31 CFR 598.313 - Significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. 598.313 Section 598.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.313 Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. The term significant...

  12. 31 CFR 598.313 - Significant foreign narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. 598.313 Section 598.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.313 Significant foreign narcotics trafficker. The term significant...

  13. 21 CFR 1304.31 - Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw material.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw... RECORDS AND REPORTS OF REGISTRANTS Reports § 1304.31 Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw material. (a) Every manufacturer which imports or manufactures from narcotic raw material (opium, poppy...

  14. 21 CFR 1304.31 - Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw material.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw... RECORDS AND REPORTS OF REGISTRANTS Reports § 1304.31 Reports from manufacturers importing narcotic raw material. (a) Every manufacturer which imports or manufactures from narcotic raw material (opium, poppy...

  15. 32 CFR 700.1138 - Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 5 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics... concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances. (a) All personnel shall endeavor to prevent and eliminate the unauthorized use of marijuana, narcotics and other controlled substances within the...

  16. 32 CFR 700.1138 - Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 5 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics... concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances. (a) All personnel shall endeavor to prevent and eliminate the unauthorized use of marijuana, narcotics and other controlled substances within the...

  17. 32 CFR 700.1138 - Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 5 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics... concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances. (a) All personnel shall endeavor to prevent and eliminate the unauthorized use of marijuana, narcotics and other controlled substances within the...

  18. 32 CFR 700.1138 - Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 5 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics... concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances. (a) All personnel shall endeavor to prevent and eliminate the unauthorized use of marijuana, narcotics and other controlled substances within the...

  19. 32 CFR 700.1138 - Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 5 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Responsibilities concerning marijuana, narcotics... concerning marijuana, narcotics, and other controlled substances. (a) All personnel shall endeavor to prevent and eliminate the unauthorized use of marijuana, narcotics and other controlled substances within the...

  20. Opiate-induced Changes in Brain Adenosine Levels and Narcotic Drug Responses

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Manhong; Sahbaie, Peyman; Zheng, Ming; Lobato, Robert; Boison, Detlev; Clark, J. David; Peltz, Gary

    2012-01-01

    We have very little information about the metabolomic changes that mediate neurobehavioral responses, including addiction. It was possible that opioid-induced metabolomic changes in brain could mediate some of the pharmacodynamic effects of opioids. To investigate this, opiate-induced brain metabolomic responses were profiled using a semi-targeted method in C57BL/6 and 129Sv1 mice, which exhibit extreme differences in their tendency to become opiate dependent. Escalating morphine doses (10–40 mg/kg) administered over a 4-day period selectively induced a two-fold decrease (p<0.00005) in adenosine abundance in the brainstem of C57BL/6 mice, which exhibited symptoms of narcotic drug dependence; but did not decrease adenosine abundance in 129Sv1 mice, which do not exhibit symptoms of dependence. Based on this finding, the effect of adenosine on dependence was investigated in genetically engineered mice with alterations in adenosine tone in the brain and in pharmacologic experiments. Morphine withdrawal behaviors were significantly diminished (P<0.0004) in genetically engineered mice with reduced adenosine tone in the brainstem, and by treatment with an adenosine receptor1 (A1) agonist (2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, 0.5 mg/kg) or an A2a receptor (A2a) antagonist (SCH 58261 1 mg/kg). These results indicate that adenosine homeostasis plays a crucial role in narcotic drug responses. Opiate-induced changes in brain adenosine levels may explain many important neurobehavioral features associated with opiate addiction and withdrawal. PMID:23098802

  1. 31 CFR 598.304 - Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. 598.304 Section 598.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.304 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The term Foreign...

  2. 31 CFR 598.304 - Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. 598.304 Section 598.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.304 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The term Foreign...

  3. 31 CFR 598.304 - Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. 598.304 Section 598.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.304 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The term Foreign...

  4. 31 CFR 598.304 - Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. 598.304 Section 598.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.304 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The term Foreign...

  5. 31 CFR 598.304 - Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. 598.304 Section 598.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance... REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.304 Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The term Foreign...

  6. 19 CFR 162.66 - Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana without a permit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana... Substances, Narcotics, and Marihuana § 162.66 Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana without a permit. In every case where a narcotic drug or marihuana is unladen without a permit, the penalties...

  7. 19 CFR 162.66 - Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana without a permit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana... Substances, Narcotics, and Marihuana § 162.66 Penalties for unlading narcotic drugs or marihuana without a permit. In every case where a narcotic drug or marihuana is unladen without a permit, the penalties...

  8. 78 FR 9997 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-12

    ... the President to impose sanctions against significant foreign narcotics traffickers and their... controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the..., Rio Grande, Zacatecas 98400, Mexico; Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Rio Grande, Zacatecas, Mexico; DOB...

  9. The narcotic clinic in New Orleans, 1919-21.

    PubMed

    Tallaksen, Amund

    2017-09-01

    This paper traces the history of the narcotic clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana, comparing its merits to a similar clinic in Shreveport. How do the clinics compare, and why did the Shreveport clinic operate for longer than its New Orleans counterpart? Qualitative analysis of contemporary medical journals and newspapers, as well as archival materials from the Narcotic Division. In addition, the records of Louisiana Governor John M. Parker, the papers of Dr Willis P. Butler in Shreveport, as well as the records of the Orleans Parish Medical Society have been utilized. The narcotic clinic in Shreveport benefited from strong local support, while the New Orleans clinic faced a more vocal opposition. In addition, the Shreveport clinic offered a broad array of services and was a pillar of the community; the New Orleans clinic was newly established and offered fewer services. It was especially the influx of out-of-state addicts that angered many New Orleanians, many of whom witnessed the addicts lined up in the French Quarter. The effectiveness of the narcotic clinics in Louisiana (1919-23) was influenced by local opinion. The New Orleans clinic faced a tougher political climate than its counterpart in Shreveport, and therefore proved less resilient in the face of federal opposition. © 2017 Society for the Study of Addiction.

  10. 19 CFR 162.65 - Penalties for failure to manifest narcotic drugs or marihuana.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... or marihuana. 162.65 Section 162.65 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF... Substances, Narcotics, and Marihuana § 162.65 Penalties for failure to manifest narcotic drugs or marihuana. (a) Cargo or baggage containing unmanifested narcotic drugs or marihuana. When a package of regular...

  11. 19 CFR 162.65 - Penalties for failure to manifest narcotic drugs or marihuana.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... or marihuana. 162.65 Section 162.65 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF... Substances, Narcotics, and Marihuana § 162.65 Penalties for failure to manifest narcotic drugs or marihuana. (a) Cargo or baggage containing unmanifested narcotic drugs or marihuana. When a package of regular...

  12. 31 CFR 598.309 - Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...; listed chemical. 598.309 Section 598.309 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.309 Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical. The terms narcotic drug, controlled substance, and listed chemical have the meanings given those terms...

  13. Less is more: limiting narcotic prescription quantities for common orthopedic procedures.

    PubMed

    O'Neill, Daniel Fulham; Webb Thomas, Christopher

    2014-11-01

    Clinicians are now appreciating that the perception of pain is a multifaceted, biopsychosocial construct. Expectation of postsurgical pain is part of this construct and should be considered preoperatively. It is our belief that by establishing reasonable expectations with preoperative teaching, we can minimize narcotic use and lessen untoward issues that can potentially follow. With this goal in mind, we have been using a comprehensive pre- and postoperative program for our outpatient orthopedic surgery patients for the last 5 years, which includes physical, pharmacologic, and simple sport psychological techniques. We reviewed postoperative prescription narcotic purchases in 133 consecutive surgical patients during the last year (2013). All patients were given a prescription postoperatively for 10 hydrocodone 5-mg/acetaminophen 500-mg tablets, with 1 refill. We then contacted the patients' pharmacies to assess the actual amount purchased. Data were available for 100 patients. Of these, 62 patients had undergone "simple" arthroscopies and 38 had had "open" procedures, including 25 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, 4 tibial tubercle osteotomies, and various other surgeries. Of the 62 arthroscopies, 24 patients (39%) refilled their prescriptions, with 4 patients (6%) needing > 1 refill. Of the 38 open procedures, 16 patients (42%) refilled their medications, 2 (5%), more than once. Thus, 89% of patients required ≤ 20 narcotic tablets after undergoing common orthopedic operations. No patient needed chronic narcotic medication. Pain is a complex issue and patient expectation of postoperative pain is one aspect that can potentially affect the amount of narcotics used. By preparing the patient both physically and psychologically, we believe the amount of narcotics used postoperatively can be decreased without affecting pain control. As a result, the multiple possible detriments of having more narcotics available than actually necessary would be lessened. By

  14. 31 CFR 598.309 - Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical. 598.309 Section 598.309 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.309 Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical...

  15. 31 CFR 598.309 - Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical. 598.309 Section 598.309 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.309 Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical...

  16. 31 CFR 598.309 - Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical. 598.309 Section 598.309 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.309 Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical...

  17. 31 CFR 598.309 - Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical. 598.309 Section 598.309 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 598.309 Narcotic drug; controlled substance; listed chemical...

  18. The Narcotics Situation and the Prevention of Narcotics Use in Higher Educational Institutions of Krasnoiarsk Krai

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nevirko, D. D.; Shinkevich, V. E.; Korobitsina, T. V.

    2013-01-01

    Research on narcotics use among students in Russia shows that many are under pressure become involved, and that knowledge of and willingness to participate in clinics and other sources of help are not widespread.

  19. [Psychophysiological aspects of the problem of narcotic dependency].

    PubMed

    Tursunkhodzhaev, M Kh; Tursunkhodzhaeva, L A

    2002-01-01

    An attempt has been made at analyzing mechanisms of formation of addiction to narcotics from the standpoint of a systemic approach to a functional organization of psychic activity. A model is proposed of the pathological functional system as the basis of narcodependence, which combines processes of two adjoining levels--those of psychic activity and of higher nervous activity. It is suggested that pathological hyperactivity of the functional structure maintaining the need for a change in the emotional state might be the basis of addiction to narcotic drugs.

  20. Effect of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonist Dextromethorphan on Opioid Analgesia in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

    PubMed Central

    Al Alem, Hala; Al Shehri, Ali; Al-Jeraisy, Majed

    2016-01-01

    Objective. Pain control is an essential goal in the management of critical children. Narcotics are the mainstay for pain control. Patients frequently need escalating doses of narcotics. In such cases an adjunctive therapy may be beneficial. Dextromethorphan (DM) is NMDA receptor antagonist and may prevent tolerance to narcotics; however, its definitive role is still unclear. We sought whether dextromethorphan addition could decrease the requirements of fentanyl to control pain in critical children. Design. Double-blind, randomized control trial (RCT). Setting. Pediatric multidisciplinary ICU in tertiary care center. Patients. Thirty-six pediatric patients 2–14 years of age in a multidisciplinary PICU requiring analgesia were randomized into dextromethorphan and placebo. The subjects in both groups showed similarity in most of the characteristics. Interventions. Subjects while receiving fentanyl for pain control received dextromethorphan or placebo through nasogastric/orogastric tubes for 96 hours. Pain was assessed using FLACC and faces scales. Measurements and Main Results. This study found no statistical significant difference in fentanyl requirements between subjects receiving dextromethorphan and those receiving placebo (p = 0.127). Conclusions. Dextromethorphan has no effect on opioid requirement for control of acute pain in children admitted with acute critical care illness in PICU. The registration number for this trial is NCT01553435. PMID:27867308

  1. Effect of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonist Dextromethorphan on Opioid Analgesia in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

    PubMed

    Naeem, Mohammed; Al Alem, Hala; Al Shehri, Ali; Al-Jeraisy, Majed

    2016-01-01

    Objective . Pain control is an essential goal in the management of critical children. Narcotics are the mainstay for pain control. Patients frequently need escalating doses of narcotics. In such cases an adjunctive therapy may be beneficial. Dextromethorphan (DM) is NMDA receptor antagonist and may prevent tolerance to narcotics; however, its definitive role is still unclear. We sought whether dextromethorphan addition could decrease the requirements of fentanyl to control pain in critical children. Design . Double-blind, randomized control trial (RCT). Setting . Pediatric multidisciplinary ICU in tertiary care center. Patients . Thirty-six pediatric patients 2-14 years of age in a multidisciplinary PICU requiring analgesia were randomized into dextromethorphan and placebo. The subjects in both groups showed similarity in most of the characteristics. Interventions . Subjects while receiving fentanyl for pain control received dextromethorphan or placebo through nasogastric/orogastric tubes for 96 hours. Pain was assessed using FLACC and faces scales. Measurements and Main Results . This study found no statistical significant difference in fentanyl requirements between subjects receiving dextromethorphan and those receiving placebo ( p = 0.127). Conclusions . Dextromethorphan has no effect on opioid requirement for control of acute pain in children admitted with acute critical care illness in PICU. The registration number for this trial is NCT01553435.

  2. Use of a narcotic antagonist (nalmefene) to suppress self-mutilative behavior in a stallion.

    PubMed

    Dodman, N H; Shuster, L; Court, M H; Patel, J

    1988-06-01

    Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, caused a decrease in self-mutilative behavior in a 500-kg stallion. Self-mutilative attempts were counted during a control period and on 4 subsequent occasions after the IM administration of 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, or 800 mg of nalmefene. The frequency of self-mutilation decreased with increasing doses of nalmefene and was virtually abolished with the 800-mg dose.

  3. Early intravenous ibuprofen decreases narcotic requirement and length of stay after traumatic rib fracture.

    PubMed

    Bayouth, Lilly; Safcsak, Karen; Cheatham, Michael L; Smith, Chadwick P; Birrer, Kara L; Promes, John T

    2013-11-01

    Pain control after traumatic rib fracture is essential to avoid respiratory complications and prolonged hospitalization. Narcotics are commonly used, but adjunctive medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be beneficial. Twenty-one patients with traumatic rib fractures treated with both narcotics and intravenous ibuprofen (IVIb) (Treatment) were retrospectively compared with 21 age- and rib fracture-matched patients who received narcotics alone (Control). Pain medication requirements over the first 7 hospital days were evaluated. Mean daily IVIb dose was 2070 ± 880 mg. Daily intravenous morphine-equivalent requirement was 19 ± 16 vs 32 ± 24 mg (P < 0.0001). Daily narcotic requirement was significantly decreased in the Treatment group on Days 3 through 7 (P < 0.05). Total weekly narcotic requirement was significantly less among Treatment patients (P = 0.004). Highest and lowest daily pain scores were lower in the Treatment group (P < 0.05). Hospital length of stay was 4.4 ± 3.4 versus 5.4 ± 2.9 days (P = 0.32). There were no significant complications associated with IVIb therapy. Early IVIb therapy in patients with traumatic rib fractures significantly decreases narcotic requirement and results in clinically significant decreases in hospital length of stay. IVIb therapy should be initiated in patients with traumatic rib fractures to improve patient comfort and reduce narcotic requirement.

  4. Treatment in England of Canadian Patients Addicted to Narcotic Drugs

    PubMed Central

    Frankau, Lady

    1964-01-01

    The method of treatment and the results obtained from the treatment of 50 Canadian patients addicted to narcotic drugs who went to England are recorded. These patients were first stabilized on the minimal dose of narcotic drug which permitted them to work, and to acquire security and self-respect. Then, after psychiatric treatment dealing with the basic problem of their personality disorder, complete withdrawal treatment of the narcotic drug was undertaken. Nine of 10 patients aged between 20 and 30, of good social and cultural background, have been relieved of dependence on drugs for over two years. The other 40 patients came from a different background. Nearly all had been imprisoned for drug offences and they had come to England to obtain treatment and to avoid further prison sentences in Canada. The 31 patients whose prison sentences had been directly connected with drug offences are working steadily and leading an apparently normal life. The remaining nine patients had been convicted of criminal acts before becoming addicted to narcotic drugs and, with two exceptions, the results of their treatment compare unfavourably with the other patients, seven having been convicted and imprisoned in London. PMID:14123667

  5. No End in Sight: The Abuse of Prescription Narcotics.

    PubMed

    Cicero, Theodore J

    2015-01-01

    From teenagers dying from heroin overdoses to crime tied to Vicodin and OxyContin addiction to road fatalities in which sedatives and muscle relaxants are involved, 20,000 deaths in the United States in 2014 were attributed to problems associated with narcotics and prescription drug use. Our author, whose research involves the neurobiological basis of drug addiction, traces the history and evolution of narcotics and leans on his clinical experience to discuss why certain drugs are powerful, addicting-and dangerous.

  6. Effects of Interventions on Relapse to Narcotics Addiction: An Event-History Analysis.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hser, Yih-Ing; And Others

    1995-01-01

    Event-history analysis was applied to the life history data of 581 male narcotics addicts to specify the concurrent, postintervention, and durational effects of social interventions on relapse to narcotics use. Results indicate the advisability of supporting methadone maintenance with other prevention strategies. (SLD)

  7. Multimodal Pain Management Protocol Versus Patient Controlled Narcotic Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Control after Shoulder Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Nicholson, Thema; Maltenfort, Mitchell; Getz, Charles; Lazarus, Mark; Williams, Gerald; Namdari, Surena

    2018-05-01

    Our institution's traditional pain management strategy after shoulder arthroplasty has involved the utilization of postoperative patient-controlled narcotic analgesia. More recently, we have implemented a protocol (TLC) that utilizes a multimodal approach. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this change has improved pain control and decreased narcotic utilization. Patients undergoing primary total shoulder or reverse arthroplasty were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent interscalene brachial plexus blockade. "Traditional" patients were provided a patient-controlled analgesic pump postoperatively. TLC patients were given preoperative and postoperative multimodal, non-narcotic analgesic medications and breakthrough narcotics. Morphine equivalent units (MEU) consumed and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain (0, 8, 16, and 24 hours) were considered. There were 108 patients in each group. Total postoperative narcotic consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours was 38.5 +/- 81.1 MEU in the "Traditional group" compared to 59.3 +/- 59.1 MEU in the TLC group ( P<0.001 ). Of patients in the TLC group, 88% utilized breakthrough narcotics. VAS pain was significantly higher in the "Traditional group" at 16 hours (4.1 +/- 2.9 vs 3.2 +/- 2.7, P=0.020 ) and 24 hours (4.8 +/- 2.7 vs 3.7 +/- 2.6, P=0.004 ). Those treated with the TLC protocol had greater narcotic utilization but better VAS pain scores at 24 hours after surgery. Both groups experienced rebound pain. While the TLC protocol led to an improved pain experience, further modification of the currently protocol may be necessary to reduce overall narcotic utilization.

  8. 4 CFR 25.8 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates, or amphetamines is prohibited..., marijuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine. This prohibition shall not apply in cases where the drug is being...

  9. 4 CFR 25.8 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates, or amphetamines is prohibited..., marijuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine. This prohibition shall not apply in cases where the drug is being...

  10. 4 CFR 25.8 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates, or amphetamines is prohibited..., marijuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine. This prohibition shall not apply in cases where the drug is being...

  11. 4 CFR 25.8 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates, or amphetamines is prohibited..., marijuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine. This prohibition shall not apply in cases where the drug is being...

  12. 4 CFR 25.8 - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates, or amphetamines is prohibited..., marijuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine. This prohibition shall not apply in cases where the drug is being...

  13. Classification of narcotics in solid mixtures using principal component analysis and Raman spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Ryder, Alan G

    2002-03-01

    Eighty-five solid samples consisting of illegal narcotics diluted with several different materials were analyzed by near-infrared (785 nm excitation) Raman spectroscopy. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to classify the samples according to narcotic type. The best sample discrimination was obtained by using the first derivative of the Raman spectra. Furthermore, restricting the spectral variables for PCA to 2 or 3% of the original spectral data according to the most intense peaks in the Raman spectrum of the pure narcotic resulted in a rapid discrimination method for classifying samples according to narcotic type. This method allows for the easy discrimination between cocaine, heroin, and MDMA mixtures even when the Raman spectra are complex or very similar. This approach of restricting the spectral variables also decreases the computational time by a factor of 30 (compared to the complete spectrum), making the methodology attractive for rapid automatic classification and identification of suspect materials.

  14. Narcotic Use and Postoperative Doctor Shopping by Patients with Nephrolithiasis Requiring Operative Intervention: Implications for Patient Safety.

    PubMed

    Kappa, Stephen F; Green, Elizabeth A; Miller, Nicole L; Herrell, Stanley D; Mitchell, Christopher R; Mir, Hassan R; Resnick, Matthew J

    2016-09-01

    We sought to determine perioperative patterns of narcotic use and the prevalence of postoperative doctor shopping among patients with nephrolithiasis requiring operative management. We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients residing in Tennessee who required ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for nephrolithiasis at a single institution from January to December 2013. Using the Tennessee CSMD (Controlled Substances Medication Database) patients were categorized by the number of postoperative narcotic providers. Doctor shopping behavior was identified as any patient seeking more than 1 narcotic provider within 3 months of surgery. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with doctor shopping behavior were identified. During the study period 200 eligible patients underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for nephrolithiasis, of whom 48 (24%) were prescribed narcotics by more than 1 provider after surgery. Compared to those receiving narcotics from a single provider, patients with multiple narcotic providers were younger (48.1 vs 54.2 years, p <0.001), less educated (high school education or less in 83.3% vs 58.7%, p = 0.014), more likely to have a history of mental illness (37.5% vs 16%, p <0.01) and more likely to have undergone prior stone procedures (66% vs 42%, p <0.01). Additionally, these patients demonstrated more frequent preoperative narcotic use (87.5% vs 63.2%), longer postoperative narcotic use (39.1 vs 6.0 days) and a higher morphine equivalent dose per prescription (44.7 vs 35.2 dose per day, each p <0.001). Postoperative doctor shopping is common among patients with nephrolithiasis who require operative management. Urologists should be aware of available registry data to decrease the likelihood of redundant narcotic prescribing. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Antecedents of narcotic use and addiction. A study of 898 Vietnam veterans.

    PubMed

    Helzer, J E; Robins, L N; Davis, D H

    1976-02-01

    Previous studies of predictors of narcotic abuse have been retrospective and based on samples of long-term addicts obtained from legal or medical channels. There are several methodological problems in this approach. The present study is an attempt to test certain alleged predictors of narcotic use in a cohort of 898 Vietnam veterans. The design overcomes several of the methodological weaknesses of previous studies. Eight variables which have been reported as predictors of drug use or addiction in the drug literature were inquired about during a personal interview which included the premilitary life of each subject. The antecedent variables were socioeconomic background, inner city residence, psychiatric illness, broken home, race, employment history, education and antisocial history. Using information obtained from interviews and military records, we then tested the predictive value of each of these antecedents by comparing narcotic used and addiction in Vietman and use after Vietnam in men differing with respect to each antecedent. Results indicate that some of the variables were very poor, and others very good predictors of the various levels of narcotic involvement. The predictive value and overall importance of each of the variables we tested are discussed.

  16. 7 CFR 500.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., by a person under the influence of intoxicating beverages or a narcotic drug, is prohibited. (b... USNA property is prohibited. (c) The sale of alcoholic beverages on the grounds of the USNA is...

  17. Peptidase inhibitors reduce opiate narcotic withdrawal signs, including seizure activity, in the rat.

    PubMed

    Pinsky, C; Dua, A K; LaBella, F S

    1982-07-15

    Narcotic withdrawal was precipitated by administration of naloxone in a low dose at 2 h after the final dose of morphine in a 9-day dependency-inducing schedule. Withdrawal was characterized by leaps, increased nocifensor activity and by cerebral cortical epileptiform activity, the latter not generally reported to be prominent in narcotic withdrawal. Single large doses of morphine did not provoke epileptiform activity at 2 h postinjection but did induce an acute opioid dependency wherein a moderately high dose of naloxone, ineffective in non-dependent rats, provoked upward leaping and electrocortical epileptiform activity. Pretreatment of the 9-day dependent rats with peptidase inhibitors, administered intracerebroventricularly, significantly reduced withdrawal severity including the epileptiform activity. We propose that peptidase inhibitors protect certain species of endogenous opioids and/or other neuropeptides that tend to suppress expression of the narcotic withdrawal syndrome. Furthermore, our findings suggest that epileptiform activity is a nascent form of cerebral activity hitherto largely unnoticed in narcotic withdrawal and that neuropeptides may be involved in certain epileptic states.

  18. Narcotics Misuse Victims: Is Physical Exercise for Their Fitness Needed

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tarigan, B.

    2017-03-01

    This research is purposed to find out whether physical exercise needed to improve physical fitness of narcotics misuse victims in Social Rehabilitation Center Pamardi Putera West Java Province. Survey method and field test were applied in this research. Population is all members of rehabilitation in BRSPP and the sampling technique used in this research was purposive sampling. Indonesia Physical Fitness Test (TKJI) was used as the instrument. The result of the research showed that level of narcotics misuse victims’ physical fitness is in ‘low’ category so that regular and measurable physical activity is needed in developing their physical fitness.

  19. Personality Disorders, Narcotics, and Stimulants; Relationship in Iranian Male Substance Dependents Population.

    PubMed

    Noorbakhsh, Simasadat; Zeinodini, Zahra; Khanjani, Zeynab; Poorsharifi, Hamid; Rajezi Esfahani, Sepideh

    2015-06-01

    Individuals with certain personality disorders, especially the antisocial and borderline personality disorders, are more prone to substance use disorders. Regarding the importance of substance use disorders, this study aimed to explore the association between personality disorders and types of used drugs (narcotics and stimulants) in Iranian male substance users. The current study was a correlation study. We evaluated 285 male substance users and excluded 25 according to exclusion criteria. A total of 130 narcotic users and 130 stimulant users were recruited randomly in several phases from January 2013 to October 2013. All participants were referred to Substance Dependency Treatment Clinics in Tehran, Iran. Data collection process was accomplished by means of clinical interview based on DSM-V criteria for substance use disorders, Iranian version of addiction severity index (ASI), and Millon clinical multi-axial inventory-III (MCMI-III). Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression, the. There was a significant correlation between stimulant use and histrionic personality disorder (P < 0.001) and antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders (P < 0.05). In addition, correlation between avoidant, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders (P < 0.05) and depressed, antisocial, and borderline personality disorders (P < 0.001) with narcotics consumption were significant. In clusters, there was a significant correlation between cluster B personality disorders, and narcotic and stimulants consumption (P < 0.001). In addition, this association was explored between cluster C personality disorder and narcotics (P < 0.001). The results of this study in terms of personality disorders and types of used drugs were in accordance with the previous studies results. It is necessary to design appropriate treatment plans for medical treatment of those with personality disorders.

  20. Marathon Group Therapy with Female Narcotic Addicts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kilmann, Peter R.

    This study evaluated the impact of structured and unstructured marathon therapy on institutionalized female narcotic addicts. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of five groups: two structured therapy groups, two unstructured therapy groups, and a no-treatment control group. The Personal Orientation Inventory, the Adjective Check List, and a…

  1. Birth order and hospitalization for alcohol and narcotics use in Sweden.

    PubMed

    Barclay, Kieron; Myrskylä, Mikko; Tynelius, Per; Berglind, Daniel; Rasmussen, Finn

    2016-10-01

    Previous studies have shown that birth order is an important predictor of later life health as well as socioeconomic attainment. In this study, we examine the relationship between birth order and hospitalization for alcohol and narcotics use in Sweden. We study the relationship between birth order and hospitalization related to alcohol and narcotics use before and after the age of 20 using Swedish register data for cohorts born 1987-1994. We apply Cox proportional hazard models and use sibling fixed effects, eliminating confounding by factors shared by the siblings. Before age 20 we find that later born siblings are hospitalized for alcohol use at a higher rate than first-borns, and there is a monotonic increase in the hazard of hospitalization with increasing birth order. Second-borns are hospitalized at a rate 47% higher than first-borns, and third-borns at a rate 65% higher. Similar patterns are observed for hospitalization for narcotics use. After age 20 the pattern is similar, but the association is weaker. These patterns are consistent across various sibling group sizes. Later born siblings are more likely to be hospitalized for both alcohol and narcotics use in Sweden. These birth order effects are substantial in size, and larger than the estimated sex differences for the risk of hospitalization related to alcohol and drug use before age 20, and previous estimates for socioeconomic status differences in alcohol and drug abuse. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  2. Afghanistan Narcotics: The Bigger Battle Toward Stabilization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    Development of economic opportunities coupled with effective governmental reform is necessary for the nation to become prosperous, stable, and secure. 15...without marginalizing narcotics production and narco-trafficking. Effective security, strong governance, judicial capability...introduce the possibility of meaningful alternative livelihoods. Development of these economic opportunities coupled with effective governmental

  3. Narcotic Drug Use Among Patients with Lower Back Pain in Employer Health Plans: A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Health Care Services

    PubMed Central

    Rhee, YongJoo; Taitel, Michael S.; Walker, David R.; Lau, Denys T.

    2009-01-01

    Objective: This study examines the risk factors of narcotic drug use, medical and pharmacy claim costs, and health services use among lower back pain (LBP) patients who use narcotic medications. Methods: This retrospective study used administrative claims data between September 2002 and March 2004 from 3 employer health plans that collectively contained records of 165,569 employees 18 to 64 years of age. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine risk factors and health care services use consequences of narcotic drug use in patients with LBR Results: The study sample included 13,760 patients with LBP due to mechanical causes. Nearly 60% were female and the average age was 47 years. Almost half of the patients with LBP (45%) used narcotic drugs. Narcotic-using patients with LBP had significantly higher rates of comorbid conditions than patients with LBP not using narcotic drugs; hypertension (23% vs 13%), arthritis (14% vs 4%), depression (10% vs 5%), anxiety (6% vs 3%), and cancer (2% vs 1%) (P < 0.001). Patients with LBP with 2 identified psychological comorbid conditions, depression and anxiety, on average used more narcotic medications. Patients with LBP who had surgery were significantly more likely to use narcotic drugs within 1 week of procedure than those patients without surgery (P < 0.001). In contrast, patients with LBP who had chiropractic services for LBP were less likely to take narcotic drugs within 7 days after services compared to those without chiropractic services (P < 0.001). Furthermore, controlling for health conditions, patients with LBP who took narcotic medications were significantly more likely than patients not taking narcotics to have an emergency room visit within 30 days after the initial narcotic drug prescription dates (P < 0.001). Narcotic-using patients with LBP accounted for 62% of health care costs among all patients with LBP. The average monthly health care cost for a narcotic-using LBP patient was $1222, compared

  4. 7 CFR 501.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 501.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.7 Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. Entering Research Center property or the operating of a...

  5. 7 CFR 501.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 501.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.7 Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. Entering Research Center property or the operating of a...

  6. 7 CFR 501.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 501.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.7 Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. Entering Research Center property or the operating of a...

  7. 7 CFR 501.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 501.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.7 Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. Entering Research Center property or the operating of a...

  8. INFORMATION ABOUT NARCOTICS - RESOURCE MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    ABRAMS, IRVING; HAWKINS, BARBARA A.

    A SHORT HISTORY OF NARCOTICS AND THEIR LEGAL CONTROL IN THE UNITED STATES IS PRESENTED WITH AN EXPLANATION OF ADDICTION AND METHODS OF ITS PREVENTION. TEACHERS ARE INFORMED OF WAYS IN WHICH TO IDENTIFY ADDICTED STUDENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY MAY BE CLOSELY OBSERVED IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES, AND ABNORMALITIES INVESTIGATED BY A PHYSICIAN.…

  9. Multimodal analgesia without parenteral narcotics for total knee arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Dorr, Lawrence D; Raya, Julio; Long, William T; Boutary, Myriam; Sirianni, Leigh Ellen

    2008-06-01

    Use of parenteral narcotics after total knee arthroplasty is considered by most orthopedic surgeons to be the standard of care. This study tested the hypothesis that a multimodal oral pain medication protocol could control pain and minimize complications of parenteral narcotics. Postoperative oral analgesia was augmented with either continuous epidural infusion or continuous femoral infusion using ropivacaine only. Seventy patients had total knee arthroplasty with a protocol that included preemptive oral analgesics, epidural anesthesia, pericapsular analgesic injection, and postoperative analgesia without parenteral opioids. The average daily pain score was less than 4 out of 10, nausea occurred in 15 patients (21%), emesis in 1 patient (1.4%), and there were no severe complications. This study proved the hypothesis that pain after total knee arthroplasty could be effectively managed without routine use of parenteral opioids.

  10. 7 CFR 503.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 503.8 Section 503.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON PLUM ISLAND ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER § 503.8 Intoxicating...

  11. 7 CFR 503.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 503.8 Section 503.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON PLUM ISLAND ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER § 503.8 Intoxicating...

  12. 7 CFR 503.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 503.8 Section 503.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON PLUM ISLAND ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER § 503.8 Intoxicating...

  13. 7 CFR 503.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 503.8 Section 503.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON PLUM ISLAND ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER § 503.8 Intoxicating...

  14. 7 CFR 503.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 503.8 Section 503.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON PLUM ISLAND ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER § 503.8 Intoxicating...

  15. 36 CFR 504.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 504.7 Section 504.7 Parks, Forests, and Public Property SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS § 504.7 Intoxicating beverages and...

  16. 7 CFR 501.7 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 501.7 Section 501.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA...

  17. Annotated Bibliography of Literature on Narcotic Addiction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowden, R. Renee

    Nearly 150 abstracts have been included in this annotated bibliography; its purpose has been to scan the voluminous number of documents on the problem of drug addiction in order to summarize the present state of knowledge on narcotic addiction and on methods for its treatment and control. The literature reviewed has been divided into the following…

  18. 32 CFR 228.9 - Prohibition on narcotics and illegal substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marijuana, barbiturate or amphetamine is prohibited. Operation of a motor..., hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines is also prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply in...

  19. 32 CFR 228.9 - Prohibition on narcotics and illegal substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marijuana, barbiturate or amphetamine is prohibited. Operation of a motor..., hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines is also prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply in...

  20. 32 CFR 228.9 - Prohibition on narcotics and illegal substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marijuana, barbiturate or amphetamine is prohibited. Operation of a motor..., hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines is also prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply in...

  1. 32 CFR 228.9 - Prohibition on narcotics and illegal substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marijuana, barbiturate or amphetamine is prohibited. Operation of a motor..., hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines is also prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply in...

  2. 32 CFR 228.9 - Prohibition on narcotics and illegal substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marijuana, barbiturate or amphetamine is prohibited. Operation of a motor..., hallucinogens, marijuana, barbiturates or amphetamines is also prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply in...

  3. 21 CFR 1301.72 - Physical security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Physical security controls for non-practitioners... security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for narcotic treatment... shall have the following specifications or the equivalent: 30 man-minutes against surreptitious entry...

  4. 21 CFR 1301.72 - Physical security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Physical security controls for non-practitioners... security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for narcotic treatment... shall have the following specifications or the equivalent: 30 man-minutes against surreptitious entry...

  5. 21 CFR 1301.72 - Physical security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Physical security controls for non-practitioners... security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for narcotic treatment... shall have the following specifications or the equivalent: 30 man-minutes against surreptitious entry...

  6. 21 CFR 1301.72 - Physical security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Physical security controls for non-practitioners... security controls for non-practitioners; narcotic treatment programs and compounders for narcotic treatment... shall have the following specifications or the equivalent: 30 man-minutes against surreptitious entry...

  7. 31 CFR 598.314 - Specially designated narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Central Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Administrator of the Drug... goods or services in support of, the international narcotics trafficking activities of a specially... trafficking. Note 1 to § 598.314: The names of persons determined to fall within this definition, whose...

  8. 31 CFR 407.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 407.8 Section 407.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

  9. 31 CFR 407.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 407.8 Section 407.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

  10. 31 CFR 407.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 407.8 Section 407.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

  11. 31 CFR 407.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 407.8 Section 407.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

  12. 31 CFR 407.8 - Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Intoxicating beverages and narcotics. 407.8 Section 407.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

  13. 78 FR 13760 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-28

    ...: Assistant Director, Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of... pursuant to the Kingpin Act; or (3) playing a significant role in international narcotics trafficking. On...

  14. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... meets both of the following conditions: (1) The practitioner is separately registered with DEA as a narcotic treatment program. (2) The practitioner is in compliance with DEA regulations regarding treatment...

  15. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... meets both of the following conditions: (1) The practitioner is separately registered with DEA as a narcotic treatment program. (2) The practitioner is in compliance with DEA regulations regarding treatment...

  16. 14 CFR 91.19 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 91.19 Section 91.19 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... operate a civil aircraft within the United States with knowledge that narcotic drugs, marihuana, and...

  17. 14 CFR 91.19 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 91.19 Section 91.19 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... operate a civil aircraft within the United States with knowledge that narcotic drugs, marihuana, and...

  18. 14 CFR 125.39 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 125.39 Section 125.39 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... AIRCRAFT Certification Rules and Miscellaneous Requirements § 125.39 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana...

  19. 14 CFR 121.15 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 121.15 Section 121.15 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION....15 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If a...

  20. 14 CFR 121.15 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 121.15 Section 121.15 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION....15 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If a...

  1. 14 CFR 125.39 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 125.39 Section 125.39 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... AIRCRAFT Certification Rules and Miscellaneous Requirements § 125.39 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana...

  2. 31 CFR 598.314 - Specially designated narcotics trafficker.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Central Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Administrator of the Drug... goods or services in support of, the international narcotics trafficking activities of a specially... trafficking. Note to § 598.314: Please refer to the appendices at the end of this chapter V for listings of...

  3. 14 CFR 135.41 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 135.41 Section 135.41 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT General § 135.41 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or...

  4. 14 CFR 135.41 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 135.41 Section 135.41 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT General § 135.41 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or...

  5. 14 CFR 133.14 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 133.14 Section 133.14 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If the holder of a certificate...

  6. 14 CFR 133.14 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 133.14 Section 133.14 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If the holder of a certificate...

  7. 14 CFR 141.18 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 141.18 Section 141.18 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... General § 141.18 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances...

  8. 14 CFR 141.18 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 141.18 Section 141.18 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... General § 141.18 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances...

  9. 14 CFR 141.18 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 141.18 Section 141.18 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... General § 141.18 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances...

  10. 14 CFR 141.18 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 141.18 Section 141.18 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... General § 141.18 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances...

  11. 14 CFR 141.18 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 141.18 Section 141.18 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... General § 141.18 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances...

  12. Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-21

    Purpose FY2008 Defense Appropriation P.L. 110-116 FY2008 Bridge Fund P.L. 110-161 (Division L ) FY2008 Supplemental P.L. 110-252 (Title...Glasser, “U.S. Backing Helps Warlord Solidify Power,” Washington Post, February 18, 2002; Ron Moreau and Sami Yousafzai, with Donatella Lorch, “Flowers of...dangers of narcotics use and to monitor and prevent drug use. Testimony of Lt. Gen. Walter L . Sharp, Director of Strategic Plans (J-5), Before the

  13. Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Technologies for Detecting Explosives and Narcotics

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-09-01

    The General Accounting Office (GAO) examined information on explosives and narcotics detection technologies that are available or under development. This report discusses (1) funding for those technologies, (2) characteristics and limitations of avai...

  14. The Efficacy of Foreign Assistance in Counter Narcotics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-03-01

    Crop Reduction Components)...................................................................................25 Table 6. Colombian Coffee Prices in U.S...Colombia was initiated by the Clinton administration to assist the Colombian government with counter-narcotics, governing capacity, and economic...Assistance, Sustainable Development, and the War on Terrorism (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Law Institute, 2002) 8; Jean-Paul Azam and Veronique

  15. 76 FR 25405 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-04

    ... Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The list of additional designees is as follows: 1. SHAYESTEH, Bahram Ali (a.k.a. JADALI, Bahrami Ali; a.k.a. SHAYESTEH, Bahrami Ali), 80331 Muenchen, Bayern, Germany; DOB 6...

  16. 3 CFR - Delegation of Functions Under Subsection 804(h)(2)(A) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Delegation of Functions Under Subsection 804(h)(2)(A) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act Presidential Documents Other Presidential Documents Memorandum of May 31, 2013 Delegation of Functions Under Subsection 804(h)(2)(A) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act Memorandum for...

  17. 28 CFR 2.3 - Same: Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Same: Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act. 2.3 Section 2.3 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT OF PRISONERS, YOUTH OFFENDERS, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENTS United States Code Prisoners and Parolees...

  18. 28 CFR 2.3 - Same: Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Same: Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act. 2.3 Section 2.3 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT OF PRISONERS, YOUTH OFFENDERS, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENTS United States Code Prisoners and Parolees...

  19. 31 CFR 700.7 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs. 700.7 Section 700.7 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT...

  20. 31 CFR 700.7 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs. 700.7 Section 700.7 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT...

  1. 31 CFR 700.7 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs. 700.7 Section 700.7 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT...

  2. 31 CFR 700.7 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs. 700.7 Section 700.7 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT...

  3. 31 CFR 700.7 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and drugs. 700.7 Section 700.7 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT...

  4. Spirituality-based recovery from drug addiction in the twelve-step fellowship of narcotics anonymous.

    PubMed

    Galanter, Marc; Dermatis, Helen; Post, Stephen; Sampson, Cristal

    2013-01-01

    Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship that employs the Twelve-Step model for members dependent on drugs of abuse. The spiritual orientation of its program of abstinence has not been subjected to empirical study. Responses of 527 American Narcotics Anonymous meeting attendees to a structured questionnaire were evaluated for the roles of cognitive and psychosocial aspects of spirituality in their recovery. Respondents had last used drugs or alcohol on average 6.1 years previously. They were found to be more oriented toward a spiritual than a formally religious orientation than probability samples of the general population. Aspects of membership such as affiliation toward other members and the experience of spiritual awakening were associated with lower rates of drug or alcohol craving, whereas scores on depression were associated with higher craving scores. Spiritual renewal combined with an abstinence-oriented regimen in Narcotics Anonymous social context can play a role in long-term recovery from drug addiction.

  5. Controlled fabrication of silver nanoneedles array for SERS and their application in rapid detection of narcotics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yong; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Yamaguchi, Kohei; Tanemura, Masaki; Huang, Zhengren; Jiang, Dongliang; Chen, Yuhui; Zhou, Fei; Nogami, Masayuki

    2012-03-01

    Novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with high SERS-activity are ideal for novel SERS sensors, detectors to detect illicitly sold narcotics and explosives. The key to the wider application of SERS technique is to develop plasmon resonant structure with novel geometries to enhance Raman signals and to control the periodic ordering of these structures over a large area to obtain reproducible Raman enhancement. In this work, a simple Ar+-ion sputtering route has been developed to fabricate silver nanoneedles arrays on silicon substrates for SERS-active substrates to detect trace-level illicitly sold narcotics. These silver nanoneedles possess a very sharp apex with an apex diameter of 15 nm and an apex angle of 20°. The SERS enhancement factor of greater than 1010 was reproducibly achieved by the well-aligned nanoneedles arrays. Furthermore, ketamine hydrochloride molecules, one kind of illicitly sold narcotics, can be detected down to 27 ppb by using our SERS substrate within 3 s, indicating the sensitivity of our SERS substrates for trace amounts of narcotics and that SERS technology can become an important analytical technique in forensic laboratories because it can provide a rapid and nondestructive method for trace detection.

  6. Transcultural use of narcotic water lilies in ancient Egyptian and Maya drug ritual.

    PubMed

    Emboden, W A

    1981-01-01

    Comparisons are made between ancient ritual uses of the flowers of Nymphaea (Nymphaeaceae) in Maya and Egyptian civilizations. Recurrent motifs encountered in the art of both of these ancient civilizations suggests that the role fo the water lily was that of a narcotic (psychodysleptic) used to mediate ecstasis among a priestly caste. Relevant literature is reviewed as are chemical data. Elements in the complex belief systems of these two civilizations need to be reinterpreted in view of the use of two water lilies as ritual narcotics. The species implicated are Nymphaea caerulea Sav., in Egypt, and N. ampla DC., among the Maya.

  7. Regime change: re-visiting the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

    PubMed

    Bewley-Taylor, David; Jelsma, Martin

    2012-01-01

    March 2011 marked the 50th anniversary of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This legal instrument, the bedrock of the current United Nations based global drug control regime, is often viewed as merely a consolidating treaty bringing together the multilateral drug control agreements that preceded it; an erroneous position that does little to provide historical context for contemporary discussions surrounding revision of the international treaty system. This article applies both historical and international relations perspectives to revisit the development of the Convention. Framing discussion within the context of regime theory, a critique of the foundational pre-1961 treaties is followed by detailed content analysis of the official records of the United Nations conference for the adoption of a Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and, mindful of later treaties, an examination of the treaty's status as a 'single' convention. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs represents a significant break with the regulative focus of the preceding multilateral treaties; a shift towards a more prohibitive outlook that within international relations terms can be regarded as a change of regime rather than the straightforward codification of earlier instruments. In this respect, the article highlights the abolition of drug use that for centuries had been embedded in the social, cultural and religious traditions of many non-Western states. Further, although often-overlooked, the Convention has failed in its aim of being the 'single' instrument within international drug control. The supplementing treaties developed in later years and under different socio-economic and political circumstances have resulted in significant inconsistencies within the control regime. Having established that a shift in normative focus has taken place in the past, the article concludes that it is timely for the international community to revisit the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs with a view to

  8. Profile of narcotic abuse in peninsula Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Buhrich, N; Haq, S

    1980-01-01

    Demographic and drug abuse characteristics of 3,484 new drug abuse contacts presenting to the General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are reported. The large majority were heroin inhalers. They were different from the traditional Eastern opium inhalers and similar to Western heroin injectors in that they were young, male, single, and frequently unemployed. These features and the relative underrepresentation of Chinese suggest that the Chinese of this study did not learn narcotic abuse from opium-smoking relatives.

  9. Translations on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Number 282.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-01-27

    TRANSLATIONS ON NARCOTICS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS No. 282 CONTENTS PAGE ASIA AUSTRALIA Heroin, Marihuana , Hashish Pipelines From Golden Triangle...Ring (DIARIO DE PIEDRAS NEGRAS, 19 Nov 76) 41 Briefs Drug Fight Intensified 43 Marihuana Fields Destroyed 43 Drug Incineration 44 Drug...Trafficker Denies Charges 44 Trafficker’s Escape 44 Drug Sentence 45 Firearms Sentence 45 Marihuana Traffickers Sentenced 45 New Deputy Commander 45

  10. 76 FR 58562 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-21

    ... controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the..., Jalisco, Mexico; Plaza Del Sol Local 28, Zona R, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Paseo Del Heliotropo 3426, Monraz, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; DOB 09 Aug 1955; POB Jalisco, Mexico; Citizen Mexico; Nationality...

  11. 77 FR 71480 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-30

    ... controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the... IBARRA, Mayela), Calle Lago de La Doga 5312, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico; DOB 24 Feb 1961; POB Coahuila, Mexico; Passport 99020046985 (Mexico); R.F.C. CAIM610224 (Mexico) (individual) [SDNTK]. 2...

  12. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants with narcotic, sedative and analgesic effects in west of Iran.

    PubMed

    Saki, K; Bahmani, M; Rafieianb-Kopaei, M D; Asadollahi, K; Emaneini, M; Taherikalani, M

    2016-01-01

    The first step for identification of medicinal plants and their therapeutic effects is to determine their use by local people, traditional medicine books and personal experiences. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plants used as analgesic, sedative or narcotic agents by local residents of Dehloran, Iran. Interviews conducted with 53 informants (38 male and 15 female) revealed that a total of 32 medicinal plants belonging to 22 families are used in Dehloran as narcotic, sedative and analgesic agents. The most utilized plant families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Fabaceae. Approximately 74% of the utilized plants was attributed to herbs, followed by trees (13%) and shrubs (13%). Sixty-six percent of the medicinal plants used in the study area were perennial and the rest were annual or biannual. The most widely used plant parts were flowers (34%) followed by leaves (24%) and fruits (14%). Thirty-nine percent of the medicinal plants were used as sedatives, 39% as analgesics, and 24% as narcotics. Recommended plants in this study can be good candidates for further clinical and laboratory trials on diseases that are associated with pain, suffering, stress and depression. They also can be used to develop new sedative, narcotic and analgesic drugs.

  13. Counter-narcotic acoustic buoy (CNAB)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bailey, Mark E.

    2004-09-01

    As a means to detect drug trafficking in a maritime environment, the Counter Narcotic Acoustic Buoy is part of an inexpensive system designed to detect "Go Fast" boats and report via satellite to a designated location. A go fast boat for this evaluation is defined as any boat with twin 200 horsepower outboard engines. The buoy is designed for deployment in salt water at depths ranging from 50 to 600 feet and can be easily deployed by one or two persons. Detections are based on noise energy exceeding a preset level within a frequency band associated with the go fast boat's acoustic signature. Detection ranges have been demonstrated to greater than three nautical miles.

  14. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs. 1306.07 Section 1306.07 Food and Drugs DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE... an incidental adjunct to medical or surgical treatment of conditions other than addiction, or to...

  15. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs. 1306.07 Section 1306.07 Food and Drugs DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE... an incidental adjunct to medical or surgical treatment of conditions other than addiction, or to...

  16. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs. 1306.07 Section 1306.07 Food and Drugs DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE... an incidental adjunct to medical or surgical treatment of conditions other than addiction, or to...

  17. Translations on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Number 314.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-08-15

    Control Statistics 16 THAILAND Police General Talks on Narcotics Trade Methods (Chumphon Lohachala Interview; Bangkok Domestic Service, 27 Jul 77...two men drove oft - ■ The Australasian Seed is published by Noxious Weed Press Pty Ltd in Melbourne. It is the descendant of the Australasian ...34. brief Supreme Court fieärmg, the Austra- lasian Weed was correctly gazetted. Soon afterwards the Australasian Seed appeared and it is this

  18. 75 FR 27118 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-13

    ... OFAC's Web site ( http://www.treas.gov/ofac ) or via facsimile through a 24-hour fax-on demand service... establishes a program targeting the activities of significant foreign narcotics traffickers and their organizations on a worldwide basis. It provides a statutory framework for the President to impose sanctions...

  19. 78 FR 62946 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-22

    ... significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the Secretary of the...; R.F.C. PAPA751109870 (Mexico); C.U.R.P. PAPA751109HNEDSL04 (Mexico) (individual) [SDNTK] (Linked To... No. 279, Supermanzana 50, Manzana 14, Lote 17, Residencial San Angel, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico...

  20. 78 FR 47828 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-06

    ... significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the Secretary of the..., Colonia Centro, Culiacan, Sinaloa 80000, Mexico; DOB 21 Dec 1941; POB Sinaloa, Mexico; nationality Mexico; citizen Mexico; R.F.C. NUBA411221867 (Mexico); C.U.R.P. NUBA411221HSLXDN05 (Mexico) (individual) [SDNTK...

  1. Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Responsibilities for Developing Explosives and Narcotics Detection Technologies

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-04-01

    This report discusses (1) the roles, responsibilities, and authority of : agencies that establish policy, provide funds or oversee funding requests, : and develop explosives and narcotics detection technologies; : (2) mechanisms used to coordinate th...

  2. 77 FR 74915 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-18

    .... jurisdiction, owned or controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President... Enrique; DOB 25 Mar 1980; POB Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; C.U.R.P. EUEJ800325HSLSSR02 (Mexico) (individual... GUTIERREZ, Julio Cesar, Calle Platon 268, Col. Paso Blanco, Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico; DOB 03 Oct 1981; POB...

  3. Overprescription of postoperative narcotics: a look at postoperative pain medication delivery, consumption and disposal in urological practice.

    PubMed

    Bates, Cory; Laciak, Robert; Southwick, Andrew; Bishoff, Jay

    2011-02-01

    Prescription narcotic abuse is a significant social problem. Surplus medication following surgery is 1 source of prescription diversion. We assessed prescribing practices, consumption and disposal of prescribed narcotics after urological surgery. Surveys were administered to a 3-month consecutive sample of adult patients who underwent surgery performed by full and adjunct University of Utah Urology faculty. Surveys were performed 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. With the exception of the investigators, prescribing physicians had no prior knowledge of the study. Data collected included perception of pain control, type and quantity of medication prescribed, quantity of leftover medication, refills needed, disposal instructions and surplus medication disposition. Overall 47% of 586 patients participated in the study. Hydrocodone was prescribed most commonly (63%), followed by oxycodone (35%), and 86% of the patients were satisfied with pain control. Of the dispensed narcotics 58% was consumed and 12% of patients requested refills. A total of 67% of patients had surplus medication from the initial prescription and 92% received no disposal instructions for surplus medication. Of those patients with leftover medication 91% kept the medication at home while 6% threw it in the trash, 2% flushed it down the toilet and less than 1% returned it to a pharmacy. Overprescription of narcotics is common and retained surplus medication presents a readily available source of opioid diversion. It appears that no entity on the prescribing or dispensing ends of prescription opioid delivery is fulfilling the responsibility to accurately educate patients on proper surplus medication disposal. Surgeons should analyze prescribing practices and consider decreasing the quantity of postoperative narcotics prescribed. Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Greater number of narcotic analgesic prescriptions for osteoarthritis is associated with falls and fractures in elderly adults.

    PubMed

    Rolita, Lydia; Spegman, Adele; Tang, Xiaoqin; Cronstein, Bruce N

    2013-03-01

    To evaluate the changes in types of medications prescribed for pain before and after withdrawal of certain selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors in 2004 and to determine whether there was an association with fall events in elderly adults with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). A nested case-control design using electronic medical records compiled between 2001 and 2009. Electronic medical records for care provided in an integrated health system in rural Pennsylvania over a 9-year period (2001-09), the midpoint of which rofecoxib and valdecoxib were pulled from the market. Thirteen thousand three hundred fifty-four individuals aged 65 to 89 with a diagnosis of OA. The incidence of falls and fractures was examined in relation to analgesics prescribed: narcotics, COX-2 inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The comparison sample of individuals who did not fall was matched 3:1 with those who fell according to age, sex, and comorbidity. Narcotic analgesic prescriptions were associated with a significantly greater risk of falls and fractures. The likelihood of experiencing a fall/fracture was higher in participants prescribed narcotic analgesics than those prescribed a COX-2 inhibitor (odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5-4.3) or NSAID (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 3.7-4.5). Use of narcotic analgesics is associated with risk of falls and fractures in elderly adults with OA, an observation that suggests that the current guidelines for the treatment of pain, which include first-line prescription of narcotics, should be reevaluated. © 2013, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2013, The American Geriatrics Society.

  5. 77 FR 14592 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-12

    ... controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the...''), DOB 13 Aug 1961; POB Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; citizen Mexico; nationality Mexico; C.U.R.P. ZAGJ610813HSLMRS05 (Mexico) (individual) [SDNTK] Entities 2. ZARKA DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., Miguel Hidalgo No. 348 Pte...

  6. Screening technologies for detection of swallowed packages of narcotics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burnett, Lowell J.; Magnuson, Erik E.; Sheldon, Alan G.; Kumar, Sankaran

    1997-01-01

    An increasingly popular method of transporting modest quantities of narcotics across international borders is to employ 'swallowers'. These are people who typically enter the country as international airline passengers after swallowing small, water-tight packages of heroin and/or cocaine. Rapid and accurate identification of swallowers in the airport environment poses difficult technical changes. Commonly used medical inspection technologies fall into one of two categories. Either they are unsuitable for widespread use, or they do not provide adequate information. An example of the former is x-ray scanning, while an example of the latter is ultrasonic imaging. Quantum Magnetics has developed a system to screen selected airline passengers for the presence of swallowed narcotics. The system utilizes magnetic resonance, which provides the physical basis for the magnetic resonance imaging systems widely used in the medical community as an alternative to x-rays. The system is currently operational, and laboratory performance testing is complete. Both the design of the system and its performance will be discussed. This work was sponsored in part by the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the US Customs Service.

  7. Synthesis, Modeling, and Pharmacological Evaluation of UMB 425, a Mixed μ Agonist/δ Antagonist Opioid Analgesic with Reduced Tolerance Liabilities

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Opioid narcotics are used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain and primarily exert their analgesic effects through μ receptors. Although traditional μ agonists can cause undesired side effects, including tolerance, addition of δ antagonists can attenuate said side effects. Herein, we report 4a,9-dihydroxy-7a-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7(7aH)-one (UMB 425) a 5,14-bridged morphinan-based orvinol precursor synthesized from thebaine. Although UMB 425 lacks δ-specific motifs, conformationally sampled pharmacophore models for μ and δ receptors predict it to have efficacy similar to morphine at μ receptors and similar to naltrexone at δ receptors, due to the compound sampling conformations in which the hydroxyl moiety interacts with the receptors similar to orvinols. As predicted, UMB 425 exhibits a mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist profile as determined in receptor binding and [35S]GTPγS functional assays in CHO cells. In vivo studies in mice show that UMB 425 displays potent antinociception in the hot plate and tail-flick assays. The antinociceptive effects of UMB 425 are blocked by naloxone, but not by the κ-selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine. During a 6-day tolerance paradigm, UMB 425 maintains significantly greater antinociception compared to morphine. These studies thus indicate that, even in the absence of δ-specific motifs fused to the C-ring, UMB 425 has mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist properties in vitro that translate to reduced tolerance liabilities in vivo. PMID:23713721

  8. Effect of Prazosin and Naltrexone on Script Induced Alcohol Craving in Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorders with and without Co-occurring PTSD

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    status, moderate medication response. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Alcohol Drinking, Drinking Behavior, Naltrexone, Prazosin, Adrenergic Agents, Adrenergice ...primates and humans express α1 adrenergic receptors. Given the interplay of the noradrenergic system with craving-related brain systems, blocking α1...Antagonists, Adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists, Adrenergic alpha- antagonists, Antihypertensive agents, Narcotic antagonists, Therapeutic uses

  9. Association between narcotic use and anabolic-androgenic steroid use among American adolescents.

    PubMed

    Denham, Bryan E

    2009-01-01

    Drawing on the data gathered in the 2006 Monitoring the Future study of American youth, the present research examines associations between use of narcotics and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) among high-school seniors (n = 2,489). With independent measures and controls including sex, race, media exposure, socializing with friends, participation in recreational and school-sponsored sports, perceptions of drug use among professional athletes, and perceptions of steroid use among close friends, binary logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between AAS use and the use of alcohol, crack cocaine, Vicodin, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine, and Rohypnol. While use of both AASs and the narcotic drugs generally did not eclipse 5% of the sample, the numbers extend to many thousands in larger populations. Implications for health practitioners and recommendations for future research are offered. The study's limitations are noted.

  10. The Narcotics Situation in Russia as a Social Pedagogical Problem

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Popov, V. A.

    2012-01-01

    The increase in the use of narcotics in Russia has been complicated by the spread of new kinds of drugs that are less visible than more traditional kinds. A worsening of the situation must be prevented. This requires studying the accumulation of world experience, searching for up-to-date approaches to prevention, combining the efforts of science…

  11. "Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Analysis of Pain, Narcotic Consumption, Length of Stay and Cost."

    PubMed

    Salibian, Ara A; Frey, Jordan D; Thanik, Vishal D; Karp, Nolan S; Choi, Mihye

    2018-06-02

    Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are increasingly being utilized in microvascular breast reconstruction. The implications of TAP blocks on specific reconstructive, patient and institutional outcomes remain to be fully elucidated. Patients undergoing abdominally-based microvascular breast reconstruction from 2015-2017 were reviewed. Length of stay, complications, narcotic consumption, donor-site pain and hospital expenses were compared between patients that did and those that did not receive TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine. Outcomes were subsequently compared in patients with elevated body mass index (BMI). Fifty patients (43.9%) received TAP blocks (27 [54.0%] under ultrasound guidance) and 64 patients (56.1%) did not. Patients with TAP blocks had significantly decreased oral and total narcotic consumption (p=0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively) as well as significantly less donor-site pain (3.3 versus 4.3, p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in hospital expenses between the two cohorts ($21,531.53 versus $22,050.15 per patient, p=0.5659). Patients with BMI≥25 who received TAP blocks had a significantly decreased length of stay (3.8 versus 4.4 days, p=0.0345) as well as decreased narcotic consumption and postoperative pain compared to patients without TAP blocks. Patients with BMI<25 did not have a significant difference in postoperative pain, narcotic consumption or length of stay between the TAP versus no TAP block groups. TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine significantly reduce oral and total postoperative narcotic consumption as well as donor-site pain in all patients after abdominally-based microvascular breast reconstruction without increasing hospital expenses. TAP blocks additionally significantly decrease length of stay in patients with BMI≥25.

  12. 31 CFR 91.8 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs. 91.8 Section 91.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money... dangerous drugs. Entering or being on the property, or operating a motor vehicle thereon by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic or dangerous drugs is prohibited. The...

  13. 31 CFR 91.8 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs. 91.8 Section 91.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money... dangerous drugs. Entering or being on the property, or operating a motor vehicle thereon by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic or dangerous drugs is prohibited. The...

  14. 31 CFR 91.8 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs. 91.8 Section 91.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money... dangerous drugs. Entering or being on the property, or operating a motor vehicle thereon by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic or dangerous drugs is prohibited. The...

  15. 31 CFR 91.8 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs. 91.8 Section 91.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money... dangerous drugs. Entering or being on the property, or operating a motor vehicle thereon by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic or dangerous drugs is prohibited. The...

  16. Opium and Afghanistan: Reassessing U.S. Counter-Narcotics Strategy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-30

    and effective governance of Afghanistan.”3 This paper examines the nature of the opium problem in Afghanistan and analyzes the current strategy to...Opium is also refined for use in legal prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin.14 However, Australia and France currently produce about...is simply inadequate to carry out an effective counter-narcotics campaign. While some regions of Afghanistan are relatively stable and free of

  17. Associations of Pre-transplant Prescription Narcotic Use with Clinical Complications after Kidney Transplantation

    PubMed Central

    Lentine, Krista L.; Lam, Ngan N.; Xiao, Huiling; Tuttle-Newhall, Janet E.; Axelrod, David; Brennan, Daniel C.; Dharnidharka, Vikas R.; Yuan, Hui; Nazzal, Mustafa; Zheng, Jie; Schnitzler, Mark A.

    2015-01-01

    Background Associations of narcotic use before kidney transplantation with post-transplant clinical outcomes are not well described. Methods We examined integrated national transplant registry, pharmacy records, and Medicare billing claims to follow 16,322 kidney transplant recipients, of whom 28.3% filled a narcotic prescription in the year before transplantation. Opioid analgesic fills were normalized to morphine equivalents (ME) and expressed as mg/kg exposures (approximate quartiles: 0.1– 1.7, 1.8–5.4, 5.5–23.7, and ≥23.8 mg/kg, respectively). Post-transplant cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, accidents, substance abuse, and non-compliance events were identified using diagnosis codes on Medicare billing claims. Adjusted associations of ME level with post-transplant complications were quantified by multivariate Cox regression. Results The incidence of complications at 3 years post-transplant among those with the highest pre-transplant ME exposure compared to no use included: ventricular arrhythmias, 1.1% vs. 0.2% (p<0.001); cardiac arrest, 4.7% vs. 2.7% (p<0.05); hypotension, 14% vs. 8% (p<0.0001); hypercapnia, 1.6% vs. 0.9% (p<0.05); mental status changes, 5.3% vs. 2.7% (p<0.001); drug abuse/dependence, 7.0% vs. 1.7% (p<0.0001); alcohol abuse, 1.8% vs. 0.6% (p=0.0001); accidents, 0.9% vs. 0.3% (p<0.05); and non-compliance, 3.5% vs. 2.3% (p<0.05). In multivariate analyses, transplant recipients with the highest level of pre-transplant narcotic use had approximately 2-to-4-times the risks of post-transplant ventricular arrhythmias, mental status changes, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and accidents compared with non-users, and 35% to 45% higher risks of cardiac arrest and hypotension. Conclusion Although associations may reflect underlying conditions or behaviors, high-level prescription narcotic use before kidney transplantation predicts increased risk of clinical complications after transplantation. PMID:25832723

  18. The Comparison of Self-regulation and Affective Control in Methamphetamine and Narcotics Addicts and Non-Addicts

    PubMed Central

    Tayyebi, Kolthoum; Abolghasemi, Abbas; Mahmood Alilu, Majid; Monirpoor, Nader

    2013-01-01

    Background Increased prevalence and widespread use of methamphetamine is the public challenge and worry in the world. It seems that low levels of self-regulation and affective control to carry up probability of psychoactive drugs abuse. Objectives The purpose of the present study is the comparison of self-regulation and affective control in methamphetamine and narcotics addicts and non-addicts. Materials and Methods In this causative-comparative study, 80 addicts (40 methamphetamine addicts and 40 narcotic addicts) who referred to self-reference quitting addictive centers in Miyaneh, Iran, participated in convenience sampling. Then, they matched up with 40 non-addicts according to age, sex, educational level, and marital status. To collect data, we used self-regulation questionnaire and affective control scale. The data was analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and LSD test. Results Result shows that there is a significant difference between methamphetamine addicts and narcotics addicts and non-addicts in self-regulation and affective control (P = 0.001). Conclusions This finding indicates that low self-regulation and affective control is a risky factor in psychoactive drugs abuse. PMID:24971258

  19. Development of a portable preconcentrator/ion mobility spectrometer system for the trace detection of narcotics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Parmeter, J.E.; Custer, C.A.

    This project was supported by LDRD funding for the development and preliminary testing of a portable narcotics detection system. The system developed combines a commercial trace detector known as an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) with a preconcentrator originally designed by Department 5848 for the collection of explosives molecules. The detector and preconcentrator were combined along with all necessary accessories onto a push cart, thus yielding a fully portable detection unit. Preliminary testing with both explosives and narcotics molecules shown that the system is operational, and that it can successfully detect drugs as marijuana, methamphetamine (speed), and cocaine based on theirmore » characteristics IMS signatures.« less

  20. 31 CFR 91.8 - Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hallucinogenic and dangerous drugs. 91.8 Section 91.8 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON THE BUREAU OF THE MINT BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS § 91.8...

  1. How do emergency physicians interpret prescription narcotic history when assessing patients presenting to the emergency department with pain?

    PubMed

    Grover, Casey A; Garmel, Gus M

    2012-01-01

    Narcotics are frequently prescribed in the Emergency Department (ED) and are increasingly abused. Prescription monitoring programs affect prescribing by Emergency Physicians (EPs), yet little is known on how EPs interpret prescription records. To assess how EPs interpret prescription narcotic history for patients in the ED with painful conditions. DESIGN/MAIN Outcome Measures: We created an anonymous survey of EPs consisting of fictitious cases of patients presenting to the ED with back pain. For each case, we provided a prescription history that varied in the number of narcotic prescriptions, prescribing physicians, and narcotic potency. Respondents rated how likely they thought each patient was drug seeking, and how likely they thought that the prescription history would change their prescribing behavior. We calculated κ values to evaluate interobserver reliability of physician assessment of drug-seeking behavior. We collected 59 responses (response rate = 70%). Respondents most suspected drug seeking in patients with greater than 6 prescriptions per month or greater than 6 prescribing physicians in 2 months. Medication potency did not affect physician interpretation of drug seeking. Respondents reported that access to a prescription history would change their prescribing practice in all cases. κ values for assessment of drug seeking demonstrated moderate agreement. A greater number of prescriptions and a greater number of prescribing physicians in the prescription record increased suspicion for drug seeking. EPs believed that access to prescription history would change their prescribing behavior, yet interobserver reliability in the assessment of drug seeking was moderate.

  2. Standing Up a Narcotic Confirmation Laboratory for the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    LukyanenkoMD, Victor; Eisele, Gerhard R; Coates, Cameron W

    2010-01-01

    Through a cooperative effort between the U. S. Department of Energy and the Russian Federation (RF) Ministry of Defense (MOD) a Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) for the nuclear handlers within the RF MOD has been implemented. A key element in the RF MOD PRP is the detection and confirmation of narcotic use in subject military and civilian personnel. This paper describes the process of narcotics screening and testing in the RF MOD and explains the confirmation process once screening has shown a positive result. Issues of laboratory certification, employee certification, employee training, sample chain-of-custody, and equipment needs will be addressed.

  3. Feigning terminal illness to get narcotics: a cautionary tale for hospices.

    PubMed

    Gonzalez, Faustino; Galante, Mirta

    2012-08-01

    We present the case of a woman who enrolled in the hospice benefit in order to obtain narcotics. We believe this is a cautionary tale for hospices because of our propensity to enroll patients with minimal corroborating information, in order not to delay symptom management. Also we are philosophically predisposed to believe a patient's self-report of pain and other distressing symptoms.

  4. Serratia marcescens Bacteremia: Nosocomial Cluster Following Narcotic Diversion.

    PubMed

    Schuppener, Leah M; Pop-Vicas, Aurora E; Brooks, Erin G; Duster, Megan N; Crnich, Christopher J; Sterkel, Alana K; Webb, Aaron P; Safdar, Nasia

    2017-09-01

    OBJECTIVE To describe the investigation and control of a cluster of Serratia marcescens bacteremia in a 505-bed tertiary-care center. METHODS Cluster cases were defined as all patients with S. marcescens bacteremia between March 2 and April 7, 2014, who were found to have identical or related blood isolates determined by molecular typing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Cases were compared using bivariate analysis with controls admitted at the same time and to the same service as the cases, in a 4:1 ratio. RESULTS In total, 6 patients developed S. marcescens bacteremia within 48 hours after admission within the above period. Of these, 5 patients had identical Serratia isolates determined by molecular typing, and were included in a case-control study. Exposure to the post-anesthesia care unit was a risk factor identified in bivariate analysis. Evidence of tampered opioid-containing syringes on several hospital units was discovered soon after the initial cluster case presented, and a full narcotic diversion investigation was conducted. A nurse working in the post-anesthesia care unit was identified as the employee responsible for the drug diversion and was epidemiologically linked to all 5 patients in the cluster. No further cases were identified once the implicated employee's job was terminated. CONCLUSION Illicit drug use by healthcare workers remains an important mechanism for the development of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients. Active mechanisms and systems should remain in place to prevent, detect, and control narcotic drug diversions and associated patient harm in the healthcare setting. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1027-1031.

  5. Dispositional, Ecological and Biological Influences on Adolescent Tranquilizer, Ritalin, and Narcotics Misuse

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fleary, Sasha A.; Heffer, Robert W.; McKyer, E. Lisako J.

    2011-01-01

    The primary purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which two of the three sources of risk-taking--dispositional and ecological--in adolescence and demographic variables were related to Ritalin, tranquilizer and narcotics misuse. The secondary aim of this study was to distinguish subgroups of Ritalin, tranquilizer, and narcotics…

  6. Effect of minimally invasive technique on return to work and narcotic use following transforaminal lumbar inter-body fusion: a review.

    PubMed

    Parker, Scott L; Lerner, Jason; McGirt, Matthew J

    2012-01-01

    Low back pain is one of the most prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal conditions affecting the working population in the United States. Informed, shared decision making among patients, clinicians, and case managers about treatment options for chronic low back pain-including the role of spinal fusion where medically necessary-can have a meaningful impact on return to work, normal function, and economic outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques for lumbar spinal fusion, including transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) have recently been introduced with the goal of smaller operative wounds, less tissue trauma, and faster postoperative recovery when compared with open fusion. Although similar long-term clinical outcomes have been reported for MIS TLIF and open TLIF, the relative merits with respect to workplace productivity have not been comprehensively investigated. Time to return to work and narcotic independence after MIS TLIF and open TLIF are important parameters that may affect overall workplace productivity, and as such are the focus of this study. This study was performed via a review of the literature. We performed a systematic literature review to identify all published articles that reported on the postoperative outcomes of patients, as assessed by return to work or narcotic independence status or both, following MIS TLIF or open TLIF. A cumulative comparison was made for all included MIS TLIF versus open TLIF surgeries. Seventy-four published studies reported postoperative outcomes following MIS TLIF or open TLIF; only five (6.8%) studies directly described time to return to work or duration of narcotic use postoperatively or both, and were therefore included into the analysis of this review. Four studies in the published literature describe time to return to work following MIS TLIF or open TLIF, and two studies describe time to narcotic independence. Overall, the reviewed literature suggests that MIS TLIF may be associated with an accelerated

  7. Narcotics Abuse among Young People in the Northern Territories: Characteristics and Prevention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anisimova, S. G.

    2012-01-01

    There is a persistent opinion that the spread of narcotics abuse is taking in more and more young people and having an impact on the economic, political, and cultural development of society. Data obtained by sociologists and criminologists make it possible to single out the factors, conditions, and channels of the spread of psychoactive substances…

  8. Narcotic addiction, pregnancy, and the newborn.

    PubMed

    Fricker, H S; Segal, S

    1978-04-01

    Between 1954 and 1973, 101 heroin-addicted mothers gave birth to 149 babies at Vancouver General Hospital. Thirty-seven percent of the infants had low birth weights and two thirds were born preterm. Average birth weight was 2,710 gm as compared with an overall average of 3,420 gm for this hospital. Tobacco and alcohol abuse, and poor maternal nutrition probably contributed to the growth retardation. Withdrawal symptoms were observed in 68% of the babies, and this may have been aggravated by multiple drug use, which was prevalent, including alcohol, barbiturates, and "soft drugs." Neonatal mortality rate of 6.7% and a stillbirth rate of 4% resulted in a perinatal mortality rate of 10.7%. Prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and other perinatal complications related to an unfavorable social background accounted for most neonatal deaths, but none was attributable directly to narcotic withdrawal.

  9. A sensitive, selective, and portable detector for contraband: The compact integrated narcotics detection instrument

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tuemer, T.O.; Doan, L.; Su, C.W.

    2000-07-01

    A Compact Integrated Narcotics Detection Instrument (CINDI) has been developed at NOVA R and D, Inc., in cooperation with the US Coast Guard. This detector utilizes neutrons emitted from {sup 252}Cf. Neutrons emitted from the front face of CINDI penetrate dense compartment barrier materials with little change in energy but are backscattered by hydrogen-rich materials such as drugs. The backscattered neutrons are detected, and the rate is displayed by a microprocessor-controller integrated into CINDI. The operator guides the detector along a suspected area and receives immediate feedback from the state-of-the-art electronics. For user safety, the device incorporates a highly sensitivemore » detection scheme to permit the use of a very weak radioactive source, without compromising detectability. CINDI is capable of detecting narcotics effectively behind panels made of steel, wood, fiberglass, or even lead-lined materials. This makes it useful for inspecting marine vessels, ship bulkheads, automobiles, structure walls, or small sealed containers. Figure 2 shows three views of the CINDI instrument. CINDI responds strongly to hydrogen-rich materials such as narcotics. It has been tested at NOVA, the US Coast Guard, and Brewt Power Systems. The results of the tests show excellent response and specificity to narcotics. CINDI has led to a new technology that shows promise for identifying the concealed contraband. The new technique uses a fusion of two independent but complementary signals for detecting and possibly identifying concealed drugs in a variety of carriers such as vehicles, marine vessels, airplanes, containers, cargo, and luggage. The carriers will be scanned using both neutron and gamma-ray sources. The signal from both the neutron and gamma-ray backscattering and/or transmission can be used simultaneously to detect and possibly identify the contrabands it has been trained for. A system that can produce three-dimensional images for both signals may also be

  10. Calculation of absorption parameters for selected narcotic drugs in the energy range from 1 keV to 100 GeV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akman, Ferdi; Kaçal, Mustafa Recep; Akdemir, Fatma; Araz, Aslı; Turhan, Mehmet Fatih; Durak, Rıdvan

    2017-04-01

    The total mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ), total molecular (σt,m), atomic (σt,a) and electronic (σt,e) cross sections, effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and electron density (NE) were computed in the wide energy region from 1 keV to 100 GeV for the selected narcotic drugs such as morphine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis. The changes of μ/ρ, σt,m, σt,a, σt,e, Zeff and NE with photon energy for total photon interaction shows the dominance of different interaction process in different energy regions. The variations of μ/ρ, σt,m, σt,a, σt,e, Zeff and NE depend on the atom number, photon energy and chemical composition of narcotic drugs. Also, these parameters change with number of elements, the range of atomic numbers in narcotic drugs and total molecular weight. These data can be useful in the field of forensic sciences and medical diagnostic.

  11. Total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation vs intrathecal narcotic pump infusion for pain control in chronic pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Mokadem, Mohamad; Noureddine, Lama; Howard, Thomas; McHenry, Lee; Sherman, Stuart; Fogel, Evan L; Watkins, James L; Lehman, Glen A

    2016-04-28

    To evaluate pain control in chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation or intrathecal narcotic pump infusion. We recognized 13 patients who underwent intrathecal narcotic pump (ITNP) infusion and 57 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TP + ICT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) pain control between 1998 and 2008 at Indiana University Hospital. All patients had already failed multiple other modalities for pain control and the decision to proceed with either intervention was made at the discretion of the patients and their treating physicians. All patients were evaluated retrospectively using a questionnaire inquiring about their pain control (using a 0-10 pain scale), daily narcotic dose usage, and hospital admission days for pain control before each intervention and during their last follow-up. All 13 ITNP patients and 30 available TP + ICT patients were evaluated. The mean age was approximately 40 years in both groups. The median duration of pain before intervention was 6 years and 7 years in the ITNP and TP + ICT groups, respectively. The median pain score dropped from 8 to 2.5 (on a scale of 0-10) in both groups on their last follow up. The median daily dose of narcotics also decreased from 393 mg equivalent of morphine sulfate to 8 mg in the ITNP group and from 300 mg to 40 mg in the TP + ICT group. No patient had diabetes mellitus (DM) before either procedure whereas 85% of those who underwent pancreatectomy were insulin dependent on their last evaluation despite ICT. ITNP and TP + ICT are comparable for pain control in patients with CP however with high incidence of DM among those who underwent TP + ICT. Prospective comparative studies and longer follow up are needed to better define treatment outcomes.

  12. Total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation vs intrathecal narcotic pump infusion for pain control in chronic pancreatitis

    PubMed Central

    Mokadem, Mohamad; Noureddine, Lama; Howard, Thomas; McHenry, Lee; Sherman, Stuart; Fogel, Evan L; Watkins, James L; Lehman, Glen A

    2016-01-01

    AIM: To evaluate pain control in chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation or intrathecal narcotic pump infusion. METHODS: We recognized 13 patients who underwent intrathecal narcotic pump (ITNP) infusion and 57 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TP + ICT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) pain control between 1998 and 2008 at Indiana University Hospital. All patients had already failed multiple other modalities for pain control and the decision to proceed with either intervention was made at the discretion of the patients and their treating physicians. All patients were evaluated retrospectively using a questionnaire inquiring about their pain control (using a 0-10 pain scale), daily narcotic dose usage, and hospital admission days for pain control before each intervention and during their last follow-up. RESULTS: All 13 ITNP patients and 30 available TP + ICT patients were evaluated. The mean age was approximately 40 years in both groups. The median duration of pain before intervention was 6 years and 7 years in the ITNP and TP + ICT groups, respectively. The median pain score dropped from 8 to 2.5 (on a scale of 0-10) in both groups on their last follow up. The median daily dose of narcotics also decreased from 393 mg equivalent of morphine sulfate to 8 mg in the ITNP group and from 300 mg to 40 mg in the TP + ICT group. No patient had diabetes mellitus (DM) before either procedure whereas 85% of those who underwent pancreatectomy were insulin dependent on their last evaluation despite ICT. CONCLUSION: ITNP and TP + ICT are comparable for pain control in patients with CP however with high incidence of DM among those who underwent TP + ICT. Prospective comparative studies and longer follow up are needed to better define treatment outcomes. PMID:27122666

  13. 3 CFR - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia Presidential Documents Other Presidential Documents Notice of October 16, 2013 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant...

  14. 3 CFR - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia Presidential Documents Other Presidential Documents Notice of October 17, 2012 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant...

  15. 3 CFR - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia Presidential Documents Other Presidential Documents Notice of October 19, 2011 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant...

  16. Effect of intravenously-administered putative and potential antagonists of ethanol on sleep time in ethanol-narcotized mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hatch, R.C.; Jernigan, A.D.

    Groups of male CD-1 mice (n = 12/group) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 5 g ethanol/kg of body weight. After loss of righting reflex, they were given vehicle or one of 2-3 doses of reputed or potential antagonists of ethanol intravenously (IV). Sleep time was measured from loss to return of righting reflex. Mean sleep time (MST) was increased significantly by a large dose of dl-amphetamine and by 4-aminopyridine. Significant increases were also produced by small and large doses of aminophylline and by yohimbine. MST was not altered significantly by small and medium doses of dl-amphetamine, a medium dose ofmore » aminophylline, or by any doses of naloxone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, propranolol, physostigmine, doxapram, or Ro 15-4513. When Ro 15-4513 was given IP 15 minutes before ethanol (n = 6/group), onset and duration of narcosis were not altered. None of the compounds tested was an effective IV antidote for deep ethanol narcosis because of drug side effects, toxicity, prolongation of MST, or insufficient shortening of MST. 36 references, 1 table.« less

  17. New, high-efficiency ion trap mobility detection system for narcotics and explosives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McGann, William J.; Bradley, V.; Borsody, A.; Lepine, S.

    1994-10-01

    A new patented Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS) design is presented. Conventional IMS designs typically operate below 0.1% efficiency. This is due primarily to electric field driven, sample ion discharge on a shutter grid. Since 99.9% of the sample ions generated in the reaction region are lost in this discharge process, the sensitivity of conventional systems is limited. The new design provides greater detection efficiency than conventional designs through the use of an `ion trap' concept. The paper describes the plasma and sample ion dynamics in the reaction region of the new detector and discusses the advantages of utilizing a `field-free' space to generate sample ions with high efficiency. Fast electronic switching is described which is used to perturb the field-free space and pulse the sample ions into the drift region for separation and subsequent detection using pseudo real-time software for analysis and display of the data. Many applications for this new detector are now being considered including the detection of narcotics and explosives. Preliminary ion spectra, reduced mobility data and sensitivity data are presented for fifteen narcotics, including cocaine, THC and LSD are reported.

  18. New high-efficiency ion trap mobility detection system for narcotics and explosives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McGann, William J.; Jenkins, Anthony; Ribiero, K.; Napoli, J.

    1994-03-01

    A new patented ion trap mobility spectrometer design is presented. Conventional IMS designs typically operate below 0.1% efficiency. This is due primarily to electrical-field-driven, sample ion discharge on a shutter grid. Since 99.9% of the sample ions generated in the reaction region are lost in this discharge process, the sensitivity of conventional systems is limited. The new design provides greater detection efficiency than conventional designs through the use of an `ion trap' concept. The paper describes the plasma and sample ion dynamics in the reaction region of the new detector and discusses the advantages of utilizing a `field-free' space to generate sample ions with high efficiency. Fast electronic switching is described which is used to perturb the field-free space and pulse the sample ions into the drift region for separation and subsequent detection using pseudo real-time software for analysis and display of the data. Many applications for this new detector are now being considered including the detection of narcotics and explosives. Preliminary ion spectra, reduced mobility data and sensitivity data are presented for fifteen narcotics, including cocaine, THC, and LSD are reported.

  19. Illicit narcotic injection masquerading as acute pulmonary embolism.

    PubMed

    Klochan, Shelley A; Taleb, Mohammed; Hoover, Matthew J; Mauro, Vincent F; Anandan, Vasuki; Willey, James; Cooper, Christopher J

    2013-04-01

    A 23-year-old male presented from a nursing home with hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis and electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular strain that was confirmed by echocardiography. His differential diagnosis included sepsis and pulmonary embolism. A high-resolution computed tomography scan demonstrated no pulmonary emboli but did demonstrate multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. Upon questioning he admitted to injecting a long-acting narcotic that had been manually macerated, dissolved in saline, and injected through an indwelling intravenous line. Lung biopsy findings were consistent with cellulose-induced perivascular granulomatosis. Cellulose granulomatosis can be seen in patients who inject medications designed for oral use and should be considered in patients who present with acute pulmonary hypertension.

  20. [Narcotic abuse in Jylland. A study based on narcotics and deaths of addicts examined at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Aarhus during the period 1981-1988. 1. Narcotics].

    PubMed

    Kaa, E

    1990-04-09

    On the basis of analysis of 1,879 samples of narcotics confiscated in Jutland and Funen during the period 1981-1988, the individual types of drugs are described as regards occurrence and quality. Cannabis and heroin were found in the illegal market during the entire period. Amphetamine was rarely observed prior to 1985 but comprised half of the illegal drugs examined in 1988. Cocaine was encountered in only 1% of the samples. Designer drugs were not seen. Heroin occurred relatively most frequently in Aarhus, Odense and Esbjerg while amphetamine and cannabis were found in all parts of Jutland and Funen. The samples of heroin and amphetamine varied greatly as regards strength and the types and quantities of cutting agents. The majority of the samples were adulterated and/or diluted with substances such as caffeine and phenazone and the sugars, glucose and lactose.

  1. Long-term usage of narcotic analgesics by chronic intractable noncancer pain patients in Taiwan from 2003 to 2012.

    PubMed

    Cheng, I-Chen; Chang, Chih-Shiuh; Tsay, Wen-Ing

    2016-09-01

    Chronic pain is a common and important medical problem worldwide. Patients with chronic intractable noncancer pain (CINCP) are treated primarily with narcotics. We analyzed the characteristics of patients with CINCP and the pain prescriptions of Taiwan's physicians. We enrolled 644 patients from 66 hospitals approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration to use long-term narcotics for CINCP between 2003 and 2012. The majority (61.8%) of patients were 40-49-year-old men who had been treated with pethidine more often than with fentanyl in the 20-49 years age group. More than 50% of CINCP patients live in northern Taiwan, and most were treated in the department of pain; the major diagnosis (men 28.9%; women 27.7%) was neuropathy. The most frequently prescribed single analgesic was morphine (52.2%); the most frequently prescribed two-drug combination was morphine plus fentanyl (50.8%). Pethidine, however, was the most frequently prescribed analgesic in the neurology (78.0%) and plastic surgery (50.0%) departments. To decrease malaise and addiction in patients with CINCP, Taiwan's physicians need more education on narcotic analgesics, and greater professional cooperation to develop therapeutic guidelines that will improve pain care for patients with CINCP. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. Involvement in a Drug Subculture and Abstinence Following Treatment Among Puerto Rican Narcotic Addicts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snarr, Richard W.; Ball, John C.

    The study investigated the life career of a sample of native Puerto Rican narcotic addicts who were treated at the Lexington, Kentucky Public Health Service Hospital. Specifically, it deals with the relationship between the addicts' involvement in a drug subculture and their subsequent drug use and abstinence. The hypothesis presented states that…

  3. AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE SCOPE'S CONFERENCE FOR EDUCATORS ON NARCOTICS AND SMOKING. (TITLE SUPPLIED).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    RICE, JULIUS T.

    A SHORT HISTORY OF NARCOTICS USAGE IS PRESENTED. THE TERM DRUG DEPENDENCE IS BEING SUBSTITUTED FOR DRUG ADDICTION AND DRUG HABITUATION. THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VARIOUS ANTIDOTES FOR OPIATES ARE DESCRIBED. THE EFFECTS OF LSD AND MARIJUANA ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PROCESSES ARE DESCRIBED. THE USE OF LSD FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES IS DISCUSSED.…

  4. Understanding the Role of Storytelling in the Transformation of Female Cocaine Addicts in Narcotics Anonymous

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ventresca, Melissa Weida

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the role of storytelling in the transformation of female cocaine addicts in Narcotics Anonymous. For this research the primary investigator utilized a theoretical orientation of transformative learning theory and storytelling. The rationale for employing transformative learning theory is that…

  5. Trace Contraband Detection Field-Test by the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hannum, David W.; Shannon, Gary W.

    This report describes the collaboration between the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force (STSCNTF) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in a field test that provided prototype hand-held trace detection technology for use in counter-drug operations. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ)/National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)/Border Research and Technology Center (BRTC) was contacted by STSCNTF for assistance in obtaining cutting-edge technology. The BRTC created a pilot project for Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and the STSCNTF for the use of SNL’s Hound, a hand-held sample collection and preconcentration system that, when combined with a commercial chemical detector,more » can be used for the trace detection of illicit drugs and explosives. The STSCNTF operates in an area of high narcotics trafficking where methods of concealment make the detection of narcotics challenging. Sandia National Laboratories’ (SNL) Contraband Detection Department personnel provided the Hound system hardware and operational training. The Hound system combines the GE VaporTracer2, a hand-held commercial chemical detector, with an SNL-developed sample collection and preconcentration system. The South Texas Task force reported a variety of successes, including identification of a major shipment of methamphetamines, the discovery of hidden compartments in vehicles that contained illegal drugs and currency used in drug deals, and the identification of a suspect in a nightclub shooting. The main advantage of the hand-held trace detection unit is its ability to quickly identify the type of chemical (drugs or explosives) without a long lag time for laboratory analysis, which is the most common analysis method for current law enforcement procedures.« less

  6. Chemokine receptor antagonists: part 2.

    PubMed

    Pease, James E; Horuk, Richard

    2009-02-01

    The first part of this two-part review discussed approaches to generating antagonists for some of the CC chemokine receptors, including CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR4. This second part of the series concludes the review by describing antagonists for CCR5, CCR8, CCR9, CXCR3, CXCR4, and promiscuous antagonists. Chemokine receptor antagonists have found mixed success as therapeutics. Although one antagonist--maraviroc, a CCR5 inhibitor to treat AIDS--has been registered as an approved drug, this is the only success so far. There have been many failures in the clinic and we discuss the idea of promiscuous receptor antagonists as an alternative approach.

  7. EFFECT OF HIV PREVENTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAM ON HIV AND HCV TRANSMISSION AND HIV MORTALITY AT AN INDONESIAN NARCOTIC PRISON.

    PubMed

    Nelwan, Erni J; Indrati, Agnes K; Isa, Ahmad; Triani, Nurlita; Alam, Nisaa Nur; Herlan, Maria S; Husen, Wahid; Pohan, Herdiman T; Alisjahbana, Bachti; Meheus, Andre; Van Crevel, Reinout; van der Ven, Andre Jam

    2015-09-01

    Validated data regarding HIV-transmission in prisons in developing countries is scarce. We examined sexual and injecting drug use behavior and HIV and HCV transmission in an Indonesian narcotic prison during the implementation of an HIV prevention and treatment program during 2004-2007 when the Banceuy Narcotic Prison in Indonesia conducted an HIV transmission prevention program to provide 1) HIV education, 2) voluntary HIV testing and counseling, 3) condom supply, 4) prevention of rape and sexual violence, 5) antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive prisoners and 6) methadone maintenance treatment. During a first survey that was conducted between 2007 and 2009, new prisoners entered Banceuy Narcotics Prison were voluntary tested for HIV and HCV-infection after written informed consent was obtained. Information regarding sexual and injecting risk behavior and physical status were also recorded at admission to the prison. Participants who tested negative for both HIV and HCV during the first survey were included in a second survey conducted during 2008-2011. During both surveys, data on mortality among HIV-seropositive patients were also recorded. All HIV-seropositive participants receive treatment for HIV. HIV/ AIDS-related deaths decreased: 43% in 2006, 18% in 2007, 9% in 2008 and 0% in 2009. No HIV and HCV seroconversion inside Banceuy Narcotic Prison were found after a median of 23 months imprisonment (maximum follow-up: 38 months). Total of 484.8 person-years observation was done. Participants reported HIV transmission risk-behavior in Banceuy Prison during the second survey was low. After implementation of HIV prevention and treatment program, no new HIV or HCV cases were detected and HIV-related mortality decreased.

  8. Subcutaneous narcotic infusions for cancer pain: treatment outcome and guidelines for use.

    PubMed

    Moulin, D E; Johnson, N G; Murray-Parsons, N; Geoghegan, M F; Goodwin, V A; Chester, M A

    1992-03-15

    To provide guidelines for the institution and maintenance of a continuous subcutaneous narcotic infusion program for cancer patients with chronic pain through an analysis of the narcotic requirements and treatment outcomes of patients who underwent such therapy and a comparison of the costs of two commonly used infusion systems. Retrospective study. Tertiary care facilities and patients' homes. Of 481 patients seen in consultation for cancer pain between July 1987 and April 1990, 60 (12%) met the eligibility criteria (i.e., standard medical management had failed, and they had adequate supervision at home). Continuous subcutaneous infusion with hydromorphone hydrochloride or morphine started on an inpatient basis and continued at home whenever possible. Patient selectivity, narcotic dosing requirements, discharge rate, patient preference for analgesic regimen, side effects, complications and cost-effectiveness. The mean initial maintenance infusion dose after dose titration was almost three times higher than the dose required before infusion (hydromorphone or equivalent 6.2 v. 2.1 mg/h). Eighteen patients died, and the remaining 42 were discharged home for a mean of 94.4 (standard deviation 128.3) days (extremes 12 and 741 days). The mean maximum infusion rate was 24.1 mg/h (extremes 0.5 and 180 mg/h). All but one of the patients preferred the infusion system to their previous oral analgesic regimen. Despite major dose escalations nausea and vomiting were well controlled in all cases. Twelve patients (20%) experienced serious systemic toxic effects or complications; six became encephalopathic, which necessitated dose reduction, five had a subcutaneous infection necessitating antibiotic treatment, and one had respiratory depression. The programmable computerized infusion pump was found to be more cost-effective than the disposable infusion device after a break-even point of 8 months. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of opioid drugs with the use of a portable

  9. Alvimopan

    MedlinePlus

    ... a class of medications called peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists. It works by protecting the bowel from the constipation effects of opioid (narcotic) medications that are used to treat pain ...

  10. Quantitative structure-toxicity relationship of the aquatic toxicity for various narcotic pollutants using the norm indexes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiang; Jia, Qingzhu; Yan, Lihong; Xia, Shuqian; Ma, Peisheng

    2014-08-01

    The aquatic toxicity value of hazardous contaminants plays an important role in the risk assessments of aquatic ecosystems. The following study presents a stable and accurate structure-toxicity relationship model based on the norm indexes for the prediction of toxicity value (log(LC50)) for 190 diverse narcotic pollutants (96 h LC50 data for Poecilia reticulata). Research indicates that this new model is very efficient and provides satisfactory results. The suggested prediction model is evidenced by R(2) (square correlation coefficient) and ARD (average relative difference) values of 0.9376 and 10.45%, respectively, for the training set, and 0.9264 and 13.90% for the testing set. Comparison results with reference models demonstrate that this new method, based on the norm indexes proposed in this work, results in significant improvements, both in accuracy and stability for predicting aquatic toxicity values of narcotic pollutants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Component analysis of Iranian crack; a newly abused narcotic substance in iran.

    PubMed

    Farhoudian, Ali; Sadeghi, Mandana; Khoddami Vishteh, Hamid Reza; Moazen, Babak; Fekri, Monir; Rahimi Movaghar, Afarin

    2014-01-01

    Iranian crack is a new form of narcotic substance that has found widespread prevalence in Iran in the past years. Crack only nominally resembles crack cocaine as it is widely different in its clinical signs. Thus the present study aims to quantify the chemical combination of this drug. The samples included 18 specimen of Crack collected from different zones of Tehran, Iran. All specimens were in the form of inodorous cream solid powdery substance. TLC and HPLC methods were used to perform semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis of the components, respectively. The TLC analysis showed no cocaine compound in the specimens while they all revealed to contain heroin, codeine, morphine and caffeine. All but two specimens contained thebaine. None of the specimens contained amphetamine, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, aspirin, barbiturates, tramadol and buprenorphine. Acetaminophen was found in four specimens. HPLC revealed heroin to be the foundation substance in all specimens and most of them contained a significant amount of acetylcodeine. The present analysis of the chemical combination of Crack showed that this substance is a heroin-based narcotic which is basically different from the cocaine-based crack used in Western countries. Studies like the present one at different time points, especially when abnormal clinical signs are detected, can reveal the chemical combination of the target substance and contribute to the clinical management of its acute or chronic poisoning.

  12. Guide to Films (16mm) About the Use of Dangerous Drugs, Narcotics, Alcohol and Tobacco.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    1971

    About 230 films and 60 filmstrips dealing with drugs, narcotics, alcohol, and tobacco are synopsized. Approximately half the listings deal with alcohol, a quarter concern tobacco, and the rest deal with drugs. For each item, the length, year of release, and source where the film of filmstrip may be obtained is listed. The distributors identified…

  13. Naltrexone in organic bulimia: a preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Childs, A

    1987-01-01

    Multiple lines of experimental evidence point to the involvement of endogenous opiates in appetite regulation. Post brain injury patients often exhibit driven eating behaviour. Since this problem fails to respond to behaviour modification, appetite suppressants, lithium, or any other usual approach, the use of the oral narcotic antagonist, Naltrexone, was given to three such patients. Naltrexone binds multiple opiate receptor sites in the hypothalamus, including the kappa receptors which have been implicated in appetite regulation, the use of this narcotic antagonist in hypothalamic hyperphagia appears to be a rational approach to this intractable problem. In this open trial, lasting from 4 1/2 to 9 months, the minimal effective dose appeared to be in the range of 100 mg per day. No side-effects (for example elevations in liver enzymes) were noted. All of the patients had an improved sense of well-being and their behaviours were less difficult to manage when on the Naltrexone. The significance of this preliminary trial is that narcotic antagonists may have a role in the treatment of brain-injured patients with bulimia. Also, Naltrexone may be useful in treating other maladaptive behavioural consequences of head trauma such as stealing, manipulation, demandingness, and depression. Likewise, the effects on the deranged endocrine system, such as the hypogonadism, are significant and deserve further exploration.

  14. Utility of Army Design Methodology in U.S. Coast Guard Counter Narcotic Interdiction Strategy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-06-09

    UTILITY OF ARMY DESIGN METHODOLOGY IN U.S. COAST GUARD COUNTER NARCOTIC INTERDICTION STRATEGY A thesis presented to the...Thesis 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) AUG 2016 – JUN 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Utility of Army Design Methodology in U.S. Coast Guard Counter...Distribution is Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT This study investigates the utility of using Army Design Methodology (ADM) to

  15. 14 CFR 137.23 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 137.23 Section 137.23 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If the holder of a certificate issued...

  16. 14 CFR 137.23 - Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. 137.23 Section 137.23 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances. If the holder of a certificate issued...

  17. Naloxone Nasal Spray

    MedlinePlus

    ... emergency medical treatment to reverse the life-threatening effects of a known or suspected opiate (narcotic) overdose. ... called opiate antagonists. It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by ...

  18. NMDA receptor antagonists inhibit catalepsy induced by either dopamine D1 or D2 receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Moore, N A; Blackman, A; Awere, S; Leander, J D

    1993-06-11

    In the present study, we investigated the ability of NMDA receptor antagonists to inhibit catalepsy induced by haloperidol, or SCH23390 and clebopride, selective dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists respectively. Catalepsy was measured by recording the time the animal remained with its forepaws placed over a rod 6 cm above the bench. Pretreatment with either the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.25-0.5 mg/kg i.p.) or the competitive antagonist, LY274614 (10-20 mg/kg i.p.) reduced the cataleptic response produced by haloperidol (10 mg/kg), SCH23390 (2.5-10 mg/kp i.p.) or clebopride (5-20 mg/kg i.p.). This demonstrates that NMDA receptor antagonists will reduce both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonist-induced catalepsy. Muscle relaxant doses of chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg i.p.) failed to reduce the catalepsy induced by haloperidol, suggesting that the anticataleptic effect of the NMDA receptor antagonists was not due to a non-specific action. These results support the hypothesis that NMDA receptor antagonists may have beneficial effects in disorders involving reduced dopaminergic function, such as Parkinson's disease.

  19. Study to investigate the trace levels of contamination on surfaces when narcotic contraband is concealed in a vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilson, Rod; Brittain, Alan H.

    1997-01-01

    When a vehicle is used to transport narcotic contraband material trace levels of that material can be found on surfaces of the vehicle, people associated with the vehicle and surface they contact. The detection of these trace levels can help to target vehicles associated with the smuggling of the contraband. A study to determine the typical levels of narcotic material that can be detected from these surfaces has been performed by personnel from Graseby, using a variety of drug materials. The size and packaging of the drug materials has been prepared to try to reflect that typically found in smuggling operations. These tests show that for all hard drugs easily detectable traces of drug material can be found on the vehicle, the proxy and secondary surfaces handled by the proxy. For detection of cannabis, the condition of the original material had a great bearing ont he reliability of detection.

  20. Aldosterone antagonists in heart failure.

    PubMed

    Miller, Susan E; Alvarez, René J

    2013-01-01

    Chronic, systolic heart failure is an increasing and costly health problem, and treatments based on pathophysiology have evolved that include the use of aldosterone antagonists. Advances in the understanding of neurohormonal responses to heart failure have led to better pharmacologic treatments. The steroid hormone aldosterone has been associated with detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, such as ventricular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction. This article will review the literature and guidelines that support the use of aldosterone antagonists in the treatment of chronic, systolic heart failure. Aldosterone antagonists are life-saving drugs that have been shown to decrease mortality in patients with New York Heart Association class III to IV heart failure and in patients with heart failure after an acute myocardial infarction. Additional studies are being conducted to determine if the role of aldosterone antagonists can be expanded to patients with less severe forms of heart failure. Aldosterone antagonists are an important pharmacologic therapy in the neurohormonal blockade necessary in the treatment of systolic heart failure. These drugs have been shown to decrease mortality and reduce hospital readmission rates. The major complication of aldosterone antagonists is hyperkalemia, which can be avoided with appropriate patient selection and diligent monitoring.

  1. Mortality Benefit of Recombinant Human Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist for Sepsis Varies by Initial Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Plasma Concentration.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Nuala J; Reilly, John P; Anderson, Brian J; Palakshappa, Jessica A; Jones, Tiffanie K; Dunn, Thomas G; Shashaty, Michael G S; Feng, Rui; Christie, Jason D; Opal, Steven M

    2018-01-01

    Plasma interleukin-1 beta may influence sepsis mortality, yet recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist did not reduce mortality in randomized trials. We tested for heterogeneity in the treatment effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by baseline plasma interleukin-1 beta or interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration. Retrospective subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trial. Multicenter North American and European clinical trial. Five hundred twenty-nine subjects with sepsis and hypotension or hypoperfusion, representing 59% of the original trial population. Random assignment of placebo or recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist × 72 hours. We measured prerandomization plasma interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and tested for statistical interaction between recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment and baseline plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist or interleukin-1 beta concentration on 28-day mortality. There was significant heterogeneity in the effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment by plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration whether plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was divided into deciles (interaction p = 0.046) or dichotomized (interaction p = 0.028). Interaction remained present across different predicted mortality levels. Among subjects with baseline plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist above 2,071 pg/mL (n = 283), recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist therapy reduced adjusted mortality from 45.4% to 34.3% (adjusted risk difference, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.23 to -0.01), p = 0.044. Mortality in subjects with plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist below 2,071 pg/mL was not reduced by recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (adjusted risk difference, +0.07; 95% CI, -0.04 to +0.17), p = 0.230. Interaction between plasma interleukin-1 beta concentration and recombinant human

  2. Reduced postoperative pain scores and narcotic use favor per-oral endoscopic myotomy over laparoscopic Heller myotomy.

    PubMed

    Docimo, Salvatore; Mathew, Abraham; Shope, Alexander J; Winder, Joshua S; Haluck, Randy S; Pauli, Eric M

    2017-02-01

    Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a less invasive therapy for achalasia with a shorter hospitalization but with similar short- and long-term outcomes as a laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Previous literature comparing POEM to LHM has focused primarily on postoperative outcome parameters such as complications, dysphagia scores and gastro-esophageal reflux severity. This study specifically compares postoperative pain following POEM to pain following LHM, the current gold-standard operation. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing POEM or LHM for achalasia was performed from 2006 to 2015. Data collection included demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS) and pain scores (arrival to the recovery room, 1 h postoperative, average first 24 h and upon discharge). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and Chi-square test. Forty-four POEM patients and 122 LHM patients were identified. The average age (52.2 ± 20.75 vs 50.9 ± 17.89 years, p = 0.306) and BMI (28.1 ± 7.62 vs 27.6 ± 7.07 kg/m 2 , p = 0.824) did not differ between the POEM and LHM groups, respectively; however, the American Society of Anesthesiology scores were higher in the POEM patients (2.43 ± 0.62 vs 2.11 ± 0.71, p = 0.011). There were no differences in rates of smoking, diabetes, cardiac disease or pulmonary disease. The average pain scores upon arrival to the recovery room and 1 h postoperatively were lower in the POEM group (2.3 ± 3.014 vs 3.61 ± 3 0.418, p = 0.025 and 2.2 ± 2.579 vs 3.46 ± 3.063, p = 0.034, respectively). There was no difference in the average pain score over the first 24 h (2.7 ± 2.067 vs 3.29 ± 1.980, p = 0.472) or at the time of discharge (1.6 ± 2.420 vs 2.09 ± 2.157, p = 0.0657) between the POEM and LHM groups. After standardizing opioid administration against 10 mg of oral morphine, the POEM group used significantly less narcotics that the LHM group (35.8 vs 101.8 mg, p < 0

  3. Recent advances in immunosensor for narcotic drug detection

    PubMed Central

    Gandhi, Sonu; Suman, Pankaj; Kumar, Ashok; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena; Suri, C. Raman

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: Immunosensor for illicit drugs have gained immense interest and have found several applications for drug abuse monitoring. This technology has offered a low cost detection of narcotics; thereby, providing a confirmatory platform to compliment the existing analytical methods. Methods: In this minireview, we define the basic concept of transducer for immunosensor development that utilizes antibodies and low molecular mass hapten (opiate) molecules. Results: This article emphasizes on recent advances in immunoanalytical techniques for monitoring of opiate drugs. Our results demonstrate that high quality antibodies can be used for immunosensor development against target analyte with greater sensitivity, specificity and precision than other available analytical methods. Conclusion: In this review we highlight the fundamentals of different transducer technologies and its applications for immunosensor development currently being developed in our laboratory using rapid screening via immunochromatographic kit, label free optical detection via enzyme, fluorescence, gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes based immunosensing for sensitive and specific monitoring of opiates. PMID:26929925

  4. [Evaluation of color perception in individuals addicted to narcotic substances in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test].

    PubMed

    Nadolska, Krystyna; Goś, Roman

    2016-12-22

    The aim of the study was to assess color perception in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test in individuals addicted to narcotic substances, and to analyze the acquired color vision disorders, depending on the duration of addiction and abstinence. Ninety-five persons were qualified for the study. All the subjects were divided into 3 groups. Group I (drug addicts) comprised 45 individuals addicted to narcotic substances and nicotine. Group II (smokers) consisted of 30 individuals addicted only to nicotine, and group III (abstinents) included 20 individuals free of addictions. In all the study groups anamnesis, survey, standard ophthalmological examination and the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test were performed. In the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test the mean values of total error score (TES) for the purposes of the analysis, expressed in the values of square root (√TES), proved to be significantly higher in group I than in the two other groups (p < 0.001). In group I, the √TES values exceeding critical values of age norms occurred significantly more frequently than in groups II (p < 0.01) and III (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between duration of addiction and the √TES values was indicated (ρ = 0.234, p < 0.05). The longer was the period of abstinence, the lower were the √TES values, indicating the improved ability to distinguish between colors. The Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test proved useful in the detection and assessment of acquired dyschromatopsy induced by narcotic substances. The observed disorders appeared to be dependent on the duration of addiction and abstinence. Med Pr 2016;67(6):777-785. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

  5. Experience in the use of hyperspectral data for the detection of vegetation containing narcotic substances

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sedelnikov, V. P.; Lukashevich, E. L.; Karpukhina, O. A.

    2014-12-01

    This paper provides the characteristics of an experimental sample of a hyperspectral videospectrometer Sokol-SCP and presents examples of the hyperspectral data received as a result of flight tests. The results of the detection of vegetation containing narcotic substances by spectral attributes using the obtained hyperspectral information are considered. The opportunity for using the hyperspectral data for detection of cannabis and papaver sites, including those in mixed crops with masking vegetation, is confirmed.

  6. 41 CFR 102-74.400 - What is the policy concerning the possession and use of narcotics and other drugs?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What is the policy concerning the possession and use of narcotics and other drugs? 102-74.400 Section 102-74.400 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL...

  7. Use of the mouse jumping test for estimating antagonistic potencies of morphine antagonists.

    PubMed

    Cowan, A

    1976-03-01

    The potencies of 19 reference morphine antagonists have been compared in a modified version of the mouse jumping test. Mice were each implanted subcutaneously with one 75 mg pellet of morphine. Antagonist challenge took place 72 h later and the incidence of repetitive vertical-jumping was monitored over 1 h. A high Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.997) was found between quantitative assays based on the total number of jumps per mouse and quantal assays based on mice jumping at least 6 times. A comparison of relative potencies obtained with the mouse test and with non-withdrawn morphine-dependent monkeys gave a Spearman rank order coefficient of 0.91 while a similar comparison with values obtained with the guinea-pig isolated ileum preparation also gave a high correlation coefficient (r= 0.92). Whereas it is difficult to assess the antagonistic component of buprenorphine and cyclorphan with the ileum preparation, both compounds can be satisfactorily assayed in the mouse jumping test. The reported antagonistic properties of ketocyclazocine and profadol could not be confirmed in the mouse model.

  8. Stimulant effects of adenosine antagonists on operant behavior: differential actions of selective A2A and A1 antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Randall, Patrick A.; Nunes, Eric J.; Janniere, Simone L.; Stopper, Colin M.; Farrar, Andrew M.; Sager, Thomas N.; Baqi, Younis; Hockemeyer, Jörg; Müller, Christa E.

    2012-01-01

    Rationale Adenosine A2A antagonists can reverse many of the behavioral effects of dopamine antagonists, including actions on instrumental behavior. However, little is known about the effects of selective adenosine antagonists on operant behavior when these drugs are administered alone. Objective The present studies were undertaken to investigate the potential for rate-dependent stimulant effects of both selective and nonselective adenosine antagonists. Methods Six drugs were tested: two nonselective adenosine antagonists (caffeine and theophylline), two adenosine A1 antagonists (DPCPX and CPT), and two adenosine A2A antagonists (istradefylline (KW6002) and MSX-3). Two schedules of reinforcement were employed; a fixed interval 240-s (FI-240 sec) schedule was used to generate low baseline rates of responding and a fixed ratio 20 (FR20) schedule generated high rates. Results Caffeine and theophylline produced rate-dependent effects on lever pressing, increasing responding on the FI-240 sec schedule but decreasing responding on the FR20 schedule. The A2A antagonists MSX-3 and istradefylline increased FI-240 sec lever pressing but did not suppress FR20 lever pressing in the dose range tested. In fact, there was a tendency for istradefylline to increase FR20 responding at a moderate dose. A1 antagonists failed to increase lever pressing rate, but DPCPX decreased FR20 responding at higher doses. Conclusions These results suggest that adenosine A2A antagonists enhance operant response rates, but A1 antagonists do not. The involvement of adenosine A2A receptors in regulating aspects of instrumental response output and behavioral activation may have implications for the treatment of effort-related psychiatric dysfunctions, such as psychomotor slowing and anergia in depression. PMID:21347642

  9. Comparison of results for morphine urinalyses by radioimmunoassay and thin-layer chromatography in a narcotic clinic setting.

    PubMed

    Kokoski, R J; Jain, M

    1975-03-01

    Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were compared for morphine detection in an actual narcotic clinic setting. A choice of urines from all those screened by TLC allowed a critical comparison as to actual use or non-use of narcotic drugs, rather than a sampling at random in which the question of possible false positives or negatives cannot be conclusively answered. Although RIA is more sensitive than TLC, its advantage is apparent only in those cases where urine specimens are difficult to obtain frequently regularly or where the use of morphine is suspected by the positive identification of quinine in urine that was morphine-negative by TLC. In a selected group of negative and positive specimens chosen without conscious bias, the two methods gave consistently similar results, indicating that the modified TLC method provided a few or no false positives or negatives if the negatives were from those cases that were not positive anytime up to 3-4 days before urine collection. We conclude that RIA can be of significant value as a supplement to a TLC screening program, without sacrificing the many advantages that TLC has to offer.

  10. United States Counter-narcotics Policies towards Burma, and How the Illegal Myanmar Regime is Manipulating Those Policies to Commit Ethnic Genocide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-06-01

    minority, insurgent, Southeast Asia, ASEAN, UN, United Nations, United Nations Security Council, Shan, Karen, Wa, yaa baa, methamphetamine , illicit... Methamphetamines ............................................................................63 B. ILLICT NARCOTIC TRANSPORTATION...129 x THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK xi LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. British Conquests

  11. Development of a computerized monitoring program to identify narcotic diversion in a pediatric anesthesia practice.

    PubMed

    Brenn, B Randall; Kim, Margaret A; Hilmas, Elora

    2015-08-15

    Development of an operational reporting dashboard designed to correlate data from multiple sources to help detect potential drug diversion by automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) users is described. A commercial business intelligence platform was used to create a dashboard tool for rapid detection of unusual patterns of ADC transactions by anesthesia service providers at a large pediatric hospital. By linking information from the hospital's pharmacy information management system (PIMS) and anesthesia information management system (AIMS) in an associative data model, the "narcotic reconciliation dashboard" can generate various reports to help spot outlier activity associated with ADC dispensing of controlled substances and documentation of medication waste processing. The dashboard's utility was evaluated by "back-testing" the program with historical data on an actual episode of diversion by an anesthesia provider that had not been detected through traditional methods of PIMS and AIMS data monitoring. Dashboard-generated reports on key metrics (e.g., ADC transaction counts, discrepancies in dispensed versus reconciled amounts of narcotics, PIMS-AIMS documentation mismatches) over various time frames during the period of known diversion clearly indicated the diverter's outlier status relative to other authorized ADC users. A dashboard program for correlating ADC transaction data with pharmacy and patient care data may be an effective tool for detecting patterns of ADC use that suggest drug diversion. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Using PANDA (Preventing the Abuse of Tobacco, Narcotics, Drugs, and Alcohol) in a Baltimore City Head Start Setting: A Preliminary Study.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Belcher, Harolyn M. E.; Lockhart, Paula J.; Perkins-Parks, Susan; McNally, Margaret

    2000-01-01

    Describes an evaluation of a substance abuse prevention curriculum, Preventing the Abuse of Tobacco, Narcotics, Drugs, and Alcohol (PANDA), taught to African American Head Start preschool students, examining changes in children's self-concept following participation. Overall, students demonstrated significantly improved self-concept, and PANDA…

  13. Corticospinal control of antagonistic muscles in the cat.

    PubMed

    Ethier, Christian; Brizzi, Laurent; Giguère, Dominic; Capaday, Charles

    2007-09-01

    We recently suggested that movement-related inter-joint muscle synergies are recruited by selected excitation and selected release from inhibition of cortical points. Here we asked whether a similar cortical mechanism operates in the functional linking of antagonistic muscles. To this end experiments were done on ketamine-anesthetized cats. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) and intramuscular electromyographic recordings were used to find and characterize wrist, elbow and shoulder antagonistic motor cortical points. Simultaneous ICMS applied at two cortical points, each evoking activity in one of a pair of antagonistic muscles, produced co-contraction of antagonistic muscle pairs. However, we found an obvious asymmetry in the strength of reciprocal inhibition; it was always significantly stronger on physiological extensors than flexors. Following intravenous injection of a single bolus of strychnine, a cortical point at which only a physiological flexor was previously activated also elicited simultaneous activation of its antagonist. This demonstrates that antagonistic corticospinal neurons are closely grouped, or intermingled. To test whether releasing a cortical point from inhibition allows it to be functionally linked with an antagonistic cortical point, one of three GABA(A) receptor antagonists, bicuculline, gabazine or picrotoxin, was injected iontophoretically at one cortical point while stimulation was applied to an antagonistic cortical point. This coupling always resulted in co-contraction of the represented antagonistic muscles. Thus, antagonistic motor cortical points are linked by excitatory intracortical connections held in check by local GABAergic inhibition, with reciprocal inhibition occurring at the spinal level. Importantly, the asymmetry of cortically mediated reciprocal inhibition would appear significantly to bias muscle maps obtained by ICMS in favor of physiological flexors.

  14. Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: 2-year assessment of narcotic use, return to work, disability, and quality of life.

    PubMed

    Adogwa, Owoicho; Parker, Scott L; Bydon, Ali; Cheng, Joseph; McGirt, Matthew J

    2011-12-01

    Retrospective cohort comparison between minimally invasive (MIS) and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). To assess 2 earlier unstudied endpoints (duration of narcotic use and return to work) and long-term pain, disability, and quality of life (QOL) for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF. MIS-TLIF for lumbar spondylolithesis theoretically allows for surgical treatment of back and leg pain while minimizing blood loss and tissue injury. Although earlier studies have shown shorter hospital stay and equivocal 6 and 24 month outcomes with MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF, the effect of MIS techniques on postoperative narcotic use and return to work are poorly understood. Thirty patients undergoing MIS-TLIF (n = 15) or open-TLIF (n = 15) for grade I degenerative spondylolithesis-associated back and leg pain were enrolled. Two-year outcomes were assessed through phone interview and it included pain [visual analog scale (VAS)], low-back disability (Oswestry disability index), EuroQol-5D, occupational disability, and narcotic use. MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF cohorts were similar at baseline. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] length of hospitalization after surgery was significantly less for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF [3 (3 to 3) vs 5.5 (4 to 6) d], P = 0.001. MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients showed similar 2-year improvement in VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain, Oswestry disability index, and EuroQol-5D scores. Overall, median (IQR) length of postoperative narcotic use was 3.0 (1.4 to 4.6) weeks and significantly shorter for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients [2.0 (1.0 to 3.0) vs 4.0 (1.4 to 4.6) wk, P = 0.008]. Overall, median (IQR) time to return to work was 13.9 (2.2 to 25.5) weeks and significantly shorter for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients [8.5 (4.4 to 21.4) vs 17.1 (1.8 to 35.9) wk, P = 0.02]. Both MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF provide long-term improvement in pain, disability, and EuroQol-5D in patients with back and leg pain from grade I degenerative spondylolithesis

  15. Ultra-Trace and Vapor Detection of Explosives and Narcotics Finalist for R&D 100 Award

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ewing, Robert

    An instrument more sensitive than a canine’s nose identifies explosives and narcotics vapors in real time and at levels previously undetectable than any other sampling technology. The instrument is one among five PNNL-developed technologies in the running for an R&D 100 Award. Known as VP-IDENT, the tool coupled with a mass spectrometer, is ideal for aviation security, cargo screening, and broader counter-terrorism and national security activities where discovering dangerous substances is of utmost importance. Listen as researcher Robert Ewing explains.

  16. Impact of body mass index on surgical outcomes, narcotics consumption, and hospital costs following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

    PubMed

    Narain, Ankur S; Hijji, Fady Y; Haws, Brittany E; Kudaravalli, Krishna T; Yom, Kelly H; Markowitz, Jonathan; Singh, Kern

    2018-02-01

    OBJECTIVE Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, more patients with a high body mass index (BMI) will require surgical treatment for degenerative spinal disease. In previous investigations of lumbar spine pathology, obesity has been associated with worsened postoperative outcomes and increased costs. However, few studies have examined the association between BMI and postoperative outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes, postoperative narcotics consumption, complications, and hospital costs among BMI stratifications for patients who have undergone primary 1- to 2-level ACDF procedures. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained surgical database of patients who had undergone primary 1- to 2-level ACDF for degenerative spinal pathology between 2008 and 2015. Patients were stratified by BMI as follows: normal weight (< 25.0 kg/m 2 ), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m 2 ), obese I (30.0-34.9 kg/m 2 ), or obese II-III (≥ 35.0 kg/m 2 ). Differences in patient demographics and preoperative characteristics were compared across the BMI cohorts using 1-way ANOVA or chi-square analysis. Multivariate linear or Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to determine the presence of an association between BMI category and narcotics utilization, improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) scores, incidence of complications, arthrodesis rates, reoperation rates, and hospital costs. Regression analyses were controlled for preoperative demographic and procedural characteristics. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the analysis, of whom 20.9% (n = 58) were normal weight, 37.5% (n = 104) were overweight, 24.9% (n = 69) were obese I, and 16.6% (n = 46) were obese II-III. A higher BMI was associated with an older age (p = 0.049) and increased comorbidity burden (p = 0.001). No differences in sex, smoking status, insurance

  17. Prostanoid receptor antagonists: development strategies and therapeutic applications

    PubMed Central

    Jones, RL; Giembycz, MA; Woodward, DF

    2009-01-01

    Identification of the primary products of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)/prostaglandin synthase(s), which occurred between 1958 and 1976, was followed by a classification system for prostanoid receptors (DP, EP1, EP2 …) based mainly on the pharmacological actions of natural and synthetic agonists and a few antagonists. The design of potent selective antagonists was rapid for certain prostanoid receptors (EP1, TP), slow for others (FP, IP) and has yet to be achieved in certain cases (EP2). While some antagonists are structurally related to the natural agonist, most recent compounds are ‘non-prostanoid’ (often acyl-sulphonamides) and have emerged from high-throughput screening of compound libraries, made possible by the development of (functional) assays involving single recombinant prostanoid receptors. Selective antagonists have been crucial to defining the roles of PGD2 (acting on DP1 and DP2 receptors) and PGE2 (on EP1 and EP4 receptors) in various inflammatory conditions; there are clear opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The vast endeavour on TP (thromboxane) antagonists is considered in relation to their limited pharmaceutical success in the cardiovascular area. Correspondingly, the clinical utility of IP (prostacyclin) antagonists is assessed in relation to the cloud hanging over the long-term safety of selective COX-2 inhibitors. Aspirin apart, COX inhibitors broadly suppress all prostanoid pathways, while high selectivity has been a major goal in receptor antagonist development; more targeted therapy may require an intermediate position with defined antagonist selectivity profiles. This review is intended to provide overviews of each antagonist class (including prostamide antagonists), covering major development strategies and current and potential clinical usage. PMID:19624532

  18. Ultra-Trace and Vapor Detection of Explosives and Narcotics Finalist for R&D 100 Award

    ScienceCinema

    Ewing, Robert

    2018-06-13

    An instrument more sensitive than a canine’s nose identifies explosives and narcotics vapors in real time and at levels previously undetectable than any other sampling technology. The instrument is one among five PNNL-developed technologies in the running for an R&D 100 Award. Known as VP-IDENT, the tool coupled with a mass spectrometer, is ideal for aviation security, cargo screening, and broader counter-terrorism and national security activities where discovering dangerous substances is of utmost importance. Listen as researcher Robert Ewing explains.

  19. Assessment of types of synthetic cannabinoids in narcotic cases assessed by the Council of Forensic Medicine between 2011-2015, Ankara, Turkey.

    PubMed

    Göl, Ersin; Çok, İsmet

    2017-11-01

    Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of cannabis and are the largest and fastest growing class of newly appearing designer drugs. Reports have revealed that various types of synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with herbal substances. The present study investigated the herbal substance cases involving synthetic cannabinoids in Ankara and nearby cities in Turkey. Data were collected from the reports of synthetic cannabinoids that were analyzed between January 01, 2011 and December 31, 2015 in the Ankara Narcotic Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine at the request of the judicial authorities. In all, 4610 narcotic reports were obtained and reviewed. Among these narcotic reports during the period, 370 reports (8%) were related to synthetic cannabinoids. 28 synthetic cannabinoid compounds could be identified in herbals: 5-F-AB-PINACA, 5-F-AKB-48, 5-F-NNEI, 5-F-PB-22, AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-CHMINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AKB-48, AM-2201, EAM-2201, JWH-018, JWH-022, JWH-031, JWH-122, JWH-201, JWH-210, JWH-250, JWH-251, JWH-307, MAM-2201, NM-2201, PB-22, RCS-4, THJ-2201, UR-144, XLR-11. The amount of herbals was 30.72g, 329.22g, 665.89g, 4844.7g, and 5684.3g in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Generally, herbals contained more than one synthetic cannabinoids. ADB-FUBINACA was the most common synthetic cannabinoid among the herbals determined in this study, which was 3132.43g, excepting multi-synthetic cannabinoid herbals. The amount and diversity of synthetic cannabinoid compounds have increased dramatically between 2011 and 2015. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Narcotics reduction, quality and safety in gynecologic oncology surgery in the first year of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol implementation.

    PubMed

    Bergstrom, Jennifer E; Scott, Marla E; Alimi, Yewande; Yen, Ting-Tai; Hobson, Deborah; Machado, Karime K; Tanner, Edward J; Fader, Amanda N; Temkin, Sarah M; Wethington, Stephanie; Levinson, Kimberly; Sokolinsky, Sam; Lau, Brandyn; Stone, Rebecca L

    2018-06-01

    Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are mechanisms for achieving value-based improvements in surgery. This report provides a detailed analysis of the impact of an ERAS program on patient outcomes as well as quality and safety measures during implementation on a gynecologic oncology service at a major academic medical center. A retrospective review of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing elective laparotomy during the implementation phase of an ERAS program (January 2016 through December 2016) was performed. Patient demographics, surgical variables, postoperative outcomes, and adherence to core safety measures, including antimicrobial and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, were compared to a historical patient cohort (January 2015 through December 2015). Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Chi squared tests. The inaugural 109 ERAS program participants were compared to a historical patient cohort (n=158). There was no difference in BMI, race, malignancy, or complexity of procedure between cohorts. ERAS patients required less narcotics (70.7 vs 127.4, p=0.007, oral morphine equivalents) and PCA use (32.1% vs. 50.6%, p=0.002). Despite this substantial reduction in narcotics, ERAS patients did not report more pain and in fact reported significantly less pain by postoperative day 3. There were no differences in length of stay (5days), complication rates (13.8% vs. 20.3%, p=0.17) or 30-day readmission rates (9.5 vs 11.9%, p=0.54) between ERAS and historical patients, respectively. Compliance with antimicrobial prophylaxis was 97.2%. However, 33.9% of ERAS patients received substandard preoperative VTE prophylaxis. ERAS program implementation resulted in reductions in narcotic requirements and PCA use without changes in length of stay or readmission rates. Compliance should be diligently audited during the implementation phase of ERAS programs, with special attention to adherence to pre-existing core safety

  1. On the simultaneous action of two competitive antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Ginsborg, B.L.; Stephenson, R.P.

    1974-01-01

    1 A hypothesis is outlined predicting the conditions in which the addition of a second competitive antagonist will increase rather than reduce the response to an agonist. 2 Experiments were performed with the guinea-pig ileum as the test tissue, hexyltrimethyl ammonium as the agonist, benzilyltropine methiodide as the `slow' antagonist and pentyltriethyl ammonium as the `fast' antagonist. 3 The results are consistent with the hypothesis, if the affinity constant for hexyltrimethyl ammonium is between 2.7 and 3.7 × 104 M-1, if the dissociation time constant for the slow antagonist is greater than 10 min and if that for the fast antagonist is less than 10 seconds. PMID:4451745

  2. The Evolution of Sexually Antagonistic Phenotypes

    PubMed Central

    Perry, Jennifer C.; Rowe, Locke

    2015-01-01

    Sexual conflict occurs whenever there is sexually antagonistic selection on shared traits. When shared traits result from interactions (e.g., mating rate) and have a different genetic basis in each sex (i.e., interlocus conflict), then sex-specific traits that shift the value of these interaction traits toward the sex-specific optimum will be favored. Male traits can be favored that increase the fitness of their male bearers, but decrease the fitness of interacting females. Likewise, female traits that reduce the costs of interacting with harmful males may simultaneously impose costs on males. If the evolution of these antagonistic traits changes the nature of selection acting on the opposite sex, interesting coevolutionary dynamics will result. Here we examine three current issues in the study of sexually antagonistic interactions: the female side of sexual conflict, the ecological context of sexual conflict, and the strength of evidence for sexually antagonistic coevolution. PMID:26032715

  3. Effect of narcotic pain reliever on pulp tests in women.

    PubMed

    Kardelis, Anthony C; Meinberg, Trudy A; Sulte, Heather R; Gound, Tom G; Marx, David B; Reinhardt, Richard A

    2002-07-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of one dose of a common narcotic-based pain reliever (Vicodin) on a battery of oral sensitivity tests across time in women. Fifteen Caucasian women randomly were given an oral dose of 10 mg of hydrocodone/1000 mg of acetaminophen or placebo in a double-blind, cross-over design. At baseline (before drug) and after 2, 4, and 8 h each subject was evaluated for sensitivity thresholds with four tests around an experimental tooth: (a) electric pulp tester applied to exposed root; (b) electric pulp tester on adjacent mucosa; (c) increasing probe pressure (grams) on adjacent mucosa; and (d) decreasing cold probe (degrees C) on the exposed root. The outcomes of all tests were not statistically different between drug and placebo treatments at any time point (p > 0.05). These results suggest that a systemic dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen has little impact on healthy pulp or mucosa sensitivity in women as measured by common diagnostic tests.

  4. A review of Alcoholics Anonymous/ Narcotics Anonymous programs for teens.

    PubMed

    Sussman, Steve

    2010-03-01

    The investigation of the applicability of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) for teens has only been a subject of empirical research investigation since the early 1990s. In the present review, the author describes teen involvement in AA/NA programming, provides an exhaustive review of the outcomes of 19 studies that used an AA/NA model as part of their formal teen substance abuse treatment programs, and provides data on the effects of AA/NA attendance on abstinence at follow-up, on which youth tend to become involved in AA/NA, and on mediation of the benefits of AA/NA participation. In addition, the author suggests the reasons for somewhat limited participation by teens in more informal, community-based 12-step meetings, and makes suggestions for maximizing participation at meetings in the community. The author concludes that AA/ NA participation is a valuable modality of substance abuse treatment for teens and that much can be done to increase teen participation, though more research is needed.

  5. Antagonistic versus non-antagonistic models of balancing selection: Characterizing the relative timescales and hitchhiking effects of partial selective sweeps

    PubMed Central

    Connallon, Tim; Clark, Andrew G.

    2012-01-01

    Antagonistically selected alleles -- those with opposing fitness effects between sexes, environments, or fitness components -- represent an important component of additive genetic variance in fitness-related traits, with stably balanced polymorphisms often hypothesized to contribute to observed quantitative genetic variation. Balancing selection hypotheses imply that intermediate-frequency alleles disproportionately contribute to genetic variance of life history traits and fitness. Such alleles may also associate with population genetic footprints of recent selection, including reduced genetic diversity and inflated linkage disequilibrium at linked, neutral sites. Here, we compare the evolutionary dynamics of different balancing selection models, and characterize the evolutionary timescale and hitchhiking effects of partial selective sweeps generated under antagonistic versus non-antagonistic (e.g., overdominant and frequency-dependent selection) processes. We show that that the evolutionary timescales of partial sweeps tend to be much longer, and hitchhiking effects are drastically weaker, under scenarios of antagonistic selection. These results predict an interesting mismatch between molecular population genetic and quantitative genetic patterns of variation. Balanced, antagonistically selected alleles are expected to contribute more to additive genetic variance for fitness than alleles maintained by classic, non-antagonistic mechanisms. Nevertheless, classical mechanisms of balancing selection are much more likely to generate strong population genetic signatures of recent balancing selection. PMID:23461340

  6. Kinin B1 receptor antagonists containing alpha-methyl-L-phenylalanine: in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activities.

    PubMed

    Gobeil, F; Charland, S; Filteau, C; Perron, S I; Neugebauer, W; Regoli, D

    1999-03-01

    -To protect from metabolism and to improve potency of the AcLys-[D-betaNal7,Ile8]desArg9-bradykinin (BK) (R 715), we prepared and tested 3 analogues containing alpha-methyl-L-Phe ([alphaMe]Phe) in position 5: these are the AcLys-[(alphaMe)Phe5,D-betaNal7, Ile8]desArg9BK (R 892), Lys-Lys-[(alphaMe)Phe5,D-betaNal7, Ile8]desArg9BK (R 913), and AcLys-Lys-[(alphaMe)Phe5,D-betaNal7, Ile8]desArg9BK (R 914). The new compounds were tested against the contractile effect induced by desArg9BK on 2 B1 receptor bioassays, the human umbilical vein, and the rabbit aorta. Their antagonistic activities were compared with those of the early prototypes (Lys-[Leu8]desArg9BK and [Leu8]desArg9BK) and with other recently described peptide antagonists. The 3 (alphaMe)Phe analogues showed high antagonistic potencies (pA2) at both the human (8.8, 7.7, and 8. 7, respectively) and rabbit (8.6, 7.8, and 8.6, respectively) B1 receptors. No antagonistic effects (pA2<5) were observed on the B2 receptors that mediate the contractile effects of BK on the human umbilical vein, the rabbit jugular vein, and the guinea pig ileum. Moreover, these new B1 antagonists were found to be resistant to in vitro degradation by purified angiotensin-converting enzyme from rabbit lung. The Nalpha-acetylated forms, R 892 and R 914, were resistant to aminopeptidases from human plasma. In vivo antagonistic potencies (ID50) of B1 receptor antagonists were evaluated in anesthetized lipopolysaccharide-treated (for B1 receptor) and nontreated (for B2 receptor) rabbits against the hypotensive effects of exogenous desArg9BK and BK. R 892 efficiently inhibited (ID50 2.8 nmol/kg IV) hypotension induced by desArg9BK without affecting that evoked by BK (ID50 >600 nmol/kg IV). Conversely, the peptide antagonists Lys-Lys-[Hyp3,Igl5,D-Igl7,Oic8]desArg9BK (B 9858) and DArg-[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8] desArg9BK (S 0765) showed dual B1/B2 receptor antagonism in vitro and in vivo. It is concluded that R 892 and congeners provide selective

  7. Infants of Narcotic Addicted Mothers: Developmental Status, Maternal Care, Home Environments and Interventive Efforts During the First Three Months of Life.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Derrick, Sara M.; Hock, Ellen

    This study compared infants born to narcotic addicted mothers with infants born to nonaddicted mothers and described the potential of an intervention program. Infants of five addicted women were matched with infants of five nonaddicted women on the basis of age and socioeconomic class of the mothers and on the basis of gestational ages, birth…

  8. Predictive spatial modeling of narcotic crop growth patterns

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Waltz, Frederick A.; Moore, D.G.

    1986-01-01

    Spatial models for predicting the geographic distribution of marijuana crops have been developed and are being evaluated for use in law enforcement programs. The models are based on growing condition preferences and on psychological inferences regarding grower behavior. Experiences of local law officials were used to derive the initial model, which was updated and improved as data from crop finds were archived and statistically analyzed. The predictive models are changed as crop locations are moved in response to the pressures of law enforcement. The models use spatial data in a raster geographic information system. The spatial data are derived from the U.S. Geological Survey's US GeoData, standard 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps, interpretations of aerial photographs, and thematic maps. Updating of cultural patterns, canopy closure, and other dynamic features is conducted through interpretation of aerial photographs registered to the 7.5-minute quadrangle base. The model is used to numerically weight various data layers that have been processed using spread functions, edge definition, and categorization. The building of the spatial data base, model development, model application, product generation, and use are collectively referred to as the Area Reduction Program (ARP). The goal of ARP is to provide law enforcement officials with tactical maps that show the most likely locations for narcotic crops.

  9. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists for assisted conception.

    PubMed

    Al-Inany, H G; Abou-Setta, A M; Aboulghar, M

    2006-07-19

    Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists produce immediate suppression of gonadotrophin secretion, hence, they can be given after starting gonadotrophin administration. This has resulted in dramatic reduction in the duration of treatment cycle. Two different regimes have been described. The multiple-dose protocol involves the administration of 0.25 mg cetrorelix (or ganirelix) daily from day six to seven of stimulation, or when the leading follicle is 14 to15 mm, until human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration and the single-dose protocol involves the single administration of 3 mg cetrorelix on day seven to eight of stimulation. Assuming comparable clinical outcome, these benefits would justify a change from the standard long protocol of GnRH agonists to the new GnRH antagonist regimens. To evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists with the standard long protocol of GnRH agonists for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted conception. We searched Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1987 to February 2006, and handsearched bibliographies of relevant publications and reviews, and abstracts of scientific meetings. We also contacted manufacturers in the field. Randomized controlled studies comparing different protocols of GnRH antagonists with GnRH agonists in assisted conception cycles were included in this review. Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. If relevant data were missing or unclear, the authors have been consulted Twenty seven RCTs comparing the GnRH antagonist to the long protocol of GnRH agonist fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the antagonist group. (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72 - 0.97). The ongoing pregnancy/ live-birth rate showed the same significant lower pregnancy in the antagonist group (P = 0.03; OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69 to 0

  10. Calcium channel antagonists in the treatment of hypertension.

    PubMed

    Weber, Michael A

    2002-01-01

    Calcium channel antagonists are widely used antihypertensive agents. Their popularity among primary care physicians is not only due to their blood pressure-lowering effects, but also because they appear to be effective regardless of the age or ethnic background of the patients. The first available calcium channel antagonists utilized immediate-release formulations which, although effective in patients with angina pectoris, were not approved by the US FDA for use in hypertension. When long-acting once-daily formulations were approved in this indication, the short-acting preparations--which had by then become generic and inexpensive--retained some residual unapproved use for hypertension. An observational case-controlled trial, based on such usage, noted that these agents were associated with a greater risk of myocardial infarctions than conventional agents such as diuretics and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. Further case-controlled trials showed, in fact, that the dangers of calcium channel antagonists were confined to the short-acting agents and that approved long-acting agents were at least as well tolerated and effective as other antihypertensive drugs. Cardiovascular outcomes during treatment with calcium channel antagonists have been examined in randomized, controlled trials. Compared with placebo, the calcium channel antagonists clearly prevented strokes and other cardiovascular events and reduced mortality. The effects of these agents on survival and clinical outcomes were similar to those with other antihypertensive drugs. There is a slight tendency for the calcium channel antagonists to be more effective than other drug types in preventing stroke, but slightly less effective in preventing coronary events. These observations extend to high-risk patients with hypertension including those with diabetes mellitus. Even so, patients with evidence of nephropathy should not receive monotherapy with calcium channel antagonists. Such patients are optimally treated

  11. Adverse cutaneous reactions induced by TNF-alpha antagonist therapy.

    PubMed

    Borrás-Blasco, Joaquín; Navarro-Ruiz, Andrés; Borrás, Consuelo; Casterá, Elvira

    2009-11-01

    To review adverse cutaneous drug reactions induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist therapy. A literature search was performed using PubMed (1996-March 2009), EMBASE, and selected MEDLINE Ovid bibliography searches. All language clinical trial data, case reports, letters, and review articles identified from the data sources were used. Since the introduction of TNF-alpha antagonist, the incidence of adverse cutaneous drug reactions has increased significantly. A wide range of different skin lesions might occur during TNF-alpha antagonist treatment. New onset or exacerbation of psoriasis has been reported in patients treated with TNF-alpha antagonists for a variety of rheumatologic conditions. TNF-alpha antagonist therapy has been associated with a lupus-like syndrome; most of these case reports occurred in patients receiving either etanercept or infliximab. Serious skin reactions such as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely with the use of TNF-alpha antagonists. As the use of TNF-alpha antagonists continues to increase, the diagnosis and management of cutaneous side effects will become an increasingly important challenge. In patients receiving TNF-alpha antagonist treatment, skin disease should be considered, and clinicians need to be aware of the adverse reactions of these drugs.

  12. Studies on effective atomic numbers for photon energy absorption and electron density of some narcotic drugs in the energy range 1 keV-20 MeV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gounhalli, Shivraj G.; Shantappa, Anil; Hanagodimath, S. M.

    2013-04-01

    Effective atomic numbers for photon energy absorption ZPEA,eff, photon interaction ZPI,eff and for electron density Nel, have been calculated by a direct method in the photon-energy region from 1 keV to 20 MeV for narcotic drugs, such as Heroin (H), Cocaine (CO), Caffeine (CA), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabinol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). The ZPEA,eff, ZPI,eff and Nel values have been found to change with energy and composition of the narcotic drugs. The energy dependence ZPEA,eff, ZPI,eff and Nel is shown graphically. The maximum difference between the values of ZPEA,eff, and ZPI,eff occurs at 30 keV and the significant difference of 2 to 33% for the energy region 5-100 keV for all drugs. The reason for these differences is discussed.

  13. Detection of Stimulants and Narcotics by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for Sports Doping Control.

    PubMed

    Ahrens, Brian D; Kucherova, Yulia; Butch, Anthony W

    2016-01-01

    Sports drug testing laboratories are required to detect several classes of compounds that are prohibited at all times, which include anabolic agents, peptide hormones, growth factors, beta-2 agonists, hormones and metabolic modulators, and diuretics/masking agents. Other classes of compounds such as stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, and glucocorticoids are also prohibited, but only when an athlete is in competition. A single class of compounds can contain a large number of prohibited substances and all of the compounds should be detected by the testing procedure. Since there are almost 70 stimulants on the prohibited list it can be a challenge to develop a single screening method that will optimally detect all the compounds. We describe a combined liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) testing method for detection of all the stimulants and narcotics on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Urine for LC-MS/MS testing does not require sample pretreatment and is a direct dilute and shoot method. Urine samples for the GC-MS method require a liquid-liquid extraction followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic anhydride.

  14. Pharmacological evaluation of narcotic antagonist delivery systems in rhesus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Harrigan, S E; Downs, D A

    1981-01-01

    Rhesus monkeys were chronically restrained, intravenously catheterized, and allowed to self-administer morphine, methamphetamine, and saline. Various sustained-release systems containing naltrexone were then implanted in the animals and examined for selective morphine blockade. Similarly, continuous intravenous infusions of naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone were tested against morphine or heroin self-administration.

  15. THE INFLUENCE OF THE SIMULTANEOUS EFFECT OF X-RAY IRRADIATION AND SOME NARCOTICS AND STIMULANTS ON THE MORTALITY OF TADPOLES (in Russian)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Praslicka, M.; Helona, J.; Havelka, J.

    1955-01-01

    Tadpoles of Rana esculenta were selected for experiments to ascertain changes in the action of irradiation produced by certain narcotics and by strychnine. The control tadpoles were irradiated with a dose of 27,500 r, as were also tadpoles in a watery solution of one of the following substances: ether (0.1%), ethanol (2 and 2.5%), chloral hydrate (0.3%), avertine (irradiation in water for 5 mins. in 0.1% solution), strychnine (1: 100,000, of the tadpoles irradiated in the watery solution of narcotic substances is in all cases statistically and significantly prolonged in comparison with that in the case of the tadpoles irradiatedmore » in water. Strychnine in a concentration of 1: 100,000, which produced signs of irritation, produced sensitivity to irradiation; in concentrations of 1: 50,000 and 1: 30,000, which produced inhibition, it had a protective effect, in as far as the tadpoles survived the toxic action of the strychnine. It would appear that irradiation intensifies the toxic action of avertine, ether, chloroform, and scopolamine. (auth)« less

  16. Drug take back in Hawai'i: partnership between the University of Hawai'i Hilo College of Pharmacy and the Narcotics Enforcement Division.

    PubMed

    Ma, Carolyn S; Batz, Forrest; Juarez, Deborah Taira; Ladao, Lani C

    2014-01-01

    Unused/unwanted medications in households and patient care facilities expose vulnerable populations, including children, elders, and pets, to potential harm through inadvertent ingestion, as well as the potential for theft and assault. Hawai'i Administrative Rules prohibit the return of any prescription medications to retail pharmacies after dispensing. The Hawai'i Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED) partnered with the University of Hawai'i at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (CoP) in eleven Drug Take Back events throughout the state. Most participants heard of the events via newspaper and television marketing. The most common methods of medication disposal are via trash or down household drains. Over 8,000 lbs of unused/unwanted medications was collected, identified and logged from 2011 through 2012. The majority of returned drugs were non-controlled substances (90%). Commonly returned medications included prescription cardiac medications such as simvastatin and lisinopril, non-prescription analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and iron. Commonly returned controlled substance medications included narcotics such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen combinations and oxycodone, and sedative hypnotics such as zolpidem and lorazepam.

  17. Women's Dependency on Prescription Drugs; Hearing Before the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control, House of Representatives, Ninety-Sixth Congress, First Session.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House.

    This record of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control contains testimonies addressing the problems facing drug abusing women. The extensive prescribing of legal drugs such as tranquilizers, sedatives, pain killers, and stimulants is examined. The problems of polydrug abuse and alcohol abuse in combination with other drugs are also…

  18. The kinetics of competitive antagonists on guinea-pig ileum.

    PubMed Central

    Roberts, F; Stephenson, R P

    1976-01-01

    1 The kinetics of action of some competitive muscarinic and histamine antagonists were examined on guinea-pig isolated ileum and their behaviour compared with the predictions of the interaction-limited model described by Paton (1961). 2 The kinetics of antagonism were not consistent with the predictions of this model: (1) The apparent dissociation rate constant calculated from the decrease in occupancy on washout was not independent of the concentration of antagonist. (2) The dissociation rate constant of a 'slow' antagonist calculated from the change in occupancy when a 'fast' antagonist was superimposed varied with the concentration of fast antagonist. (3) If the concentration of slow antagonist was increased when the fast antagonist was superimposed so that the equilibrium occupancy of the 'slow' was the same as before, a transitional phase was observed. 3 The kinetics of antagonism were observed in longitudinal muscle strips and intact pieces of ileum, bathed in Tyrode or Krebs solution, and with isometric and isotonic recording. No evidence was found that the discrepancies between the interaction-limited model and the observed kinetics could be accounted for by the experimental method used. 4 It is therefore concluded that either access is rate-limiting in these circumstances or, if interaction is rate-limiting, some alternative interaction-limited model is required to describe the kinetics of antagonism. In either case it would seem unwise at this time to calculate antagonist-receptor rate constants from the observed kinetics of antagonism. PMID:974378

  19. Attenuation in rats of impairments of memory by scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, by mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Newman, L A; Gold, P E

    2016-03-01

    Scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, impairs learning and memory for many tasks, supporting an important role for the cholinergic system in these cognitive functions. The findings are most often interpreted to indicate that a decrease in postsynaptic muscarinic receptor activation mediates the memory impairments. However, scopolamine also results in increased release of acetylcholine in the brain as a result of blocking presynaptic muscarinic receptors. The present experiments assess whether scopolamine-induced increases in acetylcholine release may impair memory by overstimulating postsynaptic cholinergic nicotinic receptors, i.e., by reaching the high end of a nicotinic receptor activation inverted-U dose-response function. Rats tested in a spontaneous alternation task showed dose-dependent working memory deficits with systemic injections of mecamylamine and scopolamine. When an amnestic dose of scopolamine (0.15 mg/kg) was co-administered with a subamnestic dose of mecamylamine (0.25 mg/kg), this dose of mecamylamine significantly attenuated the scopolamine-induced memory impairments. We next assessed the levels of acetylcholine release in the hippocampus in the presence of scopolamine and mecamylamine. Mecamylamine injections resulted in decreased release of acetylcholine, while scopolamine administration caused a large increase in acetylcholine release. These findings indicate that a nicotinic antagonist can attenuate impairments in memory produced by a muscarinic antagonist. The nicotinic antagonist may block excessive activation of nicotinic receptors postsynaptically or attenuate increases in acetylcholine release presynaptically. Either effect of a nicotinic antagonist-to decrease scopolamine-induced increases in acetylcholine output or to decrease postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor activation-may mediate the negative effects on memory of muscarinic antagonists.

  20. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in in vitro fertilization superovulation.

    PubMed

    Seng, Shay Way; Ong, Kee Jiet; Ledger, W L

    2006-11-01

    The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists in in vitro fertilization superovulation remains controversial. The GnRH agonist 'long protocol' has been seen as the gold standard for many years. Comparisons and meta-analyses of the efficacy of GnRH antagonists and agonists have been largely inconclusive, with the dataset being contaminated with outdated reports of poorer efficacy with GnRH antagonists, which have stemmed from studies of their use as a second-line drug in older women and women who were poor responders. This work cannot reflect the actual clinical effectiveness of GnRH antagonist and must be interpreted with care. The major advantages of GnRH antagonists use in superovulation include a gentler and more patient-friendly stimulation cycle with less hypoestrogenic side effects, with the potential to lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and enhanced embryo growth. Our current clinical experience with GnRH antagonists in in vitro fertilization is limited, although there are a growing number of in vitro fertilization centers embracing this new technology. There is a clear need for a modern, suitably powered clinical trial to demonstrate the place of GnRH antagonist-based superovulation protocols and in subgroups of patients, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or poor responders.

  1. Annual Report for the Year 1983 of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

    This annual report describes the activities of the House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control in 1983 and makes recommendations to the House of Representatives to control the worldwide problem of drug abuse and drug trafficking. An initial section of the report describes the jurisdiction, authority, funding, and organization of the…

  2. Vitamin K antagonist use and mortality in dialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Voskamp, Pauline W M; Rookmaaker, Maarten B; Verhaar, Marianne C; Dekker, Friedo W; Ocak, Gurbey

    2018-01-01

    The risk-benefit ratio of vitamin K antagonists for different CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitamin K antagonist use and mortality for different CHA2DS2-VASc scores in a cohort of end-stage renal disease patients receiving dialysis treatment. We prospectively followed 1718 incident dialysis patients. Hazard ratios were calculated for all-cause and cause-specific (stroke, bleeding, cardiovascular and other) mortality associated with vitamin K antagonist use. Vitamin K antagonist use as compared with no vitamin K antagonist use was associated with a 1.2-fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0-1.5] increased all-cause mortality risk, a 1.5-fold (95% CI 0.6-4.0) increased stroke mortality risk, a 1.3-fold (95% CI 0.4-4.2) increased bleeding mortality risk, a 1.2-fold (95% CI 0.9-1.8) increased cardiovascular mortality risk and a 1.2-fold (95% CI 0.8-1.6) increased other mortality risk after adjustment. Within patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤1, vitamin K antagonist use was associated with a 2.8-fold (95% CI 1.0-7.8) increased all-cause mortality risk as compared with no vitamin K antagonist use, while vitamin K antagonist use within patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 was not associated with an increased mortality risk after adjustment. Vitamin K antagonist use was not associated with a protective effect on mortality in the different CHA2DS2-VASc scores in dialysis patients. The lack of knowledge on the indication for vitamin K antagonist use could lead to confounding by indication. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

  3. Detecting sexually antagonistic coevolution with population crosses.

    PubMed

    Rowe, Locke; Cameron, Erin; Day, Troy

    2003-10-07

    The result of population crosses on traits such as mating rate, oviposition rate and survivorship are increasingly used to distinguish between modes of coevolution between the sexes. Two key hypotheses, erected from a verbal theory of sexually antagonistic coevolution, have been the subject of several recent tests. First, statistical interactions arising in population crosses are suggested to be indicative of a complex signal/receiver system. In the case of oviposition rates, an interaction between populations (x, y and z) would be indicated by the rank order of female oviposition rates achieved by x, y and z males changing depending upon the female (x, y or z) with which they mated. Second, under sexually antagonistic coevolution females will do 'best' when mated with their own males, where best is defined by the weakest response to the signal and the highest fitness. We test these hypotheses by crossing strains generated from a formal model of sexually antagonistic coevolution. Strains differ in the strength of natural selection acting on male and female traits. In our model, we assume sexually antagonistic coevolution of a single male signal and female receptor. The female receptor is treated as a preference function where both the slope and intercept of the function can evolve. Our results suggest that neither prediction is consistently supported. Interactions are not diagnostic of complex signal-receiver systems, and even under sexually antagonistic coevolution, females may do better mating with males of strains other than their own. These results suggest a reinterpretation of several recent experiments and have important implications for developing theories of speciation when sexually antagonistic coevolution is involved.

  4. Effect of a Hypocretin/Orexin Antagonist on Neurocognitive Performance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-30

    a novel hypocretiniorexin antagonist, almorexant (ALM), to a standard hypnotic , zolpidem (ZOL), and placebo (PBO) on neurocognitive performance at...Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Parallel- Group Study Comparing the Effect of a Novel HypocretiniOrexin Antagonist (Almorexant) Versus a Standard Hypnotic ...Group Study Comparing the Effect of a Novel HypocretiniOrexin Antagonist (Almorexant) Versus a Standard Hypnotic (Zolpidem) and Placebo on

  5. Antagonistic and synergistic interactions among predators.

    PubMed

    Huxel, Gary R

    2007-08-01

    The structure and dynamics of food webs are largely dependent upon interactions among consumers and their resources. However, interspecific interactions such as intraguild predation and interference competition can also play a significant role in the stability of communities. The role of antagonistic/synergistic interactions among predators has been largely ignored in food web theory. These mechanisms influence predation rates, which is one of the key factors regulating food web structure and dynamics, thus ignoring them can potentially limit understanding of food webs. Using nonlinear models, it is shown that critical aspects of multiple predator food web dynamics are antagonistic/synergistic interactions among predators. The influence of antagonistic/synergistic interactions on coexistence of predators depended largely upon the parameter set used and the degree of feeding niche differentiation. In all cases when there was no effect of antagonism or synergism (a ( ij )=1.00), the predators coexisted. Using the stable parameter set, coexistence occurred across the range of antagonism/synergism used. However, using the chaotic parameter strong antagonism resulted in the extinction of one or both species, while strong synergism tended to coexistence. Whereas using the limit cycle parameter set, coexistence was strongly dependent on the degree of feeding niche overlap. Additionally increasing the degree of feeding specialization of the predators on the two prey species increased the amount of parameter space in which coexistence of the two predators occurred. Bifurcation analyses supported the general pattern of increased stability when the predator interaction was synergistic and decreased stability when it was antagonistic. Thus, synergistic interactions should be more common than antagonistic interactions in ecological systems.

  6. Tachykinin antagonists have potent local anaesthetic actions.

    PubMed

    Post, C; Butterworth, J F; Strichartz, G R; Karlsson, J A; Persson, C G

    1985-11-19

    Contrary to what would have been expected, an antagonist of substance P (SP) [Arg5,D-Trp7,9]SP-(5-11) inhibited the neurogenic contraction of isolated guinea-pig hilus bronchi more readily than a contraction produced by exogenous SP. Furthermore, it has previously been shown that a tachykinin antagonist given intrathecally produced motor blockade as do local anaesthetic drugs. We therefore examined whether tachykinin antagonists had a depressant action on axonal neurotransmission. The compound action potential (APc) of the frog isolated sciatic nerve was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by the tachykinin antagonists [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP and [Arg5,D-Trp7,9]Sp-(5-11), both being about 4 times more potent than lidocaine. SP itself was without effect. Similarly in the rat isolated sciatic nerve [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP suppressed the APc. It was more potent in the A alpha- than in the C-fibres. SP did not affect conduction in either fibre type. In conscious guinea-pigs [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP injected adjacent to the sciatic nerve was found to block motor but not sensory functions of the limb. Thus, commonly used tachykinin antagonists, but not SP itself, have potent local anaesthetic properties. This should be considered when these agents are employed as pharmacological tools.

  7. A Sensitive, Selective, and Portable Detector for Contraband: The Compact Integrated Narcotics Detection Instrument

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    T. O. Tuemer; L. Doan; C. W. Su

    2000-06-04

    This paper describes the design and operation of a Compact Integrated Narcotics Detection Instrument (CINDI), which utilizes neutrons emitted from {sup 252}Cf. Neutrons emitted from the front face of CINDI penetrate dense compartment barrier materials with little change in energy but are backscattered by hydrogen-rich materials such as drugs. CINDI has led to a new technology that shows promise for identifying the concealed contraband. Carriers such as vehicles, marine vessels, airplanes, containers, cargo, and luggage will be scanned using both neutron and gamma-ray sources. The signal from both the neutron and gamma-ray backscattering and/or transmission can be used simultaneously tomore » detect and possibly identify the contrabands it has been trained for.« less

  8. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 is more effective in counteracting NMDA antagonist- than dopamine agonist-induced hyperactivity in mice.

    PubMed

    Carlsson, M L; Martin, P; Nilsson, M; Sorensen, S M; Carlsson, A; Waters, S; Waters, N

    1999-01-01

    The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the selective 5-HT2A antagonist M100907 in different psychosis models. The classical neuroleptic haloperidol was used as reference compound. Two hyperdopaminergia and two hypoglutamatergia mouse models were used. Hyperdopaminergia was produced by the DA releaser d-amphetamine or the DA uptake inhibitor GBR 12909. Hypoglutamatergia was produced by the un-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 or the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist D-CPPene. M100907 was found to counteract the locomotor stimulant effects of the NMDA receptor antagonists MK-801 and D-CPPene, but spontaneous locomotion, d-amphetamine- and GBR-12909-induced hyperactivity were not significantly affected. Haloperidol, on the other hand, antagonized both NMDA antagonist- and DA agonist-induced hyperactivity, as well as spontaneous locomotion in the highest dose used. Based on the present and previous results we draw the conclusion that 5-HT2A receptor antagonists are particularly effective against behavioural anomalies resulting from hypoglutamatergia of various origins. The clinical implications of our results and conclusions would be that a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, due to i a the low side effect liability, could be the preferable treatment strategy in various disorders associated with hypoglutamatergia; such conditions might include schizophrenia, childhood autism and dementia disorders.

  9. Screening of antagonistic bacteria isolated from Amorphophallus konjac rhizosphere soil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Tianxing; Gong, Mingfu; Guan, Qinlan; Huang, Ying; Qin, Fang

    2018-04-01

    Bacteria lived in Amorphaphallus konjac rhizosphere soil have the potential ability of antagonistic bacterial pathogen activity against to Erwinia carotovora subsp carotovora (Ecc). The paper was to study and analyze all strains of 18 bacteria isolated from A. konjac rhizosphere soil with strong antagonistic effect against to Ecc and to identify antagonistic bacteria with morphology, physiology and biochemistry characteristic. The antagonistic bacterial pathogen activity of different bacterial strains were significantly different. Five of 18 strains isolated from A. konjac rhizosphere soil, including AKSB03, AKSB05, AKSB08, AKSB13 and AKSB16 was screened with antagonistic wider more than 15 mm in first screening test. Strain AKSB08 and strain AKSB16 had a strong antagonism activity for Ecc with antagonistic wider more than 20 mm in second screening test. Strain AKSB08 and strain AKSB16 belonged to Bacillus with morphology, physiology and biochemistry characteristic.

  10. Comparison of GnRH agonist, GnRH antagonist, and GnRH antagonist mild protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in good prognosis patients.

    PubMed

    Stimpfel, Martin; Vrtacnik-Bokal, Eda; Pozlep, Barbara; Virant-Klun, Irma

    2015-01-01

    The reports on how to stimulate the ovaries for oocyte retrieval in good prognosis patients are contradictory and often favor one type of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). For this reason, we retrospectively analyzed data from IVF/ICSI cycles carried out at our IVF Unit in good prognosis patients (aged <38 years, first and second attempts of IVF/ICSI, more than 3 oocytes retrieved) to elucidate which type of COH is optimal at our condition. The included patients were undergoing COH using GnRH agonist, GnRH antagonist or GnRH antagonist mild protocol in combination with gonadotrophins. We found significant differences in the average number of retrieved oocytes, immature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, embryos, transferred embryos, embryos frozen per cycle, and cycles with embryo freezing between studied COH protocols. Although there were no differences in live birth rate (LBR), miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies between compared protocols, pregnancy rate was significantly higher in GnRH antagonist mild protocol in comparison with both GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist protocols and cumulative LBR per cycle was significantly higher in GnRH antagonist mild protocol in comparison to GnRH agonist protocol. Our data show that GnRH antagonist mild protocol of COH could be the best method of choice in good prognosis patients.

  11. The experience of childbrith in first-time mothers who received narcotic analgesics during the first stage of labour.

    PubMed

    Jantjes, L; Strümpher, J; Kotzé, W J

    2007-06-01

    This research has focused on the birthing experience of first-time mothers who received the narcotic analgesic combination of Pethidine and Hydroxyzine during the first stage of labour. A qualitative research methodology was used to collect data. Unstructured interviews were held with first-time mothers to obtain accounts of their experience of childbirth. These narrations were audio-taped while the participants were still being cared for in the postnatal ward of the hospital where delivery took place. Nine interviews were conducted with first-time mothers who gave birth normally vaginally after a normal pregnancy and who received a narcotic analgesic in the first stage of labour. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive analysis (in Creswell, 1994:115). Four themes with sub-themes emerged from the analysis. The participants reported on the physical experience of labour and described experiencing a lot of pain for which analgesics were given. They also described how these drugs dulled the pain but made them sleepy and unable to cooperate with the midwives. They described their emotional experiences, which included joy and happiness as well as anxiety, anger and despondence. They also reported that they were not sufficiently informed about labour and child-birth. In the last theme they described the methods they used to help them cope with labour including distracting techniques, leaning on a supportive person or praying. Guidelines to help midwives overcome these problems were developed.

  12. Broad spectrum infrared thermal desorption of wipe-based explosive and narcotic samples for trace mass spectrometric detection.

    PubMed

    Forbes, Thomas P; Staymates, Matthew; Sisco, Edward

    2017-08-07

    Wipe collected analytes were thermally desorbed using broad spectrum near infrared heating for mass spectrometric detection. Employing a twin tube filament-based infrared emitter, rapid and efficiently powered thermal desorption and detection of nanogram levels of explosives and narcotics was demonstrated. The infrared thermal desorption (IRTD) platform developed here used multi-mode heating (direct radiation and secondary conduction from substrate and subsequent convection from air) and a temperature ramp to efficiently desorb analytes with vapor pressures across eight orders of magnitude. The wipe substrate experienced heating rates up to (85 ± 2) °C s -1 with a time constant of (3.9 ± 0.2) s for 100% power emission. The detection of trace analytes was also demonstrated from complex mixtures, including plastic-bonded explosives and exogenous narcotics, explosives, and metabolites from collected artificial latent fingerprints. Manipulation of the emission power and duration directly controlled the heating rate and maximum temperature, enabling differential thermal desorption and a level of upstream separation for enhanced specificity. Transitioning from 100% power and 5 s emission duration to 25% power and 30 s emission enabled an order of magnitude increase in the temporal separation (single seconds to tens of seconds) of the desorption of volatile and semi-volatile species within a collected fingerprint. This mode of operation reduced local gas-phase concentrations, reducing matrix effects experienced with high concentration mixtures. IRTD provides a unique platform for the desorption of trace analytes from wipe collections, an area of importance to the security sector, transportation agencies, and customs and border protection.

  13. Drug Take Back in Hawai‘i: Partnership Between the University of Hawai‘i Hilo College of Pharmacy and the Narcotics Enforcement Division

    PubMed Central

    Batz, Forrest; Juarez, Deborah Taira; Ladao, Lani C

    2014-01-01

    Unused/unwanted medications in households and patient care facilities expose vulnerable populations, including children, elders, and pets, to potential harm through inadvertent ingestion, as well as the potential for theft and assault. Hawai‘i Administrative Rules prohibit the return of any prescription medications to retail pharmacies after dispensing. The Hawai‘i Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED) partnered with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (CoP) in eleven Drug Take Back events throughout the state. Most participants heard of the events via newspaper and television marketing. The most common methods of medication disposal are via trash or down household drains. Over 8,000 lbs of unused/unwanted medications was collected, identified and logged from 2011 through 2012. The majority of returned drugs were non-controlled substances (90%). Commonly returned medications included prescription cardiac medications such as simvastatin and lisinopril, non-prescription analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and iron. Commonly returned controlled substance medications included narcotics such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen combinations and oxycodone, and sedative hypnotics such as zolpidem and lorazepam. PMID:24470984

  14. Does Surgical Stabilization of Lateral Compression-type Pelvic Ring Fractures Decrease Patients' Pain, Reduce Narcotic Use, and Improve Mobilization?

    PubMed

    Hagen, Jennifer; Castillo, Renan; Dubina, Andrew; Gaski, Greg; Manson, Theodore T; O'Toole, Robert V

    2016-06-01

    Debate remains over the role of surgical treatment in minimally displaced lateral compression (Young-Burgess, LC, OTA 61-B1/B2) pelvic ring injuries. Lateral compression type 1 (LC1) injuries are defined by an impaction fracture at the sacrum; type 2 (LC2) are defined by a fracture that extends through the posterior iliac wing at the level of the sacroiliac joint. Some believe that operative stabilization of these fractures limits pain and eases mobilization, but to our knowledge there are few controlled studies on the topic. (1) Does operative stabilization of LC1 and LC2 pelvic fractures decrease patients' narcotic use and lower their visual analog scale pain scores? (2) Does stabilization allow patients to mobilize earlier with physical therapy? This retrospective study of LC1 and LC2 fractures evaluated patients treated definitively at one institution from 2007 to 2013. All patients treated surgically, all nonoperative LC2, and all nonoperative LC1 fractures with complete sacral injury were included. In general, LC1 or LC2 fractures with greater than 10 mm of displacement and/or sagittal/axial plane deformity on static radiographs were treated surgically. One hundred fifty-eight patients in the LC1 group (107 [of 697 screened] nonoperative, 51 surgical) and 123 patients in the LC2 group (78 nonoperative, 45 surgical) met inclusion criteria. The surgical and nonoperative groups were matched for fracture type. To account for differences between patients treated surgically and nonoperatively, we used propensity modeling techniques incorporating treatment predictors. Propensity scores demonstrated good overlap and were used as part of multiple variable regression models to account for selection bias between the surgically treated and nonoperative groups. Patient-reported pain scores and narcotic administration were tallied in 24-hour increments during the first 24 hours of hospitalization, at 48 hours after intervention, and in the 24 hours before discharge. Time

  15. Some Electrophysiological Methods for Studying the Action of Narcotic Agents in Animals, with special reference to Industrial Solvents: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Mikisková, Hana; Mikiska, Aloš

    1968-01-01

    Four electrophysiological methods, two based on stimulation (measurement of spinal reflex excitability and of direct excitability of the cerebral motor cortex) and two based on bioelectric recording (electro-encephalography and electrocardiography), were used in intact guinea-pigs and rabbits for studying the action of narcotic and anaesthetic agents, especially of industrial solvents. The authors' results have been reviewed and compared with those of other investigators in an attempt to work out experimental procedures for routine toxicity testing. PMID:4296739

  16. Demographic characteristics and clinical predictors of patients discharged from university hospital-affiliated pain clinic due to breach in narcotic use contract.

    PubMed

    Chakrabortty, Shushovan; Gupta, Deepak; Rustom, David; Berry, Hussein; Rai, Ajit

    2014-01-01

    The current retrospective study was completed with the aim to identify demographic characteristics and clinical predictors (if any) of the patients discharged from our pain clinic due to breach in narcotic use contract (BNUC). Retrospective patient charts' review and data audit. University hospital-affiliated pain clinic in the United States. All patient charts in our pain clinic for a 2-year period (2011-2012). The patients with BNUC were delineated from the patients who had not been discharged from our pain clinic. Pain characteristics, pain management, and substance abuse status were compared in each patient with BNUC between the time of admission and the time of discharge. The patients with BNUC discharges showed significant variability for the discharging factors among the pain physicians within a single pain clinic model with this variability being dependent on their years of experience and their proactive interventional pain management. The patients with BNUC in our pain clinic setting were primarily middle-aged, obese, unmarried males with nondocumented stable occupational history who were receiving only noninterventional pain management. Substance abuse, doctor shopping, and potential diversion were the top three documented reasons for BNUC discharges. In 2011-2012, our pain clinic discharged 1-in-16 patients due to breach in narcotic use contract.

  17. Combination decongestion therapy in hospitalized heart failure: loop diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and vasopressin antagonists.

    PubMed

    Vaduganathan, Muthiah; Mentz, Robert J; Greene, Stephen J; Senni, Michele; Sato, Naoki; Nodari, Savina; Butler, Javed; Gheorghiade, Mihai

    2015-01-01

    Congestion is the most common reason for admissions and readmissions for heart failure (HF). The vast majority of hospitalized HF patients appear to respond readily to loop diuretics, but available data suggest that a significant proportion are being discharged with persistent evidence of congestion. Although novel therapies targeting congestion should continue to be developed, currently available agents may be utilized more optimally to facilitate complete decongestion. The combination of loop diuretics, natriuretic doses of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and vasopressin antagonists represents a regimen of currently available therapies that affects early and persistent decongestion, while limiting the associated risks of electrolyte disturbances, hemodynamic fluctuations, renal dysfunction and mortality.

  18. Non-NMDA receptor antagonist-induced drinking in rat

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Xu, Z.; Johnson, A. K.

    1998-01-01

    Glutamate has been implicated in the central control of mechanisms that maintain body fluid homeostasis. The present studies demonstrate that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of the non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists 6, 7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3 dione (CNQX) induce drinking in rats. The dipsogenic effect of i.c.v. DNQX was antagonized by the non-NMDA receptor agonist alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA). The water intake induced by DNQX was also blocked by pretreatment with a NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, but not by angiotensin type 1 (AT1) or acetylcholine muscarinic receptor antagonists (losartan and atropine). The results indicate that non-NMDA receptors may exert a tonic inhibitory effect within brain circuits that control dipsogenic activity and that functional integrity of NMDA receptors may be required for the non-NMDA receptor antagonists to induce water intake. Copyright 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

  19. Antagonistic studies and hyphal interactions of the new antagonist Aspergillus piperis against some phytopathogenic fungi in vitro in comparison with Trichoderma harzianum.

    PubMed

    El-Debaiky, Samah A

    2017-12-01

    The present study represents, for the first time, the detailed studies about the hyphal interactions of Aspergillus piperis, as a new antagonist, against some isolated plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotium cepivorum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in vitro. The bio-controlling capability of A. piperis against the tested phytopathogens was tested using the dual culture method. This experiment revealed that A. piperis had antagonistic activity and reduced the growth of the tested phytopathogens and grew over their mycelia in the paired plates. Also, several antagonistic mechanisms were recorded, in this study, between A. piperis and the tested phytopathogens using the microscopic examination. The bio-controlling activity and the antagonistic mechanisms exhibited by the new antagonist, A. piperis were compared with those obtained by the common antagonist, Trichoderma harzianum against the same phytopathogens. The obtained results showed that, A. piperis was more effective than T. harzianum in inhibiting all the tested species in the dual culture plates. The best result was 81.85% inhibition percentage against S. sclerotiorum by A. piperis while, T. harzianum exhibits only 45.18%. Moreover, several antagonistic mechanisms and hyphal interactions were investigated among the hyphae of both A.piperis and T. harzianum and the hyphae of the tested phytopathogens. These mechanisms were summarized as; mycoparasitism (coiling and penetration of the hyphae) and antibiosis in the form of lysis of the hyphal cells and spores, denaturation and breaking of the hyphae. The indirect interaction (antibiosis) and the direct mycoparasitism were observed by A. piperis against all the tested phytopathogens, but it attacked the hyphae and conidiophores of A. alternata by only the antibiosis interaction. The microscopic examination revealed also that T. harzianum attacked the tested phytopathogens by both antibiosis and mycoparasitism

  20. Attenuation in rats of impairments of memory by scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, by mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Newman, L. A.

    2015-01-01

    Rationale Scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, impairs learning and memory for many tasks, supporting an important role for the cholinergic system in these cognitive functions. The findings are most often interpreted to indicate that a decrease in postsynaptic muscarinic receptor activation mediates the memory impairments. However, scopolamine also results in increased release of acetylcholine in the brain as a result of blocking presynaptic muscarinic receptors. Objectives The present experiments assess whether scopolamine-induced increases in acetylcholine release may impair memory by overstimulating postsynaptic cholinergic nicotinic receptors, i.e., by reaching the high end of a nicotinic receptor activation inverted-U dose-response function. Results Rats tested in a spontaneous alternation task showed dose-dependent working memory deficits with systemic injections of mecamylamine and scopolamine. When an amnestic dose of scopolamine (0.15 mg/kg) was co-administered with a subamnestic dose of mecamylamine (0.25 mg/kg), this dose of mecamylamine significantly attenuated the scopolamine-induced memory impairments. We next assessed the levels of acetylcholine release in the hippocampus in the presence of scopolamine and mecamylamine. Mecamylamine injections resulted in decreased release of acetylcholine, while scopolamine administration caused a large increase in acetylcholine release. Conclusions These findings indicate that a nicotinic antagonist can attenuate impairments in memory produced by a muscarinic antagonist. The nicotinic antagonist may block excessive activation of nicotinic receptors postsynaptically or attenuate increases in acetylcholine release presynaptically. Either effect of a nicotinic antagonist—to decrease scopolamine-induced increases in acetylcholine output or to decrease post-synaptic acetylcholine receptor activation—may mediate the negative effects on memory of muscarinic antagonists. PMID:26660295

  1. Oral tremor induced by the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine is suppressed by the adenosine A2A antagonists MSX-3 and SCH58261, but not the adenosine A1 antagonist DPCPX.

    PubMed

    Collins, Lyndsey E; Galtieri, Daniel J; Brennum, Lise T; Sager, Thomas N; Hockemeyer, Jörg; Müller, Christa E; Hinman, James R; Chrobak, James J; Salamone, John D

    2010-02-01

    Tremulous jaw movements in rats, which can be induced by dopamine (DA) antagonists, DA depletion, and cholinomimetics, have served as a useful model for studies of tremor. Although adenosine A(2A) antagonists can reduce the tremulous jaw movements induced by DA antagonists and DA depletion, there are conflicting reports about the interaction between adenosine antagonists and cholinomimetic drugs. The present studies investigated the ability of adenosine antagonists to reverse the tremorogenic effect of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. While the adenosine A(2A) antagonist MSX-3 was incapable of reversing the tremulous jaw movements induced by the 4.0mg/kg dose of pilocarpine, both MSX-3 and the adenosine A(2A) antagonist SCH58261 reversed the tremulous jaw movements elicited by 0.5mg/kg pilocarpine. Systemic administration of the adenosine A(1) antagonist DPCPX failed to reverse the tremulous jaw movements induced by either an acute 0.5mg/kg dose of the cholinomimetic pilocarpine or the DA D2 antagonist pimozide, indicating that the tremorolytic effects of adenosine antagonists may be receptor subtype specific. Behaviorally active doses of MSX-3 and SCH 58261 showed substantial in vivo occupancy of A(2A) receptors, but DPCPX did not. The results of these studies support the use of adenosine A(2A) antagonists for the treatment of tremor. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Federal Drug Law Enforcement and Interdiction. Hearing before the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session, May 22, 1984.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

    This document contains testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing on federal drug law enforcement. Statements are given from Congressman Claude Pepper, the staff director of the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System (NNBIS), an administrator from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a commissioner from the…

  3. Antagonistic and Bargaining Games in Optimal Marketing Decisions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lipovetsky, S.

    2007-01-01

    Game theory approaches to find optimal marketing decisions are considered. Antagonistic games with and without complete information, and non-antagonistic games techniques are applied to paired comparison, ranking, or rating data for a firm and its competitors in the market. Mix strategy, equilibrium in bi-matrix games, bargaining models with…

  4. Identification of M-CSF agonists and antagonists

    DOEpatents

    Pandit, Jayvardhan [Mystic, CT; Jancarik, Jarmila [Walnut Creek, CA; Kim, Sung-Hou [Moraga, CA; Koths, Kirston [El Cerrito, CA; Halenbeck, Robert [San Rafael, CA; Fear, Anna Lisa [Oakland, CA; Taylor, Eric [Oakland, CA; Yamamoto, Ralph [Martinez, CA; Bohm, Andrew [Armonk, NY

    2000-02-15

    The present invention is directed to methods for crystallizing macrophage colony stimulating factor. The present invention is also directed to methods for designing and producing M-CSF agonists and antagonists using information derived from the crystallographic structure of M-CSF. The invention is also directed to methods for screening M-CSF agonists and antagonists. In addition, the present invention is directed to an isolated, purified, soluble and functional M-CSF receptor.

  5. Permanent renal loss following tumor necrosis factor α antagonists for arthritis.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tzu-Jen; Yang, Ya-Fei; Huang, Po-Hao; Lin, Hsin-Hung; Huang, Chiu-Ching

    2010-06-01

    Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists are now widely used in the treatment of aggressive rheumatoid arthritis and are generally well tolerated. Although rare, they could induce systemic lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated systemic vasculitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists associated glomerulonephritis usually subsides after discontinuation of the therapy and subsequent initiation of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Here we describe crescentic glomerulonephritis progression to end-stage renal disease in a patient following two doses of TNF-alpha antagonists for the treatment of reactive arthritis. To our knowledge, dialysis dependent permanent renal loss after TNF-alpha antagonists has not yet been reported. We suggest the renal function should be closely monitored in patients treated with TNF-alpha antagonists by rheumatologists.

  6. Neuroprotective Effects of Glutamate Antagonists and Extracellular Acidity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaku, David A.; Giffard, Rona G.; Choi, Dennis W.

    1993-06-01

    Glutamate antagonists protect neurons from hypoxic injury both in vivo and in vitro, but in vitro studies have not been done under the acidic conditions typical of hypoxia-ischemia in vivo. Consistent with glutamate receptor antagonism, extracellular acidity reduced neuronal death in murine cortical cultures that were deprived of oxygen and glucose. Under these acid conditions, N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isox-azolepropionate-kainate antagonists further reduced neuronal death, such that some neurons tolerated prolonged oxygen and glucose deprivation almost as well as did astrocytes. Neuroprotection induced by this combination exceeded that induced by glutamate antagonists alone, suggesting that extracellular acidity has beneficial effects beyond the attenuation of ionotropic glutamate receptor activation.

  7. Antagonist wear of monolithic zirconia crowns after 2 years.

    PubMed

    Lohbauer, Ulrich; Reich, Sven

    2017-05-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of wear on the antagonist occlusal surfaces of clinically placed monolithic zirconia premolar and molar crowns (LAVA Plus, 3M ESPE). Fourteen in situ monolithic zirconia crowns and their opposing antagonists (n = 26) are the subject of an ongoing clinical trial and have been clinically examined at baseline and after 24 months. Silicone impressions were taken and epoxy replicas produced for qualitative SEM analysis and quantitative analysis using optical profilometry. Based on the baseline replicas, the follow-up situation has been scanned and digitally matched with the initial topography in order to calculate the mean volume loss (in mm 3 ) as well as the mean maximum vertical loss (in mm) after 2 years in service. The mean volume loss for enamel antagonist contacts (n = 7) was measured to 0.361 mm 3 and the mean of the maximum vertical loss to 0.204 mm. The mean volume loss for pure ceramic contacts (n = 10) was measured to 0.333 mm 3 and the mean of the maximum vertical loss to 0.145 mm. The wear rates on enamel contacts were not significantly different from those measured on ceramic antagonists. Based on the limitations of this study, it can be concluded for the monolithic zirconia material LAVA Plus that the measured wear rates are in consensus with other in vivo studies on ceramic restorations. Further, that no significant difference was found between natural enamel antagonists and ceramic restorations as antagonists. The monolithic zirconia restorations do not seem to be affected by wear within the first 2 years. The monolithic zirconia crowns (LAVA Plus) show acceptable antagonist wear rates after 2 years in situ, regardless of natural enamel or ceramics as antagonist materials.

  8. The Effect of Sympathetic Antagonists on the Antidepressant Action of Alprazolam

    PubMed Central

    Al-Tubuly, RA; Aburawi, SM; Alghzewi, EA; Gorash, ZM; Errwami, S

    2008-01-01

    Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety drug shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. In this study, the effect of sympathetic receptor antagonists on alprazolam–induced antidepressant action was studied using a mouse model of forced swimming behavioral despair. The interaction of three sympathetic receptor antagonists with benzodiazepines, which may impact the clinical use of alprazolam, was also studied. Behavioral despair was examined in six groups of albino mice. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally. The control group received only a single dose of 1% Tween 80. The second group received a single dose of alprazolam, and the third group received an antagonist followed by alprazolam. The fourth group was treated with imipramine, and the fifth group received an antagonist followed by imipramine. The sixth group was treated with a single dose of an antagonist alone (atenolol, a β1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist; propranolol, a non selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist; and prazocin, an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist). Results confirmed the antidepressant action of alprazolam and imipramine. Prazocin treatment alone produced depression, but it significantly potentiated the antidepressant actions of imipramine and alprazolam. Atenolol alone produced an antidepressant effect and potentiated the antidepressant action of alprazolam. Propranolol treatment alone produced depression, and antagonized the effects of alprazolam and imipramine, even producing depression in combined treatments.In conclusion, our results reveal that alprazolam may produce antidepressant effects through the release of noradrenaline, which stimulates β2 receptors to produce an antidepressant action. Imipramine may act by activating β2 receptors by blocking or down-regulating β1 receptors. PMID:21499463

  9. Interaction between Antagonist of Cannabinoid Receptor and Antagonist of Adrenergic Receptor on Anxiety in Male Rat.

    PubMed

    Komaki, Alireza; Abdollahzadeh, Fatemeh; Sarihi, Abdolrahman; Shahidi, Siamak; Salehi, Iraj

    2014-01-01

    Anxiety is among the most common and treatable mental disorders. Adrenergic and cannabinoid systems have an important role in the neurobiology of anxiety. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) has broadly been used to investigate anxiolytic and anxiogenic compounds. The present study investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) injection of cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) in the presence of alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist (Prazosin) on rat behavior in the EPM. In this study, the data were obtained from male Wistar rat, which weighing 200- 250 g. Animal behavior in EPM were videotaped and saved in computer for 10 min after IP injection of saline, AM251 (0.3 mg/kg), Prazosin (0.3 mg/kg) and AM251 + Prazosin, subsequently scored for conventional indices of anxiety. During the test period, the number of open and closed arms entries, the percentage of entries into the open arms of the EPM, and the spent time in open and closed arms were recorded. Diazepam was considered as a positive control drug with anxiolytic effect (0.3, 0.6, 1.2 mg/kg). Diazepam increased the number of open arm entries and the percentage of spent time on the open arms. IP injection of AM251 before EPM trial decreased open arms exploration and open arm entry. Whereas, Prazosin increased open arms exploration and open arm entry. This study showed that both substances in simultaneous injection have conflicting effects on the responses of each of these two compounds in a single injection. Injection of CB1 receptor antagonist may have an anxiogenic profile in rat, whereas adrenergic antagonist has an anxiolytic effect. Further investigations are essential for better understanding of anxiolytic and anxiogenic properties and neurobiological mechanisms of action and probable interactions of the two systems.

  10. Comparing Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy and 12-Steps Narcotics Anonymous in Addict's Rehabilitation Process: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Azkhosh, Manoochehr; Farhoudianm, Ali; Saadati, Hemn; Shoaee, Fateme; Lashani, Leila

    2016-10-01

    Objective: Substance abuse is a socio-psychological disorder. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy with 12-steps Narcotics Anonymous on psychological well-being of opiate dependent individuals in addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran. Method: This was a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected at entry into the study and at post-test and follow-up visits. The participants were selected from opiate addicted individuals who referred to addiction treatment centers in Shiraz. Sixty individuals were evaluated according to inclusion/ exclusion criteria and were divided into three equal groups randomly (20 participants per group). One group received acceptance and commitment group therapy (Twelve 90-minute sessions) and the other group was provided with the 12-steps Narcotics Anonymous program and the control group received the usual methadone maintenance treatment. During the treatment process, seven participants dropped out. Data were collected using the psychological well-being questionnaire and AAQ questionnaire in the three groups at pre-test, post-test and follow-up visits. Data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: Repeated measure analysis of variance revealed that the mean difference between the three groups was significant (P<0.05) and that acceptance and commitment therapy group showed improvement relative to the NA and control groups on psychological well-being and psychological flexibility. Conclusion : The results of this study revealed that acceptance and commitment therapy can be helpful in enhancing positive emotions and increasing psychological well-being of addicts who seek treatment.

  11. Opioid Antagonist Impedes Exposure.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Merluzzi, Thomas V.; And Others

    1991-01-01

    Thirty spider-phobic adults underwent exposure to 17 phobic-related, graded performance tests. Fifteen subjects were assigned to naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and 15 were assigned to placebo. Naltrexone had a significant effect on exposure, with naltrexone subjects taking significantly longer to complete first 10 steps of exposure and with…

  12. Afferent Mechanisms of Microwave-Induced Biological Effects.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-08-12

    an effect by treatment with low doses of narcotic antagonist (naloxone or naltrexone ) was used as a criterion for the involvement of endogenous...block number) kEffects of low -level microwave irradiation on neurological function wer-LinesTrgated in the- rat. Results can be summarized in the...effects of microwave exposure and may have important implications in certain occupational situations in which repeated exposure to low -level microwaves is

  13. Novel long‐acting antagonists of muscarinic ACh receptors

    PubMed Central

    Randáková, Alena; Rudajev, Vladimír; Doležal, Vladimír; Boulos, John

    2018-01-01

    Background and Purpose The aim of this study was to develop potent and long‐acting antagonists of muscarinic ACh receptors. The 4‐hexyloxy and 4‐butyloxy derivatives of 1‐[2‐(4‐oxidobenzoyloxy)ethyl]‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin‐1‐ium were synthesized and tested for biological activity. Antagonists with long‐residence time at receptors are therapeutic targets for the treatment of several neurological and psychiatric human diseases. Their long‐acting effects allow for reduced daily doses and adverse effects. Experimental Approach The binding and antagonism of functional responses to the agonist carbachol mediated by 4‐hexyloxy compounds were investigated in CHO cells expressing individual subtypes of muscarinic receptors and compared with 4‐butyloxy analogues. Key Results The 4‐hexyloxy derivatives were found to bind muscarinic receptors with micromolar affinity and antagonized the functional response to carbachol with a potency ranging from 30 nM at M1 to 4 μM at M3 receptors. Under washing conditions to reverse antagonism, the half‐life of their antagonistic action ranged from 1.7 h at M2 to 5 h at M5 receptors. Conclusions and Implications The 4‐hexyloxy derivatives were found to be potent long‐acting M1‐preferring antagonists. In view of current literature, M1‐selective antagonists may have therapeutic potential for striatal cholinergic dystonia, delaying epileptic seizure after organophosphate intoxication or relieving depression. These compounds may also serve as a tool for research into cognitive deficits. PMID:29498041

  14. Antagonistic interactions between plant competition and insect herbivory.

    PubMed

    Schädler, Martin; Brandl, Roland; Haase, Josephine

    2007-06-01

    Interspecific competition between plants and herbivory by specialized insects can have synergistic effects on the growth and performance of the attacked host plant. We tested the hypothesis that competition between plants may also negatively affect the performance of herbivores as well as their top-down effect on the host plant. In such a case, the combined effects of competition and herbivory may be less than expected from a simple multiplicative response. In other words, competition and herbivory may interact antagonistically. In a greenhouse experiment, Poa annua was grown in the presence or absence of a competitor (either Plantago lanceolata or Trifolium repens), as well as with or without a Poa-specialist aphid herbivore. Both competition and herbivory negatively affected Poa growth. Competition also reduced aphid density on Poa. This effect could in part be explained by changes in the biomass and the nitrogen content of Poa shoots. In treatments with competitors, reduced aphid densities alleviated the negative effect of herbivory on above- and belowground Poa biomass. Hence, we were able to demonstrate an antagonistic interaction between plant-plant interspecific competition and herbivory. However, response indices suggested that antagonistic interactions between competition and herbivory were contingent on the identity of the competitor. We found the antagonistic effect only in treatments with T. repens as the competitor. We conclude that both competitor identity and the herbivore's ability to respond with changes in its density or activity to plant competition affect the magnitude and direction (synergistic vs. antagonistic) of the interaction between competition and herbivory on plant growth.

  15. A Review of the Clinical Manifestations, Pathophysiology and Management of Opioid Bowel Dysfunction and Narcotic Bowel Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Azizi, Zahra; Javid Anbardan, Sanam; Ebrahimi Daryani, Naser

    2014-01-01

    Opioids are widely used for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant pains. These medications are accompanied by adverse effects, in particular gastrointestinal symptoms known as opioid bowel dysfunction (OBD). The most common symptom of OBD is refractory constipation that is usually stable regardless of the use of laxatives. Narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS) is a subset of OBD described as ambiguous chronic pain aggravated by continual or increased opioid use for pain relief. Pathophysiology of these disorders are not definitely disentangled. Some challenging hypothesis have been posed leading to specific management in order to mitigate the adverse effects. This article is a review of the literature on the prevalence, pathophysiology and management of OBD and NBS. PMID:24829698

  16. Early Illustrations of Geste Antagoniste in Cervical and Generalized Dystonia

    PubMed Central

    Broussolle, Emmanuel; Laurencin, Chloé; Bernard, Emilien; Thobois, Stéphane; Danaila, Teodor; Krack, Paul

    2015-01-01

    Background Geste antagoniste, or sensory trick, is a voluntary maneuver that temporarily reduces the severity of dystonic postures or movements. We present a historical review of early reports and illustrations of geste antagoniste. Results In 1894, Brissaud described this phenomenon in Paris in patients with torticollis. He noted that a violent muscular contraction could be reversed by a minor voluntary action. He considered the improvement obtained by what he called “simple mannerisms, childish behaviour or fake pathological movements” was proof of the psychogenic origin of what he named mental torticollis. This concept was supported by photographical illustrations of the patients. The term geste antagoniste was used by Brissaud’s pupils, Meige and Feindel, in their 1902 monograph on movement disorders. Other reports and illustrations of this sign were published in Europe between 1894 and 1906. Although not mentioned explicitly, geste antagoniste was also illustrated in a case report of generalized dystonia in Oppenheim’s 1911 seminal description of dystonia musculorum deformans in Berlin. Discussion Brissaud-Meige’s misinterpretation of the geste antagoniste unfortunately anchored the psychogenic origin of dystonia for decades. In New York, Herz brought dystonia back into the realm of organic neurology in 1944. Thereafter, it was given prominence by other authors, notably Fahn and Marsden in the 1970–1980s. Nowadays, neurologists routinely investigate for geste antagoniste when a dystonic syndrome is suspected, because it provides a further argument in favor of dystonia. The term alleviating maneuver was proposed in 2014 to replace sensory trick or geste antagoniste. This major sign is now part of the motor phenomenology of the 2013 Movement Disorder Society’s classification of dystonia. PMID:26417535

  17. Orexin OX2 Receptor Antagonists as Sleep Aids.

    PubMed

    Jacobson, Laura H; Chen, Sui; Mir, Sanjida; Hoyer, Daniel

    The discovery of the orexin system represents the single major progress in the sleep field of the last three to four decades. The two orexin peptides and their two receptors play a major role in arousal and sleep/wake cycles. Defects in the orexin system lead to narcolepsy with cataplexy in humans and dogs and can be experimentally reproduced in rodents. At least six orexin receptor antagonists have reached Phase II or Phase III clinical trials in insomnia, five of which are dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) that target both OX 1 and OX 2 receptors (OX 2 Rs). All clinically tested DORAs induce and maintain sleep: suvorexant, recently registered in the USA and Japan for insomnia, represents the first hypnotic principle that acts in a completely different manner from the current standard medications. It is clear, however, that in the clinic, all DORAs promote sleep primarily by increasing rapid eye movement (REM) and are almost devoid of effects on slow-wave (SWS) sleep. At present, there is no consensus on whether the sole promotion of REM sleep has a negative impact in patients suffering from insomnia. However, sleep onset REM (SOREM), which has been documented with DORAs, is clearly an undesirable effect, especially for narcoleptic patients and also in fragile populations (e.g. elderly patients) where REM-associated loss of muscle tone may promote an elevated risk of falls. Debate thus remains as to the ideal orexin agent to achieve a balanced increase in REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Here, we review the evidence that an OX 2 R antagonist should be at least equivalent, or perhaps superior, to a DORA for the treatment of insomnia. An OX 2 R antagonist may produce more balanced sleep than a DORA. Rodent sleep experiments show that the OX 2 R is the primary target of orexin receptor antagonists in sleep modulation. Furthermore, an OX 2 R antagonist should, in theory, have a lower narcoleptic/cataplexic potential. In the clinic, the situation

  18. Effects of an orally active vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Burrell, L M; Phillips, P A; Stephenson, J; Risvanis, J; Hutchins, A M; Johnston, C I

    1993-05-01

    1. This paper reports on the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of a non-peptide vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist 1-(1-[4-(3-acetylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-4-piperidyl)-3,4-dihydro-2( 1H)- quinolinone (OPC-21268). 2. OPC-21268 caused a concentration-dependent displacement of the selective V1 receptor antagonist radioligand, [125I]-[d(CH2)5, sarcosine7]AVP from vasopressin V1 receptors in rat liver and kidney membranes, inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) 4 x 10(-8), 0.3 mol/L liver and 1.5 x 10(-8), 0.2 mol/L kidney. OPC-21268 had little effect on the selective V2 antagonist radioligand [3H]desGly-NH2(9)-d(CH2)5[D-Ileu2, Ileu4]AVP binding to V2 receptors in renal membranes (IC50 > 10(-4) mol/L). 3. After oral administration to rats, OPC-21268 was an effective V1 antagonist to both liver and kidney V1 receptors, in a dose-dependent manner. 4. These studies confirm that OPC-21268 is a potent non-peptide, orally effective V1 vasopressin receptor antagonist.

  19. The muscarinic antagonists scopolamine and atropine are competitive antagonists at 5-HT3 receptors.

    PubMed

    Lochner, Martin; Thompson, Andrew J

    2016-09-01

    Scopolamine is a high affinity muscarinic antagonist that is used for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are used for the same purpose and are structurally related to scopolamine. To examine whether 5-HT3 receptors are affected by scopolamine we examined the effects of this drug on the electrophysiological and ligand binding properties of 5-HT3A receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells, respectively. 5-HT3 receptor-responses were reversibly inhibited by scopolamine with an IC50 of 2.09 μM. Competitive antagonism was shown by Schild plot (pA2 = 5.02) and by competition with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists [(3)H]granisetron (Ki = 6.76 μM) and G-FL (Ki = 4.90 μM). The related molecule, atropine, similarly inhibited 5-HT evoked responses in oocytes with an IC50 of 1.74 μM, and competed with G-FL with a Ki of 7.94 μM. The reverse experiment revealed that granisetron also competitively bound to muscarinic receptors (Ki = 6.5 μM). In behavioural studies scopolamine is used to block muscarinic receptors and induce a cognitive deficit, and centrally administered concentrations can exceed the IC50 values found here. It is therefore possible that 5-HT3 receptors are also inhibited. Studies that utilise higher concentrations of scopolamine should be mindful of these potential off-target effects. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  20. Controversial therapeutics: the β-adrenergic antagonist and cocaine-associated cardiovascular complications dilemma.

    PubMed

    Schurr, James W; Gitman, Brenda; Belchikov, Yuly

    2014-12-01

    Cocaine abuse is associated with cardiovascular complications that include chest pain and myocardial infarction. Traditional therapy for these conditions includes a β-adrenergic antagonist. However, guidelines released in 2008 recommended against this treatment option because of the prevailing theory that cocaine will potentiate vasospasm secondary to unopposed α-adrenergic effects. Subsequently, further evidence and updated guidelines have become available, debunking this claim. Current literature is limited but suggests that β-adrenergic antagonists are harmful. Although case reports support a detrimental effect of β-adrenergic antagonists, the anecdotal data are inconsistent, and the conclusions from case studies are overruled by larger studies. The pharmacology, pathophysiology, and literature on the use of β-adrenergic antagonists in association with cocaine are reviewed. Future studies that focus on outcomes and different pharmacologic profiles of β-adrenergic antagonists are needed. © 2014 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

  1. Wear Behavior of Ceramic CAD/CAM Crowns and Natural Antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Naumova, Ella A.; Schneider, Stephan; Arnold, Wolfgang H.; Piwowarczyk, Andree

    2017-01-01

    Objective: Evaluation of wear behavior of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) crowns from various restorative materials and natural antagonists. Method: Full CAD/CAM crowns fabricated with nanoceramic resin (Lava Ultimate (LU)), a glass ceramic in a resin interpenetrating matrix (Vita Enamic (VE)) and a lithium silicate reinforced ceramic enriched with zirconia (Vita Suprinity (VS)) were cemented on human molars. The crown and antagonists were subjected to simulated chewing. 3D data sets, before and after the chewing simulation, were generated and matched. Occlusal surface roughness, vertical and volume loss of the crowns and antagonists were analyzed. Results: Crown roughness was significantly different between the LU and VE groups after chewing simulation. Crown vertical loss differed in all groups. The highest crown volume loss was found in the LU group, and the lowest in the VE group. Comparisons between the LU and VE groups and the LU and VS groups were significantly different. The highest antagonist volume loss was reached in the VE group, the lowest was in the LU group. Conclusion: Roughness increased after chewing simulation. LU crowns are the most natural antagonist-friendly; these were the most susceptible to vertical and volume loss. Of the tested materials, the VE crowns are the most stable regarding occlusion. PMID:28772602

  2. Characterization of field isolates of Trichoderma antagonistic against Rhizoctonia solani.

    PubMed

    Anees, Muhammad; Tronsmo, Arne; Edel-Hermann, Véronique; Hjeljord, Linda Gordon; Héraud, Cécile; Steinberg, Christian

    2010-09-01

    The aim of the present study was to characterize sixteen isolates of Trichoderma originating from a field of sugar beet where disease patches caused by Rhizoctonia solani were observed. Use of both molecular and morphological characteristics gave consistent identification of the isolates. Production of water-soluble and volatile inhibitors, mycoparasitism and induced systemic resistance in plant host were investigated using in vitro and in vivo tests in both sterilized and natural soils. This functional approach revealed the intra-specific diversity as well as biocontrol potential of the different isolates. Different antagonistic mechanisms were evident for different strains. The most antagonistic strain, T30 was identified as Trichoderma gamsii. This is the first report of an efficient antagonistic strain of T. gamsii being able to reduce the disease in different conditions. The ability to produce water-soluble inhibitors or coil around the hyphae of the pathogen in vitro was not related to the disease reduction in vivo. Additionally, the strains collected from the high disease areas in the field were better antagonists. The antagonistic activity was not characteristic of a species but that of a population. Copyright © 2010 The British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Nonpeptide vasopressin antagonists: a new group of hormone blockers entering the scene.

    PubMed

    Mayinger, B; Hensen, J

    1999-01-01

    After the story of success of hormone blockers for catecholamines, aldosterone and angiotensin II and their successful implementation into clinical practice another endocrine cardiovascular system has come into focus. It has long been known, that the hormone vasopressin plays an important role in peripheral vasoconstriction, hypertension and in several disease conditions with dilutional hyponatremia in edematous disorders, like congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, SIADH and nephrotic syndrome. A series of orally active nonpeptide antagonists against the vasopressin receptor subtypes has recently been synthesized and is now under intensive examination. Nonpeptide V1a-receptor specific antagonists, OPC 21268 and SR 49059, nonpeptide V2-receptor specific antagonists, SR 121463 A and VPA 985, and combined V1a-/V2-receptor antagonists, OPC 31260 and YM 087, have become available for clinical research. AVP-V2-receptor antagonists lead to a dose-dependent diabetes insipidus in animals and man. The term aquaretic drugs (aquaretics) has been coined for these drugs to highlight their different mechanism compared to the saluretic diuretic furosemide. V1a-receptor antagonists might offer new therapeutic advantages in the treatment of vasoconstriction and hypertension. Combined V1a-/V2-receptor antagonists might be beneficial in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Early results are promising and now need to be confirmed in large clinical studies.

  4. FGFR antagonist induces protective autophagy in FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cell

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Yi; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu; Xie, Xiaoyan

    Breast cancer, representing approximately 30% of all gynecological cancer cases diagnosed yearly, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality for women. Amplification of FGFR1 is frequently observed in breast cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Though FGFRs have long been considered as anti-cancer drug targets, and a cluster of FGFR antagonists are currently under clinical trials, the precise cellular responses under the treatment of FGFR antagonists remains unclear. Here, we show that PD166866, an FGFR1-selective inhibitor, inhibits proliferation and triggers anoikis in FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cell lines. Notably, we demonstrate that PD166866 induces autophagy in FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cellmore » lines, while blockage of autophagy by Atg5 knockdown further enhances the anti-proliferative activities of PD166866. Moreover, mechanistic study reveals that PD166866 induces autophagy through repressing Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Together, the present study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activities of FGFR antagonists, and may further assist the FGFRs-based drug discovery. -- Highlights: •FGFR1 antagonist inhibits cell viability in FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cells. •FGFR1 antagonist induces autophagy in FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cells. •FGFR1 antagonist-induced autophagy is protective. •FGFR1 antagonist induces autophagy by inhibiting Akt/mTOR pathway.« less

  5. Human muscle fascicle behavior in agonist and antagonist isometric contractions.

    PubMed

    Simoneau, Emilie M; Longo, Stefano; Seynnes, Olivier R; Narici, Marco V

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study was to compare, at a given level of electromyographic (EMG) activity, the behavior of dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles as assessed via their architecture (pennation angle and fiber length) during agonist or antagonist isometric contractions. Real-time ultrasonography and EMG activity of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were obtained while young males performed ramp isometric contractions in dorsi- and plantarflexion. For both muscles, at a similar level of EMG activity, fiber length was longer, and pennation angle was smaller, during antagonist than during agonist contractions. These results indicate that, at similar levels of EMG activity, GM and TA muscles elicit a higher mechanical output while acting as an antagonist. These findings have important implications for muscle function testing. They show that estimation of antagonistic force using the common method based on the EMG/net torque relationship yields underestimated values. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. TRPV1 Antagonists and Chronic Pain: Beyond Thermal Perception

    PubMed Central

    Brandt, Michael R.; Beyer, Chad E.; Stahl, Stephen M.

    2012-01-01

    In the last decade, considerable evidence as accumulated to support the development of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonists for the treatment of various chronic pain conditions. Whereas there is a widely accepted rationale for the development of TRPV1 antagonists for the treatment of various inflammatory pain conditions, their development for indications of chronic pain, where conditions of tactical, mechanical and spontaneous pain predominate, is less clear. Preclinical localization and expression studies provide a firm foundation for the use of molecules targeting TRPV1 for conditions of bone pain, osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. Selective TRPV1 antagonists weakly attenuate tactile and mechanical hypersensivity and are partially effective for behavioral and electrophysiological endpoints that incorporate aspects of spontaneous pain. While initial studies with TRPV1 antagonist in normal human subjects indicate a loss of warm thermal perception, clinical studies assessing allelic variants suggests that TRPV1 may mediate other sensory modalities under certain conditions. The focus of this review is to summarize the current perspectives of TRPV1 for the treatment of conditions beyond those with a primary thermal sensitivity. PMID:24288084

  7. Nonsteroidal antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor.

    PubMed

    Kolkhof, Peter; Nowack, Christina; Eitner, Frank

    2015-09-01

    The broad clinical use of steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) is limited by the potential risk of inducing hyperkalemia when given on top of renin-angiotensin system blockade. Drug discovery campaigns have been launched aiming for the identification of nonsteroidal MRAs with an improved safety profile. This review analyses the evidence for the potential of improved safety profiles of nonsteroidal MRAs and the current landscape of clinical trials with nonsteroidal MRAs. At least three novel nonsteroidal MRAs have reportedly demonstrated an improved therapeutic index (i.e. less risk for hyperkalemia) in comparison to steroidal antagonists in preclinical models. Five pharmaceutical companies have nonsteroidal MRAs in clinical development with a clear focus on the treatment of chronic kidney diseases. No clinical data have been published so far for MT-3995 (Mitsubishi), SC-3150 (Daiichi-Sankyo), LY2623091 (Eli Lilly) and PF-03882845 (Pfizer). In contrast, data from two clinical phase II trials are available for finerenone (Bayer) which demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure and additional chronic kidney diseases, and significantly reduced albuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Neither hyperkalemia nor reductions in kidney function were limiting factors to its use. Novel, nonsteroidal MRAs are currently tested in clinical trials. Based on preclinical and first clinical data, these nonsteroidal MRAs might overcome the limitations of today's steroidal antagonists.

  8. Neutralization of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B by an Aptamer Antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Kaiyu; Gan, Longjie; Jiang, Li; Zhang, Xianhui; Yang, Xiangyue; Chen, Min

    2015-01-01

    Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a major virulence factor for staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS). SEB activates a large subset of the T lymphocytic population, releasing proinflammatory cytokines. Blocking SEB-initiated toxicity may be an effective strategy for treating TSS. Using a process known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we identified an aptamer that can antagonize SEB with nanomolar binding affinity (Kd = 64 nM). The aptamer antagonist effectively inhibits SEB-mediated proliferation and cytokine secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, a PEGylated aptamer antagonist significantly reduced mortality in a “double-hit” mouse model of SEB-induced TSS, established via sensitization with d-galactosamine followed by SEB challenge. Therefore, our novel aptamer antagonist may offer potential therapeutic efficacy against SEB-mediated TSS. PMID:25624325

  9. Closed to reason: time for accountability for the International Narcotic Control Board

    PubMed Central

    Small, Dan; Drucker, Ernest

    2007-01-01

    For more than two decades, the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) has tried to stop harm reduction and its HIV prevention programs. This posture is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of their responsibilities and of drug addiction itself – i.e. as a public health and clinical care matter made criminal by decree. A recent focal point for the Board's action has been rejecting the use of supervised injection facilities to reduce morbidity and mortality of drug injectors. They single out individual countries and attempt to bully them into rejecting such programs under the banner of the United Nations (falsely) and in the name of international treaties. Their unrelenting and unjustified badgering of signatories to the international treaties that established the INCB is not only unjustified; it is an affront to one of the core purposes of the Board itself: to ensure adequate medical supplies and safe use of controlled substances. The INCB's ill-conceived obsession with intravenousaddiction as a crime flies in the face of the medical view and policies of the World Health Organization and the universally endorsed principles of the General Assembly of the United Nations. The latest target of the INCB is North America's only supervised injection facility, Insite, located in the inner city of Vancouver, Canada. Using the power of their office to meddle in matters of public health for individual nations is without medical, scientific or legal justification. But, most importantly, it is a matter of lifeand death for these most marginalized of citizens. The empirical evidence remains that a significant portion of the continued growth of the AIDS pandemic is due to injecting drug use, and the INCB's intrusion will inevitably result in additional deaths due to preventable HIV infections and drug overdoses. So we are very pleased to call to our readers' attention to a recent report produced by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and the International Harm Reduction

  10. Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonistic and calcium antagonistic effects of nicergoline in the rat isolated aorta.

    PubMed

    Heitz, C; Descombes, J J; Miller, R C; Stoclet, J C

    1986-04-16

    The activity of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist nicergoline, a molecule composed of two constituent parts, ergoline and bromonicotinic acid, was investigated in the rat isolated aorta. Nicergoline (10 nM-0.1 microM) displaced concentration-effect curves elicited by noradrenaline and phenylephrine to the right and inhibited maximal responses elicited by both alpha-adrenoceptor agonists without significantly affecting prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced contractions. Higher concentrations of nicergoline (1 microM-50 microM) displaced to the right the concentration-effect curves elicited by calcium in a depolarizing medium. This calcium antagonist activity was not shared by either of the constituent parts. Nicergoline 100 microM abolished the 45Ca influx induced into rat aorta by 100 mM K+-containing physiological solution. The selectivity of nicergoline for alpha 1-adrenoceptors seen in binding experiments also depends on the presence of the bromonicotinic moiety of the molecule. It is concluded that nicergoline, but not its substituent parts, displays both alpha 1-adrenoceptor and calcium antagonism. The latter property may account for some of the observed effects of this compound.

  11. Controlling Culex pipiens: antagonists are more efficient than a neonicotinoid insecticide.

    PubMed

    Meyabeme Elono, Alvine Larissa; Foit, Kaarina; Duquesne, Sabine; Liess, Matthias

    2018-06-01

    Species vulnerability to pesticides depends on physiological sensitivity, the potential to recover, and the ecological context. We assessed the vulnerability of the mosquito Culex pipiens to a repeated treatment with thiacloprid in outdoor microcosms with and without antagonists (competitive and predatory invertebrates). Microcosms were treated repeatedly (three times) with thiacloprid at a concentration of 0.1, 1, or 10 µg/liter. In microcosms without antagonists, the abundance of Cx. pipiens larvae decreased moderately after the second and the third exposures to 10 µg/liter thiacloprid. In microcosms with antagonists, the abundance of Cx. pipiens larvae declined to approximately zero in the control group and the low concentration treatments during the five weeks of observation. By contrast, the abundance of Cx. pipiens larvae temporarily increased at 10 µg/liter thiacloprid after the second and third contamination. We explained this positive effect on the development of Cx. pipiens because of the decrease in competition due to the elimination of sensitive antagonists combined with the high recovery potential of Cx. pipiens. Based on these results, natural antagonists must be supported for the sustainable control of mosquitoes. © 2018 The Society for Vector Ecology.

  12. Antagonist-perturbation mechanism for activation function-2 fixed motifs: active conformation and docking mode of retinoid X receptor antagonists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsuji, Motonori

    2017-06-01

    HX531, which contains a dibenzodiazepine skeleton, is one of the first retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonists. Functioning via RXR-PPARγ heterodimer, this compound is receiving a lot of attention as a therapeutic drug candidate for diabetic disease controlling differentiation of adipose tissue. However, the active conformation of HX531 for RXRs is not well established. In the present study, quantum mechanics calculations and molecular mechanical docking simulations were carried out to precisely study the docking mode of HX531 with the human RXRα ligand-binding domain, as well as to provide a new approach to drug design using a structure-based perspective. It was suggested that HX531, which has the R configuration for the bent dibenzodiazepine plane together with the equatorial configuration for the N-methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom in the seven-membered diazepine ring, is a typical activation function-2 (AF-2) fixed motif perturbation type antagonist, which destabilizes the formation of AF-2 fixed motifs. On the other hand, the docking simulations supported the experimental result that LG100754 is an RXR homodimer antagonist and an RXR heterodimer agonist.

  13. Antiviral activity of formyl peptide receptor 2 antagonists against influenza viruses.

    PubMed

    Courtin, Noémie; Fotso, Aurélien Fotso; Fautrad, Pierre; Mas, Floriane; Alessi, Marie-Christine; Riteau, Béatrice

    2017-07-01

    Influenza viruses are one of the most important respiratory pathogens worldwide, causing both epidemic and pandemic infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of FPR2 antagonists PBP10 and BOC2 on influenza virus replication. We determined that these molecules exhibit antiviral effects against influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, H6N2) and B viruses. FPR2 antagonists used in combination with oseltamivir showed additive antiviral effects. Mechanistically, the antiviral effect of PBP10 and BOC2 is mediated through early inhibition of virus-induced ERK activation. Finally, our preclinical studies showed that FPR2 antagonists protected mice from lethal infections induced by influenza, both in a prophylactic and therapeutic manner. Thus, FPR2 antagonists might be explored for novel treatments against influenza. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Drug safety is a barrier to the discovery and development of new androgen receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Foster, William R; Car, Bruce D; Shi, Hong; Levesque, Paul C; Obermeier, Mary T; Gan, Jinping; Arezzo, Joseph C; Powlin, Stephanie S; Dinchuk, Joseph E; Balog, Aaron; Salvati, Mark E; Attar, Ricardo M; Gottardis, Marco M

    2011-04-01

    Androgen receptor (AR) antagonists are part of the standard of care for prostate cancer. Despite the almost inevitable development of resistance in prostate tumors to AR antagonists, no new AR antagonists have been approved for over a decade. Treatment failure is due in part to mutations that increase activity of AR in response to lower ligand concentrations as well as to mutations that result in AR response to a broader range of ligands. The failure to discover new AR antagonists has occurred in the face of continued research; to enable progress, a clear understanding of the reasons for failure is required. Non-clinical drug safety studies and safety pharmacology assays were performed on previously approved AR antagonists (bicalutamide, flutamide, nilutamide), next generation antagonists in clinical testing (MDV3100, BMS-641988), and a pre-clinical drug candidate (BMS-501949). In addition, non-clinical studies with AR mutant mice, and EEG recordings in rats were performed. Non-clinical findings are compared to disclosures of clinical trial results. As a drug class, AR antagonists cause seizure in animals by an off-target mechanism and are found in vitro to inhibit GABA-A currents. Clinical trials of candidate next generation AR antagonists identify seizure as a clinical safety risk. Non-clinical drug safety profiles of the AR antagonist drug class create a significant barrier to the identification of next generation AR antagonists. GABA-A inhibition is a common off-target activity of approved and next generation AR antagonists potentially explaining some side effects and safety hazards of this class of drugs. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  15. NOP Receptor Mediates Anti-analgesia Induced by Agonist-Antagonist Opioids

    PubMed Central

    Gear, Robert W.; Bogen, Oliver; Ferrari, Luiz F.; Green, Paul G.; Levine, Jon D.

    2014-01-01

    Clinical studies have shown that agonist-antagonist opioid analgesics that produce their analgesic effect via action on the kappa-opioid receptor, produce a delayed-onset anti-analgesia in men but not women, an effect blocked by co-administration of a low dose of naloxone. We now report the same time-dependent anti-analgesia and its underlying mechanism in an animal model. Using the Randall-Selitto paw-withdrawal assay in male rats, we found that nalbuphine, pentazocine, and butorphanol each produced analgesia during the first hour followed by anti-analgesia starting at ~90 minutes after administration in males but not females, closely mimicking its clinical effects. As observed in humans, co-administration of nalbuphine with naloxone in a dose ratio of 12.5:1 blocked anti-analgesia but not analgesia. Administration of the highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69,593 produced analgesia without subsequent anti-analgesia, and confirmed by the failure of the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine to block nalbuphine-induced anti-analgesia, indicating that anti-analgesia is not mediated by kappa-opioid receptors. We therefore tested the role of other receptors in nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) and sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors were chosen on the basis of their known anti-analgesic effects and receptor binding studies. The selective NOP receptor antagonists, JTC801, and J113397, but not the sigma receptor antagonist, BD 1047, antagonized nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Furthermore, the NOP receptor agonist NNC 63-0532 produced anti-analgesia with the same delay in onset observed with the three agonist-antagonists, but without producing preceding analgesia and this anti-analgesia was also blocked by naloxone. These results strongly support the suggestion that clinically used agonist-antagonists act at the NOP receptor to produce anti-analgesia. PMID:24188792

  16. Cancer in patients with rheumatic diseases exposed to TNF antagonists.

    PubMed

    Carmona, Loreto; Abasolo, Lydia; Descalzo, Miguel A; Pérez-Zafrilla, Beatriz; Sellas, Agustí; de Abajo, Francisco; Gomez-Reino, Juan J

    2011-08-01

    To describe the risk of cancer in patients exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. The following 2 clinical cohorts were studied: (1) BIOBADASER 2.0: a registry of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases exposed to TNF antagonists (2531 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 1488 spondyloarthropathies, and 675 other rheumatic conditions); and (2) EMECAR: a cohort of 789 RA patients not exposed to TNF antagonists. Cancer incidence rates (IR) per 1000 patient-years and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for BIOBADASER 2.0 and EMECAR patients. The IR over time in BIOBADASER 2.0 patients was analyzed by joinpoint regression. The IRR was estimated to compare cancer rates in exposed versus nonexposed RA patients. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios (SIR, SMR) were also estimated. Risk factors for cancer in patients exposed to TNF antagonists were investigated by generalized linear models. The SMR for cancer in BIODASER 2.0 was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.51-0.86), and the SIR was 0.1 (95% CI 0.03-0.23). The IR in RA patients exposed to TNF antagonists was 5.8 (95% CI: 4.4-7.6), and the adjusted IRR was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.09-2.45). The IR in patients with previous cancer was 26.4 (95% CI: 4.1-171.5). Age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and steroids were associated with a higher risk of developing cancer. The IR decreased after the first 4 months of exposure, without statistical significance. Overall cancer and mortality rates in patients with rheumatic diseases exposed to TNF antagonists are no higher than in the background Spanish population. However special attention should be paid to elderly patients, those with previous cancers, and patients treated with steroids. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Progesterone receptor isoforms, agonists and antagonists differentially reprogram estrogen signaling

    PubMed Central

    Singhal, Hari; Greene, Marianne E.; Zarnke, Allison L.; Laine, Muriel; Al Abosy, Rose; Chang, Ya-Fang; Dembo, Anna G.; Schoenfelt, Kelly; Vadhi, Raga; Qiu, Xintao; Rao, Prakash; Santhamma, Bindu; Nair, Hareesh B.; Nickisch, Klaus J.; Long, Henry W.; Becker, Lev; Brown, Myles; Greene, Geoffrey L.

    2018-01-01

    Major roadblocks to developing effective progesterone receptor (PR)-targeted therapies in breast cancer include the lack of highly-specific PR modulators, a poor understanding of the pro- or anti-tumorigenic networks for PR isoforms and ligands, and an incomplete understanding of the cross talk between PR and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. Through genomic analyses of xenografts treated with various clinically-relevant ER and PR-targeting drugs, we describe how the activation or inhibition of PR differentially reprograms estrogen signaling, resulting in the segregation of transcriptomes into separate PR agonist and antagonist-mediated groups. These findings address an ongoing controversy regarding the clinical utility of PR agonists and antagonists, alone or in combination with tamoxifen, for breast cancer management. Additionally, the two PR isoforms PRA and PRB, bind distinct but overlapping genomic sites and interact with different sets of co-regulators to differentially modulate estrogen signaling to be either pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Of the two isoforms, PRA inhibited gene expression and ER chromatin binding significantly more than PRB. Differential gene expression was observed in PRA and PRB-rich patient tumors and PRA-rich gene signatures had poorer survival outcomes. In support of antiprogestin responsiveness of PRA-rich tumors, gene signatures associated with PR antagonists, but not PR agonists, predicted better survival outcomes. The better patient survival associated with PR antagonists versus PR agonists treatments was further reflected in the higher in vivo anti-tumor activity of therapies that combine tamoxifen with PR antagonists and modulators. This study suggests that distinguishing common effects observed due to concomitant interaction of another receptor with its ligand (agonist or antagonist), from unique isoform and ligand-specific effects will inform the development of biomarkers for patient selection and translation of PR

  18. POST-NOAC: Portuguese observational study of intracranial hemorrhage on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

    PubMed

    Marques-Matos, Cláudia; Alves, José Nuno; Marto, João Pedro; Ribeiro, Joana Afonso; Monteiro, Ana; Araújo, José; Silva, Fernando; Grenho, Fátima; Viana-Baptista, Miguel; Sargento-Freitas, João; Pinho, João; Azevedo, Elsa

    2017-08-01

    Background There is a lower reported incidence of intracranial hemorrhage with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants compared with vitamin K antagonist. However, the functional outcome and mortality of intracranial hemorrhage patients were not assessed. Aims To compare the outcome of vitamin K antagonists- and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants-related intracranial hemorrhage. Methods We included consecutive patients with acute non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage on oral anticoagulation therapy admitted between January 2013 and June 2015 at four university hospitals. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from individual medical records. Intracranial hemorrhage was classified as intracerebral, extra-axial, or multifocal using brain computed tomography. Three-month functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. Results Among 246 patients included, 24 (9.8%) were anticoagulated with a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and 222 (90.2%) with a vitamin K antagonists. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants patients were older (81.5 vs. 76 years, p = 0.048) and had intracerebral hemorrhage more often (83.3% vs. 63.1%, p = 0.048). We detected a non-significant trend for larger intracerebral hemorrhage volumes in vitamin K antagonists patients ( p = 0.368). Survival analysis adjusted for age, CHA 2 DS 2 VASc, HAS-BLED, and anticoagulation reversal revealed that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants did not influence three-month mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.39-1.80, p = 0.638). Multivariable ordinal regression for three-month functional outcome did not show a significant shift of modified Rankin Scale scores in non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants patients (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95%CI 0.55-2.87, p = 0.585). Conclusions We detected no significant differences in the three-month outcome between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants

  19. Interactions of Freshwater Cyanobacteria with Bacterial Antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Beier, Sara; Grabherr, Manfred

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Cyanobacterial and algal mass development, or blooms, have severe effects on freshwater and marine systems around the world. Many of these phototrophs produce a variety of potent toxins, contribute to oxygen depletion, and affect water quality in several ways. Coexisting antagonists, such as cyanolytic bacteria, hold the potential to suppress, or even terminate, such blooms, yet the nature of this interaction is not well studied. We isolated 31 cyanolytic bacteria affiliated with the genera Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, and Delftia from three eutrophic freshwater lakes in Sweden and selected four phylogenetically diverse bacterial strains with strong-to-moderate lytic activity. To characterize their functional responses to the presence of cyanobacteria, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments on coculture incubations, with an initial predator-prey ratio of 1:1. Genes involved in central cellular pathways, stress-related heat or cold shock proteins, and antitoxin genes were highly expressed in both heterotrophs and cyanobacteria. Heterotrophs in coculture expressed genes involved in cell motility, signal transduction, and putative lytic activity. l,d-Transpeptidase was the only significantly upregulated lytic gene in Stenotrophomonas rhizophila EK20. Heterotrophs also shifted their central metabolism from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to the glyoxylate shunt. Concurrently, cyanobacteria clearly show contrasting antagonistic interactions with the four tested heterotrophic strains, which is also reflected in the physical attachment to their cells. In conclusion, antagonistic interactions with cyanobacteria were initiated within 24 h, and expression profiles suggest varied responses for the different cyanobacteria and studied cyanolytes. IMPORTANCE Here, we present how gene expression profiles can be used to reveal interactions between bloom-forming freshwater cyanobacteria and antagonistic heterotrophic bacteria. Species

  20. Interactions of Freshwater Cyanobacteria with Bacterial Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Osman, Omneya Ahmed; Beier, Sara; Grabherr, Manfred; Bertilsson, Stefan

    2017-04-01

    Cyanobacterial and algal mass development, or blooms, have severe effects on freshwater and marine systems around the world. Many of these phototrophs produce a variety of potent toxins, contribute to oxygen depletion, and affect water quality in several ways. Coexisting antagonists, such as cyanolytic bacteria, hold the potential to suppress, or even terminate, such blooms, yet the nature of this interaction is not well studied. We isolated 31 cyanolytic bacteria affiliated with the genera Pseudomonas , Stenotrophomonas , Acinetobacter , and Delftia from three eutrophic freshwater lakes in Sweden and selected four phylogenetically diverse bacterial strains with strong-to-moderate lytic activity. To characterize their functional responses to the presence of cyanobacteria, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments on coculture incubations, with an initial predator-prey ratio of 1:1. Genes involved in central cellular pathways, stress-related heat or cold shock proteins, and antitoxin genes were highly expressed in both heterotrophs and cyanobacteria. Heterotrophs in coculture expressed genes involved in cell motility, signal transduction, and putative lytic activity. l,d-Transpeptidase was the only significantly upregulated lytic gene in Stenotrophomonas rhizophila EK20. Heterotrophs also shifted their central metabolism from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to the glyoxylate shunt. Concurrently, cyanobacteria clearly show contrasting antagonistic interactions with the four tested heterotrophic strains, which is also reflected in the physical attachment to their cells. In conclusion, antagonistic interactions with cyanobacteria were initiated within 24 h, and expression profiles suggest varied responses for the different cyanobacteria and studied cyanolytes. IMPORTANCE Here, we present how gene expression profiles can be used to reveal interactions between bloom-forming freshwater cyanobacteria and antagonistic heterotrophic bacteria. Species-specific responses

  1. μ Opioid receptor: novel antagonists and structural modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaserer, Teresa; Lantero, Aquilino; Schmidhammer, Helmut; Spetea, Mariana; Schuster, Daniela

    2016-02-01

    The μ opioid receptor (MOR) is a prominent member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and the molecular target of morphine and other opioid drugs. Despite the long tradition of MOR-targeting drugs, still little is known about the ligand-receptor interactions and structure-function relationships underlying the distinct biological effects upon receptor activation or inhibition. With the resolved crystal structure of the β-funaltrexamine-MOR complex, we aimed at the discovery of novel agonists and antagonists using virtual screening tools, i.e. docking, pharmacophore- and shape-based modeling. We suggest important molecular interactions, which active molecules share and distinguish agonists and antagonists. These results allowed for the generation of theoretically validated in silico workflows that were employed for prospective virtual screening. Out of 18 virtual hits evaluated in in vitro pharmacological assays, three displayed antagonist activity and the most active compound significantly inhibited morphine-induced antinociception. The new identified chemotypes hold promise for further development into neurochemical tools for studying the MOR or as potential therapeutic lead candidates.

  2. In vivo effects of a GPR30 antagonist.

    PubMed

    Dennis, Megan K; Burai, Ritwik; Ramesh, Chinnasamy; Petrie, Whitney K; Alcon, Sara N; Nayak, Tapan K; Bologa, Cristian G; Leitao, Andrei; Brailoiu, Eugen; Deliu, Elena; Dun, Nae J; Sklar, Larry A; Hathaway, Helen J; Arterburn, Jeffrey B; Oprea, Tudor I; Prossnitz, Eric R

    2009-06-01

    Estrogen is central to many physiological processes throughout the human body. We have previously shown that the G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 (also known as GPER), in addition to classical nuclear estrogen receptors (ER and ER), activates cellular signaling pathways in response to estrogen. In order to distinguish between the actions of classical estrogen receptors and GPR30, we have previously characterized G-1 (1), a selective agonist of GPR30. To complement the pharmacological properties of G-1, we sought to identify an antagonist of GPR30 that displays similar selectivity against the classical estrogen receptors. Here we describe the identification and characterization of G15 (2), a G-1 analog that binds to GPR30 with high affinity and acts as an antagonist of estrogen signaling through GPR30. In vivo administration of G15 revealed that GPR30 contributes to both uterine and neurological responses initiated by estrogen. The identification of this antagonist will accelerate the evaluation of the roles of GPR30 in human physiology.

  3. Heterogeneity of binding of muscarinic receptor antagonists in rat brain homogenates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, J.H.; el-Fakahany, E.E.

    1985-06-01

    The binding properties of (-)-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate and (/sup 3/H) N-methylscopolamine to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors have been investigated in rat brain homogenates. The binding of both antagonists demonstrated high affinity and saturability. Analysis of the binding data resulted in linear Scatchard plots. However, (-)-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate showed a significantly higher maximal binding capacity than that of (/sup 3/H)N-methylscopolamine. Displacement of both ligands with several muscarinic receptor antagonists resulted in competition curves in accordance with the law of mass-action for quinuclidinyl benzilate, atropine and scopolamine. A similar profile was found for the quaternary ammonium analogs of atropine and scopolamine when (/supmore » 3/H)N-methylscopolamine was used to label the receptors. However, when these hydrophilic antagonists were used to displace (-)-(/sup 3/H) quinuclidinyl benzilate binding, they showed interaction with high- and low-affinity binding sites. On the other hand, the nonclassical muscarinic receptor antagonist, pirenzepine, was able to displace both ligands from two binding sites. The present data are discussed in terms of the relationship of this anomalous heterogenity of binding of these hydrophilic muscarinic receptor antagonists and the proposed M1 and M2 receptor subtypes.« less

  4. Wear of ceramic and antagonist--a systematic evaluation of influencing factors in vitro.

    PubMed

    Heintze, S D; Cavalleri, A; Forjanic, M; Zellweger, G; Rousson, V

    2008-04-01

    (1) To systematically review the existing literature on in vitro assessments of antagonist wear of ceramic materials; (2) To systematically evaluate possible influencing factors on material and antagonist wear of ceramic specimens. The database MEDLINE was searched with the terms "enamel," "wear" and "antagonist." The selected studies were analyzed with regard to wear parameters, type of antagonist and outcome. In the laboratory study, three ceramic materials were selected with different compositions and physical properties: IPS d.SIGN low-fusing metal ceramic, IPS Empress leucite ceramic, e.max Press lithium disilicate ceramic. These materials were subjected to the Ivoclar wear method (Willytec chewing simulator, 120,000cycles, 5kg weight) by systematically modifying the following variables which resulted in 36 tests with 8 specimens in each group: (1) configuration (flat, crown specimen), (2) surface treatment (polish, glaze), (3) type of antagonist (ceramic, two types of enamel stylus). Furthermore, the enamel styluses were cut to measure the enamel thickness and cusp width. Wear of both the material and the antagonist was quantified by scanning plaster replicas of the specimens with a laser scanner (etkon es1) and matching baseline and follow-up data with the Match 3D software (Willytec). The data were log-transformed to stabilize the variance and achieve near normality. To test the influence of specific test parameters, a four-way ANOVA with post hoc tests and Bonferroni correction was applied. The systematic review revealed 20 in vitro studies in which a material and the antagonist wear of the same material was examined. However, the results were inconsistent mainly due to the fact that the test parameters differed widely. Most studies used prepared enamel from extracted molars as the antagonist and flat polished ceramic specimens. The test chamber was filled with water and some sort of sliding movement was integrated in the wear generating process. However

  5. Exploring sex disparity in sentencing outcomes: a focus on narcotics offenders in South Korea.

    PubMed

    Hartley, Richard D; Kwak, Dae-Hoon; Park, Mirang; Lee, Min-Sik

    2011-04-01

    Most research on sentencing outcomes reveals that legally relevant factors such as the seriousness of the offense and prior criminal record are primary determinants. There is, however, a substantial body of research that finds that extralegal factors such as a defendant's sex also influence these outcomes. Most of these latter studies conclude that female defendants receive less severe outcomes compared to their male counterparts. Most of this research, however, is limited to Western societies. To extend this body of research, the current study examines sex differences in sentencing practices for a sample of narcotics offenders in South Korea. Results support previous research; female drug offenders in South Korea are generally treated more leniently than their male counterparts. Tests for interaction effects reveal that the defendant's sex also interacts with other constellations of factors to produce lenient treatment for certain female defendants. These tests, however, also reveal that lenient sentence outcomes are not extended to all female defendants; those with prior drug convictions do not fare better than their male counterparts at the incarceration decision.

  6. Cocontraction of pairs of antagonistic muscles: analytical solution for planar static nonlinear optimization approaches.

    PubMed

    Herzog, W; Binding, P

    1993-11-01

    It has been stated in the literature that static, nonlinear optimization approaches cannot predict coactivation of pairs of antagonistic muscles; however, numerical solutions of such approaches have predicted coactivation of pairs of one-joint and multijoint antagonists. Analytical support for either finding is not available in the literature for systems containing more than one degree of freedom. The purpose of this study was to investigate analytically the possibility of cocontraction of pairs of antagonistic muscles using a static nonlinear optimization approach for a multidegree-of-freedom, two-dimensional system. Analytical solutions were found using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, which were necessary and sufficient for optimality in this problem. The results show that cocontraction of pairs of one-joint antagonistic muscles is not possible, whereas cocontraction of pairs of multijoint antagonists is. These findings suggest that cocontraction of pairs of antagonistic muscles may be an "efficient" way to accomplish many movement tasks.

  7. Abstinence from drugs of abuse in community-based members of Narcotics Anonymous.

    PubMed

    Galanter, Marc; Dermatis, Helen; Post, Stephen; Santucci, Courtney

    2013-03-01

    Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an abstinence-based fellowship with more than 58,000 groups worldwide. There has, however, been little research reported on its members. This study was designed to clarify the nature of the participants in NA who are primarily abstinent, long-term members. A protocol was implemented to survey members at 10 NA group meetings in three different states, through the cooperation of the NA World Service Office. A 51-item self-administered questionnaire, addressing key aspects of substance use and recovery, was anonymously completed by 396 respondents. Respondents were 71.5% male; the mean age was 38.1 years; 68.2% were White; and the principal drug problems comprised cocaine (28.5%), heroin (27.5%), other opiates (13.4%), methamphetamine (12.9%), alcohol (8.6%), marijuana (6.6%), and other stimulants (2.5%). Eighty-seven percent had prior treatment for a substance use disorder. On average respondents had first encountered NA at age 26.9, they had been abstinent an average of 5.7 years at the time they filled out the questionnaire, and 47.5% had served as sponsors. Ninety-four percent designated themselves as spiritual, and only 29.6% designated themselves as religious. NA offers support for long-term abstinence from diverse misuse of drugs among users of different backgrounds.

  8. Oxytocin and Vasopressin Agonists and Antagonists as Research Tools and Potential Therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Manning, M; Misicka, A; Olma, A; Bankowski, K; Stoev, S; Chini, B; Durroux, T; Mouillac, B; Corbani, M; Guillon, G

    2012-01-01

    We recently reviewed the status of peptide and nonpeptide agonists and antagonists for the V1a, V1b and V2 receptors for arginine vasopressin (AVP) and the oxytocin receptor for oxytocin (OT). In the present review, we update the status of peptides and nonpeptides as: (i) research tools and (ii) therapeutic agents. We also present our recent findings on the design of fluorescent ligands for V1b receptor localisation and for OT receptor dimerisation. We note the exciting discoveries regarding two novel naturally occurring analogues of OT. Recent reports of a selective VP V1a agonist and a selective OT agonist point to the continued therapeutic potential of peptides in this field. To date, only two nonpeptides, the V2/V1a antagonist, conivaptan and the V2 antagonist tolvaptan have received Food and Drug Administration approval for clinical use. The development of nonpeptide AVP V1a, V1b and V2 antagonists and OT agonists and antagonists has recently been abandoned by Merck, Sanofi and Pfizer. A promising OT antagonist, Retosiban, developed at Glaxo SmithKline is currently in a Phase II clinical trial for the prevention of premature labour. A number of the nonpeptide ligands that were not successful in clinical trials are proving to be valuable as research tools. Peptide agonists and antagonists continue to be very widely used as research tools in this field. In this regard, we present receptor data on some of the most widely used peptide and nonpeptide ligands, as a guide for their use, especially with regard to receptor selectivity and species differences. PMID:22375852

  9. Melanocortin Antagonist Tetrapeptides with Minimal Agonist Activity at the Mouse Melanocortin-3 Receptor

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    The melanocortin system regulates many important functions in the body. There are five melanocortin G protein-coupled receptor subtypes known to date. Herein, we report a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of a tetrapeptide lead discovered through a double substitution strategy at the melanocortin core His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence. Several compounds were identified with micromolar agonist activity at the mouse melanocortin-1 (mMC1R) and mouse melanocortin-5 receptor (mMC5R) subtypes, weak antagonist activity at the mouse melanocortin-3 receptor (mMC3R), and potent antagonist activity at the mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R). Two compounds (2 and 3) were nanomolar mMC4R antagonists with no mMC3R antagonist activity observed. Additionally, we identified three tetrapeptide MC3R antagonists (1, 6, and 7) that possess minimal mMC3R agonist activity only at 100 μM, not commonly observed for mMC3R/mMC4R antagonists. These novel molecular templates have the potential as molecular probes to better differentiate the roles of the centrally expressed MC3 and MC4 receptors. PMID:25699138

  10. Comparative effectiveness of switching to alternative tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists versus switching to rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who failed previous TNF antagonists: the MIRAR Study.

    PubMed

    Gomez-Reino, Juan J; Maneiro, Jose Ramon; Ruiz, Jorge; Roselló, Rosa; Sanmarti, Raimon; Romero, Ana Belen

    2012-11-01

    To compare the effectiveness of switching to rituximab (RTX) with switching to alternative tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) failing on TNF antagonists. A multicentre prospective 3-year observational study was performed in patients with RA treated with RTX or an alternative TNF antagonist. The baseline 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score were compared with 6, 9 and 12 month values, adjusting for propensity score quintiles. Propensity scores were estimated for each patient using logistic regression with treatment as the dependent variable and baseline prior number of TNFs >1, years from diagnosis >5, extra-articular manifestations, previous toxicity, use of ≥2 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, age and sex as independent variables. 1124 patients were treated with either RTX (n=591, 52.6%) or alternative TNF antagonists (n=533, 47.4%). RTX-treated patients had longer disease duration (p=0.0001), larger numbers of previous TNF antagonists (p<0.0001) and tender and swollen joints (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the reduction in DAS28 at 6, 9 and 12 months between RTX-treated patients and those treated with TNF antagonists. However, the reduction in DAS28 was significantly different between RTX-treated patients and adalimumab/infliximab-treated patients (p=0.001 and p=0.05, respectively). There was a marginally significant difference at any time period in the proportion of patients achieving an improvement in the HAQ score of >0.22 (p=0.06). Optimal treatment for patients with RA failing on treatment with TNF antagonists may include RTX. This study suggests that the improvement in DAS28 is larger in patients treated with RTX than in those treated with monoclonal anti-TNF agents.

  11. Effect of vibration frequency on agonist and antagonist arm muscle activity.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez Jiménez, Sergio; Benítez, Adolfo; García González, Miguel A; Moras Feliu, Gerard; Maffiuletti, Nicola A

    2015-06-01

    This study aimed to assess the effect of vibration frequency (f out) on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles when acting as agonist and antagonist during static exercises with different loads. Fourteen healthy men were asked to hold a vibratory bar as steadily as possible for 10 s during lying row (pulling) and bench press (pushing) exercise at f out of 0 (non-vibration condition), 18, 31 and 42 Hz with loads of 20, 50, and 80 % of the maximum sustainable load (MSL). The root mean square of the EMG activity (EMGRMS) of the BB and TB muscles was expressed as a function of the maximal EMGRMS for respective muscles to characterize agonist activation and antagonist coactivation. We found that (1) agonist activation was greater during vibration (42 Hz) compared to non-vibration exercise for the TB but not for the BB muscle (p < 0.05); (2) antagonist activation was greater during vibration compared to non-vibration exercise for both BB (p < 0.01) and TB (p < 0.05) muscles; (3) the vibration-induced increase in antagonist coactivation was proportional to vibration f out in the range 18-42 Hz and (4) the vibration-induced increase in TB agonist activation and antagonist coactivation occurred at all loading conditions in the range 20-80 % MSL. The use of high vibration frequencies within the range of 18-42 Hz can maximize TB agonist activation and antagonist activation of both BB and TB muscles during upper limb vibration exercise.

  12. Vasopressin and a nonpeptide antidiuretic hormone receptor antagonist (OPC-31260).

    PubMed

    Burrell, L M; Phillips, P A; Stephenson, J M; Risvanis, J; Johnston, C I

    1994-03-01

    The development of nonpeptide orally active AVP analogues has provided a new tool with which to assess the physiological and pathophysiological role of vasopressin (AVP). We have previously characterised the nonpeptide vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist OPC-21268, and now report the in vitro characterisation of the nonpeptide V2 receptor antagonist OPC-31260 in the rat. OPC-31260 caused a concentration-dependent displacement of the selective AVP V2 receptor antagonist radioligand, [3H]desGly-NH2(9)[d(CH2)5, D-Ile2,Ile4]AVP from V2 receptors in rat kidney medulla membranes. The concentration of OPC-31260 that displaced 50% of specific AVP binding (IC50) was 20 +/- 2 nmol/l for renal V2 receptors. OPC-31260 also caused a concentration-dependent displacement of the selective AVP V1 receptor antagonist radioligand, [125I]-[d(CH2)5,sarcosine7]AVP from V1 receptors in both rat liver and kidney medulla membranes. The IC50 was 500 +/- 30 nmol/l for both renal and liver V1 receptors. After oral administration to rats, OPC-31260 was an effective inhibitor of AVP at renal V2 and liver V1 receptors in a time-dependent manner. In vitro binding kinetic studies showed that OPC-31260 was a competitive antagonist at both the renal V2 receptor and the hepatic V1 receptor. OPC-31260 is a nonpeptide, orally effective competitive inhibitor of AVP with a V2:V1 receptor selectivity ratio of 25:1 indicating relative V2 receptor selectivity.

  13. Drug Prevention, Rehabilitation, Interdiction, and Law Enforcement (Corpus Christi, TX). Hearing before the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session (December 12 and 13, 1983).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

    This document provides transcripts of two consecutive days of Congressional hearings on narcotics abuse and control. Opening statements from Representatives Benjamin A. Gilman, Kent Hance, and Solomon P. Ortiz are presented. Testimony and prepared statements of 61 counselors and administrators in the field of substance abuse, public officials, law…

  14. Toxicological Differences Between NMDA Receptor Antagonists and Cholinesterase Inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xiaodong; Lin, Xiaotian; Hu, Rui; Sun, Nan; Hao, Jingru; Gao, Can

    2016-08-01

    Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), represented by donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, used to be the only approved class of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. After the approval of memantine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists have been recognized by authorities and broadly used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Along with complementary mechanisms of action, NMDA antagonists and ChEIs differ not only in therapeutic effects but also in adverse reactions, which is an important consideration in clinical drug use. And the number of patients using NMDA antagonists and ChEIs concomitantly has increased, making the matter more complicated. Here we used the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System for statistical analysis , in order to compare the adverse events of memantine and ChEIs. In general, the clinical evidence confirmed the safety advantages of memantine over ChEIs, reiterating the precautions of clinical drug use and the future direction of antidementia drug development. © The Author(s) 2016.

  15. Effects of Cannabinoid Agonists and Antagonists on Sleep and Breathing in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

    PubMed

    Calik, Michael W; Carley, David W

    2017-09-01

    There are no pharmacological treatments for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but dronabinol showed promise in a small pilot study. In anesthetized rats, dronabinol attenuates reflex apnea via activation of cannabinoid (CB) receptors located on vagal afferents; an effect blocked by cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and/or type 2 (CB2) receptor antagonists. Here, using a natural model of central sleep apnea, we examine the effects of dronabinol, alone and in combination with selective antagonists in conscious rats chronically instrumented to stage sleep and measure cessation of breathing. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and implanted with bilateral stainless steel screws into the skull for electroencephalogram recording and bilateral wire electrodes into the nuchal muscles for electromyogram recording. Each animal was recorded by polysomnography on multiple occasions separated by at least 3 days. The study was a fully nested, repeated measures crossover design, such that each rat was recorded following each of 8 intraperitoneal injections: vehicle; vehicle and CB1 antagonist (AM 251); vehicle and CB2 antagonist (AM 630); vehicle and CB1/CB2 antagonist; dronabinol; dronabinol and CB1 antagonist; dronabinol and CB2 antagonist; and dronabinol and CB1/CB2 antagonist. Dronabinol decreased the percent time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. CB receptor antagonists did not reverse this effect. Dronabinol also decreased apneas during sleep, and this apnea suppression was reversed by CB1 or CB1/CB2 receptor antagonism. Dronabinol's effects on apneas were dependent on CB1 receptor activation, while dronabinol's effects on REM sleep were CB receptor-independent. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Characterization and bioactivity of novel calcium antagonists - N-methoxy-benzyl haloperidol quaternary ammonium salt

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yi-Cun; Zhu, Wei; Zhong, Shu-Ping; Zheng, Fu-Chun; Gao, Fen-Fei; Zhang, Yan-Mei; Xu, Han; Zheng, Yan-Shan; Shi, Gang-Gang

    2015-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Calcium antagonists play an important role in clinical practice. However, most of them have serious side effects. We have synthesized a series of novel calcium antagonists, quaternary ammonium salt derivatives of haloperidol with N-p-methoxybenzyl (X1), N-m-methoxybenzyl (X2) and N-o-methoxybenzyl (X3) groups. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioactivity of these novel calcium antagonists, especially the vasodilation activity and cardiac side-effects. The possible working mechanisms of these haloperidol derivatives were also explored. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Novel calcium antagonists were synthesized by amination. Compounds were screened for their activity of vasodilation on isolated thoracic aortic ring of rats. Their cardiac side effects were explored. The patch-clamp, confocal laser microscopy and the computer-fitting molecular docking experiments were employed to investigate the possible working mechanisms of these calcium antagonists. RESULTS The novel calcium antagonists, X1, X2 and X3 showed stronger vasodilation effect and less cardiac side effect than that of classical calcium antagonists. They blocked L-type calcium channels with an potent effect order of X1 > X2 > X3. Consistently, X1, X2 and X3 interacted with different regions of Ca2+-CaM-CaV1.2 with an affinity order of X1 > X2 > X3. CONCLUSIONS The new halopedidol derivatives X1, X2 and X3 are novel calcium antagonists with stronger vasodilation effect and less cardiac side effect. They could have wide clinical application. PMID:26544729

  17. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Antagonists and Receptors in Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-01

    expressed in prostate. This work investigates BMP receptors and BMP antagonists to understand the basic mechanisms to inhibit the BMP signaling in...during embryoge- nesis, and prostate cancer metastases to bone. BMP functions can be inhibited by antagonists such as Noggin or DAN. DAN is a protein...protein along with a constant 0-6 -1 10 100 1000 1O0ng/ml of BMP-6, we were able to show a ng/ml BMP-6 dose-dependent inhibition of BMP-6 activity in DU

  18. 5-HT7 Receptor Antagonists with an Unprecedented Selectivity Profile.

    PubMed

    Ates, Ali; Burssens, Pierre; Lorthioir, Olivier; Lo Brutto, Patrick; Dehon, Gwenael; Keyaerts, Jean; Coloretti, Francis; Lallemand, Bénédicte; Verbois, Valérie; Gillard, Michel; Vermeiren, Céline

    2018-04-23

    Selective leads: In this study, we generated a new series of serotonin 5-HT 7 receptor antagonists. Their synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and selectivity profiles are reported. This series includes 5-HT 7 antagonists with unprecedented high selectivity for the 5-HT 7 receptor, setting the stage for lead optimization of drugs acting on a range of neurological targets. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. A General Population Genetic Framework for Antagonistic Selection That Accounts for Demography and Recurrent Mutation

    PubMed Central

    Connallon, Tim; Clark, Andrew G.

    2012-01-01

    Antagonistic selection—where alleles at a locus have opposing effects on male and female fitness (“sexual antagonism”) or between components of fitness (“antagonistic pleiotropy”)—might play an important role in maintaining population genetic variation and in driving phylogenetic and genomic patterns of sexual dimorphism and life-history evolution. While prior theory has thoroughly characterized the conditions necessary for antagonistic balancing selection to operate, we currently know little about the evolutionary interactions between antagonistic selection, recurrent mutation, and genetic drift, which should collectively shape empirical patterns of genetic variation. To fill this void, we developed and analyzed a series of population genetic models that simultaneously incorporate these processes. Our models identify two general properties of antagonistically selected loci. First, antagonistic selection inflates heterozygosity and fitness variance across a broad parameter range—a result that applies to alleles maintained by balancing selection and by recurrent mutation. Second, effective population size and genetic drift profoundly affect the statistical frequency distributions of antagonistically selected alleles. The “efficacy” of antagonistic selection (i.e., its tendency to dominate over genetic drift) is extremely weak relative to classical models, such as directional selection and overdominance. Alleles meeting traditional criteria for strong selection (Nes >> 1, where Ne is the effective population size, and s is a selection coefficient for a given sex or fitness component) may nevertheless evolve as if neutral. The effects of mutation and demography may generate population differences in overall levels of antagonistic fitness variation, as well as molecular population genetic signatures of balancing selection. PMID:22298707

  20. A general population genetic framework for antagonistic selection that accounts for demography and recurrent mutation.

    PubMed

    Connallon, Tim; Clark, Andrew G

    2012-04-01

    Antagonistic selection--where alleles at a locus have opposing effects on male and female fitness ("sexual antagonism") or between components of fitness ("antagonistic pleiotropy")--might play an important role in maintaining population genetic variation and in driving phylogenetic and genomic patterns of sexual dimorphism and life-history evolution. While prior theory has thoroughly characterized the conditions necessary for antagonistic balancing selection to operate, we currently know little about the evolutionary interactions between antagonistic selection, recurrent mutation, and genetic drift, which should collectively shape empirical patterns of genetic variation. To fill this void, we developed and analyzed a series of population genetic models that simultaneously incorporate these processes. Our models identify two general properties of antagonistically selected loci. First, antagonistic selection inflates heterozygosity and fitness variance across a broad parameter range--a result that applies to alleles maintained by balancing selection and by recurrent mutation. Second, effective population size and genetic drift profoundly affect the statistical frequency distributions of antagonistically selected alleles. The "efficacy" of antagonistic selection (i.e., its tendency to dominate over genetic drift) is extremely weak relative to classical models, such as directional selection and overdominance. Alleles meeting traditional criteria for strong selection (N(e)s > 1, where N(e) is the effective population size, and s is a selection coefficient for a given sex or fitness component) may nevertheless evolve as if neutral. The effects of mutation and demography may generate population differences in overall levels of antagonistic fitness variation, as well as molecular population genetic signatures of balancing selection.

  1. Effects of muscarinic antagonists on ZENK expression in the chicken retina.

    PubMed

    Bitzer, Michaela; Kovacs, Beatrix; Feldkaemper, Marita; Schaeffel, Frank

    2006-03-01

    Muscarinic antagonists, particularly atropine, can inhibit myopia development in several animal models and also in children. However, the biochemical basis of the inhibition of axial eye growth remains obscure, and there are doubts whether muscarinic receptors are involved at all. Experiments in chickens and monkeys have shown that the synthesis of the transcription factor ZENK, also named Egr-1, in retinal glucagon amacrine cells is strongly associated with inhibition of axial eye growth (assumed to create a STOP signal). We have tested whether the muscarinic antagonists atropine, pirenzepine, oxyphenonium, gallamine, MT-3, himbacine, and 4-DAMP can stimulate ZENK expression so that the drugs' inhibitory effect on myopia development could be explained by an enhanced STOP signal. Because it is known that intravitreal quisqualic acid (QA) eliminates most cholinergic neurons in the retina within 6 or 7 days, in a second set of experiments, we tested whether these antagonists could still stimulate ZENK production, 6 days after QA was applied. Muscarinic antagonists, injected intravitreally at various concentrations, affected ZENK synthesis in various and unpredictable ways. Pirenzepine, oxyphenonium, and MT-3 increased the proportion of glucagon cells that were ZENK-immunoreactive, whereas himbacine decreased that proportion, and gallamine and 4-DAMP had no significant effect. Atropine caused an upregulation of ZENK only if all positive amacrine and bipolar cells were counted and therefore appeared to affect primarily cells other than glucagon amacrines. The pattern of results remained unchanged after ablation of most cholinergic neurons by QA. Our results suggest that at least some muscarinic antagonists do not activate cells that synthesize ZENK when they inhibit axial eye growth. Therefore, in line with other studies they also cast doubt on the assumption that muscarinic transmission is crucial, and they suggest that muscarinic antagonists may inhibit myopia

  2. Agonists and antagonists for P2 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Jacobson, Kenneth A.; Costanzi, Stefano; Joshi, Bhalchandra V.; Besada, Pedro; Shin, Dae Hong; Ko, Hyojin; Ivanov, Andrei A.; Mamedova, Liaman

    2015-01-01

    Recent work has identified nucleotide agonists selective for P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2Y6 receptors and nucleotide antagonists selective for P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 receptors. Selective non-nucleotide antagonists have been reported for P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6, P2Y12, P2Y13, P2X2/3/P2X3 and P2X7 receptors. For example, the dinucleotide INS 37217 (Up4dC) potently activates the P2Y2 receptor, and the non-nucleotide antagonist A-317491 is selective for P2X2/3/P2X3 receptors. Nucleotide analogues in which the ribose moiety is substituted by a variety of novel ring systems, including conformation-ally locked moieties, have been synthesized as ligands for P2Y receptors. The focus on conformational factors of the ribose-like moiety allows the inclusion of general modifications that lead to enhanced potency and selectivity. At P2Y1,2,4,11 receptors, there is a preference for the North conformation as indicated with (N)-methanocarba analogues. The P2Y1 antagonist MRS2500 inhibited ADP-induced human platelet aggregation with an IC50 of 0.95 nM. MRS2365, an (N)-methanocarba analogue of 2-MeSADP, displayed potency (EC50) of 0.4 nM at the P2Y1 receptor, with >10 000-fold selectivity in comparison to P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors. At P2Y6 receptors there is a dramatic preference for the South conformation. Three-dimensional structures of P2Y receptors have been deduced from structure activity relationships (SAR), mutagenesis and modelling studies. Detailed three-dimensional structures of P2X receptors have not yet been proposed. PMID:16805423

  3. Isolation and characterization of antagonistic fungi against potato scab pathogens from potato field soils.

    PubMed

    Tagawa, Masahiro; Tamaki, Hideyuki; Manome, Akira; Koyama, Osamu; Kamagata, Yoichi

    2010-04-01

    Potato scab is a serious plant disease caused by several Streptomyces sp., and effective control methods remain unavailable. Although antagonistic bacteria and phages against potato scab pathogens have been reported, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information about fungi that are antagonistic to the pathogens. The aim of this study was to isolate fungal antagonists, characterize their phylogenetic positions, determine their antagonistic activities against potato scab pathogens, and highlight their potential use as control agents under lower pH conditions. Fifteen fungal stains isolated from potato field soils were found to have antagonistic activity against three well-known potato scab pathogens: Streptomyces scabiei, Streptomyces acidiscabiei, and Streptomyces turgidiscabiei. These 15 fungal strains were phylogenetically classified into at least six orders and nine genera based on 18S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. These fungal isolates were related to members of the genera Penicillium, Eupenicillium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Mortierella, Kionochaeta, Pseudogymnoascus, and Lecythophora. The antagonistic activities of most of the fungal isolates were highly strengthened under the lower pH conditions, suggesting the advantage of combining their use with a traditional method such as soil acidification. This is the first report to demonstrate that phylogenetically diverse fungi show antagonistic activity against major potato scab pathogens. These fungal strains could be used as potential agents to control potato scab disease.

  4. Crystal structure of human glycine receptor-α3 bound to antagonist strychnine.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xin; Chen, Hao; Michelsen, Klaus; Schneider, Stephen; Shaffer, Paul L

    2015-10-08

    Neurotransmitter-gated ion channels of the Cys-loop receptor family are essential mediators of fast neurotransmission throughout the nervous system and are implicated in many neurological disorders. Available X-ray structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic Cys-loop receptors provide tremendous insights into the binding of agonists, the subsequent opening of the ion channel, and the mechanism of channel activation. Yet the mechanism of inactivation by antagonists remains unknown. Here we present a 3.0 Å X-ray structure of the human glycine receptor-α3 homopentamer in complex with a high affinity, high-specificity antagonist, strychnine. Our structure allows us to explore in detail the molecular recognition of antagonists. Comparisons with previous structures reveal a mechanism for antagonist-induced inactivation of Cys-loop receptors, involving an expansion of the orthosteric binding site in the extracellular domain that is coupled to closure of the ion pore in the transmembrane domain.

  5. Pharmacology of modality-specific transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 antagonists that do not alter body temperature.

    PubMed

    Reilly, Regina M; McDonald, Heath A; Puttfarcken, Pamela S; Joshi, Shailen K; Lewis, LaGeisha; Pai, Madhavi; Franklin, Pamela H; Segreti, Jason A; Neelands, Torben R; Han, Ping; Chen, Jun; Mantyh, Patrick W; Ghilardi, Joseph R; Turner, Teresa M; Voight, Eric A; Daanen, Jerome F; Schmidt, Robert G; Gomtsyan, Arthur; Kort, Michael E; Faltynek, Connie R; Kym, Philip R

    2012-08-01

    The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel is involved in the development and maintenance of pain and participates in the regulation of temperature. The channel is activated by diverse agents, including capsaicin, noxious heat (≥ 43°C), acidic pH (< 6), and endogenous lipids including N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA). Antagonists that block all modes of TRPV1 activation elicit hyperthermia. To identify efficacious TRPV1 antagonists that do not affect temperature antagonists representing multiple TRPV1 pharmacophores were evaluated at recombinant rat and human TRPV1 channels with Ca(2+) flux assays, and two classes of antagonists were identified based on their differential ability to inhibit acid activation. Although both classes of antagonists completely blocked capsaicin- and NADA-induced activation of TRPV1, select compounds only partially inhibited activation of the channel by protons. Electrophysiology and calcitonin gene-related peptide release studies confirmed the differential pharmacology of these antagonists at native TRPV1 channels in the rat. Comparison of the in vitro pharmacological properties of these TRPV1 antagonists with their in vivo effects on core body temperature confirms and expands earlier observations that acid-sparing TRPV1 antagonists do not significantly increase core body temperature. Although both classes of compounds elicit equivalent analgesia in a rat model of knee joint pain, the acid-sparing antagonist tested is not effective in a mouse model of bone cancer pain.

  6. Discovery of an Orally Bioavailable Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonist.

    PubMed

    Kim, Seon-Mi; Lee, Minhee; Lee, So Young; Park, Euisun; Lee, Soo-Min; Kim, Eun Jeong; Han, Min Young; Yoo, Taekyung; Ann, Jihyae; Yoon, Suyoung; Lee, Jiyoun; Lee, Jeewoo

    2016-10-13

    We developed a compound library for orally available gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists that were based on a uracil scaffold. On the basis of in vitro activity and CYP inhibition profile, we selected 18a (SKI2496) for further in vivo studies. Compound 18a exhibited more selective antagonistic activity toward the human GnRH receptors over the GnRHRs in monkeys and rats, and this compound also showed inhibitory effects on GnRH-mediated signaling pathways. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of 18a revealed improved bioavailability and superior gonadotropic suppression activity compared with Elagolix, the most clinically advanced compound. Considering that 18a exhibited highly potent and selective antagonistic activity toward the hGnRHRs along with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, we believe that 18a may represent a promising candidate for an orally available hormonal therapy.

  7. The role of ecology, neutral processes and antagonistic coevolution in an apparent sexual arms race.

    PubMed

    Perry, Jennifer C; Garroway, Colin J; Rowe, Locke

    2017-09-01

    Some of the strongest examples of a sexual 'arms race' come from observations of correlated evolution in sexually antagonistic traits among populations. However, it remains unclear whether these cases truly represent sexually antagonistic coevolution; alternatively, ecological or neutral processes might also drive correlated evolution. To investigate these alternatives, we evaluated the contributions of intersex genetic correlations, ecological context, neutral genetic divergence and sexual coevolution in the correlated evolution of antagonistic traits among populations of Gerris incognitus water striders. We could not detect intersex genetic correlations for these sexually antagonistic traits. Ecological variation was related to population variation in the key female antagonistic trait (spine length, a defence against males), as well as body size. Nevertheless, population covariation between sexually antagonistic traits remained substantial and significant even after accounting for all of these processes. Our results therefore provide strong evidence for a contemporary sexual arms race. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

  8. Implementation of a Fluorescence-Based Screening Assay Identifies Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists Clobenpropit and Iodophenpropit as Subunit-Selective N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Hansen, Kasper B.; Mullasseril, Praseeda; Dawit, Sara; Kurtkaya, Natalie L.; Yuan, Hongjie; Vance, Katie M.; Orr, Anna G.; Kvist, Trine; Ogden, Kevin K.; Le, Phuong; Vellano, Kimberly M.; Lewis, Iestyn; Kurtkaya, Serdar; Du, Yuhong; Qui, Min; Murphy, T. J.; Snyder, James P.; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans

    2010-01-01

    N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate a slow, Ca2+-permeable component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and play a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and several neurological diseases. We describe a fluorescence-based assay that measures NMDA receptor-mediated changes in intracellular calcium in a BHK-21 cell line stably expressing NMDA receptor NR2D with NR1 under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter (Tet-On). The assay selectively identifies allosteric modulators by using supramaximal concentrations of glutamate and glycine to minimize detection of competitive antagonists. The assay is validated by successfully identifying known noncompetitive, but not competitive NMDA receptor antagonists among 1800 screened compounds from two small focused libraries, including the commercially available library of pharmacologically active compounds. Hits from the primary screen are validated through a secondary screen that used two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings on recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. This strategy identified several novel modulators of NMDA receptor function, including the histamine H3 receptor antagonists clobenpropit and iodophenpropit, as well as the vanilloid receptor transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine. These compounds are noncompetitive antagonists and the histamine H3 receptor ligand showed submicromolar potency at NR1/NR2B NMDA receptors, which raises the possibility that compounds can be developed that act with high potency on both glutamate and histamine receptor systems simultaneously. Furthermore, it is possible that some actions attributed to histamine H3 receptor inhibition in vivo may also involve NMDA receptor antagonism. PMID:20197375

  9. Reduced sickle erythrocyte dehydration in vivo by endothelin-1 receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Rivera, Alicia

    2007-09-01

    Elevated plasma levels of cytokines such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) have been shown to be associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, the role of ET-1 in the pathophysiology of SCD is not entirely clear. I now show that treatment of SAD mice, a transgenic mouse model of SCD, with BQ-788 (0.33 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) intraperitoneally for 14 days), an ET-1 receptor B (ET(B)) antagonist, induced a significant decrease in Gardos channel activity (1.7 +/- 0.1 to 1.0 +/- 0.4 mmol.10(13) cell(-1).h(-1), n = 3, P = 0.019) and reduced the erythrocyte density profile by decreasing the mean density (D(50); n = 4, P = 0.012). These effects were not observed in mice treated with BQ-123, an ET-1 receptor A (ET(A)) antagonist. A mixture of both antagonists induced a similar change in density profile as with BQ-788 alone that was associated with an increase in mean cellular volume and a decrease in corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean. I also observed in vitro effects of ET-1 on human sickle erythrocyte dehydration that was blocked by BQ-788 and a mixture of ET(B)/ET(A) antagonists but not by ET(A) antagonist alone. These results show that erythrocyte hydration status in vivo is mediated via activation of the ET(B) receptor, leading to Gardos channel modulation in SCD.

  10. AZD-4818, a chemokine CCR1 antagonist: WO2008103126 and WO2009011653.

    PubMed

    Norman, Peter

    2009-11-01

    The applications WO2008103126 and WO2009011653, respectively, claim: i) Combinations of a spirocyclic piperidine chemokine CCR1 antagonist with a corticosteroid, and their use for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ii) Processes for the preparation of a spirocyclic piperidine derivative, a chemokine CCR1 antagonist. These applications point to the preferred compound being a development compound. The evidence for this compound being AZD-4818, a chemokine CCR1 antagonist that was in Phase II development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is reviewed in the light of these and earlier patents relating to it.

  11. Arginine mimetic structures in biologically active antagonists and inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Masic, Lucija Peterlin

    2006-01-01

    Peptidomimetics have found wide application as bioavailable, biostable, and potent mimetics of naturally occurring biologically active peptides. L-Arginine is a guanidino group-containing basic amino acid, which is positively charged at neutral pH and is involved in many important physiological and pathophysiological processes. Many enzymes display a preference for the arginine residue that is found in many natural substrates and in synthetic inhibitors of many trypsin-like serine proteases, e.g. thrombin, factor Xa, factor VIIa, trypsin, and in integrin receptor antagonists, used to treat many blood-coagulation disorders. Nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by oxidation of L-arginine in an NADPH- and O(2)-dependent process catalyzed by isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), exhibits diverse roles in both normal and pathological physiologies and has been postulated to be a contributor to the etiology of various diseases. Development of NOS inhibitors as well as analogs and mimetics of the natural substrate L-arginine, is desirable for potential therapeutic use and for a better understanding of their conformation when bound in the arginine binding site. The guanidino residue of arginine in many substrates, inhibitors, and antagonists forms strong ionic interactions with the carboxylate of an aspartic acid moiety, which provides specificity for the basic amino acid residue in the active side. However, a highly basic guanidino moiety incorporated in enzyme inhibitors or receptor antagonists is often associated with low selectivity and poor bioavailability after peroral application. Thus, significant effort is focused on the design and preparation of arginine mimetics that can confer selective inhibition for specific trypsin-like serine proteases and NOS inhibitors as well as integrin receptor antagonists and possess reduced basicity for enhanced oral bioavailability. This review will describe the survey of arginine mimetics designed to mimic the function of the

  12. Hypertension study in anaesthetized rabbits: protocol proposal for AT1 antagonists screening.

    PubMed

    Politi, Aggeliki P; Zervou, Maria V; Triantafyllidi, Helen; Zoumpoulakis, Panagiotis G; Mavromoustakos, Thomas M; Zoga, Anastasia A; Moutevelis-Minakakis, Panagiota; Kokotos, George; Iliodromitis, Efstathios K; Kremastinos, Dimitris Th

    2010-06-01

    The aim of this study was to establish an optimized fast and safe protocol for the pharmacological screening of AT(1) antagonists. The pharmaceutical prototype AT(1) antagonist losartan, its active metabolite EXP3174 and the synthetic compound MMK1 were analysed in order to validate the protocol. Ang II was continuously infused while the animals received the drugs in two procedures. In the post-treatment procedure drugs were administered either in a single bolus dose or in a sequential manner. When losartan was administered in a single bolus dose, efficacy was evident until the 7th min (p=0.012) whilst EXP3174 infusion extended the efficiency up to the end of the study (p=0.006). In addition, the sequential injections of losartan prolonged the inhibitory time interval until the end of the study (p=0.045). In the pre-treatment procedure, results suggested a dose-dependent inhibitory effect for both antagonists. The pressor response to Ang II was unchanged after MMK1 administration either in the post- or in the pre-treatment mode. The proposed protocol appears to be safe, simple and fast for the pharmacological screening of AT(1) antagonists and enables the evaluation of new antagonists using lower doses than any other reported in the literature.

  13. σ Receptor antagonist attenuation of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity is correlated to body temperature modulation.

    PubMed

    Robson, Matthew J; Seminerio, Michael J; McCurdy, Christopher R; Coop, Andrew; Matsumoto, Rae R

    2013-01-01

    Methamphetamine (METH) causes hyperthermia and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the rodent striatum. METH interacts with σ receptors and σ receptor antagonists normally mitigate METH-induced hyperthermia and dopaminergic neurotoxicity. The present study was undertaken because in two experiments, pretreatment with σ receptor antagonists failed to attenuate METH-induced hyperthermia in mice. This allowed us to determine whether the ability of σ receptor antagonists (AZ66 and AC927) to mitigate METH-induced neurotoxicity depends upon their ability to modulate METH-induced hyperthermia. Mice were treated using a repeated dosing paradigm and body temperatures recorded. Striatal dopamine was measured one week post-treatment. The data indicate that the ability of σ receptor antagonists to attenuate METH-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity is linked to their ability to block METH-induced hyperthermia. The ability of σ receptor antagonists to mitigate METH-induced hyperthermia may contribute to its neuroprotective actions.

  14. Drug Abuse in the New York City Schools. A Report of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control, House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth Congress, Second Session (August 30-September 1, 1978).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC.

    The January 1977 hearing by the U.S. House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control mandated three days of further hearings in 1978. The focus was upon New York city schools, but reflected many similar situations in other urban school systems according to the committee's judgement. The committee also found that alcohol and marihuana usage…

  15. The comparision of effect of microdose GnRH-a flare-up, GnRH antagonist/aromatase inhibitor letrozole and GnRH antagonist/clomiphene citrate protocols on IVF outcomes in poor responder patients.

    PubMed

    Ozcan Cenksoy, Pinar; Ficicioglu, Cem; Kizilkale, Ozge; Suhha Bostanci, Mehmet; Bakacak, Murat; Yesiladali, Mert; Kaspar, Cigdem

    2014-07-01

    To compare the effects of microdose GnRH-a flare-up, GnRH antagonist/aromatase inhibitor letrozole and GnRH antagonist/clomiphene citrate protocols on IVF outcomes in poor responder patients. Of 225 patients, 83 patients were in microdose flare-up group (Group 1), 70 patients were in GnRH antagonist/letrozole group (Group 2) and 72 patients were in GnRH antagonist/clomiphene citrate group (Group 3). Demographic and endocrine characteristics, the total number of oocytes retrieved, cancellation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were collected Results: Total dosage of gonadotropins (p=0.002) and serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration (p=0.010) were significantly higher and duration of stimulations (p=0.03) was significantly longer in group 1. The number of oocytes retrieved was significantly greater in group 1 and 2 when compare to those of group 3 (p=0,000). There was a trend towards increasing cycle cancellation rates with GnRH antagonist/clomiphene citrate and GnRH antagonist/letrozole. Our finding suggest that the results of microdose flare-up protocol are better than other two used treatment protocols, in terms of maximum estradiol levels, number of mature oocytes retrieved, and cancellation rate and it still seems to be superior the ovarian stimulation regime for the poor responder patients.

  16. Discovery of spiropiperidine-based potent and selective Orexin-2 receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Fujimoto, Tatsuhiko; Tomata, Yoshihide; Kunitomo, Jun; Hirozane, Mariko; Marui, Shogo

    2011-11-01

    To generate novel human Orexin-2 Receptor (OX2R) antagonists, a spiropiperidine based scaffold was designed and a SAR study was carried out. Compound 4f possessed the highest OX2R antagonistic activity with an IC(50) value of 3nM with 450-fold selectivity against Orexin-1 Receptor (OX1R). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Role of muscarinic receptor antagonists in urgency and nocturia.

    PubMed

    Michel, Martin C; de la Rosette, Jean J M C H

    2005-09-01

    The overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is defined as urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are the most established form of treatment for OAB, but until recently their effectiveness was only confirmed for symptoms of incontinence and frequency. In recent studies, selected muscarinic antagonists, including darifenacin, solifenacin, tolterodine and trospium, significantly reduced the number of urgency episodes per day relative to placebo. While some data raise the possibility that certain of these agents may be more effective than others in this regard, this variability in their effect on urgency needs to be confirmed in future studies. Moreover, it remains to be determined whether counting the number of urgency episodes or assessing the subjective intensity of the sensation of urgency more adequately reflects patient needs and therapeutic efficacy. For nocturia, muscarinic receptor antagonists have only inconsistently shown statistically greater effects than placebo. This inconsistency may relate to the multifactorial nature of nocturia, which even in patients with OAB can have many causes, not all of which may respond/be sensitive to muscarinic receptor antagonism.

  18. [Narcotics and illicit drug market. Status and 10-year development].

    PubMed

    Lindholst, Christian; Andreasen, Mette Findal; Kaa, Elisabet

    2008-01-07

    A description of the illicit drug market in Denmark's second largest city is provided based upon the prevalence of narcotics and illicitly sold medicals during the years 2002 and 2003. The changes on the illicit drug market are described by comparing the results to a similar study conducted ten years earlier. The study is comprised of 469 cases of seized material by Aarhus Police during the period January 1st 2002-December 31st 2003. Additional information relating to the 341 persons charged is also included in the study. Heroine, cocaine and amphetamine were seized in 31%, 30% and 28% of the cases, respectively, and comprise the most frequently encountered hard drugs on the market. The prevalence of cocaine in Aarhus Police District has increased more than tenfold during the past ten years. The purity of the three drugs decreased significantly during the same period, although large variations in the quality of drugs were observed. Medicals were found in 16% of the seizures (containing 32 different active substances). The most frequent group of medicals was benzodiazepines, which made up a total of 74% of the medicals in the study. Anabolic steroids, ecstasy and methamphetamine were each found in 4% of the seizures. Men with an average age of 29.1 years comprised 92% of the persons charged in the study. Persons with a foreign nationality comprised 15% of the charged, while 25% had a birthplace outside Denmark. The prevalence of stimulants especially cocaine have increased significantly during the past ten years. Meanwhile the purity of the drugs has decreased. The benzodiazepines are still the most frequent group of medicals on the illicit market.

  19. Chloroquine, quinine, procaine, quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants, and methylxanthines as prostaglandin agonists and antagonists.

    PubMed

    Manku, M S; Horrobin, D F

    1976-11-20

    Chloroquine, quanine, procaine, quinidine, clomipramine, theophylline, and caffeine have been shown to be strong prostaglandin antagonists and weak agonists. The antagonist effect is clearly demonstrable at concentrations reached in human plasma when the drugs are used therapeutically. This suggests that prostaglandins are important in several situations in which their role has hitherto been unsuspected. New approaches to the development of prostaglandin antagonists and new uses for established drugs are indicated. In a preliminary study chloroquine has been successfully used to close patent ductus arteriosus in three infants.

  20. Substance P antagonists and mucociliary activity in rabbit.

    PubMed

    Lindberg, S; Mercke, U

    1985-06-01

    Substance P (SP) is known to accelerate mucociliary (m.c.) activity in the rabbit maxillary sinus in vivo. The physiological significance of this finding was investigated by testing three putative SP antagonists. [Arg5, D-Trp7,9, Nle11]SP5-11 could not be used as an antagonist because it stimulated m.c. activity. [D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]SP had no effect on the m.c. activity changes induced by SP. [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]SP was found to be an effective antagonist, 1 mg/kg of this drug reversibly inhibiting both the effects of 0.1 micrograms/kg SP and the stimulating effect of 1.0 micrograms/kg bradykinin and 30.0 micrograms/kg capsaicin; the stimulating effect of 0.5 micrograms/kg methacholine was not inhibited. It is suggested that bradykinin and capsaicin stimulate m.c. activity at least partly by releasing SP. The results of this investigation also support the view that the accelerating effect of SP on m.c. activity reflects physiological SP-mediated protective mechanisms in the airways. It is concluded that [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP is a useful pharmacological tool for studying the role of SP in the control of m.c. activity in rabbits.

  1. Is the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol better suited for fresh eSET cycles?

    PubMed

    Dahdouh, Elias M; Gomes, Francisco L A F; Granger, Louis; Carranza-Mamane, Belina; Faruqi, Faez; Kattygnarath, Tiao-Virirak; St-Michel, Pierre

    2014-10-01

    This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol in comparison with the long GnRH agonist protocol in elective single embryo transfer (eSET) practice. It was conducted in a publicly funded in vitro fertilization program. We performed a prospective cohort analysis of data from a private infertility clinic from August 2010 to August 2011. Three hundred fourteen women with normal ovarian reserve and undergoing fresh eSET cycles were included. Sixty-four women underwent follicular stimulation using a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol, and 250 underwent stimulation with a standard long mid-luteal GnRH agonist protocol. Implantation rates (35.9% in the GnRH antagonist group and 29.6% in the GnRH agonist group, P = 0.5) and ongoing pregnancy rates (32.8% in the GnRH antagonist group and 28.8% in the GnRH agonist group, P = 0.5) were equivalent in both groups. The duration of stimulation (9.8 ± 2 days vs. 10.7 ± 1.8 days, P < 0.001) and total FSH dose required (2044 vs. 2775 IU, P < 0.001) were lower in the GnRH antagonist group than in the GnRH agonist group. The number of mature oocytes (6.0 vs. 10.0, P < 0. 001) and number of embryos (5.0 vs. 7.0, P < 0.001) were also lower in GnRH antagonist group. However, the number of embryos cryopreserved was similar in both groups (median 2.0, P = 0.3). In women undergoing in vitro fertilization, the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol yields implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates that are similar to the long GnRH agonist protocol, and requires lower doses of gonadotropins and a shorter duration of treatment. The flexible GnRH antagonist protocol appears to be the protocol of choice for an eSET IVF program.

  2. Antagonists of substance P. Further modifications of substance P antagonists obtained by replacing either positions 7, 9 or 7, 8 and 11 of SP with D-amino acid residues.

    PubMed

    Dutta, A S; Gormley, J J; Graham, A S; Briggs, I; Growcott, J W; Jamieson, A

    1986-07-01

    Antagonists of SP and the C-terminal (6-11)-hexapeptide have been obtained by multiple D-amino acid substitutions in various positions of SP and by protecting the N alpha-Arg1 and N epsilon Lys3 amino groups with benzyloxycarbonyl groups. On the guinea pig ileum a number of these antagonized both SP and the hexapeptide. Except [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,Asn5,Arg6,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]-SP-OMe (4) and the corresponding amide 7, which were more potent antagonists of SP than the hexapeptide, all the others, e.g., [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,D-Met11]-SP-OMe (9), [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,MeLeu10,D-Met11]-SP -OMe (11), were more potent antagonists of the hexapeptide. On the rat spinal cord preparation, most of the antagonists were only active against the hexapeptide. A few antagonized SP, but these also reduced carbachol or both carbachol and glutamate responses. Two of the antagonists, [D-Pro2,Asn5,Lys6,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]-SP-OMe (2) and [Boc-D-Pro4,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,D-Met11]-SP(4-11)-OMe (10), were inactive on the ileum but still antagonized the hexapeptide on the spinal cord. The smallest peptides to antagonize SP and the hexapeptide were two heptapeptides, 6 and 21, [Z-Asn5,Arg6,D-Phe7,8,Gly9 psi (CH2S)D-Leu10,D-Met11]-SP(5-11)-OMe (21) being more potent than 6. None of the antagonists showed significant analgesic activity without side effects. Some of the antagonists were shown to release histamine from isolated rat peritoneal cells.

  3. Calcium antagonists and deep gingival pockets in the population-based SHIP study

    PubMed Central

    Meisel, Peter; Schwahn, Christian; John, Ulrich; Kroemer, Heyo K; Kocher, Thomas

    2005-01-01

    Aim Gingival overgrowth is a common undesired side-effect in patients taking calcium channel blockers. Different reports have suggested that the drug-induced gingival hyperplasia may aggravate inflammatory periodontal disease. However, representative epidemiological data are lacking. We investigated the association between the intake of calcium antagonists and periodontitis in a population-based analysis including the most important risk factors of periodontitis. Methods In a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation involving 4290 subjects aged 20–80 years, we recorded periodontal risk factors and identified participants using calcium antagonists. Periodontal parameters, attachment loss, probing depth and number of teeth were assessed. In a subgroup analysis with matched pairs, 456 subjects using calcium antagonists and 456 without were compared for periodontal status. Results Subjects treated with calcium antagonistic drugs had significantly deeper gingival pockets than their drug-free counterparts. This was observed in the total population of 4290 and confirmed by logistic regression analyses (P < 0.001) controlled for the known risk factors of periodontitis (age, sex, smoking, education). In the matched-pair analysis only the probing depth was increased: extent probing depth ≥4 mm median 23.5 vs. 17.0% (P < 0.001); mean probing depth 3.0 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9 mm (P < 0.001). No differences were found in extent and severity of clinical attachment loss and in the number of teeth. The risk of gingival overgrowth was aggravated in smokers. Conclusion In the general population, treatment with calcium antagonists leads to gingival overgrowth without an aggravation of periodontal disease. Interaction with smoking indicates the multifactorial background of the undesired effect of calcium antagonists. PMID:16236046

  4. Thyroid Hormone Receptor Antagonists: From Environmental Pollution to Novel Small Molecules.

    PubMed

    Mackenzie, Louise S

    2018-01-01

    Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are nuclear receptors which control transcription, and thereby have effects in all cells within the body. TRs are an important regulator in many basic physiological processes including development, growth, metabolism, and cardiac function. The hyperthyroid condition results from an over production of thyroid hormones resulting in a continual stimulation of thyroid receptors which is detrimental for the patient. Therapies for hyperthyroidism are available, but there is a need for new small molecules that act as TR antagonists to treat hyperthyroidism. Many compounds exhibit TR antagonism and are considered detrimental to health. Some drugs in the clinic (most importantly, amiodarone) and environmental pollution exhibit TR antagonist properties and thus have the potential to induce hypothyroidism in some people. This chapter provides an overview of novel small molecules that have been specifically designed or screened for their TR antagonist activity as novel treatments for hyperthyroidism. While novel compounds have been identified, to date none have been developed sufficiently to enter clinical trials. Furthermore, a discussion on other sources of TR antagonists is discussed in terms of side effects of current drugs in the clinic as well as environmental pollution. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Meiotic drive influences the outcome of sexually antagonistic selection at a linked locus.

    PubMed

    Patten, M M

    2014-11-01

    Most meiotic drivers, such as the t-haplotype in Mus and the segregation distorter (SD) in Drosophila, act in a sex-specific manner, gaining a transmission advantage through one sex although suffering only the fitness costs associated with the driver in the other. Their inheritance is thus more likely through one of the two sexes, a property they share with sexually antagonistic alleles. Previous theory has shown that pairs of linked loci segregating for sexually antagonistic alleles are more likely to remain polymorphic and that linkage disequilibrium accrues between them. I probe this similarity between drive and sexual antagonism and examine the evolution of chromosomes experiencing these selection pressures simultaneously. Reminiscent of previous theory, I find that: the opportunity for polymorphism increases for a sexually antagonistic locus that is physically linked to a driving locus; the opportunity for polymorphism at a driving locus also increases when linked to a sexually antagonistic locus; and stable linkage disequilibrium accompanies any polymorphic equilibrium. Additionally, I find that drive at a linked locus favours the fixation of sexually antagonistic alleles that benefit the sex in which drive occurs. Further, I show that under certain conditions reduced recombination between these two loci is selectively favoured. These theoretical results provide clear, testable predictions about the nature of sexually antagonistic variation on driving chromosomes and have implications for the evolution of genomic architecture. © 2014 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2014 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

  6. Activating ESR1 Mutations Differentially Affect the Efficacy of ER Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Toy, Weiyi; Weir, Hazel; Razavi, Pedram; Lawson, Mandy; Goeppert, Anne U; Mazzola, Anne Marie; Smith, Aaron; Wilson, Joanne; Morrow, Christopher; Wong, Wai Lin; De Stanchina, Elisa; Carlson, Kathryn E; Martin, Teresa S; Uddin, Sharmeen; Li, Zhiqiang; Fanning, Sean; Katzenellenbogen, John A; Greene, Geoffrey; Baselga, José; Chandarlapaty, Sarat

    2017-03-01

    Recent studies have identified somatic ESR1 mutations in patients with metastatic breast cancer and found some of them to promote estrogen-independent activation of the receptor. The degree to which all recurrent mutants can drive estrogen-independent activities and reduced sensitivity to ER antagonists like fulvestrant is not established. In this report, we characterize the spectrum of ESR1 mutations from more than 900 patients. ESR1 mutations were detected in 10%, with D538G being the most frequent (36%), followed by Y537S (14%). Several novel, activating mutations were also detected (e.g., L469V, V422del, and Y537D). Although many mutations lead to constitutive activity and reduced sensitivity to ER antagonists, only select mutants such as Y537S caused a magnitude of change associated with fulvestrant resistance in vivo Correspondingly, tumors driven by Y537S, but not D5358G, E380Q, or S463P, were less effectively inhibited by fulvestrant than more potent and bioavailable antagonists, including AZD9496. These data point to a need for antagonists with optimal pharmacokinetic properties to realize clinical efficacy against certain ESR1 mutants. Significance: A diversity of activating ESR1 mutations exist, only some of which confer resistance to existing ER antagonists that might be overcome by next-generation inhibitors such as AZD9496. Cancer Discov; 7(3); 277-87. ©2016 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 235 . ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  7. Chemical function based pharmacophore generation of endothelin-A selective receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Funk, Oliver F; Kettmann, Viktor; Drimal, Jan; Langer, Thierry

    2004-05-20

    Both quantitative and qualitative chemical function based pharmacophore models of endothelin-A (ET(A)) selective receptor antagonists were generated by using the two algorithms HypoGen and HipHop, respectively, which are implemented in the Catalyst molecular modeling software. The input for HypoGen is a training set of 18 ET(A) antagonists exhibiting IC(50) values ranging between 0.19 nM and 67 microM. The best output hypothesis consists of five features: two hydrophobic (HY), one ring aromatic (RA), one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and one negative ionizable (NI) function. The highest scoring Hip Hop model consists of six features: three hydrophobic (HY), one ring aromatic (RA), one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and one negative ionizable (NI). It is the result of an input of three highly active, selective, and structurally diverse ET(A) antagonists. The predictive power of the quantitative model could be approved by using a test set of 30 compounds, whose activity values spread over 6 orders of magnitude. The two pharmacophores were tested according to their ability to extract known endothelin antagonists from the 3D molecular structure database of Derwent's World Drug Index. Thereby the main part of selective ET(A) antagonistic entries was detected by the two hypotheses. Furthermore, the pharmacophores were used to screen the Maybridge database. Six compounds were chosen from the output hit lists for in vitro testing of their ability to displace endothelin-1 from its receptor. Two of these are new potential lead compounds because they are structurally novel and exhibit satisfactory activity in the binding assay.

  8. Design and Synthesis of Benzimidazoles As Novel Corticotropin-Releasing Factor 1 Receptor Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Mochizuki, Michiyo; Kori, Masakuni; Kobayashi, Katsumi; Yano, Takahiko; Sako, Yuu; Tanaka, Maiko; Kanzaki, Naoyuki; Gyorkos, Albert C; Corrette, Christopher P; Cho, Suk Young; Pratt, Scott A; Aso, Kazuyoshi

    2016-03-24

    Benzazole derivatives with a flexible aryl group bonded through a one-atom linker as a new scaffold for a corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonist were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. We expected that structural diversity could be expanded beyond that of reported CRF1 receptor antagonists. In a structure-activity relationship study, 4-chloro-N(2)-(4-chloro-2-methoxy-6-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-N(7),N(7)-dipropyl-1H-benzimidazole-2,7-diamine 29g had the most potent binding activity against a human CRF1 receptor and the antagonistic activity (IC50 = 9.5 and 88 nM, respectively) without concerns regarding cytotoxicity at 30 μM. Potent CRF1 receptor-binding activity in brain in an ex vivo test and suppression of stress-induced activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis were also observed at 138 μmol/kg of compound 29g after oral administration in mice. Thus, the newly designed benzimidazole 29g showed in vivo CRF1 receptor antagonistic activity and good brain penetration, indicating that it is a promising lead for CRF1 receptor antagonist drug discovery research.

  9. Competitive antagonists discriminate between NK2 tachykinin receptor subtypes.

    PubMed

    Maggi, C A; Patacchini, R; Giuliani, S; Rovero, P; Dion, S; Regoli, D; Giachetti, A; Meli, A

    1990-07-01

    1. We have compared the ability of various tachykinins and selective tachykinin receptor agonists to induce contraction of the endothelium-denuded rabbit pulmonary artery (RPA) and hamster trachea (HT) and have estimated the affinity of some newly developed NK2 selective antagonists in the same tissues. 2. In confirmation of previous findings, experiments with the agonists indicated that NK2 receptors are the main if not the sole mediators of the response to tachykinins in both RPA and HT. No evidence for significant degradation of neurokinin A (NKA) was found in either tissue when experiments were repeated in the presence of a mixture of peptidase inhibitors (thiorphan, captopril and bestatin, 1 microM each). 3. The peptide antagonists tested were: Peptide I = [Tyr5, D-Trp6,8,9, Arg10]-NKA(4-10); Peptide II = [Tyr5, D-Trp6,8,9, Arg10]-NKA(3-10); Peptide III = Ac-Leu-Asp-Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-NH2. The three peptides produced a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to NKA in both RPA and HT with no significant depression of the maximal response attainable. The slopes of the Schild plots were not significantly different from unity, indicating a competitive antagonism. Peptides I and II were about 100 times more potent in the RPA than in the HT, while Peptide III was about 100 times more potent in the HT than RPA. 4. The pA2 values obtained in these two tissues with the three antagonists were not significantly different when tested in the absence or presence of peptidase inhibitors, or when a selective NK2 receptor agonist, [beta Ala8]-NKA(4-10) was used instead of NKA. Similar pA2 values were obtained after 15 or 90min of incubation with the antagonists. Peptides I, II and III had no inhibitory effect on contractions produced by noradrenaline in the RPA or by carbachol in the HT. 5. Peptides I, II and III showed weak or no antagonistic activity toward the vasodilatator effect of substance P in the dog carotid artery (NK, receptor

  10. Design of novel neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists based on conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids and discovery of a potent chimeric opioid agonist-neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Ballet, Steven; Feytens, Debby; Buysse, Koen; Chung, Nga N; Lemieux, Carole; Tumati, Suneeta; Keresztes, Attila; Van Duppen, Joost; Lai, Josephine; Varga, Eva; Porreca, Frank; Schiller, Peter W; Vanden Broeck, Jozef; Tourwé, Dirk

    2011-04-14

    A screening of conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids as base cores for the preparation of new NK1 receptor antagonists resulted in the discovery of three new NK1 receptor antagonists, 19 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NH-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], and 23 [Ac-Tic-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], which were able to counteract the agonist effect of substance P, the endogenous ligand of NK1R. The most active NK1 antagonist of the series, 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], was then used in the design of a novel, potent chimeric opioid agonist-NK1 receptor antagonist, 35 [Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], which combines the N terminus of the established Dmt(1)-DALDA agonist opioid pharmacophore (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH(2)) and 20, the NK1R ligand. The opioid component of the chimeric compound 35, that is, Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NH(2) (36), also proved to be an extremely potent and balanced μ and δ opioid receptor agonist with subnanomolar binding and in vitro functional activity.

  11. Design of novel neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists based on conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids and discovery of a potent chimeric opioid agonist-neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Ballet, Steven; Feytens, Debby; Buysse, Koen; Chung, Nga N.; Lemieux, Carole; Tumati, Suneeta; Keresztes, Attila; Van Duppen, Joost; Lai, Josephine; Varga, Eva; Porreca, Frank; Schiller, Peter W.; Broeck, Jozef Vanden; Tourwé, Dirk

    2011-01-01

    A screening of conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids as base cores for the preparation of new NK1 receptor antagonists resulted in the discovery of three new NK1 receptor antagonists, 19 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NH-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn] and 23 [Ac-Tic-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], which were able to counteract the agonist effect of substance P, the endogenous ligand of NK1R. The most active NK1 antagonist of the series, 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], was then used in the design of a novel, potent chimeric opioid agonist-NK1 receptor antagonist, 35 [Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], which combines the N-terminus of the established Dmt1-DALDA agonist opioid pharmacophore (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2) and 20, the NK1R ligand. The opioid component of the chimeric compound 35, i.e. Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NH2 36, also proved to be an extremely potent and balanced μ- and δ opioid receptor agonist with subnanomolar binding and in vitro functional activity. PMID:21413804

  12. Inhibition of rabbit platelet activation in vitro by antagonists of platelet-activating factor (PAF)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cox, C.P.; Wood, K.L.

    1986-03-05

    The authors used washed, (/sup 3/H)serotonin-labeled rabbit platelets to study the in vitro aggregation and secretion responses induced by graded doses of PAF in the presence or absence of specific antagonists of PAF. These antagonists included CV-3988, L-652,731, triazolam and alprazolam. Platelets were pretreated with either an antagonist or the appropriate diluent for 60 sec prior to the addition of PAF (2 x 10/sup -10/ to 2 x 10/sup -7/ M). Aggregation was monitored continuously and recorded as the height of the aggregation tracing at 60 sec post-PAF. Secretion of (/sup 3/H)-serotonin was measured in a sample of the plateletsmore » removed at 60 sec post-PAF. When 2 x 10/sup -10/ M PAF was used as the stimulus, the concentration of antagonist needed for 50% inhibition (IC/sub 50/) of secretion was obtained at 0.05 ..mu..M, 0.15 ..mu..M, 0.6 ..mu..M and 2.5 ..mu..M, respectively, for L-652,731, CV-3988, triazolam and alprazolam. The corresponding IC/sub 50/ for aggregation was obtained at 0.2 ..mu..M, 0.1 ..mu..M, 1.5 ..mu..M and 6.5 ..mu..M, respectively. The inhibitory effects of these antagonists could be overcome by increasing the dose of PAF used. Although all of the antagonists were capable of completely inhibiting platelet aggregation and secretion, L-652,731 was the most potent PAF antagonist on a molar basis.« less

  13. Screening of antagonistic bacteria for biological control of nursery wilt of black pepper (Piper nigrum).

    PubMed

    Anith, K N; Radhakrishnan, N V; Manomohandas, T P

    2003-01-01

    Bacterial antagonists of Phytophthora capsici were isolated from underground shoot portions of rooted cuttings of black pepper. Initially isolates were screened by dual culture on potato dextrose agar and carrot agar. Further, a screening was done on black pepper shoots for supression of lesion caused by the pathogen. Most of the antagonists showed varying levels of antagonism in the dual culture and the shoot assay. Isolate PN-026, showing the highest suppression of lesion development in the shoot assay was found to be the most efficient antagonist in reducing Phytophthora capsici induced nursery wilt of black pepper. This screening involving the host, pathogen, and the antagonist, performed on black pepper shoot (the planting material for this vegetatively propagated crop), could be used as a rapid and reliable method for the isolation of efficient bacterial antagonists of P. capsici.

  14. Sickle cell crisis and endothelin antagonists.

    PubMed

    Angerio, Allan D; Lee, Nicole D

    2003-01-01

    Sickle cell crisis may be more complex than a vaso-occlusive event in response to hypoxia. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen secreted in response to hypoxia. ET-1 contributes to the vaso-occlusion and inflammation in sickle cell crisis. ET-1 antagonists may be useful in the prevention and treatment of crisis.

  15. Use of aldosterone antagonists in resistant hypertension.

    PubMed

    Calhoun, David A

    2006-01-01

    Resistant hypertension is defined as an elevated blood pressure in spite of treatment with 3 different antihypertensive agents. The prevalence of resistant hypertension is unknown, but recent cross-sectional analyses and hypertension outcome studies suggest it is a common clinical problem and will become even more so with an aging and increasingly heavy population. Secondary causes of hypertension are common in patients with resistant hypertension, in particular, obstructive sleep apnea and hyperaldosteronism. Treatment of resistant hypertension is predicated upon identification and reversal of secondary causes of hypertension, as possible, and effective use of multidrug regimens. Recent clinical studies indicate that aldosterone antagonists, spironolactone and amiloride, provide significant additional blood pressure reduction when added to treatment regimens of patients with resistant hypertension. Both agents are generally well tolerated. Hyperkalemia is an uncommon complication of aldosterone antagonists, but it can occur; therefore, biochemical monitoring is necessary, particularly in high-risk patients.

  16. Return to Galileo? The Inquisition of the International Narcotic Control Board.

    PubMed

    Small, Dan; Drucker, Ernest

    2008-05-07

    Nearly 400 years after Galileo Galilei of Florence was arraigned and convicted of suspected heresy by the ten member Congregation of the Holy Office (Inquisition), the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) is similarly inserting itself into matters pertaining to innovations in healthcare and the public health response to addiction throughout the world. Like that earlier Inquisition of 1633 that convicted Galileo of heresy for holding that the sun is the centre of the universe with the earth revolving around it (in contradiction to church doctrine of the time) the INCB and its thirteen-member panel, now rails against any evidence out of sync with the established doctrine of the war on drugs--particularly those innovations in public health called harm reduction. The latest healthcare and harm reduction practices to attract the ire of the INCB Inquisition are elements of Canada's most effective and innovative measures to minimize the harms of drugs in Vancouver--supervised injection facilities and, recently, the potential establishment of supervised inhalation rooms--along with the long established practice of providing safer mouthpieces for pulmonary inhalation in British Columbia. This is particularly significant as it comes in the midst of a crucial battle between municipal and provincial authorities in BC with the federal government in Ottawa, which seems determined to undermine all the most effective HR programs that are the result of years of steady local and governmental support in Vancouver and now threatens to derail all these programs and spread doubt about their usefulness despite the overwhelmingly positive findings of serous research.

  17. Return to Galileo? The Inquisition of the International Narcotic Control Board

    PubMed Central

    Small, Dan; Drucker, Ernest

    2008-01-01

    Nearly 400 years after Galileo Galilei of Florence was arraigned and convicted of suspected heresy by the ten member Congregation of the Holy Office (Inquisition), the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) is similarly inserting itself into matters pertaining to innovations in healthcare and the public health response to addiction throughout the world. Like that earlier Inquisition of 1633 that convicted Galileo of heresy for holding that the sun is the centre of the universe with the earth revolving around it (in contradiction to church doctrine of the time) the INCB and its thirteen-member panel, now rails against any evidence out of sync with the established doctrine of the war on drugs – particularly those innovations in public health called harm reduction. The latest healthcare and harm reduction practices to attract the ire of the INCB Inquisition are elements of Canada's most effective and innovative measures to minimize the harms of drugs in Vancouver – supervised injection facilities and, recently, the potential establishment of supervised inhalation rooms – along with the long established practice of providing safer mouthpieces for pulmonary inhalation in British Columbia. This is particularly significant as it comes in the midst of a crucial battle between municipal and provincial authorities in BC with the federal government in Ottawa, which seems determined to undermine all the most effective HR programs that are the result of years of steady local and governmental support in Vancouver and now threatens to derail all these programs and spread doubt about their usefulness despite the overwhelmingly positive findings of serous research. PMID:18462501

  18. Analysis of TNF-antagonist switch over time and associated risk factors in the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort.

    PubMed

    Hiroz, Philippe; Vavricka, Stephan R; Fournier, Nicolas; Safroneeva, Ekaterina; Pittet, Valérie; Rogler, Gerhard; Schoepfer, Alain M

    2014-10-01

    Limited data from large cohorts are available on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol) switch over time. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of switching from one TNF antagonist to another and to identify associated risk factors. Data from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Cohort Study (SIBDCS) were analyzed. Of 1731 patients included into the SIBDCS (956 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 775 with ulcerative colitis [UC]), 347 CD patients (36.3%) and 129 UC patients (16.6%) were treated with at least one TNF antagonist. A total of 53/347 (15.3%) CD patients (median disease duration 9 years) and 20/129 (15.5%) of UC patients (median disease duration 7 years) needed to switch to a second and/or a third TNF antagonist, respectively. Median treatment duration was longest for the first TNF antagonist used (CD 25 months; UC 14 months), followed by the second (CD 13 months; UC 4 months) and third TNF antagonist (CD 11 months; UC 15 months). Primary nonresponse, loss of response and side effects were the major reasons to stop and/or switch TNF antagonist therapy. A low body mass index, a short diagnostic delay and extraintestinal manifestations at inclusion were identified as risk factors for a switch of the first used TNF antagonist within 24 months of its use in CD patients. Switching of the TNF antagonist over time is a common issue. The median treatment duration with a specific TNF antagonist is diminishing with an increasing number of TNF antagonists being used.

  19. Changes in co-therapies after initiation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Kawai, Vivian K.; Grijalva, Carlos G.; Arbogast, Patrick G.; Curtis, Jeffrey R.; Solomon, Daniel H.; Delzell, Elizabeth; Chen, Lang; Ouellet-Hellstrom, Rita; Herrinton, Lisa; Liu, Liyan; Mitchell, Edward F.; Stein, C. Michael; Griffin, Marie R.

    2011-01-01

    Objectives We hypothesized that initiation of a new disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment would decrease use of corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and narcotics. Methods Using administrative databases we assembled 4 retrospective cohorts of RA patients (1998-2005), and identified 5 groups initiating DMARD regimens: methotrexate with (new MTX) or without (first MTX) use of other non-biologic DMARDs in the previous year; new hydroxychloroquine and/or sulfasalazine (new HCQ/SSZ) and new leflunomide (new LEF), both with previous use of MTX; and new TNF-α antagonists (new anti-TNF). We compared within-person differences in any use of co-therapies (≥1 prescription) between the 6 months before and the 6-12 months after DMARD initiation. Results Among 32476 DMARD initiators, the prevalence of corticosteroids, NSAIDs and narcotics use increased by 15%, 5% and 6% respectively in the 6 months before initiation compared to the previous 6 months suggesting worsening of the disease. In the 6 to 12 months after initiation for most initiator groups, more patients stopped using corticosteroids and NSAIDs than started, with overall decreases of 8.9% [95%CI 8.4-9.4%] for corticosteroids and 12.9% [95%CI 12.3-13.4%] for NSAIDs. The proportion of narcotic users changed little (overall decrease of 2.5% [95%CI 1.9-3.0%]). Conclusions Use of all three co-therapies increased in the 6 months before initiation of new DMARD regimens for RA. Use of corticosteroids and NSAIDs decreased modestly 6-12 months fter initiation, but there was only a very small decrease in narcotic use. These differential changes require further study. PMID:22121511

  20. A novel human-based receptor antagonist of sustained action reveals body weight control by endogenous GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Patterson, James T; Ottaway, Nickki; Gelfanov, Vasily M; Smiley, David L; Perez-Tilve, Diego; Pfluger, Paul T; Tschöp, Matthias H; Dimarchi, Richard D

    2011-02-18

    Ex-4 (9-39)a is a well characterized GLP-1 receptor antagonist that suffers from two notable limitations, its nonhuman amino acid sequence and its relatively short in vivo duration of action. Comparable N-terminal shortening of human GLP-1 lessens agonism but does not provide a high potency antagonist. Through a series of GLP-1/Ex-4 hybrid peptides, the minimal structural changes required to generate a pure GLP-1-based antagonist were identified as Glu16, Val19, and Arg20, yielding an antagonist of approximately 3-fold greater in vitro potency compared with Ex-4 (9-39)a. The structural basis of antagonism appears to result from stabilization of the α helix combined with enhanced electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the extracellular domain of the receptor. Site-specific acylation of the human-based antagonist yielded a peptide of increased potency as a GLP-1 receptor antagonist and 10-fold greater selectivity relative to the GIP receptor. The acylated antagonist demonstrated sufficient duration of action to maintain inhibitory activity when administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. The sustained pharmacokinetics and enhanced human sequence combine to form an antagonist optimized for clinical study. Daily administration of this antagonist by subcutaneous injection to diet-induced obese mice for 1 week caused a significant increase in food intake, body weight, and glucose intolerance, demonstrating endogenous GLP-1 as a relevant hormone in mammalian energy balance in the obese state.

  1. From Chemotherapy-Induced Emesis to Neuroprotection: Therapeutic Opportunities for 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Fakhfouri, Gohar; Mousavizadeh, Kazem; Mehr, Sharam Ejtemaei; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza; Zirak, Mohammad Reza; Ghia, Jean-Eric; Rahimian, Reza

    2015-12-01

    5-HT3 receptor antagonists are extensively used as efficacious agents in counteracting chemotherapy-induced emesis. Recent investigations have shed light on other potential effects (analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-psychotic). Some studies have reported neuroprotective properties for the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in vitro and in vivo. When administered to Aβ-challenged rat cortical neurons, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists substantially abated apoptosis, elevation of cytosolic Ca(2), glutamate release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and caspase-3 activity. In addition, in vivo studies show that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists possess, alongside their anti-emetic effects, notable immunomodulatory properties in CNS. We found that pretreatment with tropisetron significantly improved neurological deficits and diminished leukocyte transmigration into the brain, TNF-α level, and brain infarction in a murine model of embolic stroke. Our recent investigation revealed that tropisetron protects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in vivo through both 5-HT3 receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. Tropisetron, in vitro, was found to be an efficacious inhibitor of the signaling pathway leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory NF-κB, a transcription factor pivotal to the upregulation of several neuroinflammatory mediators in brain. This mini review summarizes novel evidence concerning effects of 5-HT3 antagonists and their possible mechanisms of action in ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Further, we discuss some newly synthesized 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with dual properties of 5-HT3 receptor blockade/alpha-7 nicotinic receptor activator and their potential in management of memory impairment. Since 5-HT3 receptor antagonists possess a large therapeutic window, they can constitute a scaffold for design and synthesis of new neuroprotective medications.

  2. A case of serotonin syndrome associated with methadone overdose.

    PubMed

    Martinez, Terry T; Martinez, Daniel N

    2008-01-01

    A chronic pain patient prescribed 20 mg of methadone per day was seen at the Emergency Department within one hour following a witnessed intentional 200 mg ingestion. In addition, he was taking the serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs, sertraline and venlafaxine as prescribed. Methadone is also a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor which has been involved in serotonin toxicity reactions. Initially, no symptoms of narcotic overdose (depressed central nervous system, respiration, or blood pressure) could be distinguished, and the standard narcotic urine screen was negative. No decontamination or antagonist therapy was given, and the patient was discharged to a psychiatric unit for observation. At 5 hours post-ingestion he presented in a panic with hallucinations and elevated blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. These symptoms are characteristic of serotonin syndrome which is often described as mental status changes, autonomic hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities. At 10 hours post-ingestion the patient was found unconscious. He had aspirated stomach contents into his lungs. His respiration, blood pressure, and pulse were all severely depressed. He never regained conciousness, and he died 5 days later. The medical examiner's finding was probable acute methadone intoxication. In this case serotonin syndrome appears to have opposed and delayed typical narcotic symptoms. Methadone has additional pharmacologic and toxicologic properties which may complicate the assessment and treatment in overdose situations.

  3. Ankle dynamic in stroke patients: agonist vs. antagonist muscle relations.

    PubMed

    Silva, Augusta; Sousa, Andreia S P; Tavares, João Manuel R S; Tinoco, Ana; Santos, Rubim; Sousa, Filipa

    2012-01-01

    Atypical ankle patterns of muscle activity during gait are commonly reported in patients with stroke. These findings can be due to changes between tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) coactivation mechanisms. To compare the electromyographic activity (EMGa) of SOL and TA muscles and antagonist coactivation (C) level in the contralateral (CONTRA) and ipsilateral (IPSI) limbs to the side of the stroke lesion during the stance phase of the gait cycle. Twelve subjects with a stroke episode participated in this study. The electromyographic signal of TA and SOL and ground reaction forces were acquired while subjects walked at their self-selected speed. Values of ground reaction forces were used to divide the stance phase of gait into initial contact, midstance, and terminal stance. In each sub-phase, the magnitude of TA and SOL was calculated as well as the level of the antagonist C. Although no statistical differences were found, mean values of SOL EMGa were lower in the IPSI limb in all stance phases in relation to the CONTRA limb, and the opposite was observed in the TA EMGa. Moreover, higher mean levels of antagonist C were only found during the initial contact sub-phase in the CONTRA limb and in the other sub-phases in the IPSI limb. Besides, statistical differences were observed only during midstance. In stroke subjects, the antagonist C level during midstance of gait may reflect the dysfunction of the neuronal system over the IPSI limb.

  4. Penetrating Disease, Narcotic Use, and Loop Ostomy Are Associated with Ostomy and IBD-related Complications After Ostomy Surgery in Crohn's Disease Patients.

    PubMed

    Hirsch, Ayal; Yarur, Andres J; Dezheng, Hou; Rodriquez, Dylan; Krugliak Cleveland, Noa; Ali, Tauseef; Hurst, Roger D; Umanskiy, Konstantin; Hyman, Neil; Colwell, Janice; Rubin, David T

    2015-10-01

    For medically refractory or obstructive Crohn's disease (CD), ostomy surgery remains an important therapeutic option. Outcomes and complications of this approach have not been well described in the era of biological therapies. Our study aims to characterize CD patients undergoing ostomy creation and assess outcome predictors. We performed a retrospective chart review of CD patients who underwent ostomy creation in our center from 2011 to 2014. Data collected include patient demographics, detailed disease- and surgery-related variables, and clinical outcomes after 26 weeks of follow-up. Of the 112 patients, 54 % were female, the median age was 39 years (range 19-78), the median disease duration was 13 years (range 0-50), 54 % had ileo-colonic disease, 55 % had stricturing phenotype, and 59 % had perianal disease. Sixty-two percent received end ostomies, and 38 % received loop ostomies. The leading indications for surgery were stricturing, fistulizing, and perianal disease (35 %). Forty-three (38 %) patients had 76 major complications, including dehydration (22 cases), intra-abdominal infection (16), and obstruction (14). Increased major postoperative complications correlated with penetrating disease (p = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] = 5.52, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.25-24.42), the use of narcotics before surgery (p = 0.04, OR = 2.54, 95 % CI = 1.02-6.34), and loop ostomies (p = 0.004, OR = 4.2, 95 % CI = 1.57-11.23). Penetrating phenotype, the use of narcotics before surgery, and loop ostomies are associated with major complications in CD patients undergoing ostomy creation. These findings may influence risk management of CD patients needing ostomies.

  5. CCR5 receptor antagonists: discovery and SAR study of guanylhydrazone derivatives.

    PubMed

    Wei, Robert G; Arnaiz, Damian O; Chou, Yuo-Ling; Davey, Dave; Dunning, Laura; Lee, Wheeseong; Lu, Shou-Fu; Onuffer, James; Ye, Bin; Phillips, Gary

    2007-01-01

    High throughput screening (HTS) led to the identification of the guanylhydrazone of 2-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)-5-bromobenzaldehyde as a CCR5 receptor antagonist. Initial modifications of the guanylhydrazone series indicated that substitution of the benzyl group at the para-position was well tolerated. Substitution at the 5-position of the central phenyl ring was critical for potency. Replacement of the guanylhydrazone group led to the discovery of a novel series of CCR5 antagonists.

  6. Non-selectivity of new bradykinin antagonists for B1 receptors.

    PubMed

    Rhaleb, N E; Gobeil, F; Regoli, D

    1992-01-01

    Two new B1 receptor antagonists, [Hyp3,Thi5,DTic7,Oic8]desArg9-BK and DArg[Hyp3,Thi5,DTic7,Oic8]desArg9-BK were tested in vitro on the rabbit jugular vein and the guinea pig ileum (preparations containing B2 receptors) and on the rabbit aorta (preparation containing B1 receptors) for pharmacological characterization. The results indicate that both compounds are antagonists on both B1 and B2 receptors, are competitive and discriminate between B2A and B2B receptor subtypes.

  7. Inhibition of Ebola and Marburg Virus Entry by G Protein-Coupled Receptor Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Han; Lear-Rooney, Calli M; Johansen, Lisa; Varhegyi, Elizabeth; Chen, Zheng W; Olinger, Gene G; Rong, Lijun

    2015-10-01

    Filoviruses, consisting of Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), are among the most lethal infectious threats to mankind. Infections by these viruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans and nonhuman primates with high mortality rates. Since there is currently no vaccine or antiviral therapy approved for humans, there is an urgent need to develop prophylactic and therapeutic options for use during filoviral outbreaks and bioterrorist attacks. One of the ideal targets against filoviral infection and diseases is at the entry step, which is mediated by the filoviral glycoprotein (GP). In this report, we screened a chemical library of small molecules and identified numerous inhibitors, which are known G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antagonists targeting different GPCRs, including histamine receptors, 5-HT (serotonin) receptors, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and adrenergic receptor. These inhibitors can effectively block replication of both infectious EBOV and MARV, indicating a broad antiviral activity of the GPCR antagonists. The time-of-addition experiment and microscopic studies suggest that GPCR antagonists block filoviral entry at a step following the initial attachment but prior to viral/cell membrane fusion. These results strongly suggest that GPCRs play a critical role in filoviral entry and GPCR antagonists can be developed as an effective anti-EBOV/MARV therapy. Infection of Ebola virus and Marburg virus can cause severe illness in humans with a high mortality rate, and currently there is no FDA-approved vaccine or therapeutic treatment available. The 2013-2015 epidemic in West Africa underscores a lack of our understanding in the infection and pathogenesis of these viruses and the urgency of drug discovery and development. In this study, we have identified numerous inhibitors that are known G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antagonists targeting different GPCRs. These inhibitors can effectively block replication of both infectious

  8. Inhibition of Ebola and Marburg Virus Entry by G Protein-Coupled Receptor Antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Han; Lear-Rooney, Calli M.; Johansen, Lisa; Varhegyi, Elizabeth; Chen, Zheng W.; Olinger, Gene G.

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Filoviruses, consisting of Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), are among the most lethal infectious threats to mankind. Infections by these viruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans and nonhuman primates with high mortality rates. Since there is currently no vaccine or antiviral therapy approved for humans, there is an urgent need to develop prophylactic and therapeutic options for use during filoviral outbreaks and bioterrorist attacks. One of the ideal targets against filoviral infection and diseases is at the entry step, which is mediated by the filoviral glycoprotein (GP). In this report, we screened a chemical library of small molecules and identified numerous inhibitors, which are known G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antagonists targeting different GPCRs, including histamine receptors, 5-HT (serotonin) receptors, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and adrenergic receptor. These inhibitors can effectively block replication of both infectious EBOV and MARV, indicating a broad antiviral activity of the GPCR antagonists. The time-of-addition experiment and microscopic studies suggest that GPCR antagonists block filoviral entry at a step following the initial attachment but prior to viral/cell membrane fusion. These results strongly suggest that GPCRs play a critical role in filoviral entry and GPCR antagonists can be developed as an effective anti-EBOV/MARV therapy. IMPORTANCE Infection of Ebola virus and Marburg virus can cause severe illness in humans with a high mortality rate, and currently there is no FDA-approved vaccine or therapeutic treatment available. The 2013-2015 epidemic in West Africa underscores a lack of our understanding in the infection and pathogenesis of these viruses and the urgency of drug discovery and development. In this study, we have identified numerous inhibitors that are known G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antagonists targeting different GPCRs. These inhibitors can effectively block replication of

  9. [Sensitivity of meningococci to the antagonistic activity of nasopharyngeal microflora and antibiotics].

    PubMed

    Bochkov, I A; Larina, L I

    1977-12-01

    Comparative study of the meningococcus sensitivity of various serological groups with different localization in the human organism to the antagonistic activity of normal microbes of the nasopharynx and the antibiotics it was found that strains isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suffering from cerebrospinal meningitis, chiefly of serological group A, had the greatest resistance to the antagonists. Taking into consideration the leading epidemiological role of the cultures belonging to the serological group A in the USSR, it can be supposed that meningococcus sensitivity to the nasopharyngeal antagonists was of significance for the manifestation of their pathogenic properties. No association of the antibiotic sensitivity of the same strains with reference to a definite serological group or the site of the microbe localization was revealed.

  10. Anti-idiotypic antibody: A new strategy for the development of a growth hormone receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Lan, Hainan; Zheng, Xin; Khan, Muhammad Akram; Li, Steven

    2015-11-01

    In general, traditional growth hormone receptor antagonist can be divided into two major classes: growth hormone (GH) analogues and anti-growth hormone receptor (GHR) antibodies. Herein, we tried to explore a new class of growth hormone receptor (GHR) antagonist that may have potential advantages over the traditional antagonists. For this, we developed a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody growth hormone, termed CG-86. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize and evaluate this antibody, and the results from a competitive receptor-binding assay, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and epitope mapping demonstrate that CG-86 behaved as a typical Ab2β. Next, we examined its antagonistic activity using in vitro cell models, and the results showed that CG-86 could effectively inhibit growth hormone receptor-mediated signalling and effectively inhibit growth hormone-induced Ba/F3-GHR638 proliferation. In summary, these studies show that an anti-idiotypic antibody (CG-86) has promise as a novel growth hormone receptor antagonist. Furthermore, the current findings also suggest that anti-idiotypic antibody may represent a novel strategy to produce a new class of growth hormone receptor antagonist, and this strategy may be applied with other cytokines or growth factors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Medium-Induced Antagonistic Behavior in Staphylococcus Aureus.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Benathen, Isaiah A.

    1992-01-01

    Antagonism is the production of substances by microorganisms that inhibit or prevent the growth of other bacteria. This paper demonstrates the antagonistic behavior of gram-positive coccus on the B. subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis gram-positive microorganisms, showing that the process of antagonism is sometimes dependent on the nutritional…

  12. Anti-arrhythmic activities of opioid agonists and antagonists and their stereoisomers.

    PubMed Central

    Sarne, Y.; Flitstein, A.; Oppenheimer, E.

    1991-01-01

    1. A series of opioid agonists, antagonists and their (+)-stereoisomers were tested for antiarrhythmic activity in the rat coronary artery occlusion model. 2. Naloxone (0.01-2 mg kg-1) significantly reduced the incidence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias, in accordance with previous published studies. 3. The non-opioid stereoisomer, (+)-naloxone, was equipotent with naloxone against occlusion-induced arrhythmia. 4. Similar non-stereospecific antiarrhythmic effects were induced by another opioid antagonist, Win 44,441-3 and its stereoisomer Win 44,441-2. 5. The opioid agonists, morphine and levorphanol, protected against occlusion-induced arrhythmia as did the opioid antagonists, and the (+)-stereoisomer, dextrorphan, was equipotent to levorphanol. 6. It is concluded that the antiarrhythmic effects of opioid drugs are not mediated by opioid receptors. A direct effect on ionic currents in cardiac muscle is suggested as the mechanism of opioid antiarrhythmic activity. PMID:1364840

  13. MCNP Simulation Benchmarks for a Portable Inspection System for Narcotics, Explosives, and Nuclear Material Detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alfonso, Krystal; Elsalim, Mashal; King, Michael; Strellis, Dan; Gozani, Tsahi

    2013-04-01

    MCNPX simulations have been used to guide the development of a portable inspection system for narcotics, explosives, and special nuclear material (SNM) detection. The system seeks to address these threats to national security by utilizing a high-yield, compact neutron source to actively interrogate the threats and produce characteristic signatures that can then be detected by radiation detectors. The portability of the system enables rapid deployment and proximity to threats concealed in small spaces. Both dD and dT electronic neutron generators (ENG) were used to interrogate ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and cocaine hydrochloride, and the detector response of NaI, CsI, and LaBr3 were compared. The effect of tungsten shielding on the neutron flux in the gamma ray detectors was investigated, while carbon, beryllium, and polyethylene ENG moderator materials were optimized by determining the reaction rate density in the threats. In order to benchmark the modeling results, experimental measurements are compared with MCNPX simulations. In addition, the efficiency and die-away time of a portable differential die-away analysis (DDAA) detector using 3He proportional counters for SNM detection has been determined.

  14. Human trabecular meshwork cells express BMP antagonist mRNAs and proteins.

    PubMed

    Tovar-Vidales, Tara; Fitzgerald, Ashley M; Clark, Abbot F

    2016-06-01

    Glaucoma patients have elevated aqueous humor and trabecular meshwork (TM) levels of transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2). TGF-β2 has been associated with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition (i.e. fibronectin), which is attributed to the increased resistance of aqueous humor outflow through the TM. We have previously demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4 selectively counteracts the profibrotic effect of TGF-β2 with respect to ECM synthesis in the TM, and this action is reversed by the BMP antagonist gremlin. Thus, the BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways antagonize each other's antifibrotic and profibrotic roles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cultured human TM cells: (a) express other BMP antagonists including noggin, chordin, BMPER, BAMBI, Smurf1 and 2, and (b) whether expression of these proteins is regulated by exogenous TGF-β2 treatment. Primary human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were grown to confluency and treated with TGF-β2 (5 ng/ml) for 24 or 48 h in serum-free medium. Untreated cell served as controls. qPCR and Western immunoblots (WB) determined that human TM cells expressed mRNAs and proteins for the BMP antagonist proteins: noggin, chordin, BMPER, BAMBI, and Smurf1/2. Exogenous TGF-β2 decreased chordin, BMPER, BAMBI, and Smurf1 mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, TGF-β2 increased secreted noggin and Smurf2 mRNA and protein levels. BMP antagonist members are expressed in the human TM. These molecules may be involved in the normal function of the TM as well as TM pathogenesis. Altered expression of BMP antagonist members may lead to functional changes in the human TM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. [Non-neuronal effects of muscarinic antagonists in the prophylaxis of stress].

    PubMed

    Nezhinskaia, G I; Vladykin, A L; Sapronov, N S

    2008-01-01

    We have studied the stress-limiting role of the immune reaction initiated by cholinergic antagonists and the influence of these drugs on the dynamics of antibody formation in the spleen and the blood serum corticosterone level. The protective effect of immune reaction initiated by methacine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) or hexamethonium (nicotinic receptor antagonist) in prevention of stress gastric ulcer in rats (induced by water immersion stress, WIS) was estimated upon administration of the drugs for 5 days (local response) or 14 days (systemic response) prior to WIS. The pharmacological effects of drugs were estimated upon their administration 30 minutes prior to WIS. It is shown that, if cholinergic antagonists affect the systemic immune response the induction of WIS at this level of immune reaction leads to the effective prevention of stress gastric ulcer. The administration of methacine (but not hexamethonium) 14 days prior to WIS effectively reduces gastric lesions up to 1.0 +/- 0.1 arbitrary units in comparison to 3.6 + 0.2 arbitrary units in the control group. Under effective prophylaxis, the number of antibody-forming cells (AFC/10(6) of splenocytes) and corticosterone concentration are close to their basal level, while under stress conditions, these parameters significantly increase up to 870 +/- 21 and 350 +/- 4 vs. 100 +/- 17 and 107 +/- 6 in the control group, accordingly. It is established that both methacine and hexamethonium remain immunologically active for 28 days and more: the maximum amount of AFC upon administration of hexamethonium and methacine was on the 5th day and 14th day, respectively. Thus, determination of the drug influence on the systemic immune response allows one to predict the non-neuronal effects of cholinergic antagonists and, in this way, to affect the pathogenesis of stress gastric ulcer. Estimation of the AFC response and corticosterone level after WIS shows the efficacy ofprophylaxis of the gastric stress lesion.

  16. Study of the n-methyl-d-aspartate antagonistic properties of anticholinergic drugs

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    McDonough, J.H.; Shih, T.M.

    1995-12-31

    A study of the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonistic properties of anticholinergic drugs. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV. 51(2/3) 249-253, 1995. Drugs that act at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex have the ability to terminate nerve agent-induced seizures and modulate the neuropathologic consequences of agent exposure. Drugs with mixed anticholinergic and anti-NMDA properties potentially provide an ideal class of compounds for development as anticonvulsant treatments for nerve agent casualties. The present experiment evaluated the potential NMDA antagonist activity of 11 anticholinergic drugs by determining whether pretreatment with the compound was capable of protecting mice from the lethal effects of NMDA. The following anticholinergic drugs antagonizedmore » NMDA lethality and are ranked according to their potency: mecamylamine > procyclidine = benactyzine > biperiden > tribexyphenidyl. The anticholinergics atropine, aprophen, azaprophen, benztropine, 3-quinudidinyl benzilate (QNB), and scopolamine failed to show NMDA antagonist properties. In addition, and unexpectedly, diazepam, ethanol, and pentobarbital were also shown to be capable of antagonizing NMDA lethality over a certain range of doses. The advantages and limitations of using antagonism of NMDA lethality in mice as a bioassay for determining the NMDA antagonist properties of drugs are also discussed.« less

  17. Personality Patterns in Narcotics Anonymous Members versus Individuals with Addiction Receiving Methadone Maintenance Therapy.

    PubMed

    Akhondzadeh, Shahin; Shabrang, Moslem; Rezaei, Omid; Rezaei, Farzin

    2014-07-01

    Therapeutic interventions can be classified into two distinct approaches: abstinent and maintenance method. Currently, there are no clear criteria for referring addicted patients to one of these modalities. We aimed to compare the personality characteristics of individuals with addiction who attended narcotics anonymous sessions with those who received methadone maintenance therapy. This was a cross- sectional study. The participants were NA members and patients who were undergoing methadone maintenance treatment in outpatient clinics. Using the randomized cluster sampling method, 200 individuals with opioid dependence were selected (each group 100 persons). Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire and the five-factor personality inventory (NEO-FFI). Comparison of the mean scores of NEO-PPI in the two groups was performed by independent t test, and qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test. We found a significant difference between the MMT and NA groups with respect to neuroticism, extroversion, and agreeableness. No significant difference was found in the subscales of conscientious and openness. People who regularly attended the NA sessions had lower neuroticism and higher agreeableness than patients who were under the maintenance modality. Whether this is the cause or effect of attending NA sessions requires future large-scale cohort studies.

  18. Complications of TNF-α antagonists and iron homeostasis

    EPA Science Inventory

    TNF-α is a central regulator of inflammation and its blockade downregulates other proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Subsequently, TNF-α antagonists are currently used in treatment regimens directed toward several inflammatory diseases. Despite a beneficia...

  19. Pegylated Leptin Antagonist Is a Potent Orexigenic Agent: Preparation and Mechanism of Activity

    PubMed Central

    Elinav, Eran; Niv-Spector, Leonora; Katz, Meirav; Price, Tulin O.; Ali, Mohammed; Yacobovitz, Michal; Solomon, Gili; Reicher, Shay; Lynch, Jessica L.; Halpern, Zamir; Banks, William A.; Gertler, Arieh

    2009-01-01

    Leptin, a pleiotropic adipokine, is a central regulator of appetite and weight and a key immunomodulatory protein. Although inborn leptin deficiency causes weight gain, it is unclear whether induced leptin deficiency in adult wild-type animals would be orexigenic. Previous work with a potent competitive leptin antagonist did not induce a true metabolic state of leptin deficiency in mice because of a short circulating half-life. In this study, we increased the half-life of the leptin antagonist by pegylation, which resulted in significantly increased bioavailability and retaining of antagonistic activity. Mice administered the pegylated antagonist showed a rapid and dramatic increase in food intake with weight gain. Resulting fat was confined to the mesenteric region with no accumulation in the liver. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and hepatic aminotransferases remained unaffected. Weight changes were reversible on cessation of leptin antagonist treatment. The mechanism of severe central leptin deficiency was found to be primarily caused by blockade of transport of circulating leptin across the blood-brain barrier with antagonisms at the arcuate nucleus playing a more minor role. Altogether we introduce a novel compound that induces central and peripheral leptin deficiency. This compound should be useful in exploring the involvement of leptin in metabolic and immune processes and could serve as a therapeutic for the treatment of cachexia. PMID:19342450

  20. Outcome of adrenal vein sampling performed during concurrent mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy.

    PubMed

    Haase, Matthias; Riester, Anna; Kröpil, Patric; Hahner, Stefanie; Degenhart, Christoph; Willenberg, Holger S; Reincke, Martin

    2014-12-01

    Pharmacological inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) reestablishes aldosterone synthesis by nondiseased zona glomerulosa cells through activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In this context, current guidelines recommend discontinuing MR blockade for diagnostic procedures, including adrenal vein sampling (AVS). Discontinuation of MR blockade in high-risk patients may be harmful because of uncontrolled hypertension and severe hypokalemia. We hypothesize that MR antagonist therapy can be continued during AVS as long as renin levels remain suppressed. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of AVS results in the context of MR antagonistic therapy. We retrospectively analyzed all AVS studies in Munich (since 2008) and Düsseldorf (since 2011) and identified four of 237 (1.7%) patients with PA who underwent AVS while treated with an MR antagonist. Adrenalectomy was recommended based on the results of AVS in all four patients. After adrenalectomy, follow-up data were obtained to confirm improvement or remission of PA. Main outcome measures included blood pressure values, daily defined doses of antihypertensive medication, as well as levels of aldosterone, renin, and potassium, and the aldosterone/renin ratio. In all patients, renin remained low or suppressed during AVS despite MR antagonist treatment. AVS clearly demonstrated unilateral aldosterone excess in each case. After adrenalectomy, all patients showed remission of PA as demonstrated by blood pressure values, potassium levels, and the aldosterone/renin ratio. In selected cases of PA, MR antagonist therapy might be continued during AVS, provided that renin values remain low.

  1. [Leukotriene antagonists: a new approach in the treatment of asthma].

    PubMed

    Devillier, P; Bessard, G; Advenier, C

    1997-06-01

    Inflammation plays an essential role in the genesis of airflow obstruction and bronchial hyper-reactivity in the early stages of clinical asthma. The treatment of bronchial inflammation has become an essential element in the therapeutic strategy and principally rests on inhaled glucocorticoids. Amongst a number of inflammatory mediators leukotrienes occupy a privileged place by the power of their inflammatory and constrictor effects on bronchial smooth muscles. These properties have justified the clinical development of inhibitors of their synthesis and of specific antagonists to their receptors. Leukotriene antagonists are specific for a sub type of leukotriene receptors C4, D4 and E4 which is implicated in the majority of the bronchial constrictor and inflammatory effects of leukotrienes. The antagonists of Cys-LT1 receptor but also the inhibitors of the leukotriene synthesis exert an additive bronchodilator effect to those of B2 stimulants confirming an efficacious protection vis a vis bronchial provocation tests and above all they improve the clinical scores, lung function and also enable a decrease in the consumption of beta 2 agonists. The marketing of these products represents a major event because it corresponds to the advent of a new therapeutic class. The ease of administration by the oral route, their demonstrated efficacy and their good tolerance profile (in particular for ICI 204.219, and antagonists to Cys-LT1 receptors) are elements which foresee a success for this new asthmatic treatment. However numerous studies, notably comparative studies vis a vis reference treatments will be necessary to define their place in the strategic approach to the treatment of asthma.

  2. VLA-4 antagonists: potent inhibitors of lymphocyte migration.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ginger X; Hagmann, William K

    2003-05-01

    Circulating lymphocytes normally migrate through extravascular spaces in relatively low numbers as important members of the immunosurveillance process. That is until signals are received by endothelial cells that there is an underlying infection or inflammatory condition. These vascular surface cells in turn overexpress and present ligands to circulating lymphocyte adhesion molecules. Upon encountering this higher density of ligands, lymphocytes, which had been leisurely rolling along the vascular surface, now become more firmly attached, change shape, and migrate through tight junctions to the sites of infection or inflammation. If the initiating events are not resolved and the condition becomes chronic, there can be a sustained extravasation of lymphocytes that can exacerbate the inflammatory condition, which in turn will continue to recruit more inflammatory cells resulting in unwanted tissue destruction. It is for the attenuation of this cycle of sustained inflammatory cell recruitment that very late activating antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonists are being developed. Most lymphocytes, except neutrophils, express VLA-4 on their surface and they interact with endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). It is this interaction that VLA-4 antagonists are intended to disrupt, thus, putting an end to the cycle of chronic inflammation, which is the hallmark of many diseases. This review will provide an update of VLA-4 antagonists that have appeared since early 2001 and will discuss some of the issues, both positive and negative, that may be encountered in their development. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. SSTR-Mediated Imaging in Breast Cancer: Is There a Role for Radiolabeled Somatostatin Receptor Antagonists?

    PubMed

    Dalm, Simone U; Haeck, Joost; Doeswijk, Gabriela N; de Blois, Erik; de Jong, Marion; van Deurzen, Carolien H M

    2017-10-01

    Recent studies have shown enhanced tumor targeting by novel somatostatin receptor (SSTR) antagonists compared with clinically widely used agonists. However, these results have been obtained mostly in neuroendocrine tumors, and only limited data are available for cancer types with lower SSTR expression, including breast cancer (BC). To date, two studies have reported higher binding of the antagonist than the agonist in BC, but in both studies only a limited number of cases were evaluated. In this preclinical study, we further investigated whether the application of an SSTR antagonist can improve SSTR-mediated BC imaging in a large panel of BC specimens. We also generated an in vivo BC mouse model and performed SPECT/MRI and biodistribution studies. Methods: Binding of 111 In-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate (SSTR agonist) and 111 In-DOTA-JR11 (SSTR antagonist) to 40 human BC specimens was compared using in vitro autoradiography. SSTR2 immunostaining was performed to confirm SSTR2 expression of the tumor cells. Furthermore, binding of the radiolabeled SSTR agonist and antagonist was analyzed in tissue material from 6 patient-derived xenografts. One patient-derived xenograft, the estrogen receptor-positive model T126, was chosen to generate in vivo mouse models containing orthotopic breast tumors for in vivo SPECT/MRI and biodistribution studies after injection with 177 Lu-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate or 177 Lu-DOTA-JR11. Results: 111 In-DOTA-JR11 binding to human BC tissue was significantly higher than 111 In-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate binding ( P < 0.001). The median ratio of antagonist binding versus agonist binding was 3.39 (interquartile range, 2-5). SSTR2 immunostaining confirmed SSTR2 expression on the tumor cells. SPECT/MRI of the mouse model found better tumor visualization with the antagonist. This result was in line with the significantly higher tumor uptake of the radiolabeled antagonist than of the agonist as measured in biodistribution studies 285 min after radiotracer

  4. Hyperglycemia of Diabetic Rats Decreased by a Glucagon Receptor Antagonist

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, David G.; Ulichny Goebel, Camy; Hruby, Victor J.; Bregman, Marvin D.; Trivedi, Dev

    1982-02-01

    The glucagon analog [l-Nα-trinitrophenylhistidine, 12-homoarginine]-glucagon (THG) was examined for its ability to lower blood glucose concentrations in rats made diabetic with streptozotocin. In vitro, THG is a potent antagonist of glucagon activation of the hepatic adenylate cyclase assay system. Intravenous bolus injections of THG caused rapid decreases (20 to 35 percent) of short duration in blood glucose. Continuous infusion of low concentrations of the inhibitor led to larger sustained decreases in blood glucose (30 to 65 percent). These studies demonstrate that a glucagon receptor antagonist can substantially reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic animals without addition of exogenous insulin.

  5. Discovery of Tertiary Sulfonamides as Potent Liver X Receptor Antagonists

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zuercher, William J.; Buckholz†, Richard G.; Campobasso, Nino

    2010-08-12

    Tertiary sulfonamides were identified in a HTS as dual liver X receptor (LXR, NR1H2, and NR1H3) ligands, and the binding affinity of the series was increased through iterative analogue synthesis. A ligand-bound cocrystal structure was determined which elucidated key interactions for high binding affinity. Further characterization of the tertiary sulfonamide series led to the identification of high affinity LXR antagonists. GSK2033 (17) is the first potent cell-active LXR antagonist described to date. 17 may be a useful chemical probe to explore the cell biology of this orphan nuclear receptor.

  6. Discovery of tertiary sulfonamides as potent liver X receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Zuercher, William J; Buckholz, Richard G; Campobasso, Nino; Collins, Jon L; Galardi, Cristin M; Gampe, Robert T; Hyatt, Stephen M; Merrihew, Susan L; Moore, John T; Oplinger, Jeffrey A; Reid, Paul R; Spearing, Paul K; Stanley, Thomas B; Stewart, Eugene L; Willson, Timothy M

    2010-04-22

    Tertiary sulfonamides were identified in a HTS as dual liver X receptor (LXR, NR1H2, and NR1H3) ligands, and the binding affinity of the series was increased through iterative analogue synthesis. A ligand-bound cocrystal structure was determined which elucidated key interactions for high binding affinity. Further characterization of the tertiary sulfonamide series led to the identification of high affinity LXR antagonists. GSK2033 (17) is the first potent cell-active LXR antagonist described to date. 17 may be a useful chemical probe to explore the cell biology of this orphan nuclear receptor.

  7. Multistable wireless micro-actuator based on antagonistic pre-shaped double beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, X.; Lamarque, F.; Doré, E.; Pouille, P.

    2015-07-01

    This paper presents a monolithic multistable micro-actuator based on antagonistic pre-shaped double beams. The designed micro-actuator is formed by two rows of bistable micro-actuators providing four stable positions. The bistable mechanism for each row is a pair of antagonistic pre-shaped beams. This bistable mechanism has an easier pre-load operation compared to the pre-compressed bistable beams method. Furthermore, it solves the asymmetrical force output problem of parallel pre-shaped bistable double beams. At the same time, the geometrical limit is lower than parallel pre-shaped bistable double beams, which ensures a smaller stroke of the micro-actuator with the same dimensions. The designed micro-actuator is fabricated using laser cutting machine on medium density fiberboard (MDF). The bistability and merits of antagonistic pre-shaped double beams are experimentally validated. Finally, a contactless actuation test is performed using 660 nm wavelength laser heating shape memory alloy (SMA) active elements.

  8. [The antagonistic properties of microaerophilic bacteria isolated from the human and mink digestive tracts].

    PubMed

    Sudenko, V I; Groma, L I; Podgorskiĭ, V S

    1996-01-01

    Study of antagonistic properties of microaerophilic bacteria isolated from human and mink gastroenteric tract have helped to establish differences in species composition, quantity and level of antagonistic activity of the studied microorganisms in respect to pathogenic microflora. It is shown that lactic acid bacteria identified as Lactobacillus fermentum and L. reuteri prevail among the strains isolated from the stomach and thin intestine of minks kept in the 30-km zone of Chernobyl NPP. Species composition of microaerophilic bacteria isolated from the digestive tract of the control minks is more variable. Antagonistically active bifidobacteria prevail in large intestine of experimental and control animals. Strains of lactic acid bacteria with the expressed antagonistic activity belonging to L. bavaricus, L. reuteri, L. coryniformis and L. maltaromicus have been found parallel with such known producers of antibiotic-like substances as L. fermentum. L. acidophilum. Streptococcus faecalis and bifidobacteria. L. maltaromicus most frequently occurred among antagonistically active strains revealed in feces of people which stayed in the zone of liquidation of the Chernobyl accident. Microaerophilic strains of bacteria (lactic acid, bifidobacteria and enterococci) manifest the expressed antagonistic activity connected with the capacity to not only acid formation but also to accumulation of antibiotic products of unknown nature. A strain of lactic acid bacteria L. fermentum 91 has been isolated from the contents of human gastroenteric tract. These bacteria are distinguished by most expressed and stable antagonism and characterized by the lack of pathogenicity in respect of albino mice that may be used to raise the microorganism resistance to gastric diseases.

  9. Demyelination during tumour necrosis factor antagonist therapy for psoriasis: a case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Mahil, Satveer K; Andrews, Thomasin C; Brierley, Charlotte; Barker, Jonathan N; Smith, Catherine H

    2013-02-01

    Central nervous system (CNS) demyelination in a patient receiving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) antagonist therapy in our practice prompted a search of the literature to assess the evidence for a causal relationship between TNF antagonist therapy and demyelination. We summarise clinical data extracted on 65 reported cases of CNS demyelination in patients receiving TNF antagonist therapy and show that the data are consistent with a drug-related aetiology given the temporal relationship between TNF antagonist initiation and symptoms, de-challenge-re-challenge phenomenon and the later age of disease onset compared with sporadic multiple sclerosis. Research on TNF signalling pathways also suggests a plausible causative role of TNF antagonist therapy in demyelination. However to date, controlled trial and pharmacovigilance data do not show an increased risk of demyelination in patients receiving TNF antagonist therapy. These data may be underpowered to exclude such a risk and pooled, collaborative data from multiple registries are warranted. Given the uncertainty in this area, clinicians should adhere to existing clinical guidance advising avoidance of TNF antagonist therapy in patients with a personal or family history of demyelination, and ensure all suitable patients are enrolled in long term safety registries in countries where these are established.

  10. Platelet aggregation inhibitors, vitamin K antagonists and risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

    PubMed

    Risselada, R; Straatman, H; van Kooten, F; Dippel, D W J; van der Lugt, A; Niessen, W J; Firouzian, A; Herings, R M C; Sturkenboom, M C J M

    2011-03-01

    Use of platelet aggregation inhibitors and vitamin K antagonists has been associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Whether the use of these antithrombotic drugs is associated with an increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear, especially as confounding by indication might play a role. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether use of platelet aggregation inhibitors or vitamin K antagonists increase the risk of SAH. We applied population-based case-control, case-crossover and case-time-control designs to estimate the risk of SAH while addressing issues both of confounding by indication and time varying exposure within the PHARMO Record Linkage System database. This system includes drug dispensing records from community pharmacies and hospital discharge records of more than 3 million community-dwelling inhabitants in the Netherlands. Patients were considered a case if they were hospitalized for a first SAH (ICD-9-CM code 430) in the period between 1st January 1998 and 31st December 2006. Controls were selected from the source population, matched on age, gender and date of hospitalization. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of SAH during use of platelet aggregation inhibitors or vitamin K antagonists. In the case-crossover and case-time-control designs we selected 11 control periods preceding the index date in successive steps of 1 month in the past. In all, 1004 cases of SAH were identified. In the case-control analysis the adjusted OR for the risk of SAH in current use of platelet aggregation inhibitors was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.02-1.70) and in current use of vitamin K antagonists 1.29 (95% CI: 0.89-1.87) compared with no use. In the case-crossover analysis the ORs for the risk of SAH in current use of platelet aggregation inhibitors and vitamin K antagonists were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.56-1.94) and 2.46 (95% CI

  11. Contributions of different modes of TRPV1 activation to TRPV1 antagonist-induced hyperthermia.

    PubMed

    Garami, Andras; Shimansky, Yury P; Pakai, Eszter; Oliveira, Daniela L; Gavva, Narender R; Romanovsky, Andrej A

    2010-01-27

    Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) antagonists are widely viewed as next-generation pain therapeutics. However, these compounds cause hyperthermia, a serious side effect. TRPV1 antagonists differentially block three modes of TRPV1 activation: by heat, protons, and chemical ligands (e.g., capsaicin). We asked what combination of potencies in these three modes of TRPV1 activation corresponds to the lowest potency of a TRPV1 antagonist to cause hyperthermia. We studied hyperthermic responses of rats, mice, and guinea pigs to eight TRPV1 antagonists with different pharmacological profiles and used mathematical modeling to find a relative contribution of the blockade of each activation mode to the development of hyperthermia. We found that the hyperthermic effect has the highest sensitivity to the extent of TRPV1 blockade in the proton mode (0.43 to 0.65) with no to moderate sensitivity in the capsaicin mode (-0.01 to 0.34) and no sensitivity in the heat mode (0.00 to 0.01). We conclude that hyperthermia-free TRPV1 antagonists do not block TRPV1 activation by protons, even if they are potent blockers of the heat mode, and that decreasing the potency to block the capsaicin mode may further decrease the potency to cause hyperthermia.

  12. Contributions of different modes of TRPV1 activation to TRPV1 antagonist-induced hyperthermia

    PubMed Central

    Garami, Andras; Shimansky, Yury P.; Pakai, Eszter; Oliveira, Daniela L.; Gavva, Narender R.; Romanovsky, Andrej A.

    2010-01-01

    Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) antagonists are widely viewed as next-generation pain therapeutics. However, these compounds cause hyperthermia, a serious side effect. TRPV1 antagonists differentially block three modes of TRPV1 activation: by heat, protons, and chemical ligands (e.g., capsaicin). We asked what combination of potencies in these three modes of TRPV1 activation corresponds to the lowest potency of a TRPV1 antagonist to cause hyperthermia. We studied hyperthermic responses of rats, mice, and guinea pigs to eight TRPV1 antagonists with different pharmacological profiles and used mathematical modeling to find a relative contribution of the blockade of each activation mode to the development of hyperthermia. We have found that the hyperthermic effect has the highest sensitivity to the extent of TRPV1 blockade in the proton mode (0.43 to 0.65) with no to moderate sensitivity in the capsaicin mode (-0.01 to 0.34) and no sensitivity in the heat mode (0.00 to 0.01). We conclude that hyperthermia-free TRPV1 antagonists do not block TRPV1 activation by protons, even if they are potent blockers of the heat mode, and that decreasing the potency to block the capsaicin mode may further decrease the potency to cause hyperthermia. PMID:20107070

  13. OPC-21268, an orally effective, nonpeptide vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Yamamura, Y; Ogawa, H; Chihara, T; Kondo, K; Onogawa, T; Nakamura, S; Mori, T; Tominaga, M; Yabuuchi, Y

    1991-04-26

    An orally effective, nonpeptide, vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, OPC-21268, has been identified. This compound selectively antagonized binding to the V1 subtype of the vasopressin receptor in a competitive manner. In vivo, the compound acted as a specific antagonist of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced vasoconstriction. After oral administration in conscious rats, the compound also antagonized pressor responses to AVP. OPC-21268 can be used to study the physiological role of AVP and may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

  14. Discovery and Cocrystal Structure of Benzodiazepinedione HDM2 Antagonists that Activate

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grasberger,B.; Lu, T.; Schubert, C.

    2005-01-01

    HDM2 binds to an {alpha}-helical transactivation domain of p53, inhibiting its tumor suppressive functions. A miniaturized thermal denaturation assay was used to screen chemical libraries, resulting in the discovery of a novel series of benzodiazepinedione antagonists of the HDM2-p53 interaction. The X-ray crystal structure of improved antagonists bound to HDM2 reveals their {alpha}-helix mimetic properties. These optimized molecules increase the transcription of p53 target genes and decrease proliferation of tumor cells expressing wild-type p53.

  15. A comparison of intraoperative morphine sulfate and methadone hydrochloride on postoperative visual analogue scale pain scores and narcotic requirements.

    PubMed

    Laur, D F; Sinkovich, J; Betley, K

    1995-02-01

    Morphine sulfate and methadone hydrochloride exhibit very different half-lives but are described as having an analgesic potency of one. The use of a drug like methadone may provide prolonged and constant analgesia in the perioperative setting. This double-blinded investigation used methadone and morphine intraoperatively and measured pain scores and narcotic requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Thirty American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) patients, physical status I through III, between the ages of 18 to 65 years were scheduled for orthopedic surgery and randomly assigned to receive morphine or methadone at 0.30 mg/kg. Fifteen patients received morphine and fifteen patients received methadone. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, height, weight, and ASA status. No statistically significant difference was observed among the two groups between the amount of analgesic requirements postoperatively or in the visual analogue scale pain score.

  16. Heart failure risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis starting a TNF antagonist.

    PubMed

    Solomon, Daniel H; Rassen, Jeremy A; Kuriya, Bindee; Chen, Lang; Harrold, Leslie R; Graham, David J; Lewis, James D; Lii, Joyce; Liu, Liyan; Griffin, Marie R; Curtis, J R

    2013-11-01

    While heart failure (HF) is associated with elevations in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, several trials of TNF antagonists showed no benefit and possibly worsening of disease in those with known severe HF. We studied the risk of new or recurrent HF among a group of patients receiving these agents to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We used data from four different US healthcare programmes. Subjects with RA receiving methotrexate were eligible to enter the study cohort if they added or switched to a TNF antagonist or another non-biological disease modifying antirheumatic drug (nbDMARD). These groups were compared in Cox regression models stratified by propensity score decile and adjusted for oral glucocorticoid dosage, prior HF hospitalisations, and the use of loop diuretics. We compared 8656 new users of a nbDMARD with 11 587 new users of a TNF antagonist with similar baseline covariates. The HR for the TNF antagonists compared with nbDMARD was 0.85 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.14). The HR was also not elevated in subjects with a history of HF. But, it was elevated prior to 2002 (HR 2.17, 95% CI 0.45 to 10.50, test for interaction p=0.036). Oral glucocorticoids were associated with a dose-related gradient of HF risk: compared with no use, 1≤5 mg HR 1.30 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.85), ≥5 mg HR 1.54 (95% CI 1.09 to 2.19). TNF antagonists were not associated with a risk of HF hospital admissions compared with nbDMARDs in this RA population.

  17. 5-HT2A receptor antagonists improve motor impairments in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Ferguson, Marcus C; Nayyar, Tultul; Deutch, Ariel Y; Ansah, Twum A

    2010-01-01

    Clinical observations have suggested that ritanserin, a 5-HT(2A/C) receptor antagonist may reduce motor deficits in persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD). To better understand the potential antiparkinsonian actions of ritanserin, we compared the effects of ritanserin with the selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist M100907 and the selective 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 on motor impairments in mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP-treated mice exhibited decreased performance on the beam-walking apparatus. These motor deficits were reversed by acute treatment with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa). Both the mixed 5-HT(2A/C) antagonist ritanserin and the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist M100907 improved motor performance on the beam-walking apparatus. In contrast, SB 206553 was ineffective in improving the motor deficits in MPTP-treated mice. These data suggest that 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists may represent a novel approach to ameliorate motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  18. 5-HT2A receptor antagonists improve motor impairments in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

    PubMed Central

    Ferguson, Marcus C.; Nayyar, Tultul; Deutch, Ariel Y.; Ansah, Twum A.

    2010-01-01

    Clinical observations have suggested that ritanserin, a 5-HT2A/C receptor antagonist may reduce motor deficits in persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD). To better understand the potential antiparkinsonian actions of ritanserin, we compared the effects of ritanserin with the selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 and the selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB 206553 on motor impairments in mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP-treated mice exhibited decreased performance on the beam-walking apparatus. These motor deficits were reversed by acute treatment with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa). Both the mixed 5-HT2A/C antagonist ritanserin and the selective 5-HT2A antagonist M100907 improved motor performance on the beam-walking apparatus. In contrast, SB 206553 was ineffective in improving the motor deficits in MPTP-treated mice. These data suggest that 5-HT2A receptor antagonists may represent a novel approach to ameliorate motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. PMID:20361986

  19. Regarding the unitary theory of agonist and antagonist action at presynaptic adrenoceptors.

    PubMed

    Kalsner, S; Abdali, S A

    2001-06-01

    1. The linkage between potentiation of field stimulation-induced noradrenaline release and blockade of the presynaptic inhibitory effect of exogenous noradrenaline by a presynaptic antagonist was examined in superfused rabbit aorta preparations. 2. Rauwolscine clearly potentiated the release of noradrenaline in response to 100 pulses at 2 Hz but reduced the capacity of noradrenaline to inhibit transmitter release to a questionable extent, and then only when comparisons were made with untreated, rather then to rauwolscine-treated, controls. 3. Aortic preparations exposed for 60 min to rauwolscine followed by superfusion with antagonist-free Krebs for 60 min retained the potentiation of stimulation-induced transmitter release but no antagonism of the noradrenaline-induced inhibition could be detected at either of two noradrenaline concentrations when comparisons were made with rauwolscine treated controls. 4. Comparisons of the inhibitory effect of exogenous noradrenaline (1.8 x 10-6 M) on transmitter efflux in the presence and absence of rauwolscine pretreatment revealed that the antagonist enhanced rather than antagonized the presynaptic inhibition by noradrenaline. 5 It is concluded that the unitary hypothesis that asserts that antagonist enhancement of transmitter release and its blockade of noradrenaline induced inhibition are manifestations of a unitary event are not supportable.

  20. In vitro antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus on organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis.

    PubMed

    Strus, Magdalena; Malinowska, Magdalena; Heczko, Piotr B

    2002-01-01

    To assess antagonistic properties of Lactobacillus strains isolated from the vaginas of healthy women as compared to the most common bacterial agents related to vaginosis. Antagonistic activity of different Lactobacillus strains isolated from the vaginas of healthy women not treated for infections with an antibiotic for the previous three months was screened using an agar slab method. The activity was tested against test organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis and/or urinary tract infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Prevotella bivia. Many of the 146 Lactobacillus strains tested exerted apparent antagonistic activities against gram-positive aerobic cocci and gram-negative rods, such as S aureus and E coli, and a marked number of Lactobacillus strains inhibited facultative bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis and the anaerobes P anaerobius and P bivia. Only a few lactobacilli were able to inhibit growth of E faecalis and S agalactiae. Indicator bacteria growth inhibition probably relies upon several different complementary mechanisms. The specific indicator bacteria species determines which mechanism predominates. Lactobacillus strains taken from normal vaginal flora demonstrated antagonistic activity against a variety of bacteria related to vaginal and urinary tract infections. The specific occurrence rates of active Lactobacillus strains are different, and this difference is dependent on the indicator bacteria species.

  1. Structure-activity relationship of C-terminal hexa- and heptapeptide substance P antagonists as studied in the guinea-pig ileum.

    PubMed

    Hörig, J; Schultheiss, H

    1984-10-01

    The 14 C-terminal heptapeptide analogues and one hexapeptide analogue of substance P (SP) were synthesized on the basis of the SP antagonist [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP-(1-11). They were tested in the guinea-pig ileum preparation for spasmogenic and antagonistic activities. All analogues except two had antagonistic activity. Spasmogenic activity was observed in three heptapeptide SP antagonists: [Arg5,D-Trp7,D-pCl-Phe9]SP-(5-11), [Arg5,D-Trp7,9,p-Cl-Phe8]SP-(5-11) and [Arg5,D-Trp7,9,Nle11]SP-(5-11). However, this effect became greatly reduced upon successive applications in almost all ileum preparations. For antagonistic potency D-Trp turned out to be of greater importance in position 9 than in position 7 of the SP molecule. The presence of a free amino group at the N-terminal of the peptide was also of significant importance for antagonistic potency. Exchange of Met11 for Nle resulted in a considerable increase of antagonistic potency, while other substitutions in this position were ineffective or slightly reduced the antagonistic effect in the ileum preparation.

  2. Microbial Herd Protection Mediated by Antagonistic Interaction in Polymicrobial Communities

    PubMed Central

    Wong, Megan J. Q.; Liang, Xiaoye; Smart, Matt; Tang, Le; Moore, Richard; Ingalls, Brian

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT In host and natural environments, microbes often exist in complex multispecies communities. The molecular mechanisms through which such communities develop and persist, despite significant antagonistic interactions between species, are not well understood. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a lethal weapon commonly employed by Gram-negative bacteria to inhibit neighboring species through the delivery of toxic effectors. It is well established that intraspecies protection is conferred by immunity proteins that neutralize effector toxicities. In contrast, the mechanisms for interspecies protection are not clear. Here we use two T6SS-active antagonistic bacterial species, Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio cholerae, to demonstrate that interspecies protection is dependent on effectors. A. hydrophila and V. cholerae do not share conserved immunity genes but could coexist equally in a mixture. However, mutants lacking the T6SS or effectors were effectively eliminated by the competing wild-type strain. Time-lapse microscopic analyses showed that mutually lethal interactions drive the segregation of mixed species into distinct single-species clusters by eliminating interspersed single cells. Cluster formation provides herd protection by abolishing lethal interactions inside each cluster and restricting the interactions to the boundary. Using an agent-based modeling approach, we simulated the antagonistic interactions of two hypothetical species. The resulting simulations recapitulated our experimental observations. These results provide mechanistic insights regarding the general role of microbial weapons in determining the structures of complex multispecies communities. IMPORTANCE Investigating the warfare of microbes allows us to better understand the ecological relationships in complex microbial communities such as the human microbiota. Here we use the T6SS, a deadly bacterial weapon, as a model to demonstrate the importance of lethal interactions in

  3. Microbial herd protection mediated by antagonistic interaction in polymicrobial communities.

    PubMed

    Wong, Megan; Liang, Xiaoye; Smart, Matt; Tang, Le; Moore, Richard; Ingalls, Brian; Dong, Tao G

    2016-09-16

    In the host and natural environments, microbes often exist in complex multispecies communities. The molecular mechanisms through which such communities develop and persist - despite significant antagonistic interactions between species - are not well understood. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a lethal weapon commonly employed by Gram-negative bacteria to inhibit neighboring species through delivery of toxic effectors. It is well established that intra-species protection is conferred by immunity proteins that neutralize effector toxicities. By contrast, the mechanisms for interspecies protection are not clear. Here we use two T6SS active antagonistic bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila (AH) and Vibrio cholerae (VC), to demonstrate that interspecies protection is dependent on effectors. AH and VC do not share conserved immunity genes but could equally co-exist in a mixture. However, mutants lacking the T6SS or effectors were effectively eliminated by the other competing wild type. Time-lapse microscopy analyses show that mutually lethal interactions drive the segregation of mixed species into distinct single-species clusters by eliminating interspersed single cells. Cluster formation provides herd protection by abolishing lethal interaction inside each cluster and restricting it to the boundary. Using an agent-based modeling approach, we simulated the antagonistic interactions of two hypothetical species. The resulting simulations recapitulate our experimental observation. These results provide mechanistic insights for the general role of microbial weapons in determining the structures of complex multispecies communities. Investigating the warfare of microbes allows us to better understand the ecological relationships in complex microbial communities such as the human microbiota. Here we use the T6SS, a deadly bacterial weapon, as a model to demonstrate the importance of lethal interactions in determining community structures and exchange of genetic materials

  4. How safe are adolescents at Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings? A prospective investigation with outpatient youth.

    PubMed

    Kelly, John F; Dow, Sarah J; Yeterian, Julie D; Myers, Mark

    2011-06-01

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) have proven to be cost-effective recovery resources for adults and also appear helpful for youth. However, anecdotal concerns about adolescents' safety at meetings have dampened enthusiasm regarding youth participation. Unfortunately, little information exists to evaluate such concerns. Outpatients (N = 127; 24% female) were assessed at intake and at 3, 6, and 12 months regarding perceived safety at AA/NA, experience of negative incidents, and reasons for nonattendance/discontinuation. By 12-month follow-up, 57.5% reported some AA/NA attendance with a combined lifetime exposure of 5,340 meetings. Of these, 21.9% reported at least one negative experience, which was more common among NA than AA attendees. Overall, youth reported feeling very safe at meetings, and ratings did not differ by age or gender. Reasons for discontinuation or nonattendance were unrelated to safety or negative incidents. Weighing risks against documented benefits, these preliminary findings suggest that referral to AA/NA should not be discouraged, but, similar to adults, youth experiences at meetings should be monitored. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Classification and virtual screening of androgen receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiazhong; Gramatica, Paola

    2010-05-24

    Computational tools, such as quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), are highly useful as screening support for prioritization of substances of very high concern (SVHC). From the practical point of view, QSAR models should be effective to pick out more active rather than inactive compounds, expressed as sensitivity in classification works. This research investigates the classification of a big data set of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)-androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, mainly aiming to improve the external sensitivity and to screen for potential AR binders. The kNN, lazy IB1, and ADTree methods and the consensus approach were used to build different models, which improve the sensitivity on external chemicals from 57.1% (literature) to 76.4%. Additionally, the models' predictive abilities were further validated on a blind collected data set (sensitivity: 85.7%). Then the proposed classifiers were used: (i) to distinguish a set of AR binders into antagonists and agonists; (ii) to screen a combined estrogen receptor binder database to find out possible chemicals that can bind to both AR and ER; and (iii) to virtually screen our in-house environmental chemical database. The in silico screening results suggest: (i) that some compounds can affect the normal endocrine system through a complex mechanism binding both to ER and AR; (ii) new EDCs, which are nonER binders, but can in silico bind to AR, are recognized; and (iii) about 20% of compounds in a big data set of environmental chemicals are predicted as new AR antagonists. The priority should be given to them to experimentally test the binding activities with AR.

  6. Manipulating TRPV1 antagonists: how to cool down a hot molecule?

    PubMed

    Islas, Leon; Szallasi, Arpad

    2018-05-05

    TRPV1 is a promising pain target. Although a number of small molecule TRPV1 antagonists have been advanced into clinical trials, thus far none has progressed beyond Phase II due to on-target side-effects such as a febrile reaction. In this issue of Acta Physiologica, Romanovsky and colleagues report two TRPV1 antagonists that paradoxically induce hypothermia in experimental animals, potentially opening a new avenue for drug development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  7. Rapid and efficient hydrophilicity tuning of p53/mdm2 antagonists*

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Stuti; Beck, Barbara; Wang, Wei; Czarna, Anna; Holak, Tad A.; Dömling, Alexander

    2009-01-01

    The protein-protein interaction of p53 and mdm2 is an important anticancer target. The interface, however, is very hydrophobic and naturally results in very hydrophobic antagonists. We used the Orru three component reaction (O-3CR) along with a rapid and efficient, recently discovered amidation reaction to dramatically improve the water solubility of our recently discovered low molecular weight p53/mdm2 antagonists. Arrays of amides were synthesized with improved hydrophilicity and retainment and/or improvement of p53/mdm2 inhibitory activity. PMID:19548636

  8. [Analgesic effects of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists MK-801 and NBQX on collagen-induced arthritis rats].

    PubMed

    Zhu, H; Zhu, R; Deng, Z D; Feng, Y C; Shen, H L

    2016-12-18

    The ionotropic glutamate receptorantagonists include two types: MK-801, antagonist of N-methyl-D-asparticacid (NMDA) receptor, and NBQX, antagonist of non-NMDA receptor.The above-mentioned ionotropic antagonists can block the glutamate and its corresponding receptor binding to produce analgesic effect. The objective of this research was to study two antagonists in analgesic effect on rat behavior,as well as to investigate the down-regulation and up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Janus-activated kinase (Jak3) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat serum and tissue fluid after the application of these antagonists, that is, the effect on molecular biology. This study used the ionotropic glutamate receptors as the target and established CIA rat model. Vivo studies were used to observe changes in behavior and molecular biology of the CIA rat.Behavioral assessment includedmechanical allodynia and joint swelling in the CIA rat,where themechanical allodynia was measured using the paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) with VonFrey filaments according to the "Up-Down" method,and the drainage volume was used to assess joint swelling. Then the blood samples taken from the heart of the rat and the tissue homogenate were collected to detect the down-regulation and up-regulation of COX-2 and Jak3 in the serum and tissue fluid after the antagonists wereused. Using MK-801, NBQX alone or using the combination of these two antagonists,these three methods all could alleviate pain(P<0.01).The analgesic effect lasted more than 24 h.Both antagonists reached the peak of analgesia at the end of 4 hours post-injection. NBQX had stronger analgesic effect than MK-801 (P<0.05).Whether alone or combined use of these two antagonists,could not change the CIA rats' swelling of the joint (P>0.05). MK-801 could decrease the expression of COX-2 (P<0.01).At the same time, NBQX did not have this effect (P>0.05). Using MK-801, NBQX alone or combination of these two antagonists could not affect the

  9. A Clinical Study on Administration of Opioid Antagonists in Terminal Cancer Patients: 7 Patients Receiving Opioid Antagonists Following Opioids among 2443 Terminal Cancer Patients Receiving Opioids.

    PubMed

    Uekuzu, Yoshihiro; Higashiguchi, Takashi; Futamura, Akihiko; Ito, Akihiro; Mori, Naoharu; Murai, Miyo; Ohara, Hiroshi; Awa, Hiroko; Chihara, Takeshi

    2017-03-01

    There have been few detailed reports on respiratory depression due to overdoses of opioids in terminal cancer patients. We investigated the situation of treatment with opioid antagonists for respiratory depression that occurred after administration of opioid at optimal doses in terminal cancer patients, to clarify pathological changes as well as causative factors. In 2443 terminal cancer patients receiving opioids, 7 patients (0.3%) received opioid antagonists: 6, morphine (hydrochloride, 5; sulfate, 1); 1, oxycodone. The median dosage of opioids was 13.3 mg/d, as converted to morphine injection. Respiratory depression occurred on this daily dose in 4 patients and after changed dose and route in 3 patients. Opioids were given through the vein in 6 patients and by the enteral route in 1 patient. Concomitant drugs included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 3 patients and zoledronic acid in 2 patients. In morphine-receiving patients, renal functions were significantly worsened at the time of administration of an opioid antagonist than the day before the start of opioid administration. These findings indicate that the proper use of opioids was safe and acceptable in almost all terminal cancer patients. In rare cases, however, a risk toward respiratory depression onset is indicated because morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide become relatively excessive owing to systemic debility due to disease progression, especially respiratory and renal dysfunctions. At the onset of respiratory depression, appropriate administration of an opioid antagonist mitigated the symptoms. Thereafter, opioid switching or continuous administration at reduced dosages of the same opioids prevented the occurrence of serious adverse events.

  10. Comparative genomic analysis of the eight-membered ring cystine knot-containing bone morphogenetic protein antagonists.

    PubMed

    Avsian-Kretchmer, Orna; Hsueh, Aaron J W

    2004-01-01

    TGF-beta family proteins with a cystine knot motif serve as ligands for diverse families of plasma membrane receptors. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists represent a subgroup of these proteins, some of which bind BMPs and antagonize their actions during development and morphogenesis. Availability of completed genome sequences from diverse organisms allows bioinformatic analysis of the evolution of BMP antagonists and facilitates their classification. Using a regular expression algorithm (http://BioRegEx.stanford.edu), an exhaustive search of the human genome identified all cystine knot-containing BMP antagonists. Based on the size of the cystine ring, these proteins were divided into three subfamilies: CAN (eight-membered ring), twisted gastrulation (nine-membered ring), as well as chordin and noggin (10-membered ring). The CAN family can be divided further into four subgroups based on a conserved arrangement of additional cysteine residues-gremlin and PRDC, cerberus and coco, and DAN, together with USAG-1 and sclerostin. We searched for orthologs of human BMP antagonists in the genomes of model organisms and analyzed their phylogenetic relationship. New human paralogs were identified together with the verification of orthologous relationships of known genes. We also discuss the physiological roles of the CAN subfamily of BMP antagonists and the associated genetic defects. Based on the known three-dimensional structure of key cystine knot proteins, we postulated disulfide bondings for eight-membered ring BMP antagonists to predict their potential folding and dimerization.

  11. Complex carbohydrates reduce the frequency of antagonistic interactions among bacteria degrading cellulose and xylan.

    PubMed

    Deng, Yi-Jie; Wang, Shiao Y

    2017-03-01

    Bacterial competition for resources is common in nature but positive interactions among bacteria are also evident. We speculate that the structural complexity of substrate might play a role in mediating bacterial interactions. We tested the hypothesis that the frequency of antagonistic interactions among lignocellulolytic bacteria is reduced when complex polysaccharide is the main carbon source compared to when a simple sugar such as glucose is available. Results using all possible pairwise interactions among 35 bacteria isolated from salt marsh detritus showed that the frequency of antagonistic interactions was significantly lower on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-xylan medium (7.8%) than on glucose medium (15.5%). The two interaction networks were also different in their structures. Although 75 antagonistic interactions occurred on both media, there were 115 that occurred only on glucose and 20 only on CMC-xylan, indicating that some antagonistic interactions were substrate specific. We also found that the frequency of antagonism differed among phylogenetic groups. Gammaproteobacteria and Bacillus sp. were the most antagonistic and they tended to antagonize Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, the most susceptible groups. Results from the study suggest that substrate complexity affects how bacteria interact and that bacterial interactions in a community are dynamic as nutrient conditions change. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. Botulinum toxin type-A affects mechanics of non-injected antagonistic rat muscles.

    PubMed

    Ateş, Filiz; Yucesoy, Can A

    2018-08-01

    Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) effects on the mechanics of non-injected antagonistic muscles are unknown. The aim was to test the following hypotheses in a rat model: BTX-A injected into gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) (1) decreases forces of the antagonistic tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL), (2) reduces length range of force exertion and (3) increases passive forces of the TA, and (4) changes inter-antagonistic and inter-synergistic epimuscular myofascial force transmission (EMFT). Two groups of Wistar rats were tested: BTX (0.1 units of BTX-A were injected to the GM and GL, each) and Control (saline injected). Five-days post, TA, EDL, GM-GL, and soleus distal and EDL proximal isometric forces were measured after TA lengthening. BTX-A exposure caused forces of all muscles to decrease significantly. TA and EDL active force drops (maximally by 37.3%) show inter-compartmental spread. Length range of force exertion of the TA did not change, but its passive force increased significantly (by 25%). The percentages of intramuscular connective tissue content of the TA and EDL was higher (BTX: 20.0 ± 4.9% and 19.3 ± 4.1% vs. control: 13.1 ± 5.4% and 14.5 ± 4.0%, respectively). Calf muscles' forces were not affected by TA length changes for both groups indicating lacking inter-antagonistic EMFT. However, BTX-A altered EDL proximo-distal force differences hence, inter-synergistic EMFT. A major novel finding is that BTX-A affects mechanics of non-injected antagonistic muscles in test conditions involving only limited EMFT. The effects indicating a stiffer muscle with no length range increase contradict some treatment aims, which require clinical testing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Effect of Intraoperative Dexamethasone on Pain Scores and Narcotic Consumption in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Samona, Jason; Cook, Carrie; Krupa, Kyle; Swatsell, Krystle; Jackson, Andrew; Dukes, Chase; Martin, Sidney

    2017-02-01

    To examine whether the addition of intravenous dexamethasone during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would be effective at reducing postoperative pain scores and postoperative opioid consumption. A total of 102 patients undergoing TKA were placed into two groups: 55 subjects received intraoperative dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously (treatment group) and 47 did not receive dexamethasone at any time during the perioperative period. Comparison was made using the 0-10 numeric pain rating scale and the amount of opioids used in each group. Patients who received dexamethasone required significantly less oral opioids compared to the control group. Pain scores at 24 h post-surgery were significantly less for the dexamethasone group compared to the control group. There was no difference between groups in regards to patient-controlled analgesic dose or pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit, at 12 or 48 h post-surgery. A single dose of dexamethasone given intraoperatively significantly decreased oral narcotic consumption and decreased pain scores 24 h postoperatively. Dexamethasone appears to be a safe modality to use to control pain in patients undergoing TKA. © 2017 Chinese Orthopaedic Association and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  14. Predicting the relative binding affinity of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists by density functional methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roos, Katarina; Hogner, Anders; Ogg, Derek; Packer, Martin J.; Hansson, Eva; Granberg, Kenneth L.; Evertsson, Emma; Nordqvist, Anneli

    2015-12-01

    In drug discovery, prediction of binding affinity ahead of synthesis to aid compound prioritization is still hampered by the low throughput of the more accurate methods and the lack of general pertinence of one method that fits all systems. Here we show the applicability of a method based on density functional theory using core fragments and a protein model with only the first shell residues surrounding the core, to predict relative binding affinity of a matched series of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists. Antagonists of MR are used for treatment of chronic heart failure and hypertension. Marketed MR antagonists, spironolactone and eplerenone, are also believed to be highly efficacious in treatment of chronic kidney disease in diabetes patients, but is contra-indicated due to the increased risk for hyperkalemia. These findings and a significant unmet medical need among patients with chronic kidney disease continues to stimulate efforts in the discovery of new MR antagonist with maintained efficacy but low or no risk for hyperkalemia. Applied on a matched series of MR antagonists the quantum mechanical based method gave an R2 = 0.76 for the experimental lipophilic ligand efficiency versus relative predicted binding affinity calculated with the M06-2X functional in gas phase and an R2 = 0.64 for experimental binding affinity versus relative predicted binding affinity calculated with the M06-2X functional including an implicit solvation model. The quantum mechanical approach using core fragments was compared to free energy perturbation calculations using the full sized compound structures.

  15. On the maintenance of sex chromosome polymorphism by sex-antagonistic selection.

    PubMed

    Blaser, Olivier; Neuenschwander, Samuel; Perrin, Nicolas

    2011-10-01

    Complex sex determination systems are a priori unstable and require specific selective forces for their maintenance. Analytical derivations suggest that sex antagonistic selection may play such a role, but this assumes absence of recombination between the sex-determining and sex-antagonistic genes. Using individual-based simulations and focusing on the sex chromosome and coloration polymorphisms of platy fishes as a case study, we show that the conditions for polymorphism maintenance induce female biases in primary sex ratios, so that sex ratio selection makes the system collapse toward male or female heterogamety as soon as recombinant genotypes appear. However, a polymorphism can still be maintained under scenarios comprising strong sexual selection against dull males, mild natural selection against bright females, and low recombination rates. Though such conditions are plausibly met in natural populations of fishes harboring such polymorphisms, quantitative empirical evaluations are required to properly test whether sex antagonistic selection is a causal agent or whether other selective processes are required (such as local mate competition favoring female-biased sex ratios).

  16. Rational design, synthesis, biologic evaluation, and structure-activity relationship studies of novel 1-indanone alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Li, Minyong; Xia, Lin

    2007-11-01

    In the present report, a novel series of 1-indanone alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists were designed and synthesized based on 3D-pharmacophore model. Their in vitro alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonistic assay showed that three compounds (2a, 2m, and 2o) had similar or improved alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonistic activities relative to the positive control prazosin. Based on these results, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship study was performed using a Self-Organizing Molecular Field Analysis method to provide insight for the future development of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists.

  17. The Evolution of Sex-Specific Dominance in Response to Sexually Antagonistic Selection.

    PubMed

    Spencer, Hamish G; Priest, Nicholas K

    2016-05-01

    Arguments about the evolutionary modification of genetic dominance have a long history in genetics, dating back more than 100 years. Mathematical investigations have shown that modifiers of the level of dominance at the locus of interest can spread at a reasonable rate only if heterozygotes at that locus are common. One hitherto neglected scenario is that of sexually antagonistic selection, which not only is ubiquitous in sexual species but also can generate stable high frequencies of heterozygotes that would appear to facilitate the spread of such modifiers. Here we present a mathematical model that shows that sexually specific dominance modification is a potential outcome of sexually antagonistic selection. Our model predicts that loci with higher levels of sexual conflict should exhibit greater differentiation between males and females in levels of dominance and that the strength of antagonistic selection experienced by one sex should be proportional to the level of dominance modification. We show that evidence from the literature is consistent with these predictions but suggest that empiricists should be alert to the possibility of there being numerous cases of sex-specific dominance. Further, in order to determine the significance of sexual conflict in the evolution of dominance, we need improved measures of sexual conflict and better characterization of loci that modify dominance of genes with sexually antagonistic fitness effects.

  18. Isolation and characterization of a novel analyte from Bacillus subtilis SC-8 antagonistic to Bacillus cereus.

    PubMed

    Lee, Nam Keun; Yeo, In-Cheol; Park, Joung Whan; Kang, Byung-Sun; Hahm, Young Tae

    2010-09-01

    In this study, an effective substance was isolated from Bacillus subtilis SC-8, which was obtained from traditionally fermented soybean paste, cheonggukjang. The substance was purified by HPLC, and its properties were analyzed. It had an adequate antagonistic effect on Bacilluscereus, and its spectrum of activity was narrow. When tested on several gram-negative and gram-positive foodborne pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella enterica, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, no antagonistic effect was observed. Applying the derivative from B. subtilis SC-8 within the same genus did not inhibit the growth of major soybean-fermenting bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus amyloquefaciens. The range of pH stability of the purified antagonistic substance was wide (from 4.0 to >10.0), and the substance was thermally stable up to 60 degrees C. In the various enzyme treatments, the antagonistic activity of the purified substance was reduced with proteinase K, protease, and lipase; its activity was partially destroyed with esterase. Spores of B. cereus did not grow at all in the presence of 5mug/mL of the purified antagonistic substance. The isolated antagonistic substance was thought to be an antibiotic-like lipopeptidal compound and was tentatively named BSAP-254 because it absorbed to UV radiation at 254nm. Copyright 2010 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Molecular Gymnastics: Mechanisms of HIV-1 Resistance to CCR5 Antagonists and Impact on Virus Phenotypes.

    PubMed

    Roche, Michael; Borm, Katharina; Flynn, Jacqueline K; Lewin, Sharon R; Churchill, Melissa J; Gorry, Paul R

    2016-01-01

    Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) enters host cells through the binding of its envelope glycoproteins (Env) to the host cell receptor CD4 and then subsequent binding to a chemokine coreceptor, either CCR5 or CXCR4. CCR5 antagonists are a relatively recent class addition to the armamentarium of anti-HIV-1 drugs. These compounds act by binding to a hydrophobic pocket formed by the transmembrane helices of CCR5 and altering the conformation of the extracellular domains, such that they are no longer recognized by Env. Maraviroc is the first drug within this class to be licenced for use in HIV-1 therapy regimens. HIV resistance to CCR5 antagonists occurs either through outgrowth of pre-existing CXCR4-using viruses, or through acquisition of the ability of CCR5-using HIV-1 to use the antagonist bound form of CCR5. In the latter scenario, the mechanism underlying resistance is through complex alterations in the way that resistant Envs engage CCR5. These significant changes are unlikely to occur without consequence to the viral entry phenotype and may also open up new avenues to target CCR5 antagonist resistant viruses. This review discusses the mechanism of action of CCR5 antagonists, how HIV resistance to CCR5 antagonists occurs, and the subsequent effects on Env function.

  20. Pseudomonas orientalis F9: A Potent Antagonist against Phytopathogens with Phytotoxic Effect in the Apple Flower

    PubMed Central

    Zengerer, Veronika; Schmid, Michael; Bieri, Marco; Müller, Denise C.; Remus-Emsermann, Mitja N. P.; Ahrens, Christian H.; Pelludat, Cosima

    2018-01-01

    In light of public concerns over the use of pesticides and antibiotics in plant protection and the subsequent selection for spread of resistant bacteria in the environment, it is inevitable to broaden our knowledge about viable alternatives, such as natural antagonists and their mode of action. The genus Pseudomonas is known for its metabolic versatility and genetic plasticity, encompassing pathogens as well as antagonists. We characterized strain Pseudomonas orientalis F9, an isolate from apple flowers in a Swiss orchard, and determined its antagonistic activity against several phytopathogenic bacteria, in particular Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight. P. orientalis F9 displayed antagonistic activity against a broad suite of phytopathogenic bacteria in the in vitro tests. The promising results from this analysis led to an ex vivo assay with E. amylovora CFBP1430Rif and P. orientalis F9 infected detached apple flowers. F9 diminished the fire blight pathogen in the flowers but also revealed phytotoxic traits. The experimental results were discussed in light of the complete genome sequence of F9, which revealed the strain to carry phenazine genes. Phenazines are known to contribute to antagonistic activity of bacterial strains against soil pathogens. When tested in the cress assay with Pythium ultimum as pathogen, F9 showed results comparable to the known antagonist P. protegens CHA0. PMID:29479340

  1. Kappa-Opioid Antagonists for Psychiatric Disorders: From Bench to Clinical Trials.

    PubMed

    Carlezon, William A; Krystal, Andrew D

    2016-10-01

    Kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists are currently being considered for the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including depressive, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. A general ability to mitigate the effects of stress, which can trigger or exacerbate these conditions, may explain their putative efficacy across such a broad array of conditions. The discovery of their potentially therapeutic effects evolved from preclinical research designed to characterize the molecular mechanisms by which experience causes neuroadaptations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key element of brain reward circuitry. This research established that exposure to drugs of abuse or stress increases the activity of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) in the NAc, which leads to elevated expression of the opioid peptide dynorphin that in turn causes core signs of depressive- and anxiety-related disorders. Disruption of KORs-the endogenous receptors for dynorphin-produces antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like actions in screening procedures that identify standard drugs of these classes, and reduces stress effects in tests used to study addiction and stress-related disorders. Although interest in this target is high, prototypical KOR antagonists have extraordinarily persistent pharmacodynamic effects that complicate clinical trials. The development of shorter acting KOR antagonists together with more rapid designs for clinical trials may soon provide insight on whether these drugs are efficacious as would be predicted by preclinical work. If successful, KOR antagonists would represent a unique example in psychiatry where the therapeutic mechanism of a drug class is understood before it is shown to be efficacious in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Eplerenone: a selective aldosterone receptor antagonist for patients with heart failure.

    PubMed

    Barnes, Brian J; Howard, Patricia A

    2005-01-01

    To evaluate the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical use of eplerenone in heart failure (HF). English-language MEDLINE searches were performed from 1966 to May 2004. Key words included eplerenone, aldosterone receptor antagonist, heart failure, myocardial infarction, left-ventricular dysfunction, and cost-effectiveness. Additional references were identified from bibliographies of selected articles. Human trials evaluating the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of aldosterone receptor antagonists in HF were evaluated. Eplerenone is the first selective aldosterone receptor antagonist. The drug is indicated to improve the survival of stable patients with left-ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%) and clinical evidence of HF following acute myocardial infarction. Efficacy and safety in this population have been demonstrated in a large, randomized clinical trial. Eplerenone is associated with severe and sometimes life-threatening hyperkalemia. Patients with reduced renal function and diabetes, as well as those on other drugs that increase potassium levels, are at highest risk. Eplerenone is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system and may interact with drugs that interfere with this system. A major advantage of eplerenone over the nonselective aldosterone receptor antagonist spironolactone is lack of binding to progesterone and androgen receptors, which is associated with drug-induced gynecomastia, breast pain, and impotence. The addition of eplerenone to traditional HF therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients who develop left-ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction. Eplerenone's selectivity reduces sex hormone-related adverse effects. Despite these benefits, the overall cost-effectiveness has yet to be determined.

  3. An autoinflammatory disease with deficiency of the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Aksentijevich, Ivona; Masters, Seth L; Ferguson, Polly J; Dancey, Paul; Frenkel, Joost; van Royen-Kerkhoff, Annet; Laxer, Ron; Tedgård, Ulf; Cowen, Edward W; Pham, Tuyet-Hang; Booty, Matthew; Estes, Jacob D; Sandler, Netanya G; Plass, Nicole; Stone, Deborah L; Turner, Maria L; Hill, Suvimol; Butman, John A; Schneider, Rayfel; Babyn, Paul; El-Shanti, Hatem I; Pope, Elena; Barron, Karyl; Bing, Xinyu; Laurence, Arian; Lee, Chyi-Chia R; Chapelle, Dawn; Clarke, Gillian I; Ohson, Kamal; Nicholson, Marc; Gadina, Massimo; Yang, Barbara; Korman, Benjamin D; Gregersen, Peter K; van Hagen, P Martin; Hak, A Elisabeth; Huizing, Marjan; Rahman, Proton; Douek, Daniel C; Remmers, Elaine F; Kastner, Daniel L; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela

    2009-06-04

    Autoinflammatory diseases manifest inflammation without evidence of infection, high-titer autoantibodies, or autoreactive T cells. We report a disorder caused by mutations of IL1RN, which encodes the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, with prominent involvement of skin and bone. We studied nine children from six families who had neonatal onset of sterile multifocal osteomyelitis, periostitis, and pustulosis. Response to empirical treatment with the recombinant interleukin-1-receptor antagonist anakinra in the first patient prompted us to test for the presence of mutations and changes in proteins and their function in interleukin-1-pathway genes including IL1RN. We identified homozygous mutations of IL1RN in nine affected children, from one family from Newfoundland, Canada, three families from The Netherlands, and one consanguineous family from Lebanon. A nonconsanguineous patient from Puerto Rico was homozygous for a genomic deletion that includes IL1RN and five other interleukin-1-family members. At least three of the mutations are founder mutations; heterozygous carriers were asymptomatic, with no cytokine abnormalities in vitro. The IL1RN mutations resulted in a truncated protein that is not secreted, thereby rendering cells hyperresponsive to interleukin-1beta stimulation. Patients treated with anakinra responded rapidly. We propose the term deficiency of the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, or DIRA, to denote this autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations affecting IL1RN. The absence of interleukin-1-receptor antagonist allows unopposed action of interleukin-1, resulting in life-threatening systemic inflammation with skin and bone involvement. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00059748.) 2009 Massachusetts Medical Society

  4. Discovery of non-peptide small molecular CXCR4 antagonists as anti-HIV agents: Recent advances and future opportunities.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Heng; Kang, Dongwei; Huang, Boshi; Liu, Na; Zhao, Fabao; Zhan, Peng; Liu, Xinyong

    2016-05-23

    CXCR4 plays vital roles in HIV-1 life cycle for it's essential in mediating the interaction of host and virus and completing the entry process in the lifecycle of HIV-1 infection. Compared with some traditional targets, CXCR4 provides a novel and less mutated drug target in the battle against AIDS. Its antagonists have no cross resistance with other antagonists. Great achievements have been made recent years and a number of small molecular CXCR4 antagonists with diversity scaffolds have been discovered. In this review, recent advances in the discovery of CXCR4 antagonists with special attentions on their evolution and structure-activity relationships of representative CXCR4 antagonists are described. Moreover, some classical medicinal chemistry strategies and novel methodologies are also introduced. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  5. Specifics of Chemical Toxilogical Analyses in the Russian Federation for the Purpose of Identification of Narcotics in Biological Matters

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Coates, Cameron W; Eisele, Gerhard R

    2011-01-01

    The Russian Federation (RF) is committed to implementing a comprehensive drug testing program under its Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) for military personnel involved in handling sensitive nuclear materials. This commitment leads to a number of mandatory requirements for the laboratory conducting the confirmation testing to ensure the legitimacy and integrity of the testing process. These requirements are established by the RF Duma to ensure that individuals conducting these tests have adequate training, certifications, and experience to conduct narcotic confirmation tests. This paper describes the facility requirements and personnel qualifications needed for conducting comprehensive drug abuse confirmation testing. Details regarding themore » personnel training and laboratory experience in the theory and practice of analytical forensic toxicology of drugs of abuse will be presented, as well as the facility requirements for the laboratory conducting such tests. Chain-of-custody, from sample receipt through completion of testing, reporting of results, and continuing until final disposition of specimens will be addressed.« less

  6. New antagonists of LHRH. II. Inhibition and potentiation of LHRH by closely related analogues.

    PubMed

    Bajusz, S; Csernus, V J; Janaky, T; Bokser, L; Fekete, M; Schally, A V

    1988-12-01

    Modifications of the previously described LHRH antagonists, [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Trp3, D-Cit6, D-Ala10]LHRH and the corresponding D-Hci6 analogue, have been made to alter the hydrophobicity of the N-terminal acetyl-tripeptide portion. Substitution of D-Trp3 with the less hydrophobic D-Pal(3) had only marginal effects on the antagonistic activities and receptor binding potencies of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 analogues, but it appeared to further improve the toxicity lowering effect of D-Cit/D-Hci6 substitution. Antagonists containing D-Pal(3)3 and D-Cit/D-Hci6 residues, i.e. [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Cit6, D-Ala10]LHRH (SB-75) and [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Hci6, D-Ala10]LHRH (SB-88), were completely free of the toxic effects, such as cyanosis and respiratory depression leading to death, which have been observed in rats with the D-Trp3, D-Arg6 antagonist and related antagonists. Replacement of the N-acetyl group with the hydrophilic carbamoyl group caused a slight decrease in antagonistic activities, particularly in vitro. Introduction of urethane type acyl group such as methoxycarbonyl (Moc) or t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) led to analogues that showed LHRH-potentiating effect. The increase in potency induced by these analogues, e.g. [Moc-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Trp3, D-Cit6, D-Ala10]LHRH and [Boc-D-Phe1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Cit6, D-Ala10]LHRH, was 170-260% and persisted for more than 2 h when studied in a superfused rat pituitary system.

  7. Behavioral, biological, and chemical perspectives on targeting CRF1 receptor antagonists to treat alcoholism

    PubMed Central

    Zorrilla, Eric P.; Heilig, Markus; de Wit, Harriet; Shaham, Yavin

    2013-01-01

    Background Alcohol use disorders are chronic disabling conditions for which existing pharmacotherapies have only modest efficacy. In the present review, derived from the 2012 Behavior, Biology and Chemistry “Translational Research in Addiction” symposium, we summarize the anti-relapse potential of corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists to reduce negative emotional symptoms of acute and protracted alcohol withdrawal and stress-induced relapse to alcohol seeking. Methods We review the biology of CRF1 systems, the activity of CRF1 receptor antagonists in animal models of anxiolytic and antidepressant activity, and experimental findings in alcohol addiction models. We also update the clinical trial status of CRF1 receptor antagonists, including pexacerfont (BMS-562086), emicerfont (GW876008), verucerfont (GSK561679), CP316311, SSR125543A, R121919/NBI30775, R317573/19567470/CRA5626, and ONO-2333Ms. Finally, we discuss the potential heterogeneity and pharmacogenomics of CRF1 receptor pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence. Results The evidence suggests that brain penetrant-CRF1 receptor antagonists have therapeutic potential for alcohol dependence. Lead compounds with clinically desirable pharmacokinetic properties now exist, and longer receptor residence rates (i.e., slow dissociation) may predict greater CRF1 receptor antagonist efficacy. Functional variants in genes that encode CRF system molecules, including polymorphisms in Crhr1 (rs110402, rs1876831, rs242938) and Crhbp genes (rs10055255, rs3811939) may promote alcohol seeking and consumption by altering basal or stress-induced CRF system activation. Conclusions Ongoing clinical trials with pexacerfont and verucerfont in moderately to highly severe dependent anxious alcoholics may yield insight as to the role of CRF1 receptor antagonists in a personalized medicine approach to treat drug or alcohol dependence. PMID:23294766

  8. Efficacy of Vedolizumab Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis, Regardless of Prior Exposure to Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Feagan, Brian G; Rubin, David T; Danese, Silvio; Vermeire, Severine; Abhyankar, Brihad; Sankoh, Serap; James, Alexandra; Smyth, Michael

    2017-02-01

    The efficacy and safety of vedolizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody against the integrin α4β7, were demonstrated in multicenter, phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. We analyzed data from 1 of these trials to determine the effects of vedolizumab therapy in patients with UC, based on past exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) antagonists. We performed a post hoc analysis of data from the GEMINI 1 study, collected from 464 patients who received vedolizumab or placebo but had not received a previous TNF antagonist (naive to TNF antagonists) and 367 patients with an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to TNF antagonists (failure of TNF antagonists). Predefined outcomes of GEMINI 1 were evaluated in these subpopulations. At Week 6, there were greater absolute differences in efficacy between vedolizumab and placebo in patients naive to TNF antagonists than patients with failure of TNF antagonists, although the risk ratios (RRs) for efficacy were similar for each group. Week 6 rates of response to vedolizumab and placebo were 53.1% and 26.3%, respectively, among patients naive to TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 26.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4-40.4; RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0); these rates were 39.0% and 20.6%, respectively, in patients with failure of TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 18.1%; 95% CI, 2.8-33.5; RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). During maintenance therapy, the absolute differences were similar but the RR for efficacy was higher for patients with failure of TNF antagonists than for patients naive to TNF antagonists, for most outcomes. Week 52 rates of remission with vedolizumab and placebo were 46.9% and 19.0%, respectively, in patients naive to TNF antagonists (absolute difference, 28.0%; 95% CI, 14.9-41.1; RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.0) and 36.1% and 5.3%, respectively, in patients with failure of

  9. Angiotensin-II receptor 1 antagonist fetopathy--risk assessment, critical time period and vena cava thrombosis as a possible new feature.

    PubMed

    Oppermann, Marc; Padberg, Stephanie; Kayser, Angela; Weber-Schoendorfer, Corinna; Schaefer, Christof

    2013-03-01

    Angiotensin-II receptor 1 antagonists (AT₁-antagonists) may cause severe and even lethal fetopathy in late pregnancy. However, exposure still occurs in spite of warnings in package leaflets. This study aimed to assess the risk of fetopathy, the sensitive time window, and possible new symptoms in prospective as well as retrospective cases with AT₁-antagonist treatment during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Patients were enrolled by the Berlin Institute for Clinical Teratology and Drug Risk Assessment in Pregnancy between 1999 and 2011 through risk consultation. Symptoms defined as indicative of AT₁-antagonist fetopathy were: oligo-/anhydramnios, renal insufficiency, lung hypoplasia, joint contractures, skull hypoplasia and fetal/neonatal death. In 5/29 (17%) prospectively enrolled cases with AT₁-antagonist exposure beyond the first trimester oligo-/anhydramnios was diagnosed. Two infants showed additional symptoms of fetopathy. The risk is more than 30% if treatment continues beyond the 20th week of pregnancy. Oligo-/anhydramnios was reversible after AT₁-antagonist withdrawal. Among 16 retrospective case reports, three infants presented with a thrombosis of the inferior vena cava in the vicinity of the renal veins. Four out of 13 live births did not survive. Our survey suggests that the risk increases with duration of AT₁-antagonist treatment into late pregnancy and oligo-/anhydramnios may be reversible after AT₁-antagonist discontinuation. Thrombosis of inferior vena cava may be a new feature of AT₁-antagonist fetopathy. AT₁-antagonist medication during pregnancy constitutes a considerable risk and must be discontinued immediately. In case of indicative diagnostic findings in either the fetus or newborn, previous maternal AT₁-antagonist exposure should be considered. © 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.

  10. Dopamine antagonists during parturition disrupt maternal care and the retention of maternal behavior in rats.

    PubMed

    Byrnes, Elizabeth M; Rigero, Beth A; Bridges, Robert S

    2002-11-01

    Brief contact with pups at parturition enables the female rat to establish and retain the full repertoire of maternal behaviors, allowing her to respond rapidly to pups in the future. To determine whether the dopamine system is involved in the retention of maternal behavior, females were continuously infused with dopamine antagonists during the periparturitional period and then allowed either a brief interaction period with pups (3 h) or no interaction with pups (pups removed as they were born). Females were exposed to either the D1-like antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg/day) or the D2-like antagonist clebopride (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg/day). The high dose of either DA antagonist resulted in significant attenuation of maternal care immediately postpartum. When tested for the retention of maternal behavior 7 days later, however, only the females exposed to the D2 antagonist displayed a delayed response to shown full maternal behavior (FMB) towards donor pups. Thus, while both dopamine receptor subtypes appear necessary for the full and rapid expression of maternal behavior during the early postpartum period, only the D2 receptor subtype appears to be involved in the retention of this behavior.

  11. Behavioral approach to nondyskinetic dopamine antagonists: identification of seroquel.

    PubMed

    Warawa, E J; Migler, B M; Ohnmacht, C J; Needles, A L; Gatos, G C; McLaren, F M; Nelson, C L; Kirkland, K M

    2001-02-01

    A great need exists for antipsychotic drugs which will not induce extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and tardive dyskinesias (TDs). These side effects are deemed to be a consequence of nonselective blockade of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine D2 receptors. Nondyskinetic clozapine (1) is a low-potency D2 dopamine receptor antagonist which appears to act selectively in the mesolimbic area. In this work dopamine antagonism was assessed in two mouse behavioral assays: antagonism of apomorphine-induced climbing and antagonism of apomorphine-induced disruption of swimming. The potential for the liability of dyskinesias was determined in haloperidol-sensitized Cebus monkeys. Initial examination of a few close cogeners of 1 enhanced confidence in the Cebus model as a predictor of dyskinetic potential. Considering dibenzazepines, 2 was not dyskinetic whereas 2a was dyskinetic. Among dibenzodiazepines, 1 did not induce dyskinesias whereas its N-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl analogue 3 was dyskinetic. The emergence of such distinctions presented an opportunity. Thus, aromatic and N-substituted analogues of 6-(piperazin-1-yl)-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepines and 11-(piperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepines and -oxazepines were prepared and evaluated. 11-(4-[2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]piperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine (23) was found to be an apomorphine antagonist comparable to clozapine. It was essentially nondyskinetic in the Cebus model. With 23 as a platform, a number of N-substituted analogues were found to be good apomorphine antagonists but all were dyskinetic.

  12. Models for H₃ receptor antagonist activity of sulfonylurea derivatives.

    PubMed

    Khatri, Naveen; Madan, A K

    2014-03-01

    The histamine H₃ receptor has been perceived as an auspicious target for the treatment of various central and peripheral nervous system diseases. In present study, a wide variety of 60 2D and 3D molecular descriptors (MDs) were successfully utilized for the development of models for the prediction of antagonist activity of sulfonylurea derivatives for histamine H₃ receptors. Models were developed through decision tree (DT), random forest (RF) and moving average analysis (MAA). Dragon software version 6.0.28 was employed for calculation of values of diverse MDs of each analogue involved in the data set. The DT classified and correctly predicted the input data with an impressive non-error rate of 94% in the training set and 82.5% during cross validation. RF correctly classified the analogues into active and inactive with a non-error rate of 79.3%. The MAA based models predicted the antagonist histamine H₃ receptor activity with non-error rate up to 90%. Active ranges of the proposed MAA based models not only exhibited high potency but also showed improved safety as indicated by relatively high values of selectivity index. The statistical significance of the models was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, non-error rate, Matthew's correlation coefficient and intercorrelation analysis. Proposed models offer vast potential for providing lead structures for development of potent but safe H₃ receptor antagonist sulfonylurea derivatives. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Molsidomine potentiates the protective activity of GYKI 52466, a non-NMDA antagonist, MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, and riluzole against electroconvulsions in mice.

    PubMed

    Tutka, Piotr; Olszewski, Krzysztof; Woźniak, Małgorzata; Kleinrok, Zdzisław; Czuczwar, Stanisław J; Wielosz, Marian

    2002-08-01

    The influence of molsidomine, a donor of nitric oxide (NO), L-arginine, a substrate for NO synthesis, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (NNA), an inhibitor of NO synthase, on the protective activity of CGP 40116, GYKI 52466, MK-801, and riluzole against electroconvulsions was studied in mice. Molsidomine (100 mg kg(-1); i.p.) potentiated the protective activity of GYKI 52466, MK-801, and riluzole but did not influence the protection offered by CGP 40116. In contrast to molsidomine, L-arginine (500 mg kg(-1); i.p.) did not impair the protective activity of any anticonvulsant. In a dose of 40 mg kg(-1), NNA administered i.p. did not affect the protection offered by any excitatory amino acid antagonists and riluzole. Combinations of molsidomine with either GYKI 52466 or MK-801 as well as riluzole did not cause a memory deficit in the passive avoidance task. However, the combined treatment of molsidomine with these anticonvulsants resulted in a motor impairment quantified by the chimney test. The lack of effect of L-arginine and NNA on the protective activity of excitatory amino acid antagonists suggests that molsidomine-evoked alterations in the protection provided by some excitatory amino acid antagonists against electroconvulsions are independent of the NO pathway.

  14. A Selective TSH Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Stimulation of Thyroid Function in Female Mice

    PubMed Central

    Neumann, Susanne; Nir, Eshel A.; Eliseeva, Elena; Huang, Wenwei; Marugan, Juan; Xiao, Jingbo; Dulcey, Andrés E.

    2014-01-01

    Because the TSH receptor (TSHR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of thyroid disease, a TSHR antagonist could be a novel treatment. We attempted to develop a small molecule, drug-like antagonist of TSHR signaling that is selective and active in vivo. We synthesized NCGC00242364 (ANTAG3) by chemical modification of a previously reported TSHR antagonist. We tested its potency, efficacy, and selectivity in a model cell system in vitro by measuring its activity to inhibit stimulation of cAMP production stimulated by TSH, LH, or FSH. We tested the in vivo activity of ANTAG3 by measuring its effects to lower serum free T4 and thyroid gene expression in female BALB/c mice continuously treated with ANTAG3 for 3 days and given low doses of TRH continuously or stimulated by a single administration of a monoclonal thyroid-stimulating antibody M22. ANTAG3 was selective for TSHR inhibition; half-maximal inhibitory doses were 2.1 μM for TSHR and greater than 30 μM for LH and FSH receptors. In mice treated with TRH, ANTAG3 lowered serum free T4 by 44% and lowered mRNAs for sodium-iodide cotransporter and thyroperoxidase by 75% and 83%, respectively. In mice given M22, ANTAG3 lowered serum free T4 by 38% and lowered mRNAs for sodium-iodide cotransporter and thyroperoxidase by 73% and 40%, respectively. In conclusion, we developed a selective TSHR antagonist that is effective in vivo in mice. This is the first report of a small-molecule TSHR antagonist active in vivo and may lead to a drug to treat Graves' disease. PMID:24169564

  15. A selective TSH receptor antagonist inhibits stimulation of thyroid function in female mice.

    PubMed

    Neumann, Susanne; Nir, Eshel A; Eliseeva, Elena; Huang, Wenwei; Marugan, Juan; Xiao, Jingbo; Dulcey, Andrés E; Gershengorn, Marvin C

    2014-01-01

    Because the TSH receptor (TSHR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of thyroid disease, a TSHR antagonist could be a novel treatment. We attempted to develop a small molecule, drug-like antagonist of TSHR signaling that is selective and active in vivo. We synthesized NCGC00242364 (ANTAG3) by chemical modification of a previously reported TSHR antagonist. We tested its potency, efficacy, and selectivity in a model cell system in vitro by measuring its activity to inhibit stimulation of cAMP production stimulated by TSH, LH, or FSH. We tested the in vivo activity of ANTAG3 by measuring its effects to lower serum free T4 and thyroid gene expression in female BALB/c mice continuously treated with ANTAG3 for 3 days and given low doses of TRH continuously or stimulated by a single administration of a monoclonal thyroid-stimulating antibody M22. ANTAG3 was selective for TSHR inhibition; half-maximal inhibitory doses were 2.1 μM for TSHR and greater than 30 μM for LH and FSH receptors. In mice treated with TRH, ANTAG3 lowered serum free T4 by 44% and lowered mRNAs for sodium-iodide cotransporter and thyroperoxidase by 75% and 83%, respectively. In mice given M22, ANTAG3 lowered serum free T4 by 38% and lowered mRNAs for sodium-iodide cotransporter and thyroperoxidase by 73% and 40%, respectively. In conclusion, we developed a selective TSHR antagonist that is effective in vivo in mice. This is the first report of a small-molecule TSHR antagonist active in vivo and may lead to a drug to treat Graves' disease.

  16. Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor induce apoptosis specifically in retinoblastoma cells.

    PubMed

    Chu, Wai Kit; Law, Ka Sin; Chan, Sun On; Yam, Jason Cheuk Sing; Chen, Li Jia; Zhang, Hao; Cheung, Herman S; Block, Norman L; Schally, Andrew V; Pang, Chi Pui

    2016-12-13

    Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular cancer in children worldwide. Current treatments mainly involve combinations of chemotherapies, cryotherapies, and laser-based therapies. Severe or late-stage disease may require enucleation or lead to fatality. Recently, RB has been shown to arise from cone precursor cells, which have high MDM2 levels to suppress p53-mediated apoptosis. This finding leads to the hypothesis that restoring apoptosis mechanisms in RBs could specifically kill the cancer cells without affecting other retinal cells. We have previously reported involvement of an extrapituitary signaling pathway of the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in the retina. Here we show that the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) is highly expressed in RB cells but not in other retinal cells. We induced specific apoptosis with two different GHRH-R antagonists, MIA-602 and MIA-690. Importantly, these GHRH-R antagonists do not trigger apoptosis in other retinal cells such as retinal pigmented epithelial cells. We delineated the gene expression profiles regulated by GHRH-R antagonists and found that cell proliferation genes and apoptotic genes are down- and up-regulated, respectively. Our results reveal the involvement of GHRH-R in survival and proliferation of RB and demonstrate that GHRH-R antagonists can specifically kill the RB cells.

  17. Inducible Nitric Oxide Inhibitors Block NMDA Antagonist-Stimulated Motoric Behaviors and Medial Prefrontal Cortical Glutamate Efflux

    PubMed Central

    Bergstrom, Hadley C.; Darvesh, Altaf S.; Berger, S. P.

    2015-01-01

    Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in the motoric and glutamate releasing action of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-antagonist stimulants. Earlier studies utilized neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (nNOS) for studying the neurobehavioral effects of non-competitive NMDA-antagonist stimulants such as dizocilpine (MK-801) and phencyclidine (PCP). This study explores the role of the inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (iNOS) aminoguanidine (AG) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in NMDA-antagonist induced motoric behavior and prefrontal cortical glutamate efflux. Adult male rats were administered a dose range of AG, EGCG, or vehicle prior to receiving NMDA antagonists MK-801, PCP, or a conventional psychostimulant (cocaine) and tested for motoric behavior in an open arena. Glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was measured using in vivo microdialysis after a combination of AG or EGCG prior to MK-801. Acute administration of AG or EGCG dose-dependently attenuated the locomotor and ataxic properties of MK-801 and PCP. Both AG and EGCG were unable to block the motoric effects of cocaine, indicating the acute pharmacologic action of AG and EGCG is specific to NMDA antagonism and not generalizable to all stimulant class drugs. AG and EGCG normalized MK-801-stimulated mPFC glutamate efflux. These data demonstrate that AG and EGCG attenuates NMDA antagonist-stimulated motoric behavior and cortical glutamate efflux. Our results suggest that EGCG-like polyphenol nutraceuticals (contained in “green tea” and chocolate) may be clinically useful in protecting against the adverse behavioral dissociative and cortical glutamate stimulating effects of NMDA antagonists. Medications that interfere with NMDA antagonists such as MK-801 and PCP have been proposed as treatments for schizophrenia. PMID:26696891

  18. Characterization of a novel non-peptide vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist (OPC-21268) in the rat.

    PubMed

    Burrell, L M; Phillips, P A; Stephenson, J; Risvanis, J; Hutchins, A M; Johnston, C I

    1993-08-01

    A non-peptide, orally effective, vasopressin (AVP) V1 receptor antagonist 1-(1-[4-(3-acetylaminopropoxy) benzoyl]-4-piperidyl)-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone (OPC-21268) has recently been described. This paper reports the in-vitro and in-vivo characterization of OPC-21268 binding to vasopressin receptors in rat liver and kidney. OPC-21268 caused a concentration-dependent displacement of the selective V1 receptor antagonist radioligand, 125I-labelled [d(CH2)5,sarcosine7]AVP to V1 receptors in both rat liver and kidney medulla membranes. The concentration of OPC-21268 that displaced 50% of specific AVP binding (IC50) was 40 +/- 3 nmol/l for liver V1 and 15 +/- 2 nmol/l for kidney V1 receptors (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 3). OPC-21268 had little effect on the selective V2 antagonist radioligand [3H]desGly-NH2(9)]d(CH2)5,D-Ile2,Ile4] AVP binding to V2 receptors in renal medulla membranes (IC50 > 0.1 mmol/l). After oral administration to rats, OPC-21268 was an effective V1 antagonist in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Binding kinetic studies showed that OPC-21268 acted as a competitive antagonist at the liver V1 receptor in vitro and in vivo, in addition to its in-vitro competitive effects at the renal V1 receptor. OPC-21268 shows promise as an orally active V1 antagonist.

  19. Caffeine and Selective Adenosine Receptor Antagonists as New Therapeutic Tools for the Motivational Symptoms of Depression

    PubMed Central

    López-Cruz, Laura; Salamone, John D.; Correa, Mercè

    2018-01-01

    Major depressive disorder is one of the most common and debilitating psychiatric disorders. Some of the motivational symptoms of depression, such anergia (lack of self-reported energy) and fatigue are relatively resistant to traditional treatments such as serotonin uptake inhibitors. Thus, new pharmacological targets are being investigated. Epidemiological data suggest that caffeine consumption can have an impact on aspects of depressive symptomatology. Caffeine is a non-selective adenosine antagonist for A1/A2A receptors, and has been demonstrated to modulate behavior in classical animal models of depression. Moreover, selective adenosine receptor antagonists are being assessed for their antidepressant effects in animal studies. This review focuses on how caffeine and selective adenosine antagonists can improve different aspects of depression in humans, as well as in animal models. The effects on motivational symptoms of depression such as anergia, fatigue, and psychomotor slowing receive particular attention. Thus, the ability of adenosine receptor antagonists to reverse the anergia induced by dopamine antagonism or depletion is of special interest. In conclusion, although further studies are needed, it appears that caffeine and selective adenosine receptor antagonists could be therapeutic agents for the treatment of motivational dysfunction in depression. PMID:29910727

  20. Benzimidazoles as benzamide replacements within cyclohexane-based CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonists.

    PubMed

    Cherney, Robert J; Mo, Ruowei; Meyer, Dayton T; Pechulis, Anthony D; Guaciaro, Michael A; Lo, Yvonne C; Yang, Gengjie; Miller, Persymphonie B; Scherle, Peggy A; Zhao, Qihong; Cvijic, Mary Ellen; Barrish, Joel C; Decicco, Carl P; Carter, Percy H

    2012-10-01

    We describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of benzimidazoles as benzamide replacements within a series of trisubstituted cyclohexane CCR2 antagonists. 7-Trifluoromethylbenzimidazoles displayed potent binding and functional antagonism of CCR2 while being selective over CCR3. These benzimidazoles were also incorporated into lactam-containing antagonists, thus completely eliminating the customary bis-amide. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Highly potent antagonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone free of edematogenic effects.

    PubMed

    Bajusz, S; Kovacs, M; Gazdag, M; Bokser, L; Karashima, T; Csernus, V J; Janaky, T; Guoth, J; Schally, A V

    1988-03-01

    To eliminate the undesirable edematogenic effect of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) antagonists containing basic D amino acids at position 6, exemplified by [Ac-D-Phe(pCl)1,2,D-Trp3,D-Arg6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Phe(pCl) indicates 4-chlorophenylalanine], analogs with D-ureidoalkyl amino acids such as D-citrulline (D-Cit) or D-homocitrulline (D-Hci) at position 6 were synthesized and tested in several systems in vitro and in vivo. HPLC analysis revealed that the overall hydrophobicity of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 analogs was similar to that of the basic D-Arg6 antagonists. In vitro, most of the analogs completely inhibited LH-RH-mediated luteinizing hormone release in perfused rat pituitary cell systems at an antagonist to LH-RH molar ratio of 5:1. In vivo, the most active peptides, [Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-Phe(pCl)2,D-Trp3,D-Cit6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Nal(2) indicates 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine] and its D-Hci6 analog, caused 100% inhibition of ovulation in cycling rats in doses of 3 micrograms and suppressed the luteinizing hormone level in ovariectomized female rats for 47 hr when administered at doses of 25 micrograms. Characteristically, these peptides did not exert any edematogenic effects even at 1.5 mg/kg. These properties of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 antagonists may make them useful clinically.

  2. Highly potent antagonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone free of edematogenic effects.

    PubMed Central

    Bajusz, S; Kovacs, M; Gazdag, M; Bokser, L; Karashima, T; Csernus, V J; Janaky, T; Guoth, J; Schally, A V

    1988-01-01

    To eliminate the undesirable edematogenic effect of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) antagonists containing basic D amino acids at position 6, exemplified by [Ac-D-Phe(pCl)1,2,D-Trp3,D-Arg6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Phe(pCl) indicates 4-chlorophenylalanine], analogs with D-ureidoalkyl amino acids such as D-citrulline (D-Cit) or D-homocitrulline (D-Hci) at position 6 were synthesized and tested in several systems in vitro and in vivo. HPLC analysis revealed that the overall hydrophobicity of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 analogs was similar to that of the basic D-Arg6 antagonists. In vitro, most of the analogs completely inhibited LH-RH-mediated luteinizing hormone release in perfused rat pituitary cell systems at an antagonist to LH-RH molar ratio of 5:1. In vivo, the most active peptides, [Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-Phe(pCl)2,D-Trp3,D-Cit6,D-Ala10]LH-RH [Nal(2) indicates 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine] and its D-Hci6 analog, caused 100% inhibition of ovulation in cycling rats in doses of 3 micrograms and suppressed the luteinizing hormone level in ovariectomized female rats for 47 hr when administered at doses of 25 micrograms. Characteristically, these peptides did not exert any edematogenic effects even at 1.5 mg/kg. These properties of the D-Cit/D-Hci6 antagonists may make them useful clinically. PMID:3278323

  3. Antidepressant activity of the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, istradefylline (KW-6002) on learned helplessness in rats.

    PubMed

    Yamada, Koji; Kobayashi, Minoru; Shiozaki, Shizuo; Ohta, Teruko; Mori, Akihisa; Jenner, Peter; Kanda, Tomoyuki

    2014-07-01

    Istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, improves motor function in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and in patients with PD. In addition, some A2A antagonists exert antidepressant-like activity in rodent models of depression, such as the forced swim and the tail suspension tests. We have investigated the effect of istradefylline on depression-like behaviors using the rat learned helplessness (LH) model. Acute, as well as chronic, oral administration of istradefylline significantly improved the inescapable shock (IES)-induced escape deficit with a degree of efficacy comparable to chronic treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine and the selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. Both the A1/A2A receptor nonspecific antagonist theophylline and the moderately selective antagonist CGS15943, but not the A1 selective antagonist DPCPX, ameliorated the IES-induced escape deficit. The enhancement of escape response by istradefylline was reversed by a local injection of the A2A specific agonist CGS21680 either into the nucleus accumbens, the caudate-putamen, or the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, but not by the A1 specific agonist R-PIA into the nucleus accumbens. Moreover, neither the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist methysergide or the adrenergic α 2 antagonist yohimbine, nor the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol, affected the improvement of escape response induced by istradefylline. Istradefylline exerts antidepressant-like effects via modulation of A2A receptor activity which is independent of monoaminergic transmission in the brain. Istradefylline may represent a novel treatment option for depression in PD as well as for the motor symptoms.

  4. 2-Aminoethyl Methylphosphonate, a Potent and Rapidly Acting Antagonist of GABA A-ρ1 Receptors

    DOE PAGES

    Xie, A.; Yan, J.; Yue, L.; ...

    2011-08-02

    All three classes of receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (GABAR) are expressed in the retina. This study investigated roles of GABAR, especially GABA(C)R (GABA(A)-rho), in retinal signaling in vivo by studying effects on the mouse electroretinogram (ERG) of genetic deletion of GABA(C)R versus pharmacological blockade using receptor antagonists. Brief full-field flash ERGs were recorded from anesthetized GABA(C)R(-/-) mice, and WT C57BL/6 (B6) mice, before and after intravitreal injection of GABA(C)R antagonists, TPMPA, 3-APMPA, or the more recently developed 2-AEMP; GABA(A)R antagonist, SR95531; GABA(B)R antagonist, CGP, and agonist, baclofen. Intravitreal injections of TPMPA and SR95531 were also made in Brownmore » Norway rats. The effect of 2-AEMP on GABA-induced current was tested directly in isolated rat rod bipolar cells, and 2-AEMP was found to preferentially block GABA(C)R in those cells. Maximum amplitudes of dark (DA) and light-adapted (LA) ERG b-waves were reduced in GABA(C)R(-/-) mice, compared to B6 mice, by 30-60%; a-waves were unaltered and oscillatory potential amplitudes were increased. In B6 mice, after injection of TPMPA (also in rats), 3-APMPA or 2-AEMP, ERGs became similar to ERGs of GABA(C)R(-/-) mice. Blockade of GABA(A)Rs and GABA(B)Rs, or agonism of GABA(B)Rs did not alter B6 DA b-wave amplitude. The negative scotopic threshold response (nSTR) was slightly less sensitive in GABA(C)R(-/-) than in B6 mice, and unaltered by 2-AEMP. However, amplitudes of nSTR and photopic negative response (PhNR), both of which originate from inner retina, were enhanced by TPMPA and 3-APMPA, each of which has GABA(B) agonist properties, and further increased by baclofen. The finding that genetic deletion of GABA(C)R, the GABA(C)R antagonist 2-AEMP, and other antagonists all reduced ERG b-wave amplitude, supports a role for CABA(C)R in determining the maximum response amplitude of bipolar cells contributing to the b-wave. GABA(C)R antagonists

  5. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-(2-aminoethyl) uracil derivatives as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Kim, Seon-Mi; Lee, Minhee; Lee, So Young; Lee, Soo-Min; Kim, Eun Jeong; Kim, Jae Sun; Ann, Jihyae; Lee, Jiyoun; Lee, Jeewoo

    2018-02-10

    We investigated a series of uracil analogues by introducing various substituents on the phenyl ring of the N-3 aminoethyl side chain and evaluated their antagonistic activity against human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors. Analogues with substituents at the ortho or meta position demonstrated potent in vitro antagonistic activity. Specifically, the introduction of a 2-OMe group enhanced nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) inhibition up to 6-fold compared to the unsubstituted analogue. We identified compound 12c as a highly potent GnRH antagonist with moderate CYP inhibition. Compound 12c showed potent and prolonged LH suppression after a single dose was orally administered in castrated monkeys compared to a known antagonist, Elagolix. We believe that our SAR study offers useful insights to design GnRH antagonists as a potential treatment option for endometriosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. Metabolism of the broad-spectrum neuropeptide growth factor antagonist: [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-substance P.

    PubMed Central

    Jones, D. A.; Cummings, J.; Langdon, S. P.; Maclellan, A. J.; Higgins, T.; Rozengurt, E.; Smyth, J. F.

    1996-01-01

    Broad-spectrum neuropeptide growth factor antagonists, such as [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]substance P (antagonist D) and [Arg6, D-Trp7,9, NmePhe8]substance P(6-11) (antagonist G), are currently being investigated as possible anti-tumour agents. These compounds are hoped to be effective against neuropeptide-driven cancers such as small-cell lung cancer. Antagonist D possesses a broader antagonistic spectrum than antagonist G and hence may be of greater therapeutic use. The in vitro metabolism of antagonist D has been characterised and the structures of two major metabolites have been elucidated by amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry. Metabolism was confined to the C-terminus where serine carboxypeptidase action produced [deamidated]-antagonist D (metabolite 1) and [des-Leu11]-antagonist D (metabolite 2) as the major metabolites. Biological characterisation of the metabolites demonstrated that these relatively minor changes in structure resulted in a loss of antagonist activity. These results provide some of the first structure-activity information on the factors that determine which neuropeptides these compounds inhibit and on the relative potency of that inhibition. PMID:8611370

  7. National Systematic Legal Review of State Policies on Emergency Medical Services Licensure Levels' Authority to Administer Opioid Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Kinsman, Jeremiah M; Robinson, Kathy

    2018-02-27

    Previous research conducted in November 2013 found there were a limited number of states and territories in the United States (US) that authorize emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and emergency medical responders (EMRs) to administer opioid antagonists. Given the continued increase in the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths, many states have changed their policies to authorize EMTs and EMRs to administer opioid antagonists. The goal of this study is to provide an updated description of policy on EMS licensure levels' authority to administer opioid antagonists for all 50 US states, the District of Columbia (DC), and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (PR). State law and scopes of practice were systematically reviewed using a multi-tiered approach to determine each state's legally-defined EMS licensure levels and their authority to administer an opioid antagonist. State law, state EMS websites, and state EMS scope of practice documents were identified and searched using Google Advanced Search with Boolean Search Strings. Initial results of the review were sent to each state office of EMS for review and comment. As of September 1, 2017, 49 states and DC authorize EMTs to administer an opioid antagonist. Among the 40 US jurisdictions (39 states and DC) that define the EMR or a comparable first responder licensure level in state law, 37 states and DC authorize their EMRs to administer an opioid antagonist. Paramedics are authorized to administer opioid antagonists in all 50 states, DC, and PR. All 49 of the US jurisdictions (48 states and DC) that define the advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) or a comparable intermediate EMS licensure level in state law authorize their AEMTs to administer an opioid antagonist. 49 out of 52 US jurisdictions (50 states, DC, and PR) authorize all existing levels of EMS licensure levels to administer an opioid antagonist. Expanding access to this medication can save lives, especially in communities that have limited

  8. Agonists and antagonists acting at P2X receptors: selectivity profiles and functional implications.

    PubMed

    Lambrecht, G

    2000-11-01

    P2X receptors are nucleotide-gated cation channels composed of homomeric or heteromeric assemblies of three subunits. In the past 7 years, an extended series (P2X1-7) of P2X subunits has been cloned from vertebrate tissues. In this rapidly expanding field, one of the main current challenges is to relate the cloned P2X receptor subtypes to the diverse physiological responses mediated by the native P2X receptors. However, the paucity of useful ligands, especially subtype-selective agonists and antagonists as well as radioligands, acts as a considerable impediment to progress. Most of the ligands available are highly limited in terms of their kinetics of action, receptor-affinity, subtype-selectivity and P2X receptor-specificity. Their suspected ability to be a substrate for ecto-nucleotidases or to inhibit these enzymes also complicates their use. A number of new antagonists at P2X receptors have recently been described which to some degree are more potent and more selective than earlier antagonists like suramin or pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-azophenyl 2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS). This work moves us closer to the ideal goal of classifying the recombinant and native P2X receptor subtypes on the basis of antagonist profiles. This review begins with a brief account of the current status of P2X receptors. It then focuses on the pharmacological properties of a series of key P2 receptor agonists and antagonists and will finish with the discussion of some related therapeutic possibilities.

  9. Angiotensin‐II receptor 1 antagonist fetopathy – risk assessment, critical time period and vena cava thrombosis as a possible new feature

    PubMed Central

    Oppermann, Marc; Padberg, Stephanie; Kayser, Angela; Weber‐Schoendorfer, Corinna; Schaefer, Christof

    2013-01-01

    Aims Angiotensin‐II receptor 1 antagonists (AT1‐antagonists) may cause severe and even lethal fetopathy in late pregnancy. However, exposure still occurs in spite of warnings in package leaflets. This study aimed to assess the risk of fetopathy, the sensitive time window, and possible new symptoms in prospective as well as retrospective cases with AT1‐antagonist treatment during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Methods Patients were enrolled by the Berlin Institute for Clinical Teratology and Drug Risk Assessment in Pregnancy between 1999 and 2011 through risk consultation. Symptoms defined as indicative of AT1‐antagonist fetopathy were: oligo‐/anhydramnios, renal insufficiency, lung hypoplasia, joint contractures, skull hypoplasia and fetal/neonatal death. Results In 5/29 (17%) prospectively enrolled cases with AT1‐antagonist exposure beyond the first trimester oligo‐/anhydramnios was diagnosed. Two infants showed additional symptoms of fetopathy. The risk is more than 30% if treatment continues beyond the 20th week of pregnancy. Oligo‐/anhydramnios was reversible after AT1‐antagonist withdrawal. Among 16 retrospective case reports, three infants presented with a thrombosis of the inferior vena cava in the vicinity of the renal veins. Four out of 13 live births did not survive. Conclusions Our survey suggests that the risk increases with duration of AT1‐antagonist treatment into late pregnancy and oligo‐/anhydramnios may be reversible after AT1‐antagonist discontinuation. Thrombosis of inferior vena cava may be a new feature of AT1‐antagonist fetopathy. AT1‐antagonist medication during pregnancy constitutes a considerable risk and must be discontinued immediately. In case of indicative diagnostic findings in either the fetus or newborn, previous maternal AT1‐antagonist exposure should be considered. PMID:22816796

  10. The utility of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists in the treatment of nociception induced by epidural glutamate infusion in rats.

    PubMed

    Osgood, Doreen B; Harrington, William F; Kenney, Elizabeth V; Harrington, J Frederick

    2013-01-01

    The authors have previously demonstrated that human herniated disc material contains high concentrations of free glutamate. In an experimental model, elevated epidural glutamate concentrations in the lumbar spine can cause a focal hyperesthetic state. Rats underwent epidural glutamate infusion in the lumbar spine by a miniosmotic pump over a 72-hour period. Some rats underwent coinfusion with glutamate and ionotropic glutamate antagonists. Nociception was assessed by von Frey fibers and by assessment of glutamate receptor expression in the corresponding dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The kainic acid antagonist, UBP 301, decreased epidural glutamate-based hyperesthesia in a dose dependent manner. Concordant with these findings, there was significant decrease in kainate receptor expression in the dorsal horn. The N-Methyl-4-isoxazoleproionic acid (NMDA) antagonist Norketamine also significantly diminished hyperesthesia and decreased receptor expression in the dorsal horn. Both UBP 301, the kainic acid receptor antagonist and Norketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, dampened epidural glutamate-based nociception. Focal epidural injections of Kainate or NMDA receptor antagonists could be effective treatments for disc herniation-based lumbar radiculopathy.

  11. Th2 cytokine antagonists: potential treatments for severe asthma.

    PubMed

    Hansbro, Philip M; Scott, Grace V; Essilfie, Ama-Tawiah; Kim, Richard Y; Starkey, Malcolm R; Nguyen, Duc H; Allen, Paul D; Kaiko, Gerard E; Yang, Ming; Horvat, Jay C; Foster, Paul S

    2013-01-01

    Asthma is a major disease burden worldwide. Treatment with steroids and long acting β-agonists effectively manage symptoms in many patients but do not treat the underlying cause of disease and have serious side effects when used long term and in children. Therapies targeting the underlying causes of asthma are urgently needed. T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and the cytokines they release are clinically linked to the presentation of all forms of asthma. They are the primary drivers of mild to moderate and allergic asthma. They also play a pathogenetic role in exacerbations and more severe asthma though other factors are also involved. Much effort using animal models and human studies has been dedicated to the identification of the pathogenetic roles of these cells and cytokines and whether inhibition of their activity has therapeutic benefit in asthma. We discuss the current status of Th2 cytokine antagonists for the treatment of asthma. We also discuss the potential for targeting Th2-inducing cytokines, Th2 cell receptors and signaling as well as the use of Th2 cell antagonists, small interfering oligonucleotides, microRNAs, and combination therapies. Th2 antagonists may be most effective in particular asthma subtypes/endotypes where specific cytokines are known to be active through the analysis of biomarkers. Targeting common receptors and pathways used by these cytokines may have additional benefit. Animal models have been valuable in identifying therapeutic targets in asthma, however the results from such studies need to be carefully interpreted and applied to appropriately stratified patient cohorts in well-designed clinical studies and trials.

  12. Definition of agonists and design of antagonists for alloreactive T cell clones using synthetic peptide libraries.

    PubMed

    de Koster, H S; Vermeulen, C J; Hiemstra, H S; Amons, R; Drijfhout, J W; Koning, F

    1999-04-01

    Alloreactive T cells form an important barrier for organ transplantation. To reduce the risk of rejection patients are given immunosuppressive drugs, which increase the chance of infection and the incidence of malignancies. It has been shown that a large proportion of alloreactive T cells specifically recognize peptides present in the groove of the allogeneic MHC molecule. This implies that it might be possible to modulate the alloresponse by peptides with antagonistic properties, thus preventing rejection without the side effects of general immunosuppression. Peptide antagonists can be designed on the basis of the original agonist, yet for alloreactive T cells these agonists are usually unknown. In this study we have used a dedicated synthetic peptide library to identify agonists for HLA-DR3-specific alloreactive T cell clones. Based on these agonists, altered peptide ligands (APL) were designed. Three APL could antagonize an alloreactive T cell clone in its response against the library-derived agonist as well as in its response against the original allodeterminant, HLA-DR3. This demonstrates that peptide libraries can be used to design antagonists for alloreactive T cells without knowledge about the nature of the actual allostimulatory peptide. Since the most potent agonists are selected, this strategy permits detection of potent antagonists. The results, however, also suggest that the degree of peptide dependency of alloreactive T cell clones may dictate whether a peptide antagonist can be found for such clones. Whether peptide antagonists will be valuable in the development of donor-patient-specific immunosuppression may therefore depend on the specificity of the in vivo-generated alloreactive T cells.

  13. Discovery of a Manduca sexta Allatotropin Antagonist from a Manduca sexta Allatotropin Receptor Homology Model.

    PubMed

    Kai, Zhen-Peng; Zhu, Jing-Jing; Deng, Xi-Le; Yang, Xin-Ling; Chen, Shan-Shan

    2018-04-03

    Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in modulating biology, physiology and behavior. They have been identified as candidate targets for next-generation insecticides, yet these targets have been relatively poorly exploited for insect control. In this study, we present a pipeline of novel Manduca sexta allatotropin (Manse-AT) antagonist discovery with homology modeling, docking, molecular dynamics simulation and structure-activity relationship. A series of truncated and alanine-replacement analogs of Manse-AT were assayed for the stimulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis. The minimum sequence required to retain potent biological activity is the C -terminal amidated octapeptide Manse-AT (6-13). We identified three residues essential for bioactivity (Thr⁴, Arg6 and Phe⁸) by assaying alanine-replacement analogs of Manse-AT (6-13). Alanine replacement of other residues resulted in reduced potency but bioactivity was retained. The 3D structure of the receptor (Manse-ATR) was built and the binding pocket was identified. The binding affinities of all the analogs were estimated by calculating the free energy of binding. The calculated binding affinities corresponded to the biological activities of the analogs, which supporting our localization of the binding pocket. Then, based on the docking and molecular dynamics studies of Manse-AT (10-13), we described it can act as a potent Manse-AT antagonist. The antagonistic effect on JH biosynthesis of Manse-AT (10-13) validated our hypothesis. The IC 50 value of antagonist Manse-AT (10-13) is 0.9 nM. The structure-activity relationship of antagonist Manse-AT (10-13) was also studied for the further purpose of investigating theoretically the structure factors influencing activity. These data will be useful for the design of new Manse-AT agonist and antagonist as potential pest control agents.

  14. Serotonin antagonists fail to alter MDMA self-administration in rats.

    PubMed

    Schenk, Susan; Foote, Jason; Aronsen, Dane; Bukholt, Natasha; Highgate, Quenten; Van de Wetering, Ross; Webster, Jeremy

    2016-09-01

    Acute exposure to ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) preferentially increases release of serotonin (5-HT), and a role of 5-HT in many of the behavioral effects of acute exposure to MDMA has been demonstrated. A role of 5-HT in MDMA self-administration in rats has not, however, been adequately determined. Therefore, the present study measured the effect of pharmacological manipulation of some 5-HT receptor subtypes on self-administration of MDMA. Rats received extensive experience with self-administered MDMA prior to tests with 5-HT ligands. Doses of the 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY 100635 (0.1-1.0mg/kg), 5-HT1B antagonist, GR 127935 (1.0-3.0mg/kg), and the 5-HT2A antagonist, ketanserin (1.0-3.0mg/kg) that have previously been shown to decrease self-administration of other psychostimulants and that decreased MDMA-produced hyperactivity in the present study did not alter MDMA self-administration. Experimenter-administered injections of MDMA (10.0mg/kg, ip) reinstated extinguished drug-taking behavior, but this also was not decreased by any of the antagonists. In contrast, both WAY 100635 and ketanserin, but not GR 127935, decreased cocaine-produced drug seeking in rats that had been trained to self-administered cocaine. The 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.1-1.0mg/kg), but not the 5-HT1B/1A agonist, RU 24969 (0.3-3.0mg/kg), decreased drug-seeking produced by the reintroduction of a light stimulus that had been paired with self-administered MDMA infusions. These findings suggest a limited role of activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B or 5-HT2 receptor mechanisms in MDMA self-administration or in MDMA-produced drug-seeking following extinction. The data suggest, however, that 5-HT1A agonists inhibit cue-induced drug-seeking following extinction of MDMA self-administration and might, therefore, be useful adjuncts to therapies to limit relapse to MDMA use. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Inter-genomic sexual conflict drives antagonistic coevolution in harvester ants

    PubMed Central

    Herrmann, Michael; Cahan, Sara Helms

    2014-01-01

    The reproductive interests of males and females are not always aligned, leading to sexual conflict over parental investment, rate of reproduction and mate choice. Traits that increase the genetic interests of one sex often occur at the expense of the other, selecting for counter-adaptations leading to antagonistic coevolution. Reproductive conflict is not limited to intraspecific interactions; interspecific hybridization can produce pronounced sexual conflict between males and females of different species, but it is unclear whether such conflict can drive sexually antagonistic coevolution between reproductively isolated genomes. We tested for hybridization-driven sexually antagonistic adaptations in queens and males of the socially hybridogenetic ‘J’ lineages of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants, whose mating system promotes hybridization in queens but selects against it in males. We conducted no-choice mating assays to compare patterns of mating behaviour and sperm transfer between inter- and intra-lineage pairings. There was no evidence for mate discrimination on the basis of pair type, and the total quantity of sperm transferred did not differ between intra- and inter-lineage pairs; however, further dissection of the sperm transfer process into distinct mechanistic components revealed significant, and opposing, cryptic manipulation of copulatory investment by both sexes. Males of both lineages increased their rate of sperm transfer to high-fitness intra-lineage mates, with a stronger response in the rarer lineage for whom mating mistakes are the most likely. By contrast, the total duration of copulation for intra-lineage mating pairs was significantly shorter than for inter-lineage crosses, suggesting that queens respond to prevent excessive sperm loading by prematurely terminating copulation. These findings demonstrate that sexual conflict can lead to antagonistic coevolution in both intra-genomic and inter-genomic contexts. Indeed, the resolution of sexual

  16. Discovery of 2-(3,5-difluoro-4-methylsulfonaminophenyl)propanamides as potent TRPV1 antagonists.

    PubMed

    Kim, Changhoon; Ann, Jihyae; Lee, Sunho; Sun, Wei; Blumberg, Peter M; Frank-Foltyn, Robert; Bahrenberg, Gregor; Stockhausen, Hannelore; Christoph, Thomas; Lee, Jeewoo

    2018-05-23

    A series of A-region analogues of 2-(3-fluoro-4-methylsufonamidophenyl) propanamide 1 were investigated as TRPV1 antagonists. The analysis of structure-activity relationship indicated that a fluoro group at the 3- (or/and) 5-position and a methylsulfonamido group at the 4-position were optimal for antagonism of TRPV1 activation by capsaicin. The most potent antagonist 6 not only exhibited potent antagonism of activation of hTRPV1 by capsaicin, low pH and elevated temperature but also displayed highly potent antagonism of activation of rTRPV1 by capsaicin. Further studies demonstrated that antagonist 6 blocked the hypothermic effect of capsaicin in vivo, consistent with its in vitro mechanism, and it showed promising analgesic activity in the formalin animal model. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Nonpeptidic angiotensin II AT₁ receptor antagonists derived from 6-substituted aminocarbonyl and acylamino benzimidazoles.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jun; Wang, Jin-Liang; Yu, Wei-Fa; Zhou, Zhi-Ming; Tao, Wen-Chang; Wang, Yi-Cheng; Xue, Wei-Zhe; Xu, Di; Hao, Li-Ping; Han, Xiao-Feng; Fei, Fan; Liu, Ting; Liang, Ai-Hua

    2013-11-01

    Both 6-substituted aminocarbonyl and acylamino benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized as nonpeptidic angiotensin II AT₁ receptor antagonists. Compounds 6f, 6g, 11e, 11f, 11g, and 12 showed nanomolar AT₁ receptor binding affinity and high AT₁ receptor selectivity over AT₂ receptor in a preliminary pharmacological evaluation. Among them, the two most active compounds 6f (AT₁ IC₅₀ = 3 nM, AT₂ IC₅₀ > 10,000 nM, PA₂ = 8.51) and 11g (AT₁ IC₅₀ = 0.1 nM, AT₂ IC₅₀ = 149 nM, PA₂ = 8.43) exhibited good antagonistic activity in isolated rabbit aortic strip functional assay. In addition, they were orally active AT₁ receptor antagonists in spontaneous hypertensive rats. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  18. [Prediction of ETA oligopeptides antagonists from Glycine max based on in silico proteolysis].

    PubMed

    Qiao, Lian-Sheng; Jiang, Lu-di; Luo, Gang-Gang; Lu, Fang; Chen, Yan-Kun; Wang, Ling-Zhi; Li, Gong-Yu; Zhang, Yan-Ling

    2017-02-01

    Oligopeptides are one of the the key pharmaceutical effective constituents of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Systematic study on composition and efficacy of TCM oligopeptides is essential for the analysis of material basis and mechanism of TCM. In this study, the potential anti-hypertensive oligopeptides from Glycine max and their endothelin receptor A (ETA) antagonistic activity were discovered and predicted based on in silico technologies.Main protein sequences of G. max were collected and oligopeptides were obtained using in silico gastrointestinal tract proteolysis. Then, the pharmacophore of ETA antagonistic peptides was constructed and included one hydrophobic feature, one ionizable negative feature, one ring aromatic feature and five excluded volumes. Meanwhile, three-dimensional structure of ETA was developed by homology modeling methods for further docking studies. According to docking analysis and consensus score, the key amino acid of GLN165 was identified for ETA antagonistic activity. And 27 oligopeptides from G. max were predicted as the potential ETA antagonists by pharmacophore and docking studies.In silico proteolysis could be used to analyze the protein sequences from TCM. According to combination of in silico proteolysis and molecular simulation, the biological activities of oligopeptides could be predicted rapidly based on the known TCM protein sequence. It might provide the methodology basis for rapidly and efficiently implementing the mechanism analysis of TCM oligopeptides. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  19. Discovery of Natural Products as Novel and Potent FXR Antagonists by Virtual Screening

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Diao, Yanyan; Jiang, Jing; Zhang, Shoude; Li, Shiliang; Shan, Lei; Huang, Jin; Zhang, Weidong; Li, Honglin

    2018-04-01

    Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of nuclear receptor family involved in multiple physiological processes through regulating specific target genes. The critical role of FXR as a transcriptional regulator makes it a promising target for diverse diseases, especially those related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cholestasis. However, the underlying activation mechanism of FXR is still a blur owing to the absence of proper FXR modulators. To identify potential FXR modulators, an in-house natural product database (NPD) containing over 4000 compounds was screened by structure-based virtual screening strategy and subsequent hit-based similarity searching method. After the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay, six natural products were identified as FXR antagonists which blocked the CDCA-induced SRC-1 association. The IC50 values of compounds 2a, a diterpene bearing polycyclic skeleton, and 3a, named daphneone with chain scaffold, are as low as 1.29 μM and 1.79 μM, respectively. Compared to the control compound guggulsterone (IC50 = 6.47 μM), compounds 2a and 3a displayed 5-fold and 3-fold higher antagonistic activities against FXR, respectively. Remarkably, the two representative compounds shared low topological similarities with other reported FXR antagonists. According to the putative binding poses, the molecular basis of these antagonists against FXR was also elucidated in this report.

  20. [The potential of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists as a novel antidepressant].

    PubMed

    Chaki, Shigeyuki

    2012-08-01

    Recently, abnormalities of glutamatergic transmission have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Moreover, both ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, and riluzole, a modulator of glutamatergic, transmission have been reported to be effective for the treatment of patients with treatment-refractory depression. Based on these findings, extensive studies to develop agents acting on glutamatergic transmission have been conducted. Glutamate receptors are divided into two main subtypes, ionotropic glutamate receptors and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, both of which have subtypes. Of these, much attention has been paid to mGlu2/3 receptors. mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists such as MGS0039 and LY341495 have been reported to exert antidepressant effects in animal models of depression including the forced swim test, tail suspension test, learned helplessness paradigm, olfactory bulmectomy model and isolation rearing model, and to enhance serotonin release in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Moreover, activation of AMPA receptor and mTOR signaling have been suggested to be involved in the antidepressant effects of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists, as demonstrated in the actions of ketamine. Thus, mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists may share some neural networks with ketamine in exerting their antidepressant effects. In addition, the potential of other agents targeting glutamatergic transmission for novel antidepressants is being investigated.

  1. A Low-Molecular-Weight Antagonist for the Human Thyrotropin Receptor with Therapeutic Potential for Hyperthyroidism

    PubMed Central

    Neumann, Susanne; Kleinau, Gunnar; Costanzi, Stefano; Moore, Susanna; Jiang, Jian-kang; Raaka, Bruce M.; Thomas, Craig J.; Krause, Gerd; Gershengorn, Marvin C.

    2008-01-01

    Low-molecular-weight (LMW) antagonists for TSH receptor (TSHR) may have therapeutic potential as orally active drugs to block stimulating antibodies (TsAbs) in Graves’ hyperthyroidism. We describe an approach to identify LMW ligands for TSHR based on Org41841, a LMW partial agonist for the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor and TSHR. We used molecular modeling and functional experiments to guide the chemical modification of Org41841. We identified an antagonist (NIDDK/CEB-52) that selectively inhibits activation of TSHR by both TSH and TsAbs. Whereas initially characterized in cultured cells overexpressing TSHRs, the antagonist was also active under more physiologically relevant conditions in primary cultures of human thyrocytes expressing endogenous TSHRs in which it inhibited TSH- and TsAb-induced up-regulation of mRNA transcripts for thyroperoxidase. Our results establish this LMW compound as a lead for the development of higher potency antagonists and serve as proof of principle that LMW ligands that target TSHR could serve as drugs in patients with Graves’ disease. PMID:18669595

  2. Evolution of the Bifunctional Lead μ Agonist / δ Antagonist Containing the Dmt-Tic Opioid Pharmacophore.

    PubMed

    Balboni, Gianfranco; Salvadori, Severo; Trapella, Claudio; Knapp, Brian I; Bidlack, Jean M; Lazarus, Lawrence H; Peng, Xuemei; Neumeyer, John L

    2010-02-17

    Based on a renewed importance recently attributed to bi- or multifunctional opioids, we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some analogues derived from our lead μ agonist / δ antagonist, H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Bzl. Our previous studies focused on the importance of the C-teminal benzyl function in the induction of such bifunctional activity. The introduction of some substituents in the para position of the phenyl ring (-Cl, -CH(3), partially -NO(2), inactive -NH(2)) was found to give a more potent μ agonist / antagonist effect associated with a relatively unmodified δ antagonist activity (pA(2) = 8.28-9.02). Increasing the steric hindrance of the benzyl group (using diphenylmethyl and tetrahydroisoquinoline functionalities) substantially maintained the μ agonist and δ antagonist activities of the lead compound. Finally and quite unexpectedly D-Tic2, considered as a wrong opioid message now; inserted into the reference compound in lieu of L-Tic, provided a μ agonist / δ agonist better than our reference ligand (H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph) and was endowed with the same pharmacological profile.

  3. Enhanced Chronic Pain Management Utilizing Chemokine Receptor Antagonists

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-08-01

    approximately halfway into the solution. All animals were tested at 60, 15 and 0 min before drug injection. For each animal , the first reading was discarded...approval (December 31, 2015), hiring new personnel, conducting baseline testing for procedures not involving animals , testing equipment, developing...treatment; Analgesia; Nociception; Antinociception; Inflammation; Chemokines; Chemokine receptor antagonists; Opioid analgesics; Animal models of pain

  4. Combining the α1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, Prazosin, with the β-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, Propranolol, Reduces Alcohol Drinking More Effectively Than Either Drug Alone

    PubMed Central

    Rasmussen, Dennis D; Beckwith, Lauren E; Kincaid, Carrie L; Froehlich, Janice C

    2014-01-01

    Background Evidence suggests that activation of the noradrenergic system may contribute to alcohol drinking in animals and humans. Our previous studies demonstrated that blocking α1-adrenergic receptors with the antagonist, prazosin, decreased alcohol drinking in rats under various conditions. Since noradrenergic activation is also regulated by β-adrenergic receptors, we now examine the effects of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol, alone or in combination with prazosin, on alcohol drinking in rats selectively bred for high voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol preference (P line). Methods Two studies were conducted with male P rats. In study one, rats were allowed to become alcohol-dependent during 14 weeks of ad libitum access to food, water and 20% alcohol and the effect of propranolol (5–15 mg/kg, IP) and prazosin (1–2 mg/kg, IP) on alcohol intake during withdrawal were assessed. In study two, the effect of propranolol (5 mg/kg, IP) and prazosin (2 mg/kg, IP) on alcohol intake following prolonged imposed abstinence was assessed. Results Alcohol drinking following propranolol treatment was variable, but the combination of propranolol + prazosin consistently suppressed alcohol drinking during both alcohol withdrawal and following prolonged imposed abstinence, and the combination of these two drugs was more effective than was treatment with either drug alone. Conclusions Treatment with prazosin + propranolol, or a combination of other centrally active α1- and β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, may assist in preventing alcohol relapse in some individuals. PMID:24891220

  5. Sexually Antagonistic Selection in Human Male Homosexuality

    PubMed Central

    Camperio Ciani, Andrea; Cermelli, Paolo; Zanzotto, Giovanni

    2008-01-01

    Several lines of evidence indicate the existence of genetic factors influencing male homosexuality and bisexuality. In spite of its relatively low frequency, the stable permanence in all human populations of this apparently detrimental trait constitutes a puzzling ‘Darwinian paradox’. Furthermore, several studies have pointed out relevant asymmetries in the distribution of both male homosexuality and of female fecundity in the parental lines of homosexual vs. heterosexual males. A number of hypotheses have attempted to give an evolutionary explanation for the long-standing persistence of this trait, and for its asymmetric distribution in family lines; however a satisfactory understanding of the population genetics of male homosexuality is lacking at present. We perform a systematic mathematical analysis of the propagation and equilibrium of the putative genetic factors for male homosexuality in the population, based on the selection equation for one or two diallelic loci and Bayesian statistics for pedigree investigation. We show that only the two-locus genetic model with at least one locus on the X chromosome, and in which gene expression is sexually antagonistic (increasing female fitness but decreasing male fitness), accounts for all known empirical data. Our results help clarify the basic evolutionary dynamics of male homosexuality, establishing this as a clearly ascertained sexually antagonistic human trait. PMID:18560521

  6. Hypocretin/orexin antagonists decrease cocaine self-administration by female rhesus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Foltin, Richard W; Evans, Suzette M

    2018-07-01

    The hypocretin/orexin system is involved in regulating arousal, and much recent work demonstrates that decreasing hypocretin receptor-1 (HCRTr1) activity using antagonists decreases appetitive behavior, including stimulant drug self-administration and reinstatement. The present study determined the effects of hypocretin-1 and HCRTr1 antagonists on responding reinforced by intravenous (i.v.) cocaine self-administration (0.0125 - 0.05 mg/kg/infusion) in 5 female rhesus monkeys. Responding was examined using 3 schedules of reinforcement: 1) a Fixed interval 1 min, Fixed ratio 10 Chain schedule [FI 1-min (FR10:S)], 2) a Progressive Ratio (PR) schedule, and 3) a cocaine vs. candy. Choice schedule: the HCRTr1 antagonist SB-334867 (8-24 mg/kg, i.m.) decreased cocaine taking under the Chain schedule and PR schedule in all 5 monkeys and in 4 of the 5 monkeys under the Choice schedule. d- Amphetamine (0.06 - 0.25 mg/kg, i.m.), tested as a control manipulation, decreased cocaine taking in all 5 monkeys under the Chain schedule. The peptide hypocretin-1 (0.072 mg/kg, i.v.) increased cocaine taking in the monkeys with low rates of cocaine taking under the Chain (3/4) and Choice (4/5) schedules. Reinstatement of extinguished cocaine responding following response-independent delivery of a large dose of cocaine (0.3 mg/kg) was attenuated in 3 of the 5 monkeys by the HCRTr1 antagonist SB-334867. These data expand upon work accomplished in predominantly male rodents suggesting that the hypocretin system modulates the response to appetitive stimuli. A better understanding of this system offers promise as a novel approach in medication development for appetitive disorders. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. A review of granisetron, 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonists, and other antiemetics.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Eric S

    2010-01-01

    Nausea and vomiting are 2 of the most upsetting adverse reactions of chemotherapy. Current guidelines propose 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists as a pharmacologic intervention for acute and delayed nausea and vomiting [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)] associated with moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Meanwhile, both postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postdischarge nausea and vomiting are challenging situations after surgeries and procedures. Prophylactic and therapeutic combinations of antiemetics are recommended in patients at high risk of suffering from PONV and postdischarge nausea and vomiting. Granisetron (Kytril) is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that does not induce or inhibit the hepatic cytochrome P-450 system in vitro. There are also 4 other antagonists of 5-HT3 receptor (dolasetron, ondansetron, palonosetron, and tropisetron) being metabolized via the CYP2D6 and are subject to potential genetic polymorphism. The launch of a new class of antiemetics, the substance P/neurokinin1 receptor antagonists, was attributed to the scientific update on the central generator responsible for emesis and role of substance P. There has been mounting interest in exploring integrative medicine, either acupuncture or acustimulation of P6 (Nei-Kuwan), to complement the western medicine for prevention and management of nausea and vomiting. The potential application of cannabinoids, either alone or in combination with other agents of different mechanism, could contribute further to improve outcome in CINV. Implementation of future treatment guidelines for more effective management of CINV and PONV could certainly improve the efficacy and outcome of cancer and postoperative care.

  8. Highly Increased 125I-JR11 Antagonist Binding In Vitro Reveals Novel Indications for sst2 Targeting in Human Cancers.

    PubMed

    Reubi, Jean Claude; Waser, Beatrice; Mäcke, Helmut; Rivier, Jean

    2017-02-01

    There is recent in vitro and in vivo evidence that somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst 2 ) antagonists are better tools to target neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) than sst 2 agonists. Indeed, antagonists bind to a greater number of sst 2 sites than agonists. Whether sst 2 antagonists could be used successfully to target non-NETs, expressing low sst 2 density, is unknown. Here, we compare quantitatively 125 I-JR11 sst 2 antagonist binding in vitro with that of the sst 2 agonist 125 I-Tyr 3 -octreotide in large varieties of non-NET and NET. In vitro receptor autoradiography was performed with 125 I-JR11 and 125 I-Tyr 3 -octreotide in cancers from prostate, breast, colon, kidney, thyroid, and lymphoid tissues as well as NETs as reference. In general, 125 I-JR11 binds to many more sst 2 sites than 125 I-Tyr 3 -octreotide. In 13 breast cancers, 8 had a low binding (mean density, 844 ± 168 dpm/mg of tissue) with the agonist whereas 12 had a high binding (mean density, 4,447 ± 1,128 dpm/mg of tissue) with the antagonist. All 12 renal cell cancers showed a low binding of sst 2 with the agonist (mean density, 348 ± 49 dpm/mg of tissue) whereas all cases had a high sst 2 binding with the antagonist (mean density, 3,777 ± 582 dpm/mg of tissue). One of 5 medullary thyroid cancers was positive with the agonist, whereas 5 of 5 were positive with the antagonist. In 15 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, many more sst 2 sites were labeled with the antagonist than with the agonist. In 14 prostate cancers, none had sst 2 binding with the agonist and only 4 had a weak binding with the antagonist. None of 17 colon cancers showed sst 2 sites with the agonist, and only 3 cases were weakly positive with the antagonist. In the various tumor types, adjacent sst 2 -expressing tissues such as vessels, lymphocytes, nerves, mucosa, or stroma were more strongly labeled with the antagonist than with the agonist. The reference NET cases, incubated with a smaller amount of tracer, were also found to have many

  9. Functional antagonistic properties of clozapine at the 5-HT3 receptor.

    PubMed

    Hermann, B; Wetzel, C H; Pestel, E; Zieglgänsberger, W; Holsboer, F; Rupprecht, R

    1996-08-23

    The atypical neuroleptic clozapine is thought to exert its psychopharmacological actions through a variety of neurotransmitter receptors. It binds preferentially to D4 and 5-HT2 receptors; however, little is known on it's interaction with the 5-HT3 receptor. Using a cell line stably expressing the 5-HT3 receptor, whole-cell voltage-clamp analysis revealed functional antagonistic properties of clozapine at low nanomolar concentrations in view of a binding affinity in the upper nanomolar range. Because the concentration of clozapine required for an interaction with the 5-HT3 receptor can be achieved with therapeutical doses, functional antagonistic properties at this ligand-gated ion channel may contribute to its unique psychopharmacological profile.

  10. In-silico guided discovery of novel CCR9 antagonists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xin; Cross, Jason B.; Romero, Jan; Heifetz, Alexander; Humphries, Eric; Hall, Katie; Wu, Yuchuan; Stucka, Sabrina; Zhang, Jing; Chandonnet, Haoqun; Lippa, Blaise; Ryan, M. Dominic; Baber, J. Christian

    2018-03-01

    Antagonism of CCR9 is a promising mechanism for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. There is limited experimental data on CCR9 and its ligands, complicating efforts to identify new small molecule antagonists. We present here results of a successful virtual screening and rational hit-to-lead campaign that led to the discovery and initial optimization of novel CCR9 antagonists. This work uses a novel data fusion strategy to integrate the output of multiple computational tools, such as 2D similarity search, shape similarity, pharmacophore searching, and molecular docking, as well as the identification and incorporation of privileged chemokine fragments. The application of various ranking strategies, which combined consensus and parallel selection methods to achieve a balance of enrichment and novelty, resulted in 198 virtual screening hits in total, with an overall hit rate of 18%. Several hits were developed into early leads through targeted synthesis and purchase of analogs.

  11. Lead Optimization Studies of Cinnamic Amide EP2 Antagonists

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Prostanoid receptor EP2 can play a proinflammatory role, exacerbating disease pathology in a variety of central nervous system and peripheral diseases. A highly selective EP2 antagonist could be useful as a drug to mitigate the inflammatory consequences of EP2 activation. We recently identified a cinnamic amide class of EP2 antagonists. The lead compound in this class (5d) displays anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions. However, this compound exhibited moderate selectivity to EP2 over the DP1 prostanoid receptor (∼10-fold) and low aqueous solubility. We now report compounds that display up to 180-fold selectivity against DP1 and up to 9-fold higher aqueous solubility than our previous lead. The newly developed compounds also display higher selectivity against EP4 and IP receptors and a comparable plasma pharmacokinetics. Thus, these compounds are useful for proof of concept studies in a variety of models where EP2 activation is playing a deleterious role. PMID:24773616

  12. Novel quinolinone-phosphonic acid AMPA antagonists devoid of nephrotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Cordi, Alex A; Desos, Patrice; Ruano, Elisabeth; Al-Badri, Hashim; Fugier, Claude; Chapman, Astrid G; Meldrum, Brian S; Thomas, Jean-Yves; Roger, Anita; Lestage, Pierre

    2002-10-01

    We reported previously the synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) in a series of 2-(1H)-oxoquinolines bearing different acidic functions in the 3-position. Exploiting these SAR, we were able to identify 6,7-dichloro-2-(1H)-oxoquinoline-3-phosphonic acid compound 3 (S 17625) as a potent, in vivo active AMPA antagonist. Unfortunately, during the course of the development, nephrotoxicity was manifest at therapeutically effective doses. Considering that some similitude exists between S 17625 and probenecid, a compound known to protect against the nephrotoxicity and/or slow the clearance of different drugs, we decided to synthesise some new analogues of S 17625 incorporating some of the salient features of probenecid. Replacement of the chlorine in position 6 by a sulfonylamine led to very potent AMPA antagonists endowed with good in vivo activity and lacking nephrotoxicity potential. Amongst the compounds evaluated, derivatives 7a and 7s appear to be the most promising and are currently evaluated in therapeutically relevant stroke models.

  13. Tachykinin-mediated respiratory effects in conscious guinea pigs: modulation by NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Kudlacz, E M; Logan, D E; Shatzer, S A; Farrell, A M; Baugh, L E

    1993-09-07

    Tachykinins, in particular neurokinin A and substance P, produce a number of airway effects which may contribute to respiratory diseases such as asthma. We examined the ability of aerosolized substance P, neurokinin A or capsaicin to produce respiratory alterations in conscious guinea pigs using modified whole body plethysmography. Substance P-mediated dyspnea and significant respiratory events were inhibited by the NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-96,345. Neurokinin A-mediated respiratory effects were ablated by the NK2 receptor antagonists: MEN 10207, MDL 29,913 and SR 48,968, the latter being the most potent. The peptide-based antagonist, MEN 10207, produced respiratory effects itself suggesting partial agonist activity. The cyclic hexapeptide, MDL 29,913, relaxed airway smooth muscle via mechanisms other than tachykinin antagonism. NK2 but not NK1 receptor antagonists were able to delay the onset of capsaicin-induced dyspnea, although alone they did not usually (in approximately 10% of the animals) eliminate the response. However, when NK2 receptor antagonists were combined with CP-96,345, the incidence of dyspnea induced by capsaicin decreased significantly (40%) suggesting that both tachykinins contribute to dyspnea in this system.

  14. AM-37 and ST-36 Are Small Molecule Bombesin Receptor Antagonists.

    PubMed

    Moody, Terry W; Tashakkori, Nicole; Mantey, Samuel A; Moreno, Paola; Ramos-Alvarez, Irene; Leopoldo, Marcello; Jensen, Robert T

    2017-01-01

    While peptide antagonists for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (BB 2 R), neuromedin B receptor (BB 1 R), and bombesin (BB) receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) exist, there is a need to develop non-peptide small molecule inhibitors for all three BBR. The BB agonist (BA)1 binds with high affinity to the BB 1 R, BB 2 R, and BRS-3. In this communication, small molecule BBR antagonists were evaluated using human lung cancer cells. AM-37 and ST-36 inhibited binding to human BB 1 R, BB 2 R, and BRS-3 with similar affinity ( K i = 1.4-10.8 µM). AM-13 and AM-14 were approximately an order of magnitude less potent than AM-37 and ST-36. The ability of BA1 to elevate cytosolic Ca 2+ in human lung cancer cells transfected with BB 1 R, BB 2 R, and BRS-3 was antagonized by AM-37 and ST-36. BA1 increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR and ERK in lung cancer cells, which was blocked by AM-37 and ST-36. AM-37 and ST-36 reduced the growth of lung cancer cells that have BBR. The results indicate that AM-37 and ST-36 function as small molecule BB receptor antagonists.

  15. Nonpeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 antagonists and their applications in psychosomatic disorders.

    PubMed

    Contoreggi, Carlo; Rice, Kenner C; Chrousos, George

    2004-01-01

    Overproduction of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and stress system abnormalities are seen in psychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction. Investigations of CRH type 1 receptor (CRHR1) nonpeptide antagonists suggest therapeutic potential for treatment of these and other neuropsychiatric diseases. However, overproduction of CRH in the brain and on its periphery and disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are also found in 'somatic' disorders. Some rare forms of Cushing's disease and related pituitary/adrenal disorders are obvious applications for CRHR1 antagonists. In addition, however, these antagonists may also be effective in treating more common somatic diseases. Patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome who often have subtle, but chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal hyperactivity, which may reflect central dysregulation of CRH and consequently glucocorticoid hypersecretion, could possibly be treated by administration of CRHR1 antagonists. Hormonal, autonomic, and immune aberrations are also present in chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and allergic diseases, with considerable evidence linking CRH with the observed abnormalities. Furthermore, autonomic dysregulation is a prominent feature of common gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer disease. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders frequently develop altered pain perception and affective symptoms. CRH acts peripherally to modulate bowel activity both directly through the autonomic system and centrally by processing viscerosensory and visceromotor neural signals. This review presents clinical and preclinical evidence for the role of CRH in the pathophysiology of these disorders and for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of CRHR1 antagonists. Recognition of a dysfunctional stress system in these and other diseases will alter the understanding and treatment of

  16. Effect of glutamate receptor antagonists and antirheumatic drugs on proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro.

    PubMed

    Parada-Turska, Jolanta; Rzeski, Wojciech; Majdan, Maria; Kandefer-Szerszeń, Martyna; Turski, Waldemar A

    2006-03-27

    One of the most striking features of inflammatory arthritis is the hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts. It is not known whether the massive synovial hyperplasia characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is due to the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts or to defective apoptosis. It has been found that glutamate receptor antagonists inhibit proliferation of different human tumour cells and the anticancer potential of glutamate receptor antagonists was suggested. Here, we investigated the effect of glutamate receptor antagonists and selected antirheumatic drugs on proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro. Experiments were conducted on rabbit synoviocytes cell line HIG-82 obtained from American Type Culture Collection (Menassas, VA, USA). Cell proliferation was assessed by means of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC50 value (the concentration of drug necessary to induce 50% inhibition) together with confidence limits was calculated. Glutamate receptor antagonists, 1-(4-aminophenyl)-3,5-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-one (CFM-2), riluzole, memantine, 1-4-aminophenyl-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (GYKI 52466), dizocilpine, ketamine and 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX), inhibited proliferation of synoviocytes with the following IC50 values (in mM): 0.014, 0.017, 0.065, 0.102, 0.15, 0.435 and 1.16, respectively. Antirheumatic drugs, celecoxib, diclofenac, nimesulide, sulfasalazine, naproxen and methotrexate, inhibited proliferation of synoviocytes with the following IC50 values (in mM): 0.0043, 0.034, 0.044, 0.096, 0.385 and 1.123, respectively. Thus, the antiproliferative potential of glutamate receptor antagonists is comparable to that of antirheumatic drugs.

  17. The Affinity of D2-Like Dopamine Receptor Antagonists Determines the Time to Maximal Effect on Cocaine Self-Administration

    PubMed Central

    Tabet, Michael R.; Norman, Mantana K.; Fey, Brittney K.; Tsibulsky, Vladimir L.; Millard, Ronald W.

    2011-01-01

    Differences in the time to maximal effect (Tmax) of a series of dopamine receptor antagonists on the self-administration of cocaine are not consistent with their lipophilicity (octanol-water partition coefficients at pH 7.4) and expected rapid entry into the brain after intravenous injection. It was hypothesized that the Tmax reflects the time required for maximal occupancy of receptors, which would occur as equilibrium was approached. If so, the Tmax should be related to the affinity for the relevant receptor population. This hypothesis was tested using a series of nine antagonists having a 2500-fold range of Ki or Kd values for D2-like dopamine receptors. Rats self-administered cocaine at regular intervals and then were injected intravenously with a dose of antagonist, and the self-administration of cocaine was continued for 6 to 10 h. The level of cocaine at the time of every self-administration (satiety threshold) was calculated throughout the session. The satiety threshold was stable before the injection of antagonist and then increased approximately 3-fold over the baseline value at doses of antagonists selected to produce this approximately equivalent maximal magnitude of effect (maximum increase in the equiactive cocaine concentration, satiety threshold; Cmax). Despite the similar Cmax, the mean Tmax varied between 5 and 157 min across this series of antagonists. Furthermore, there was a strong and significant correlation between the in vivo Tmax values for each antagonist and the affinity for D2-like dopamine receptors measured in vitro. It is concluded that the cocaine self-administration paradigm offers a reliable and predictive bioassay for measuring the affinity of a competitive antagonist for D2-like dopamine receptors. PMID:21606176

  18. Implementation of the Provision of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 Relating to the Dispensing of Narcotic Drugs for Opioid Use Disorder. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2018-01-23

    The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016, which became law on July 22, 2016, amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to expand the categories of practitioners who may, under certain conditions on a temporary basis, dispense a narcotic drug in Schedule III, IV, or V for the purpose of maintenance treatment or detoxification treatment. Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services, by final rule effective August 8, 2016, increased to 275 the maximum number of patients that a practitioner may treat for opioid use disorder without being separately registered under the CSA for that purpose. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hereby amending its regulations to incorporate these statutory and regulatory changes.

  19. The use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists in polycystic ovarian disease.

    PubMed

    Lubin, V; Charbonnel, B; Bouchard, P

    1998-12-01

    Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is characterized by anovulation, eventually high luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, with increased LH pulse frequency, and hyperandrogenism. As the aetiology of the disease is still unknown, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, competitive inhibitors of GnRH for its receptor, are interesting tools in order to study and treat the role of increased LH levels and pulse frequency in this disease. Their administration provokes a rapid decrease in bioactive and immunoactive LH followed by a slower decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In patients with PCOD, the suppression of gonadotrophin secretion eradicates the symptoms of the disease as long as the treatment lasts. Several authors have suggested that increased plasma LH levels have deleterious effects on the fertility of women with PCOD. Indeed, fewer spontaneous pregnancies with more miscarriages are observed when plasma LH levels are high. Assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have provided other clues to the role of the LH secretory pattern in women with PCOD. The number of oocytes retrieved, the fertilization rate and the cleavage rate are lower in PCOD patients undergoing IVF and this is inversely correlated with FSH:LH ratio. These abnormalities are corrected when endogenous secretion of LH is suppressed. On the other hand, implantation and pregnancy rates after IVF are similar to those observed in control women. New GnRH antagonists are devoid of side effects and suppress LH secretion within a few hours without a flare-up effect. This action lasts for 10-100 hours. When GnRH antagonists are associated with i.v. pulsatile GnRH, this combination both suppresses the effect of endogenous GnRH and because of the competition for GnRH receptors restores a normal frequency of LH secretion. We have studied two women with PCOD, administering first 10 mg s.c. every 72 hours for 7 days of the GnRH antagonist Nal-Glu, then adding on

  20. An Antagonistic Dialogue about Chaordic Systems Thinking: Part I

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wafler, Toni

    2004-01-01

    This paper explores the added value of chaordic systems Thinking for organizational renewal, which is defined as transformation instead of reformation. The exploration is presented in the form of an antagonistic dialogue between two "voices," which develop commentaries from distinct theoretical inspirations, namely chaordic systems thinking (CST)…