Sympathetic inhibition, leptin, and uncoupling protein subtype expression in normal fasting rats.
(1/182)
To further investigate neural effects on leptin and uncoupling proteins (UCPs), we studied in vivo perturbations intended to block adrenergic input to peripheral tissues. We examined plasma leptin, leptin mRNA, and adipose and muscle UCP subtype mRNA in rats treated with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine methyl ester (AMPT-ME), which inhibits catecholamine synthesis and 6-hydroxydopamine (6HDA), which is toxic to catecholinergic nerve terminals but, unlike AMPT-ME, does not enter the central nervous system. Intraperitoneal AMPT-ME, 250 mg/kg, was administered at 1800 and 0700 the following day, and rats were killed at 1200-1400. All rats were fasted with free access to water during this time. Intraperitoneal AMPT-ME increased plasma leptin by 15-fold, increased interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) and epididymal fat leptin mRNA by 2- to 2.5-fold, and also increased plasma insulin and glucose concentrations. Intraperitoneal AMPT-ME decreased IBAT UCP-3 mRNA to 40% of control, while it increased epididymal adipose UCP-3 mRNA approximately twofold. Intravenous AMPT-ME, 250 mg/kg, administered to conscious rats for 5 h decreased lumbar sympathetic nerve activity, increased plasma leptin (5.89 +/- 1.43 compared with 2.75 +/- 0.31 ng/ml in vehicle-treated rats, n = 7, P < 0.05), and decreased cardiac rate with no sustained change in blood pressure. Intraperitoneal 6HDA, 100 mg/kg, as a single dose at 1800, increased plasma leptin approximately twofold after 18-20 h, increased IBAT (but not epididymal fat) leptin mRNA by two- to threefold, and decreased IBAT UCP-3 mRNA to 30-40% of control. Neither AMPT-ME nor 6HDA significantly altered mRNA encoding gastrocnemius muscle UCP-3, IBAT UCP-1, or IBAT and epididymal UCP-2. In summary, AMPT-ME and 6HDA increased plasma leptin and upregulated leptin mRNA expression. AMPT-ME also resulted in complex tissue and subtype-specific modulation of adipose UCP mRNA. These data are consistent with interaction between leptin and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in regulation of fat cell energy utilization. However, the in vivo modulation of leptin and UCPs appears complex and, beyond a causal effect of SNA per se, may depend on concurrent changes in plasma insulin, glucose, and circulatory hemodynamics. (+info)
Imaging of soft-tissue tumors using L-3-[iodine-123]iodo-alpha-methyl-tyrosine single photon emission computed tomography: comparison with proliferative and mitotic activity, cellularity, and vascularity.
(2/182)
The radiolabeled amino acid L-3-[123I]-iodo-alpha-methyltyrosine (IMT) is a new tumor tracer that accumulates in many tumors and is suitable for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Using IMT SPECT, we studied 32 patients with a soft-tissue tumor suspected to be a soft-tissue sarcoma to determine whether: (a) tumors can be visualized; (b) benign and malignant lesions can be distinguished; and (c) IMT uptake is related to tumor grade and proliferation. Whole-body imaging was performed 15 min after administration of 300 MBq IMT, biopsy, or resection 1-2 weeks later. IMT uptake was quantified using a region-of-interest method resulting in tumor:background (T:B) ratios. These were compared with tumor grade, mitotic index, tumor cellularity, vascularity, and the Ki-67 proliferation index. Eleven patients had a benign tumor, and 21 patients had a soft-tissue sarcoma. Six benign tumors demonstrated minor IMT uptake, and five lipomas had no uptake. All malignant tumors had high uptake and were clearly visualized. T:B ratios in malignant tumors (3.83 +/- 1.16) were higher (P < 0.001) than in benign tumors (1.52 +/- 0.60). Small (<5 mm) metastases in two patients were not detected. Taking the T:B ratio 2.0 as the cutoff level, the sensitivity for detection of malignancy was 100%, and specificity was 88%. IMT uptake correlated with histological grade (r = 0.82; P < 0.001), mitotic index (r = 0.75; P < 0.001), tumor cellularity (r = 0.73; P < 0.01), and with the Ki-67 proliferation index (r = 0.63; P < 0.01). In conclusion, IMT SPECT visualized all soft-tissue sarcomas. Uptake in sarcomas was clearly higher than in benign lesions, yielding 100% sensitivity for detection of malignancy at 88% specificity. Uptake increased with higher tumor grade and higher proliferation rate. (+info)
Transport mechanisms of 3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine in a human glioma cell line: comparison with [3H]methyl]-L-methionine.
(3/182)
The amino acid analog 3-[(123)I]iodo-alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine (IMT) is under clinical evaluation as a SPECT tracer of amino acid transport in brain tumors. This study investigated the carrier systems involved in IMT transport in human glioma cells in comparison with [3H-methyl]-L-methionine (3H-MET). METHODS: Human glioma cells, type 86HG-39, were cultured and incubated for 1 min at 37 degrees C with IMT and 3H-MET in the lag phase (1.2 d after seeding), exponential growth phase (3 d after seeding), and plateau phase (8 d after seeding). Experiments were performed in the presence and absence of Na+, during inhibition of system L amino acid transport by 2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), and during inhibition of system A amino acid transport by 2-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid (MeAIB). RESULTS: IMT and 3H-MET uptake decreased by 55%-73% when the cells entered from the exponential growth phase into the plateau phase (P< 0.05; n = 3-11). Inhibition by BCH reduced uptake of IMT in the lag phase, exponential growth phase, and plateau phase by 90%-98% (P < 0.001; n = 3-6) and the uptake of 3H-MET by 73%-83% (P < 0.001; n = 3-11). In a Na+-free medium 3H-MET uptake was reduced by 23%-33% (P < 0.05; n = 3-11), whereas IMT uptake was not significantly different. MeAIB showed no significant effect on IMT or 3H-MET uptake in either phase. CONCLUSION: Transport of both IMT and 3H-MET depends on the proliferation rate of human glioma cells in vitro and is dominated by BCH-sensitive transport. These data indicate that system L is induced in rapidly proliferating glioma cells and is the main contributor to the uptake of both tracers. 3H-MET transport showed a minor Na+ dependency that was not attributable to system A. The similarity of transport mechanisms of both tracers emphasizes the clinical equivalence of IMT SPECT and (11)C-MET PET for the diagnostic evaluation of gliomas. (+info)
L-3-[123I]Iodo-alpha-methyltyrosine scintigraphy in carcinoid tumors: correlation with biochemical activity and comparison with [111In-DTPA-D-Phe1]-octreotide imaging.
(4/182)
Carcinoid tumors can produce serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and catecholamines from the precursors tryptophan and tyrosine. Our aim was to evaluate the tyrosine analog L-3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyltyrosine (IMT) in the detection and the determination of biochemical activity of these tumors in comparison with 111In-labeled [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-D-Phe1]-octreotide (111In-octreotide) scintigraphy. METHODS: SPECT and planar whole-body imaging were performed 15 min after administration of 300 MBq IMT in 22 patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors. The number of lesions detected was compared with the number detected by 111In-octreotide scintigraphy. The size and intensity of uptake of all lesions were graded using a simple scoring system, yielding a total body uptake score for both tracers. These scores were compared (nonparametric correlation) with biochemical markers of serotonin and catecholamine metabolism. RESULTS: IMT SPECT detected only 63 of 145 lesions detected by 111In-octreotide imaging (43%). IMT SPECT performance was best in the liver (60% detection rate). Both IMT uptake and 111In-octreotide uptake scores correlated with markers of serotonin metabolism (respective values for urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid: r = 0.67 and 0.48, P < 0.001 and 0.05; for urinary serotonin: r = 0.56 and 0.40, P = 0.002 and 0.05; and for platelet serotonin: r = 0.57 and 0.45, P < 0.01 and 0.05). No correlation with adrenaline or noradrenaline metabolites was found. However, IMT uptake, but not 111In-octreotide uptake, correlated with dopamine metabolite excretion (homovanillic acid: r = 0.60, P < 0.05; and dopamine relative sum: r = 0.61, P < 0.05). IMT uptake was higher in patients with increased dopamine metabolite excretion (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMT uptake can be demonstrated in carcinoid lesions, but the method detected only 43% of carcinoid lesions that were positive on 111In-octreotide scintigraphy. Uptake of both tracers is related to the serotonin secretory activity. However, IMT uptake, but not 111In-octreotide uptake, was related to tumor dopamine metabolism. These findings may be of interest in the metabolic targeting of carcinoids. (+info)
The experimental contusion injury of the spinal cord in sheep.
(5/182)
The validity of reproduction of the controlled contusion injury to the spinal cord in the experimental animal is questioned. The dynamic pathology involving the microvasculature within the first two hours is illustrated using light microscopy. After 15-30 minutes swelling of axons and disruption of myelin sheaths become evident in most areas of white matter. After four hours microcysts have formed in the columns of white matter and are evidence of irreversible damage. Swelling of the cord following injury results from congestion, extravasation and intracellular swelling of neurones, rather than from any demonstrable increase in extracellular fluid. Oedema was only demonstrated with perfusion fixation. Isotope and contrast myelography were compared in the identification of the degree and extent of spinal cord swelling. Significant improvement in motor power was found in a group of paraplegic sheep treated with alpha-methyl paratyrosine. There was no significant improvement in the degree of recovery of motor power or sensation in those animals treated with intrathecal methyl prednisolone (Depo-Medrol). The histopathology in the crushed spinal cord tissue of the treated and untreated animals at various intervals of time was compared. Some possible explanations for the different patterns of clinical recovery in the treated animals are discussed. (+info)
Expanding the genetic code of Escherichia coli.
(6/182)
A unique transfer RNA (tRNA)/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pair has been generated that expands the number of genetically encoded amino acids in Escherichia coli. When introduced into E. coli, this pair leads to the in vivo incorporation of the synthetic amino acid O-methyl-l-tyrosine into protein in response to an amber nonsense codon. The fidelity of translation is greater than 99%, as determined by analysis of dihydrofolate reductase containing the unnatural amino acid. This approach should provide a general method for increasing the genetic repertoire of living cells to include a variety of amino acids with novel structural, chemical, and physical properties not found in the common 20 amino acids. (+info)
Radiolabeled amino acids: basic aspects and clinical applications in oncology.
(7/182)
As the applications of metabolic imaging are expanding, radiolabeled amino acids may gain increased clinical interest. This review first describes the basic aspects of amino acid metabolism, then continues with basic aspects of radiolabeled amino acids, and finally describes clinical applications, with an emphasis on diagnostic value. A special focus is on (11)C-methionine, (11)C-tyrosine, and (123)I-iodomethyltyrosine, because these have been most used clinically, although their common affinity for the L-transport systems may limit generalization to other classes of amino acids. The theoretic and preclinical background of amino acid imaging is sound and supports clinical applications. The fact that amino acid imaging is less influenced by inflammation may be advantageous in comparison with (18)F-FDG PET imaging, although tumor specificity is not absolute. In brain tumor imaging, the use of radiolabeled amino acids is established, the diagnostic accuracy of amino acid imaging seems adequate, and the diagnostic value seems advantageous. The general feasibility of amino acid imaging in other tumor types has sufficiently been shown, but more research is required in larger patient series and in well-defined clinical settings. (+info)
L-3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyl-tyrosine SPECT in non-small cell lung cancer: preliminary observations.
(8/182)
L-3-[123I]iodo-alpha-methyl-tyrosine (IMT) is a modified amino acid that is avidly taken up by many tumors. Uptake is based on the increased transmembrane transport of amino acids in malignancies. IMT is the only amino acid tracer suitable for SPECT. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of IMT SPECT in the detection, staging, and treatment evaluation of non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 44 IMT SPECT studies in 17 patients with histologically proven non-small cell lung cancer, stage III. IMT SPECT and planar imaging of the chest was performed before, 2 wk after, and 3 mo after 60 Gy radiotherapy. Staging was based on the findings of bronchoscopy, chest CT, mediastinoscopy, or explorative thoracotomy. After radiotherapy, CT and bronchoscopy were repeated to assess tumor response. RESULTS: In 15 of 16 evaluable primary tumors, avid IMT uptake was present (sensitivity, 94%), with a mean (+/-SD) tumor-to-background ratio (T/B) of 2.95 +/- 0.78 (range, 1.7-4.9). In 12 of 14 patients (86%) with mediastinal involvement, IMT SPECT detected one or more mediastinal metastases. However, only 13 of 20 mediastinal metastases were detected in lesion analysis (lesion-based sensitivity, 65%). For lesions < 2 cm in diameter, sensitivity was 42%. FDG PET (available for 5 patients) detected more known and unknown lesions than did IMT SPECT. After radiotherapy, T/B had fallen to 1.84 +/- 0.29 (P < 0.001 vs. baseline), and 3 mo later to 1.61 +/- 0.41 (not statistically significant vs. second study). Considerable nonspecific uptake was found in irradiated normal lung tissue (mean ratio to nonirradiated tissue, 1.79 +/- 0.53), persisting for > 3 mo. No relationship was observed between various IMT uptake parameters and the presence of residual viable tumor tissue or survival. CONCLUSION: IMT SPECT has a high sensitivity for the detection of primary non-small cell lung cancer. Although patient-based sensitivity in detecting mediastinal spread was adequate, sensitivity for individual lesions, especially for small metastases (<2 cm in diameter) was too low to be clinically helpful. Radiotherapy caused considerable nonspecific IMT uptake, which also limits applicability in evaluating the results of treatment. (+info)