bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEA0400, a specific inhibitor of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger, attenuates sodium nitroprusside‐induced apoptosis in cultured rat microglia
Authors: Nagano Takayuki , Osakada Masakazu , Ago Yukio , Koyama Yutaka , Baba Akemichi , Maeda Sadaaki , Takemura Motohiko , Matsuda Toshio 
Published: January 2005

Using SEA0400, a potent and selective inhibitor of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), we examined whether NCX is involved in nitric oxide (NO)‐induced disturbance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ homeostasis followed by apoptosis in cultured rat microglia.
Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, decreased cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with apoptotic cell death in cultured microglia.
Treatment with SNP decreased the ER Ca2+ levels as evaluated by measuring the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ level induced by exposing cells to thapsigargin, an irreversible inhibitor of ER Ca2+‐ATPase.
The treatment with SNP also increased mRNA expression of CHOP and GPR78, makers of ER stress.
SEA0400 at 0.3–1.0 μM protected microglia against SNP‐induced apoptosis.
SEA0400 blocked not only the SNP‐induced decrease in ER Ca2+ levels but also SNP‐induced increase in CHOP and GRP78 mRNAs.
SEA0400 did not affect capacitative Ca2+ entry in the presence and absence of SNP.
SNP increased Na+‐dependent 45Ca2+ uptake and this increase was blocked by SEA0400.
These results suggest that SNP induces apoptosis via the ER stress pathway and SEA0400 attenuates SNP‐induced apoptosis via suppression of the ER stress in cultured microglia. Our findings imply that NCX plays a role in ER Ca2+ depletion under pathological conditions.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 669–679. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706104
Andrographolide interferes with binding of nuclear factor‐κB to DNA in HL‐60‐derived neutrophilic cells
Authors: Hidalgo María A , Romero Alex , Figueroa Jaime , Cortés Patricia , Concha Ilona I , Hancke Juan L , Burgos Rafael A 
Published: January 2005

Andrographolide, the major active component from Andrographis paniculata, has shown to possess anti‐inflammatory activity. Andrographolide inhibits the expression of several proinflammatory proteins that exhibit a nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) binding site in their gene.
In the present study, we analyzed the effect of andrographolide on the activation of NF‐κB induced by platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) in HL‐60 cells differentiated to neutrophils.
PAF (100 nM) and fMLP (100 nM) induced activation of NF‐κB as determined by degradation of inhibitory factor B α (IκBα) using Western blotting in cytosolic extracts and by binding to DNA using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in nuclear extracts.
Andrographolide (5 and 50 μM) inhibited the NF‐κB‐luciferase activity induced by PAF. However, andrographolide did not reduce phosphorylation of p38 MAPK or ERK1/2 and did not change IκBα degradation induced by PAF and fMLP.
Andrographolide reduced the DNA binding of NF‐κB in whole cells and in nuclear extracts induced by PAF and fMLP.
Andrographolide reduced cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression induced by PAF and fMLP in HL‐60/neutrophils.
It is concluded that andrographolide exerts its anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF‐κB binding to DNA, and thus reducing the expression of proinflammatory proteins, such as COX‐2.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 680–686. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706105
Effects of statins on vascular function of endothelin‐1
Authors: Mraiche Fatima , Cena Jonathan , Das Debarsi , Vollrath Bozena 
Published: January 2005

Although statins have been reported to inhibit the prepro‐endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) gene transcription in endothelial cells, their effects on the vascular function of ET‐1 have not been explored. We, therefore, examined the effects of statins on contraction and DNA synthesis mediated by ET‐1 in vascular smooth muscle. The effects of statins on contraction induced by ET‐1 were compared to those mediated by noradrenaline (NA) and KCl.
Simvastatin (SV) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of tonic contraction mediated by ET‐1 (10 nM) (IC50 value of 1.3 μM). The relaxation was also observed in rings precontracted with NA (0.1 μM) and KCl (60 mM). In contrast, pravastatin did not have any effect on the contractions.
Endothelial denudation or pretreatment with L‐NAME did not prevent the relaxation, but did reduce the relaxant activity of SV.
SV prevented Rho activation caused by ET‐1 and KCl in aortic homogenates, as assessed by a Rho pulldown assay.
The Rho kinase inhibitor HA‐1077 mimicked the effects of SV on tonic contractions induced by ET‐1, NA and KCl.
Pretreatment with the Kv channels inhibitor, 4‐aminopyridine, attenuated the ability of SV to relax contractions mediated by ET‐1 and NA.
In quiescent VSM cells, SV significantly inhibited DNA synthesis and Rho translocation stimulated by ET‐1, as assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and Western blot, respectively.
Inhibition of Rho geranylgeranylation by GGTI‐297, or treatment with HA‐1077, mimicked the effects of SV on DNA synthesis stimulated by ET‐1.
The results show that the statin potently inhibits both ET‐1‐mediated contraction and DNA synthesis via multiple mechanisms. Clinical benefits of statins may result, in part, from their effects on vascular function of ET‐1.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 715–726. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706114
Induction of cytokine (interleukin‐1α and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and chemokine (CCL20, CCL27, and CXCL8) alarm signals after allergen and irritant exposure
Authors: Spiekstra S. W. , Toebak M. J. , Sampat‐Sardjoepersad S. , Van Beek P. J. , Boorsma D. M. , Stoof T. J. , Von Blomberg B. M. E. , Scheper R. J. , Bruynzeel D. P. , Rustemeyer T. , Gibbs S. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  The immune system is called into action by alarm signals generated from injured tissues. We examined the nature of these alarm signals after exposure of skin residential cells to contact allergens (nickel sulfate and potassium dichromate) and a contact irritant [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)].Nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, and SDS were applied topically to the stratum corneum of human skin equivalents. A similar concentration‐dependent increase in chemokine (CCL20, CCL27, and CXCL8) secretion was observed for all three chemicals. Exposure to nickel sulfate and SDS was investigated in more detail: similar to chemokine secretion, no difference was observed in the time‐ and concentration‐dependent increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine [interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)] secretion. Maximal increase in IL‐1α secretion occurred within 2 h after exposure to both nickel sulfate and SDS and prior to increased chemokine secretion. TNF‐α secretion was detectable 8 h after chemical exposure. After allergen or irritant exposure, increased CCL20 and CXCL8, but not CCL27, secretion was inhibited by neutralizing human antibodies to either IL‐1α or TNF‐α.Our data show that alarm signals consist of primary and secondary signals. IL‐1α and TNF‐α are released as primary alarm signals, which trigger the release of secondary chemokine (CCL20 and CXCL8) alarm signals. However, some chemokines, for example, CCL27 can be secreted in an IL‐1α and TNF‐α independent manner. Our data suggest that skin residential cells respond to both allergen and irritant exposure by releasing mediators that initiate infiltration of immune responsive cells into the skin.
Effect of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor on post‐weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in porcine circovirus type‐2‐transfected piglets
Authors: Loizel Christophe , Blanchard Philippe , Grasland Béatrice , Dory Daniel , Oger Aurélie , Nignol Anne‐Cécile , Cariolet Roland , Jestin André 
Published: January 2005

SummaryPost‐weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a complex disease syndrome in swine, affecting nursery and fattening pigs. Although ongoing evidence suggests that porcine circovirus type‐2 (PCV2) is the causal agent of PMWS, the host immune system appears to have a crucial role in the PMWS pathogenesis of PCV2‐affected pigs. Owing to difficulties in producing a biologically pure form of PCV2 devoid of the other viral agents commonly present in swine tissues, we decided to use a tandem‐cloned PCV2 DNA providing highly pure grade reagent in order to monitor the virulence of PCV2 alone or with an immunostimulating co‐factor, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). A single intramuscular injection of tandem‐cloned PCV2 DNA into 5‐week‐old piglets produced plasmid to viral genome progeny and infectious particles as early as 8 days post‐injection in all the organs tested (the lung, the tonsil and the inguinal, mesenteric, bronchial and upper‐right axial lymph nodes). The initial plasmid load was not detected with the help of primers designed to specifically detect the acceptor plasmid, thus confirming the replication of the viral genome. Despite the presence of a high level of PCV2 genome copies in the lymphoid organs – the tonsil and the lung – and the presence of infectious particles, no detectable clinical manifestations or pathological lesions were observed in the transfected pigs over the period of observation, regardless of whether they had been co‐injected with plasmid containing GM‐CSF DNA or had received plasmid containing PCV2 DNA alone. GM‐CSF encoding DNA injection had no significant effect on viral replication or on the production of viral particles and appearance of the disease.
Ultrastructural evaluation of the radioprotective effects of melatonin against X‐ray‐induced skin damage in Albino rats
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud R. , Abu‐Dief Eman E. , Abd el‐Reheem Mohammad H. , Abd‐Elrahman Ali 
Published: January 2005

SummaryOur knowledge about the radioprotective effects of melatonin against X‐ray‐induced skin damage is still lacking. To examine these effects, an animal model of 60 Albino rats was used. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1, nonirradiated; Group 2, X‐ray irradiated (XRI, 8 Gy); Group 3, XRI pretreated with solvent (ethanol and phosphate‐buffered saline); Group 4, nonirradiated group treated with melatonin; and Group 5, XRI pretreated with melatonin. The skin was evaluated for ultrastructural changes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When compared to the nonirradiated skin (Groups 1 and 4), XRI skin (Groups 2 and 3) showed features of both cell injury and increased metabolic activity. The former included changes such as condensation of the nuclei, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, swelling of the mitochondria with cristolysis, destruction of the ribosomes and intermediate filaments, fragmentation of the keratohyaline granules and loss of the irregularity of the basal cell borders. The central cells of the sebaceous gland alveoli had larger irregular nuclei and few lipid droplets in their cytoplasm. The hair follicle cells had heterochromatic nuclei and less electron dense cytoplasm containing few complements of the organelles. The features of increased metabolic activity included increased euchromatin, irregularity of the nuclear membrane and increased branching of the melanocytes. Also, an increased number of the Birbeck granules were seen in the Langerhans cells. When compared to the irradiated skin (Groups 2 and 3), these changes were mild or absent in the skin of XRI animals pretreated with melatonin (Group 5). The ability of melatonin to minimize the injurious effects of XRI suggests a radioprotective role. The clinical ramifications of these observations warrant further studies.
Sibling relationships in adolescence: Learning and growing together
Authors: Noller Patricia 
Published: January 2005

AbstractIn this article, I discuss the reasons for my interest in sibling relationships, and showcase studies on sibling relationships in adolescence carried out with my colleagues and students, in the context of the broader literature on sibling relationships. Our studies have focused on a number of important issues concerned with sibling relationships. First, I report on the associations between sibling relationships and other family relationships and the ways that the various family relationships affect each other. Second, I report a study of sibling relationships in the context of parental separation and divorce and show that sibling relationships in these families are more likely to be high in both warmth and hostility than is true for relationships in 2‐parent families. Third, I report on several data sets showing an association between the quality of sibling relationships and adolescent adjustment and the link between differential parenting, adolescent adjustment, and the quality of the sibling relationship. Fourth, I report on a study of comparison and competition in sibling relationships and the associations between sibling relationship quality and reactions to being outperformed by a sibling. Finally, I discuss possible future directions for research on sibling relationships, including the importance of multimethod studies and a longitudinal perspective.
Conflict and support interactions in marriage: An analysis of couples’ interactive behavior and on‐line cognition
Authors: Verhofstadt Lesley L. , Buysse Ann , Ickes William , De Clercq Armand , Peene Olivier J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe present study examined the similarities and differences in couples’ interactive behavior and interaction‐based cognition that emerged in comparisons of conflict and support interactions in marriage. In a laboratory experiment, 53 couples were randomly assigned to the conditions of a 2 (type of interaction: conflict vs. support) × 2 (initiator of interaction: man vs. woman) factorial design. Partners provided questionnaire data and participated in a joint interaction and video review task. The data revealed substantial behavioral similarities (i.e., some classes of validation/facilitation behaviors and neutral problem‐solving behaviors) as well as behavioral differences (i.e., some classes of invalidation/oppositional behaviors) between conflict and support interactions, controlling for levels of marital satisfaction. Partners’ interaction‐based cognition (e.g., feeling understood, satisfied) was especially affected by classes of validation/facilitation behaviors and was consistently related to marital satisfaction. In broad terms, the impact of a particular behavior on partners’ ongoing cognition did not depend on the interaction domain (conflict vs. support) in which the behavior occurred.
Reasons for, and consequences of, revealing personal secrets in close relationships: A longitudinal study
Authors: Caughlin John P. , Afifi Walid A. , Carpenter‐Theune Katy E. , Miller Laura E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis investigation examines whether individuals’ reasons for keeping secrets predict whether they eventually reveal those secrets and whether individuals can accurately anticipate the outcomes of revealing. Respondents (n= 342) first reported on a secret they were keeping and then returned 2 months later to report whether they had revealed it and, if so, what happened when they did. Findings indicated that participants’ reasons for keeping a secret predicted whether they revealed it. The results also indicated both accuracy and inaccuracy in secret tellers’ expectations of the outcomes of revealing a secret. Finally, despite some demonstrable inaccuracies in the forecasted outcomes, participants’ retrospective accounts after revealing suggested that participants typically believed that they had accurately predicted the consequences of revealing.
Thinking about commitment: Accessibility of commitment and prediction of relationship persistence, accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice
Authors: Etcheverry Paul E. , Le Benjamin 
Published: January 2005

AbstractResearch has demonstrated that more accessible cognitive constructs (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes) are more likely to influence thoughts and behaviors. The current research applies a social cognition framework to the prediction of romantic relationship persistence (i.e., “stay‐leave” behavior), accommodation, and willingness to sacrifice. Conceptualizing commitment as a partially cognitive construct and following from social cognition and attitudinal research, we hypothesized that the accessibility of commitment will moderate the association between commitment and relationship persistence, accommodative responses, and willingness to sacrifice. In Study 1, participants in romantic relationships responded to statements derived from the commitment subscale of the Investment Model Scale. Reaction times to these statements were used as a measure of accessibility of commitment. In addition, participants completed measures of their commitment level. Seven months later, participants were contacted and relationship persistence was assessed. Accessibility of commitment significantly moderated the association between commitment and relationship persistence. Study 2 expanded on the results of the first study by demonstrating that accessibility of commitment also significantly moderated the association between commitment and accommodation and willingness to sacrifice. Taken together, these two studies highlight the usefulness of applying social cognitive concepts to understand close relationships.
The adversity of secret relationships
Authors: Foster Craig. A. , Campbell W. Keith 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAre secret romantic relationships alluring or aversive? Previous research suggests that romantic secrecy (i.e., keeping a romantic relationship secret from others) creates a cognitive preoccupation that enhances romantic attraction. In contrast, we predicted that romantic secrecy interferes with relationship interdependence and thereby decreases relationship quality. Three studies of secrecy in ongoing romantic relationships confirmed this prediction. In Study 1, romantic secrecy predicted lower levels of initial relationship quality and decreased relationship quality over a 2‐week period. In Study 2, relationship burden mediated partially the negative association between romantic secrecy and relationship quality. In Study 3, the negative association between romantic secrecy and relationship quality was primarily explained by decreased relationship satisfaction. The importance of understanding romantic secrecy is discussed.
On the interpersonal regulation of emotions: Emotional reliance across gender, relationships, and cultures
Authors: Ryan Richard M. , La Guardia Jennifer G. , Solky‐Butzel Jessica , Chirkov Valery , Kim Youngmee 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThree studies examine people's willingness to rely on others for emotional support. We propose that emotional reliance (ER) is typically beneficial to well‐being. However, due to differing socialization and norms, ER is also expected to differ across gender and cultures. Further, following a self‐determination theory perspective, we hypothesize that ER is facilitated by social partners who support one's psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results from the studies supported the view that ER is generally associated with greater well‐being and that it varies significantly across different relationships, cultural groups, and gender. Within‐person variations in ER were systematically related to levels of need satisfaction within specific relationships, over and above between‐person differences. The discussion focuses on the adaptive value and dynamics of ER.
Adrenomedullin expression during hypoxia in fetal sheep
Authors: Jensen R. I. , Carter A. M. , Skøtt O. , Jensen B. L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim:  We asked how adrenomedullin (AM), a vasodilator peptide, was distributed in fetal sheep organs and whether expression of AM would be upregulated in response to moderate acute fetal hypoxia in vivo.Methods:  In four sheep at day 126–130 of gestation, nitrogen was added to the inspired air by tracheal infusion to reduce fetal arterial oxygen content for a period of 4 h. Control fetuses were from four ewes given a tracheal infusion of room air. Fetal and maternal blood samples were taken prior to and during hypoxia/sham hypoxia. Fetal tissue samples were frozen for RNA analysis and fixed for immunohistochemistry.Results:  In hypoxic fetuses, arterial oxygen content was significantly reduced to 50% compared with sham fetuses with no change in arterial pH in either group. Plasma ACTH levels rose significantly at 2 and 4 h in hypoxic fetuses only. Initial plasma concentrations of AM in control and hypoxic fetuses were 457 ± 20 and 430 ± 35 pg mL−1 and did not change during the experiment. The relative abundance of AM mRNA was placental cotyledons ≫ lung > cerebral cortex ≅ renal cortex > left ventricle ≅ right ventricle > adrenal gland > renal medulla > aorta ≅ liver. Immunohistochemical staining for AM confirmed distinct labelling in organs with significant expression. AM mRNA level increased significantly in cerebral cortex of hypoxic fetuses.Conclusion:  Our results show expression of AM in placenta and in several fetal organs in late gestation sheep. AM may participate in the cerebral vasodilatation that is an integral part of the fetal response to hypoxia.
Epithelial barrier integrity and intraluminal nitric oxide production in response to acid perfusion of the ferret oesophagus
Authors: Bove M. , Ruth M. , Lundell L. , Ny L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim: To evaluate the source and role of acid‐induced intraluminal nitric oxide (NO) production in the oesophagus by studying how the exposure of the oesophagus to acid affects NO release, via the NO‐producing enzyme NO synthase and its relation to changes in epithelial barrier integrity.Methods: Ferrets were anaesthetized and their oesophagi were divided at both ends. The test subjects were pre‐treated with the intravenous NO synthase inhibitorsNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester (l‐NAME, 100 mg kg−1) and 1400W (12 mg kg−1). Untreated andNG‐nitro‐d‐arginine‐methyl ester pre‐treated (d‐NAME, 100 mg kg−1) animals served as controls. The oesophagus was then perfused with either HCl (0.1 m) or physiological saline for 20 min. The intraluminal NO concentration was determined before and after the acid/saline infusion while the transmucosal potential difference (PD) was monitored continuously. Oesophageal biopsies were examined for expression of inducible NO synthase using immunohistochemistry.Results: The intraluminal NO concentration increased after acid exposure. This was blocked byl‐NAME and 1400W, but not byd‐NAME. The peak PD response was not affected by agents affecting NO synthesis, while the plateau response was attenuated byl‐NAME,d‐NAME and 1400W. Immunohistochemistry revealed inducible NO synthase expression in the epithelium.Conclusions: Exposing the ferret oesophageal mucosa to acid elicited an increase in juxtamucosal NO formation through the activation of inducible NO synthase. The corresponding electrophysiological observations suggested an association between mucosal NO production and epithelial integrity.