NIDDM has a strong genetic component, as evidenced by the high level of concordance between identical twins. The nature of the genetic predisposition has remained largely unknown. Recently, the glucokinase gene locus on chromosome 7p has been shown to be linked to a subtype of NIDDM known as MODY in French and British pedigrees, and glucokinase mutations have been identified. To study the relationship between the glucokinase gene and NIDDM, we performed a linkage analysis in 12 Caucasian pedigrees ascertained through a proband with classical NIDDM. The LINKAGE program was used under four models, including autosomal dominant and recessive, with individuals with glucose intolerance counted as either affected or of unknown status. Linkage was significantly rejected with the dominant models (LOD scores -4.65, -4.25), and was unlikely with the recessive model when glucose intolerance was considered as affected (LOD score -1.38). These findings suggest that mutations in or near the glucokinase gene are unlikely to be the major cause of the inherited predisposition to NIDDM in Caucasian pedigrees, but do not exclude a role for this locus with a polygenic model, or a major role in some pedigrees.

Recent studies have reported that beta-adrenergic agonists stimulate the production of stimulatory prostaglandins (PGs) by intrauterine tissues in vitro. These drugs are used clinically to inhibit uterine contractions; consequently an increase in stimulatory PGs in vivo might have potentially adverse effects. We have, therefore, investigated whether beta-adrenergic agonists increase plasma PG concentrations in vivo. Samples of peripheral (aorta) and uterine venous enriched (vena cava) blood from nonpregnant sheep were collected at 15-min intervals for 1 h before, 3 h during, and 1 h postinfusion of either (a) the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (Isop) at a dose of 0.16 microgram.kg-1.min-1; (b) Isop at a dose of 0.08 microgram.kg-1.min-1; or (c) saline, 1 mL/h via a jugular vein catheter. The sheep were also equipped with intrauterine recording balloons to record intrauterine pressure and myometrial electromyographic (EMG) electrodes to measure EMG activity. Infusion of Isop at 0.16 microgram.kg-1.min-1 produced a significant initial inhibition of uterine activity, although contractions returned (within 60 min) despite continued administration of Isop. Plasma PGE2 (but not PGF2 alpha or 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha (PGFM] concentrations were significantly elevated during the Isop infusion. Administration of Isop at 0.08 microgram.kg-1.min-1 produced no effects on uterine contractile activity but was associated with a significant elevation in plasma PGE2 (but not PGF2 alpha or PGFM) concentrations. No changes in plasma PGE2, PGF2 alpha, or PGFM occurred during saline infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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