Involvement of the putative hematopoietic transcription factor SCL in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The SCL gene, initially discovered at the site of a translocation breakpoint associated with the development of a stem cell leukemia, encodes a protein that contains the highly conserved basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif found in a large array of eukaryotic transcription factors. Recently, we have described a nonrandom, site-specific SCL rearrangement in several T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines that juxtaposes SCL with a distinct transcribed locus, SIL. The SIL/SCL rearrangement was found in leukemic blasts from 11 of 70 (16%) newly diagnosed T-cell ALL patients, a prevalence substantially higher than that of the t(11;14) translocation, which has previously been reported as the most frequent nonrandom chromosomal abnormality in T-cell ALL. We did not detect the SIL/SCL rearrangement in the leukemic blasts from 30 patients with B-cell precursor ALL, indicating that the rearrangement was specific for T-cell ALL. Analysis of RNA from these patients indicated that an SIL/SCL fusion mRNA was formed, joining SIL and SCL in a head-to-tail fashion. The fusion occurs in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of both genes, preserving the SCL coding region. The net result of this rearrangement is that SCL mRNA expression becomes regulated by the SIL promoter, leading to inappropriate SCL expression. The resultant inappropriate expression of this putative transcription factor may then contribute to leukemic transformation in T-cell ALL.


Reduced neuronal sensitivity to dieldrin and picrotoxinin in a cyclodiene-resistant strain of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen).

Toxicological and neurophysiological studies were performed to characterize the resistance mechanism in a cyclodiene-resistant strain of Drosophila melanogaster (Maryland strain). Dieldrin had an LC50 of 0.058 ppm against the larvae of susceptible D. melanogaster (Oregon-R wild type) when formulated in the rearing media. The LC50 of the resistant Maryland strain was 10.8 ppm, giving a resistance ratio (LC50-Maryland/LC50-susceptible) of 186-fold. Suction electrode recordings were made from peripheral nerves of the larval central nervous system to test whether reduced nerve sensitivity played any role in the observed resistance. In susceptible preparations (n = 5), inhibition of nerve firing by 1 mM gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was effectively antagonized within 3-10 min by 10 microM dieldrin. In contrast, 30 min incubations with 10 microM dieldrin had no effect on preparations from cyclodiene-resistant individuals (n = 5). Similarly, 10 microM picrotoxinin blocked GABA-dependent inhibition in susceptible nerve preparations (n = 3). In recordings from resistant insects (n = 4), picrotoxinin displayed either weak antagonism of GABA or hyperexcitation indistinguishable from susceptible preparations. These results demonstrate that cyclodiene resistance in the Maryland strain of D. melanogaster 1) is expressed in immature stages, 2) is present at the level of the nerve, and 3) extends to picrotoxinin, albeit at a reduced level compared with dieldrin. The possible role of an altered GABA receptor in this resistance is discussed.


Unusual hyperechoic appearance of prostate cancer on transrectal ultrasonography.

A series of 157 patients with prostate cancer underwent transrectal ultrasonography prior to radical prostatectomy. In 112 patients (71.3%) the tumours appeared hypoechoic relative to the echo pattern of the normal peripheral zone; in 43 (27.4%) they appeared isoechoic, and in only 2 (1.3%) did they appear purely or predominantly hyperechoic. These 2 hyperechoic tumours were unusual ductal adenocarcinomas with central necrosis and dystrophic calcification within solid tumour nests, a pattern similar to that of comedo-carcinoma of the breast. Calcification within prostate cancer was found in 4 of the 157 radical prostatectomy specimens, including 2 other hypoechoic cancers which contained intraluminal or psammomatous calcification. Although the most common sonographic appearance of localised prostate cancer is hypoechoic, a predominantly hyperechoic pattern is seen occasionally and suggests the presence of a high grade ductal adenocarcinoma.


Phenotypic and functional analysis of lymphocytes infiltrating paediatric tumours, with a characterization of the tumour phenotype.

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of paediatric tumours obtained from 37 lesions of different histotype (12 osteosarcomas, 5 Wilms' tumours, 7 soft-tissue sarcomas, 5 neuroblastomas and 8 miscellaneous) were studied to establish their potential for therapy. Fresh isolated TIL were cultured for the first 2 weeks with low doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (20 Cetus U/ml) to select for "tumour-specific" lymphocytes potentially present in the neoplastic lesion, followed by culture with high doses of IL-2 (1000 Cetus U/ml) to achieve TIL expansion. TIL were grown with more than 10-fold expansion in only 9 cases (mean expansion: 58-fold, range 13.5-346). In 17 cases no viable cells were obtained. After 30 days of culture with IL-2 the proliferative ability of TIL declined sharply in the majority of cases and TIL became refractory to any further stimulus, including addition of IL-4, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) or interferon gamma, and activation with OKT3 in solid phase. In 20 out of 37 cases TIL were available for phenotypic and functional analysis. TIL after long-term culture were predominantly CD3+ but 2 cases of osteosarcoma showed a predominance of CD3+TcR gamma/delta cells. The CD4/CD8 ratio was more than 1 in 10 cases, without correlation with tumour histology, site of lesion or TIL growth. The number of CD16+ and CD25+ lymphocytes decreased progressively during culture, the latter concomitantly with a reduction of TIL growth rate. The lytic pattern of TIL against allogenic and autologous tumour (Auto-Tu) cells was variable, but specific lysis of Auto-Tu was seen in only one case (Wilms' tumour) after culture with TNF alpha and irradiated Auto-Tu cells. The immunohistochemical analysis of tumour lesions revealed a limited lymphocyte infiltrate, a low expression of histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I and of the adhesion molecules ICAM1, LFA3, and a significant production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta). These data indicate that TIL obtained from paediatric patients are difficult to expand at levels required for immunotherapy and lack a significant number of tumour-specific T lymphocytes. A low expression of immunomodulatory molecules on tumour cells or the production of suppressive factors may prevent activation and expansion of TIL in paediatric tumours.


Intrathecal administration of etoposide in the treatment of malignant meningitis: feasibility and pharmacokinetic data.

Two patients presenting with malignant meningitis resulting from small-cell carcinoma of the lung and with lymphoblastic leukemia, respectively, were treated by intrathecal administration of etoposide. In both cases, this treatment was well tolerated and produced relief of the central nervous system symptoms. Pharmacokinetic data showed that cerebrospinal fluid drug levels of up to 5.2 micrograms/ml were achieved, which were considerably higher than those obtained after i.v. administration of high-dose etoposide.


L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in canine cardiac Purkinje cells. Single-channel demonstration of L-type Ca2+ window current.

Canine cardiac Purkinje cells contain both L- and T-type calcium currents, yet the single Ca2+ channels have not been characterized from these cells. Additionally, previous studies have shown an overlap between the steady-state inactivation and activations curves for L-type Ca2+ currents, suggesting the presence of L-type Ca2+ "window" current. We used the on-cell, patch-clamp technique to study Ca2+ channels from isolated cardiac Purkinje cells. Patches contained one or more Ca2+ channels 75% of the time. L-type channels were seen in 69% and T-type channels in 73% of these patches. With 110 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier, the conductances of the L- and T-type Ca2+ channels were 24.2 +/- 0.8 pS (n = 9) and 9.0 +/- 0.5 pS (n = 8), respectively (mean +/- SEM). With 110 mM Ca2+ as the charge carrier, the conductance of the L-type Ca2+ channel decreased to 9.7 +/- 1.2 pS (n = 4), whereas the T-type Ca2+ channel conductance was unchanged. Voltage-dependent inactivation was shown for both L- and T-type Ca2+ channels, although for L-type Ca2+ channel with Ba2+ as the charge carrier, inactivation took at least 30 seconds at a potential of +40 mV. After channel inactivation was complete, L-type Ca2+ channel reopenings were observed following repolarizing steps into the window voltage range. Thus, our data identify both L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in cardiac Purkinje cells and demonstrate, at the single-channel level, L-type channel transitions expected for a window current. Window current may play an important role in shaping the action potential and in arrhythmogenesis.


P2-purinoceptor activation stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and inhibits accumulation of cAMP in cultured ventricular myocytes.

Extracellular ATP modulates cardiac contraction through P2-purinoceptors on cardiac myocytes. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this response, we examined the effects of P2-purinoceptor activation on phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and the cAMP system in cultured ventricular myocytes of fetal mice. In a concentration-dependent manner, ATP stimulated accumulations of [3H]inositol monophosphate, bisphosphate, and trisphosphate with the half-maximum effective concentration of approximately 1 microM in the myocytes labeled with [3H]inositol. The order of efficacy of a series of adenyl compounds for stimulation of PI hydrolysis was adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S), ATP greater than ADP, 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate (APPNP) greater than alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (APCPP) greater than beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate, AMP greater than adenosine. On the other hand, 100 microM ATP gamma S inhibited isoproterenol-induced accumulation of cAMP by approximately 70% without decreasing the time to maximal cAMP levels, as measured by radioimmunoassay. This response was also concentration dependent, with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of approximately 1 microM. All of the tested ATP, ADP, and ATP analogues inhibited the cAMP system, and the responses to ATP gamma S, APPNP, and APCPP were insensitive to an A1-purinoceptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine. Pertussis toxin attenuated the ATP-induced PI hydrolysis by no more than 25% at 100 ng/ml but completely suppressed the ATP gamma S-induced inhibition of the cAMP system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Alterations in left ventricular mechanics, energetics, and contractile reserve in experimental heart failure.

The contributions of changes in primary systolic and diastolic properties, limitations of contractile reserve, and alterations in energy efficiency to the left ventricular dysfunction seen with chronic pacing tachycardia were investigated. Seven dogs (heart failure group) were ventricularly paced at 250 beats per minute for 26.3 +/- 2.9 days and compared with a separate control group (n = 8). STudies were performed with isolated, metabolically supported hearts coupled to a computer-controlled loading system. Pressure-volume relations and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) were measured to assess chamber systolic and diastolic properties and efficiency (relation between MVO2 and pressure-volume area [PVA]). Systolic function was reduced in failure hearts versus controls as assessed by the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relation (1.29 +/- 0.94 versus 2.71 +/- 0.98 mm Hg/ml, p less than 0.01) and lowered end-systolic stiffness at a matched stress (956.1 +/- 123.5 versus 1,401.7 +/- 431.7 g/cm2, p less than 0.05). Diastolic chamber and myocardial stiffness were unaltered in failure hearts, but the unstressed diastolic-arrested volume was significantly larger (33.3 +/- 3.9 versus 21.9 +/- 7.6 ml, p less than 0.01). Inotropic response to increased heart rate and exogenous beta-adrenergic stimulation (dobutamine HCl) was significantly impaired in failure compared with control hearts. Most interestingly, failure hearts had a lowered slope of the MVO2-PVA relation (2.1 +/- 1.1 versus 2.9 +/- 1.4 ml O2.mm Hg-1.ml-1.100 g left ventricle-1, p less than 0.001), indicating increased efficiency of chemomechanical energy conversion. The y intercept of the MVO2-PVA relation, which reflects oxygen costs of basal metabolism and excitation-contraction coupling, was unchanged in the two groups despite decreased contractility of the heart failure hearts. These results demonstrate reduced chamber and myocardial contractility, dilatation without alteration of passive myocardial properties, impaired contractile reserve, and novel alterations in cardiac efficiency in this model of heart failure.


Intracellular calcium handling in isolated ventricular myocytes from patients with terminal heart failure.

Experiments were performed in human ventricular myocytes to investigate properties of excitation-contraction coupling in patients with terminal heart failure. Myocytes were isolated from left ventricular myocardium of patients with cardiac failure caused by dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing transplantation. These results were compared with those obtained from cells of healthy donor hearts that for technical reasons were not suitable for transplantation. [Ca2+]i transients and Ca2+ currents were recorded from isolated cells under voltage clamp perfused internally with the Ca2+ indicator fura 2. In cells that were stimulated externally, the cell-permeant form of the indicator, fura 2-AM, was used. When action potentials were to be recorded, cells were stimulated in current clamp mode. Unstimulated Ca2+ current densities were not significantly different in myopathic and control cells. In diseased myocytes, resting [Ca2+]i levels were 165 +/- 61 nmol/l, compared with 95 +/- 47 nmol/l in normal cells. With 5 mmol/l Na+ in the pipette, peak [Ca2+]i transients were 367 +/- 109 and 746 +/- 249 nmol/l, respectively. The decline of [Ca2+]i during diastole was significantly slower in myopathic cells than in control cells. This was a result of a prolongation of the action potential and of a reduced Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. These results may partly explain the alterations of contractility in vivo in patients with heart failure.


Isolated presynaptic inotropic beta-adrenergic supersensitivity of the transplanted denervated human heart in vivo.

The regulation of contractility of the transplanted heart depends on circulating catecholamines resulting from cardiac denervation. Supersensitivity to circulating catecholamines may result from loss of presynaptic neuronal uptake or upregulation of postsynaptic beta-adrenergic receptors. Dose-response curves using the beta-adrenergic receptor agonists isoprenaline (no neuronal uptake) and epinephrine (neuronal uptake) were performed in vivo. The inotropic response was measured echocardiographically as the increase of fractional shortening (delta FS) and the increase of the systolic pressure/dimension ratio (delta P/D). The inotropic response to increasing doses of isoprenaline (5-20 ng/kg.min) was identical in 36 heart transplant recipients compared with 13 control subjects: delta FS during 20 ng/kg.min isoprenaline amounted to 18.2 +/- 6.2% versus 17.4 +/- 4.0% (NS) and delta P/D to 2.3 +/- 1.2 mm Hg/mm versus 2.2 +/- 0.5 mm Hg/mm (NS), respectively. A vagally mediated indirect negative inotropic effect in the innervated hearts was excluded by identical inotropic responses to isoprenaline in control subjects without and after atropine pretreatment. The inotropic response to increasing doses of epinephrine (10-40 ng/kg.min) was significantly augmented in 13 heart transplant recipients compared with 11 control subjects: delta FS during 40 ng/kg.min epinephrine amounted to 19.9 +/- 2.6% versus 8.6 +/- 2.0% (p less than 0.001) and delta P/D to 2.3 +/- 0.9 mm Hg/mm versus 0.6 +/- 0.3 mm Hg/mm (p less than 0.001), respectively. Pretreatment with desipramine (blockade of neuronal uptake) in control subjects resulted in a significantly increased inotropic response: delta FS during 40 ng/kg.min epinephrine amounted to 17.6 +/- 3.6% (p less than 0.001 versus untreated controls, NS versus heart transplant recipients) and delta P/D to 1.7 +/- 0.8 mm Hg/mm (p less than 0.001 versus untreated controls, NS versus heart transplant recipients). These findings provide evidence against a postsynaptic inotropic supersensitivity or subsensitivity of the beta-adrenergic receptor-effector system of the transplanted denervated human heart in vivo. However, a marked presynaptic inotropic supersensitivity is present because of denervation-associated loss of neuronal catecholamine uptake.


Integrin expression in human melanoma cells with differing invasive and metastatic properties.

During the process of tumor cell invasion and metastasis, tumor cells are known to interact with extracellular matrix proteins, endothelial cells, platelets and other organ-specific structures. Integrins are cell surface molecules which mediate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions and are likely to be important for tumor cell survival and dissemination. The purpose of this study was to characterize the integrin and proteolytic enzyme repertoire from low (A375P), medium (A375M) and high metastatic (A375SM) human melanoma cell lines. These cell lines are also invasive through human amniotic membranes in vitro and their invasiveness parallels the reported metastatic phenotype. The types and levels of expression of the various integrin receptors were analysed by quantitative immunoprecipitation using a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed to known integrin subunits. In addition, cDNA probes to the integrin subunits were used in quantitative northern blot analysis. These data show that the integrin alpha v beta 3 increases 50- to 100-fold as these cells progress to a more metastatic phenotype. alpha 4 beta 1 levels also appeared to increase several fold, while other beta 1 integrins did not differ in their expression levels. The increased alpha v beta 3 expression in the more metastatic cells resulted in an increased adhesion to vitronectin and fibrinogen substrates in cell attachment assays. However, alpha v- and beta 3-specific antibodies did not inhibit A375 cell invasion through the amnion. Each cell line was found to release similar quantities of a 72-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase and tissue type plasminogen activator. These results suggest that during the progression of these tumor cells from a low to high metastatic phenotype, marked changes in integrin expression occurred which may facilitate interactions with platelets, endothelial cells and specific extracellular matrix proteins to promote metastasis.


The scientific basis of cement versus cementless fixation.

The arguments for and against three implant materials (polymethylmethacrylate, cobalt-chrome alloy, and titanium aluminium vanadium alloy) when used as interfaces between a loaded implant and bone are reviewed from mechanical and biologic standpoints. It is concluded that there is neither an overwhelming advantage nor a disadvantage for any one of them.


Spirits and spiritist therapy in southern Brazil: a case study of an innovative, syncretic healing group.

This paper examines the treatment of patients by a group of Spiritist healers in southern Brazil. After describing and analyzing a healing session, the practices are shown to be deviant from conventional Spiritism in two directions: (1) they employ a technique, called apometry, that they claim makes possible the transportation of a part of the patient's body to the astral world where it is treated by disincarnate doctors who do past life regressions; and (2) although a conventional Spiritist disobsession is performed, the healers invoke rival Afro-Brazilian spirits who often are shown to have caused the patient's symptoms. Building on the work of Csordas (1983), I hypothesize that the discourse employed by the healers moves the patient to a new reality or phenomenological world in which s/he is healed "not in the sense of being restored to the state in which s/he existed prior to the onset of illness, but in the sense of being rhetorically 'moved' into a state dissimilar from both pre-illness and illness reality...(Csordas 1983:346)." The new state, in this case, is the world of Spiritism. Unlike the Catholic Pentecostals Csordas studied who already were members of a primary group of believers, however, the patients treated by the Brazilian healers are mostly unaffiliated individuals who face the increasing uncertainty and insecurity of life in disorganized, anomic, urban Brazil. By encompassing modern science on the one hand, and aspects of the Afro-Brazilian traditions on the other, this healing group appeals to the often distraught white middle and lower-middle classes, providing them with therapeutic meaning that in many cases leads to healing, conversion, and the sense of security and safety that often accompanies identifying with and belonging to a religious group.


Direct effect of arachidonic acid on protein kinase C and LH-stimulated steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells; evidence for tonic inhibitory control of steroidogenesis by protein kinase C.

The role of arachidonic acid in the regulation of steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells was studied. A dose- and time-dependent biphasic effect on maximal and submaximal LH- and dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated testosterone production was found. The locus of the inhibition, which occurred during 3 h incubation, was prior to the side chain cleavage of cholesterol and after cAMP production. The same inhibitory effect was found with the protein kinase C (PKC) activators, phorbol-12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA) and oleic acid, also with no change in LH-stimulated cAMP production. Arachidonic acid, PMA, and diolein, all stimulated PKC activity in a dose-dependent fashion in partially purified Leydig cell homogenates. When the cells were incubated for 5 h, arachidonic acid potentiated LH- and dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated testosterone production. Similarly, incubation with PMA for 5 h, potentiated subsequent basal and dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated testosterone production. PKC was down-regulated over 5 h (but not during 3 h) by pretreating Leydig cells with PMA or arachidonic acid in the presence of LH. Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors did not alter the stimulatory effects of arachidonic acid. We conclude that the short-term inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid (and PMA) is via activation of PKC, but when protein kinase C (PKC) is down-regulated by these ligands, steroidogenesis is enhanced. These results suggest that steroidogenesis is normally under tonic inhibitory control by PKC.


Chronic stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in rats by interleukin-1 beta infusion: in vivo and in vitro studies.

It has been shown that acute administration of interleukin-1 (IL-1) to rats elicits a transitory increase in plasma ACTH and corticosterone (B) levels. To investigate the effects of chronic administration of IL-1 on plasma ACTH and B levels, in the present study rats were equipped with Alzet osmotic minipumps loaded with either IL-1 (delivery rate 0.5, 2.0, or 4.0 micrograms/24 h, ip, for 1 week) or saline. At the end of the treatment the rats were decapitated, the adrenals were weighed, and the in vitro release of beta-endorphin (beta E) by the anterior pituitary and that of B by the adrenal gland were measured. Continuous administration of 2.0 and 4.0 micrograms IL-1/24 h resulted in a persistent increase in plasma ACTH and B concentrations compared to the levels in saline-infused rats, with peak levels on the first day of administration. In addition, adrenal weights of IL-1 rats were significantly higher than those of saline rats. The 4.0-micrograms IL-1/day in vivo treatment induced an increase in spontaneous in vitro secretion of beta E and B, while the in vitro responses of the pituitary (to CRF) and the adrenal (to ACTH) of animals treated in vivo with IL-1 were significantly diminished. IL-1 at a dose of 0.5 microgram failed to affect plasma ACTH and B values, adrenal weight, and in vitro beta E and B secretion. Chronic infusion of rats with 4.0 micrograms IL-1/day induced prolonged fever, whereas at lower doses of IL-1 (2.0 and 0.5 micrograms), temperatures were elevated only on the first 2 days of infusion. IL-1 at doses of 2.0 and 4.0 micrograms/day induced suppression of body weight gain on the first 2 days of the treatment period compared to saline treatment. Plasma norepinephrine and/or epinephrine concentrations were raised only on day 1 of the 2.0- and 4.0-micrograms IL-1 experiments. Thus, the observed effects of IL-1 on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis probably do not result merely from stress induced by the treatment. Taken together, our data show the potential of IL-1 to induce a dose-dependent and long term activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis.


Regulation of c-fos, c-jun and jun-B messenger ribonucleic acids by angiotensin-II and corticotropin in ovine and bovine adrenocortical cells.

Previous work has shown that corticotropin (ACTH) and angiotensin-II (A-II), in addition to their acute steroidogenic effects, exert long-term influences on adrenal cell differentiated function, stimulatory or inhibitory, respectively. Certain nuclear proto-oncogenes have been implicated in the regulation of gene expression in many cell systems. We have investigated the effects of ACTH and A-II on the levels of c-fos, c-jun, and jun-B messenger RNAs (mRNAs), in bovine and ovine (OAC) adrenal fasciculata cells. In both cell types ACTH produced time- (maximum at 1 h) and dose-dependent (ED50 congruent to 10(-12) M) increase in c-fos (2- to 4-fold) and jun-B (10- to 20-fold) mRNA levels but did not affect c-jun. The concentrations required to induce half-maximal mRNA accumulation and cortisol production were similar. A-II also produced a dose-dependent increase in c-fos and jun-B mRNAs but also in c-jun in both cell types, despite the fact that OAC are resistant to the steroidogenic action of the hormone. The stimulatory effects of A-II on c-fos mRNA were higher than those produced by ACTH, whereas the effects on jun-B were similar but ACTH abolished (OAC) or decreased (bovine adrenal fasciculata cells) the stimulatory effects of A-II on c-jun mRNA. The effects of ACTH and A-II on cortisol production and proto-oncogene mRNAs were in part mimicked by 8 Bromo-cAMP and the phorbol ester phorbol-12-myristate-13 acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187, respectively. In the presence of cycloheximide, which blocks the steroidogenic effects of both hormones, proto-oncogene mRNAs were superinduced by both hormones. This result, together with the fact that dexamethasone failed to affect the mRNA levels suggests that the stimulatory effects of ACTH and A-II on proto-oncogene expression were not related to an autocrine/intracrine action of cortisol. Taken together, these findings show that the proto-oncogene mRNAs in normal adrenal cells are regulated by ACTH and A-II, acting through different intracellular pathways. They also demonstrate differential responsiveness of the Jun family to both hormones. Thus, the opposite long-term action of ACTH and A-II on adrenal cell differentiated function could be mediated by its different initial effects on proto-oncogene expression, in particular in the members of the Jun family.


Adrenocorticotropin increases interleukin-6 release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced by adrenal zona glomerulosa cells; its release is stimulated by several secretagogues, including IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and angiotensin II. The present study reports that ACTH (0.1-100 nM) increased the release of IL-6 from primary cultures of rat adrenal cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase was accompanied by an increase in cAMP content in cell extracts and in the incubation medium. The dynamics of IL-6 release from the adrenal cells also were investigated using a perifusion system; approximately 50 min were required for the effects of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and ACTH on IL-6 release to become apparent. Following withdrawal of the secretagogues, IL-6 release returned to basal levels within 90-120 min. In some experiments, the adrenal zona glomerulosa was separated from the zona fasciculata/reticularis to determine the origin of secretagogue-stimulated IL-6 release. PGE2 and forskolin increased IL-6 release from both cell types, but maximal release from zona glomerulosa cells was more than 10-fold greater than that from zona fasciculata/reticularis cells. ACTH (0.1-100 nM) increased intracellular cAMP levels in cells from both cell types in a concentration-dependent manner, but increased IL-6 release only from zona glomerulosa cells. Dexamethasone, an inhibitor of IL-6 production in several tissues, had no effect on either basal or stimulated IL-6 production in the adrenal. Because IL-1 beta is produced primarily by tissues of the immune system, whereas ACTH is a classical endocrine hormone, we investigated the effect of interaction of these proteins on IL-6 release from the adrenal. Together, IL-1 beta and ACTH stimulation of IL-6 release was greater than the sum of the effects of each substance separately; however, IL-1 beta did not potentiate the effect of ACTH on cAMP levels. Similarly, IL-1 beta potentiated IL-6 release stimulated by forskolin and (Bu)2cAMP. Thus, the adrenal may be an important convergence point between the immune and endocrine systems, and because IL-6 release is regulated by IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, ACTH, and angiotensin II, and this cytokine stimulates corticosterone release, IL-6 may play an important paracrine role in integrating the signals derived from these systems.


Protein kinase C activation by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate modulates messenger ribonucleic acid levels for two of the regulatory subunits of 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinases (RII beta and RI alpha) via multiple and distinct mechanisms.

Messenger RNAs (mRNA) for two of the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA), RII beta and RI alpha, are transiently (maximal levels at 6 h) stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) in cultured rat Sertoli cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Whereas TPA (10(-7) M) stimulated RII beta mRNA 11 +/- 2.8 fold (mean +/- SEM), mRNA levels for RI alpha increased only 2.5 +/- 0.6-fold (mean +/- SEM). No effects of TPA on the other subunits of PKA (RII alpha, C alpha) were observed. TPA-dependent accumulation of mRNAs for RII beta and RI alpha was observed to the same extent in nucleus and cytoplasm. We have previously shown that mRNA levels for all the PKA subunits are increased by cAMP, particularly that of RII beta (greater than 50-fold). TPA modulated the stimulatory effects of cAMP on RII beta and RI alpha mRNAs in opposite directions. Whereas treatment with both 8-CPTcAMP and TPA gave an additive effect on RI alpha mRNA, TPA reduced the cAMP-dependent increase in RII beta mRNA. Although the mRNA for RII beta had returned to basal levels after 24 h of incubation with TPA, the presence of TPA still inhibited cAMP-dependent induction of mRNA for RII beta. In contrast, similar TPA treatment did not influence the subsequent cAMP-dependent stimulation of RI alpha mRNA. Preincubation with 8-CPTcAMP did not influence TPA-dependent stimulation of mRNAs for either RII beta or RI alpha. TPA induction of RII beta mRNA was completely blocked by cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis), whereas that of RI alpha was not. The inhibitory effect of TPA on cAMP stimulation of RII beta mRNA was independent of ongoing protein synthesis. These results indicate that TPA induction of mRNAs for RI alpha and RII beta involves multiple and distinct mechanisms. The stimulatory effect of TPA on RI alpha mRNA levels and the inhibitory effect of TPA on cAMP-stimulated RII beta mRNA expression are probably mediated through stable factors, whereas proteins with rapid turnover or factors induced by TPA are involved in the stimulatory effect of TPA on RII beta mRNA.


Hypotensive hemorrhage elevates corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) but not vasopressin mRNA in the rat hypothalamus.

We examined the effect of acute hypotensive hemorrhage on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in neurons of the rat hypothalamus. Sprague-Dawley male rats were cannulated (femoral artery and vein) and received a 15 ml/kg.3 min hemorrhage on the morning of the fourth day. Time controls received no hemorrhage. After light halothane anesthesia, the rats were decapitated at 1 or 4 h (six to nine rats per group). The hypothalami were removed, frozen, and sectioned at 12 microns. In situ hybridization was performed using two 48-base oligodeoxynucleotide probes for CRH and AVP message, respectively. Hemorrhage led to a fall in arterial blood pressure and heart rate that recovered by 1 h. Plasma ACTH, corticosterone, and AVP were elevated 20, 60, and 90 min after hemorrhage, but returned to near control levels by 4 h. CRH mRNA was significantly elevated 1 and 4 h after hemorrhage, as compared to time controls, in parvocellular neurons of the paraventricular nuclei. However, AVP mRNA was not different from controls at 1 or 4 h after hemorrhage in the magnocellular or parvocellular paraventricular nuclei, or in the supraoptic or accessory nuclei of the hypothalamus. AVP mRNA was also found in neurons of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, but there was no difference in the amount of mRNA between the 1-h hemorrhage and control groups. These data suggest that neural signals, originating for cardiovascular receptors activated by hemorrhage, up-regulate message for CRH but not for AVP in the paraventricular nuclei of the rat hypothalamus.


Hormonal regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells.

The maturation of ovarian granulosa cells is dependent upon the pituitary gonadotropin FSH, the actions of which are mediated via specific plasma membrane receptors. To study the regulation of ovarian FSH receptor expression at the mRNA level, we used a specific cRNA probe to evaluate changes in FSH receptor transcripts in cultured granulosa cells. Granulosa cells obtained from immature estrogen-treated rats contained two predominant FSH receptor mRNA transcripts (7.0 and 2.5 kilobases), the levels of which declined in a time-related manner during a 2-day culture period. However, inclusion of FSH (30 ng/ml) in the culture medium prevented the decline in FSH receptor mRNA levels. Compared to controls, treatment of granulosa cells for 48 h with FSH (1-100 ng/ml) increased FSH receptor mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner (ED50, 4.5 ng/ml), with a maximal 5.9 +/- 0.7-fold increase observed in response to 30 ng/ml FSH. The stimulatory actions of FSH were mimicked by the adenyl cyclase activator forskolin (0.1-30 microM), suggesting the involvement of cAMP in FSH receptor gene transcription and/or mRNA stability. Incubation of granulosa cells for 48 h with epidermal growth factor (EGF; 0.3-10 ng/ml), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 1-30 ng/ml), or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I; 1-30 ng/ml) did not affect basal FSH receptor mRNA levels, whereas the highest doses of EGF and bFGF, but not IGF-I, completely suppressed the stimulatory effects of FSH (30 ng/ml) on its own receptor mRNA levels. Similarly, GnRH (10-1000 nM) attenuated the actions of FSH on its receptor mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner (ID50, 8 nM). The inhibitory effects of GnRH (100 nM) were reversed by cotreatment with a GnRH antagonist ([Ac-D-Phe1,D-pCl-Phe2,D-Trp3,6]GnRH; 100 nM), indicating that the actions of GnRH are mediated via specific GnRH receptors. These data indicate that treatment of granulosa cells with FSH increases the levels of two FSH receptor mRNA transcripts. However, this positive feedback system, which may lead to an amplification of FSH action, is tightly regulated by the inhibitory actions of EGF, bFGF, and GnRH. Thus, the use of cultured rat granulosa cells provides a model system to analyze the hormonal regulation of FSH receptor gene expression in the ovary.


Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 induces osteoblastic differentiation in W-20-17 stromal cells.

To better understand the in vivo bone-inductive properties of recombinant human (rh) BMP-2, we examined the ability of the protein to alter the phenotype of a bone marrow stromal cell line. W-20-17. rhBMP-2 increased alkaline phosphatase activity in W-20-17 cells in a dose-responsive manner in the absence of an effect on proliferation. The induction of alkaline phosphatase activity was not apparent until 12 h after rhBMP-2 treatment had begun and was effectively eliminated by cotreatment with cycloheximide, suggesting a requirement for protein synthesis. Continued treatment of W-20-17 cells with rhBMP-2 for 8 days resulted in a significant increase, compared to control cultures, in the production of cellular cAMP in response to a PTH challenge. In addition, 4-day treatment with rhBMP-2 induced osteocalcin levels in W-20-17 cells. These results indicate that rhBMP-2 induces the expression of several markers associated with the osteoblast phenotype in W-20-17 cells and raises the possibility that BMP-2 may be involved in the differentiation of osteoblasts from progenitor cells resident in bone marrow.


Beta-endorphin inhibits hypoglycemia-induced gene expression of corticotropin-releasing factor in the rat hypothalamus.

Endogenous opioid peptides have a role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Recently, beta-endorphin (EP) has been thought to inhibit CRF release in vivo and in vitro. In the present study we examined the effects of central administration of EP on ACTH secretion and gene expression of both CRF in the hypothalamus and POMC in the anterior pituitary gland (AP) during basal and insulin-induced hypoglycemia in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Administration of EP in the lateral ventricle decreased basal CRF levels in the median eminence and inhibited basal and hypoglycemia-induced ACTH secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Hypoglycemia-induced POMC mRNA levels in the AP and CRF mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were also dose-dependently inhibited by the administration of EP. The inhibitory effect of EP was reversed by naloxone. These results suggest that 1) central administration of EP acts through the opioid receptor to inhibit hypoglycemia-induced CRF gene expression in the hypothalamus and CRF release, which results in a decrease in ACTH secretion and POMC mRNA levels in the AP; and 2) the active site of EP is the CRF neuron in the paraventricular nucleus.


Stimulation of angiotensinogen production in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes by glucocorticoid, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, and interleukin-6.

The effects of hormones and cytokines on angiotensinogen production were studied in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. The basal secretion of angiotensinogen decreased during culture. The addition of dexamethasone and (Bu)2cAMP completely prevented this decrease. Angiotensinogen secretion by freshly plated hepatocytes was slightly increased in response to dexamethasone, but after 24 h in culture, hepatocytes no longer responded to dexamethasone alone. When hepatocytes were treated with (Bu)2cAMP, glucagon, or forskolin, angiotensinogen secretion increased in response to dexamethasone in a concentration-dependent manner. 17 beta-Estradiol and T3 failed to stimulate angiotensinogen secretion in either the presence or absence of (Bu)2cAMP. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) exhibited a stimulatory activity on angiotensinogen secretion, which was dependent on the presence of dexamethasone, whereas IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor had no effect in either the presence or absence of dexamethasone and/or (Bu)2cAMP. Unlike primary cultured hepatocytes, angiotensinogen secretion by rat hepatoma H4IIEC3 cells increased in response to dexamethasone alone. This increase was not enhanced by (Bu)2cAMP, but was enhanced by IL-6. Thus, in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, neither glucocorticoid, cAMP, nor IL-6 alone stimulated angiotensinogen production, but a combination of glucocorticoid and cAMP or of glucocorticoid and IL-6 exhibited a stimulatory activity on angiotensinogen production. These results suggest that angiotensinogen production in the liver is synergistically regulated by these factors, whereas the hepatoma cell line H4IIEC3 lacks the regulatory mechanism of cAMP on glucocorticoid-induced angiotensinogen production.


A specific, high affinity, saturable binding site for the 16-kilodalton fragment of prolactin on capillary endothelial cells.

A 16-kilodalton N-terminal fragment of PRL (16K PRL) is formed by enzymatic cleavage of intact 23-kilodalton PRL (23K PRL) in the pituitary gland and in target tissues for PRL. 16K PRL inhibits the growth of capillary endothelial cells, while intact PRL was inactive suggesting that 16K PRL acted via a receptor other than the PRL receptor. To analyze whether this inhibitory effect could be mediated through an specific 16K PRL receptor, we characterized the binding of 16K PRL to membrane preparations of bovine brain capillary endothelial (BBE) cells. 16K PRL was generated by the proteolysis of rat 23K PRL with a particulate fraction from rat mammary gland homogenates and purified by gel filtration. The specific binding of [125I]16K PRL to BBE cell membranes was high affinity (Kd = 9.9 nM), saturable (Bmax = 4.8 pmol/mg protein), and reversible. In competition studies for [125I]16K PRL binding, 16K PRL was most potent, while little displacement was observed with high concentrations of 23K PRLs, growth hormones, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Blockade of reformation of disulfide bonds by carbamidomethylation of 16K PRL, a procedure which increases the biological activity of the molecule, increased its binding affinity (Kd = 0.9 nM). Cross-linking experiments identified a 52,000 and a 32,000 mol wt protein as the major 16K PRL binding species. These data demonstrate the presence of specific, high affinity, saturable binding sites for 16K PRL on BBE cell membranes and support biological findings that 16K PRL inhibits capillary endothelial cell proliferation, through a novel, high affinity receptor.


Isolation and mode of action of rabbit corticostatic (antiadrenocorticotropin) peptides.

Corticostatic peptides are a family of arginine-rich cysteine-rich peptides that inhibit ACTH-stimulated corticosterone (B) production in rat adrenal cell suspensions. In this communication we describe a new method for the facile isolation and purification of these basic peptides from rabbit adult lung. We then describe the isolation and sequences of the four rabbit peptides, CSI, CSII, CSIII, and CSIV, and compare their biological activities in the ACTH (150 pg/ml) inhibition assay. CSI is by far the most potent of the four peptides. Using CSI as a model, we then studied its effects on the proximal and distal parts of the pathway leading to the generation of cAMP. CSI had no effect on (Bu)2cAMP action on forskolin or cholera toxin in their ability to mimic ACTH and increase B production in rat adrenal cells, nor did CSI have any effect on the stimulation of B production by pertussis toxin. Endogenous cAMP stimulated by ACTH decreased after the addition of CSI, which pointed to the inhibition of ACTH binding to explain the mode of action of this corticostatin. Displacement of the specific binding of labeled ACTH by CSI and the ACTH antagonist ACTH-(6-24) was determined, and indeed, CSI did displace ACTH from its binding site. The question of what portion of the ACTH molecule was involved in the action of CSI was answered by studying ACTH-(1-13) acetyl amide (alpha MSH) and ACTH-(1-18) amide. CSI had no effect on alpha MSH stimulation of B production, but did lower the production of B stimulated by ACTH-(1-18) amide. Therefore, CSI must act on ACTH-(14-18), which is part of the so-called address region of ACTH, which is -Gly14-Lys15-Lys16-Arg17-Arg18-, the very basic part of the molecule. These results indicate that CSI acts by competing with ACTH for its binding receptor on the adrenal cell and that this competition is confined to amino acids 14-18 of the molecule when it is bound to the receptor.


Retinoic acid decreases nuclear triiodothyronine receptor expression and impairs an early step of adipose differentiation in the thyroid hormone-sensitive mouse Ob 17 preadipocyte cell line.

In the murine preadipocyte cell line Ob 17, T3 is known to be necessary at an early step of adipose differentiation for the expression of late phenotypes [lipogenic enzymes such as malic enzyme, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), etc.] and not necessary for the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which emerges earlier, at growth arrest. These cells contain nuclear T3 receptors, which mainly belong to products of the c-erbA alpha gene and are down-regulated by T3. In this work, retinoic acid (RA) added to Ob 17 cells at growth arrest impaired morphological differentiation and the development of both late (malic enzyme and GPDH) and early (LPL) phenotypes regardless of whether T3 was added. T3 sensitized the cells to the inhibitory action of RA; the ED50 for GPDH activity was shifted from 0.5 microM to 3 nM in cells cultured with 1.5 nM T3. Later addition of RA (6 days after growth arrest) did not inhibit the differentiation. RA also brought out a marked and fast decrease in nuclear T3 receptors. This was observed whatever the stage of cell development and related to both a rapid decrease in the relative abundance of c-erbA alpha-related mRNA species and an increased disappearance rate, suggesting the involvement of pre- and posttranslational events. RA and T3 acted additively in decreasing the T3 receptor and c-erbA alpha mRNA levels. The effects of RA on T3 receptors were rapidly reversed after RA withdrawal; the reversal was large (75%) when RA was introduced at growth arrest and total when introduced later. The cell sensitivity to RA, considering the T3 receptors, was higher at growth arrest (ED50 for RA, 0.2 and 1.5 microM in assays with RA added at growth arrest and 5 days later, respectively). The results suggest intricated regulatory pathways between RA and T3 at an early step of adipose differentiation and also suggest that among different mechanisms through which RA may impair this differentiation, a decreased level of nuclear T3 receptors at an early period should play a role.


Insulin like growth factor-I induces limited association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to its receptor.

Stimulation by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) of LISN C4 cells, a mouse fibroblast cell line that overexpresses human IGF-I receptors, led to an increase in the amount of a phosphatidylinositol kinase that could be immunoprecipitated by anti-IGF-I receptor or anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. The identity of the lipid produced in phosphatidylinositol kinase assays of anti-IGF-I receptor or anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates indicated that IGF-I selectively increased the amount of immunoprecipitated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. The amount of immunoprecipitated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity that was increased by IGF-I followed a time course that paralleled the stimulation of IGF-I receptor beta-subunit autophosphorylation. The amount of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity detected in anti-IGF-I receptor immunoprecipitates represented only 2% of that which was immunoprecipitated by anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Furthermore, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity which was recovered with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody was present in both cytosol and particulate cell fractions at approximately similar levels. Taken together, these results suggest that the stimulation of the IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase leads to an increase in the amount of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase activity immunoprecipitated by antiphosphotyrosine and anti-IGF-I receptor antibodies and to a limited association with the IGF-I receptor itself, even though these cells express very high levels of IGF-I receptors. That the majority of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity does not tightly associate with the IGF-I receptor after IGF-I stimulation suggests that it may be associated with other tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. Alternatively, the kinase itself may become phosphorylated on tyrosine and dissociate from the IGF-I receptor. In this manner, an increase of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity by IGF-I deviates from the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by platelet-derived growth factor receptor in that a tight association with the receptor is not produced after stimulation.


Defects of insulin's signal transduction in old rat livers.

Aging is associated with a postbinding defect in insulin action, leading to increased glucose intolerance and occasional diabetes. To determine whether defects in insulin receptor kinase (IRK) activity or in the phosphorylation of its physiological substrates underlie this age-related phenomenon, young (2-3 months old) and old (24-27 months old) Wistar rats were studied. When assayed in vitro, the hepatic IRK activities of noninjected old and young rats were comparable. Thirty seconds after the injection of insulin, the hepatic IRK activity of young rats increased 7- to 10-fold in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal effects obtained in rats injected with 20 mg insulin. By contrast, old animals exhibited impaired in vivo activation, with a mean 50% reduction in maximal IRK activity. When the rats were grouped into animals with mild (20%), moderate (50%), and severe (80%) reductions in maximal IRK activity, it was found that the mild and moderate defects could be reversed once the receptors were subjected to extensive autophosphorylation in vitro. The severe form of the defect was essentially irreversible and could not be corrected by phosphorylation in vitro. Immunoblotting with anti P-Tyr antibodies revealed that the reduced IRK activity in the old animals correlated with reduced intrahepatic tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor and pp180, a putative substrate of IRK. We, therefore, conclude that glucose intolerance in aging could be attributed at least in part to acquired defects in the in vivo activation of the hepatic IRK, which results in reduced phosphorylation of its putative substrate pp180.


Thyrotropin regulates autophosphorylation and kinase activity in both the insulin and the insulin-like growth factor-I receptors in FRTL5 cells.

TSH regulation of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor kinases has been studied in FRTL5 cultured thyroid cells. Preincubation of intact cells with TSH increased by 2-fold insulin and IGF-I receptor autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of the p175 endogenous substrate for the receptors. Enhanced phosphorylations reached a maximum within 30 min, were maintained for 30 min more, and vanished after 120 min of TSH incubation. TSH dose-responses exhibited half-maximal and maximal effects at 1 and 10 pM, respectively. In vitro, insulin as well as IGF-I receptors purified from cells treated with 10 pM TSH also exhibited 2-fold enhanced receptor autophosphorylation and kinase activity toward the exogenous substrate poly(Glu,Tyr) (4:1). At variance with TSH, cell incubation with either 8-bromo-cAMP or the protein kinase-C activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate inhibited insulin and IGF-I receptor kinases. In intact cells, TSH stimulation of insulin and IGF-I receptor kinases was accompanied by enhanced turnover of phosphate on autophosphorylated receptors, increased receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, and decreased receptor serine/threonine phosphorylation in response to insulin. Incubation of in vivo labeled insulin and IGF-I receptors with extracts from TSH-treated cells also decreased receptor phosphoserine and phosphothreonine content. Furthermore, preincubation of insulin and IGF-I receptors with extracts from TSH-treated cells enhanced in vitro autophosphorylation. The latter effect was inhibited by the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors fluoride and okadaic acid, but not by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor vanadate. The data suggest that in FRTL5 cells, TSH induces the activity of a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase, which dephosphorylates insulin and IGF-I receptors and enhances their endogenous kinases.


Angiotensin-II inhibits Na+/K+ pump in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: possible contribution to stimulation of aldosterone production.

The control of Na+/K+ pump activity was studied in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Ninety percent of K+/86Rb accumulation was blocked by ouabain, and the dose-response curve of inhibition by ouabain was monophasic (IC50, approximately 80 microM), suggesting the role of a single type of Na+/K+ pump (alpha-isoenzyme) in 86Rb accumulation by rat glomerulosa cells. The basal activity of the Na+/K+ pump was much higher in glomerulosa cells than in adrenal fasciculata cells or hepatocytes, as judged by the ouabain-sensitive uptake of 86Rb. In contrast to the two other cell types, increasing Na+ influx with the Na+ ionophore monensin failed to significantly affect ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake in glomerulosa cells, suggesting that in glomerulosa cells even the resting intracellular Na+ concentration is sufficient for maximal activity of the Na+/K+ pump. Angiotensin-II (AII) inhibited the ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake by glomerulosa cells. The effect of AII was abolished by the selective antagonist of the AT1 type of AII receptors (DuP 753), while PD 123177, an AT2 antagonist was ineffective. AT1 receptors of glomerulosa cells coupled to phospholipase-C activation and, thus, to Ca2+ signal. The inhibitory effect of AII was dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, but an elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin failed to mimic the effect of AII. These data suggest that Ca2+ is required for but does not mediate the inhibitory effect of AII on the Na+/K+pump. Pharmacological activation of protein kinase-C by phorbol ester did not modify 86Rb accumulation by the cells. Ouabain induced a nifedipine-sensitive elevation in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and exerted a stimulatory effect on aldosterone production, suggesting participation of the inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump in the aldosterone stimulatory action of AII.


Presence of epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and their receptors in human myometrial tissue and smooth muscle cells: their action in smooth muscle cells in vitro.

Immunohistochemical observations indicate that human myometrial smooth muscle cells express epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB and contain EGF and PDGF-beta receptors with no variation in intensity with phases of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, immunofluorescent microscopic studies revealed that primary myometrial smooth muscle cell cultures also express EGF, PDGF-AB, and contain EGF and PDGF-beta, but not alpha-receptor. Incubation of subconfluent smooth muscle cells in serum-free medium leads to quiescence within 48 h as demonstrated by 3H-thymidine incorporation and labeling index. Exposure of quiescent cells to 10% fetal bovine serum stimulates resumption of DNA synthesis and proliferation in a time-dependent manner with a doubling time of 41.6 h. EGF (1.5-50 ng/ml) and PDGF-AB (1-10 ng/ml) in a dose- and time-dependent manner significantly stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation by quiescent myometrial smooth muscle cells (P less than 0.05). Combinations of EGF (15 ng/ml) and PDGF-AB (10 ng/ml) significantly increased 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by either growth factor alone (P less than 0.05). PDGF-BB at 10 ng/ml also stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation and its effect was similar to that induced by PDGF-AB at the same concentration. 17 beta-Estradiol (E2) at 1 microM inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation by the smooth muscle cells (P less than 0.05). E2 also reduced the stimulatory effect of EGF (15 ng/ml) and PDGF (3 ng/ml). Progesterone at 1 microM either alone or in combination with E2 did not have any effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation or alter the mitogenic action of EGF and PDGF. The effect of EGF and PDGF on cell growth and 3H-thymidine incorporation by myometrial smooth muscle cells was independent of phases of the menstrual cycle. In summary, the results of present studies indicate that human myometrial tissue and myometrial smooth muscle cells in primary culture locally produce EGF and PDGF-AB and contain EGF and PDGF-beta, but not alpha-receptors. Moreover, the myometrial smooth muscle cells in culture respond to the mitogenic action of EGF and PDGF.


Functional LH receptor appears in the neonatal rat ovary after changes in the alternative splicing pattern of the LH receptor mRNA.

The LH receptor (R) function, as assessed by ligand binding and stimulation of cAMP production, is initiated in the neonatal rat ovary around day 7 of life. To correlate this with the onset of expression of the LHR gene, we assessed the presence of the cognate mRNA in the developing rat ovary from day 17 of fetal life onwards using PCR multiplication of reverse transcribed LHR mRNA, followed by southern hybridization and sequencing of the PCR products. Our findings indicate that only truncated versions of LHR mRNA are present in the developing rat ovary as early as day 17 fetal life and up to day 7 post partum. Concomitant with the appearance of a functional LH receptor (after day 7 post partum), two larger LHR mRNA species (2.6 and 6.7 kb) appear, which are also present in the adult ovary. These findings indicate that the LHR gene is probably constitutively expressed in the developing rat ovary, and that the onset of translation of functional LH receptor occurs through a change in the alternative splicing pattern of LHR mRNA.


Atriopeptin: an endogenous corticotropin-release inhibiting hormone.

Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis is a major component of the body's response to stress. Current theories on the pathophysiology of disorders associated with hyperfunction of the axis, such as depression and Cushing's stress, are based on the concept that anterior pituitary adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion is stimulated by hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormones and inhibited by adrenal corticosteroids. Hypothalamic inhibitory control of pituitary ACTH secretion has been also postulated, but has not gained general acceptance because of the lack of definitive evidence for a corticotropin-release inhibiting hormone. It is shown here that in conscious rats stress-induced secretion of ACTH and corticosterone is markedly enhanced by the immunoneutralisation of atriopeptin. Therefore, we propose that atriopeptin is a physiologically relevant corticotropin-release inhibiting hormone.


Inhibition of endosomal proteolytic activity by leupeptin blocks surface expression of MHC class II molecules and their conversion to SDS resistance alpha beta heterodimers in endosomes.

The biosynthesis of MHC Class II molecules starts with the assembly of the alpha and beta subunits and the invariant chain. Intracellular transport of Class II molecules was followed in pulse-chase experiments of a human Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell line. Entry of Class II molecules into the endocytotic pathway and their cell surface appearance were monitored using neuraminidase as a fluid endocytotic marker and as a surface probe, respectively. In the course of intracellular transport, the Class II associated invariant chain is removed by proteases located in the endosomal pathway. Here, we show that leupeptin inhibits not only invariant chain breakdown, but also surface deposition of newly synthesized Class II molecules. Class II molecules display remarkable resistance to SDS at ambient temperature when occupied by peptide. We exploit this property to show that peptide binding precedes surface expression, and takes place in the course of intracellular transport through an endosomal compartment. Leupeptin blocks the conversion of Class II molecules to an SDS resistant complex.


Ubiquitin as a degradation signal.

For many short-lived eukaryotic proteins, conjugation to ubiquitin, yielding a multiubiquitin chain, is an obligatory pre-degradation step. The conjugated ubiquitin moieties function as a 'secondary' signal for degradation, in that their posttranslational coupling to a substrate protein is mediated by amino acid sequences of the substrate that act as a primary degradation signal. We report that the fusion protein ubiquitin--proline--beta-galactosidase (Ub-P-beta gal) is short-lived in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae because its N-terminal ubiquitin moiety functions as an autonomous, primary degradation signal. This signal mediates the formation of a multiubiquitin chain linked to Lys48 of the N-terminal ubiquitin in Ub-P-beta gal. The degradation of Ub-P-beta gal is shown to require Ubc4, one of at least seven ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes in S.cerevisiae. Our findings provide the first direct evidence that a monoubiquitin moiety can function as an autonomous degradation signal. This generally applicable, cis-acting signal can be used to manipulate the in vivo half-lives of specific intracellular proteins.


PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors activate unique and common signal transduction pathways.

We have examined the signal transduction pathways of the PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors, in order to characterize the specificity of each receptor type in the signaling. Porcine aortic endothelial cell lines expressing equal levels of either PDGF alpha- or beta-receptors were established. The alpha- and beta-receptor cells responded mitogenically to stimulation with the proper PDGF isoforms. Three aspects of actin reorganization were examined after ligand stimulation: loss of stress fibres, appearance of edge ruffles and formation of circular membrane ruffles. The beta-receptor cells showed a response to ligand stimulation which included all three features. The alpha-receptor cells exhibited edge ruffles and loss of stress fibres, but circular ruffles could not be found in several independent alpha-receptor cell lines. The beta-receptor cells, but not the alpha-receptor cells, were able to migrate chemotactically towards a concentration gradient of ligand. The molecular basis for the differences in signalling were explored by comparing the pattern of increased phosphorylation of potential substrates for the alpha- and beta-receptors in [32P]orthophosphate labelled intact cells and using an in vitro kinase assay. Certain of the observed substrates were common for the two receptors, whereas others were specific for either one. We conclude that certain of the known PDGF induced cellular effects are transduced only by the beta-receptor; the presence of alpha-receptor-specific substrates suggests that there are also alpha-receptor-specific signals, which have yet to be identified.


Immunoglobulin V gene replacement is caused by the intramolecular DNA deletion mechanism.

Circular DNA resulting from V gene replacement was studied with an A-MuLV transformed cell line containing ablts. This cell line undergoes V gene replacement at elevated temperatures in the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (H) gene. Examination of circular DNA revealed that a heptamer-related sequence (TACTGTG) within the coding region of VDJ was joined to the recombination signal sequence (RSS) of a germline VH segment. This provides direct evidence for a intramolecular DNA deletion mechanism for V gene replacement. In the pre-B cell line as well as in in vivo lymphocytes, unusual circular DNAs were found which were structurally similar to the V gene replacement circles. They represented excision products of the deletion type recombination between one complete RSS and a heptamer-like sequence in the Ig H region.


Structure, localization and transcriptional properties of two classes of retinoic acid receptor alpha fusion proteins in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): structural similarities with a new family of oncoproteins.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is due to a chromosomal t(15;17) translocation which involves a novel human gene, Myl, (also named PML) and the retinoic acid (RA) receptor alpha (RAR-alpha) gene. We report here the characterization of Myl and of the reciprocal MylRAR (PMLRAR) and RARMyl (RARPML) fusion transcripts which are found in two classes of APL patients. Myl displays similarities with a new family of proteins of which some members are fused to protooncogenes in the transforming proteins RFP-ret and T18. The speckled nuclear localization of Myl, as well as its sequence homology with the 52 kDa component of the RO/SSA ribonucleoprotein particle, suggest that Myl may be present in a ribonucleoprotein complex. In contrast to both Myl and RAR-alpha whose localization is essentially nuclear in the presence or absence of RA, MylRAR which is largely cytoplasmic in the absence of RA appears to be translocated to the nucleus in the presence of RA. Myl and MylRAR can associate in vitro and this association is mediated by a coiled coil in the Myl sequence. In vivo this association results in a colocalization of Myl and MylRAR which is identical to that of MylRAR alone. Studies of activation of transcription from the promoters of several RA target genes indicate that MylRARs have altered transcription activation properties when compared with RAR-alpha. Most notably, MylRAR represses markedly the activity of some RA target promoters in the absence of RA. Western blot analyses of patient samples show that MylRAR is expressed to a much higher level than wild type RAR-alpha originating from the normal allele. Taken together, these results suggest that MylRAR may interfere in a dominant manner with both Myl and RAR functions.


DNA binding by c-Ets-1, but not v-Ets, is repressed by an intramolecular mechanism.

The E26 avian retrovirus causes an acute leukemia in chickens and transforms both myeloid and erythroid cells. The virus encodes a 135 kDa fusion protein which contains amino acid sequences derived from the viral Gag protein and the two cellular transcription factors c-Myb and c-Ets-1p68. Previously we have shown that like v-myb, v-ets on its own is also active in transformation, but only within the erythroid lineage. To understand better the mechanisms involved in the oncogenic activation of c-Ets-1p68, we used the polyoma PEA3 element, a known Ets binding site, to compare the sequence-specific DNA binding and transactivating properties of v-Ets and c-Ets-1p68. Using Ets protein synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate in gel retardation assays, we detected little binding of c-Ets-1p68 to an oligonucleotide containing the PEA3 motif whereas v-Ets bound strongly. However, in transient cotransfection assays in chicken embryo fibroblasts both c-Ets-1p68 and v-Ets transactivated transcription from a heterologous promoter linked to PEA3 elements. Interestingly, fragments of c-Ets-1p68 with strong DNA binding activity could be produced by limited proteolysis, indicating that the DNA binding domain is repressed within the full-length molecule. By deletion mapping the DNA binding domain was localized to the most highly conserved region of the Ets-related proteins known as the ETS domain. The C-terminus as well as a region in the middle of the polypeptide chain are involved in repression of DNA binding in c-Ets-1p68. Significantly, v-Ets contains a 16 amino acid substitution at the C-terminus. Our results suggest that intramolecular repression of DNA binding is a regulatory mechanism in c-Ets-1p68 which is lost in v-Ets.


In vivo topoisomerase II cleavage of the Drosophila histone and satellite III repeats: DNA sequence and structural characteristics.

We have identified two classes of in vivo topoisomerase II cleavage sites in the Drosophila histone gene repeat. One class co-localizes with DNase I-hypersensitive regions and another novel class maps to a subset of consecutive nucleosome linker sites in the scaffold-associated region (SAR) of the histone gene loop. Prominent topoisomerase II cleavage is also observed in one of the linker regions of the two nucleosomes spanning satellite III, a centromeric SAR-like DNA sequence with a repeat length of 359 bp. At the sequence level, in vivo topoisomerase II cleavage is highly site specific. Comparison of 10 nucleosome linker sites defines an in vivo cleavage sequence whose major characteristic is a prominent GC-rich core. These GC-rich cleavage sites are flanked by extensive arrays of oligo(dA).oligo(dT) tracts characteristic of SAR sequences. Treatment of cells with distamycin selectively enhances cleavage at nucleosome linker sites of the SAR and satellite regions, suggesting that AT-rich sequences flanking cleavage sites may be involved in determining topoisomerase II activity in the cell. These observations provide evidence for the association of topoisomerase II with SARS in vivo.


Interstitial telomeres are hotspots for illegitimate recombination with DNA molecules injected into the macronucleus of Paramecium primaurelia.

DNA molecules injected into the macronucleus of Paramecium primaurelia replicate either as free linear telomerized or chromosome integrated molecules. In the present study we show that when a 1.77 kb BamHI DNA fragment harbouring the his3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was microinjected into the macronucleus, a fraction of the molecules are integrated into the chromosome via an illegitimate recombination process. The injected molecules were mostly inserted at their extremities at multiple points in the genome by replacing the Paramecium sequences. However, insertion sites were not totally at random. Roughly 30% of the molecules were integrated next to or in telomeric repeats. These telomeric repeats were not at the extremities of chromosomes but occupy an internal or interstitial position. We argue that such sites are hotspots for integration as the probability of random insertion near or in an interstitial telomeric site, of which there are 25-60 in a macronucleus is between 5 x 10(-4) and 3 x 10(-5).


IS10 transposase mutations that specifically alter target site recognition.

IS10 inserts preferentially into particular hotspots. We describe here mutations of IS10 transposase, called 'ATS' that confer Altered Target Specificity. These mutations yield a general relaxation in target specificity but do not affect other aspects of transposition. Thus, the preference for specific nucleotide sequences at the target site can be cleanly separated from other steps of the transposition reaction. Eleven ATS mutations identified in a genetic screen occur at only two codons in transposase, one in each of two regions of the protein previously implicated in target site interactions (Patch I and Patch II). Genetic analysis suggests that mutations at the two ATS codons affect the same specific function of transposase, thus raising the possibility that Patch I and Patch II interact. For wild-type IS10, insertion specificity is determined in part by a specific 6 bp consensus sequence and in part by the immediately adjacent sequence context of the target DNA. The ATS mutations do not qualitatively alter the hierarchy with which base pairs are recognized in the consensus sequence; instead, sites selected by ATS transposase exhibit a reduction in the degree to which certain base pairs are preferred over others. Models for the basis of this phenotype are discussed.


Interaction of DNA polymerase alpha-primase with cellular replication protein A and SV40 T antigen.

The purified human single-stranded DNA binding protein, replication protein A (RP-A), forms specific complexes with purified SV40 large T antigen and with purified DNA polymerase alpha-primase, as shown by ELISA and a modified immunoblotting technique. RP-A associated efficiently with the isolated primase, as well as with intact polymerase alpha-primase. The 70 kDa subunit of RP-A was sufficient for association with polymerase alpha-primase. Purified SV40 large T antigen bound to intact RP-A and to polymerase-primase, but not to any of the separated subunits of RP-A or to the isolated primase. These results suggest that the specific protein-protein interactions between RP-A, polymerase-primase and T antigen may play a role in the initiating of SV40 DNA replication.


Increased frequency of 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-specific, H-2b-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors in transgenic mice expressing a T cell receptor beta chain gene from an H-2b-restricted, TNP-specific cytolytic T cell clone.

T cell antigen receptors (TcR) expressing V alpha 10/J alpha BBM142 genes in association with beta chains containing J beta 2.6 elements were found to be predominant among 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-specific, H-2b-restricted cytolytic T cell lines (CTL). To assess the relative contribution of the TcR beta chain to the TNP specificity as well as to the selection of the respective TcR alpha chain elements we generated transgenic mice expressing the TcR beta chain of the H-2b/TNP-specific CTL clone BT7.4.1. The TcR of this clone does not belong to the type predominant among H-2b/TNP-specific CTL, as it consists of an alpha chain encoded by a V alpha 8/J alpha DO gene rearrangement and a V beta 2/J beta 1.1-containing beta chain. In the transgenic mice almost all T cells exclusively express the transgenic V beta 2 gene, as a result of allelic exclusion. TNP-specific, H-2b-restricted precursors were found at 7- to 8-fold higher frequency in these mice as compared with non-transgenic littermates. In H-2b/d heterozygous transgenic mice, an increased frequency of TNP-specific precursors was found only in H-2b, but not in H-2d-restricted CTL. Analysis of H-2b/TNP-specific CTL lines derived from V beta 2-transgenic mice indicated a preferential association of the transgenic TcR beta chain with endogenous alpha chains encoded by V alpha 8 and J alpha BBM142 genes. This suggests that the hapten TNP is recognized like typical peptide antigens by combinatorial TcR alpha and beta contact sites.


Preferential positive selection of V alpha 2+ CD8+ T cells in mouse strains expressing both H-2k and T cell receptor V alpha a haplotypes: determination with a V alpha 2-specific monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody, B20.1, was generated by fusing spleen cells from a Lou rat immunized with a soluble alpha/beta T cell receptor (TcR; V alpha 2/V beta 2) to mouse myeloma cells. Analysis of a panel of V alpha 2 mRNA-expressing T cell lines, hybridomas and transfectants revealed that the B20.1 antibody was specific for murine TcR V alpha 2 chains. The V alpha 2+ T cell population was examined in various inbred strains by two-color immunofluorescence using B20.1 and CD4- and CD8-specific antibodies with the following results: (a) the B20.1 antibody detected most members of the TcR V alpha 2 subfamily in the four TcR V alpha haplotypes tested; (b) in most strains examined, TcR V alpha 2 expression was biased to the CD4 subset (7.4%-17.4% V alpha 2+ T cells) as compared to the CD8 compartment (3.8%-13.3%); (c) TcR V alpha 2 expression was not influenced by Mls gene products and (d) increased positive selection of V alpha 2+ CD8+ T cells by H-2k major histocompatibility complex molecules occurred in all murine strains tested of the TcR V alpha a, but not in those bearing the TcR V alpha b haplotype.


The CD27 membrane receptor, a lymphocyte-specific member of the nerve growth factor receptor family, gives rise to a soluble form by protein processing that does not involve receptor endocytosis.

CD27 is a transmembrane glycoprotein found exclusively on human T and B lymphocytes. It belongs to a recently identified receptor family, whose members are involved in cell differentiation and survival. This family includes the nerve growth factor receptor, two different types of tumor necrosis factor, receptors the Fas antigen, and the B cell-specific protein CD40. T cell activation via the antigen receptor strongly enhances CD27 membrane expression, suggesting a role for CD27 during T cell differentiation. A soluble form of CD27 (sCD27) is released into the supernatant of activated T cells, and detected in serum and urine of healthy individuals and patients. We have investigated the mechanism underlying the generation of sCD27. One mRNA encodes both the transmembrane receptor and sCD27, as shown by cDNA transfection. In line with this, only one CD27 precursor protein is found, that is processed to the mature receptor by extensive O-linked glycosylation. All newly synthesized protein is rapidly transported to the plasma membrane; no internal pool of mature protein is detectable. The transmembrane form gives rise to sCD27 after arrival at the cell surface, most likely via a proteolytic event, that does not involve receptor internalization.


Mouse autoreactive gamma/delta T cells. II. Molecular characterization of the T cell receptor.

A panel of dendritic epidermal T cell (DETC) lines, and hybridomas derived from them, has been shown to spontaneously secrete lymphokines in the absence of added stimuli, which suggests that these cells are autoreactive. These cell lines are characterized by the expression of a V gamma 1.1C gamma 4/V delta 6 type T cell receptor (TcR), but several of the DETC lines also express a second TcR. Sequence analyses of these gamma/delta TcR revealed that the gamma chains were identical and that the delta chains, while not identical, were quite restricted in diversity, indicating that these receptors may recognize a common or closely related group of antigens. Analysis of hybridomas derived from newborn thymocytes identified six hybridomas that spontaneously secrete lymphokines. Five hybrids expressed a V gamma 1.1C gamma 4/V delta 6 receptor and one hybrid a V gamma 1.1C gamma 4/V delta 4 receptor that had a close structural relationship to the DETC gamma/delta TcR associated with spontaneous lymphokine secretion. gamma/delta TcR of the C gamma 4 type expressed by splenic hybridomas that did not spontaneously secrete lymphokines revealed no such relationship. Curiously, like the DETC, several of the thymocyte hybridomas that spontaneously secreted lymphokines expressed a second TcR, V gamma 2C gamma 1 or V gamma 3C gamma 1, apparently in association with the same delta chain that paired with the C gamma 4 chain. The presence of spontaneous lymphokine-secreting gamma/delta T cells with such highly homologous TcR in both the thymus and skin suggests a thymic origin for the autoreactive DETC and that these cells recognize a common or closely related group of self-antigens.


Variation in human T cell receptor V beta and J beta repertoire: analysis using anchor polymerase chain reaction.

Anchor polymerase chain reaction has been applied to the study of human T cell receptor beta chain repertoire in peripheral blood. The use of this technique has demonstrated that considerable variation in V beta and J beta usage exists, both within and between individuals. Particular V beta families, including V beta 6, V beta 4 and V beta 12 are commonly utilized, while families such as V beta 10, V beta 11 and V beta 15 are rare in all individuals studied. Marked interindividual variation in V beta usage was detected for V beta 12 and V beta 4. Biased usage of J beta elements is a prominent feature of peripheral repertoire, while there is no evidence for preferential V beta-J beta recombination events. Biased J beta usage in expressed V beta-D beta-J beta-C beta transcripts, subject to selection, was the same as that in aberrant, unselected D beta-J beta-C beta transcripts, implying that bias resulted from events relating to rearrangement itself, in the absence of selection. N-region diversity showed some evidence for preferential insertion of deoxyguanosine, consistent with the action of terminal deoxytransferase. No P-nucleotide incorporation was seen in association with intact J beta elements. These data provide evidence of some of the variation in human T cell receptor beta chain repertoire and provide a basis for comparisons with sequences which may be obtained in autoimmune and superantigen-mediated diseases.


Extrathymic origin of V gamma 1/V delta 6 T cells in the skin.

The dendritic epidermal cells (dEC) from young (8-week-old) athymic mice were found to express mRNA for gamma/delta T cell receptors (TcR). The mRNA found in the dEC from athymic mice was expressed only for V gamma 1-J gamma 4-C gamma 4 and V delta 6-J delta 1-C delta with both chains having productive rearrangements and junctional diversity. On the other hand, the dEC from euthymic mice carried V gamma 5-J gamma 1-C gamma 1 and V delta 1-J delta 2-C delta in addition to the V gamma 1/V delta 6 subset found in athymic mice. Therefore, this V gamma 1/V delta 6 subset, which has been implicated in the murine gamma/delta T cell responses to mycobacterial antigens and self heat-shock proteins, is the product of extrathymic maturation in the dEC from both athymic and euthymic mice.


Preferential association of alpha and beta chains of the T cell antigen receptor.

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone B6.2.16 expresses a V beta 8.2/J beta 2.3/C beta 2-encoded T cell receptor (TcR) beta chain and an alpha chain that is encoded by a novel V alpha gene segment, J alpha 27 and C alpha. While expression of V alpha B6.2.16 and J alpha 27 is not detectable in lymph node cells of normal C57BL/6 mice, expression of these gene segments was readily seen in transgenic mice expressing the rearranged beta chain gene of the B6.2.16 T cell clone. This finding indicates that only a limited number of alpha chains can associate with the B6.2.16 beta chain and strongly suggests that the size of the TcR repertoire of mature T cells is not only limited by TcR ligand-mediated thymic selection but also by restrictions in alpha-beta combinatorial chain association.


Introduction of a foreign gene (Escherichia coli lacZ) into rat neostriatal neurons using herpes simplex virus mutants: a light and electron microscopic study.

Introducing genes into adult neurons in vivo may be a useful experimental tool for studying and modifying neuronal function. In this study two herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mutants were used to examine the capability of different types of neostriatal neurons to express a foreign gene introduced through viral infection. In these HSV-1 mutants (7134 and RH105) the Escherichia coli gene, lacZ, under the control of viral promoters active during the early phase of infection, was substituted for viral genes (ICPO and TK, respectively) needed for efficient replication in the nervous system. Adult male rats received unilateral injections of HSV-1 mutant 7134 or RH105 into the neostriatum. Animals survived for 1 to 70 days with no apparent adverse physiological or behavioral effects. At the injection site, both mutant viruses produced focal tissue necrosis and reactive gliosis. Histochemical detection of the lacZ gene product, beta-galactosidase (beta Gal), revealed extensive labeling of neurons with mutant 7134 and relatively limited neuronal labeling with the mutant RH105. Mutant 7134, which is capable of some replication in cells, conferred beta Gal expression in cells over an area that was twofold greater than the necrotic area. In contrast, mutant RH105, which cannot replicate in cells, produced a zone of beta Gal-labeled cells only two-thirds the area of the necrotic core. Both medium- and large-sized neostriatal neurons were positive for beta Gal, and a higher proportion of large cells were labeled as compared to other neuronal populations in the normal striatum. A few glial cells were also beta Gal-positive. Retrograde transport of virus to the substantia nigra pars compacta and to the cortex was minimal and occurred only with mutant 7134. No evidence was seen for anterograde transport. Immunohistochemical localization of beta Gal at the ultrastructural level after inoculation with mutant 7134 revealed that both types of medium-sized neurons (spiny and aspiny types), as well as large neurons, were infected 3 days following inoculation. Immunoreactive neurons ranged from severely pathologic to remarkably healthy. Some of the axon terminals that contacted beta Gal-immunoreactive dendrites and spines were degenerated. These results demonstrate that in the adult rat replication-deficient HSV-1 vectors injected intrastriatally can be used to express a foreign gene in at least three types of neostriatal neurons, while maintaining the long-term survival and general health of the injected animals. The neurotoxicity induced by HSV-1 mutants may still be considerable, however, and ways of minimizing neuropathological effects need to be addressed.


Inhibition of cerebrospinal fluid formation by omeprazole.

Omeprazole, a specific inhibitor of H(+)-K(+)-activated ATPase, gave a dose-dependent inhibition of CSF production as determined by cerebroventriculocisternal perfusions in the rabbit. The reduction was 35% when the perfusate concentration of omeprazole was 10(-6) M and 25% after an intravenous dose of 0.2 mg/kg of omeprazole, respectively. A similarly substituted benzimidazol (H178/42) without H(+)-K(+)-ATPase-inhibiting properties did not affect CSF production at a perfusate concentration of 10(-5) M. Omeprazole in a concentration of 2 x 10(-4) M and more caused a significant but variable reduction in total and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in choroid plexus homogenates. However, in concentrations of 2 x 10(-5) M and less, no effect on total or Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was obtained. Nor did omeprazole (2 x 10(-4) M) influence HCO3-ATPase. Choline uptake in isolated choroid plexus was significantly reduced by 86% in the presence of acid-pretreated omeprazole 2 x 10(-3) M, but was not affected by 2 x 10(-5) M omeprazole (intact or acid-pretreated). Thus, the mechanism for the marked inhibitory influence of omeprazole on CSF production is not yet evident. In doses causing even a 50% reduction of CSF production, no side effects were observed in contrast to Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitors such as ouabain.


Persistence of plasmid DNA and expression in rat brain cells in vivo.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether plasmid DNA is able to persist in nondividing or slowly dividing brain cells in vivo. A new cationic lipid formulation which contains 70 mol% of DOTMA (N[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N, N, N-trimethylammonium) and 30 mol% of cholesterol was used to transfect reporter genes into fetal brain cells in culture that were then transplanted into adult host brains. Gene expression was localized both to glial and neuronal cells after transfection of fetal brain cells with pRSVLac-Z, the gene coding for Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase protein. After the transfection of pRSVL plasmid which contains the firefly luciferase gene into fetal brain cells that were transplanted, substantial amounts of luciferase and pRSVL DNA were present in the host brains for 1 to 2 months. These results have implications for intracerebral viral infections and gene therapy of brain disorders.


Maintenance of long-term adaptation of synaptic transmission requires axonal transport following induction in an identified crayfish motoneuron.

Motoneurons can adapt to altered levels of electrical activity by effecting semi-permanent changes in their neuromuscular synaptic physiology. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that maintenance of activity-dependent long-term adaptation of synaptic transmission in a crayfish abdominal extensor motoneuron (phasic axon 3) required axonal transport following induction. Intact crayfish were chronically wired for periodic in vivo stimulation of axon 3. Periodic unilateral stimulation for 3-5 consecutive days (2 h/day) induced long-term adaptation (LTA) of neuromuscular synaptic transmission in axon 3. Initial EPSP amplitudes (measured at 0.1 Hz) were significantly reduced to approximately 40% of contralateral control amplitudes over a 7-day poststimulation period. Additionally, synaptic depression during 5 Hz test stimulation of axon 3 was significantly less in chronically stimulated neurons: excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitudes measured after 20 min of 5 Hz test stimulation (final EPSPs) were significantly larger in conditioned neurons than in unstimulated controls. The depression of initial EPSP amplitudes persisted for 7 days postinduction, while the increased synaptic stamina persisted for 4 days but was absent at 7 days postinduction. Axotomy of axon 3 following induction of LTA had no effect on long-term maintenance of the activity-induced reduction in initial EPSP amplitudes. Initial EPSP amplitudes in conditioned, axotomized neurons were still reduced to 42% of control amplitudes over the 7-day postinduction period. In contrast, postinduction axotomy of axon 3 elicited an accelerated decay of the enhanced synaptic stamina. Following axotomy, final EPSP amplitudes were significantly larger in conditioned neurons for only 1 day poststimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Stable expression of high affinity NK1 (substance P) and NK2 (neurokinin A) receptors but low affinity NK3 (neurokinin B) receptors in transfected CHO cells.

Stable CHO cell clones which selectively express all three rat tachykinin receptors were established by transfection. The binding of radiolabled substance P and neurokinin A (substance K) to CHO clones expressing the NK1 and NK2 receptors, respectively, were saturatable and of high affinity (Kd = 0.17 nM (NK1); 3.4 nM (NK2)). Scatchard analysis of the binding data indicated for both receptors binding to a single population of binding sites, and competition binding studies showed that the binding specificities of the receptors corresponded to those of classical NK1 and NK2 receptors. In contrast, the binding of eledoisin to the NK3 receptor expressed in the transfected CHO cells was of low affinity (IC50 = 240 nM) compared to the high affinity of the receptor found when it was transiently expressed in COS-7 cells (IC50 = 8 nM). However, in both cases the receptor exhibited the specificity of a classical NK3 receptor. The established cell clones may provide an important tool for further analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in binding, activation, and coupling of receptors for tachykinin peptides.


Distinct biochemical mechanisms for cAMP-dependent transcription of CYP17 and CYP21.

Optimal steroidogenic capacity in the adrenal cortex is regulated by ACTH via cAMP and involves transcription of the genes encoding the adrenocortical steroid hydroxylases. The microsomal steroid hydroxylases, P45017 alpha and P450C21, are encoded by CYP17 and CYP21, respectively. These genes are thought to have arisen from a common progenitor gene and are coordinately regulated by ACTH. The cAMP responsive sequences (CRS) located in the 5'-flanking regions of these genes are distinct from one another and from known consensus sequences imparting cAMP responsiveness in other genes. The CYP21 CRS binds a putative adrenal-specific nuclear protein. In contrast, the CYP17 CRSI binds a ubiquitous protein that is apparently active only in steroidogenic cells. Thus the ACTH-dependent transcription of these two genes, which have a common evolutionary origin and are coordinately expressed in the adrenal cortex, involves distinct biochemical mechanisms.


Transcriptional derepression of the murine Cyp1a-1 gene by mevinolin.

In mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 cultures, polycyclic aromatic compounds such as benzol[a]pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin) activate the Cyp1a-1 (cytochrome P(1)450) and Nmo-1[NAD(P)H:menadione-oxidoreductase] genes, two members of the aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah)-responsive gene battery. Mevinolin is known to inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase (EC 1.1.1.34), the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. We show here that in the absence of TCDD, mevinolin markedly increases Cyp1a-1 transcription, CYP1A1 mRNA and protein levels and enzyme activity, and NMO1 mRNA concentrations. Addition of mevalonate, the product of HMG-CoA reductase activity, fails to reverse the effects of mevinolin. In fact, when used at high concentrations, mevalonate activates Cyp1a-1 transcription. Mevinolin-induced Cyp1a-1 gene activation: (1) occurs independently of the lipid content of the growth medium, (2) is not suppressed by adding 25-hydroxycholesterol, which blocks MHG-CoA reductase activity, and (3) requires a functional Ah receptor and unimpaired nuclear translocation of the receptor. It is possible that an unknown metabolite (or metabolites) of mevinolin activates Cyp1a-1 expression and that high concentrations of mevalonate act via the same mechanism. Using chimaeric plasmids that contain different lengths of Cyp1a-1 5' flanking regions fused to the bacterial neomycin (neo) gene, we find that the mevinolin effect on Cyp1a-1 induction requires the 5' flanking sequences between -1647 and -824, which are also needed for TCDD induction. Mevinolin, however, is not a ligand for the Ah receptor. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that Cyp1a-1 activation caused by mevinolin does not involve the ligand-dependent formation of a functional Ah receptor-dependent DNA-binding complex, but instead appears to be correlated with release of a putative repressor from its cognate DNA site. Our results suggest that the basel level of Cyp1a-1 transcription is maintained by an unknown negative regulatory factor. We propose that Cyp1a-1 transcriptional activation can result not only from induction by polycyclic aromatic compounds but also from derepression by mevinolin, independent of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition.


Intracellular pH in isolated Necturus duodenal mucosa exposed to luminal acid.

Regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) and its maintenance within physiological ranges during exposure to luminal acid was studied in isolated Necturus duodenal mucosa using liquid sensor microelectrodes. Exposure of the mucosa to luminal pH 2.7 caused significant intraepithelial acidification. Subsequent removal of HCO3-/CO2 (HEPES/O2 substitution) from the serosal perfusate caused a further decrease of pHi. Blocking of HCO3- transport across the basolateral cell membrane by addition of 4-acetamido-4,isothiosyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (SITS) to serosal perfusate also caused a slight but significant decrease of pHi. Removal of Na+ (choline substitution) from the serosal perfusate during acid exposure likewise caused a significant decrease in pHi, as did serosal addition of an inhibitor of Na+/H+ antiport, 1 mmol/L amiloride. When Na+ was removed from the serosal perfusate after HCO3- removal, pHi first rapidly acidified; this was followed after an initial 5-minute steady state by an uncontrolled progressive acidification at a rate of 0.33 pH unit/15 min without any further steady state. A similar but weaker effect could also be shown with amiloride addition. The epithelial surface pH was 7.13 +/- 0.08 at the apex of mucosal villus and 7.42 +/- 0.11 (n = 5) in the cryptal area between the villi, i.e., greater than 1 pH unit higher than that of the luminal bulk solution (pH 6), thus suggesting active alkalization of the epithelial surface. Removal of serosal HCO3-/CO2 decreased surface pH significantly both at the villus apex and at the cryptal area, suggesting that the surface alkalization is mediated by transport of serosal HCO3- to the epithelial surface. The data suggest that pHi in acid-exposed duodenal mucosa is primarily maintained within physiological range by an HCO3(-)-dependent mechanism, which, at least in part, exerts its action extracellularly by forming an alkaline buffer layer at the epithelial surface. If adequate serosal (or systemic) HCO3- is not available, a second-line Na(+)-dependent and amiloride-sensitive pHi-regulatory mechanism, presumably an Na+/H+ antiport, becomes the main regulator of pHi.


Vitamin D and mineral deficiencies increase the plasma membrane calcium pump of chicken intestine.

The basolateral membrane of the enterocyte was previously shown to contain an adenosine triphosphate-dependent calcium pump. Using immunological procedures, the localization of the Ca2+ pump in chick intestine, and the effect of dietary variables on the concentration of the pump, were studied. A monoclonal antibody produced against the human erythrocyte calcium pump was shown to cross-react with a chick intestinal Ca2+ pump epitope. The most intense staining of intestinal tissue, as determined immunohistochemically, occurred at the basolateral membrane of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon, with minor staining elsewhere. By the Western blotting procedure, vitamin D repletion of vitamin D-deficient chicks was shown to significantly increase the concentration of the Ca2+ pump epitope of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosa by a factor of 2-3. Chicks were also fed diets deficient in calcium or phosphorus, a situation known to result in the stimulation of the synthesis of calbindin-D28k and an enhancement of the efficiency of Ca2+ absorption. Adaptation of the chicks to these deficient diets was verified by an increase in intestinal levels of calbindin-D28k, and is now shown to increase the Ca2+ pump epitope. From these immunological studies, it seems apparent that dietary variables that enhance intestinal Ca2+ absorption also increase the amount of the intestinal basolateral Ca2+ pump.