Evidence that plant K+ channel proteins have two different types of subunits

Plant K+ channel proteins have been previously characterized as tetramers of membrane-spanning alpha subunit polypeptides. Recent studies have identified a 39-kD, hydrophilic polypeptide that is a structural component of purified animal K+ channel proteins. We have cloned and sequenced an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA encoding a 38.4-kD polypeptide that has a sequence homologous to the animal K+ channel beta subunit. Southern and northern analyses indicate the presence of a gene encoding this cDNA in the Arabidopsis genome and that its transcription product is present in Arabidopsis cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report to document the presence of K+ channel beta subunits in plants.

Inhibition of protein kinase C prevents rapid desensitization of type 1B angiotensin II receptor

The type 1B angiotensin II (AT1B) receptor cloned from rat kidney was stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The stably expressed receptor was characterized by radioligand binding studies and functional coupling to inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) formation. Exposure of cells expressing the AT1B receptor to angiotensin II (Ang II) resulted in a rapid and dose-dependent homologous desensitization of receptor-mediated production of IP3, with an essentially complete desensitization at an agonist concentration > 10 nmol/L. Binding studies revealed no significant change in the number of AT1B receptors in transfected cells exposed to 1 nmol/L Ang II, whereas exposure to 100 nmol/L Ang II caused a rapid decrease of cell surface receptors, with a 75% loss of receptor number seen at 1 hour. Rapid desensitization occurred in the absence of receptor internalization. Blockade of receptor internalization with concanavalin A had at most only a slight effect on the agonist-induced desensitization. This indicates that factors other than internalization are chiefly responsible for the rapid agonist-induced desensitization. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, caused rapid desensitization of the receptor-mediated IP3 response. Neither tyrosine kinase inhibitors nor a protein kinase A activator affected the receptor-mediated IP3 response. The specific PKC inhibitor GF109203X or PKC depletion by prolonged treatment with 1 mumol/L PMA completely blocked the PMA-dependent desensitization. Desensitization evoked by a low Ang II agonist concentration (1 nmol/L) was reversed by the PKC-specific inhibitor GF109203X or PKC depletion, whereas the desensitizing effect at a high agonist concentration (100 nmol/L) is only partially prevented by PKC inhibitory treatment. These results demonstrate that PKC plays a crucial role in the desensitization of the AT1B receptor. They also suggest that receptor internalization and an additional PKC-independent pathway also contribute to desensitization of the AT1B receptor in transfected cells.

Expression of biologically active human factor IX in human hematopoietic cells after retroviral vector-mediated gene transduction

Gene therapy is a potential treatment for hemophilia, wherein cells transduced with a normal factor IX gene could provide a continuous in vivo source of circulating factor IX. In this study, we examined the potential use of hematopoietic cells as a target for factor IX gene therapy. Human myeloid leukemia cells (HL-60) were transduced by retroviral vectors carrying a normal human factor IX cDNA under control of either the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat (MoMuLV LTR) (LIXSN), the SV40 promoter (LNSVIX), or a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (LNCIX). Factor IX production was measured in the transduced cells both in the uninduced state and after induction of granulocytic differentiation [with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)] or monocytoid differentiation [with phorbol myristic acetate (PMA)]. Transcription of factor IX from the MoMuLV LTR was seen in all cells, with a two-fold increase upon differentiation. Induction with PMA led to an 8- to 15-fold increase in factor IX transcripts from an internal CMV promoter. No factor IX transcripts from the internal SV40 promoter were detected. Immunoreactive factor IX protein was identified by Western blot from induced HL-60 cells transduced by either LIXSN or LNCIX. Factor IX production by HL-60 cells transduced by LNCIX ranged from 38-93 ng/10(6) cells/24 hr following induction of monocytic differentiation. The factor IX antigen titer was directly related to factor IX coagulant titer (r = 0.98; p < 0.001). These data indicate that human myelomonocytic cells are capable of performing the necessary post-translational modifications to produce functional factor IX.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulated underexpression and overexpression of the FliN protein of Escherichia coli and evidence for an interaction between FliN and FliM in the flagellar motor

The FliN protein of Escherichia coli is essential for the assembly and function of flagella. Here, we report the effects of regulated underexpression and overexpression of FliN in a fliN null strain. Cells that lack the FliN protein do not make flagella. When FliN is underexpressed, cells produce relatively few flagella and those made are defective, rotating at subnormal, rapidly varying speeds. These results are similar to what was seen previously when the flagellar protein FliM was underexpressed and unlike what was seen when the motility proteins MotA and MotB were underexpressed. Overexpression of FliN impairs motility and flagellation, as has been reported previously for FliM, but when FliN and FliM are co-overexpressed, motility is much less impaired. This and additional evidence presented indicate that FliM and FliN are associated in the flagellar motor, in a structure distinct from the MotA/MotB torque generators. A recent study showed that FliN might be involved in the export of flagellar components during assembly (A. P. Vogler, M. Homma, V. M. Irikura, and R. M. Macnab, J. Bacteriol. 173:3564-3572, 1991). We show here that approximately 50 amino acid residues from the amino terminus of FliN are dispensable for function and that the remaining, essential part of FliN has sequence similarity to a part of Spa33, a protein that functions in transmembrane export in Shigella flexneri. Thus, FliN might function primarily in flagellar export, rather than in torque generation, as has sometimes been supposed.

Regulated underexpression of the FliM protein of Escherichia coli and evidence for a location in the flagellar motor distinct from the MotA/MotB torque generators

The FliM protein of Escherichia coli is essential for the assembly and function of flagella. Here, we report the effects of controlled low-level expression of FliM in a fliM null strain. Disruption of the fliM gene abolishes flagellation. Underexpression of FliM causes cells to produce comparatively few flagella, and most flagella built are defective, producing subnormal average torque and fluctuating rapidly in speed. The results imply that in a normal flagellar motor, multiple molecules of FliM are present and can function independently to some degree. The speed fluctuations indicate that stable operation requires most, possibly all, of the normal complement of FliM. Thus, the FliM subunits are not as fully independent as the motility proteins MotA and MotB characterized in earlier work, suggesting that FliM occupies a location in the motor distinct from the MotA/MotB torque generators. Several mutations in fliM previously reported to cause flagellar paralysis in Salmonella typhimurium (H. Sockett, S. Yamaguchi, M. Kihara, V.M. Irikura, and R. M. Macnab, J. Bacteriol. 174:793-806, 1992) were made and characterized in E. coli. These mutations did not cause flagellar paralysis in E. coli; their phenotypes were more complex and suggest that FliM is not directly involved in torque generation.

Rapid RNA polymerase genetics: one-day, no-column preparation of reconstituted recombinant Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

We present a simple, rapid procedure for reconstitution of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme (RNAP) from individual recombinant alpha, beta, beta', and sigma 70 subunits. Hexahistidine-tagged recombinant alpha subunit purified by batch-mode metal-ion-affinity chromatography is incubated with crude recombinant beta, beta', and sigma 70 subunits from inclusion bodies, and the resulting reconstituted recombinant RNAP is purified by batch-mode metal-ion-affinity chromatography. RNAP prepared by this procedure is indistinguishable from RNAP prepared by conventional methods with respect to subunit stoichiometry, alpha-DNA interaction, catabolite gene activator protein (CAP)-independent transcription, and CAP-dependent transcription. Experiments with alpha (1-235), an alpha subunit C-terminal deletion mutant, establish that the procedure is suitable for biochemical screening of subunit lethal mutants.

c-fos expression as a marker of central cardiovascular neurons

Immunohistochemical detection of Fos, the protein product of the immediate-early gene c-fos, was evaluated as a functional marker of central neurons sensitive to a change of blood pressure/blood volume. Controlled hemorrhage and infusion of the hypotensive agent nitroprusside or hydralazine induced the appearance of Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in several prominent groups of central neurons: the piriform cortex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, islands of Calleja, subfornical organ, central nucleus of the amygdala, parabrachial nucleus, supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, pontine A5, locus ceruleus, ventrolateral medulla, the nucleus of the solitary tract, area postrema, and intermediolateral cell column in the spinal cord. Elevation of blood pressure by infusion of phenylephrine caused the appearance of Fos-IR in fewer groups of neurons: the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central nucleus of the amygdala, parabrachial nucleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema. The differential distribution of Fos neurons in hypotensive versus hypertensive animals underscores the potential application of Fos as a metabolic marker in identifying a network of neurons responding to a specific cardiovascular challenge. Further, simultaneous characterization of the transmitter phenotype of Fos-containing neurons offers an additional advantage of this method over other conventional tract-tracing techniques.

Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pili in acute pulmonary infection

The role of piliation in the development and course of acute pulmonary infection was examined using infant BALB/cByJ mice inoculated by intranasal instillation of isogenic Pil+ and Pil- mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1244, PAK, and PAO1. The piliated strains caused more cases of pneumonia, bacteremia, and mortality than the nonpiliated strains (chi-square analysis, alpha = 0.001). The piliated strains were more often associated with severe diffuse pneumonias, while the nonpiliated organisms resulted in less severe, focal pneumonias, although these differences did not achieve statistical significance. Purified pilin protein used to inoculate the mice resulted in local inflammatory changes. The nonpiliated strain PA1244-NP was as virulent as the piliated strain PAO1, suggesting that expression of other virulence factors are also important in the development of acute pneumonia. This infant mouse model of pulmonary infection appears to be a useful system for the analysis of P. aeruginosa virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of pneumonia.

[Establishment and application of paper strip analysis for products processed with honey]

This method was applied for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of 12 kinds of products processed with honey. The method is simple, convenient, objective in qualification and accurate in qualification, thus suitable for quality control of product processed with honey.

Location, structure, and function of the target of a transcriptional activator protein

We have isolated and characterized single-amino-acid substitution mutants of RNA polymerase alpha subunit defective in CAP-dependent transcription at the lac promoter but not defective in CAP-independent transcription. Our results establish that (1) amino acids 258-265 of alpha constitute an "activation target" essential for CAP-dependent transcription at the lac promoter but not essential for CAP-independent transcription, (2) amino acid 261 is the most critical amino acid of the activation target, (3) amino acid 261 is distinct from the determinants for alpha-DNA interaction, and (4) the activation target may fold as a surface amphipathic alpha-helix. We propose a model for transcriptional activation at the lac promoter that integrates these and other recent results regarding transcriptional activation and RNA polymerase structure and function.

[Changes of auditory brainstem response and auditory cortex response after exposure to intensive noise]

Auditory brainstem response and auditory cortex response were recorded repeatedly in 35 guinea pigs after exposure to intensive white noise (125 dB, 150 min.) for 62 d. the amplitude of evoked potential of acoustic nerve was decreased by 29% (P < 0.05), of the cochlear nuclei by 28% (P < 0.05). However, the amplitude of response of superior olives nuclei was increased by 21% (P < 0.05), of the inferior colliculi by 37% (P < 0.05), of the cortical evoked response by 131% (P < 0.001). The results indicate that the amplitudes of auditory evoked potential showed a centripital augmentation after exposure to intensive noise. The centripital augmentation was observed not only during the period of the temporary threshold shift (TTS) but also during that of the permanent threshold shift (PTS).

c-fos antisense attenuates Fos expression in rat central neurons induced by hemorrhage

Hemorrhage caused by withdrawing 3-4 cm3 of blood from adult rats over a period of 1-2 h induced the expression of Fos proteins, which were detected by immunocytochemical methods in neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), ventrolateral medulla (VLM) and in intermediolateral cell column (IML) of the spinal cord. Daily intraventricular (i.c.v.) injections of c-fos antisense (50 nmol 5 microliters -1) for 2 days prior to hemorrhage markedly attenuated the extent and intensity of Fos-immunoreactivity (FOS-IR) compared with that of rats injected with c-fos sense in the areas mentioned above. The results indicate the effectiveness of i.c.v. administration of c-fos antisense in blocking Fos expression in central neurons following hemorrhage.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibits interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 production in murine thymocytes activated via the TCR/CD3 complex

During their development in the thymus, T cells acquire interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 inducibility in a developmentally controlled manner. Although the role of IL-2 and IL-4 in T cell development is still unclear, several reports indicated that IL-2/IL-2R and IL-4/IL-4R interactions in the thymus could play an important role in T cell development. The presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive cells and nerve fibers in the thymus suggests the possible local release of the neuropeptide in the thymic microenvironment. VIP has been previously reported to inhibit IL-2 and IL-4 production, as well as the proliferation of mitogen- or antigen-stimulated peripheral T cells. Here we report on the effect of VIP on IL-2 and IL-4 production by and proliferation of murine thymocytes stimulated through the TCR/CD3 receptor. VIP inhibited both IL-2 and IL-4 production, as well as the proliferation of murine thymocytes in a dose-dependent and specific manner. Structurally related peptides such as secretin or glucagon had little or no inhibitory activity. The intact VIP molecule was required for the inhibitory effect, since amino- or carboxy-terminal fragments did not inhibit IL-2 production. The inhibitory effect of VIP was observed for VIP additions up to 12 h after the initiation of the cultures, and incubations longer than 3 h were required for maximum inhibitory effects. Through its downregulatory effect on IL-2 and IL-4 production, locally released VIP could potentially affect T cell development within the thymus.

Domain organization of RNA polymerase alpha subunit: C-terminal 85 amino acids constitute a domain capable of dimerization and DNA binding

Using limited proteolysis, we show that the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase alpha subunit consists of an N-terminal domain comprised of amino acids 8-241, a C-terminal domain comprised of amino acids 249-329, and an unstructured and/or flexible interdomain linker. We have carried out a detailed structural and functional analysis of an 85 amino acid proteolytic fragment corresponding to the C-terminal domain (alpha CTD-2). Our results establish that alpha CTD-2 has a defined secondary structure (approximately 40% alpha helix, approximately 0% beta sheet). Our results further establish that alpha CTD-2 is a dimer and that alpha CTD-2 exhibits sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Our results suggest a model for the mechanism of involvement of alpha in transcription activation by promoter upstream elements and upstream-binding activator proteins.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of human Rolandic cortex

Rolandic cortex was imaged with magnetic resonance (MR) in nine subjects while performing a motor activation task. Imaging was performed by a volumetric, T2-weighted pulse sequence in a conventional 1.5 Tesla scanner during both resting conditions and volitional toe flexion and extension of the dominant foot. Significant changes in MR signal intensity of 7.8 +/- 2.3% (mean +/- s.e.m.) were observed in the medial Rolandic cortex contralateral to the active foot. Changes were maximal in the vicinity of the central sulcus, but were also identified anteroposteriorly, across successive coronal planes. No significant changes were found in the ipsilateral Rolandic cortex or in other brain structures. Volumetric functional MRI strategies may provide an important non-invasive tool for assessment of cortical motor function.

Differential induction of 5-HT1A-mediated responses in vivo by three chemically dissimilar 5-HT1A agonists

In the rat, activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptors causes hypothermia and the 5-HT syndrome. The effects of three chemically dissimilar 5-HT1A agonists administered s.c. [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), gepirone, and (+)4-[n-5-(methoxychroman-3-yl)n-propylamino]butyl-8-azaspiro++ +[4,5] decane-7,adione ((+) S-20499)] on both of these responses were studied. The same maximal drop in body temperature (approximately 2.5 degrees C) was elicited by all three agonists, 8-OH-DPAT being the most potent (EC50 = 0.05 mg/kg), followed by gepirone (1.8 mg/kg) and (+) S-20499 (8 mg/kg). Both pindolol, a nonselective 5-HT1A receptor/beta adrenoceptor antagonist and n-t-butyl,-3-[1-[4-(2-methoxy)phenyl]piperazinyl]-1-phenylpropionamid e [(+) WAY 100135], a more selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, dose dependently attenuated the hypothermia induced by all three agonists. From these data, we inferred that all three agonists caused hypothermia via activation of 5-HT1A receptors. The syndrome was observed reliably in rats at doses of 2 to 4 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT; doses up to 100 mg/kg of gepirone or (+) S-20499 did not produce the syndrome. In reserpine-pretreated animals, 8-OH-DPAT (maximal effect at 2-4 mg/kg) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) (5 mg/kg) induced forepaw treading, whereas gepirone (10 mg/kg) and (+) S-20499 (75 mg/kg) did not. (+) WAY 100135 competitively antagonized the forepaw treading caused by 8-OH-DPAT in reserpine-pretreated rats. This indicates that forepaw treading, like hypothermia, is mediated by activation of 5-HT1A receptors. Gepirone (5-10 mg/kg) attenuated the forepaw treading induced by either 8-OH-DPAT (4 mg/kg) or 5-MeODMT (5 mg/kg); by contrast, (+) S-20499, at doses up to 75 mg/kg, did not attenuate the forepaw treading induced by either 8-OH-DPAT or 5-MeODMT. The inability of (+) S-20499 either to induce the 5-HT syndrome or forepaw treading or to attenuate the forepaw treading induced by other agonists could be due to several factors, one of which is that different subtypes of the 5-HT1A receptor mediate hypothermia and the 5-HT syndrome.

Localization of putative neural respiratory regions in the human by functional magnetic resonance imaging

In humans, the location of brain regions responsible for mediating the ventilatory response to CO2 remains unknown. Most of the available knowledge has been derived from animal studies or from pathophysiological correlations in patients presenting altered control of breathing. Magnetic resonance imaging at a specific pulse sequence designed to assess changes in brain tissue microcirculation was performed in 11 healthy volunteers, during steady-state conditions, while breathing 100% O2 or 5% CO2-95% O2. In one subject, 10% CO2-90% O2 was employed to examine a dose-response effect. Significant changes in image signal intensity consistently occurred in ventral and dorsal regions of medullary structures as well as in the midline pons and ventral cerebellum. These responses appeared to be dose dependent and reproducible. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed patterns of activation in brain stem and cerebellar regions during hypercapnic ventilatory challenge. These areas may underlie mechanisms for mediating the response to chemoreceptor activation.

Influence of cell cycle phase on radiation-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in human colon cancer (HT29) and Chinese hamster ovary cells

We have previously shown that fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd) radiosensitizes HT29 human colon carcinoma cells. Since treatment with FdUrd arrests cells at the G1/S-phase interface, a condition associated with increased radiation sensitivity in some cells, it seemed possible that redistribution of cells in the phases of the cell cycle might account for FdUrd-mediated radiosensitization. To begin to test this, HT29 cells were separated by centrifugal elutriation according to cell cycle phase and assessed for radiosensitivity, using a clonogenic assay, and radiation-induced DNA damage, using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We found that all of the elutriated fractions (which contained cells enriched in G1, G1/early S, mid to late S or G2/M phase) had the same radiation sensitivity and expressed a similar extent of radiation-induced DNA damage. To determine if the techniques used in this study could detect differences between the radiation sensitivity of cells in different phases of the cell cycle, analogous experiments were carried out using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In contrast with the results of experiments with HT29 cells, but in agreement with previous studies, CHO cells separated under the same conditions as were used for HT29 cells showed a marked dependence on cell age of both clonogenic survival and radiation-induced DNA damage. Thus, within the limitations of the purity of separation obtained using elutriation, the radiation sensitivity of HT29 cells does not vary substantially as a function of cell cycle phase. Therefore, it seems unlikely that cell cycle redistribution alone explains the radiation sensitivity produced by exposure to FdUrd.

[Detection of human papillomavirus in cervical tissues using polymerase chain reaction]

Detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in patients with normal cervix 53 cases, Chronic cervicitis with cervical erosion 59 cases, cervical cancer 12 cases, atypical hyperplasia 3 cases and condyloma acuminatum 2 cases. Results showed that a significantly higher detective rate of HPV-16 and 18 DNA in cervical cancer than in normal cervix, and a higher but not statistically significant positive rate than that in cervical erosion. It indicates that some cases of chronic cervicitis with HPV infection might develop into cervical carcinoma. This finding may help in the early discovery and prevention of cervical cancer.

Biosynthesis and regulation of Le(x) and SA-Le(x) glycolipids in metastatic human colon carcinoma cells

This report concerns the stepwise biosynthesis in vitro of Sialyl Lewis X, (SA-Le(x)), a carcinoembryonic antigen, in human colon carcinoma KM12 cells exhibiting different metastatic behaviors. The significance of SA-Le(x) has become even more apparent since the detection of its terminal epitope NeuAc(alpha 2-3)Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc-, as the binding ligand of the selectin family member ELAM-1. The activity level of galactosyltransferase GalT-4 which catalyzes the formation of core nLcOse4Cer (Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc-Cer) is very high in all the metastatic lines tested with highly metastatic lines (KM12-SM) exhibiting the highest activity. The same activity pattern for galactosyltransferase is also observed when tested with iLcOse5Cer (GlcNAc beta 1-3nLcOse4Cer), the precursor for polylactosamine glycolipid. Sialyltransferase SAT-3 which catalyzes the formation of LM1 (NeuAc alpha 2-3nLcOse4Cer), the precursor for SA-Le(x), is also present in all the metastatic cell lines although the activity levels are much lower compared to galactosyltransferase. The fucosyltransferase FucT-3, which catalyzes the formation of R'-Gal-Fuc(alpha 1-3)GlcNAc-R linkage, is active with both nonsialylated substrate, nLcOse4Cer, and sialylated substrate, LM1 (NeuAc alpha 2-3nLcOse4Cer) with the formation of either Le(x) (Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc-Cer) or SA-Le(x) (NeuAc alpha 2-3nLcOse4Cer). However, the sialylated substrate LM1 is preferred to enzymatic activity since it exhibited lower Km (46 microM) than that of nLcOse4Cer (67 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytokine mRNA expression during an in vitro response of human B lymphocytes: kinetics of B cell tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNAs

Expression of mRNA for eight cytokines was analyzed in an in vitro response-proliferation and Ig-secretion--of normal human B lymphocytes. This was made possible by the use of murine thymoma cells as helper cells in conjunction with human T cell supernatant, and the design of human DNA sequence-specific primers for RT-polymerase chain reaction. mRNAs for interleukin (IL)2 and IL-4, but also for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta remained undetectable during the whole culture period in highly purified B cells prepared by a three-step purification protocol. However, tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 mRNAs peaked during days 1-3 after culture start and became undetectable after 5-6 d, shortly before bulk B cell proliferation started to decline. In contrast, transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA, after a progressive increase during the first few days, and IL-10 mRNA, after a peak on days 1-3, remained detectable in immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting cultures throughout the observation period of 22 d. Clonal analysis on 8-d cultures that had been seeded with single B cells by autocloning with the cell sorter, revealed that 85% of 77 B cell clones studied, expressed TGF-beta 1 mRNA, and only 19% IL-10 mRNA. These findings show a differentiation stage-related cytokine program during a B cell response, whereby (a) B cells can become activated without IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta expression; (b) mRNA for positive (IL-10) and negative (TGF-beta 1) autoregulatory factors coexists in cell populations during the later phase of the response, although not necessarily in all B cell clones; and (c) normal Ig-secreting cells cease IL-6 expression in contrast to their malignant counterparts, myeloma cells.

Expression of coagulation factor IX (Christmas factor) in human hepatoma (HepG2) cell cultures after retroviral vector-mediated transfer

PURPOSE

In this study, we compared production of recombinant human factor IX by HepG2 cells transduced with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-controlled factor IX vector to endogenous production of factor IX by non-transduced primary rat hepatocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Northern analysis showed 2.8 kb transcripts corresponding to the known size of factor IX mRNA in primary hepatocyte preparations and vector factor IX transcripts of the expected sizes in transduced HepG2 cell preparations. Factor IX produced by transduced HepG2 cells was completely inhibited by a monospecific antibody against human factor IX. Western analysis showed that recombinant factor IX migrated to the region of native plasma factor IX at 56 Kd. Production of biologically active factor IX by transduced HepG2 cells was 20-fold greater than that by nontransduced primary hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that transduced HepG2 cells transcribe, synthesize, and secrete authentic factor IX, and that these genetically engineered cells secrete significantly greater amounts of factor IX than do nontransduced primary hepatocytes. Studies are in progress to determine the effect of hepatocyte mitogens on production of factor IX in transduced HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes.

Differential induction of T cell cytokine mRNA in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell clones: constitutive and inducible expression of interleukin-4 mRNA

Clones of human B lymphocytes, obtained after immortalization with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) of single CD19+ B cells and expansion in the absence of human T lymphocytes, produced mRNA for the T cell cytokines interleukin(IL)-2, IL-4, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. As detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, IL-2 mRNA was expressed only after stimulation with the combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin. IL-4 mRNA was constitutively detectable in all (10/10) EBV-transformed B cell clones, and the mRNA for IFN-gamma was constitutively present in half of the clones. In contrast to IL-2 mRNA, the expression of IL-4 and IFN-gamma mRNA could be increased by PMA alone. Most of the clones produced IL-2 bioactivity and immunoreactive protein, but neither IL-4 nor IFN-gamma protein secretion was detected. The intriguing question raised by these results is whether IL-2 secretion could contribute to the immune control of EBV-infected B lymphocytes by cytolytic T cells, and whether normal B lymphocytes can potentially be induced to express certain cytokines including IL-4 in response to the appropriate activation signals.

Nursing diagnoses for psychiatric patients in China

This report describes the development of a preliminary Chinese psychiatric classification system with nine categories and 211 separate diagnoses, and the corresponding diagnostic interview that enables psychiatric nurses in China to systematically assess the presence or absence of the various diagnoses. Using this interview with 30 representative inpatients, the authors identified 152 of the 211 (72%) diagnoses. On average, each patient was given 26 different nursing diagnoses. The interrater reliability of the four nurses who independently coded the diagnostic interview for these 30 patients was excellent: in over 77% of the identified diagnoses the generalized kappa was greater than 0.75. These findings show that further work on this classification of nursing diagnoses is warranted.

Immunization with thyroglobulin-specific cytotoxic T cell hybridoma induces anti-thyroglobulin antibodies: characteristics of monoclonal anti-thyroglobulin auto-antibody

We have produced five monoclonal autoantibodies (mA-Abs) to thyroglobulin (Tg) and more precisely to one epitope located within the < 10-kDa pTg tryptic fragment suspension capable of inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). They were selected from spleen cells from CBA/J mouse immunized with the syngeneic cytotoxic T cell hybridoma HTC2. HTC2 cells are specific for one Tg epitope located within the EAT inducer pTg tryptic fragments and are able to prevent EAT induction by pTg. The restricted specificity of the humoral response previously observed in vivo was further demonstrated and defined in vitro at the single cell level. Competitive studies for binding to pTg or to the < 10-kDa pTg tryptic fragments demonstrated that HTC2-induced anti-Tg mA-Abs recognized an epitope(s) located in the < 10-kDa pTg tryptic fragment (as did 3B8G9, one conventional anti-Tg mA-Ab we selected). We ruled out the possibility that HTC2-induced anti-Tg A-Abs belong to the group of the natural A-Abs due to the lack of recognition of actin, dsDNA, TNP-ovalbumin, tubulin, their isotypes (IgG1 or Ig2a), and their affinities (in the 10(-7) M order of magnitude). The results strengthen the hypothesis that T and B cells sharing the same specificity can express similar idiotopes on their respective receptors for antigen. They also demonstrate the existence of a regulatory idiotypic network that could explain the protection from EAT after injection of inactivated HTC2 cells or its anti-clonotypic mAb.

The effects of a monoclonal antibody to interferon-gamma on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT): prevention of disease and decrease of EAT-specific T cells

CBA/J mice immunized with thyroglobulin (Tg) develop an experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) with lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid glands, autoantibodies to Tg and occurrence of EAT-specific T cells. When these mice were treated for 4 weeks after immunization with 1 mg/week of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that neutralizes the activity of interferon-gamma (IFN) a beneficial effect on the onset of EAT was observed. Characteristic features of EAT were significantly reduced, including the lymphocytic infiltrations of the thyroid glands and the serum levels of autoantibodies to Tg. Moreover, in lymphoid organs, mAb to IFN-gamma significantly reduced the percentages of Tg-specific CD8+ cells, labeled by the anti-clonotypic mAb AG7. These Tg-specific T cells seem responsible for thyroid damages and disease development, since EAT was simultaneously abrogated. These results show that IFN-gamma plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of EAT and suggest the possibility to treat autoimmune thyroid diseases with mAb to IFN-gamma or drugs able to antagonize the production and/or the action of this cytokine.

High-frequency threshold measurements using insert earphones

Several recent studies have reported large intersubject variability of high-frequency thresholds measured with circumaural earphones. In the present study, high-frequency thresholds of 10 subjects were measured with circumaural (Sennheiser HD-250) and insert (Etymotic ER-1) earphones at 10, 12, 14, and 16 kHz. Overall results show significantly smaller variability of the threshold data obtained with insert earphones than with circumaural earphones. The above data indicate that insert earphones may be more suitable for high-frequency testing than circumaural earphones.

Characterization and sequencing of a 40-amino-acid peptide from human thyroglobulin inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis

We previously demonstrated that: a) a cytotoxic T cell hybridoma (HTC2) was able to induce lysis of syngeneic macrophages pulsed with either porcine thyroglobulin (pTg) or the tryptic fragments (TF) from pTg less than 10 kDa (M(r)) and that b) these low M(r) pTg TF included pathogenic epitopes because their injection into CBA/J mice induces thyroid lymphocytic infiltration typical of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. Therefore the biochemical analysis of the TF preparation from pTg less than 10 kDa M(r) was undertaken and the characterized peptides were tested for their ability to be recognized or not by HTC2 cells. The sequencing of the selected peptides showed a 70% sequence homology with a portion of human thyroglobulin (hTg). The lack of a published sequence of pTg led us to synthesize a 40-amino acid peptide (F40D) similar to that portion of hTg. This F40D peptide was able to generate lymphocytic infiltrations in CBA/J mice thyroid glands, as was the native pTg molecule. Although the lymphocytic infiltrations were similar in the pTg or F40D-immunized mice, auto-antibodies to pTg or to hTg were only detectable in mice immunized with pTg. In contrast, autoantibodies levels to F40D peptide were significantly increased in serum from mice in which EAT had been induced by the F40D peptide. This highly hydrophobic peptide shows a M(r) of 4,492 kDa; it is located at the end of the second-third of the thyroglobulin molecule and up to now represents a unique sequence from the hTg molecule inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.

Characterization and sequencing of a 40-amino-acid peptide from human thyroglobulin inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis

We previously demonstrated that: a) a cytotoxic T cell hybridoma (HTC2) was able to induce lysis of syngeneic macrophages pulsed with either porcine thyroglobulin (pTg) or the tryptic fragments (TF) from pTg less than 10 kDa (M(r)) and that b) these low M(r) pTg TF included pathogenic epitopes because their injection into CBA/J mice induces thyroid lymphocytic infiltration typical of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. Therefore the biochemical analysis of the TF preparation from pTg less than 10 kDa M(r) was undertaken and the characterized peptides were tested for their ability to be recognized or not by HTC2 cells. The sequencing of the selected peptides showed a 70% sequence homology with a portion of human thyroglobulin (hTg). The lack of a published sequence of pTg led us to synthesize a 40-amino acid peptide (F40D) similar to that portion of hTg. This F40D peptide was able to generate lymphocytic infiltrations in CBA/J mice thyroid glands, as was the native pTg molecule. Although the lymphocytic infiltrations were similar in the pTg or F40D-immunized mice, auto-antibodies to pTg or to hTg were only detectable in mice immunized with pTg. In contrast, autoantibodies levels to F40D peptide were significantly increased in serum from mice in which EAT had been induced by the F40D peptide. This highly hydrophobic peptide shows a M(r) of 4,492 kDa; it is located at the end of the second-third of the thyroglobulin molecule and up to now represents a unique sequence from the hTg molecule inducing experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.

Changes in lipid content and composition during the development of N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocarcinoma

Alterations in lipid content and composition in the N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinoma were investigated. Rats were administered with N-nitrosodiethylamine in the drinking water for 12 weeks followed by normal tap water for another 6 weeks. The cholesterol content in the liver was increased shortly after the administration of N-nitrosodiethylamine and remained elevated after the removal of the nitrosoamine from the water. The phosphatidylethanolamine level was elevated during N-nitrosodiethylamine administration with a concomitant reduction in phosphatidylcholine level. Lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin levels were increased during the last four weeks of the study. The level of phosphatidylinositol was substantially reduced after eight weeks of N-nitrosodiethylamine treatment, and remained low during the post-treatment period. We postulate that changes in lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin may be a compensatory mechanism for maintaining the asymmetrical distribution of choline-containing lipids in the outer leaflet of the membrane. The elevated level of cholesterol may be a useful indicator for the early detection of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinoma.

Quasi-periodic motion in a hybrid optical bistable system with a short delay

The dynamical behavior of a hybrid optical bistable system with a short delay is calculated numerically in detail. The quasi-periodic motion and frequency locking of the system are observed experimentally.

[The measurement of umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms in normal late pregnancy by Doppler ultrasound]

Doppler ultrasound was adopted in a study of fetal umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms in 81 cases of late pregnancies (28-41 gestational weeks). The peak systolic/end-diastolic ratio (A/B) and the Pourlot index were used as indices for assessing placental resistance. Both the A/B ratio (2.34 +/- 0.44) and Pourlot index (0.56 +/- 0.07) decreased while the gestational week was increasing, and they had a good correlation with the gestational week (r1 = -0.90, r2 = -0.93). The results indicated that the placental resistance became lower when the gestational week was increasing. This method has been documented a useful noninvasive technique for the exam of placental resistance.

[Binaural interaction in human auditory brainstem responses]

The auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded from 20 adults aged 16 to 43 year with normal hearing using a paired click stimuli with interaural time differences (delta T = 0-3 ms). The Binaural Interaction (BI) was studied by computer to obtain a curve of derived ABR. The results showed that there was a different waveform at the region of wave V. It seems to have arose from the region of midbrain when delta T = 0-2 ms and showed a good stability.