[Toxin-binding activity of cyanogen bromide cleaved peptide fragments of the Chinese-cobra serum antitoxic protein]

OBJECTIVE

For further study of the structure-function relationship of the Chinese cobra serum antitoxic protein.

METHODS

Cyanogen bromide was used to cleave the peptide bonds which formed by the carboxyl group of Met residues. The cleaved products were ultrafiltrated to remove the small fragments below 10,000 and passed an affinity column packed with Sepharose-4B linked with cobrotoxin as ligand. The molecular weight and N-terminal amino acid residues of the cleaved peptide fragments bounded to the affinity column were then assayed.

RESULTS

The cleaved peptide fragments reserved toxin-binding activity were proved to be Lys2-Met485, Lys2-Met275, Lys276-Met485, Pro444-Met603.

CONCLUSIONS

This result revealed that all the three domains of CSAP, along the peptide chain, possess the toxin binding activity.

Determination of icariin in Chinese traditional medicine by capillary zone electrophoresis

Icariin in Chinese traditional medicine was determined by an accurate and simple capillary zone electrophoresis method which used 30 mmol/L of borate solution containing 10% of acetonitrile as running buffer and needed no pretreatment.

Inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor signaling accelerates tooth formation in mouse first branchial arch explants

Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily signal through their cognate receptors to determine cell phenotypes during embryogenesis. Our previous studies on the regulation of first branchial arch morphogenesis have identified critical components of a hierarchy of different TGF-beta isoforms and their possible functions in regulating tooth and cartilage formation during mandibular morphogenesis. Here we tested the hypothesis that TGF-beta type II receptor (TGF-beta IIR) is a critical component in the TGF-beta signaling pathway regulating tooth formation. To establish the precise location of TGF-beta ligand and its cognate receptor, we first performed detailed analyses of the localization of both TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta IIR during initiation and subsequent morphogenesis of developing embryonic mouse tooth organs. A possible autocrine functional role for TGF-beta and its cognate receptor (TGF-beta IIR) was inferred due to the temporal and spatial localization patterns during the early inductive stages of tooth morphogenesis. Second, loss of function of TGF-beta IIR in a mandibular explant culture model resulted in the acceleration of tooth formation to the cap stage while the mandibular explants in the control group only showed bud stage tooth formation. In addition, there was a significant increase in odontogenic epithelial cell proliferation following TGF-beta IIR abrogation. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that abrogation of the TGF-beta IIR stimulates embryonic tooth morphogenesis in culture and reverses the negative regulation of endogenous TGF-beta signaling upon enamel organ epithelial cell proliferation.

[Coverage of the lower leg defects using the reversed island skin flap based on the nutrient vessels of the saphenous nerve]

OBJECTIVE

To report the application of the distally based neurocutaneous saphenous island flap for the coverage of soft tissue defects in the lower limb.

METHODS

According to the size and site of the defect and the rotation point, the flap was designed, and it was based on the arterial axis associated with the saphenous nerve and the greater saphenous vein.

RESULTS

Six neurocutaneous saphenous island flaps were used and all survived. Flap dimensions were as large as 6 cm x 8 cm. The results were satisfactory after 6 to 20 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The vascularity of the saphenous nerve is closely connected with the vascularity of the skin. The flap supplied by the accompanying vessels of the cutaneous nerve can be utilized with good results.

Evidence for proteasome involvement in polyglutamine disease: localization to nuclear inclusions in SCA3/MJD and suppression of polyglutamine aggregation in vitro

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), is one of at least eight inherited neurodegenerative diseases caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the disease protein. Here we present two lines of evidence implicating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in SCA3/MJD pathogenesis. First, studies of both human disease tissue and in vitro models showed redistribution of the 26S proteasome complex into polyglutamine aggregates. In neurons from SCA3/MJD brain, the proteasome localized to intranuclear inclusions containing the mutant protein, ataxin-3. In transfected cells, the proteasome redistributed into inclusions formed by three expanded polyglutamine proteins: a pathologic ataxin-3 fragment, full-length mutant ataxin-3 and an unrelated GFP-polyglutamine fusion protein. Inclusion formation by the full-length mutant ataxin-3 required nuclear localization of the protein and occurred within specific subnuclear structures recently implicated in the regulation of cell death, promyelocytic leukemia antigen oncogenic domains. In a second set of experiments, inhibitors of the proteasome caused a repeat length-dependent increase in aggregate formation, implying that the proteasome plays a direct role in suppressing polyglutamine aggregation in disease. These results support a central role for protein misfolding in the pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD and suggest that modulating proteasome activity is a potential approach to altering the progression of this and other polyglutamine diseases.

[Improved method of obtaining medial plantar cutaneous graft and its clinical application]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a skin flap containing the middle cutaneous branch of the medial plantar artery.

METHODS

Microanatomic study was performed on 8 fresh cadaveric feet, the arteries were dissected and infused with methylene blue to observe their vascular distribution and the skin area supplied by the middle cutaneous branch. Furthermore, the clinical application was reported. A local pedicled flap containing the middle cutaneous branch was used to repair the soft tissue defects of the foot in 7 patients, and free cutaneous graft was used to repair the skin defects of the fingers in 6 patients.

RESULTS

The results showed that the medical plantar artery gave off 3 cutaneous branches to supply the medial aspect of the foot, among which the middle branch was the largest one and anastomosed with the other two branches. The skin flaps used clinically were all survived completely.

CONCLUSION

Medial plantar cutaneous graft had a reliable blood supply, and it's one of the best choice in repairing small to middle sized skin defects of the foot and the fingers.

PDGF-A and PDGFR-alpha regulate tooth formation via autocrine mechanism during mandibular morphogenesis in vitro

Platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) binding to the PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFR-alpha) mediates signal transduction processes related to DNA synthesis, cell migrations, cytodifferentiation, and wound healing. Recent studies indicate that PDGFR-alpha functions during cranial neural crest cell migrations and first branchial arch morphogenesis (Stephenson et al. [1991] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:6-10; Morrison-Graham et al. [1992] Development 115:133-142; Hu et al. [1995] Int. J. Dev. Biol. 39:939-945; Soriano [1997] Development 124:2691-2700). The present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that PDGF-A, interacts with its cognate receptor PDGFR-alpha via an autocrine mechanism that regulates the timing, rates, and size of embryonic mouse tooth morphogenesis. Both PDGF-A and PDGFR-alpha transcripts were coordinately expressed in mandibular prominences prior to and during tooth formation using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). During the dental lamina stage, ligand and receptor were present in both enamel organ epithelium and adjacent mesenchymal cells. During the bud stage, ligand and receptor were localized mainly to the enamel organ epithelium. Exogenous PDGF-A at 20 ng/ml enhanced tooth development to reach the cap stage with increased tooth size (P < 0.05) using embryonic day (E)10 mandibular explants cultured in serumless, chemically defined medium. A significant increase in DNA synthesis was observed within enamel organ epithelium at E10+4 when the mandibular explants were treated with PDGF-A at 20 ng/ml. These data suggest that PDGF-A and its cognate receptor (PDGFR-alpha) regulate the size and stage of tooth development via an autocrine mechanism during odontogenesis in vitro.

Induction of apoptosis by Elk-1 and deltaElk-1 proteins

Elk-1, an ets related gene codes for at least two splice variants Elk-1, which regulates c-fos transcription and deltaElk-1, both of which function as transcriptional activators. To investigate the role of Elk-1 and deltaElk-1 proteins in apoptosis; we have developed rat fibroblast cell lines and human breast cancer cell lines expressing Elk-1 and deltaElk-1. The expression of Elk-1 and deltaElk-1 proteins in the Elk-1/deltaElk-1 transfectants were analysed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. The Elk-1 unlike deltaElk-1 transfectants showed a shortened and flattened morphology compared to the parental cells. We have found that calcium ionophore treatment of Rat-1 Elk-1, MCF-7 Elk-1, Rat-1 deltaElk-1 and MCF-7 deltaElk-1 transfectants resulted in programmed cell death. These results indicate that constitutive expression of Elk-1 and deltaElk-1 proteins triggers apoptosis in Rat-1 fibroblasts and breast cancer cells when treated with calcium ionophore.

BRCA1 splice variants BRCA1a and BRCA1b associate with CBP co-activator

The tumor suppressor gene BRCA1, is a nuclear phosphoprotein which associates with RNA polymerase II holoenzyme. CBP is a component of the holoenzyme. Previously, we have characterized two new BRCA1 splice variants BRCA1a/p110 and BRCA1b/p100. In the present study, the carboxy-terminal domain of transcription factor CBP interacts both in vivo and in vitro with full length BRCA1a and BRCA1b proteins as demonstrated by mammalian two- hybrid assays, co-immunoprecipitation/western blot studies, GST binding assays and histone acetyl transferase (HAT) assays of BRCA1 immunoprecipitates from human breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that one of the mechanisms by which BRCA1 proteins function is through recruitment of CBP associated HAT/FAT (transcription factor acetyl-transferase) activity for acetylation of either themselves or general transcription factors or both to specific promoters resulting in transcriptional activation.

Association of gonadotropin receptor precursors with the protein folding chaperone calnexin

The lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR) and follitropin receptor (FSHR) are members of the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. The carboxyl half of each receptor is composed of the classical seven membrane spanning regions connected by intracellular and extracellular loops. In addition, each receptor contains a large extracellular domain. Despite the complexity of the structure of G protein-coupled receptors, little is known about how these receptors assume their correct conformations during biosynthesis. Although the role of chaperone proteins in the folding of other proteins has been well documented, their role in the folding of G protein-coupled receptors has been an enigma. To better understand the folding of the LH and FSH receptors, we examined their association with the general chaperone proteins calnexin, binding protein (BiP), and the 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94). Clonal 293 cell lines expressing comparably high levels of each receptor were solubilized, and the extracts were incubated with the appropriate antibody bound to Protein A-sepharose beads. Experiments were performed using two approaches: 1) coimmunoprecipitation of receptor/chaperone complexes with one of the antireceptor antibodies, then SDS-PAGE and Western blotting using either anticalnexin or anti-KDEL (which recognizes BiP and GRP94) antibodies; or 2) coimmunoprecipitation of receptor/chaperone complexes with anticalnexin or anti-KDEL, then Western blotting with one of the antireceptor antibodies. Using these protocols, we found that the immature forms of both the rLHR and rFSHR are associated with calnexin, but little or no association was observed for either receptor with BiP or GRP94. These experiments show that the precursor forms of the wild-type LHR and FSHR can associate with calnexin, raising the possibility that this chaperone protein may facilitate in the folding of the gonadotropin receptors.

A homozygous microdeletion in helix 7 of the luteinizing hormone receptor associated with familial testicular and ovarian resistance is due to both decreased cell surface expression and impaired effector activation by the cell surface receptor

In this report, the genomic DNA was examined from two siblings with gonadal LH resistance. A 46,XY pseudohermaphrodite presented with female external genitalia and his 46,XX sister exhibited menstrual irregularities (oligoamenorrhea) and infertility. Exons 1-11 of the LH receptor (LHR) gene were amplified by the PCR using different sets of intronic primers and were directly sequenced. Sequencing revealed that both individuals carried a deletion of nucleotides 1822-1827, resulting in the deletion of Leu-608 and Val-609 within the seventh transmembrane helix. This mutation was introduced into a recombinant human (h) LHR cDNA. Transfections of 293 cells with hLHR(wt) vs. hLHR(deltaL608,V609) revealed that very little of the mutant receptor was expressed at the cell surface. This was due to both a decrease in the total amount of receptor expressed as well as to an increased intracellular retention of the mutant receptor. In spite of the decreased cell surface expression of the mutant, sufficient amounts were present to allow for assessment of its functions. Equilibrium binding assays showed that the cell surface hLHR(deltaL608,V609) binds hCG with an affinity comparable to that of the wild-type receptor. However, the cells expressing the hLHR(deltaL608,V609) exhibit only a 1.5- to 2.4-fold stimulation of cAMP production in response to hCG. In contrast, cells expressing comparably low levels of hLHR(wt) responded to hCG with 11- to 30-fold increases of cAMP levels. Therefore, the testicular and ovarian unresponsiveness to LH in these patients appears to be due to a mutation of the hLHR gene in which Leu-608 and Val-609 are deleted. As a consequence, the majority of the mutant receptor is retained intracellularly. The small percentage of mutant receptor that is expressed at the cell surface binds hormone normally but is unable to activate Gs.

A mouse mandibular culture model permits the study of neural crest cell migration and tooth development

A major issue in developmental biology is to determine how time and position-restricted instructions are signaled and received during morphogenesis of different phenotypes, of which tooth, Meckel's cartilage and tongue formation are classical examples. It is now evident that a hierarchy of growth factors and their downstream transcription factors regulate the timing, sequence and position of cells and tissues in forming different phenotypes during embryogenesis. Here we report the development of an early mandibular organ culture model. Explants of E8 and E9 first branchial arch were cultured and produced mandibular processes with cap stage tooth formation, Meckel's cartilage and tongue development. In tandem, vital dye (Dil) labeling studies confirmed that rhombomeres 1-4 give rise to craneal neural crest (CNC) cells which emigrate from the neural fold to the forming maxillary and mandibular arches. Furthermore, we have tested the feasibility of investigating the regulation of different phenotypes within the first branchial arch by a transcription factor using this early mandibular organ culture model. Lymphoid enhancing factor 1 (Lef1), a transcription factor, has been implicated to regulate tooth formation in vivo. We have analyzed the expression of Lef1 and studied the biological effects of Lef1 on E8 embryonic mouse first branchial arch explants in organ culture. Collectively, these results demonstrate that first branchial arch explant model is suitable for studies of rhombencephalic crest cell fate during mandibular morphogenesis and can be used as a model with direct access to investigate the molecular mechanism in regulating first branchial arch morphogenesis.

Problem-based learning at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry

Responding to the recent Institute of Medicine report on dental education, the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry has developed a parallel track program in dental education leading to the D.D.S. degree. This program was proposed in May of 1995, and the first class of twelve students was admitted in September of that year. Currently two classes are enrolled and plans to admit a further twelve students (Class of 2001) are in place. The educational strategy for this program is totally problem-based. Students work in groups of six with a faculty facilitator, not necessarily a content expert. Facilitators are largely drawn from the multidisciplinary pool of research faculty at the center. All learning is mediated through biomedical and biodental problem cases. No formal lectures or classes are scheduled. The learning of clinical dental skills is promoted through focussed dental patient simulations in which students review clinical charts, radiographs, medical reports and then explore identified, hands-on learning needs using patient simulators in a clinical context. Early patient exposure is obtained through dental office visits and other special patient clinics. Initial experience with this program suggests that the problem-based learning (PBL) students learn as well (if not better) than their traditional program peers and develop excellent group and cognitive analytical skills. The absence of a pool of dentally related biomedical cases suitable for a PBL program has necessitated the use of innovative approaches to their development and presentation. It is believed that this educational approach will produce dental clinicians equipped with the self-motivated, life-long learning skills required in the ever-changing world of bio-dental sciences in the twenty-first century.

Characterization of the fate of midline epithelial cells during the fusion of mandibular prominences in vivo

The fusion of the mandibular prominences along the midline is achieved with the absence of medial epithelial cells at the fusion site. Failure of fusion of the mandibular prominences results in median cleft of the lower lip and mandible. Cellular and molecular events controlling mandibular fusion were examined during the fusion process in mouse embryogenesis. Cell lineage analyses at the fusion site revealed that epithelial cells migrated to the surface and oral epithelia. DiI-labeled epithelial cells were not observed within the mandibular mesenchyme at any state of fusion. Examination of the midline region did not reveal cells with ultrastructural changes characteristic of apoptotic cell death. An increase in lysosomal enzymes in the midline epithelial cells, which would be correlated with programmed cell death, was not observed. Mice lacking TGF-beta 3 did not have cleft mandible, but had clefting of the secondary palate as a feature of null mutation phenotype. We interpret our comparisons between wild type and homozygous TGF-beta 3 (-/-) mice to suggest that different developmental processes control palatal vs. mandibular fusion. We hypothesize that medical epithelial cells at the fusion site of mandibular prominences migrate to the surface epithelium during the fusion process and neither transdifferentiate into mesenchyme nor express apoptosis.

Activation of C-myc, C-Neu and int-2 oncogenes in the transformation of the human breast epithelial-cell line mcf-10f treated with chemical carcinogens in-vitro

Genetic alterations of the c-myc, c-neu and int-2 oncogenes have been reported in human breast cancer. In order to determine if these oncogenes are activated at different stages of breast cancer progression, we are using an in vitro system in which human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10F) have been transformed with benzo(a)pyrene(BP) or dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). DMBA-treated cells gave rise to clones D3 and D3-1, BP-treated cells gave rise to clones BP1 and BP1-E. BP1-E cell line, derived from BP1 cell line, was tumorigenic in SCID mice. Southern blot analysis detected gene amplification and rearrangement of the int-2 oncogene in BP1 and BP1-E cells, but no changes were detected in D3 and D3-1 cells. Amplification of c-neu gene was only observed in BP1 and BP1-E cell lines. Neither amplification nor rearrangement was detected for the c-myc gene. At the transcriptional level, Northern blot analysis showed that int-2 mRNA was increased 1.5, 1.8, 1.3 and 2.0-fold in the BP1, BP1-E, D3 and D3-1 cell lines respectively. c-neu mRNA was increased 8.0-fold in BP1 and BP-1E cells and c-myc mRNA was increased 1.5-fold in D3 cells, but no changes were detected in the other cell lines. The data indicate that BP treatment induces changes both at the genomic and transcriptional level. However, none of the differences explain the tumorigenic properties of the BP1-E cell line. DMBA treatment induces changes that are only reflected at transcriptional level for the two oncogenes studied. Whereas none of these oncogenes can be considered the driving force in the expression of the tumorigenic phenotype, the interaction among them or with other oncogenes in the expression of the transformation phenotype cannot be ruled out.

Specific transforming growth factor-beta subtypes regulate embryonic mouse Meckel's cartilage and tooth development

Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily have emerged as critical regulators for cell growth and differentiation. Whereas the different TGF-beta subtypes are equipotent in the majority of biological assays using cell lines cultured in vitro, there are indications that in more complex systems involving epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, the TGF-beta subtypes differ in their biological activities. To test the hypothesis that TGF-beta subtypes specifically regulate either Meckel's cartilage or tooth morphogenesis, we designed experiments to compare loss of function effects of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 subtypes using a serumless, chemically defined medium to culture embryonic mouse E10 (42-44 somite pairs) mandibular explants. The major effect of loss of function resulting from abrogation of TGF-beta 1 using antisense treatment resulted in a 20% increase (P < 0.05) in chondrocyte number, a decrease in extracellular matrix, and dysmorphology of the rostral region of Meckel's cartilage. Exogenous TGF-beta 1 provided indistinguishable recovery to the normal phenotype. TGF-beta 2 antisense treatment produced a threefold enlargement (P < 0.05) of tooth organs and advanced their development to the cap stage. TGF-beta 2 provided recovery to the normal phenotype (e.g., reduced tooth size and development to the bud stage), whereas TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 3 polypeptides had no effect. TGF-beta 3 antisense treatment resulted in a reduction of approximately 15% in the length of Meckel's cartilage. We interpret these results to suggest that TGF-beta 1 functions to regulate the number of chondrogenic cells, the amount of extracellular matrix, and the rate of developmental assembly of the rostral to posterior segments in forming Meckel's cartilage. TGF-beta 2 appears to regulate tooth size and stage of development without affecting cartilage. TGF-beta 3 appears to regulate Meckel's cartilage size without altering tooth size or shape. The results are discussed in terms of the regulatory functions of the TGF-beta subtypes during embryonic craniofacial morphogenesis.

DNA synthesis and development strategies with possible consequences on sexual dimorphism in adult mouse submandibular glands

This article summarizes a series of recent studies that broaden the criteria for sexual dimorphism in adult mouse submandibular gland. From these observations, a hypothesis is presented, suggesting that the gross histological differences that are characteristic of adult sexual dimorphism in the gland secondarily result from differences in the activities of three fundamental cellular processes, that is, rates of cell proliferation, cell sizes, and ongoing patterns of differentiation.

Parenchymal cell proliferation and mechanisms for maintenance of granular duct and acinar cell populations in adult male mouse submandibular gland

To evaluate proliferation as a factor in maintenance of parenchymal cell populations in adult male mouse submandibular glands, a variety of surveys were conducted following a pulse with 3H-thymidine. Striated granular duct (SGD) cells had the highest labeling index, followed by intercalated duct (ID) cells, then acinar (AC) cells, and granular duct (GD) cells had the lowest. These cell types showed from 30% to 60% completion of mitosis by 24 hr, with SGD, AC, and GD showing a likely second wave of mitosis sometime between 2 and 7 days after the pulse. About 40% of the pulse-labeled cells still remained as single cells at 42 days after the pulse. Repeat divisions in daughter cells of the primary labeled cells were very rare. A shift in the pattern of labeled cells at the ID-GD junction indicates that ID and SGD cells in this compartment are differentiating to GD cells. Further comparison of the magnitude of this conversion with the amount of noncompartmental GD cell proliferation provided a basis for calculating that approximately 70% of GD cell population maintenance occurs by self-proliferation, and the remaining 30% is contributed by differentiation from ID and SGD cells. A similar survey at the ID-acinus junction showed no evidence of conversion of ID cells to AC cells indicating that most, if not all, proliferative activity leading to AC cell population maintenance occurs by self-proliferation. Finally, based in part on structural changes at the ID-GD junction during the survey period, a pattern of cell conversion described as "in situ differentiation" is proposed. When this pattern is carried to fruition, this explains several structural features of the secretory complex typical to the male pattern submandibular gland. The proposed mechanism is supported by a three-dimensionally reconstructed sequence of likely intermediate structures.

Proliferative and structural differences between male and female mouse submandibular glands

Sexual dimorphism has been observed in salivary glands of many species. In this study, evidence for sexual differences in adult mouse submandibular gland is extended beyond parenchymal cell composition, size, and volumes to include patterns of DNA synthesis and complexity of ductal branching. Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstructions also revealed differences in overall organization of secretory complexes. Consistent with observations by others, granular intercalated duct cells were absent, while striated granular duct cells were low in proportion in the male glands relative to female glands. When the mean of average cell volumes were compared, acinar (AC) cells were smaller than granular duct (GD) cells in the male, but in the female the reverse was true. Furthermore, in addition to differences in average volumes of GD cells, the average volume of AC cells was significantly greater in females than males. The most dramatic evidence for sexual dimorphism was observed following a 90-min labeling with 3H-thymidine. Though all cell types showed DNA replication activity, the intercalated duct (ID) cells were substantially more active than AC and GD cells in the female, while in the male the GD cells, ID cells, and AC cells all showed approximately equal activity. Three-dimensional reconstructions indicated that the female possessed a more highly branched intercalated duct system and that the GD usually terminated within a secretory complex, whereas in males the GD typically passes through a secretory complex and forms a prominent cap-like structure on the opposite side.

Gene expression, signal transduction and tissue-specific biomineralization during mammalian tooth development

Tooth development provides a paradigm for intrinsic molecular controls for cell- and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mediated biomineralization. The intent of this review is to evaluate the sequential timing and positional information prerequisite for tissue-specific biomineralization. Recent investigations suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 functions to up-regulate VDR (vitamin D receptor) that in turn could induce structural gene products, including calcium-binding proteins and several ECM proteins (e.g., enamelins, amelogenins, dentine sialoglycoproteins (DSP) and dentine phosphoproteins (DPP)), resulting in dentine and enamel formation. Inhibition of regulatory gene products and/or their receptors likely results in hypoplastic and/or hypomineralized ECM as a direct consequence of down-regulated (1) transcription and/or translation of structural and regulatory genes, (2) posttranslational modifications, (3) and/or decreased calcium transport to the forming dentine and enamel matrices. Advances in serumless in vitro culture methodology; computer-assisted access to nucleic acid sequences for probes to define when, where, and how many specific regulatory and structural gene products are expressed; antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to inhibit specific translation; and microtechniques to analyze biomineralization all provide additional avenues to investigate tissue-specific biomineralization.

Three-dimensional localization of DNA synthesis in secretory elements of adult female mouse submandibular gland

A system based in part on three-dimensional structural relationships is described for precisely characterizing the location of cells within secretory complexes of the adult female mouse submandibular gland. The pattern of DNA synthesis during a 90-minute pulse with 3H-thymidine was characterized based upon the above system. Seventy-eight percent of all radiolabeled nuclei were found in the intercalated duct system. One-half of these were in second-order intercalated ducts. DNA synthesis was also observed in acinar cells, granular intercalated duct cells, striated granular duct cells, and granular duct cells. Some secretory complexes contained multiple radiolabeled nuclei, with some of these nuclei in a side-by-side configuration. Approximately one-half of all secretory complexes contained radiolabeled nuclei. A second survey of the frequency of complexes containing radiolabeled nuclei was conducted following four pulses at eight-hour intervals over a 26-hour period. Only about 30% of all complexes contained radiolabeled nuclei. This reduction in the frequency of radiolabeled nuclei when compared with the single pulse suggests the possibility of individual variation. However, a more prolonged period of daily injections for nine days with 3H-thymidine resulted in all but one of the secretory complexes containing radiolabeled nuclei. This latter observation suggests that cell addition in adult submandibular glands is widespread.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of adult female mouse submandibular gland secretory structures

Computer-assisted reconstructions of adult female mouse submandibular gland have been used to positionally characterize within the three-dimensional structure likely intermediates in secretory cell replacement. The locations of striated granular duct cells and granular intercalated duct cells are consistent with a role as intermediates between intercalated duct cells and granular duct cells or acinar cells, respectively. Average volumes of the two putative intermediate cell types are also consistent with this role. The reconstructions suggest that, in addition to a "streaming" mechanism for secretory cell replacement, formation of new secretory structures composed of multiple acini and second-order intercalated ducts may also contribute to the cell replacement process.

Appearance of acinar-cell-specific mucin in prenatal mouse submandibular glands

The appearance of an acinar-cell-specific mucin was studied during fetal mouse submandibular gland development. The mucin was first detected in stage 23 and was quantitated through birth by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Quantitation results showed that the mucin accumulation was biphasic. Results from Western blotting and radioimmunoassay indicated that the mucin from the prenatal glands was similar both antigenically and in size to the mucin isolated from adult mice. Observations from light microscopy revealed a continuing progression of complexity throughout prenatal development, indicative of morphogenesis characteristic of differentiating exocrine tissues. When sections from various stages were compared morphometrically, it became clear that the overall ratio of epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells increased nearly 6-fold throughout the prenatal stages observed. The study suggests that acinar cell development in the mouse submandibular gland passes through a protodifferentiated stage. The proportions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the submandibular gland and the sensitivity of the RIA indicate that the mucin per cell actually increased to detectable levels at the onset of protodifferentiation, and this increase does not reflect a change in the relative proportions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells.

Three-dimensional movement analysis of lateral pterygoid electromyographic activity during mastication in the rat

Simultaneous recordings of mandibular movement in three dimensions (frontal, horizontal and sagittal plane), and lateral pterygoid electromyographic (EMG) data during mastication of pellets and slurry, were collected from 5 rats by the opto-electronic mandibular tracking (OMT) method and computerized digital-processing of the EMG wave-forms. The microcomputer analyses allowed determination of frontal-, horizontal- and sagittal-plane movement displacements and velocities for whole chew cycles and, during lateral pterygoid activity, opening burst (OB) and closing burst (CB) latencies. There were significant (p less than or equal to 0.01) differences between duration, displacement and velocity data from slurry and pellet chew cycles. OB latencies were significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01) longer than CB, and OB displacements started significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01) farther from minimal gape than CB ones. Working-side OB activity occurred as the mandible moved inferiorly, laterally and posteriorly; working-side CB activity occurred as the mandible moved superiorly, medially and anteriorly. A secondary peak of OB activity, coinciding with anterior sagittal translation during the last third of mandibular depression, was detected; this may represent independent activity of the rat superior lateral pterygoid effecting anterior translation of the mandibular-joint disc and capsule. Rat lateral pterygoid activity has the same basic, bimodal pattern (active during both mandibular depression and elevation) as is found in humans.

Role of extracellular iron in the action of the quinone antibiotic streptonigrin: mechanisms of killing and resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The quinone antibiotic streptonigrin is believed to kill bacteria by promoting formation of oxygen radicals. This antibiotic has also been used to select resistant bacterial mutants, some of which vary in iron utilization. We examined the effects of streptonigrin on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and several types of gonococcal mutants. Streptonigrin (0.025 microgram/ml) efficiently killed gonococcal strain FA1090, and this effect depended on iron. Streptonigrin-resistant mutant FA6271 had normal iron uptake but was moderately deficient in total iron. Resistance most likely resulted from failure of FA6271 to divert electrons to streptonigrin, as demonstrated by a reduction in KCN-insensitive respiration (a hallmark of the action of quinones) and superoxide formation. Other mutants selected for inability to use human iron-binding proteins (strains FA6273 and FA6275) had no increase in streptonigrin MIC and no decrease in KCN-insensitive respiration. Mutants did not demonstrate an increase in superoxide dismutase or catalase. Streptonigrin killing of gonococci depended on a reaction(s) in which extracellular iron was important, presumably because iron was required for catalysis of hydroxyl radical. The results suggest that a membrane component may be a target for the actions of streptonigrin.

Stimulated human neutrophils limit iron-catalyzed hydroxyl radical formation as detected by spin-trapping techniques

Neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the presence of the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline 1-oxide (DMPO), dimethyl sulfoxide, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) fail to generate hydroxyl radical (.OH), detected as the methyl spin-trapped adduct of DMPO (2,2,5-trimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl, DMPO-CH3), unless ferric salts (Fe3+) are also added (Britigan, B. E., Rosen, G. M., Chai, Y., and Cohen, M. S. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 4426-4431). Even then, .OH formation wanes in spite of ongoing superoxide (O2-.) production. In contrast, ferric salt supplementation of a hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase O2-. generating system containing DETAPAC produces continual .OH, suggesting that neutrophils limit the formation of this free radical. To evaluate this hypothesis, neutrophil cytoplasts (largely devoid of granules but able to generate O2-.) were stimulated with PMA in the presence of Fe3+, DETAPAC, dimethyl sulfoxide, and DMPO. This resulted in continual production of DMPO-CH3. In the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, HL-60 (promyelocytic) cells differentiate into cells similar in morphology and O2-. generating capacity to neutrophils. However, their granules lack the iron-binding protein lactoferrin (LF). Ferric salt supplementation of HL-60 cells stimulated with PMA yielded an EPR spectrum similar to cytoplasts. Supernatant obtained following PMA-induced neutrophil degranulation (which releases LF extracellularly) suppressed DMPO-CH3 formation by the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase/Fe3+/DETAPAC system. Anti-LF antibody, but not anti-transferrin antibody, prevented stimulated neutrophil supernatant inhibition of hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase/Fe3+/DETAPAC-mediated .OH formation. Similarly, neutrophils stimulated with PMA in the presence of Fe3+, DETAPAC, and anti-LF antibody (but not anti-transferrin antibody) demonstrated continual formation of .OH. Neutrophil degranulation of LF limits Fe3+-catalyzed .OH formation which in vivo could protect tissue from possible .OH-mediated injury.

Do human neutrophils make hydroxyl radical? Determination of free radicals generated by human neutrophils activated with a soluble or particulate stimulus using electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry

Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry and the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-oxide (DMPO), neutrophil free radical production in response to phorbol myristate acetate and opsonized zymosan was investigated. Using phorbol myristate acetate and zymosan (3 mg/ml), the superoxide spin-trapped adduct 2-2-dimethyl-5-hydroperoxy-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl (DMPO-OOH) and the hydroxyl spin-trapped adduct 2-2-dimethyl-5-hydroxy-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl (DMPO-OH) were detected. Only DMPO-OH was observed with zymosan (0.5 mg/ml). Hydroxyl radical production in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide (Me2SO) and DMPO yields 2,2,5-trimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl. The only 2,2-trimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl detected following neutrophil stimulation was that expected from DMPO-OOH degradation. Superoxide dismutase but not catalase inhibited generation of all three spin-trapped adducts. These data indicate that DMPO-OH arose from DMPO-OOH degradation and does not represent hydroxyl radical production. Under certain conditions DMPO-OH is the predominant spin-trapped adduct resulting from neutrophil superoxide production, perhaps due to cellular bioreduction of DMPO-OOH to DMPO-OH. Cytochalasin B, which prevents phagosome closure, inhibited zymosan-stimulated neutrophil oxygen consumption and electron paramagnetic resonance superoxide detection. No hydroxyl radical was detected. Spin trapping with DMPO appears to detect intraphagosomal free-radical formation.

Effects of human serum on the growth and metabolism of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: an alternative view of serum

Humans are the sole reservoir of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an organism which undergoes a marked increase in metabolic rate after exposure to a low-molecular-weight, heat-stable component(s) of human serum. Further studies on the effect of serum on gonococcal metabolism were undertaken. Gonococcal broth (GCB) is commonly used for in vitro cultivation of gonococci. Gonococci suspended in GCB plus 10% serum exhibited oxygen consumption rates of 139% (P less than 0.01) and 456% (P less than 0.01) of those suspended in GCB or Hanks balanced salt solution, respectively. A twofold increase in growth rate also resulted from the addition of 10% serum to GCB. Gonococcal 14C-labeled adenine incorporation increased threefold with 10% serum supplementation of Hanks balanced salt solution. Dialysis of serum in 1,000-molecular-weight exclusion tubing removed the stimulatory factor(s). Neither correction of anion-cation concentrations altered by dialysis nor addition of substances of known importance to the metabolism of gonococci (i.e., lactate, pyruvate, cysteine, ATP, AMP, NADPH, amino acids, malate, and glutathione) to dialyzed serum reconstituted stimulatory capacity. The effect of serum on gonococcal glucose-catabolic pathways was measured by modified radiospirometry. An apparent threefold increase in Entner-Doudoroff and pentose phosphate pathway activities was induced by 10% serum, as was the increased shunting of glucose-derived glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate into these pathways. These metabolic changes did not allow specific identification of the serum stimulatory factor(s). Acetate, the major by-product of gonococcal glucose catabolism, inhibited gonococcal oxygen consumption as previously reported. A high-molecular-weight serum component, probably albumin, reversed acetate-mediated inhibition of gonococcal oxygen consumption, identifying a second mechanism by which serum increases gonococcal metabolism. These results suggest that supplementation of growth media with serum should be considered to provide N. gonorrhoeae with conditions more consistent with its normal environment.