Cloning, expression and sequence analysis of the classical swine fever virus nucleocapsid protein

The DNA complementary to the 5'-terminal 1929 nucleotides of classical swine fever virus (CSFV; alias hog cholera virus, HCV) LPC vaccine strain RNA was cloned and sequenced. The sequence encompasses a 5'-noncoding region (NCR) of 264 nucleotides and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1665 nucleotides. The cloned sequence contains genes of four viral proteins, P23, nucleocapsid (core) protein, E0 and part of E1 proteins. Alignment of the 5'-terminal 1929 nucleotides of LPC strain with other strains of CSFV showed well conservation and a homology as high as 84-95% was found between these strains. The cDNA of CSFV-LPC core was cloned into an expression vector, and a fusion protein of 38.5 kDa was obtained which reacted strongly to CSFV antiserum. Purification of the core fusion protein was achieved by a single-step affinity chromatography and the purified product could be recognized by the sera of CSFV-infected swine in ELISA assay. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5'-terminal 1929 nucleotides between pestiviruses revealed that the 5'-end region seems to be suitable for differentiation of different strains of CSFV.

Expression of the glycoprotein E2 of the classical swine fever virus in Escherichia coli

The glycoprotein E2 sequences of classical swine fever virus (strain p97) were cloned, sequenced and expressed in E. coli. Result from SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of expressed proteins revealed the presence of a prominently stained band corresponding to a molecular mass of 61 kDa, which is in agreement with the predicted size from the DNA sequence. The recombinant E2 protein contained an aminoterminal tag of six histidines that could be used for purification by the nickel chelate affinity chromatography. The elution fractions of the expressed protein also contain additional bands of 40 and 35 kDa proteins, indicating proteolytic cleavages might occur. Our Western blotting result also supported that the expression of the recombinant E2 protein of the classical swine fever virus were accomplished.

A novel immunohistochemical semiquantitative technique for endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in rat coronary artery

It has been difficult to quantify protein production in small pathological specimens by conventional techniques. We describe a new method for semiquantification of immunohistochemical staining, which involves application of the enzyme-labeled avidin (LAB) technique, coupled with an ultra-sensitive and fast chemiluminescent substrate for alkaline phosphatase. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 3 hr. The final step involves X-ray film exposure for 30 min, and the optical density of the subsequent images is examined with a microcomputer imaging device. The optical densities are translated into relative protein concentrations by a reference standard curve, obtained via an immunoblot. To establish a model for semiquantification of endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein, we compared the coronary arteries of WKY rats fed a normal chow diet to the coronary arteries of WKY rats fed a cholesterol diet. Using this technique, we have found a relative 130-fold decrease in eNOS in the cholesterol-fed group compared to the normal chow-fed group.

The recombinant nucleocapsid protein of classical swine fever virus can act as a transcriptional regulator

The cDNA of the nucleocapsid (core) protein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was generated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector. The effect of the recombinant core protein on the transcriptional regulation of cellular as well as viral promoters was studied. Using transient transfection assay, our results demonstrated that the core protein can activate the promoter of human heat shock protein 70 gene, and suppressed the SV40 early promoter. These findings indicate that the core protein appears to function not only as a viral structural protein but also as a regulator of gene expression. The implications of core proteins on the viral maturation are discussed.

A novel method for quantitative analysis of apoptosis

In the present study, we describe a method of quantifying DNA fragmentation. This assay is based on saturation labeling 3'-ends of DNA fragments with alpha(32)PdCTP in the presence of 2',3'-dideoxy-cytidine-5'-triphosphate (ddCTP) by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). The saturation labeling of 3'-ends of DNA fragments was performed by adding different concentrations of alpha(32)PdCTP to a DNA sample, from which a maximal labeling (Lmax) and a kinetic parameter (Km) of the TdT reaction are calculated. The saturated labeling gives true quantitation that makes it possible to accurately compare quantities of DNA fragments among different samples. This method requires as little as 5 ng of DNA and increases the sensitivity of apoptotic DNA detection by at least 200-fold relative to the widely used ethidium staining method. The application of this method in an apoptosis study showed that (a) a time- and dose-dependent increase in the number of DNA strand breaks in apoptotic lymphocytes was induced by dexamethasone, and (b) age-dependent apoptosis occurred in the cardiac tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results of this assay were confirmed by the DNA ladder pattern exhibited after electrophoresis as well as the morphologic changes of apoptosis observed under electron microscopy and were very consistent with results obtained in quantifying apoptotic cells by flow cytometric analysis (r = 0.98, p = 0.002). Thus, this assay is quantitative, simple, sensitive, and useful for assessing apoptosis.

Protein memory through altered folding mediated by intramolecular chaperones

The 77-residue propeptide of subtilisin acts as an intramolecular chaperone that organizes the correct folding of its own protease domain. Similar folding mechanisms are used by several prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins, including prohormone-convertases. Here we show that the intramolecular chaperone of subtilisin facilitates folding by acting as a template for its protease domain, although it does not form part of that domain. Subtilisin E folded by an intramolecular chaperone with an Ile(-48)-to-Val mutation acquires an 'altered' enzymatically active conformation that differs from wild-type subtilisin E. Although both the altered and wild-type subtilisins have identical amino-acid sequences, as determined by amino-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry, they bind their cognate intramolecular chaperones with 4.5-fold greater affinity than non-cognate intramolecular chaperones, when added in trans. The two subtilisins also have different secondary structures, thermostability and substrate specificities. Our results indicate that an identical polypeptide can fold into an altered conformation through a mutated intramolecular chaperone and maintains memory of the folding process. Such a phenomenon, which we term 'protein memory', may be important in investigations of protein folding.

Essential parameters in particle sizing by integral transform inversions

We show that integral transform inversions for Fraunhofer-diffraction particle sizing possess an important feature that has useful implications. The selection of three angular parameters, Dtheta (angular resolution), theta(min) (minimum scattering angle), and theta(max) (maximum scattering angle), necessary for reconstructing a given kind of particle size distribution without undergoing mathematical limits that contradict the Fraunhofer theory and exceed practical measurement limitations, depends inverse-linearly on the optical size parameter chi, chi = 2pia/lambda (a, particle radius; lambda, wavelength). Two series of numerical experiments, in which the Chin-Shifrin inversion is used, are performed to assess the reconstruction of original discontinuous (narrow-type) and continuous (board-type) particle size distributions from simulated Fraunhofer-diffracted patterns, assuming linear- and log-scaled light detector configurations, respectively. New and useful findings regarding the roles of these three key angular parameters in the Chin-Shifrin inversion process, including general criteria relating the chi and the selections of Dtheta and theta(max) for effective size retrieval, were obtained.

Perindopril chronically inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme in both the endothelium and adventitia of the internal mammary artery in patients with ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND

ACE inhibitors are widely used in treating hypertension and heart failure, but the sites and mechanisms of ACE inhibition in human blood vessels are not understood. The present study was undertaken to assess the sites and extent of in vivo inhibition of ACE by long-term perindopril treatment in different layers of the internal mammary artery in patients with ischemic heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixteen patients with ischemic heart disease were treated either with perindopril (4 mg/d PO) for up to 36 days before surgery (n = 9) or without the inhibitor as control subjects (n = 7). The segments of the internal mammary artery were collected for measurement of vascular free and total ACE by quantitative in vitro autoradiography with 125I-351A binding. The patients treated with perindopril had lower plasma ACE (P < .001) and plasma angiotensin (Ang) II-to-Ang I ratio (P < .05). In the internal mammary artery, free ACE was similarly inhibited by perindopril in the endothelium (P < .05) and adventitia (P < .05), and the free ACE-to-total ACE ratio, an index of ACE inhibition, was markedly decreased by perindopril in parallel in the endothelium (P < .001) and adventitia (P < .001). Moreover, plasma ACE correlated highly with vascular ACE in the endothelium (r = .85, P < .001) or adventitia (r = .78, P < .001), and mean arterial pressure correlated significantly with free ACE in the endothelium (r = .52, P < .05) or adventitia (r = .53, P < .05) and with the plasma Ang II-to-Ang I ratio (r = .53, P < .05). Light microscopic autoradiographs of 125I-351A binding revealed a marked inhibition of ACE by perindopril in both layers of the vascular wall.

CONCLUSIONS

The present demonstrates that long-term administration of perindopril potently inhibits both endothelial and adventitial ACE to a comparable degree in the human internal mammary artery. These results indicate that perindopril effectively penetrates the vascular wall to inhibit ACE in the adventitia, thus providing evidence that perindopril may be beneficial in inhibiting both circulating Ang II and its local formation in the vascular wall.

In vivo gene transfer by intravenous administration of stable cationic lipid/DNA complex

PURPOSE

A stable cationic lipid/DNA complex has been developed for in vivo gene transfer. The formulation capitalizes on a previously described procedure to obtain stable lipid/DNA complexes for in vitro gene transfer (1).

METHODS

Conditions for DNA/lipid complex formation were modified to yield a DNA concentration of 1 mg/ml. Heat stable alkaline phosphatase (AP) under a CMV promoter was used as a reporter gene.

RESULTS

The resulting complex was completely insensitive to serum inactivation. Tail vein injection of a 80 micrograms DNA into Balb C mice yielded significant levels of reporter enzyme activity in the lung, heart, spleen, muscle, and liver. Less AP activity was observed in the kidney. No AP activity was observed in blood, bone marrow or brain. A titration of the lipid (DOSPA) to DNA-nucleotide ratio showed the optimal molar ratio for in vivo gene transfer to be 1/1. Using this ratio in a dose response study showed approximately 80 micrograms of DNA/mouse yielded the highest level of gene expression. Using this dose at a 1/1 lipid to DNA nucleotide ratio, the time course for alkaline phosphatase activity was determined. Maximal AP activity was observed 24 hours after injection for all tissues. By day 5, the activity dropped approximately 10 fold for all tissues. By day 7, residual activity was detected in the lung, heart, and muscle. Histology of the lung showed both interstitial and endothelial cells to be transfected. In all other tissues, however, endothelial cells were the only transfected cell type.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that reformulation of an existing cationic lipid can result in the formation of a stable lipid/DNA complex, which is able to reproducibly transfect lung, heart, spleen, and liver upon intravenous administration.

Self-seeded fibers formed by Sup35, the protein determinant of [PSI+], a heritable prion-like factor of S. cerevisiae

The [PSI+] factor of S. cerevisiae represents a new form of inheritance: cytosolic transmission of an altered phenotype is apparently based upon inheritance of an altered protein structure rather than an altered nucleic acid. The molecular basis of its propagation is unknown. We report that purified Sup35 and subdomains that induce [PSI+] elements in vivo form highly ordered fibers in vitro. Fibers bind Congo red and are rich in beta sheet, characteristics of amyloids found in certain human diseases, including the prion diseases. Some fibers have distinct structures and these, once initiated, are self-perpetuating. Preformed fibers greatly accelerate fiber formation by unpolymerized protein. These data support a "protein-only" seeded polymerization model for the inheritance of [PSI+].

Regulation of acetylcholine release by presynaptic nicotinic receptors at developing neuromuscular synapses

Autoregulation of synaptic transmission in the nervous system is one of the homeostatic processes by which the transmission can be regulated according to varied physiological conditions. The neuromuscular cocultures of Xenopus laevis embryos were used to investigate the role of presynaptic nicotinic receptors in the autoregulation of developing motoneurons. The bath application of 2 microM nicotine had no significant effect on the frequency of spontaneous synaptic currents (SSCs). However, nicotine markedly increased the SSC frequency in the presence of low concentrations of glutamate (2 microM) or ATP (0.15 mM) or high K+ (8 mM), which only slightly increased the frequency of spontaneous acetylcholine (ACh) secretion. Carbachol but not oxotremorine was similar to nicotine in the positive regulation of spontaneous ACh release. Treatment with alpha-bungarotoxin, hexamethonium, d-tubocurarine, or mecamylamine, which only slightly inhibited the SSC amplitude, effectively antagonized the increasing effect of nicotine plus glutamate on SSC frequency. Local perfusion of isolated neurons with nicotine induced an inward current at nerve terminal but not at soma, suggesting that nicotinic receptors localize at nerve terminals. Both d-tubocurarine and hexamethonium, which produced tetanic fade in adult neuromuscular preparations, did not show tetanic fade at embryonic neuromuscular junction. The bath application of alpha-bungarotoxin or hexamethonium but not 6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitroquinoxaline inhibited the frequency of SSCs at high-activity (>3 Hz) synapses. A P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, or desensitizing P2-purinoceptor with alpha, beta-methylene ATP also reduced the frequency of SSCs at these high-activity synapses. These results suggest that nicotinic receptors, P2-purinoceptors and glutamate, receptors coexist at nerve terminals of developing motoneurons. The activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors, which cooperates with either P2-purinoceptors or glutamate receptors, may greatly increase the spontaneous ACh secretion. Endogenously released ACh and ATP are both involved in the positive regulation of spontaneous transmitter secretion at developing neuromuscular synapses.

Histologic liver abnormalities in an autopsy series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A retrospective review was performed on 188 autopsied cases of rheumatoid arthritis at our institutions during 1958-1985, prior to the widespread use of methotrexate. Hepatic histology was reported in 182 cases. All available microscopic liver slides from cases in which the autopsy report described portal tract inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, tumour, amyloid, vasculitis, or infections involving the liver were examined and graded by a hepatic pathologist blinded to the original diagnosis, along with a representative sample of cases with reports describing fatty change or no hepatic pathologic abnormalities. Ninety normal and abnormal cases were reviewed from the 182 for which hepatic histology was available. Fifteen cases of diffuse fibrosis were identified upon blinded review. Two cases were graded as severe fibrosis (grades 3 or 4 on a scale of 0-4) without an identifiable pathologic cause, in both of which the liver disease was suspected premortem (alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis). Although the incidence of fibrosis in this series is slightly higher than that previously described, serious fibrotic liver disease was rare. These results support the current practice of limiting pre-treatment liver biopsies prior to methotrexate therapy to patients with suspected liver disease.

Direct vasodilator effect of milrinone, an inotropic drug, on arterial coronary bypass grafts. FANZCA

Milrinone is an inotropic drug with vasodilator activity that has been shown to be useful in increasing cardiac output and decreasing wedge pressure. Despite these advantages, it is unknown whether this drug can be used for the treatment of perioperative spasm of coronary bypass grafts. This study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro vascular effect of milrinone on internal thoracic arteries obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The results showed that milrinone produced a potent, concentration-dependent, preventive effect on the norepinephrine-induced contraction of internal thoracic arteries, as well as reversing contraction of internal thoracic arteries by receptor-dependent agents, including the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619, the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1, and the alpha1-adrenal receptor agonist phenylephrine. The relaxing effect of milrinone was weaker, however, on internal thoracic arteries contracted with 25 mmol/L potassium chloride. Comparison of milrinone with other vasodilators, including papaverine, nitroprusside, and glyceryl trinitrate, showed milrinone to be more potent than papaverine but less potent than nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate. The inhibitory effect of milrinone on internal thoracic artery contraction appeared as a reduction in contractile force, not as an increase in the values of concentrations of the agonists causing 50% maximal contraction, which indicates that milrinone exerts its vasodilator effect directly on the smooth muscles, not on the membrane receptors. The results also showed no significant difference in relaxing effect between internal thoracic artery rings with and without endothelium. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence that milrinone is a potent, endothelium-independent, direct vasodilator of the human internal thoracic artery and provides the scientific rationale for a future clinical trial with this drug for the perioperative treatment of internal thoracic artery spasm in cardiac surgical patients.

Glucan-induced disease resistance in tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Non-specific disease resistance induced by yeast cell wall extract, beta-1,3-1,6-glucan, was demonstrated in the tiger shrimp. In this study beta-1,3-1,6-glucan was administered to shrimps by immersion before culturing and orally during the culturing period. Challenge of the treated shrimps with the virulent pathogens, Vibrio vulnificus and viral agents extracted from the white spot syndrome victims, yielded promising results. The tolerance of glucan-treated shrimps was slightly enhanced to stresses including catching, transport and ammonia. The growth and survival rates of treated and untreated shrimps were not significantly different. Therefore, we suggest that beta-1,3-1,6-glucan can be used as an immuno-stimulant of cultured shrimps and may benefit shrimp farmers.

The radial artery as a bypass graft

The radial artery is being reintroduced into clinical practice to increase the number of arterial grafts for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The radial artery is readily available from one or both forearms and removal is safe in patients who have a normal collateral circulation to the hand. Harvesting the radial artery with the adjacent veins using a minimal touch technique and vasodilators will prevent vasospasm and possibly early occlusion. A concern is that subclinical atheroma is present in many patients. The radial artery can be used as a single graft, anastomosed in a "Y" fashion with the internal mammary artery, or used as a sequential graft. The early mortality and complications are low. There are potential cost savings because the need for an incision in the leg is avoided, so that patients may be discharged early. The early results of radial artery grafting are encouraging. Further follow-up is required to determine the late patency and effects on survival of using the radial artery graft.

Identification, molecular cloning, and transcription analysis of the Choristoneura fumiferana nuclear polyhedrosis virus spindle-like protein gene

The Choristoneura fumiferana nuclear polyhedrosis virus spindle-like protein (slp) gene has been identified and localized immediately downstream and in the same orientation as the CfMNPV DNA polymerase gene. The slp gene is 1101 bp long, predicted to code for a 366 amino acid (42.1 kDa) polypeptide. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the CfMNPV slp gene is expressed at late times postinfection, beginning at 24 hr postinfection and is most abundantly expressed after 36 hr. Transcription initiates within a single baculovirus consensus late start site sequence (GTAAG) at position -18 relative to the translation start codon. Based on amino acid comparisons, the CfMNPV gene is closely related to other similar baculovirus genes and distantly but recognizably related to the fusolin proteins of two entomopoxviruses. The conservation of amino acid sequence, glycosylation signals and specific domains throughout the protein suggest that this gene product may play an important role in insect DNA virus replication.

Support for the prion hypothesis for inheritance of a phenotypic trait in yeast

A cytoplasmically inherited genetic element in yeast, [PSI+], was confirmed to be a prionlike aggregate of the cellular protein Sup35 by differential centrifugation analysis and microscopic localization of a Sup35-green fluorescent protein fusion. Aggregation depended on the intracellular concentration and functional state of the chaperone protein Hsp104 in the same manner as did [PSI+] inheritance. The amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal domains of Sup35 contributed to the unusual behavior of [PSI+]. [PSI+] altered the conformational state of newly synthesized prion proteins, inducing them to aggregate as well, thus fulfilling a major tenet of the prion hypothesis.

Studies of Choristoneura fumiferana nuclear polyhedrosis virus gene expression in insect cells

To investigate the mechanisms regulating baculovirus virulence and host range we have begun to study Choristoneura fumiferana nuclear polyhedrosis virus (CfMNPV) and its gene expression in permissive and nonpermissive cells. We have identified and mapped three genes on the CfMNPV genome. The polyhedrin gene is located from 0.0 to 2.0 m.u. and two other genes, dnapol and p143, both of which are essential for baculovirus DNA replication, are located from 35.3 to 40.9 m.u. and 55.5 to 63.4 m.u., respectively. To gain insight into the expression of CfMNPV genes in permissive C. fumiferana and nonpermissive Spodoptera frugiperda cells, we constructed three expression plasmids in which the promoter region of the dnapol, the p143, and polyhedrin genes were placed in front of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. All three CfMNPV promoters were active in nonpermissive cells in the presence of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) DNA, but no activity was detected in permissive cells either in the presence of CfMNPV DNA or AcMNPV DNA. This lack of promoter activity was not due to failure of viral or plasmid DNA to enter the cell nucleus. It was possible that the reporter plasmids were inefficient templates for transcriptional transactivation so we developed a CfMNPV transfer vector and generated a recombinant virus in which the polyhedrin promoter driving CAT gene cassette was integrated into the CfMNPV genome. In this case, the CfMNPV polyhedrin promoter was highly active in the permissive cells.

Unique response of human arteries to endothelin B receptor agonist and antagonist

1. The role of the ET(B) receptor in human arteries has not been well studied because of the lack of specific ET(B) receptor antagonists. In the present studies the specific ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ-788 and the specific ET(B) agonist IRL-1620 were used to characterize the function of the ET(B) receptor in human radial arteries and internal mammary arteries. 2. The results showed that the ET(B) antagonist BQ-788 significantly inhibited endothelin-1-induced contraction in internal mammary arteries, but not in radial arteries. In internal mammary arteries, BQ-788 at a concentration of 10 micromol/l shifted the endothelin-1-induced concentration-dependent curve to the right by one order. By comparison, the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-610 at 1 micromol/l produced a much more potent inhibitory effect (three-order shifting) on endothelin-1-induced contraction in internal mammary arteries, and also potently inhibited the contraction in radial arteries. 3. The ET(B) agonist IRL-1620 caused a contraction in internal mammary arteries, but not in radial arteries, although the response of radial arteries to endothelin-1 was very strong. The contraction induced by IRL-1620 was weaker than that induced by endothelin-1; however, the maximal contraction to IRL-1620 was obtained at 3 nmol/l, which was lower than that with endothelin-1 (maximal contraction at 10 nmol/l). 4. In internal mammary arteries the contraction to endothelin-1 and IRL-1620 gradually changed to relaxation with high concentrations of endothelin-1 (from 30 nmol/l) and IRL-1620 (from 3 nmol/l), whereas it did not in radial arteries; suggesting that the ETB receptor on human arterial smooth muscle cells may mediate contraction at low agonist concentrations and relaxation at high agonist concentrations. 5. The ET(B) agonist IRL-1620, endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 did not cause endothelium-dependent relaxation in either precontracted radial arteries or internal mammary arteries, although endothelium-dependent relaxation was fully induced by acetylcholine in these two arterial preparations. 6. In conclusion, the present studies demonstrate that the responses of internal mammary arteries and radial arteries to an ET(B) antagonist and an ET(B) agonist are significantly different from those of animal vascular vessels, and also from each other. The ET(B) receptor may play only a minor role in endothelium-dependent relaxation of these human arteries. Endothelin-1-induced contraction is mediated by both the ET(A) (major) and the ET(B) (minor) receptors in internal mammary arteries, but only by the ET(A) receptor in radial arteries. These studies may help to determine therapeutic strategy.

Individual serum bile acids in apprentice spray painters in association with solvent exposure

The effects of exposure to solvents on serum bile acids were investigated by comparing a group of apprentice vehicle spray painters (exposed group) with one of apprentice electricians. Apprentice spray painters from the study were subdivided into high- and low-solvent-exposure groups. Concentrations of individual serum bile acids (SBA) were measured and compared with conventional liver function tests (LFTs). Total, free, glycine- and taurine-conjugated SBA were consistently found to be present at higher levels in the spray painters than in the electricians, even at the beginning of the apprenticeship. Total SBA tended to increase in spray painters with increasing years of exposure during the apprenticeship, but this was significant at only one time point. No rises were observed over the sampling period in electricians. The mean values of individual and total SBA concentrations were all found to be higher in the high-exposure group than in the low-exposure group, with some differences reaching statistical significance. None of the routine liver biochemistry parameters was different between spray painters and electricians. gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) was the only enzyme found to be significantly different between the high- and low-exposure groups, but all values were within the normal range. This study suggests that occupational exposure even to low levels of solvent mixtures results in increases in SBA. The increased SBA may be indicative of a subclinical liver dysfunction. Alternatively, they may reflect solvent exposure only, with the raised levels having no pathologic implication or consequence.

Enhanced denaturation of the alpha (II) chains of type-II collagen in normal adult human intervertebral discs compared with femoral articular cartilage

The mechanical strength of connective tissues is dependent on the integrity of their fibrillar collagen frameworks. The objective of the present study was to assess type-II collagen damage (denaturation) in the adult human intervertebral disc compared with articular cartilage, in order to determine whether damage to this molecule may vary in different anatomical sites in the same person. A new immunochemical assay was used to measure the amounts of denatured and total type-II collagen in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus of the L5-S1 disc and in cartilage from the femoral condyles of the same individuals (n = 7). Denaturation of type-II collagen was significantly higher in both the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus than in articular cartilage. Such increased damage to type-II collagen in the adult disc may have relevance to the more pronounced degenerative changes observed in this tissue compared with articular cartilage.

Potent inhibitory effect of SR 49059, an orally active non-peptide vasopressin VIa receptor antagonist, on human arterial coronary bypass graft

1. The effect of vasopressin receptor antagonists varies between analogues (peptide, non-peptide) and across species. In this study the effect of the novel non-peptide vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist SR 49059 on human internal mammary arteries was investigated. 2. SR 49059 produced a potent, concentration-dependent, inhibitory effect on vasopressin-induced contraction of human coronary bypass graft internal mammary arteries. Both SR 49059 (1 mumol/l) and a peptide selective V1a antagonist ([d(CH2)5sarcosine7]arginine vasopressin) (1 mumol/l) abolished vasopressin-induced contraction. The non-peptide V1a receptor antagonist OPC-21268 (1 mumol/l) had no effect on vasopressin-induced contraction. 3. The effect of SR 49059 was specific to vascular vasopressin receptors as noradrenaline-induced contraction was not influenced by SR 49059. 4. The results of this study in vitro indicate that the non-peptide SR 49059 is a potent, specific vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist in the human internal mammary artery and suggest that it may be a useful tool for studying the pathophysiological role of vasopressin in man.

Galactinol synthase from kidney bean cotyledon and zucchini leaf. Purification and N-terminal sequences

Galactinol synthase (GS) was purified 1591-fold with a 3.9% recovery from the cotyledon of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) by a novel scheme consisting of ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by diethylaminoethyl, Affi-Gel Blue, and UDP-hexanolamine affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme had a specific activity of 8.75 mumol mg-1 min-1, a pH optimum of 7.0, and requirements for manganese ion and DTT. The enzyme exhibited a Km = 0.4 mM for UDP-galactose and a Km = 4.5 mM for myo-inositol. It was identified as a 38-kD peptide that co-purified with a 41- and a 43-kD peptide as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Purification to homogeneity was achieved by isolating the 38-kD peptide from the SDS-PAGE gel. To clarify conflicting reports in the literature about the relative molecular mass of purified GS from zucchini leaf (Cucurbita pepo), a similar scheme with modified eluting conditions was used to purify GS from this source. Zucchini leaf GS was purified to homogeneity and identified as a 36-kD peptide on SDS-PAGE. Partial N-terminal sequences of the 38-kD peptide from kidney bean cotyledon and the 36-kD peptide from zucchini leaf were obtained. To facilitate identification of GS during the purification, an assay utilizing thin-layer chromatography and an isotopic analytic imaging scanner was developed.

Various cells release a stable small molecule that inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation

Previous studies have shown that neutrophils release a stable factor that inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation. In the present studies, the effects of supernatants derived from various cells on endothelium-dependent relaxation were studied. Cells were obtained from seven sources: human hematopoietic cells including mononuclear leukocytes (MONO), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells; cells of the cardiovascular system including human endothelial cell line ECV304, human smooth muscle cells, and rat myocardial cells; and the tumor cell line HPB. These isolated or cultured cells were incubated for 1 h in Krebs solution to release the factor. The results showed that the supernatants from 10(5) cells/ml of all cells except the tumor cell line HPB produced a potent inhibitory effect on endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat aortic rings in response to acetylcholine and Ca2+ ionophores A23187 and ionomycin but not on endothelium-independent relaxation to nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate. When the concentration increased to 10(6) cell/ml, the supernatants from the tumor cell line HPB also slightly but significantly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation. The potency order was PMNs = MONO = CLL cells > cardiac cells > smooth muscle cells > the endothelial cell line ECV304 > the tumor cell line HPB. It seems that the hematopoietic cells and the cardiac cells are more active in release of the factor. The effect of this factor was rapid in onset and hard to wash out. A cyclooxygenase inhibitor or a thromboxane A2-prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist partially but significantly reduced the effect of the factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ras transformation results in an elevated level of cyclin D1 and acceleration of G1 progression in NIH 3T3 cells

Ectopic overexpression of v-H-Ras protein in NIH 3T3 cells resulted in cellular transformation and an acceleration of G1 progression of these cells. A shortened G1 phase was found to be associated with an increased level of cyclin D1 but not cyclin E protein. Using an antisense blocking method, reduced synthesis of cyclin D1 in v-H-Ras transformants resulted in a slower G1 progression rate of these cells. Although constitutive overexpression of cyclin D1 in NIH 3T3 cells accelerated G1 progression, cells remained untransformed. Furthermore, inhibition of cyclin D1 synthesis greatly impaired the soft-agar cloning efficiency of v-H-Ras transformants. These results suggest that increased expression of cyclin D1 is necessary but not sufficient for the transforming activity of v-H-Ras. Similar effect on cell cycle progression was also observed in Raf-transformed cells. In addition to cyclin D1, cyclin E protein was found to be elevated in Src transformants. This may account for the further shortening of the G1 phase of these cells. Activation of an additional Ras-independent pathway was suggested to be responsible for the further acceleration of the G1 phase in Src transformants.

Identification, localization, transcription, and sequence analysis of the Choristoneura fumiferana nuclear polyhedrosis virus DNA polymerase gene

The location of the Choristoneura fumiferana baculovirus DNA polymerase gene was determined by hybridization analysis using a probe prepared from the previously identified polymerase gene from the Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the Choristoneura fumiferana baculovirus DNA polymerase gene consists of 2970 base pairs encoding 990 amino acids (114.2 kDa). Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that overlapping transcripts of 3.2 and 4.6 kb, first detected at 6 hr postinfection, potentially coded for the DNA polymerase gene. The major transcription starts sites, identified at 6 hr postinfection, mapped to baculovirus consensus early start sites CGTGCTCA and CAGT. The relatively low level and late initiation of the DNA polymerase gene coupled with our previous data on the temporal control of DNA replication and late gene synthesis (Liu and Carstens, 1993) suggests that the low virulence of the spruce budworm baculovirus may be related to the regulation of its gene expression at the transcriptional level.

Role of thrombosis in the pathogenesis of congestive hepatic fibrosis (cardiac cirrhosis)

The pathogenesis of congestive cirrhosis is generally thought to be a reaction of the hepatic stroma to hypoxia, pressure, or necrosis. This does not explain the poor correlation between symptoms and severity of fibrosis and the irregular distribution of fibrosis within the liver. We have observed healed hepatic vein (HV) thrombosis in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The purposes of this study were to document hepatic vascular lesions in autopsy livers of patients with chronic CHF, to determine the role of these lesions in the pathogenesis of congestive cirrhosis, and to refine the definition of congestive cirrhosis. Twenty-five livers were studied, 13 with multiple large blocks 4 x 5 cm. Sections were graded for parenchymal fibrous septa, sinusoidal fibrosis, and intimal fibrosis of portal veins (PVs) and HVs. Fibrous septa were found in livers of 7 of 13 patients with CHF and in none of 12 controls without CHF (P = .007). Parenchymal fibrosis was highly variable in distribution, often with severe septation in some areas and nearly normal morphology in others. Intimal fibrosis and obstruction of small- and medium-HVs were found only in livers of patients with CHF. The vascular lesions were confined to regions with fibrous septation and had morphology suggestive of organized thrombosis. Acute thrombi in sinusoids were noted in livers of 4 patients with CHF and in livers of 2 patients without CHF. These findings support the hypothesis that congestive cirrhosis is a response to intrahepatic thrombosis. The pattern of disease suggests that thrombus begins in sinusoids, occasionally propagates to HVs, and causes secondary local PV thrombosis, ischemia, parenchymal extinction, and fibrosis.

A method of stimulating an immune response with a hapten immobilized on a nitrocellulose membrane

Hapten refers to a chemical compound of small molar mass (typically less than 1000 daltons) that can bind with an antibody, but cannot initiate an immune response by itself unless it is conjugated to a protein carrier of larger molar mass. A novel method to prepare a hapten to generate anti-hapten immunity without covalent conjugation to a carrier was developed. Coating both water-soluble and -insoluble haptens onto a nitrocellulose membrane effectively presented haptens to the system and caused the generation of specific anti-hapten B lymphocytes and antibodies by immunization both in vitro and in vivo. This method has a potential to substitute for conventional hapten carrier conjugation to generate anti-hapten immunity.

Induction of Ca2+ signaling and possible exocytosis in endothelial cells by a stable leukocyte-derived factor

Previous studies have shown that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) release a stable factor that inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation. In the present studies, the effects of the factor on Ca2+ signaling and on ultrastructure of endothelial cells were investigated. In the cultured endothelial cells, the PMN-derived factor induced an increase in [Ca2+]i in a pattern of oscillations. The frequency of the Ca2+ oscillations was less than 3 spikes/10 minutes. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ by perfusion with Ca(2+)-free Krebs' solution abolished the spikes. The results of electron microscopy showed that this factor induced an increase in vesicle formation on the luminal surface of the rat aortic endothelium. The increased vesicle formation may represent exocytosis. The structure of the smooth muscle cells was not changed. In conclusion, the PMN-derived factor induces a Ca2+ influx and In conclusion, the PMN-derived factor induces a Ca2+ influx and possible exocytosis, suggesting that the factor may have other biological functions besides the inhibition of the vascular relaxation.

[Evaluation of plasma neuropeptide Y levels in patients with congestive heart failure]

Plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) was measured by radioimmunoassay in 43 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and 20 healthy control subjects. The results showed that plasma NPY levels were elevated in patients with CHF compared with control subjects (366 +/- 28 ng/L VS. 89 +/- 22 ng/L, P < 0.001). There was a close relationship between the severity of CHF and plasma NPY levels. The severer the CHF, the higher the NPY level. In addition, 20 of the 43 patients with symptoms improved after treatment for heart failure were followed. The results indicated a significant decrease of plasma NPY levels (333 +/- 42 ng/L VS. 157 +/- 25 ng/L, P < 0.01) in these patients. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence and severity of CHF were related to plasma NPY levels significantly and independently. Because of its potent vasoconstrictive and negative cardiac inotropic effects, NPY might be involved in the pathophysiology of CHF. Plasma NPY levels might be taken as a prognostic indicator in patients with CHF, but further investigation is needed.

Vascular responses to vasopressin antagonists in man and rat

1. The effects of the non-peptide arginine vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist (OPC-21268) and the non-peptide V2 receptor antagonist (OPC-31260) on vasopressin-induced contraction of human internal mammary arteries and rat mesenteric resistance arteries were investigated. 2. In human internal mammary arteries, the non-peptide V1 receptor antagonist, OPC-21268, failed to antagonize vasopressin-induced contraction at low concentrations and potentiated the contraction at higher concentrations (300 nmol/l, P < 0.05). A peptide selective V1 receptor antagonist ([d(CH2)5, sarcosine7]arginine vasopressin) potently inhibited the vasopressin-induced contraction, indicating the presence of functionally constrictor V1 receptors in human internal mammary arteries. Both peptide (desGly-NH29[d(CH2)5, D-Ile2, Ile4]arginine vasopressin) and non-peptide 'selective' V2 receptor antagonists (OPC-31260, 3 mumol/l) significantly antagonized vasopressin-induced contraction (P < 0.01), indicating partial V1 receptor antagonist activity. 3. The vasopressin-induced contraction in human internal mammary arteries was reversed by high concentrations of the non-peptide V2 receptor antagonist, OPC-31260, but not by the non-peptide V1 receptor antagonist, OPC-21268. 4. The effects of OPC-21268 and OPC-31260 were specific to vascular vasopressin receptors as neither compound influenced endothelin- or noradrenaline-induced contraction in human internal mammary arteries. 5. In rat mesenteric resistance arteries, both OPC-21268 (10 nmol/l) and OPC-31260 (1 mumol/l) antagonized vasopressin-induced contraction (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autologous neutrophil derived supernatants inhibit endothelium dependent relaxation in human coronary bypass graft

OBJECTIVE

Spasm of internal mammary artery is a problem during coronary artery bypass grafting. The mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether supernatants derived from neutrophils affected endothelium dependent relaxation of human internal mammary artery.

METHODS

The studies involved use of an organ chamber, measurement of cytosolic Ca2+, electron microscopy, and chemical characterisation.

RESULTS

Autologous neutrophils and internal mammary artery were obtained from patients undergoing the bypass grafting. Supernatants derived from the neutrophils were used to treat the patients' internal mammary artery rings. The results showed that the supernatants derived from 1 x 10(3)-5 x 10(6) cells.ml-1 neutrophils produced a potent concentration dependent inhibition of the endothelium dependent relaxation to ATP, acetylcholine, and the calcium ionophore A23187, but not the endothelium independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. In cultured human endothelial cells, the neutrophil derived supernatants induced an increase in cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i), caused calcium oscillations, and desensitised the ATP induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The increased [Ca2+]i resulted from a calcium influx. The supernatants also induced an increase in vesicle formation and possibly exocytosis in the internal mammary artery endothelium. Chemical characterisation showed that the effect of the supernatants was caused by a factor that is stable to heat, extreme pH and protease, is negatively charged and weakly hydrophobic, and has a molecular weight under 500 Dalton.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous neutrophils release a stable non-protein small molecule that disturbs internal mammary artery endothelial function. Since it raises [Ca2+]i and causes possible exocytosis, it may have functions beyond its inhibition of vascular relaxation. This factor could be one of the contributors to internal mammary artery spasm and late atherosclerosis.

A stable leukocyte-derived factor inhibits platelet aggregation

The effect of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived supernatants on platelet aggregation was studied. The results showed that the supernatants produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the platelet aggregation in response to thrombin. The effect was mainly on the second phase of the aggregation, suggesting that the secretory mechanisms of the platelets are disturbed. The activity of the supernatants was not reduced after treatment with heat (95 degrees C for 30 minutes), extreme pH (pH 12 or pH 2) or protease. In conclusion, human PMNs release a stable non-protein factor that inhibits platelet aggregation.

Purification and properties of GTP:GTP guanylyltransferase from encysted embryos of the brine shrimp Artemia

GTP:GTP guanylyltransferase has been purified from the yolk platelets of Artemia cysts. The 480-kDa enzyme catalyzes the reversible reaction 2GTP<==>Gp4G + PPi and contains immunologically related polypeptides of 142, 88, and 45 kDa and a distinct 80-kDa component. The 88 and 45 kDa species can be covalently labeled with [alpha-32P]GTP. Even in crude extracts, the enzyme appears to be partially proteolyzed, suggesting that it is a nonfunctional residue of the pre-encystment stages of development. A native alpha 2 beta 2 structure comprising 2 mol each of the 142- and 80-kDa polypeptides is proposed. The reaction follows ping-pong kinetics with a covalent enzyme-guanylate intermediate containing a phosphoramidate linkage, probably phospholysine. The enzyme has two GTP-binding sites: a "donor" site in which the enzyme-guanylate is formed and which is highly specific for guanine nucleotides (GTP, p4G, dGTP, and GppNHp) and an "acceptor" site which additionally binds XTP, ITP, GDP, and ADP. Thus, the enzyme will form the homodinucleotides Gp4G, Gp5G, Gp3G, dGp4dG, and GppNHppG and the heterodinucleotides Gp4X, Gp4I, and Gp3A, but not Xp4X, Ip4I, or Gp4A. The Km for GTP was 6.7 mM and kcat was 1.6 s-1. XTP was a fully uncompetitive inhibitor of Gp4G synthesis while ITP was a partially uncompetitive inhibitor. In the reverse reaction, certain pyrophosphate analogs could substitute for PPi. The structure and mechanism of this enzyme suggest an evolutionary relationship to mRNA capping enzymes.

Total synthesis of taxol

Taxol, a substance originally isolated from the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) more than two decades ago, has recently been approved for the clinical treatment of cancer patients. Hailed as having provided one of the most significant advances in cancer therapy, this molecule exerts its anticancer activity by inhibiting mitosis through enhancement of the polymerization of tubulin and consequent stabilization of microtubules. The scarcity of taxol and the ecological impact of harvesting it have prompted extension searches for alternative sources including semisynthesis, cellular culture production and chemical synthesis. The latter has been attempted for almost two decades, but these attempts have been thwarted by the magnitude of the synthetic challenge. Here we report the total synthesis of taxol by a convergent strategy, which opens a chemical pathway for the production of both the natural product itself and a variety of designed taxoids.

Human internal mammary artery responses to non-peptide vasopressin antagonists

1. OPC-21268 and OPC-31260 are newly developed orally active non-peptide vasopressin (AVP) V1 and V2 receptor antagonists, respectively. The effects of the two compounds on human vessels have not been studied. 2. The effects of the two compounds on AVP-induced contraction of human internal mammary arteries (IMA) were investigated. Their effects were compared with the peptide V1 and V2 antagonists d(CH2)5Sar7AVP (SAVP) and d(CH2)5D-Ileu2Ileu4AVP (Ileu2Ileu4AVP), respectively. 3. The V1 antagonist OPC-21268 failed to antagonize AVP-induced contraction at low concentrations and potentiated the contraction at higher concentration (3 x 10(-7) mol/L, P < 0.05). It also caused a mild direct contractile effect on IMA. In contrast, the peptide V1 antagonist SAVP potently inhibited the AVP-induced contraction, indicating that functionally constrictor V1 receptors exist in IMA. Both the nonpeptide and peptide V2 antagonists OPC-31260 (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) and Ileu2Ileu4AVP significantly antagonized the AVP-induced contraction (P < 0.01). 4. The AVP-induced contraction was reversed by high concentrations of OPC-31260 (10(-6) mol/L-3 x 10(-5) mol/L) but not by OPC-21268 (up to 3 x 10(-5) mol/L). 5. These studies indicate that, in human IMA, OPC-21268 is a partial V1 receptor agonist with no V1 receptor antagonist activity, while OPC-31260 is a V1 receptor antagonist. The results also indicate that Ileu2Ileu4AVP may be a V1 receptor antagonist in humans.

Effects of calcium- and ETA-receptor antagonists on endothelin-induced vasoconstriction and levels of endothelin in the human internal mammary artery

1. The effects of the ETA receptor antagonist BQ123 and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists on the vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were studied in human isolated internal mammary artery (IMA). The effect of the calcium antagonist, nisoldipine, on ET-1 levels has also been examined in cultured IMA endothelial cells (IMAEC). 2. The results showed that BQ123 and the calcium antagonists nisoldipine, isradipine, nitrendipine and nifedipine fully relaxed IMA precontracted with 3 nmol/L ET-1 with the EC50 values of 7.18 +/- 0.09 (-log mol/L) for BQ123, and 7.68 +/- 0.07, 7.02 +/- 0.12, 6.96 +/- 0.08 and 6.89 +/- 0.09 for the calcium antagonists, respectively. 3. Pretreatment of IMA with 10, 30, 100 and 300 nmol/L nisoldipine significantly depressed the maximal response (Max; 88.3 +/- 5.1, 75.2 +/- 4.9, 59.3 +/- 5.6 and 56.2 +/- 4.8% of maximal noradrenaline response versus 99.1 +/- 13.2% in control, P < 0.01) of IMA to ET-1 without a significant change in the EC50 values. 4. Pretreatment of IMA with 300 nmol/L BQ123 significantly increased both the EC50 (7.97 +/- 0.09 vs 8.36 +/- 0.08 in the control, P < 0.05) and the Max (138.1 +/- 10.2% vs the control, P < 0.01) of IMA to ET-1. 5. Incubation of IMAEC with nisoldipine for 7 h resulted in a dose-dependent (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/L) reduction up to 93.1% in ET levels in the conditioned media.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synergistic effect of nisoldipine and nitroglycerin on human internal mammary artery

Perioperative spasm of the internal mammary artery (IMA) can be a problem in coronary artery bypass surgery, which may be prevented by vasodilator drugs. The relaxing effect of a new calcium antagonist nisoldipine used alone or in combination with nitroglycerin (NTG) was studied in human isolated IMA in organ chambers. The results showed that nisoldipine exhibited a potent relaxing effect on IMA precontracted by membrane depolarization (K+ induced) with an EC50 of 7.58 +/- 0.08 (-log M). Nisoldipine was about 10 times more potent than was nifedipine (EC50, 6.72 +/- 0.10). However, both calcium antagonists showed much less relaxing effect on IMA precontracted with the thromboxane mimetic U46619. When IMA was pretreated with nisoldipine, this drug (range, 10-300 nM) inhibited contraction induced by either K+ or U46619 in a concentration-dependent manner. The relaxing effect of nisoldipine was long lasting and extremely hard to wash out (more than 3 hr). NTG showed a rapid and short-lasting relaxing effect on IMA precontracted with either K+ or U46619. Pretreatment of IMA with NTG had little effect for prevention of contraction to K+ or U46619. Combining nisoldipine with NTG at low concentrations (1-30 nM) produced a synergistic effect in the prevention of IMA contraction to K+ or U46619 and in relaxation of IMA precontracted with these agents. These studies reveal that combining nisoldipine with NTG combines the advantages of both and provide a scientific basis for a future clinical trial using combined nisoldipine and NTG at low concentrations for the preparation of IMA (pretreatment) to prevent IMA spasm during coronary artery bypass grafting.

Alternatively spliced fibronectin molecules in the wounded cornea: analysis by PCR

PURPOSE

To determine whether certain fibronectin isoforms participate in corneal epithelial wound healing, the authors used the polymerase chain reaction to detect different splicing patterns of the EIIIA segment of fibronectin mRNA in epithelial scrape-wounded cornea of rats.

METHODS

Specific fibronectin cDNA sequences synthesized from rat cornea with total RNA were amplified with various sets of synthetic oligonucleotide primers.

RESULTS

The authors detected both the EIIIA+ and EIIIA- fibronectin mRNA isoforms during corneal wound healing. The kinetics of corneal expression of both total fibronectin mRNA and the EIIIA- fibronectin mRNA isoform was polyphasic; an initial decrease was followed by an increase at 45 minutes, a second increase at 2 hours, and a third increase at 4 days after wounding. EIIIA+ fibronectin mRNA, not found in normal cornea, also was detected during healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of total fibronectin mRNA and both the EIIIA+ and EIIIA- fibronectin mRNA is upregulated during corneal epithelial wound healing. The expression of EIIIA+ fibronectin mRNA during wound healing, a fibronectin isoform that was highly expressed in embryonic tissue, suggests that this fibronectin isoform is involved functionally in corneal wound healing.

Inhibition by a stable factor derived from neutrophils of endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aorta

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) may play an important role in many pathophysiological states. The effect of a factor derived from PMNs on endothelium-dependent relaxation was studied using rat aortic rings in organ chambers. PMNs were obtained from cardiac surgical patients and healthy volunteers. After incubation in Krebs solution for 3 h, supernatants of PMN suspensions were isolated and used to pretreat the aortic rings for 30 min. The results showed that the supernatants derived from 1 x 10(4) to 5 x 10(6) cells/ml PMNs produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine but not endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. The effect could not be prevented by oxygen free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (150 U/ml), catalase (1,200 U/ml), or mannitol (20 mM) used alone or in combination. Heating the supernatants at 95 degrees C for 30 min did not reduce the inhibitory effect. L-Arginine at 3 x 10(-5) to 3 x 10(-3) M did not significantly reverse the inhibitory effect of the PMN-derived factor. In conclusion, this study reveals that a heat-stable factor derived from human PMNs potently inhibits acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation but not sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent relaxation in rat aorta. This inhibitory effect is not caused by oxygen free radicals, a limitation of nitric oxide precursor or other unstable factors.

Reduction of endothelin levels by the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nisoldipine and a 'natural factor' in cultured human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Endothelin is thought to be related to cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelin levels could be reduced by a calcium antagonist and a 'natural factor'.

DESIGN

Since calcium ionophores can induce endothelin-1 messenger RNA synthesis in cultured endothelial cells, the calcium antagonist nisoldipine was used in this study to determine whether it could reduce endothelin levels. It has been reported that coculture of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells from different species and different parts of the body can reduce endothelin levels. This study was also designed to determine whether coculture of the two cell types from the same species and the same section of an artery could reduce endothelin levels.

METHODS

Cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical artery (HUAEC) and umbilical vein (HUVEC) were treated with increasing concentrations of nisoldipine. HUAEC were cocultured with human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMC). Endothelin levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Incubation of the HUAEC with nisoldipine for either 7 or 24 h resulted in a dose-dependent (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l) reduction in endothelin levels in the conditioned media. Endothelin levels in cell lysates were not detectable in either the absence or the presence of nisoldipine. This suggests that the reduction of endothelin levels in the media could be due to inhibition of endothelin synthesis. Under the same conditions, incubation of HUVEC with the same concentrations of nisoldipine produced a similar concentration-dependent reduction in endothelin levels. Endothelin levels were undetectable in the conditioned media from HUASMC. Coculture of HUAEC with HUASMC significantly reduced endothelin levels (P < 0.01) compared with HUAEC cultured alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelin levels can be reduced by the calcium antagonist nisoldipine and a 'natural factor' associated with smooth muscle cells.

Use of helper-free retroviral vector to direct a high expression of porcine growth hormone in mouse fibroblast cells

A retroviral vector has been employed to express the cDNA coding for porcine growth hormone (pGH) in the mouse fibroblast cell NIH 3T3 in large quantity. In this study, a single gene vector which contained no selectable marker was used. We have coinfected NIH 3T3 cells with pGH retrovirus and Neo(r) retrovirus to obtain a stable, high-expression clone. Using a superinfection strategy, we further increased the copy number of proviral DNA in the host chromosome, thus increasing the pGH secretion from 22 to 55 micrograms/10(6) cells/24 h. The recombinant pGH produced from mouse fibroblast cells was heterogeneous at the N-terminus, which mimicked the situation with bovine growth hormone either from natural sources or from recombinant products derived from mouse fibroblasts. This technology is useful for many biologically important genes to be stably transduced by retroviral vector into mammalian cells and highly expressed.

Long term and large-scale cultivation of human hepatoma Hep G2 cells in hollow fiber bioreactor

Long-term and large scale cultivation of an anchorage-dependent cell line using an industrial scale hollow fiber perfusion bioreactor is described. Hep G2 cells (a human hepatoma cell line) were cultivated in an Acusyst-P (Endotronic) with a total fiber surface area of 7.2 m2 6 x 1.2m2) to produce Hep G2 crude conditioned medium (CCM). Pretreatment of the cellulose acetate hollow fibers with collagen enhances the attachment of the anchorage-dependent cells. We have succeeded in growing the Hep G2 cells in an antibiotics- and serum-free IMDM medium, supplemented with 50 micrograms/ml of Hep G2 CCM protein at inoculation. The Hep G2 cells replicate and secrete CCM protein in quantities comparable to those produced in DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). The highest CCM protein productivity during the 80-day cultivation was 1.1 g/day with a total of 30 g of protein accumulated. Hep G2 CCM (20-40 micrograms protein/ml) was comparable to or even better than 10% FCS in supporting the growth of Molt-4 (a human T leukemia cell line) and FO (a mouse myeloma cell line) cells in vitro. The availability of this large amount of Hep G2 CCM will aid the further purification and characterization of growth factor(s) which could be used as serum substituents.

Nifedipine and experimental cardioprotection

Experimental studies using animal models designed to mimic the effect of ischemia and postischemic reperfusion have provided data indicating that the calcium antagonists might be cardioprotective. The laboratory studies have indicated consistently, however, that the timing of such drug administration is of critical importance. In the case of nifedipine (a dihydropyridine-based calcium antagonist), the laboratory studies have shown that when used prophylactically it has a protective effect during short (as in the "stunned heart") and long episodes (greater than 30 minutes) of ischemia. This protection has been quantitated in a variety of ways, including preservation of left ventricular function. A complete understanding of whether and how calcium antagonists can be used to protect the myocardium requires further detailed knowledge of not only of the voltage-activated calcium channel and its binding sites, but also of the sequence of events triggered by ischemia and reperfusion. Recent data from our laboratories indicate that cardiac membranes contain specific binding sites for the novel, endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, ET, and that the density of these sites increases during ischemia. ET promotes Ca2+ influx through the voltage-sensitive channels by a mechanism that does not involve a direct interaction with the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive binding sites. Nevertheless, the ET-induced Ca2+ influx is attenuated by the dihydropyridine-based calcium channel blockers.

Reoxygenation, but neither hypoxia nor intermittent ischemia, increases [125I]endothelin-1 binding to rat cardiac membranes

Standard binding techniques were used to establish whether either hypoxia, reoxygenation, perfusion under acidotic conditions, or "stunning" of the myocardium resembles ischemia and postischemic reperfusion in increasing cardiac membrane [125I]endothelin-1 (ET-1) binding site density (Bmax). Membranes from aerobically perfused rat hearts bound [125I]ET-1 to a single population of sites, with an affinity (KD) of 0.093 +/- 0.004 nM and a Bmax of 98.8 +/- 5.2 fmol/mg of protein. Bmax was increased (p less than 0.01) after 30 min of global ischemia, and further increased upon reperfusion, without changes in KD or selectivity. Neither three 10 min episodes of ischemia separated by 15 min of perfusion, nor perfusion at pH 6.8 instead of 7.4, nor 60 min of hypoxia altered Bmax, KD, or selectivity. Reoxygenation after 60 min of hypoxia increased Bmax (p less than 0.01) and KD (p less than 0.01) without changing selectivity. These results are interpreted to mean that the ischemia-induced increase in Bmax for [125I]ET-1 cannot be explained simply in terms of the ischemia-induced acidosis, or the accompanying reduction in tissue adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate.

Current approaches to vaccine preparation

Numerous conventional vaccines for animal use are currently available, and many of these vaccines have been instrumental in the control of infectious diseases of major economic importance. A vaccine has even been instrumental in global eradication of smallpox, an important human disease. However, many of the current vaccines are deficient in efficiency, potency, or safety. It has been recognized that the conventional methodologies are a limitation to further vaccine development. Introduction of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant DNA, and protein engineering techniques has facilitated a rather rapid increase in the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms, as well as of protective antigens at the molecular level. This knowledge provides the basis for development of a new generation of vaccines. As a rule, these vaccines contain purified immunogens, or even isolated epitopes, identified and prepared by molecular biological techniques. The efforts to find better delivery systems and better adjuvants accompany the research on vaccines.

[Large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies using hollow fiber bioreactor]

Development of large-scale monoclonal antibody production using industrial scale hollow fiber bioreactor is described. Hybridoma cell lines H505AC and A306AA were cultivated in the hollow fiber perfusion bioreactor with a total fiber surface area of 7.2 m2 (6 x 1.2 m2) to produce anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAg) monoclonal antibody IgM and anti-alpha-fetal protein (anti-AFP) monoclonal antibody IgG. The highest anti-HBsAg IgM productivity obtained during 49 days cultivation of H505AC was 0.135 g/day and the total accumulated IgM was 1.90 g. Results from the cultivation of A306AA in the hollow fiber module for 23 days showed the highest anti-AFP IgG productivity and the total accumulated IgG were 0.672 g/day and 7.21 g, respectively.

Solubilization and characterization of endothelin-1 receptors in rat cardiac tissue

Adult rat cardiac endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors were solubilized with 0.5% digitonin and then characterized. The receptors retained binding activity after solubilization. Binding was saturable (KD of 0.065 +/- 0.004 nM, Bmax of 94.6 +/- 4.5 fmol/mg protein; Hill coefficient of 0.987 +/- 0.017 n = 6) and pH dependent, with the binding increasing as the pH was decreased from 10 to 4, but decreasing dramatically as pH dropped to 2. Specifically bound [125I]-ET-1 was not dissociated by 2 x 10(-7) M unlabelled ET-1, but was dissociated by pH 10 and 2. Returning the pH to 7.4 restored the binding activity of the receptors. Unlabelled ET-1 (10(-12) - 10(-7) M) and sarafotoxin S6b(10(-12) - 10(-7) M) competed with [125I]-ET-1 for binding to the receptors.