Generation of completely embryonic stem cell-derived mutant mice using tetraploid blastocyst injection

Embryonic stem (ES) cells provide a unique tool for producing specifically designed mutations in mice. Here, we describe an alternative approach toward the generation of mice which are derived completely from ES cells (ES mice), as judged by glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) analysis, without prior passage through the germline. By injecting wild-type and mutant ES cells into tetraploid blastocysts, viable and fertile ES mice were generated, suggesting that totipotency of ES cells was not affected by long-term culture and experimental manipulation in vitro. When ES cell clones harboring a lacZ reporter gene introduced by either targeted insertion or a gene-trap approach were used, the expression pattern of the lacZ gene in ES fetuses was identical to that of fetuses that were derived from breeding of chimeric mice. Thus, this technique can be considered as a useful and rapid approach to produce fetuses and mice directly from ES cells carrying predetermined genetic changes and offers many applications for studies in molecular genetics and developmental biology.

The absence of c-fos prevents light-induced apoptotic cell death of photoreceptors in retinal degeneration in vivo

Apoptotic cell death in the retina was recently demonstrated in animal models of the hereditary human retinal dystrophy known as retinitis pigmentosa. Although recent evidence indicates that the proto-oncogene c-fos is a mediator of apoptosis, its precise role is unclear. In fact, under some conditions, c-fos may even protect against apoptotic cell death. In the retina, c-fos is physiologically expressed in a diurnal manner and is inducible by light. We previously observed a light-elicited, dose-dependent apoptotic response in rat photoreceptors. To determine whether c-fos is involved in the light-induced apoptotic pathway we have used control mice and mice lacking c-fos. We found that following dark adaptation and two hours of light exposure both groups of animals exhibited only a few apoptotic cells. However, at 12 and 24 additional hours after light exposure, apoptosis increased dramatically in controls but was virtually absent in those mice lacking c-fos. Therefore, c-fos is essential for light-induced apoptosis of photoreceptors. Notably, c-fos is continuously upregulated concomitant with apoptotic photoreceptor death in our system and in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (Agarwal, N. et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis.Sci. Suppl. 36, S638 and Rich, K.A. et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. Suppl. 35, 1833). Inhibition of c-fos expression might therefore represent a novel therapeutic strategy to retard the time course of retinal dystrophies and light-induced retinal degeneration.

Preferential release of renal dopamine into the tubule lumen: effect of chronic sodium loading

Dopamine (DA), produced by the renal proximal tubule, has been demonstrated as an intrarenal paracrine hormone mediating diuresis and natriuresis. The precise mechanism by which DA exerts its cell-to-cell action is not fully understood. In the present study, renal interstitial (RIF) DA (by in vivo microdialysis) and urinary DA excretion (UDAV) were compared in anesthetized rats on either normal (0.28% NaCl, NS) or high (4.0% NaCl, HS) sodium balance (n = 9 in each group). Urine flow (UV) and sodium excretion (UNaV) in HS were greater than in NS rats (UV 7.2 +/- 0.6 vs 3.8 +/- 0.3 microliters/min, P < 0.01; UNaV 497 +/- 66 vs 265 +/- 27 nmol/min, P < 0.01). In rats on both NS and HS balance, UDAV was significantly higher than RIF DA (420 +/- 37 vs 3.68 +/- 0.49 pg/min in the NS rat; 601 +/- 68 vs 1.25 +/- 0.36 pg/min in the HS rat, both P < 0.01). UDAV was increased in HS compared with NS rats (601 +/- 68 vs 420 +/- 37 pg/min, P < 0.05). In contrast, RIF DA was significantly lower in HS than NS rats (1.25 +/- 0.36 vs 3.68 +/- 0.49 pg/min, P < 0.01). In conclusion, chronic sodium loading increased renal DA production and release predominantly into the tubular lumen rather than the peritubular interstitial space of the kidney. These results indicate that DA originating from proximal tubule cells has a direct tubule action in the control of sodium excretion.

Bone mineral analysis in patients with biliary atresia after successful Kasai procedure

Metabolism is probably disturbed in patients with abnormal liver function who have undergone a successful Kasai procedure. We examined bone mineral metabolism in patients who have successfully undergone Kasai procedure. Bone mineral metabolism was examined in 8 patients with biliary atresia after a successful Kasai procedure. Five patients were female and 3 were male. The ages at Kasai procedure ranged from 50 to 80 days, and the follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 27 years after the operation. All patients eat a normal oral diet. We examined plasma levels of 25-OH-D3, 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, Ca and phosphorus (P). Bone mineral content of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and the data were expressed as a bone mineral density (BMD). Two patients showed abnormal levels on hepatic function tests. Plasma levels of 1, 25-(OH)2-D3, Ca, and P were normal in all patients. The level of 25-OH-D3 was normal in 7 patients. BMD levels were normal in 6 patients, but low in 2 who had undergone partial splenic embolization and splenectomy, respectively, due to hypersplenism. In long-term survivors of Kasai procedure, measurement of BMD may detect bone mineral deficiency earlier than measurements of serum levels of 25-OH-D, 1, 25-(OH)2-D, Ca and P.

A study of caloric restriction and cardiovascular aging in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis): a potential model for aging research

Caloric restriction has been demonstrated to retard aging processes and extend maximal life span in rodents, and is currently being evaluated in several nonhuman primate trials. We initiated a study in 32 adult cynomolgus monkeys to evaluate the effect of caloric restriction on parameters contributing to atherosclerosis extent. Following pretrial determinations, at which time a baseline measure of ad libitum (ad lib) dietary intake was assessed, animals were randomized to an ad lib fed group (control) or a caloric restriction group (30% reduction from baseline intake). The animals are being evaluated for glycated proteins, insulin, glucose, insulin sensitivity measures, and specific measures of body fat composition by CT scans (e.g., intra-abdominal fat) over specified intervals. The results from the first year of observation demonstrate a significant diet effect on body weight, and specifically intra-abdominal fat. Further, insulin sensitivity has been significantly increased after 1 year of caloric restriction compared to the ad lib fed group. These studies indicate that caloric restriction has a marked effect on a pathologic fat depot, and this change is associated significantly with an improvement in peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity.

Changes of hepatic volume after successful Kasai operation

The number of long term survivors who have undergone Kasai operation for biliary atresia is increasing, but some have a hepatic dysfunction likely to require liver transplantation in the near future. Hepatic volume possibly reflects whole liver function, and our objective was to assess the changes of hepatic volume after Kasai operation. Ten patients were studied. Ages ranged from 3 to 27 years. They underwent Kasai operation at ages ranging from 50 to 80 days. Liver areas (cm2) on CT images were measured with an image processing and analysis program (NIH Image 1.57). Hepatic volume (cm3) was calculated by summing up the areas of each image and multiplying by slice thickness (cm). After Kasai operation, the size of the liver increased to 1.7-1.9 times the standard volume, and then reduced to normal size around 5 years of age. In the teens, hepatic volume decreased below the standard volume. Segmental hypertrophy accompanying atrophy of other hepatic segments was observed in 9 out of 10 patients; right lobe hypertrophy: 6, medial segment: 2, and lateral segment: 1. Therefore, progressive hepatic atrophy begins in the teens, but is compensated for by segmental hypertrophy.

Intrarenal dopamine production and distribution in the rat. Physiological control of sodium excretion

Dopamine (DA), produced by the renal proximal tubule, has been demonstrated as an intrarenal paracrine hormone mediating diuresis and natriuresis. The precise mechanism by which DA exerts its cell-to-cell action is not fully understood. In the present study, renal interstitial fluid (RIF) DA (by in vivo microdialysis) and urinary DA excretion (UDAV) were compared in anesthetized rats on either normal (0.28% NaCI, NS) or high (4.0% NaCI, HS) sodium balance and in response to acute gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa (gludopa) administration. Urine flow (UV) and sodium excretion (UNaV) in HS were greater than in NS rats. UDAV was increased in HS compared with NS rats. RIF DA was significantly lower in HS than NS rats. Gludopa at 3, 5, and 7.5 nmol/kg (IV bolus) produced a larger increase in UDAV than RIF DA. Only the highest dose of gludopa (7.5 nmol/kg), which resulted in a 7.3-fold increase in UDAV and 1.7-fold increase in RIF DA, was associated with significant diuresis and natriuresis. Cortical and medullary blood flow remained unchanged after gludopa (7.5 nmol/kg) administration, while angiotensin II (100 ng.kg-1.min-1) induced significant reduction in cortical and medullary blood flow. Prior bilateral renal denervation did not have a significant effect on basal DA levels (RIF DA and UDAV) or gludopa-induced DA production or natriuresis and diuresis. These data demonstrated that both chronic sodium loading and acute gludopa administration stimulated renal DA production and release predominantly into the tubule lumen, where DA had a direct tubule action in the control of UNaV. Renal DA production and its renal effects were not significantly regulated by renal sympathetic nerve activity.

The cell surface marker phenotype of macrophages from HIV-1-infected subjects reflects an IL-10-Enriched and IFN-gamma-deprived donor environment

T cells depend on costimulation by accessory cells for an immune response. Costimulatory macrophage activity involves the expression of B7 molecules whose expression is upregulated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and downregulated by interleukin-10 (IL-10). The expression of low-affinity Fc gamma IIIR (CD16), in contrast, is upregulated in the presence of IL-10 and downregulated in the presence of IFN-gamma. In human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, the balance between IFN-gamma and IL-10 expression shifts toward IL-10 predominance. Herein, we compare B7 and CD16 macrophage phenotypes from healthy and from HIV-1-infected patients. Patient macrophages express B7 molecules in lower density than macrophages from healthy donors and are resistant to the upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression. B7 expression can be normalized in patient macrophages by treating them with anti IL-10 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and IFN-gamma together but not by treatment with either anti-IL-10 mAb or IFN-gamma alone. This finding suggests an excess of IL-10 in HIV-1 infection and an IFN-gamma deficiency, consistent with previous cytokine assessments in HIV-1-infected subjects. The upregulation of CD16 expression was readily induced in patient macrophages by treatment with IL-10 and was inhibited by treatment with IFN-gamma. CD16 expression identifies the subset of cytotoxic macrophages that has been shown to destroy CD4T cells, which they target through CD4-reactive immune-complexed HIV-1 envelope molecules.

A multicentre study to investigate the prevalence of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in Chinese pregnant women

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in Chinese pregnant women. To study the inter-relationship between maternal body habitus, maternal serum glucose and birth weight of the baby.

METHODS

Multicentre observational study involving 713 pregnant Chinese women, attending antenatal clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance was 6.9%. The prevalence was 6.8%, 5.5%, 7.2% and 8.1% in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, respectively. The differences among the centres did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.9). The mean ponderal index of women with abnormal glucose tolerance was significantly higher than that of women with normal glucose tolerance (15.2 vs 14.3, p < 0.01). The birth weight ratio of the babies was positively correlated with the maternal height (correlation coefficient 0.23, 95% C.I. 0.15-0.30), weight (0.32, 95% C.I. 0.25-0.39) and to a lesser extent, the fasting level of serum glucose (0.10, 95% C.I. 0.02-0.28) but not with the 2 hour level of serum glucose.

Effects of optical bias on moving gratings in bismuth silicon oxide at large fringe modulation

Optical bias has been applied in the formation of moving gratings in bismuth silicon oxide at large fringe modulations. It is shown that optical bias is an effective method of overcoming the problems associated with the sudden drop in the optimum fringe velocity when the fringe modulation is close to unity. It is experimentally found that within a certain range of optical bias the absolute diffraction efficiency can be higher than that without optical bias, which is not the case when a stationary grating is used.

Role of nitric oxide resistance in erythropoietin-induced hypertension in rats with chronic renal failure

We studied the mechanism of erythropoietin (EPO)-induced hypertension (HTN) in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). After partial nephrectomy, rats were randomized into four groups. Group A received EPO, 150 U/kg, two times weekly for 6 wk to prevent anemia; group B received placebo injections and became anemic; group C received EPO but was kept anemic by dietary iron deficiency; and group D received placebo and regular transfusions to match hematocrit (Hct) in group A. Blood pressure (BP), Hct, platelet cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and magnesium concentration, and pressor and vasodilatory responses were determined. By design, Hct in groups A and D were comparable and significantly greater (P < 0.01) than in groups B and C. Despite divergent Hct values, the EPO-treated groups A and C showed a significant rise in BP compared with the placebo-treated groups B and D. HTN occurred whether EPO therapy was begun immediately or 4 wk after nephrectomy. EPO therapy augmented the elevation of basal [Ca2+]i and restored the defective thrombin-mediated rise of platelet [Ca2+]i in CRF animals. EPO therapy did not alter caudal artery contraction in response to either 68 mM K(+)-induced depolarization, angiotensin II or alpha 1-agonist, methoxamine in vitro, or the pressor response to angiotensin II in vivo. However, EPO therapy impaired the hypotensive response to nitric oxide (NO) donors, sodium nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine, and reversed the CRF-induced upregulation of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production by thoracic aorta in vitro. Thus EPO-induced HTN in CRF rats is Hct independent and is associated with and perhaps causally related to increased basal and stimulated [Ca2+]i and impaired vasodilatory response to NO.

Monocytes in HIV type 1-infected individuals lose expression of costimulatory B7 molecules and acquire cytotoxic activity

Monocytes/macrophages control the function of lymphocytes through positive and negative regulation. They release immunostimulatory cytokines and initiate costimulatory signals in T cells through the expression of B7 molecules. Their negative regulatory functions include the capacity to destroy cells with which they form cellular conjugates. We show here that HIV-1 infection skews monocyte function toward negative regulation by restraining the expression of costimulatory B7 molecules and by enhancing the cytolytic monocyte function. Monocytes that express constitutively B7, a membrane component that facilitates the engagement of costimulatory signals in T cells, lose this marker after HIV-1 infection and become refractory to inducers of B7 expression. The appearance of monocytes with reduced B7 expression is associated with an increased cytolytic monocyte capacity. Monocytes from HIV-1-infected donors destroy antibody-targeted normal lymphocytes more efficiently than do normal monocytes and they destroy CD4+ T cells specifically without the exposure to an exogenous ligand. CD4-reactive HIV-1 envelope molecules, expressed on monocytes as a consequence of infection or of opsonization by antibody, may specifically target CD4+ T lymphocytes for destruction and may thereby contribute to the preferential loss of CD4 T cells in HIV-1-infected individuals.

AIDS patient monocytes target CD4 T cells for cellular conjugate formation and deletion through the membrane expression of HIV-1 envelope molecules

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes in humans the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It replicates at a high rate in lymphoid organs even before it causes clinical symptoms. It binds to CD4 cell surface markers and destroys T lymphocytes that express the receptor. The immune system replenishes CD4 T cells at a formidable rate but, unable to keep up with the losses, allows the CD4 T cell compartment to disintegrate gradually. The net loss of CD4 T cells is an indicator for disease progression. How the virus destroys CD4 T cells and whether their loss accounts for the ensuing immunodeficiency have not been fully explained. We have reported evidence, and confirm here, that HIV-infected subjects deposit on monocytes immune complexes containing the virus or its envelope molecule gp120. Armed with these immune complexes monocytes form specific cellular conjugates with CD4 T cells and kill them. The destruction of normal CD4 T cells by monocytes from AIDS patients can be blocked by soluble CD4 and by free gp120. Normal monocytes and macrophages can be armed with CD4-binding gp120, and so induced to destroy CD4 T cells, by incubating them with gp120 and gp120-specific antibody. CD4-reactive HIV-1 components have a short half-life on the phagocyte surface. Removed from the HIV-infected environment, monocytes clear their surfaces of antibody-complexed viral components within hours, which abrogates their ability to destroy CD4 T cells. Rearming the monocytes with gp120-anti-gp120 complexes restores their capacity to destroy CD4 T cells. The data imply that for uninterrupted deletion of CD4 T cells, monocytes require a continued productive HIV-1 infection of their host.

Nitric oxide: a key mediator in the early and late phase of carrageenan-induced rat paw inflammation

1 The role of nitric oxide (NO) derived from constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase (cNOS and iNOS) and its relationship to oxygen-derived free radicals and prostaglandins (PG) was investigated in a carrageenan-induced model of acute hindpaw inflammation. 2 The intraplantar injection of carrageenan elicited an inflammatory response that was characterized by a time-dependent increase in paw oedema, neutrophil infiltration, and increased levels of nitrite/nitrate (NO2-/NO3-) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in the paw exudate. 3 Paw oedema was maximal by 6 h and remained elevated for 10 h following carrageenan administration. The non-selective cNOS/iNOS inhibitors, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) given intravenously (30-300 mg kg-1) 1 h before or after carrageenan administration, inhibited paw oedema at all time points. 4 The selective iNOS inhibitors, N-iminoethyl-L-lysine (L-NIL) or aminoguanidine (AG), failed to inhibit carrageenan-induced paw oedema during the first 4 h following carrageenan administration, but inhibited paw oedema at subsequent time points (from 5-10 h). iNOS mRNA was detected between 3 to 10 h following carrageenan administration using ribonuclease protection assays. iNOS protein was first detected 6 h and was maximal 10 h following carrageenan administration as shown by Western blot analysis. Administration of the iNOS inhibitors 5 h after carrageenan (a time point where iNOS was expressed) inhibited paw oedema at all subsequent time points. Infiltrating neutrophils were not the source of iNOS since pretreatment with colchicine (2 mg kg-1) suppressed neutrophil infiltration, but did not inhibit the iNOS mRNA expression or the elevated NO2-/NO3- levels in the paw exudate. 5 Inhibition of paw oedema by the NOS inhibitors was associated with attenuation of both the NO2-/NO3- and PGE2 levels in the paw exudate. These inhibitors also reduced the neutrophil infiltration at the site of inflammation. 6 Recombinant human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase coupled to polyethyleneglycol (PEGrhSOD; 12 x 10(3) u kg-1), administered intravenously either 30 min prior to or 1 h after carrageenan injection, inhibited paw oedema and neutrophil infiltration, but had no effect on NO2-/NO3- or PGE2 production in the paw exudate. The administration of catalase (40 x 10(3) u kg-1), given intraperitoneally 30 min before carrageenan administration, had no effect on paw oedema. Treatment with desferrioxamine (300 mg kg-1), given subcutaneously 1 h before carrageenan, inhibited paw oedema during the first 2 h after carrageenan administration, but not at later times. 7 These results suggest that the NO produced by cNOS is involved in the development of inflammation at early time points following carrageenan administration and that NO produced by iNOS is involved in the maintenance of the inflammatory response at later time points. The potential interactions of NO with superoxide anion and PG is discussed.

Evidence of peroxynitrite involvement in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema

The role of peroxynitrite generated from nitric oxide and superoxide anion was investigated in a model of acute inflammation induced by the injection of carrageenan into the rat hind paw. Paw edema was inhibited 8 h following the administration of carrageenan by N-iminoethyl-L-lysine (3-30 mg/kg, n = 6) or aminoguanidine (30-300 mg/kg, n = 6), two selective inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase and by recombinant human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase coupled to polyethyleneglycol (12 x 10(3) U/kg, n = 6, P < 0.001). Moreover, at the same time point following carrageenan administration, intense immunoreactive staining for nitrotyrosine (a marker of peroxynitrite formation) was detected. Our results suggest that the generation of nitric oxide, superoxide anion and peroxynitrite contributes to the edema observed in this acute model of inflammation.

Sustained systemic arterial hypertension induced by extended hypobaric hypoxia

Regular administration of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) is frequently complicated by a rise in arterial blood pressure. We therefore asked if prolonged stimulation of endogenous EPO production has the same effect. To this end, male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in a hypobaric chamber (390 mm Hg) for 24 days. The control (NL) group was placed in the chamber at normobaric condition. The animals were then removed from the chamber and monitored through day 108. Plasma EPO peaked within 24 hours and returned to baseline by day 7 and remained so thereafter. Hematocrit rose steadily during the hypoxic phase and declined steadily during the normobaric phase, reaching the baseline on day 45. This was accompanied by parallel changes in erythrocyte mass and blood volume. The rise in hematocrit during hypoxia was accompanied by a parallel rise in blood pressure which peaked on day 24. Despite the restoration of normal hematocrit, erythrocyte mass and blood volume following resumption of normoxia, blood pressure remained elevated throughout the observation period. To dissect the role of hypoxia from that of the associated rise in hematocrit, the experiments were repeated using a group of rats whose hematocrits were kept constant by repeated phlebotomies. These animals exhibited a sustained rise in blood pressure identical to that found in the original group. Thus, prolonged hypobaric hypoxia leads to a severe hematocrit-independent systemic hypertension (HTN) that persists long after the restoration of normoxia. Given the transient nature of the rise in its plasma concentration, endogenous EPO does not appear to play a role in the genesis of the observed systemic HTN. The authors believe that this animal model can be used for future studies of the mechanism, consequences and treatment of acquired HTN.

Increased glycation of plasma lipoproteins in diabetic cynomolgus monkeys

Hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus increases glycation of hemoglobin and serum proteins in human and nonhuman primates. It also has been documented that numerous other circulating proteins may be glycated. In this study we found that most of the major subclasses of lipoproteins (low-density, very low-density, and high-density) from diabetic cynomolgus monkeys were significantly more glycated than were lipoproteins from age- and sex-matched controls. Correlations between levels of glycemic control and glycation of lipoproteins also were significant. Because glycation of lipoproteins has been shown to affect their normal metabolism, this animal model may be useful in determining the interaction between lipoproteins, diabetes mellitus, and the increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Molecular basis of sun-induced premature skin ageing and retinoid antagonism

Damage to skin collagen and elastin (extracellular matrix) is the hallmark of long-term exposure to solar ultraviolet irradiation, and is believed to be responsible for the wrinkled appearance of sun-exposed skin. We report here that matrix-degrading metalloproteinase messenger RNAs, proteins and activities are induced in human skin in vivo within hours of exposure to ultraviolet-B irradiation (UVB). Induction of metalloproteinase proteins and activities occurred at UVB doses well below those that cause skin reddening. Within minutes, low-dose UVB upregulated the transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappa B, which are known to be stimulators of metalloproteinase genes. All-trans retinoic acid, which transrepresses AP-1 (ref. 8), applied before irradiation with UVB, substantially reduced AP-1 and metalloproteinase induction. We propose that elevated metalloproteinases, resulting from activation of AP-1 and NF-kappa B by low-dose solar irradiation, degrade collagen and elastin in skin. Such damage, if imperfectly repaired, would result in solar scars, which through accumulation from a lifetime of repeated low-dose sunlight exposure could cause premature skin ageing (photoageing).

Urinary concentrating defect in experimental hemochromatosis

We studied the urinary concentrating capacity in experimental hemochromatosis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into iron (Fe)-loaded (injected sc with 1.2 g elemental iron/kg body weight as iron dextran) and pair-fed control groups. The urinary concentrating ability was studied after 10 months of iron loading. At basal condition, urine osmolality (Uosm) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Fe-loaded rats compared with the control animals despite comparable urinary arginine-vasopressin (AVP) excretion in the two groups. Although 48-h water deprivation resulted in comparable rises in plasma concentration and urinary excretion of AVP in the two groups, maximal Uosm in the Fe-loaded animals was significantly lower than that seen in the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the observed urinary concentrating defect could not be corrected by pharmacological doses of exogenous AVP. There was no significant difference in renal chloride, sodium, calcium, or magnesium handling at either basal or sodium depleted states. Histologic studies showed marked iron deposition in the cortex and outer medulla accompanied by mild tubular atrophy particularly in the distal convoluted tubules. Thus, chronic experimental iron overload leads to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus marked by AVP-resistant urinary concentrating defect.

c-fos-induced osteosarcoma formation in transgenic mice: cooperativity with c-jun and the role of endogenous c-fos

Transgenic mice overexpressing the c-fos proto-oncogene in bone develop osteosarcomas, whereas mice overexpressing c-Jun are normal. In this study, we investigated whether Fos and Jun would cooperate in vivo and whether the threshold levels of Fos are important in osteosarcoma formation. Fos-Jun double-transgenic mice develop osteosarcomas at a higher frequency than single-Fos transgenic mice with no differences in the time of onset of tumor formation. Histological and histochemical analyses indicated that Fos-Jun tumors contained greater quantities of neoplastic bone, were more remodeled, and contained a greater number of multinucleated osteoclast-like cells than tumors isolated from age-matched, single transgenic littermates. In contrast, overexpression of Fos in knockout mice that lack endogenous Fos resulted in a decrease in the number of tumor-bearing mice; osteosarcomas were almost absent in c-fos -/- mice, whereas tumor incidence was reduced to approximately 50% in c-fos +/- mice. Cell lines isolated from Fos-Jun transgenic tumors expressed high levels of both transgenes but significantly lower levels of the jun-related gene junB compared with cells expressing only a c-fos transgene. Osteoblastic marker genes were expressed at varying levels in different cell lines, but expression of interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1) was enhanced in cells derived from Fos-Jun tumors. These studies demonstrate that coexpression of a c-jun transgene can enhance Fos-induced oncogenesis in vivo and suggest that a critical level of Fos is necessary for osteosarcoma development.

Caloric restriction decreases age-dependent accumulation of the glycoxidation products, N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine and pentosidine, in rat skin collagen

Nonenzymatic glycation of body proteins and subsequent advanced glycation reactions have been implicated in the aging process, while caloric restriction (CR) in rodents results in an increase in both mean and maximum life span. We have evaluated the effect of chronic (25 months) CR on glycation of blood proteins and accumulation of advanced glycation and oxidation (glycoxidation) products, N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), and pentosidine, in skin collagen. Brown-Norway rats, fed ad libitum (AL) from birth, were divided into two equal groups at 4 months of age and placed on AL or CR diets (CR = 60% of AL diet). Cohorts of animals were sacrificed at 7, 13, and 25 months after the initiation of CR. At necropsy glycated hemoglobin was measured by affinity HPLC and glycated plasma protein by the fructosamine assay; extracts of skin collagen were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for CML and by reversed-phase HPLC for pentosidine. Glycation of hemoglobin, plasma proteins, and skin collagen was decreased significantly (18-33%) by CR. Concentrations of CML and pentosidine increased significantly with age in skin collagen in both AL and CR animals; however, CR significantly reduced levels of CML (25%), pentosidine (50%), and fluorescence (15%) in collagen in the oldest rats. We conclude that CR reduces the extent of glycation of blood and tissue proteins and the age-related accumulation of glycoxidation products in skin collagen.

Fos and bone cell development: lessons from a nuclear oncogene

Vertebrate embryologists are beginning to understand the early developmental decisions that control the origin and patterning of skeletal elements. However, the regulators governing the development of the cells that form the skeleton, namely, bone and cartilage cells, are poorly understood. Recent studies using transgenic and knockout mice have established a unique role for the proto-oncogene and nuclear transcription factor, Fos, in regulating the differentiation and activity of specific bone cell populations, both during normal development and in bone disease.

Application of retinol to human skin in vivo induces epidermal hyperplasia and cellular retinoid binding proteins characteristic of retinoic acid but without measurable retinoic acid levels or irritation

We investigated the clinical, histologic, and molecular responses of normal human skin to all-trans-retinol (ROL) application, compared to those induced by topical all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), and measured ROL-derived metabolites. Up to 1.6% ROL, 0.025% RA in vehicle (70% ethanol/30% propylene glycol), or vehicle alone were applied in a double-blind fashion to normal buttock skin and occluded for 4 d. ROL produced from none to only trace erythema, which was clinically and statistically insignificant, whereas RA induced a significant 3.7-fold increase in erythema score compared to vehicle (n = 10, p < 0.01). However, ROL induced significant epidermal thickening (1.5-fold at 1.6% ROL, p < 0.01), similar to RA (1.6-fold at 0.025% RA, p < 0.01), relative to the vehicle. ROL, compared with vehicle, also increased mRNA levels of cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP-II) and cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP) genes as determined by Northern analysis (5-6-fold and 6-7-fold, respectively) and riboprobe in situ hybridization. CRABP-II and CRBP protein levels were also higher following ROL than vehicle treatment, as measured by ligand binding (3.2-fold, p < 0.001; n = 7) and Western analysis (3.6-fold, p < 0.003; n = 6), respectively. Epidermal retinyl ester (RE) content, measured after removal of stratum corneum, rose 240-fold (p < 0.005, n = 5) by 24 h of ROL occlusion. RA content, however, was undetectable or detectable only at trace amounts in all samples obtained at 0, 6, 24, and 96 h after ROL occlusion. Detectability of RA was not correlated with ROL treatment (compared to untreated normal skin, p = 0.86) or baseline skin ROL levels (average r = -0.1, p > 0.3). These data demonstrate that ROL application 1) produces trace erythema not significantly different from vehicle, whereas RA causes erythema; 2) induces epidermal thickening and enhances expression of CRABP-II and CRBP mRNAs and proteins as does RA; 3) causes marked accumulation of retinyl ester; and 4) does not significantly increase RA levels. Taken together, the data are compatible with the idea that ROL may be a prohormone of RA, because it produces changes in skin similar to those produced by RA but without measurable RA or irritation.

Contribution of visceral fat mass to the insulin resistance of aging

Recent studies have shown that central obesity (increased waist to hip ratio [WHR]) is related to insulin resistance and aging. Furthermore, in central-obesity states, the intraabdominal fat (IAF) depot has been postulated to contribute most to the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, the observed insulin resistance of aging may be related more to changes in body composition than to aging per se. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of IAF with age and insulin sensitivity (SI) after controlling for obesity. We examined 60 healthy nondiabetic subjects (normal 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, aged 23 to 83, 15 men and 45 women). We chose subjects so that those < or = 125% and greater than 125% of ideal body weight were equally represented in each age decade. We quantified total and subcutaneous abdominal fat and IAF at the umbilicus using a validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technique and determined SI using a modified minimal model. IAF correlated significantly with age (r = .49, P = .0001) in the group as a whole, as well as in men (r = .58, P = .022) and women (r = .48, P = .0008) separately. In all subjects, SI was significantly related to IAF (r = -.50, P < .0001) but was not related to age (r = .00, P = .98). In multivariate analysis for various combinations of age, sex, and measures of fat distribution, WHR accounted for 28% and IAF for 51% of the variance in SI, whereas age, sex, and interactions of age and sex accounted for only 1%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suppression of noradrenaline spillover by the dopamine prodrug gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa: a central effect?

The DA prodrug gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa (gludopa) has a high degree of renal selectivity with 2-step conversion to DA in the kidney. The effects of gludopa, with and without DA-2 receptor blockade, on renal and total noradrenaline (NA) spillover, were studied in two groups of rabbits. Eight rabbits received gludopa infusion (25 and 100 micrograms/kg/min and 8 received an infusion of gludopa and DA-2 receptor antagonist, YM-09151 (50 micrograms/kg i.v.). Renal and total NA spillover rates were measured by 3H-NA tracer method before and after gludopa infusion. Brain NA, DA, gludopa and L-dopa content were measured after gludopa infusion in 5 rabbits; control values for tissue catecholamine and drug levels were obtained in 5 untreated rabbits. Gludopa infusion markedly increased kidney DA content (300-fold) and DA excretion (6000-fold) but had little effect on plasma DA. It produced a dose-related fall in mean (+/- SEM) renal NA spillover (21.6 +/- 3.7 to 10.6 +/- 2.7, 7.2 +/- 2.7 ng/min, p < 0.01). Even greater falls were observed in total NA spillover after gludopa (43.1 +/- 10.2 to 19.7 +/- 3.4, 9.4 +/- 1.8 ng/min, p < 0.01). DA-2 receptor antagonism had no influence on the effects of gludopa on either renal or total NA spillover. Significant amounts of gludopa were detected in the brain after drug infusion (0.28 +/- 13 nmol/g brain tissue). Gludopa, a putative renal selective dopamine prodrug with effects mediated via DA-1 receptors also significantly inhibits both renal and extra-renal NA spillover. This effect is not a DA-2 effect but may be mediated centrally.

Does hyperamylasemia in choledochal cyst indicate true pancreatitis? An experimental study

Patients with choledochal cyst often have repeated attacks of abdominal pain accompanied by hyperamylasemia, and they may be diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis. However, the attacks generally tend to subside in a short period by conservative treatment, and evidence of pancreatitis is rarely observed at the time of surgery. Choledochal cyst is commonly associated with pancreatobiliary maljunction, and high concentrations of pancreatic enzymes in bile are usually observed. When the bile duct pressure increases due to obstructive cholangitis, pancreatic enzymes in bile may regurgitate into the blood stream. Cholangiovenous reflux of amylase might cause hyperamylasemia. In order to investigate the mechanism of hyperamylasemia by cholangiovenous reflux, canine pancreatic juice or bile from a patient with choledochal cyst was injected into the obstructed common bile duct in dogs. The pancreatic enzymes in bile could readily enter into the blood stream at the pressure level of 15 mmHg or more in the bile duct. The peak amylase level in the thoracic lymph was observed to be more than 4 times higher than that in the blood serum, and the lymph flow during 30 minutes increased significantly from 8.1 to 20.4 ml at the bile duct pressure level of 20 mmHg. The reflux of amylase in bile into the blood stream via both the hepatic vein and thoracic duct might result in hyperamylasemia in the patients with choledochal cyst.

Inactivation of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase gene affects oxygen radical and nitric oxide toxicity in islet cells

Activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an early response of cells exposed to DNA-damaging compounds such as nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Excessive poly-(ADP-ribose) formation by PARP has been assumed to deplete cellular NAD+ pools and to induce the death of several cell types, including the loss of insulin-producing islet cells in type I diabetes. In the present study we used cells from mice with a disrupted and thus inactivated PARP gene to provide direct evidence for a causal relationship between PARP activation, NAD+ depletion, and cell death. We found that mutant islet cells do not show NAD+ depletion after exposure to DNA-damaging radicals and are more resistant to the toxicity of both NO and ROI. These findings directly prove that PARP activation is responsible for most of the loss of NAD+ following such treatment. The ADP-ribosylation inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide partially protected islet cells with intact PARP gene but not mutant cells from lysis following either NO or ROI treatment. Hence the protective action of 3-aminobenzamide must be due to inhibition of PARP and does not result from its other pharmacological properties such as oxygen radical scavenging. Finally, the use of mutant cells an alternative pathway of cell death was discovered which does not require PARP activation and NAD+ depletion. In conclusion, the data prove the causal relationship of PARP activation and subsequent islet cell death and demonstrate the existence of an alternative pathway of cell death independent of PARP activation and NAD+ depletion.

Complete degradation of type X collagen requires the combined action of interstitial collagenase and osteoclast-derived cathepsin-B

We have studied the degradation of type X collagen by metalloproteinases, cathepsin B, and osteoclast-derived lysates. We had previously shown (Welgus, H. G., C. J. Fliszar, J. L. Seltzer, T. M. Schmid, and J. J. Jeffrey. 1990. J. Biol. Chem. 265:13521-13527) that interstitial collagenase rapidly attacks the native 59-kD type X molecule at two sites, rendering a final product of 32 kD. This 32-kD fragment, however, has a Tm of 43 degrees C due to a very high amino acid content, and thus remains helical at physiologic core temperature. We now report that the 32-kD product resists any further attack by several matrix metalloproteinases including interstitial collagenase, 92-kD gelatinase, and matrilysin. However, this collagenase-generated fragment can be readily degraded to completion by cathepsin B at 37 degrees C and pH 4.4. Interestingly, even under acidic conditions, cathepsin B cannot effectively attack the whole 59-kD type X molecule at 37 degrees C, but only the 32-kD collagenase-generated fragment. Most importantly, the 32-kD fragment was also degraded at acid pH by cell lysates isolated from murine osteoclasts. Degradation of the 32-kD type X collagen fragment by osteoclast lysates exhibited the following properties: (a) cleavage occurred only at acidic pH (4.4) and not at neutral pH; (b) the cysteine proteinase inhibitors E64 and leupeptin completely blocked degradation; and (c) specific antibody to cathepsin B was able to inhibit much of the lysate-derived activity. Based upon these data, we postulate that during in vivo endochondral bone formation type X collagen is first degraded at neutral pH by interstitial collagenase secreted by resorbing cartilage-derived cells. The resulting 32-kD fragment is stable at core temperature and further degradation requires osteoclast-derived cathepsin B supplied by invading bone.

Sympatho-inhibitory effects of gamma-l-glutamyl-l-dopa are not mediated by activation of dopamine-2 receptors in conscious rabbits

AIM

To define the role of dopamine-2 receptors in the sympatho-inhibitory effects of gamma-l-glutamyl-l-dopa in conscious rabbits.

METHOD

gamma-l-glutamyl-l-dopa (gludopa) was infused iv at 25 and 100 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 with and without prior dopamine-2 receptor blockade by YM-09151-2 (50 micrograms.kg-1 iv) in conscious rabbits.

RESULTS

Mean arterial pressure and heart rate remained unchanged while renal plasma flow increased. Arterial norepinephrine (NE) concentration, total and renal NE spillover rate were markedly decreased in a dose-related manner, which were not affected by prior dopamine-2 receptor blockade. Gludopa was detected in the whole brain (92 +/- 112 ng/g wet brain tissue) at the end of experiment although brain tissue levodopa, NE, and dopamine contents were not much different from those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Gludopa decreased dose-dependently plasma NE concentration, and total and renal NE overflow to plasma, which were not mediated by activation of dopamine D2 receptors.

Mice lacking ADPRT and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation develop normally but are susceptible to skin disease

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is catalyzed by NAD+: protein(ADP-ribosyl) transferase (ADPRT), a chromatin-associated enzyme which, in the presence of DNA breaks, transfers ADP-ribose from NAD+ to nuclear proteins. This post-translational modification has been implicated in many fundamental processes, like DNA repair, chromatin stability, cell proliferation, and cell death. To elucidate the biological function of ADPRT and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in vivo the gene was inactivated in the mouse germ line. Mice homozygous for the ADPRT mutation are healthy and fertile. Analysis of mutant tissues and fibroblasts isolated from mutant fetuses revealed the absence of ADPRT enzymatic activity and poly(ADP-ribose), implying that no poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated proteins are present. Mutant embryonic fibroblasts were able to efficiently repair DNA damaged by UV and alkylating agents. However, proliferation of mutant primary fibroblasts as well as thymocytes following gamma-radiation in vivo was impaired. Moreover, mutant mice are susceptible to the spontaneous development of skin disease as approximately 30% of older mice develop epidermal hyperplasia. The generation of viable ADPRT-/-mice negates an essential role for this enzyme in normal chromatin function, but the impaired proliferation and the onset of skin lesions in older mice suggest a function for ADPRT in response to environmental stress.

Phase transition behavior and molecular structures of monounsaturated phosphatidylcholines. Calorimetric studies and molecular mechanics simulations

High resolution differential scanning calorimetric studies were performed to investigate the thermotropic phase behavior of 26 molecular species of sn-1 saturated/sn-2 monounsaturated phosphatidylcholines. In parallel with calorimetric studies, the energy-minimized structures and steric energies of the diglyceride moieties of these monoenoic lipids were determined using a molecular mechanics approach. The combined calorimetric and computational studies led to the following results and conclusions. (i) When a single cis-carbon-carbon double bond (delta) is incorporated into a saturated diacylphosphatidylcholine molecule at any position within the central segment of the long sn-2 acyl chain, the resulting monoenoic lipid molecules will, in excess water, exhibit reduced phase transition temperature (Tm) and transition enthalpy (delta H) as they undergo the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition. The Tm and delta H-lowering effects of the delta bond can be attributed to a decrease in the chain length of the sn-2 acyl chain, a change in the chain length difference between the sn-1 and sn-2 acyl chains, and a local perturbation of the chain-chain van der Waals interaction in the vicinity of the delta bond. (ii) For a series of positional isomers of 1-stearoyl-2-cis-octadecenoylphosphatidylcholine, C(18):C(18:1 delta n)PC, with a delta bond at different positions along the sn-2 acyl chain, the Tm value depends critically on the position of the delta bond. Specifically, the Tm value is minimal as the delta bond is located at the geometric center of the linear segment of the sn-2 acyl chain, and the Tm value is progressively increased as the delta bond migrates toward either end of the sn-2 acyl chain. (iii) The various monoenoic phosphatidylcholines under study can be divided into two groups. The Tm values of most lipids in each group can be correlated in an identical manner with their structural parameters, yielding a common Tm-structure relationship.

T cell antigen receptor engagement abrogates CD4-mediated T cell deletion in vivo

We have previously shown that the engagement of CD4 by specific antibody in the mouse initiates a T cell apoptosis response with the following features: spleen and lymph node CD4+ T cells migrate into the bloodstream within minutes of anti-CD4 administration where they exhibit the phenotype of null cells. If they are capable of expressing functional Fas protein on their surface they degrade their DNA and disintegrate rapidly. We show here that the engagement of the T cell antigen receptor blocks the CD4-mediated deletion process in mouse. Anti-CD4-reactive T cells avoid the exodus into the bloodstream when their TCR is engaged by anti-CD3 or by a superantigen, do not modulate surface receptors and are not deleted. In contrast to the apoptosis-inducing CD4-specific antibody which causes migration of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs into the blood stream, the T cell-activating CD3-specific antibody causes lymphoid cell redistribution in the opposite direction, from the bloodstream to lymphoid organs. The TCR-mediated protection of T cells against CD4-mediated deletion lasts for several hours but ceases before the T cells become blasts.

Cell proliferation and cell cycle progression are not impaired in fibroblasts and ES cells lacking c-Fos

The transcription factor AP-1 is thought to play an important role in the control of cell proliferation, but the function of individual Fos and Jun family members is a largely unresolved issue. To directly analyse the function of c-Fos in the control of cell proliferation we have used embryonic stem (ES) cells and fibroblasts lacking c-Fos due to a disruption of the c-fos gene by homologous recombination. Our results demonstrate that proliferation of normally cycling cells and reentry of quiescent cells into the cell cycle following serum stimulation are not c-Fos-dependent and occur with similar efficiency in c-fos-/- and control cells. We also show that there is no compensatory overexpression or activation of other known Fos or Jun family members. On the contrary, the c-fos-/- cells showed a reduced induction of fra-1 after serum stimulation which is in agreement with the previous identification of fra-1 as a c-Fos target gene. Comparison of the AP-1 binding and transactivation activities in c-fos-/- and +/+ fibroblasts by electrophoretic mobility antibody supershift and CAT assays suggests that c-Fos is not a major component of AP-1 complexes in these cells. It is therefore conceivable that the lack of any detectable effect on cell proliferation in c-fos-/- cells might be due to a functional redundancy among the different AP-1 family members.

On the biological role of the nuclear polymerizing NAD+: protein(ADP-ribosyl) transferase (ADPRT): ADPRT from Dictyostelium discoideum and inactivation of the ADPRT gene in the mouse

Two approaches have been used to elucidate the role of the nuclear polymerizing NAD+:protein(ADP-ribosyl)-transferase (ADPRT): i) comparison of the primary structure of Dictyostelium discoideum ADPRT derived from a 2 kb, partial cDNA sequence with the mammalian, fish, amphibian and insect counterparts revealed an overall homology of 25%. Whereas the automodification domain was not conserved at all, the NAD+ binding domain (aa 859-908) showed more than 70% identical amino acids in all species. Together with the similar enzymatic properties of the ADPRTs the genetic conservation underlined the notion that ADPRT plays a major role in various cellular processes; and ii) inactivation of the ADPRT gene in murine embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination led to mouse strains with a complete lack of nuclear poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. These ADPRT mutant mice were viable and fertile indicating that ADPRT is dispensable in mouse development. Moreover, repair of UV and MNNG induced DNA damage was not affected in ADPRT/3T3 like fibroblasts, as measured by reactivation of in vitro damaged reporter plasmids and unscheduled DNA synthesis. However, about 30% of the ADPRT mutant mice developed pathological skin aberrations on a mixed 129/Sv x C57B1/6 genetic background. These mice will be extremely useful to define the precise biological role of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.

Complete block of early B cell differentiation and altered patterning of the posterior midbrain in mice lacking Pax5/BSAP

The Pax5 gene, coding for the transcription factor BSAP, was mutated in the mouse germline by targeted disruption. Homozygous mutant mice were born alive, became growth retarded, and usually died within three weeks. About 5% of mutants survived to adulthood and were fertile, but severely runted. Morphogenesis of the posterior midbrain was affected as early as embryonic day 16.5, leading to a reduction of the inferior colliculus near the midline and to altered foliation of the anterior cerebellum. Moreover, all mutants failed to produce small pre-B, B, and plasma cells owing to a complete arrest of B cell development at an early precursor stage. These data define a key role for Pax5 in early B lymphopoiesis and midbrain patterning.

Regulation of embryonic growth and lysosomal targeting by the imprinted Igf2/Mpr gene

The receptor for insulin-like growth factor type 2, also known as the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (Igf2/Mpr), is a multifunctional receptor thought to play a role in lysosomal targeting, cell growth and signal transduction. Igf2/Mpr has been mapped to the mouse Tme locus and shown to be an imprinted gene, which further suggests a role in embryonic growth regulation. To define the functions of Igf2/Mpr, we have generated mice lacking this gene. We report here that maternal inheritance of an Igf2/Mpr null allele (-/+) as well as homozygosity for the inactive allele (-/-) is generally lethal at birth and mutants are about 30% larger, indicating that maternal expression of Igf2/Mpr is essential for late embryonic development and growth regulation. The phenotype is probably caused by an excess of Igf2 because the introduction of an Igf2 null allele rescued the Igf2/Mpr mutant mice. Mutant mice also have organ and skeletal abnormalities and missort mannose-6-phosphate-tagged proteins. A few (-/+) mice reactivated their paternal Igf2/Mpr allele in some tissues and survived to adults. But no (-/-) mice survived, indicating a role for the reactivated paternal allele in postnatal survival.

Holographic-recording improvement in a bismuth silicon oxide crystal by the moving-grating technique

We investigate the enhancement of the diffraction efficiency of dynamic gratings recorded in a bismuth silicon oxide crystal at large modulation by the moving-grating technique. The optimum fringe velocity for maximum diffraction efficiency and the degree of enhancement of the diffraction efficiency at optimum fringe velocity are experimentally found to be dependent on the fringe modulation. We apply this technique to real-time incoherent correlation using bismuth silicon oxide. There are two main advantages in using moving gratings: First, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved considerably because of the improved diffraction efficiency. Second, the resonant effect reduces the effect of environmental disturbances on the peak-correlation intensity, which is significant when the threshold detection level of the correlator is set.

An unusual nucleoporin-related messenger ribonucleic acid is present in the germ cells of rat testis

An mRNA with a substantial similarity to the rat p62 mRNA that encodes a nucleoporin was cloned from the rat testis. A probe derived from a unique sequence in the nucleoporin-related (NPR) cDNA revealed a novel mRNA of 1.3 kb, different from the 2.7-kb transcript attributed to the p62 gene. This 1.3-kb transcript was not detected in Sertoli cells; it was found primarily in the haploid germ cells of the adult testis. The DNA sequencing revealed that the central region of the NPR cDNA sequence was identical to the 3' portion of the p62 cDNA containing heptad repeat sequences. However, the 5' region and the extreme 3' region of the NPR cDNA sequence were different from the p62 cDNA. Interestingly, the extreme 3' untranslated region (UTR) contained a 212-bp inverted repeat of a sequence located in the middle of the NPR cDNA that is identical to the p62 sequence. The inverted repeats of the NPR sequence could potentially hybridize, leading to the formation of circular transcripts. Using antibodies specific for the C-terminal regions of p62, a 26-kDa protein was detected from NPR cDNA hybrid-arrested translational products, and a 28-kDa protein was detected from the testis germ cell extracts but not from Sertoli cell extracts.

Degeneration of neural cells in the central nervous system of mice deficient in the gene for the adhesion molecule on Glia, the beta 2 subunit of murine Na,K-ATPase

We generated mice, null mutant in the adhesion molecule on glia (AMOG), the beta 2 subunit of the murine Na,K-ATPase gene. These mice exhibit motor incoordination at 15 d of age, subsequently tremor and paralysis of extremities, and die at 17-18 d after birth. At these ages, the mutants have enlarged ventricles, degenerating photoreceptor cells, and swelling and degeneration of astrocytic endfeet, leading to vacuoles adjoining capillaries of brain stem, thalamus, striatum, and spinal cord. In tissue homogenates from entire brains of 16-17-d-old mutants, Na,K-ATPase activity and expression of the beta 1 subunit of the Na,K-ATPase and of the neural adhesion molecules L1, N-CAM, and MAG appear normal. We suggest that the mutant phenotype can be related primarily to reduced pump activity, with neural degeneration as a possible consequence of osmotic imbalance.

c-Fos: a key regulator of osteoclast-macrophage lineage determination and bone remodeling

Mice lacking the proto-oncogene c-fos develop the bone disease osteopetrosis. Fos mutant mice were found to have a block in the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts that was intrinsic to hematopoietic cells. Bone marrow transplantation rescued the osteopetrosis, and ectopic c-fos expression overcame this differentiation block. The lack of Fos also caused a lineage shift between osteoclasts and macrophages that resulted in increased numbers of bone marrow macrophages. These results identify Fos as a key regulator of osteoclast-macrophage lineage determination in vivo and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic bone diseases.

Calorimetric studies and molecular mechanics simulations of monounsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers

This investigation was designed to determine how information about the lipid chain melting and structural characteristics of sn-1 saturated/sn-2 monounsaturated phosphatidylethanolamines, a subclass of naturally occurring phospholipids, can be generalized among these lipid molecules. Specifically, 30 molecular species of sn-1 saturated/sn-2 unsaturated monoenoic phosphatidylethanolamines were semi-synthesized. The phase transition behavior of these monoenoic lipids in excess water was studied calorimetrically. The computer-based molecular mechanics approach was used to simulate the energy-minimized structures and to calculate steric energies for the diglyceride moieties of some of the 30 monoenoic lipid molecules, at T < Tm, in various aggregated states. These combined calorimetric and computational studies led to the following results and conclusions. 1) For a homologous series of monoenoic lipids with a common molecular weight and with a cis-double bond at various positions along the sn-2 acyl chain, the characteristic reduction of the main phase transition temperature (Tm) is proposed to be a result of an entropy-driven phenomenon. 2) The maximal decrease in the Tm for bilayers prepared from four series of monoenoic phosphatidylethanolamines containing a sn-2 octadecenoyl chain is shown by interpolation of calorimetric data to occur uniquely when the cis double bond is located commonly between C(10) and C(11) positions from the carboxyl end. 3) Monoenoic phosphatidylethanolamines can be divided into two groups. The Tm values obtained with bilayers of monoenoic lipids within each group can be systematically correlated with their structural parameters, leading to the derivation of two general Tm-structure relationships.

On the main phase transition temperatures of highly asymmetric mixed-chain phosphatidylcholines

The highly asymmetric mixed-chain phosphatidylcholines or C(X):C(Y)PC, which can self-assemble at T < Tm into the mixed interdigitated gel-state bilayer in excess water, can be divided into two groups. Group I consists of C(X):C(Y)PC with X > Y, and Group II consists of C(X):C(Y)PC with X < Y. The main phase transition temperatures (Tm) of these C(X):C(Y)PC have been analyzed in terms of two structural parameters (delta and Nf). Specifically, these structural parameters are related to the packing geometry of the lipid's acyl chains as the lipid molecules are packed either in a mixed (delta) or a hypothetically partially (Nf) interdigitated packing motif at T < Tm. Based on 28 and 29 Tm values of Group I and II C(X):C(Y)PC, two general equations are derived, respectively, by multiple regression analyses. These equations correlate systematically the Tm values of Group I and II phosphatidylcholines with their corresponding structural parameters. Using these two derived equations, the Tm values of a total of 92 molecular species of C(X):C(Y)PC are generated, and these calculated Tm values can be considered as the reliably predicted Tm values for highly asymmetric C(X):C(Y)PC which have delta C/CL values within the range of 0.42-0.66.

The effects of hormonal replacement therapy on insulin sensitivity in surgically postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy on insulin resistance in postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

STUDY DESIGN

We studied 37 surgically postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys that were fed a moderately atherogenic diet for 12 weeks with either no treatment (control), conjugated equine estrogens, medroxyprogesterone acetate, combination conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, or tamoxifen. Insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness were determined by the frequent-sampling intravenous tolerance test by means of the minimal model analysis.

RESULTS

There were no differences in body weight, total plasma cholesterol, or body fat distribution between control and conjugated equine estrogens, medroxyprogesterone acetate, or combination treatment groups. However, compared with control animals (insulin sensitivity = 5.9 +2- 1.2 x 10(-4) min-1 microU-1 ml) or conjugated equine estrogens treatment (6.3 +/- 1.1 x 10(-4) min-1 microU-1 ml) insulin sensitivity was significantly decreased in animals treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.9 +/- 0.4 x 10(-4) min-1 microU-1 ml, p < 0.001) or conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.8 +/- 0.6 x 10(-4) min-1 microU-1 ml, p < 0.001). Although insulin sensitivity was shown to be decreased in the tamoxifen-treated animals (insulin sensitivity = 4.6 +/- 0.6 x 10(-4) min-1 microU -1 ml), the difference was not statistically significant compared with the control or conjugated equine estrogens-treated animals. No significant differences were seen for glucose effectiveness comparing control animals (glucose effectiveness = 0.043 +/- 0.006 min-1) to animals treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (glucose effectiveness = 0.046 +/- 0.009 min-1), conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.048 +/- 0.008 min-1) or tamoxifen (0.039 +/- 0.006 min-1).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that progestins alone or in combination with estrogens can induce insulin resistance in postmenopausal monkeys while having no effect on plasma lipid concentrations or glucose effectiveness.

Glycohemoglobin measured by automated affinity HPLC correlates with both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia

We evaluated glycohemoglobin (GHb) and glycated plasma protein (GPP) by automated affinity HPLC for their ability to monitor both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia in 70 diabetic subjects. We placed 30 subjects on an intervention protocol in which insulin and (or) dietary changes were made twice weekly to acutely decrease glycemia. We monitored 40 subjects at 6-week intervals; changes in the clinical regimen were made at that time only. Despite weekly changes in mean blood glucose in the subjects who received more intensive intervention. GHb concentrations correlated significantly with the weekly (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), 2-week (r = 0.70, P < 0.001), 3-week (r = 0.72, P < 0.001), and 6-week (r = 0.83, P < 0.001) mean glucose concentrations. GPP correlated significantly with measured glycated albumin determined by boronate affinity columns (r = 0.83, P < .001) and correlated best with the 1-week (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), 2-week (r = 0.64, P < .001) and 3-week (r = 0.60, P < 0.001) mean antecedent glucose concentration. Thus, GHb, traditionally considered a marker for only long-term diabetic control, correlated significantly with both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia.

Glycohemoglobin measured by automated affinity HPLC correlates with both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia

We evaluated glycohemoglobin (GHb) and glycated plasma protein (GPP) by automated affinity HPLC for their ability to monitor both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia in 70 diabetic subjects. We placed 30 subjects on an intervention protocol in which insulin and (or) dietary changes were made twice weekly to acutely decrease glycemia. We monitored 40 subjects at 6-week intervals; changes in the clinical regimen were made at that time only. Despite weekly changes in mean blood glucose in the subjects who received more intensive intervention. GHb concentrations correlated significantly with the weekly (r = 0.66, P &lt; 0.001), 2-week (r = 0.70, P &lt; 0.001), 3-week (r = 0.72, P &lt; 0.001), and 6-week (r = 0.83, P &lt; 0.001) mean glucose concentrations. GPP correlated significantly with measured glycated albumin determined by boronate affinity columns (r = 0.83, P &lt; .001) and correlated best with the 1-week (r = 0.66, P &lt; 0.001), 2-week (r = 0.64, P &lt; .001) and 3-week (r = 0.60, P &lt; 0.001) mean antecedent glucose concentration. Thus, GHb, traditionally considered a marker for only long-term diabetic control, correlated significantly with both short-term and long-term antecedent glycemia.

Deletion of T lymphocytes in human CD4 transgenic mice induced by HIV-gp120 and gp120-specific antibodies from AIDS patients

CD4, a T cell receptor for major histocompatibility complex class II antigen, is a key regulator of immunological reactivities. When engaged together with the T cell antigen receptor, CD4 enhances immune reactions, whereas when ligated independently of the antigen receptor CD4 inhibits the activation of T cells or initiates their deletion. CD4 serves also as a receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which binds the receptor with high avidity through its envelope molecule, gp120. Studies in tissue culture have shown that its affinity to CD4 gives the virus opportunities to utilize CD4-mediated signaling and to manipulate immunocytes. We show here in human CD4 transgenic mice that appropriately cross-linked HIV envelope protein causes massive deletion of HIV-reactive T cells in vivo.

CD4 engagement induces Fas antigen-dependent apoptosis of T cells in vivo

CD4 is a T lymphocyte receptor for major histocompatibility complex class II antigens. It is referred to as coreceptor because it synergizes with the T cell receptor for antigen when both receptors become engaged simultaneously. We show here in mice that when engaged by antibody independently of the T cell antigen receptor, CD4 induces T cells to undergo apoptosis. Several features of this process were identified. The expression of an intact Fas protein is a requirement for CD4-mediated T cell death. Mice homozygous for the lpr mutation which are defective in the expression of Fas and in their ability to delete lymphocytes apoptotically fail to delete anti-CD4-reactive T cells. Sessile anti-CD4-reactive T cells leave their homing environment in lymphoid organs and modulate their cell surface molecules, e.g. CD2, CD3, CD4. A massive influx of lymphoid cells with null-cell phenotype occurs in the blood where they begin to reexpress cell surface markers. With their arrival in the circulation, anti-CD4-reactive T cells develop features of DNA degradation typical of apoptosis. More than one third of the circulating lymphoid cells show apoptotic features 7-8 h after anti-CD4 injection. Their frequency declines subsequently presumably due to their physical disintegration via shedding of apoptotic bodies and phagocytosis. Our data show that when not obliged to the activation process by the antigen receptor, CD4 can mediate deletion signals. Thus, besides functioning as coreceptor with the antigen receptor, CD4 has a function of its own in facilitating the induction of apoptosis.

Bilayer packing characteristics of mixed chain phospholipid derivatives: Raman spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetric studies of 1-stearoyl-2-capryl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C(18):C(10)PC) and 1-stearoyl-2-capryl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-N-trimethylpropanolamine (C(18):C(10)TMPC)

Raman spectroscopy and high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to compare the effects of headgroup conformation on the acyl chain packing arrangements in two highly asymmetric phosphatidylcholine (PC) analogues, 1-stearoyl-2-capryl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C(18):C(10)PC) and a polar headgroup derivative of C(18):C(10)PC, 1-stearoyl-2-capryl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-N-trimethylpropanolami ne (C(18):C(10)TMPC), which contains an additional methylene group within the choline moiety; namely, -P-O-(CH2)3-N(CH3)3. The C(18):C(10)TMPC headgroup exhibits an extended trans conformation which is independent of bilayer phase. A comparison of gel phase spectral order parameters of the two lipid species indicates a mixed interdigitated state characteristic of three chains per headgroup for C(18): C(10)TMPC. A more intermolecularly ordered liquid crystalline phase is observed, however, for the C(18):C(10)TMPC bilayers. The phase transition cooperative unit size estimated for the C(18):C(10)PC bilayers (approximately 140 molecules per unit) is about 7-fold greater than that for the C(18):C(10)TMPC dispersions (approximately 20 molecules per unit). We suggest that the extended headgroup for C(18):C(10)TMPC induces a slight tilt in the gel phase packing arrangements for the acyl chains, which may persist in the partially interdigitated liquid crystalline phase bilayer. Macroscopically, tighter packed multilamellar dispersions of C(18):C(10)TMPC occur for systems prepared first in the presence of a higher ionic strength medium. The stacked bilayers may then be transferred to a lower ionic strength environment without loss of their more closely packed adjacent lamellae.