Distribution of prohormone convertase-6 expression in the gastrointestinal tract and effects of a fasting-refeeding regimen and a high-fat diet on ileal prohormone convertase-6 expression

Proforms of gastrointestinal peptide hormones and neuropeptides are processed, in part, by prohormone convertases (PCs) to mature, biologically active peptides. The purpose of this study was to characterize the mRNA levels of PC-6 isoforms, PC-6A and PC-6B, in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas of the rat, and to investigate the effects of a fasting and refeeding regimen, and a high-fat diet on ileal PC-6A expression. PC-6A mRNA is expressed throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract with the highest levels in the small intestine. Multiple-sized transcripts are present. PC-6B mRNA is expressed in the antrum and fundus of the stomach, in the small intestine, and colon. Ileal PC-6A mRNA expression increases significantly with fasting and then declines with refeeding toward control levels. Increased dietary fat increases PC-6A mRNA levels in the ileum. Since PC-6 is found throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, it is likely that PC-6 participates in the processing of proforms of gastrointestinal peptides. The two isoforms of PC-6 have different patterns of distribution in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, suggesting that they process proforms of different gut peptides.

[The role of CDDP on cytotoxicity of TILs obtained from colorectal tumors]

The effects of intravenous injection of cisplatin (CDDP) and the incubated with CDDP in vitro on the epitopes and cytotoxicity of TIL obtained from eight colorectal tumor patients were detected respectively by flow cytometer. There was a significant increase in CD3+/CD8+ subset in TIL in patients receiving intravenous injection of CDDP. And the cytotoxicity of these TILs increased significantly. The cytotoxities were positively correlated with the amount of CD3+/CD8+ subset in TIL. Raji cells incubated with CDDP in vitro showed increased susceptibility to TIL induced lysis.

Increase of manganese superoxide dismutase, but not of Cu/Zn-SOD, in experimental optic neuritis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) in cellular protection of the optic nerve against the oxidative injury that contributes to demyelination in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE).

METHODS

Immunocytochemistry for Mn-SOD and Cu/Zn-SOD and ultracytochemical localization of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were performed on the optic nerves of guinea pigs with EAE and normal guinea pigs. Cell-specific enzyme expression of SOD was quantitated by computerized morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

Light microscopy showed a perivascular distribution of Mn-SOD-positive cells in the optic nerves of animals with EAE. Electron microscopy showed that the Mn-SOD immunogold was confined exclusively to mitochondria, whereas Cu/Zn-SOD immunogold was found in the cytoplasmic matrix and nucleus of cells of the optic nerve in both animals with EAE and normal animals. Results of quantitative analysis of the optic nerves of animals with EAE showed an 8-fold increase in Mn-SOD immunogold in astroglial cells and a 13-fold increase in microglial/phagocytic cells in comparison with that of normal animals. Increases in Mn-SOD immunogold were contiguous to H2O2-derived reaction product. No increases in Cu/Zn-SOD immunogold were detected in EAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in Mn-SOD activity in astroglial cells and microglial/phagocytic cells may contribute to the relative sparing of these cells from injury in EAE, whereas the low level of Mn-SOD in oligodendroglial cells and axons may increase their vulnerability to the effects of superoxide-induced oxidative injury that results in demyelination.

Development of AFLP markers in barley

To investigate the application of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in barley, 96 primer combinations were used to generate AFLP patterns with two barley lines, L94 and Vada. With seven primer combinations, only a few intense bands were obtained, probably derived from repeated sequences. With the majority of the remaining 89 primer combinations, on average about 120 amplification products were generated, and the polymorphism rate between the two lines was generally over 18%. Based on the number of amplified products and the polymorphism rate, the 48 best primer combinations were selected and tested on 16 barley lines, again including L94 and Vada. Using a subset of 24 primer combinations 2188 clearly visible bands within the range from 80 to 510 bp were generated; 55% of these showed some degree of polymorphism among the 16 lines. L94 versus Vada showed the highest polymorphism rate (29%) and Proctor versus Nudinka yielded the lowest (12%). The polymorphism rates per primer combination showed little dependence on the barley lines used. Hence the most efficient and informative primer combinations identified for a given pair of lines turned out to be highly efficient when applied to others. Generally, more than 100 common markers (possibly locus specific) among populations or crosses were easily identified by comparing 48 AFLP profiles of the parent lines. The existence of such a large number of markers common to populations will facilitate the merging of molecular marker data and other genetic data into one integrated genetic map of barley.

Influence of nicotine on gastrin and peptide YY in the rat

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nicotine and high-fat diets on gastrin and peptide YY (PYY) homeostasis in the rat. Antral levels of gastrin mRNA and peptide and ileal and colonic levels of PYY mRNA and peptide were examined. Serum levels of gastrin in response to food were also measured. Control rats were ad-lib fed or pair-fed according to the daily food intake of nicotine-treated rats. The results of this study indicate that nicotine treatment and fat diets can influence gastrin and PYY gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract.

Basal phosphorylation of the PEST domain in the I(kappa)B(beta) regulates its functional interaction with the c-rel proto-oncogene product

The product of the c-rel proto-oncogene (c-Rel) belongs to the NF-kappaB/Rel family of polypeptides and has been implicated in the transcriptional control of cell proliferation and immune function. In human T lymphocytes, c-Rel is sequestered in the cytoplasmic compartment by constitutively phosphorylated inhibitors, including I(kappa)B(alpha) and I(kappa)B(beta). Studies with bacterially expressed forms of these inhibitory proteins revealed that unphosphorylated I(kappa)B(alpha) but not I(kappa)B(beta) assembles with c-Rel and inhibits its DNA binding activity. Furthermore, latent I(kappa)B(beta)-c-Rel complexes derived from mammalian cells were sensitive to phosphatase treatment, whereas I(kappa)B(alpha)-c-Rel complexes were resistant. We have identified a constitutive protein kinase in unstimulated T cells that associates with and phosphorylates I(kappa)B(beta) in vitro. The substrate specificity, electrophoretic mobility, and antigenic properties of this I(kappa)B(beta)-associated kinase (BAK) suggest identity with casein kinase II (CKII), an enzyme known to mediate basal phosphorylation of I(kappa)B(alpha). Phosphorylation of recombinant I(kappa)B(beta) by either BAK or CKII restored the capacity of this inhibitor to antagonize the DNA binding activity of c-Rel. Peptide mapping and mutational analyses localized the bulk of the basal phosphorylation sites in I(kappa)B(beta) to the C-terminal PEST domain, which contains two potential acceptors for CKII-mediated phosphoryl group transfer (Ser-313 and Ser-315). Point mutations introduced into the full-length inhibitor at Ser-313 and Ser-315 led to a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of I(kappa)B(beta) and severely impaired its c-Rel inhibitory function in vivo. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that basal phosphorylation of the PEST domain of I(kappa)B(beta) at consensus CKII sites is required for the efficient formation of latent I(kappa)B(beta)-c-Rel complexes.

Beta-adrenergic responsiveness of papillary muscles in the rat postinfarction model

Rats in which ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery did not result in an infarct visible to the naked eye have generally been called sham-operated controls and have been used to evaluate changes in the characteristics of the remaining viable myocardium of rats where myocardial infarction was present. Whether these sham-operated rats are equivalent to normal controls or whether they have been altered by the surgery is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential differences in papillary muscle mechanical characteristics and responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation in control, open-chest, sham-operated (aborted infarct), and infarct rats 4 weeks after surgery. Absence of significant myocardial damage was verified by morphologic examination in sham-operated hearts: myocardial infarction scar was 1.5 +/- 0.6% (mean +/- SE) of circumference, no infarct being transmural. Basal contractile indices were decreased in papillary muscles in infarct rats compared with the three other groups. The response in contractile indices of infarct muscles to isoproterenol was also less compared with the other three groups. However, although basal contractility was the same in muscles from sham-operated, open-chest, and controls, the responsiveness of sham-operated muscles to isoproterenol was less: change in total tension of 2.9 +/- 1.2% vs. 9.5 +/- 2.7% for controls and 9.3 +/- 2.4% for open-chest (p < 0.05). Percent change in maximum rate of tension development (+dT/dt) was also less in muscles from sham-operated versus control muscles (21 +/- 2 vs. 33 +/- 6%; p < 0.05). Twitch configuration changed similarly with isoproterenol in all four groups. Thus, although contractility is unaffected by sham operation, beta-adrenergic responsiveness of tension-generating indices is modified.

Growth hormone upregulates gastrin and peptide YY gene expression

The purpose of these studies was to examine the effects of excess growth hormone (GH) on gastrin and peptide YY (PYY) gene expression. Transgenic mice with the bovine GH gene linked to a mouse metallothionein I promoter were used as a model of chronic GH excess. Antral gastrin mRNA and peptide levels were elevated significantly (P < 0.05) in GH transgenic mice compared with wild type littermates. Ileal PYY mRNA and ileal and colonic PYY levels were significantly elevated in GH transgenic mice compared with wild type littermates. The elevations in gastrin and PYY gene expression in GH transgenic mice were independent of food intake. Serum concentrations of gastrin and PYY were also elevated in GH transgenic mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the density of PYY-containing cells in the colon of GH transgenic mice and wild type littermates did not differ. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of chromogranin A, a marker of endocrine cells, were not increased in the colon of GH transgenic mice. Together, these data indicate that GH, insulin-like growth factor I, or both can upregulate gastrointestinal gastrin and PYY gene expression directly.

[A study on red blood cell immune function in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis]

In order to understand whether there is red blood cell (RBC) immune dysfunction and the relationship between RBC immune abnormality and clinical state in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), RBC immune function and circulation immune complex (CIC) level were evaluated in patient with these two diseases by using RBC immune adhesion test. It was found that the rate of formation of red blood cell-C3b receptor-yeast rosette was significantly lower in patients with these two diseases before and after treatment than that in a control group (P < 0.01). The rate of formation of red blood cell-immune complex-yeast rosette and the CIC level in GBS group were notably higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that the immune functions in patients with severe GBS and active MS were different from those in patients with mild GBS and stable MS and the change of each immune index in GBS and MS patients was related with the degree of recovery and the clinical state. These results suggested that decreased capability of RBC immune adhesion in patients with GBC and MS may be one of factors causing these diseases.

Proteolytic processing patterns of prosaposin in insect and mammalian cells

Prosaposin is a multifunctional protein encoded at a single locus in humans and mice. The precursor contains, in tandem, four glycoprotein activators or saposins, termed A, B, C, and D, that are essential for specific glycosphingolipid hydrolase activities. Prosaposin appears to be a potent neurotrophic factor. To explore the proteolytic processing from prosaposin to mature activator proteins, metabolic labeling was done with human prosaposin expressed in insect cells, human fibroblasts, neuronal stem cells (NT2) and retinoic acid-differentiated NT2 neurons. In all cell types, the major processing pathway was through a tetrasaposin, A-B-C-D, from which saposin A was then removed. In mammalian cells monosaposins were derived from the trisaposin B-C-D by cleavage to the disaposins, B-C and C-D, that were processed to monosaposins. In insect cells the major end products were the disaposins, with A-B and C-D derived from the tetrasaposin, A-B-C-D, or with B-C and C-D derived from the trisaposin, B-C-D. In insect and mammalian cells, the nonsignal NH2-terminal peptide preceding saposin A (termed Nter) was usually removed prior to saposin A cleavage. In NT2-derived differentiated neurons, precursor tetrasaposins containing A-B-C-D were secreted with and without Nter. Immunofluorescence studies using prosaposin-specific antisera showed large steady state amounts of uncleaved prosaposin in Purkinje cells, cortical neurons, and other specific cell types in adult mice. These studies indicate that prosaposin processing is highly regulated at a proteolytic level to produce prosaposin, tetrasaposins, or mature monosaposins in specific mammalian cells.

Localization of NADPH diaphorase/nitric oxide synthase in the optic nerve of the normal guinea pig: a light and electron microscopic study

The aim of this study is to determine the presence and subcellular distribution of NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the optic nerve of the normal guinea pig. Optic nerve specimens were stained by NADPH-d histochemistry, and double labeled by combining NADPH-d histochemistry with immunostaining for (a) anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody for recognition of astrocytes, (b) griffonia simplicifilia B4-isolectin (GSA-IB4) horse radish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugate for identification of microglia, or (c) oligodendrocyte-associated antibodies to carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II (CA-II) or to galactocerebroside (GalC) for visualization of oligodendrocytes. In addition, constitutive NOS (cNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) immunostaining were used for colocalization with NADPH-d histochemistry. Light microscopy revealed NADPH-d reaction product in the blood vessels and neuroglia of the unmyelinated optic nerve head and myelinated retrobulbar optic nerve. Double labeling with GFAP immunoperoxidase combined with NADPH-d histochemistry revealed both activities in astrocytes. Microglia were labeled with GSA-IB4 isolectin HRP-conjugate, but they did not have NADPH-d activity. Oligodendroglia were immunolabeled with anti CA-II or anti GalC antibodies, but they did not have NADPH-d activity. Both iNOS and cNOS immunoperoxidase labeled astrocytes, but not microglia or oligodendroglia. Under transmission electron microscopy, NADPH-d reaction product appeared as electron-dense particles. These particles were seen in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells, perivascular smooth muscle cells and fibrous astrocytes. Axons and myelin were devoid of NADPH-d activity. This study demonstrates the existence and cellular distribution of NADPH-d/NOS activity in endothelial cells, perivascular smooth muscle cells and fibrous astrocytes of the optic nerve of the normal guinea pig. The presence of these non-neuronal sources of NOS in the optic nerve provides the foundation for future comparative studies of the functional role of reactive oxygen induced toxicity in disorders affecting the optic nerve.

An acidic amino acid-specific protease from germinating soybeans

The degradation of the beta-conglycinin protein reserves in soybean seeds during germination and early growth begins with the proteolysis of its alpha and alpha' subunits by an enzyme called Protease C1. In the pathway, a number of proteolytic intermediates are produced and subsequently degraded. Determination of the N-terminal sequences of these intermediates provides insight regarding the requirements of the cleavage sites. The N-terminal sequence of three such proteolytic intermediates has been determined. The sequence has been located in the published sequences of the beta-conglycinin subunits. Comparing these cleavage sites, plus those of two others previously delineated, shows that the P1' and P4' positions always bear either a Glu or an Asp residue while the P1 position always bears either a Glu or a Gln residue. In addition, other sites from P3 to P7' are also rich in either Glu or Asp, and the whole region is predicted to be in a alpha-helix. Consistent with the observation, synthetic poly-L-Glu inhibits the Protease C1-catalysed degradation of the alpha and alpha' subunits of beta-conglycinin. Poly-L-Glu (av. M(r) = 1000) at 12.5 mM was more effective at inhibiting the reaction than poly-L-Glu (av. M(r) = 600) or poly-L-Glu (av. M(r) = 14,300) at the same concentration. Comparing large synthetic polypeptides at 12.5mM, inhibition by poly-L-Asp (av. M(r) = 15,000) is as effective as poly-L-Glu (av. M(r) = 14,300), while poly-L-Ser (av. M(r) = 15,000) had no effect at all. Poly-D-Glu (av. M(r) = 15,000) is a better inhibitor than poly-L-Glu of the same size. A serine protease of similar molecular weight as Protease C1 and also capable of catalysing the proteolysis of the alpha and alpha' subunits of beta-conglycinin to generate proteolytic intermediates of the same size has been found in mung bean.

Endocardial endothelium and myocardial performance in rats: effects of changing extracellular calcium and phenylephrine

It is known that endocardial endothelium (EE) modulates the performance of its subjacent myocardium. However, one species where these effects have been more difficult to describe is the rat. As the rat is a species which is used to evaluate the contractile effects of various pathologic conditions, a better appreciation of the contractile effects of EE and its modulatory role on the contractile effects of inotropic substances is important. In this study, the contractile effects of increasing extracellular calcium concentrations (0.7 mM to 3.25 mM) and phenylephrine (10(-7) to 10(-4) M) on rat papillary muscles with intact endocardial endothelium (EE on) and after endocardial endothelial removal (EE off) were assessed. At 0.7 mM extracellular calcium concentration, endocardial endothelial removal decreased all measured indices of myocardial performance (P < 0.05 EE on v EE off), except for maximum rate of unloaded muscle shortening (Vmax) which did not change, and decreased time to peak tension development (TTPT) as well as shortening of time to half tension decline from peak tension (RT1/2) shortening. Increasing extracellular calcium concentration from 0.7 mM to 3.25 mM caused all indices of myocardial performance and RT1/2 to increase more in muscles without EE, such that at 2.5 mM extracellular calcium all differences between EE on and EE off had disappeared. The only exception was TTPT which decreased with increasing extracellular calcium concentrations in muscles with EE on but increased in muscles with EE off. Again, at 2.5 mM extracellular calcium concentration differences in TTPT between EE on and EE off had disappeared. Except for minor differences on TTPT, increasing phenylephrine concentrations had similar contractile effects on muscles with EE on and EE off. These results indicate that EE modulates rat myocardial contraction and that these effects are best observed at lower extracellular calcium concentrations (0.7 mM). They also indicate that EE does not appear to significantly modulate the myocardial effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists in the rat.

Vascular-derived myocardial contractile factor: positive myocardial inotropic substance released from medial layer of the canine aorta

Interactions between the various cell types that make up the cardiovascular system are known to play an important role in maintaining homeostasis. One area about smooth muscle cells that has received little attention, despite the production of a wide variety of mediators by smooth muscle cells, is their effect on myocardial function. In this study, the myocardial contractile effects of four different types of dog aortic strips on rabbit papillary muscles were evaluated. Of these, medial vascular smooth muscle strips most consistently (65% of the time) produced a "vascular-derived contractile factor" (VDCF), which caused a 15% increase in isometric twitch tension and a 24% increase in isotonic twitch shortening with no change in twitch configuration. Endovascular strips with or without intact endothelium and complete aortic rings had less consistent effects. Vascular-derived contractile factor was stable after freezing at -80 degrees C, its activity was not modified by a broad spectrum peptidase, but it was heat-labile. The angiotensin II blocker, losartan, did not modify its effects. However, incubation with indomethacin did reduce, but did not eliminate, the contractile effects of vascular strips. The addition of alpha 1- and beta-blockers did not further modify the effects of VDCF. Endocardial endothelial removal increased the effects of VDCF. No correlation existed between endothelin levels and the contractile effects of vascular strips. It is concluded that VDCF is produced by the medial layer of large vessels but its exact cellular origin is uncertain. These findings expand the ever-increasing understanding of the inter-relationship between the structures that make up the cardiovascular system, and open the door to new studies evaluating the inter-relationship of vessels and myocardium.

Efficient catalysis by beta-lactamase from Staphylococcus aureus PC1 accompanied by accumulation of an acyl-enzyme

The pH- and temperature-dependence of steady-state kinetic parameters for 6-beta-(2-furyl)-acryloylamido-penicillanic acid showed it to be a good substrate of staphylococcal PC1 beta-lactamase, and the viscosity-dependence of K(m)/k(cat) indicated that steps up to the formation of the acyl-enzyme were partially diffusion-limited. In the pH range 4-9, a pre-steady-state transient blue shift in the UV absorption spectrum of the bound furyl-acryloylamido chromophore was of constant amplitude and decayed to the spectrum of the product with a first-order rate constant equal to k(cat). The spectrum of the isolated denatured acyl-enzyme was similar to that of the methyl ester of furyl-acryloylpenicilloic acid, pointing to non-covalent interactions with the folded protein, possibly associated with the charge on Glu-166, as the source of the blue-shifted spectrum. Taken together, these results point to a rapid acylation and slower deacylation at Ser-70 and imply that ionization of groups affecting enzyme activity at alkaline pH, for which likely candidates are Lys-73 and Lys-234, affect the rate of deacylation.

Functional organization of saposin C. Definition of the neurotrophic and acid beta-glucosidase activation regions

Saposin C is an essential co-factor for the hydrolysis of glucosylceramide by acid beta-glucosidase in mammals. In addition, prosaposin promotes neurite outgrowth in vitro via sequences in saposin C. The regional organization of these neurotrophic and activation properties of saposin C was elucidated using recombinant or chemically synthesized saposin Cs from various regions of the molecule. Unreduced and reduced proteins were analyzed by electrospray-mass spectrometry to establish the complement of disulfide bonds in selected saposin Cs. Using saposin B as a unreactive backbone, chimeric saposins containing various length segments of saposin B and C localized the neurotrophic and acid beta-glucosidase activation properties to the carboxyl- and NH2-terminal 50% of saposin C, respectively. The peptide spanning residues 22-31 had neurotrophic effects. Molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis localized the activation properties of saposin C to the region spanning residues 47-62. Secondary structure was needed for retention of this property. Single substitutions of R and S at the conserved cysteines at 47 or 78 diminished but did not obliterate the activation properties. These results indicate the segregation of neurotrophic and activation properties of saposin C to two different faces of the molecule and suggest a topographic sequestration of the activation region of prosaposin for protection of the cell from adverse hydrolytic activity of acid beta-glucosidase.

Solubilization and partial characterization of extensin fragments from cell walls of cotton suspension cultures. Evidence for a covalent cross-link between extensin and pectin

Extensin, a major hydroxyproline (Hyp)-rich glycoprotein in walls of cultured cells of dicotyledonous plants, is very difficult to solubilize. To learn about the nature of the insolubilization, we have tested the ability of a variety of selective hydrolytic methods, and combinations of them, to liberate extensin or fragments of extensin from suspension-culture cell walls. After the complete deglycosylation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) walls, trypsinization solubilized 80% of the Hyp. The sequences of three abundant peptides were: (a) serine-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-serine-Hyp-Hyp-lysine, (b) serine-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-valine-lysine, and (c) serine-Hyp-Hyp-serine-alanine-Hyp-lysine. After a sequential treatment of walls with endopolygalacturonase, cellulase, -73 degrees C anhydrous hydrogen fluoride solvolysis, and ammonium bicarbonate extraction, only sugars indicative of rhamnogalacturonan I and protein remained insoluble. Trypsin treatment of this residue liberated 50% of the Hyp. A significant proportion of rhamnogalacturonan-associated sugars co-solubilized and co-purified along with the extensin fragments following the trypsinization. By sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, the glycopeptides fell into two classes. One class contained distinctly sized molecules with relative molecular weights in the range of 4,000 to 24,000. The other class did not enter the resolving gel and was hetero-disperse. After complete deglycosylation by a 0 degrees C anhydrous hydrogen fluoride treatment, the first class was little affected in its electrophoretic mobility, whereas the larger heterogeneous material mostly entered the separating gel. After further trypsinization of the deglycosylated peptides and analysis by capillary zone electrophoresis, the peptides in both size classes were shown to contain the sequences described above. From our observations we suggest that cotton extensin becomes insolubilized into cell walls in part by pectin-protein cross-links in addition to the protein-protein (or protein-phenolic-protein) cross-links that have been repeatedly suggested.

Zero frequency masking and a model of contrast sensitivity

Stimulating the visual system tends to desensitize it to certain stimulus properties. Such desensitization is usually called adaptation or masking, but the distinction between the two is unclear. Nonspecific desensitization by light is usually regarded as adaptation, whereas pattern-specific desensitization is typically considered masking. Here we unify the treatment of such desensitizing phenomena by handling both in the spatial frequency domain. The amount of adapting light in a stimulus is represented in the spatial frequency domain by the component at zero frequency. To determine whether such adapting light acts like other components in the spatial frequency domain, we compared the effect of masking by the zero frequency component with the effects of masking by components at other frequencies. We show that the zero frequency component acts like other masking components, decreasing sensitivity to nearby test frequencies and thereby producing the insensitivity to low spatial frequencies that gives the contrast sensitivity curve its band-pass shape at high light levels. Treating light adaptation as masking by the zero frequency component leads to a general model that describes visual sensitivity to test gratings of varying spatial frequency at varying mean luminance, in the presence (or absence) of masking gratings of varying spatial frequency. Individual components of the model provide insight into visual processing at the system level.

Coupling of a signal response domain in I kappa B alpha to multiple pathways for NF-kappa B activation

The eukaryotic transcription factor NF-kappa B plays a central role in the induced expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and in many aspects of the genetic program mediating normal T-cell activation and growth. The nuclear activity of NF-kappa B is tightly regulated from the cytoplasmic compartment by an inhibitory subunit called I kappa B alpha. This cytoplasmic inhibitor is rapidly phosphorylated and degraded in response to a diverse set of NF-kappa B-inducing agents, including T-cell mitogens, proinflammatory cytokines, and viral transactivators such as the Tax protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. To explore these I kappa B alpha-dependent mechanisms for NF-kappa B induction, we identified novel mutants of I kappa B alpha that uncouple its inhibitory and signal-transducing functions in human T lymphocytes. Specifically, removal of the N-terminal 36 amino acids of I kappa B alpha failed to disrupt its ability to form latent complexes with NF-kappa B in the cytoplasm. However, this deletion mutation prevented the induced phosphorylation, degradative loss, and functional release of I kappa B alpha from NF-kappa B in Tax-expressing cells. Alanine substitutions introduced at two serine residues positioned within this N-terminal regulatory region of I kappa B alpha also yielded constitutive repressors that escaped from Tax-induced turnover and that potently inhibited immune activation pathways for NF-kappa B induction, including those initiated from antigen and cytokine receptors. In contrast, introduction of a phosphoserine mimetic at these sites rectified this functional defect, a finding consistent with a causal linkage between the phosphorylation status and proteolytic stability of this cytoplasmic inhibitor. Together, these in vivo studies define a critical signal response domain in I kappa B alpha that coordinately controls the biologic activities of I kappa B alpha and NF-kappa B in response to viral and immune stimuli.

Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins of Beta vulgaris L

The plasma membrane (PM) of higher plants contains numerous proteins; however, due to their low abundance, only a few have been identified and characterized by direct biochemical approaches. The major intrinsic protein (MIP) family is a class of highly hydrophobic integral membrane proteins thought to function as channels that facilitate the passage of water, small solutes, and possibly other moieties through the membrane. A family of PM intrinsic proteins was purified and characterized from PM vesicles derived from storage tissue of Beta vulgaris L. using the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate. This PM intrinsic protein-enriched fraction also contains high levels of UDP-glucose:(1,3)-beta-glucan (callose) synthase activity. Dithiothreitol is required to visualize the monomeric species of these highly hydrophobic integral membrane proteins. Sequence analysis of tryptic fragments derived from polypeptides of 31 and 27 kD revealed significant homologies to plant MIPs identified from cloned sequences. These MIPs include clone 7a from pea and RD28 from Arabidopsis, both of which are water-stress proteins, a tomato ripening-associated membrane protein, and PIP 2b, a PM-bound water channel protein from Arabidopsis. MIPs, therefore, represent abundantly occurring components of PMs derived from beet storage tissue.

Pericardiocentesis and drainage by a silicon rubber line without echocardiographic guidance. Experience in 55 consecutive patients

Pericardiocentesis and drainage with a silicon rubber line were performed safely in 55 patients via the subxiphoid (80 times) or apical (1 time) approach at the bedside without echocardiographic guidance. The subxiphoid approach, which is close to the posterior of the sternum or the costal cartilage with a small acute-angle (15-30 degrees) to the parietal pericardium in front of the right ventricle, can avoid injuring the heart, liver and lungs. A line with sideholes near the distal end, which provides convenient drainage and has better histocompatibility, can be kept in place for a long period of time (1-82 days). It was also convenient to inject air, drugs or fluid through the line. There were no procedure-related serious complications or deaths. Emergency drainage with the Seldinger technique, especially for small to moderate effusions, is safe and simple.

Functional human saposins expressed in Escherichia coli. Evidence for binding and activation properties of saposins C with acid beta-glucosidase

Small (80-amino acid) glycoproteins or saposins are important for the in vivo function of several lysosomal hydrolases. Four saposins, A, B, C, and D, are encoded by a single locus termed prosaposin. Saposins C and A are thought to function in vivo as activators of acid beta-glucosidase. The physiologic role of saposin C has been confirmed, whereas that of saposin A role has not. To investigate the effects of saposins C and A on acid beta-glucosidase activity, the coding sequence for the individual saposins was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant proteins purified to homogeneity. Recombinant and natural saposins A and C activated acid beta-glucosidase similarly only in micromolar amounts. Saposin C had specific activation of acid beta-glucosidase activity at < 200 nM. A second phase of activation was achieved at > 1 microM. In comparison, saposin A consistently activated acid beta-glucosidase only at > 1 microM. Two mutant saposins C (Cys382-->Phe and Cys382--Gly) were created and shown to compete with saposin C for a site on acid beta-glucosidase. The mutant saposins did not activate the enzyme. Recombinant saposin A (< 200 nM) competed with saposin C for a site on the enzyme but without activating effects. These studies show that saposin A is not an in vitro activator of acid beta-glucosidase at physiologic concentrations, although binding occurs without activating acid beta-glucosidase. The studies with mutant saposins C indicate that the binding and activation effects of saposins C are distinct events. These results indicate that the saposin C-induced conformational change in the enzyme occurs via highly specific, probably multivalent, interactions between acid beta-glucosidase and saposin C.

Functional human saposins expressed in Escherichia coli. Evidence for binding and activation properties of saposins C with acid beta-glucosidase

Small (80-amino acid) glycoproteins or saposins are important for the in vivo function of several lysosomal hydrolases. Four saposins, A, B, C, and D, are encoded by a single locus termed prosaposin. Saposins C and A are thought to function in vivo as activators of acid beta-glucosidase. The physiologic role of saposin C has been confirmed, whereas that of saposin A role has not. To investigate the effects of saposins C and A on acid beta-glucosidase activity, the coding sequence for the individual saposins was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant proteins purified to homogeneity. Recombinant and natural saposins A and C activated acid beta-glucosidase similarly only in micromolar amounts. Saposin C had specific activation of acid beta-glucosidase activity at < 200 nM. A second phase of activation was achieved at > 1 microM. In comparison, saposin A consistently activated acid beta-glucosidase only at > 1 microM. Two mutant saposins C (Cys382-->Phe and Cys382--Gly) were created and shown to compete with saposin C for a site on acid beta-glucosidase. The mutant saposins did not activate the enzyme. Recombinant saposin A (< 200 nM) competed with saposin C for a site on the enzyme but without activating effects. These studies show that saposin A is not an in vitro activator of acid beta-glucosidase at physiologic concentrations, although binding occurs without activating acid beta-glucosidase. The studies with mutant saposins C indicate that the binding and activation effects of saposins C are distinct events. These results indicate that the saposin C-induced conformational change in the enzyme occurs via highly specific, probably multivalent, interactions between acid beta-glucosidase and saposin C.

Inverse correlation between expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and production of metastasis in K-1735 murine melanoma cells

The purpose of these studies was to determine whether the induction of NO synthase activity in murine K-1735 melanoma cells correlated with their metastatic potential. Nonmetastatic, metastatic, and somatic cell hybrids (produced by fusion of nonmetastatic and metastatic cells) were injected i.v. into syngeneic C3H/HeN mice. Metastatic cells survived to produce experimental lung metastases, whereas nonmetastatic cells did not. The various clones and somatic cell hybrids were incubated in vitro with combinations of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, gamma-interferon, and lipopolysaccharide. Nonmetastatic cells exhibited high levels of inducible NO synthase activity and NO, whereas metastatic cells did not. Both the cytotoxic effects of the cytokines and NO production were inhibited by the addition of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, a specific inhibitor of NO synthase. These data demonstrate an inverse correlation between production of endogenous NO and the ability of K-1735 cells to survive in syngeneic mice to produce lung metastases.

Conjugated deferoxamine reduces blood-brain barrier disruption in experimental optic neuritis

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of deferoxamine (DFO) scavenging of hydroxyl radical (.OH) on disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and demyelination in experimental optic neuritis. Eighteen strain-13 guinea pigs were sensitized for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Nine animals received 100 mg/kg of hydroxyethyl starch-conjugated (HES) DFO by daily intraperitoneal injection commencing the day of antigenic sensitization. Nine paired litter mates received daily IP injections of HES. Serial fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging of the optic nerves was obtained with a T2 weighting (T2w) to evaluate demyelination and after intravascular administration of Gd-DTPA to evaluate BBB disruption. The intensity of Gd-DTPA enhancement and T2w signal of the optic nerves was quantitated 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after antigenic sensitization. Animals were then sacrificed and the optic nerves processed for light and transmission electron microscopy with ultracytochemical localization of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and immunogold colocalization of extravasated serum albumin. The area of the optic nerve head, intensity of toluidine blue staining, and the cellular infiltrate were digitized and quantitated. Administration of HES-DFO significantly reduced the intensity of Gd-DTPA enhancement in the optic nerves of HES-DFO-treated animals compared to paired control HES animals (p = 0.0236), with the mean difference between control and treated animals of 19.39. The difference in T2w signal was not significant (p = 0.39), with a mean difference between control and treated animals of -5.51. The intensity of toluidine blue staining of optic nerve specimens was slightly less with HES-DFO compared to untreated animals (mean pair difference 2.48), and the inflammatory infiltrate was reduced with HES-DFO compared to untreated animals (mean pair difference = 61.57); these differences were not statistically significant. In the optic nerve specimens of both groups cerium perhydroxide-derived H2O2 reaction product was evident in a predominantly perivascular and perineural distribution. Immunogold-labeled serum albumin showed extravasation at foci of perivascular inflammation in both the presence and absence of H2O2-derived reaction product. Conjugated DFO reduces disruption of the BBB, as measured by Gd-DTPA enhancement, suggesting the .OH radical generated from perivascular H2O2 may play a role in alterations of vascular permeability in experimental optic neuritis.

Characterization of a soybean beta-conglycinin-degrading protease cleavage site

Protease C1, an enzyme from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill cv Amsoy 71) seedling cotyledons, was previously determined to be the enzyme responsible for the initial degradation of the alpha' and alpha subunits, but not the beta subunit, of beta-conglycinin storage protein. The sizes of the proteolytic products generated by the action of protease C1 suggest that the cleavage sites on the alpha' and alpha subunits of beta-conglycinin may be located in their N-terminal domain, which is not found in the beta subunit of beta-conglycinin. To check this hypothesis, storage proteins from other plant species that are homologous to either the alpha'/alpha or the beta subunit of beta-conglycinin were tested as substrates. As expected, the convicilin from pea (Pisum sativum), a protein homologous to the alpha' and alpha subunits of beta-conglycinin, was digested by protease C1. The vicilins from pea as well as vicilins from adzuki bean (Vigna angularis), garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata), and mung bean (Vigna radiata), storage proteins that are homologous to the beta subunit of soybean beta-conglycinin, were not degraded by protease C1. Degradation of soybean beta-conglycinin involves a sequential attack of the alpha subunit at multiple sites, culminating in the formation of a stable intermediate of 53.5 kD and a final product of 48.0 kD. The cleavage sites resulting in this formation of the intermediates and final product were determined by N-terminal analysis. These were compared to the known amino acid sequences of the three beta-conglycinin subunits. Results showed these two polypeptides to be generated by proteolysis of the alpha subunit at regions bearing long strings of acidic amino acid residues.

Influence of pulmonary blood flow on gas exchange in piglets

We previously reported that O2 diffusion was limited in piglets. To test the hypothesis of an inadequacy between diffusion and perfusion in piglets (< 4 wk) vs. older pigs (> 8 wk), we compared in these two age groups the effect of an increase (by opening an arteriovenous fistula) or a decrease (by inflating a balloon in the inferior vena cava) in cardiac output (Q) on gas exchange and on the O2 equilibration coefficient D/Q beta [ratio of the diffusion capacity of O2 (D) to the product of Q and the capacitance coefficient of blood (beta)]. In piglets but not in older pigs, a decrease in Q improved the alveolar-arterial Po2 difference (P < 0.05) and D/Q beta (P < 0.05), whereas an increase in Q had the opposite effect. Changes in the alveolar-arterial O2 difference and D/Q beta were linearly correlated with Q (r = 0.75, P < 0.01 and r = 0.88, P < 0.01, respectively). We suggest that the impaired O2 diffusion in piglets was due to inadequate diffusion-perfusion equilibrium of O2.

Two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatographic method for assaying S-adenosyl-L-methionine and its related metabolites in tissues

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a methyl-donor compound which is actively involved in a variety of biochemical reactions. An assay has been developed permitting the quantitative measurement of SAM and its related metabolites (S-adenosylhomocysteine, decarboxylated SAM, methylthioadenosine, adenosine and adenine) in liver and cell cultures. As gradient reversed-phase chromatographic or cation-exchange chromatographic methods often resulted in overlapping peaks, a two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure was developed involving gradient reversed-phase chromatographic separation followed by ion-exchange chromatography. After precipitating large molecules in the sample by perchloric acid, gel permeation was carried out on a Sephadex G 25 column to separate small water-soluble metabolites from proteins and membrane fragments. The freeze-dried sample was injected onto an ODS column and a 0-10% acetonitrile gradient in 10 mM ammonium formate buffer (pH 2.9) (20 min, linear) was applied. The relevant fractions were collected and injected onto a cation-exchange column (Partisil SCX, 10 microns, 250 mm x 4.6 mm I.D.). Elution and quantification were carried out using ammonium formate buffers of various concentration (15-400 mM), pH 2.9. The detector response (254 nm) as a function of concentration was linear over the concentration range 30-500 pmol. The detection limits of the compounds after the two-dimensional chromatographic procedure ranged from 10 to 60 pmol and the recovery was higher than 70%. The reproducibility of the results obtained from given samples was within 9-22% for rat liver and 6-24% for mast cells.

Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors decrease induction of nitric oxide synthase activity in lipopolysaccharide-responsive and lipopolysaccharide-nonresponsive murine macrophages

We investigated tumoricidal activation and induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in macrophages from LPS-responsive (C3H/HeN) and -unresponsive mice (C3H/HeJ). Macrophages were incubated in vitro with a synthetic lipopeptide or with LPS and IFN-gamma. LPS and IFN-gamma activated C3H/HeN but not C3H/HeJ macrophages to lyse B16 melanoma cells. In contrast, lipopeptide and IFN-gamma activated macrophages from both strains of mice. Genistein, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, significantly blocked tumoricidal activation of macrophages from both strains of mice. Genistein did not affect tumor cell binding but significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide. Genistein, herbimycin A, and tyrphostin inhibited the induction of NOS activity in macrophages from both strains of mice. These data suggest that protein tyrosine kinase activity is involved in the signal transduction pathway of LPS and other synthetic bacterial-related immunomodulators at a point preceding triggering of macrophage tumoricidal activation and expression of inducible NOS activity.

Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors decrease induction of nitric oxide synthase activity in lipopolysaccharide-responsive and lipopolysaccharide-nonresponsive murine macrophages

We investigated tumoricidal activation and induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in macrophages from LPS-responsive (C3H/HeN) and -unresponsive mice (C3H/HeJ). Macrophages were incubated in vitro with a synthetic lipopeptide or with LPS and IFN-gamma. LPS and IFN-gamma activated C3H/HeN but not C3H/HeJ macrophages to lyse B16 melanoma cells. In contrast, lipopeptide and IFN-gamma activated macrophages from both strains of mice. Genistein, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, significantly blocked tumoricidal activation of macrophages from both strains of mice. Genistein did not affect tumor cell binding but significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide. Genistein, herbimycin A, and tyrphostin inhibited the induction of NOS activity in macrophages from both strains of mice. These data suggest that protein tyrosine kinase activity is involved in the signal transduction pathway of LPS and other synthetic bacterial-related immunomodulators at a point preceding triggering of macrophage tumoricidal activation and expression of inducible NOS activity.

Evidence of L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway in endothelium and smooth muscle of human internal mammary artery

The L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway was investigated in human internal mammary artery (HIMA) in vitro. HIMA rings were mounted in organ bath, and then incubated in Krebs buffer for 1 to 8 hrs, relaxing agents were tested. Under these conditions, L-arginine (0.1 microM - 1 mM) elicited only minor relaxation after 2 hr incubation, whereas with increased incubation time (4, 6, 8 hrs), the concentration-dependent relaxation to L-arginine increased significantly in endothelium-intact and -denuded vessels. NG-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (100 microM) or methylene blue (2.7 microM) partially inhibited L-arginine relaxation. In endothelium-intact HIMA and in both types of rings A23187 (10 microM) and L-arginine (100 microM), respectively, increased the concentration of NO in medium and cGMP content of vascular tissues. These increases were partially inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) or methylene blue (2.7 microM).

CONCLUSION

in smooth muscle of HIMA L-arginine-NO conversion is calcium independent, which is different from that in endothelium.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases is necessary for activation of murine macrophages by natural and synthetic bacterial products

The purpose of these studies was to determine the intracellular signal transduction pathways of bacterial products in murine macrophages from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responder C3H/HeN and LPS-nonresponder C3H/HeJ mice. Both LPS and synthetic lipopeptide CGP 31362 (LPP) induced production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in C3H/HeN macrophages. In C3H/HeJ macrophages, however, TNF-alpha was induced only by incubation with LPP. Both LPS and LPP induced tyrosine phosphorylation on proteins with apparent molecular masses of 39, 41, and 45 kD (p35, p41, and p45) in C3H/HeN macrophages, whereas in C3H/HeJ macrophages, tyrosine phosphorylation was induced only by LPP. 20-h incubation with LPS or LPP downregulated TNF-alpha production/secretion and tyrosine phosphorylation in C3H/HeN macrophages induced by additional LPS or LPP. In C3H/HeJ macrophages, however, the downregulation of TNF-alpha production and tyrosine phosphorylation were observed only with LPP. Protein kinase assays, Western blotting analyses, phenyl-Sepharose chromatography, and immunocomplex kinase assay suggested that p45 and p39 were similar or identical to mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase 1 and 2, respectively. Pretreatment of macrophages with LPS or LPP did not change the amount of kinase proteins but inhibited the stimulation of kinase activity by the agents. These data suggest that MAP kinases are among target proteins involved in the transduction of LPS and LPP signals that lead to activation of murine macrophages to produce/secrete TNF.

Characterization of the Major Protease Involved in the Soybean beta-Conglycinin Storage Protein Mobilization

Protease C1, the protease responsible for the initial degradation of the alpha' and alpha subunits of the soybean beta-conglycinin storage protein (Glycine max [L.] Merrill), has been purified. The enzyme was found by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to have a molecular weight of 70,000 and a pH optimum of 3.5 to 4.5. Susceptibility to protease inhibitors indicates that protease C1 is a serine protease. Study of the proteolytic intermediates generated suggests that the cleavage of the alpha' and alpha subunits of beta-conglycinin by protease C1 results in intermediates that are 1 or 2 kilodaltons smaller than the native alpha' and alpha subunits. Following that, a succession of intermediates exhibiting molecular masses of 70.0 and 58.0 kilodaltons, then 63.0, 61.0, 55.0, and 53.5 kilodaltons, are observed. A 50.0- and a 48.0- kilodalton intermediate are the final products of protease C1 action. Comparison of these intermediates with the prominent anti-beta-conglycinin cross-reacting bands that increase during the first few days of germination and early growth show that protease C1 plays an important physiological role, but not an exclusive one, in the living plant.