Direct comparison of GAPDH, beta-actin, cyclophilin, and 28S rRNA as internal standards for quantifying RNA levels under hypoxia

The appropriate choice of an internal standard is critical for quantitative RNA analyses. As housekeeping genes, GAPDH, beta-actin, cyclophilin, and 28S rRNA are commonly employed as RNA internal standards with the assumption that their expression levels remain relatively constant in different experimental conditions. We tested this assumption under hypoxia (1% O2, 24 hours) compared to normoxia (20% O2, 24 hours) and compared RNA levels of these 4 housekeeping genes head to head using ribonuclease protection assays. Four biologically diverse cell lines with respect to clonal origin, neoplastic transformation, and growth rates were used in the comparison. Expression levels of 28S rRNA were constant, independent of O2 tension, but levels of GAPDH, beta-actin, and cyclophilin varied widely with hypoxia. In particular, GAPDH mRNA expression was increased by 21.2-75.1% under hypoxic conditions. Increased GAPDH transcription in hypoxia was correlated in the cancer cell lines with upregulation of the transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha protein levels in identical experimental conditions. These results suggest that 28S rRNA is a reliable internal control for comparative analyses of transcription under hypoxia; GAPDH appears particularly unfavorable for this purpose either in hypoxia or other experimental conditions that upregulate HIF-1alpha.

Differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in PC12 cells by closely related alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtypes

Coupling of the three known alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR) subtypes to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were studied in stably transfected PC12 cells. Subclones stably expressing alpha1A-, alpha1B-, and alpha1D-ARs under control of an inducible promoter, or at high and low receptor density, were isolated and characterized. Radioligand binding showed similar ranges of expression of each subtype. Norepinephrine (NE) increased inositol phosphate formation and intracellular Ca2+ level in these cells in a manner dependent on receptor density. However, alpha1A-ARs activated these second messenger responses more effectively than alpha1B-ARs, whereas alpha1D-ARs were least effective. NE stimulated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in cells expressing all three alpha1-AR subtypes, although alpha1A- and alpha1B-ARs caused larger ERK activation than did alpha1D-ARs. Nerve growth factor (NGF) caused similar levels of ERK activation in all subclones. NE also activated p38 MAPK in alpha1A- and alpha1B- but not alpha1D-transfected cells and activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) only in alpha1A-transfected cells. NE, but not NGF, strongly stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of a 70-kDa protein only in alpha1A-transfected PC12 cells. NE caused neurite outgrowth only in alpha1A-expressing PC12 cells, but not in alpha1B- or alpha1D-transfected cells, whereas NGF caused neurite outgrowth in all cells. These studies show that alpha1A-ARs activate all three MAPK pathways, alpha1B-ARs activate ERKs and p38 but not JNKs, and alpha1D-ARs only activate ERKs. Only the alpha1A-AR-expressing cells differentiated in response to NE. The relationship of these responses to second messenger pathways activated by these subtypes is discussed.

Cloning and characterization of the merozoite surface antigen 1 gene of Plasmodium berghei

Merozoite surface antigen 1 (MSA1) is a promising candidate for vaccine development against malaria parasites. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the precursor to this major surface antigen of Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA using cDNA library screening and polymerase chain reaction techniques. A single open reading frame of 5,376 basepairs encoding a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 197 kD was defined. The protein contains a putative signal peptide of 19 amino acids, a membrane anchor sequence of 18 residues, and shows two epidermal growth factor-like domains rich in Cys residues at the C-terminus. There are four repeat sequences of oligopeptides in the molecule: tetrapeptide (Ser-Thr-Thr-Thr), tripeptide (Pro-Thr-Pro and Pro-Ala-Ala), and dipeptide (Ser-Gly). Furthermore, three nine-residue stretches of a motif (Ala-Ser-Asn-Pro-Gly-Ala-Ser-Ala-Ser) are located near each other. All of these repeat sequences are unexceptionally located in the variable regions when compared with other MSA1 molecules. The molecule displays 79% overall identity to the analogous antigen of P. yoelii yoelii strain YM, 70% to that of P. chabaudi chabaudi strain AS, and 38% to that of P. falciparum strain Wellcome.

[Expression of membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase and its correlation with gelatinase A activation in cancer cell lines]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and its correlation with gelatinase A (MMP2) activation.

METHODS

Reverse transcription PCR, northern blots and western blots were employed to detect the expression levels of MT1-MMP mRNA and MMP2 protein in 4 human melanoma cell lines, 2 human lung cancer cell lines and 2 human prostate cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

All the cancer cell lines expressed MT1-MMP mRNA, and the MT1-MMP mRNA level in the 4 melanoma cell lines was significantly higher than that in the lung and prostate cancer cell lines. Activated MMP2 proteins were only detected in the melanoma cell lines, whereas PG, a lung cancer cell line, which secreted pro-MMP2 and expressed low level of MT1-MMP, could not produce activated MMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of MT1-MMP expression was highly associated with MMP2 activation.

[Effect of dialysates on ultrastructure of mouse peritoneal mesothelium]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of various peritoneal dialysates on the ultrastructure of the peritoneal mesothelium.

METHODS

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis mice model was made by injecting domestic lactate, acetate, and American Baxter dialysates intraperitoneally. The diaphragmatic peritoneum of the mice was taken at 10th day and 21th day respectively after injection.

RESULTS

After 10 day experiment, the mesothelial ultrastructure of Baxter group was normal, but some pathological changes occurred in the peritoneal mesothelium of both domestic lactate and acetate groups. And the injury of the peritoneal mesothelium was progressing with times, e.g. adhesion and exfoliation of the microvilli, shrinkage of the mesothelial cells and even fibrous adhesion. The extent of effects on the mesothelial cells varied in three groups, the least is Baxter group. After 21 day experiments, the diameters of the stomata were (6.96 +/- 2.46) microns and (6.98 +/- 2.16) microns in both domestic lactate and acetate dialysates groups respectively, which were much greater than those in physiological condition (1.47 +/- 0.88) microns (P < 0.01). The distribution density of the lymphatic stomata were significantly increased in acetate and lactate dialysate groups compared with the control group (P < 0.01). But little effects on the lymphatic stomata were showed after using Baxter dialysate. After discontinuing experiment for 10 days, the impairment of the peritoneal mesothelium recovered in Baxter group and improved to varying degrees in both domestic dialysate groups. The lymphatic stomata were still abnormal in both domestic dialysate groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that lactate and acetate dialysates are more like to elicit peritoneal fibrosis and the increase of distribution density and the enlargement of the lymphatic stomata can significantly enhance their absorption effects and increase their reabsorption quantity of dialysate from the peritoneal cavity during peritoneal dialysis. These changes of the lymphatic stomata and their lymphatic reabsorption are thought to be associated with deterioration of peritoneal function, and to cause ultrafiltration failure in the patients on long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy.

[99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with diabetes]

Seventy-four patients with diabetes were taken on both stress and rest 99m-Tc-MIBI SPECT imaging: 44 patients (59.5%) were found having myocardial ischemic disorders, including 28 cases of myocardial ischemia, 7 cases of myocardial infarction and 9 cases of both conditions. 113 segments were involved and 46% were located in the posterior and inferior walls, indicating that the right coronary artery is most susceptive to ischemia. Diabetic patients complicated hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia were at higher risk of either early occurrence of coronary disease. 99mTc-MIBI SPECT imaging is helpful in early diagnosis and therefore is significant in directing.

[The effect of mobile phase on the enantiomeric separation of cyfluthrin by chiral high performance liquid chromatography]

The enantiomeric separation of cyfluthrin on chiral stationary phase(CSP), derived from (R)-N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl) phenylglycine (Prikle type 1-A CSP) has been studied by using different hexane-alcohol mixtures as mobile phase. Mobile phase strength and composition have shown an important role in the chromatographic separation of eight isomers of cyfluthrin. Increase of the mobile phase strength reduces the retention of the eight isomers, while the diastereomeric selectivity is decreased and the enantiomeric selectivity remains almost unchanged. Also, the resolution varies in accordance with the steric hindrance of the alcohol. Secondary or tertiary alcohols impart a greater resultion to the CSP than primary alcohols. Peak shapes are better with the lower alcohols than the higher alcohols. For the enantiomeric separation of cyfluthrin on Pirkle type 1-A CSP, hexane-tert-butanol and hexane-2-propanol are better binary mobile phases.

No role for Ca++ or protein kinase C in alpha-1A adrenergic receptor activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in transfected PC12 cells

We studied the role of Ca++ and protein kinase C (PKC) in alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (AR)-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in PC12 cells. In PC12 cells stably transfected with the human alpha-1A AR, norepinephrine (NE) strongly activated both extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and c-jun-NH2-terminal kinases (JNK). Ten nanomolar thapsigargin (TG) increased cytoplasmic Ca++ at least as much as NE but did not activate ERKs or JNK. Higher concentrations of TG caused a small activation of ERKs but not JNK. Emptying [Ca++]i stores by pretreatment with TG prevented the NE-stimulated increase in [Ca++]i but not ERK or JNK activation. The Ca++ chelator bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N-N-N'-N'-tetraacetate (BAPTA) dose dependently abolished NE-stimulated Ca++ responses but not ERK or JNK activation. NE increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2, and this response was neither blocked by BAPTA nor mimicked by TG. The phorbol ester tumor promoting agent (TPA) caused a dose-dependent activation of ERKs that was potentiated by 10 nM TG. TPA caused only a small activation of JNK relative to that caused by NE, which was not affected by TG. The potent PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I dose dependently inhibited ERK and JNK activation by TPA, but not NE. ATP and UTP activated similar mitogen-activated protein kinase responses through endogenous P2Y2 receptors, and these responses were not blocked by BAPTA or bisindolylmaleimide I, suggesting that these results may be generalizable to other Gq/11-coupled receptors. The results suggest that Ca++ release and PKC activation are neither necessary nor sufficient for alpha-1A AR-mediated activation of mitogenic responses in PC12 cells.

Electrophysiological characterization of 5-HT receptors on rat petrosal neurons in dissociated cell culture

The petrosal ganglion supplies chemoafferent pathways via the glossopharyngeal (IXth) nerve to peripheral targets which release various neurotransmitters including serotonin (5-HT). Here, we combined rapid 5-HT application with patch clamp, whole-cell recording to investigate whether 5-HT receptors are expressed on isolated petrosal neurons (PN), cultured from 7-12 day-old rat pups. In responsive cells, the dominant effect of 5-HT was a rapid depolarization associated with a conductance increase in approximately 43% of the neurons (53/123); however, in a minority population ( approximately 6%; 8/123), 5-HT caused membrane depolarization associated with a conductance decrease. In the former group, 5-HT produced a transient inward current (I5-HT) in neurons voltage-clamped near the resting potential ( approximately -60 mV); the effect was mimicked by the 5-HT3 receptor-specific agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, suggesting it was mediated by 5-HT3 receptors. Further, I5-HT was selectively inhibited by the 5-HT3 receptor-specific antagonist MDL72222 (1-10 microM), but was unaffected by either 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, spiperone, or by 5-HT2 receptor-specific antagonist, ketanserin (50-100 microM). I5-HT displayed moderate inward rectification and had a mean reversal potential (+/-S.E.M.) of -4.3+/-6.6 mV (n=6). Application of 5-HT (dose range: 0.1-100 microM) produced a dose-response curve that was fitted by the Hill equation with EC50= approximately 3.4 microM and Hill coefficient= approximately 1.6 (n=8). The activation phase of I5-HT (10 microM 5-HT at -60 mV) was well fitted by a single exponential with mean (+/-S.E.M.) time constant of 45+/-30 ms (n=6). The desensitization phase of I5-HT was best fitted by a single exponential with mean (+/-S.E.M.) time constant of 660+/-167 ms (n=6). Fluctuation analysis yielded an apparent mean single-channel conductance (+/-S.E.M) of 2.7+/-1.5 pS (n=4) at -60 mV. In the minority ( approximately 6%) population of neurons which responded to 5-HT with a conductance decrease, the depolarization was blocked by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin (50 microM). Taken together, these results suggest that 5-HT3 receptors are the major subtype expressed by rat petrosal neurons, and therefore are candidates for facilitating chemoafferent excitation in response to 5-HT released from peripheral targets.

The yeast a1 and alpha2 homeodomain proteins do not contribute equally to heterodimeric DNA binding

In diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the alpha2 and a1 homeodomain proteins bind cooperatively to sites in the promoters of haploid cell-type-specific genes (hsg) to repress their expression. Although both proteins bind to the DNA, in the alpha2 homeodomain substitutions of residues that are involved in contacting the DNA have little or no effect on repression in vivo or cooperative DNA binding with a1 protein in vitro. This result brings up the question of the contribution of each protein in the heterodimer complex to the DNA-binding affinity and specificity. To determine the requirements for the a1-alpha2 homeodomain DNA recognition, we systematically introduced single base-pair substitutions in an a1-alpha2 DNA-binding site and examined their effects on repression in vivo and DNA binding in vitro. Our results show that nearly all substitutions that significantly decrease repression and DNA-binding affinity are at positions which are specifically contacted by either the alpha2 or a1 protein. Interestingly, an alpha2 mutant lacking side chains that make base-specific contacts in the major groove is able to discriminate between the wild-type and mutant DNA sites with the same sequence specificity as the wild-type protein. These results suggest that the specificity of alpha2 DNA binding in complex with a1 does not rely solely on the residues that make base-specific contacts. We have also examined the contribution of the a1 homeodomain to the binding affinity and specificity of the complex. In contrast to the lack of a defective phenotype produced by mutations in the alpha2 homeodomain, many of the alanine substitutions of residues in the a1 homeodomain have large effects on a1-alpha2-mediated repression and DNA binding. This result shows that the two proteins do not make equal contributions to the DNA-binding affinity of the complex.

Determination of trace elements in tissue of human uterine cancer by instrumental neutron activation analysis

In this article, the low-temperature freeze-drying pretreated technique and instrumental neutron activation analysis were used to determine 29 trace elements in samples of human uterine cancer tissue. The content of these trace elements in uterine cancer tissue was compared with that in cervicitis tissue and in healthy tissue, respectively. Preliminary results indicated that significant differences in contents of Au, I, and Se were observed in these tissues.

[The plasma levels of endothelin in diabetic retinopathy and their changes after treatment with doxium]

The plasma endothelin (ET) concentrations were determined in 45 diabetes mellitus patients. The changes of ET in 20 diabetic retinopathy patients before and after treatment with doxium and 30 normal controls were observed. The level of plasma endothelins was higher in diabetes mellitus patients than that of the controls (P < 0.05), which was even higher in diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.01). After treatment with doxium, the plasma endothelins level decreased significantly (P < 0.01).

Increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha in rat and human prostate cancer

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in adaptation to hypoxia. Expression of HIF-1alpha was evaluated in rat and human prostate cancer cell lines. Increased expression of HIF-1alpha mRNA in rat prostate cancer cell lines and hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1alpha protein in human prostate cancer cell lines are associated with increased cell growth rates and metastatic potential. HIF-1alpha mRNA was undetectable in the normal rat ventral prostate by Northern blot hybridization. HIF-1alpha protein expression and HIF-1 DNA binding activity were detected in normoxic PC-3 cells. Human prostate cancer cells plated at low density manifested higher functional HIF-1alpha expression than cells plated at high density independent of O2 tension. HIF-1alpha may become dysregulated in prostate cancer and thus drive the transcription of hypoxia-adaptive genes involved in tumor progression. This is also the first evidence that human cancer cells can express functional HIF-1alpha protein under normoxic conditions.

Differential coupling of alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta-adrenergic receptors to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and differentiation in transfected PC12 cells

Three adrenergic receptor families that selectively activate three different G proteins (alpha1/Gq/11, alpha2/Gi, and beta/Gs) were used to study mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and differentiation in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were stably transfected with alpha1A-, alpha2A-, or beta1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in an inducible expression vector, and subclones were characterized. Norepinephrine stimulated inositol phosphate formation in alpha1A-transfected cells, inhibited cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP) formation in alpha2A-transfected cells, and stimulated cAMP formation in beta1-transfected cells. Nerve growth factor activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in all cell lines; however, norepinephrine activated ERKs only in alpha1A- and beta1-transfected cells but not in alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine also activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK in alpha1A-transfected cells but not in beta1- or alpha2A-transfected cells. Norepinephrine caused differentiation of PC12 cells expressing alpha1A-ARs but not those expressing beta1- or alpha2A-ARs. However, norepinephrine acted synergistically with nerve growth factor in promoting differentiation of cells expressing beta1-ARs. Whereas ERKs are activated by Gi- but not Gs-linked receptors in many fibroblastic cell lines, we observed the opposite in PC12 cells. The results show that activation of the different G protein signaling pathways has different effects on MAPKs and differentiation in PC12 cells, with Gq signaling pathways activating all three major MAPK pathways.

[A study on the correlation between the activity of 72,000 type IV collagenase and the metastatic potential of cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the enzyme activity of 72,000 type IV collagenase and its relationship with the metastatic potential of cancer cells.

METHODS

The levels of secreted 72,000 type IV collagenase in the conditioned media of five human cancer cell lines with different metastatic potential and a normal lung fibroblast strain treated with cancer cell culture media were examined by gelatin zymography and densitometric analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of 72,000 type IV collagenase secreted by cancer cells with high metastatic potential (PG, WM451 and WM983a) were higher than those secreted by cancer cells with low metastatic potential (PAa and WM35). In the conditioned media of fibroblasts which were treated with the culture media of PG and WM451, enhanced levels of activation were observed.

CONCLUSION

The secretion of 72,000 type IV collagenase is closely correlated to the metastatic potential of cancer cells. The cancer cells with high metastatic potential may possibly through certain soluble mediators stimulate normal fibroblasts to activate 72,000 type IV procollagenase.

Architectural and histochemical properties of cat hip 'cuff' muscles

The architectural properties and fiber-type composition of the cat hip 'cuff' muscles, i.e. the deep layer of muscles encircling the hip joint, were determined. The muscles studied included the gluteus minimus, obturator internus and externus, gemellus superior and inferior, pyriformis, quadratus femoris and capsularis. In addition, the fiber-type composition was determined for the iliacus muscle. Compared to other lower limb muscles, the cuff muscles were small (approximately 0.2 to 2.7 g) and short (approximately 15 to 40 mm long) and had short mean fiber lengths (approximately 7 to 12 mm long), small angles of fiber pinnation (< or = 12 degrees), and small physiological cross-sectional areas (approximately 0.2 to 2.8 cm2). The percentage of the cross-sectional area comprised of slow fibers ranged from 24 to 95% with this value being over 50% in 5/9 muscles studied. The small angle of pinnation and short fiber lengths optimize force production and the relatively high percentage of slow fibers suggest a high level of activation. Both of these properties are consistent with a hip stabilization role for these muscles. In addition, the high percentage of slow fibers suggests a high spindle density and a possible role of these muscles in providing proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system for the control of posture and locomotion.

[One stage repair of old Achilles tendon rupture accompanied by skin defect]

Old achilles tendon rupture accompanied by skin defect was a common & annoying problem in clinic. From June, 1985 to June, 1996, 18 cases with this kind of injury were treated by one stage repair of the tendon and skin defect. In this series, there were 15 males and 3 females, the length of tendon defects were ranged from 4 cm-6.1 cm, and the area of skin defect were ranged from 5.9 cm x 3 cm to 8.2 cm x 6 cm. The procedures were: (1) to debridement of the wound thoroughly; (2) to repair the achilles tendon; (3) to repair the skin defect with kinds of pedicle flap; (4) immobilization of ankle and knee for 6 weeks. No infection was occured after the operation. The flaps survived in all cases. After follow-up for one year in 15 cases, 12 patients went back to their work. It was concluded that (1) achilles tendon rupture should be treated carefully and properly during the emergency operation; (2) different methods should be selected according to the length of tendon defect; (3) because of its high survival and retained sensation after operation, the flap pedicled with posterior lateral malleolar artery is the best choice for repairing the skin defect.

Cyclical passive stretch influences the mechanical properties of the inactive cat soleus

The effects of cyclical, passive manipulation (PM, 30 min day(-1), 5 days week(-1) for 6 months) mimicking the length excursions observed during stepping on the mechanical and associated biochemical properties of the inactive cat soleus muscle were determined in five cats. Inactivity was produced via spinal cord isolation (SI), i.e. complete spinal cord transections at low thoracic and high sacral levels and bilateral dorsal rhizotomy between the transection sites. Passive manipulation was administered to one leg of each SI cat. Compared with normal controls, SI resulted in approximately 70% decrease in weight, an 80% decrease in maximum tetanic tension (Po) and an approximately 100% increase in maximum rate of shortening (Vmax) and myosin adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase) activity of the soleus. The passive manipulation regime partially ameliorated these effects. When compared with the control SI soleus, the SI-PM soleus weight and maximum tetanic tension were 12 and 21% higher, respectively, and the Vmax and mATPase activity 21 and 12% (p > 0.05) lower, respectively. Thus, inactivity resulted in a smaller and faster muscle, whereas passive manipulation for only 30 min a day tended to maintain these properties closer to normal control values. The results suggest a potential therapeutic effect of short bouts of cyclical, passive manipulation on otherwise inactive skeletal muscles.

[Study of protein separation by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography]

Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of protein on large pore silica (20-30 nm) n-alkyl-bonded(C4 and C5) phase columns was studied using a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/2-propanol mobile phase system. The influence of concentration of organic modifier (2-propanol) and ion-pairing acid (TFA) on the protein retention time was examined. The results showed that the plot of the retention time vs-2-propanol concentration in mobile phase was U-shaped. The mechanism of protein in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography is also discussed.

Apoptosis induction by the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone and the calcium-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin involves Bc1-2 regulated caspase activation

The requirement for caspases (ICE-like proteases) were investigated in mediating apoptosis of WEHI7.2 mouse lymphoma cells in response to two death inducers with different mechanisms of action, the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone (DX) and the calcium-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (TG). Apoptosis induction by these agents followed different kinetics, and was closely correlated with in vivo activation of caspase-3 (CPP32/Yama/Apopain) and cleavage of the caspase target protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Caspase activation and PARP cleavage were inhibited by Bcl-2 overexpression. Cell extracts from DX- and TG-treated cells cleaved the in vitro synthesized baculovirus p35 ICE-like protease target, producing 25 and 10 kDa fragments. p35 cleavage was inhibited by mutating the active site aspartic acid to alanine, and by a panel of protease inhibitors that inhibit caspase-3-like proteases, including iodoacetamide, N-ethylmaleimide, and Ac-DEVD-cho. Treatment of cells in vivo with two cell permeant peptide fluoromethylketone inhibitors of caspase activity, Z-VAD-fmk and Z-DEVD-fmk, inhibited DX- and TG-induced apoptotic nuclear changes and maintained plasma membrane integrity, whereas the cathepsin inhibitor, Z-FA-fmk, and two calpain inhibitors failed to inhibit apoptosis. An unexpected observation was that due to the delayed time course of DX-induced apoptosis, optimal preservation of plasma membrane integrity was achieved by adding caspase inhibitors beginning 8 h after DX addition. In summary, the findings indicate that two diverse apoptosis-inducing signals converge into a common Bcl-2-regulated pathway that leads to caspase activation and apoptosis.

Skeletal muscle afferent regulation of bioassayable growth hormone in the rat pituitary

There are forms of growth hormone (GH) in the plasma and pituitary of the rat and in the plasma of humans that are undetected by presently available immunoassays (iGH) but can be measured by bioassay (bGH). Although the regulation of iGH release is well documented, the mechanism(s) of bGH release is unclear. On the basis of changes in bGH and iGH secretion in rats that had been exposed to microgravity conditions, we hypothesized that neural afferents play a role in regulating the release of these hormones. To examine whether bGH secretion can be modulated by afferent input from skeletal muscle, the proximal or distal ends of severed hindlimb fast muscle nerves were stimulated ( approximately 2 times threshold) in anesthetized rats. Plasma bGH increased approximately 250%, and pituitary bGH decreased approximately 60% after proximal nerve trunk stimulation. The bGH response was independent of muscle mass or whether the muscles were flexors or extensors. Distal nerve stimulation had little or no effect on plasma or pituitary bGH. Plasma iGH concentrations were unchanged after proximal nerve stimulation. Although there may be multiple regulatory mechanisms of bGH, the present results demonstrate that the activation of low-threshold afferents from fast skeletal muscles can play a regulatory role in the release of bGH, but not iGH, from the pituitary in anesthetized rats.

Phosphorylation of NF-kappa B p65 by PKA stimulates transcriptional activity by promoting a novel bivalent interaction with the coactivator CBP/p300

The transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B is stimulated upon phosphorylation of its p65 subunit on serine 276 by protein kinase A (PKA). The transcriptional coactivator CPB/p300 associates with NF-kappa B p65 through two sites, an N-terminal domain that interacts with the C-terminal region of unphosphorylated p65, and a second domain that only interacts with p65 phosphorylated on serine 276. Accessibility to both sites is blocked in unphosphorylated p65 through an intramolecular masking of the N terminus by the C-terminal region of p65. Phosphorylation by PKA both weakens the interaction between the N- and C-terminal regions of p65 and creates an additional site for interaction with CBP/p300. Therefore, PKA regulates the transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B by modulating its interaction with CBP/p300.

Effects of inactivity on myosin heavy chain composition and size of rat soleus fibers

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) and fiber size properties of the adult rat soleus were determined after 4-60 days of complete inactivity, i.e., lumbar spinal cord isolation. Soleus atrophy was rapid and progressive, i.e., 25% and 64% decrease in weight and 33% and 75% decrease in fiber size after 4 and 60 days of inactivity, respectively. Changes in MHC occurred at a slower rate than the atrophic response. After 15 days there was de novo expression of type IIx MHC (approximately 10%). By 60 days, type IIx MHC accounted for 33% of the total MHC content, and 7% of the fibers contained only type IIx MHC. The relative amount of type I MHC was reduced from 93% in control to 49% after 60 days of inactivity. Therefore, the effects of 60 days of inactivity suggest that during this time period at least 75% of fiber size and approximately 40% of type I MHC composition of the adult rat soleus can be attributed to activation-related events.

[Reliability design and analysis of man-machine performance of display and illumination system in cockpit]

This paper analysed and discussed the basic reliability of display and illumination system in which Chinese characters displayed on LCD were read and the colours were identified, and instruments in different visual views and the instruments of differential display models were read. The colour rendering of the light source was also evaluated. Basic reliability may be chosen as 0.9995.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor is a candidate biomarker of metastatic tumor response to ex vivo gene therapy of renal cell cancer

We report the close correlation between changes in serum immunoreactive vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (iVEGF165) levels and metastatic tumor burden measured by computed tomography scan before treatment, during the antitumor response, and during early progression in a patient treated with ex vivo gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma. With the researcher blinded to outcome, iVEGF levels were measured in archived serum samples from a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who demonstrated a 7-month partial remission to treatment with autologous, irradiated human GM-CSF gene transduced tumor vaccine. Although a spontaneous regression could not be formally excluded in this patient, the appearance of 20 new pulmonary metastases on computed tomography scan after nephrectomy and before vaccination indicates that if spontaneous regression occurred, it took place at the start of vaccine treatment.

Training effects on soleus of cats spinal cord transected (T12-13) as adults

Adult spinal cord transected (T12-13) cats were trained for 30 min/day, 5 days/week to either step on a treadmill (Stp-T) or stand (Std-T) for approximately 5 months. Training ameliorated soleus atrophy and enhanced maximum force capability compared to nontrained (N-T) spinal cats, with Stp-T being significantly different from N-T. Isometric twitch speed and maximum rate of shortening were unaffected by training; the soleus of all spinal groups was significantly faster than control. There was an elevation in myosin adenosine triphosphatase activity and a shift toward faster myosin heavy chain and fiber type compositions in N-T and Std-T, but not Stp-T cats. Thus, rhythmical activity involving muscle length and force changes (stepping) was more effective than a similar amount of a more static activity (standing). This specificity related to the type of training should be considered when developing rehabilitative strategies following spinal cord injury.

[Application of wavelet transform to the isolation of EXAFS oscilations from experiment data]

It is of significant importance to isolate lambda(k) form the total absorption cofficient data micro(E) for the analysis of EXAFS spectrum. Generally, least-squares procedure of polynomial spline or B spline was used for removing the smooth sbsorption background, which has been proved to be effective. But it suffers in that the trial of knot points is time-consuming and it is poor in reproducibility. In this paper, a new chemometrics method--wavelet transform analysis was used to separate the lambda(k) and background absorption from micro(E) and it is proved that the technique is a very good method for the analysis of EXAFS spectrum.

[Effects of low concentration carbon monoxide on human physiological function]

Human volunteers were exposed to various low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in a closed cabin. The results showed that 35 mg/m3 of CO caused slight subjective symptoms and reduction in contrast vision, operating efficiency and T-wave of ECG. At 80 mg/m3 and 115 mg/m3 the above changes were more severe and a rise in hearing threshold level was observed. It demonstrated that an inhibitory effect on the CNS and heart were caused by low concentrations of CO. According to the absorption curves for human exposed to CO, it is suggested that the sense effect level and vision effect level for CO are 7% COHb, and the hearing effect level is 9% COHb.

Synapse formation and hypoxic signalling in co-cultures of rat petrosal neurones and carotid body type 1 cells

1. To investigate synaptic mechanisms mediating chemosensory signalling in the carotid body, we developed co-cultures of chemoreceptor type 1 cell clusters and dissociated petrosal neurones (PNs) from 7- to 14-day-old rat pups and tested for functional connectivity in CO2-HCO3(-)-or Hepes-buffered medium at approximately 35 degrees C. 2. When cultured without type 1 cells, PNs were almost always quiescent (n = 104) and unresponsive to hypoxia (Po2 = 5-25 mmHg) during perforated patch, whole-cell recordings of membrane potential or voltage-activated currents; in contrast, many PNs (77 out of 170) that were juxtaposed to type 1 cell clusters in co-culture displayed spontaneous activity, comprising spikes and subthreshold potentials (SSPs) that resembled synaptic potentials. 3. Additional tests suggested that de novo chemical synapses developed between PNs and type 1 cell clusters in vitro. For example: (i) the spontaneous activity was reversibly suppressed by substituting low calcium-high magnesium in the bath; (ii) SSPs had variable amplitudes and persisted following action potential blockade with TTX (1 microM); (iii) the interval distribution between successive spontaneous events appeared random; and (iv) the frequency of spontaneous potentials was diminished (reversibly) by the nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium (100 microM), suggesting contributions from the spontaneous release of ACh. 4. Many complexes of 'juxtaposed' PNs and type 1 clusters were physiologically functional, since exposure to hypoxia caused a reversible depolarization and/or increased spike discharge in approximately 30% of such neurones (n = 140). The hypoxia-induced spike discharge persisted in the presence of the dopamine D2 receptor blocker spiperone (10-50 microM; n = 5); however, this discharge was reversibly inhibited by 100-200 microM hexamethonium, suggesting that it was mediated, at least in part, by ACh acting through nicotinic receptors. 5. The hypoxia-induced spike discharge and frequency of spontaneous potentials in co-cultured PNs were reversibly suppressed when the buffer was switched from CO2-HCO3- to Hepes (10 mM) at pH 7.4; further, 'functional' PNs that displayed spontaneous activity and/or hypoxia-induced responses in co-culture were encountered more frequently in CO2-HCO3- (> or = 40%) than in Hepes (< or = 26%) buffer. 6. We conclude that functional chemical synapses can develop de novo in cultures of carotid body type 1 cells and PNs and that ACh is probably an important excitatory neurotransmitter secreted from type 1 cells during hypoxic chemotransduction in the rat carotid body.

Baculovirus p35 and Z-VAD-fmk inhibit thapsigargin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is inhibited by the antiapoptotic oncogene, Bcl-2, and is mediated by a cascade of aspartate-specific cysteine proteases, or caspases, related to interleukin 1-beta converting enzyme. Depending on cell type, apoptosis can be induced by treatment with thapsigargin (TG); a selective inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated calcium-ATPase. The role of caspases in mediating TG-induced apoptosis was investigated in the Bcl-2-negative human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-468. Apoptosis developed in MDA-MB-468 cells over a period of 24-72 h following treatment with 100 nM TG, and was prevented by Bcl-2 overexpression. TG-induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspase-3 and was inhibited by stable expression of the baculovirus p35 protein, an inhibitor of caspase activity. Also, TG-induced apoptosis was inhibited by treating cells with Z-VAD-fmk, a cell-permeable fluoromethylketone inhibitor of caspases. These findings indicate that TG-induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells is subject to inhibition by Bcl-2 and is mediated by caspase activity. This model system should be useful for further investigation directed toward understanding the role of calcium in signaling apoptosis, and its relationship to Bcl-2 and the caspase proteolytic cascade.

Nicotinic acetylcholine sensitivity of rat petrosal sensory neurons in dissociated cell culture

Using whole-cell, patch-clamp techniques we investigated acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity of dissociated sensory neurons from rat petrosal ganglia after 4 h-14 days in vitro. In approx. 68% of petrosal neurons (PN; n = 109) ACh, applied by fast perfusion or pressure ejection from a 'puffer' pipette, caused a rapid depolarization associated with a conductance increase. Under voltage clamp near the resting potential (approx. - 60 mV), ACh induced a hexamethonium-sensitive, inward current (IACh), mimicked by nicotine application, suggesting the presence of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). The reversal potential of IACh occurred near 0 mV (n = 4), a region where the I-V curve displayed a prominent rectification. The dose-response relation for IACh versus ACh concentration was fitted by the Hill equation with EC50 = approx. 33.9 microM and Hill coefficient = approx. 1.6. The activation phase of IACh was well fitted by a single exponential with mean (+/- S.E.M.) time constant of 102 +/- 82 ms (n = 6); the desensitization phase of IACh was best fitted by the sum of two exponentials, with time constant of 870 +/- 210 ms (n = 6) and 8576 +/- 1435 ms (at -70 mV). Fluctuation analysis yielded an apparent single-channel conductance of 21.6 +/- 10 pS (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 4). These data indicate that a major subpopulation of sensory neurons in visceral petrosal ganglia of the rat express nAChR. Thus, if similar receptors are present on corresponding nerve terminals, they could mediate fast afferent excitation in response to ACh released at peripheral targets, e.g., the chemosensory carotid body.

Alpha2p controls donor preference during mating type interconversion in yeast by inactivating a recombinational enhancer of chromosome III

Homothallic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can change mating type as often as every generation by replacing the allele at the MAT locus with a copy of mating type information present at one of two storage loci, HML and HMR, located on either end of chromosome III. Selection of the appropriate donor locus is dictated by a mating type-specific repressor protein, alpha2p: Cells containing alpha2p select HMR, whereas those lacking alpha2p select HML. As a repressor protein, alpha2p binds to DNA cooperatively with the transcriptional activator Mcm1p. Here we show that two alpha2p/Mcm1p-binding sites, DPS1 and DPS2, control donor selection. DPS1 and DPS2 are located approximately 30 kb from the left arm of chromosome III, well removed from HML, HMR, and MAT. Precise deletion of only DPS1 and DPS2 results in random selection of donor loci and in a cells without affecting selection in alpha cells. Reciprocally, deletion of only the alpha2p binding segments in each of these two sites results in selection of the wrong donor loci in alpha cells without affecting preference in a cells. These results suggest that Mcm1p, bound to these two sites in the absence of alpha2p, activates HML as donor. Binding of alpha2p blocks the ability of Mcm1p bound to DPS1 and DPS2 to activate HML, resulting in default selection of HMR as donor. DPS1 and DPS2 also regulate expression of several noncoding RNAs, although deletion of at least one of these RNA loci does not affect donor preference. This suggests that transcriptional activation, rather than transcription of a specific product, is the initiating event in activating the left arm of chromosome III for donor selection.

[Comparative study of two fusion retinoic acid receptor alpha in acute promyelocytic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To make a comparison of biological properties between PML-RARalpha and PLZF-RARalpha fusion proteins.

METHODS

Receptor radioligand binding assay, receptor DNA binding assay and immunofluorescence methods were used.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

PML-RARalpha and PLZF-RARalpha had similar ligand-binding affinities. Both could bind in vitro to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) forming homodimers and to retinoic acid X receptor. However ,they differed in the relative binding affinities to different RAREs,the behavior of forming complex with RXR and the subcellular localization. More importantly, PML-RARalpha and PLZF-RARalpha could block different regulatory pathways mediated by PML or PLZF, through heterocomplex formation with wild-type PML or PLZF. The differences between PML-RARalpha and PLZF-RARalpha may in part explain the apparent resistance of APL with t(11;17) to differentiating effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA).

Chronic activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester reduces calcium channel expression in chick sympathetic neurons

Chronic activation of protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in regulation of Ca2+ entry responsible for normal development of transmitter properties in cultured sympathetic neurons. The idea that PKC alters the expression of Ca2+ channels was tested using phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) which activates PKC and also supports survival of chick sympathetic neurons in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF). Whole cell voltage-clamp showed that neurons supported by PDB for 2 days had significantly lower Ca2+ current density (0.243 +/- 0.025 pA/microm2) than those supported by NGF (0.356 +/- 0.033 pA/microm2). [125I]omega-Conotoxin GVIA binding showed that PDB-supported neurons had significantly lower maximum binding (617 +/- 223 fmol/mg protein) compared with those supported by NGF (1099 +/- 192 fmol/mg protein). These results support the conclusion that chronic activation of PKC limits the expression of N-type Ca2+ channels. A reduction in Ca2+ channel number is consistent with, and could account for the mature type Ca2+ handling and transmitter release properties seen in sympathetic neuro-effector preparations, sympathetic neurons co-cultured with their targets, and neurons supported by PDB.

The transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB is regulated by the IkappaB-associated PKAc subunit through a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism

Stimulation of cells with inducers of NF-kappaB such as LPS and IL-1 leads to the degradation of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta proteins and translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. We now demonstrate that, besides the physical partitioning of inactive NF-kappaB to the cytosol, the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB is regulated through phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 by protein kinase A (PKA). The catalytic subunit of PKA (PKAc) is maintained in an inactive state through association with IkappaB-alpha or IkappaB-beta in an NF-kappaB-IkappaB-PKAc complex. Signals that cause the degradation of IkappaB result in activation of PKAc in a cAMP-independent manner and the subsequent phosphorylation of p65. Therefore, this pathway represents a novel mechanism for the cAMP-independent activation of PKA and the regulation of NF-kappaB activity.

DNA-binding specificity of Mcm1: operator mutations that alter DNA-bending and transcriptional activities by a MADS box protein

The yeast Mcm1 protein is a member of the MADS box family of transcriptional regulatory factors, a class of DNA-binding proteins found in such diverse organisms as yeast, plants, flies, and humans. To explore the protein-DNA interactions of Mcm1 in vivo and in vitro, we have introduced an extensive series of base pair substitutions into an Mcm1 operator site and examined their effects on Mcm1-mediated transcriptional regulation and DNA-binding affinity. Our results show that Mcm1 uses a mechanism to contact the DNA that has some significant differences from the one used by the human serum response factor (SRF), a closely related MADS box protein in which the three-dimensional structure has been determined. One major difference is that 5-bromouracil-mediated photo-cross-linking experiments indicate that Mcm1 is in close proximity to functional groups in the major groove at the center of the recognition site whereas the SRF protein did not exhibit this characteristic. A more significant difference is that mutations at a position outside of the conserved CC(A/T)6GG site significantly reduce Mcm1-dependent DNA bending, while these substitutions have no effect on DNA bending by SRF. This result shows that the DNA bending by Mcm1 is sequence dependent and that the base-specific requirements for bending differ between Mcm1 and SRF. Interestingly, although these substitutions have a large effect on DNA bending and transcriptional activation by Mcm1, they have a relatively small effect on the DNA-binding affinity of the protein. This result suggests that the degree of DNA bending is important for transcriptional activation by Mcm1.

The yeast homeodomain protein MATalpha2 shows extended DNA binding specificity in complex with Mcm1

The MATalpha2 (alpha2) repressor interacts with the Mcm1 protein to turn off a-cell type-specific genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We compared five natural alpha2-Mcm1 sites with an alpha2-Mcm1 symmetric consensus site (AMSC) for their relative strength of repression and found that the AMSC functions slightly better than any of the natural sites. To further investigate the DNA binding specificity of alpha2 in complex with Mcm1, symmetric substitutions at each position in the alpha2 half-sites of AMSC were constructed and assayed for their effect on repression in vivo and DNA binding affinity in vitro. As expected, substitutions at positions in which there are base-specific contacts decrease the level of repression. Interestingly, substitutions at other positions, in which there are no apparent base-specific contacts made by the protein in the alpha2-DNA co-crystal structure, also significantly decrease repression. As an alternative method to examining the DNA binding specificity of alpha2, we performed in vitro alpha2 binding site selection experiments in the presence and absence of Mcm1. In the presence of Mcm1, the consensus sequences obtained were extended and more closely related to the natural alpha2 sites than the consensus sequence obtained in the absence of Mcm1. These results demonstrate that in the presence of Mcm1 the sequence specificity of alpha2 is extended to these positions.

[Effects of arsenic trioxide on the subcellular localization of PML/PML-RARalpha protein in leukemic cells]

OBJECTIVE

In order to illustrate the possible roles of PML-RARalpha protein in arsenic trioxide (AsO3)-induced NB4 cell apoptosis.

METHODS

Effects of As2O3 on the subcellular localization of PML-RARalpha in NB4 cells were studied.

RESULTS

(1) Anti-PML serum staining was reduced and PML granules emerged in the perinuclear cytoplasm in a diffuse pattern in HL-60 cells under As2O3 treatment; (2) abnormal PML/PML-RARalpha granules were decreased; (3) NB4 cells accumulated anti-PML serum staining granules in the cytoplasms were increased and similar accumulation also found in apoptotic cells; and (4) pretreatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for 24 or 48 hours did not alter the As2O3 effects.

CONCLUSION

As2O3-induced apoptosis was independent of the retinoic acid signal pathway, and it might be regulated by PML/PML-RARalpha and/or other related genes.

[Preliminary study on the arsenic trioxide-induced NB4 cell apoptosis and its molecular mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

METHODS

APL cell line NB4 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of As2O3 on APL was studied by using flow cytometry, DNA electrophoresis, Narthern blotting and Western blotting.

RESULTS

As2O3 induced NB4 cell apoptosis, while not inhibiting the growth and survival of two other leukemic cell lines (HL-60 and U937). Furthermore, As2O3 effectively down-regulated the expression of bcl-2 gene without changing the mRNA levels of other apoptosis-associated genes (including p53, c-myc, bax and bcl-XL).

CONCLUSION

These might be one of the molecular mechanisms of As2O3 induced NB4 cell apoptosis.

[Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in renal cell carcinoma]

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a pluripotent polypeptide which plays an important role in tumor progression and angiogensis. We determined the expression and localization patterns of bFGF and one of its receptor (FGFR-1) in normal renal as well as in renal cancers. The results were compared with clinicopathologic features. Using bFGF and FGFR-1 antibody, the repairing method of antigen with microwave oven heating and LSAB immunohistochemistry we used in 36 cases of paraffin-embedded renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their paired normal renal tissues. The expression of bFGF and FGFR-1 was nearly consistent. The normal renal tissues and ECM of 29 cases of renal cancer tissues showed heterogenous immunoreactivities. Renal cancer cell cytoplasm of 12 primary tumors and 2 metastatic tumors, as in the cytoplasmic bFGF of cultured GRC-1 cells, were positively homogenous stained. The bFGF and FGFR-1 can be consistently expressed in normal renal and renal cancer tissues, reflecting that the expression and function of these substances were closely associated. The cytoplasmic bFGF expression of renal cancer was related to tumor stages, suggesting that b bFGF plays an important role in the progression of renal cell carcinoma.

[Study on changes of visual fatigue index during prolonged visual display terminal operation]

25 Arabic numerals (0-9) lined in a row were displayed with 4 different patterns on CRT. The subjects were asked to find out the one missed numeral in the row and to press the key corresponding to the numeral. The work lasted for 3h. Longitudino-Kinetic visual acuity was measured before and at 30, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180 minutes during the work. The results showed that the Longitudino-Kinetic visual acuity dropped with working time and recovered after work quickly at first and then slowly.

The effects of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine on evoked release of [3H]serotonin in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius

5'-N-Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) a non-selective adenosine A1 and A2a receptor agonist was employed in stimulated (3 Hz, 25 mA, 1 min) superfused nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) brain slices loaded with [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT), and ligand binding with [3H]NECA on NTS membranes. Superfusion of NTS slices with 1.0 and 3.0 nM NECA for 5 min prior to S2 stimulation produced an augmented release of [3H]5-HT (35.7%) above the control S2/S1 ratio. When the duration of NECA perfusion was increased to 20 min prior to S2, the S2/S1 ratio was depressed 21% at 1.0 nM for [3H]5-HT release. The augmented release of [3H]5-HT by NECA at 5 min was blocked by the adenosine A2a antagonist 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC; 100 nM), and was reduced but not blocked by the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 10 nM). Saturation binding assays with [3H]NECA on NTS membranes showed two binding sites, a high affinity site with a KD 2.18 nM and low affinity site with a KD of 44.9 nM. With the selective adenosine A2a antagonist CSC the high affinity site was blocked while 10 nM DPCPX, the A1 antagonist, reduced binding of the low affinity site, but did not abolish it. NECA binds to two different adenosine receptor sites in NTS membranes with the A2a receptor being the high affinity site. The same A2a site is associated with the augmented neurotransmitter release of [3H]5-HT with 5 min tissue exposure since it is blocked by CSC. Longer tissue exposure to NECA resulted in desensitization and finally inhibition of release possibly associated with adenosine A1 receptors.

Inducible expression of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in rat C6 glioma cells: functional interactions between closely related subtypes

We examined the role of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor (AR) density and ratio in catecholamine-stimulated cAMP responses in rat C6 glioma cells. These cells, which normally express both subtypes, were stably transfected with an isopropylthio-beta-D-galactoside-inducible vector containing either beta 1AR or beta 2AR coding sequences, and receptor expression was controlled by the time and concentration of isopropylthio-beta-D-galactoside exposure. Induction of the dominant beta 1AR subtype increased the potencies of isoproterenol (ISO) and other agonists in stimulating cAMP accumulation by 20-40-fold without changing maximal response. Induction of beta 2AR expression caused 7-13-fold increases in the potency of ISO, epinephrine, and zinterol, but not of norepinephrine, and a 20-40% loss in maximal response to all agonists. Selective antagonists showed that both subtypes contributed in a nonadditive manner in the response to ISO under different conditions. After beta 2AR induction, the effects of ISO were not blocked by the beta 1-selective antagonist CGP 20712A but were shifted 100-fold to the right by the beta 2-selective antagonist ICI 118,551. However, in the presence of ICI 118,551, CGP 20712A caused an additional 100-fold decrease in ISO potency, and Schild analysis revealed complex interactions between the two subtypes. Each antagonist alone caused smaller shifts to the right in the dose-response curve to NE and, when present simultaneously, completely abolished the NE response. We conclude that beta 1ARs and beta 2ARs have different efficiencies in activating cAMP accumulation in C6 glioma cells. Activation of coexisting subtypes results in complex and sometimes synergistic interactions between the two subtypes, which vary with agonist concentration, selectivity, subtype density, and ratio.

The yeast alpha2 and Mcm1 proteins interact through a region similar to a motif found in homeodomain proteins of higher eukaryotes

Homeodomain proteins are transcriptional regulatory factors that, in general, bind DNA with relatively low sequence specificity and affinity. One mechanism homeodomain proteins use to increase their biological specificity is through interactions with other DNA-binding proteins. We have examined how the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) homeodomain protein alpha2 specifically interacts with Mcm1, a MADS box protein, to bind DNA specifically and repress transcription. A patch of predominantly hydrophobic residues within a region preceding the homeodomain of alpha2 has been identified that specifies direct interaction with Mcm1 in the absence of DNA. This hydrophobic patch is required for cooperative DNA binding with Mcm1 in vitro and for transcriptional repression in vivo. We have also found that a conserved motif, termed YPWM, frequently found in homeodomain proteins of insects and mammals, partially functions in place of the patch in alpha2 to interact with Mcm1. These findings suggest that homeodomain proteins from diverse organisms may use analogous interaction motifs to associate with other proteins to achieve high levels of DNA binding affinity and specificity.

Variation in the inheritance of expression among subclones for unselected (uidA) and selected (bar) transgenes in maize (Zea mays L.)

Variation in the inheritance of expression among subclones for an unselected (uidA) and a selected (bar) transgene was analyzed in two individual transformation events in maize. The unselectable gene (uidA) and the selectable gene (bar), on two separate plasmids, were transferred to maize (Hi-II derivative) by particle bombardment of embryogenic calli or suspension cells. A total of 188 fertile T1 plants were obtained from one transformant (transformation event BG which integrated uidA and bar). A total of 98 fertile T1 plants were obtained from a second transformant (transformation event B which integrated bar). Through self-pollination and/or cross-pollination in the greenhouse, approximately 10 000 T2 progeny were obtained from event BG, and more than 1000 T2 progeny were obtained from event B. Segregation of transgene expression was analyzed statistically in a total of 2350 T2 progeny from 40 T1 subclones of event BG and in 217 T2 progeny from six T1 subclones from event B. Variation in the inheritance of expression among subclones for the two transgenes (uidA and bar) was observed in the two transformants. A significant difference was observed between the use of the female or male as the transgenic parent in the inheritance of expression for the two transgenes in event BG. No inheritance through the pollen was observed in two of four T1 subclones analyzed in event B. Co-expression analysis of event BG showed that both transgenes were co-expressed in 67.7% of the T2 plants which expressed at least one of the two transgenes. Of the T2 expressing plants, 30.4% expressed only bar, and 1.9% expressed only uidA. Inactivation of the unselected (uidA) and the selected (bar) transgenes was observed in individual T2 plants.

The Competence of Maize Shoot Meristems for Integrative Transformation and Inherited Expression of Transgenes

We have developed a novel and reproducible system for recovery of fertile transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The transformation was performed using microprojectile bombardment of cultured shoot apices of maize with a plasmid carrying two linked genes, the Streptomyces hygroscopicus phosphinothricin acetyltransferase gene (bar) and the potato proteinase inhibitor II gene, either alone or in combination with another plasmid containing the 5[prime] region of the rice actin 1 gene fused to the Escherichia coli [beta]-glucuronidase gene (gus). Bombarded shoot apices were subsequently multiplied and selected under 3 to 5 mg/L glufosinate ammonium. Co-transformation frequency was 100% (146/146) for linked genes and 80% (41/51) for unlinked genes. Co-expression frequency of the bar and gus genes was 57% (29/51). The co-integration, co-inheritance, and co-expression of bar, the potato proteinase inhibitor II gene, and gus in transgenic R0, R1, and R2 plants were confirmed. Localized expression of the actin 1-GUS protein in the R0 and R1 plants was extensively analyzed by histochemical and fluorometric assays.

[IL-6 gene expression in human tumor cell lines]

Using Northern blot techniques and IL-6-dependent cell line proliferating response method, the IL-6 gene expression in 8 sorts of human tumor cell lines and the IL-6 biologic activity in 5 sorts of medium were investigated. The results revealed that IL-6mRNA was positively expressed in 7 sorts of these cell lines and there were differential IL-6 biologic activity in 5 sorts of assayed medium. These results may providea basis for further research.

Basic fibroblast growth factor regulates ionic currents and excitability of fetal rat carotid body chemoreceptors

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are known mitogens and/or differentiation factors for cells of the sympathoadrenal lineage. Though carotid body (CB) chemoreceptors (type 1 cells) are considered part of this lineage, their response to bFGF is unknown and so far they appear unresponsive to NGF in vitro. In this study we use whole-cell recording to investigate whether bFGF (and NGF) can influence the development of ionic currents in these chemoreceptors, cultured from fetal (E18-19) rat pups. bFGF (10ng/ml) significantly augmented both transient inward Na+ and outward K+ currents in type 1 cells after only 2 days of treatment; after normalizing for the accompanying increase in cell size, as indicated by whole-cell capacitance, the Na+ current density was nonetheless increased by bFGF. Unlike controls, bFGF-treated type 1 cells readily fired action potentials following depolarization. These effects were not mimicked by NGF (100 ng/ml) treatment. Since the carotid body is one of the most richly vascularized organs and bFGF is a potent angiogenic factor, it is conceivable that variations in local bFGF concentrations during fetal development may contribute to the known species differences in CB chemoreceptor excitability.