[Association between clinical phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Ca2+ gene variation gene variation]

Objective: To observe the association between clinical phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and a rare calcium channel and regulatory gene variation (Ca²⁺ gene variation) and to compare clinical phenotypes of HCM patients with Ca²⁺ gene variation, a single sarcomere gene variation and without gene variation and to explore the influence of rare Ca²⁺ gene variation on the clinical phenotypes of HCM. Methods: Eight hundred forty-two non-related adult HCM patients diagnosed for the first time in Xijing Hospital from 2013 to 2019 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent exon analyses of 96 hereditary cardiac disease-related genes. Patients with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, post alcohol septal ablation or septal myectomy, and patients who carried sarcomere gene variation of uncertain significance or carried>1 sarcomere gene variation or carried>1 Ca²⁺ gene variation, with HCM pseudophenotype or carrier of ion channel gene variations other than Ca²⁺ based on the genetic test results were excluded. Patients were divided into gene negative group (no sarcomere or Ca²⁺ gene variants), sarcomere gene variation group (only 1 sarcomere gene variant) and Ca²⁺ gene variant group (only 1 Ca²⁺ gene variant). Baseline data, echocardiography and electrocardiogram data were collected for analysis. Results: A total of 346 patients were enrolled, including 170 patients without gene variation (gene negative group), 154 patients with a single sarcomere gene variation (sarcomere gene variation group) and 22 patients with a single rare Ca²⁺ gene variation (Ca²⁺ gene variation group). Compared with gene negative group, patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had higher blood pressure and higher percentage of family history of HCM and sudden cardiac death (P<0.05); echocardiographic results showed that patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had thicker ventricular septum ((23.5±5.8) mm vs. (22.3±5.7) mm, P<0.05); electrocardiographic results showed that patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had prolonged QT interval ((416.6±23.1) ms vs. (400.6±47.2) ms, P<0.05) and higher RV5+SV1 ((4.51±2.26) mv vs. (3.50±1.65) mv, P<0.05). Compared with sarcomere gene variation group, patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had later onset age and higher blood pressure (P<0.05); echocardiographic results showed that there was no significant difference in ventricular septal thickness between two groups; patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had lower percentage of left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient>30 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, 22.8% vs. 48.1%, P<0.05) and the lower early diastolic peak velocity of the mitral valve inflow/early diastolic peak velocity of the mitral valve annulus (E/e') ratio ((13.0±2.5) vs. (15.9±4.2), P<0.05); patients in Ca²⁺ gene variation group had prolonged QT interval ((416.6±23.1) ms vs. (399.0±43.0) ms, P<0.05) and lower percentage of ST segment depression (9.1% vs. 40.3%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with gene negative group, the clinical phenotype of HCM is more severe in patients with rare Ca²⁺ gene variation; compared with patients with sarcomere gene variation, the clinical phenotype of HCM is milder in patients with rare Ca²⁺ gene variation.

A Novel Murine Model Expressing a Chimeric mSCARB2/hSCARB2 Receptor Is Highly Susceptible to Oral Infection with Clinical Isolates of Enterovirus 71

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection is generally associated with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and may cause severe neurological disorders and even death. An effective murine oral infection model for studying the pathogenesis of various clinical EV71 isolates is lacking. We developed a transgenic (Tg) mouse that expresses an EV71 receptor, that is, human scavenger receptor class B member 2 (hSCARB2), in a pattern highly similar to that of endogenous murine SCARB2 (mSCARB2) protein. A FLAG-tagged SCARB2 cDNA fragment composed of exons 3 to 12 was inserted into a murine Scarb2 gene-containing bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone, and the resulting transgene was used for establishment of chimeric receptor-expressing Tg mice. Tg mice intragastrically (i.g.) infected with clinical isolates of EV71 showed neurological symptoms, such as ataxia and paralysis, and fatality. There was an age-dependent decrease in susceptibility to viral infection. Pathological characteristics of the infected Tg mice resembled those of encephalomyelitis in human patients. Viral infection was accompanied by microglial activation. Clodronate treatment of the brain slices from Tg mice enhanced viral replication, while lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly inhibited it, suggesting an antiviral role for microglia during EV71 infection. Taken together, this Tg mouse provides a model that closely mimics natural infection for studying EV71 pathogenesis and for evaluating the efficacy of vaccines or other antiviral drugs.IMPORTANCE The availability of a murine model of EV71 infection is beneficial for the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and the development and assessment of vaccines and antiviral drugs. However, the lack of a murine oral infection model thwarted the study of pathogenesis induced by clinically relevant EV71 strains that are transmitted via the oral-oral or oral-fecal route. Our Tg mice could be intragastrically infected with clinically relevant EV71 strains in an efficient way and developed neurological symptoms and pathological changes strikingly resembling those of human infection. Moreover, these mice showed an age-dependent change in susceptibility that is similar to the human case. This Tg mouse, when combined with the use of other genetically modified mice, potentially contributes to studying the relationship between developmental changes in immunity and susceptibility to virus.

Group A Streptococcus Subcutaneous Infection-Induced Central Nervous System Inflammation Is Attenuated by Blocking Peripheral TNF

Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection causes a strong inflammatory response associated with cytokine storms, leading to multiorgan failure, which is characterized as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. However, little is known about GAS subcutaneous infection-mediated brain inflammation. Therefore, we used a bioluminescent GAS strain and reporter mice carrying firefly luciferase under transcriptional control of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) promoter to concurrently monitor the host immune response and bacterial burden in a single mouse. Notably, in addition to the subcutaneous inoculation locus at the back of mice, we detected strong luminescence signals from NF-κB activation and increased inflammatory cytokine production in the brain, implying the existence of central nervous system inflammation after GAS subcutaneous infection. The inflamed brain exhibited an increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase components and greater microglial activation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Furthermore, Fluoro-Jade C positive cells increased in the brain, indicating that neurons underwent degeneration. Peripheral tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which contributes to pathology in brain injury, was elevated in the circulation, and the expression of its receptor was also increased in the inflamed brain. Blockage of peripheral TNF effectively reduced brain inflammation and injury, thereby preventing BBB disruption and improving survival. Our study provides new insights into GAS-induced central nervous system inflammation, such as encephalopathy, which can be attenuated by circulating TNF blockage.

Green tea extract induces genes related to browning of white adipose tissue and limits weight-gain in high energy diet-fed rat

Background: A wealth of research has reported on the anti-obesity effects of green tea extract (GTE). Although browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has been reported to attenuate obesity, no study has disclosed the effects of GTE on browning in Sprague Dawley rats. Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of GTE on anti-obesity and browning, and their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Four groups of rats (n=10/group) were used including a normal diet with vehicle treatment, and a high-energy diet (HED) with vehicle or GTE by oral gavage at 77.5 or 155 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Body weight, fat accumulation, and serum biochemical parameters were used to evaluate obesity. The gene expressions were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Results: GTE modulated HED-induced body weight, fat accumulation, and serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, free fatty acids, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Moreover, GTE enhanced the serum high-density lipoprotein. Most importantly, the biomarkers of beige adipose tissue were up-regulated in WAT in GTE-given groups. GTE induced genes involved in different pathways of browning, and reduced transducin-like enhancer protein-3 in WAT. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GTE may improve obesity through inducing browning in HED-fed rats. Abbreviations: ALT: Alanine transaminase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; BAT: Brown adipose tissue; BMP-7: Bone morphogenetic protein-7; BW: Body weight; CIDEA: Cell death activator; CPT-1: Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1; EFP: Epididymal fat pad; FFA: Free fatty acid; FGF-21: Fibroblast growth factor-21; GTE: Green tea extract; HDL: High-density lipoprotein; HED: high-energy diet; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; MFP: Mesenteric fat pad; PGC-1α: Activates PPAR-γ coactivator-1; PPAR-γ: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ; PRDM-16: PR domain containing 16; RFP: Renal fat pad; SD: Sprague Dawley; TC: Total cholesterol; TG: Triacylglycerol; TLE-3: Transducin-like enhancer protein-3: UCP-1: Uncoupling protein-1; WAT: White adipose tissue.

Association of dysfunctional synapse defective 1 (SYDE1) with restricted fetal growth - SYDE1 regulates placental cell migration and invasion

The transcription factor glial cells missing 1 (GCM1) regulates trophoblast differentiation and function during placentation. Decreased GCM1 expression is associated with pre-eclampsia, suggesting that abnormal expression of GCM1 target genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. Here we identified a novel GCM1 target gene, synapse defective 1 (SYDE1), which encodes a RhoGAP that is highly expressed in human placenta, and demonstrated that SYDE1 promotes cytoskeletal remodelling and cell migration and invasion. Importantly, genetic ablation of murine Syde1 results in small fetuses and placentas with aberrant phenotypes in the placental-yolk sac barrier, maternal-trophoblast interface, and placental vascularization. Microarray analysis revealed altered expression of renin-1, angiotensin I converting enzyme 2, angiotensin II type 1a receptor, and membrane metalloendopeptidase of the renin-angiotensin system in Syde1-knockout placenta, which may compensate for the vascular defects to maintain normal blood pressure. As pregnancy proceeds, growth restriction of the Syde1^-/- fetuses and placentas continues, with elevated expression of the Syde1 homologue Syde2 in placenta. Syde2 may compensate for the loss of Syde1 function because SYDE2, but not the GAP-dead SYDE2 mutant, reverses migration and invasion activities of SYDE1-knockdown JAR trophoblast cells. Clinically, we further detected decreased SYDE1 expression in preterm and term IUGR placentas compared with gestational age-matched controls. Our study suggests a novel mechanism for GCM1 and SYDE1 in regulation of trophoblast cell migration and invasion during placental development and that decreased SYDE1 expression is associated with IUGR. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The FYVE domain of Smad Anchor for Receptor Activation (SARA) is required to prevent skin carcinogenesis, but not in mouse development

Smad Anchor for Receptor Activation (SARA) has been reported as a critical role in TGF-β signal transduction by recruiting non-activated Smad2/3 to the TGF-β receptor and ensuring appropriate subcellular localization of the activated receptor-bound complex. However, controversies still exist in previous reports. In this study, we describe the expression of two SARA isoforms, SARA1 and SARA2, in mice and report the generation and characterization of SARA mutant mice with FYVE domain deletion. SARA mutant mice developed normally and showed no gross abnormalities. Further examination showed that the TGF-β signaling pathway was indeed altered in SARA mutant mice, with the downregulation of Smad2 protein expression. The decreasing expression of Smad2 was caused by enhancing Smurf2-mediated proteasome degradation pathway. However, the internalization of TGF-β receptors into the early endosome was not affected in SARA mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Moreover, the downregulation of Smad2 in SARA mutant MEFs was not sufficient to disrupt the diverse cellular biological functions of TGF-β signaling, including growth inhibition, apoptosis, senescence, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Our results indicate that SARA is not involved in the activation process of TGF-β signal transduction. Using a two-stage skin chemical carcinogenesis assay, we found that the loss of SARA promoted skin tumor formation and malignant progression. Our data suggest a protective role of SARA in skin carcinogenesis.

Effects of vaginal septa on the reproductive performance of BALB/cByJNarl mice

From March through December 2010, the incidence of vaginal septa in our SPF breeding colony of BALB/cByJNarl mice was 14.2%. In general, septa obstructed half of the vaginal orifice. Here we sought to determine the effect of this defect by comparing the reproductive performance of affected (septate) mice with that of unaffected (nonseptate) mice. Our results showed that the rates of both copulatory plugs and pregnancy were significantly lower in septate mice than in nonseptate mice. Specifically, 23 of 45 bred septate female mice (51%) had vaginal plugs compared with 49 of 68 bred nonseptate females (72%). Only 12 septate female mice (27%) had successful pregnancies, compared with 37 nonseptate females (54%). Septate mice had a 1-logfold fewer intrauterine sperm after mating than did nonseptate mice. Three cases of dystocia were noted among septate mice whereas none occurred in nonseptate mice. Septate dams had a higher percentage of septate pups (15.5%) than did nonseptate dams (6.1%). Our findings indicate that vaginal septa affect the reproductive performance of laboratory mice and that such a defect should be considered as an exclusion criterion for the selection of future breeders in a mouse colony.

Expression of RANKL/OPG during bone remodeling in vivo

The interaction between receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a dominant role in osteoclastogenesis. As both proteins are produced by osteoblast lineage cells, they are considered to represent a key link between bone formation and resorption. In this study, we investigated the expression of RANKL and OPG during bone remodeling in vivo to determine the relationship between osteoclastogenic stimulation and osteoblastic differentiation. Total RNA was prepared from rat femurs after marrow ablation on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. The temporal activation patterns of osteoblast-related genes (procollagen α1 (I), alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, and osteocalcin) were examined by Northern blot analysis. An appreciable increase in the expression of these osteoblast markers was observed on day 3. The peak increase in gene expression was observed on day 6 followed by a slight reduction by day 9. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the OPG mRNA expression was markedly upregulated on day 6 and slightly decreased on day 9. In contrast, RANKL mRNA expression was increased by more than 20-fold on day 9. The RANKL/OPG ratio, an index of osteoclastogenic stimulation, peaked on day 9. Histological analysis showed that RANKL and OPG immunoreactivity were predominantly associated with bone marrow cells. The expression of bone formation markers was activated in the bone formation phase, followed by the stimulation of RANKL/OPG expression in the bone resorption phase, which confirmed that these molecules are key factors linking bone formation to resorption during bone remodeling.

The growth and characterization of ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowires and the electrical properties of ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowire field effect transistor

Vertically aligned ZnO/ZnTe core-shell nanowires were grown on a-plane sapphire substrate by using chemical vapor deposition with gold as catalyst for the growth of ZnO core and then followed by growing ZnTe shell using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman scattering indicate that the core-shell nanostructures have good crystalline quality. Three-dimensional fluorescence images obtained by using laser scanning confocal microscope demonstrate that the nanowires have good optical properties. The core-shell nanowire was then fabricated into single nanowire field effect transistor by standard e-beam photolithography. Electrical measurements reveals that the p-type ZnO/ZnTe FET device has a turn on voltage of -1.65 V and the hole mobility is 13.3 cm2/V s.

Microbial contaminations of laboratory mice and rats in Taiwan from 2004 to 2007

Limited data are available on the pathogen status of contemporary rodent colonies in Taiwan. Here we summarized the rodent pathogen diagnostic records of the Taiwan National Laboratory Animal Center during a 4-y period that representing approximately 10% of the rodent colonies in Taiwan. Demand for pathogen diagnostic service increased continuously from 2004 to 2007, with a 20% increase each year. In 2007, more than 20% of the mouse colonies were positive for mouse parvovirus, mouse hepatitis virus, Theiler murine encephalomyelitis virus, and Mycoplasma pulmonis, with fewer colonies diagnosed as having infections of pneumonia virus of mice, mouse adenovirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and reovirus. Almost 40% of tested rat colonies were positive for Mycoplasma pulmonis and rat parvovirus, with fewer colonies containing Kilham rat virus, sialodacryoadenitis virus, pneumonia virus of mice, Sendai virus, and Syphacia spp. These data provide a sound overall picture of the health status of mouse and rat colonies in Taiwan.

Nonadditive interactions in protein folding: the zipper model of cytochrome C

Hydrogen exchange experiments (Krishna et al. in J. Mol. Biol. 359:1410, 2006) reveal that folding-unfolding of cytochrome c occurs along a defined pathway in a sequential, stepwise manner. The simplified zipper-like model involving nonadditive coupling is proposed to describe the classical "on pathway" folding-unfolding behavior of cytochrome c. Using free energy factors extracted from HX experiments, the model can predict and explain cytochrome c behavior in spectroscopy studies looking at folding equilibria and kinetics. The implications of the proposed model are discussed for such problems as classical pathway vs. energy landscape conceptions, structure and function of a native fold, and interplay of secondary and tertiary interactions.

A Non-biotin Polymerized Horseradish-peroxidase Method for the Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Canine Distemper

This report describes a modified non-biotin polymerized horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immunohistochemical method for the diagnosis of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection from formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissues. This method confirmed infection in seven of eight (87.5%) suspected cases. Labelled CDV antigen was observed in the following sites: cerebrum, cerebellum, meninges, glial cells, neurons, vascular endothelium, periventricular areas and pericytes, and choroid plexus; grey and white matter and central canal of the spinal cord; renal pelvis and tubular epithelium, and urinary bladder epithelium; macrophages and lymphocytes in splenic white pulp and lymph nodes; skin epidermis; bronchiolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages; hepatic Kupffer cells, and gastric and intestinal mucosal epithelium; stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue and oesophagus. With the non-biotin HRP detection system, pretreatment by autoclaving followed by microwave heating gave better labelling results than did microwave pretreatment alone. No obvious difference was noted between the labelling results produced by the non-biotin HRP detection system and the Super Sensitive Link-Label IHC detection system.

Immunohistochemical diagnosis of mouse hepatitis virus and mycoplasma pulmonis infection with murine antiserum

This study established a modified alkaline phosphatase-labelled avidin-biotin-complex (ABC-AP) method for diagnosis of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and Mycoplasma pulmonis infection from formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded sections, murine antibody-positive serum being used as the primary reagent. With this method, MHV antigen in cAnNCrj.Cg-Foxn1(nu)/Foxn1(nu) mice and M. pulmonis antigen in Wistar rats were immunolabelled in tissue sections. MHV antigen was clearly detected in samples of liver, stomach, caecal and colonic mucosa, and spleen. M. pulmonis antigen was demonstrated on the luminal surface of bronchiolar epithelial cells. This method may prove useful in diagnosis when commercial antisera are unavailable or when immunosuppression prevents serological diagnosis.

Effect of IGF-I and PDGF administered in vivo on the expression of osteoblast-related genes in old rats

In order to establish the cellular basis for using growth factors as possible therapeutic agents for the age-dependent deficit in bone formation activity, we examined the individual and combined effects of IGF-I and/or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the gene expression of osteoblast-related markers in male rats. The expression of osteoblast markers was examined in the femurs of adult and old rats following marrow ablation, which amplifies gene expression activity. The mRNA levels of collagen(alpha1) (I) (COLI), alkaline phosphatase (AP), osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) were significantly lower in the old as compared with the adult rats. To determine whether growth factors can abolish the age-related deficits in mRNA expression in old bone, PDGF and/or IGF-I were infused directly into the right femur for 5 days following marrow ablation. The contralateral femur was infused with vehicle only and used as a control. PDGF stimulated the expression of OP mRNA in both adult and old rats, whereas COLI, AP and OC mRNAs were not affected. IGF-I infusion did not have a significant effect on mRNA expression in adult rats. In contrast, treatment with IGF-I significantly enhanced the mRNA levels of COLI, AP and OP in old rats. To examine whether the combination of both factors could affect the expression of osteoblast markers synergistically, PDGF and IGF-I were infused together. In adult bones, the combined treatment with PDGF and IGF-I caused a slight increase in the level of OP gene expression but no change in AP, OC or COLI genes. Although neither IGF-I nor PDGF alone was effective in stimulating the expression of OC, the combined treatment in old bones enhanced OC expression significantly. The expression of COLI, AP and OP was also stimulated, but the stimulation was no different from that of IGF-I alone. In PDGF plus IGF-I treatment with a high dose, no dose-response effects were observed. Within the limits of the present study, it is suggested that IGF-I and, to a much lesser extent, PDGF may partially restore the deficit in the expression of osteoblast markers in old bones, and that the combination of both factors is slightly better than IGF-I alone in stimulating OC expression.

Local and systemic expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNAs in rat after bone marrow ablation

Local and systemic expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during bone formation was studied using the rat bone marrow ablation model. The temporal expression pattern of IGF-I mRNA in rat femurs was examined. The IGF-I mRNA level was enhanced rapidly after ablation reaching a level threefold greater than basal by day 3 (P < 0.01) and declined to basal or below basal level by day 5. Histological analysis showed that IGF- I immunoreactivity was predominantly associated with the mesenchymal cells at the bone/connective tissue interface and osteoblastic cells at active sites of bone formation. Serum level of IGF-I increased 50 and 130%, respectively (P < 0.005), over the basal level at days 3 and 6. We also investigated the systemic expression of IGF-I in liver and kidney. In contrast, hepatic IGF-I gene expression decreased 37 and 48%, respectively, at days 3 and 6 after marrow ablation (P < 0.001). Kidney IGF-I mRNA levels also fell 13 and 27%, respectively, at days 3 and 6 (P < 0.005). The present findings suggest that locally produced IGF-I during bone formation may not only serve as an autocrine/paracrine factor but also influence systemic expression of IGF-I in other organs.

Esophageal cancer after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

We reported two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus following endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for esophageal varices. Both patients were cigarette smokers and had a long history of alcohol abuse. HBsAg and Anti-HCV were negative, and Anti-HBs was positive in one of the patients. They were diagnosed as alcoholic cirrhosis with esophageal varices and received EIS treatment. Sotradecol was utilized as the sclerosant with a mean total volume of around 30 ml. Patients developed dysphagia at 5 and 48 months following EIS, respectively. Endoscopic examination showed stenosis and ulcerative mass at the lower portion of the esophagus. Biopsy revealed well- to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. We conclude that endoscopic follow-up is essential and carcinoma of the esophagus should be included in the differential diagnosis for esophageal ulceration and dysphagia following EIS, particularly in those patients with risk factors for developing esophageal carcinoma.

A peptide analogue of thrombin receptor-activating peptide inhibits thrombin and thrombin-receptor-activating peptide-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

The serine protease thrombin, in addition to its pivotal role in the coagulation cascade, plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis by inducing smooth cell proliferation. Thrombin exerts its cellular effects mainly by cleaving its own receptor, leaving a new NH2-terminus that can act as a tethered ligand to activate the thrombin receptor. Peptides derived from the new NH2-terminus are able to fully activate thrombin receptor and mimic cellular effects of thrombin. Peptides with structural similarities to the tethered ligand have been tested for their ability to prevent thrombin- and tethered ligand-induced platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. We synthesized a peptide with multiple alanine substitutions in both critical and noncritical residues of tethered ligand that specifically inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and thrombin receptor-activating peptide and prevented thrombus formation in a rabbit thrombosis model. In the present study we demonstrate that this peptide inhibited only thrombin- and tethered ligand-induced human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation as determined by (3H)-thymidine incorporation and has no effect on platelet-derived growth factor and serum-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of this peptide is dependent on the concentration of the antagonist used and length of preincubation time. The possible mechanism by which this peptide exerts its inhibitory effect may by desensitizing the thrombin receptor. The results of the present study suggest that apart from being antithrombotic, tethered ligand antagonist peptides can also act as antiatherosclerotic or antirestenotic agents.

Lumbar vertebral cancellous bone is capable of responding to PGE2 treatment by stimulating both modeling and remodeling-dependent bone gain in aged male rats

Previously we found that PGE2 3 mg/kg in 20-month-old male rats induced massive bone formation mainly by modeling dependent bone gain in cortical bone. It is not known whether cancellous bone will respond similarly; thus, we evaluated the effect of PGE2 on cancellous bone of the same aged rats. Thirty-four 20-month-old Wistar male rats were given PGE2 (3 mg/kg/day) or vehicle subcutaneously for 10 and 30 days. Double fluorescent labels were injected 9 and 2 days prior to the sacrifice. Histomorphometry was performed on 1% toluidine blue stained and unstained sagittal sections of lumbar vertebral bodies. The results demonstrated that 10-day PGE2 treatment increased osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts (x 2-fold), osteoid (x 4.5-fold), woven bone formation (0.04%), and 40% more trabecular area; it stimulated modeling (x 2-fold) and remodeling-dependent (x 1.5-fold) bone formation with increase of mineralization lag time (MLT, x 7.5-fold). Thirty-day treatment sustained increases in osteoblast numbers, modeling and remodeling-dependent bone formation and further stimulated woven bone formation (6.6%), turnover (x 3-fold), and trabecular area and number (x 2-fold). Osteoprogenitor cells were undetectable along with 70% less osteoid area compared with 10-day treatment but still was 1.5-fold higher than aging controls. MLT returned to aging control level. It was concluded that the aged cancellous bone of 20-month-old male Wistar rat retains a capability of responding to the anabolic effect of PGE2. Osteoblastogenesis and enhanced modeling and remodeling-dependent woven or lamellar formation contribute to this anabolic action. Bone formation differed in that the endocortical surface of cortical bone was stimulated mainly by modeling whereas both modeling and remodeling-dependent bone gain were equally stimulated at the trabecular surface of the lumbar vertebral body.

A combination of subtherapeutic doses of chemically modified doxycycline (CMT-8) and a bisphosphonate (clodronate) inhibits bone loss in the ovariectomized rat: a dynamic histomorphometric and gene expression study

Recent studies have demonstrated that tetracyclines can reduce bone loss in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. In the current study, a non-antimicrobial, chemically modified doxycycline (CMT-8), alone or in combination with a bisphosphonate (Clodronate), was evaluated in this model. Forty-two, 6month old, female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups, (6/ group): a) sham/vehicle, b) OVX/vehicle; c) OVX/1 mg/day CMT-8; d) OVX/2 mg/day CMT-8, e) OVX/1 mg/week Clodronate; and f) OVX/1 mg/day CMT-8 + 1 mg/week Clodronate, CMT-8 was administered by oral gavage, Clodronate injected S/C. Following sham surgery or OVX, the rats were treated for 90 days with CMT-8 or vehicle alone, injected at three different times with fluorochrome labels, the rats were sacrificed, and the tibiae excised for analysis by dynamic bone histomorphometry. Femurs were aseptically removed and analyzed for collagen, collagenase and osteopontin mRNAs by Northern and dot blot analysis. As expected, OVX decreased trabecular bone volume (BV/TV by 73.8% vs. sham p<.01), and also reduced trabecular thickness, numbers, and increased spacing. Bone loss in the OVX animals was partially prevented with either 2 mg/day CMT-8 or 1 mg/wk Clodronate (p<.01), while the 1 mg/day CMT-8 had no effect. Interestingly, the efficacy of the combination therapy of CMT-8 and Clodronate was significantly better than either treatment by itself, maintaining bone mass and structural indices at levels identical to sham values. OVX rats mRNA for collagen, collagenase and osteopontin were elevated indicating high-turnover bone loss. Only COMBO therapy significantly reduced the collagenase and osteopontin mRNA. In summary, CMT-8 mono-therapy (2 mg) alone partially inhibited bone loss in this animal model of osteoporosis. However, 1 mg/day (CMT-8) monotherapy had no effect on bone loss or bone mRNA levels and when combined with Clodronate, interacted to increase efficacy. Thus, a combination of a suboptimal dose of CMT-8 and a bisphosphonate appears to increase the amount of bone by suppressing resorption in a model of osteoporosis.

Inhibition of arterial thrombosis by a peptide ligand of the thrombin receptor

Thrombin plays an important role in promoting arterial thrombosis by platelet activation and by catalyzing fibrin formation. Use of thrombin inhibitors that block both the platelet-activating and fibrin formation properties of thrombin are associated with hemostasis. This problem might be overcome by developing agents that block only the platelet-activating property of thrombin. Because the platelet-activating property of thrombin is mediated by the thrombin receptor, antagonists of the thrombin receptor might be efficacious and potentially safer with regard to bleeding complications. We investigated whether a peptide ligand (AFLARAA) of the thrombin receptor that blocked alpha-thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptide-induced platelet aggregation could inhibit thrombosis. A partially occlusive thrombus was generated by application of electric current in rabbit carotid artery. In control animals, the artery was completely occluded within 42+/-12 min after the current was discontinued. When the thrombin receptor activating peptide antagonist was given (100 micromol/kg as an IV bolus followed by 900 micromol/kg infusion for a period of 180 min) starting at the time the current was stopped, blood flow remained patent throughout the infusion period and for an additional 60 min after the infusion was stopped. The antithrombotic effect of the antagonist peptide was not associated with increased bleeding tendency, as judged by the amount of blood adsorbed by a gauze pad placed in a surgical incision extending to the muscle tissue and by a standard template bleeding time. These results indicate that thrombin receptor antagonist peptides can be used as antithrombotic agents.

Treatment of osteoporosis with MMP inhibitors

In the current study, we examined the effects of minocycline on the osteopenia of ovariectomized (OVX) aged rats using the marrow ablation model. This injury induces rapid bone formation followed by bone resorption in the marrow cavity. Old female rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, OVX, OVX + minocycline (5-15 mg/day, orally), OVX + 17 beta-estradiol (25 micrograms/day, subcutaneously), and OVX + both agents. Rats were OVX, treated with minocycline and/or estrogen, followed by marrow ablation. Bone samples were collected 16 days post-marrow ablation. X-ray radiography of bones operated on showed that treatment of OVX old rats with minocycline increased bone mass in diaphyseal region. Diaphyseal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DEXA scan. Diaphyseal BMD of OVX rats was increased 17-25% by treatment with 5-15 mg of minocycline or 17 beta-estradiol. The effects of minocycline and estrogen treatments on the expression of osteoblast and osteoclast markers were also examined. Northern and dot blot analysis of RNA samples showed that treatment of OVX aged rats with minocycline increased the expression of type I collagen (COL I) (49%) and decreased that of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (31%). In contrast, estrogen treatment decreased the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (39%), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) (36%), and osteopontin (OP) (37%). Neither minocycline nor 17 beta-estradiol had an effect on the expression of osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). To elucidate the mechanism by which minocycline prevented the loss of bone in OVX aged rats, we examined the colony-formation potential of bone marrow stromal cells in ex vivo cultures. Minocycline stimulated the colony-forming efficiency of marrow stromal cells derived from old animals. We have therefore concluded that the modest increase in BMD noted in OVX aged rats, in response to minocycline treatment, may be due to a change in bone remodeling that favors bone formation; and the anabolic effect of minocycline is likely due to its effect on the expression of COL I and/or the metabolism of osteoprogenitor cells.

Effects of growth hormone and testosterone on cortical bone formation and bone density in aged orchiectomized rats

Osteoporosis in men is a disease that is increasing in incidence, and with an increasing elderly population it poses a serious health problem. Since both testosterone (T) and growth hormone (GH) have an anabolic effect on bone and both decrease with aging, we were prompted to test whether the administration of these hormones in combination would increase bone mass in orchiectomized (orx) senile rats more than administration of either agent alone. Twenty-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with seven animals each: (a) age-matched intact control, (b) orx, (c) orx+GH (2.5 mg/kg/day), (d) orx+T [10 mg/kg, subcutaneous (s.c.), injection given twice a week], and (e) orx+GH+T. Testosterone and GH were given subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Bone histomorphometry of the tibial shaft showed that the orx group had lower cortical bone area than the intact control group. The decrease in cortical bone area was due to increased intracortical porosis as well as decreased periosteal bone formation rate (BFR). Administration of T to the orx animals prevented the development of the porosis and the decrease in periosteal BFR. The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur as tested by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were significantly higher in the orx+T than in the orx group and were not significantly different from that of the intact control group. Administration of GH to the orx rats increased periosteal BFR significantly; however, the BMC and BMD measured were not increased significantly in comparison to the orx group. When GH and T were combined in treatment, the cortical bone area, periosteal BFR, and femoral BMD were all significantly higher than that of the orx and even higher than the intact control rats. Two-way analysis of variance shows that the individual effect of GH and T treatment on the periosteal BFR and cortical bone area was significant. The effect of T, but not GH, on femoral BMC and BMD was also significant; however, there is no synergistic interaction between the two treatments. Four weeks of orx with or without GH or T administration had no significant effect on tibial metaphyseal cancellous bone volume. In conclusion, this short-term study suggests that the combined intervention of GH and T in androgen-deficient aged male rats may have an independent effect in preventing osteopenia. The significant effect of GH+T may be attributed to the prevention of intracortical porosis, and an increase in periosteal bone formation and cortical bone mass.

Actions of bFGF on mitogenic activity and lineage expression in rat osteoprogenitor cells: effect of age

Rat osteoprogenitor cells were used to examine the effects of bFGF on DNA synthesis and the expression of osteoblast (OB)-related genes. bFGF, as low as 0.1 ng/ml, stimulated DNA synthesis. bFGF also increased the mRNA level of osteopontin (OP) and decreased that of type I collagen (COL I). When cultures were grown in dexamethasone (DEX) to induce OB lineage commitment, the expression of COL I, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and OP was greatly enhanced. Subsequent incubation with bFGF partially negated the stimulatory effect of DEX on AP and COL I mRNAs. bFGF also inhibited the expression of osteocalcin mRNA in cells grown in 1,25(OH)2D3 and DEX. Combined effects of bFGF with IGF-I or PDGF on DNA synthesis and OP expression were examined. bFGF + IGF-I, but not bFGF + PDGF, was more effective than PDGF alone. By comparing cells from adult and old animals, we found that bFGF-induced mitogenic activity was reduced significantly with age. In contrast, the effect of bFGF on the expression of OB genes was not significantly altered by age. These findings suggest that bFGF plays a dual role as a local positive and negative regulator on proliferation and osteogenic lineage expression, respectively, in osteoprogenitor cells, and that the mitogenic activity in response to bFGF was impaired in aging.

Effect of minocycline on osteoporosis

The effect of oral minocycline on osteopenia in ovariectomized (OVX) old rats was examined in this study. Rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, OVX followed by treatment with vehicle, minocycline, or 17 beta-estradiol. The treatment was initiated one day after OVX and proceeded for 8 wks. OVX reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in the whole femur and in the femoral regions that are enriched in trabecular bone. Treatment with minocycline or estrogen prevented a decrease in BMD. Femoral trabecular bone area, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness were reduced, and trabecular separation was increased by OVX. Treatment with minocycline or estrogen abolished the detrimental effects induced by OVX. OVX also reduced indices that reflect the interconnectivity of trabecular bone, and the loss of trabecular connectivity was prevented by treatment with minocycline or estrogen. Based on the levels of urinary pyridinoline, we showed that the effect of estrogen, but not minocycline, was primarily through its inhibitory effect on bone resorption. Analysis of bone turnover activity suggests that OVX increased parameters associated with bone resorption (eroded surface) and formation (osteoid surface, mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate). Treatment with minocycline reduced bone resorption modestly and stimulated bone formation substantially. In contrast, treatment with estrogen drastically reduced parameters associated with both bone resorption and formation. We have concluded that oral minocycline can effectively prevent the decrease in BMD and trabecular bone through its dual effects on bone resorption and formation.

Effect of locally infused IGF-I on femoral gene expression and bone turnover activity in old rats

Previously, we showed that the age-dependent deficit in bone formation activity can be attributed in part to a decline in local expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and altered mitogenic response of old osteoprogenitor cells to IGF-I. To establish the cellular basis for using IGF-I as a possible therapeutic agent for osteoporosis, we examined the effect of locally infused (50 ng/day for 14 days) on the expression of osteoblast-related genes in femurs of old rats. Northern and dot blot analyses showed that the expression of procollagen (I), osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin was increased 0.4- to 1.5-fold in IGF-I-treated femurs as compared with control femurs. Histomorphometric analyses were carried out in parallel experiments to assess the changes in bone remodeling activity. Trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness were increased 56%, 29%, and 23%, respectively, whereas trabecular separation was reduced 26% by IGF-I treatment. IGF-I treatment increased significantly the osteoid volume, osteoid surface, osteoblast number, and osteoblast surface. Mineralizing surface and mineral apposition rate, kinetic indices of bone formation, were also stimulated by IGF-I treatment. The bone formation rate was stimulated 81% in IGF-I-treated femurs as compared with control femurs. In contrast, eroded surface and osteoclast surface, parameters associated with bone resorption, were not affected by IGF-I treatment. These findings suggest that local administration of IGF-I into femurs of old rats can stimulate the expression of matrix proteins and improve trabecular bone status by stimulating bone formation without any appreciable effect on bone resorption.

Minocycline prevents the decrease in bone mineral density and trabecular bone in ovariectomized aged rats

In the current study, we examined the effects of minocycline, on the osteopenia of ovariectomized aged rats. Old female rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, ovariectomized control and ovariectomized treated with minocycline, 17beta-estradiol, or both agents. Bone samples were collected 8 wk after the treatment. Ovariectomy reduced bone mineral density of the whole femur and at the condylar, distal metaphyseal and head-neck-trochanter regions 10%-19% and the loss of bone density was prevented by treatment with minocycline or 17beta-estradiol. Histomorphometric analysis of distal femur showed ovariectomy reduced the trabecular bone area, the trabecular bone number, trabecular bone thickness and increased the trabecular bone separation. The microanatomic structure of trabecular bone also showed that the number of nodes, node to node, cortical to node, node to free end was reduced by ovariectomy. Treatment with minocycline attenuated the effect of ovariectomy on trabecular bone in aged animals. In contrast, cortical bone was not affected by ovariectomy or minocycline treatment. The effect of minocycline on bone turnover was also examined. Minocycline increased osteoid surface, mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate, bone formation rate and reduced eroded surface. We have therefore concluded that the modest increase in bone mineral density and the improvement in the trabecular bone status noted in minocycline treated ovariectomized aged rats is likely due to an increase in bone formation coupled with a decrease in bone resorption.

Mitogenic activity but not phenotype expression of rat osteoprogenitor cells in response to IGF-I is impaired in aged rats

The age-related deficit in the dose response of osteoprogenitor cells to IGF-I was further investigated. As expected, the effective dose, but not the maximal effect, was shifted two orders of magnitude higher in old cells. In this paper, we examined whether this age-deficit can be attributed to an alteration in the expression and binding kinetics of IGF-I receptor. We showed that the levels of IGF-I receptor mRNA in cells, estimated by RT-PCR, were not significantly altered with age. Scatchard analysis showed that there were no significant differences in Kd and Bmax in cells from the two age groups. In a parallel study, we also showed that the expression of osteoblast phenotype markers was stimulated by IGF-I. However, no apparent differences in dose response curve were observed between two age groups. These results suggest that defect(s) in cell proliferation in aging may occur specifically in the signal transduction pathway between the receptor and the mitogenic response but not in the pathway associated with phenotype expression.

Effect of age on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I, interleukin-6, and transforming growth factor-beta mRNAs in rat femurs following marrow ablation

The expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) mRNA in rat femurs was examined following marrow ablation. Northern blot analysis showed multiple transcripts of IGF-I, a major transcript of 1.3 kb and a minor one of 2.4 kb for IL-6 and a single band of 2.5 kb for TGF-beta 1, respectively. Examination of the temporal activation pattern showed IGF-I expression peaked at day 3 (150% over the basal level) after injury and preceded the maximal expression of procollagen alpha 1(I), osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin mRNAs. This suggests that IGF-I is involved mainly in osteoblast development and bone formation. In contrast, IL-6 expression was elevated between days 3 and 9 (45-60% over the basal level). The sustained elevation of IL-6 expression at day 9 is consistent with the role for this cytokine in the development of osteoclasts and bone resorption. The expression of TGF-beta 1 was not altered up to day 9 after marrow ablation. While the temporal expression patterns of IGF-I and IL-6 mRNA did not differ between adult and old rats, the maximal level of IGF-I mRNA at day 3 was 72% higher in adult as compared to old bones. In contrast, the peak level of IL-6 mRNA at days 6-9 was 45% higher in old as compared to adult bones. Although the level of TGF-beta 1 mRNA did not change following marrow ablation, levels of TGF-beta 1 were consistently higher in old rats. Our results suggest that the impaired bone formation and elevated bone resorption in aged animals may be due in part to the reduced expression of IGF-I and an overexpression of IL-6 in old bone.

Spontaneous pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in an aging CD rat

Naturally occurring squamous cell carcinomas of lung of laboratory rodents are rare, and few cases have been reported and illustrated. A solid peripheral lung mass was observed grossly in a untreated 573-day-old male Sprague Dawley CD (Crl:CD [SD] BR) rat. Microscopically, the mass was composed of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells arranged in nests, cords, nodules, or solid sheets. Epithelial pearls were present. The mitotic index was high, and intercellular bridging (prickles) was noted. In some areas, neoplastic cells rimmed large cystic areas containing neutrophils, cell debris, and laminated keratin masses. Neoplastic cells had both expansive and invasive growth with entrapment of bronchioles and marked fibroplasia.

Nasal adenocarcinoma with myoepithelial component in a CD-1 mouse

Spontaneous nasal tumors are rare in mice, and only one adenocarcinoma and two more primary neoplasms of the nose have been observed in our files of long-term feeding studies, which are composed of 3,419 male and 3,521 female CD-1 (Crl:CD-1 (ICR)BR) mice. This adenocarcinoma was a 1-cm-diameter mass observed grossly in the right nasal cavity of a 454-day-old, male CD-1 mouse from a treated group in a bioassay study conducted with 340 males and 340 females. The neoplastic epithelial cells affected the normal nasal architecture on the right side of the nose. Roughly, tumor neoplastic cells of the outer, lateral portion occurred as cuboidal to low columnar cells with basilarily located nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. These cells were arranged in cylindrical profiles and frequently entrapped acini of the glands of the maxillary sinus. Neoplastic epithelial cells of the inner, medial portion appeared as serous acinar or ductular structures circumscribed by multiple lagers of myoepithelial-like cells. Staining failed to demonstrate mucous secretion. The site of origin of this neoplasm appeared to be the serous glands of the maxillary sinus. The adenocarcinoma was believed to be spontaneous.

Renal expression of osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase correlates with BUN levels in aged rats

Renal expression of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and osteopontin (OP) in rats of different age was examined. Northern blot hybridization showed that AP mRNA was reduced moderately, whereas OP mRNA was stimulated drastically in old rats. Dot-blot quantitation analysis showed that AP mRNA decreased 30% in 24-compared with 6-mo-old rats. In contrast, OP mRNA increased 3.1- and 9.1-fold, respectively, in 12- and 24-mo-old rats. beta-Actin mRNA did not change with age. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased 47 and 187% in 12- and 24-mo-old rats, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that BUN correlated negatively with AP mRNA and positively with OP mRNA. No correlation was observed with beta-actin. The expression of these markers was also examined in femurs. AP and OP mRNAs were marginally reduced in old bones. To test whether the correlation also exists in other types of renal insufficiency, we examined these parameters in young rats infused with parathyroid hormone (PTH). BUN was elevated 3.5-fold, whereas AP mRNA decreased 48%, and OP mRNA increased 15.3-fold in kidneys of PTH-treated rats. To elucidate the possible mechanisms that lead to the overexpression of OP in kidney, we examined the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) mRNA. No significant differences in TGF-beta 1 expression were observed between young and old rats and control and PTH-treated young rats. Changes in the expression of OP were also visualized by immunostaining of renal sections. Alterations in the levels of OP and AP were validated by Western blot analysis and enzyme assay of homogenate, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of platelet-derived growth factor on DNA synthesis and gene expression in bone marrow stromal cells derived from adult and old rats

The effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on DNA synthesis and mRNA expression of osteoblast markers in marrow stromal cells derived from adult (6 months) and old (24 months) rats were examined. Treatment of stromal cells from adult rats with dexamethasone induced the appearance of osteoblast-like cells. PDGF partially also inhibited the differentiation of stromal cells induced by dexamethasone. In cultures of serum-starved stromal cells, PDGF stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum stimulation of 15-fold at 500 ng/ml. By comparison, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) has a small effect on [3H]-thymidine incorporation. The effect of PDGF and IGF-I on DNA synthesis was additive. Treatment of the confluent stromal cells from adult rats with PDGF increased the mRNA level of osteopontin fourfold without any significant effect on alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen mRNAs. In contrast, dexamethasone stimulated the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteopontin 2.1-, 2.3-, and 14-fold, respectively. Addition of PDGF to dexamethasone-treated cells failed to induce any further increase in osteopontin expression whereas the expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen was partially reduced. The expression of osteocalcin mRNA was negligible in stromal cells but stimulated several fold by dexamethasone and 1,25(OH)2D3. PDGF inhibited drastically the elevation of osteocalcin mRNA. In contrast, IGF-I stimulated type I collagen expression 100% without any appreciable effect on the expression of osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase. The stimulatory effect of PDGF on osteopontin expression was augmented by IGF-I. Furthermore, PDGF attenuated the stimulatory effect of IGF-I on type I collagen expression. The responses of cultured cells from old rats to growth factors were also examined. PDGF or PDGF plus IGF-I increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation in stromal cells from old rats but to a lesser extent. However, PDGF was equally effective in stimulating osteopontin expression in cells from both adult and old rats. We concluded that PDGF is a potent mitogen but that the response of stromal cells from old rats is impaired. In addition, PDGF stimulates osteopontin expression in stromal cells and this effect is not age dependent.

Bone progenitor cell deficits and the age-associated decline in bone repair capacity

Aging bone shows a progressive decline in mass and strength. Previous studies have suggested that bone marrow stem cells are reduced with aging and that this could be responsible, in part, for age-associated bone deficits. We measured the number of osteoprogenitor cells present in the bone marrow from adult and aged rats as well as their ability to differentiate in vitro and to form bone in vivo. We found that the number of adherent colony-forming cells was significantly lower (65%) in marrow cells isolated from aged compared with adult rats. Furthermore, 88% of the colonies obtained from aged rats were alkaline phosphatase (AP) positive, whereas virtually all the colonies from adult rats were positive. The addition of dexamethasone to the culture medium decreased the proliferation of the adherent cells and reduced the number of colonies obtained from both adult and aged bone marrow, all of which were AP positive. No significant differences were found in the expression of certain major bone cell marker genes as a function of donor age. However, dexamethasone treatment increased expression of osteopontin (OP) by fivefold. Adult stromal cells not treated with dexamethasone and implanted subcutaneously in recipient rats exhibited about 10-fold greater formation of bone compared with cells from aged rats. In contrast, dexamethasone-treated cells exhibited high levels of bone formation, irregardless of donor age or the age of the recipient into which the cells were grafted. These studies are consistent with a deficit of osteoprogenitor cells in the bone marrow site as a contributing, perhaps correctable factor in the decline in bone repair and bone mass with age.

In vivo and in vitro effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on femoral mRNA expression in old rats

The in vivo response of bone to IGF-I infusion in a marrow ablation model and the effect of IGF-I on bone marrow stromal cells in vitro was evaluated. IGF-I (25 ng/day), infused directly into femur, stimulated the expression of alkaline phosphatase, procollagen alpha 1 (I) and osteopontin mRNA, while osteocalcin mRNA was not affected. The dose dependency to IGF-I was bi-phasic, with stimulation at 25 and 50 ng but not at 150 ng/day. The effect of IGF-I was observed in the aged but not in the adult rat femur. However, the elevated mRNA levels in old bones with IGF-I treatment were still below those observed in adult bones. The effect of IGF-I was also examined in cultured stromal cells. IGF-I (50 ng/ml) stimulates the expression of alkaline phosphatase, procollagen alpha 1 (I), osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNA in stromal cells from both adult and old rats. These results suggest that the lack of response of adult bone to IGF-I in vivo was not due to the impaired response of the stromal cells to IGF-I. Differences in the responses of stromal cells from adult and old animals were noted. In the presence of serum (10%), stromal cells from adult rats were stimulated to synthesize DNA at lower levels of IGF-I than stromal cells from old animals. Our results show that IGF-I can stimulate mRNA expression of osteoblast markers in vivo in aged rats in a marrow ablation model and enhance DNA synthesis and gene expression in cultured marrow stromal cells from old rats. Thus, it is possible that exogenous IGF-I could be beneficial in treating age-associated osteopenia.

Alterations in mRNA expression of duodenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor and vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein in aged Wistar rats

Previously, we reported that uptake of calcium into isolated duodenal cells and duodenal brush border membrane vesicles decreased in senescence. Decreases in duodenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] receptor number and 9k vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein (CaBP) were also observed in aged rats. In this study, we examined the steady state mRNA levels of duodenal 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor and CaBP in both adult (6-month-old) and old (24-month-old) rats. We identified one major band of 4.4 kb for 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor mRNA. The size of the transcript was not affected by age. The content of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor mRNA (normalized with poly(A)+RNA) decreased 23% in the aged rat as compared to the adult rat. The expression of CaBP was also examined. A single band of 0.6 kb was observed for CaBP mRNA. The size of CaBP mRNA was not altered with age. However, the abundance of CaBP mRNA (normalized with poly(A)+RNA) was reduced 20% in the senescent rat. Thus, the results in the present study were consistent with our previous findings that the number of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors and the level of CaBP declined in the aged rat. However, the precise mechanism leading to the age-related deficit in mRNA expression remains to be elucidated.

Characterization of dietary phosphorus-dependent duodenal calcium uptake in vitamin D-deficient chicks

The effect of dietary phosphorus on intestinal calcium uptake was examined in duodenal cells isolated from vitamin D-deficient chicks. Cells from chicks on a high phosphorus diet accumulated calcium at a rate 38% higher than cells from animals on a normal phosphorus diet. Diet high in calcium did not affect calcium absorption in duodenal cells. The dietary phosphorus effect on calcium absorption was specific. Uptake of alpha-methyl glucose was not altered. Increase in calcium absorption by a high phosphorus diet was not due to a change in cellular energy metabolism nor to the content of phosphorus in cells. Kinetically, a high phosphorus diet increased the Vmax of calcium uptake; the affinity for calcium was unaffected. The effectiveness of dietary phosphorus to enhance the intestinal calcium uptake could also be demonstrated in brush border membrane vesicles. The increase in calcium uptake was not due to an alteration in membrane binding capacity nor to calcium efflux from vesicles. To test the hypothesis that a high phosphorus diet may affect membrane transport by altering phospholipid metabolism in duodenal cells, we examined the phospholipid content in isolated brush border membranes. The content of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine was not altered by the high phosphorus diet. These findings suggest that the vitamin D-independent and dietary phosphorus-dependent effect on intestinal calcium absorption was primarily due to a change in the calcium flux at the luminal side of the cells. However, the precise mechanism is still not clear.

Decrease in Gs protein expression may impair adenylate cyclase activation in old kidneys

The possibility that alteration in stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs) expression may contribute to the blunting of renal parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated adenylate cyclase in aged rats was examined. Using rat cDNA probe, we identified a Gs alpha-subunit (Gs alpha) of 1.9 kb. Age did not alter the size of Gs alpha mRNA. The level of Gs alpha mRNA [normalized to poly(A)+ RNA] was decreased 23%, which was consistent with our previous report that Gs alpha protein decreased in senescence. In contrast, mRNA level of Gi alpha 2 increased with age. Level of beta-actin mRNA did not change with age. Nuclear runoff assay was performed to determine the transcription rate of Gs mRNA. Synthesis of poly(A)+ RNA and total RNA was reduced 39% and 37%, respectively, in nuclei prepared from old kidney, which suggested a general decline in RNA synthesis capacity in old rats. Our results also showed the transcription rate of Gs alpha mRNA in aged rats was reduced 89%, a decrease far exceeding that observed for total RNA or poly(A)+ RNA. We concluded that the decrease in steady-state level of Gs alpha mRNA was specific and probably was due to a reduction in the transcription activity. Thus alteration in Gs transcription may contribute, at least in part, to the impaired renal adenylate cyclase activation in aged rats.

Impaired bone activity in aged rats: alterations at the cellular and molecular levels

We have used a model of rapid bone induction and resorption in rats initiated by the removal of bone marrow to define age-associated deficits. Here we report the sequential expression of various genes implicated in the formation and removal of bone following marrow ablation. Significant increases in alkaline phosphatase and procollagen alpha 1(I) mRNA were observed by day 5, and of osteocalcin and osteopontin by day 6. At their peak, these mRNA levels were elevated three- to eight-fold and correlated with histological evidence of bone formation. No change in collagen II mRNA was observed, indicating that there was no cartilage phase. Collagenase activity increased 10-fold at day 9 and coincided with the beginning of bone resorption. Actin mRNA, a reference gene marker, remained at constant levels. Comparison of the response between adult (6 mo.) and old (24 mo.) rats showed the same temporal pattern, but a lower expression of bone-related genes in older rats. Histological examination also showed that the bone volume and osteoblast number at day 6 were significantly lower in old rats. Furthermore, the percentage of mineralized bone was greatly reduced in the aged rat. This model system is currently being used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to up-regulate the bone activity in senescent rats.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 down-regulates aggrecan proteoglycan expression in immortalized rat chondrocytes through a post-transcriptional mechanism

We have examined the effects of various analogs of vitamin D on the expression of the aggrecan proteoglycan by an immortalized rat chondrocyte cell line. The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the synthesis of aggrecan as monitored by histochemical staining of the matrix, incorporation of [35S]sulfate, and the level of aggrecan core protein. Other analogs of vitamin D were much less potent or had no activity whatsoever. The reduced expression of aggrecan was caused by a dramatic decrease in the steady-state level of the mRNA coding for the aggrecan core protein. A nuclear run-off analysis revealed that the rate of transcription of the aggrecan gene was not significantly altered by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, suggesting that the metabolite was acting through a post-transcriptional mechanism. Experiments using the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D also supported a nondirect effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the expression of the aggrecan gene. These results suggest that the vitamin D metabolite activates a new pattern of gene expression which results in a more rapid turnover of the aggrecan mRNA. This system should be useful for characterizing the regulation of chondrocyte gene expression by vitamin D.

Alterations of duodenal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein content and calcium uptake in brush border membrane vesicles in aged Wistar rats: role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Previously we reported that uptake of Ca2+ in cells isolated from rat duodenum declined in senescence. In this paper we examined the possible mechanisms for this age-related defect. Duodenal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein decreased steadily from 3-12 months (mo), followed by a minimal decline at 24 mo. On the contrary, Ca2+ uptake was not different in 3-, 6-, and 12-mo-old rats. A significant decline of Ca2+ uptake was observed at 24 mo. ATP contents in duodenal cells from 6- and 24-mo-old rats were not different. This suggests that the metabolic status of the duodenal cells was not the cause of the change in Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake activity was significantly lower in brush border membrane vesicles isolated from 24-mo-old rats than in those from 6-mo-old rats. The decrease in Ca2+ uptake activity in old rats was not due to a change in the Ca2(+)-binding capacity of the membranes. Kinetic analysis shows that the Vmax, the apparent maximum uptake capacity of membrane vesicles, decreased in senescent rats, whereas the Km, the apparent affinity to Ca2+, was unchanged. Since duodenal Ca2+ influx at the brush border was regulated by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], we tested the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 administration on the uptake activity in isolated membrane vesicles. After 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment, Ca2+ uptake activity in brush border membranes prepared from senescent rats was only slightly lower than that in membranes from adult rats. We conclude that the decline in the influx of Ca2+ at the brush border membrane was the main cause of the decrease in duodenal Ca2+ uptake activity in aging. This defect was probably due to the low serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentration and not the result of impaired response to 1,25-(OH)2D3.

Downregulation of parathyroid hormone receptors in renal membranes from aged rats

The mechanism of the inhibition or blunting of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange activity in renal cortical cells from aged rats was examined. The number of PTH binding sites in basolateral membranes prepared from adult (6 mo) and old (24 mo) rats was quantitated by the binding of the synthetic analogue 125I-labeled [Nle8,18, Tyr34]bPTH-(1-34) amide to the membrane. The maximum number of specific PTH binding sites, Bmax, was 92.7 +/- 9.3 and 36.7 +/- 6.1 fmol/mg protein, respectively, in membranes prepared from adult and old rats. The affinity of the receptor to PTH was unaffected with age. The level of PTH binding components (68 and 70 kDa) estimated by a ligand affinity blot technique using biotinylated bPTH-(1-34) as the ligand was similarly reduced in membranes isolated from senescent rats. To test the hypothesis that change in the number of PTH binding sites and level of PTH binding components represented an adaptive response to a high serum PTH level, rats were parathyroidectomized (PTX) and the changes were reexamined. Decreases in the number of PTH binding sites and PTH binding components were either partially or completely negated by the surgery. These findings suggest that the blunting of both the PTH-stimulated Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange and adenylate cyclase activities in the kidneys of aged rats was due, in part, to be loss of PTH receptors in basolateral membranes and that this defect could be partially reversed by removal of the parathyroid gland.

Effect of age on duodenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 receptors in Wistar rats

We confirmed our previous observation that duodenal Ca2+ absorption and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) levels declined concurrently in old (24 months old) rats as compared to young (6 months old) rats. It is well known that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) expresses its action after binding to specific receptor molecules. In this paper, we compared certain properties of rat duodenal 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors from old and young animals. Receptor preparations were incubated with [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 to quantitate the number of unoccupied and total receptor sites and showed that total and unoccupied receptor sites decreased by 22 and 16%, respectively in old rats. Endogenously occupied sites were reduced by 43% in duodenum of the old rat and, consequently, the percentage of receptor occupancy also declined. Age did not affect the dissociation constant (KD) of 1,25-(OH)2D3 from the receptor; the sedimentation coefficient (3.3 S) of the tritiated 1,25-(OH)2D3-receptor complex in sucrose density centrifugation; or its affinity for DNA. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the age-related decline in Ca2+ absorption in the intestine may be due, in part, to the decrement in the circulating level of 1,25-(OH)2D and a reduction of intestinal 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor occupancy status.

Dopamine stimulation of cAMP production in cultured opossum kidney cells

Dopamine receptors have been identified in many tissues including the kidney. To establish an in vitro system as a model for dopamine action, we studied the effect of dopamine (DA) receptor agonists and antagonists on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation in opossum kidney (OK) cells. The stimulation of cAMP production in these cells by dopamine was dose dependent, and markedly higher levels were observed in the presence of dopamine plus a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Half-maximal stimulation was found with 1.15 +/- 0.22 microM dopamine. A DA1-receptor agonist, SKF 82526J, stimulated cAMP production, whereas a DA2-receptor agonist, Ly 171555, did not. The stimulatory effects of dopamine and SKF 82526J were abolished by a specific DA1-receptor antagonist, Sch 23390 with half-maximal inhibition concentrations of 1.24 +/- 0.18 and 4.0 +/- 0.5 nM, respectively. In contrast, the DA2-receptor antagonist, spiperone, had no inhibitory effect on dopamine- and SKF 82526J-stimulated cAMP production. Beta-Adrenergic antagonists failed to attenuate the stimulatory effects of dopamine and SKF 82526J on cAMP production. In addition, the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, did not stimulate cAMP production. These results suggest that the action of dopamine was not mediated through beta-adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, our results clearly demonstrated the existence of DA1-receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in OK cells.

Regulation of renal sodium calcium exchange by PTH: alteration with age

Parathyroid hormone, when incubated with renal cells acting in vivo and in vitro, increased Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity. The effect of parathyroid hormone was specific for biologically active analogs and could be mimicked by cAMP and forskolin. Parathyroid hormone-sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity was markedly blunted in cells from senescent rats. Parathyroid hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase was also decreased in aging. In contrast, forskolin-stimulated Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ efflux and adenylate cyclase did not change with senescence. Decrease of PTH binding sites was observed in cells from old rats. Further, cells from 24-month-old rats had decreased Gs and Gi proteins, as detected by ADP-ribosylation. Since serum iPTH level was elevated in the old rat and could contribute to the desensitization to PTH, we tested this hypothesis by comparing sham-operated and PTX animals. The decreases in PTH-sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity and adenylate cyclase activity in cells from 24-month-old rats could be completely negated by parathyroidectomy. Decrease in PTH binding sites and contents of Gs and Gi in cells from aged-rats was partially negated by the surgery. In conclusion, our results suggested that the age related blunting in responses of renal cells to PTH was due, at least in part, to the elevated serum iPTH level in old rats.

Age- and sex-dependent stimulation of calcium uptake in duodenal cells by prolactin in vitamin D-deficient rats

Administration of ovine-prolactin (O-PRL) stimulated Ca2+ uptake in isolated duodenal cells prepared from vitamin D-deficient rats. The time course of this effect was biphasic: uptake activity reached a peak in 2.5 hrs followed by a decrease at 5 hrs to original levels. This stimulatory effect of O-PRL was observed in vitamin D-deficient male, but not in female rats. This stimulatory effect was observed in 16- and 26-week old, but not 9 week old, animals. Increase in Ca2+ uptake in duodenal cells was not due to a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ efflux. We measured serum Ca concentration in vitamin D-deficient female rats and found that serum Ca increased in D-deficient female rats between 16 and 52 weeks whereas a minimal increase was observed in D-deficient male rats. Although prolactin was shown to stimulate duodenal Ca2+ uptake, it appears that the source of the increase in levels of serum Ca in D-deficient female rats was not derived from an increase in Ca2+ uptake by prolactin in duodenum. The increase in serum calcium with time may explain why female D-deficient rats survive longer then male.

Effect of age on calcium uptake in isolated duodenum cells: role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Uptake of Ca2+ in cells isolated from rat duodenum declined in the senescent rats. This age-related change was not due to an alteration in the rate of Ca2+ efflux or in the size of the cell. The decrease appeared specific, as alpha-methyl glucoside uptake was not altered. Cell population, as monitored by sucrase activity for villus cells, was not different between duodenal cells isolated from 6- and 24-month-old rats. Kinetic analysis shows the Vmax, the apparent maximum uptake capacity, decreased in the cells from senescent rats whereas the Km, the apparent affinity to Ca2+, was unchanged. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] were determined as a function of age; the levels of 25OHD were not significantly different in 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month-old rats. On the other hand, serum 1,25-(OH)2D decreased throughout the age range studied. Since duodenal Ca2+ uptake is closely regulated by 1,25-(OH)2D3, we tested the hypothesis that low serum 1,25-(OH)2D in the senescent rats may have contributed to the decline in duodenal Ca2+ uptake. In vivo administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to senescent rats significantly enhanced Ca2+ uptake activity in the isolated duodenal cells. After 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment, Ca2+ uptake activity in cells isolated from senescent rats was only slightly less than that in cells from adult rats. We conclude that duodenal Ca2+ uptake declined in the senescent rats, and this age-related change was most likely due to the low serum level of 1,25-(OH)2D and not the result of a decrease in any duodenal response to 1,25-(OH)2D3.

Desensitization to parathyroid hormone in renal cells from aged rats is associated with alterations in G-protein activity

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity, but not forskolin-sensitive Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux, was blunted in renal cortical cells from aged rats. PTH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in renal membranes from senescent rats also declined, but forskolin-stimulated activity did not change. In addition, cholera toxin- and pertussis toxin-stimulated Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux and cAMP formation were blunted in cells from aged animals. Further, cells from aged rats had decreased Gs-alpha and Gi-alpha proteins, as detected by ADP-ribosylation. These findings would be consistent with the proposal of an age-associated heterologous desensitization that involved the G-proteins. Serum concentrations of iPTH were increased in the old rat, suggesting that the desensitization to PTH in the aging rat represented an adaptive response to prolonged stimulation by the hormone. This hypothesis was supported by the findings that the attenuated PTH-sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity, cAMP formation, and adenylate cyclase activity in cells from old rats could be reversed by parathyroidectomy. The decreased label in cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylated Gs-alpha and pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylated Gi-alpha found in cells from aged rats was also largely negated by the surgery. In conclusion, the results suggest that the age-related blunting in the responses of renal cells to PTH was associated with a deficit in G-protein function and that this alteration could be reversed by removal of the parathyroid gland.