Modeling advanced air mobility aircraft in data-driven reduced order realistic urban winds

The concept of Advanced Air Mobility involves utilizing cutting-edge transportation platforms to transport passengers and cargo efficiently over short distances in urban and suburban areas. However, using simplified atmospheric models for aircraft simulations can prove insufficient for modeling large disturbances impacting low-altitude flight regimes. Due to the complexities of operating in urban environments, realistic wind modeling is necessary to ensure trajectory planning and control design can maintain high levels of safety. In this study, we simulate the dynamic response of a representative advanced air mobility platform operating in wing-borne flight through an urban wind field generated using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and a wind field created using reduced-order models based on full-order computational solutions. Our findings show that the longitudinal response of the aircraft was not greatly affected by the fidelity of the LES models or if the spatial variation was considered while evaluating the full-order wind model. This is encouraging as it indicates that the full LES generation of the wind field may not be necessary, which decreases the complexity and time needed in this analysis. Differences are present when comparing the lateral response, owing to the differences in the asymmetric loading of the planform in the full and reduced order models. These differences seen in the lateral responses are expected to increase for planforms with smaller wing loadings, which could pose challenges. Additionally, the response of the aircraft to the mean wind field, the temporal average of the full order model, was misrepresentative in the longitudinal response and greatly under-predicted control surface activity, particularly in the lateral response.

HSP27 diagnostic utility in the fine needle aspirate of breast. Correlation with progesterone and estrogen receptors

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is routine diagnostic tool in breast tumors assessment. In some cases, however, limitations of this method do not permit an unequivocal diagnosis. In these, suspected, cases immunocytochemical evaluation of selected biological markers may be of help. The aim of the study was assessment of HSP27 value in diagnosis and discrimination of benign and malignant breast lesions. HSP27 expression was examined by immunocytochemistry in fine needle aspiration smears assessed to C2-C5 categories. In C5 subgroup HSP27 expression was correlated with ER, PR content. Statistically significant differences in HSP27 expression between subsets C2/C5 and C3/C5 were found (p=0.028 and p=0,04, respectively); the differences between C3/C4 categories were not significant. Expression of HSP27 protein in FNA smears can be additional factor, which helps to differentiate benign, and malignant breast lesions, however it is not useful for discrimination of cytological, suspicious lesions.

Influx of macrophages into livers of rats treated with hepatotoxicants (thioacetamide, allyl alcohol, D-galactosamine) induces expression of HSP25

Treatment of rats with a single dose of thioacetamide (TAA) provokes centrilobular inflammation and a significant expression of heat shock protein HSP25 in hepatocytes surrounding the area of inflammation. The HSP25 accumulation in hepatocytes adjacent to inflammatory regions was confirmed by identification of positive hepatocytes concentrated at periportal areas after treatment of rats with allyl alcohol (AA) or distributed diffusely throughout liver lobule after treatment with D-galactosamine (D-gal). In our model of TAA-treated rats the use of the anti-inflammatory drug-indomethacin, and the redox-regulating drug-N-acetylcysteine (NAC), significantly attenuated TAA-induced HSP25 expression and evoked morphological changes of recruited ED1+ macrophages. Treatment of rats with gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) decreased considerably the number of Kupffer cells (ED2+ macrophages) without affecting significantly the number and morphology of ED1+ macrophages as well as the expression pattern of TAA-induced HSP25. Our data shows for the first time that ED1+ macrophages recruited into the liver by treatment with TAA play a significant role in HSP25 induction in hepatocytes.

Spermatocyte-specific expression of constitutively active heat shock factor 1 induces HSP70i-resistant apoptosis in male germ cells

Spermatocytes, the most sensitive male germ cells to heat-induced apoptosis, do not respond to hyperthermia by inducing heat shock proteins (HSPs), including HSP70i, which has been previously shown to confer resistance to apoptosis in somatic cells. To dissect the mechanism of heat-induced apoptosis and to determine if we could protect spermatocytes by expressing HSP70i, we engineered transgenic mice that express in spermatocytes constitutively active heat shock transcription factor (HSF)1. Such HSF1 expression did not lead to transcription of inducible Hsp70 genes, but instead induced caspase-dependent apoptosis that mimicked heat shock-induced death of spermatogenic cells. Both mitochondria-dependent and death receptor-dependent pathways appear to be involved in such HSF1-induced apoptosis: the levels of Bcl-2 family proteins became increased, p53 protein accumulated and expression levels of caspase-8 and death-receptor-interacting proteins (including Fas-associated death domain protein and TNF receptor associated death domain protein) became elevated. Surprisingly, the constitutive spermatocyte-specific expression of HSP70i in double-transgenic males did not protect against such HSF1-induced apoptosis.

Bovine lactoferrin decreases histopathological changes in the liver and regulates cytokine production by splenocytes of obstructive jaundiced rats

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of bovine lactoferrin (BLF) on histopathological changes in the liver of 14 day obstructive jaundiced (OJ) rats and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) by splenocytes from 7- and 14-day OJ rats.

MATERIAL AND SUBJECTS

In the study 50 male rats of the Buffalo strain (170-270 g, mean 230 g) were used.

TREATMENT

Rats were given 10 mg BLF in 0.5 ml saline daily, using a stomach tube. BLF was applied 2 days before operation and for 13 days following operation.

METHODS

The specimens of liver were prepared using standard techniques. Sections, 5 mm thick were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and reviewed histologically. Microscopic estimation using semiquantitive 4-grade scale was used for evaluation of liver changes. For cytokine measurement splenocyte cultures were stimulated with 5 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After overnight incubation the activities of TNFalpha and IL-6 were determined using bioassays. For statistical evaluation of data the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied.

RESULTS

In rats with 14-day OJ, treated with BLF, the pathological changes in the liver were markedly reduced, in particular foci of necrosis with disseminated lymphocytes, cellular necrobiosis, bile duct proliferation and dilation. Neither proliferation of fibrous and reticular connective tissue nor activation of Kupffer cells was revealed. In the 7-day OJ rats treatment with BLF caused significant inhibition of both spontaneous (mean 253, median 275, vs mean 160, median 148 pg/ml, p=0.002) and LPS-induced TNF-alpha production (mean 4967, median 4102, vs mean 2291, median 2234 pg/ ml, p = 0.004) in the splenocyte cultures. The spontaneous (mean 120, median 81, vs mean 43, median 26 pg/ml, p=0.005) as well as LPS-induced IL-6 production (mean 422, median 378, vs mean 293, median 230 pg/ml, p = 0.025) were also lowered. On the other hand, in 14-day OJ, BLF upregulated cytokine production, in particular spontaneous (mean 148, median 158, vs mean 338, median 196, p = 0.001) and LPS-induced TNF-alpha (m ean 1331, median 1507, vs mean 2239, median 1707 pg/ml, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that oral administration of BLF is beneficial in alleviating deleterious effects of OJ.

Structure of the 5' region of the Hst70 gene transcription unit: presence of an intron and multiple transcription initiation sites

The rat Hst70 gene and its mouse counterpart Hsp70.2 belong to the family of Hsp70 heat shock genes and are specifically expressed in male germ cells. Previous studies regarding the structure of the 5' region of the transcription unit of these genes as well as localization of the 'cis' elements conferring their testis-specific expression gave contradictory results [Widlak, Markkula, Krawczyk, Kananen and Huhtaniemi (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1264, 191-200; Dix, Rosario-Herrle, Gotoh, Mori, Goulding, Barret and Eddy (1996) Dev. Biol. 174, 310-321]. In the present paper we solve these controversies and show that the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the Hst70 gene contains an intron which is localized similar to that of the mouse Hsp70.2 gene. Reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR, Northern blotting and RNase protection analysis revealed that the transcription initiation of both genes starts at two main distant sites, and one of them is localized within the intron. As a result two populations of Hst70 gene transcripts with similar sizes but different 5' UTR structures can be detected in total testicular RNA. Functional analysis of the Hst70 gene promoter in transgenic mice and transient transfection assays proved that the DNA fragment of approx. 360 bp localized upstream of the ATG transcription start codon is the minimal promoter required for testis-specific expression of the HST70/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase transgene. These experiments also suggest that the expression of the gene may depend on 'cis' regulatory elements localized within exon 1 and the intron sequences.

Expression of heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP27 in primary non-small cell lung carcinomas. An immunohistochemical study

The present study was undertaken to determine the expression pattern of the hsp70 and the hsp27 genes in 106 cases of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We have shown that in the majority of cases (95/106) the HSP70 immunoreactivity was localized both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei. We also observed an enhanced nuclear immunoreaction for HSP70 in dysplastic lesions and in stage I tumors. In the case of the HSP27 we found a positive cytoplasmic immunostaining in 70% of cases, with the highest score in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We noted a positive correlation between the expression level of HSP27 and HSP70. There was a correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index and nuclear HSP70 staining, but not for HSP27. No association between the HSPs and the expression of pRb p16 and p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53 was found as studied previously. An interesting and statistically significant relationship was found between the expression of cyclin D1 and high intensity of HSP27 and HSP70 immunostaining. The relation of our results concerning the expression pattern of the HSP70 and HSP27 in NSCLC to those obtained by others for different types of primary tumors is discussed.

Estimation of risk of inherited medullary thyroid carcinoma in apparent sporadic patients

PURPOSE

The study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of inherited medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) among patients with apparent sporadic disease. A stepwise algorithm was used depending on clinical indices and the age of patient at MTC diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred sixteen patients with MTC verified by postoperative pathologic examination were subjected to genetic analysis of RET exons 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16 by means of polymerase chain reaction, restriction endonuclease digestion, and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Among 116 apparent sporadic MTC patients, we identified eleven (9.5%) RET germline mutation carriers. Seven of these (6.0%) were found by routine analysis (exons 10 and 11). The frequency of inherited disease among patients younger than 45 years at diagnosis was 10.2% by analysis of typical mutations in exons 10 and 11. Extended genetic analysis (sequencing of exons 11, 13, 14, and 16) yielded 6.1% additional diagnoses, giving a risk of 16.3% in this age group. One previously unreported mutation in exon 11 affected codon 649 (TCG>TTG, Ser>Leu). In the true sporadic MTC patients younger than 30 years at diagnosis, frequencies of 36% and 4.5% in polymorphic variants L769L and S836S, respectively, were observed. The frequency for L769L was higher than in older patients (P <.05).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of inherited disease among apparent sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma patients is close to 10% in the Polish population of MTC patients. The extended analysis of all known RET proto-oncogene mutation sites is obligatory in patients younger than 45 years at diagnosis, but we also see the need to analyze the impact of rarer mutations in older patients.

Green fluorescent protein as a marker for monitoring activity of stress-inducible hsp70 rat gene promoter

Murine melanoma cells B16(F10) were stably transfected with a plasmid containing GFP gene linked to rat stress-inducible hsp70.1 gene promoter. Transfected cells show in vitro variable basal levels of fluorescence depending on stress response induced at physiological temperature by growth conditions. Lack of manipulations except medium change resulted in reduction of cellular fluorescence. GFP expression in experimental murine tumors dropped to levels undetectable at physiological temperature. Heat shock induced significant fluorescence of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. GFP protein could be a useful marker for studies of mammalian hsp70i gene promoters.

Expression of the testis-specific HSP70-related gene (hst70 gene) in somatic non-testicular rat tissues revealed by RT-PCR and transgenic mice analysis

The hst70 gene which belongs to rat HSP70 multigene family is highly expressed in pachytene spermatocytes. Using a transgenic mice model it was found that the promoter of the rat hst70 gene directs the expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene not only to testis but also to multiple somatic tissues. In wild-type rats the expression of the hst70 gene in tissues other than testis was confirmed by non-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Beside the testis, the CAT expression in transgenic mice and the hst70 gene transcripts in wild-type rats were found in brain, pituitary, epididymis, vas deferens, adrenals, spleen, lung, ovary, oviduct and uterus. The only tissue in which both the CAT expression and the hst70 gene activity has not been found was the liver. These observations suggest possibly more universal, not confined to spermatogenesis, function of the hst70 gene.

Identification of a microsatellite region composed of a long homopurine/homopyrimidine tract surrounded by AT-rich sequences upstream of the rat stress-inducible hsp 70.1 gene

A DNA region containing several repetitive motifs has been detected about 1.9 kbp upstream of the transcription unit of the rat stress-inducible hsp 70.1 gene. The most interesting element of this area is a microsatellite sequence (GA)6CAG(TC)24 that consists of an inverted repeat partially overlapping with the long homopurine/homopyrimidine tract (Pu/Py). DNA molecule within the described sequence can theoretically adopt alternate, non-B structures (H-DNA or cruciform) containing single-stranded regions. This microsatellite region is flanked by AT-rich sequences containing several poly(A) tracts. The longest of them with a possible potential to destabilized a double-stranded DNA helix is localized around 160 bp downstream the (GA)6CAG(TC)24. The DNA fragment containing sequences described above was subcloned into the pUC19 vector and the resulting plasmid was subjected to the standard S1 susceptibility assay. Preliminary mapping of the S1 cleavage site indicates for the formation of the non-B-DNA structure within the Pu/Py tract. This is to our knowledge a first report on the existence of a complex microsatellite region on upstream the 5'-end of the hsp 70 gene in mammals.

Identification of a microsatellite region composed of a long homopurine/homopyrimidine tract surrounded by AT-rich sequences upstream of the rat stress-inducible hsp 70.1 gene

A DNA region containing several repetitive motifs has been detected about 1.9 kbp upstream of the transcription unit of the rat stress-inducible hsp 70.1 gene. The most interesting element of this area is a microsatellite sequence (GA)6CAG(TC)24 that consists of an inverted repeat partially overlapping with the long homopurine/homopyrimidine tract (Pu/Py). DNA molecule within the described sequence can theoretically adopt alternate, non-B structures (H-DNA or cruciform) containing single-stranded regions. This microsatellite region is flanked by AT-rich sequences containing several poly(A) tracts. The longest of them with a possible potential to destabilized a double-stranded DNA helix is localized around 160 bp downstream the (GA)6CAG(TC)24. The DNA fragment containing sequences described above was subcloned into the pUC19 vector and the resulting plasmid was subjected to the standard S1 susceptibility assay. Preliminary mapping of the S1 cleavage site indicates for the formation of the non-B-DNA structure within the Pu/Py tract. This is to our knowledge a first report on the existence of a complex microsatellite region on upstream the 5'-end of the hsp 70 gene in mammals.

Construction of cDNA library from liver RNA of heat shocked rats and DNA sequence analysis of the clone containing the 3'-end untranslated region (3'UTR) of the heat inducible gene hsp70.2

cDNA library constructed from liver RNA of rats subjected to hyperthermia was used to isolate divergent 3' end untranslated regions (3'UTR) of heat inducible hsp70.1 and hsp70.2 genes. As a result of a double selection procedure with the use of DNA-DNA hybridization and PCR analysis 9 clones containing cDNA sequences derived from the 3'UTR of the hsp70.2 gene were selected. Nucleotide sequence of the cloned inserts was established and the Northern blot analysis was performed to identify the heat inducible transcript encoded by the hsp70.2 gene.

Regulation of function of the murine luteinizing hormone receptor promoter by cis- and trans-acting elements in mouse Leydig tumor cells

The transcriptional activity of various lengths of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the murine LH receptor (R) gene were studied using the luciferase reporter gene in transiently transfected mouse Leydig tumor cells (mLTC-1). Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) and HeLa cells were used as controls. The basal transcriptional promoter activity in mLTC-1 cells resided within the first 173 base pairs (bp) of the 5'-UTR. Placing an LHR promoter fragment (bases -715/ -56) in front of the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) minimal promoter resulted in a 7-fold increase in luciferase activity. Deletion of bases -56 to -173 of the above construct totally abolished the increased luciferase activity, brought about by the LHR promoter sequences. Basically similar results on LHR promoter function were observed using CHO cells. In contrast, no LHR promoter activity was detected in HeLa cells, indicating a cell specific nature of its function. The first 173 bp promoter domain is GC-rich, with several SP-1 binding domains, and it bound specifically nuclear proteins isolated from mLTC-1 and HeLa cells. RNAse protection assays reconfirmed the presence of several transcription initiation sites within the first 310 bp of the 5'-UTR, also in the absence of the cognate LHR coding sequences. The most distal site at bp -310 did not function in the absence of the first 173 bp of the 5'-UTR. Other transcription initiation sites were identified closer to the translation initiation site. hCG (50 micrograms/l), 8-bromo (Br)-cAMP (100 mumol/l) and cholera toxin (100 microgram/l) displayed qualitatively similar negative effects on the LHR promoter activity in the transfected mLTC-1 cells when the constructs containing at least the first 565 bp of the LHR 5'-UTR were used, but the inhibitory effects were greatly decreased in constructs containing < or = 304 bp of the promoter region. Hence, the hCG/cAMP associated inhibitory effects interact with region(s) located mainly between bp -565 and -305 of the LHR promoter. The inhibitory role of cAMP on LHR gene expression was also confirmed at the level of hCO-binding and hCG stimulated cAMP production of mLTC-1 cells. In conclusion, the current results elucidate the cis- and trans-acting elements in the regulation of expression of the murine LHR gene in cultured mouse Leydig cells. The minimal basal promoter activity is within the first 173 nucleotides of the 5'-UTR and the structural elements of the negative LHR regulation by the cognate hormone and elevated cAMP levels are mainly located within nucleotides -305 to -565 of the 5'-UTR. The function of the murine LHR promoter is similar to, though not identical with that of the rat, but at variance with that of the human LHR gene.

A 252 bp upstream region of the rat spermatocyte-specific hst70 gene is sufficient to promote expression of the hst70-CAT hybrid gene in testis and brain of transgenic mice

The rat hst70 gene belongs to a heat shock hsp70 multigene family and its expression has been detected so far solely in spermatocytes. To investigate the cis-elements responsible for testis-specific expression of the hst70 gene we produced several lines of transgenic mice carrying fragments of the 5'-flanking regions of the hst70 gene fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. Hybrid genes of series B were constructed such that, besides the 780 bp, 343 bp and 163 bp 5'-flanking region these plasmids contained no other sequences of the hst70 gene. In hybrid genes of series D the CAT gene was ligated to 343 bp and 252 bp 5'-flanking regions together with the 57 bp of the 5'-end nontranslated (leader) sequences of the hst70 gene. We found that in 780/B, 343/B, 343/D and 252/D adult mice the transgene was specifically and highly expressed in testes. In developing testes the high CAT activity appeared in transgenic mice aged 3 weeks and older. None of the three 163/B transgenic lines exhibited CAT activity in any tissue analyzed. In all CAT expressing lines a weak but significant CAT activity (up to 5% of that in testis) was detected also in the brain. RNase protection assay confirmed that the endogenous hst70 gene transcripts are present in testis as well as in brain of nontransgenic rats and mice. Our data show that the cis-regulatory sequences responsible for testis-specific and developmentally regulated expression of the hst70 gene are localized within the 252 bp region 5' to the gene and neither the 5'-end nor 3'-end nontranslated sequences of the gene are important for this specificity.

Cloning, nucleotide sequence and expression of rat heat inducible hsp70 gene

In rat cells hyperthermia induces two hsp70 transcripts of 2.5 kb and 2.7 kb. We have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of a gene (named hsp70.1) encoding the 2.5 kb transcript as shown by Northern blot analysis using the 5' end and 3' end specific hybridization probes. It contains an uninterrupted open reading frame of 1926 bp, it encodes a protein of approx. 70,100 Da and the predicted amino acid sequence of its product shows 98% similarity to the mouse hsp70.1 protein. The transcription start site was localized 224 bp upstream the ATG codon by RNase protection and primer extension mapping. Upstream the transcription initiation site several potential regulatory motifs including a TATA box, two Sp1 binding sites, one inverted and one direct CCAAT box and three HSEs (heat shock elements) were found. Transfection experiments with constructs in which the CAT reporter gene was fused to fragments of the 5' end flanking sequences of the isolated gene confirmed that the promoter of the rat hsp70.1 gene is functional and heat inducible.

The ERE-like sequence from the promoter region of the testis specific hsp70-related gene is not estrogen responsive

The 5'flanking region of the hsp70-related gene which is specifically expressed in rat and mouse spermatocytes contains the GGTCAnnnCGACC sequence closely resembling the palindromic consensus ERE (estrogen responsive element, GGTCAnnnTGACC). We used a transient expression assay to study whether this ERE-like sequence can transfer estrogen responsiveness either to heterologous or homologous promoters linked to a reporter CAT gene. We found that the GGTCAnnnCGACC sequence either as an isolated element or in its natural sequence context does not respond to hormone stimulation in MCF-7 and Fe33 cells. This observation points to the importance of the T-nucleotide in a right half-palindrome of ERE for ligand-dependent activation of transcription.

An upstream region of the rat spermatogenesis-specific heat-shock-like Hst70 gene confers testis-specific expression in transgenic mice

In order to study the temporal and spatial regulation of a rat testis-specific heat-shock-like hst70 gene, an 0.8-kb fragment of its upstream DNA was fused to the lacZ gene and microinjected into one-cell murine embryos. Independent tgHST1 and tgHST2 transgenic mice strains were established, containing about 5-7 and 40-60 transgene copies/haploid genome, respectively. Enzyme assays in various tissues showed that transgene-encoded beta-galactosidase accumulates exclusively in testes of transgenic animals and cannot be detected until 16-17 days after birth. In-situ assays revealed that the enzyme accumulates mainly in pachytene primary spermatocytes. Our data complement previous studies on the endogenous rat hst70 and suggest that its 0.8-kb upstream region contains sufficient information to function as an active spermatogenesis-specific promoter.

[Giant cystic kidney as the cause of mechanical ileus]

A rare case is presented of mechanical ileus caused by a giant cystic kidney. With absent symptoms from the urinary tract, the patient was operated on in emergency situation, and the diagnosis of polycystic renal degeneration in a 64-year-old female patient was made during the operation. The fact is worth stressing of sure imposition in the X-ray image of the signs of ileus and of presence of fluid within numerous renal cysts, and in case of lacking other signs this may lead to diagnostic errors.

The ERE-like sequence from the promoter region of the testis specific hsp70-related gene is not estrogen responsive

The 5'flanking region of the hsp70-related gene which is specifically expressed in rat and mouse spermatocytes contains the GGTCAnnnCGACC sequence closely resembling the palindromic consensus ERE (estrogen responsive element, GGTCAnnnTGACC). We used a transient expression assay to study whether this ERE-like sequence can transfer estrogen responsiveness either to heterologous or homologous promoters linked to a reporter CAT gene. We found that the GGTCAnnnCGACC sequence either as an isolated element or in its natural sequence context does not respond to hormone stimulation in MCF-7 and Fe33 cells. This observation points to the importance of the T-nucleotide in a right half-palindrome of ERE for ligand-dependent activation of transcription.

Expression of c-jun and Egr-1 genes in rat liver in response to partial hepatectomy, and injection of turpentine

In rat liver stimulated by partial hepatectomy a significant expression of Egr-1 and to less extent c-jun genes was observed within 15-30 min after the surgery. The induction is transient and vanishes within one hour. Egr-1 and c-jun were also induced in liver after subcutaneous injection of turpentine, a strong inducer of acute phase response. A maximum activation of these genes was observed within 4-9 hours after administration of turpentine. Both Egr-1 and c-jun extend the list of "immediate early" genes involved in proliferative response and constitute a group of genes inducible at the beginning of acute phase response.

Effect of amantadine on prolactin secretion, pituitary DNA synthesis and 3H-spiperone binding in male estrogen-treated rats

Amantadine, a well-known antiviral agent, causing an increase in dopamine synthesis, release and the inhibition of re-uptake of noradrenaline and dopamine in central and peripheral catecholaminergic neurons, is successfully used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present paper, we have studied the effect of various doses of amantadine on in vivo prolactin secretion and the incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-spiperone binding by the anterior pituitary gland of long-term diethylstilboestrol-treated male Wistar rats. Four weeks after a subcutaneous implantation of Silastic tubes containing 10 mg of diethylstilboestrol, a dramatic rise in serum prolactin levels was observed, accompanied by an increased uptake of 3H-thymidine by DNA anterior pituitary cells. Amantadine, given in the subcutaneous doses of 50, 5 and 0.5 mg/kg of body weight attenuated the stimulatory effect of stilboestrol on serum prolactin concentration in a dose-dependent fashion. On the other hand, the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA pituitary cells in all the groups of amantadine-treated rats was only slightly suppressed. In an additional experiment, Scatchard analyses were performed on the in vitro 3H-spiperone binding kinetics in a dispersed anterior pituitary cell culture prepared from the pituitaries of 6-week diethylstilboestrol-treated rats. It has been found that amantadine injected in the dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight for 14 days induced a twofold decrease in the density of dopamine D2 binding sites (36.6 +/- 9.4 vs. 70.3 +/- 3.4 fmol/10(6) cells; p less than 0.02), while the apparent affinity of the receptors was unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation and nucleotide sequence analysis of the rat testis-specific major heat-shock protein (HSP70)-related gene

The isolation of a rat hsp 70-related gene which is specifically and highly expressed in testis is described together with the complete nucleotide sequence of the transcription unit (2947 bp), 5' flanking (about 1 kbp) and 3' flanking (about 0.3 kbp) regions. The sequence analysis and nuclease S1 mapping revealed that the isolated gene (referred to as the hst70 gene) represents a novel, distinct member of the hsp70 multigene family. Its transcription unit lacks introns and a single open reading frame encodes a protein of 69.5 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence of this protein is highly similar (only four out of 633 amino acids are different) to that encoded by the mouse testis-specific hsp70.2 gene (Zakeri, Z.F., Wolgemuth, D.J. and Hunt, C.R. (1988) Mol. Cell. Biol. 8, 2925-2932). The functional significance of multiple potentially regulatory sequences (e.g. TATA-boxes, heat-shock element and estrogen receptor binding site) present in the 5' flanking region of the rat hst70 gene is discussed.

Activation of the glucose-regulated gene (grp78) in regenerating rat liver is nonspecific and is related to acute phase response

The expression pattern of the hsp70 gene family during regeneration or rat liver has been investigated. Northern blots were prepared from total RNA isolated from livers at 0 h (control), 12 h (end of prereplication phase), 24 h (maximum of DNA synthesis) and 36 h (postmitotic phase) after partial hepatectomy. Blots were hybridized with probes specific for the hsp70 (heat-inducible), hsc70 (constitutively expressed), hst70 (testis-specific) and grp78 (glucose-regulated) gene. No hsp70 and hst70 gene transcripts have been detected at any time point investigated, and only a low increase of the hsc70 mRNA level has been observed 24 h after surgery. In contrast, a significant accumulation of the transcript coded by the grp78 gene has been detected in liver remnant 12 and 24 h after partial hepatectomy. However, we observed a comparable activation of this gene in livers of sham-operated rats or in rats injected with turpentine to cause sterile inflammation. Our results indicate that the activation of the grp78 gene in liver of wounded rats (partial hepatectomy or sham operation) is presumably a part of acute-phase response.

Effect of age and busulphan treatment on the hsp70 gene-related transcript level in rat testes

Northern blot analysis was used to determine the expression pattern of a testis-specific, heat shock gene (hsp70)-related transcript (hst70 RNA) in rats during sexual maturation, following administration of busulphan and in aged rats with progressive tubular degeneration. The level of the hst70 RNA in testes of rats aged 4, 7, 12, 19, 21 or 24 months decreased gradually with age. In the atrophic testes of old rats with tubules depleted of germ cells, the hst70 transcript was undetectable. Transient arrest of spermatogenesis in rats aged 2 months following injection of a single dose of busulphan (10 mg/kg) resulted in a parallel but transient decrease in the transcript level to undetectable values, followed by its reappearance after resumption of spermatogenesis. The transcript was absent from testes containing tubules depleted of spermatocytes and spermatids and reappeared when a new generation of round spermatids repopulated the seminiferous tubules. Possible expression of the hst70 gene prior to the formation of early spermatids is discussed.

Expression of a testis-specific hsp70 gene-related RNA in defined stages of rat seminiferous epithelium

Changes in the level of a testis-specific hsp70 gene-related transcript (hst70 RNA) and its cellular localization during the cycle of rat seminiferous epithelium have been investigated. Segments of seminiferous tubules at defined stages of the cycle were isolated in living condition by transillumination-assisted microdissection and the exact stages identified by phase-contrast microscopy of live cell squashes. The levels of the hst70 RNA were determined by Northern and slot blotting of whole cell lysates. High levels were found in stages XII-XIV and I to early VII of the cycle, and low levels were found in other stages, i.e., late VII (VIId) through VIII-XI of the cycle. The in situ hybridization revealed that the hst70 gene was activated in late pachytene primary spermatocytes during stage XII of the cycle, and that mRNA was then present in cells during differentiation through diakinesis, meiotic divisions, and early spermiogenesis (steps 1 through early 7). The activation of the gene coding for hst70 RNA shortly before meiotic divisions may indicate that the gene product is needed either during differentiation of late spermatocytes into spermatids or later during spermiogenesis, and that the mRNA may be stored in early spermatids.

Isolation of major heat shock protein (hsp70) gene-related sequences from rat genome

Rat genome was assayed for the presence of hsp70 gene-related sequences. Southern blots prepared from rat DNA digested with EcoRI or HindIII restriction endonucleases were hybridized with mouse, human and fruit fly hsp70 gene probes at increasing stringencies. At the stringency which allows sequences divergent up to about 30% to form stable complexes all three probes detected 25-30 restriction fragments. Increased stringency of the hybridization reduced the number of detectable bands to a few and among them the DNA fragments hybridizing specifically either with mouse or human hsp70 gene probes were detected. Most of the genomic fragments containing hsp70 gene-related sequences were subsequently isolated by screening the rat genomic library with mouse hsp70 gene probe. 168 positive clones were plaque purified and on the basis of the restriction and hybridization pattern we deduced that inserts represented 20 different genomic regions. Partial restriction maps of all isolated genomic fragments were constructed and regions containing hsp70 gene related as well as highly repetitive DNA sequences were localized. A putative sequence rearrangement in the proximity of the hsp70 gene-related sequence was detected in one of the isolated genomic segments.

Isolation of RNA for dot hybridization by heparin-DNase I treatment of whole cell lysate

We have developed a new procedure for the rapid preparation of undegraded total RNA from cultured cells for specific quantitation by dot blotting analysis. Pelleted cells are resuspended in hypotonic solution containing a ribonuclease inhibitor and heparin and disrupted by freeze-thaw. Heparin is employed as an agent for nuclear lysis, dissociation of chromosomal protein, and release of mRNA from rough endoplasmic reticulum. We eliminate chromosomal DNA by digestion with DNase I and denature the RNA in the lysate with formaldehyde. After centrifugation to remove debris, the supernatant is used directly for dot blotting. All manipulations are performed in the same microfuge tube and recovery of RNA is quantitative. The procedure is especially useful for processing large numbers of samples. We illustrate its versatility by analysis of specific RNAs in Drosophila, rat, and human cell lines. In reconstruction experiments, less than 80 molecules per cell of a small RNA (beta-globin) can be detected under highly stringent hybridization conditions, using only moderately labeled double-stranded plasmid DNA probes and short film exposures.

A hsp70-related gene is constitutively highly expressed in testis of rat and mouse

The expression pattern of major heat shock related genes (hsp70 gene family) in various organs of mouse and rat was investigated using Northern blot analysis. Heat shock gene related transcripts were detected in total RNA by hybridization with cloned mouse hsp70 gene sequences. Cells of various organs of intact mouse and rat constitutively synthesize a 2.2 kb and a 2.5 kb RNA. Exceptionally high levels of the 2.5 kb RNA, 50-250 fold higher than in other tissues are found in testis of both rodents. The 2.5 kb RNA hybridizes strongly to an extended region of mouse hsp70 gene; it also hybridizes poorly to the Drosophila hsp70 gene. The data suggest that the 2.5 kb RNA is transcribed from a hsp70-related gene in mouse and rat.

Expression of hsp70-related gene in developing and degenerating rat testis

Rat testes contain highly elevated levels of 2.5 kb RNA transcribed from a heat shock (hsp70) related gene. In the present paper northern blot analysis was used to follow the changes in the 2.5 kb transcript level during the postnatal development of rat testis and during the degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium in adult rats caused by experimental cryptorchidism. The 2.5 kb transcript was undetectable in newborn rats until the 3rd week of life. The level of the transcript reached a maximum at the 4th week and remained unchanged from that point on. Two days after the surgical translocation of the testes from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity the level of 2.5 kb transcript rapidly declined. Presented results strongly suggest that the hsp 70-like gene coding for the 2.5 kb RNA is specifically expressed in germinal cells, most probably in the spermatocytes.

Uptake of main fractions of labelled bleomycin by solid Ehrlich ascites tumours in mice

Concentrations were studied of 58Co in the solid Ehrlich ascites tumour, blood, muscle and bone of male Swiss mice administered as complexed with total bleomycin commercially available and its isolated fractions A2, B2, demethyl A2, A1, A5, B4 and bleomycinic acid. The tumour/non-tumour ratios were determined 24 hrs after injection of the complexes. The ratios for fraction A2, B2 and total bleomycin were very close to each other. The remaining fractions showed lower values of the ratios. These results suggest that it is unlikely that any of the fractions studied are superior to total labelled bleomycin with respect to tumour scintigraphy.

Uptake of Main Fractions of Labelled Bleomycin by Solid Ehrlich Ascites Tumours in Mice

Concentrations were studied of 58Co in the solid Ehrlich ascites tumour, blood, muscle and bone of male Swiss mice administered as complexed with total bleomycin commercially available and its isolated fractions A2, B2, demethyl A2, A1, A5, B4 and bleomycinic acid. The tumour/ non-tumour ratios were determined 24 hrs after injection of the complexes. The ratios for fraction A2, B2 and total bleomycin were very close to each other. The remaining fractions showed lower values of the ratios. These results suggest that it is unlikely that any of the fractions studied are superior to total labelled bleomycin with respect to tumour scintigraphy.

Early postoperative bleedings after prostatectomy in the light of statistical figures

A statistical analysis of intraoperative and early postoperative bleedings in cases of surgery for prostatic adenoma is presented, consideration being given to the surgical technique and to lethality. It has emerged that all patients having had intraoperative or early postoperative bleedings had been operated on by the Hryntschak method and all were over 60 years of age (average age 68 years). Age-matched patients operated on by the Freyer method had no major bleedings.