Preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria (Myocastor coypus): a case report

Tumor incidence in wild mammals is reportedly very low. Wild nutria, a large rodent, is known to carry many infectious diseases, but rarely exhibits neoplastic diseases. We necropsied a male wild nutria and found a large nodular mass in the left inguinal region, adjacent to the penis. Histopathologically, the mass was diagnosed as preputial gland adenoma. Spontaneous preputial gland adenomas are extremely rare in all animals. Moreover, reports of tumors in nutrias have been limited to adenocarcinomas of the lungs and uterus, as well as subcutaneous fibromas. Here, we describe preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria.

Fatal fibrino-hemorrhagic bronchopneumonia associated with Morganella morganii in a bottlenose dolphin: a case report

A 5 yr old, 184 kg, and 262 cm total length female bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus was found dead in a display after bloody discharge from the blowhole was observed 3 h prior to death. Pathological examination revealed fibrinous bronchopneumonia with prominent areas of necrosis (sequestra) and numerous Gram-negative bacilli within alveoli and in blood vessels of the lungs and liver and between muscle fibers. The cause of death was attributed to septicemia. Often, cases of fibrinous bronchopneumonia are characterized by bacteremia in the latter stages of infection, resulting in the death of the animal. Septicemia likely accounts for the ecchymoses and petechiae noted on the spleen, pancreas, forestomach, lungs, visceral peritoneum, and small intestine. Additional lesions included hemothorax, stable red frothy fluid in the trachea, and lymphoid depletion in the spleen and lymph nodes. Pure growth of Morganella morganii was isolated from the lungs, blood, liver, and blowhole mucosa. Sequencing of 16s rRNA of the isolated bacteria showed more than 99.6% identity with M. morganii strain FDAARGOS_172. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal fibrinonecrotizing bronchopneumonia associated with M. morganii infection in a cetacean.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Metastasis to the Spleen in a Holstein Cow

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with metastasis to the spleen in a Holstein cow was studied by histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. The tumor was characterized by a pseudoglandular (acinar) pattern with an associated fibrous stroma. Individual cells often had a “hepatoid” appearance but were interspersed with scattered cells exhibiting a clear, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasm and small eccentric nuclei. This pattern was present in nodules found in both liver and spleen. Moreover, hepatoid tumor cells were positive for alpha-fetoprotein. Immunohistochemical studies suggest that myofibroblasts were responsible for the production of fibrous septa surrounding the pseudoglandular structures of bovine HCC. In summary, our histologic and immunohistochemical findings support a diagnosis of primary HCC with splenic metastasis. Furthermore, the associated stromal response appears to be of a myofibroblast origin. The primary etiology of bovine HCC and the significance of the intralesional, PAS-positive clear cells remain undetermined.

Carrier Mobility Enhancement of Tensile Strained Si and SiGe Nanowires via Surface Defect Engineering

Changes in the carrier mobility of tensile strained Si and SiGe nanowires (NWs) were examined using an electrical push-to-pull device (E-PTP, Hysitron). The changes were found to be closely related to the chemical structure at the surface, likely defect states. As tensile strain is increased, the resistivity of SiGe NWs deceases in a linear manner. However, the corresponding values for Si NWs increased with increasing tensile strain, which is closely related to broken bonds induced by defects at the NW surface. Broken bonds at the surface, which communicate with the defect state of Si are critically altered when Ge is incorporated in Si NW. In addition, the number of defects could be significantly decreased in Si NWs by incorporating a surface passivated Al2O3 layer, which removes broken bonds, resulting in a proportional decrease in the resistivity of Si NWs with increasing strain. Moreover, the presence of a passivation layer dramatically increases the extent of fracture strain in NWs, and a significant enhancement in mobility of about 2.6 times was observed for a tensile strain of 5.7%.

Effect of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) on obesity, lipid metabolism and uterine epithelial proliferation in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to assess the potential of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to prevent obesity and abnormalities in lipid metabolism induced by ovariectomy in a rat model without stimulatory activity on uterus.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated for 6 weeks with 70% ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum [HPEs: whole plant (WHPE) and flower and leaves (FLHPE)], β-estradiol-3-benzoate at a dose of 50 µg/kg/day (E2) or vehicle (distilled water).

RESULTS

As expected, OVX increased body weight gain and adiposity and showed higher food efficacy ratio. OVX also increased the serum cholesterol as well as insulin resistance, while reducing uterus weight and uterine epithelial proliferation rate. HPEs (WHPE and FLHPE) showed estrogen-like effect on body weight gain, adipose tissue weight and food efficacy ratio in OVX rats. HPEs prevented hypercholesterolemia induced by OVX more effectively than E2. E2 increased uterus weight and epithelial proliferation rate in OVX rats, while HPEs maintained them at the level of the sham-operated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding demonstrates that HPEs can be considered as an effective agent to prevent OVX-induced obesity without stimulatory activity on uterus.

Analysis of flicker noise for improved data retention characteristics in silicon-oxide-high-k-oxide-silicon flash memory using N2 implantation

In this paper, we fabricate planar-type Silicon-Oxide-High-k-Oxide-Silicon (SOHOS) and the planar-type SOHOS devices with N2 implantation of 3 x 10(15) dose in a tunneling oxide to determine the impact of N2 implantation in the tunneling oxide of a memory device. The N2 implantation device has better retention characteristics than the device with no implantation. In order establish the correlation between N2 implantation and retention characteristic improvement, the low frequency noise (1/f noise) characteristic is investigated. The normalized drain current noise (S(ID)/I(D)2) level of the N2 implantation device is higher than that of the device with no implantation, which means that N2 implantation causes more trap formation near the interface. Considering that N2 implantation does not affect the DC transfer characteristics, such as mobility and sub-threshold slope, this finding indicates that the increase in the 1/f noise level is due to oxide traps rather than to interface traps. Therefore, the retention characteristic improvement in the N2 implantation device can be explained by the generation of higher number of oxide traps and an increase in the potential barrier blocking the leakage path in the tunneling oxide.

Effects of surface chemical structure on the mechanical properties of Si(1-x)Ge(x) nanowires

The Young's modulus and fracture strength of Si(1-x)Ge(x) nanowires (NWs) as a function of Ge concentration were measured from tensile stress measurements. The Young's modulus of the NWs decreased linearly with increasing Ge content. No evidence was found for a linear relationship between the fracture strength of the NWs and Ge content, which is closely related to the quantity of interstitial Ge atoms contained in the wire. However, by removing some of the interstitial Ge atoms through rapid thermal annealing, a linear relationship could be produced. The discrepancy in the reported strength of Si and Ge NWs between calculated and experimented results could be related to SiO(2-x)/Si interfacial defects that are found in Si(1-x)Ge(x) NWs. It was also possible to significantly decrease the number of interfacial defects in the NWs by incorporating a surface passivated Al2O3 layer, which resulted in a substantial increase in fracture strength.

Electrical characteristic analysis using low-frequency noise in low-temperature polysilicon thin film transistors

This study carried out an electrical characteristic analysis using low-frequency noise (LFN) in top gate p-type low-temperature polysilicon thin film transistors (LTPS TFTs) with different active layer thicknesses between 40 nm and 80 nm. The transfer characteristic curves show that the 40-nm device has better electrical characteristics compared with the 80-nm device. The carrier number fluctuation, with and without correlated mobility fluctuation model in both devices, has modeled well the measured noise. On the other hand, the trap density and coulomb scattering in the 40-nm device are smaller compared with the 80-nm device. To confirm the effectiveness of the LFN noise analysis, the trap densities at a grain boundary are extracted using in both devices the similar methods of Proano et al. and Levinson et al. That is, coulomb scattering, caused by the trapped charges at or near the interface, has a greater effect on the device with inferior electrical properties. Based on the LFN and the quantitative analysis of the trap density at a grain boundary, the interface traps between the active layer and the gate insulator can explain the devices' electrical degradation.

Collapsing benign cystic nodules of the thyroid gland: sonographic differentiation from papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The US features of benign and malignant nodules overlap, and benign thyroid lesions can mimic thyroid malignancy on US. Benign cystic nodules after spontaneous collapse or needle aspiration, can mimic malignant thyroid nodules. Our aim was to evaluate the US features of CBCNs of the thyroid that distinguish such nodules from malignant thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

US and clinical findings in 13 patients, each with a single CBCN, were evaluated to determine if they showed >50% cystic content on initial US or CT and >30% decrease in maximum diameter on follow-up US. We compared these findings with those of 26 patients, each with a single surgically confirmed PTMC. US scans were analyzed for internal content, shape, margin, echogenicity, presence of echogenic dots suggesting micro- and macrocalcification, inner isoechoic rim, and low-echoic halo.

RESULTS

Six of the 13 (46%) CBCNs were classified as malignant on US due to their marked hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, or spiculated margins. US features that differed between CBCNs and PTMCs were shape (ovoid-to-round versus taller-than-wide, P = .016); margins (ill-defined versus spiculated, P < .000); low-echoic halo (P < .000); inner isoechoic rim (P < .000) with high negative predictive values (100%, 91%, 91%, and 89%, respectively); and clinically acceptable diagnostic accuracy (59%, 80%, 82%, and 85%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

US features helpful for differential diagnosis of CBCNs from PTMCs include shape, margin, and the presence of an inner isoechoic rim and a low-echoic halo. Familiarity with US features suggesting CBCNs may be helpful in reducing unnecessary repeated FNABs.

Molecular delineation of gamma-ray-induced NF-kappaB activation and pro-inflammatory genes in SMP30 knockout mice

Exposure to gamma radiation causes a wide variety of biological damages and alterations, including oxidative stress. Among the key cellular components that are exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress is the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which plays a central role in the activation of various pro-inflammatory genes. Recently, senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30), which has been used as an aging marker, was shown to have an antioxidant property. In the current study, using SMP30 knockout (SMP30(-/-)) mice that are vitamin C-deficient, we explored the effect of radiation on the activation of NF-kappaB and several key pro-inflammatory genes. Six groups of mice were studied. Group 1 mice were not irradiated and were supplemented with vitamin C (2.5 mg/kg/day). Group 2 mice were irradiated and were not supplemented with vitamin C. Group 3, 4 and 5 mice were irradiated with 1, 3 and 5 Gy of gamma radiation ((60)Co), respectively, without vitamin C supplementation. The wild-type mice (SMP30(+/+)) in group 6 were not irradiated or supplemented. At 24 h after irradiation, mice were killed humanely and the kidneys were removed analysis. The results showed that gamma radiation induced oxidative stress with corresponding NF-kappaB activation; this activated NF-kappaB led to the up-regulation of several major pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, iNOS, VCAM1, ICAM1 and E-selectin in irradiated groups with no vitamin C supplementation. Our data provide molecular insights into mechanisms through which gamma radiation enhances oxidative stress-induced inflammation by showing the activation of NF-kappaB signaling pathway in vitamin C-deficient SMP30(-/-) mice. In addition, our present study produced evidence that gamma radiation exerts its deleterious action by activating the inflammatory process that are known to be a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Furthermore, our data revealed vitamin C may play an important protective role in attenuating the adverse gamma-radiation-induced adverse effects by suppressing adverse oxidative effects and pro-inflammatory mediators.

Two different types of malignant fibrous histiocytomas from pet dogs

We describe 2 cases of malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs) that spontaneously developed in young pet dogs. To classify these tumors, we applied a panel of antibodies (vimentin, desmin, α-SMA, and ED1) and Azan staining for collagen. The MFHs were most consistent with osteoclast-like giant and inflammatory cell types. The first case had positive staining for ED1 and vimentin, and given the osteoclast-like giant cells, calcification sites accompanying peripheral giant cell infiltrates. The latter case, the inflammatory cell type, exhibited a storiform-pleomorphic variant of neoplastic cells, including an ossifying matrix. MFHs are among the most highly aggressive tumors occurring in soft tissue sarcomas in elderly dogs; however, MFHs have been poorly studied from a diagnostic point of view. Herein, we describe the histologic and immunohistologic features of MFHs in detail, thus classifying the subtypes of these tumors.

Eosinophilic myositis in a slaughtered Korean native cattle

Histopathological findings of eosinophilic myositis in the carcass of a slaughtered Korean native cow are presented. Lesions contained massive fibrous septae with vacuolar changes in some lesions, and the hypercontraction and rupturing of muscle bundles, with replacement by eosinophils. Necrosis and severe eosinophil infiltration were observed. Sarcoplasmic fragmentation and atrophy developed. Typical of granuloma, calcified myofibers were focally surrounded by macrophages and numerous inflammatory cells, and multinucleated giant cell formation was evident.

Detection of CSF leak in spinal CSF leak syndrome using MR myelography: correlation with radioisotope cisternography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal CSF leak syndrome is a unique disorder caused by spinal CSF leak. In this study, we attempted to determine whether MR myelography (MRM) can detect the leakage site in the spine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed both MRM and radioisotope cisternography (RIC) in 15 patients with spinal CSF leak syndrome. Patients were included in this study if they had at least 2 of the following criteria: 1) orthostatic headache, 2) low CSF opening pressure, and 3) diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement on brain MR imaging. For comparison, we performed MRM in 15 subjects without symptoms of spinal CSF leak syndrome. MRM was performed with the 2D turbo spin-echo technique in the entire spine by using a 1.5T scanner. Two blinded radiologists evaluated the MRM findings in a total of 30 cases, composed of patient and control groups, with regard to the presence of leakage and the level of leakage if present. RIC was performed only in the patient group and was assessed by consensus among 3 physicians experienced in nuclear medicine. The diagnostic performance of MRM and RIC was evaluated on the basis of the clinical diagnosis of spinal CSF leak syndrome.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR myelography for detecting CSF leak was 86.7%, 86.7%, and 86.7% for reader 1, respectively, and 80.0%, 93.3%, and 86.7% for reader 2, respectively. The sensitivity of RIC was 93.3%. Agreement between the 2 techniques for the detection of CSF leak was substantial in reader 1 and moderate in reader 2 (kappa = 0.634 and 0.444, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MRM is an effective tool for detecting CSF leak in the spine in patients with spinal CSF leak syndrome.

Canine renal failure syndrome in three dogs

Three dead dogs were brought to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University for study. Clinically, all the dogs showed emaciation, anorexia, depression, hemorrhagic vomiting and diarrhea for 7-10 days before death. All the clinical signs were first noted for about one month after feeding the dogs with commercial diets. At necropsy, all 3 dogs had severe renal damage with the same green-yellowish colored nephroliths in the renal pelvis. They also showed systemic hemorrhage and calcification of several organs, which might have been induced by uremia. Microscopically, necrosis, calcification and calculi were detected in the renal tubules, and especially in the proximal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney. These findings were supportive of a mycotoxic effect, and especially on their kidneys. However, the precise cause of the toxic effect in these cases of canine renal failure could not be determined.

Supplementation of whole persimmon leaf improves lipid profiles and suppresses body weight gain in rats fed high-fat diet

The objective of this study was to investigate the hypolipidemic effects of powdered whole persimmon leaf supplement in rats fed high-fat diet. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats during 6 weeks were fed different diet: normal control (NC), high-fat (HF), and high-fat supplemented with powdered whole persimmon leaf (PL; 5%, wt/wt) groups. Body weight and relative weight of interscapular brown adipose tissue were significantly lower in the PL group than in the HF group, while plasma leptin concentration was higher. The supplementation of persimmon leaf significantly lowered the plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, whereas elevated the ratio of HDL-C/total-C and improved the atherogenic index. Persimmon leaf supplementation led the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride values to similar levels to the NC group. Accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets and the epididymal white adipocyte size of PL group were diminished comparing to the HF group. Hepatic HMG-CoA and ACAT activities were significantly higher in the PL group than in other groups. Contents of fecal triglyceride, cholesterol and acidic sterol were significantly higher in the PL group than in the HF group. Accordingly, we suggest that supplementation of the powdered whole persimmon leaf improves plasma and hepatic lipid levels profile partly via the increased fecal lipids in high-fat fed rats. These beneficial effects may be due to the properties of its phenolic compounds (1.15 g/100g) and high fiber (63.48 g/100g) content in the powdered persimmon leaf.

Measurement of estrogen effect on bone turnover by 2H2O labeling

Estrogen loss has been known to increase bone turnover through accelerated bone resorption coupled by increased bone formation. In the present study, we measured estrogen effect on bone turnover by incorporation of 2H from 2H2O into amino acids. At 6 weeks of age, rats were either sham-operated (sham) or ovariectomized (ovx). Two weeks after surgery, 17beta-estradiol (est) was implanted subcutaneously to ovx rats. At 9 weeks of age, 2H2O labeling started by administration of 4% 2H2O to rats for 4 or 7 weeks in drinking water after a single intraperitonial bolus injection with 99.9% 2H2O. Body 2H2O enrichments were stable at approximately 3.0% over labeling period. Fractional replacements (f) of the midshaft femur were higher in the sham group (40.36 +/- 4.89% vs 42.47 +/- 11.22%) than the ovx (28.57 +/- 9.67% vs 37.47 +/- 8.34%) and est (26.57 +/- 4.00% vs 30.35 +/- 5.34%) groups 4 and 7 weeks after labeling, respectively. Ovariectomy-induced bone loss was observed in the trabecular bone along with a significantly increased number of osteoclasts, all of which were normalized after estradiol treatment. Taken together, our results indicate that estrogen deficiency significantly reduces the proportion of newly synthesized bone matrix as well as the total amount of bone matrix. The reduced portion of new matrix in ovx rats, presumably caused by activated osteoclastic degradation, was compensated rapidly with time. In addition, estradiol treatment protected the bone matrix by decreasing bone turnover rate.

Multiple Congenital Malformation in a Holstein Calf

A 10-day-old male Holstein dairy calf with orthopaedic abnormalities was unable to stand but was alert with a suckle reflex. At necropsy, the calf showed multiple defects, including partial agenesis of the left rib plate, deformed left scapula, shortened left humerus, agenesis of the left kidney, atresia ani and scoliosis. The cause of these anomalies could not be determined. This report is the first to describe partial agenesis of ribs in a calf.

Folding-driven synthesis of oligomers

The biological function of biomacromolecules such as DNA and enzymes depends on their ability to perform and control molecular association, catalysis, self-replication or other chemical processes. In the case of proteins in particular, the dependence of these functions on the three-dimensional protein conformation is long known and has inspired the development of synthetic oligomers and polymers with the capacity to fold in a controlled manner, but it remains challenging to design these so-called 'foldamers' so that they are capable of inducing or controlling chemical processes and interactions. Here we show that the stability gained from folding can be used to control the synthesis of oligomers from short chain segments reversibly ligated through an imine metathesis reaction. That is, folding shifts the ligation equilibrium in favour of conformationally ordered sequences, so that oligomers having the most stable solution structures form preferentially. Crystallization has previously been used to shift an equilibrium in order to indirectly influence the synthesis of small molecules, but the present approach to selectively prepare macromolecules with stable conformations directly connects folding and synthesis, emphasizing molecular function rather than structure in polymer synthesis.

Regulation of apoptosis by somatostatin and substance P in peritoneal macrophages

Recent studies have shown that somatostatin (SOM) inhibits interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon gamma (IFNgamma) production by lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, whereas substance P (SP) enhances these cytokines production. To define the mechanism of the cytokine production enhancements and inhibitions by SOM and SP, we examined the expression of apoptosis modulator, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Fas, caspase-8 and nitric oxide (NO) in thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. SOM caused up-regulation of p53, Bcl-2, Fas and caspase-8 activities, and down-regulation of iNOS expression and NO production. On the other hand, SP slightly induces p53 and highly induces Bcl-2, iNOS expression and NO production. These data suggest that apoptosis by SOM may occur by a Bax- and NO-independent p53 accumulation, and through Fas and caspase-8 activation pathways, and that the inducible expression of Bcl-2 and NO production by SP may contribute to prevent the signals of apoptosis by Bax, and via Fas and caspase-8 activation.

Self-assembly and dynamics of [2]- and [3]rotaxanes with a dinuclear macrocycle containing reversible Os-N coordinate bonds

With a dinuclear macrocycle 2 that contains weak reversible OsVI-N coordinate bonds, self-assembly and equilibrium dynamics of [2]- and [3]rotaxanes have been investigated. When the macrocycle 2 was mixed together with threads 4a-e, which all contain an adipamide station but different sizes of end groups, [2]pseudorotaxane- and rotaxane-like complexes were immediately formed with large association constants of >7 x 103M(-1) in CDCl3 at 298 K. Exchange dynamics, explored by 2D-EXSY experiments, suggest that assembly and disassembly of complexes occur through two distinct pathways, slipping or clipping, and this depends on the size of the end groups. The slipping pathway is predominant with smaller end groups that give pseudorotaxane-like complexes, while the clipping pathway is observed with larger end groups that yield rotaxane-like complexes. Under the same conditions, exchange barriers (deltaG++) were 14.3 kcalmol(-1) for 4a and 16.7 kcalmol(-1) for 4d, and indicate that the slipping process is at least one order of magnitude faster than the clipping process. Using threads 13a and 13b that contain two adipamide groups, more complicated systems have been investigated in which [2]rotaxane, [3]rotaxane, and free components are in equilibrium. Concentration- and temperature-dependent 1H NMR spectroscopic studies allowed the identification of all possible elements and the determination of their relative distributions in solution. For example, the relative distribution of the free components, [2]rotaxane, and [3]rotaxane are 30, 45, and 25 %, respectively, in a mixture of 2 (2mM) and 13a (2mM) in CDCl3 at 10 degrees C. However, [3]rotaxane exists nearly quantitatively in a mixture of 2 (4 mM) and 13 a (2 mM) in CDCl3 at a low temperature - 10 degrees C.

Control of mitochondrial redox balance and cellular defense against oxidative damage by mitochondrial NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase

Mitochondria are the major organelles that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the main target of ROS-induced damage as observed in various pathological states including aging. Production of NADPH required for the regeneration of glutathione in the mitochondria is critical for scavenging mitochondrial ROS through glutathione reductase and peroxidase systems. We investigated the role of mitochondrial NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDPm) in controlling the mitochondrial redox balance and subsequent cellular defense against oxidative damage. We demonstrate in this report that IDPm is induced by ROS and that decreased expression of IDPm markedly elevates the ROS generation, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, and concurrent mitochondrial damage with a significant reduction in ATP level. Conversely, overproduction of IDPm protein efficiently protected the cells from ROS-induced damage. The protective role of IDPm against oxidative damage may be attributed to increased levels of a reducing equivalent, NADPH, needed for regeneration of glutathione in the mitochondria. Our results strongly indicate that IDPm is a major NADPH producer in the mitochondria and thus plays a key role in cellular defense against oxidative stress-induced damage.

Design of a wavelet interpolation filter for enhancement of the ST-segment

A wavelet interpolation filter (WIF) is designed for the removal of motion artifacts in the ST-segment of stress ECGs. The WIF consists of two parts. One part is a wavelet transform that decomposes the stress ECG signal into several frequency bands using a Haar wavelet. The other part is an interpolation method, such as the spline technique, that is used to enhance the reconstruction performance of the signal decomposed by the wavelet transform. To evaluate the performance of the WIF, three indices are used: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reconstruction square error (RSE) and standard deviation (SD). The MIT/BIH arrhythmia database, the European ST-T database and the triangular wave are used for evaluation. A noisy ECG signal, corrupted by motion artifacts, is simulated by the addition of two types of random noise to the original ECG signal. For comparison, three indices for the other methods are also computed: mean, median and hard thresholding. The performance of the WIF shows that RSE, SNR and SD are 392.7, 18.3dB and 2.6, respectively, in the case of a noisy signal with an SNR of 7.1 dB. This result is much better than those for the other methods.

Deletions near the N-terminus of HIV-1 Rev reduce RNA binding affinity and dominantly interfere with Rev function irrespective of the RNA target

The contributions of the near N-terminal residues of Rev protein of HIV were investigated by analyzing N-terminal deletions of Rev in the context of a Rev/MS-C fusion protein that can bind and activate both the Rev responsive element (RRE) and the MS2 phage translational operator RNAs. Rev/MS-C fusion proteins deleted for residues 3-19 of Rev retained trans-activation potential for both RRE and MS2 targets. Coincidentally, peptides spanning residues 17-87 or 22-85 were functionally competent for trans-activation of RRE containing HIV-1 gag mRNA. Deletion of residues 18-24 of Rev in the Rev/MS-C fusion protein abolished the activation potential for both RRE and MS2 targets, although this mutant was competent for specific RNA binding, protein multimerization, and nuclear and nucleolar localization. Four mutants dominantly interfering with Rev activation of RRE were mapped near the N-terminus of Rev; (i) between residues 18 and 24, (ii) 25-34, (iii) 43-50, and (iv) 51-60. Of these, the mutant lacking residues 18-24 was a novel trans-dominant inhibitor of Rev and Rev/MS-C for activation of RRE or MS2 RNA, while the oligomerization domain mutants mapping between residues 25-34 or 51-60 inhibited the activation of RRE rather than MS2 RNA.

Adaptive response is differently induced depending on the sensitivity to radiation-induced cell death in mouse epidermal cells

We investigated the relationship between induction of radio-adaptive response and cell death in mouse normal and neoplastic epidermal cells. Mouse normal primary keratinocytes (PK), cancer-prone cells [v-rasHa-transfected mouse keratinocytes (ras-PK), and line 308 cells (mouse skin papilloma cells which have activated rasHa gene with A-to-T transversion at codon 61) were primed with a low dose of gamma-rays (0.01 Gy), and were challenged with a high dose (4 Gy) after a 4 or 7 h interval. The induction of cell death in PK was 2-10 times higher and was also more rapid in PK than in ras-PK or 308 cells. Low-dose pretreatment with a 4 h interval decreased cell death, and this adaptive response was prominent in PK, whereas it was less obvious in the cases of ras-PK and 308 cells. The response of each protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes to high-dose radiation, especially PKCalpha, PKCdelta, PKCepsilon, and PKCeta, were different between the normal and ras oncogene-activated neoplastic keratinocytes; translocation of these isozymes to membrane occurred more rapidly in normal than in neoplastic cells. Furthermore, low-dose pretreatment did not induce the translocation of PKCdelta in PK significantly more than in ras-PK and 308. Thus, the difference in the induction of radio-adaptive responses between mouse normal and neoplastic epidermal cells reflects difference in the rapidity of cell death, and responsiveness of PKC may affect this adaptive response.

Exchange of the basic domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev for a polyarginine stretch expands the RNA binding specificity, and a minimal arginine cluster is required for optimal RRE RNA binding affinity, nuclear accumulation, and trans-activation

The Rev regulatory protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) facilitates the nuclear export of unspliced and partially spliced HIV RNAs. Using a Rev:MS2 phage coat protein fusion that could be targeted to bind and activate the Rev-responsive element (RRE) RNA or heterologous MS2 phage operator RNA, we analyzed the role(s) of the arginine-rich RNA binding domain in RNA binding and transactivation. The arginine-rich domain could be functionally replaced by a stretch of nine arginines. However, polyarginine substitutions expanded the RNA binding specificity of the resultant mutant Rev protein. Polyarginine insertions in place of residues 24 to 60 that excised the RNA binding and oligomerization domains of Rev preserved the activation for MS2 RNA, but not for the RRE. A nine-arginine insertion outside of the natural context of the Rev nuclear localization signal domain was incompatible with activation of either RNA target. Insertions of fewer than eight arginines impaired RRE activation. Interrupted lysine clusters and disruption of the arginine stretch with lysine or neutral residues resulted in a similar phenotype. Some of these mutants with a null phenotype for RRE activated the heterologous MS2 RNA target. Under steady-state conditions, mutants that preserved the Rev response for RRE RNA localized to the nuclei; those with poor or no Rev response accumulated mostly in the cytoplasm. Many of the cytoplasmically resident derivatives became nuclear when leptomycin B (LMB) treatment inhibited nuclear export of nuclear export signal-containing proteins. Mutants that had a null activation potential for either RNA target were particularly resistant to LMB treatment. Abbreviated nuclear residence times and differences in RRE binding affinity may have compromised their activation potential for RRE. High-affinity binding to MS2 RNA through the intact coat protein was sufficient to overcome the short nuclear residence times and to facilitate MS2 activation by some derivatives.

Subcellular redistribution of protein kinase C isozymes is associated with rat liver cirrhotic changes induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a key role in the alteration of signal transduction in the liver, which may contribute to the development of liver cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to examine the subcellular redistribution of PKC isozymes in rat liver cirrhosis, which is induced by two different cirrhotic chemical agents, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thioacetamide and CCl4 were administered to rats for 8 and 30 weeks, respectively before rats were killed and autopsies performed at 9, 20 and 30 weeks later. The TAA induced a fibrotic pattern in the liver that differed from that produced by CCl4, notably in the formation of fibrous connective tissue and the proliferation of bile ductule cells. Cholangiofibrosis and clear-cell foci were also observed in TAA-treated rats at 30 weeks. Histological examination revealed that severe cirrhotic changes were present 9 weeks after the commencement of CCl4 treatment and 30 weeks after TAA treatment.

DISCUSSION

When the subcellular redistribution of PKC isozymes (PKCalpha, -beta1, -delta, and -epsilon) was examined, all the PKC isozymes in CCl4-treated rats were found to be translocated to the membrane fraction, which may mean PKC activation, and then downregulated by proteolytic degradation after 9 weeks of treatment, which coincided with peak cirrhotic changes. All rats treated with CCl4 recovered to the control level after 20 weeks of treatment. In the case of TAA-treated rats, PKC isozymes were translocated to the particulate fraction of the liver after 9 weeks of treatment and this persisted in most of the rats for the duration of the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results, it would appear that PKC translocation preceded morphologic changes, and that an altered subcellular distribution of the PKC isozyme may be associated with the response to liver damage and carcinogenesis.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)-dependent production of a 37-kDa acetaldehyde-protein adduct in the rat liver

Ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) has been shown to be involved in the metabolism of both ethanol and acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde, produced from ethanol metabolism, is highly reactive and can form various protein adducts. In this study, we investigated the role of CYP2E1 in the production of a 37-kDa acetaldehyde-protein adduct. Rats were pairfed an isocaloric control or an alcohol liquid diet with and without cotreatment of YH439, an inhibitor of CYP2E1 gene transcription, for 4 weeks. The soluble proteins from rat livers of each group were separated on SDS-polyacrylamide gels followed by immunoblot analysis using specific antibodies against the 37-kDa protein acetaldehyde adduct. In addition, catalytic activities of the enzymes involved in alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism were measured and compared with the adduct level. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the 37-kDa adduct, absent in the pair-fed control, was evident in alcohol-fed rats but markedly reduced by YH439 treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that the 37-kDa adduct is predominantly localized in the pericentral region of the liver where CYP2E1 protein is mainly expressed. This staining disappeared in the pericentral region after YH439 treatment. The levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes were unchanged after YH439 treatment. However, the level of the 37-kDa protein adduct positively correlated with the hepatic content of P4502E1. These data indicate that the 37-kDa adduct could be produced by CYP2E1-mediated ethanol metabolism in addition to the ADH-dependent formation.

Selective activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway during 4-hydroxynonenal-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells

The by-product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), was shown to cause apoptosis in PC12 cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of HNE-induced apoptosis in these cells. Specifically, we determined the effect of HNE on the activities of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases involved in early signal transduction. Within 15 to 30 min after HNE treatment, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) was maximally activated, before it returned to control level at 1 h post-treatment. In contrast, activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 MAP kinase remained unchanged from their baseline levels. Stress-activated protein kinase kinase (SEK1), an upstream kinase of JNK, was also activated within 5 min after HNE treatment and remained activated for up to 60 min. Marked activation of the JNK pathway through SEK1 and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream kinase of SEK1, was demonstrated by the transient transfection of cDNA for wild-type SEK1 or ASK1 together with JNK into COS-7 cells. Furthermore, significant reductions in JNK activation and HNE-induced cell death were observed when either of the dominant negative mutant of SEK1 or ASK1 was cotransfected with JNK. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with a survival-promoting agent, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP, prevented both the HNE-induced JNK activation and apoptosis. Nonaldehyde, a nontoxic aldehyde, neither caused apoptosis nor JNK activation. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, had no effect on HNE-induced apoptosis. All these data suggest that the selective JNK activation by HNE is critical for the apoptosis of PC12 cells and that the HNE-mediated apoptosis is likely to be mediated through the activation of the ASK1-SEK1-JNK pathway without activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase or p38 MAP kinase.

Modulation of transferrin synthesis, transferrin receptor expression, iNOS expression and NO production in mouse macrophages by cytokines, either alone or in combination

Iron, an essential element for all living organisms, is central importance in a number of crucial metabolic pathways, including the regulation of immune function. Iron delivery to cells is accomplished by the complexing of iron to transferrin (Tf), a monomeric iron-binding protein in the plasma, followed by specific binding of Tf to cell-surface receptors, endocytosis of the receptor-ligand complexes and ultimately, release of iron from endosomal vesicles to the cytoplasm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cytokines, alone and in combination, on the factors that can affect the iron delivery in thioglycollate-elicited macrophages. In this study, IFN gamma induced a marked increase in Tf synthesis by macrophages, while IL-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha produced a more modest increase. Combinations of these cytokines were shown to be less effective in promoting macrophage Tf synthesis than the cytokines by themselves. IFN gamma alone and in combination with other cytokines was effective in inducing nitrite (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) expression in macrophages, while IL-1, TNF alpha and IL-6 individually, as well as in various combinations, were not. While all tested cytokines individually and in combination inhibited the expression of the transferrin receptor (TfR) on macrophages, IFN gamma alone and in combination with other cytokines most strongly repressed the TfR expression. TfR localization in macrophages after IFN gamma stimulation showed that TfR fluorescence was most intense in the perinuclear region after 6 hours and scattered diffusely throughout the cytoplasm after 24 hours. This data suggests that IFN gamma may enhance iron uptake during the early phase of macrophage activation, and in later phases, down-regulate TfR expression by inducing NO, thus contributing to intracellular oxidative stress reduction.

Effects of cyclocreatine in rat hepatocarcinogenesis model

Cyclocreatine (CCr), a substrate analogue of creatine kinase (CK: EC 2.7.3.2.), exhibits anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. We examined the effects of CCr on the hepatocarcinogenesis of F344 rats caused by treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DEN), partial hepatectomy (PH) or 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). The rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg of DEN per kg in 0.85% NaCl solution at four weeks of age. Two weeks later they were divided into two groups. One group was continuously fed a commercial powder diet containing 0.02% 2-AAF for 12 weeks and the other was continuously fed a commercial powder diet containing 1% CCr plus 0.02% 2-AAF for 12 weeks. A third group of rats as a control was given only a normal powder diet for 12 weeks. All the groups were subjected to a two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) at 3 weeks under avertin anesthesia. To elucidate the inhibitory effect of CCr on chemical induced hepatocarcinogenesis, we examined not only the distribution of glutathione-S-transferase placental form (GST-P) a marker used for tumorigenesis, but also the inhibition of the degree of apoptosis. The number (No./cm2) and area (mm2/cm2) of GST-P positive liver foci were significantly lower in the 2-AAF + CCr treated when compared to the group treated with 2-AAF only. Our data suggest that CCr inhibits the degrees of GST-P-positive cells and apoptosis and is active against hepatocarcinogenesis in rat models. This result points out the unique nature of an anticancer agent that inhibits progression of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis of rats.

Somatostatin and substance P induced in vivo by lipopolysaccharide and in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or interferon-gamma have differential effects on murine cytokine production

We have investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SOM) in popliteal lymph nodes in vivo and whether macrophages are a source of SP and SOM in vitro. We have also investigated the effect of SP and SOM treatment on the production of cytokines. SP reached a maximum 3 days after injection of LPS (100 microg/footpad) and then declined. SOM expression after LPS injection reached a maximum at 5-7 days. Stimulation of thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages with LPS (20 microg/ml), recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma, 100 U/ml), and LPS plus rIFN-gamma induced SOM and SP. Thioglycolate-elicited, unstimulated peritoneal macrophages also synthesized these peptides. SOM (10(-12)-10(-8) M) significantly inhibited IL-6 and IFN-gamma production, whereas SP at those concentrations enhanced cytokine production by activated lymphocytes and macrophages. These findings suggest that neuropeptides which originate from macrophages and nerve fibers act as immunomodulators to mediate changes in the pattern of cytokine production.

Identification and functional characterization of a novel, tissue-specific NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase beta subunit isoform

To understand the interactions and functional role of each of the three mitochondrial NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma), we have characterized human cDNAs encoding two beta isoforms (beta(1) and beta(2)) and the gamma subunit. Analysis of deduced amino acid sequences revealed that beta(1) and beta(2) encode 349 and 354 amino acids, respectively, and the two isoforms only differ in the most carboxyl 28 amino acids. The gamma cDNA encodes 354 amino acids and is almost identical to monkey IDHgamma. Northern analyses revealed that the smaller beta(2) transcript (1.3 kilobases) is primarily expressed in heart and skeletal muscle, whereas the larger beta(1) mRNA (1.6 kilobases) is prevalent in nonmuscle tissues. Sequence analysis of the IDHbeta gene indicates that the difference in the C-terminal 28 amino acids between beta(1) and beta(2) proteins results from alternative splicing of a single transcript. Among the various combinations of human IDH subunits co-expressed in bacteria, alphabetagamma, alphabeta, and alphagamma combinations exhibited significant amounts of IDH activity, whereas subunits produced alone and betagamma showed no detectable activity. These data suggest that the alpha is the catalytic subunit and that at least one of the other two subunits plays an essential supporting role for activity. Substitution of beta(1) with beta(2) in the co-expression system lowered the pH optimum for IDH activity from 8.0 to 7.6. This difference in optimal pH was analogous to what was observed in mouse kidney and brain (beta(1) prevalent; optimal pH 8.0) versus heart (beta(2) prevalent; pH 7.6) mitochondria. Experiments with a specially designed splicing reporter construct stably transfected into HT1080 cells indicate that acidic conditions favor a splicing pattern responsible for the muscle- and heart-specific beta(2) isoform. Taken together, these data indicate a regulatory role of IDHbeta isoforms in determining the pH optimum for IDH activity through the tissue-specific alternative splicing.

Use of 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-biocytin hepatobiliary scintigraphy to study the protective effect of a synthetic enzyme inhibitor on acute hepatotoxicity in mice

Recent data suggest that inhibitors of ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) can protect the liver from injury caused by various substrates of CYP2E1. In this study, we measured the protective effect of isopropyl-2-(1,3-dithioetane-2-ylidene)-2[N-(4-methylthiazol -2-yl)-carbamoyl]acetate (YH439), a transcriptional inhibitor of CYP2E1, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity by using various conventional methods and dynamic scintigraphy with 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-biocytin, a recently developed scintigraphic agent. Balb/c mice were pretreated with two doses of YH439 (50 or 150 mg/kg per day) at 48 h and 24 h and one dose of CCl4 (0.25 mL/kg) at 18 h before scintigraphy. The results were compared with those of two other groups, one that received CCl4 but not YH439, and the other that received neither (control). Scintigraphic images were acquired continuously at 15-sec intervals for 30 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters, such as peak liver/heart ratio (r(max)), peak liver uptake time (t(max)), and hepatic half-clearance time (HCT), were obtained from time-activity curves derived from regions-of-interest (ROI) over the liver and the heart. Acute administration of CCl4 alone caused centrilobular necrosis and serum transaminase levels to rise more than 5 times higher than those of the control group. Pharmacokinetic parameters also changed significantly from those of the control group. Administration of YH439 prevented centrilobular necrosis and significantly improved pharmacokinetic parameters. This study demonstrates for the first time that hepatobiliary scintigraphy can be used to study in vivo biochemistry of the CYP2E1 inhibitor (YH439) against liver toxicity.

Panax ginseng prevents apoptosis in hair follicles and accelerates recovery of hair medullary cells in irradiated mice

We studied the effect of the water fraction of Panax ginseng, one of traditional oriental medicine herbs on apoptosis and the formation of medullary cell in the hair follicles of irradiated mice. The hair follicle or its differentiated product, the hair, which represents a linear historical record of follicular proliferative activity, could provide a biological indicator of the effect of radioprotective drugs. Adult N:GP(s) mice with hair follicles synchronously in the middle of the hair growth cycle received whole-body doses of gamma-radiation. The hair follicles were analysed either 12 hours after irradiation with 2 Gy in the experiment on the apoptosis, or 3 days after irradiation with 3 Gy in the experiment on the forming medulla. The number of medullary cells per unit length (100 microns) were measured by H and E staining. Apoptosis was detected by a nonisotopic in situ DNA end-labeling (ISEL) technique and H and E stain applied to the serial histologic sections. Ginseng administration before irradiation resulted in a suppression of apoptosis, as shown by a reduced number of cells stained with ISEL for fragmented DNA, both i.p. (0.3 mg/head, p < 0.05) and p.o. (2 mg/ml of drinking water, p < 0.05) treatment. In addition, ginseng treatment was associated with an increase in the number of medullary cell per unit length as compared with the vehicle treated mice (p < 0.001, i.p.; p < 0.05, p.o.). These results indicate that the water fraction of ginseng can exert a potent effect on the recovery of the hair follicles by its combined effects on proliferation and apoptosis of the cells in the hair follicle.

Effects of transferrin on the modulation of cytokine production on mouse spleen cells

In order to investigate the the effects of transferrin(Tf) on the production of cytokines, mouse spleen cells were treated with various concentrations of apo- and holo-Tf, and then the production of IL-6, IFN gamma and the expression of mRNA for TNF alpha was determined. The distribution of Tf, macrophages and T cells in the mouse mammary glands was also examined. IL-6 and IFN gamma producing capabilities of the unstimulated spleen cells in the presence of apo and holo-Tf were increased in a dose dependent manner, while the cells stimulated with anti-CD3 had no significant effects on production in thd presence of graded concentrations of Tf. The relative abundance of TNF alpha mRNA was significantly affected by the concentration of TF. During early involution almost all of the secretory epithelial cells and the secretion in the alveoli showed a very strong positive reaction to transferrin antibody, and macrophages and T cells were distributed in the lumen, alveolar epithelial layer and connective tissue area. These findings suggest that the upregulated patterns of these cytokines and distribution of immune cells may play a beneficial role in the augmentation of host's defense mechanisms during involution.

Transcriptional induction of the cytochrome P4501A1 gene by a thiazolium compound, YH439

The molecular mechanism of induction of cytochromes P4501A1/2 (CYP1A1/2) by a synthetic compound YH439 was studied in rodents as well as in cultured hepatoma cells. CYP1A1-mediated ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and amounts of its immunoreactive protein were increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner after a single dose of YH439 (150 mg/kg). Northern blot analyses revealed that YH439 rapidly increased (< or = 2 hr) the levels of CYP1A1/2 mRNAs, resulting in an increase in CYP1A protein level by > 6-fold at 8 hr after injection. After YH439 administration, the levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 mRNAs peaked at 8 hr and 16 hr, respectively, before returning to control levels at 16 and 24 hr. The CYP1A protein level, on the other hand, reached a maximum at 24 hr after YH439 treatment and returned to near-control levels at 72 hr. Nuclear run-on analyses revealed that YH439 induces CYP1A1/2 gene transcription as early as 2 hr after YH439 treatment. Cytosolic electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggested that YH439 activates the CYP1A1/2 genes through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor and the xenobiotic response elements. The dependency on the Ah receptor for the induction of CYP1A1/2 by YH439 was confirmed by the lack of CYP1A1/2 induction in the Ah receptor knock-out mice (Ahr-1-) as well as in murine hepatoma cells without a functional Ah receptor. Molecular structural analysis of YH439 and several other compounds indicated that the planarity and size of a molecule are important in its interaction with the Ah receptor and subsequent CYP1A1/2 induction. YH439 is a thiazolium compound with little aromaticity and with a two-dimensional structure different from that of the Ahs. Therefore, it represents a new class of Ah receptor ligand and CYP1A inducer.

Transcriptional inhibition of cytochrome P4502E1 by a synthetic compound, YH439

The molecular mechanism of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) inhibition by a synthetic compound, YH439, was studied. In rats treated with YH439, N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity and the amount of immunoreactive CYP2E1 were rapidly decreased in time- and dose-dependent manners. Within 2 h after a single dose of YH439 (150 mg/kg), the CYP2E1-catalyzed activity in uninduced rats was decreased by about 30% and by 43% at 24 h after YH439 injection. YH439 treatment also reduced the elevation of CYP2E1 enzyme activity in starved (induced) animals by 34%. More profound inhibition of CYP2E1 protein levels was observed by immunoblot analysis. The level of CYP2E1 catalytic activity and immunoreactive protein remained suppressed for at least 48 h and returned to normal level at 72 h after YH439 treatment. The levels of immunoreactive CYP2B1/2 protein and catalytic activity were moderately increased while little change was observed in the levels of NADPH-dependent P450 oxidoreductase activity and its protein after treatment with YH439. Unlike competitive inhibitors of CYP2E1, YH439 rapidly (within 2 h) decreased the level of CYP2E1 mRNA, while malotilate, a structural analog of YH439, slightly suppressed its level. Nuclear run-on transcription analyses at 2, 4, and 8 h post-YH439 administration revealed that the inhibition of CYP2E1 by YH439 is at the level of transcription, indicating that YH439 is a new class of CYP2E1 inhibitor. Our data demonstrate that YH439 is a powerful inhibitor of CYP2E1 expression and is thus potentially useful as a pharmacological tool to study CYP2E1 function as well as a potential therapeutic agent.

Functional human hepatocytes: isolation from small liver biopsy samples and primary cultivation with liver-specific functions

Morphologically and functionally intact human hepatocytes were isolated from small liver biopsy samples weighing about 1-2 g by initial digestion with collagenase followed by repeated digestions with trypsin. The usual yield of hepatocytes was greater than 1 x 10(7) cells per g of liver sample and cell viability, as judged by dye exclusion test, was routinely over 90%. The isolated human hepatocytes showed intact morphology under scanning electron microscope. Formation of membrane protrusions upon phalloidin addition demonstrated that the actin in isolated hepatocytes was maintained with its structural integrity. The cultured human hepatocytes retained a variety of liver-specific functions which were similarly exhibited by rat hepatocytes isolated using the same procedure. The cultured human hepatocytes exhibited a specific cytochrome P-450 related enzyme activity, and active amino acid uptake that increased upon addition of hormones like glucagon and dexamethasone. Additionally, the cultured human hepatocytes synthesized DNA actively and, human serum albumin, and was found to be responsive to modulation by growth modulating hormones, cytokines and hepatotoxic agents. Based on the profile of activity described above, the presently established conditions for isolation and culturing of human hepatocytes demonstrate that functional liver cells can be obtained from small biopsied liver samples.

Induction of CYP2E1 in liver, kidney, brain and intestine during chronic ethanol administration and withdrawal: evidence that CYP2E1 possesses a rapid phase half-life of 6 hours or less

Controversy exists as to whether the induction of CYP2E1 by ethanol occurs via increased protein synthesis or protein stabilization. To address these issues in vivo, we chronically administered ethanol to rats and determined levels of immunoreactive CYP2E1 in liver, kidney, brain and upper gastro-intestinal tract (GI). Our data shows that chronic ethanol administration induces hepatic (5-6-fold over pair-fed controls) and extra-hepatic CYP2E1, an effect which is strikingly absent 12 hours after ethanol withdrawal. No changes in CYP2E1 mRNA were observed at any time, suggesting these changes are mainly post-translational at a blood ethanol concentration of 0.15% w/v. Our experimental data indicates that CYP2E1 possesses a half-life of 6 hours or less in the liver and is rapidly degraded following the removal of ethanol. This pattern of CYP2E1 turnover was also observed in other tissues, suggestive of a similar mode of regulation.

Metabolic consequences of a reversed pH gradient in rat tumors

We have previously demonstrated (M. Stubbs, Z. M. Bhujwalla, G. M. Tozer, L. M. Rodrigues, R. J. Maxwell, R. Morgan, F. A. Howe, and J. R. Griffiths, NMR Biomed., 5: 351, 1992) that the intracellular pH (pHi) of several rat tumors is higher (> pH 7.0) than that of the tumor extracellular fluid (pHe), in contrast to normal tissues (e.g., liver) in which pHi is lower than pHe. In this paper we confirm a pHe of 6.8 +/- 0.07 (SEM) in Morris hepatoma 9618a by an independent method and report the tissue content of other ions by both 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by conventional analysis in hepatomas and livers in rats. Compared with liver, tissue Na+ was 2-fold higher and tissue K+ was lower. Tissue Ca2+ was 8-fold higher (7.4 +/- 4.3 mumol/g wet weight) and tissue Pi was 2-fold higher (8.5 +/- 1.3 mumol/g wet weight) suggesting the presence of insoluble calcium phosphate. Cl- was unchanged (approximately 40 mumol/g wet weight), whereas HCO3- was lower in the hepatoma (12.4 +/- 0.83 compared to 15.5 +/- 0.76 mumol/g wet weight). Total tissue Mg2+ was similar in both tissues, but free [Mg2+] (calculated by two different methods) was approximately 5-fold lower in the hepatoma. The ATP values were 3.5-fold and [NAD]/[NADH] 9-fold lower in the hepatoma. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the chronic partial hypoxia of tumor tissue involves changes in the linked equilibria of many ions and metabolites and may help explain such pathologies as calcification.