Synthesis of 60- and 72 kDa heat shock proteins in early porcine embryogenesis

Proteins of selected embryonic stages were metabolically labeled with [(35)S]-methionine and analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) to study protein expression from 4- to 8-cell to blastocyst stage of porcine embryos. Two proteins with molecular weights of 60 and 72kDa were de novo synthesized during the 4- to 8-cell stage were the earliest that were detected. They were identified as HSP60 and HSP72 according to their locations on 2-D autoradiography and the immunoblotting result of anti-HSP 60 and HSP 72 antibodies of 1-cell stage of porcine embryos. In protein translation in early pig embryogenesis the timing of their synthesis suggests that HSP60 and HSP72 play significant roles as chaperones.

Cryogen free automated gas chromatography for the measurement of ambient volatile organic compounds

An automated gas chromatographic system was constructed for measuring ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Preconcentration of the VOCs was performed by using two separated sorbent traps of different combinations with each designated for either low or high boiling VOCs. Both traps and their associated valve systems were integrated as a complete system sharing a common sample inlet. Precise temperature controls for desorption relied on the use of a process controller with proportional-integral-derivative algorithm to throttle the current supply. No additional cryo-focusing stage prior to the column was needed owing to the flash heating capability for desorption. Other than the cryogen free preconcentration and focusing, the separation of VOCs of large volatility difference was also performed without cryogen. The system employed an Al2O3/KCl porous-layer open tubular column for separating C3-C7 compounds; and a DB-1 column for C6-C12. This automated GC system has been deployed in a Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency urban air quality monitoring station of Taiwan for continuous measuring C3-C7 ozone precursors. Excellent correlation between the car exhaust type of compounds measured by our GC system and carbon monoxide measured by a non-dispersive infrared spectrometer was observed, suggesting the automated GC system was robust and reliable.

Radiographic parameters for evaluating the neurological spaces in experimental thoracolumbar burst fractures

It is important to know the condition of neural spaces during the nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. The goals of the current study were to identify the correlation between the degree of deformity of a fractured vertebra and the encroachment of neural spaces, and to determine how the encroachment and the deformity can be improved by the extension posture simulating the postural reduction. Experimental burst fractures were produced in L1 vertebrae of nine human thoracolumbar spine segments (T11-L3) with neural spaces lined with tiny steel balls. Lateral radiographs were taken in neutral and extended posture before and after the trauma. Anterior vertebral height, posterior vertebral height, vertebral height ratio, vertebral kyphotic angle, posterior vertebral body angle, and the cross diagonal angle were the geometric parameters used to describe the vertebral deformity. The canal diameter and superior and inferior intervertebral foramen areas were defined as the neural spaces. All parameters were measured on the scanned images of radiographs, as seen on the computer screen. Among the vertebral body parameters, the posterior vertebral height, posterior vertebral body angle, and cross diagonal angle showed significantly higher correlations with the canal encroachment. The extended posture did not improve the canal and intervertebral foramen encroachments. The kyphotic deformity (vertebral kyphotic angle and anterior vertebral height) was improved but the deformity of the vertebral posterior wall (posterior vertebral height and posterior vertebral body angle) was not improved because of the extended posture.

Dual action of palmitoyl trifluoromethyl ketone (PACOCF3) on Ca2+ signaling: activation of extracellular Ca2+ influx and alteration of ATP- and bradykinin-induced Ca2+ responses in Madin Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor palmitoyl trifluoromethyl ketone (PACOCF3) on Ca2+ signaling in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was examined using fura-2 as the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. At a concentration of 20 microM, PACOCF3 did not change basal cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), but at concentrations of 50-250 microM PACOCF3 induced an increase in [Ca2+]i by activating extracellular Ca2+ entry which was partly suppressed by 50 microM La3+. The effect of PACOCF3 was abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. PACOCF3 (10 microM) enhanced both the peak value and the area under the curve of the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 10 microM ATP and 1 microM bradykinin by potentiating extracellular Ca2+ influx without affecting internal Ca2+ release. Several other phospholipase A2 inhibitors had no effect on basal [Ca2+]i or agonist-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Collectively, the results suggest that PACOCF3 alters Ca2+ signaling in renal tubular cells in a manner independent of phospholipase A2 inhibition.

Role of p38 in the regulation of renal cortical cyclooxygenase-2 expression by extracellular chloride

We have previously shown that in renal cortex, COX-2 expression is localized to macula densa and surrounding cortical thick ascending limb of Henle (cTALH). Dietary salt restriction increases local expression of COX-2, which mediates renin production and secretion. Given that decreased luminal chloride [Cl(-)] at the level of the macula densa increases renin production and secretion, we investigated the role of extracellular ion concentration on COX-2 expression. Quiescent rabbit cTALH cells were incubated in a physiological salt solution containing high or low levels of NaCl. Immunoreactive COX-2 expression increased significantly in the low NaCl solution. COX-2 expression also increased after administration of the Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransport inhibitor, bumetanide. Selective substitution of chloride led to increased COX-2 expression, whereas selective substitution of sodium had no effect. The p38 MAP kinase inhibitor PD169316 decreased low NaCl-induced COX-2 expression. Low-salt or low-chloride medium induced cultured cTALH to accumulate >/= 3-fold higher levels of pp38, the activated (phosphorylated) form of p38; low-salt medium also increased pJNK and pERK levels. Feeding rats a low-salt diet for 14 days induced a significant increase in renal cortical pp38 expression, predominantly in the macula densa and cTALH. These results suggest that reduced extracellular chloride leads to increased COX-2 expression, which may be mediated by activation of a p38-dependent signaling pathway.

Breast-cancer diagnosis with nipple fluid bFGF

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the key to extending survival of breast-cancer patients. We found that the concentrations of nipple fluid bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) was significantly increased in breast-cancer patients compared with concentrations in controls (1717 ng/L [SD 706] vs 19 ng/L [19]; Student's t test p=0.027). Measurement of bFGF in nipple fluid could be a useful diagnostic tool for breast cancer, and deserves further study.

Anatomical subdivisions of the stomach of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

Twenty stomachs of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) were studied by gross dissection. Based on the configuration of the stomach and the structure of the mucous membrane, the stomach was divided into three ventricles that differ from the arrangement described for ox and sheep. The first and second ventricles of the proventriculus of camel form one stomach rather than two different stomachs. These ventricles of the proventriculus do not correspond to the rumen and reticulum of ox and sheep. The third ventricle appears to be the abomasum. One part of the abomasum has reticular mucosal folds that indicate it is not the reticulum. A second part of the abomasum has longitudinal mucosal folds suggesting it is not the omasum. Three glandular sac areas associated with the preventriculus and abomasum are also described.

[Genetic studies of blast resistance of indica variety Zhefu 802]

One indica variety, Zhefu 802, was studied for its inheritance of blast resistance by inoculation of two strains Ken54-04 and 95-t2. The B1F1 and F2 populations from cross of Zhefu 802(R) x Lijiangxintuanheigu (S) and related parents were inoculated by spray inoculation method with the two above mentioned strains to determine R:S ratio of segregating populations of this cross. The results indicated that Zhefu 802 has two dominant resistance genes to strain Ken 54-04. One of the two genes showed resistant reaction and the other is susceptible to strain 95-t2. The allelism test indicated that one gene in Zhefu 802, which showed resistant reaction to strain 95-t2, is allelic to Pi-i gene locus and non-allelic to loci of Pi-a, Pi-sh, Pi-k, Pi-z, Pi-ta, Pi-b, Pi-t. The other gene in this variety was also estimated to be different from all of the known genes. So it may be an unknown gene. But this point needs to be confirmed further.

The human myoepithelial cell displays a multifaceted anti-angiogenic phenotype

Human myoepithelial cells which surround ducts and acini of certain organs such as the breast form a natural border separating epithelial cells from stromal angiogenesis. Myoepithelial cell lines (HMS-1-6), derived from diverse benign myoepithelial tumors, all constitutively express high levels of active angiogenic inhibitors which include TIMP-1, thrombospondin-1 and soluble bFGF receptors but very low levels of angiogenic factors. These myoepithelial cell lines inhibit endothelial cell chemotaxis and proliferation. These myoepithelial cell lines sense hypoxia, respond to low O2 tension by increased HIF-1 alpha but with only a minimal increase in VEGF and iNOS steady state mRNA levels. Their corresponding xenografts (HMS-X-6X) grow very slowly compared to their non-myoepithelial carcinomatous counterparts and accumulate an abundant extracellular matrix devoid of angiogenesis but containing bound angiogenic inhibitors. These myoepithelial xenografts exhibit only minimal hypoxia but extensive necrosis in comparison to their non-myoepithelial xenograft counterparts. These former xenografts inhibit local and systemic tumor-induced angiogenesis and metastasis presumably from their matrix-bound and released circulating angiogenic inhibitors. These observations collectively support the hypothesis that the human myoepithelial cell (even when transformed) is a natural suppressor of angiogenesis. Oncogene (2000) 19, 3449 - 3459

Nitric oxide regulates renal cortical cyclooxygenase-2 expression

We have previously shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is localized to the cortical thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (cTALH)/macula densa of the rat kidney, and expression increases in response to low-salt diet and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Because of the localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to macula densa and surrounding cTALH, the present study investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of COX-2 expression. For in vivo studies, rats were fed a normal diet, low-salt diet or low-salt diet combined with the ACE inhibitor captopril. In each group, one-half of them were treated with the nNOS inhibitors 7-nitroinidazole (7-NI) or S-methyl-thiocitrulline. Both of these NOS inhibitors inhibited increases in COX-2 mRNA and immunoreactive protein in response to low salt and low salt+captopril. For in vitro studies, COX-2 expression was studied in primary cultures of rabbit cTALH cells immunodisssected with Tamm-Horsfall antibody. Basal COX-2 immunoreactivity expression was stimulated by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, and intracellular cGMP concentration. The cultured cells expressed immunoreactive nNOS, and 7-NI inhibited basal COX-2 immunoreactivity expression, which could be partially overcome by cGMP. In summary, these studies indicate that NO is a mediator of increased renal cortical COX-2 expression seen in volume depletion and suggest important interactions between the NO and COX-2 systems in the regulation of arteriolar tone and the renin-angiotensin system by the macula densa.

The role of bone graft force in stabilizing the multilevel anterior cervical spine plate system

STUDY DESIGN

The role of bone graft force in stabilizing an instrumented cervical spine was evaluated for one-level and three-level corpectomy models using in vitro experiments.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of bone graft force in enhancing stability of anterior cervical plate, and to study effects of fatigue loading.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The anterior cervical plate system is used widely in stabilizing the cervical spine after spinal corpectomy and grafting. Many factors such as applied screw torque, screw pullout force, plate strength, plate geometry, and type of bone graft have been studied. However, the role of bone graft in stabilizing the anterior plate system has not been explored.

METHODS

Two models (one-level and three-level) incorporating corpectomy, strut graft, and anterior plate were constructed from eight human spine specimens (C2-T1). The flexibility of an intact specimen and two constructs with graft forces of 0 N and 100 N was determined. A flexibility test, simulating physiologic loads, consisted of pure moments of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial torques up to 1 Nm. For each moment, range of motion and neutral zone were determined. The stability potential index was defined as the decrease in motion caused by instrumentation, as compared with intact motion. A larger stability potential index indicates a more stable spinal construct. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the significant changes.

RESULTS

In both models, bone graft force increased during extension, decreased during flexion, and showed minor changes during axial torsion and lateral bending. Higher bone graft force increased stability potential index-neutral zone and stability potential index-range of motion in the three-level model in all directions, but only in flexion-extension in the one-level model. Fatigue loading decreased bone graft force to a greater extent in the three-level model.

CONCLUSIONS

In the corpectomy-graft-anterior-plate model, graft force decreased in flexion and increased in extension. Higher graft force increased and fatigue decreased stability of the spinal construct in the three-level model.

The effects of pedicle screw adjustments on neural spaces in burst fracture surgery

STUDY DESIGN

An in vitro biomechanical study of experimental burst fractures and a pedicle screw device.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects that adjustments of a pedicle screw device have on the neural spaces of the burst fracture.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Decompression of the neural spaces is important for the recovery of neural function after a burst fracture. No studies, experimental or clinical, are available that have attempted to relate the pedicle screw device adjustments to the decompression of the neural spaces.

METHODS

Burst fractures were produced at L1 vertebra in nine human lumbar spine specimens. Pedicle screw devices were attached to T12 and L2. Eight device adjustments, consisting of pure translations (distraction or compression), pure extension, and combinations of translation and extension were applied. The dimensional changes in the canal and the superior and inferior intervertebral foramens were measured. Functions of restoration and improvement were determined for the adjustments to evaluate the effects of each adjustment and to determine the optimal adjustment. Analysis of variance was used to find statistically significant differences, with significance set at P values less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in the results of the eight adjustments. The most effective adjustments were the combination of 5-mm distraction with 6 degrees extension or 10-mm distraction alone. The worst adjustment was 5 mm of compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Restoring compromised neural spaces in a patient with burst fracture is necessary. The choice of a device adjustment was found to be an important factor in the decompression of the neural spaces after the burst fracture. Combined distraction with extension and distraction alone were found to decompress the canal andintervertebral foramens maximally in a burst fracture.

[Preliminary study on the purification of IL-2]

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) which is produced by T-lymphocytes is a protein molecule with the molecular weight of 15,420-Daltons. It has good functions in curing a lot of diseases such as cancer and AIDS even with a small quantity. A new method for purification of IL-2 by preparative high performance liquid chromatography is described. It was the first time to use hydroxyapatite as the packing to separate IL-2. IL-2 has one disulphide bridge (between 58th Cys and 105th Cys) and one free cysteine. In order to prevent aggregation and formation of wrong disulphide bond, 50 mumol/L Cu2+ and 1.5 mol/L guanidine hydrochloride was used for autoxidation and denaturing. Then we used mainly two chromatographic steps: First, Sephadex G-25 Gel permeation chromatography was used to separate guanidine hydrochloride and small molecules. Second, large scale preparative HPLC was used to separate impure protein from IL-2. Gradient elution was performed with phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Its purity was examined by SDS-PAGE. Its activity reached 1 x 10(6) U/mg by CTLL-2 cell MTT method. The results showed that it is a suitable method for the large-scale purification of IL-2.

Structure-based discovery of an organic compound that binds Bcl-2 protein and induces apoptosis of tumor cells

Bcl-2 and related proteins are key regulators of apoptosis or programmed cell death implicated in human disease including cancer. We recently showed that cell-permeable Bcl-2 binding peptides could induce apoptosis of human myeloid leukemia in vitro and suppress its growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Here we report the discovery of HA14-1, a small molecule (molecular weight = 409) and nonpeptidic ligand of a Bcl-2 surface pocket, by using a computer screening strategy based on the predicted structure of Bcl-2 protein. In vitro binding studies demonstrated the interaction of HA14-1 with this Bcl-2 surface pocket that is essential for Bcl-2 biological function. HA14-1 effectively induced apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (HL-60) cells overexpressing Bcl-2 protein that was associated with the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-9 followed by caspase-3. Cytokine response modifier A, a potent inhibitor of Fas-mediated apoptosis, did not block apoptosis induced by HA14-1. Whereas HA14-1 strongly induced the death of NIH 3T3 (Apaf-1(+/+)) cells, it had little apoptotic effect on Apaf-1-deficient (Apaf-1(-/-)) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. These data are consistent with a mechanism by which HA14-1 induces the activation of Apaf-1 and caspases, possibly by binding to Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting its function. The discovery of this cell-permeable molecule provides a chemical probe to study Bcl-2-regulated apoptotic pathways in vivo and could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents.

A selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor decreases proteinuria and retards progressive renal injury in rats

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is low in the renal cortex of adult rats, but is increased in macula densa/cortical thick ascending limb and in glomerular podocytes after subtotal renal ablation.

METHODS

To evaluate the functional consequences of this increased COX-2 expression, male rats were subjected to subtotal renal ablation and divided into four groups: (1) treatment with the selective COX-2 inhibitor SC58236, (2) treatment with vehicle, (3) treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril, and (4) treatment with enalapril + SC58236. The administration of drugs was begun on the third day after ablation and continued for 6 to 10 weeks.

RESULTS

Within one week after ablation, vehicle-treated rats developed hypertension. Although enalapril led to significant reductions in blood pressure, either alone or in combination with the COX-2 inhibitor, SC58236 alone did not significantly alter ablation-induced hypertension. However, the SC58236-treated animals exhibited levels of proteinuria at six weeks after ablation that were comparable to those seen with enalapril (vehicle, 47 +/- 4; enalapril, 27 +/- 2; SC58236, 30 +/- 2 mg/day; N = 7, P < 0.01, each group compared with vehicle), and continued SC58236 treatment led to persistent reductions in proteinuria at 10 weeks after renal ablation (vehicle, 77 +/- 4; SC58236, 50 +/- 4 mg/day; N = 6, P < 0. 01). SC58236 treatment also significantly reduced the percentage of glomeruli exhibiting segmental or global sclerosis at 10 weeks (32.6 +/- 7.8% vs. 10.9 +/- 2.8%, N = 6, P < 0.03). Furthermore, SC58236 treatment partially inhibited increases in transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA expression and increases in collagen III and collagen IV mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies indicate that chronic treatment with a specific COX-2 inhibitor may retard the progression of progressive renal injury, and suggest that such compounds can be used in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism by which COX-2 inhibition is renoprotective.

Negative association between T102C polymorphism at the 5-HT2A receptor gene and bipolar affective disorders in Singaporean Chinese

BACKGROUND

Serotonergic system abnormalities have been implicated in the pathogenesis of bipolar affective disorders. The 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2A (5HTR2A) receptor gene located on chromosome 13 (13q14-21) can be considered as a candidate gene for bipolar affective disorder (BPAD).

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with BPAD and 74 normal population controls were genotyped with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the 5HTR2A receptor gene.

RESULTS

We report a negative association between 5HTR2A receptor gene and BPAD. The association was examined using a case-control design. Allele and genotype frequencies as well as homozygote-heterozygote distribution at the 5HTR2A receptor gene polymorphism were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the allelic or genotype frequencies and the homozygote-heterozygote distributions.

LIMITATIONS

Patients were recruited from one hospital in Singapore. The case-control study design needs replication.

CONCLUSION

Our finding indicates that the 5HTR2A receptor gene polymorphism is not a major factor in the genetic susceptibility to BPAD in Singaporean Chinese.

Internal morphology of human cervical pedicles

STUDY DESIGN

The internal architecture of cervical spine pedicles was investigated by thin sectioning and digitization of radiographic images.

OBJECTIVES

To provide quantitative information on the internal dimensions and cortical shell thicknesses of the middle and lower cervical pedicles.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although there have been a number of studies presenting data on the external dimensions of the cervical pedicle, little is known regarding its internal architecture and cortical shell thickness along the pedicle axis.

METHODS

Twenty-five human cervical vertebrae (C3-C7) were secured to a thin-sectioning machine to produce three 0.7-mm-thick pedicle slices along its axis. Plain radiographs of the pedicle slices were scanned and digitized to facilitate measurement of the internal dimensions. Computer software was specifically developed to determine the external dimensions (i.e., pedicle height and width) and the internal dimensions (i.e., cortical shell thicknesses of the superior, inferior, lateral, and medial walls and the cancellous core height and width) of cervical pedicles.

RESULTS

Superior and inferior wall cortical thicknesses of pedicle thin slices were similar, whereas the lateral wall cortical thickness was significantly smaller than the medial wall thickness. The medial cortical shell (average value range: 1.2-2.0 mm) was measured to be 1.4 to 3.6 times as thick as the lateral cortical shell (average value range: 0.4-1.1 mm). When medial and lateral cortical thicknesses were normalized for external dimensions, the combined cortical shell thickness was thinnest at C7 (average value range: 18. 6-25.6% of the external width), and this result was statistically significant when compared with other vertebral levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The cervical pedicle is a complex, three-dimensional structure exhibiting extensive variability in internal morphology. Characteristics of the cervical pedicle at different spinal levels must be noted before transpedicular screw fixation.

Resurfacing deep wound of upper extremities with pedicled groin flaps

A total of 29 axial pedicled groin skin flaps were applied clinically with satisfactory result excepting for one flap which tailed on transplantation. These cases included severe scar contracture of the dorsum of hands in 20 patients, deeply burned wounds with infection and exposure of deep structure in upper extremities in nine patients, such as electrical burns and hot-crushing injuries. The flap is supplied by two groups of nutrient vessels with abundant vascularization and located in a hidden area. Therefore, the pedicled groin skin flap is still valuable due to its advantages as safe, easy operation and strong antiinfective ability although the free groin flap is more widely used today.

Gamma-irradiation induces matrix metalloproteinase II expression in a p53-dependent manner

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteinases that degrade the basement membrane and have been implicated in promoting tumor metastasis. MMP-2, one member of this family, was recently found to be a p53 target and subject to p53 upregulation. In this study, we examined the correlation between the expression of MMP-2 and the increased expression of p53 after gamma-irradiation. Three human p53-positive cell lines that express wild-type p53, including U2-OS (osteosarcoma), RKO (colon carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), one mouse p53 positive cell line and HepG2 (liver carcinoma), and two p53-negative human cell lines, SAOS-2 (osteosarcoma) and RKO-E6 (colon carcinoma), were used in this study. The MMP-2 activity was analyzed by using gelatin zymography. The p53 level was measured by western blot analysis. Our results show that wild-type p53 induced by ionizing radiation caused a subsequent increase of MMP-2 activity in U2-OS and RKO cells but not in MCF-7, HepG2, SAOS-2, or RKO-E6 cells. These results suggest that the gamma-radiation-induced expression of MMP-2 is dependent on the cell type and presence of functional p53. Thus, ionizing radiation could activate MMP-2 activity in a subset of human cancer cells and may lead to an increase in their metastatic potential.

Galectin-3 expression and subcellular localization in senescent human fibroblasts

Galectin-3 is a galactose/lactose-binding protein (M(r) approximately 30,000), identified as a required factor in the splicing of pre-mRNA. In the LG1 strain of human diploid fibroblasts, galectin-3 could be found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of young, proliferating cells. In contrast, the protein was predominantly cytoplasmic in senescent LG1 cells that have lost replicative competence through in vitro culture. Incubation of young cells with leptomycin B, a drug that disrupts the interaction between the leucine-rich nuclear export signal and its receptor, resulted in the accumulation of galectin-3 inside the nucleus. In senescent cells, galectin-3 staining remained cytoplasmic even in the presence of the drug, thus suggesting that the observed localization in the cytoplasm was due to a lack of nuclear import. In heterodikaryons derived from fusion of young and senescent LG1 cells, the predominant phenotype was galectin-3 in both nuclei. These results suggest that senescent LG1 cells might lack a factor(s) specifically required for galectin-3 nuclear import.

Cell permeable Bcl-2 binding peptides: a chemical approach to apoptosis induction in tumor cells

Bcl-2 is a potent suppressor of apoptosis, and its overexpression contributes to tumorigenesis in many types of human cancers. To test the possibility of modulating Bcl-2 function as an anticancer strategy, a cell permeable Bcl-2 binding peptide, cell permeable moiety (cpm)-1285, was designed by chemically attaching a fatty acid to a peptide derived from the proapoptotic protein Bad. cpm-1285 entered HL-60 tumor cells, bound Bcl-2 protein, and induced apoptosis in vitro. In contrast, cpm-1285 had little effect on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, cpm-1285 had in vivo activity in slowing human myeloid leukemia growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. These results demonstrate a novel approach for therapeutic intervention of tumor growth in vivo with small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2.

The arterial supply of the carpal joint in the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

The arterial supply of the six carpal joints was studied in Bactrian camels. The arterial branches supplying the carpal joints were the proximal medial dorsal, middle medial dorsal, distal medial dorsal, proximal lateral dorsal, distal lateral dorsal, proximal medial palmar, distal medial palmar, lateral palmar, proximal palmar and dorsal palmar carpi and the dorsal interosseous antebrachium branches. Some small unnamed branches supplied the diverticulum and the antebrachiocarpal joint capsule. All these arteries arose from the lateral and medial branches of the radial artery.

Cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitors impair glomerulogenesis and renal cortical development

BACKGROUND

Antenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with renal dysgenesis in humans.

METHODS

These studies characterized cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) versus COX-1-selective inhibition on nephrogenesis in the rodent using histomorphometry, immunohistology, and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Administration of a COX-2-selective inhibitor (SC58236), started during pregnancy until weaning, significantly impaired development of the renal cortex and reduced glomerular diameter in both mice and rats. An identical phenotype was demonstrated in COX-2 -/- mice. In contrast to its effects on the developing kidney, a COX-2 inhibitor had no effect on glomerular volume in adult mice. This effect was specific for COX-2 because maternal administration of a COX-1-selective inhibitor (SC58560) did not affect renal development despite significantly inhibiting gastric mucosal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis in pups. The expression of COX-2 immunoreactivity peaked in the first postnatal week and was localized to S-shaped bodies and the macula densa in the cortex. Treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor during this period (from postnatal day 0 to day 21) severely reduced glomerular diameter, whereas treatment limited to pregnancy did not affect glomerular size.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate an important role for COX-2 activity in nephrogenesis in the rodent, and define a specific time period of susceptibility to these effects.

Human colon cancer cells express multiple glycoprotein ligands for E-selectin

The interaction between the colon tumor cell surface and the endothelial cell layer is an important component of tumor intravasation, extravasation, and metastasis. Multiple studies suggest that tumor cells may bind to E-selectin expressed on endothelial cells during these processes. To identify possible E-selectin ligands on tumor cells that may participate in this mechanism, we used E-selectin-Ig chimera affinity chromatography to isolate glycoproteins from the human colon cancer cell line Colo-205. Binding of these cells to E-selectin was specific, required the presence of calcium, and could be blocked by antibodies against E-selectin. We identified LAMP-1 (lysosomal membrane glycoprotein-1), LAMP-2, and two high molecular weight glycoproteins (>400 kDa and 300 kDa) as the main E-selectin ligands on Colo-205 cells. Treatment of the cells with N-glycanase and O-sialoglycoprotease abolished their binding to E-selectin. The high MW glycoproteins contained sialyl Lewis X and/or sialyl Lewis A glycoconjugates, and appeared to be either alternatively spliced or alternatively glycosylated forms of MUC-1 (mucin-1).