Tamoxifen activates cellular phospholipase C and D and elicits protein kinase C translocation

The antiestrogen tamoxifen is widely used for endocrine therapy of breast cancer; however, the mechanisms of estrogen receptor-independent interactions of tamoxifen remain ill defined. Here we examine the effect of tamoxifen on the initial steps of cell signal transduction. To this end, phospholipid metabolism and protein kinase C (PKC) translocation were assessed in CCD986SK human mammary fibroblasts treated with tamoxifen. The addition of tamoxifen resulted in dose-dependent and time-dependent increases in the cellular second messengers phosphatidate (PA) and diacylglycerol (DG). On addition of ethanol to the medium, tamoxifen induced the formation of phosphatidylethanol, demonstrating that tamoxifen activates phospholipase D (PLD). Cellular DG also increased in the presence of ethanol, showing that tamoxifen also activates phospholipase C (PLC). In cells prelabeled with choline and ethanolamine, tamoxifen caused increases in choline, phosphorylcholine, ethanolamine and phosphorylethanolamine. Structure-activity relationship studies for activation of PLD revealed that tamoxifen was the most effective, whereas 4-hydroxy tamoxifen was nearly devoid of activity. Phorbol diesters also activated PLD, but estrogen had no influence. Pretreatment of cells with phorbol dibutyrate (PKC down-regulation protocol) blocked phorbol diester- and tamoxifen-induced PLD activity. Exposure of cells to the PKC inhibitor GF 109203X diminished tamoxifen-induced PLD activity. Addition of tamoxifen to cultures elicited selective membrane association of PKC epsilon. We conclude that tamoxifen exerts considerable extra-nuclear influence at the transmembrane signaling level. These events may contribute to effects beyond the scope of estrogen receptor-dependent actions.

Tolerance of human fetal retinal pigment epithelium xenografts in monkey retina

BACKGROUND

RPE transplantation offers the possibility of treating certain forms of retinal degeneration. Understanding how to optimize the surgical technique for performing RPE transplantation, especially in primates, is therefore of considerable interest.

METHODS

Fifteen patch RPE transplants were performed in six monkeys. The transplant sites were examined at follow-up by ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography and histology. Foveal and peripheral retinal transplants were compared.

RESULTS

Human fetal RPE xenografts can survive without rejection for at least 6 months after transplantation in monkey retina. Such grafts form a basal lamina and make intimate contacts with the outer segments of the host. Both rods and cones retain a normal appearance when in contact with unrejected transplants. Rejection occurred in only 30% (3/10) of the peripheral but in 60% (3/5) of the foveal transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultured human fetal RPE patch transplants can survive and maintain local photoreceptor integrity for relatively long periods of time in monkey subretinal space without immunosuppression. Rejection, when it occurs, is more frequent near the fovea.

The Arabidopsis NPR1 gene that controls systemic acquired resistance encodes a novel protein containing ankyrin repeats

The Arabidopsis NPR1 gene controls the onset of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a plant immunity, to a broad spectrum of pathogens that is normally established after a primary exposure to avirulent pathogens. Mutants with defects in NPR1 fail to respond to various SAR-inducing treatments, displaying little expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and exhibiting increased susceptibility to infections. NPR1 was cloned using a map-based approach and was found to encode a novel protein containing ankyrin repeats. The lesion in one npr1 mutant allele disrupted the ankyrin consensus sequence, suggesting that these repeats are important for NPR1 function. Furthermore, transformation of the cloned wild-type NPR1 gene into npr1 mutants not only complemented the mutations, restoring the responsiveness to SAR induction with respect to PR-gene expression and resistance to infections, but also rendered the transgenic plants more resistant to infection by P. syringae in the absence of SAR induction.

The Arabidopsis NPR1 gene that controls systemic acquired resistance encodes a novel protein containing ankyrin repeats

The Arabidopsis NPR1 gene controls the onset of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a plant immunity, to a broad spectrum of pathogens that is normally established after a primary exposure to avirulent pathogens. Mutants with defects in NPR1 fail to respond to various SAR-inducing treatments, displaying little expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and exhibiting increased susceptibility to infections. NPR1 was cloned using a map-based approach and was found to encode a novel protein containing ankyrin repeats. The lesion in one npr1 mutant allele disrupted the ankyrin consensus sequence, suggesting that these repeats are important for NPR1 function. Furthermore, transformation of the cloned wild-type NPR1 gene into npr1 mutants not only complemented the mutations, restoring the responsiveness to SAR induction with respect to PR-gene expression and resistance to infections, but also rendered the transgenic plants more resistant to infection by P. syringae in the absence of SAR induction.

The rat 5S rRNA bona fide gene repeat maps to chromosome 19q12-->qter and the pseudogene repeat maps to 12q12

The bona fide 5S rRNA genes in the rat are found in a 1.8-kb tandem repeat and the pseudogenes occur in a 2.5-kb tandem repeat. Three bona fide 5S rRNA genes and one gene variant with one base substitution in the coding region were isolated from the 1.8-kb repeat. Six pseudogenes were isolated from the 2.5-kb repeat. The total number of genes/gene variants/pseudogenes is 700-1200 copies per haploid genome, and the pseudogene repeat contains about 50% more 5S rDNA related sequences compared with the bona fide gene repeat. Various well-defined 5' - and 3'-flanking sequences of the bona fide gene and of the pseudogene were used for in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. The results showed that the bona fide 5S rRNA gene repeat Rn5s maps to chromosome 19q12 and the pseudogene repeat Rn5sp maps to 12q12.

Regulation of tumor necrosis factor-and Fas-mediated apoptotic cell death by a novel cDNA TR2L

A novel cDNA, TR2L, isolated from murine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, was found to modulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated apoptosis in murine L929 fibrosarcoma cells. The full-length cDNA (853 bp) encodes a predicted coding region of 56 amino acids (6.3 kD), with 53.6% identity to the C-terminus of rat transcriptional activator FE65. When expressed stably in L929 cells, TR2L protein inhibited TNF cytotoxic response. In contrast, TR2L enhanced anti-Fas antibodies/actinomycin D (ActD)-mediated L929 apoptosis. Alteration of TR2L function occurred by tagging this protein with a 6xHis fragment to the N-terminus (designated 6xH-TR2L). L929 cells which stably expressed 6xH-TR2L acquired a significantly enhanced TNF apoptotic response and increased genomic DNA fragmentation compared to control cells. Enhanced cell death also occurred in these 6xH-TR2L-expressing cells under serum starvation conditions. In contrast, the anti-Fas/ActD-mediated apoptosis was blocked by the 6xH-TR2L protein. Functional role of TR2L protein in regulation of cancer cell susceptibility to TNF-and Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis is suggested.

A new sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus mollis

A methanolic extract of the whole plant of Elephantopus mollis was found to contain lupeol, lupeol acetate, epifriedelinol, molephantin, and 2-de-ethoxy-2-methoxyphantomolin, as well as a new sesquiterpene lactone determined to be 2-de-ethoxy-2-hydroxyphantomolin.

Accumulation of glucosylceramides in multidrug-resistant cancer cells

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumors and cancer cell lines demonstrate a wide variety of biochemical changes. In this study we used drug-sensitive wild-type (wt) cancer cell lines and respective MDR subclones, and we demonstrate the accumulation of distinct lipids in MDR cells. These lipids were either absent or present at very low levels in drug-sensitive cells. The compounds, termed lipid-1 and lipid-2, migrated on thin-layer chromatography as a doublet. They could be radiolabeled by incubating MCF-7-AdrR (Adriamycin-resistant) breast cancer cells with [3H]serine, [3H]palmitic acid, or [3H]galactose. Utilization of these precursors by MCF-7-wt cells for synthesis of lipid-1 and -2 was minimal. Two inhibitors of sphingolipid biosynthesis, L-cycloserine and fumonisin B1, prevented the observed accumulation of the lipid compounds. An inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, 1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol, completely abolished the formation of lipid-1 and -2 in MCF-7-AdrR cells and, to a lesser extent, inhibited the formation of lactosylceramides and gangliosides. Utilizing mass spectrometry, the multidrug resistance-associated lipids were further characterized as monoglycosylceramides of two major species that contained either 16-carbon (palmitic) or 24-carbon (lignoceric and nervonic) fatty acids. The carbohydrate head group of glycosylceramides was identified as glucose, not galactose, thus designating the accumulated lipids as glucosylceramides. Incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into glucosylceramide was strikingly higher (8-10 times) in MCF-7-AdrR cells compared with MCF-7-wt cells. Since the rate of glucosylceramide degradation in MCF-7-AdrR cells was not attenuated, accelerated glycosphingolipid synthesis in MDR cells is suggested. Glucosylceramide also accumulated in KB-V-1, a vinblastine-resistant epidermoid carcinoma but not in KB-3-1, drug-sensitive wt cells. MDR ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (NIH:OVCAR-3) also contained elevated levels of glucosylceramide. Our results demonstrate a correlation between cellular drug resistance and alterations in glucosylceramide metabolism.

Structural failure of pyrolytic carbon heart valves

Pyrolite carbon has been used for the manufacture of mechanical heart valve prostheses for the past 25 years. In general, pyrolytic carbon mechanical heart valves have provided adequate physiological function and satisfactory structural performance. Although rare in occurrence, incidents of valve failure due to fracture of one or more components have been reported. These reports of failure are reviewed and a few representative examples are examined in detail in order to determine the characteristic failure mechanism. Understanding the underlying factors responsible for causing these failures provides a solid basis for improved design and manufacture of future mechanical heart valve prostheses.

[Therapeutic effect of THAM on lactic acidosis of severe brain injury]

The presence of lactic acidosis in the cerebral spinal fluid of 50 patients with severe head injury was studied. The GCS scores of these patients were < or = 8. The patients were divided into two groups. We treated 25 patients with a dose of 4 to 5 ml/kg of THAM infused intravenously 2 to 3 times for daily administration. Other 25 patients who were not treated with THAM served as a control group. In each case, a ventricular pressure monitoring device was installed. The ICP was the contineously recorded. In addition, laboratory study, including lactate, pH, HCO-3 and BE in CSF was performed. THAM infusion was associated with improved survival, decreased ICP as compared to that in the control group. We believe that THAM treatment may significantly improve the prognosis of presence of lactic acidosis as a result of severe head injury.

Structural integrity assessment of heart valve prostheses: a damage tolerance analysis of the CarboMedics Prosthetic Heart Valve

The design of mechanical heart valve prostheses must satisfy three basic requirements: biocompatibility, efficiency and durability. Over the past 25 years of clinical use, pyrolytic carbon has proven to be biocompatible and thromboresistant, and is therefore the material of choice for mechanical heart valve prostheses. However, in recent years the material has been questioned in this application because it is brittle and susceptible to subcritical crack growth. This has raised concerns regarding the structural reliability of prostheses constructed from this material. This paper describes the application of the damage tolerance methodology to assess the structural integrity of heart valve prostheses made of pyrolytic carbon. In particular, an analysis of the CarboMedics Prosthetic Heart Valve (CPHV) is presented. A new measure of fatigue lifetime, the fatigue safe-life index, is introduced. Additionally, the degradation of structural integrity from cavitation erosion is examined. It is shown that structural integrity, especially for brittle materials, is not just a function of design, but involves the entire manufacturing process. The damage tolerance method can be applied to assess and ensure the structural integrity of pyrolytic carbon prosthetic heart valve components.

Effect of repetitive impact on the mechanical strength of pyrolytic carbon

Impact loading is experienced by mechanical heart valve components when the leaflet comes into contact with the housing orifice as the valve opens and closes during the cardiac cycle. Since the human heart beats approximately 40 million times per year, a large number of impact loading cycles are imposed on the carbon valve components. Contact loading can produce high mechanical stress at the contact area, leading to potential material damage and fracture. This paper describes a procedure for characterizing the effect of repetitive impact on the mechanical strength of pyrolytic carbon. The results shed light on the basic understanding of the damage formation and its strength degradation effect. In particular, fatigue crack growth was identified as the primary mechanism which causes the observed strength degradation. Design procedures based on fracture mechanics and contact mechanics are used in mechanical heart valve design to prevent structural failure associated with impact fatigue.

Mechanical performance of pyrolytic carbon in prosthetic heart valve applications

An experimental procedure has been developed for rigorous characterization of the fracture resistance and fatigue crack extension in pyrolytic carbon for prosthetic heart valve application. Experiments were conducted under sustained and cyclic loading in a simulated biological environment using Carbomedics Pyrolite carbon. While the material was shown to have modest fracture toughness, it exhibited excellent resistance to subcritical crack growth. The crack growth kinetics in pyrolytic carbon were formulated using a phenomenological description. A fatigue threshold was observed below which the crack growth rate diminishes. A damage tolerance concept based on fracture mechanics was used to develop an engineering design approach for mechanical heart valve prostheses. In particular, a new quantity, referred to as the safe-life index, was introduced to assess the design adequacy against subcritical crack growth in brittle materials. In addition, a weakest-link statistical description of the fracture strength is provided and used in the design of component proof-tests. It is shown that the structural reliability of mechanical heart valves can be assured by combining effective flaw detection and manufacturing quality control with adequate damage tolerance design.

Evidence for essential arginine residues at the active sites of maize branching enzymes

Alignment of 23 branching enzyme (BE) amino acid sequences from various species showed conservation of two arginine residues. Phenylglyoxal (PGO) was used to investigate the involvement of arginine residues of maize BEI and BEII in catalysis. BE was significantly inactivated by PGO in triethanolamine buffer at pH 8.5. The inactivation followed a time- and concentration-dependent manner and showed pseudo first-order kinetics. Slopes of 0.73 (BEI) and 1.05 (BEII) were obtained from double log plots of the observed rates of inactivation against the concentrations of PGO, suggesting that loss of BE activity results from as few as one arginine residue modified by PGO. BE inactivation was positively correlated with [14C]PGO incorporation into BE protein and was considerably protected by amylose and/or amylopectin, suggesting that the modified arginine residue may be involved in substrate binding or located near the substrate-binding sites of maize branching enzymes I and II.

[GC-MS analysis of essential oil from pericarp of Illicium modestum A. C. Smith]

The chemical constituents of essential oil from the pericarp of Illicium modestum were analyzed and 60 compounds were identified by GC-MS. Among them anethole (main compound in the oil of Chinese anise star) and safrole were absent.

Functional nuclear epidermal growth factor receptors in human choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells and normal human placenta

Immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antiepidermal growth factor (anti-EGF) receptor antibody directed against the extracellular domain which can inhibit ligand binding to the receptors showed that nuclei of choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells and normal placental trophoblasts were distinctly immunostained for EGF receptors. This finding led us to investigate the structure and function of nuclear EGF receptors. Western immunoblotting revealed that cell membranes, isolated intact pure nuclei, and nuclear membranes contain a 170-kilodalton EGF receptor protein. Covalent receptor cross-linking demonstrated that the 170-kilodalton receptor protein in nuclei and nuclear membranes can bind [125I]EGF just as in cell membranes, and that this binding is inhibited by excess unlabeled EGF. As in cell membranes, the addition of EGF resulted in an increased receptor autophosphorylation in the nuclei and nuclear membranes. In addition, the activated receptor kinase stimulated, and in some cases inhibited, tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of lower molecular size proteins, especially in nuclei and nuclear membranes. Although the identity of these proteins is not known, none of them could bind [125I]EGF. The addition of EGF to isolated nuclei resulted in a time-dependent specific transcriptional inhibition of hCG/LH receptor gene. In summary, our data demonstrating the presence of functional nuclear EGF receptors are novel, potentially important, and go against the traditional concepts of growth factors action. The nuclear receptors have the capacity to transduce signals from EGF and may mediate intracrine and paracrine actions of EGF in the regulation of trophoblast functions.

Consequences of antisense human chorionic gonadotrophin-alpha subunit cDNA expression in human choriocarcinoma JAR cells

The biosynthesis of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hallmark endocrine function of human choriocarcinoma cells. The present study investigated the consequences of greatly diminishing this synthesis in JAR cells by stably transfecting them with pRSV-antisense hCG-alpha cDNA expression vector. The vector directs the synthesis of antisense hCG-alpha subunit mRNA which would then bind to sense hCG-alpha subunit mRNA, thus blocking its translation and consequently dimer hCG protein synthesis. The transfection with pRSV-antisense hCG-alpha cDNA resulted in a dramatic decrease in hCG secretion as compared with untransfected parental cells or those transfected with an empty vector used for the selection of clones. The decreased secretion was due to a decreased synthesis which in turn was due to a fall in steady-state hCG-alpha and -beta subunit mRNA levels. The decrease of hCG-beta subunit transcripts was unexpected and it was not due to contamination of antisense hCG-alpha cDNA construct with hCG-beta sequence. The transcription of hCG-alpha and -beta subunit genes was not altered in transfected cells suggesting that increased degradation was responsible for decreased steady-state hCG subunit mRNA levels. Despite the decreased hCG levels, the transfected cells maintained normal hCG receptor levels, responded to epidermal growth factor stimulation of hCG synthesis and secretion and grew at the same rate as the control parental cells and those transfected with an empty vector.

Patch transplants of human fetal retinal pigment epithelium in rabbit and monkey retina

PURPOSE

To transplant human fetal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) into the subretinal space of rabbits and monkeys as an organized monolayer without artificial support.

METHODS

The method involves dissecting small patches of cultured RPE monolayers in sheets (1 to 5 mm2), sucking them into a glass pipette and injecting them into the subretinal space after producing a bleb detachment of the neural retina.

RESULTS

These patches unfold and survive as a quasi-monolayer under the reattached neural retina intimately associated with the host photoreceptors and phagocytizing host outer segment material. Graft rejection is observed in most rabbits at 1 month but not in monkeys at 3 months after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Monolayer patches of cultured human fetal RPE can be transplanted to the subretinal space, where they survive in contiguity with healthy host outer segments. In primates, but not in rabbits, host-graft rejection does not occur for at least 2 to 3 months.

CT recognition of spinal epidural air after chest tube placement

Intraspinal air has been described in patients undergoing diagnostic lumbar puncture and epidural analgesia, as a manifestation of degenerative disk disease, and after less common mechanisms, such as blunt trauma [1], strenuous exercise [2], and pelvic trauma [3]. We report a case of spinal epidural emphysema incidentally noted on CT after placement of a thoracostomy tube.

A mutation in Arabidopsis that leads to constitutive expression of systemic acquired resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a nonspecific defense response in plants that is associated with an increase in the endogenous level of salicylic acid (SA) and elevated expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. To identify mutants involved in the regulation of PR genes and the onset of SAR, we transformed Arabidopsis with a reporter gene containing the promoter of a beta-1,3-glucanase-encoding PR gene (BGL2) and the coding region of beta-glucuronidase (GUS). The resulting transgenic line (BGL2-GUS) was mutagenized, and the M2 progeny were scored for constitutive GUS activity. We report the characterization of one mutant, cpr1 (constitutive expressor of PR genes), that was identified in this screen and shown by RNA gel blot analysis also to have elevated expression of the endogenous PR genes BGL2, PR-1, and PR-5. Genetic analyses indicated that the phenotype conferred by cpr1 is caused by a single, recessive nuclear mutation and is suppressed in plants producing a bacterial salicylate hydroxylase, which inactivates SA. Furthermore, biochemical analysis showed that the endogenous level of SA is elevated in the mutant. Finally, the cpr1 plants were found to be resistant to the fungal pathogen Peronospora parasitica NOCO2 and the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326, which are virulent in wild-type BGL2-GUS plants. Because the cpr1 mutation is recessive and associated with an elevated endogenous level of SA, we propose that the CPR1 gene product acts upstream of SA as a negative regulator of SAR.

A mutation in Arabidopsis that leads to constitutive expression of systemic acquired resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a nonspecific defense response in plants that is associated with an increase in the endogenous level of salicylic acid (SA) and elevated expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. To identify mutants involved in the regulation of PR genes and the onset of SAR, we transformed Arabidopsis with a reporter gene containing the promoter of a beta-1,3-glucanase-encoding PR gene (BGL2) and the coding region of beta-glucuronidase (GUS). The resulting transgenic line (BGL2-GUS) was mutagenized, and the M2 progeny were scored for constitutive GUS activity. We report the characterization of one mutant, cpr1 (constitutive expressor of PR genes), that was identified in this screen and shown by RNA gel blot analysis also to have elevated expression of the endogenous PR genes BGL2, PR-1, and PR-5. Genetic analyses indicated that the phenotype conferred by cpr1 is caused by a single, recessive nuclear mutation and is suppressed in plants producing a bacterial salicylate hydroxylase, which inactivates SA. Furthermore, biochemical analysis showed that the endogenous level of SA is elevated in the mutant. Finally, the cpr1 plants were found to be resistant to the fungal pathogen Peronospora parasitica NOCO2 and the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326, which are virulent in wild-type BGL2-GUS plants. Because the cpr1 mutation is recessive and associated with an elevated endogenous level of SA, we propose that the CPR1 gene product acts upstream of SA as a negative regulator of SAR.

Characterization of an Arabidopsis Mutant That Is Nonresponsive to Inducers of Systemic Acquired Resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a general defense response in plants that is characterized by the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. SAR can be induced after a hypersensitive response to an avirulent pathogen or by treatment with either salicylic acid (SA) or 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA). To dissect the signal transduction pathway of SAR, we isolated an Arabidopsis mutant that lacks the expression of an SA-, INA-, and pathogen-responsive chimeric reporter gene composed of the 5[prime] untranslated region of an Arabidopsis PR gene, [beta]-1,3-glucanase (BGL2), and the coding region of [beta]-glucuronidase (GUS). This mutant, npr1 (nonexpresser of PR genes), carries a single recessive mutation that abolishes the SAR-responsive expression of other PR genes as well. While SA-, INA-, or avirulent pathogen-induced SAR protects wild-type plants from Pseudomonas syringae infection, the mutant cannot be protected by pretreatment with these inducers. The insensitivity of npr1 to SA, INA, and avirulent pathogens in SAR induction indicates that these inducers share a common signal transduction pathway. Moreover, in npr1, the localized expression of PR genes induced by a virulent Pseudomonas pathogen is disrupted, and the lesion formed is less confined. These results suggest a role for PR genes in preventing the proximal spread of pathogens in addition to their suggested role in SAR.

Characterization of an Arabidopsis Mutant That Is Nonresponsive to Inducers of Systemic Acquired Resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a general defense response in plants that is characterized by the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. SAR can be induced after a hypersensitive response to an avirulent pathogen or by treatment with either salicylic acid (SA) or 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA). To dissect the signal transduction pathway of SAR, we isolated an Arabidopsis mutant that lacks the expression of an SA-, INA-, and pathogen-responsive chimeric reporter gene composed of the 5[prime] untranslated region of an Arabidopsis PR gene, [beta]-1,3-glucanase (BGL2), and the coding region of [beta]-glucuronidase (GUS). This mutant, npr1 (nonexpresser of PR genes), carries a single recessive mutation that abolishes the SAR-responsive expression of other PR genes as well. While SA-, INA-, or avirulent pathogen-induced SAR protects wild-type plants from Pseudomonas syringae infection, the mutant cannot be protected by pretreatment with these inducers. The insensitivity of npr1 to SA, INA, and avirulent pathogens in SAR induction indicates that these inducers share a common signal transduction pathway. Moreover, in npr1, the localized expression of PR genes induced by a virulent Pseudomonas pathogen is disrupted, and the lesion formed is less confined. These results suggest a role for PR genes in preventing the proximal spread of pathogens in addition to their suggested role in SAR.

Patch culturing and transfer of human fetal retinal epithelium

Human retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) can be cultured by removing small patches of this layer from the choroid of the fetal eye. Such RPE patches give rise to healthy, epithelioid monolayers in vitro within 1-2 weeks without contamination from retinal or choroidal cells. The viability and proliferative capacity of these cultures is independent of the initial polarity of the patch. These RPE monolayers develop apical/basal polarity and a basal lamina and rest on a field of collagen fibers; they are capable of phagocytizing outer segments. A patch can be lifted off a confluent monolayer and transferred to another culture dish without risking the viability of either the old or the new culture. This provides a means of transplanting an organized, polarized patch of human RPE from one place to another.

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms in epidermal growth factor regulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) subunits and hCG receptor gene expression in human choriocarcinoma cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the secretion of hCG in choriocarcinoma cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this EGF action have never previously been investigated. The present study investigated them as well as EGF regulation of the hCG/LH (LH) receptor gene in JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells. The JEG-3 cells contain multiple EGF receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts and a single 170-kilodalton immunoreactive receptor protein. The human EGF can bind to the receptor protein and stimulate the receptor autophosphorylation as well as the phosphorylation of four other membrane proteins. Culturing JEG-3 cells with recombinant human EGF resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in hCG secretion. The maximal effect was seen at 100 ng/ml EGF, with a time lag of about 5 h. Tyrosine kinase, but not protein kinase-C or protein kinase-A, signaling was involved in the EGF action to increase hCG secretion. The EGF-induced increase in hCG secretion was not due to an increase in cell number or differentiation into multinuclear syncytia. EGF treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in steady state levels of hCG alpha and hCG beta mRNAs. This increase was due to the stabilization of subunit mRNA transcripts. The increase in subunit mRNAs preceded the increase in hCG secretion. The EGF treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in steady state levels of the hCG/LH receptor mRNA transcripts. The decrease was due to a transcriptional inhibition of receptor gene. EGF treatment paradoxically stabilized hCG/LH receptor protein. In summary, EGF treatment up-regulates hCG subunits gene expression and down-regulates hCG/LH receptor mRNAs involving transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms in JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells.

Luffin-S--a small novel ribosome-inactivating protein from Luffa cylindrica. Characterization and mechanism studies

We purified and characterized a novel RIP (ribosome inactivating protein), Luffin-S from the seeds of Luffa cylindrica. Different from Luffin-A and B, which are RNA N-glycosidases with molecular weights of 27 and 28 kDa, respectively, Luffin-S has an M.W. of only approx. 10 kDa, much smaller than any other RIPs so far investigated. Its abundant resources, toxicity similar to TCS in a cell-free protein synthesis system and unique mechanism as phosphodiesterase, like alpha-sarcin, promisingly make it a potential toxic moiety of immunotoxin.

Black-ear gene and blood polymorphism in four southern Chinese cattle groups

The gene for black-ear coat colour pattern, commonly found among cattle of tropical origin, was observed in 809 animals of four breeds of local cattle in southern China. Gene frequencies for Tf, Hb and Alb demonstrated that these groups of cattle were quite divergent from Bos taurus. These breeds of cattle are thought to be descended from ancient Chinese cattle. At the same time certain influences observed in coat colour may be derived from Bali cattle.

Lack of self-regulation of human chorionic gonadotropin biosynthesis in human choriocarcinoma cells

Human gestational trophoblastic neoplasms overexpress hCG/LH receptors. Whether this overexpression is a reflection of a loss of self-regulation of hCG biosynthesis was investigated using JAR human choriocarcinoma cells. The results show that exogenous hCG did not affect steady state hCG alpha and hCG beta mRNA or dimer hCG protein levels in JAR cells. The JAR cells, however, responded to 8-bromo-cAMP with an increase in hCG alpha mRNA levels, suggesting that cAMP-mediated regulation of the hCG subunit genes was intact in the cells. Disruption of receptor function by a receptor antibody, which resulted in an increase in hCG alpha mRNA levels and hCG secretion in normal trophoblasts, had no effect on JAR cells. Unlike normal trophoblasts, which contain a predominant receptor transcript of 1.8 kilobases (kb), with minor higher molecular size (7.5 and 5.4 kb) transcripts occasionally seen, JAR cells contain a higher abundance of multiple transcripts (7.5, 5.4, 3.5, and 1.8 kb), with the predominant transcript being 5.4 kb. In addition, although normal trophoblasts contain an 80-kilodalton receptor protein, JAR cells contain only a 50-kilodalton hCG/LH receptor isoform. In contrast to the effects of exogenous hCG on normal placental tissue in vitro, it was unable to down-regulate receptor transcripts or receptor protein in JAR cells. In summary, JAR cells lack the ability to self-regulate hCG biosynthesis. This loss could explain how hCG can reach very high levels in gestational trophoblastic disease compared to those in normal pregnancy.

Novel self-regulation of human chorionic gonadotropin biosynthesis in term pregnancy human placenta

Term pregnancy human placenta contains hCG/LH receptor mRNA transcripts and immunoreactive receptor protein. Both the receptor transcripts and receptor proteins are present only in trophoblasts. These findings led us to investigate whether hCG can regulate its own synthesis in term pregnancy human placenta. Treatment of placental tissue in static cultures or in a dynamic superfusion system with increasing concentrations of highly purified hCG provoked a biphasic effect on the steady state hCG subunit mRNA levels. Although low concentrations of hCG (< 200 mIU/ml) were not effective, moderate concentrations (200-1000 mIU/ml) increased, and high concentrations (> or = 5000 mIU/ml) either had no effect or actually decreased mRNA levels relative to the control values. This response was specific, because none of the hCG concentrations tested had any effect on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase or beta-actin mRNA levels. The effects of hCG on steady state hCG subunit mRNA levels were paralleled by corresponding changes in tissue hCG protein levels. Endogenous hCG appears to down-regulate alpha-subunit mRNA levels and hCG secretion. The hCG effect is probably receptor mediated, because a receptor antagonist, deglycosylated hCG, partially antagonized the hCG action. Treatment with exogenous hCG also down-regulated its own receptor mRNA and receptor protein levels. hCG regulation of its alpha-subunit and receptor levels involved both transcriptional as well as posttranscriptional mechanisms. In summary, this is the first demonstration of hCG regulating its own synthesis in term pregnancy human placenta. The findings of this study could offer a potential molecular explanation for the profile of hCG levels in normal pregnant women.

Selective inhibition of the carotid body sensory response to hypoxia by the substance P receptor antagonist CP-96,345

Carotid bodies are sensory organs for monitoring arterial oxygen and CO2. Previous studies have shown that chemoreceptor tissue contains substance P (SP) and exogenously administered SP augments chemosensory discharge. In the present study, we examined the physiological importance of SP in carotid body chemoreception by using a selective nonpeptide SP [neurokinin (NK) 1] receptor antagonist CP-96,345. In experiments performed on anesthetized cats, sensory discharge was recorded from the carotid body in situ. To control for alterations in blood flow, additional studies were conducted on the carotid body in vitro. In in vivo studies, close carotid body (intraarterial) administration of CP-96,345 attenuated the sensory response to hypoxia in a dose-dependent manner with 73% of the response abolished at doses of 0.3-0.6 mg/kg. Comparable doses of the (2R,3R)-enantiomer had no effect on hypoxia-induced excitation, indicating that the effect of CP-96,345 was not due to nonspecific action. In contrast, the carotid body response to high CO2 was not affected by CP-96,345, implying that only the hypoxic response is mediated by NK-1 receptor and confirming that the effect of the SP antagonist was not due to nonspecific actions. Marked attenuation of the sensory response to hypoxia was also obtained in the carotid body in vitro, suggesting that the effects of the NK-1 antagonist were not secondary to cardiovascular changes. These results demonstrate that CP-96,345 attenuates or abolishes the chemosensory response to hypoxia but not to CO2 and suggest that SP mediates the hypoxia-induced sensory excitation in the cat carotid body via NK-1 receptor activation.

Genomic organization and tissue expression of the mouse proteasome gene Lmp-7

LMP7 is one of the two proteasome subunits encoded in the major histocompatibility complex and is speculated to play a role in the generation of endogenous peptides for presentation by class I molecules to cytotoxic T cells. Here we report the genomic organization of the mouse Lmp-7 gene and the tissue distribution of its messenger RNA. In contrast to human LMP7 which is composed of seven exons and six introns, the mouse Lmp-7 gene is organized in six exons and five introns. Interestingly, the region corresponding to the first exon of human LMP7 is highly modified by numerous insertions and deletions and contains two in frame stop codons. Consequently, the mouse Lmp-7 gene does not allow the alternative exon usage described in humans and most likely encodes for only one LMP7 protein. Thus, the Tap-1 3' end gene region and the Lmp-7 initial translation codon are separated by an 1182 nucleotide region which contains a TATA-box, a cAMP regulatory element, two SP1 sites, and two G-C-rich regions. Expression of the Lmp-7 messenger RNA was analyzed on different tissues from unstimulated mice. Lmp-7 messenger RNA is expressed in spleen, thymus, lung, liver, heart, and, at a very low level, in kidney but not in brain and testis. The possible role of Lmp genes in antigen processing is discussed.

[Determination of aconitine in wutou and related herbal drugs (roots of Aconitum) and their processed products in Hong Kong market]

This paper deals with the determination of the poisonous aconitine-type alkaloids in roots of Aconitum in Hong Kong market by TLC scanning. The results show that the content of aconitine was 0.0041%-0.021% in processed roots of Aconitum carmichaeli, 0.0084%-0.034% in processed roots of A. kusnezoffii; 0.0012% and 0.0007% in crude and roasted lateral tuber of A. carmichaeli. Aconitine was not found in the processed product of Fuzi.

Molecular basis of genetic polymorphism in major histocompatibility complex-linked proteasome gene (Lmp-2)

Four genes, closely linked to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes, have been identified in humans, mice, and rats and are thought to be involved in the generation and transport of endogenous immunogenic peptides for the MHC class I antigen-processing pathway. The Tap-1 and Tap-2 genes presumably encode a heterodimeric protein complex responsible for transporting endogenous immunogenic peptides to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. The Lmp-2 and Lmp-7 gene products are two subunits of the large cytosolic proteasome complex possibly involved in generation of endogenous peptides. To study the genetic polymorphism of the Lmp-2 gene, we used a published cDNA sequence as a consensus sequence and PCR-amplified, cloned, and sequenced the Lmp-2 gene from 12 inbred mouse strains. We found three amino acid variants, LMP-2d, LMP-2b, and LMP-2q, which partially correlated with restriction fragment length polymorphism variants identified with Southern blots. Allelic polymorphism of the Lmp-2 gene may be involved in peptide selection, leading to autoimmune disease susceptibility.