Cloning, characterization, and the complete 56.8-kilobase DNA sequence of the human NOTCH4 gene

The first complete mammalian genomic sequence reported thus far in the Notch gene family, including a putative promoter region and 30 exons of the human NOTCH4 gene spanning 56.8 kb of DNA, were sequenced. The NOTCH4 locus contains a TATA-less promoter with two putative transcription initiation sites (Inr), three RBP-Jkappa sites, and two GATA recognition sites. Two cDNA isoforms, NOTCH4(L) and NOTCH4(S),were identified. Whereas the NOTCH4(S) isoform contains the entire coding sequence, the NOTCH4(L) isoform has two unspliced intronic sequences between exons 11 and 12 and exons 20 and 21 and a misspliced exon 6. Consistent with these results, two alternatively spliced isoforms of transcripts of approximately 9.3 and 6.7 kb were detected by Northern blot analysis. The predicted amino acid sequence of the NOTCH4 protein based on the NOTCH4(S) cDNA sequence contains 2003 amino acids and includes the predominant motifs of the Notch family: 29 epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, 3 Notch/lin-12 repeats, a transmembrane region, 6 cdc10/Ankyrin repeats, and a PEST domain.

Identification of unfolding domains in large proteins by their unfolding rates

Three unfolding domains in rabbit muscle aldolase destabilized in 3 M urea have been identified from their unfolding rate constants (0.10, 0.036, and 0.0064 min-1). The populations of folded and various, partially unfolded forms were determined by amide hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry. Results of this study show that unfolding domains may include multiple, noncontiguous segments of the backbone and that different regions of helices may belong to different unfolding domains. In addition, these results show that the domain unfolding most rapidly is located distant from the subunit binding surfaces and has the greatest access to the denaturant. The bimodal intermolecular distributions of deuterium found in this study show that unfolding of these domains is cooperative. It is proposed that these unfolding domains are correlated with local energy minima in the free-energy folding surface of aldolase. In addition to the three unfolding domains, there are three short segments that do not unfold in 3 M urea. These segments, which are located in the subunit binding surface, identify the most stable regions of aldolase. This study also demonstrates that it is now possible to identify and characterize unfolding domains in relatively large (Mr 158 000) proteins.

Thrombomodulin modulates growth of tumor cells independent of its anticoagulant activity

Thrombomodulin (TM), recognized as an essential vessel wall cofactor of the antithrombotic mechanism, is also expressed by a wide range of tumor cells. Tumor cell lines subcloned from four patients with malignant melanoma displayed a negative correlation between TM expression and cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of wild-type TM decreased cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. TM mutants with altered protein C activation capacity lead to a similar effect. In contrast, transfection of melanoma cells with mutant TM constructs, in which a portion of the cytoplasmic or lectin domain was deleted, abrogated the antiproliferative effect associated with overexpression of wild-type TM. Experiments performed with either peptide agonists/antagonists of the thrombin receptor, with hirudin, or with inhibitors of thrombin-TM interaction did not alter the growth inhibitory effect of TM overexpression. These data suggest that TM exerts an effect on cell proliferation independent of thrombin and the thrombin receptor, possibly related to the binding of novel ligands to determinants in the lectin domain which might trigger signal transduction pathways dependent on the cytoplasmic domain.

TAP-independent delivery of antigenic peptides to the endoplasmic reticulum: therapeutic potential and insights into TAP-dependent antigen processing

We have taken several approaches to investigate the capacity of the secretory pathway to liberate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted antigenic peptides from precursor polypeptides. Cells lacking the peptide transporter (TAP) are unable to deliver peptides from cytosolic antigens to class I molecules. TAP can be bypassed by targeting peptides directly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) using NH2-terminal signal sequences. This results in the generation of enormous numbers of MHC class I complexes (50,000 peptides/cell), and recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing such peptides are highly immunogenic. In contrast to signal sequence-targeted peptides, peptides are liberated very inefficiently from internal locations in ER-targeted full-length proteins, indicating that the secretory pathway has a limited capacity for generating antigenic peptides from most polypeptide contexts. We have, however, identified a location in proteins from which peptides can be liberated in numerous contexts in the secretory pathway. Placing a number of different peptides at the COOH termini of a secreted protein and two proteins with type II membrane anchors resulted in their TAP-independent presentation. These findings demonstrate that the secretory compartment possesses proteases able to liberate COOH-terminal antigenic peptides from virtually any context, entirely consistent with a role for these proteases in the processing of TAP-transported antigenic peptide precursors.

[Electronic speckle pattern interferometric analysis on force distribution of different mandibular unilateral free-end dentures]

OBJECTIVE

To study the force distribution of three kinds of mandibular unilateral free-end partial denture under vertical loading on the artificial tooth.

METHODS

A fresh mandible with right 2nd and 3rd molars missing was restored with cantilever fixed partial denture (CFD), casting three arm clasp removable partial denture (CCD) and RPI removable partial denture (RPID) respectively. The force distribution on the surface of supporting bone was studied by using electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI). The ESIP was displayed real-time and recorded. The fringes determining was prossed by microcomputer image processing. The corresponding out of plane displacement of the supporting bone was measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

Showed all of the three kinds of dentures contribute to transmit stress to supporting bone. The corresponding out of plane displacement of supporting bone decreased, the degree of decrease was CFD < CCD < RPID in order.

CONCLUSION

This finding provides a useful reference for design of denture construction.

On-column refractive-index detection based on retroreflected beam interference for capillary electrophoresis

A novel refractive-index detection scheme used for capillary electrophoresis detection, based on the interference of two retroreflected beams from the outer surface of a capillary tube illuminated by a focused laser beam, is described. A theoretical description and experimental measurement of the intensity profile of the interference fringe pattern in the detection plane are presented. The factors that limit the sensitivity of the proposed refractive-index detection scheme are discussed and compared with the transmitted beam interference and backscatter-based refractive-index detection configurations. The proposed refractive-index detector was used successfully for detection of capillary electrophoresis separations of saccharose, maltose, and lactose with a capillary tube of 50-mum inner diameter and a simple experimental setup.

[Microvasculature of the dog's periodontal ligament and its immediate response to orthodontic forces]

The purpose of this study was to examine the microvascular architecture of dog's periodontal ligament (PDL) and its immediate response to horizontal orthodontic force. A force of 200 g was applied mesially to the mandibular premolar of a dog for 2 hours, the distal side served as the contrast side. Formalin ink was perfused into the carotid arteries bilaterally through the cannulas. After perfusion the mandible was decalcified, celloidin embedded, serially sectioned and stained with eosin. The sections were then observed by light microscope and analyzed by image analyzer. Vascular corrosion casts were prepared by the similar way with the formalin ink perfusion and examined by scanning electron microscope. The results showed: there were extensive interconnections among the PDL, dental pulp, gingiva, alveolus and the neighbour tooth PDL, which would benefit the maintenance of health and functions of the dental pulp and the periodontal tissues. Arterioles and venulae could be confirmed by the presence of characteristic differences of nuclear impressions in endothelial cell under the scanning electron microscope. The quantitative analysis showed that the tensioned PDL sites in the experimental group had a higher microvascular volume density than the corresponding sites in the contrast group, while the pressed PDL sites in the experimental group had a lower microvascular volume density than the corresponding sites in the contrast group. This should result from the hydraulic mechanism in the PDL.

The human homolog of rat Jagged1 expressed by marrow stroma inhibits differentiation of 32D cells through interaction with Notch1

A cDNA clone encoding the human homolog of rat Jagged1 was isolated from normal human marrow. Analyses of human stromal cell lines indicate that this gene, designated hJagged1, is expressed by marrow stromal cells typified by the cell line HS-27a, which supports the long-term maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells. G-CSF-induced differentiation of 32D cells expressing Notch1 was inhibited by coculturing with HS-27a. A peptide corresponding to the Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 domain of hJagged1 and supernatants from COS cells expressing a soluble form of the extracellular portion of hJagged1 were able to mimic this effect. These observations suggest that hJagged1 may function as a ligand for Notch1 and play a role in mediating cell fate decisions during hematopoiesis.

[The influence of electroacupuncture on the mast cells in the acupoints of the stomach meridian]

Giving electroacupuncture at unilateral "Biguan" and "Zusanli" points, we observed the rat subcutaneous mast cells of "Tianshu", "Biguan", "Futu", "Zusanli" and "Xiajuxu" acupoints in bilateral Stamach Meridian. It was found that the numbers of mast cells in all the acupoints studied were higher than that in the non acupoint area. The numbers of mast cell in acupoints were increased under electroacupuncture, while that in non acupoint area was not changed. The results suggested the mast cells play an important role in the functions of the Meridian.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on the subcutaneous mast cells of zusanli acupoint in rat with unilateral sciatic nerve transection]

Electroacupuncture could induce the convergence and degranulation of subcutaneous mast cells in acupoints. After unilateral transection of sciatic nerve, we studied the numbers of subcutaneous mast cells and its degranulation in bilateral Zusanli and Xiajuxu acupoints with electroacupuncture in Zusanli. We found that sciatic nerve transection could reduce the total numbers of mast cells and the degranulation numbers of mast cells in Zusanli. The results suggested peripheral nerves play an important role in the convergence and degranulation of mast cells in acupoints by electroacupuncture induction.

[Transduction of antisense RNA of MHC-II gene into CD3+ cord blood stem/progenitor cells inhibits the expression of HLA-DR antigen]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the antisense RNA of HLA-DR gene could modulate the expression of the gene and reduce the immunogenicity of cord blood (CB) cells.

METHODS

A retroviral vector encoding antisense RNA of HLA-DR gene was constructed and transducted into packaging cell line PA317 by lipofectin. CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells/progenitors were sorted and enriched by MACS.

RESULTS

A high titer (1 x 1095) cfu/ml) helper-free,virus producing cell PA317 was obtained. The vector was identified by blot hybridization and mapping of restriction points. The CD3+ CB cells were infected by the supernatant of the viral cultures. The G418-resistant clone was demonstrated to express the antisense RNA of HLA-DR gene by RT-PCR technique. The expression rate of HLA-DR antigen on CB cells was 28%, which was apparently lower than that of the control (45%) with an inhibition rate of 38.25%.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of antisense RNA of HLA-DR gene into CB hematopoietic stem cells can successfully decrease the expression of HLA-DR antigen. These studies provide evidences for the prevention and treatment of GVHR in clinical CB transplantation.

[Long-term effects of stapes elevation]

To assess the clinical value of stapes elevation, 38 cases had been followed-up for 1-12 years (average 6.7 years). The results revealed that hearing improvement rate (over 10 dB) was 94.7% in short term and 86.8% in long term follow-up. The long term regression rate was similar to that in stapedectomy, and no severe sensorineural hearing loss occurred. In addition, the vestibular reaction was slight, especially in reoperated cases. The stapes elevation was easy to perform as compared with stapedectomy. Therefore, this technique may be the first choice for stapes surgery.

Preparation of (R)-N-methylsalsolinol via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using beta-cyclodextrin as a mobile-phase additive

A new preparation method was devised using beta-cyclodextrin as a mobile-phase additive in a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography system. Preparative separation of the biologically active (R)-enantiomer was achieved from racemic N-methylsalsolinol. Beta-cyclodextrin was removed completely in good yield by acid extraction and solid-phase extraction. By a slight modification, this method will be applicable to the isolation of various types of biologically important enantiomers.

On-column indirect photothermal interference detection for capillary zone electrophoresis

An indirect photothermal interference detection method, which is based on the diffraction of a probe laser beam by a capillary tube, for detecting metal cations separated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is described. In this capillary photothermal interference detector, a 2 mW He-Ne probe laser is employed to provide the probe beam and an 18 mW He-Ne pump laser is used to supply the pump beam. Factors that contribute to the noise and signal in indirect photothermal interference detection in CZE, such as the noise from the scattered light caused by both the probe beam and the pump laser beam, and effects of the concentration of ethanol and NaCl on the separation efficiency, were studied. The effect of scattered light can be reduced effectively with the configuration constraints investigated for photothermal capillary absorption measurements. With Methylene Blue added to carrier electrolyte as an absorber, three typical metal cations (KI, CuII and AlIII) were separated using this system. For CuII, a 2.1 x 10(-7) mol l-1 concentration detection limit (S/N = 2) without preconcentration and a 1.02 x 10(-17) mol detection limit as absolute amount were measured, considering the optical sampling volume estimated to be 50 pl, and 1.99 x 10(6) theoretical plates were observed on the laboratory-made CE system. It was demonstrated that indirect photothermal interference detection is suitable for small capillaries and a large ionic strength range for CE analysis.

Electrochemical behavior of [ReI(DMPE)3]+, where DMPE = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, at perfluorosulfonated ionomer-modified electrodes

The perfluorosulfonated ionomer Nafion shows potential utility as a polymer film to enhance the electrochemical detection of [ReI(DMPE)3]+, where DMPE = 1,2-bis-(dimethylphosphino)ethane. [ReI(DMPE)3]+, a nonradioactive radiopharmaceutical analog for heart imaging, partitions strongly into Nafion films on glassy carbon. Well-defined, chemically reversible cyclic voltammograms are obtained for the [ReI(DMPE)3]+/[ReII(DMPE)3]2+ couple with Eo' shifted positively by 60 mV relative to its value on bare glassy carbon. [ReI(DMPE)3]+ partitions into Nafion more strongly than the oxidized form, [ReII-(DMPE)3]2+. The detection limit for [ReI(DMPE)3]+ by cyclic voltammetry was improved by 2-3 orders of magnitude by the Nafion film. Differential pulse voltammetry for oxidation of [ReI(DMPE)3]+ at the Nafion-modified electrode has a detection limit of 2.5 x 10(-9) M compared to 1.0 x 10(-7) M at the bare electrode. A preconcentration factor of 1 x 10(6) for partitioning of [ReI(DMPE)3]+ from 0.05 M NaCl into Nafion on a glassy carbon electrode was measured.

[Effects of glycated protein on the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 of cultured human mesangial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether nonenzymatic glycated end products (AGEs) have effects on the expression and bioactivity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), one of the seripin proteinases, which lead to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in cultured human mesangial cells.

METHODS

Human mesangial cells (HMC) were cultured. Cell proliferation, fibronectin production, mRNA expression and bioactivity of PAI-1 were determined after exposure to AGE-BSA for 24 hours and 48 hours in vitro.

RESULTS

HMC stimulated by AGE-BSA exhibited inhibition in HMC proliferation, increase in fibronectin production, and PAI-1 bioactivity. These changes were pronounced with prolongation of experimental time. PAI-1 mRNA expression increased significantly at 24 hr (0.45% +/- 0.06% vs 0.65% +/- 0.08%, P < 0.05), however more marked increase of PAI-1 mRNA expression at 48 hr (0.51 +/- 0.08% vs 0.92 +/- 0.10%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Increase of mRNA expression and bioactivity of PAI-1 induced by AGEs decreased ECM degradation and play an important role in the pathogenesis of ECM accumulation and glomerulosclerosis.

Extremely low awareness of AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and condoms among Dai ethnic villagers in Yunnan province, China

OBJECTIVE

To assess the awareness of AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), condoms, sources of health information and HIV-related societal risks among Dai villagers in southern Yunnan Province, China.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In November-December 1994, a cross-sectional descriptive study, comprising a questionnaire-based survey and focus group discussions, was conducted in three Dai villages in Mengla county; a total of 177 Dai villagers were interviewed in the survey and eight focus group discussions were held. Ethnographic observations provided a composite picture of HIV risks in the area.

RESULTS

Only 18% of respondents had heard of AIDS, and only 25 and 28%, respectively, had heard of STDs or condoms. Furthermore, among these more aware groups, the level of knowledge was low and misconceptions were common. An ability to understand the official language (Mandarin) was the most important predictor of awareness of AIDS, other STDs or condoms. The sources of information in the three Dai villages sampled included TV, videos, radio and magazines, but only TV and videos had a large audience. Even so, these media were mostly in Mandarin and were not used in AIDS education. Travel outside of China was frequent; most villagers (77%) had traveled to Laos and 9% had traveled to Thailand. Societal risks of HIV transmission, such as an increasing incidence of STDs and an active sex industry, were observed in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

Dai villagers in southern Yunnan Province had an extremely low awareness and knowledge of AIDS, other STDs and condoms. Given the high mobility of ethnic villagers to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and the societal risks of HIV transmission in this area, there is an urgent need to provide accessible education about AIDS and other STDs. Suggestions regarding such health education and the implications of HIV policy-making are discussed.

Alagille syndrome is caused by mutations in human Jagged1, which encodes a ligand for Notch1

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by abnormal development of liver, heart, skeleton, eye, face and, less frequently, kidney. Analyses of many patients with cytogenetic deletions or rearrangements have mapped the gene to chromosome 20p12, although deletions are found in a relatively small proportion of patients (< 7%). We have mapped the human Jagged1 gene (JAG1), encoding a ligand for the developmentally important Notch transmembrane receptor, to the Alagille syndrome critical region within 20p12. The Notch intercellular signalling pathway has been shown to mediate cell fate decisions during development in invertebrates and vertebrates. We demonstrate four distinct coding mutations in JAG1 from four Alagille syndrome families, providing evidence that it is the causal gene for Alagille syndrome. All four mutations lie within conserved regions of the gene and cause translational frameshifts, resulting in gross alterations of the protein product Patients with cytogenetically detectable deletions including JAG1 have Alagille syndrome, supporting the hypothesis that haploinsufficiency for this gene is one of the mechanisms causing the Alagille syndrome phenotype.

[Construction of human genomic YAC clones with "terminal modification"]

A human YAC genomic pool with more than 4,000 clones was constructed by means of "terminal modification" of YAC vector and genomic inserts, as well as optimization of relevant experimental parameters. The transformation rate is approximately 400-500 transformants per microgram DNA. Preliminary characterization of randomly sampled clones demonstrates that YAC-specific inserts, in the average size of 450 kb and ranging 150-750 kb, were detected from 80% of the clones. The vector ligation experiment indicates the efficient reduction of "coligation" by terminal modification.

[Expression of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein (EBV-LMP) in human laryngeal carcinoma]

In order to investigate the expression of Epstein-Barr virus in human laryngeal carcinoma, immunohistochemical study for Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein (EBV LMP) was performed on 90 laryngeal specimens taken from laryngeal carcinoma patients. The results showed that LMP was localized on the cell membrane and in cytoplasm. LMP was detected in 41 of 90 (45.5%) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, among them the positive rates of poorly differentiated, middle differentiated and well differentiated squamous carcinoma were 44% (12/27), 52% (25/47) and 26.6% (4/15) respectively. This study indicated that EB virus was not only presented in poorly differentiated carcinoma, it was also presented in well differentiated carcinoma. The development of laryngeal squamous carcinoma is related to the infection of EB virus.

Localization, quantitation, and in situ detection of specific peptide-MHC class I complexes using a monoclonal antibody

CD8+ T lymphocytes recognize antigens as short peptides bound to MHC class I molecules. Available methods cannot determine the number and distribution of these ligands on individual cells or detect antigen-presenting cells in tissues. Here we describe a method for eliciting and identifying monoclonal antibodies specific for a particular peptide-MHC class I combination. One such antibody can identify antigen complexes with a limit of detection approaching that of T cells. We used this antibody to determine the number of peptide-class I complexes generated upon viral infection, to identify antigen-presenting cells in cell mixtures, to determine the site of peptide-MHC class I interaction inside cells, and to visualize cells bearing specific peptide-MHC class I complexes after in vivo infection. Similar antibodies may prove useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

[Immunobiological significance of S-100 protein positive dendritic cells (S-100+DC) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and clinical significance of S-100+DC in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Distribution of S-100+DC in the tumor tissues and regional lymph nodes (LN) of 60 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma was detected by immunohistochemistry (ABC). The results showed that the S-100+DC density in tumor tissues was correlated with the tumor histologic grade (P < 0.05). The density of S-100+DC was significantly higher in regional LN without tumor than those with metastases (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference of S-100+DC in tumor tissues between patients with and without regional LN metastases. The distribution of S-100+DC in tumor tissues and regional LN could be considered as a reference indicator of tumor histologic grade and clinical prognosis of patients.

A wavelet-based multiresolution regularized least squares reconstruction approach for optical tomography

In this paper, we present a wavelet-based multigrid approach to solve the perturbation equation encountered in optical tomography. With this scheme, the unknown image, the data, as well as the weight matrix are all represented by wavelet expansions, thus yielding a multiresolution representation of the original perturbation equation in the wavelet domain. This transformed equation is then solved using a multigrid scheme, by which an increasing portion of wavelet coefficients of the unknown image are solved in successive approximations. One can also quickly identify regions of interest (ROI's) from a coarse level reconstruction and restrict the reconstruction in the following fine resolutions to those regions. At each resolution level a regularized least squares solution is obtained using the conjugate gradient descent method. This approach has been applied to continuous wave data calculated based on the diffusion approximation of several two-dimensional (2-D) test media. Compared to a previously reported one grid algorithm, the multigrid method requires substantially shorter computation time under the same reconstruction quality criterion.

Inhomogeneous distribution of brightness in the split-element filter

The inhomogeneous distribution of brightness in a split-element filter is discussed. This inhomogeneity is caused by the off-axis effect of the birefringent crystal and can seriously affect astronomical observations in the case of a large field of view. For example, the maximal brightness fluctuation is ~9.44% in a full-disk solar telescope whose maximal incident angle is 70 arcmin. We also discuss ways to avoid this disadvantage.

[A three-month follow-up study of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia]

In order to evaluate the efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in the treatment of myopia, we summed up and analysed the 3-month follow-up data on 145 cases treated in our hospital. Prior to PRK, refractive dioptal was -1.5 to -11.5; visual acuity was less than 0.1 in 137 cases (94%) and less than 0.5 in 8 cases(6%). One month after operation, the mean refractive dioptal was +0.98 +/- 0.88; visual acuity increased to > or = 1.0 in 95 cases (66%) and to > or = 0.5 in 142 cases(98%). Three months after operation, the mean refractive dioptal was -0.13 +/- 1.09; visual acuity increased to > or = 1.0 in 104 cases(72%) and to > or = 0.5 in 135 cases(93%). There was no severe complication noted in all cases. The results demonstrate that PRK is and effective, safe and predictable treatment for myopia.

The role of subcellular localization in initiation of apoptosis by photodynamic therapy

Rapid initiation of apoptosis can be induced by photodynamic therapy, depending on the cell line and sensitizer employed. In this study, we evaluated the photodynamic responses to two structurally related photosensitizing agents, using the P388 murine leukemia cell line in culture. Photodamage mediated by tin etiopurpurin involved lysosomes and mitochondria and yielded a rapid apoptotic response; apoptotic nuclei were observed within 60 min after PDT. A drug analog, tin octaethylpurpurin amidine, targeted lysosomes, mitochondria and cell membranes; apoptotic nuclei were not observed until 24 h after PDT. These results, together with other recent reports, are consistent with the hypothesis that membrane photodamage can delay or prevent an apoptotic response to PDT.

Assay for the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of salsolinols in biological samples and foods with ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography using beta-cyclodextrin as a chiral mobile phase additive

A chromatographic procedure was devised for the quantitative determination of the enantiomers of salsolinol and N-methylsalsolinol, which are biologically important alkaloids. The enantiomers of salsolinol and N-methylsalsolinol were completely separated using beta-cyclodextrin in a reversed-phase ion-pair system. The HPLC method was sensitive enough to detect the isoquinolines at a concentration less than 0.1 pmol per injection. The presence of (R)- and (S)-salsolinol was confirmed in fermented foods and beverages, while N-methylsalsolinol was not detected. On the other hand, the (R)-enantiomers of both salsolinol and N-methylsalsolinol were found to predominate in the human brain.

MHC affinity, peptide liberation, T cell repertoire, and immunodominance all contribute to the paucity of MHC class I-restricted peptides recognized by antiviral CTL

MHC class I-restricted T cell responses to viral proteins focus on a limited set of peptides. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined all of the 26 nonameric peptides encoded by the influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) conforming to the canonical Kd binding motif. Ten peptides bound strongly to Kd as assessed by a cell surface stabilization assay. Five of these 10 induced in vitro secondary CD8+ T cell responses from splenocytes derived from PR8-immunized mice. The strongest responses were induced by the two previously defined antigenic peptides, which ranked only second and fifth in relative binding affinity. To examine the limiting factors in the immunogenicity of Kd-binding peptides, we produced recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVVs) expressing cytosolic or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted peptides. rVVs expressing ER-targeted versions of the 7 peptides with the highest relative affinities for Kd rescued Kd cell surface expression in T2 cells, while those expressing the 3 lowest affinity peptides did not. The immunogenicity of several, but not all, of the highest affinity peptides was greatly enhanced when expressed as VV-encoded cytosolic or ER-targeted peptides as compared with full length proteins. We conclude that limitations in the immunogenicity of class I binding peptides reflects, in order of decreasing importance, peptide liberation by cellular proteases, T cell repertoire, and TAP-mediated peptide transport. We also observed an additional important contributing factor: suppression of T cell responses to nondominant peptides by an immunodominant peptide located in the same protein.

MHC affinity, peptide liberation, T cell repertoire, and immunodominance all contribute to the paucity of MHC class I-restricted peptides recognized by antiviral CTL

MHC class I-restricted T cell responses to viral proteins focus on a limited set of peptides. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined all of the 26 nonameric peptides encoded by the influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) conforming to the canonical Kd binding motif. Ten peptides bound strongly to Kd as assessed by a cell surface stabilization assay. Five of these 10 induced in vitro secondary CD8+ T cell responses from splenocytes derived from PR8-immunized mice. The strongest responses were induced by the two previously defined antigenic peptides, which ranked only second and fifth in relative binding affinity. To examine the limiting factors in the immunogenicity of Kd-binding peptides, we produced recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVVs) expressing cytosolic or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted peptides. rVVs expressing ER-targeted versions of the 7 peptides with the highest relative affinities for Kd rescued Kd cell surface expression in T2 cells, while those expressing the 3 lowest affinity peptides did not. The immunogenicity of several, but not all, of the highest affinity peptides was greatly enhanced when expressed as VV-encoded cytosolic or ER-targeted peptides as compared with full length proteins. We conclude that limitations in the immunogenicity of class I binding peptides reflects, in order of decreasing importance, peptide liberation by cellular proteases, T cell repertoire, and TAP-mediated peptide transport. We also observed an additional important contributing factor: suppression of T cell responses to nondominant peptides by an immunodominant peptide located in the same protein.

Probing the non-covalent structure of proteins by amide hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry

The rates at which hydrogens located at peptide amide linkages in proteins undergo isotopic exchange when a protein is exposed to D2O depend on whether these amide hydrogens are hydrogen bonded and whether they are accessible to the aqueous solvent. Hence, amide hydrogen exchange rates are a sensitive probe for detecting changes in protein conformation and dynamics. Hydrogen exchange rates in proteins are most often measured by NMR or Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. After a brief introduction to model kinetics used to relate amide hydrogen exchange rates to protein structure and dynamics, information required to understand and implement a new method that uses acid proteases and mass spectrometry to determine amide hydrogen exchange rates in proteins is presented. Structural and dynamic features affecting isotopic exchange rates can be detected and localized from the deuterium levels detected by mass spectrometry in proteolytic fragments of the protein. Procedures used to adjust for isotopic exchange occurring during the analysis, to extract isotope exchange rate constants from mass spectra and to link bimodal isotope patterns to protein unfolding and structural heterogeneity are also discussed. In addition, the relative merits of using mass spectrometry or NMR combined with amide hydrogen exchange to study protein structure and dynamics are discussed. The spatial resolution of hydrogen exchange results obtained by this method is typically in the range of 1-10 residues, which is substantially less than that obtained by high-resolution NMR, but sufficient to detect many functionally significant structural changes. Advantages in the areas of sensitivity, protein solubility, detection of correlated exchange and high molecular mass proteins make this approach particularly attractive for a wide range of studies.

[Clinical and pathological observation of recurrent nasal polyp formation]

To investigate the mechanism of nasal polyp recurrence, 19 patients with recurrent nasal polyp were retrospectively analysed. In 4 patients, nasal polyp specimens had been sent for pathological examination more than three times, and in 6 patients, bacteria culture was performed. There were two types of recurrent nasal polyp: water-cyst type (fast recurrence) and edematous granulation type (slow recurrence). Both types were the result of inflammatory reaction, perhaps related to trauma of operation. Water-cyst formation indicated stronger inflammatory reaction. During follow-up, 10 patients were cured and 9 recurred. Preventive measures against nasal polyp recurrence were discussed.

Cytotoxicity of endogenous isoquinolines to human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Endogenous isoquinolines with and without catechol structure have been proposed to be neurotoxins specific for dopamine neurons. In this paper they were examined for the cytotoxicity of human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The cytotoxicity was quantitatively determined using Alamar Blue assay, by which the reduction-oxidation potency in the living cells can be measured spectrometrically. 1,2-Dimethyl-6,7-dihydroxyisoquinolinium ion [1,2-DMDHIQ+], an oxidation product of a parkinsonism-inducing isoquinoline, 1(R),2(N)-dimethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahroisoquinoline [N-methyl-(R)salsolinol, NM(R)Sal] was found to be the most potent toxin among isoquinolines examined. In general, catechol isoquinolines were more toxic than isoquinolines without catechol structure. With and without catechol structure, the oxidized isoquinolinium ion having methyl groups at C-1 and N-2 positions proved to be more cytotoxic than the simple isoquinolines. The involvement of 1,2-DMDHIQ+ to the neurotoxicity of NM(R)Sal was suggested and discussed.

Regulation of ApoE gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages by VLDL

Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were incubated with ApoE-poor VLDL or ApoE-rich VLDL at same concentrations for 24 h. The ApoE mRNA content increased in both groups than that in control and the highest ApoE mRNA content was seen in MPM incubated with ApoE-poor VLDL. The results suggest that VLDL could stimulate ApoE gene expression in MPM and the ApoE-poor VLDL has more pronounced effect. We think that the ApoE secreted by MPM may be incorporated into VLDL, especially the ApoE-poor VLDL, and thereby enhance the uptake of those lipoproteins by MPM or other local cells via ApoE-mediated receptor pathways.

Mechanism of enantioseparation of salsolinols, endogenous neurotoxins in human brain, with ion-pair chromatography using beta-cyclodextrin as a mobile phase additive

A novel method for direct separation of the enantiomers of salsolinol and N-methylsalsolinol was devised. The enantiomers were completely separated with ion-pair chromatography on a reversed-phase column with beta-cyclodextrin as a chiral mobile phase additive and sodium 1-heptanesulfonate as a counterion. The mechanism for enantioseparation with this ion-pair system containing beta-cyclodextrin was discussed. The effects of beta-cyclodextrin, counterions, pH, ionic strength, and organic solvent on retention were investigated, and a retention model was proposed and proved to be consistent with the experimental data. A preliminary study of the enantiomeric composition of salsolinol and N-methylsalsolinol in banana and in human brain was made as an example of the application of this assay.

[The expression of bcl-2, P53 and c-erbB-2 onco-proteins in breast cancer and their clinicopathological significance]

In order to study the interrelation between bcl-2, P53 and c-erbB-2 protein, their expression in 145 breast carcinomas were observed by immunohistochemical LSAB method. 19 cases were negative, 12 were positive for the three oncoproteins. 19 cases were positive for c-erbB-2 only. 20 positive for P53 only and 20 positive for bcl-2 only. 26 cases were positive for both P53 and c-erbB-2, 17 for both c-erbB-2 and bcl-2, 12 for both P53 and bcl-2. Strong inverse correlation was found between the expression of P53 and bcl-2 (P < 0.001). The P53 expression or the expression of both P53 and c-erbB-2 correlated with low histological grade, while the bcl-2 expression correlated with high histological grade (P < 0.05). The necrosis in tumors with only bcl-2 expression was less than those with c-erbB-2 or both c-erbB-2 and P53 expression (P < 0.02). Mitosis count was lower in tumors with only bcl-2 expression than those with expression of both c-erbB-2 and P53 (P < 0.05). The expression of c-erbB-2 and P53 proteins are associated with poor prognosis (P < 0.02, P < 0.05) but not affected by bcl-2. The results suggest that bcl-2, P53 and c-erbB-2 are involved in tumorigenesis and development of breast carcinoma with different biological effects.

Intravenous somatic gene transfer with antisense tissue factor restores blood flow by reducing tumor necrosis factor-induced tissue factor expression and fibrin deposition in mouse meth-A sarcoma

Fibrin is deposited on the endothelial cell surface in the vasculature of murine methylcholanthrene A-induced sarcomas after injection of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Capillary endothelial cells of the tumor vascular bed become positive for tissue factor after TNF injection, based on immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Intravascular clot formation was not dependent on tissue factor derived from tumor cells, since in vessels of tumors not expressing tissue factor, TNF also induced fibrin/fibrinogen deposition. However, the time course of fibrin/fibrinogen deposition after TNF differed in tumors expressing no, little, or greater amounts of tissue factor. Fibrin/fibrinogen deposition was more rapid in tumors in which the neoplastic cells expressed tissue factor than in tumors not expressing tissue factor. In the tumors not expressing tissue factor, activation of coagulation was dependent on TNF-induced synthesis of tissue factor by host cells, i.e., endothelium or monocytes/macrophages. Intravenous somatic gene transfer with tissue factor cDNA in the antisense orientation (but not sense or vector alone) reduced intravascular fibrin/fibrinogen deposition and restored blood flow to the tumor, showing that de novo tissue factor expression is central in TNF-induced activation of the coagulation mechanism.

[Effects of sand and hormone treatment on seed germination of Bupleurum chinese DC. and B. falcatum L]

The seeds of Bupleurum chinese and B. falcatum were treated first by GA3 or 6-BA in different concentrations and then by sand. The best method for promoting their germination has been developed.

Influence of atrial natriuretic factor on fluid efflux from the splenic circulation of the rat

1. Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) causes a reduction in plasma volume that is abolished by splenectomy. Experiments were conceived to investigate whether ANF acts within the spleen to increase efflux of fluid from the intravascular to the extravascular space. 2. ANF, infused into the splenic artery of anaesthetized rats at rates of 1, 5 and 20 ng min -1, caused a dose-dependent increase in the arteriovenous difference in haematocrit as blood flowed through the spleen (basal difference, 0.18 +/- 0.10%; difference after 10 min at 20 ng min -1 ANF, 1.5 +/- 0.18%; n = 6). There was no such change in plasma protein concentration. 3. ANF (20 ng min -1) did not alter splenic arterial blood flow. However, splenic venous blood flow fell so that the arteriovenous difference increased significantly (basal difference, 0.34 +/- 0.19 ml min -1; difference at 60 min, 1.1 +/- 0.20 ml min-1, n = 7). There was no change in mean arterial pressure. 4. These data confirm our hypothesis that ANF acts within the spleen to increase fluid efflux from the intravascular to the extravascular space. Since there is no change in total splenic blood flow, we propose that the effects of ANF are mediated by dilatation of the splenic afferent arterioles and constriction of the efferent venules, thus increasing filtration pressure.

Release of thrombomodulin from endothelial cells by concerted action of TNF-alpha and neutrophils: in vivo and in vitro studies

Inflammatory cytokines decrease the expression of thrombomodulin (TM) on the endothelial cell surface by suppression of TM transcription and translation or internalization with subsequent degradation. Nevertheless, elevated serum TM levels are found in diseases associated with systemical or locally increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. To study directly the in vivo effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) we determined the course of serum TM after systemic recombinant human (rh)TNF-alpha therapy. The TM levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Systemic rhTNF-alpha therapy resulted in a marked and significant increase of serum TM. Using a mouse model we studied whether increased serum TM is associated with a decreased expression of TM on the endothelial surface in vivo. The immunohistochemical staining of the vasculature of meth-A sarcoma transplanted in mice showed a loss of TM immunoreactivity 4 hr after intravenous TNF-alpha application. To study the mechanism of TNF-alpha mediated release of TM, cultured endothelial cells were incubated with neutrophils and TNF-alpha. Incubation with TNF-alpha alone did not lead to an increase of TM in vitro. However TM was released into the culture supernatant when endothelial cells pretreated with TNF-alpha were exposed to neutrophils. This was associated with morphological evidence of endothelial cell damage. Therefore, the concerted action of cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells and neutrophils results in release of TM from cultured endothelial cells after rhTNF-alpha therapy. This might explain the increased serum TM levels observed in diseases associated with increased systemic or local levels of inflammatory cytokines despite the induced internalization and the direct inhibitory effects of TNF-alpha on TM transcription and translation.

The VP3 gene of human group C rotavirus

The complete nucleotide sequence of genome segment 4 from the human group C rotavirus (Bristol strain) was determined. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the genome termini with the consensus 5' and 3' terminal non-coding sequences of the human group C rotavirus genome revealed characteristic 5' and 3' sequence motifs. Human group C rotavirus genome segment 4 is 2,166bp long and encodes a single open reading frame of 2,082 nucleotides (693 amino acids) starting at nucleotide 55 and terminating at nucleotide 2,136 giving a 3' untranslated region of 30 nucleotides. Alignment with the porcine group C VP3 equivalent gene showed the human gene is one amino acid longer, and that the proteins have 84.1% amino acid sequence identity. A conserved potential nucleotide binding motif shared with the porcine VP3 sequence was identified. Analogy with the group A rotaviruses suggested that the genome segment 4 encodes the group C rotavirus guanylyltransferase.

Mechanism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated induction of endothelial tissue factor

This study examines the regulation of the human tissue factor (TF) promotor in vitro and in vivo. Transient transfections were performed in bovine aortic endothelial cells to investigate the role of two fundamentally different AP-1 sites and a closely located NF-kappa B site in the human TF promoter. The NF-kappa B site is functionally active, since overexpression of NF-kappa B(p65) resulted in induction of TF mRNA and activity. Promoter analysis showed that NF-kappa B induction was dependent on the integrity of the region from base pair -188 to -181. Over-expression of Jun/Fos resulted in TF induction of transcription and protein/activity. Functional studies revealed that the proximal AP-1 site, but not the distal, was inducible by Jun/Fos heterodimers. The distal AP-1 site, which has a G-->A switch at position 4, was inductible by Jun homodimers. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, using extracts of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells, demonstrated TNF alpha-inducible binding to the proximal AP-1 site, comprising JunD/Fos heterodimers. At the distal AP-1 site, only minor induction of binding activity, characterized as proteins of the Jun and ATF family, was observed. Consistently, this site only marginally participates in TNF alpha induction. Functional studies with TF promotor plasmids confirmed that deletion of the proximal AP-1 or the NF-kappa B site decreased TNF alpha-mediated TF induction to a higher extend than loss of the distal AP-1 site. However, integrity of both AP-1 sites and the NF-kappa B site was required for optimal TNF alpha stimulation. The relevance of these in vitro data was confirmed in vivo in a mouse tumor model. Expression plasmids for a dominant negative Jun mutant or I-kappa B were packaged in liposomes. When either mutated Jun or I-kappa B were injected intravenously 48 h before TNF alpha, a reduction in TNF alpha-mediated TF expression in the tumor endothelial cells was observed. Simultaneously, fibrin/fibrinogen deposition decreased and free blood flow could be restored. Thus, TNF alpha-induced up-regulation of endothelial cell TF depends on a concerted action of members of the bZIP and NF-kappa B family.

Molecular characterization of the 11th RNA segment from human group C rotavirus

The complete nucleotide sequence of genome segment 11 from the noncultivatable, human group C rotavirus (Bristol strain) was determined. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the segment termini with the consensus 5' and 3' terminal noncoding sequences of the human group C rotavirus genome revealed characteristic 5' and 3' sequences. Human group C rotavirus genome segment 11 is 613 bp long and encodes a single open reading frame of 450 nucleotides (150 amino acids) starting at nucleotide 39 and terminating at nucleotide 489, leaving a long 3' untranslated region of 124 nucleotides. The predicted translation product has a calculated molecular weight of 17.7 kD and contains four potential N-linked glycosylation sites. No significant homologies to other viral proteins were found in database searches. Hydropathy analysis predicted the human group C rotavirus genome segment 11 translation product has a hydrophilic carboxy terminus (amino acids 54-150) and a hydrophobic amino terminus (amino acids 1-53) that can be further subdivided into three short hydrophobic sequences--H1, H2, and H3. These features are analogous to the integral membrane glycoprotein NSP4 encoded by group A rotavirus gene 10.

Tissue factor expression in an animal model of hydronephrosis

BACKGROUND

Hydronephrosis is associated with interstitial fibrosis and occlusion of renal capillaries by fibrin. However, the mechanisms leading to fibrin formation is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty days after unilateral ligation of the ureter, interstitial fibrosis occurred in the ligated kidney. Fibrosis was preceded by infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages, B and T lymphocytes). Staining with an antibody against von Willebrand factor demonstrated newly formed capillaries in the fibrosing tissue as well as prominent fibrin deposition. Fibrin staining was found around vessels, in the interstitium, the glomeruli, and tubuli. Fibrin deposition was less prominent in the non-ligated kidney and almost absent in sham-operated animals. The expression of tissue factor, the central initiator of coagulation, was induced within 5 days after ligation in the operated kidney but not in the sham-operated animals. Tissue factor positivity was observed by immunohistochemistry in vascular endothelial cells, the vessel wall, tubular epithelial cells, glomerular capsular cells, Bowman's space and in the interstitium. Tissue factor induction was due to increased transcription, since in-situ hybridization showed increased levels of mRNA in the ligated kidney compared to sham-operated rats. The tissue factor gene is under control of the transcription factors activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). When extracts of operated organs were compared with kidneys of sham-operated rats or contralateral kidneys in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, an increase in AP-1 and NF-kappa B binding activity to their respective binding sites in the tissue factor gene was observed in the operated, but not in the contralateral kidney or kidneys of sham-operated animals.

CONCLUSION

Ureteral ligation leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells, increased AP-1 and NF-kappa B expression in the kidney, resulting in increased tissue factor transcription and translation, and ultimately in increased fibrin deposition.

A novel natriuretic, hypotensive factor derived from the spleen

Previous experiments have shown that the reduction in plasma volume observed after administration of atrial natriuretic factor is abolished by splenectomy. In order to determine whether the spleen contains a factor that influences cardiorenal homeostasis, rat spleens were homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline, centrifuged, subjected to ultrafiltration (molecular weight cut-off 10,000), extracted on C18 affinity columns and dried. After reconstitution in isotonic saline, the extract was injected i.v. into conscious rats. In response to this extract, there was a dose-dependent diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis and chloruresis which plateaued during the second and third hours following administration. Solute-free water clearance was inversely related to urine output. Blood pressure fell significantly from 109 +/- 3 mm Hg to 103 +/- 3 mm Hg during the first 10 min. after injection of the extract, and tended to remain depressed thereafter. There was no accompanying increase in heart rate. We conclude that the mammalian spleen contains a natriuretic, hypotensive factor that may play a role in cardiorenal homeostasis.

Fluorescent conjugates of brefeldin A selectively stain the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex of living cells

The fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) interferes with vesicular trafficking in most animal cells. To gain insight into the mechanism of BFA action, we esterified it to the fluorophore, boron dipyromethene difluoride (BODIPY). BODIPY-BEA localized predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex of viable cells and was extracted by detergent treatment, suggesting it interacts primarily with lipid bilayers. The localization of the conjugate is conferred by BFA, since free BODIPY or BODIPY esterified to cyclopentanol did not specifically localize to internal membranes. BODIPY-BFA exhibited a similar biological activity to BFA, but only when used at higher concentrations and after a delay. HPLC analysis revealed that over this period, cells converted BODIPY-BFA to species co-eluting with free BODIPY and BFA. Therefore, BODIPY-BFA is probably inactive until BFA is released by cellular esterases. The specific localization of BODIPY-BFA to the ER and Golgi complex suggests that BFA might exert its effects on vesicular trafficking by perturbing the lipid bilayer of its target organelles. Because BODIPY-BFA intensely stains the ER at concentrations that have no discernible effects on intracellular transport or other cellular functions, it should be useful for visualizing the ER in living cells.