Desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors. agonist-induced phosphorylation of the chemoattractant receptor cAR1 lowers its intrinsic affinity for cAMP

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors has been shown to facilitate the desensitization processes, such as receptor internalization, decreased efficiency of coupling to G-proteins, or decreased ligand affinity. The lowered affinity may be an intrinsic property of the phosphorylated receptor or it may be the result of altered interactions between the modified receptor and downstream components such as G-proteins or arrestins. To address this issue, we purified cAR1, the major chemoattractant receptor of Dictyostelium discoideum by a strategy that is independent of the ligand binding capacity of the receptor. To our knowledge, this represents the first successful purification of a chemoattractant receptor. The hexyl-histidine-tagged receptor was solubilized from a highly enriched plasma membrane preparation and purified by Ni2+-chelating chromatography. The protocol offers a simple way to purify 100-500 micrograms of a G-protein coupled receptor that can be targeted to the plasma membrane of D. discoideum. The Kd value for the purified cAR1 was about 200 nM, consistent with that of receptors that are not coupled to G-proteins in intact cells. In contrast, the affinity of phosphorylated cAR1, purified from desensitized cells, was about three times lower. Treatment of the phosphorylated receptor with protein phosphatases caused dephosphorylation and parallel restoration of higher affinity. We propose that ligand-induced phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors causes a decrease in intrinsic affinity and may be useful in maintaining the receptor's sensitivity at high agonist levels. This affinity decrease may precede other processes such as receptor internalization or uncoupling from G-proteins.

[Changes of TF and TFPI activities in patients with hypertension or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease]

OBJECT

To investigate the changes of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI) activities in patients with hypertension or coronary atherosclerotic heart (CAH) disease.

METHODS

TF activity was measured by two-stage assay, and TFPI activity was detected according to Sandset's method.

RESULTS

Plasma TF activity in both patients with hypertension and patients with CAH disease was higher than that of normal control(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Hypercoagulative state may be involved in the pathogenetic processes of hypertension and CAH diseases. TF and TFPI activities have the likelihood to become the accessory diagnostic indexes for hypertension and CAH diseases.

[Diagnostic value of p53 protein examination in lung cancer through preoperative fibro-optic bronchoscope brushing and biospy]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of p53 protein in lung cancer and benign pulmonary diseases through preoperative fibro-optic bronchoscope brushing and biospy as an approach to early diagnosis of lung cancer and to explore correlation between the expression of the gene product and metastatic involvement of hilar or mediastial lymph nodes.

METHODS

Using a monoclonal antibody against p53, the expression of p53 protein was determined by immunocyto-histochemical techniques.

RESULTS

Positive staining of p53 protein of cells obtained form bronchoscopic brushing and biospy was 33.3% (12/36) and 47.2% (17/36) respectively in lung cancer patients. There was 61.1% (22/36) positive staining of cells harvested by brushing plus biospy in lung cancer. No correlation between p53 protein expression and cell differentiation, histologic type or pTNM staging. No p53 expression was observed in benign pulmonary diseases.

CONCLUSION

p53 protein expression in cells collected from bronchoscopic brushing and biopsy may be useful in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Signal transduction pathways mediating CCK-induced gallbladder muscle contraction

The signal transduction that mediates CCK-induced contraction of gallbladder muscle was investigated in the cat. Contraction was measured by scanning micrometry in single muscle cells isolated enzymatically with collagenase. Production of D-myo-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) was quantitated using HPLC and TLC, respectively. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was determined by measuring the phosphorylation of a specific substrate peptide from myelin basic protein, Ac-MBP-(4-14). CCK-induced contraction was blocked by incubation in strontium medium, pertussis toxin (PTx), and antibodies against Gialpha3 or betagamma-subunits but was not blocked by Ca2+-free medium or by antibodies against Gq/11alpha, Gialpha1-2, or Goalpha. The contraction induced by CCK was inhibited by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122, anti-PLC-beta3 antibody, and the IP3 receptor antagonist heparin but was not inhibited by the the phospholipase D inhibitor propranolol or antibodies against PLC-beta1 or PLC-beta2. Western blot analysis of gallbladder muscle revealed the presence of PLC-beta2 and PLC-beta3 but not PLC-beta1. CCK caused a 94% increase in IP3 generation and an 86% increase in DAG generation. A low dose of CCK caused PKC translocation, and CCK-induced contraction was blocked by the PKC inhibitor H-7. A high dose of CCK, however, caused no PKC translocation, and its contraction was blocked by the calmodulin antagonist CGS9343B. In conclusion, CCK contracts cat gallbladder muscle by stimulating PTx-sensitive Gi 3 protein coupled with PLC-beta3, producing IP3 and DAG. Low doses activate PKC, whereas high doses activate calmodulin.

Mechanism of gallbladder relaxation in the cat: role of norepinephrine

We investigated the mechanisms of neurally mediated relaxation of cat gallbladder muscle. Muscle strips from the gallbladder corpus placed in the muscle bath with oxygenated Krebs' solution developed spontaneous active tension. Tension was measured with isometric force transducers, and muscle relaxation was expressed as percent decrease of active basal tension. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) evoked a tetrodotoxin-sensitive and hexamethonium-insensitive frequency-dependent relaxation with a maximal relaxation at 20 Hz. Gallbladder muscle strips also relaxed in response to increasing concentrations of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), isoproterenol and, after pretreatment with phentolamine, norepinephrine. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors N omega-nitro-L-arginine and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester at a concentration of 100 microM, which blocked EFS-induced relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter, had no significant effect on EFS-induced gallbladder muscle relaxation. The VIP antagonists VIP10-28 and [4Cl-D-Phe6,Leu17]VIP at a concentration of 10 microM that blocked exogenous VIP-induced gallbladder relaxation also had no effect on the relaxation caused by EFS. In contrast, either propranolol or guanethidine at concentrations of > or = 1 microM significantly reduced EFS-evoked gallbladder relaxation (P < .01, analysis of variance). It is concluded that norepinephrine utilizing beta adrenergic receptors mediates EFS-stimulating postganglionic intramural neurons in the cat gallbladder.

Biodistribution of Photofrin II and 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX in normal rat bladder and bladder tumor models: implications for photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been considered as a potential therapy for superficial bladder carcinomas. Cutaneous photosensitivity and reduction of bladder capacity are the two well-known complications following systemic administration of the commonly used photosensitizer, Photofrin II (PII). The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether intravesical (i.b.) instillation of photosensitizers for PDT of bladder cancer might be a more suitable treatment method. Female Fischer rats were utilized to develop orthotopic and heterotopic bladder tumor models. Rats bearing orthotopic bladder tumors were treated either intravesically or intravenously with graded doses of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or PII. Normal rats received the same doses of ALA or PII. As well, rats bearing heterotopic tumor were studied for comparison. The biodistribution times (times allowed for tissue uptake and bioconversion following drug administration) were 2, 4 or 6 h. Porphyrin fluorescence intensities within tumor, urothelium, submucosa, bladder muscularis and abdominal muscle were quantitated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Following intravenous (i.v.) injection of ALA, tumor protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) levels peaked at 4 h and diminished by 6 h. The PpIX ratios of tumor-to-bladder mucosa, submucosa and muscle layers were 3:1, 5:1 and 8:1, respectively, 4 h following 1000 mg/kg ALA injection. After ALA instillation, the optimal biodistribution time appeared to be 4 h. Bladder instillation provided comparable tumor labeling with the i.v. route, but lost selectivity of PpIX accumulation between tumor and normal urothelium. The PpIX ratio of tumor-to-bladder muscularis was 5:1. After i.b. instillation of PII, porphyrin fluorescence was detected only within tumor and urothelium, while porphyrin fluorescence was mainly located in bladder submucosa following i.v. injection. Intravesical administration of ALA or PII might be feasible for PDT of superficial bladder cancers.

Atmospheric mercury deposition on Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China

Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve (FMNR) is surrounded with several Hg emission sources within distances of 100-200 km. At the two sites studied, Tongren and Danzai, Hg emission and deposition fluxes, Hg concentration in the air, soil and other samples are all several hundred times higher than at other relatively clean areas. Hg accumulation in soil and moss at FMNR varies with the sampling heights. Total Hg deposition to this area has been estimated to be 115 micrograms m-2 y-1 using moss bag technique. Dry deposition was determined to be about 5.2 micrograms m-2 month-1 during March to June, corresponding to more than 50% of the total deposition.

[Cloning and expression of subunit genes of pertussis toxin and its immunological evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

To clone the gene encoding pertussis toxin (PT) from Bordetella Pertussis CS strain and five genes encoding subunits of PT, to investigate the possibility of expressing the genes encoding for mature methionyl subunits of PT in insect cell and to evaluate the immunological characteristics of recombinant subunits.

METHODS

The genes encoding for PT and its subunits were cloned by PCR and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and Southern blot. Using recombinant baculovirus technology, the recombinant subunits were expressed in Sf9 insect cells and analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The immunological properties of recombinant subunits were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The genes encoding for PT and its subunits were cloned and expressed in Sf9 cells. The level of specific antibodies against nature PT induced by five recombinant subunits polymerized was higher than that unpolymerized and polymerized by four recombinant subunits (without S1) in mice. The results indicate that PT subunits had weak ability to induce specific antibodies against PT, and also anti-nature PT sera had poor recognition to PT subunits.

CONCLUSION

The ability of PT to induce specific antibody is conformation dependent of intact PT, and antibody induction domains are located dominantly in S1 subunit of intact PT.

Impaired G protein function in gallbladder muscle from progesterone-treated guinea pigs

This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of action of progesterone on gallbladder smooth muscle in guinea pigs. Adult male guinea pigs were treated with either progesterone (2 mg.kg-1.day-1) or saline for 7 days. Gallbladder muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. Contractile responses to agonists were expressed as percent shortening from control cell length. [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTP gamma S)-binding properties of G proteins were assessed in crude membranes of gallbladder muscle with or without cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) stimulation. Gallbladder muscle cells from progesterone-treated guinea pigs exhibited an impaired contractile response to CCK-8, GTP gamma S, or aluminum fluoride but a normal response to potassium chloride or D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate compared with controls. Western blot analysis of gallbladder muscle revealed the presence of Gi1-2, Gi3, Gq/11, and Gs proteins. The maximal contraction induced by CCK-8 was blocked by pertussis toxin and Gi alpha 3-specific antibodies, but not by Gi alpha 1-2 or Gq/11 alpha antibodies. CCK-8 caused a significant increase in [35S]GTP gamma S binding to Gi alpha 3, but not to Gq/11 alpha or Gi alpha 1-2. The stimulation of Gi alpha 3 binding, however, was significantly reduced in gallbladder muscle membranes from progesterone-treated guinea pigs compared with that in control animals. In conclusion, progesterone might cause gallbladder hypomotility by downregulating Gi3 proteins.

Platelet activation with unfractionated heparin at therapeutic concentrations and comparisons with a low-molecular-weight heparin and with a direct thrombin inhibitor

BACKGROUND

The growing use of heparin in acute thrombotic disorders, coupled with the availability of many new antithrombotic agents, emphasizes the need for adequate characterization of the platelet effects of the various anticoagulants. Controversial platelet effects have been reported with heparin (eg, enhanced platelet activation in vitro with high doses and no such effect in vivo at therapeutic doses). This study examined platelet receptor activation and platelet aggregation at therapeutic concentrations of unfractionated heparin (UFH), of enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, and of argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Platelet P-selectin (CD62) and activated GP IIb/IIIa (PAC-1) expression on platelet membrane was quantified in whole blood as well as platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma in 43 patients with unstable angina before and during treatment with UFH or enoxaparin. Studies were also carried out in blood of seven normal volunteers after addition ex vivo of UFH (0.25 U/mL), enoxaparin (0.25 U/mL), argatroban (1 ng/mL), and normal saline. UFH in patients with unstable angina increased the percentage of circulating platelets positive to PAC-1 from 2.7+/-1.7% to 4.4+/-3.4% (P<.05) and to CD62 from 1.6+/-0.9% to 2.7+/-1.5% (P<.01). Platelets were also hyperresponsive to stimulation with ADP and with the thrombin-receptor agonist peptide. Aggregation to ADP increased from 6.8+/-4.6% to 11.2+/-7.0% and to TRAP from 5.2+/-3.5% to 11.1+/-6.0% (P<.001). The addition of UFH to blood of normal volunteers resulted also in activation of GP IIb/IIIa receptors, expression of P-selectin, and enhanced platelet aggregation. Enoxaparin had only minor effects on platelet activation in vivo and ex vivo, and argatroban, evaluated ex vivo, had no detectable effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic concentrations of UFH are associated with platelet activation.

[Experimental study of skin expansion of the grafted free vascularized skin flap]

By using retro-auricular skin after skin expansion to reconstruct auricle, often-times, the retro-auricular skin could not be expanded because of certain reasons such as having burn scar. For this purpose, a new operative technique was designed. The experiment consisted of using 15 rabbits, on one side of the back, a free vascularized skin flap was obtained. Following the anastomosis of the vessels of the flap with that of the back the flap was sutured back in situ. Two weeks after the removal of the sutures, the grafted skin flap was expanded as usual. The routine skin expansion was carried out on the contralateral side as control. The volume of expansion, change of subcutaneous blood vessels, complications from operation, and histological observation were used to compare the results of skin expansion of the two sides. The result showed that there was no significant difference between the types of skin expansion. It was concluded the grafted free vascularized skin flap had no adverse effect on skin expansion.

Dynamic distribution of chemoattractant receptors in living cells during chemotaxis and persistent stimulation

While the localization of chemoattractant receptors on randomly oriented cells has been previously studied by immunohistochemistry, the instantaneous distribution of receptors on living cells undergoing directed migration has not been determined. To do this, we replaced cAR1, the primary cAMP receptor of Dictyostelium, with a cAR1-green fluorescence protein fusion construct. We found that this chimeric protein is functionally indistinguishable from wild-type cAR1. By time-lapse imaging of single cells, we observed that the receptors remained evenly distributed on the cell surface and all of its projections during chemotaxis involving turns and reversals of polarity directed by repositioning of a chemoattractant-filled micropipet. Thus, cell polarization cannot result from a gradient-induced asymmetric distribution of chemoattractant receptors. Some newly extended pseudopods at migration fronts showed a transient drop in fluorescence signals, suggesting that the flow of receptors into these zones may slightly lag behind the protrusion process. Challenge with a uniform increase in chemoattractant, sufficient to cause a dramatic decrease in the affinity of surface binding sites and cell desensitization, also did not significantly alter the distribution profile. Hence, the induced reduction in binding activity and cellular sensitivity cannot be due to receptor relocalization. The chimeric receptors were able to "cap" rapidly during treatment with Con A, suggesting that they are mobile in the plane of the cell membrane. This capping was not influenced by pretreatment with chemoattractant.

[Local administration of drug during tissue expansion]

In order to shorten the expansion time and reduce complications in tissue expansion, we developed a new method using local delivery of drug during tissue expansion. The procedure commenced with placing an implant syringe between the skin and the expander. While the skin was expanded, the drugs such as prednisolone and procaine were injected under the skin from the implant syringe. We have used the method in 23 cases and compared the results with the control group of 11 cases. It was found that the new method shortened the expansion time and reduced complications. The method had definite effect and the manipulation was simple and convenient. We conclude that the method is of value to assist tissue expansion and is worth employing routinely.

Shear stress induction of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is calcium-dependent but not calcium-activated

Arterial levels of shear stress (25 dynes/cm2) can elevate constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in cultured endothelial cells (Ranjan et al., 1995). By PhosphorImaging of Northern blots, we report that the eNOS/glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) messenger RNA (mRNA) ratio in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) increased by 4.8- and 7.95-fold after 6-hr shear stress exposure of 4 and 25 dynes/cm2, respectively. Incubation of BAEC with dexamethasone (1 microM) had no effect on shear stress induction of eNOS mRNA. Buffering of intracellular calcium in BAEC with bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, tetra(acetoxymethyl)-ester (BAPTA/AM) reduced shear stress induction of eNOS mRNA by 70%. Yet, stimulation of BAEC with ionomycin (0.1-1.0 microM) for 6-24 hr to elevate intracellular calcium had no effect on eNOS mRNA. These studies indicated that the shear stress induction of eNOS mRNA was a calcium-dependent, but not calcium-activated, process. Shear stress was a very potent and rapid inducer of the eNOS mRNA, which could not be mimicked with phorbol myristrate acetate or endotoxin. Inhibition of tyrosine kinases with genistein (10 microM) or tyrphostin B46 (10 microM) or inhibition of G-protein signaling with guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-betaS) (600 microM, 6-hr preincubation) did not block the shear stress elevation of eNOS mRNA.

Identification of detergent-resistant plasma membrane microdomains in dictyostelium: enrichment of signal transduction proteins

Unlike most other cellular proteins, the chemoattractant receptor, cAR1, of Dictyostelium is resistant to extraction by the zwitterionic detergent, CHAPS. We exploited this property to isolate a subcellular fraction highly enriched in cAR1 by flotation of CHAPS lysates of cells in sucrose density gradients. Immunogold electron microscopy studies revealed a homogeneous preparation of membrane bilayer sheets. This preparation, designated CHAPS-insoluble floating fraction (CHIEF), also contained a defined set of 20 other proteins and a single uncharged lipid. Cell surface biotinylation and preembedding immunoelectron microscopy both confirmed the plasma membrane origin of this preparation. The cell surface phosphodiesterase (PDE) and a downstream effector of cAR1, adenylate cyclase (ACA), were specifically localized in these structures, whereas the cell adhesion molecule gp80, most of the major cell surface membrane proteins, cytoskeletal components, the actin-binding integral membrane protein ponticulin, and G-protein alpha- and beta-subunits were absent. Overall, CHIFF represents about 3-5% of cell externally exposed membrane proteins. All of these results indicate that CHIFF is derived from specialized microdomains of the plasma membrane. The method of isolation is analogous to that of caveolae. However, we were unable to detect distinct caveolae-like structures on the cell surface associated with cAR1, which showed a diffuse staining profile. The discovery of CHIFF facilitates the purification of cAR1 and related signaling proteins and the biochemical characterization of receptor-mediated processes such as G-protein activation and desensitization. It also has important implications for the "fluid mosaic" model of the plasma membrane structures.

[Liquid chromatographic separation of pepsinogens]

In this work, we reported a method for the purification of pepsinogens from human gastric mucosa with high pressure gel filtration chromatography (HPLC) and medium pressure anion exchange chromatography (MPLC). First, the two fractions of Pg1 and mixture of PGI and PGII were separated from pepsinogens with HPLC on a Bio-Sil SEC-125 column within 50min. Then the mixture of fractions of PGI and PGII was further separated with MPLC on a Bio-Scale Q2 column within 30min.

Preclinical assessment of hypocrellin B and hypocrellin B derivatives as sensitizers for photodynamic therapy of cancer: progress update

Hypocrellins are perylenequinone pigments with substantial absorption in the red spectral region and high singlet oxygen yield. They are available in pure monomeric form and may be derivatized to optimize properties of red light absorption, tissue biodistribution and toxicity. In vitro screening of synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring compound, hypocrellin B (HB), for optimal properties of cyto-(dark) toxicity and phototoxicity resulted in selection of three compounds for preclinical evaluation: HBEA-R1 (ethanolaminated HB), HBBA-R2 (butylaminated HB) and HBDP-R1 [2-(N,N-dimethylamino)-propylamine-HB]. Extinction coefficients at 630 nm (epsilon 630) are 6230, 6190 and 4800, respectively; and 1O2 quantum yields, phi, 0.60, 0.32 and 0.42. Intracellular uptake is essentially complete within 2 h (HBEA-R1, HBBA-R2) and 20 h (HBDP-R1). Greatest uptake is associated with lysosomes and Golgi. The HBEA-R1 and HBBA-R2 elicit phototoxicity in vitro primarily via the type II mechanism, with some type I activity under stringently hypoxic conditions. Transcutaneous phototherapy with HBEA-R1 permanently ablates EMT6/Ed tumors growing in the flanks of Balb/c mice, with minimal cutaneous effects. The HBBA-R2 does not elicit mutagenic activity in strains TA98 and TA100 of Salmonella typhimurium. Further development of selected hypocrellin derivatives as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy is warranted.

Serum uric acid and its correlates in Chinese adult populations, urban and rural, of Beijing. The PRC-USA Collaborative Study in Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Epidemiology

BACKGROUND

Reports on serum uric acid (SUA) levels in Chinese populations are sparse, but there is evidence that hyperuricaemia and gout are not uncommon. This paper characterizes SUA levels, their correlates, and their relationship to blood pressure (BP) and prevalent high blood pressure (HBP) for urban and rural adult population samples in north China.

METHODS

In 1987-1988, a cross-sectional study was carried out, using standardized methods, on men and women aged 40.58 in a Beijing area urban steel mill (N = 2013) and on rural farms (1507). Main outcome measures were SUA, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), and prevalent HBP (SBP > or = 140 or DBP > or = 90 mmHg or receiving an antihypertensive drug).

RESULTS

Mean SUA levels for men were 5.75 mg/dl in urban and 5.58 mg/dl in rural settings; for women, 4.67 and 4.48 mg/dl. Mean values were higher with age in women, but not in men. Age-standardized prevalence rates of HBP were significantly higher in upper SUA strata (men > or = 7.00, women > or = 6.00 mg/dl) than lower SUA strata both with and without inclusion of those on antihypertensive drugs. Mean SUA levels were correspondingly higher in hypertensive than non-hypertensive people. In multiple regression analyses, body mass index and serum triglycerides were strongly associated with SUA. Also SBP, DBP, and HBP were generally associated with SUA for the whole population sample, with smaller coefficients after excluding those on antihypertensive drugs. However, in these multivariate analyses the strength of the association was low order.

CONCLUSION

In addition to its strong association with body mass index, SUA is independently related to serum lipids, particularly triglycerides, and to serum glucose. While some of the univariate relation of SUA to BP is apparently due to the strong relation of body mass to both SUA and BP, a low order significant relation between SUA and BP remains with control for BMI.

[Mineral medicinal material cinnabar in Hunan Province]

Presenting the distribution characteristics and formation types of the mineral medicinal material cinnabar in Hunan Province, this paper expounds in detail the mineralogical features of the material through chemical analysis, X ray diffraction analysis etc.

[Determination of urea in milk by enzyme coupled electrode method]

An Enzyme coupled electrode method for the determination of urea content in milk was studied systematically. The linear range of the method, the detection limit, recovery and relative standard deviation are 2.1-2.1 x 10(3) micrograms/ml, 2 micrograms/ml, 95.3%-101.0% and 1.5%-3.9%, respectively. The reliability of the method was confirmed by comparison with colorimetry (0.2 < P < 0.05). Using this method, we determined the content of urea in seven milk samples from Chengdu. The values range from 152.2-288.5 micrograms/ml and agree with those reported by other authors. This method is simple, rapid, accurate and inexpensive.