Saccharide-RNA recognition in an aminoglycoside antibiotic-RNA aptamer complex

BACKGROUND

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are known to target ribosomal, retroviral and catalytic RNAs with high affinity and specificity. Recently, in vitro selection experiments have identified RNA aptamers that bind to aminoglycoside antibiotics with nanomolar affinity and stringent specificity, allowing discrimination between closely related family members. There has, to date, been limited structural information on the molecular basis of such saccharide-RNA recognition.

RESULTS

We describe a solution-structure determination of the tobramycin-RNA aptamer complex, obtained using NMR and molecular dynamics. The structure gives insight into the molecular features associated with saccharide-RNA recognition. Tobramycin adopts a defined alignment and binds to the RNA major groove centered about a stem-loop junction site. A portion of the bound tobramycin is encapsulated between the floor of the major groove and a looped-out cytosine residue that forms a flap over the binding site in the complex.

CONCLUSIONS

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and their impact on human health continues to be a major concern in the medical community. Rational modification of existing antibiotics aimed at improving their efficacy requires a molecular view of their receptor-binding sites. We have provided such a molecular view for a member of the aminoglycoside antibiotic family that targets RNA.

The antifungal antibiotic, clotrimazole, inhibits Cl- secretion by polarized monolayers of human colonic epithelial cells

Clotrimazole (CLT) prevents dehydration of the human HbSS red cell through inhibition of Ca++-dependent (Gardos) K+ channels in vitro (1993. J. Clin Invest. 92:520-526.) and in patients (1996. J. Clin Invest. 97:1227-1234.). Basolateral membrane K+ channels of intestinal crypt epithelial cells also participate in secretagogue-stimulated Cl- secretion. We examined the ability of CLT to block intestinal Cl- secretion by inhibition of K+ transport. Cl- secretion was measured as short-circuit current (Isc) across monolayers of T84 cells. CLT reversibly inhibited Cl- secretory responses to both cAMP- and Ca2+-dependent agonists with IC50 values of approximately 5 microM. Onset of inhibition was more rapid when CLT was applied to the basolateral cell surface. Apical Cl- channel and basolateral NaK2Cl cotransporter activities were unaffected by CLT treatment as assessed by isotopic flux measurement. In contrast, CLT strongly inhibited basolateral 86Rb efflux. These data provide evidence that CLT reversibly inhibits Cl- secretion elicited by cAMP-, cGMP-, or Ca2+-dependent agonists in T84 cells. CLT acts distal to the generation of cAMP and Ca2+ signals, and appears to inhibit basolateral K+ channels directly. CLT and related drugs may serve as novel antidiarrheal agents in humans and animals.

Percutaneous transvenous intracardiac ultrasound imaging in dogs: a new approach to monitor left ventricular function

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and ability of percutaneous transvenous intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to image the left ventricle (LV) and monitor its function from the right ventricular (RV) cavity.

METHODS

A 10 MHz catheter was advanced into the RV from the jugular vein and positioned along the septum at the LV papillary muscle level in five dogs. The catheter was manipulated until a stable catheter position along the septum, which provided on-axis images of LV, was obtained. Different states of LV size and systolic function (n = 80) were created with dobutamine or esmolol, both in the presence and absence of coronary stenoses. LV stroke area (cm2) obtained by ICE was measured at the mid-ventricular level and compared with stroke volume (cm3) obtained simultaneously with a transaortic flow probe. LV end diastolic, end systolic, and stroke areas obtained by ICE were also compared with those obtained by short-axis epicardial echocardiography.

RESULTS

In 96% of the stages, short axis images of the LV could be obtained and measured by ICE. LV end diastolic, end systolic, and stroke areas measured by ICE were not significantly different from epicardial echocardiographic values. Stroke area correlated with stroke volume in each dog (mean correlation coefficient 0.79 (SEE 0.19) cm2) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous intracardiac ultrasound imaging allows monitoring of LV function from the RV with an accuracy comparable to a short-axis epicardial echocardiogram. The present device can be used in closed chest experimental studies. With the development of lower frequency devices, this technique may be valuable for continuous monitoring of LV function in patients in the intensive care unit or operating room.

Transcriptional regulation of alpha(1b) adrenergic receptors (alpha(1b)AR) by nuclear factor 1 (NF1): a decline in the concentration of NF1 correlates with the downregulation of alpha(1b)AR gene expression in regenerating liver

The 5' upstream region from --490 to --540 (footprint II) within the dominant P2 promoter of the rat alpha(1b) adrenergic receptor (alpha(1b)AR) gene is recognized by a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein (B. Gao, M. S. Spector, and G. Kunos, J. Biol. Chem. 270:5614-5619, 1995). This protein, detectable in Southwestern (DNA-protein) blots of crude nuclear extracts as 32- and 34-kDa bands, has been purified 6,000-fold from rat livers by DEAE-Sepharose, heparin-Sepharose, and DNA affinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and UV cross-linking of the purified protein indicated the same molecular mass as that in crude extracts. Methylation interference analysis revealed strong contact with a TTGGCT hexamer and weak contact with a TGGCGT hexamer in the 3' and 5' portions of footprint II, respectively. Nucleotide substitutions within these hexamers significantly reduced protein binding to footprint II and the promoter activity of P2 in Hep3B cells. The purified protein also bound to the nuclear factor 1 (NF1)/CTF consensus sequence, albeit with lower affinity. Gel mobility supershift and Western blotting (immunoblotting) analyses using an antibody against the NF1/CTF protein identified the purified 32- and 34-kDa polypeptides as NF1 or a related protein. Cotransfection into Hep3B cells or primary rat hepatocytes of cDNAs of the NF1-like proteins NF1/L, NF1/X, and NF1/Redl resulted in a three- to fivefold increase in transcription directed by wild-type P2 but not by the mutated P2. Partial hepatectomy markedly decreased the levels of NF1 in the remnant liver and its binding to P2, which paralleled declines in the rate of transcription of the alpha(1b)AR gene and in the steady-state levels of its mRNA. These observations indicate that NF1 activates transcription of the rat alpha(1b)AR gene via interacting with its P2 promoter and that a decline in the expression of NF1 is one of the mechanisms responsible for the reduced expression of the alpha(1b)AR gene during liver regeneration.

[The analysis of clinical dental crown of primary molar teeth]

For providing the anatomical data of primary molar teeth in China and using for the reference of clinical orthodontics, we measured and analysed the clinical crown of first and second primary molar teeth in 167 children of 4-6 years old finely. Each tooth was measured for 7 items with 9,228 in total. The heights of teeth crowns on buccal site were much taller than that on glossopalatal site except E. The mesial, distal and buccoglossal lenths were much longer on the enlarged part of crown than on the occlusive part. The mean values of symmetric teeth on both sites almost were of no difference. The mean values were not different in age groups (4.5 or 6 years old) either.

DNA elements and protein factors involved in the transcription of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor gene in rat liver. The negative regulatory role of C/EBP alpha

Primer extension and RNase protection analyses of the rat beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) gene identify two transcription start points at -64 and -220 nt, respectively. Transient transfections of putative promoter/pCAT constructs into DDT1 MF-2 cells indicate that fragments -36 to -100 (PI) and -186 to -312 (P2) are sufficient to promote transcription, whereas -911 to -1122 contains a negative regulatory element(s). RNase protection analysis of the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) indicates the presence of two transcripts with 3'-UTR of 111 and 604 nt exclusive of the poly(A+) tails. Northern blots of beta 2AR mRNA using full-length and partial cDNA probes indicate that a major 2.2 kb and a minor 1.6 kb species arise from the use of alternative promoters as well as different polyadenylation signals. DNase I footprinting and DNA mobility shift assays (DMSA) using rat liver nuclear extracts identify a number of transcription factors binding to sequence elements within or upstream from P1 and P2, including Spl, CRE, CPl, AP-2, NF-1, NF-kappa B, and C/EBP. Supershift assays using antibodies against C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta and mutational analyses indicate that the protein binding to the C/EBP consensus recognition site at -925 to -933 is C/EBP alpha. The activity of promoter/CAT constructs containing the C/EBP recognition site is significantly decreased by cotransfection of C/EBP alpha but not C/EBP alpha but not C/EBP beta into either DDT1 MF-2 cells or primary rat hepatocytes. Partial hepatectomy causes a transient decrease in C/EBP alpha, as measured by DMSA, and an increase in beta 2 AR mRNA levels and rate of transcription in the remnant liver. Thus, derepression via C/EBP alpha is likely involved in the up-regulation of beta 2AR in the regenerating rat liver.

A laboratory-based method to measure relative pesticide and spray oil efficacy against broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)(Acari: Tarsonemidae)

Six pesticides and two spray oils were tested against Polyphagotarsonemus latus. The chemicals were evaluated under laboratory conditions, requiring the development of a novel bioassay method, which is reported here. The pesticide toxicities fell into three distinct groups, namely abamectin, conventional pesticides and oils. The relative pesticide toxicities at the LC50 level were abamectin 4.9 x 10(-8) g ai 1(-1), endosulfan 1.1 x 10(-3) g ai 1(-1), fenpyroximate 2.3 x 10(-3) g ai 1(-1), pyridaben 4.1 x 10(-3) g ai 1(-1), tebufenpyrad 4.4 x 10(-3) g ai 1(-1), dicofol 4.5 x 10(-3) g ai 1(-1), petroleum spray oil 3.4 x 10(-1) g ai 1(-1) and canola oil 4.1 x 10-(1) g ai 1(-1). The calculation of the LC99.9 values allows for resistance monitoring in P. Latus and the suggested discriminating concentrations are abamectin 1.0 x 10(-4) g ai 1(-1); endosulfan, pyridaben and dicofol 1.0 x 10(-1) g ai 1(-1) fenpyroximate and tebufenpyrad 5.0 x 10(-1) g ai 1(-1).

Insights from three-dimensional echocardiographic laser stereolithography. Effect of leaflet funnel geometry on the coefficient of orifice contraction, pressure loss, and the Gorlin formula in mitral stenosis

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional echocardiography can allow us to address uniquely three-dimensional scientific questions, for example, the hypothesis that the impact of a stenotic valve depends not only on its limiting orifice area but also on its three-dimensional geometry proximal to the orifice. This can affect the coefficient of orifice contraction (Cc = effective/anatomic area), which is important because for a given flow rate and anatomic area, a lower Cc gives a higher velocity and pressure gradient, and Cc, routinely assumed constant in the Gorlin equation, may vary with valve shape (60% for a flat plate, 100% for a tube). To date, it has not been possible to study this with actual valve shapes in patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three-dimensional echocardiography reconstructed valve geometries typical of the spectrum in patients with mitral stenosis: mobile doming, intermediate conical, and relatively flat immobile valves. Each geometry was constructed with orifice areas of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 cm2 by stereolithography (computerized laser polymerization) (total, nine valves) and studied at physiological flow rates. Cc varied prominently with shape and was larger for the longer, tapered dome (more gradual flow convergence proximal and distal to the limiting orifice): for an anatomic orifice of 1.5 cm2, Cc increased from 0.73 (flat) to 0.87 (dome), and for an area of 0.5 cm2, from 0.62 to 0.75. For each shape, Cc increased with increasing orifice size relative to the proximal funnel (more tubelike). These variations translated into important differences of up to 40% in pressure gradient for the same anatomic area and flow rate (greatest for the flattest valves), with a corresponding variation in calculated Gorlin area (an effective area) relative to anatomic values.

CONCLUSIONS

The coefficient of contraction and the related net pressure loss are importantly affected by the variations in leaflet geometry seen in patients with mitral stenosis. Three-dimensional echocardiography and stereolithography, with the use of actual information from patients, can address such uniquely three-dimensional questions to provide insight into the relations between cardiac structure, pressure, and flows.

Inhibition of exocytotic noradrenaline release by presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors on peripheral sympathetic nerves

1. Activation of CB1 receptors by plant cannabinoids or the endogenous ligand, anandamide, causes hypotension via a sympathoinhibitory action in anaesthetized rats. In mouse isolated vas deferens, activation of CB1 receptors inhibits the electrically evoked twitch response. To determine if these effects are related to presynaptic inhibition of noradrenaline (NA) release, we examined the effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), anandamide and the CB1 antagonist, SR141716A, on exocytotic NA release in rat isolated atria and vasa deferentia. 2. In isolated atria and vasa deferentia preloaded with [3H]-NA, electrical field stimulation caused [3H]-NA release, which was abolished by tetrodotoxin 0.5 microM and concentration-dependently inhibited by delta 9-THC or anandamide, 0.3-10 microM. The inhibitory effect of delta 9-THC and anandamide was competitively antagonized by SR 141716A, 1-10 microM. 3. Tyramine, 1 microM, also induced [3H]-NA release, which was unaffected by tetrodotoxin, delta 9-THC or anandamide in either atria or vasa deferentia. 4. CB1 receptor mRNA is present in the superior cervical ganglion, as well as in whole brain, cerebellum, hypothalamus, spleen, and vas deferens and absent in medulla oblongata and atria, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. There was no evidence of the presence of CB1A receptor mRNA in ganglia, brain, or cerebellum. These results suggest that activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors located on peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals mediate sympathoinhibitory effects in vitro and in vivo.

Cataract free zone and primary health care approach to prevention of blindness in Shunyi county of Beijing

OBJECTIVE

To establish a three-level eye care network, together with a referral and monitor system for the prevention of blindness, with the aim of creating a cataract free zone.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Shunyi County with a population of 548364 was chosen as the target site. Our activities included (1) establishment of a County Guiding Committee for the prevention of blindness: (2) training local ophthalmologists and primary eye care personnel: (3) extensive publicity of knowledge for the prevention of blindness: (4) screening for blindness and low vision, (5) cataract surgery as the chief measure for creating a cataract free zone.

RESULTS

A referral and monitor system for cataract blindness was established in 1987. Seven local ophthalmologists, 449 primary eye care health workers and six optometrists were trained. 815 cataract-blind patients were identified. Up to December 1991, 667 patients (737 eyes), accounting for 81.84% of the total, were treated with cataract surgery, 90.64% of these eyes had their sight restored, and 59.66% patients resumed work. A cataract free zone has been created in Shunyi County.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevention of blindness with cataract surgery as the chief measure can dramatically decrease the prevalence of blindness in a relatively short period of time.

Quantitative assessment of stenotic aortic valve area by using intracardiac echocardiography: in vitro validation and initial in vivo illustration

Quantitative assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) is subject to the limitations of all current noninvasive and invasive methods. The ability to obtain a direct measure of aortic valve area with high resolution by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) could be of great benefit to catheterized patients. To provide a fixed AS area as an ideal standard for comparison, we performed ICE in 12 sheep hearts with experimentally created AS and five human AS hearts from autopsies. ICE catheters were passed retrograde across the aortic valve, and the minimal orifice area on pullback was planimetered and compared with calibrated video imaging. The entire orifice circumference could be successfully recorded in 16 (94%) hearts. Orifice area from ICE correlated well with actual values (r=0.98; standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.06 cm2). To illustrate the applicability in vivo, two canine models and 10 patients with AS were studied. The limiting orifice could be imaged in both animals and in 8 of 10 patients, in whom values agreed well with invasive data (r= 0.95; SEE = 0.04 cm2). ICE can therefore accurately measure AS orifice area in vitro; it can be applied in vivo as well. These validation studies laid the foundation for subsequent clinical studies and applications.

Improved exercise tolerance following enhanced external counterpulsation: cardiac or peripheral effect?

The effect of treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise hemodynamics and myocardial stress perfusion in 27 patients with chronic stable angina was studied. A majority (22/27 or 81%) of patients improved their exercise tolerance after EECP treatment, and a similar percentage (21/27 or 78%) of patients improved their radionuclide stress perfusion images. Post-EECP maximal exercise heart rate and blood pressure, while demonstrating a linear relation with exercise duration, did not increase significantly despite the increased exercise duration. This suggests that the increase in exercise duration after treatment with EECP is due to both improved myocardial perfusion and altered exercise hemodynamics. EECP therapy thus appears to exert a "training' effect, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and the heart rate response to exercise. Coronary disease patients may improve their exercise tolerance after EECP because of both improved myocardial perfusion and a decrease in cardiac work load.

[Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pulmonary inflammatory response and effects of TNF in immunocompromised host (ICH)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pulmonary inflammatory response and TNF-mediated effects in ICH.

METHODS

ICH models of guinea pigs were induced successfully by receiving daily intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide (15mg.kg-1.d-1) plus daily subcutaneous injection of cortisone acetate (100mg.kg-1.d-1) for a total of 7 consecutive days. On the day after the final dose of drugs, guinea pigs were challenged intratracheally with LPS (200 micrograms/animal) and were lavaged before and 1, 3, 5, 8, 24 hours after challenged, respectively.

RESULTS

Five hours after LPS challenged, total counts of bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) cells and the proportion of PMN increased significantly. Although the counts of both PAM and PMN increased, the proportion of PAM decreased gradually accompanied by increase of the proportion of PMNs. Hematoxylin eosin stained lung sections after challenged with LPS showed an acute intraalveolar inflammatory response. After intra-tracheal injection of LPS, the TNF level in BALF progressively increased. Both the TNF level and PMN count started to increase at 1 hour after LPS challenge, peaked at 5 hours. The TNF level in serum did not increase markedly after intratracheal injection of LPS. In the development of an inflammatory response, a large amount of TNF were released in BALF, the level of TNF in BALF was closely matched the influx of PMN.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggested that TNF was one of the cytokines which mediated influx of PMNs and inflammation. High level of TNF released in BALF of ICH could induce the lung injury. The systemic inflammatory response of ICH was involving immunosuppressed state after intratracheal injection of LPS, however, strong intraalveolar inflammatory response still occurred, which reflected the phenomenon of "compartmentalization" in inflammatory response.

Can angiographic findings predict which coronary patients will benefit from enhanced external counterpulsation?

Enhanced external counterpulsation is an effective treatment for chronic angina. Theoretical considerations predict greatest benefit in patients with at least 1 patent conduit in this group of 50 patients (all of whom improved clinically). Improvement in radionuclide stress perfusion imaging was seen in 80% of treated patients and was inversely related to extent of coronary disease.

Purification and properties of HuD, a neuronal RNA-binding protein

HuD is a human neuronal specific RNA-binding protein. In this study we have purified HuD and examined its RNA binding properties in detail. HuD binds to mRNAs that contain an AU-rich element with high affinity. In the case of the c-fos AU-rich element, HuD binds to a 27-nucleotide core element comprising AUUUA, AUUUUA, and AUUUUUA motifs. Mutation in any two of these motifs abrogates binding. HuD contains two tandem RNA recognition motifs (RRM), a basic domain, and a third RRM. Deletion analysis has shown that only the first and second RRMs are essential for RNA binding. Thus, these specific RNA binding properties support the idea that the HuD regulates gene expression at the posttranscriptional level.

Vicilin and Napin Storage-Protein Gene Promoters Are Responsive to Abscisic Acid in Developing Transgenic Tobacco Seed but Lose Sensitivity following Premature Desiccation

In transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seed, expression of chimeric [beta]-glucuronidase (GUS) genes containing the vicilin or napin storage-protein gene promoters is responsive to premature drying and declines upon rehydration (L. Jiang, W.L. Downing, C.L. Baszczynski, A.R. Kermode [1995] Plant Physiol 107: 1439-1449). Desiccation may cause changes in the content of or sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), partially or wholly removing the effects of this "modulator" of developmental gene expression. We studied the enhancement of GUS reporter enzyme activities in transgenic tobacco by exogenous ABA before and after drying. A racemic mixture of ABA at 10 [mu]M caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in GUS activity in developing transgenic seed expressing chimeric genes containing the vicilin or napin gene promoters. However, when these seeds were prematurely dried prior to their culture on ABA medium, enhancement of GUS activity was virtually abolished. Use of optically pure ABAs revealed that the enhancement in GUS activity in developing fresh seed was due largely to the natural (+) form of ABA. Chimeric constructs containing a viral 35S promoter did not respond to ABA whether or not premature drying was applied. Thus, vicilin and napin chimeric genes, initially sensitive to ABA, become relatively insensitive to the hormone following drying. A decline in ABA sensitivity may be an important factor in the cessation of storage-protein gene expression.

The cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of AE2 both contribute to regulation of anion exchange by pH

We have compared regulation by pH of AE1 (band 3)- and AE2-mediated 36Cl- uptake into Xenopus oocytes. 36Cl- influx was assayed at varying extracellular pH (pHo) values between 9.0 and 5.0 under conditions in which corresponding intracellular pH (pHi) values were at or near steady-state. Wild type (WT) AE1 displayed a broad convex pH versus activity curve, with peak activity at pHo 7.0 and 63% of maximal activity at pHo 5.0. In contrast, WT AE2 displayed a steep pH versus activity curve, with peak activity at pHo9.0 and full suppression at pHo 5.0. The structural basis of these differing pH sensitivities was examined by expression of cRNAs encoding chimeric and truncated proteins. Mutant polypeptides were expressed in oocytes and detected at the cell surface. The AE2cyto/AE1memb polypeptide displayed a broad pH versus activity curve similar to that of WT AE1. In contrast, the AE1cyto/AE2memb polypeptide displayed a steep pH versus activity curve, which was shifted toward acid pH values from that of WT AE2 by 0.69 +/- 0.04 pHo units. Moreover, whereas the pH versus activity curves of AE2 Delta99 and WT AE2 were indistinguishable, AE2 Delta510 exhibited a pH versus activity curve acid-shifted from that of WT AE2 by 0.66 +/- 0.13 pHo units (indistinguishable from that of AE1cyto/AE2memb). The data suggest that a pH sensor resides within the transmembrane region of AE2. The affinity for protons of this pH sensor is influenced by a modifier site located between residues 99 and 510 of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of AE2. Acidification of oocytes with acetate suggested that pHi accounted for some but not all of the measured pH dependence of AE2.

A binding site for chlorambucil on metallothionein

It is of interest to test the hypothesis that induced metallothionein (MT) acts in acquired drug resistance by covalent sequestration. In this study MT was incubated in vitro with chlorambucil (CHB) under conditions where only 1:1 covalent adducts were formed. The proteolytic products of these adducts were analyzed by HPLC and mass spectrometry to reveal two major sites of modification. These were the sulfur atoms of cysteines 33 and 48, which cochelate the same metal atom in native MT. The time course of the reaction was followed using on-line electrospray ionization with a double-focusing mass spectrometer. These experiments showed that drug-modified MT binds seven metal ions, as does the unmodified protein. Molecular docking experiments showed that the selectively of drug binding is influenced by the presence of the aziridinium ion in the drug structure and complementary charge densities in the protein structure.

Quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of left ventricular volume with complete borders detected by acoustic quantification underestimates volume

Recently a new acoustic-quantification (AQ) technique has been developed to provide on-line automated border detection with an integrated backscatter analysis. Prior studies have largely correlated AQ areas with volumes without direct comparison of volumes for agreement. By using complete AQ-detected borders as the input to a validated method for three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) reconstruction, we can compare an entire cavity volume measured with the aid of AQ against a directly measured volume. This would also explore the possibility of applying AQ to 3DE reconstruction to reduce tracing time and enhance routine applicability. To compare reconstructed volumes with actual values in a stable standard allowing direct volume measurement, the left ventricles of 13 excised animal hearts were studied with a 3DE system that automatically combines two-dimensional (2D) images and their locations. Intersecting 2D views were obtained with conventional scanning and AQ imaging, with gains optimized to permit 3D reconstruction by detecting the most continuous AQ borders for each view, with maximal cavity size. Reconstruction was performed with manually traced central endocardial reflections and AQ-detected borders visually reproduced the left ventricular shapes; the AQ reconstructions, however, were consistently smaller. The reconstructed left ventricular (LV) volumes correlated well with actual values by both manual and AQ techniques (r = 0.93 and 0.88, with standard errors of 2.3 cc and 2.0 cc, p = not significant [NS]). Agreement with actual values was relatively close for the manually traced borders (y = 0.93x + 0.68, mean difference = -0.8 +/-2.2 cc). AQ-derived reconstructions consistently underestimated LV volume by 39 +/- 10% (y = 0.62x-0.09, mean difference = -7.8 +/- 3.0 cc, different from manually traced and actual volumes by analysis of variance [ANOVA], F = 69, p<0.00001). The AQ-detected threshold signal was displaced into the cavity, and volume between walls and false tendons was excluded, leading to underestimation, which increased with increasing cavity volume (r = 0.76). The AQ technique can therefore be applied to 3DE reconstruction, providing volumes that correlate well with directly measured values in a stable in vitro standard, minimizing observer decisions regarding manual border placement after image acquisition. However, when the complete borders needed for 3D reconstruction are used, absolute volumes are underestimated with current algorithms that integrate backscatter and displace the detected threshold into the ventricular cavity.

Thiophosphate induces apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines

Thiophosphate induced apoptosis in human HL-60 cells. HL-60 cell proliferation was inhibited with an IC50 of about 60 microM. Typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by phase contrast microscopy and DNA laddering was observed after agarose gel electrophoresis. Thiophosphate-induced DNA fragmentation was time and concentration-dependent. After exposure to thiophosphate (100 microM) apoptosis occurred as early as 4 h after treatment and 90% of cells were apoptotic by 24 h. dbcAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells as well as undifferentiated HL-60 cells were susceptible. Thiophosphate was also effective in inducing apoptosis in other leukemia cell lines including CEM and K562 and a lymphoma cell line, Raji.

Breath isoprene: temporal changes in respiratory output after exposure to ozone

Isoprene is a major hydrocarbon found in human breath. This study was conducted to evaluate whether respiratory isoprene output could serve as a monitor for ozone exposure. Healthy young adult subjects (n = 10) underwent chamber exposure on separate days to filtered air and to a variable concentration of ozone. Exposures had durations of 130 min that included alternate periods of rest and light treadmill exercise; breath was sampled pre- and postexposure. For six subjects, breath was resampled 19 +/- 1 h postexposure. Breath samples were concentrated cryogenically and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. Isoprene output immediately postexposure was significantly reduced by ozone or filtered air (17 and 19%, respectively). These results suggest that exercise alone reduces isoprene levels in breath without an additive ozone effect. However, in the six subjects restudied 19 +/- 1 h postexposure to ozone, breath isoprene concentrations were now increased above the preexposure output by 99% (P < 0.01) and exceeded the 51% increase in output of isoprene at this time point after filtered-air exposure (P < 0.01). Therefore, breath isoprene is proposed as a noninvasive marker of a physiological response to oxidant-induced injury to epithelial membranes and fluid linings of the lower respiratory tract by ozone.

Intracardiac echocardiography: in vitro and in vivo validation for right ventricular volume and function

To determine the feasibility and accuracy of intracardiac ultrasonography (ICUS) for the measurement of right ventricular (RV) volumes and function, a 10 MHz ICUS catheter was used in an in vitro and in vivo model. In the in vitro study, 16 sheep hearts were imaged. Sequential cross-sectional images from RV apex to base were recorded during a calibrated pullback. Volumes were calculated by applying Simpson's algorithm. ICUS-obtained volumes correlated well with actual volumes (standard error of estimate [SEE] = 2.3 ml, r = 0.98). For the in vivo study, a beating-heart canine model was used (31 hemodynamic stages in six dogs). Actual volumes were measured by an intracavitary balloon connected to an external column. Sequential cross-sectional images were recorded during the ICUS catheter pullback from apex to base of the RV, and volumes calculated by Simpson's algorithm. Good correlations were observed between ICUS and actual values for diastolic (SEE = 4.1 ml, r = 0.97), systolic (SEE = 3.4 ml, r = 0.96), and ejection fraction (SEE = 3.1%, r = 0.87) values. This new technique can accurately quantitate RV volumes, can function both in vitro and in vivo, and has the potential for increasing applications to questions of clinical and research interest.

ATP-induced beta-glucuronidase release from undifferentiated HL-60 cells is dependent on Ca2+ ions

Extracellular ATP (0.1-100 microM) evoked a biphasic increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2 loaded undifferentiated HL-60 cells and activated the release of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase. The EC50 for the elevation of [Ca2+]i was about 0.2 microM. However, the EC50 for the activation of beta-glucuronidase release was two orders of magnitude higher (about 20 microM). These data imply that the ATP-induced elevation in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient to provoke beta-glucuronidase release. The role of [Ca2+]i in ATP-induced beta-glucuronidase release was further investigated using Ca(2+)-free solutions and by loading HL-60 cells with the non-fluorescent Ca(2+)-chelator BAPTA-AM. Ca2+ ions from both intracellular and extracellular sources were necessary for the activation of beta-glucuronidase secretion by extracellular ATP. However, the internal store is the major source of Ca2+ ions for the response.

Design and performance of a high resolution electrospray ion source for a magnetic sector mass spectrometer with a heated capillary inlet

The design and performance of an electrospray ion source for a high resolution magnetic sector mass spectrometer that utilizes a heated capillary has been presented. Low pressure, high sensitivity, stable electrospray, low flow rates, and low electronic noise were important factors in achieving high resolution electrospray mass spectrometry. A unit mass resolution has been achieved for biomolecules with MW > 12,000, and an accuracy of 1.4 ppm has been achieved for the average molecular weight of bovine insulin.

[Palatoplasty of speech disorders and acoustical characteristics]

Some cleft palate patients suffer from disorders of articulation despite early surgical repair of the cleft and improvement in velopharyngeal function. Some of these articulation disorders involve abnormal palatolingual contact. Fifty-one subjects were investigated acoustically as well as management ranged from 8 years to 36 years with a mean age of 20 years and 1 month. Their speech disorders were analyzed and classified into the follows: Chinese glottal stop, pharyngeal stop, pharyngeal fricative, nasality, palatal articulation and lateral articulation. There were more than two kinds of disorder speech in one case.

Sequence of the 5' regulatory domain of the gene encoding the rat beta 2-adrenergic receptor

Restriction mapping and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the rat beta 2 adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) revealed an error affecting most of the 5'-flanking domain, located between -192 and -2245 bp in the only published sequence of this gene [Buckland et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 18 (1990) 682]. The correct sequence lacks a TATA box, contains 67% G + C residues in the first 500 nucleotides upstream from the start codon, and contains putative glucocorticoid, thyroid hormone and cAMP-response elements.

[The adsorption mechanism of Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ onto activated carbon particles]

The adsorption of Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Co2+ on activated carbon particles was studied as a function of pH and concentrations of adsorbates. These results showed that the adsorption was strongly pH-dependent and all the adsorption isotherms were in agreement with Freundlich equation. The adsorption could be explained by the surface complexation model. Conditional adsorption constants of surface complexes of Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ with activated carbon particles were calculated by a simplified surface complexation model.

Intracardiac ultrasonographic assessment of atrial septal defect area: in vitro validation and technical considerations

Assessment of atrial septal defect (ASD) size and shape is important for planning and guiding its transcatheter occlusion and can potentially be achieved by intracardiac ultrasonography (ICUS). ICUS accuracy, however, must first be established against stable standards and technical imaging requirements defined. We therefore used 10, 20, and 30 MHz ICUS catheters to examine 17 ASDs that were 0.16 to 6.7 cm2 in area and were surgically created in excised ovine hearts with 10, 20, and 30 MHz ICUS catheters. ASD shape and area by ICUS were compared with direct video images of the actual ASD. In all instances minimal area by ICUS pullback agreed well with actual values (y = 1.04x + 0.2, SEE = 0.23 cm2, r = 0.99) and corresponded well with defect shapes. The maximum angle between ultrasonography beam and septal plane allowing for complete ASD visualization was 20 degrees. The angle depended on transducer frequency and septal thickness. This new technique has potential value for the accurate assessment of ASD shape and size and may be especially useful in the setting of transcatheter occlusion.

pHi and serum regulate AE2-mediated ClŐ/HCOŐ3, exchange in CHOP cells of defined transient transfection status

Page C855: L. Jiang, A. Stuart-Tilley, J. Parkash, and S. L. Alper. “pHi and serum regulate AE2-mediated Cl-/HCO-3, exchange in CHOP cells of defined transient transfection status.” The acknowledgment section omitted our thanks to Genetics Institute and Dana Dubois for subsidizing the additional cost of publication in color.

Arachidonate and other fatty acids mobilize Ca2+ ions and stimulate beta-glucuronidase release in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion from undifferentiated HL-60 cells

Arachidonate (1-300 microM) mobilized Ca2+ ions from an intracellular store and stimulated the entry of Ca2+ ions from the extracellular fluid in undifferentiated HL-60 cells that had been loaded with Fura-2. The integrated response was biphasic in form: arachidonate liberated Ca2+ ions from the intracellular store first, resulting in a transient increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Ca2+ entry from the extracellular fluid was not evident for a further 1-2 min. At baseline, [Ca2+]i was 48.1 +/- 14.0 nM (SEM, n = 5). Upon addition of arachidonate (100 microM), [Ca2+]i rose to a transient peak level of 217 +/- 38.6 nM (SEM, n = 5) and a later plateau level of 427 +/- 118 nM (SEM, n = 5). Removal of added Ca2+ ions from the extracellular fluid in the presence of EGTA (1.0 mM) had no effect on the initial transient response but abolished the second phase of the response. In HL-60 cells that had been loaded with BAPTA/AM, the initial transient phase of the response was abolished but the elevation in [Ca2+]i due to Ca2+ entry from the extracellular fluid was unaffected. Undifferentiated HL-60 cells also responded to arachidonate (100 microM) with an increase in the release of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase. Arachidonate-induced beta-glucuronidase release from BAPTA-loaded cells or in control cells exposed to Ca(2+)-free solutions was inhibited by about 50%. In BAPTA-loaded cells that were incubated with Ca(2+)-free solutions, arachidonate-induced beta-glucuronidase release was inhibited by about 90%. Leukotriene B4 failed to elevate [Ca2+]i in the concentration range 0.01-1 microM and failed to activate beta-glucuronidase release in concentrations up to 10 microM. Furthermore, the cyclo-oxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitor ETYA (100 microM) was without effect on secretion. Consistent with this finding, we found that a large number of unsaturated fatty acids could reproduce the effect of arachidonate on [Ca2+]i and beta-glucuronidase release. Fatty acids belonging to the omega-3, omega-6 and omega-7 unsaturated fatty acid families were effective in elevating [Ca2+]i and stimulating beta-glucuronidase release. However, three unsaturated fatty acids, all belonging to the omega-9 fatty acid family, were ineffective.

The 5[prime] Flanking Regions of Vicilin and Napin Storage Protein Genes Are Down-Regulated by Desiccation in Transgenic Tobacco

Drying of seeds, when imposed prematurely, elicits a switch in metabolism; events unique to development, such as synthesis of storage protein, are terminated, whereas syntheses associated with germination and growth are initiated. To determine the role of desiccation in down-regulating the expression of genes for storage proteins, the desiccation responsiveness of the 5[prime] and 3[prime] regulatory regions of the genes encoding the pea storage protein vicilin and the Brassica napus storage protein napin was tested in transgenic tobacco seed. Chimeric genes were introduced into tobacco; these genes consisted of the coding region of the reporter gene for [beta]-glucuronidase (GUS) and 5[prime] and/or 3[prime] regions from the vicilin or napin genes or, as controls, the same regions derived from constitutively expressed genes, presumed to be desiccation insensitive. In transgenic seed expressing the gene constructs containing the vicilin or napin promoters, GUS activities declined during late seed development, and more dramatically, after imbibition of mature dry seed or prematurely dried seed. In contrast, GUS activities increased after seed rehydration when the constitutive viral promoter replaced the storage-protein gene 5[prime] region. Transient expression assays support the hypothesis that premature drying down-regulates the expression of the storage-protein gene promoter. Following desiccation, this region may become insensitive to positive controlling factors; alternatively, changes to trans-acting factors may occur.

pHiand serum regulate AE2-mediated Cl-/HCO3-, exchange in CHOP cells of defined transient transfection status

Page C855: L. Jiang, A. Stuart-Tilley, J. Parkash, and S. L. Alper. “pHi and serum regulate AE2-mediated Cl-/HCO3-, exchange in CHOP cells of defined transient transfection status.” The acknowledgment section omitted our thanks to Genetics Institute and Dana Dubois for subsidizing the additional cost of publication in color.

Review: Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors for ATP and UTP

Extracellular nucleotides are potent Ca2+ mobilizing agents. A variety of receptors for extracellular ATP are recognised. Some are involved in fast neuronal transmission and operate as ligand-gated ion channels. Others are involved in the paracrine or autocrine modulation of cell function. Many receptors of this type are coupled to phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C and, in some cases, other phospholipases. One of these receptors (P2z), however, also appears to operate, at least in part, as a ligand-gated ion channel. Pharmacological data suggest that one nucleotide receptor subtype (currently designated P2U) responds selectively to either a purine nucleotide, ATP, or a pyrimidine nucleotide, UTP. According to an alternative view, ATP and UTP recognise distinct receptors. Because of the diversity of receptors for extracellular nucleotides this may be the case in some cells. Nevertheless, a G-protein coupled receptor that confers both ATP and UTP sensitivity has been cloned, expressed in cultured cell lines and sequenced. This receptor appears to have two ligand binding domains that may partially overlap. The nature of this overlap is discussed and a simple model presented. Activation of the receptor protein via one or other ligand binding domain may underlie some of the more subtle differences between the effects of ATP and UTP.

Quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of aneurysmal left ventricles. In vitro and in vivo validation

BACKGROUND

Current two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) volume are most limited by aneurysmal distortion, which restricts application of simple geometric models that assume symmetrical shape. 2D methods also fail to provide separate volumes of the aneurysm and nonaneurysmal residual LV cavity, which could help assess the stroke volume wasted by dyskinesis and the potential residual LV body to guide surgical approaches and predict their outcome. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic reconstruction has potential advantages for assessing aneurysmal left ventricles because it is not dependent on geometric assumptions, does not require standardized views that may exclude portions of the aneurysm, and can potentially measure separate aneurysm and nonaneurysm cavity volumes of any shape. The purpose of this study was first, to validate the accuracy of 3D echocardiographic reconstruction for quantifying total LV and separate LV body and aneurysm volumes in vitro so as to provide direct standards for the separate volumes; and second, to determine the feasibility and accuracy of 3D echocardiographic reconstruction for quantifying the total volume and function of aneurysmal left ventricles in an animal model, providing a reference standard for instantaneous LV volume.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A recently developed 3D system that automatically combines 2D images and their locations was applied (1) to reconstruct 10 aneurysmal ventricular phantoms and 12 gel-filled autopsied human hearts with aneurysms, comparing cavity volumes (total and aneurysm) to those measured by fluid displacement; and (2) to reconstruct the left ventricle during 19 hemodynamic stages in four dogs with surgically created LV aneurysms, comparing total volumes with actual instantaneous values measured by an intracavitary balloon attached to an external column for validation and also calculating the stroke volume wasted by aneurysmal dyskinesis. 3D reconstruction reproduced the distorted aneurysmal LV shapes. In vitro, calculated volumes (aneurysm, nonaneurysm, and total) agreed well with actual values, with correlation coefficients of .99 and SEEs of 3.2 to 6.1 cm3 for phantoms and 3.4 to 4.2 cm3 for autopsied hearts (mean error, < 4% for both). In vivo, LV end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes as well as ejection fraction calculated by 3D echocardiography correlated well with actual values (r = .99, .99, .95, and .99, respectively) and agreed closely with them (SEE = 4.3 cm3, 3.5 cm3, 1.7 cm3, and 2%, respectively). The stroke volumes wasted by the aneurysm were -20.1 +/- 19.3% of LV body (nonaneurysm) stroke volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite distorted ventricular shapes, a recently developed 3D echocardiographic system and surfacing algorithm can accurately reconstruct aneurysmal left ventricles and quantify total LV volume (validated in vivo and in vitro) as well as the separate volumes of the aneurysm and residual LV body (validated in vitro). This should improve our ability to evaluate such ventricles and guide surgical approaches.

Hypertonic activation of AE2 anion exchanger in Xenopus oocytes via NHE-mediated intracellular alkalinization

Xenopus oocytes express endogenous Na+/H+ exchange activity but lack significant endogenous Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity. Coupled operation of Na+/H+ exchange and Cl-/HCO3- exchange contributes in many cell types to the cellular response to hypertonic stress. We therefore examined in Xenopus oocytes the osmotic regulation of chloride transport mediated by recombinant anion exchanger proteins AE2 and AE1. Hypotonicity was without effect on either anion transporter. Hypertonicity activated AE2-associated 36Cl- influx and efflux in a time- and osmolarity-dependent manner, whether incremental osmoles were charged or uncharged, but had no measurable effect on AE1 function. Hypertonic stimulation of AE2 was completely inhibited by Na+ removal or by addition of amiloride. In contrast, neither maneuver altered isotonic activity of AE2. Hypertonicity also induced amiloride-sensitive elevation of oocyte intracellular pH (pHi), and shifted the sigmoidal relationship of extracellular pH vs. AE2 activity > or = 0.5 units to the acid. Injection of pH 7.4 buffer into oocytes attenuated both hypertonic alkalinization and activation of AE2-associated 36Cl- influx, without inhibition of isotonic AE2 function. These data demonstrate that recombinant AE2 expressed in Xenopus oocytes is activated by increased pHi and that hypertonic activation of AE2 is secondary to hypertonic activation of Na+/H+ exchange.

Breath ethane generation during clinical total body irradiation as a marker of oxygen-free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation: a case study

Total body irradiation (TBI) is used therapeutically for treatment of leukemias and other malignancies of the hemopoietic system. Ionizing radiation produces oxygen free radicals that contribute to cytotoxicity. Breath collected from one patient undergoing therapeutic TBI showed measurable changes in levels of ethane during treatment. Breath ethane is a marker of lipid peroxidation of n-3 fatty acids. The TBI treatment involved 4 days of irradiation. The largest changes in breath ethane occurred on Day 2. The increased levels of breath ethane on Day 2 were correlated to clinical manifestations of toxicity. The correlation of the onset of gastrointestinal side effects with higher levels of breath ethane suggests that breath ethane may be a clinically useful measure of the toxicity of various TBI fractionation treatment protocols currently in use at different medical centers. The levels of breath ethane on the other days of treatment were lower, suggesting that the oxidative-antioxidative balance of the patient may be important in protection against free radical mediated injury. These results for a single patient suggest that breath ethane may be a promising approach to elucidate the role of antioxidants in clinical TBI and should be extended for verification to a larger volunteer patient population.

Functional characterization and regulation by pH of murine AE2 anion exchanger expressed in Xenopus oocytes

cRNA encoding the murine band 3-related protein AE2 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes. AE2-mediated transport function and regulation were analyzed by unidirectional 36Cl- influx and efflux studies. AE2 cRNA-injected oocytes took up 36Cl- as much as 40-fold faster than did water-injected oocytes. AE2-mediated 36Cl- uptake increased as a function of increasing uptake time, number of days after cRNA injection, and amount of injected cRNA. Among the functional properties of AE2 evaluated were transport mechanism and substrate specificity, inhibitor pharmacology, and regulation by pH. The apparent Km for external Cl- was 5.6 mM. AE2 was defined as a Cl-/anion exchanger by two criteria: 1) 36Cl- efflux from AE2-expressing oocytes was maximally stimulated by extracellular Cl- or nitrate; AE2-associated 36Cl- efflux was supported by substitution of extracellular Cl- with other anions in the rank order bromide > isethionate > or = gluconate > iodide and 2) prolonged preincubation of AE2 cRNA-injected oocytes in Cl(-)-free media containing isethionate, gluconate, or glutamate decreased subsequent AE2-associated 36Cl- uptake from Cl- media in rough proportion to the degree of intracellular Cl- depletion, whereas preincubation in nitrate medium had no effect. AE2-associated 36Cl- uptake was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid at half-maximally inhibitory concentrations between 0.5 and 19 microM, depending on extracellular Cl- concentration, and progressed to irreversibility at 20 degrees C with a half-time of 20-30 min. Many additional inhibitors showed lower potency for AE2 than previously reported for AE1. Although AE2 expression did not change oocyte resting intracellular pH, AE2-associated 36Cl- influx and efflux were each decreased in acid incubation medium and increased in alkaline medium.

pHi and serum regulate AE2-mediated Cl-/HCO3- exchange in CHOP cells of defined transient transfection status

Anion exchanger (AE) protein-mediated anion exchange contributes to regulation of intracellular pH (pHi), Cl- concentration, and volume in vertebrate cells. We have extended the functional characterization of recombinant AE2-mediated Cl-/HCO3- exchange in single Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the polyoma large T antigen (CHOP cells) of defined transient transfection status using a novel surface marker coexpression vector. Marker expression and detection had minimal effect on the low endogenous Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity of CHOP cells, whereas coexpression of marker with AE2 elevated CHOP cell Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity 16-fold. Between pHi of 7.3 and 7.8, AE2-mediated flux of proton equivalents was activated > 11-fold by increasingly alkaline pHi without reaching saturation. This activation may be secondary to allosteric effects of pHi on AE2, in parallel with the obligatory increase in substrate intracellular HCO3- concentration. Nominal removal of CO2/HCO3- reduced AE2 activity by 90%. Addition of 10% calf serum slowly activated AE2 activity severalfold. This activation was slowly reversed after serum removal. Surface marker coexpression vectors improve both the efficiency and reliability of studies of recombinant protein function for a wide range of single cell assays in many cell types.

Intracardiac ultrasound measurement of volumes and ejection fraction in normal, infarcted, and aneurysmal left ventricles using a 10-MHz ultrasound catheter

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to examine the accuracy of intracardiac ultrasound (ICUS) measurement of left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) using a 10-MHz ultrasound catheter. ICUS can image the LV in cross sections at all levels along the long axis with a transducer mounted on the tip of a catheter. Sequential serial LV cross-sectional images can be obtained during cardiac catheterization and used to calculate LV volumes by Simpson's rule. This technique may be an alternative to contrast LV angiography.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A beating-heart in vivo model was created to measure LV volume directly and continuously with an intracavity high-compliance latex balloon connected to a calibrated extracardiac reservoir in eight dogs in 35 experimental stages. A 10F ICUS catheter with a 10-MHz single-element transducer was introduced retrogradely via the aortic valve to the apex. Series of sequential LV cross-sectional images were recorded from the apex to the base during a calibrated pullback of the catheter. At each 5-mm interval, the LV cross section was traced at end diastole and end systole. LV volume was calculated by Simpson's rule by integrating all segmental areas multiplied by segmental height. The effect on accuracy of selecting 5-, 10-, or 15-mm heights or a single section at the midventricular level for measurement was assessed. The influence of distorted ventricular shape on the accuracy of ICUS measurements of LV volume was evaluated. This method was applied in 19 experimental stages in 10 intact dogs and pigs catheterized via the femoral artery. In the in vivo canine model, LV end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and EF determined by ICUS using 5-, 10-, or 15-mm segments were not different from the actual measurements. But correlation and agreement between ICUS end-diastolic volume and direct measurements for 5- and 10-mm segments were significantly better than for 15-mm segments or a single section. Similar excellent correlations and agreement were observed for actual and ICUS-derived end-systolic volumes using 5-, 10-, or 15-mm segments. The ICUS-derived EF correlated very well with actual EF with a small measurement error of 3.91 +/- 2.59% for 5-mm or 4.13 +/- 2.79% for 10-mm segments but a significantly greater measurement error for 15-mm segments (5.35 +/- 3.76%) or single sections (14.8 +/- 12.2%). The presence of LV infarction or aneurysm did not significantly influence the accuracy of ICUS calculations for segmental heights < or = 10 mm. Application in intact animals demonstrated a good correlation between stroke volume measured by ICUS and by thermodilution or flowmeter. ICUS-derived LV volumes correlated well with biplane angiographic volumes, with a tendency toward underestimation. There was no significant difference between ICUS-determined LV EF and EF determined by angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracardiac echocardiography accurately measures LV volumes and global systolic function in both regularly shaped and distorted left ventricles. This technique directly and continuously visualizes circumferential LV endocardium and wall thickness without contrast agents or geometric assumptions for calculation of LV volume. Thus, it should be particularly useful in patients at high risk for contrast-related complications or distorted LV shapes in which geometric assumptions may not be valid.

Kinetics of uptake, transport, and accumulation of liposome-associated fluorescent dolichol esters in human fibroblasts

The anthroyl and n-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino (NBD) hexanoyl esters of dolichol were synthesized and incorporated into phospholipid liposomes. Fluorescence spectrometric methods were used to estimate the kinetics and dynamics of the incorporation and turnover of these esters in normal human fibroblasts. For anthroyl dolichol a saturable uptake of 2.5 x 10(3) pmol/10(6) fibroblasts was obtained. Half-maximum uptake was seen at a labeling concentration of 19 microM. The time required for half-maximum uptake of fluorescence (t1/2) was about 10 h. Over 50% of the anthroyl dolichol taken up remained in fibroblasts 24 h after the labeling medium was removed. Uptake was higher for esters of 9 isoprenes than for those with 16-21. Dolichol labeled with the NBD fluorophore appeared to enter fibroblasts in higher concentration than the same dolichol labeled with anthracene. Uptake was not influenced by the presence of agents that disrupt lysosome function (leupeptin and chloroquine) prior to or during fluorescence labeling. The amount of fluorescent dolichol in the (i) lysosomes and endosomes and (ii) nuclei of labeled fibroblasts was determined after Percoll density gradient centrifugation and cell lysis in culture, respectively. Most of the fluorescent dolichyl ester (and most of the free alcohol form) taken up by fibroblasts was recovered in lysosomes.

Quantification of pericardial effusions by three-dimensional echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of three-dimensional echocardiography for the quantification of asymmetric pericardial effusion volume and to compare this new technique with two-dimensional echocardiography.

BACKGROUND

Quantification of pericardial effusion by two-dimensional echocardiography relies on a symmetric distribution of the fluid. Three-dimensional echocardiography can quantitate volume without these limitations, but its accuracy for pericardial effusion volume has not yet been assessed.

METHODS

In six open chest dogs, 41 different asymmetrically distributed pericardial effusions of known volume were created by serial infusions of fluid through a pericardial catheter. The hearts were imaged using an automated echocardiographic method that integrates three-dimensional spatial and imaging data. The surfaces of the pericardial sac and heart were then reconstructed, and the volumes of pericardial effusions were calculated. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed simultaneously, and volumes were calculated using the prolate ellipsoid method. Asymmetric distribution of the fluid was obtained by applying localized hydrostatic pressure to the pericardium.

RESULTS

The volumes of pericardial effusion quantified using three-dimensional echocardiography correlated well with actual volumes (y = 1.0x - 1.4, SEE = 7.7 ml, r = 0.98). Two-dimensional echocardiography had an acceptable correlation (y = 1.0x + 2.3, SEE = 23 ml, r = 0.84), but a marked degree of variation from the true value was observed for any individual measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional echocardiography accurately quantifies pericardial effusion volume in vivo, even when the fluid is distributed asymmetrically, whereas two-dimensional echocardiography is less reliable. This new technique may be of clinical value in quantitating pericardial effusion, especially in the serial evaluation of asymmetric or loculated effusions.