[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.

Three-dimensional echocardiography: in vivo validation for right ventricular free wall mass as an index of hypertrophy

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the ability of three-dimensional echocardiography to reconstruct the right ventricular free wall and determine its mass in vivo using a system that automatically combines two-dimensional images with their spatial locations.

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular free wall thickness is limited as an index of right ventricular hypertrophy because right ventricular mass may increase by dilation without increased thickness and because trabeculations and oblique views can exaggerate thickness in individual M-mode and two-dimensional scans. Three-dimensional echocardiography may have potential advantages because it can integrate the entire free wall mass, uninfluenced by oblique views or geometric assumptions.

METHODS

The three-dimensional system was applied to 12 beating canine hearts to reconstruct the right ventricular free wall in intersecting views. The corresponding mass was compared with actual weights of the excised right ventricular free wall (15.5 to 78 g). For comparison, right ventricular sinus and outflow tract thickness were also measured by two-dimensional echocardiography, and the ability to predict mass from these values was determined.

RESULTS

The three-dimensional algorithm successfully reproduced right ventricular free wall mass, which agreed well with actual values: y = 1.04x + 0.02, r = 0.985, SEE = 2.7 g (5.7% of the mean value). The two-dimensional predictions showed increased scatter: The variance of mass estimation, based on thickness, was 9.5 to 12.5 (average 11) times higher than the three-dimensional method (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the irregular crescentic shape of the right ventricle, its free wall mass can be accurately measured by three-dimensional echocardiography in vivo, providing closer agreement with actual mass than predictions based on wall thickness. This method, with the increased efficiency of the three-dimensional system, can potentially improve our ability to evaluate the presence and progression of right ventricular hypertrophy.

The binding site for ribosomal protein S8 in 16S rRNA and spc mRNA from Escherichia coli: minimum structural requirements and the effects of single bulged bases on S8-RNA interaction

Through specific interactions with rRNA and mRNA, ribosomal protein S8 of Escherichia coli plays a central role in both assembly of the 30S ribosomal subunit and translational regulation of spc operon expression. To better understand S8-RNA association, we have measured the affinity of S8 for a number of variants of its rRNA and mRNA binding sites prepared by in vitro transcription or chemical synthesis. With the aid of site-directed deletions, we demonstrate that an imperfect, 33-nucleotide helical stem encompassing nucleotides 588-603 and 635-651 possesses all of the structural information necessary for specific binding of S8 to the 16S rRNA. This segment consists of two short duplexes that enclose a conserved, asymmetric internal loop which contains features crucial for protein recognition. The S8 binding site in spc operon mRNA is very similar in both primary and secondary structure to that in 16S rRNA except for the presence of two single bulged bases in one of the duplex segments. In addition, the apparent association constant for the S8-mRNA interaction is approximately fivefold less than that for the S8-rRNA interaction. We show that the difference in affinity can be attributed to the effects of the bulged bases. Deletion of the bulged bases from the mRNA site increases its affinity for S8 to a level similar to that of the rRNA, whereas insertion of single-base bulges at equivalent positions within the rRNA site reduces its affinity for S8 to a value typical of the mRNA. Single-base bulges in the proximity of essential recognition features are therefore capable of modulating the strength of protein-RNA interactions.

Three-dimensional echocardiography. In vivo validation for right ventricular volume and function

BACKGROUND

Current two-dimensional echocardiographic measures of right ventricular volume are limited by the asymmetrical and crescentic shape of the ventricle and by difficulty in obtaining standardized views. Three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction, which does not require geometric assumptions or standardized views, may therefore have potential advantages for determining right ventricular volume. Three-dimensional techniques, however, have not been applied to the right ventricle in vivo, where cardiac motion and contraction could affect accuracy. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction for quantifying right ventricular volume and function in vivo. In particular, it was designed to test the accuracy of a newly developed system that provides rapid, efficient, and automated three-dimensional data collection (minimizing motion effects) and takes advantage of the full three-dimensional data set to obtain volume.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The three-dimensional system was applied to reconstruct the right ventricle and measure its volume and function during 20 hemodynamic stages created in five dogs. Actual instantaneous volumes were measured continuously by an intracavitary balloon connected to an external column. Hemodynamics were varied by volume loading and induction of ischemia. Three-dimensional reconstruction successfully reproduced right ventricular volume compared with actual values at end diastole (y = 1.0 chi-3.4, r = .99, SEE = 1.8 mL) and end systole (y = 1.0 chi+ 2.0, 4 = .98, SEE = 2.5 mL). The mean difference between calculated and actual volumes throughout the cycle was 2.1 mL, or 4.9% of the mean. Ejection fraction also correlated well with actual values (y = 0.96 chi-0.3, r = .98, SEE = 3.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the irregular crescentic shape of the right ventricle, this newly developed three-dimensional system and surfacing algorithm can accurately reconstruct its shape and quantitate its volume and function in vivo without geometric assumptions. The increased efficiency of the system should increase applicability to issues of clinical and research interest.

Three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction of right ventricular volume: in vitro comparison with two-dimensional methods

Two-dimensional echocardiographic measures of right ventricular volume are limited by the asymmetric and crescentic shape of that ventricle and the difficulty in obtaining standardized views. We have developed a three-dimensional echocardiographic system that automatically integrates images and positional data and calculates right ventricular volume without the need for geometric assumptions or standardized views and a surfacing algorithm that takes advantage of the full three-dimensional data set. The accuracy of this system was studied and compared with two-dimensional methods in 12 gel-filled excised human right ventricles (18 to 74 ml). Volumes calculated by three-dimensional echocardiography correlated well with actual values (r = 0.99) and agreed more closely with them than did those obtained by two-dimensional methods (p < 0.02).

Skin elicitation threshold of ethylbutyl thiourea and mercaptobenzothiazole with relative leaching from sensitizing products

We studied 3 contact sensitizers present in rubber products, ethylbutyl thiourea (EBT), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and 2,2-dithio-bis-benzothiazole (MBTS), to relate the amount of sensitizer eliciting allergic contact dermatitis to the quantity leaching from a product into various biological fluids: normal saline, human plasma and 3 synthetic sweat solutions of pH 5.5 to 7.5. To determine the amount of sensitizer remaining after leaching, Soxhlet extraction with acetonitrile was subsequently performed. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for chemical analysis. 12 MBT-sensitive patients were patch tested with serial dilutions of MBT and MBTS in petrolatum. A Latin Square design was used in statistical analysis of variance of the patch test results. Large amounts of thioureas leached from 2 rubber articles eliciting thiourea dermatitis, the literature suggesting that these would have been well above the elicitation threshold. Leaching of MBTS was relatively greater than MBT into most media, whereas MBT was a more potent elicitor than MBTS at equivalent concentrations. The lowest eliciting concentration of MBT in 1 subject was 0.01%. Such information should prove helpful to manufacturers in designed products that do not release allergens sufficiently to cause reactions in consumers.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Epimedium acuminatum Franch]

Five flavonoids were isolated from the aerial parts of Epimedium acuminatum. Their structures were determined chemically and spectroscopically to be baohuoside VI, tricin, icaritin, icariside I and baohuoside I.

The crystal structure and conformational analysis of substituted 2,7-dioxabicyclo[4,1,0]heptanes: 1,2-anhydro-3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-talopyranose

The title compound, C28H27O5, is triclinic, space group P1 with unit cell dimensions a = 12.763(2), b = 11.130(2), c = 4.764(3) A, alpha = 73.78(3), beta = 82.89(3), gamma = 62.16(1) degrees, V = 574.8(4) A3, and Z = 1. The pyranose ring has an 4H5 conformation with some flattening at C-4. Molecular mechanisms calculations indicate that the 4H5 conformation of the pyranose ring in the title compound is the most stable conformation.

Isolation of new nonsense and frameshift mutants in the immunoglobulin mu heavy-chain gene of hybridoma cells

In order to expand the experimental material available for genetic and biochemical analyses of the natural immunoglobulin genes, we have isolated a variety of mutant mouse hybridoma cell lines. Some of these mutants have partial or complete deletions of the mu gene. Other mutants have nonsense or frameshift mutations in the exons encoding the variable and the second and third constant region domains of the mu heavy chain. When combined with earlier mutant data, this collection of genotypically and phenotypically tight mutants of known sequence spans most of the 10 kb of the mu gene, providing material for a variety of studies of genetic recombination and mRNA metabolism.

[Hepatic schistosomiasis. X-ray computed tomographic aspects. Apropos of 97 cases]

Ninety seven patients with liver cirrhosis of schistosomiasis were collected. Its CT findings and features were analysed on the clinicopathological basis including (1) the high percentage of the hepatomegaly and of the enlargement of the left lobe; (2) occurrence of deposition and calcification of eggs in large bowel wall (5/5), the portal vein system (22/97), the root of the mesentery (9/97) and the liver (93/97); (3) the variety and characteristics of the appearances of the intrahepatic calcification; (4) widened and fibrotic changes in the portal canal region. It was also noted that high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with this disease in the present series (25/97).

Mutation of the gene for the human lysosomal serine protease cathepsin G is not the cause of aberrant APP processing in familial Alzheimer disease

Recent genetic linkage studies have implicated a gene on chromosome 14 in the pathogenesis of FAD. The identity of this gene remains unknown but it has been speculated that it may be involved in the cellular processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). We have analyzed the nucleotide sequence of the entire open reading frame of the cathepsin G gene located on chromosome 14q. No mutations were observed, suggesting that defects in this lysosomal protease are not responsible for aberrant accumulation of proteolytic products of APP in FAD brain tissue.

Land reforms in China

Describes the recent economic and land reforms in China, and the consequent changes in the emerging Chinese property market. Analyses the need for property management valuation skills in China in the light of problems of country size, regional differences, the scale of economic reforms and the speed with which they are being implemented, administration and the difficulty of educating a large number of property professionals.

Ultramark 1621 as a reference compound for positive and negative ion fast-atom bombardment high-resolution mass spectrometry

Ultramark 1621, a commercially available mixture of fluorinated phosphazines, was found to be a useful calibration compound for negative and positive ion fast-atom bombardment (FAB) high-resolution mass spectrometry. Ultramark 1621 worked very well with the most widely used matrices such as glycerol, nitrobenzyl alcohol, and triethanolamine. The negative and positive ion FAB mass spectra of Ultramark include a series of intense peaks extending from 700 to 1900 u.

Identification of calcitonin gene related peptide in ovine hypothalamic extract

Calcitonin gene-related polypeptide (CGRP) was purified from ovine hypothalamic extracts. Its amino acid sequence was determined as: Ser-(Cys)-Asn-Thr-Ala-Thr-(Cys)-Val-Thr-His-Arg-Leu-Ala-Gly-Leu-Leu-Ser- Arg-Ser - Gly-Gly-Val-Val-Lys-Ser-Asn-Phe-Val-Pro-Thr-Asn-Val-Gly-Ser-Gln-Ala-Phe- NH2. This sequence differs from rat CGRP by two amino acid substitutions (Ser for Asp25 and Gln for Glu35). Adenylate cyclase stimulating activity in rat pituitary cell cultures was monitored during the isolation. CGRP had adenylate cyclase stimulating activity comparable to corticotropin-releasing hormone, suggesting a hypophysiotropic role for CGRP. This is the first chemical characterization of CGRP in the brain (hypothalamus).