Impaired fertility in HIV-1-infected pregnant women: a clinic-based survey in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 1997

OBJECTIVE

Differences in fertility among HIV-1-positive and HIV-negative women tested in prenatal clinics were suspected by routine data collection in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This study was conducted on detailed fertility patterns among women at the same antenatal care centres, in order to assess these differences.

METHOD

The survey was carried out on 1201 consecutive women who agreed to be tested for HIV. Data collected included a detailed account of pregnancies, the time interval between the last two pregnancies, and the health status at the time of the survey. Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis with informed consent.

RESULTS

Despite an earlier exposure to pregnancy risk, HIV-1-infected women aged 25 years and above, had, on the average, fewer pregnancies than uninfected women. An analysis of the interval between the last two pregnancies among multigravidae showed that, all things being equal, being HIV-1 positive decreased the risk of being pregnant by 17% (Cox regression, hazard ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.99). This shift in the occurrence of the last pregnancy was more profound among HIV-1-positive women already at the symptomatic or AIDS stage, than among asymptomatic women.

CONCLUSION

These data confirm that women infected by HIV-1 would become pregnant less often than uninfected women, for an equal exposure to the risk of pregnancy. Therefore HIV-1-positive women could be under-represented at antenatal centres. Programmes involving such settings both for epidemiological surveillance and the reduction of mother-to-child transmission should take this observation into account.

Platelet-derived growth factor induces cellular growth in cultured chick ventricular myocytes

OBJECTIVES

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates growth in various types of cells, but little is known about its effect on cardiac myocytes. Therefore, we examined whether PDGF had a direct effect on cardiac myocytes and investigated their intracellular signaling pathways.

METHODS

A primary culture of chick embryonic (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 36) ventricular myocytes was prepared. Cellular growth was estimated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. The number of PDGF binding sites was measured by binding assay. Induction of c-fos mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot analysis. The binding activity of activator protein (AP)-1 was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) was analyzed by Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured with indo-1 and L-type Ca(2+)- channel current (ICa) was recorded with the patch clamp technique.

RESULTS

PDGF-AB and -BB, but not PDGF-AA, increased viable cell number (5 ng/ml of PDGF-AA, -AB, -BB: 101 +/- 4%, 115* +/- 4%, 122* +/- 4%, respectively, n = 4, *P < 0.05) and DNA synthesis (104 +/- 11%, 202* +/- 18%, 295* +/- 25%, respectively, n = 4, *P < 0.05). Scatchard analysis demonstrated that the maximal number of PDGF-AA, -AB, -BB binding sites was 5 +/- 1, 63 +/- 12, 126 +/- 24 fmol/10(6) cells, respectively. PDGF-BB provoked induction of c-fos mRNA and increases in binding activity to the AP-1 site. PDGF-BB also induced tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of MAPK. The c-fos induction, the increased AP-1 binding activity and the acceleration of DNA synthesis were all attenuated by genistein (100 microM) or MAPK kinase inhibitor (10 or 50 microM PD98059). Interestingly, protein kinase C inhibitor (250 nM calphostin C) attenuated the increases of AP-1 binding activity to some extent, but did not inhibit the c-fos induction at all. The phosphorylation states of STATs were not significantly affected by PDGF-BB. PDGF-BB did not alter [Ca2+]i or ICa.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that PDGF can exert direct effects on embryonic cardiac myocytes and induce their growth. MAPK cascade may play an important role in the PDGF-induced embryonic myocardial growth.

cDNA cloning and sequencing, gene expression, and immunolocalization of thrombomodulin in the Sprague-Dawley rat

Thrombomodulin (TM), in addition to its significance in the protein C anticoagulant pathway and cardiovascular diseases, has recently been shown to play important roles in normal embryonic development, several inflammatory conditions, as well as in tumor biology and in the pathogenesis of chronic radiation toxicity. We cloned and sequenced the cDNA encoding the complete TM protein from the Sprague-Dawley rat. The cDNA sequence consisted of a 78-bp 5' non-coding region and a 1731-bp open reading frame encoding 577 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences showed Sprague-Dawley rat TM to be 87% homologous with mouse and 70.3% with human TM. In addition to the previously described highly conserved region in the lectin-like domain, another region was found which possessed significant homology among the species and may be involved in regulating cell surface expression of TM. Primers and fluorogenic probe for 5' exonuclease-based real time RT-PCR detection (TaqMan PCR) were constructed based on the cDNA sequence information and used to determine steady-state TM mRNA levels in lung, intestine, kidney, brain, and liver. The highest TM mRNA levels were found in lung and the lowest in liver. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that TM was mainly localized on the endothelium of blood vessels and lymphatics. The alveolar capillaries of lung showed the strongest immunoreactivity, whereas the endothelium of hepatic sinusoids and cerebral cortex were virtually negative.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum function in murine ventricular myocytes overexpressing SR CaATPase

To examine the effects of the overexpression of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) CaATPase on function of the SR and Ca2+ homeostasis, we measured [Ca2+]i transients (fluo-3), and L-type Ca2+ currents (ICa.L), Na/Ca exchanger currents (INa/Ca), and SR Ca2+ content with voltage clamp in ventricular myocytes isolated from wild type (WT) mice and transgenic (SRTG) mice. The amplitude of [Ca2+]i transients was insignificantly increased in SRTG myocytes, while the diastolic [Ca2+]i tended to be lower. The initial and terminal declines of [Ca2+]i transients were significantly accelerated in SRTG myocytes, implying a functional upregulation of the SR CaATPase. We examined the functional contribution of only the SR CaATPase to the initial and the terminal phase of the decline of [Ca2+]i, by abruptly inhibiting Na/Ca exchange with a rapid switcher device. The rate of [Ca2+] decline mediated by the SR CaATPase was increased by 40% in SRTG compared with WT myocytes. The function of the L-type Ca2+ channel was unchanged in SRTG myocytes, while INa/Ca density was slightly (10%) decreased. Measured SR Ca2+ content was significantly increased by 29% in SRTG myocytes. Thus, overexpression of SR CaATPase markedly accelerates the decline of [Ca2+]i transients, and induces in increase in SR Ca2+ content, with some downregulation of the Na/Ca exchanger.

Complications associated with rapid caffeine application to cardiac myocytes that are not voltage clamped

The rapid application of caffeine to cardiac myocytes is commonly used to assess changes in the Ca2+ content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and to study other parameters of intracellular Ca2+ regulation. Here we examined the effects of rapid caffeine application on membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+, and cell shortening in ventricular myocytes (rat, rabbit, guinea pig, dog) and atrial myocytes (rabbit) that were not voltage clamped. Conditioning pacing was used to achieve a steady-state level of SR Ca2+ loading prior to caffeine (10 mM) application. Caffeine transiently depolarized myocytes as expected from activation of forward Na+-Ca2+ exchange. However, we also found in each species (50% rat, 36% rabbit ventricular, 53% rabbit atrial, 56% guinea pig, 31% dog) that the caffeine-induced depolarization could also trigger an action potential. Caffeine-triggered potentials were completely blocked by thapsigargin (1 microM). The Ca2+ transient and contraction that accompanied caffeine-triggered action potentials had a larger magnitude and slower rate of decline (or relaxation) than occurred during caffeine-induced subthreshold depolarizations. Thus, the use of rapid caffeine application to study SR function and [Ca2+]i regulation in myocytes that are not voltage clamped can yield erroneous results.

Abnormal myocyte Ca2+ homeostasis in rabbits with pacing-induced heart failure

To determine whether there are abnormalities in myocyte excitation-contraction coupling and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis in pacing-induced heart failure (PF), we measured L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current (INa/Ca) with voltage clamp and measured intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) and [Ca2+]i with the use of sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI) and fluo 3 in ventricular myocytes isolated from control and paced rabbits. The peak systolic and diastolic levels and the amplitude of electrically stimulated [Ca2+]i transients (0.25 Hz, extracellular Ca2+ concentration = 1.08 mM) were significantly less in PF myocytes. Also, there was prolongation of the times to peak and decline of [Ca2+]i transients. ICa,L density was markedly decreased in PF myocytes. INa/Ca at -40 mV elicited by rapid exposure to 0 Na+ solution with a rapid solution switcher was significantly reduced in PF myocytes, suggesting that the function of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is impaired in these myocytes. In PF myocytes the decline of the [Ca2+]i transient when the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was abruptly disabled was markedly prolonged compared with the decline in control myocytes, consistent with depressed sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase function. RNase protection assay showed decreased levels of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and SR Ca2+-ATPase mRNA in PF hearts, consistent with the function studies. We conclude that the functions of L-type Ca2+ channels, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and SR Ca2+-ATPase are impaired in myocytes from rabbit hearts with failure induced by rapid pacing. These abnormalities result in reduced [Ca2+]i transients and systolic and diastolic dysfunction and appear to account for the abnormal ventricular function observed.

Effects of overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger on [Ca2+]i transients in murine ventricular myocytes

We measured [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i in isolated transgenic (TG) mouse myocytes overexpressing the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and in wild-type (WT) myocytes. In TG myocytes, the peak systolic level and amplitude of electrically stimulated (ES) [Ca2+]i transients (0.25 Hz) were not significantly different from those in WT myocytes, but the time to peak [Ca2+]i was significantly prolonged. The decline of ES [Ca2+]i transients was significantly accelerated in TG myocytes. The decline of a long-duration (4-s) caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transient was markedly faster in TG myocytes, and [Na+]i was identical in TG and WT myocytes, indicating that the overexpressed Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is functionally active. The decline of a short-duration (100-ms) caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transient in 0 Na+/0 Ca2+ solution did not differ between the two groups, suggesting that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase function is not altered by overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. There was no difference in L-type Ca2+ current density in WT and TG myocytes. However, the sensitivity of ES [Ca2+]i transients to nifedipine was reduced in TG myocytes. This maintenance of [Ca2+]i transients in nifedipine was inhibited by Ni2+ and required SR Ca2+ content, consistent with enhanced Ca2+ influx by reverse Na+-Ca2+ exchange, and the resulting Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from SR. The rate of rise of [Ca2+]i transients in nifedipine in TG myocytes was much slower than when both the L-type Ca2+ current and the Na+-Ca2+ exchange current function together. In TG myocytes, action potential amplitude and action potential duration at 50% repolarization were reduced, and action potential duration at 90% repolarization was increased, relative to WT myocytes. These data suggest that under these conditions, overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in TG myocytes accelerates the decline of [Ca2+]i during relaxation, indicating enhanced forward Na+-Ca2+ exchanger function. Increased Ca2+ influx also appears to occur, consistent with enhanced reverse function. These findings provide support for the physiological importance of both these modes of Na+-Ca2+ exchange.

Transcriptional regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes

Previous work has demonstrated that inducible NO synthase (iNOS) can be expressed in cardiac myocytes. In this study, we investigated transcriptional regulation of the iNOS gene in these cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced iNOS mRNA and protein in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. H-89, dexamethasone, herbimycin, genistein, staurosporine, or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) attenuated the iNOS induction by LPS. Forskolin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, or interferon (IFN)-gamma enhanced the LPS-induced iNOS expression. Combined stimulation of IL-6 and TNF-alpha also induced iNOS. The 5'-upstream sequence of the rat iNOS gene contains the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) site, CAAT box, IFN-gamma activation site (GAS), and IFN regulatory factor (IRF) site. DNase I footprinting assay revealed that the nuclear factors binding to these elements were increased by LPS exposure. Transient transfection assay suggested that these elements were indispensable for transcriptional regulation of the iNOS induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that LPS or TNF-alpha increased binding activity for the NF-kappa B site. A slower-migrating complex binding to the CAAT box gave rise after exposure to LPS or forskolin. Competition assay suggested that this slower-migrating complex consisted of a heterodimer between a member of CAAT box/enhancer binding (C/EBP) protein family and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB). LPS or IL-6 increased binding complexes for the IRF site, which was compatible with induction of IRF-1. LPS, IL-6, or IFN-gamma induced a novel binding complex for GAS, which also existed in the 5'-flanking region of the IRF-1 gene. These data suggest that (1) iNOS induction simultaneously requires both NF-kappa B activation and IRF-1 induction, and (2) the heterodimer between C/EBP and CREB has synergistic effects on the iNOS induction via the CAAT box.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger function during early and late relaxation in ventricular myocytes

The relative importance of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the initial and terminal phases of relaxation and the decline in the [Ca2+]i transient was investigated in adult rabbit ventricular myocytes loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo 3. For electrically stimulated contractions, the peak intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was 700 +/- 87 nM and end-diastolic [Ca2+]i was 239 +/- 30 nM (0.25 Hz, 37 degrees C, 1.08 mM extracellular Ca2+ concentration; n = 14). Abrupt inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchange was produced by removal of extracellular Na+ (KCl substitution) and Ca2+ [2 mM Ca(2+)-free ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl either)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid] by means of a rapid switcher device (SW). Abrupt exposure to high K+ induced an action potential, although sufficient Ca2+ remained adjacent to the sarcolemma to induce a contraction (SW beat) and [Ca2+]i transient that were identical in amplitude to those induced by electrical stimulation (ES beat). The initial relaxation and decline in the [Ca2+]i transient was not significantly prolonged by abrupt elimination of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, but the rate and extent of the terminal phase of the decline in the [Ca2+]i transient were significantly reduced. The first derivative of [Ca2+]i with respect to time versus [Ca2+]i during the decline of the [Ca2+]i transient attributable to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function was estimated from the average SW transients, and that attributable to Na+/Ca2+ exchange was estimated from the difference between SW and ES transients. By this analysis, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger produces 13% of the first half of the decline in [Ca2+]i and 45% of the second half of the decline. We conclude that abrupt inhibition of forward Na+/Ca2+ exchange does not significantly affect the amplitude or the initial rate of decline of the [Ca2+]i transient and relaxation. However, its contribution to the reduction of [Ca2+]i becomes apparent late during the [Ca2+]i transient, when cytosolic [Ca2+]i has been reduced.

The restriction of diffusion of cations at the external surface of cardiac myocytes varies between species

In cardiac muscle sarcolemmal structures such as T-tubules, caveolae and negatively charged protein-polysaccharides may affect the rate of cation exchange on the external surface of the cells. To test this hypothesis, we examined the rate of external cation exchange in adult rabbit and rat ventricular myocytes using a rapid solution switcher to change the bulk external solution within 4 ms. To assess the rate of diffusion of monovalent cations, we increased [K+]o from 4.4 to 6.6 or 8.8 mM and measured the time required to achieve a stable membrane depolarization. In rat myocytes, the mean time to 90% depolarization (t90) was significantly longer than that in rabbit myocytes (137 and 64 ms, respectively) and the difference in t90 was not associated with the cell size. To assess the time course of exchange of external Ca2+, we rapidly exposed the myocytes to 0 Ca2+-2 mM EGTA solution at specific time points before action potentials or voltage clamp steps, and measured the rate of alteration of the normalized peak [Ca2+]i transient (Fluo-3) or Ca2+ current. Exposure to 0 Ca2+-2 mM EGTA solution caused a decline in the intracellular calcium transient. In rat myocytes, the rate of decline in the [Ca2+]i transient was much slower (t90 > 1500 ms, the time required for 90% decline) than for the rabbit (t90 = 295 ms). Also, the rate of decline in the Ca2+ current was prolonged in rat myocytes (t90 = 910 ms) compared with rabbit myocytes (t90 = 241 ms). These data indicate that there is a restricted space on the external surface of sarcolemma which limits diffusion of divalent cations more markedly than monovalent cations. The extent of this limitation of cation diffusion varies between species, and may have functional significance.

Distinct mechanisms of modulation of angiotensin II type I receptor gene expression in heart and aorta

The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that hypertension induced by reduced renal mass (RRM) upregulates gene expression of the type 1 angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (AT1) in the thoracic aorta and heart through an Ang II-dependent mechanism. Three groups of rats were given 1% NaCl water and subjected to RRM, RRM plus captopril (RRM+Cap, 30 mg/kg per day), or sham surgery. Tail-cuff systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated in RRM and RRM+Cap rats compared with sham-operated rats. The ratios of the medial wall area of the thoracic aorta and heart weight to body weight were significantly elevated in RRM and RRM+Cap rats compared with sham-operated rats. Northern blot analysis indicated that the ratio of AT1 to GAPDH mRNA in the aorta was significantly higher in RRM (1.85 +/- 0.52) compared with sham-operated (0.21 +/- 0.04) and RRM+Cap (0.55 +/- 0.20) rats. In contrast, the ratio of AT1 to GAPDH mRNA in the heart was significantly increased in both RRM (1.09 +/- 0.23) and RRM+Cap (1.00 +/- 0.09) compared with sham-operated (0.34 +/- 0.06) rats. Thus, RRM hypertension upregulates AT1 mRNA expression in both the hypertrophied aorta and heart. Captopril treatment without altering blood pressure in RRM rats prevents the increase in AT1 mRNA in the aorta but not the heart. These results suggest that different tissue-specific mechanisms of AT1 gene regulation exist; ie, in aorta, an Ang II-or kinin-dependent mechanism is operant, whereas in heart, RRM-induced upregulation of AT1 mRNA may be pressure dependent.

[Analysis of vectorcardiogram (VCG) in 150 healthy pilots]

150 healthy male pilots, aged 22-46 years (31 +/- 5) were examined with the HBD-II A instrument. The results showed that vectorcardiogram (VCG) parameters of pilots were within the normal value by clinical diagnosis standard of VCG, but some indexes of VCG appeared different from the normal people, these might be the characteristics of VCG of pilots. The present study provided some new parameters of VCG such as P loop. The results of this study may be used for pilots selection and real-time medical monitoring for pilots on ground training.

Cardiac inducible nitric oxide synthase negatively modulates myocardial function in cultured rat myocytes

Recent work has demonstrated that endotoxin or cytokines induce nitric oxide synthase in heart or cardiac myocytes. We investigated the functional significance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in indo 1-loaded beating myocytes with regard to intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cell contraction. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 micrograms/ml) time dependently induced iNOS mRNA and protein in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Nitrite concentration in the medium and intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) contents after 24-h exposure to LPS increased in proportion to the levels of iNOS induction in these cells. Myocytes treated with both NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and LPS for 24 h expressed iNOS protein, but nitrite production was significantly inhibited. Subsequent perfusion with 100-fold molar excess L-arginine of these myocytes elicited decreases in peak systolic [Ca2+]i (790 +/- 42 to 551 +/- 27 nM, P < 0.05), relative amplitude of cell contraction (100 to 72.4 +/- 5.5%, P < 0.05), and spontaneous beating rate (146 +/- 13 to 85 +/- 22 beats/min, P < 0.05). Pretreatment with methylene blue or KT-5823 inhibited these negative myocardial effects. These results suggest that LPS induces iNOS in cardiac myocytes and that the increased nitric oxide produced by iNOS has cardiac depressant effects through the activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase.

Regulation of type 1 angiotensin II receptor and its subtype gene expression in kidney by sodium loading and angiotensin II infusion

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that a high salt intake decreases gene expression of both type 1 angiotensin receptor subtypes 1A and 1B (AT1A and AT1B) and diminishes AT1 receptor density in the kidney through an angiotensin II (Ang II)-independent mechanism.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into four groups and fed a normal-sodium diet (0.5%, NSD), NSD + 25 ng/kg per min Ang II infusion, a high-sodium diet (4%, HSD), or HSD + Ang II infusion for 2 weeks. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used for analysis of changes in renal AT1A and AT1B messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Radioligand binding assays were used for measurement of Ang II receptor density.

RESULTS

Body weight and mean arterial pressure did not differ among the four groups. Renal AT1A and AT1B mRNA levels were decreased significantly in NSD + Ang II and HSD + Ang II groups compared with those in the NSD group. Renal AT1B mRNA was also decreased significantly in HSD versus NSD. The renal AT1 receptor density was decreased significantly in NSD + Ang II and HSD + Ang II, but was not changed in HSD compared with NSD.

CONCLUSION

A high salt intake downregulates the AT1B mRNA expression but does not change the AT1A mRNA expression and AT1 receptor density in the kidney, suggesting that differential regulation occurs in the kidney. Infusion of a nonpressor dose of Ang II, either alone or in conjunction with a high salt intake, downregulates the AT1 receptor and its subtype gene expression in the kidney, suggesting that Ang II regulates these responses through a negative feedback mechanism.

Regulation of ANG II receptor in hypertension: role of ANG II

To investigate the role of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the development of hypertension induced by reduced renal mass (RRM) and the gene expression of ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptors in the remnant renal tissue, four groups of rats were given 1% NaCl in water and subjected to RRM, RRM+ ramipril, RRM+ losartan, or sham surgery (control). Tail-cuff systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in RRM rats than in the other three groups. Northern blot showed that AT1 gene expression was significantly decreased in RRM, RRM + ramipril, or RRM + losartan vs. control. There was no significant difference among the three RRM groups. Renal transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) mRNA levels were increased threefold (P < 0.05) in RRM, RRM+ ramipril, and RRM+ losartan vs. control. There was no significant difference among the three RRM groups. We conclude that the development of RRM hypertension is ANG II dependent but not mediated by AT1 gene expression. RRM downregulates AT1 mRNA and upregulates TGF-beta 1 mRNA in the remnant renal tissue, regardless of blood pressure or plasma levels of ANG II, suggesting that these gene responses are triggered by an effect of local injury.

Regulation of the gene-encoding angiotensin II receptor in vascular tissue

Specific angiotensin (Ang)-dependent mechanisms significantly contribute to vascular development and function, and to the pathophysiology of hypertension. The effects of Ang II are mediated by binding to specific receptors. The focus of most studies has been changes in vascular function and structure in response to Ang II. Relatively little is known regarding the molecular basis of changes in the vascular Ang II receptor. We have recently found that, without altering blood pressure, Ang II infusion at a dose of 25 ng.kg.min-1 decreases expression of the gene-encoding Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor in both the aorta and resistant arteries. This suggests that exogenous Ang II negatively regulates AT1 mRNA expression in these tissues. Furthermore, hypertension induced by reduced renal mass plus high salt intake upregulates AT1 mRNA expression in the hypertrophied aorta and heart. In this model, the reduction of Ang II formation by captopril without decreasing blood pressure prevents the increase in AT1 mRNA in the aorta but not in the heart. This suggests that the regulation of AT1 gene expression in the heart may be pressure-dependent while there is an Ang II-dependent mechanism operant in the aorta. The precise tissue-specific control mechanisms for AT1 gene expression remain to be defined.

Cellular aging, destabilization, and cancer

Three major characteristics of aging in animals are a slowdown of cell proliferation, an increase in residual bodies associated with age pigments, and a marked increase in the likelihood of neoplastic transformation. The 28 L subline of the NIH 3T3 line of mouse embryo fibroblasts exhibits all these characteristics when held at confluence for extended periods. The impairment of proliferation is the first behavioral characteristic detected in low density subcultures from the confluent cultures, and it persists through many cell generations of exponential multiplication. There is an equal degree of growth impairment among replicate cultures (lineages) recovered after each of 2 successive rounds of confluence, although heterogeneity appears after the third round. The growth impairment pervades the entire cell population of each lineage. The degree and duration of impairment increase with repeated rounds of confluence. A marked increase of residual bodies characteristic of age pigments occurs in the cytoplasm of all the cells kept under prolonged confluence. Neoplastic transformation first appears as foci of multilayered cells on a monolayered background of nontransformed cells. The transformed cells arise at different times in the lineages and originate from a very small fraction of the population. The transformed cells selectively overgrow the entire population in successive rounds of confluence leading to an increase in saturation density of each lineage at different times. Under cloning conditions, isolated colonies of transformed cells develop more slowly than colonies of nontransformed cells but eventually reach a higher population density. The regularity of persistent growth impairment among the lineages and the appearance of large numbers of residual bodies in all the cells of each population are more characteristic of an epigenetic process than of specific local mutations. although random chromosomal lesions cannot be ruled out. By contrast, the low frequency and stochastic character of neoplastic transformation are consistent with a conventional genetic origin. The advent in long-term confluent NIH 3T3 cultures of three cardinal characteristics of cellular aging in vivo recommends it as a model for aging cells.

Heterogeneity of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in cultured thoracic aorta and renal artery of rats

Replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vectors have been used to transfer foreign genes effectively to a wide variety of cell types in vivo and in vitro. We have now used adenovirus containing either the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) gene (AdHCMVsp1LacZ) or the firefly luciferase gene (Ad5-luc3) to test the hypothesis that efficiencies of adenovirus-mediated gene delivery into organ cultures of smooth muscle differ according to the anatomic origin of the muscle. Thoracic aorta and renal artery were isolated from 9-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and exposed to adenovirus after 16 hours of incubation with serum-free medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium). With the use of histochemical methods, beta-gal staining was noted in both endothelial and adventitial cells but not in the muscular media of thoracic aorta and renal artery exposed to AdHCMVsp1LacZ. The efficiency of the transfection, assessed either by counting of beta-gal-stained cells in intact vessels or by measurement of beta-gal activity in tissue extracts, was higher in renal artery than thoracic aorta (P < .05). Consistent with this result, luciferase activity in renal artery exposed to Ad5-luc3 (15.9 +/- 2.1 x 10(6) relative light units per milligram protein) was higher than that in thoracic aorta (8.3 +/- 2.0 x 10(6), P < .05). To determine whether increased efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into renal artery is a function of the replication status of vessels, we assessed [3H]thymidine incorporation. [3H]Thymidine uptake by thoracic aorta was only 63% of that in renal artery (P < .05), indicating that more proliferating cells are present in renal artery. We conclude that the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into cultured renal artery is enhanced compared with that into thoracic aorta and propose that the increase in efficiency is related to the higher proliferative activity of renal artery.

Ca(2+)-growth coupling in angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in cultured rat cardiac cells

OBJECTIVES

There remain some controversies about the effect of angiotensin II on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cardiac myocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate different roles of intracellular Ca2+ in the responses to angiotensin II between cardiac myocytes and nonmyocytes.

METHODS

Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and nonmyocytes were prepared. [Ca2+]i was measured with indo-1. Cellular growth was assayed by [3H]thymidine uptake, RNA content, [3H]phenylalanine incorporation and protein content. Induction of immediate-early gene was examined by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

In myocytes, angiotensin II decreased [Ca2+]i transients, induced c-fos mRNA, and accelerated hypertrophy. These effects were completely suppressed by AT1 receptor blockade or protein kinase C inhibition. After chelation of extracellular Ca2+, angiotensin II caused no change in [Ca2+]i or no induction of c-fos in myocytes. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also decreased [Ca2+]i transients, caused c-fos induction, and provoked hypertrophy in myocytes. In nonmyocytes, angiotensin II increased [Ca2+]i transiently, induced c-fos mRNA and hypertrophy. These effects of angiotensin II were not fully abolished by protein kinase C inhibition. Extracellular Ca2+ chelation did not completely inhibit the effects of angiotensin II on [Ca2+]i or c-fos induction in nonmyocytes. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not affect [Ca2+]i or cellular growth in nonmyocytes but did cause c-fos induction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that angiotensin II induces cellular hypertrophy and immediate-early genes through the activation of protein kinase C in myocytes, although angiotensin II decreases [Ca2+]i transients via this signaling pathway. Induction by angiotensin II of hypertrophy and immediate-early genes in nonmyocytes may be in part mediated by a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which acts synergistically with protein kinase C activation.

Neoplastic development: paradoxical relation between impaired cell growth at low population density and excessive growth at high density

The role of heritable, population-wide cell damage in neoplastic development was studied in the 28 L subline of NIH 3T3 cells. These cells differ from the 17(3c) subline used previously for such studies in their lower frequency of "spontaneous" transformation at high population density and their greater capacity to produce large, dense transformed foci. Three cultures of the 28 L subline of NIH 3T3 cells were held under the constraint of confluence for 5 wk (5 wk 1 degree assay) and then assayed twice in succession (2 degrees and 3 degrees assays) for transformed foci and saturation density. After the 2 degrees assay, the cells were also passaged at low density to determine their exponential growth rates and cloned to determine the size and morphological features of the colonies. Concurrent measurements were made in each case with control cells that had been kept only in frequent low-density passages and cells that had been kept at confluence for only 2 wk (2 wk 1 degree). Two of the three cultures transferred from the 2 degrees assay of the 5 wk 1 degree cultures produced light transformed foci, and the third produced dense foci. The light focus-forming cultures grew to twice the control saturation density in their 2 degrees assay and 6-8 times the control density in the 3 degrees assay; saturation densities for the dense focus formers were about 10 times the control values in both assays. All three of the cultures transferred from the 2 degrees assay of the 5 wk 1 degree cultures multiplied at lower rates than controls at low densities, but the dense focus formers multiplied faster than the light focus formers. The reduced rates of multiplication of the light focus formers persisted for > 50 generations of exponential multiplication at low densities. Isolated colonies formed from single cells of the light focus formers were of a lower population density than controls; colonies formed by the dense focus formers were slightly denser than the controls but occupied only half the area. A much higher proportion of the colonies from the 5 wk 1 degree cultures than the controls consisted of giant cells or mixtures of giant and normal-appearing cells. The results reinforce the previous conclusion that the early increases in saturation density and light focus formation are associated with, and perhaps caused by, heritable, population-wide damage to cells that is essentially epigenetic in nature. The more advanced transformation characterized by large increases in saturation density and dense focus formation could have originated from rare genetic changes, such as chromosome rearrangements, known to occur at an elevated frequency in cells destabilized by antecedent cellular damage.

Immediate-early gene induction and MAP kinase activation during recovery from metabolic inhibition in cultured cardiac myocytes

To investigate how cardiac myocytes recover from a brief period of ischemia, we used a metabolic inhibition (MI) model, one of the in vitro ischemic models, of chick embryo ventricular myocytes, and examined the induction of immediate-early (IE) genes mRNAs and the activity of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. We performed Northern blot analysis to study the expression of c-jun, c-fos, and c-myc mRNAs during MI using 1 mM NaCN and 20 mM 2-deoxy-d-glucose, and also during the recovery from MI of 30 min. The c-fos mRNA was induced transiently at 30 and 60 min during the recovery. The expression of c-jun mRNA was significantly augmented at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min during the recovery (3.0-, 4.7-, 2.4-, and 1.9-fold induction, respectively) and so did the expression of c-myc mRNA (1.4-, 1.7-, 1.8-, and 2.0-fold induction, respectively). In contrast, the levels of these mRNAs remained unchanged during MI. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that AP-1 DNA binding activity markedly increased at 120 min during the recovery. When the cells were pretreated with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, 100 microM H-7 or 1 microM staurosporine, the induction of c-jun mRNA at 60 min during the recovery was markedly suppressed (95 or 82% reduction, respectively). The c-jun induction was partially inhibited when the cells were treated with 2 mM EGTA during MI and the recovery (42% reduction). MAP kinase activity quantified with in-gel kinase assay was unchanged during MI, but significantly increased at 5, 10, and 15 min during the recovery (3.0-, 4.1-, and 3.4-fold increase, respectively). S6 kinase activity was also augmented significantly at 15 min during the recovery. Thus, these data suggest that IE genes as well as MAP kinase may play roles in the recovery process of cardiac myocytes from MI, and that the augmentation of c-jun expression needs the activation of PKC and to some extent, [Ca2+]i.

Heritable, population-wide damage to cells as the driving force of neoplastic transformation

Prolonged incubation of NIH 3T3 cells under the growth constraint of confluence results in the death of some cells in a manner suggestive of apoptosis. Successive rounds of prolonged incubation at confluence of the surviving cells produce increasing neoplastic transformation in the form of increments in saturation density and transformed focus formation. Cells from the postconfluent cultures are given a recovery period of various lengths to remove the direct inhibitory effect of confluence before their growth properties are studied. It is found that with each round of confluence the exponential growth rate of the cells at low densities gets lower and the size of isolated colonies of the same cells shows a similar progressive reduction. The decreased growth rate of cells from the third round of confluence persists for > 60 generations of growth at low density. The proportion of colonies containing giant cells is much higher after a 2-day recovery from confluence than after a 7-day recovery. Retardation of growth at low density and increased saturation density appear to be two sides of the same coin: both occur in the entire population of cells and precede the formation of transformed foci. We propose that the slowdown in growth and the formation of giant cells result from heritable damage to the cells, which in turn drives their transformation. Similar results have been reported for the survivors of x-irradiation and of treatment with chemical carcinogens and are associated with the aging process in animals. We suggest that these changes result from free radical damage to membrane lipids with particular damage to lysosomes. Proteases and nucleases would then be released to progressively modify the growth behavior and genetic stability of the cells toward autonomous proliferation.

Differential regulation of angiotensin II receptor subtypes in rat kidney by low dietary sodium

This study was designed to determine whether expression of renal messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the two known angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor subtypes (AT1A and AT1B) can be regulated by dietary sodium. Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were fed a low-sodium diet (0.07%, n = 9) or a normal-sodium diet (0.5%, n = 9 [control]) for 14 days. A rat AT1 complementary DNA (cDNA) probe, which hybridizes to mRNA encoding both the AT1A and AT1B receptor subtypes, and cDNA probes, which are selective for AT1A or AT1B mRNA, were used in Northern blot or in situ hybridization analysis. By use of Northern blot analysis, renal mRNA levels for the AT1 and AT1A receptors in rats fed a low-sodium diet were found to be increased twofold (P < .05) compared with control. Because renal AT1B mRNA content was not detected by Northern blot analysis, quantitative image analysis of in situ hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probe made from AT1B cDNA was used. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that AT1B mRNA was expressed in the proximal and collecting tubules of the kidney in rats fed a normal-sodium diet. The low-sodium diet significantly decreased the percent positive staining area of AT1B mRNA in the renal cortex (5.51 +/- 0.77% versus 2.73 +/- 0.35%, P < .05) and medulla (4.76 +/- 0.70% versus 2.01 +/- 0.43%, P < .05) compared with the control diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A critical test of the role of population density in producing transformation

Cells of the NIH 3T3 line gain the capacity to produce neoplastically transformed foci when they are maintained at high density for more than 1 week and transferred in a standard assay for focus formation. This change in cell behavior has been variously attributed to an adaptive response to the constraint of the high population density or to a spontaneous genetic change that increases in probability for a culture with the increase in the total number of cell divisions. To distinguish between these alternatives, 200 cells of the 28H subline were seeded in many culture dishes of two size classes differing 6-fold in surface area and allowed to multiply for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. At each weekly interval, 18 dishes of each class were assayed for focus formation, and two of the original dishes were stained for focus formation. The cells in the small (S) and large (L) dishes multiplied to the same extent at 1 week and produced only a few small light foci in some of the assay dishes. At 2 weeks, cells in the S dishes had become confluent and had only one-third the number of cells as those in the nonconfluent L dishes. Upon assay, 14 of the 18 S cultures produced some foci whereas only 9 of the L cultures did so. In addition, 4 of the S cultures produced large dense foci while none of the L cultures did. By 3 weeks, the L cultures were confluent and had four times as many cells as the S cultures. When assayed at this time, both sets produced dense foci in many of the cultures and light foci in the remaining ones, indicating a narrowing of the differences between the S and L cultures between 2 and 3 weeks of incubation. There were differences in the morphology of the foci produced in parallel assays from different cultures. The results showed that transformation is a diverse graded response to the growth constraint of high population density and not a spontaneous event dependent on the number of cell divisions in a cell culture. Transformation thus is basically an epigenetic process since it represents a response to physiological restraint, but the final form of response may be modulated by genetic alterations.

Nitric oxide-mediated effects of interleukin-6 on [Ca2+]i and cell contraction in cultured chick ventricular myocytes

Cytokines have significant roles in some cardiovascular disorders, but direct myocardial effects of cytokines remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined both the early and delayed effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on cultured chick embryo ventricular myocytes. Exposure of these cells to human recombinant IL-6 significantly decreased peak systolic [Ca2+]i (71.0 +/- 0.6% of the control value) and the amplitude of cell contraction (66.0 +/- 7.4% of the control value) within a few minutes. Pretreatment with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) or methylene blue completely inhibited the IL-6-induced early changes. Subsequent addition of L-arginine reversed the effects of L-NMMA. The levels of cGMP were significantly increased after 30 minutes of exposure to IL-6 (134.4 +/- 9.1% of the control value). Pretreatment with L-NMMA or EGTA significantly inhibited the IL-6-induced early elevation of cGMP. These results suggest that IL-6 acutely decreases intracellular Ca2+ transients and depresses cell contraction by nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-mediated pathway. Therefore, IL-6 may enhance the Ca(2+)-dependent constitutive NO synthase activity in cardiac myocytes. On the other hand, 24-hour exposure to IL-6 also increased the levels of cGMP (159.0 +/- 22.8% of the control value) regardless of pretreatment with EGTA. These delayed increases in cGMP were also shown to be coupled with decreases in intracellular Ca2+ transients and the amplitude of cell contraction. Thus, IL-6 may induce Ca(2+)-independent NO synthase in cardiac myocytes. Together with the previous reports that have suggested the possible roles of IL-6 in myocardial stunning or endotoxic shock, this negative inotropic effect of IL-6 may contribute to these clinical settings.

Cellular epigenetics: topochronology of progressive "spontaneous" transformation of cells under growth constraint

Early passages of NIH 3T3 cells yield about 10 transformed foci for every 10(5) cells seeded after the cells multiply to confluence in a standardized 2-week assay. The question arose whether more cells would give rise to foci if given more time for their development. This question could not be answered simply by extending the incubation period, since the original foci spread to cover much of the area of the culture dish. Transformed cells can also detach into the medium from the original foci to initiate new foci by reattaching at a distance. These problems were averted by growing cells in multiwell plates which in effect simulated partitioned culture dishes. All the wells in a given plate were assayed for focus formation at successive intervals up to 14 weeks. The results indicated the spatial pattern and sequence of transformation on different parts of the "partitioned" dish. The number of multiwells containing focus-forming cells increased steadily with time, indicating that all parts of a dish eventually undergo transformation. Also, most of the transformations were recorded long after confluence in the multiwells was reached. Hence such a transformation is much more likely to occur in the nondividing state rather than in the dividing state of the cells and is thus inconsistent with a mutational basis. The results suggest that "spontaneous" transformation is a population-wide, epigenetic phenomenon. This agrees with the results from clonal analysis and other studies and is well described by the concept of progressive state selection, in which "spontaneous" transformation represents a heterogeneous, adaptive response of competent cells to moderate constraints on cell growth.

Automatic enumeration and characterization of heterogeneous clonal progression in cell transformation

Most human tumors are clonal in origin, although the cells may be diverse in their properties. Since the tumors evolve through progressive stages over decades of time, it is possible that the conditions that induced the tumor transform many cells, but that selective overgrowth of the fastest growing lead to a clonal population of identified tumor cells. We studied the progression of neoplastic transformation in clones from a population in which about 10% of the cells formed well-defined transformed foci. A few of the clones produced many large foci, but most of the clones produced no foci or only one focus. Maintenance of the nonproducing and low-producing clones under the growth constraint of confluence and low serum concentration, which promotes transformation, led to the production of large numbers of small foci by all of them. Visual inspection revealed considerable heterogeneity in size and density among the foci from each clone, and this was quantitated by computer scanning. Subclonal analysis of focus formation was done on one of the clones after it had undergone further growth constraint to promote transformation. As in the original cloning, some of the subclones produced many large foci, but most produced none. Another round of growth constraint was imposed on the nonproducing subclones, which then became producers of many small foci varying in size and density. The results indicate that most if not all cells in the population respond to growth constraint by undergoing transformation. Though there is wide variation in the degree of transformation, the results are consistent with the view that an entire field of cells exposed to carcinogenic conditions in an animal undergoes some progression toward neoplasia but that heterogeneity of the response followed by selective neoplastic growth may lead to a clonal origin of the clinically detected tumor.

Sensitivity of transformation to small differences in population density during serial passage of NIH 3T3 cells

Early passages of the NIH 3T3 mouse cell line undergo spontaneous neoplastic transformation leading to the development of transformed foci if grown to confluence in 2% (vol/vol) calf serum (CS) and left there for more than a week. Transfer of the postconfluent cultures results in the appearance of large numbers of transformed foci; many of them are larger and denser than those in the original culture. If the cells are continually kept at low population densities by frequent passages in 10% CS, they lose the capacity to undergo spontaneous transformation. If however the low-density passages are made in 2% CS or in 10% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum, both of which support lower growth rates and saturation densities than does 10% CS, they gain the capacities to grow to high saturation densities and produce more foci when grown to confluence in 2% CS. These increases are proportional to the population densities used in the frequent passages, although the densities are all kept well below confluence. We conclude that the combined constraints of submaximal serum plus those of the limited cell contacts of the low cell densities used here elicit an adaptive response that endows the entire population with increased growth capacity. The increased growth capacity of the heterogeneous population in turn increases the capacity of a fraction of the population to initiate distinctive transformed foci. Similar studies have indicated that the capacity of cells to produce tumors and metastases in mice and rats is enhanced by prior maintenance at high density in culture. We propose the concept of progressive state selection to account for the general increase in the growth capacity of cells that is elicited by moderate constraints on their growth and metabolism.

[Cloning and orientation of a promoter of thermophilic Thiobacillus sp]

Thiobacillus sp. is an obligate autotrophic thermophilic bacterium which was isolated from an acidic hot spring in Yunnan Province. Its optimum growth temperature is 45-50 degrees C and its optimum pH is 2.0-3.0. Using DNA recombinant technique, we inserted the HindIII fragments of the Thiobacillus sp. chromosomal DNA into the HindIII site of promoter-probe plasmid pSDSI (AprTcs, 5.65 kb). Transformants resistant to tetracycline were obtained on Tc plates (12 micrograms/ml). Of these, twenty transformants were able to grow on 120 micrograms/ml Tc plates, and two of them, designated pSDH7 and pSDH11, were able to grow on plates containing Tc at concentration up to 360 micrograms/ml. With HindIII, pSDH11 produced a 0.95kb fragment which had the function of promoter and a PstI site besides the 5.65 kb fragment of pSDSI. Southern blot hybridization showed that the 0.95 kb insert was from the Thiobacillus sp. chromosomal DNA. After restriction mapping, a 2.85 kb fragment of pSDH11 (which contained 0.7 kb of the inserted fragment) was removed with the aid of Pst1, and the remained fragment was used to construct a 3.75 kb plasmid (named pSDH114) which was resistant to a higher level of tetracycline (360 micrograms/ml) than for pBR322 (120 micrograms/ml). The remained 0.25 kb foreign fragment in pSDH114 still retained full function of the promoter contained in the original 0.95 kb. Thus we could orient the cloned promotor function fragment (0.25 kb) from Thiobacillus sp. in pSDH114.

Growth in high serum concentrations leads to rapid deadaptation of cells previously adapted to growth in an extremely low concentration of serum

A subline of NIH 3T3 cells adapted to multiply in 0.25% calf serum (CS) by frequent passage (every 2-3 days) at low population density in 0.25% CS was deadapted by frequent successive passages of the cells in 10% CS for 3 weeks. The cells adapted to 0.25% CS multiplied with an average doubling time of 16.9 hr in 10% CS, and cells that had always been kept in 10% CS multiplied with an average doubling time of 14.6 hr, so there was weak selection for the latter in the higher serum concentration. When adapted cells were subjected to two passagers in 10% CS prior to assay of growth in 0.25% CS, a 4-day lag period was evident before commencement of exponential growth, and there was a decrease in saturation density. Further delay of growth in 0.25% CS developed as the number of passages of cells in 10% CS increased. The marked delay of growth in 0.25% CS of the bulk population after a few days in 10% CS argued against selection in 10% CS of rare nonadapted mutants from the adapted population and for an epigenetic origin of the change. Reconstruction experiments utilizing adapted cells mixed with non-adapted cells in 0.25% CS buttressed this explanation. Eight clones of the adapted population exhibited some loss of growth capacity in 0.25% CS after a single passage in 10% CS, though the extent of loss varied from clone to clone. The results support the idea that all cells in the adapted population respond to the lifting of growth constraints with loss of their growth potential under highly constrained conditions. They are consistent with the concept of progressive state selection in which selection operates on fluctuating metabolic states of individual cells rather than on genetic variants.

Progressive state selection of cells in low serum promotes high density growth and neoplastic transformation in NIH 3T3 cells

A subline of NIH 3T3 cells maintained by frequent passage (every 2 to 3 days) in 10% calf serum (CS) at low population density reached a low saturation density in 2% CS and produced no transformed foci on prolonged incubation at confluency in 2% CS. Within 3 frequent low density passages in 2% CS, the saturation density and focus-forming capacity in that serum concentration began an increase which was continued in subsequent passages. The saturation density and focus-forming capacities of the cells in both 2% and 1% CS were further enhanced by passage in 1% CS. The cells could then be passaged in 0.5% CS and then in 0.25% CS, which would support no multiplication of cells previously passaged only in 10% CS. The cells passaged in 0.25% CS gradually increased their saturation density and focus-forming capacity in that extremely low serum concentration during 24 low density passages, although their initial growth rate did not increase. They also attained a colony-forming efficiency in 0.25% CS of about 30%, as compared to less than 1% for cells passaged in 10% CS. Cells passaged, cloned, and passaged again in 2% CS yielded clonal populations which differed from one another in saturation density and focus-forming capacity in 2% CS. We conclude that NIH 3T3 cells diversify phenotypically at a high rate in their capacity to multiply and produce foci in limiting concentrations of serum, and we propose that progressive selection of these heterogeneous states accounts for the acquired capacity to function effectively in low concentrations of serum growth factors. Since lymph and presumably extracellular fluid in vivo contain low concentrations of growth factors which govern the multiplication of normal cells, the adaptation we observe in vitro may be related to tumor production in the animal.

Relation of spontaneous transformation in cell culture to adaptive growth and clonal heterogeneity

Cell transformation in culture is marked by the appearance of morphologically altered cells that continue to multiply to form discrete foci in confluent sheets when the surrounding cells are inhibited. These foci occur spontaneously in early-passage NIH 3T3 cells grown to confluency in 10% calf serum (CS) but are not seen in cultures grown to confluency in 2% CS. However, repeated passage of the cells at low density in 2% CS gives rise to an adapted population that grows to increasingly higher saturation densities and produces large numbers of foci in 2% CS. The increased saturation density of the adapted population in 2% CS is retained upon repeated passage in 10% CS, but the number and size of the foci produced in 2% CS gradually decrease under this regime. Clonal analysis confirms that the focus-forming potential of most if not all of the cells in a population increases in response to a continuously applied growth constraint, although only a small fraction of the population may actually form foci in a given assay. The acquired capacity for focus formation varies widely in clones derived from the adapted population and changes in diverse ways upon further passage of the clones. We propose that the adaptive changes result from progressive selection of successive phenotypic variations in growth capacity that occur spontaneously. The process designated progressive state selection resolves the apparent dichotomy between spontaneous mutation with selection on the one hand and induction on the other, by introducing selection among fluctuating states or metabolic patterns rather than among genetically altered cells.

Effect of polycythemia on gastrointestinal blood flow and oxygenation in piglets

Gastrointestinal blood flow and oxygenation were measured before and after the induction of polycythemia in newborn piglets. Sixty minutes after exchange transfusion with age-matched packed red blood cells, hematocrit and in vitro whole blood viscosity increased, while 51Cr-measured blood volume did not change. Cardiac output and total gastrointestinal blood flow (the sum of stomach, jejunum, ileum, and colon blood flows) decreased a similar degree after exchange transfusion, although the reduction in total gastrointestinal blood flow was not uniform in all regions of the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, blood flow to the stomach and mucosa-submucosa layer of the small bowel decreased, whereas that to the colon and muscularis-serosa layer of the small bowel remained unchanged. Gastrointestinal O2 delivery increased after exchange transfusion because of the increase in arterial O2 content consequent to polycythemia. The arteriovenous O2 content difference remained unchanged following exchange transfusion, and gastrointestinal O2 consumption thus decreased 49 +/- 2%. After a test meal, postprandial values for gastrointestinal blood flow and oxygenation in polycythemic piglets increased to levels similar to postprandial values reported previously in normal newborn piglets.

Sympathoadrenal activity and peripheral blood flow after birth: comparison in infants delivered vaginally and by cesarean section

The possible influence of sympathoadrenal activity on peripheral blood flow was studied. Limb blood flow was measured with venous occlusion plethysmography at 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours after birth in 24 healthy, full-term infants, of whom 14 were delivered by elective cesarean section. Mean arterial pressure was simultaneously measured noninvasively, and peripheral vascular resistance calculated. Umbilical artery blood at birth and peripheral venous blood at 2 and 24 hours were analyzed for concentrations of catecholamines and hematocrit. The limb blood flow was significantly lower at 30 minutes in the vaginally delivered infants compared with those delivered by cesarean section. There was a gradual increase in limb blood flow over the 24 hours in those delivered vaginally, whereas in the section group only small changes were observed. The peripheral vascular resistance was higher both at 30 minutes and at 2 hours in those delivered vaginally, which corresponded to the higher catecholamine concentrations at birth and at 2 hours in this group. Two hours after birth there was a significant correlation between noradrenaline levels and peripheral vascular resistance. The results indicate that the sympathoadrenal system influences peripheral circulation at birth and is important in the circulatory adaptation of the newborn infant.