Achyrocline satureioides (LAM.) DC (Marcela): antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus spp. and immunomodulating effects on human lymphocytes

Achyrocline satureioides (LAM.) DC (Compositae) is a sub-bush original from America and distributed in Europe and Africa. It is mainly used in infusions, as digestive, sedative among others and has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. A research was made into the anti-microbial activity of the A. satureioides decoction on the Staphylococcus spp strains. They were isolated from 18 patients with acne lesions and from 7 patients infected with Staphylococcus spp. (5 strains were taken from catheters and 2 from wounds). The strains were classified through biochemical tests and then were seeded in triptein-soy agar with or without decoction to observe the antibacterial activity. On the other hand, cultures of lymphocytes were made from those patients who displayed infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. and from 12 control non-infected individuals. The lymphocytes were stimulated with decoction or PHA-M. Among the expanded, CD8+ T cells, with anti-human CD8 monoclonal antibody were the outstanding ones by indirect IF. The A. satureiodes decoction inhibited 95% of the isolated Staphylococcus spp. strains and stimulated the lymphocyte expansion, of which 40% were CD8+ T cells. The A. satureiodes decoction showed anti-microbial activity and resulted to be an immunostimulating agent on CD8+ T cells, with lesser mitogenic effects than PHA-M.

Evidence for a kaon-bound state K(-)pp produced in K(-) absorption reactions at rest

We have searched for a deeply bound kaonic state by using the FINUDA spectrometer installed at the e(+)e(-) collider DAPhiNE. Almost monochromatic K(-)'s produced through the decay of phi(1020) mesons are used to observe K(-) absorption reactions stopped on very thin nuclear targets. Taking this unique advantage, we have succeeded to detect a kaon-bound state K(-)pp through its two-body decay into a Lambda hyperon and a proton. The binding energy and the decay width are determined from the invariant-mass distribution as 115(+6)(-5)(stat)(+3)(-4)(syst) MeV and 67(+14)(-11)(stat)(+2)(-3)(syst) MeV, respectively.

Utilization of blueberry by the lappet moth, Streblote panda Hübner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae): survival, development, and larval performance

The lappet moth, Streblote panda Hübner [1820] (Lasiocampidae), is a common species found in blueberry, Vaccinium spp. (Ericaceae) fields of Western Andalusia. The biology of this species as well as the extent to which its larvae can use and survive on blueberry is unknown. In this study, the suitability to larvae of several blueberry cultivars was studied. Larvae were grown under controlled laboratory conditions on excised foliage of six blueberry cultivars. Survival, development, and food use were determined for first and fifth instars. According to our results, blueberry has become an alternative host plant for S. panda in southwestern Andalusia. Low growth rates and efficiencies of use of food were observed. Lower gross efficiency of growth was found for larvae fed blueberry 'Sharpblue', despite a higher apparent digestibility of this cultivar. Larvae reared on this cultivar had the highest mortality, increased developmental time, and used a greater part of metabolism for maintenance. Herbivore pressure may be increased with the widespread planting of the most suitable cultivars 'Misty' and 'O'Neal', whereas 'Sharpblue' and'Climax' seem to be the least suitable host plants. These data provide useful information for planning and managing blueberry orchards in the presence of S. panda populations.

Stimulation of p300-mediated transcription by the kinase MEKK1

p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are related transcriptional coactivators that possess histone acetyltransferase activity. Inactivation of p300/CBP is part of the mechanism by which adenovirus E1A induces oncogenic transformation of cells. Recently, the importance of p300/CBP has been demonstrated directly in several organisms including mouse, Drosophila, and Caenorhabditis elegans where p300/CBP play an indispensable role in differentiation, in patterning, and in cell fate determination and proliferation during development. CBP/p300s are modified by phosphorylation during F9 cell differentiation as well as adenovirus infection, suggesting that phosphorylation may play a role in the regulation of p300/CBP activity. Here we show that the mitogen-activated/extracellular response kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) enhances p300-mediated transcription. We identify several domains within p300 that can respond to MEKK1-induced transcriptional activation. Interestingly, activation of p300-mediated transcription by MEKK1 does not appear to require the downstream kinase JNK and may involve either a direct phosphorylation of p300 by MEKK1 or by other non-JNK MEKK1-directed downstream kinases. Finally, we present evidence that p300 is important for MEKK1 to induce apoptosis. Taken together, these results identify MEKK1 as a kinase that is likely to be involved in the regulation of the transactivation potential of p300 and support a role of p300 in MEKK1-induced apoptosis.

DAF-16 recruits the CREB-binding protein coactivator complex to the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 promoter in HepG2 cells

Insulin negatively regulates expression of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) gene by means of an insulin-responsive element (IRE) that also contributes to glucocorticoid stimulation of this gene. We find that the Caenorhabditis elegans protein DAF-16 binds the IGFBP-1 small middle dotIRE with specificity similar to that of the forkhead (FKH) factor(s) that act both to enhance glucocorticoid responsiveness and to mediate the negative effect of insulin at this site. In HepG2 cells, DAF-16 and its mammalian homologs, FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX, activate transcription through the IGFBP-1.IRE; this effect is inhibited by the viral oncoprotein E1A, but not by mutants of E1A that fail to interact with the coactivator p300/CREB-binding protein (CBP). We show that DAF-16 and FKHR can interact with both the KIX and E1A/SRC interaction domains of p300/CBP, as well as the steroid receptor coactivator (SRC). A C-terminal deletion mutant of DAF-16 that is nonfunctional in C. elegans fails to bind the KIX domain of CBP, fails to activate transcription through the IGFBP-1.IRE, and inhibits activation of the IGFBP-1 promoter by glucocorticoids. Thus, the interaction of DAF-16 homologs with the KIX domain of CBP is essential to basal and glucocorticoid-stimulated transactivation. Although AFX interacts with the KIX domain of CBP, it does not interact with SRC and does not respond to glucocorticoids or insulin. Thus, we conclude that DAF-16 and FKHR act as accessory factors to the glucocorticoid response, by recruiting the p300/CBP/SRC coactivator complex to an FKH factor site in the IGFBP-1 promoter, which allows the cell to integrate the effects of glucocorticoids and insulin on genes that carry this site.

Neurocalcin-immunoreactive neurons in the mammalian dorsal root ganglia, including humans

Neurocalcin (NC) is a recently characterized EF-hand calcium-binding protein present in a discrete population of sensory neurons and their peripheral mechanoreceptors, but its presence in peripheral nervous system neurons other than in the rat is still unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of NC in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of several mammalian species (horse, buffalo, cow, sheep, pig, dog, and rat), including humans. DRG were fixed, embedded in paraffin, and processed for immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody against NC. The size of the immunoreactive neurons was measured. In all species examined, NC immunoreactivity (IR) was restricted to neurons but the percentage, as well as the size of the immunoreactive neurons, varied among different species. As a rule, small neurons (diameter <20 microm) lack NC IR. In some species (pig, dog, buffalo, cow), only the largest neurons showed IR, whereas in others (sheep, horse, rat, and humans) they covered the entire range of neuron sizes. The pattern of immunostaining was cytoplasmic, although in some species (cow and buffalo), it formed a peripheral "ring." The present results demonstrate that mammalian DRG contain a subpopulation of NC-positive neurons, which varies from one species to another. Based on the neuron size, the possible function of the NC-containing neurons is discussed.

Human CD36 is a high affinity receptor for the native lipoproteins HDL, LDL, and VLDL

Mouse and hamster SR-BI glycoproteins and their putative human counterpart CLA-I are so far the only scavenger receptors known to bind both native and modified lipoproteins. CD36, a multigland glycoprotein structurally related to SR-BI and CLA-1, has been reported to bind oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and acetylated LDL (AcLDL). In this report, we have studied the ability of CD36 to bind native lipoproteins. By transient expression of human CD36 in mammalian and insect cells, we demonstrate that CD36 is a high affinity receptor for the native lipoproteins HDL, LDL, VLDL, and, as previously reported, for OxLDL and AcLDL. The specificity of these interactions is supported by the dose-dependent inhibiton, effect of a monoclonal antibody against CD36. Furthermore, at least for HDL, binding to CD36 does not require the presence of apoE. These findings, together with preferential expression of CD36 in tissues performing very active fatty acid metabolism (skeletal muscle, heart, mammary epithelium, and adipose tissue) and its involvement in foam cell formation (macrophages), suggest that binding of lipoproteins to CD36 might contribute to the regulation of lipid metabolism, and to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

CLA-1 is an 85-kD plasma membrane glycoprotein that acts as a high-affinity receptor for both native (HDL, LDL, and VLDL) and modified (OxLDL and AcLDL) lipoproteins

Lipoprotein metabolism is regulated by the functional interplay between lipoprotein components and the receptors and enzymes with which they interact. Recent evidence indicates that the structurally related glycoproteins CD36 and SR-BI act as cell surface receptors for some lipoproteins. Thus, CD36 has been reported to bind oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and acetylated LDL (AcLDL), while SR-BI also binds native LDL and HDL. The cDNA of human CLA-1 predicts a protein 509 amino acids long that displays a 30% and an 80% amino acid identity with CD36 and mouse or hamster SR-BI, respectively. In this report, we describe the structural characterization of CLA-1 as an 85-kD plasma membrane protein enriched in N-linked carbohydrates. The expression of CLA-1 on mammalian and insect cells has been used to demonstrate that CLA-1 is a high-affinity specific receptor for the lipoproteins HDL, LDL, VLDL, OxLDL, and AcLDL. Northern blot analysis of the tissue distribution of CLA-1 in humans indicated that its expression is mostly restricted to tissues performing very active cholesterol metabolism (liver and steroidogenic tissues). This finding, in the context of the capability of this receptor to bind to both native and modified lipoproteins, strongly suggests that the CLA-1 receptor contributes to lipid metabolism and atherogenesis.

Overview--flavonoids: a new family of benzodiazepine receptor ligands

Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are the most widely prescribed class of psychoactive drugs in current therapeutic use, despite the important unwanted side-effects that they produce such as sedation, myorelaxation, ataxia, amnesia, ethanol and barbiturate potentiation and tolerance. Searching for safer BDZ-receptor (BDZ-R) ligands we have recently demonstrated the existence of a new family of ligands which have a flavonoid structure. First isolated from plants used as tranquilizers in folkloric medicine, some natural flavonoids have shown to possess a selective and relatively mild affinity for BDZ-Rs and a pharmacological profile compatible with a partial agonistic action. In a logical extension of this discovery various synthetic derivatives of those compounds, such as 6,3'-dinitroflavone were found to have a very potent anxiolytic effect not associated with myorelaxant, amnestic or sedative actions. This dinitro compound, in particular, exhibits a high affinity for the BDZ-Rs (Ki = 12-30 nM). Due to their selective pharmacological profile and low intrinsic efficacy at the BDZ-Rs, flavonoid derivatives, such as those described, could represent an improved therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety. In addition, several flavone derivatives may provide important leads for the development of potent and selective BDZ-Rs ligands.

Structural and functional characterization of the human CD36 gene promoter: identification of a proximal PEBP2/CBF site

CD36 is a cell surface glycoprotein composed of a single polypeptide chain, which interacts with thrombospondin, collagens type I and IV, oxidized low density lipoprotein, fatty acids, anionic phospholipids, and erythrocytes parasitized with Plasmodium falciparum. Its expression is restricted to a few cell types, including monocyte/macrophages. In these cells, CD36 is involved in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and foam cell formation by uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein. To study the molecular mechanisms that control the transcription of the CD36 gene in monocytic cells we have isolated and analyzed the CD36 promoter. Transient expression experiments of 5'-deletion fragments of the CD36 promoter coupled to luciferase demonstrated that as few as 158 base pairs upstream from the transcription initiation site were sufficient to direct the monocyte-specific transcription of the reporter gene. Within the above region, the fragment spanning nucleotides -158 to -90 was required for optimal transcription in monocytic cells. Biochemical analysis of the region -158/-90 revealed a binding site for transcription factors of the polyomavirus enhancer-binding protein 2/core-binding factor (PEBP2/CBF) family at position -103. Disruption of the PEBP2/CBF site markedly diminished the role of the PEBP2/CBF factors in the constitutive transcription of the CD36 gene. The involvement of members of the PEBP2/CBF family in chromosome translocations associated with acute myeloid leukemia, and in the transcriptional regulation of the myeloid-specific genes encoding for myeloperoxidase, elastase, and the colony-stimulating factor receptor, highlights the relevance of the regulation of the CD36 gene promoter in monocytic cells by members of the PEBP2/CBF family.

The CD36, CLA-1 (CD36L1), and LIMPII (CD36L2) gene family: cellular distribution, chromosomal location, and genetic evolution

CD36, CLA-1, and LIMPII are single polypeptide membrane glycoproteins, and the genes encoding them constitute a recently described gene family (D. Calvo and M. A. Vega (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268: 18929). In the present paper, a cDNA encoding the human lysosomal membrane protein LIMPII was used to determine its expression pattern in cells of various lineages. Like CLA-1, and in contrast with the restricted expression of CD36, the expression of LIMPII is widespread. Mapping of the human LIMPII and CLA-1 genes (gene symbols CD36L2 and CD36L1, respectively) to specific chromosomes revealed that CLA-1, LIMPII, and CD36 do not form a gene cluster, but are found dispersed on chromosomes 12, 4, and 7, respectively. These data, together with the phylogenetic analysis carried out for the members of this family, indicate that the LIMPII, CLA-1, and CD36 genes diverged early in evolution from an ancestor gene, possibly before the divergence between the arthropods and the vertebrates.

Recovery of central noradrenergic neurons one year after the administration of the neurotoxin DSP4

The long-term effects of the systemic administration of DSP4 (N-(2-chloroethyl)N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride), a selective noradrenergic neurotoxin, on the endogenous levels of monoamines and their metabolites and on alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in selected brain regions of the rat were examined. After 7 days, DSP4 caused a marked reduction (about 80%) of endogenous noradrenaline levels in locus coeruleus-innervated regions. At 90, 240 and 300 days after DSP4 injection, a partial and gradual recovery (50%, 41% and 25% of control values, respectively) of the noradrenaline cortical levels was evident. One year after DSP4 administration, brain regional noradrenaline stores were almost completely recovered. No changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were observed in the three time intervals, but a mild decrease in cortical and hippocampal 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid levels was found 7 days after DSP4 injection. Following the profound noradrenaline depletion seen at 7 days, the cerebral cortical density of alpha 1-, alpha 2- and beta-adrenoceptors was significantly increased. Assessment of adrenergic receptors in cerebral cortex at 365 days after DSP4 injection, indicated that alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor densities did not differ from control values; however, the density of beta-adrenoceptors remained increased. No changes were observed in the affinities of the three types of adrenoceptors studied. These results indicate that after a selective noradrenergic denervation induced by DSP4, there is a slow and gradual recovery of noradrenaline stores and of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor populations, suggesting a possible regrowth and/or collateral sprouting of noradrenergic terminals.

Identification, primary structure, and distribution of CLA-1, a novel member of the CD36/LIMPII gene family

The thrombospondin and collagen type I receptor CD36 is a plasma membrane glycoprotein present in a restricted number of cell types. By contrast, rat lysosomal integral membrane protein II (LIMPII) is expressed on the membrane of lysosomes in all cell types so far examined. Nevertheless, both belong to the same gene family based on alignment of their respective amino acid sequences. To explore the existence of other related members, we have used the polymerase chain reaction with primers derived from highly conserved amino acid regions between CD36 and rat LIMPII. A human cDNA corresponding to a novel member of this family has been identified and isolated. This new member has been designated as CD36 and LIMPII Analogous-1 (CLA-1). Human CLA-1 cDNA predicts a protein 409 amino acids long with a 20% amino acid identity with CD36 and rat LIMPII. Further studies revealed that the sequenced cDNA clone may result by alternative splicing from a longer mRNA form having an insertion of 300 nucleotides located 126 nucleotides downstream from the initiation codon of cloned CLA-1. This form would encode a protein 509 amino acids long, whose sequence matches without any long gap to amino acid sequences of CD36 and rat LIMPII. Northern blot analysis indicates that CLA-1 is widely expressed although its mRNA steady state levels vary considerably among the analyzed cell types. Transient transfection experiments of a CD36-CLA-1 chimera, constructed by replacing the carboxyl cytoplasmic tail of CD36 for the carboxyl cytoplasmic tail of CLA-1, suggest that native CLA-1 protein is found on the plasma membrane.