Substance p plays a critical role in photic resetting of the circadian pacemaker in the rat hypothalamus

Glutamate is considered to be the primary neurotransmitter in the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT), which delivers photic information from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the locus of the mammalian circadian pacemaker. However, substance P (SP) also has been suggested to play a role in retinohypothalamic transmission. In this study, we sought evidence that SP from the RHT contributes to photic resetting of the circadian pacemaker and further explored the possible interaction of SP with glutamate in this process. In rat hypothalamic slices cut parasagittally, electrical stimulation of the optic nerve in early and late subjective night produced a phase delay (2.4 +/- 0.5 hr; mean +/- SEM) and advance (2.6 +/- 0.3 hr) of the circadian rhythm of SCN neuronal firing activity, respectively. The SP antagonist L-703,606 (10 microm) applied to the slices during the nerve stimulation completely blocked the phase shifts. Likewise, a cocktail of NMDA (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 50 microm) and non-NMDA (6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 10 microm) antagonists completely blocked the shifts. Exogenous application of SP (1 microm) or glutamate (100 microm) to the slices in early subjective night produced a phase delay ( approximately 3 hr) of the circadian firing activity rhythm of SCN neurons. Coapplication of the NMDA and non-NMDA antagonist cocktail (as well as L-703,606) resulted in a complete blockade of the SP-induced phase delay, whereas L-703,606 (10 microm) had no effect on the glutamate-induced delay. These results suggest that SP, as well as glutamate, has a critical role in photic resetting. Furthermore, the results suggest that the two agonists act in series, SP working upstream of glutamate.

A survey of Hwa-Byung in middle-age Korean women

Hwa-Byung (HB) has been categorized as a Korean culture-bound syndrome that refers to insidious, long-standing, serious discontent that is projected into the body and is manifested by numerous symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, panic, palpitations, dyspnea, and others. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence rate of HB in Korean women, validate the predominant symptoms of HB, and validate the related sociodemographic factors and lifestyle factors that differentiate women with HB from those without HB. A total of 2,807 women ages 41 to 65 years were recruited from seven metropolitan areas and six provinces in Korea. The prevalence rate of women who designated themselves as having experienced HB was 4.95%. The rates were higher in women of low socioeconomic status, living in rural areas, among the divorced or separated, smokers, and drinkers. A set of 31 HB symptoms differentiated the potential HB women from the non-HB women.

Fluorescent BODIPY-GTP analogs: real-time measurement of nucleotide binding to G proteins

Three BODIPY GTPgammaS analogs (FL, 515, and TR), BODIPY FL GppNHp and BODIPY FL GTP molecules were synthesized as possible fluorescent probes to study guanine nucleotide binding spectroscopically. Binding to G(alphao) increases baseline analog fluorescence by 6-, 8.5-, 2.8-, 3.5-, and 3.0-fold, respectively. Binding of GTPgammaS and GppNHp analogs to G(alphao) is of high affinity (K(D) 11, 17, 55, and 110 nM, respectively) and reaches a stable plateau while fluorescence of BODIPY FL GTP shows a transient increase which returns to baseline. Furthermore, BODIPY FL GTPgammaS shows varying affinities for alpha(o), alpha(s), alpha(i1), and alpha(i2) (6, 58, 150, and 300 nM). The affinities of BODIPY FL GppNHp for all four G(alpha) subunits are 10-fold lower than for BODIPY FL GTPgammaS. Half-times for the fluorescence increase are consistent with known GDP release rates for those proteins. Enhancement of fluorescence upon binding the G(alpha) subunit is most likely due to a rotation around the gamma-thiol (GTPgammaS) or the 3' ribose-hydroxyl (GppNHp) bond to relieve the quenching of BODIPY fluorescence by the guanine base. Binding to G(alpha) exposes the BODIPY moiety to the external environment, as seen by an increase in sodium iodide quenching. The visible excitation and emission spectra and high fluorescence levels of these probes permit robust real-time detection of nucleotide binding.

Fluorescent Bocillins: synthesis and application in the detection of penicillin-binding proteins

Novel fluorescent analogs of penicillin V were synthesized and evaluated for efficacy in the detection of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). These molecules include the full structure of penicillin V, with the potent Bodipy fluorophore attached to the para-position of the penicillin V phenyl group. The green fluorescent Bocillin FL and the near-infrared (IR) fluorescent Bocillin 650/665 probes were shown to bind to PBPs, both purified and from membrane preparations, with high affinity and specificity. These reagents allow for facile detection of 2-4 ng of purified PBP with the aid of a fluorescent scanner.

Anti-fibrotic effects of a hot-water extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza roots on liver fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction in rats

The anti-fibrotic effects of a hot-water extract form the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (Labiatae) on liver fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction was studied in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL). After surgery, the hot-water extract of S. miltiorrhiza roots (100 mg kg(-1), p.o.) was administered daily for 28 days. The concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and total cholesterol in serum and hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde contents in liver were significantly increased in BDL rats. Treatment with the extract of S. miltiorrhiza significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total cholesterol concentrations in BDL rats. The liver hydroxyproline content in BDL rats treated with extract was also reduced to 68% of that in BDL control rats (P < 0.01). The liver malondialdehyde content in BDL rats treated with the extract was also reduced to 47% of that in BDL control rats (P < 0.01). The morphological characteristics of fibrotic livers were improved in BDL rats treated with extract. Immunohistochemical examination of fibrotic liver showed that the extract of S. miltiorrhiza markedly reduced protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle cell-like actin, which indicates that hepatic stellate cell activation was inhibited during liver fibrosis development. The results indicate that the hot-water extract of S. miltiorrhiza roots inhibits fibrosis and lipid peroxidation in rats with liver fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction.

Pax-8 is essential for regulation of the thyroglobulin gene by transforming growth factor-beta1

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a multifunctional cytokine that is thought to play a major role in the regulation of growth and differentiation of thyroid cells. However, little is known of its detailed mechanisms of action in thyrocytes. We have therefore studied the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta1 action on thyroglobulin (TG) gene expression by focusing our attention on TGF-beta1 regulation of thyroid-specific transcription factors. TGF-beta1 decreased TG messenger RNA (mRNA) expression both in the presence and in the absence of TSH in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Transfected into FRTL-5 cells, the activity of reporter plasmids containing the rat TG promoter ligated to a luciferase gene was significantly suppressed by the addition of TGF-beta1. When the nuclear extracts prepared from TGF-beta1-treated FRTL-5 cells were used in gel mobility shift assays, the amount of protein-DNA complex formed by Pax-8 was reduced, both in the presence and in the absence of TSH, but protein-DNA complexes formed by thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and TTF-2 were not. The suppressive effect of TGF-beta1 on Pax-8/DNA complex formation is in part due to the suppression of Pax-8 mRNA and protein levels by TGF-beta1. Expressions of Pax-8 mRNA and protein, which were assessed by Northern blot and Western blot analyses, respectively, were decreased by TGF-beta1 treatment of FRTL-5 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In a transfection experiment, mutation of the Pax-8-binding site caused a loss of both TGF-beta1- and TSH-responsiveness in TG promoter activity. Overexpression of Pax-8 abolished the TGF-beta1 suppression of TG promoter activity. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 decreases Pax-8 mRNA levels as well as Pax-8 DNA-binding activity, which, at least in part, seems to be involved in the TGF-beta1-induced suppression of TG gene expression.

Effect of tetrandrine on experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation and scission in rats

Tetrandrine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Stephania tetrandra, has been shown to elicit antifibrotic effects in various cell types. In the present study, the effect of tetrandrine on liver fibrosis was investigated by using bile duct ligation and scission in rats as a model of hepatic fibrosis. Treatment with tetrandrine in fibrotic rats reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels to 72%, 52% and 51% that of controls at 10 mg/kg/day, respectively. Liver hydroxyproline contents in tetrandrine-treated rats with bile duct ligation and scission were also reduced to 65% of that of control rats with bile duct ligation and scission at 10 mg/kg/day. The morphological characteristics of fibrotic liver, which appeared in control bile duct ligation and scission group, were improved in tetrandrine-treated bile duct ligation and scission group. We also examined the effect of tetrandrine on cultured rat hepatic stellate cells, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, activation to investigate whether it could act mainly by direct action on rat hepatic fibroblastic cells. In cultured rat hepatic stellate cells, tetrandrine reduced DNA synthesis to 57% of control hepatic stellate cells at 10 microg/ml without affecting cell viability. Smooth muscle-alpha-actin expression, the phenotypic marker of activated hepatic stellate cells, was also decreased. We conclude that tetrandrine has an antifibrotic effect on liver fibrosis in rats induced by bile duct ligation and scission, indicating that it might exert a direct effect on rat hepatic stellate cells.

Synthesis and Surface-Active Properties of New Photosensitive Surfactants Containing the Azobenzene Group

Several water-soluble cationic surfactants, 4-alkylazobenzene-4'-(oxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium methylsulfate (AZMS) (AZMS-0, AZMS-1, AZMS-2, AZMS-4, and AZMS-8), containing alkylglycidylether and azoarene have been synthesized with high yields of 63-78% and their surface-active properties have been investigated upon irradiation with UV/vis light. All of the trans-AZMS surfactants are isomerized to cis-trans mixtures containing 92.5% cis isomer by UV light irradiation at 350 nm. The cis isomers in the mixtures are reverted to trans isomers by visible light irradiation (lambda>445 nm). Such photoisomerization induces changes in the surface activity of each surfactant. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the trans form of AZMS-8 surfactant is about 1.28x10(-4) mol/l. At the photostationary state, 92.5% of the trans form is changed to the cis form which exhibits a slightly higher cmc (3.41x10(-4) mol/l). The new cmc of AZMS surfactants upon photoisomerization is similar to that of the ideal mixed micellar system. In particular, the ratio of cmc(cis) to cmc(trans) of AZMS derivatives is about 1.87-2.85 which increases proportionally with the chain length of alkyl group. The minimum average area per molecule (A(min)(a/w)) for the trans and cis isomers of AZMS-8 is 0.60 and 0.74 nm(2), respectively. The difference in the A(min)(a/w) may originate from the structural differences in the two isomers. These values are quite different as compared to those of the conventional azobenzene surfactants. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Protein malnutrition: some aspects of the in vitro adhesion of peritoneal mouse macrophages

Protein calorie malnutrition and disease are frequently associated. Protein malnutrition modifies both the specific and nonspecific resistance of the organism to infectious agents. The exact mechanisms underlying these findings are not clear. Cellular adhesion is a crucial step in the process of phagocytosis as well as cellular migration. The effect of a low-protein diet on adhesion of macrophages was studied using an experimental murine model. We used malnourished mice that had lost 30% of their initial body weight. We then injected them with a suspension of sodium caseinate and harvested the peritoneal macrophages after 5 days. The cells were then allowed to adhere to cover slips in the presence or absence of 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in the medium for time periods of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Macrophage adhesion to glass slips whose surface had been covered with type I collagen was performed only for 90 min. The expression of fibronectin was studied using an immunohistochemical technique only in the 90-min assay. The results indicate that (1) protein malnutrition impairs the activation potential of macrophages, decreasing their adhesion and expression of fibronectin; (2) when FCS is present in the medium, there is a decrease in the number of adhered cells.

The ethanol-soluble part of a hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi inhibits liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of the hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi (Compositae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver injury was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 mL kg(-1)) twice a week during 4 weeks of A. iwayomogi treatment. Extracts from A. iwayomogi were prepared and administered to rats orally (2 g kg(-1) as A. iwayomogi for 4 weeks) as follows: group 1, hot-water extract; group 2, ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract; group 3, ethanol-insoluble part of hot-water extract; and group 4, methanol extract. In rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, liver hydroxyproline content was reduced to 74% that of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). Protein expression of alpha smooth muscle cell like actin was also decreased in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, which indicates inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation. Liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly lowered in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol levels in rats treated with hot-water extract, ethanol-soluble or -insoluble parts of hot-water extract or methanol extract were significantly reduced when compared with those of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). The ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract from A. iwayomogi inhibited fibrosis and lipid peroxidation in rats with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Both hot-water extract (either ethanol-soluble or -insoluble) and methanol extract of A. iwayomogi also lowered serum cholesterol levels in fibrotic rats.

Characteristics of vitiligo in Korean children

Eighty Korean children (ages 8 months-12 years) with clinical and/or histopathologic diagnoses of vitiligo were evaluated; 39 boys and 41 girls. The mean age at first visit was 7.9 years and the mean age at onset was 5.6 years. The most common site of onset was the head/neck area (58.8%), followed by the trunk and lower limbs. The children were compared with a control group of 422 adults with vitiligo. Children comprised 16% of the total vitiligo patients and adults comprised 84%. A family history of vitiligo was found in 11 (13.8%) children, compared to 10.7% in the adult group; poliosis in 20 (25. 0%); halo nevi in 2 (2.5%), compared to 4.0% in the adult group; combined autoimmune and endocrine diseases in 1 (1.3%), compared to 7.6% in the adult group; and segmental vitiligo in 26 (32.5%), compared to 13.0% in the adult group. The combined diseases were significantly less often found in children than adults (p < 0.01), and segmental vitiligo was significantly more often associated with children (p < 0.0001). Our study did not show a higher prevalence of vitiligo in girls as reported in other studies, which may indicate racial differences. Of the total 502 patients, only 1 patient with segmental vitiligo had halo nevi. Sixty-four percent of the children with vitiligo responded to treatment, compared to 57% of the adults.

Purification of two lectins from a nopalin Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain

Lectins were evidenced on the surface of one Agrobacterium tumefaciens wild strain (82,139) by agglutination test and neoglycoprotein labelling. Bacteria were incubated in the presence of various fluorescein-labelled neoglycoproteins and the binding was assessed by a fluorimetric method. Among the fluorescein-labelled neoglycoproteins tested, the one bearing alpha-D-galactosyl residues was the most efficient. The labelling was optimal at pH 5.0 and naught at pH above 7. The binding was specifically inhibited by homologous fluorescein-free neoglycoproteins. A galactoside-specific lectin was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on agarose-A4 substituted with alpha-D-galactopyranosyl residues. Upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a single band (M(r) 58,000) was detected. This alpha-D-galactoside-specific lectin agglutinated preferentially human B red blood cells at pH 5.0. Another lectin specific for alpha-L-rhamnoside (M(r) 40,000) not retained on the immobilised galactose was purified by affinity chromatography on alpha-L-rhamnosyl substituted agarose-A4. This L-rhamnoside-specific lectin preferentially agglutinated horse erythrocytes. On the basis of their M(r) and on their sugar specificity, these two lectins are novel lectins with regard to the known sugar-binding proteins present in the Rhizobiaceae family: Agrobacterium, Rhizobium or Bradyrhizobium strains.

Texas Res-X and rhodamine Red-X, new derivatives of sulforhodamine 101 and lissamine rhodamine B with improved labeling and fluorescence properties

Texas Red sulfonyl chloride (TR-SC) and Lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl chloride (LRB-SC) are popular dyes often used to prepare red fluorescent conjugates that are useful second labels in combination with fluorescein. Unfortunately, being sulfonyl chloride derivatives, both are unstable to moisture during storage and prone to hydrolysis in the conjugation reaction. Their instability causes the percentage of reactive dye to vary from lot to lot and requires use of low temperatures and a relatively high pH to optimize conjugation efficiency. Succinimidyl esters of the aminohexanoic acid sulfonamides of both dyes have been prepared, which are designated Texas Red-X succinimidyl ester (TR-X-SE) and Rhodamine Red-X succinimidyl ester, respectively. Their spectral properties are similar to those of their sulfonyl chloride analogs; moreover, incorporation of the succinimidyl ester at the end of the aliphatic chain spacer facilitates conjugation, decreases precipitation of proteins during conjugation and storage, and usually increases the fluorescence yield of the conjugate. Comparison of the rate of hydrolysis of TR-SC with that of TR-X-SE shows that, while the former was completely hydrolyzed within 5 min by exposure to water, TR-X-SE retains most of its reactivity for more than an hour. The reactivity of both new derivatives is high between pH 7.5 and 8.5, allowing conjugation of proteins that do not tolerate the high pH required for reaction with sulfonyl chlorides. In addition, Texas Red maleimides and haloacetamides containing spacer groups were prepared for labeling sulfhydryl groups. A Texas Red-X derivative of phalloidin has also been prepared, and its use for labeling F-actin has been characterized.

Fluorescent conjugates of brefeldin A selectively stain the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex of living cells

The fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) interferes with vesicular trafficking in most animal cells. To gain insight into the mechanism of BFA action, we esterified it to the fluorophore, boron dipyromethene difluoride (BODIPY). BODIPY-BEA localized predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex of viable cells and was extracted by detergent treatment, suggesting it interacts primarily with lipid bilayers. The localization of the conjugate is conferred by BFA, since free BODIPY or BODIPY esterified to cyclopentanol did not specifically localize to internal membranes. BODIPY-BFA exhibited a similar biological activity to BFA, but only when used at higher concentrations and after a delay. HPLC analysis revealed that over this period, cells converted BODIPY-BFA to species co-eluting with free BODIPY and BFA. Therefore, BODIPY-BFA is probably inactive until BFA is released by cellular esterases. The specific localization of BODIPY-BFA to the ER and Golgi complex suggests that BFA might exert its effects on vesicular trafficking by perturbing the lipid bilayer of its target organelles. Because BODIPY-BFA intensely stains the ER at concentrations that have no discernible effects on intracellular transport or other cellular functions, it should be useful for visualizing the ER in living cells.

Quantitative nonradioactive CAT assays using fluorescent BODIPY 1-deoxychloramphenicol substrates

We report the development of fluorescent BODIPY 1-deoxychloramphenicol substrates for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). These substrates not only simplify and improve quantitation of CAT activity but also extend the linear range of detection. Because the 1-deoxychloramphenicol derivatives have only one acetylation site, the enzyme reaction creates only one product, whereas chloramphenicol and its fluorescent derivatives produce three acetylated products, each of which accumulates at a different rate. Thus, 1-deoxychloramphenicol substrates eliminate the need to account for multiple products and provide a method in which product formation corresponds directly to enzyme activity. These nonradioactive substrates also allow researchers to streamline the standard thin-layer chromatography separation procedure: visible results can be obtained within minutes and quantitative results in a few hours. The sensitivity of CAT assays using fluorescent 1-deoxychloramphenicol substrates is comparable to that achieved using [14C]chloramphenicol--between 10(-5) and 10(-6) units of activity in a 1-h reaction--and the linear range extends through 3.6 or more orders of magnitude. We expect that CAT assays employing BODIPY 1-deoxychloramphenicol CAT substrates will be a valuable improvement over other methods currently in use.

Development of a biologically active fluorescent-labeled calcitriol and its use to study hormone binding to the vitamin D receptor

To gain better insight into the mechanism of steroid receptor activation and calcitriol action, we have developed the first pharmacologically relevant fluorescent-labeled ligand for the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Purity and structure of three BODIPY-labeled calcitriol derivatives were characterized by TLC, HPLC, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. 3 beta-BODIPY-calcitriol was the most potent derivative to induce 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase activity and to inhibit cell proliferation. It was taken up rapidly and specifically and was not cleaved by endogenous esterases. 3 beta-BODIPY-calcitriol also retained high-affinity binding to the VDR. Hormone binding to the receptor was measured by spectrofluorometry in high-salt extracts from cultured cells with wild-type VDR, from cells virally over-expressing the human VDR, and in intact cells with and without VDR. Results from fluorescent binding studies agreed with results from radioligand assays. The most useful feature of this reagent is that its fluorescence emission increases severalfold upon binding to VDR. This allows direct monitoring by microscopy of ligand receptor interactions in living cells. Fluorescent-labeled calcitriol can be a valuable diagnostic tool for cancer research and is essential for exploring the subcellular localization of VDRs.

Complex molecular mechanism for dihydropyridine binding to L-type Ca(2+)-channels as revealed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

We analyzed binding-induced changes in the fluorescence properties of the 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP), DMBODIPY-DHP [(-)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-trifluromethylphenyl)- 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid 2-[4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-3- (s-indacene)propionylamino]ethylethyl ester)], to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of DHPs with the alpha 1-subunit of skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channels. The quantum yield of the fluorophore DMBODIPY was similar in solvents of different polarity. In contrast, the quantum yield of DMBODIPY-DHP was low in buffer but increased with solvent polarity and upon specific binding. This indicates the existence of binding-induced changes of intramolecular quenching of the fluorophore by the DHP moiety. Specific ligand binding also induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between one or more tryptophanes of the channel protein and the DMBODIPY-DHP fluorophore. The specific FRET signal was successfully used to directly measure DHP binding at high time resolution. It revealed complex association and dissociation kinetics of DMBODIPY-DHP although no site heterogeneity was detected in equilibrium experiments. We therefore fitted our data to a binding scheme considering one or more intermediate conformational states for the formation of the ligand-receptor complex. Such a step-wise binding mechanism explains previously observed differences in the binding site densities and the kinetic constants determined for different DHPs using conventional binding (for example filtration) assays.

In vivo labeling of L-type Ca2+ channels by fluorescent dihydropyridines: evidence for a functional, extracellular heparin-binding site

We have synthesized and characterized fluorescently labeled dihydropyridines (DHPs) as probes for L-type Ca2+ channels. Racemic as well as (+)- and (-)-1,4-dihydro- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3,5-pyridinecarboxylic acid 2-(aminoethyl)ethyl ester hydrochlorides were coupled to boron dipyrromethane (Bodipy) derivatives. (4,4-Difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza)-3- (s-indacene)propionic acid (DMBodipy)-DHP and (4,4-difluoro-7-styryl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza)-3-(s-indacene+ ++)propionic acid (STBodipy)-DHP have Kd values in the nanomolar range for membrane-bound or partially purified skeletal muscle and for neuronal L-type Ca2+ channels. (-)- and (+)-STBodipy-DHPs block 45Ca2+ uptake through L-type Ca2+ channels into GH3 cells with IC50 values of 14.8 and 562 nM, respectively. The measurement of bound fluorescence after removal of free DMBodipy-DHP with charcoal shows that the probes can substitute for radioactive ligands to study the properties (equilibrium binding, kinetics, allosteric regulation) of partially purified L-type Ca2+ channels from skeletal muscle. L-type Ca2+ channels on GH3 cells were steroselectively visualized by using the optical enantiomers of STBodipy-DHP. Heparin inhibited GH3 cell labeling by (-)-STBodipy-DHP with an IC50 value of 9.7 micrograms/ml and blocked L-type Ca(2+)-channel-mediated 45Ca2+ uptake with an IC50 value of 32 micrograms/ml. These findings argue for an extracellular orientation of the heparin-binding domain of the Ca2+ channel that is coupled to the DHP receptor.

A unique fluorescent phenylalkylamine probe for L-type Ca2+ channels. Coupling of phenylalkylamine receptors to Ca2+ and dihydropyridine binding sites

The first fluorescently labeled phenylalkylamine, DMBODIPY-PAA (5-(3-[3-(4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-3a, 4a-diaza-4-bora-indacen-3-yl)propionamido] phenethyl-N-methylamino)-2-isopropyl-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-valer onitrile) has been introduced for L-type Ca2+ channel research. DMBODIPY-PAA binds reversibly to L-type Ca2+ channels purified from rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes by wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose chromatography. In this preparation DMBODIPY-PAA labels 412 pmol of phenylalkylamine receptors/mg of protein with a Kd of 6.82 nM and a favorable signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore DMBODIPY-PAA has a higher affinity for purified Ca2+ channels than the commonly employed radioligands and consequently has assisted in channel purification after prelabeling by simply monitoring receptor-bound fluorescence. (+)-PN200-110 (which is stimulatory for (-)-[3H]desmethoxyverapamil binding to purified Ca2+ channels) inhibits DMBODIPY-PAA labeling. Since these drug interactions are reciprocal, the phenylalkylamine and dihydropyridine binding sites of the alpha 1-subunit are tightly coupled. Kinetic and equilibrium binding studies with (-)-[3H]desmethoxyverapamil and DMBODIPY-PAA show that phenylalkylamine binding to L-type Ca2+ channels is dependent on Ca2+. Chelation of divalent metal ions converts phenylalkylamine receptors into a very low affinity state. This conversion is temperature- and time-dependent and completely reversible (K0.5 for free Ca2+ = 58 nM). This study demonstrates the utility of fluorescent ligands for binding studies with L-type Ca2+ channels and provides evidence for coupling between Ca2+ binding sites and phenylalkylamine receptors.

Characterization of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens lectin

An Agrobacterium tumefaciens suspension induces a strong agglutination of aldehyde-fixed pig erythrocytes at pH 5.0. The agglutination is inhibited by some polysaccharides, such as fucoidin, and also when the pH is raised to 7.0. Lectins (sugar-binding proteins) associated with the bacterial cell wall of A. tumefaciens strain 84.5 were directly evidenced by spectrofluorimetry using fluoresceinylated neoglycoproteins. The specific binding of the fluorescein-labelled neoglycoprotein bearing alpha-L-fucoside residues was also optimal at pH 5.0. A lectin was purified by affinity chromatography on agarose substituted with alpha-L-fucopyranoside. Furthermore, the haemagglutination activity of this lectin was inhibited by polysaccharides isolated from poplar leaves.

Fluorescent membrane probes incorporating dipyrrometheneboron difluoride fluorophores

The spectroscopic properties of a new series of fatty acid analogs in which a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride fluorophore forms a segment of the acyl methylene chain are presented and their characteristics as fluorescent membrane probes are examined. When incorporated as a low mole fraction component in model phospholipid membranes, the probes retain the principal characteristics of the parent fluorophore: green fluorescence emission with high quantum yield, extensive spectral overlap, and low environmental sensitivity. The fluorescence quantum yield is typically two to three times that of comparable membrane probes based on the nitrobenzoxadiazole fluorophore. The spectral overlap results in a calculated Förster energy transfer radius (Ro) of about 57 A. Consequently, increasing fluorescence depolarization and quenching are observed as the mole fraction of the probe species incorporated in the membrane is increased. Low environmental sensitivity is manifested by retention of high quantum yield emission in aqueous dispersions of fatty acids. Partition coefficient data derived from fluorescence anisotropy measurements and iodide quenching experiments indicate that in the presence of fluid phase phospholipid bilayers the aqueous fraction of fatty acid is very small. Fluorescence intensity and anisotropy responses to phospholipid phase transitions are examined and found to be indicative of nonrandom fluorophore distribution in the gel phase. It is concluded that the spectroscopic properties of the fatty acid probes and their phospholipid derivatives are particularly suited to applications in fluorescence imaging of cellular lipid distribution and membrane level studies of lateral lipid segregation.