12-oxo-phytodienoic acid accumulation during seed development represses seed germination in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis thaliana COMATOSE (CTS) encodes an ABC transporter involved in peroxisomal import of substrates for β-oxidation. Various cts alleles and mutants disrupted in steps of peroxisomal β-oxidation have previously been reported to exhibit a severe block on seed germination. Oxylipin analysis on cts, acyl CoA oxidase1 acyl CoA oxidase2 (acx1 acx2), and keto acyl thiolase2 dry seeds revealed that they contain elevated levels of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), jasmonic acid (JA), and JA-Ile. Oxylipin and transcriptomic analysis showed that accumulation of these oxylipins occurs during late seed maturation in cts. Analysis of double mutants generated by crossing cts with mutants in the JA biosynthesis pathway indicate that OPDA, rather than JA or JA-Ile, contributes to the block on germination in cts seeds. We found that OPDA was more effective at inhibiting wild-type germination than was JA and that this effect was independent of CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 but was synergistic with abscisic acid (ABA). Consistent with this, OPDA treatment increased ABA INSENSITIVE5 protein abundance in a manner that parallels the inhibitory effect of OPDA and OPDA+ABA on seed germination. These results demonstrate that OPDA acts along with ABA to regulate seed germination in Arabidopsis.

Increasing omega-3 desaturase expression in tomato results in altered aroma profile and enhanced resistance to cold stress

One of the drawbacks in improving the aroma properties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit is the complexity of this organoleptic trait, with a great variety of volatiles contributing to determine specific quality features. It is well established that the oxylipins hexanal and (Z)-hex-3-enal, synthesized through the lipoxygenase pathway, are among the most important aroma compounds and impart in a correct proportion some of the unique fresh notes in tomato. Here, we confirm that all enzymes responsible for the synthesis of these C6 compounds are present and active in tomato fruit. Moreover, due to the low odor threshold of (Z)-hex-3-enal, small changes in the concentration of this compound could modify the properties of the tomato fruit aroma. To address this possibility, we have overexpressed the omega-3 fatty acid desaturases FAD3 and FAD7 that catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2) to linolenic acid (18:3), the precursor of hexenals and its derived alcohols. Transgenic OE-FAD tomato plants exhibit altered fatty acid composition, with an increase in the 18:3/18:2 ratio in leaves and fruits. These changes provoke a clear variation in the C6 content that results in a significant alteration of the (Z)-hex-3-enal/hexanal ratio that is particularly important in ripe OE-FAD3FAD7 fruits. In addition to this effect on tomato volatile profile, OE-FAD tomato plants are more tolerant to chilling. However, the different behaviors of OE-FAD plants underscore the existence of separate fatty acid fluxes to ensure plant survival under adverse conditions.

Isolation, expression, and characterization of a 13-hydroperoxide lyase gene from olive fruit related to the biosynthesis of the main virgin olive oil aroma compounds

A full-length cDNA clone (OepHPL) coding for hydroperoxide lyase was isolated from olive fruit ( Olea europaea cv. Picual). The deduced amino acid sequence shows significant similarity to known plant hydroperoxide lyases and contains a N-terminal sequence that displays structural features of a chloroplast transit peptide. Genomic Southern blot analysis indicates that at least one copy of OepHPL is present in the olive genome. The recombinant hydroperoxide lyase was specific for 13-hydroperoxide derivatives of linolenic and linoleic acids but did not use 9-hydroperoxy isomers as substrates. Analyses of reaction products revealed that this enzyme produces primarily (Z)-hex-3-enal, which partially isomerizes to (E)-hex-2-enal, from 13-hydroperoxylinolenic acid and hexanal from 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. Expression levels were measured in different tissues of Picual and Arbequina varieties, including mesocarp and seed during development and ripening of olive fruits. The involvement of this olive hydroperoxide lyase gene in the biosynthesis of virgin olive oil aroma compounds is discussed.

The dynamics of the O(1D) + HCl --> OH + Cl reaction at a 0.26 eV collision energy: a comparison between theory and experiment

The dynamics of the O((1)D) + HCl(v = 0, j = 0) --> Cl + OH reaction at a 0.26 eV collision energy has been investigated by means of a quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) and statistical quantum and quasiclassical methods. State-resolved cross sections and Cl atom velocity distributions have been calculated on two different potential energy surfaces (PESs): the H2 surface (Martinez et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2000, 2, 589) and the latest surface by Peterson, Bowman, and co-workers (PSB2) (J. Chem. Phys. 2000, 113, 6186). The comparison with recent experimental results reveals that the PSB2 PES manages to describe correctly differential cross sections and the velocity distributions of the departing Cl atom. The calculations on the H2 PES seem to overestimate the OH scattering in the forward direction and the fraction of Cl at high recoil velocities. Although the comparison of the corresponding angular distributions is not bad, significant deviations with a statistical description are found, thus ruling out a complex-forming mechanism as the dominant reaction pathway. However, for the ClO + H product channel, the QCT and statistical predictions are found to be in good agreement.

Functional characterization of two 13-lipoxygenase genes from olive fruit in relation to the biosynthesis of volatile compounds of virgin olive oil

Two LOX cDNA clones, Oep1LOX2 and Oep2LOX2, have been isolated from olive ( Olea europaea cv. Picual). Both deduced amino acid sequences showed significant similarity to known plant LOX2, and they contain an N-terminal chloroplastic transit peptide. Genomic Southern blot analyses suggest that at least three copies of Oep1LOX2 and one copy of Oep2LOX2 should be present in the olive genome. Linolenic acid proved to be the preferred substrate for both olive recombinant LOXs, and analyses of reaction products revealed that both enzymes produce primarily 13-hydroperoxides from linoleic and linolenic acids. Expression levels of both genes were measured in the mesocarp and seeds during development and ripening of Picual and Arbequina olive fruit along with the level of volatile compounds in the corresponding virgin olive oils. Biochemical and gene expression data suggest a major involvement of the Oep2LOX2 gene in the biosynthesis of virgin olive oil aroma compounds.

Expression analysis identifies FAD2-2 as the olive oleate desaturase gene mainly responsible for the linoleic acid content in virgin olive oil

The effect of ripening stage and water regimen on oleate desaturase gene expression levels in the fruit of different olive ( Olea europaea L.) varieties was investigated to elucidate the contribution of each to the linoleic acid content in virgin olive oil. To this end, fatty acid analysis and quantitative real time PCR were performed using distinct olive tissues and different developmental stages from the Picual and Arbequina cultivars. The results showed that the olive FAD2-1, FAD2-2, and FAD6 genes were spatial and temporally regulated. In addition, the data indicated that FAD2-2 seems to be the main gene responsible for the linoleic acid content in the olive fruit mesocarp tissue. This conclusion was also confirmed when the study was extended to Hojiblanca, Picudo, and Manzanilla varieties. With regard to the water regimen, unlike the Picual cultivar, a small increase of linoleic acid was observed in the Arbequina variety cultivated with irrigation, which correlated well with the increase detected for the FAD2-2 gene expression level. All of these data strongly suggest that FAD2-2 is the main gene that determines the linoleic acid content in the virgin olive oil.

Colocalization of CB1 receptors with L1 and GAP-43 in forebrain white matter regions during fetal rat brain development: evidence for a role of these receptors in axonal growth and guidance

There is recent evidence supporting the notion that the cannabinoid signaling system plays a modulatory role in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration, survival of neural progenitors, neuritic elongation and guidance, and synaptogenesis. This assumption is based on the fact that cannabinoid 1-type receptors (CB(1) receptors) and their ligands emerge early in brain development and are abundantly expressed in certain brain regions that play key roles in these processes. We have recently presented in vivo evidence showing that this modulatory action might be exerted through regulating the synthesis of the cell adhesion molecule L1 that is also a key element for those processes. To further explore this issue, we conducted here immunohistochemical studies aimed at determining the cellular substrates of CB(1) receptor-L1 interactions in the rat brain during late fetal development. In this period, we previously found that the activation of CB(1) receptors increased L1 synthesis in several forebrain white matter regions but not in gray matter areas. Using double labeling studies, we observed here colocalization of both proteins in fiber tracts including the corpus callosum, the adjacent subcortical white matter, the internal capsule and the anterior commissure. Experiments conducted with cultures of fetal rat cortical nerve cells revealed that L1 is present mainly in neurons but not in glial cells. This fact, together with the results obtained in the double labeling studies, would indicate that L1 and CB(1) receptors should possibly be present in axons elongating through these white matter tracts, or, alternatively, in migrating neurons. Further experiments confirmed the presence of CB(1) receptors in elongating axons, since these receptors colocalized with growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), a marker of growth cones, but not with synaptophysin, a marker of active synaptic terminals, in the same forebrain white matter regions. Lastly, using cultured fetal rat cortical neurons, we also observed that the activation of cannabinoid receptors increased the levels of the full-length L1 and altered those of some active proteolytic fragments of this protein whose generation has been associated with specific steps in the process of neuritic elongation in cultured neurons. In summary, we have demonstrated that the effects caused by cannabinoid agonists on L1 are facilitated by the colocalization of this cell adhesion molecule with CB(1) receptors in several forebrain white matter regions during fetal brain development. We have provided strong evidence that this phenomenon occurs in axons elongating through these white matter tracts, and we have explored in vitro how cannabinoid receptors influence L1 levels. Considering the role played by L1 in different events related to neural development, our observations support the occurrence of a physiological mechanism by which the cannabinoid system might regulate the process of axonal growth and guidance through regulating the synthesis and function of L1.

The utilization and desaturation of oleate and linoleate during glycerolipid biosynthesis in olive (Olea europaea L.) callus cultures

Callus cultures from olive (Olea europaea L.) were used to study characteristics of desaturation in this oil-rich tissue. The incorporation of [1-(14)C]oleate and [1-(14)C]linoleate into complex lipids and their further desaturation was followed in incubations of up to 48 h. Both radiolabelled fatty acids were rapidly incorporated into lipids, especially phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol. Radiolabelling of these two lipids peaked after 1-4 h, after which it fell. In contrast, other phosphoglycerides and the galactosylglycerides were labelled in a more sustained manner. [1-(14)C]Linoleate was almost exclusively found in the galactolipids. With [1-(14)C]linoleate as a precursor, the only significant desaturation to linolenate was in the galactolipids. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol was the first lipid in which [1-(14)C]linoleate and [1-(14)C]linolenate appeared after incubation of the calli with [1-(14)C]oleate and [1-(14)C]linoleate, respectively. The presence of radioactivity in the plastidial lipids shows that both [1-(14)C]oleate and [1-(14)C]linoleate can freely enter the chloroplast. Two important environmental effects were also examined. Raised incubation temperatures (30-35 degrees C) reduced oleate desaturation and this was also reflected in the endogenous fatty acid composition. Low light also caused less oleate desaturation. The data indicate that lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase is important for the entry of oleate and linoleate into olive callus lipid metabolism and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase may be involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis. In addition, it is shown that plastid desaturases are mainly responsible for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Individual fatty acid desaturases were differently susceptible to environmental stresses with FAD2 being reduced by both high temperature and low light, whereas FAD7 was only affected by high temperature.

No effect of menstrual cycle on LDL oxidizability and particle size

OBJECTIVES

Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than men, but this female advantage disappears after menopause, suggesting that female sex hormones exert some cardioprotective effects. One of the mechanisms proposed to explain this cardioprotection is the antioxidant properties of estrogens. The aim of this work was to assess whether fluctuations in ovarian hormones, particularly 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), during the menstrual cycle were associated with changes in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, fatty acyl composition, alpha-tocopherol content and in vitro oxidizability.

METHODS

Twenty-eight healthy premenopausal women (mean age: 32.2 years) participated in the study. Blood was drawn on days 3 (menstrual phase), 14 (follicular phase) and 22 (luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle for plasma determinations and LDL isolation. Plasma E(2), progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were determined by immunoassay. LDL oxidation by Cu(2+)- and 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) was measured by the formation of conjugated dienes, LDL particle size by quasi-elastic light scattering, fatty acyl composition by gas chromatography, alpha-tocopherol by reversed phase HPLC. A within-subjects analysis of variance was performed to determine significant differences of the variables over the course of a subject's menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

The LDL oxidizability indices (lag time before the onset of propagation and the maximal oxidation rate) did not change during the menstrual cycle. The LDL particle size (24.8+/-1.7 nm diameter), alpha-tocopherol (11.7+/-3.7 nmol/mg LDL protein) and fatty acyl composition also remained constant.

CONCLUSIONS

The LDL physicochemical properties and oxidizability are not affected by menstrual cycle phase.

Molecular cloning and characterization of genes encoding two microsomal oleate desaturases (FAD2) from olive

Two different cDNA sequences, designated OepFAD2-1 and OepFAD2-2, encoding two microsomal oleate desaturases (FAD2) have been isolated from olive (Olea europaea cv. Picual) using a PCR approach. Both deduced amino acid sequences showed the three histidine boxes characteristic of all membrane-bound desaturases, and possess a C-terminal endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. Phylogenetic analysis shows that OepFAD2-1 and OepFAD2-2 are grouped with other plant FAD2 sequences. Functional expression of the corresponding FAD2 cDNAs in yeast confirmed that they encode microsomal oleate desaturases. Genomic Southern blot analysis is consistent with the presence of at least two copies of each OepFAD2 gene in the olive genome. OepFAD2-1 transcript was strongly detected in very young seeds and in leaves, showing low levels in mesocarps, while the transcript of the OepFAD2-2 gene was moderately expressed in developing seeds, ripening mesocarp and leaves. These expression data suggest differential functions for the two olive microsomal oleate desaturase genes, with FAD2-1 possibly responsible for the desaturation of reserve lipids in the young seed, while FAD2-2 may be mainly involved in storage lipid desaturation in the mature seeds and the mesocarp.

[Characterization of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Venezuelan children]

INTRODUCTION

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), represents a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders. Based on the age of the patient at onset, clinical course and ultrastructural morphology it has been identified three clinical types for the pediatric group: 1) Infantile NCL (INCL); 2) Late infantile NCL (LINCL); and 3) Juvenile NCL (JNCL). Other variants or atypical forms represent around 20% of the NCL in different populations. Genetic advances have made possible a better characterization, diagnostic and classification of these disorders.

CASE REPORTS

We present the clinical, neurophysiological, neuroradiological, and morphological data from 6 patients with NCL, who were assessed at the pediatric neurology department of the Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo during a ten years period (1993 2003). All 6 cases corresponded with the late infantile form. Age of onset ranged form 2 to 5 years. For most of the patients initial symptoms included seizures, psychomotor delay, accompanied by macular degeneration and optic atrophy. The EEG was characterized by high voltage spikes elicited by low frequency photic stimulation, in 5 cases. Neuroimaging findings were characteristic of the late infantile form of the NCL. In three patients a decreased intensity of signal was seen in the thalami and putamen on T2-weighted images. The ultrastructural examination of the samples obtained through a biopsy showed curvilinear bodies in all patients.

CONCLUSION

There is not epidemiological data of the NCL in Venezuela; it is presumed the presence of clinical forms and variants in the pediatric group. This first study could contribute to the knowledge and a better research of this group of disorders in our population.

Pro-oxidant and antioxidant potential of catecholestrogens against ferrylmyoglobin-induced oxidative stress

Ferryl heme proteins may play a major role in vivo under certain pathological conditions. Catecholestrogens, the estradiol-derived metabolites, can act either as antioxidants or pro-oxidants in iron-dependent systems. The aim of the present work was (1) to determine the effects of ferrylmyoglobin on hepatocyte cytotoxicity, and (2) to assess the pro/antioxidant potential of a series of estrogens (phenolic, catecholic and stilbene-derived) against ferrylmyoglobin induced lipid peroxidation in rat hepatocytes. Cells were exposed to metmyoglobin plus hydrogen peroxide to form ferrylmyoglobin in the presence of the transition metal chelator diethylentriaminepentaacetic acid. Results showed that ferrylmyoglobin induced an initial oxidative stress, mainly reflected in an early lipid peroxidation and further decrease in GSH and ATP. However, cells gradually adapted to this situation, by recovering the endogenous ATP and GSH levels at longer incubation times. Phenolic and stilbene-derived estrogens inhibited ferrylmyoglobin-induced lipid peroxidation to different degrees: diethylstilbestrol>estradiol>resveratrol. Catecholestrogens at concentrations higher than 1 microM also inhibited lipid peroxidation with similar efficacy. The ability of estrogens to reduce ferrylmyoglobin to metmyoglobin may account for their antioxidant activity. In contrast, physiological concentrations (100 pM-100 nM) of the catecholestrogens exerted pro-oxidant activities, 4-hydroxyestradiol being more potent than 2-hydroxyestradiol. The implications of these interactions should be considered in situations where local myoglobin or hemoglobin microbleeding takes place.

Bioactive compounds from Iostephane heterophylla (Asteraceae)

The novel bisabolene sesquiterpenes 3-6, were isolated from Iostephane heterophylla, using bioguided fractionation. The new compounds were determined to be (12R/12S)-12,13-epoxy-xanthorrhizols (3,4) and (12R/12S)-12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxy-xanthorrizols (5,6) and their structures were characterized by analysis of spectroscopic data and by chemical correlation from xanthorrhizol (2). The stereochemistry at C-12 of 5 was deduced using the modified Mosher experiment. Some of the isolated compounds elicited activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, levadura and dermatophytes.

Short- and long-term effects of atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin on the cellular metabolism of cholesteryl esters and VLDL secretion in rat hepatocytes

The short- and long-term in vitro effects of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin, compared with lovastatin and simvastatin on VLDL secretion, and on the formation and the neutral and acid lysosomal hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters was investigated in rat liver hepatocytes maintained in suspension (2 or 4 h) or cultured in monolayers (24 h). All statins time-dependently reduced [14C]oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters, but when exogenous cholesterol was added only atorvastatin caused an immediate transient decrease in hepatocyte ACAT activity. Activity of the lysosomal, microsomal and cytosolic CEH isoforms was unaffected by the hepatocyte treatments. Statins reduced free and esterified cholesterol mass in hepatocyte microsomes after 2 h, and this was followed by a modest decline in VLDL cholesteryl esters, whilst secretion of VLDL apoB and triglycerides was unaltered. However, after 24 h of treatment, statins caused generalized 20-40% decreases in the secretion of VLDL apoB, cholesterol and triglycerides, with the reduction in apoB48 secretion being significantly superior to that caused in apoB100. The mean diameter of secreted VLDL was not modified by either duration or drug treatment. Additional studies with subcellular fractions demonstrated that statins have a direct selective effect on the enzymes governing the cholesterol-cholesteryl ester cycle, with the exception of the microsomal CEH. Atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin inhibited ACAT activity in microsomes by 50% at doses of 250, 100 and 50 microM, respectively. The cytosolic CEH elicited a biphasic profile of activity with activations up to 100 microM statin and inhibitions above 250 microM, and the lysosomal CEH was only inhibited by atorvastatin at a dose of 100 microM or more. We conclude that a prolonged, but not a short, limited availability of hepatocyte cholesterol derived from the endogenous synthesis reduces VLDL secretion, and that reactivity of statins at the cellular level are more similar than reactivity at the subcellular level as regards the cholesterol-cholesteryl ester cycle.

The endogenous cannabinoid system and brain development

Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands constitute a novel modulatory system that is involved in specific brain functions, such as nociception, control of movement, memory and neuroendocrine regulation. Recently, it has also been suggested that this system is involved in brain development. Studies have used a variety of techniques to elucidate the effects of cannabinoids during development, as well as to characterize the presence of elements of the endogenous cannabinoid system (receptors and ligands) in the developing brain. Collectively, they suggest that endocannabinoids participate in brain development through the activation of second-messenger-coupled cannabinoid receptors.

Role of endocannabinoids in brain development

In addition to those functions that have been extensively addressed in this special issue, such as nociception, motor activity, neuroendocrine regulation, immune function and others, the endogenous cannabinoid system seems to play also a role in neural development. This view is based on a three-fold evidence. A first evidence emerges from neurotoxicological studies that showed that synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoids, when administered to pregnant rats, produced a variety of changes in the maturation of several neurotransmitters and their associated-behaviors in their pups, changes that were evident at different stages of brain development. A second evidence comes from studies that demonstrated the early appearance of elements of the endogenous cannabinoid system (receptors and ligands) during the brain development. The atypical location of these elements during fetal and early postnatal periods favours the notion that this system may play a role in specific molecular events related to neural development. Finally, a third evidence derives from studies using cultures of fetal glial or neuronal cells. Cannabinoid receptors are present in some of these cultured cells and their activation produced a set of cellular effects consistent with a role of this system in the process of neural development. All this likely supports that endocannabinoids, early synthesized in nervous cells, play a role in events related to development, by acting through the activation of second messenger-coupled cannabinoid receptors.

Localization of mRNA expression and activation of signal transduction mechanisms for cannabinoid receptor in rat brain during fetal development

In the present work, we analyzed cannabinoid receptor mRNA expression, binding and activation of signal transduction mechanisms in the fetal rat brain or in cultures of fetal neuronal or glial cells. Cannabinoid receptor binding and mRNA expression were already measurable at GD14, but they were only located in discrete regions at GD16. Among these, the hippocampus, the cerebellum and the caudate-putamen area, three regions that contain a marked signal for both binding and mRNA in the adult brain. Significant levels of binding and, in particular, of mRNA transcripts were also detected at GD16 in the cerebral cortex, midbrain and brainstem. These structures contain relatively low levels of binding and mRNA in the adult brain, suggesting that cannabinoid receptor gene is transiently expressed in atypical areas during the fetal period. The signal for cannabinoid receptor mRNA in the hippocampus, caudate-putamen and cerebral cortex progressively increased from GD16 up to GD21. At GD18 and GD21, mRNA transcripts could be measured in discrete nuclei, such as septum nuclei, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and others. The cerebral cortex exhibited the highest mRNA levels at GD21, although this was not accompanied by a parallel increase in binding. An important aspect is that binding measured at these ages represent binding to functional receptors because their activation by WIN-55,212-2 increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding in the same areas. This increase was reversed by a specific antagonist, SR141716. The areas where the stimulation was more marked were the midbrain and brainstem. Using cell cultures, we have observed that cannabinoid receptor mRNA is present in cortical and hippocampal neuronal cells, but not in the glial cells. However, WIN-55,212-2 was capable of stimulating [35S]GTPgammaS binding in membrane fractions obtained from cortical glial cells and this stimulation was reversed by SR141716. This was not seen with hippocampal glial cell cultures, but occurred in hippocampal and cortical neurons. In addition, the activation of these receptors with Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol significantly reduced forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in cortical neuronal or glial cell cultures and this effect was reversed by SR141716. In summary, we have detected cannabinoid receptor binding, mRNA expression and activation of signal transduction mechanisms in the fetal rat brain (GD14-GD21), which support the view that the system constituted by these receptors and their putative endogenous ligands might play a role in specific molecular events of the brain development. Of relevance is that binding and mRNA expression appear atypically distributed in the fetal brain as compared with the adult brain, even, that their presence in white-matter-enriched areas might presumably indicate their location in non-neuronal cells. These studies with cell cultures suggest that CB1 receptor subtype is located in neuronal cells obtained from fetal brain, although preliminary evidence is provided of the existence of another receptor subtype operative in glial cells obtained from the cerebral cortex.

Protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitors activate acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase and cholesterol ester formation in isolated rat hepatocytes

Okadaic acid, calyculin A and cantharidin, potent and specific inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A), stimulated both acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity and cholesterol ester formation in suspension cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes. The activation of microsomal ACAT was marked (up to 14-fold the basal values), fast in onset (within 5 min), persistent in duration (up to 45 min) and concentration-dependent. Concentrations of okadaic acid (OA) or calyculin A > or = 100 nM or of cantharidin > or = 1 microM were required to stimulate enzyme activity, which specifically points to a dominant contribution of PP1. No effects were seen with up to 1 microM nor-okadaone, an inactive OA analogue. Rises in [3H]oleate incorporation into cell cholesteryl esters closely paralleled those in ACAT activity, though were somewhat less accentuated. The increases in microsomal ACAT activity seen in OA-, calyculin A- or cantharidin-treated hepatocytes were not linked to changes in bulk microsomal unesterified cholesterol or in the de novo cholesterol synthesis. The findings firmly indicate a role for protein phosphatase activity, probably that of PP1, in controlling the cholesterol esterification rate and ACAT activity in intact rat hepatocytes, which is not secondary to an alteration of the steady-state distribution of cholesterol mass between cell membranes. However, as the OA-induced stimulation of ACAT was not abrogated by addition of purified PP1 or PP2A to microsomes, it is unlikely that the phosphatase inhibitors here used act directly on the phosphorylation degree of the ACAT enzyme.

delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol increases activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in cultured fetal mesencephalic neurons

The exposure of pregnant rats to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), the main psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, during gestation and lactation, affects the gene expression and the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain of their offspring, measured at fetal and early postnatal ages, when the expression of this enzyme plays an important role in neural development. In the present article, we have examined whether delta 9-THC is able to affect TH activity in cultured mesencephalic neurons obtained from fetuses at gestational d 14. Thus, TH activity increased approximately twofold in cells obtained from naive fetuses when exposed for 24 h to medium containing delta 9-THC. In addition, TH activity was also approx twofold higher in cells obtained from fetuses exposed daily to delta 9-THC from d 5 of gestation than in cells obtained from control fetuses, when both were exposed to basal media. This effect of delta 9-THC on TH activity seems to be produced via the activation to cannabinoid receptors, in particular the CB1 subtype, which would presumably be located in these cells. This is because the exposure to medium containing both delta 9-THC and SR141716A, a specific antagonist for CB1 receptors, abolished the effect observed with delta 9-THC alone. SR141716A alone was without effect on TH activity. Collectively, our results support the notion that delta 9-THC increased TH activity in cultured mesencephalic neurons, as previously observed in vivo, and that this effect was produced by activation of CB1 receptors, which seem to be operative at these early ages. All this points to a role for the endogenous cannabimimetic system in brain development.

Stimulation of microsomal cholesterol ester hydrolase by glucagon, cyclic AMP analogues, and vasopressin in isolated rat hepatocytes

Short-term activation of microsomal cholesterol ester hydrolase by glucagon, cAMP analogues, and vasopressin in isolated rat hepatocytes is described. Glucagon led to a dose- and time-dependent activation of cholesteryl oleate hydrolysis, but values returned to basal levels within 120 min. Exposure of isolated hepatocytes to 0.5 mM concentrations of dibutyryl-cAMP or 8-[4-chlorophenylthio]-cAMP, or 25 microM forskolin caused persistent activation of cholesterol ester hydrolase activity after a lag period of 30 min. The three agents resulted in early marked intracellular accumulation of cAMP that declined progressively, and moderate and sustained reductions in the diacylglycerol content. The actions of glucagon on hepatocytes were inhibited by pretreatment of cells with 10 nM [8-arginine] vasopressin. Vasopressin elicited a consistent and sustained increase in cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and diacylglycerol without affecting cAMP while reducing the effect of glucagon on cAMP. Furthermore, the effects of glucagon and vasopressin on the activation of cholesterol ester hydrolase were not additive despite the similarity of their stimulation of diacylglycerol formation. Blockade of vasopressin-mediated activation of cholesterol ester hydrolase and diacylglycerol content were induced by excess prazosin. These data suggest that stimulation of microsomal cholesterol ester hydrolase in isolated liver cells may involve at least two signal transduction systems.

The integrity of thiol groups is essential for catalytic efficiency of rat liver cholesterol ester hydrolase either in microsomal membranes or after solubilization

Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase from rat liver microsomes was inactivated in a dose and time-dependent manner by classical sulphydryl-reacting reagents such as p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid, 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), N-ethylmaleimide, or iodoacetate. The concentrations at which half-maximal inhibition of the native microsomal cholesterol ester hydrolase occurred (IC50) were 15, 68, and 370 mumol/l and 68 mmol/l, respectively. Only partial reactivation of the enzyme was observed under excess dithiothreitol or mercaptoethanol treatment. The stimulation of cholesterol ester hydrolase by the metal ions Ca2+ and Mg2+ was dependent on the integrity of the thiol groups. Solubilization of cholesterol ester hydrolase from membranes preserved its sensitivity towards sulphydryl reagents and thiols, as well as its ability to be activated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. Dithiothreitol, mercaptoethanol, and Ca2+ and Mg2+ provided total protection of the enzyme against inactivation by thiol-reacting reagents. The results indicate that one or more thiol groups are either at the active centre of the native and solubilized forms of rat liver microsomal cholesterol ester hydrolase or are sufficiently near, to interfere with the catalysis when they are reacted.