Redox-signaling transmitted in trans to neighboring cells by melanoma-derived TNF-containing exosomes

Hydrogen peroxide is known to be involved in redox signaling pathways that regulate normal processes and disease progression, including cytokine signaling, oxidative stress, and cancer. In studies on immune surveillance against cancer, hydrogen peroxide was found to disrupt cytotoxic T-cell function, thus contributing to tumor escape. In this study, secretion of TNF-containing vesicles of rab9+ endosomal origin, termed exosomes, was investigated using GFP-TNF constructs. We observed a polarized intracellular trafficking and apical secretion of TNF-positive nanovesicles. Cell-to-cell transfer of TNF was observed in exosomes in real-time microscopy, occurring separate from the melanin/melanosome compartment. Exosomes were prepared by ultracentrifugation or immunoisolation on anti-beta2-microglobulin magnetic beads. TNF as well as TNF receptors 1 and 2 were present in the exosomes as determined by Western blot, flow cytometry, and deconvolution microscopy. The functional significance of melanoma-derived exosomes was established by their signaling competence with ability to generate significantly higher ROS levels in T cells compared with sham exosomes (P=0.0006). In conclusion, we report here, for the first time, that TNF is found in tumor cell-derived exosomes and that these exosomes transmit redox signaling in trans to neighboring cells. The results are of importance for a better understanding of tumor escape mechanisms.

Dopamine targets cycling B cells independent of receptors/transporter for oxidative attack: Implications for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Human B lymphocytes and derived lines from a spectrum of B cell malignancy were studied for expression of dopaminergic pathway components and for their cytostatic response to the catecholamine and related, potentially therapeutic compounds. Proliferating normal lymphocytes and dividing malignant clones rapidly arrested on exposure to dopamine in the low (</=10 muM) micromolar range. The antiparkinsonian drugs l-DOPA and apomorphine (particularly) were similarly antiproliferative. With the exception of D4, dopamine receptors D1-D5 were variably expressed among normal and neoplastic B cell populations, as was the dopamine transporter. Transcripts for D1 and D2 were frequently found, whereas D3 and D5 revealed restricted expression; dopamine transporter was detected in most cases. Nevertheless, pharmacological analysis disclosed that dopamine targeted cycling B cells independent of these structures. Rather, oxidative stress constituted the primary mechanism: the catecholamine's actions being mimicked by hydrogen peroxide and reversed by exogenous catalase, and evidence for the intracellular redox protein thioredoxin contributing protection. Among proliferating clones, growth arrest was accompanied by cell death in populations deplete in antiapoptotic Bcl-2: resting lymphocytes escaping low micromolar dopamine toxicity. Dysregulated bcl-2 expression, although preventing oxidative-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, by itself conferred only minor protection against dopamine cytostasis. The selective impact of dopamine on lymphocytes that are in active cycle indicates an axis for therapeutic intervention not only in B cell neoplasia but also in lymphoproliferative disturbances generally. Rational tailoring of drug delivery systems already in development for Parkinson's disease could provide ideal vehicles for carrying the oxidative hit directly to the target populations.

What is the current evidence for antigen involvement in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

For many years it has been evident that B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) displays preferential usage of individual immunoglobulin (Ig) variable heavy chain (V(H)) genes. The V(H)1-69 gene was the first to be reported overrepresented in a large number of CLL patients, where the V(H)1-69(+) CLL rearrangements showed characteristic molecular features, such as unmutated V(H) genes, usage of specific diversity/joining gene segments, and a longer than average complementarity determining region (CDR) 3 with certain common amino acid motifs. Also, biased usage of the V(H)3-07 and V(H)4-34 genes with specific rearrangement characteristics was reported in CLL. These findings led to the speculation that antigens could be involved during CLL development by triggering proliferation of B-cells with specific B-cell receptors (BCRs) leading to an increased risk of transforming events. Recently, we characterized a subset of CLL utilizing the V(H)3-21 gene that also displayed peculiar Ig features, e.g. very short and homologous CDR3s, predominant lambda expression and preferential V(lambda)2-14 gene usage. This V(H)3-21(+) subgroup also had poor prognosis despite the fact that two-thirds of cases carried mutated V(H) genes. Moreover, we and others have thereafter described further CLL subsets with very similar heavy and light chain gene rearrangement features. These latter findings of subsets expressing restricted BCRs have emphasized the hypothesis that antigens could play a role during the pathogenesis of CLL. Interestingly, recombinant antibodies produced from these restricted subsets showed similar cytoplasmatic reactivity within each group, thus suggesting recognition of a limited number of autoantigens. Further characterization of antigens is now necessary in order to understand their nature and exact role in CLL development.

Bispectral fluorescence imaging of aggressive basal cell carcinoma combined with histopathological mapping: a preliminary study indicating a possible adjunct to Mohs micrographic surgery

BACKGROUND

Fluorescence imaging is an attractive diagnostic technique for skin tumour demarcation with potential to move to clinical use. Bispectral fluorescence imaging combines skin autofluorescence with delta-aminolaevulinic acid-induced fluorescence. To evaluate the technique, fluorescence data must be compared with the histopathological extent of the tumour, which is the purpose of the current study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the agreement between bispectral fluorescence images and the histopathological tumour boundary of ill-defined basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). After fluorescence imaging the tumours were removed using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) to obtain histopathological maps of the tumour boundaries.

METHODS

Twelve patients with aggressive BCC of mean diameter 16 mm (range 5-32) in the face were included in the study. The patients were subjected to bispectral fluorescence imaging within the 2 months prior to MMS. The fluorescence images and histopathological maps were aligned using image warping.

RESULTS

Five patients (42%) showed good agreement with the histopathological mapping and the remaining seven patients (58%) showed partial agreement. Bispectral investigation combining autofluorescence with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence generally yielded better agreement with the histopathological boundaries of the tumours compared with using only the PpIX fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary study the fluorescence has been compared with the histopathological tumour boundaries. The result implies that the technique can be applied as a useful tool for indicating tumour boundary of aggressive BCCs. Further refinement is needed to be able to indicate the exact tumour border.

Photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis at varying fluence rates: assessment of photobleaching, pain and primary clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) is becoming an important treatment method for skin lesions such as actinic keratosis (AK) and superficial basal cell carcinoma, there are still discussions about which fluence rate and light dose are preferable. Recent studies in rodents have shown that a low fluence rate is preferable due to depletion of oxygen at high fluence rates. However, these results have not yet been verified in humans.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to investigate the impact of fluence rate and spectral range on primary treatment outcome and bleaching rate in AK using aminolaevulinic acid PDT. In addition, the pain experienced by the patients has been monitored during treatment.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Thirty-seven patients (mean age 71 years) with AK located on the head, neck and upper chest were treated with PDT, randomly allocated to four groups: two groups with narrow filter (580-650 nm) and fluence rates of 30 or 45 mW cm(-2), and two groups with broad filter (580-690 nm) and fluence rates of 50 or 75 mW cm(-2). The total cumulative light dose was 100 J cm(-2) in all treatments. Photobleaching was monitored by fluorescence imaging, and pain experienced by the patients was registered by using a visual analogue scale graded from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). The primary treatment outcome was evaluated at a follow-up visit after 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Our data showed a significant correlation between fluence rate and initial treatment outcome, where lower fluence rate resulted in favourable treatment response. Moreover, the photobleaching dose (1/e) was found to be related to fluence rate, ranging from 4.5 +/- 1.0 J cm(-2) at 30 mW cm(-2), to 7.3 +/- 0.7 J cm(-2) at 75 mW cm(-2), indicating higher oxygen levels in tissue at lower fluence rates. After a cumulative light dose of 40 J cm(-2) no further photobleaching took place, implying that higher doses are excessive. No significant difference in pain experienced by the patients during PDT was observed in varying the fluence rate from 30 to 75 mW cm(-2). However, the pain was found to be most intense up to a cumulative light dose of 20 J cm(-2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results imply that the photobleaching rate and primary treatment outcome are dependent on fluence rate, and that a low fluence rate (30 mW cm(-2)) seems preferable when performing PDT of AK using noncoherent light sources.

Elevated circulating levels of thioredoxin and stress in chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex syndrome, in which reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines are important stressors that contribute to the pathogenesis.

AIM

We have studied physiological stress response parameters in CHF, in particular the redox-active regulator thioredoxin.

SUBJECTS

A case-control study was conducted including a consecutive sample of CHF patients (n=27) of NYHA class II and III; comparison control subjects (n=29) were recruited from an association for retired people.

METHOD

Baseline levels of Trx, lipid peroxides (oxidative stress), TNF and IL-6 cytokines, platelet-activation marker P-selectin, cortisol (as peripheral effector of HPA axis), and the potent antioxidant selenoprotein Trx-reductase were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean (+/-S.E.M.) plasma levels of Trx were significantly higher in patients with CHF (32+/-3 ng/ml), than in the healthy subjects (12+/-3 ng/ml, P<0.0001). Trx levels increased in proportion to severity of disease (NYHA class III>NYHA class II) and degree of stress. Trx elevation correlated well with increased oxidative stress (lipid peroxides, P<0.0001), circulatory P-selectin (P<0.0001), morning level of free salivary cortisol (P=0.0002), and serum creatinine (P=0.0417), but not with pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

Trx was strikingly elevated in heart failure cases compared with controls, signifying an adaptive stress response that is higher the more severe the disease.

Differentiation-associated redox-regulation in human B cell lines from stem cell/pro-B to plasma cell

Redox-regulation of receptors and transcription factors are important for lymphocyte activation, differentiation and apoptosis. Thioredoxin (Trx) is a key redox-regulating protein and oxidative stress sensor operating in synergy with Trx-reductase and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). The expression of Trx, PDI, and the Trx-regulated transcription-factor Pax5 were analyzed in a panel of human B cell lines and were compared with that of the Bcl-2 family proteins, also redox-controlled. The panel included representative cells from various stages: FLEB14-4 (pro-B); REH and NALM-6 (pre-B); Rael and Daudi (small mature B); U-698 and NC0467.3 (B-blasts); LP-1, U-1996, and U-266 (plasma cells). We found a significant congruence and co-variation of Trx and Bcl-2 levels in the B-lineage, with high expression levels in early stages (pro-B and pre-B) and in the late stage representing terminally-differentiated plasma cells, whereas mid-stage small resting B cells showed a very low expression. PDI increased significantly in plasma-blasts and plasma cells, indicating its importance in the highly specialized immunoglobulin assembly-machinery, including disulfide-bond isomerization. Pax5 was expressed in early and mid-stages, but was silenced in terminal stages. We conclude that the high Trx and Bcl-2-expression early and late in the B cell maturation pathway reflects a redox-strategy favoring an increased survival potential of the B cells at those stages.

Reductive activation of ricin and ricin A-chain immunotoxins by protein disulfide isomerase and thioredoxin reductase

Intracellular activation of ricin and of the ricin A-chain (RTA) immunotoxins requires reduction of their intersubunit disulfide(s). This crucial event is likely to be catalyzed by disulfide oxidoreductases and precedes dislocation of the toxic subunit to the cytosol. We investigated the role of protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1, PDI), thioredoxin (Trx), and thioredoxin reductase (EC 1.8.1.9, TrxR) in the reduction of ricin and of a ricin A-chain immunotoxin by combining enzymatic assays, SDS-PAGE separation and immunoblotting. We found that, whereas PDI, Trx, and TrxR used separately were unable to directly reduce ricin and the immunotoxin, PDI and Trx in the presence of TrxR and NADPH could reduce both ricin and immunotoxin in vitro. PDI functioned only after pre-incubation with TrxR and the reductive activation of ricin was more efficient in the presence of glutathione. Similar results were obtained with microsomal membranes or crude cell extracts. Pre-incubation with the gold(I) compound auranofin, which irreversibly inactivates TrxR, resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of ricin and immunotoxin reduction. Reductive activation of ricin and immunotoxin decreased or was abolished in microsomes depleted of TrxR and in cell extracts depleted of both PDI and Trx. Pre-incubation of U-937, Molt-3, Jurkat, and DU145 cells with auranofin significantly decreased ricin cytotoxicity with respect to mock-treated controls (P<0.05). Conversely, auranofin failed to protect cells from the toxicity of pre-reduced ricin which does not require intracellular reduction of disulfide between the two ricin subunits. We conclude that TrxR, by activating disulfide reductase activity of PDI, can ultimately lead to reduction/activation of ricin and immunotoxin in the cell.

Selenite-induced apoptosis in doxorubicin-resistant cells and effects on the thioredoxin system

Selenium treatment of the doxorubicin-resistant cell line, U-1285dox, derived from human small cell carcinoma of the lung, resulted in massive apoptosis. This effect appeared maximal at 2 days after addition of selenite. The apoptosis was caspase-3 independent as revealed by Western blot analysis, activity measurement and by using caspase inhibitors. Induction of apoptosis was significantly more pronounced and occurred after addition of lower concentrations of selenite in the doxorubicin-resistant cells compared to the parental doxorubicin-sensitive cells. High levels of selenite caused necrosis in the doxorubicin-sensitive cells. Analysis of enzymatic activity (insulin reduction) of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and TrxR protein concentration, measured by ELISA, revealed increasing activity and protein levels after treatment with increasing concentrations of selenium. Maximum relative increase was induced up to 1 microM in both sublines and at this selenium level the concentrations of TrxR measured as insulin reducing activity or ELISA immunoreactivity were nearly identical. Increasing concentrations of selenite up to 10 microM resulted in increased activity and concentration of TrxR in the sensitive subline but decreasing levels in the resistant subline. The level of truncated Trx (tTrx) was higher in the resistant U-1285dox cells but the level did not change with increasing selenite concentrations. Our results demonstrate pronounced selective selenium-mediated apoptosis in therapy-resistant cells and suggest that redox regulation through the thioredoxin system is an important target for cancer therapy.

A spectroscopic study of the photobleaching of protoporphyrin IX in solution

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has developed into an important new clinical treatment for cancer during the past 30 years. The method is non-invasive and based on the photochemical activity of a photosensitising agent present in cells and tissues. In so-called ALA-PDT, protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX) is induced from aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) applied topically or systemically. It has been shown that Pp IX is photodegraded by a photo-oxidation process and that its photoproducts have a characteristic absorption band around 670 nm, as observed both in solution and in cells incubated with ALA. In this study, the involvement of oxygen in the photobleaching process was verified by studying the effect of oxygen depletion using the freeze-pump-thaw (FPT) method. A solution of Pp IX in dimethylformamide (DMF) was exposed to light in the wavelength region 600-700 nm (peak centred at 620 (+/-25) nm) both in the presence and in the absence of oxygen. The bleaching process was observed by absorbance and fluorescence measurements. Photobleaching was observed in the presence of oxygen, as verified by the build-up of a photoproduct absorbing at 670 nm. When the sample was deoxygenated with the FPT method, the photoproduct absorption peak at 670 nm was missing. These results confirm that the formation of photoprotopor-phyrin is a photo-oxidation process and that no photobleaching takes place in the absence of oxygen. When comparing our results to the studies carried out by N(2) bubbling, the N(2) bubbling seems to be insufficient to remove the oxygen completely from the solution.

Pain caused by photodynamic therapy of skin cancer

Pain resulting from photodynamic therapy (PDT) of skin cancer was investigated. The study included 69 lesions (60 patients) with different types of skin tumours or precursors. Protoporphyrin IX, which is produced by the topical application of delta-aminolevulinic acid, was used as a photosensitizing agent. Twenty-three of the lesions (19 patients) were examined with a fluorescence imaging system which demarcates the tumour area from the healthy skin and visualizes the contrast between the fluorescence from healthy skin and that from the tumour. EMLA is used on all patients as part of our routine PDT protocol but despite this the major side-effect of PDT is pain during treatment. There is a large variation in pain intensity experienced by the patients, as measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients with actinic keratoses experienced more pain than those with Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma. The mean VAS score was higher when treating lesions located on the head than when treating lesions on the torso or the extremities. Also, treatment of large skin areas resulted in more pain than treatment of small areas, and men experienced more pain than women. The pain experienced by the patients did not correlate with treatment dose, Fitzpatrick skin type, age or fluorescence intensity.

Enzyme-linked immunospot assay for detection of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase secretion from cells

Oxidative stress response was determined in this study by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays for thioredoxin (Trx) and Trx reductase (TrxR). On exposure to oxidative stress, cells can launch a variety of defense mechanisms, including release of antioxidant proteins. The Trx system, consisting of Trx, TrxR, and NADPH, constitutes one of these cellular defense systems for maintenance of a healthy reduction-oxidation (redox) balance. Trx and TrxR are rapidly upregulated and released from monocytes, lymphocytes, and other normal and neoplastic cells on exposure. Secreted Trx and TrxR have proved to be eminent indicators of oxidative stress. Trx is a small, 12-kDa protein released through a leaderless pathway, whereas TrxR, which is a 116-kDa selenoprotein and required for regeneration of Trx, is secreted through the Golgi pathway. In this chapter we present a detailed laboratory bench protocol for enumeration of single cells secreting redox-active Trx and TrxR after oxidative stress exposure. Physiological stimuli (such as interferon gamma, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin 1, and CD23 ligation; and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionophore) as well as UV light and hydrogen peroxide were used to generate oxidative stress, and some are presented in detail. The protocol includes a description of cell isolation, preparation, handling, and development of ELISpot plates, troubleshooting notes, presentation of results, statistical evaluation, and comments on alternative sources of materials and manufacturer Web addresses. We concluded that the ELISpot assay is a useful method for detection of single cells secreting the redox-active proteins Trx and TrxR after oxidative stress exposure.

A sightseeing tour in the world of clusters--serendipity and scientific progress

The discovery of the fullerenes in 1985 by Kroto et al. and the development of a method for producing macroscopic amounts in 1990 by Krätschmer et al. opened a new area of carbon research and the possibility of producing new materials with unique properties. The field has developed further with discoveries of nanotubes, metal-filled nanotubes, carbon onions, met cars, and metal-covered fullerenes, all of which have unique properties and possible technical applications. In retrospect, it is in interesting that indications of many unique species have existed before their discovery but have not been recognized. In general, it seems that one is so focused on a given problem that one does not realize how many great discoveries or serendipities are "hidden" in available experimental and theoretical data. In addition to generating a lot of scientific progress, these new discoveries in the field of cluster science, and in particular in carbon species such as fullerenes and nanotubes, have opened up the doors to different areas of science such as mesoscopic physics and modern material science. The general trend is from small to large systems, contrary to the general trend of modern mesoscopic physics or microelectronics where the movement is from large to small. It is especially fascinating how the whole area of fullerene research was initiated to solve problems in astrophysics. Originally, Krätschmer and Huffman intended to explain an observed strong extinction from interstellar dust; in experiments they produced a special carbon soot with a characteristic optical absorption known as "camel hump smoke." Furthermore, the original interest of Kroto was also to solve problems in astrophysics, while Osawa in his original paper on calculations of carbon molecules in organic chemistry focused on how different bonding of carbon atoms would give special species. He then found the truncated icosahedral built up of sixty carbons, without noticing its unique structure, which is today the famous C60.

Reliability and responsiveness of three different pain assessments

The visual analogue scale (VAS) and ordered categorical scales, i.e. numeric rating scales (NRS), are commonly used in the assessment of pain. However, these scales are bounded by fixed endpoints and thus the range of measurement is limited. The disparity in repeated assessments of perceived pain intensity with the VAS, NRS, and electrical stimulation applied as a matching stimulus was studied in 69 patients (48 women and 21 men, 19-72 years) with chronic nociceptive or neurogenic pain. Responsiveness with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) using the same measurement procedures was evaluated in the same patients. Comparison of results from the three pain assessments showed that the painmatcher is at least as reliable and responsive as VAS and NRS. None of the three measurements showed evidence for systematic disagreement and had only significant random individual disagreement. They also showed evidence for responsiveness.

Thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase and tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression in melanoma cells: correlation to resistance against cytotoxic attack

Although malignant melanomas are often associated with cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration, these cells are largely ineffective in inducing tumour cell kill, indicating that the melanoma cells have protective mechanisms. These mechanisms are not fully understood, but cytokines and redox-active antioxidant proteins such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin (Trx) and Trx reductase (TrxR) present in the tumour cells constitute part of this protection. In this study firstly we investigated the constitutive intracellular expression of Trx, TrxR, the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL1beta, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) in normal melanocytes and ten primary and metastatic malignant melanoma cell lines. Secondly, we analysed whether redox stimulation by Trx alone or in combination with the phorbol ester PMA affected the expression and release of TNFalpha. Thirdly, we explored the possible correlation between Trx/TrxR expression and resistance to exogenous TNFalpha. All the cultured cells showed intracellular overexpression of Trx and TrxR, which was not always the case for melanoma cells in vivo (tissue sections). The predominant intracellular cytokines found were TNFalpha, IL1alpha and IL1beta. In spite of its presence in the Golgi apparatus, none of the cell lines secreted TNFalpha constitutively, and only one melanoma, FM3, released detectable amounts after stimulation. In contrast, U-937 monocyte control cells released high amounts of TNFalpha on identical stimulation. All the melanoma cell lines were relatively resistant against exogenous TNFalpha, and there was a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between intracellular Trx/TrxR expression and TNFalpha resistance (IC50). In conclusion, Trx and TrxR, as well as TNFalpha, IL1alpha and IL1beta, were highly expressed in cultured normal skin melanocytes and malignant melanoma cell lines. In contrast to U-937 monocytic cells, TNFalpha showed a secretory block in these cells, suggesting a cytoprotective and possible autocrine role for TNFalpha. The intracellular expression of Trx and TrxR together with endogenous TNFalpha was correlated with the resistance to TNFalpha-induced cytotoxicity.

Thioredoxin reductase, a redox-active selenoprotein, is secreted by normal and neoplastic cells: presence in human plasma

Thioredoxin (Trx) and Trx reductase (TrxR) are redox-active proteins that participate in multiple cellular events, including growth promotion, apoptosis, and cytoprotection. Studies on overexpression of Trx and TrxR in human cancers have indicated a role of these proteins in tumor development. In this study, we analyzed the expression of TrxR in peripheral blood cells, tumor-transformed leukemia, and melanoma cells and found, in addition to abundant plasma membrane localization, that TrxR was released from these cells. Secretory cells were observed at the single cell level using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The release was inducible, and physiological stimulation of human monocytes by IFN-gamma, lipopolysaccharide, and interleukin 1alpha significantly increased the number of TrxR-secreting cells (P = 0.004). Secretion of TrxR followed the classical Golgi pathway, and it was confirmed by metabolic labeling using [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine. TrxR was also detected for the first time in fresh healthy blood donor plasma (n = 21; median concentration, 18.0 ng/ml), with biological activity as determined by insulin reduction assay. These results highlight the role of extracellular Trx and TrxR during inflammation and tumor progression. Released Trx, with its active site motif containing amino acids Cys-X-X-Cys, was recently shown to have chemoattractant properties beside its previously described antioxidant and cocytokine activities. Regeneration of oxidized Trx requires available TrxR outside the cell, the presence and induction of which is described in this paper for normal and transformed cells.

Compensation method for attenuated planar laser images of optically dense sprays

We present a method for compensating laser attenuation in optically dense sprays, in particular for use in combustion engine research. Images of the fuel sprays are produced by planar laser imaging, where Mie scattered light from a cross section of the spray is imaged onto a CCD camera. The compensation scheme is based on the Beer-Lambert law, which is used here to sum up the loss of light along the path of the laser in the image, and to compensate iteratively, pixel by pixel, for this loss.

Central changes in nociceptin dynorphin B and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe in different models of nociception

The newly identified neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOC) was measured in different rat brain areas related to the descending anti-nociceptive pathways and compared to two opioid peptides, dynorphin B (DYN B) and Met-enkephalinArgPhe (MEAP). Two experimental models of chronic nociception, one neurogenic and one inflammatory, used in this study, reveal how different pathological conditions may influence these endogenous systems. Nerve injury is induced by ligation of the sciatic nerve and inflammation by a carrageenan injection in the gluteal muscle, 2 weeks prior to decapitation. Selected brain areas were dissected out and frozen. NOC-, DYN B- and MEAP-like immunoreactivity (LI) is determined by radioimmunoassay. Nerve injury increased the NOC-LI levels in the cortex cinguli, DYN B-LI levels in the dorsal and the ventral part of the spinal cord, whereas a decrease in the MEAP-LI levels is seen in the dorsal part of the periaqueductal grey (PAG). After inflammation, the NOC-LI levels increased in cortex cinguli, hypothalamus and in the dorsal spinal cord, whereas DYN B-LI levels increased in the dorsal part of the PAG. A general increase in MEAP-LI levels is found after inflammation in all analyzed brain areas except in hippocampus. In conclusion, increased levels of NOC-LI were found in cortex cinguli in both treatment groups and in hypothalamus and spinal cord following carrageenan treatment. The changes in the NOC-LI concentrations were not parallelled by changes in DYN B-LI and MEAP-LI, suggesting that NOC and opioid peptides elicit different reactions in the systems of nociception/antinociception.

Thioredoxin prolongs survival of B-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a ubiquitous protein disulfide oxidoreductase with antioxidant, cytokine, and chemotactic properties. Previously, we showed that Trx, in synergy with interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and CD40-ligation induced S-phase entry and mitosis in normal B cells and B-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. The viability of B-CLL cells stimulated by these protocols is high, and it has been hypothesized that the overexpression of Bcl-2 found in B-CLL protects the cells from apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we have analyzed the response of cells derived from 12 samples of patients with B-CLL to recombinant human Trx in spontaneous apoptosis, with special reference to the Bcl-2 expression. Long-term cultures of B-CLL clones showed significantly higher viability when supplemented with human Trx (P =.031), also exemplified with clones surviving more than 2 months. Short-term cultures of B-CLL cells exposed to 1 microg/mL of Trx for 1, 5, or 12 days maintained expression or delayed down-regulation of Bcl-2 compared with control cultures containing RPMI 1640 medium and 10% fetal calf serum only (P =.032,. 002,.026, respectively). All B-CLL cells expressed constitutive Trx at varying but low levels, in contrast to adult T-cell leukemias, which overexpress Trx, as previously reported. We found that Trx added to B-CLL cells increased in a dose-dependent fashion the release of TNF-alpha, which has been suggested to be an autocrine growth factor for these cells. In conclusion, we have found that human recombinant Trx induced TNF-alpha secretion, maintained Bcl-2, and reduced apoptosis in B-CLL cells. (Blood. 2000;95:1420-1426)

Secretion of 10-kDa and 12-kDa thioredoxin species from blood monocytes and transformed leukocytes

Thioredoxins (TRX) are ubiquitous, small redox-active proteins with multiple functions, including antioxidant, cytoprotective, and chemoattractant activities. In addition to a 12-kDa intracellular form, extracellular 10-kDa and 12-kDa TRX have been defined. The biological activities of the 10-kDa TRX were previously measured as eosinophil cytotoxicity enhancing activity or B-cell stimulatory activity. Cytotrophoblastic cell lines also release a 10-kDa TRX form. To study the biological role of 10-kDa TRX, we established two highly sensitive enzyme-linked immuno-spot assays (ELISPOT), which detect secreted truncated 10-kDa and full-length 12-kDa TRX at the single cell level. TRX secretion was investigated in several cell lines including the T-helper cell hybridoma MP6, the Jurkat T-cell leukemia, the U-937 myelomonocytic leukemia, and the 3B6, EBV-transformed, lymphoblastoid B-cell line. The highest number of secreting cells was found in 3B6 cultures, median = 34 (quartiles, 27-39) per well (10(5) cells). Peripheral blood monocytes isolated from healthy donors secreted significantly more TRX after stimulation with ionomycin, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), fMLP, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), compared to unstimulated cells. Oxidative stress induced by thioloxidant diamide also induced the secretion of both truncated and full-length TRX measured in ELISPOT (p = 0.047 and p = 0.031, respectively). The biological activity of the truncated and full-length forms was tested in a cell migration assay. Truncated TRX was devoid of protein disulfide reductase activity, but retained strong chemoattractant activity for human monocytes, in the same range as full-length TRX, as previously reported (Bertini et al., 1999).

Thioredoxin blood level increases after severe burn injury

We have investigated the thioredoxin (TRX) levels in severely burned patients and the possible origin of TRX, based on the recent understanding that TRX is a potent antioxidant with cytoprotective functions. Serum and plasma samples from burns patients and healthy blood donors were collected during the first 10 post-burn days and analyzed in a sandwich TRX enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TRX levels found were correlated to a panel of blood tests. The presence of TRX in platelets was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy and Western blotting. TRX serum levels of the severely burned patients showed a significant increase, with a mean serum TRX concentration on the day of injury of 76.5 +/- 19.5 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) and on post-burn day one 122.6 +/- 66.9 ng/ml, compared to control blood donor levels of 22.7 +/- 12.2 ng/ml (p = 0.0041 and 0.0117, respectively). A second peak of increase was found on post-burn days 7 to 9 with a four- to five-fold rise in concentration compared to controls. TRX elevation correlated well with increased platelet (p = 0.007) and leukocyte counts (p = 0.002). We also demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy and Western blotting the presence of TRX in platelets. In conclusion, our demonstration of TRX release in burn injuries indicates that the TRX system is involved in a rapid antioxidant defense, coagulation processes, cell growth, and control of the extracellular peroxide tone intimately linked to cytoprotection and wound healing in burns. One of the cell types that delivers TRX promptly and efficiently into the blood may be the platelet.

Changes in ultraviolet absorption of sunscreens after ultraviolet irradiation

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing rapidly and sunscreens have been recommended in order to reduce damage from sunlight. In this investigation we have studied the change in the absorption spectrum of some photoactive organic species in sunscreens after ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B irradiation in a dose normally encountered during a full day in the sun. Samples of a number of photoactive compounds commonly used in sunscreens were irradiated with ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light. A UVASUN 2000 MUTZHAS sunlamp was used for ultraviolet A irradiation and an Esshå Corona mini, equipped with two Philips TL12 20 W lamps, was used as the ultraviolet B source. The ultraviolet A dose was 100 J per cm2. The ultraviolet B dose corresponded to 20 minimal erythema doses. The absorption spectra of the compounds were recorded before and after irradiation. The absorbance of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate was reduced significantly, whereas 3-(4-methylbenzyliden)camphor seemed to be rather stable. The benzophenones studied seemed to be relatively stable. In the case of 4-tert. butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane there was a rapid decrease in the ultraviolet A absorption leading to unsatisfactory protection in the ultraviolet A region. 4-Isopropyl-dibenzoylmethane also lost most of its ultraviolet protective capacity after irradiation with ultraviolet A. Ultraviolet B seemed to have a minor effect on all the samples. It is important for the clinician not only to know the initial absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet region for a specific sunscreen substance, but also whether it is altered during irradiation and in what way. This study including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis indicates that some of the photoactive organic species commonly used today in sunscreens are unstable following ultraviolet irradiation.

In vivo detection of basal cell carcinoma using imaging spectroscopy

Photodynamic therapy has become an interesting alternative to conventional therapy for basal cell carcinomas. Delta-aminolevulinic acid is a precursor in the biosynthesis of protoporphyrin IX that accumulates to a large extent in tumour tissue. We have compared in vivo protoporphyrin IX fluorescence with the extent of basal cell carcinomas on the face, trunk and thigh determined by histological mapping in 30 lesions in 22 patients. A new non-laser based set-up was used to record the fluorescence images. Delta-aminolevulinic acid was applied for 4 h inducing high concentrations of protoporphyrin IX. Routine vertical histological sections and Mohs micrographic surgery were used to map the extent of the tumours. In 50% of lesions we found a good correlation between the fluorescence imaging and histological mapping. In 23% the correlation was partial. In the other lesions we found no correlation at all. This method may be used to delineate basal cell carcinomas more accurately than current methods.

Monoclonal antibodies to human thioredoxin reductase

The thioredoxin system consisting of thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH is an electron donor for ribonucleotide reductase but has also been implicated in other cellular events, including secretion, growth promotion, regulation of transcription factors, protection against oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Mammalian TrxR is a dimeric flavoprotein with 58 kDa subunits each with a catalytically active selenocysteine residue. To study the function and expression of TrxR, we have produced and characterized, for the first time, monoclonal antibodies against human TrxR. Native placenta TrxR was used for immunization of BALB/c mice, followed by hybridization, cloning, and establishment of hybridomas producing specific antibodies against human TrxR. Three clones of IgG1, kappa subclass, termed anti-TrxR1, anti-TrxR2, and anti-TrxR3, were studied in detail. The isoelectric points (pIs) of the mAbs were 6.5, 6.0, and 6.5, respectively. The affinities (Ka) of the mAbs were 2 x 10(8) M-1. Inhibition ELISA using biotin-labeled versus nonconjugated mAb IgG revealed that all three mAbs recognized one immunodominant epitope. Western blot analysis showed that the antibodies specifically bound to a 58 kDa protein, representing the subunit of TrxR. A Trx-dependent insulin reduction assay was used for analysis of enzymatic activity and the antibodies neutralized the reductase activity.