[A study on the characteristics of the membrane potassium channels in human non-small cell lung cancer cell]

BACKGROUND

To explore the character istics of K+ channel of human non-small cell lung cancer cells ( NSCLCC) .

METHODS

The characteristics of membrane potassium channels were detected in NSCLCC and benign pulmonary epithelium cells ( BEC) as control by whole cell patch clamp recording technique.

RESULTS

(1) The transmembrane K+ current in NSCLCC was voltage-dependent. The K+ current of squamous cell carcinoma was voltage-dependent and inactivating, and that of adenocarcinoma was also voltage-dependent, but not inactivating . The membrane capacitance of NSCLCC was ( 15. 35± 0. 65) pF. The membrane current density of NSCLCC was ( 121. 08± 8. 35) A/ F. The time constant (τ) of activating K+ current was 3.6-9.8 ms when TP was 50-90 mV. The K+ current could be blocked by K+ channel blocker, TEA. (2) The K+ current amplitude level, density and membrane capacitance of NSCLCC were all remarkably higher than those of BEC ( P < 0. 001) . The time constant of NSCLCC was significantly smaller than that of BEC ( P < 0. 001) .

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The transmembrane current of K+ channels in NSCLCC is significantly higher than that in benign pulmonary lesion, and the activity significantly increases. (2) Detection of K+ channels of lung cancer cell membrane is helpful to provide theoretical and experimental basis for exploring the signal transmission of oncogenesis, development, invasion and metastasis of human lung cancer.

Lack of association between the tryptophan hydroxylase gene A218C polymorphism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Chinese Han population

Previous studies have suggested that the serotonergic (5-HT) system might be involved in the development of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is frequently characterized by aggressive and impulsive behavior, a major symptom associated with reduction in serotonergic function. The tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene is a reasonable candidate for ADHD because it encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in the process of 5-HT biosynthesis. In this study, we examined the relationship between the A218C polymorphism in TPH gene and ADHD. Sixty-nine ADHD patients and their biological parents were investigated. The A218C polymorphism in intron 7 of TPH gene was detected by PCR-RFLP method. No allele or genotype concerned with this A218C polymorphism was found to be associated with ADHD when analyzed with the haplotype relative risk method. Therefore, our data indicate that the TPH gene A218C polymorphism may not be a susceptibility factor of ADHD in the Chinese Han population.

[Effects of microwave radiation on the content of five elements in mice bone tissue]

Mice were radiated with 2450 MHz, 10 mW/cm2 microwave for 12 days, 1.5 h/day. After microwave radiation, compared with the normal control, the content of calcium and zinc in mice bone were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) copper, iron and manganese decreased, appulsively After Libido, a composed traditional herb medicine, and asshide asafetida were supplied seperatively, the content of calcium and trace element zinc in mice bone increased (P < 0.05). It is concluded that Libido was effective on the resistance of mice to microwave radiation. The toxicity of organotin compounds and the current pollution status.

[Retention of selenium volatility using lime in coal combustion]

For understanding the volatility of selenium, the effect of the contents of exchangeable cations of coal on it, and the retention of selenium using CaO in coal combustion, the sequential chemistry extraction, the fixed bed and circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) were undertaken. The results showed that the volatility of selenium was more than 97% in coal combustion at 815 degrees C, and the volatility of selenium was affected by the content of exchangeable cations of coal in low-middle temperature. It was identified that lime can restrain the volatility of selenium. In fixed bed combustion of coal, the retention rates of selenium volatility were between 11.6% and 50.7% using lime. In circulating fluidized bed combustion of coal, partitioning of selenium changed very much in ash of different size fraction between without lime and with lime. Comparing with combustion without lime, the content of selenium in ash from chimney was less than fourth times and that in leaching water from chimney decreased by two orders of magnitude using lime. Retention of selenium volatility using lime is so effective in coal combustion, especially in CFB combustion of coal.

[In vitro study of the killing activities on H-2(d) murine normal and tumor cells by Ly49A gene transfected lymphocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the killing activities of Ly49A gene transfected lymphocytes of C57BL/6 mice to normal and tumor cells of BALB/c mice.

METHODS

pLXSN-Ly49A retrovirus vector was constructed and packaged with PA317 cell line. The lymphocytes of C57BL/6 mice were transfected by culture with virus producing PA317 cells. The Ly49A expression rate on the transfected lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry and the killing activities of the transfected lymphocytes to normal and tumor cells of BALB/c mice were assayed by MTT method.

RESULTS

The Ly49A expression rates of C57BL/6 mice lymphocytes transfected with pLXSN-Ly49A for 24 hours, of those transfected with pLXSN and nontransfected control were (46.67 +/- 0.35)%, (18.73 +/- 0.85)%, and (19.60 +/- 0.27)%, respectively. The killing activity of the transfected lymphocytes to 4T(1) tumor cells remained almost the same as that of the control (P > 0.05), but to normal fibroblasts decreased sharply (inhibiting rate 22% - 25%).

CONCLUSION

The Ly49A transfected C57BL/6 mice lymphocytes could kill BALB/c mice tumor cells as effectively as the control did, but the activity decreased sharply to normal BALB/c mice cells, which would be instructive for resolving graft versus host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

The distribution of integumentary structures in a feathered dinosaur

Non-avian theropod dinosaurs with preserved integumentary coverings are becoming more common; but apart from the multiple specimens of Caudipteryx, which have true feathers, animals that are reasonably complete and entirely articulated that show these structures in relation to the body have not been reported. Here we report on an enigmatic small theropod dinosaur that is covered with filamentous feather-like structures over its entire body.

[Analyses on the association of CA-repeat polymorphism and A1166-->C variant in the 3'-flanking region of AT(1)R gene with essential hypertension in Tibetans]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether CA-repeat polymorphism and A1166 --> C variant in the 3n-flanking region of AT(1)R gene are in association with the genetic susceptibily to essential hypertension (EH) in Tibetans.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out. Sibpair analysis and family linkage analysis were conducted. The CA-repeat polymorphism of AT &(1) R gene was identified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) with fluorescence labeled dCTP as substrate and by semi-automatic sequence technology. The A1166 -->C variant was detected by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Association of AT&(1)R gene locus with EH was confirmed through the case-control study in well-characterized group of 113 Tibetan EH patients and 131 normotensives(chi(2)=26.44, P<0.001). A closer examination of this gene locus found 11 alleles from Tibetan population; allele A7 (138 bp) was more frequent in both the patients and the controls. Allele A8(140 bp) was in strong positive association with genetic susceptibility to EH in Tibetans. Frequency of allele A8 was 20.5% in EH and 7.3% in normotensives. The difference of allele frequencies between the groups was significant (chi(2)=9.64, P=0.002, OR=3.46, 95% CI 1.44-8.51). Affected sibpair analysis showed chi(2)=3.85, P=0.025; family linkage analysis gave Lod score of 0.80. No association between A1166 --> C variant in AT(1)R gene and EH in Tibetans was observed (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The result suggests that CA-repeat polymorphism of AT(1)R gene be in association with EH in Tibetans, which implicates that AT(1)R gene may be in linkage disequilibrium with the causative genes of EH.

The status of voltage-dependent calcium channels in alpha 1E knock-out mice

It has been hypothesized that R-type Ca currents result from the expression of the alpha(1E) gene. To test this hypothesis we examined the properties of voltage-dependent Ca channels in mice in which the alpha(1E) Ca channel subunit had been deleted. Application of omega-conotoxin GVIA, omega-agatoxin IVA, and nimodipine to cultured cerebellar granule neurons from wild-type mice inhibited components of the whole-cell Ba current, leaving a "residual" R current with an amplitude of approximately 30% of the total Ba current. A minor portion of this R current was inhibited by the alpha(1E)-selective toxin SNX-482, indicating that it resulted from the expression of alpha(1E). However, the majority of the R current was not inhibited by SNX-482. The SNX-482-sensitive portion of the granule cell R current was absent from alpha(1E) knock-out mice. We also identified a subpopulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from wild-type mice that expressed an SNX-482-sensitive component of the R current. However as with granule cells, most of the DRG R current was not blocked by SNX-482. We conclude that there exists a component of the R current that results from the expression of the alpha(1E) Ca channel subunit but that the majority of R currents must result from the expression of other Ca channel alpha subunits.

Dissociation of the peptide bond in protonated peptides

The dissociation of the amide (peptide) bond in protonated peptides, [M + H](+), is discussed in terms of the structures and energetics of the resulting N-terminal b(n) and C-terminal y(n) sequence ions. The combined data provide strong evidence that dissociation proceeds with no reverse barriers through interconverting proton-bound complexes between the segments emerging upon cleavage of the protonated peptide bond. These complexes contain the C-terminal part as a smaller linear peptide (amino acid if one residue) and the N-terminal part either as an oxazolone or a cyclic peptide (cyclic amide if one residue). Owing to the higher thermodynamic stability but substantially lower gas-phase basicity of cyclic peptides vs isomeric oxazolones, the N-terminus is cleaved as a protonated oxazolone when ionic (b(n) series) but as a cyclic peptide when neutral (accompanying the C-terminal y(n) series). It is demonstrated that free energy correlations can be used to derive thermochemical data about sequence ions. In this context, the dependence of the logarithm of the abundance ratio log[y(1)/b(2)], from protonated GGX (G, glycine; X, varying amino acid) on the gas-phase basicity of X is used to obtain a first experimental estimate of the gas-phase basicity of the simplest b-type oxazolone, viz. 2-aminomethyl-5-oxazolone (b(2) ion with two glycyl residues).

DNA analysis of a pedigree with myotonic dystrophy in Songjiang county, Shanghai

OBJECTIVE

To make the molecular analysis of a pedigree with myotonic dystrophy (DM) in Songjiang county, Shanghai, and to observe the connection between CTG repeat number and clinical features.

METHODS

In twenty-three individuals of a pedigree with DM, CTG trinucleotide repeat numbers located in the 3' untranslated region of a protein kinase gene (MTPK) on chromosome 19q13.2-3 were analyzed by using Long Expand TM Template PCR system.

RESULTS

Four of eight clinical patients had expanded DM allele, the other four had no expanded CTG copies. Seven of eight suspicious DM cases had expanded CTG repeat numbers and were therefore genetically diagnosed as DM, and an asymptomatic individual was diagnosed as a doubted DM patient by DNA analysis. High risk of DM in six of seven individuals was ruled out, and a clinical doubted DM individual was ascertained a normal person by molecular analysis. A positive correlation was found beween early onset and expanded CTG repeat number in six parents (or grandparents)/child pairs, but in the pair II 2 /IV 7 CTG repeat numbers were reduced from 3100 in the grandmother to 175 in her grandson and there was no anticipation phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of CTG repeat number can help to ascertain the diagnosis of DM in clinical and preclinical patients, but some clinically- diagnosed DM patients might have normal CTG repeat numbers. Anticipation phenomena were common in the pedigree.

[Immune responses of a recombined live Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 expressing a multi-epitope antigen of HCV]

A multi-epitope antigen gene of hepatitis C virus(HCV) was fused to beta-galactosidase gene and introduced into attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 to construct HCV recombined live vaccine candidate SL3261 (pWR/PCX). when the oral live bacteria were used to immunize mice or rabbits, specific anti-GZ-PCX IgG was detected at week 6 and the strongest antibody responses happened at week 12 at a titer of 1:800 and 1:25,600 in mice and rabbits, respectively, which showed significant difference compared with those of SL3261 and blank controls. Anti-GZ-PCX sIgA in mice's intestine and anti-LPS antibody in sera were also detected. The oral live bacteria elicited obvious DTH reaction and proliferation response of peripheral lymphocytes by GZ-PCX antigen. The body weight of immunized mice slightly decreased but no other toxic effects was observed, which showed the safety of oral immunization. The study of oral live HCV multi-epitope vaccine might be able to provide a new route for the researches of HCV vaccines.

Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the DXS7 locus

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder in children. The etiology of this disease is not clear. Genetics studies have suggested the involvement of the dopamine DRD-4 receptor gene and dopamine transporter gene (DAT1). Clinical studies have shown that monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors are effective in the treatment of ADHD. These findings suggest that monoamine oxidase (MAO) genes might be involved in the origin of ADHD. In the present work, the DXS7 locus of chromosome X, which is closely linked to MAO genes, was selected as a marker to study the possible association between ADHD and MAO genes in the Chinese population. Haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) and the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) methods were employed to analyze the association and the linkage disequilibrium, respectively. Significant association (X(2) = 15.86; 1 df; P < 0.001) and linkage (X(2) = 14.88; 1 df; P < 0.001) were detected between the 157-bp allele of the DXS7 locus and the DSM-III-R-diagnosed ADHD (N = 72) in trios composed of father, mother, and affected offspring. The data suggested that ADHD was associated and in linkage with DXS7 locus.

Association analysis of variants in the core promoter region of angiotensinogen gene with essential hypertension in Tibetan population

OBJECTIVE

To detect the variants in the core promoter region of angiotensinogen(AGT) gene, and to analyse the relationship between the AGT gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension in Tibetan population.

METHODS

This is a case-control study consisting of 103 essential hypertensive subjects and 82 normotensive controls matched by age and sex. The variants in the AGT gene core promoter region were screened by polymerase chain reaction/single strand conformation polymorphism(PCR/SSCP) and further identified by automated sequencing. The A(-6)G polymorphism was determined in DNA extracted from leucocytes by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP).

RESULTS

(1) There were two different electrophoresis band patterns in PCR/SSCP analysis. PCR product direct sequencing showed that the two band patterns represented the AA, AC genotypes in the (-20) site of AGT gene respectively. The distribution of A(-20)C genotype was almost identical in essential hypertensive and normotensive groups (P>0.8). The A allele frequency was very high in both groups (control: 0.9175, hypertensive: 0.9124). (2)Distribution of genotype in the (-6) site of AGT gene was much different between the patient group and control group (P<0.005). The frequency of G allele was statistically higher in the patient group than in controls (0.374 vs 0.220, P<0.025).

CONCLUSION

Both Tibetan hypertensives and normotensives have higher frequency of A allele in AGT gene (-20) site. The higher frequency of G allele in the AGT gene (-6) site in Tibetan hypertension patients suggests that this allele may be the genetic susceptibility factor in the proceeding of essential hypertension in the Tibetan population.

Effects of intestinal endotoxemia on pathogenesis of liver injury induced by thioacetamide

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of intestinal endotoxemia on pathogenesis of liver injury induced by thioacetamide (TAA).

METHODS

Twenty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, namely: normally control group (N), colectomy control group (C), colectomy+TAA group (C+T), TAA group (T). The changes in plasma biochemistry were measured.

RESULTS

Plasma endotoxin levels were significantly higher in TAA group than normally control group. Plasma endotoxin levels in colectomy+TAA group were close to that of normally control group. Plasma ALT activity in colectomy+TAA group increased significantly compared with that of normal control group, but markedly lower than that in TAA group. Plasma endotoxin levels were positively correlated to ALT activity in T and C+T groups (r=0. 985, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

TAA itself has a deleterious effect to hepatic cells. It can also induce intestinal endotoxemia in which the liver injury is more inclined to occur and severe.

The complete unique long sequence and the overall genomic organization of the GA strain of Marek's disease virus

We have determined the DNA sequence of the unique long (UL) region and the repeat long (RL) region in the genome of serotype 1 GA strain of Marek's disease virus (MDV), a member of the alpha-herpesvirus family. With this information, the complete nucleotide sequence of GA-MDV is now known. The entire GA-MDV genome is predicted to be about 174 kbp in size, with an organization of TRL-UL-IRL-IRS-US-TRS, typical of a alpha-herpesvirus. The UL sequence contains 113,508 bp and has a base composition of 41.7% G + C. A total of 67 ORFs were identified completely within the UL region, among which 55 are homologous to genes encoded by herpes simplex virus-1. Twelve of them are unique with presently unknown functions. The sequence of RL reported here together with those published earlier reveal the major structural features of the RL. Virtually all of the ORFs encoded by RL are specific to serotype I of MDV. These ORFs are likely to contribute to some of the unique biological properties of MDV. Among the proteins encoded by MDV-specific ORFs are Meq, a jun/fos family of transcriptional factor implicated in transformation and latency, virus-encoded interleukin-8, a CXC chemokine, and pp38 and pp24, two phosphoproteins with undefined functions. There is also a putative lipase gene (LORF2) that has homologies in HPRS-24 (serotype II) strain of MDV and in various avian adenoviruses. An additional unique feature of MDV is the presence of long terminal repeat remnant sequences of avian retrovirus reticuloendotheliosis virus. These remnant sequences are derived from the U3-enhancer region through ancestral insertions by reticuloendotheliosis virus proviruses.

The RAP74 subunit of human transcription factor IIF has similar roles in initiation and elongation

Transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) is a protein allosteric effector for RNA polymerase II during the initiation and elongation phases of the transcription cycle. In initiation, TFIIF induces promoter DNA to wrap almost a full turn around RNA polymerase II in a complex that includes the general transcription factors TATA-binding protein, TFIIB, and TFIIE. During elongation, TFIIF also supports a more active conformation of RNA polymerase II. This conformational model for elongation is supported by three lines of experimental evidence. First, a region within the RNA polymerase II-associating protein 74 (RAP74) subunit of TFIIF (amino acids T154 to M177), a region that is critical for isomerization of the preinitiation complex, is also critical for elongation stimulation. Amino acid substitutions within this region are shown to have very similar effects on initiation and elongation, and mutagenic analysis indicates that L155, W164, N172, I176, and M177 are the most important residues in this region for transcription. Second, TFIIF is shown to have a higher affinity for rapidly elongating RNA polymerase II than for the stalled elongation complex, indicating that RNA polymerase II alternates between active and inactive states during elongation and that TFIIF stimulates elongation by supporting the active conformational state of RNA polymerase II. The deleterious I176A substitution in the critical region of RAP74 decreases the affinity of TFIIF for the active form of the elongation complex. Third, TFIIF is shown by Arrhenius analysis to stimulate elongation by populating an activated state of RNA polymerase II.

[Preventive effect of vitamin K1 and calcium on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat]

Ovariectomized female Wistar rats[(170 +/- 15) g] were treated with vitamin K1 or/and calcium for 6 months, in order to study the effect of vitamin K or/and calcium supplementation on the prevention of osteoporosis. Vitamin K1(90 mg/kg) or/and calcium(5 g/kg) were added to a semisynthetic basal diet (VK 50 micrograms/kg, Ca5 g/kg). The findings of the study were as follows: Vitamin K1 treatment led to a significant increase of bone mineral density of the femoral diaphysis and lumbar spine, and bone ash content of the proximal one third of the femur shaft. The results suggested that vitamin K1 could, to some extent, prevent the fast bone loss and the femoral fragility induced by ovariectomy. Regarding the parameters of bone metrology and biomechanics, the effect of vitamin K1 combined with calcium on the prevention of osteoporosis is better than that of vitamin K1 or calcium alone, and the treatments with VK and Ca had better effects on femur than lumbar spine. The present study indicates that for postmenopausal women, as a risk population of osteoporosis, to increase their dietary intake of vitamin K and calcium might be helpful.

A region within the RAP74 subunit of human transcription factor IIF is critical for initiation but dispensable for complex assembly

Human transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) is an alpha(2)beta(2) heterotetramer of RNA polymerase II-associating 74 (RAP74) and RAP30 subunits. Mutagenic analysis shows that the N-terminal region of RAP74 between L155 (leucine at codon 155) and M177 is important for initiation. Mutants in this region have reduced activity in transcription, but none are inactive. Single amino acid substitutions at hydrophobic residues L155, W164, I176, and M177 have similar activity to RAP74(1-158), from which all but three amino acids of this region are deleted. Residual activity can be explained because each of these mutants forms a complex with RAP30 and recruits RNA polymerase II into the preinitiation complex. Mutants are defective for formation of the first phosphodiester bond from the adenovirus major late promoter but do not appear to have an additional significant defect in promoter escape. Negative DNA supercoiling partially compensates for the defects of TFIIF mutants in initiation, indicating that TFIIF may help to untwist the DNA helix for initiation.

Magnetite Nanoparticles Prepared by Precipitation from Partially Reduced Ferric Chloride Aqueous Solutions

Spherical magnetite particles with mean diameter of about 10 nm or less were prepared by means of a reduction-precipitation method with ferric chloride as starting material, which was partially reduced to ferrous salts by Na2SO3 before alkalinizing with ammonia. It was found that the nature of the product depends strongly on the initial ratio R0 = [Fe3+]0/[SO2-3]0. The most appropriate ratio was 3 as proved by X-ray diffraction analysis on the samples although the initial concentration of ferric chloride can be different. Particle diameter increased from ca. 3 to ca. 11 nm with an increase of the concentration of aqueous ferric chloride from 0.075 to 0.45 mol dm-3. The advantage of this method lies in the formation of a red intermediate during the reduction process, which enables us to prevent the reoxidation of the ferrous ions by adding precipitation agents at the end of the reduction reaction without the protection of nitrogen or argon. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

[Portal hypertensive vasculopathy of splenic artery]

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathological changes of splenic artery wall in portal hypertensive patients.

METHODS

The pathological changes and iNOS activity of splenic artery wall were studied in 21 patients with liver cirrhosis and 15 normal subjects, using light and electron microscope and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with normal individuals, the splenic artery of cirrhotic patients showed that the intima was thickened, split and broken, and the smooth muscle layer of middle membrane was thicker and migrated to underintima space. In cirrhotic patients, regression, atrophy or hypertrophy and hyperplasia were seen in smooth muscle cells whose contractile phenotype changed to synthetic phenotype as well. iNOS activated obviously. Extracellular matrix increased in the wall, resulting in collagenic and fibrous changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamic alteration due to liver cirrhosis induced pathological changes of splenic artery, including the damage to contractile structure and increase of iNOS activity. It is one of the reasons of decrease of artery reaction to contractile vasoactive materials.

[Expression of a HCV multi-epitopes antigen gene and study on its immunogenicity]

Due to the hypervariable character of hepatitis C virus (HCV), 5 conserved T and/or B cell epitopes from core, envelope, NS3 and NS5 protein of HCV were chosen to form a 270 bp multi-epitopes antigen gene. The gene was clone into a fusion vector pWR450-1 to express a beta-galactosidase-HCV hybrid protein GZ-PCX. The purified GZ-PCX protein was specifically recognized by human anti-HCV antibodies. These results show that the HCV hybrid multi-epitopes antigen has excellent immunogenicity, which might be able to be used as an effective diagnosis agent and to provide protectivity to any genotype of HCV which might partly solve the problems in the researches of HCV vaccines.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoscopic Organic Semiconductor of Oxovanadium Phthalocyanine

Nanoscopic particles of oxovanadium phthalocyanine (VOPc, phase-II) with different particle sizes are prepared by aggregation of VOPc molecules in the presence of surfactants for the first time. A size effect in the region of nanoscale was observed in the UV-visible spectra. The photoconductivity of the nanoscopic VOPc is much higher than that of bulk VOPc. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

No association between the intronic presenilin 1 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease in the Chinese population

Wragg et al. [1996: Lancet 347:509-512] recorded an association between the intron-based presenilin 1 (PS1) genotype 1/1 and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study was performed to determine if there is a similar association in the Chinese population. Ninety-one AD cases, 50 multiinfarct dementia (MID) patients, and 73 age-matched normal controls were recruited. Genotyping of PS1 and apolipoprotein E (APOE) was performed by the methods of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. In AD, MID, and normal controls PS1 allele 1 frequency was 0.6703, 0.5600, and 0.6301, respectively; PS1 allele 2 frequency was 0.3297, 0.4400, and 0.3699, respectively. No association was detected between these diseases and any PS1 allele or genotype. There was only a nearly significant negative association between MID and PS1 genotype 1/1 in the subgroup population bearing APOE allele E4 (odds ratio = 0.2753, P = 0.0776). Our results do not support the conclusion that the intronic PS1 polymorphism is associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular Orientation of Hydroquinone Adsorbed at a Platinum(111) Thin-Layer Electrode

Reported are new findings regarding the molecular orientation of hydroquinone (HQ) adsorbed on Pt surfaces. The packing density of hydroquinone adsorbed from 1 M HClO4 supporting electrolyte has been measured by use of a Pt(111) thin-layer electrode. The packing-density-vs-concentration profiles for hydroquinone, measured by a differential thin-layer electrode method at an ordered Pt(111) surface and at an electrochemically disordered Pt(111) surface, are identical within an experimental error of about 8%. The profiles from this study are similar to the ones obtained previously at an ordered Pt(111) surface by Auger spectroscopy, but they are significantly different from those reported previously for polycrystalline Pt thin-layer electrodes. A procedure based upon displacement of HQ by thiocyanate has been developed as an alternative method for determining the packing density of adsorbed HQ. Both methods afford information regarding the molecular state of HQ adsorbed at the Pt(111) surface. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

[Effect of various levels of vitamin K intake on bone metabolism of rat]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of various levels of vitamin K intake on bone development.

METHODS

Forty weanling Wistar male rats were divided into four groups. In one group, 1% sulfadiazine was added to regular diet (vitamin K 50 micrograms/kg) to induce vitamin K deficiency. In the other three groups, the vitamin K levels in diets were 50 micrograms/kg, 300 micrograms/kg, 2,550 micrograms/kg respectively. Twelve weeks later, the rats were killed and the effects of the different levels of vitamin K intake on bone development were evaluated by the parameters of calcium metabolism, bone metabolic biochemistry, and bone mineral density (BMD).

RESULTS

Vitamin K did not affect the intestinal absorption of calcium. Vitamin K deficiency led to the high levels of urinary calcium and hydroxyapatite excretion, suggesting an increase of bone absorption. Different levels of dietary vitamin K significantly affect circulating osteocalcin and OCbound content. The level of serum2 osteocalcin, OCbound and BMD elevated with the increase of dietary VK levels, whereas the parameters of PTH (thrombo plastin time) were not different between all groups.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin K can enhance the bone development of rat. The rat vitamin K requirement may be higher than that of the current recommendation (50 micrograms/kg).

Flower-associated brachycera flies as fossil evidence for jurassic angiosperm origins

Pollinating insects played a decisive role in the origin and early evolution of the angiosperms. Pollinating orthorrhaphous Brachycera fossils (short-horned flies) collected from Late Jurassic rocks in Liaoning Province of northeast China provide evidence for a pre-Cretaceous origin of angiosperms. Functional morphology and comparison with modern confamilial taxa show that the orthorrhaphous Brachycera were some of the most ancient pollinators. These data thus imply that angiosperms originated during the Late Jurassic and were represented by at least two floral types.

A mutation affecting dihydropyridine-sensitive current levels and activation kinetics in Drosophila muscle and mammalian heart calcium channels

The Dmca1D gene encodes a Drosophila calcium channel alpha1 subunit. We describe the first functional characterization of a mutation in this gene. This alpha1 subunit mediates the dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel current in larval muscle but does not contribute to the amiloride-sensitive current in that tissue. A mutation, which changes a highly conserved Cys to Tyr in transmembrane domain IS1, identifies a residue important for channel function not only in Drosophila muscle but also in mammalian cardiac channels. In both cases, mutations in this Cys residue slow channel activation and reduce expressed currents. Amino acid substitutions at this Cys position in the cardiac alpha1 subunit show that the size of the side chain, rather than its ability to form disulfide bonds, affects channel activation.

Fibroblast growth factor-2-toxin induced cytotoxicity: differential sensitivity of co-cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells

Recombinant FGF-2-SAP is a mitotoxin consisting of the plant-derived ribosome-inactivating toxin saporin (SAP) fused to basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). FGF-2-SAP targets and kills cells bearing upregulated FGF receptors. In vivo, FGF-2-SAP inhibits smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in models of restenosis. The present study examined the potential for a differential effect of FGF-2-SAP on canine vascular endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) separately as well as in a novel co-culture model. Canine vascular SMC and EC cultures were established separately and made quiescent once cells reached 80% confluence. Following the release from growth arrest, both cell types were treated with FGF-2-SAP, or FGF-2, or SAP alone for 48 h. [3H]TdR incorporation was used to determine the growth response of SMC and EC. The co-culture system was created by plating canine vascular SMC and EC on either side of a microporous 13 microm thick polyester membrane insert. Both cell types were grown to 80% confluence and independently made quiescent. Following the release from growth arrest, cells were treated with FGF-2-SAP, or FGF-2, or SAP alone. Negative and positive control groups were untreated wells containing phosphate buffered saline and complete growth media, respectively. After 48 h, both [3H]TdR incorporation and total DNA content, by fluorometric measurement, were quantitated in SMC and EC independently. FGF-2-SAP showed a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in both canine SMC and EC but cytotoxicity for EC required substantially higher concentrations. In co-cultured SMC, FGF-2-SAP significantly decreased both [3H]TdR uptake and total DNA content at 0.5, 5, 50, and 500 ng/ml (0.01-10 nM) compared to positive controls. In co-cultured EC, FGF-2-SAP decreased [3H]TdR uptake at 50 and 500 ng/ml and total DNA content at 500 ng/ml compared to positive controls. Neither SAP alone nor FGF-2 alone showed a significant effect on [3H]TdR uptake or DNA content of either SMC or EC. In this unique co-culture model, which better replicates the relationship between SMC and EC in vivo, we demonstrated a dose-response range of FGF-2-SAP at which both the proliferation and total cell number of SMC, but not EC, is significantly reduced. These data suggest that FGF-2-SAP may have therapeutic utility in inhibiting myointimal hyperplasia in the absence of a deleterious effect on regenerating endothelium following vascular reconstructions.

Functions of the N- and C-terminal domains of human RAP74 in transcriptional initiation, elongation, and recycling of RNA polymerase II

Transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) cooperates with RNA polymerase II (pol II) during multiple stages of the transcription cycle including preinitiation complex assembly, initiation, elongation, and possibly termination and recycling. Human TFIIF appears to be an alpha2beta2 heterotetramer of RNA polymerase II-associating protein 74- and 30-kDa subunits (RAP74 and RAP30). From inspection of its 517-amino-acid (aa) sequence, the RAP74 subunit appears to comprise separate N- and C-terminal domains connected by a flexible loop. In this study, we present functional data that strongly support this model for RAP74 architecture and further show that the N- and C-terminal domains and the central loop of RAP74 have distinct roles during separate phases of the transcription cycle. The N-terminal domain of RAP74 (minimally aa 1 to 172) is sufficient to deliver pol II into a complex formed on the adenovirus major late promoter with the TATA-binding protein, TFIIB, and RAP30. A more complete N-terminal domain fragment (aa 1 to 217) strongly stimulates both accurate initiation and elongation by pol II. The region of RAP74 between aa 172 and 205 and a subregion between aa 170 and 178 are critical for both accurate initiation and elongation, and mutations in these regions have similar effects on initiation and elongation. Based on these observations, RAP74 appears to have similar functions in initiation and elongation. The central region and the C-terminal domain of RAP74 do not contribute strongly to single-round accurate initiation or elongation stimulation but do stimulate multiple-round transcription in an extract system.

Genetic and developmental characterization of Dmca1D, a calcium channel alpha1 subunit gene in Drosophila melanogaster

To begin unraveling the functional significance of calcium channel diversity, we identified mutations in Dmca1D, a Drosophila calcium channel alpha1 subunit cDNA that we recently cloned. These mutations constitute the l(2)35Fa lethal locus, which we rename Dmca1D. A severe allele, Dmca1D(X10), truncates the channel after the IV-S4 transmembrane domain. These mutants die as late embryos because they lack vigorous hatching movements. In the weaker allele, Dmca1D(AR66), a cysteine in transmembrane domain I-S1 is changed to tyrosine. Dmca1D(AR66) embryos hatch but pharate adults have difficulty eclosing. Those that do eclose have difficulty in fluid-filling of the wings. These studies show that this member of the calcium channel alpha1 subunit gene family plays a nonredundant, vital role in larvae and adults.

Functional expression and characterization of skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptors in Xenopus oocytes

Dihydropyridine receptors in vertebrate skeletal muscle serve a dual role: as voltage sensors for excitation-contraction coupling and as voltage-activated calcium channels. Although they were the first of six classes of calcium channels to be cloned, skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptors remain the only ones not functionally expressed as calcium channels in Xenopus oocytes, leading to the hypothesis that an interacting component is missing. Using beta1b, an isoform previously found in brain, we have for the first time reconstituted skeletal muscle calcium channel function in Xenopus oocytes. We show that this beta subunit is necessary for functional expression and that the alpha2delta subunit significantly enhances the expressed current. The majority of the alpha1 subunit in skeletal muscle is a truncated form. Here we show that both the full-length and truncated forms produce functional calcium channels in Xenopus oocytes, but the truncated form gives significantly larger currents. In addition, we show that the beta1b transcript is expressed in rat skeletal muscle, although at a much lower level than the abundant beta1a isoform.

[Immunohistochemical locating and quantitative studies of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in placental villi of patients with pregnancy induced hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To supply evidence of relationship between pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR) synthesized by placental villi.

METHODS

Five normal placentas and 15 placentas of PIH were used for studying localization and quantification of 5-HT and 5-HTR in placental villi by using immunohistochemical and in situ quantitative methods.

RESULTS

Syncytiotrophoblasts and capillary endothelium in placental villi of control group showed 5-HT and 5-HTR positive immunoreaction, but in placental villi of group with PIH, syncytiotrophoblasts appeared 5-HT and 5-HTR weak positive immunoreaction and capillary endothelium appeared 5-HT and 5-HTR weak positive or negative immunoreaction. The results of in situ quantitation showed that the content of 5-HT and 5-HTR in placental villus syncytiotrophoblasts of group with PIH were significantly lower than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The content of 5-HT and its receptor in placenta may be related to PIH.

Effects of albumin coating of knitted Dacron grafts on transinterstitial blood loss and tissue ingrowth and incorporation

Transinterstitial blood loss at implantation and the degree of graft incorporation and inner capsule thickening was compared in serial explants of albumin-coated Dacron versus blood preclotted Dacron grafts in the canine thoracoabdominal aortic position (8 mm internal diameter x 30 cm length). The coated grafts were Bard DeBakey Vasculour II knitted Dacron prostheses impregnated with carbodiimide-cross-linked human albumin. Control grafts were otherwise identical and preclotted with the recipients' whole blood before heparinization during surgery. Transinterstitial blood loss after establishing flow was measured by weighing sponges wrapped around the grafts. Albumin pretreatment resulted in significantly less median blood loss (5.1 g versus 11 g, P=0.04; Mann-Whitney rank sum test). Grafts were explanted at 1 week, 4 weeks, 10 weeks, and 20 weeks. Patency was 100% in both groups. Graft incorporation at explantation was graded by the surgeon as: 1 = none, 2 = minimal, 3 = moderate, or 4 = extensive. No significant differences were noted at any time period. Inner capsule thickness measurements were made every 2.5 mm along the length of all explants. Grafts explanted at 1 week displayed no inner capsules. By 20 weeks, median inner capsule thickness was significantly less in albumin-coated grafts (190 microm versus 235 microm; P<0.0001). These inner capsules in both groups formed as islands, containing abundant myofibroblasts and collagen, covered by endothelial cells and surrounded by residual fibrin coagula. In conclusion, albumin-coated knitted Dacron grafts displayed less transinterstitial blood loss at implantation, and qualitatively similar incorporation, but significantly thinner inner capsules at 20 weeks.

Effect of amlodipine on the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effect of anti-hypertensive drug amlodipine on regression of cardiovascular hypertrophy due to hypertension was studied by using cultured smooth muscle cells derived from arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and measuring [3H]-TdR and [3H]-Leucine binding. 48 h after adding amlodipine, [3H]-TdR binding in arterial smooth muscle cells from SHR in vitro was reduced by 50.5% and [3H]-Leucine binding was reduced by 56.2% as compared with neuropeptide Y (NPY)-treated group. However, there was no significant change in cell number. The results showed that amlodipine could effectively inhibit increase of DNA and protein synthesis of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) due to NPY. It indicates that amlodipine is of great significance on regression of genesis and development of cardiovascular hypertrophy due to hypertension.

[The change of serotonin of venous blood in pregnancy induced hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence to the hypothesis that the involvement of serotonin (5-HT) takes part in the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

METHOD

31 pregnant women with PIH and 20 normotensive pregnant women were studied in the present study. Venous plasma 5-HT and platelet 5-HT from all subjects were measured with spectrometry.

RESULTS

The mean platelet 5-HT level in PIH group (24.69 +/- 17.79 micrograms/L) was less than that in normotensive group (91.06 +/- 47.77 micrograms/L) (P < 0.01). The mean plasma 5-HT level in PIH group (48.65 +/- 19.29 micrograms/L) was significantly higher than that in normotensive group (35.39 +/- 12.88 micrograms/L) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Plasma levels of 5-HT in PIH were elevated significantly, this might be largely caused by the increased release of 5-HT by platelet. The results show that elevated level of 5-HT in patients with PIH might take part in the pathogenesis of PIH.

[Immunogenicity of recombinant S. typhimurium ex. pressing a hybrid antigen of Plasmodium falciparum]

We have expressed a 74-peptide hybrid Plasmodium falciparum antigen as fusion protein in attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261. Live organisms were orally immunized Rabbits with a dose of 2 x 10(9)cfu. Specific anti-serum were detected by ELISA after immunization. Obvious Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) could be induced by PfAg and GZ-C antigen. The recombinant vaccine had no evident side-effects to the hosts. Our studies indicate that attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 can express synthetic P. falciparum antigen with several epitopes and live organisms can activate special cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.

[Cloning and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the second region of MSA1 from three Chinese isolates of Plasmodium falciparum]

Gene encoding the second region of merozoite surface antigen (MSA1-R2) of three Chinese isolates of Plasmodium falciparum from Hainan, Yunnan and Anhui were amplified by PCR, cloned into M13 and sequenced. Comparison among MSA1-R2 sequences from different isolates of P. falciparum shows that there is no difference among the three Chinese isolates. The sequence of MSA1-R2 of the Chinese isolates are highly homologous with that of WELLCOME from West Africa. The sequence flanking the upstream of the tandem repeats is exactly the same as that of MAD-20, but sequence downstream the repeats exhibit the characteristics of K1 allele, indicating that intragenic recombination of the two MSA1 allelic families exists in the Chinese isolates.

Biointeractive polymers and tissue engineered blood vessels

The regulation of endothelial cell (EC) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation following vascular interventions is critical to clinical efficacy. Our laboratory has developed a method of impregnating biomaterials with suspensions containing bioactive proteins resulting in the capability of differentially modulating EC and SMC growth in vitro and in vivo following implantation. We have previously reported that 60 mu internodal distance ePTFE grafts impregnated with fibrin glue (FG) containing FGF-1 and heparin develop confluent endothelialization with transiently increased EC and SMC proliferation after 4 weeks in dogs. Thoraco-abdominal implants after 20 weeks were developed significantly thicker (139 mu) inner capsules in response to the FGF. To minimize SMC proliferation we studied the effects of FGF-1, heparin, and thrombin concentrations on SMC growth in vitro. FG caused a 182% increase (P < 0.001) in DNA synthesis. Heparin within FG diminished this effect in a dose-dependant manner, with complete inhibition of FG-induced growth at 500 U ml-1 (versus FG alone, P < 0.001). FGF-1 within FG without heparin had no effect, but together, FGF-1 caused a dose-dependant growth increase while increasing heparin concentrations initially increased and then decreased proliferation. FGF-1 and heparin in the medium of quiescent SMCs had similar effects. Only thrombin concentrations > 3.2 U ml-1 stimulated SMC growth and this stimulation was blocked by heparin. A synergism between FGF and heparin on EC proliferation was also found but without EC growth inhibition in response to higher concentrations of heparin. It is thus possible to modulate the relative proliferative activity of ECs versus SMCs by altering the FGF:heparin ratio. This same system may be useful with other proteins to induce other local affects by the applied protein or systemic affects following release of that protein.

Mechanism of cholesterol reduction to coprostanol by Eubacterium coprostanoligenes ATCC 51222

The mechanism of reduction of cholesterol to coprostanol by Eubacterium coprostanoligenes ATCC 51222 was studied by incubating the bacterium with a mixture of alpha- and beta-isomers of [4-3H,4-14C]cholesterol. Coprostanol, isolated after incubation of [4-3H,4-14C]cholesterol in a growth medium under anaerobic conditions, retained 97% of the tritium originally present in cholesterol. The majority of this tritium (64%), however, was in the C-6 position in coprostanol, which showed that the conversion of cholesterol into coprostanol by E. coprostanoligenes involved the intermediate formation of 4-cholesten-3-one followed by the reduction of the latter to coprostanol. In resting cell assays in which washed bacterial cells were incubated with micellar cholesterol in phosphate buffer at 37 degrees C, both 4-cholesten-3-one and coprostanone were produced in addition to coprostanol. Furthermore, 5-cholesten-3-one, 4-cholesten-3-one, and coprostanone were converted efficiently to coprostanol by E. coprostanoligenes. These results support the hypothesis that the major pathway for reduction of cholesterol by E. coprostanoligenes involves the intermediate formation of 4-cholesten-3-one followed by reduction of the latter to coprostanol through coprostanone as an intermediate.

[Study on neuropeptide Y-containing innervation of cerebral small arteries and arterioles in spontaneously hypertensive rat]

To comprehend the relationship between the distribution of perivascular neuropeptides and remodified structure of arterioles in hypertension, we applied the technique of sheeting from pia matter of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to reveal branches at all levels of the vascular network so as to make an overall and stereoscopic observation of the vasculature. In addition, immunohistochemical technique and image analyser were applied to analyse qualitatively and quantitatively neuropeptide Y(NPY)-containing innervation in the vasculature. Findings revealed that the surface density of NPY-containing innervation and integral luminous density of positive reaction particle for anti-NPY in middle cerebral artery and its branches -small arteries and arterioles of SHR were significantly increased as compared with findings in Wistar Kyoto. The results reveal that an increase in density of NPY-containing innervation of cerebral small arteries and arterioles intensifies action of nutritive adjustment of vascular smooth muscle and is clearly related with increase of contractive excitability of artery, hypertrophy of artery, smooth muscle cells and the development of hypertension.

Selective stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation with inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation by fibroblast growth factor-1 plus heparin delivered from fibrin glue suspensions

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts with fibrin glue (FG) containing fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) (10 ng/ml) and heparin (50 units/ml) has been shown to induce a transmural angiogenesis with proliferation of both endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in dogs. To induce EC without SMC proliferation, we studied the effects of different FGF-1:heparin ratios within FG in vitro.

METHODS

First passage human umbilical vein ECs (factor VIII+) or primary canine carotid artery SMCs (alpha-actin +) were seeded onto 96-well plates coated with FG containing 10 ng/ml FGF-1 and 0, 5, 50, or 500 units/ml heparin. Control wells were coated with FG without FGF-1 or heparin. Cells were fed standard growth medium without soluble FGF-1 or heparin. Tritiated thymidine (1 microCi/well) was added after 1, 2, or 3 days, and proliferation was assayed by scintillation counting 48 hours later.

RESULTS

For both ECs and SMCs, proliferation on FG containing FGF-1 but no heparin was not different from control. EC proliferation on FG containing FGF-1 was significantly increased by addition of 5, 50, or 500 units/ml heparin (+68%, +99%, and +106%, respectively; p (0.0001 for all), reflecting the synergism of FGF-1 by heparin. SMC proliferation was also significantly increased by the addition of 5 or 50 units/ml heparin (+85% and +66%, respectively; p (0.0001 for both). However, SMC proliferation with 500 units/ml heparin was significantly decreased from control (-12%; p = 0.014), reflecting heparin's SMC growth inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

FG containing 10 ng/ml FGF-1 and 500 units/ml heparin stimulates EC proliferation while inhibiting SMC proliferation in vitro. Application of this modified FG to vascular grafts or to arteries after direct or transcutaneous interventions may promote endothelialization without intimal hyperplasia.

In vivo platelet deposition on polytetrafluoroethylene coated with fibrin glue containing fibroblast growth factor 1 and heparin in a canine model

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that the coating of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) with fibrin glue containing fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) and heparin accelerates endothelial coverage of grafts implanted into animals. We report here the effect of this surface modification on early platelet deposition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine dogs received 7-cm ePTFE grafts, 60-microns internodal distance, 4-mm internal diameter, as bilateral aortoiliac implants, one coated (luminal cross section and abluminal surface) with fibrin glue (fibrinogen 32.1 mg/mliters, thrombin 0.32 U/mliters) containing FGF-1 (11 ng/mliters and heparin (250 U/mliters), the other uncoated. After 5, 30, or 120 minutes of circulation with blood containing autologous platelets radiolabelled with indium 111, gamma emissions were quantitated on explants and correlated to surface areas measured by computerized planimetry.

RESULTS

Both global and segmental comparisons showed significantly (P < 0.05, Student's t-test) less platelet deposition on coated than on uncoated grafts after 120 minutes of circulation, but no difference at 5 and 30 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this model, ePTFE coating with fibrin glue containing FGF-1 and heparin shows no adverse effect on early platelet deposition.

In vivo tissue distribution of fibroblast growth factor-1 after intraarterial delivery

The clinical applicability of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) plus heparin delivery in optimizing the healing of both autogenous vein and synthetic vascular grafts has been suggested. The authors have reported enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, concurrent increased capillarization, and minimal intimal hyperplasia using suspensions of FGF-1 and heparin impregnated onto expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. The current study characterizes the tissue distribution of 125I-FGF-1 delivered by continuous intraarterial infusion. 125I-FGF-1 delivered by continuous intraarterial infusion. 125I-FGF-1 (1.1 ng) and heparin (28 U) were continuously infused into the thoracic aorta via the proximal end of the ligated left carotid artery for 24 hr in four New Zealand white rabbits using an Alzet (Alza Corp., Palo Alto, CA) osmotically activated pumping device. Rabbits were sacrificed after 24 hr, exsanguinated, and biopsies taken from the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, heart, thyroid gland, muscle, and fat. These samples were assayed for radioactivity and results expressed as cpm 125I/gram of both wet and dry weight of tissue. 125I-FGF-1 uptake (cpm/g dry wt.) was greatest in the thyroid (551.1 +/- 131.4). This was 2.5-5.5 x greater (p < or = 0.01) than those organs with intermediate uptake (lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart). Lowest uptake was noted in the blood, muscle, and fat. A similar distribution pattern was found in wet weight comparisons. Total organ 125I-FGF-1 content was greatest in the liver at 818.1 +/- 176.3 cpm (p < or = 0.002) and intermediate in the lungs (204.7 +/- 38.5 cpm) and kidneys (191.2 +/- 11.9 cpm). Although no FGF-1-induced toxicity has yet been reported, these results will allow for future tissue-specific toxicology studies before clinical trials.

Cloning and characterization of a calcium channel alpha 1 subunit from Drosophila melanogaster with similarity to the rat brain type D isoform

We report the complete sequence of a calcium channel alpha 1 subunit cDNA cloned from a Drosophila head cDNA library. This cDNA encodes a deduced protein containing 2516 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 276,493. The deduced protein shares many features with vertebrate homologs, including four repeat structures, each containing six transmembrane domains, a conserved ion selectivity filter region between transmembrane domains 5 and 6, and an EF hand in the carboxy tail. The Drosophila subunit has unusually long initial amino and terminal carboxy tails. The region corresponding to the last transmembrane domain (IVS6) and the adjacent cytoplasmic domain has been postulated to form a phenylalkylamine-binding site in vertebrate calcium channels. This region is conserved in the Drosophila sequence, while domains thought to be involved in dihydropyridine binding show numerous changes. The Drosophila subunit exhibits 78.3% sequence similarity to the rat brain type D calcium channel alpha 1 subunit, and so has been designated as a Drosophila melanogaster calcium channel alpha 1 type D subunit (Dmca1D). In situ hybridization shows that Dmca1D is highly expressed in the embryonic nervous system. Northern analysis shows that Dmca1D cDNA hybridizes to three size classes of mRNA (9.5, 10.2, and 12.5 kb) in heads, but only two classes (9.5 and 12.5 kb) in bodies and legs. PCR analysis suggests that the Dmca1D message undergoes alternative splicing with more heterogeneity appearing in head and embryonic extracts than in bodies and legs.

[Expression of chemically synthesized hybrid genes of Plasmodium falciparum and preliminary characterization of expressed products]

The chemically synthesized hybrid genes HGFC and HGFCAC were respectively recombinated with expression vector pWR450-1 and transferred into Escherichia coli. After adding IPTG to the cultural media, the bacteria harboring recombinant plasmid expressed the fusion proteins of exogenous gene products and partial amino acid of beta-galactosidase. The molecular weights of the two fusion proteins were 65 kDa and 77 kDa, respectively. The expressed fusion proteins could be recognized by antibodies of rabbit anti-RESA peptide EENVEHDA by Western blotting, indicating that the fusion proteins harbored the antigenic epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum.

Identification and characterization of Marek's disease virus genes homologous to ICP27 and glycoprotein K of herpes simplex virus-1

We have identified two Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) genes within the EcoRI-B fragment of MDV-GA genomic DNA. EcoRI-B is 11.3-kb long and maps within the long unique region of MDV genomes. A 3.2-kb fragment of EcoRI-B has been sequenced and contains two open reading frames, ORF53 and ORF54. ORF53 (MDV gK), a homolog to HSV-1 glycoprotein K (gK), is 1062 nucleotides long and encodes 354 amino acids (39.5 kDa). ORF54, designated MDV ICP27, based on significant similarity to HSV-1 ICP27, is 1419 nucleotides long and encodes 473 amino acids (54.5 kDa). In Northern blot hybridization, two overlapping transcripts (2.9 and 1.6 kb) were detected in MDV-infected DEF cells treated with cycloheximide, suggesting that both transcripts belong to the immediate-early gene family. Amino acid sequence analysis of MDV gK shows some common glycoprotein features, including a putative N-terminal signal sequence, four N-linked glycosylation sites, and four potential transmembrane domains. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence of MDV ICP27 with that of HSV-1 ICP27 and VZV ORF4 shows a high degree of conservation within the C-terminus. The C-terminal region of HSV-1 ICP27 has been demonstrated to be critical to its function. A conserved zinc finger metal-binding motif C(442)-X4-C(447)-X13-H(461)-C(467) was also found in the C-terminus of MDV ICP27. Furthermore, MDV ICP27 upstream sequences contain four copies of consensus sequence elements similar to the tegument protein target sequence TAATGARAT. TrpE-ICP27 fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, and rabbit antisera were generated using purified fusion protein. A 55-kDa protein has been detected in both MDV-GA- and Md11-infected cells using immunoblot analysis.

Cloning and functional expression of a neuronal calcium channel beta subunit from house fly (Musca domestica)

The primary structure of a calcium channel beta subunit (beta M) from housefly (Musca domestica) has been deduced by cDNA cloning and sequence analysis. The open reading frame encodes a 441-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 48,755 Da. Whole-mount in situ hybridization indicates that beta M mRNA is predominantly expressed in neuronal tissues. Transcription of beta M mRNA is evident from stage 13/14 of embryogenesis up to adulthood. Different expression patterns of splice variants were found in larvae and in adult fly heads. Amino acid identity between beta M and mammalian beta subunits is lower (66-68%) than within mammalian beta subunits (74-80%). Calculation of a phylogenetic tree indicates that beta M is an ancestral form of the four distinct beta subunit gene products identified in mammalian tissues so far. Despite these sequence differences, beta M is able to enhance endogenous calcium channel activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes as well as dihydropyridine binding to membranes from COS 7 cells transfected with rabbit heart alpha 1 cDNA in the same manner as was previously shown for mammalian beta subunits.

Clinical and experimental studies of JPYS in reducing side-effects of chemotherapy in late-stage gastric cancer

This article reports a research project undertaken for more than 16 years by the Cancer Department of Guang An Men Hospital. Tonic Jian Pi Yi Shen (JPYS), which nourishes the spleen and kidney, was used in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of late stage gastric cancer patients for the purpose of promoting completion of the chemotherapeutic course, improving the general condition, ameliorating the reaction in the digestive system, protecting hemopoiesis and strengthening immunocompetence. The results of lab experiments were found to coincide with those of clinical application.