A nondenaturing protein map of human plasma proteins correlated with a denaturing polypeptide map combining techniques of micro two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Human plasma proteins were separated by combining four types of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) techniques to obtain systematic information on proteins and their constituent polypeptides. A micro gel system was employed to facilitate the analysis. A plasma sample was first analyzed under nondenaturing conditions of electrophoresis (Type I 2-DE) to characterize the properties of proteins under physiological conditions. The sample was then analyzed, employing nondenaturing isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) electrophoresis in the second dimension (Type II 2-DE), to study the dissociation of noncovalently bound protein subunits. In the third type of 2-DE (Type III 2-DE), proteins were separated by nondenaturing isoelectric focusing and treated with urea/mercaptoethanol/SDS and then subjected to second-dimension SDS electrophoresis, to study the dissociation of disulfide-bonded polypeptides. In the fourth type of 2-DE (Type IV 2-DE), the conditions of denaturing 2-DE were employed; the sample was treated with SDS-mercaptoethanol-urea-Nonidet P-40, separated by denaturing isoelectric focusing, and then subjected to SDS electrophoresis. The combined 2-DE technique will be useful to construct a comprehensive database of plasma proteins combining a "nondenaturing protein map" (a protein map) and a "denaturing protein map" (a polypeptide map).

Microsphere embolism-induced elevation of nerve growth factor level and appearance of nerve growth factor immunoreactivity in activated T-lymphocytes in the rat brain

Changes in nerve growth factor (NGF) level and type of cells producing NGF were investigated in the rat brain after sustained cerebral embolism. The NGF level was determined by a two-site enzyme immunoassay specific for NGF. The cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of the embolized hemisphere maximally contained 2.4-, 2.4-, and 1.7-times higher NGF levels than the corresponding regions of the nonembolized hemisphere. A significant increase was transiently observed for 1 week in the cerebral cortex and striatum, whereas the increase was longer lasting, at least of 4 weeks' duration, in the hippocampus. To examine the localization of NGF-like immunoreactivity (NGF-LI), we used a newly developed anti-NGF peptide antiserum that specifically recognized a 30-kDa molecule(s) in the hippocampal extracts or in NGF cDNA-transfected cells, suggesting that the antibody predominantly reacted with the putative NGF precursor protein(s). NGF-LI, which was localized in neurons of the normal or non-embolized hemisphere, was reduced, and on the embolized side new signals emerged in small non-neuronal cells having a round shape. These included cells with common leukocyte antigen CD45 and T-lymphocyte antigen CD3, which did not appear in the normal or non-embolized hemisphere. NGF-LI and CD3 were colocalized in a substantial number of the cells, suggesting that some activated T-lymphocytes produce NGF for neuronal regeneration after sustained cerebral embolism.

Pretranslational regulation of rhythmic type II iodothyronine deiodinase expression by beta-adrenergic mechanism in the rat pineal gland

It has been demonstrated that type II iodothyronine deiodinase is present in rat pineal gland, and the deiodinase activity markedly increases during the hours of darkness, primarily through beta-adrenergic mechanism. We have studied the relationship between pineal type II iodothyronine deiodinase messenger RNA (mRNA) and the deiodinase activity to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the nocturnal rise in pineal deiodinase activity. Northern analysis has demonstrated that type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA is expressed in rat pineal gland, and the mRNA markedly increases during the hours of darkness. The nocturnal increase in pineal type II iodothyronine deiodinase activity is preceded by the increase in its mRNA. Daytime isoproterenol administration resulted in a rapid increase in pineal type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA followed by the increase in deiodinase activity. Propranolol treatment, bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy, or constant light exposure significantly suppressed the nocturnal rise in type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA as well as the deiodinase activity. Moreover, isoproterenol or (Bu)2AMP stimulated type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA and the deiodinase activity in cultured rat pineal glands. These results suggest that the rhythmic change in pineal type II iodothyronine deiodinase activity is regulated at least in part at the pretranslational level by a beta-adrenergic mechanism transmitted through superior cervical ganglia.

Efficacy of L-846 in patients with insomnia: evaluation by polysomnography

The effects of L-846, an ultra-short-acting pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic, on sleep were studied in nine insomniacs and two neurotic patients with insomnia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 5 mg (n=6) or 10 mg (n=5) L-846. The study schedule comprised of one adaptation night, two baseline nights, three drug nights, and two withdrawal nights. Sleep latency and slow wave sleep (SWS) latency was largely shortened and %SWS increased in the early phase of sleep. No clear evidence of rebound insomnia was noted.

Wrist activity rhythm and sleep diary of delayed sleep phase syndrome

Wrist activity rhythm and sleep diary data in a case of delayed sleep phase syndrome were investigated. The sleep self-estimation was nearly compatible with the activity levels of the actigraph. The actigraphic data were also analyzed. The subject's most fixed period of activity was 24.31 h, and acrophase (time of day) that fixed the data to a 24 h period was 03.25 h. The subject has had reversed night and day sleep patterns for more than 7 years. It was very difficult to advance the sleep phase when the delayed phase has been continuous long-term under the state of poor social cues.

Primary culture of cells from hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma with an activating mutation of G alphas

We analyzed cultured cells from hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma and its surrounding thyroid tissue from a Japanese woman and determined the nucleotide sequences of genes encoding the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G-protein 1 (G alphas) and thyrotropin (TSH) receptor in its tumor tissue. Primary culture of cells from hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma and its surrounding thyroid tissue revealed that cAMP production was constitutively activated while intracellular Ca2+ concentration was suppressed both at the basal level and in the response to TSH stimulation in the cells from tumor tissue compared with those from non-tumor tissue. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated the somatic missense mutation at codon 201 (CGT(Arg)-CAT(His)) of G alphas gene in tumor tissue but not in its surrounding tissue. No mutation was observed in the transmembrane region of TSH receptor. These results suggest that cAMP regulatory cascade is constitutively activated while phospholipase C-Ca2+ signaling cascade is suppressed in hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma with an activating mutation of G alphas gene in the present case.

Treatment of sleep apnea with a new separated type of dental appliance (mandibular advancing positioner)

We investigated a new separated type of dental appliance (mandibular advancing positioner: MAP) that is mobile and allows free adjustment of mandibular advancement. In 8 adult male patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), the mean apnea index (AI) decreased from 31.1 to 4.2, and the mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 44.2 to 11.7. The distance of mandibular advancement using the Flankfort horizontal plane as a standard ranged in the 8 SAS patients from 1.8 to 5.0 mm by lateral cephalograms. A high positive correlation was observed between the distance of mandibular advancement and the rate of improvement in AI (R2 = 0.878), or the rate of AHI (R2 = 0.861), showing a higher improvement rate with more marked mandibular advancement.

[Therapeutic outline of sleep disorders]

The more sleep disorders become chronic, the more they become resistible for the treatments. Therefore, it is most important that physicians establish the good relationship with patients and correctly diagnose and treat patients who have acute or transient sleep complaints. Physicians can improve patients' quality of life by evaluation of disease, supportive psychotherapy which include Morita therapy and behavior therapy, sleep hygine advice, and appropriate medications. In all patients, it is necessary for physicians to be aware of the physical, psychological and pharmacological factors, social aspects, and environmental factors of patients, because all these factors play an important role in appearance of sleep disorders.

The Neuropeptide Cyclo(His-Pro) Levels are Increased in Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Fall with Treatment in Parallel with Levels of Glucagon

The importance of insulin deficiency and glucagon excess is recognized as critical in the pathogenesis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The finding of elevated levels of another gut peptide in DKA with potential relevant physiological effects might renew discussion of the pathogenesis of this disorder. Cyclo(His-Pro) is a gut-brain peptide found in gut of rat and man. In pancreas it is localized to alpha cells. A stereospecific hepatic bonding site has been found. We have shown that cyclo(His-Pro) augments the insulin response to oral glucose in rat by decreasing hepatic insulin clearance. In view of cyclo(His-Pro)'s location in alpha cells, the hepatic binding site and action described, we wondered if levels of cyclo(His-Pro) might be elevated in a hyperglucagonemic state such as DKA and whether these levels might correlate with those of glucagon and other commonly followed parameters in DKA. Plasma was collected from 7 nondiabetic controls and 9 patients in DKA before and after 4, 8, 12, and 24 h of therapy and assayed for glucose, HCO3, anion gap, glucagon and cyclo(His-Pro). Cyclo(His-Pro) levels were higher in DKA patients before therapy than controls (15.6 ± 3.2 vs. 8.0 ± 0.2 pmol/ml; p =0.023) as were glucagon levels (201 ± 4 vs. 56 ± 5ng/L; p = 0.006). Cyclo(His-Pro) levels fell significantly with treatment (15.6 ± 3.2 vs 8.1 ± 1.1; p = 0.024) and in parallel with those of glucagon. We conclude that cyclo(His-Pro) levels are increased in patients with DKA before therapy and fall in parallel with those of glucagon. This represents the first report of altered levels of this peptide in a disease state.

Northern analysis of type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA in rat Harderian gland

It has been known that type II iodothyronine deiodinase activity is present in rat Harderian gland and the activity is significantly increased by isoproterenol administration. We have performed Northern analyses to study whether the transcript for type II iodothyronine deiodinase is expressed in rat Harderian gland and whether the isoproterenol stimulation of type II iodothyronine deiodinase activity in rat Harderian gland is due to the change in its mRNA level. Northern analyses have demonstrated that type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA, approximately 7.5 kb in size, is expressed in rat Harderian gland, and the mRNA levels as well as the deiodinase activities are greater in hypothyroid rats than those in euthyroid rats. Type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA levels and the deiodinase activities in Harderian gland were increased by isoproterenol administration, and the increase in the mRNA levels preceded that in the deiodinase activities. These results indicate that 7.5 kb transcript for type II iodothyronine deiodinase is expressed in rat Harderian gland and beta-adrenergic stimulation of type II iodothyronine deiodinase activity is due at least in part to the increase in its mRNA level.

Excessive twitch movements in rapid eye movement sleep with daytime sleepiness

A man who showed excessive twitch movement, such as fragmentary myoclonus (FM) and periodic movements in sleep (PMS) predominantly during REM sleep, is reported. He complained of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). After examination, his twitch movements were shown not to accompany narcolepsy, and his EDS were considered to originate from nocturnal sleep disturbance caused by FM and PMS.

Expression and nocturnal increase of type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA in rat pineal gland

It has been demonstrated that thyroxine deiodinating activity is present in rat pineal gland, and its activity increases significantly during the night time. We have studied whether mRNA for type II iodothyronine deiodinase is expressed in rat pineal gland and whether the nocturnal rise of pineal T4 deiodinating activity is due to the change in type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA level. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification and Northern blot analyses have demonstrated that type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA is expressed in rat pineal gland and its mRNA level increases markedly at midnight. These results suggest that the nocturnal rise in pineal T4 deiodinating activity is due to the change in type II iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA level.

Diagnostic use of daytime polysomnography versus nocturnal polysomnography in sleep apnea syndrome

The usefulness of daytime polysomnography (DPSG) in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is examined. Diagnostic use was investigated by conducting DPSG of two different time periods (Group M, 11.00-14.00 h, and Group A, 15.00-18.00 h). The subjects were 30 patients (28 men and two women; mean age, 54.0 years). Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and DPSG were investigated by comparing indices of sleep, apnea index (AI) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). There was no significant difference among these indices but there was a significant positive correlation between NPSG and DPSG in all variables related to sleep apnea. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the frequency of each type of apnea between NPSG and DPSG in either group. These findings suggest that DPSG is useful not only in diagnosing SAS but in evaluating its severity.

Discrete characteristics of antibodies raised against thyrotropin receptor-related peptides whose sequences are not conserved in the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor

In order to identify the specific regions in the human TSH receptor for TSAb and thyroid stimulation-blocking antibody (TSBAb), we produced rabbit antibodies raised against several peptides of the extracellular domain of the human TSH receptor, where sequences are not conserved in the LH/CG receptor, and measured the TSAb activity and TSBAb activity of those antibodies using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human TSH receptors. Only antisera from rabbits that were immunized with a peptide of amino acid 32-56, including the small insertion near the N-terminal end of the extracellular domain, showed apparent TSAb activities and have been shown to be significantly precipitated by IgG of patients with Graves' disease. TSAb activity positively correlated with the antibody titers against the peptide in those rabbits. In contrast, antisera from rabbits immunized with a peptide of amino acid 352-378, including a part of the large insertion near the C-terminal end of the extracellular domain, showed the obvious TSBAb activities. TSBAb activity also positively correlated with the degree of antibody titers against the peptide in those rabbits. Moreover, this peptide was significantly immunoprecipitated by the IgG from hypothyroid patients who had TSBAb, and the immunoprecipitation of this peptide positively correlated with TSBAb activities. These results suggest that the epitope responsible for TSAb is quite different from that for TSBAb in the extracellular domain of the human TSH receptor.

The bioactive peptide cyclo(His-Pro) may be absorbed following ingestion of nutritional supplements that contain it

OBJECTIVE

Food contains a number of peptides with potential bioactivity. We previously found ng/mliter to mcg/mliter quantities of cyclo(His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity in a number of foods and nutritional supplements. A number of activities have been attributed to cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP), including appetite inhibition and inhibition of insulin secretion in vitro. We wondered whether the cyclo(His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity present in nutritional supplements might be absorbed and, if so, whether parameters of insulin secretion would be altered.

METHODS

After performing a pilot study which suggested some common nutritional supplements contain CHP, a follow-up study was done to confirm and expand the findings of the pilot study. Eight fasting volunteers ingested approximately 250 mL of a CHP-containing supplement one day, and then an equienergetic CHP-free supplement the next.

RESULTS

Blood drawn for CHP, insulin, glucose, and C-peptide a number of times on both days revealed that when volunteers ingested CHP-containing supplements, CHP levels at 120 minutes were significantly higher than baseline (7.69 +/- 0.50 pmol/mL vs. 9.18 +/- 0.48 pmol/mL; p = 0.011 in the CHP group and 7.90 +/- 0.85 pmol/mL vs. 7.22 +/- 0.73 pmol/mL, p > 0.3 in the CHP-free group) and significantly higher than levels achieved when they drank CHP-free supplements. Levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were not different in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

CHP in nutritional supplements may be absorbed when ingested orally and does not grossly affect glucose or parameters of insulin secretion.

Sex and age differences in soluble guanylate cyclase activity in human platelets

Soluble guanylate cyclase is a key enzyme of nitric oxide (NO)-related intracellular signal transduction in platelets. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sex and age on the enzyme activity in human platelets. Soluble guanylate cyclase activity was determined by generation of cyclic GMP in platelet cytosol. No significant differences in the basal activity of soluble guanylate cyclase were observed between in men and women, and between in young and old subjects. However, soluble guanylate cyclase activity in response to sodium nitroprusside, an exogenous NO donor, was higher in young men than in young and old women. Furthermore, the enzyme activity was lower in old than in young men, but there were no differences in female platelets between from young and old subjects. The present data suggest that NO-related signal transduction system in the platelet is affected by sex and age, which, to certain extent, contributes to different sensitivity of human platelets.

A paradoxical elevation of brain cyclo(His-Pro) levels in hyperphagic obese Zucker rats

Several studies suggest a role for endogenous cyclo(His-Pro) or CHP in appetite regulation. In the present study, we have examined the regional brain distribution of CHP in hyperphagic obese Zucker rats and their lean littermates. The data show a significant elevation in the levels of CHP in many brain regions, including hypothalamus of the obese rat. Within the hypothalamus, the lateral hypothalamic (LH) nucleus of obese rats had significantly higher levels of CHP when compared to that of the lean littermates. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone known to decrease food intake and body weight gain, to obese rats led to decrease in the levels of CHP in the LH. These data further suggest a role for the endogenous CHP in attenuating food intake.

A novel analog of TRH, YM14673, causes a decrease in brain TRH receptors in vitro

Biochemical mechanisms by which analogs of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) produce their potent neuropharmacological actions on the brain remain ill-defined. We tested effects of YM14673, a novel analog of TRH, on TRH receptors in rat brains in vitro. No significant binding of [3H]YM14673 to brain plasma membranes occurred. In contrast, preincubation of membranes with YM14673 caused dose-dependent decreases in TRH binding. This was not due to competition for TRH binding sites or existence of metabolites of YM14673. Preincubation with DN1417 (an another TRH analog), cyclo(His-Pro) or methionine-enkephalin did not affect the binding. Affections of YM14673 on TRH binding were observed when cerebral cortical membranes were studied; those were not seen in membranes prepared from hypothalamus, striatum, midbrain, hippocampus, or pons-medulla. The present data indicate that YM14673 exerts its characteristic neuro-pharmacological functions through interacting with TRH binding sites in the brain.

Biology of enterostatin. II. Development of enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) for enterostatin (Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg), the procolipase activation peptide

Enterostatins belong to a family of pentapeptides (e.g., Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg in pig, horse, dog, and rat; Ala-Pro-Gly-Pro-Arg in human and chicken; and Val-Pro-Gly-Pro-Arg in rat) derived from the amino-terminus of procolipase after the action of trypsin. Pharmacologic studies with Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg have suggested a role for this peptide in appetite regulation and pancreatic insulin secretion. Studies into the distribution of enterostatins or the role of endogenous peptides have not been possible due to the lack of a suitable method for enterostatin assay. To this end, we raised a highly specific antibody and developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg. Using the newly developed assay we have shown the presence of Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg-like immunoreactivity (2455 +/- 440 pmol/g) in the rat brain.

Attenuation of alcohol-induced hypothermia by cyclo (His-Pro) and its analogs

Acute administration of cyclo (His-Pro) to rats cause a dose-dependent decrease in ethanol-induced hypothermia. Bromination of the imidazole moiety of histidine in cyclo (His-Pro) resulted in a significant increase in its potency to attenuate ethanol hypothermia. In contrast, benzylation of the imidazole moiety of histidine or the substitution of one or both of the amino acids in cyclo(His-Pro) led to a total loss of its thermomodulatory activity. In conclusion, it appears from these preliminary data that it may be possible to design analogs of CHP that may be effective antagonists for ethanol hypothermia.

Augmentation of dietary fat preference by chronic, but not acute, hypercorticosteronemia

Numerous studies have documented a role for corticosterone in appetitive behavior, including caloric intake and dietary fat preference. In the present study, we have examined the mechanism(s) underlying modulation of dietary fat preference by corticosterone. The results of these studies show a) an increased fat preference with increased basal urinary output, or decreased stimulation of corticosterone output on fasting, b) elevation of fat preference following chronic, but not acute, hypercorticosteronemia produced by exogenous corticosterone administration, and c) emergence of hypercorticosteronemia prior to the development of increased fat preference in developing rats. These observations have led us to suggest that increased fat preference after chronic hypercorticosteronemia may be secondary to changes in the levels or actions of agents known to affect fat intake.

Effects of acetazolamide on the sleep apnea syndrome and its therapeutic mechanism

Twenty male patients with sleep apnea syndrome were treated with acetazolamide (AZM), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. In 14 of the patient a significant decrease was found in the number of apnea, apnea index and % apnea time (percentage of time spent with apnea to the total sleep time) with improvement in sleep structure, clinical symptoms, such as insomnia, daytime excessive sleepiness and snoring. A significant decrease was also observed in arterial blood pH and HCO-3 in the 14 improved patients. On the other hand, no improvement occurred in the parameters of sleep apnea and sleep with AZM in the remaining six patients. Moreover, metabolic acidosis and an improvement in arterial blood gases did not occur with AZM in the six patients.

Identification of cyclo(His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity in human follicular fluid: correlation with steroid and peptide hormones

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate human follicular fluid (FF) for the presence of cyclo(His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity (CHP-LI). After verifying its presence, we quantitated the levels and investigated correlations with other follicular parameters, including hormone levels.

METHODS

Follicular fluid was collected from female volunteers undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Fluid was collected by follicular puncture, either transvaginally (in vitro fertilization) or laparoscopically (gamete intrafallopian transfer) at the time of oocyte retrieval (N = 137). Follicular size was determined ultrasonographically. Assays for steroid and peptide hormones were determined with commercially available radioimmunoassay kits. CHP-LI was measured using a previously reported assay; parallel dilution curves and column chromatography aided in immunoidentity.

RESULTS

The mean FF CHP-LI concentration (13.10 +/- 1.83 nmol/L, N = 137) was greater than the corresponding serum values (9.42 +/- 2.45 nmol/L; N = 21) (P < .05). Large follicles (20 mm or greater; 14.45 +/- 1.74 nmol/L) contained significantly more CHP-LI than either medium follicles (16-19 mm; 11.51 +/- 1.88 nmol/L) or small follicles (15 mm or smaller; 10.83 +/- 2.12 nmol/L) (P < .05). Positive correlations were found between FF CHP-LI values and corresponding FF progesterone and prolactin concentrations (r = 0.67 and 0.62, respectively; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Mean CHP-LI levels in the FF are greater than those in the corresponding serum. We suggest that the neuropeptide may be originating from either peptidase cleavage of precursor peptides or from granulosa cell production.

Does cyclo(His-Pro) act like amphetamine?

In many pharmacologic tests, cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) appears to act like a dopaminergic agonist and augments the actions of amphetamine (AMP). Therefore, to determine whether CHP is an AMP-like peptide, a comparison between CHP and AMP was made using four separate tests known to be AMP-responsive. These include, food intake, locomotor activity, dopamine uptake and modulation of binding sites for amphetamine and mazindol. A decrease in food intake and increase in spontaneous locomotor activity and stereotypy was observed after peripheral administration of amphetamine but not CHP. Chronic CHP administration resulted into a decrease in striatal amphetamine - and increase in mazindol-binding sites; in contrast, chronic amphetamine decreased both amphetamine - and mazindol-binding sites. These results show a clear dissociation between CHP and AMP suggesting that CHP is not an amphetamine-like peptide.

Role of endogenous cyclo(His-Pro) in cold-induced hypothermia in the desert rat (Mastomys natalensis)

Central administration of exogenous cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is known to produce hypothermia in rodents. In the present study, we examined the role of endogenous CHP in cold-induced hypothermia in the desert rat, Mastomys natalensis. The results of these studies show that a rise in hypothalamic CHP content accompanied a decrease in rectal temperature during cold exposure. Immunoneutralization of endogenous CHP resulted in a significant decline in cold-induced hypothermia. In addition, central administration of cyclo(Ala-Gly), a structural analogue of CHP, also led to a decrease in cold-induced hypothermia. The results of these studies show that changes in endogenous CHP levels may affect body temperature regulation.