Enantioselective and reversible inhibition of trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin by phosphonate esters

Trypsin is inactivated by the levorotatory enantiomers (most likely PS) of 4-nitrophenyl 4-H-, 4-CH3-,4-OCH3-, and 4-Cl-phenacyl methylphosphonates (PMNs) with second-order rate constants between 231 and 884 M-1 s-1. 4-NO2-PMN hydrolyzes before inhibiting the enzyme. The second-order rate constants for the inactivation of alpha-chymotrypsin by the levorotatory enantiomers of the five PMNs are between 37,000 and 770,000 M-1 s-1, and those for the dextrorotatory enantiomers are between 400 and 640 M-1 s-1; the enantioselectivity is 90-1880. Specific rotation [alpha]22D of the faster-reacting enantiomer of 4-CH3-PMN with trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin is -30 +/- 6 degrees. 31P NMR of the adducts shows a signal at 41.0 ppm, 10 ppm downfield from the parent compound. Results of molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations show that the principal interactions are between the phosphonyl group and constituents of the oxyanion hole and between the aromatic fragment and residues in the binding regions of the enzymes. Trypsin activity returns from its phenacyl methylphosphonyl adducts on the hour time scale and in reversed order to the rates of inactivation within the series. Recovery of alpha-chymotrypsin activity from the adducts formed with the (-) enantiomers is on a slower time scale still, whereas its recovery from the adducts formed with the (+) enantiomers is on the second to minute time scale. The data support a mechanism of reactivation involving rate-determining intramolecular displacement of Ser by the carbonyl hydrate of the phenacyl moiety. The pH-rate profiles for trypsin reactivation from its adducts indicate involvement of an ionizable group with pKa approximately 8.0. The pH dependence and solvent isotope effects are small in most cases. The compounds demonstrate favorable properties for controllable and temporary modulation of enzyme activity.

Hyperthermia complicates middle cerebral artery occlusion induced by an intraluminal filament

The present experiments were designed to study under what circumstances middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion by an intraluminal filament technique leads to hyperthermia and what the mechanisms are. We found that permanent MCA occlusion by this technique lead to a rise in body (core) temperature to 39.0-39.5 degrees C during the first 2-4 h, and to sustained hyperthermia thereafter (38.5-39.0 degrees C). After 2 h of transient MCA occlusion hyperthermia could only be avoided if anesthesia (with control of temperature) was maintained for 2 h of ischemia and 1 h of recirculation or, in unanesthetized animals, if external cooling was maintained for 2 h of ischemia and 2 h of recirculation. Control of temperature only during ischemia did not prevent a postischemic rise in temperature. One hour of MCA occlusion had less effect on body temperature. Results are presented which suggest that the hyperthermia observed is due to an interference, by the intraluminal filament, of circulation to hypothalamic centers regulating body temperature. It is speculated that the hyperthermia induced may blunt or obliterate the effect of drugs, normally considered to ameliorate brain damage due to focal ischemia.

Can sensory and motor collateral sprouting be induced from intact peripheral nerve by end-to-side anastomosis?

The possibility that collateral sprouting could occur from intact axons in an undamaged sciatic nerve was studied in the rat by suturing either a 7-day predegenerated or a fresh nerve segment in an end-to-side fashion to the sciatic nerve proper. Following a 14- or 35-day recovery period, the pinch reflex test was performed on the transplanted segment to demonstrate the presence of sensory axons. The majority of cases, using a predegenerated nerve segment but not a fresh segment, responded positively. Neurofilament staining and histological examination confirmed the presence of axons in the attached nerve segment. In another series of experiments, the proximal peroneal fascicle was ligated and cut. Following a 7-day predegeneration period the distal stump was sutured end-to-side to the ipsilateral tibial fascicle. After 90 days, stimulation of the tibial nerve proximal to the attached site induced substantial contraction in both the native gastrocnemius muscle and the foreign tibialis anterior muscle. These findings suggest that collateral sprouting may occur from intact axons, perhaps induced by factors emanating from the attached nerve segment, and subsequently make functional peripheral connections.

[Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay of microalbuminuria]

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TrFIA) has been recognized as the most promising one among the so-called nonisotopic immunoassays. It is well known for its inherent advantages, high sensitivity, specificity and stability, rapid determination and wide measurement range. We have developed a new TrFIA for determining microalbumin in urine by using monoclonal anti-HSA (human serum albumin) antibody and europium label. The quality of the assay and its preliminary clinical application have been evaluated.

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs encoding the nonstructural proteins of minute virus of mice is facilitated by sequences within the downstream intron

mRNAs R1 and R2 of the parvovirus minute virus of mice encode the two essential viral regulatory proteins NS1 and NS2. Both RNAs are spliced between map units 44 and 46 (nucleotides 2280 and 2399); R2 RNAs are additionally spliced upstream between map units 10 and 39 (nucleotides 514 and 1989), using a nonconsensus donor and poor 3' splice site. The relative accumulation of R1 and R2 is determined by alternative splicing: there is twice the steady-state accumulation of R2 relative to that of R1 throughout viral infection, though they are generated from the same promoter and have indistinguishable stabilities. Here we demonstrate that efficient excision of the large intron to generate R2 is dependent on at least the initial presence, in P4-generated pre-mRNAs, of sequences within the downstream small intron. This effect is orientation dependent and related to the size of the intervening exon. Prior splicing of the small intron is unnecessary. Excision of the large intron is enhanced by changing its donor site to consensus, but only in the presence of the small intron sequences. Excision of the large intron is also enhanced by improving the polypyrimidine tract within its 3' splice site; however, in contrast, this change renders excision of the large intron independent of the downstream small intron. We suggest that sequences within the small intron play a primary role in efficient excision of the upstream large intron, perhaps as the initial entry site(s) for an element(s) of the splicesome, which stabilizes the binding of required factors to the polypyrimidine tract within the 3' splice site of the large intron.

[The alteration of histidase catalytic activity and the expression of the enzyme protein in rat primary hepatomas]

The catalytic activity of histidase and the expression of the enzyme protein were investigated in rat hepatomas induced by diethylnitrosamine. The results indicated that the activities of histidase in the hepatomas were significantly diminished as compared with normal rat livers (P < 0.01). Western blot analysis revealed that enzyme protein levels in hepatomas were markedly reduced. It is thus inferred that some factors which control expression of histidase protein may be altered during carcinogenesis. These findings lay a foundation for studying the relationship between the regulation and expression of the histidase gene and hepato carcinogenesis.

Synthesis of 11-substituted androstenediones and testosterones as human decidual cell growth inhibitors

11 alpha-Hydroxytestosterone (1a), 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone (1b), 11 alpha-methoxytestosterone (1c), 11 beta-methoxytestosterone (1d), 11-ketotestosterone (1e), and delta 9(11)-testosterone (1f) were synthesized from hydrocortisone (4b) or 11-epi-hydrocortisone (4a). The six target compounds, together with 11 alpha-methoxyandrostenedione (2c), 11 beta-methoxyandrostenedione, (2d) and their lead compound, testosterone (1), were found to effectively inhibit the growth and differentiation of human decidual cells in culture. There is no observable binding of these compounds to estrogen receptor of rabbit uterus. The introduction of a polar group (e.g., hydroxyl and carbonyl) to C-11 of androstenes decreases both the relative binding affinities to progesterone receptor and the inhibitory effects on human decidual cell growth, while the methylation of 11-hydroxyl group minimizes these effects. The similar effects of a polar group at C-11 of testosterone (1) on the inhibitory effects on human decidual cell growth and the relative binding affinities to progesterone receptor of rabbit uterus may suggest that one of the mechanisms of human decidual cell growth inhibition by these compounds is the anti-progestational activity of these androgens.

Effects of predegeneration on nerve regeneration through silicone Y-chambers

The effects of nerve predegeneration on the preferential growth of regenerating axons were studied using a silicone Y-chamber model. This system provided a choice for axons to grow towards two distal nerve options, either a 7-day predegenerated nerve segment (PNS) or a fresh nerve segment (FNS). The rat peroneal or tibial nerve was inserted into the proximal intlet and the PNS and FNS of the corresponding nerve were inserted into the distal outlets. At 28 days postoperative, the size of the distal regenerate was significantly greater (26%) towards the PNS for the tibial nerve group. The density and number of regenerated myelinated axons in the distal nerve segment was greater on the PNS for both the tibial (97 and 88%, respectively) and peroneal (221 and 221%, respectively) nerve groups. In contrast, the elevated density and number of nonvascular nuclei was relatively constant for both PNS and FNS. Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural evidence support the hypothesis that the early activation of Schwann cells is primarily responsible for the enhanced regeneration and maturation observed in PNS. It is suggested that PNS might improve the outcome after clinical repair of injured peripheral nerves.

Growth-inhibitory effects of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) and 7-hydroxycoumarin on human malignant cell lines in vitro

Coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) is a natural substance that has shown antitumor activity in vivo. The major human metabolite of coumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC), is the active form of the drug. While the exact mechanism(s) of action of coumarin is unknown, it has been shown previously that this drug possesses immunomodulatory activity in vitro and in vivo. The present investigations examined the direct (non-immunological) antitumor effects of coumarin and 7-HC in vitro. Both coumarin and 7-HC were found to be growth-inhibitory (cytostatic) for the following human malignant cell lines: A549, ACHN, Caki-2, Dakiki, HS-Sultan, H727, HCT-15, HL-60, K562, LNCaP, PC-3, Du 145 COLO-232, MCF-7 and RP-1788. The growth inhibition was dependent on dose and time and was reversible upon removal of cells from medium containing the drug. Coumarin and 7-HC inhibited [3H]thymidine, [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine incorporation. In a similar fashion, coumarin and 7-HC inhibited the intracellular production of prostate-specific antigen by LNCaP cells. Coumarin and 7-HC stimulated apoptosis in HL-60 cells but not in other cell lines tested. It is concluded that coumarin and 7-HC have direct antitumor (cytostatic) activity as well as immunomodulatory activity. Further information is needed in order to determine which activities are responsible for antitumor activity in vivo.

Ozonolysis products of membrane fatty acids activate eicosanoid metabolism in human airway epithelial cells

When inhaled, ozone reacts at the airway luminal surface with unsaturated fatty acids contained in the extracellular fluid and plasma membrane to form an aldehyde and hydroxyhydroperoxide. The resulting hydroxyhydroperoxide degrades in aqueous systems to yield a second aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Previously, we demonstrated that ozone can augment eicosanoid metabolism in bovine airway epithelial cells. To examine structure-activity relationships of ozone-fatty acid degradation products on eicosanoid metabolism in human airway epithelial cells, 3-, 6-, and 9-carbon saturated aldehydes and hydroxyhydroperoxides were synthesized and purified. Eicosanoid metabolism was evaluated by determination of total 3H-activity release from confluent cells previously incubated with [3H]arachidonic acid and by identification of specific metabolites with high performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. The major metabolites detected were prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The 9-carbon aldehyde, nonanal, in contrast to 3- or 6-carbon aldehydes, stimulated release at concentrations > or = 100 microM, suggesting that the stimulatory effect increases with increasing chain length. When tested under identical conditions, the 3-, 6-, and 9-carbon hydroxyhydroperoxides were more potent than the corresponding aldehydes. Again, a greater effect was noted when the chain length was increased. One possible explanation for the increased potency of the hydroxyhydroperoxides over the aldehydes could be due to degradation of the hydroxyhydroperoxide into H2O2 and aldehyde. We consider this an unlikely explanation because responses varied with chain length (although each hydroxyhydroperoxide would produce an equivalent amount of H2O2) and because exposure to H2O2 alone or H2O2 plus hexanal produced a response dissimilar to 1-hydroxy-1-hexanehydroperoxide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

TFEC, a basic helix-loop-helix protein, forms heterodimers with TFE3 and inhibits TFE3-dependent transcription activation

We have identified a new basic helix-loop-helix (BHLH) DNA-binding protein, designated TFEC, which is closely related to TFE3 and TFEB. The basic domain of TFEC is identical to the basic DNA-binding domain of TFE3 and TFEB, whereas the helix-loop-helix motif of TFEC shows 88 and 85% identity with the same domains in TFE3 and TFEB, respectively. Like the other two proteins, TFEC contains a leucine zipper motif, which has a lower degree of sequence identity with homologous domains in TFE3 and TFEB than does the BHLH segment. Little sequence identity exists outside these motifs. Unlike the two other proteins, TFEC does not contain an acidic domain, which for TFE3 mediates the ability to activate transcription. Like the in vitro translation product of TFE3, the in vitro-translated TFEC binds to the mu E3 DNA sequence of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene enhancer. In addition, the product of cotranslation of TFEC RNA and TFE3 RNA forms a heteromeric protein-DNA complex with mu E3 DNA. In contrast to TFE3, TFEC is unable to transactivate a reporter gene linked to a promoter containing tandem copies of the immunoglobulin mu E3 enhancer motif. Cotransfection of TFEC DNA and TFE3 DNA strongly inhibits the transactivation caused by TFE3. TFEC RNA is found in many tissues of adult rats, but the relative concentrations of TFEC and TFE3 RNAs vary considerably in these different tissues. No TFEC RNA was detectable in several cell lines, including fibroblasts, myoblasts, chondrosarcoma cells, and myeloma cells, indicating that TFEC is not ubiquitously expressed.

Lack of allelic polymorphism for the major outer membrane protein gene of the agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis (Chlamydia psittaci)

The major outer membrane protein gene (omp1) was sequenced for each of six Chlamydia psittaci (guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis [GPIC]) strains isolated from guinea pigs. Five of the isolates were obtained in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, including the prototype strain isolated by Murray in 1962. The other isolate was obtained from a guinea pig in England. The nucleotide sequence of the omp1 gene for each strain was identical. The lack of omp1 allelic polymorphism among GPIC isolates suggests that, unlike C. trachomatis, the GPIC agent lacks antigenic variation in the major outer membrane protein.

Modification of antisense phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides by a 5' cholesteryl moiety increases cellular association and improves efficacy

Phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides bearing a 5' cholesteryl (chol) modification bind to low density lipoprotein (LDL), apparently by partitioning the chol-modified oligonucleotides into the lipid layer. Both HL60 cells and primary mouse spleen T and B cells incubated with fluorescently labeled chol-modified oligonucleotide showed substantially increased cellular association by flow cytometry and increased internalization by confocal microscopy compared to an identical molecule not bearing the chol group. Cellular internalization of chol-modified oligonucleotide occurred at least partially through the LDL receptor; it was increased in mouse spleen cells by cell culture in lipoprotein-deficient medium and/or lovastatin, and it was decreased by culture in high serum medium. To determine whether chol-modified oligonucleotides are more potent antisense agents, we titered antisense unmodified phosphodiester and chol-modified oligonucleotides targeted against a mouse immunosuppressive protein. Murine spleen cells cultured with 20 microM phosphodiester antisense oligonucleotides had a 2-fold increase in RNA synthesis, indicating the expected lymphocyte activation. Antisense chol-modified oligonucleotides showed an 8-fold increase in relative potency: they caused a 2-fold increase in RNA synthesis at just 2.5 microM. The increased efficacy was blocked by heparin and was further increased by cell culture in 1% (vs. 10%) fetal bovine serum, suggesting that the effect may, at least in part, be mediated via the LDL receptor. Antisense chol-modified oligonucleotides are sequence specific and have increased potency as compared to unmodified oligonucleotides.

[Laser photocoagulation treatment of small malignant choroidal melanomas]

8 cases of malignant choroidal melanoma were treated with argon and krypton laser photocoagulation of average 11 sessions and followed up an average 56 months. Clinical complete regression was observed in 5 cases (62.5%), in whom the tumors measured from 1.0mm x 1.2mm x 1.5mm to 6.0mm x 4.5mm x 2.5mm. The other 3 cases (37.5%) recurred, in whom the tumors measured from 4.0mm x 2.0mm x 3.5mm to 11.5mm x 12.5mm x 3.5mm. The complications of treatment included branch retinal vein occlusion, retinal neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, macular edema and optic atrophy. These results suggested that laser photocoagulation was useful in the treatment of small malignant choroidal melanomas.

Comparison of cellular binding and uptake of antisense phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, and mixed phosphorothioate and methylphosphonate oligonucleotides

The effects of phosphorothioate (S-oligonucleotide) or terminal phosphorothioate-phosphodiester (S-O-oligonucleotides) or methylphosphonate-phosphodiester (MP-O-oligonucleotides) modifications on mouse spleen cell surface binding, uptake, and degradation were studied using fluorescein (FITC)-conjugated oligonucleotides. S-oligonucleotides had the highest cell binding and uptake, followed by S-O-, O-, and MP-O-oligonucleotides. Competition studies indicated that S-oligonucleotides have an increased affinity for cell membrane oligonucleotide binding sites, because they could completely block O-oligonucleotide binding at a molar ratio of just 0.1. Uptake of all oligonucleotides was higher in B cells than T cells and was increased by stimulation with the B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide. Although our cells had been purified using conventional techniques to eliminate dead cells, there remained about 5% of cells that were dead or dying, as determined by flow cytometry using propidium iodide staining. Of note, oligonucleotide association with dead cells was approximately 50-fold greater than that with living cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed that the oligonucleotides in living cells were intracellular, and indicated little nuclear uptake by 4 h. While extensive degradation of intracellular O-oligonucleotides was apparent by 4 h, there was no detectable degradation of S-, S-O, or MP-O-oligonucleotides.

Isolation and characterization of two opioid peptides from a bovine hemoglobin peptic hydrolysate

Two opioid peptides were isolated from a bovine hemoglobin hydrolysate, by use of gel permeation (GP) and reverse phase (RP) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their primary structure and accurate molecular weights, determined by amino acid analysis and fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry, were identical to fragments 31-40 (LVV-hemorphin-7) and 32-40 (VV-hemorphin 7) of the beta-chain of bovine hemoglobin. The same fragments occur in human hemoglobin in positions 32-41 and 33-41 of the beta-chain, respectively. The opioid potency of these peptides, exhibited by use of electrically stimulated muscle of isolated guinea-pig ileum (GPI), were significant and comparable with some others previously described. In addition, the location of the two opioid peptides, VV-hemorphin-7 and LVV-hemorphin-7, revealed the existence of a "strategic zone" both in the bovine and human beta-chains of hemoglobin.

The formation of a 'pseudo-nerve' in silicone chambers in the absence of regenerating axons

The formation of a regenerate between sciatic nerve segments or stumps inserted into Y-tunnelled silicone chambers was studied under conditions where regenerating axons were prevented from entering the chamber. This was accomplished by using an isolated segment of the nerve as a proximal insert. After one week, a cellular regenerate spanned the proximal and distal inserts. The size of the regenerate increased if circulation was preserved in the distal inserts. At four weeks, a perineurium-like sheath surrounded the regenerate and longitudinally oriented Schwann cell columns could be observed throughout the regenerate. A similar 'pseudo-nerve' formed towards a piece of distally inserted tendon. Thus, the information required for the formation of a nerve-like structure is inherent to the non-neuronal cells entering the chamber. Schwann cells, in contrast to regenerating axons, do not exhibit preferential growth towards nervous tissue.