Supramolecular assembly of basement membranes

Basement membranes are thin sheets of extracellular proteins situated in close contact with cells at various locations in the body. They have a great influence on tissue compartmentalization and cellular phenotypes from early embryonic development onwards. The major constituents of all basement membranes are collagen IV and laminin, which both exist as multiple isoforms and each form a huge irregular network by self assembly. These networks are connected by nidogen, which also binds to several other components (proteoglycans, fibulins). Basement membranes are connected to cells by several receptors of the integrin family, which bind preferentially to laminins and collagen IV, and via some lectin-type interactions. The formation of basement membranes requires cooperation between different cell types since nidogen, for example, is usually synthesized by cells other than those exposed to the basement membranes. Thus many molecular interactions, of variable affinities, determine the final shape of basement membranes and their preferred subanatomical localization.

Mutations of the gyrA gene of clinical isolates of Salmonella typhimurium and three other Salmonella species leading to decreased susceptibilities to 4-quinolone drugs

The region of the gyrA gene encoding nucleotides 72 to 557 in ten Salmonella typhimurium clinical isolates received from Vellore, India and six British clinical isolates of a number of Salmonella species has been sequenced. Those exhibiting a decreased susceptibility to 4-quinolone drugs (MICs of ciprofloxacin ranging from 0.128 mg/L to 1.0 mg/L) have been shown to possess a number of different mutations in this region of the gene (Asp-87 to Gly, Asp-87 to Asn and Ser-83 to Phe). The mutations Asp-87 to Gly and Ser-83 to Phe/Asp-87 to Asn have yet to be reported occurring in S. typhimurium.

The insulinotropic region of gastric inhibitory polypeptide; fragment analysis suggests the bioactive site lies between residues 19 and 30

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is a 42 amino acid intestinal hormone, which exhibits several direct and indirect effects on fat and glucose metabolism. To determine the bioactive region(s) of the molecule, synthetic and proteolytic fragments of the hormone were generated and tested for their ability to induce a biological response in the isolated, perfused rat pancreas and stomach. A synthetic fragment corresponding to porcine GIP residues 1-30 retained strong insulinotropic activity in the isolated, perfused rat pancreas but greatly reduced somatostatinotropic activity in the isolated perfused rat stomach. A synthetic fragment corresponding to porcine GIP residues 15 to 30 was biologically inactive. However, enterokinase treatment of the synthetic 15-30 fragment restored partial insulinotropic activity in the isolated, perfused rat pancreas. The hypothesis that the restoration of biological activity was due to the enzymatic removal of the amino-terminal dipeptide (Asp-Lys) of GIP15-30 was supported by the observation that a synthetic fragment lacking these two residues was also insulinotropic. Further fractionation of the molecule generated a biologically active 19-30 fragment, suggesting that the residues necessary for the insulin response are contained within this region.

Visualization of three-dimensional density maps reconstructed from cryoelectron micrographs of viral capsids

Full evaluation of three-dimensional density maps calculated from cryoelectron micrographs of complex supramolecular structures requires that the maps be sifted by a variety of complementary visualization techniques. We present here a primer for a number of such techniques in current widespread use, including surface rendering; serial sections; simulated motion; and real-time manipulation of tiled surfaces displayed on an advanced workstation. The principles on which these techniques operate are briefly reviewed, as are their advantages and limitations, with emphasis on the requirements for visual representation of viral capsid structures. These methods are illustrated in application to a density map of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) capsid at 24 A resolution, which reveals more detailed information than heretofore concerning the inner surface of the icosahedral capsid shell and the 150-A-long channels that pass through each of the 162 capsomers.

Whole body metabolism is not restricted to D-sugars because energy metabolism of L-sugars fits a computational model in rats

Can L-sugars contribute to whole body energy metabolism? Energy balance studies were undertaken in rats fed L-sugars at a rate of 10 g/100 g basal diet. Partial metabolizable energy values (MEVp) during the last 28 of 56 d while consuming the L-sugar diets showed that L-glucose contributed no energy (0.3 +/- 0.9 kJ/g, P > 0.5, mean +/- SEM), whereas L-fructose and L-glucose contributed 6.9 +/- 0.9 (P < 0.001) and 8.8 +/- 1.8 (P < 0.001) kJ/g, respectively. Over periods from 0 to 28 and 0 to 56 d of L-sugar treatment, measurements were made of energy intake, the average lean mass of animals, fat and lean mass deposition. Using these measurements and a computational model, estimates were made of each supplement's net metabolizable energy value for maintenance (NEVs). These estimates confirmed the supply of energy from L-fructose, with NEVs of 5.6 +/- 3.2 (P < 0.32) and 6.1 +/- 1.7 (P < 0.01) kJ/g over 28 and 56 d, respectively, and L-gulose with NEVs of 10.2 +/- 3.4 (P < 0.01) and 11.4 +/- 1.8 (P < 0.001) kJ/g over 28 and 56 d, respectively. A lack of energy supply from L-glucose was confirmed with NEVs of -2.6 +/- 3.2 (P > 0.5) and 0.0 +/- 1.6 (P > 0.5) kJ/g over 28 and 56 d, respectively. As reference substrates, sucrose and cellulose gave expected energy values in all determinations. Methods comparison analysis showed no differences between MEVp and NEVS. The assimilation of energy from L-fructose and L-gulose is probably via large bowl microorganisms. These observations show that L-gulose and L-fructose contribute to whole body energy metabolism while L-glucose does not.

Release of the catalytic domain N(o) from the herpes simplex virus type 1 protease is required for viral growth

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) protease and its substrate, ICP35, are involved in the assembly of viral capsids and required for efficient viral growth. The full-length protease (Pra) consists of 635 amino acid (aa) residues and is autoproteolytically processed at the release (R) site and the maturation (M) site, releasing the catalytic domain No (VP24), Nb (VP21), and a 25-aa peptide. To understand the biological importance of cleavage at these sites, we constructed several mutations in the cloned protease gene. Transfection assays were performed to determine the functional properties of these mutant proteins by their abilities to complement the growth of the protease deletion mutant m100. Our results indicate that (i) expression of full-length protease is not required for viral replication, since a 514-aa protease molecule lacking the M site could support viral growth; and that (ii) elimination of the R site by changing the residue Ala-247 to Ser abolished viral replication. To better understand the functions that are mediated by proteolytic processing at the R site of the protease, we engineered an HSV-1 recombinant virus containing a mutation at this site. Analysis of the mutant A247S virus demonstrated that (i) the mutant protease retained the ability to cleave at the M site and to trans process ICP35 but failed to support viral growth on Vero cells, demonstrating that release of the catalytic domain No from Pra is required for viral replication; and that (ii) only empty capsid structures were observed by electron microscopy in thin sections of A247S-infected Vero cells, indicating that viral DNA was not encapsidated. Our results demonstrate that processing of ICP35 is not sufficient to support viral replication and provide genetic evidence that the HSV-1 protease has nuclear functions other than enzymatic activity.

Herpes simplex virus capsids assembled in insect cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses: structural authenticity and localization of VP26

Recently, recombinant baculoviruses have been used to show that expression of six herpes simplex virus type 1 genes results in the formation of capsid-like particles. We have applied cryoelectron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction to establish their structural authenticity to a resolution of approximately 2.7 nm. By comparing capsids assembled with and without the expression of gene UL35, we have confirmed the presence of six copies of its product, VP26 (12 kDa), around each hexon tip. However, VP26 is not present on pentons, indicating that the conformational differences between the hexon and penton states of the major capsid protein, VP5, extend to the VP26 binding site.

Functional expression of the rat pancreatic islet glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor: ligand binding and intracellular signaling properties

Incretins are endogenous peptides released from the gastrointestinal tract into the circulation during a meal that potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. At present, there are two established incretins: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and the truncated glucagon-like peptides (tGLPs), which are now being investigated for use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study we cloned a rat islet GIP receptor complementary DNA (GIP-R1) to answer several important questions regarding the ligand-binding and intracellular signaling properties of the GP receptor. GIP-R1, when expressed transiently in monkey kidney (COS-7) or stably in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, demonstrated comparable high affinity binding for either synthetic porcine (sp) GIP or synthetic human (sh) GIP. The IC50 values for displacement of [125I]spGIP in CHO-K1 cells were 2.6 +/- 0.8 and 3.1 +/- 0.9 nM for two different preparations of shGIP, and 3.7 +/- 1.5 and 3.6 +/- 0.4 nM for two preparations of spGIP. Saturation isotherms obtained with both intact cells and membranes gave monophasic binding curves with apparent Kd values of 204 +/- 17 and 334 +/- 94 pM, respectively. Cells expressed 12-15 x 10(3) receptors/cell. In COS-7 cells, spGIP and shGIP also exhibited similar IC50 values (7.6 +/- 1.2 and 8.9 +/- 1.8 nM, respectively). The receptor in CHO-K1 cells bound GIP-(1-30) with lower affinity (IC50 = 39 +/- 17 nM), whereas the fragments GIP-(19-30), GIP-(18-28), and GIP-(21-26) showed no apparent binding. The specificity of the receptor was further examined using several structurally related peptides. Surprisingly, exendin-(9-39) [Ex-(9-39)], a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, and Ex-4-(1-39), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, demonstrated some affinity for the GIP receptor, with 39% and 21% displacement of [125I]spGIP, respectively, at 1 microM. Other members of the secretin/vasoactive intestinal peptide family of peptides tested showed no interaction. GIP-R1 receptor binding correlated with activation of the adenylyl cyclase system, whereby spGIP and shGIP evoked concentration-dependent increases in cAMP accumulation with EC50 values of 8.7 +/- 1.5 x 10(-10)M and 8.1 +/- 1.6 x 10(-10)M for spGIP and shGIP, respectively. Increases in cAMP in the presence of 10 nM spGIP were not dependent on the ambient glucose concentration, with 22- and 18-fold increases in cAMP accumulation at 0.1 and 5.5 mM glucose, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The collagen superfamily

The collagens represent a large family of molecular proteins which are located in the extracellular matrix. They all share a triple-helical segment of variable length (100-450 nm) but differ considerably in the size and nature of their globular domains. The various collagen types I-XIX known so far in vertebrates are adjusted to different functions including the formation of fibrils, microfibrils and networks. Their biological role is now increasingly studied by genetic approaches.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide release from a tumor-derived cell line

A cell line derived from intestinal tumors of transgenic mice (STC-1) was subcloned to produce a stable line with approximately 30% immunoreactive gastric inhibitory polypeptide (irGIP)-containing cells (STC 6-14). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of STC 6-14 extracts indicated that the tumor cell-derived irGIP had the same retention time as synthetic porcine GIP-(1-42) (pGIP). Approximately 30% of the cells also contained immunoreactive somatostatin (irSS), which eluted as a single peak on HPLC, corresponding with SS-(1-14). On average, each well of extracted cells (5.0 x 10(5) cultured 4 days) contained 33.3 +/- 1.4 ng irGIP and 18.4 +/- 1.5 ng irSS. Basal release of irGIP in the presence of 5 mM glucose was 733 +/- 58 pg.ml cells-1.2h-1 (2.20 +/- 0.17% of total cell content; TCC) and doubled at 20 mM glucose (4.20 +/- 0.42% TCC). The response to glucose was augmented by addition of a SS neutralizing antibody (SOMA-10) and suppressed by 10 nM SS. Basal release of irSS in 5 mM glucose was 377 +/- 35 pg.ml cells-1.2h-1 (2.05 +/- 0.19% TCC) and was increased by glucose (> or = 15 mM) and the addition of pGIP (> or = 1 nM). The STC 6-14 cell line represents a model to study the synthesis, storage, and release of GIP and SS in a controlled environment.

The C-terminal 25 amino acids of the protease and its substrate ICP35 of herpes simplex virus type 1 are involved in the formation of sealed capsids

The herpes simplex virus type 1 protease and its substrate, ICP35, are involved in the assembly of viral capsids. Both proteins are encoded by a single open reading frame from overlapping mRNAs. The protease is autoproteolytically processed at two sites. The protease cleaves itself at the C-terminal site (maturation site) and also cleaves ICP35 at an identical site, releasing a 25-amino-acid (aa) peptide from each protein. To determine whether these 25 aa play a role in capsid assembly, we constructed a mutant virus expressing only Prb, the protease without the C-terminal 25 aa. Phenotypic analysis of the Prb virus in the presence and absence of ICP35 shows the following: (i) Prb retains the functional activity of the wild-type protease which supports virus growth in the presence of ICP35; (ii) in contrast to the ICP35 null mutant delta ICP35 virus, the Prb virus fails to grow in the absence of ICP35; and (iii) trans-complementation experiments indicated that full-length ICP35 (ICP35 c,d), but not the cleaved form (ICP35 e,f), complements the growth of the Prb virus. The most striking phenotype of the Prb virus is that only unsealed aberrant capsid structures are observed by electron microscopy in mutant-infected Vero cells. Our results demonstrate that the growth of herpes simplex virus type 1 requires the C-terminal 25 aa of either the protease or its substrate, ICP35, and that the C-terminal 25 aa are involved in the formation of sealed capsids.

Insulin potentiates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity in Xenopus oocytes and rat hippocampus

Growth factor signal transduction pathways have recently been shown to affect voltage-gated ion channel activity. In this study we report that insulin can modulate the activity of a ligand-gated ion channel, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In Xenopus oocytes, brief insulin exposure rapidly potentiated NR1a/NR2A and NR1a/NR2B receptor responses 2-3 fold and weakly potentiated NR1a/NR2C and NR1a/NR2D mediated-responses. Insulin potentiation of NR1a/NR2A receptor responses was significantly blocked by staurosporine, suggesting kinase involvement in insulin action. Insulin modulation of native NMDA receptors is suggested by the observation that insulin potentiated the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic component in hippocampal slices. Regulation of NMDA receptor activity by growth factors may account for previous observations of growth factor modulation of central nervous system excitotoxicity.

Assembly of the herpes simplex virus capsid: requirement for the carboxyl-terminal twenty-five amino acids of the proteins encoded by the UL26 and UL26.5 genes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) intermediate capsids are composed of seven proteins, VP5, VP19C, VP21, VP22a, VP23, VP24, and VP26, and the genes that encode these proteins, UL19, UL38, UL26, UL26.5, UL18, UL26, and UL35, respectively. The UL26 gene encodes a protease that cleaves itself and the product of the UL26.5 gene at a site (M site) 25 amino acids from the C terminus of these two proteins. In addition, the protease cleaves itself at a second site (R site) between amino acids 247 and 248. Cleavage of the UL26 protein gives rise to the capsid proteins VP21 and VP24, and cleavage of the UL26.5 protein gives rise to the capsid protein VP22a. Previously we described the production of HSV-1 capsids in insect cells by infecting the cells with recombinant baculoviruses expressing the six capsid genes (D. R. Thomsen, L. L. Roof, and F. L. Homa, J. Virol. 68:2442-2457, 1994). Using this system, we demonstrated that the products of the UL26 and/or UL26.5 genes are required as scaffolds for assembly of HSV-1 capsids. To better understand the functions of the UL26 and UL26.5 proteins in capsid assembly, we constructed baculoviruses that expressed altered UL26 and UL26.5 proteins. The ability of the altered UL26 and UL26.5 proteins to support HSV-1 capsid assembly was then tested in insect cells. Among the specific mutations tested were (i) deletion of the C-terminal 25 amino acids from the proteins coded for by the UL26 and UL26.5 genes; (ii) mutation of His-61 of the UL26 protein, an amino acid required for protease activity; and (iii) mutation of the R cleavage site of the UL26 protein. Analysis of the capsids formed with wild-type and mutant proteins supports the following conclusions: (i) the C-terminal 25 amino acids of the UL26 and UL26.5 proteins are required for capsid assembly; (ii) the protease activity associated with the UL26 protein is not required for assembly of morphologically normal capsids; and (iii) the uncleaved forms of the UL26 and UL26.5 proteins are employed in assembly of 125-nm-diameter capsids; cleavage of these proteins occurs during or subsequent to capsid assembly. Finally, we carried out in vitro experiments in which the major capsid protein VP5 was mixed with wild-type or truncated UL26.5 protein and then precipitated with a VP5-specific monoclonal antibody.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Detection of dairy Leuconostoc strains using the polymerase chain reaction

This paper reports the design of a Leuconostoc-specific oligonucleotide based on 16S rRNA sequence data. When this oligonucleotide was used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in conjunction with an oligonucleotide to a conserved region of the 16S rRNA sequence, a Leuconostoc-specific PCR product of approximately 470 bp was produced. The use of a second oligonucleotide to a conserved region allowed the production of an approximately 350 bp product in all PCRs, acting as a positive control. The PCR procedure described was particularly useful for detecting the presence of Leuconostoc in mixed mesophilic starter cultures. The Leuconostoc-specific oligonucleotide was used also as a specific hybridization probe.

Effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-I-(7-36) on insulin secretion

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-I-(7-36) are probably the most important "incretins," but there is controversy as to their relative insulinotropic activities. The effects of natural (np) and synthetic porcine (sp) GIP, synthetic human (sh) GIP, and GLP-I-(7-36) on insulin secretion from the perfused rat pancreas were compared using gradient perfusion. Insulin secretion was increased by both spGIP and GLP-I-(7-36) at concentrations of approximately 16 pM. Maximal responses to GLP-I-(7-36) in the presence of 16.7 mM glucose were slightly greater than with npGIP or spGIP, but with 10 mM glucose spGIP and GLP-I-(7-36) exerted equivalent effects. Responses to shGIP were greatly reduced compared with spGIP. In the presence of 50 pM spGIP or GLP-I-(7-36) the glucose threshold was 4.5 +/- 0.11 mM. The data indicate that GLP-I-(7-36) and porcine GIP are equally insulinotropic and share the same glucose threshold for activity, whereas shGIP is less active. At the concentrations found postprandially, however, GIP is likely to be the more important incretin.

Influence of the physical form of barley grain on the digestion of its starch in the human small intestine and implications for health

It has been suggested that incomplete digestion of cereal starch explains the low energy values of certain cereals of large particle size. We used human subjects with ileostomies to investigate the digestion of barley and to determine whether the physical form of barley affects stomal excretion of starch, glucooligosaccharides, nitrogen, fat, and calculated energy. Only 2 +/- 1% of starch remained undigested after finely milled barley was eaten, but after flaked barley was eaten 17 +/- 1% resisted digestion, partly as oligosaccharides (G1-G10) but largely as intact unpitted starch granules bound by intact cell walls. The calculated energy excretion from the stoma was three times higher after flaked than after milled barley [51.5 decreasing to 15.3 kJ/g nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP, P < 0.001]. NSP, starch, and fat made almost equal contributions to the higher energy excretion. It is concluded that possibly the botanical source of cereals and certainly processing, other than retrogradation of the starch, are important determinants of starch digestibility and energy value. Possible clinical implications are introduced.

Presence and actions of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the isolated rabbit heart

The objectives of these experiments were to localize vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivity (VIP-IR) in the intracardiac ganglia of the interatrial septum of the rabbit heart and to examine the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the isolated perfused rabbit heart. Cell bodies of neurones containing VIP-IR were located in the interatrial septa of rabbit hearts by using immunocytochemistry. In addition, the effects of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB) on the isolated rabbit heart were compared with those of VIP. Bolus injections of SP, NKA, VIP, and NKB caused dose-dependent decreases in the perfusion pressure of hearts perfused at constant flow with ED50 values of 2.73 +/- 0.10 fmol (n = 6), 0.18 +/- 0.01 pmol (n = 8), 93.75 +/- 1.88 pmol (n = 6), and 75.00 +/- 3.06 pmol (n = 6), respectively. The slope of the dose-response curve of VIP was much greater than those of SP and NKA, suggesting the presence of one receptor subtype for VIP and multiple receptor subtypes for the neurokinins on rabbit coronary vessels. Differences in the slopes of the dose-response curves and potency may reflect differences in the mechanism of vasodilatation. The maximal values of vasodilatation of all of the peptides did not differ. None of the peptides produced significant changes in heart rate, left ventricular pressure, or contractility. These results suggest that VIP found in the intracardiac neurones of the rabbit heart can mediate coronary vasodilatation.

Energy balance and expenditure while consuming guar gum at various fat intakes and ambient temperatures

We devised a new model to evaluate whether dietary composition affects whole-body energy metabolism in rats. Dietary guar gum, but not corn starch, elevates both fecal energy excretion and energy expenditure. Neither ambient temperature (21 vs 28 degrees C) nor fat content of the basal diet (15% vs 33% metabolizable energy) has a marked effect on guar gum's thermogenic stimulus. Starch and guar gum each contribute 17.5 kJ/g to gross energy intake. This energy is fully available from the starch but guar gum contributes only 9-13 kJ/g to digestible energy intake on the low-fat diet (15% of energy), only 6 kJ/g to digestible energy on the higher-fat diet (33% of energy) (because of a fat-gum interaction), decreases urinary energy loss by 1.4-2.7 kJ/g gum, and elevates energy expenditure by 11.6-14.8 kJ/g. The thermogenic effect of the guar gum is highly reproducible. Several potential mechanisms to explain such elevated energy expenditure are considered. The model used to quantify the thermogenic stimulus is highly sensitive and could be applied to the trial of potentially thermogenic drugs as well as dietary ingredients.

Binding of purified collagen receptors (alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1) and RGD-dependent integrins to laminins and laminin fragments

Integrins alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 when purified by collagen affinity chromatography, showed distinct binding to mouse tumor laminin-1, which has the chain composition alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 1. The binding was, however, about 10-fold lower than to collagen IV. Only little (alpha 1 beta 1) or no binding (alpha 2 beta 1) was observed to two different laminin isoforms (alpha 2 beta 1 gamma 1, alpha 2 beta 2 gamma 1) from human placenta. Binding to laminin-1 was abolished by EDTA and could be specifically inhibited by antibodies to the respective integrin alpha subunit. These antibodies also inhibited cell adhesion to collagens. The binding of soluble integrins was weaker than that of immobilized integrins but could be enhanced by an activating anti(beta 1 integrin). No enhancement was observed for immobilized integrins. Studies with laminin-1 fragments demonstrated lack of binding to the major cell-adhesive fragment E8 from the long arm, fragments E3 and E4, involved in heparin-binding and self-assembly, respectively, and fragment P1, corresponding to the inner segments of the short arms. A larger short-arm fragment (E1XNd), which lacks the N-terminal beta 1 chain domains V and VI, was as active as laminin. Together, these results, suggested the localization of the binding sites for alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 to the N-terminal region of the laminin alpha 1 chain. Fragment P1 but not intact laminin-1 bound to alpha V beta 3 integrin in an EDTA-sensitive and RGD-sensitive manner, underscoring previous data on the cryptic nature of the RGD site in laminin-1. Further analyses by surface plasmon resonance assays demonstrated a KD = 50 nM for alpha 2 beta 1/laminin-1 binding and a KD = 450 nM for alpha V beta 3/fragment P1 binding and confirmed the anti-beta 1-mediated increase in affinity for alpha 2 beta 1.

A radioimmunoassay for oncorhynchid growth hormone targeted to the physiological range

This study describes the development of an oncorhynchid growth hormone (GH) radioimmunoassay using recombinant chum salmon GH (rsGH) and a rabbit antiserum (TJK-1) raised against this recombinant material. The assay was designed to measure the wide range of circulating immunoreactive GH (IRGH) levels in Pacific salmonids, resulting in a standard curve capable of accurately determining plasma levels of IRGH from 0.5 to 250 ng/mL without dilution. The assay ED50 and ED90 values averaged 13.1 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. This radioimmunoassay specifically recognizes oncorhynchid IRGH, showing no cross-reactivity with recombinant porcine and bovine GH, or natural chum salmon prolactin at concentrations up to 10 micrograms/mL. Curves approximately parallel to the standard curve were obtained with purified natural coho salmon GH and plasma from chinook salmon. Recovery of rsGH from plasma was complete over the full range of the standard curve. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 6.0 and 12.9%, respectively. Plasma IRGH levels in fed coho salmon were 30.6 +/- 5.3 ng/mL, while those in fish starved for 2 weeks were 132.9 +/- 53.9 ng/mL. Starvation for an additional 4 weeks had no significant effect. Plasma IRGH levels in control rainbow trout injected with saline were significantly higher 45 min post-injection. In contrast, fish injected with recombinant porcine GH exhibited no elevation in IRGH. It is speculated that exogenous GH inhibits the production of endogenous GH.

Release of gastric inhibitory polypeptide from cultured canine endocrine cells

Canine intestinal duodenal and jejunal epithelial cell preparations enriched for endocrine cells were obtained by sequential collagenase digestion and centrifugal elutriation and maintained in culture for a 40-h period. Adherent cells contained a total cell content (TCC) of 11.5 +/- 2.5 ng (mean +/- SE) immunoreactive gastric inhibitory peptide (IRGIP)/well and 1.4 +/- 0.2 ng immunoreactive somatostatin (IRS)/well. Release experiments were performed by incubation of the cells with various stimuli over a 2-h period. Basal release of IRGIP in 5 mM glucose-5 mM K+ was 2.7 +/- 0.4% TCC. Incubation with concentrations of K+ > 20 mM or glucose > 15 mM significantly increased IRGIP release, as did the addition of a somatostatin immunoneutralizing antibody to the basal media. The addition of the Ca2+ ionophore, A-23187 (10 microM), or the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin (100 microM), resulted in an IRGIP output greater than four times basal. Porcine gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), at 1-100 nM, significantly stimulated IRGIP release in a concentration-dependent fashion. IRS release was increased significantly by 55 mM K+, 20 mM glucose, 10 microM A-23187, 100 nM GRP, or 100 microM forskolin.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide exert similar effects on somatostatin secretion but opposite effects on gastrin secretion from the rat stomach

Previous studies on the isolated perfused stomach have shown that gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide (GLP-1(7-36) amide) stimulate release of somatostatin (somatostatin-like immunoreactivity, SLI). GIP produced a paradoxical increase in gastrin secretion, whereas GLP-1(7-36) was inhibitory. In the current study, the actions of synthetic (sp) and native (np) porcine and synthetic human (sh) GIP, GLP-1(7-36), and GLP-1(7-37) on SLI and gastrin secretion were compared using a gradient perfusion of peptide. All peptides increased SLI secretion at a threshold concentration of approximately 50 pmol/L (p < 0.05). The initial rate of increase in response to spGIP (119 +/- 39 pg/min) was greater than with other forms of GIP or GLP-1. Maximal increases obtained with the two porcine peptides did not differ. Gastrin secretion was increased by concentrations of spGIP and npGIP similar to those increasing SLI secretion, but the maximal response to shGIP was lower. In contrast to GIP-induced increases, both GLP-1(7-36) and GLP-1(7-37) suppressed gastrin secretion. It is concluded that human and porcine GIP, GLP-1(7-36), and GLP-1(7-37) all stimulate SLI secretion but with different maximal effects, and GIP stimulates gastrin secretion whereas both forms of GLP-1 inhibit gastrin secretion.

Phenotype of the herpes simplex virus type 1 protease substrate ICP35 mutant virus

The herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP35 assembly protein is involved in the formation of viral capsids. ICP35 is encoded by the UL26.5 gene and is specifically processed by the herpes simplex virus type 1 protease encoded by the UL26 gene. To better understand the functions of ICP35 in infected cells, we have isolated and characterized an ICP35 mutant virus, delta ICP35. The mutant virus was propagated in complementing 35J cells, which express wild-type ICP35. Phenotypic analysis of delta ICP35 shows that (i) mutant virus growth in Vero cells was severely restricted, although small amounts of progeny virus was produced; (ii) full-length ICP35 protein was not produced, although autoproteolysis of the protease still occurred in mutant-infected nonpermissive cells; (iii) viral DNA replication of the mutant proceeded at wild-type levels, but only a very small portion of the replicated DNA was processed to unit length and encapsidated; (iv) capsid structures were observed in delta ICP35-infected Vero cells by electron microscopy and by sucrose sedimentation analysis; (v) assembly of VP5 into hexons of the capsids was conformationally altered; and (vi) ICP35 has a novel function which is involved in the nuclear transport of VP5.

Cell-free assembly of the herpes simplex virus capsid

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) capsids were found to assemble spontaneously in a cell-free system consisting of extracts prepared from insect cells that had been infected with recombinant baculoviruses coding for HSV-1 capsid proteins. The capsids formed in this system resembled native HSV-1 capsids in morphology as judged by electron microscopy, in sedimentation rate on sucrose density gradients, in protein composition, and in their ability to react with antibodies specific for the HSV-1 major capsid protein, VP5. Optimal capsid assembly required the presence of extracts containing capsid proteins VP5, VP19, VP23, VP22a, and the maturational protease (product of the UL26 gene). Assembly was more efficient at 27 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. The availability of a cell-free assay for HSV-1 capsid formation will be of help in identifying the morphogenetic steps that occur during capsid assembly in vivo and in evaluating candidate antiherpes therapeutics directed at capsid assembly.