Receptor-binding affinities of human epidermal growth factor variants having unnatural amino acid residues in position 23

Ile-23 of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) has been indicated, by mutagenesis and NMR studies, to be directly recognized by the receptor. In the present study, an unnatural phenylalanine analog, either 2-azaphenylalanine (2aF), 3-azaphenylalanine (3aF), 4-azaphenylalanine (4aF), or 4-fluorophenylalanine (4fF), was incorporated by an in vivo protein synthesis system into position 23 of [Phe23]hEGF, which retains appreciable receptor-binding affinity (about 20% of the wild type). We compared the receptor-binding affinities of the variants with that of [Phe23]hEGF and found that substitution of Phe-23 with 2aF or 3aF raised the affinity, while substitution with 4aF or 4fF remarkably reduced the affinity. The tertiary structure of [Phe23]hEGF was not significantly affected by the substitution of Phe-23 with 2aF, as shown by the two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In addition, the substitution of residue 23 with His or Tyr produced an hEGF variant with a slightly higher receptor-binding affinity than that of [Phe23]hEGF. Our results suggest that the receptor has an asymmetric hydrophobic pocket for recognition of the side chain in position 23 of hEGF. Furthermore, on the receptor surface, this pocket seems to be adjacent to a less hydrophobic region with a hydrogen-bond acceptor and donor. Thus, the use of unnatural amino acids in addition to the 20 natural ones allows analyses of the structure-function relationship of a protein at a higher resolution than conventional site-directed substitution by only natural amino acid residues.

Low protein diet blunts the rise in glomerular gene expression in focal glomerulosclerosis

The present study was designed to assess whether expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in glomeruli is affected by a low protein diet during the course of focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS). Puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) was injected intraperitoneally in rats and the right kidney was removed on day 22. Nephrotic rats received successive intraperitoneal injections of PAN on days 27, 34, and 41. Control rats were subjected to a nephrectomy or a sham operation on day 22. Animals were divided into six groups. In group 1, the PAN-injected rats were fed a standard diet containing 22% protein. In group 2, the PAN-injected rats were fed a low protein diet containing 6% protein, starting on the same day as the first PAN injection. In group 3, the nephrectomized rats without PAN were fed a standard diet. In group 4, the nephrectomized rats without PAN were fed a low protein diet for the same period. In group 5, the sham operated rats were fed a standard diet. In group 6, the sham operated rats were fed a low protein diet for the same period. Rats were sacrificed on days 0, 60 or 80 after the initial PAN or saline injection. The percentage of sclerotic glomeruli in group 1 rats increased markedly with time, reaching 77% on day 80. The mRNA levels encoding for alpha 1(I), alpha 1(III), alpha 1(IV) collagen chains, laminin B1 and B2 chains, heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 increased significantly as glomerulosclerosis progressed, whereas MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA levels were unchanged, and no MMP-9 mRNA was detected throughout the experiments. In group 2, the low protein diet reduced the prevalence of glomerulosclerosis and attenuated the increased mRNA expression for ECM components, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in FGS glomeruli. In groups 3 through 6, mRNA levels for ECM components decreased with age, whereas those for MMPs and TIMPs changed little throughout the experiments. Immunofluorescence studies revealed the accumulation of types I, III and IV collagens, laminin, and HSPG in the sclerotic area and low protein diet attenuated the accumulation of these proteins. These data suggest that glomerulosclerosis may result from an imbalance among ECM components, MMPs and TIMPs and that a low protein diet attenuates the otherwise increased levels of mRNA for ECM components, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in glomerulosclerosis.

[Significance of periventricular hyper-intensity in T2 weighted MRI on memory dysfunction and depression after stroke]

We studied the effect of periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) in T2 weighted MRI on memory function and post-stroke depression in 159 patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Memory function was assessed with Hasegawa's scale, and depressive state was estimated with Zung's self-rating depression scale. Patients showing diffusely distributed PVH had significantly low scores in memory function tests. Localized PVH around the anterior horns of the laterals ventricle was also associated with impaired memory function when the area of PVH was large. The incidence of post-stroke depression was high in patients with large PVH around the anterior horn in comparison with patients with PVH around the posterior horn. The severity of PVH around the posterior horn did not affect memory function and post-stroke depression. These findings suggest that memory dysfunction and post-stroke depression were accelerated by the diffusely or anteriorly distributed PVH.

Effects of enalapril on endothelin-1 and growth factor gene expression in diabetic rat glomeruli

We have previously reported that the mRNA levels of endothelin (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha), (TNF-alpha), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B chain, transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) all increased with age in diabetic rat glomeruli. We have now assessed the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril on the expression of the ET-1, TNF-alpha, PDGF-B, TGF-beta, and bFGF genes in 24-week-old rat glomeruli after streptozotocin injection. Animals were divided into controls, enalapril-treated diabetic rats, and untreated diabetic rats. Treatment continued for 24 weeks. Enalapril reduced both creatinine clearance (p < 0.001) and urinary protein excretion (p < 0.01) in diabetic rats. Enalapril produced a nonsignificant 15 mm Hg reduction in blood pressure in diabetic rats. Enalapril also attenuated the increases in ET-1 mRNA levels observed in the glomeruli of diabetic rats (0.5-fold compared with untreated diabetic rats at 24 weeks [p < 0.01]) but had no effect on increased mRNA levels of TNF-alpha, PDGF-B, TGF-beta, and bFGF. These findings suggest that enalapril therapy may be effective in reducing ET-1 mRNA expression in the glomeruli of diabetic nephropathy.

[Prospective study on the influence of social activity on development of dementia in the neurologically normal elderly]

We investigated the rate of development of dementia in 84 neurologically normal elderly subjects living in an old-age home (30 subjects, mean 77.2 years) or their own home 954, 73.7) prospectively. We examined cerebral blood flow (CBF), Hasegawa's scale (HS) and Kohs' block design test 6 to 9 years before this study (1991). HS and Kohs' IQ were significantly lower in the old-age home group than that in their own home group at that time. However, there were no demented subjects. Mortality was 21%, and we confirmed 9 dementia and 6 stroke cases during the period of observation. Twenty-seven percent of the old-age home group showed dementia in 1991. This rate was significantly higher than that for the elderly living in their own home (6.7%). Occurrence of stroke was also significantly higher in the former group than in the latter group. The subjects who developed stroke during observation showed a high incidence of dementia. Mean CBF measured on the first examination was significantly lower in dementia cases with stroke than in dementia cases without it. We performed MRI in 4 demented cases in 1991 (Fig. 1). Two cases showed no significant lesions and the other cases showed cerebral infarction which could cause dementia. These results indicate that life style and social environment may have significant effect on aging of the brain and on development of dementia in the elderly.

[Glomerulonephritis and cytokines]

In the past year, major advances have been made in understanding the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic glomerulonephritis. This paper reviews recent data on the pivotal roles of cytokines including interleukins-1 and -6, tumor necrosis factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor in mediating glomerular cell proliferation and in leading to glomerulosclerosis.

Intranephron distribution of creatine content in rats

Creatine is a high energy phosphate donor and play an important role not only in muscle contraction, but also in buffering intracellular energy storage. In this study, we have identified the creatine content in microdissected nephron segments with an ultramicromethod. All nephron segments tested contained creatine, however the distribution was not uniform. Glomerulus, cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and distal tubule possessed comparatively large amounts of creatine when calculated as pM/micrograms tissue protein. When calculation was made as pM/mm tubule length, the first segment of the proximal tubule and the distal tubule were the highest. These results suggest the existence of heterogeneity in creatine content along the nephron as one of the biochemical characteristics in individual nephron segments.

Site-directed mutagenesis, fluorescence, and two-dimensional NMR studies on microenvironments of effector region aromatic residues of human c-Ha-Ras protein

The Tyr residues in positions 32 and 40 of human c-Ha-Ras protein were replaced by site-directed mutagenesis (Y32F, Y32W, Y40K, and Y40W) to examine their roles in the signal-transducing activity and the sensitivity to the GTPase activating protein (GAP). The signal-transducing activity of the oncogenic Ras protein in PC12 cells was lost upon mutations Y32F and Y40K, but retained upon mutations Y32W and Y40W. These results suggest that residues 32 and 40 are both required to have aromatic groups and residue 32 is further required to have a hydrogen donor. On the other hand, three mutations (Y32F, Y32W, and Y40W) caused no appreciable reduction in either GAP-binding affinity or GAP sensitivity. By the Y40K mutation, GAP-binding affinity was slightly lowered, while GAP sensitivity was drastically impaired. Therefore, for residues 32 and 40 of Ras, interactions with GAP appear to be different from those with the target of signal transduction in the PC12 cell. As for the Y32W-Ras protein bound with an unhydrolyzable GTP analogue (GMPPNP), the Trp32 fluorescence is appreciably red-shifted, weaker, and more susceptible to KI quenching as compared to that of the GDP-bound form. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy with selectively deuterated Ras proteins revealed fewer and weaker nuclear Overhauser effects on the aromatic protons of Trp32 in the GMPPNP-bound form than in the GDP-bound form. This indicates that the side chain of Trp32 is more exposed to the solvent in the GMPPNP-bound form than in the GDP-bound form.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A case of thin basement membrane syndrome associated with idiopathic membranous nephropathy

A 59-year-old woman has had persistent microscopic hematuria for 10 years. A few days after the onset of upper respiratory tract infection, edema and severe proteinuria appeared. In renal biopsy, an electron micrograph revealed electron dense deposits in the subepithelial regions with diffuse thinning of the glomerular basement membrane. These glomerular findings were compatible with thin basement membrane syndrome associated with membranous nephropathy. On the basis of our review of the literature, the association of these two diseases seems to be very rare.

Detection of glycosylated protein in glomeruli of STZ-induced diabetic rats using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal tissues was determined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction. The glycosylation of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components such as laminin and fibronectin was examined in vitro using the same method. Immunofluorescence staining of laminin or type IV collagen was also performed in renal tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats. There was no significant difference in the intensity of NBT in renal tissues between 4 week STZ-induced diabetic rats and control rats of the same age. The intensity of NBT staining in the glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls was marked in 12 week diabetic rats. The mean values of fructosamine measured by the NBT reaction in the glycosylated-laminin and fibronectin were increased dose dependently. In immunofluorescence, laminin and type IV collagen were observed significantly in the glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of 12 week diabetic rats. However, there was no significant change in renal histopathology in 4 and 12 weeks diabetic rats. It appears that the non-enzymatic glycosylation and expression of ECM components in glomeruli increased in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy prior to the appearance of marked histologic alterations. In conclusion, non-enzymatic glycosylation of glomerular structural components may play an important role in the initiation of the early stage of renal injuries in diabetes.

IgA deposits might not influence the production of extracellular matrix in glomeruli of ddY mice, a spontaneous animal model for IgA nephropathy

Immunofluorescence studies were carried out to determine whether the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in glomeruli of ddY mice, a model for IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), is influenced by treatment with a rat monoclonal antibody to murine CD4 molecules (mAb CD4). This mAb CD4 showed a selective decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of ddY mice as described previously. The ddY mice were initially treated with intravenous injections, followed by weekly intraperitoneal injections of mAb CD4. In immunofluorescence, the mean intensity of IgA deposits in the renal glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of the treated ddY mice was significantly lower than that in saline-treated control mice at comparable ages. There was no significant difference in the distribution or intensity of ECM components, i.e. type IV collagen, fibronectin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in glomeruli between the mAB CD4-treated and the control ddY mice. In light microscopy, mesangial expansion in the treated ddY mice was milder than that found in the saline control mice. No significant differences in the average number of intraglomerular cells, levels of serum IgA and urinary protein between the treated and control ddY mice were observed. Thus, it appears that although CD4+ T cells modulate the amounts of glomerular IgA deposits, other factors may be involved in the expression of ECM in glomeruli of IgA nephropathy in ddY mice.

Effect of monoclonal antibody CD4 on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in renal tissues of ddY mice: a spontaneous animal model of IgA nephropathy

Immunofluorescence studies were performed to determine whether the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in ddY mice, a model for IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), is influenced by treatment with a rat monoclonal antibody to murine CD4 molecules. The ddY mice were initially treated with intravenous injections, followed by weekly intraperitoneal injections of monoclonal antibody CD4. Using immunofluorescence, the mean intensity of IgA deposits in renal glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of the treated ddY mice was significantly lower than that in saline-treated control ddY mice of comparable ages. Marked expression of ICAM-1 was observed in glomerular capillary walls and mesangial areas in both control and treated ddY mice aged 40 and 70 weeks. The glomerular mesangial expansion in the treated ddY mice was milder than that found in the control ddY mice. No significant difference in glomerular cell proliferation between the treated and control ddY mice was observed. Although the infiltration of CD4+ T cells in glomeruli was slightly decreased after the treatment, that of CD8+ T cells and macrophages/monocytes was marked in both control and treated ddY mice aged 40 and 70 weeks. Thus, it appears that CD4+ T cells modulate the amount of IgA deposits in glomeruli, and other factors may be involved in the expression of ICAM-1 in glomeruli of IgA nephropathy in ddY mice.

Improvement of cerebral blood flow and cognitive function following pacemaker implantation in patients with bradycardia

We investigated the effects of pacemaker implantation on cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in 14 severely bradycardic patients (mean age 75.2 years). Cerebral blood flow and verbal intelligence improved after the pacemaker implantation. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressure was significantly reduced after the implantation. Changes in cerebral blood flow significantly correlated with changes in heart rate in polynomial regression analysis, but not with changes in cardiac output. Before the implantation, verbal cognitive function was lower in bradycardic patients than in age-matched control subjects, and brain CT showed significant advanced atrophy in these patients. However, verbal cognitive function was also improved after the implantation. Pacemaker implantation in the severe bradycardic elderly should be beneficial not only for cardiac function but also for brain function. We concluded that these results suggest that heart rate is one of the important factors in the regulation of cerebral circulation in patients with severe bradycardia. Pacemaker implantation in the elderly improved quality of life and may prevent mental deterioration.

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal tissues and dermal vascular vessels in the microalbuminuric stage of diabetic nephropathy using the nitro blue tetrazolium reaction

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal and dermal tissues was performed in patients in the microalbuminuric stage of diabetic nephropathy using the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction. The intensity of NBT staining in glomeruli and dermal vascular vessels was marked in the microalbuminuric stage as well as in the overtly proteinuric stage. The NBT staining in the renal and dermal vascular walls in both stages was significantly stronger than in the samples of control autopsy patients. It appeared that nonenzymatic glycosylation in various tissues, i.e. kidneys and dermal vascular vessels, had already progressed in the microalbuminuric stage in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and infiltration of lymphocytes in glomeruli of patients with IgA nephropathy

Using immunofluorescence, we studied 19 patients with IgA nephropathy to determine whether the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in glomeruli might reflect the disease activity. The relationship between the expression of ICAM-1 and the infiltration of lymphocytes, monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in glomeruli of IgA nephropathy cases was examined. The expression of ICAM-1 in patients in the advanced stage was significantly higher than that in patients in the mild stage. In double immunofluorescence, the distribution of ICAM-1 expression in glomeruli was different from that of IgA deposition in patients in both stages. Glomeruli which showed increases of ICAM-1 expression had marked infiltration of lymphocytes (OKT4+, OKT8+ T cells), and monocytes (OKM1+ cells). Increase of urinary protein and decreases in renal function were observed in patients in the advanced stage. It appears that the expression of ICAM-1 is closely linked to glomerular cell proliferation, and infiltration of lymphocytes and monocytes in patients with IgA nephropathy. However, the expression of ICAM-1 in glomeruli might not be correlated with IgA-dominant immune complexes in this disease.

West syndrome with cerebellar porencephalus

The authors report six very low birth weight newborn infants who had RDS, IVH and cerebellar porencephalus and later suffered from West syndrome. Four of them have been followed up to the present time and have had MRI scans performed. Their present clinico-neurological features and MRI findings are described. The authors also raise the possibility of prevention of mental deterioration if anticipatory treatment is started early. Very low birth weight newborn infants with cerebellar porencephalus should be observed more carefully with clinical and EEG examinations to detect infantile spasms earlier and to protect them from further mental deterioration.

Endothelin-1 mRNA expression by peripheral blood monocytes in IgA nephropathy

We investigated endothelin-1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes from 40 patients with IgA nephropathy, 40 with other glomerulonephritides and 10 with essential hypertension without renal diseases, and from 30 healthy age-matched controls. 95% of patients with IgA nephropathy had increased endothelin-1 mRNA expression in monocytes but little was detected from the other groups. Endothelin-1 mRNA was positively correlated with urinary protein excretion (95% CI 0.835-0.952) and histopathological findings (0.796-0.939). In 15 patients with IgA nephropathy endothelin-1 mRNA values and proteinuria decreased gradually after treatment. Endothelin-1 mRNA-expressing activated monocytes may be associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy.

A case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy

We report here an adult case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and diabetic nephropathy. To clarify the etiology of the nephrotic syndrome, we performed a renal biopsy and obtained the histological findings of hepatic glomerulosclerosis, glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial expansion. Electron dense deposits and deposits of IgA and C3 were also noted in the glomerular mesangial areas. Histological findings of diabetic nephropathy included thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and aneurysmal change of glomerular capillary walls in light microscopy. In immunofluorescence, linear staining of IgG was observed in the glomerular capillary walls, Bowman's capsules and tubular basement membranes. HCV was also detected focally in the glomerular capillary walls by immunofluorescence. Association of these two diseases has not been reported in any of the previous manuscripts that we reviewed. Thus, this patient seems to be a case of very rare association of the two diseases.

Increased endothelin and endothelin receptor mRNA expression in polycystic kidneys of cpk mice

The renal mRNA levels of endothelin (ET)-1 and ET-3 and for ET receptors A and B were measured in the cystic kidneys of cpk/cpk mice at 1, 2, and 3 wk of age. At 1 wk of age, renal ET-1 mRNA was 3.2-fold greater in cystic mice than in controls and continued to increase with the progression of cyst formation to reach 10.4-fold more than controls at 3 wk. ET-3 mRNA levels did not differ between cystic and control mice. Renal ETA and ETB receptor mRNA increased gradually in cystic mice with the progression of their cysts, reaching 4.2- and 6.3-fold increases over controls, respectively, at 3 wk. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA expression was also examined, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA levels were found to be significantly increased in the kidneys of cystic mice compared with controls: 2. 1-fold at 1 wk, 4.5-fold at 2 wk, and 7.8-fold at 3 wk. The mRNA levels for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the kidneys of cystic mice were also examined and were found to be increased progressively with age (TGF-beta, 2.1-fold at 1 wk, 4.2-fold at 2 wk, and 6.2-fold at 3 wk; TNF-alpha, 2.2-fold at 1 wk, 3.8-fold at 2 wk, and 5.4-fold at 3 wk).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

GTP-dependent association of Raf-1 with Ha-Ras: identification of Raf as a target downstream of Ras in mammalian cells

Ras is involved in signal transduction of various factors for growth, differentiation, and oncogenesis. Recent studies have revealed several proteins that function upstream and downstream of the Ras signaling pathway. However, its immediate downstream target molecular has not yet been identified. In an effort to identify the Ras-associated downstream proteins, we added recombinant Ha-Ras in a GTP-bound form to cell-free lysates and used several antibodies against Ras to immunoprecipitate Ras complexes. We found that a serine/threonine kinase, Raf-1, was coimmunoprecipitated with Ha-Ras by two anti-Ras antibodies (LA069 and Y13-238), whereas a neutralizing antibody against Ras (Y13-259) could not precipitate Raf-1. The coimmunoprecipitation was observed with a complex of Ras and guanosine 5'-[gamma- thio]triphosphate but not with a complex of Ras and guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate. The GTP-dependent association of Ha-Ras with Raf-1 was observed with lysates of various types of cultured cells, including NIH 3T3, pheochromocytoma (PC) 12, Ba/F3, and Jurkat T cells, and also with crude extracts from rat brain. Furthermore, Raf-1 was precipitated with a transforming Ha-Ras mutant ([Val12]Ras) and wild-type Ha-Ras but not with an effector-region mutant ([Leu35,ARg37]Ras) that lacks transforming activity. These results indicate that Ras.GTP physically associates with Raf either directly or through other component(s) and strongly suggest that Raf functions in close downstream proximity to Ras in mammalian cells.

Renal expression of mRNAs for endothelin-1, endothelin-3 and endothelin receptors in NZB/W F1 mice

Endothelin (ET)-1, ET-3, and ET receptors are widely distributed in the vascular system and the kidney. The present study was designed to measure the renal concentrations of ET-1, ET-3, and ET receptor mRNAs in NZB/W F1 mice at 8, 24, and 48 weeks of age. The renal concentration of ET-1 mRNA increased significantly in NZB/W F1 mice as their nephritis progressed, reaching, by 48 weeks, a 10-fold higher concentration than in control NZW mice. Renal ET-3 mRNA concentrations, however, remained unchanged. The renal concentrations of ET receptor A and B mRNAs in NZB/W F1 mice increased gradually with the progression of nephritis, reaching 5- and 3-fold higher concentrations, respectively, at 48 weeks of age than found in control mice. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) have been shown to stimulate ET-1 mRNA expression in cultured mesangial cells. We therefore also examined the concentrations of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha mRNAs in the renal tissues of NZB/W F1 mice, and found that, at 48 weeks of age, they were 10- and 8-fold higher, respectively, than in control NZW mice. At 24 weeks, NZB/W F1 mice were divided into two groups receiving either methylprednisolone (MPSL) or saline injections for the following 24 weeks. The development of the histologic lesions characteristic of lupus nephritis and the increased renal concentrations of ET-1, ET receptors, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha mRNAs were suppressed by MPSL treatment. These data suggest that ET and ET receptor gene transcription is upregulated in the renal tissues of NZB/W F1 mice and that the beneficial treatment of lupus nephritis with MPSL is accompanied by a reduction in the elevated concentrations of ET-1, ET receptors, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha mRNAs.

Gene expression of metalloproteinases and their inhibitor in renal tissue of New Zealand black/white F1 mice

1. The present study was carried out to determine how levels of the mRNA of metalloproteinases (metalloproteinase-1, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, metalloproteinase-3 and 92 kDa type IV collagenase) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases are regulated in the renal tissues of New Zealand Black/White F1 mice. 2. mRNA levels for metalloproteinase-1, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases increased significantly with the progression of nephritis in New Zealand Black/White F1 mice. 3. At 48 weeks of age, the levels of mRNA for metalloproteinase-1, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases increased by 8-, 4-, 8- and 15-fold, respectively, in the renal tissues of New Zealand Black/White F1 mice compared with New Zealand White mice. 4. In the kidneys of New Zealand White mice, however, the mRNA levels of these proteins changed little throughout the experimental period. 5. We could not detect expression of mRNA for 9 2 kDa type IV collagenase in the renal tissue of New Zealand Black/White F1 mice at 8 weeks of age or in New Zealand White mice at 8, 24 or 48 weeks of age, whereas we could detect expression of mRNA for this protein in New Zealand Black/White F1 mice at 24 and 48 weeks of age when mononuclear cells had infiltrated the interstitium and surrounding blood vessels. 6. At 24 weeks of age, New Zealand Black/White F1 mice were divided into two groups and received either methylprednisolone or saline injection for 24 weeks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunofluorescent analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in glomeruli of the hepatic glomerulosclerosis

An immunofluorescence study was carried out to evaluate alterations in the distribution and/or intensity of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, immunoglobulins and complement (C3) in the glomeruli of 7 autopsy patients with hepatic glomerulosclerosis. As compared with the findings in normal renal tissues, an increase in type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was observed in expanded glomerular mesangial areas and along glomerular capillary walls. Depositions of IgA, mainly IgA1, and C3 in glomeruli were in parallel with those of the ECM components. These ECM components were markedly decreased in glomeruli showing global sclerosis. In contrast, type I collagen was observed at central portions of the sclerotic glomeruli. There was an increase in the type I collagen along Bowman's capsules, especially at the sites of capsular adhesion and crescent formation. It appears that hyperproduction and/or infiltration of glomerular ECM components and interstitial collagen is closely linked to the progression of glomerular sclerosis in patients with liver diseases.