Role of Src kinase in diperoxovanadate-mediated activation of phospholipase D in endothelial cells

We have shown earlier that oxidant-induced activation of phospholipase D (PLD) in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is regulated by protein tyrosine kinases. To further understand the regulation of oxidant-induced PLD activation, we investigated the role of Src kinase. Treatment of bovine pulmonary artery ECs (BPAECs) with a model oxidant, diperoxovanadate (DPV), at 5 microM concentration, for 30 min, stimulated PLD activity (four- to eightfold), which was attenuated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and by Src kinase-specific inhibitors PP-1 and PP-2, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, BPAECs exposed to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min showed activation of Src kinase as observed by increased tyrosine phosphorylation and autophosphorylation in Src immunoprecipitates, which was attenuated by PP-2. Src immunoprecipitates of cell lysates from control BPAECs exhibited PLD activity in cell-free preparations, which was Arf- and Rho-sensitive and was enhanced at 2 min of DPV (5 microM) treatment. Also, Western blots of Src immunoprecipitates of control cells revealed the presence of PLD(1) and PLD(2), suggesting the association of PLD with Src kinase under basal conditions. However, exposure of cells to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min enhanced the association of PLD(2) but not PLD(1) with Src. Western blotting of immunoprecipitates of PLD(1) and PLD(2) isoforms of control BPAECs revealed the presence of Src under basal conditions and exposure of cells to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min enhanced the association of PLD(2) with Src in PLD(2) immunoprecipitates. Transient expression of a dominant negative mutant of Src in BPAECs attenuated DPV- but not TPA-induced PLD activation. In cell-free preparations, Src did not phosphorylate either PLD(1) or PLD(2) compared to protein kinase Calpha or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These data show for the first time a direct association of Src with PLD in ECs and regulation of PLD in intact cells.

EPR studies on gamma-irradiated barley seeds: identification of trapped electrons

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies were conducted on barley seeds exposed to normal (H(2)O) and deuterated (D(2)O) moisture, irradiated with 750 Gy at 77 K. Reported here, for the first time, are the trapped electrons formed on gamma-irradiation of seeds at 77 K. Electrons are stabilized/solvated with an increase in the moisture content (H(2)O/D(2)O) of seeds. The recombination of the trapped electron with radical cation gave intense thermoluminescence emission at 110 K. With the increase in temperature and the destruction of singlet, unmasking of an underlying heterogeneous population of free radicals was observed. These free radicals emanate mainly from the endosperm (approximately 95% by wt of the seed), whereas irradiated embryos show a broad multiplet of comparatively low amplitude. Radiolysis of carbohydrate, proteins (approximately 95% of endosperm), and lipids could possibly be responsible for the heterogeneous population of free radicals. Peroxyl radicals were also observed on annealing.

ESR dosimetry using inorganic materials: a case study of Li2CO3 and CaSO4:Dy as prospective dosimeters

The CO2- radical ion, detected by ESR technique in bones and teeth enamel, was proved to be invaluable in high level and retrospective dosimetry. In these matrices, impurity carbonate (at phosphate sites) was the precursor to CO2-. With a view to investigate the possibility of using inorganic materials such as lithium carbonate as ESR dosimeters, studies were carried out on gamma-irradiated Li2CO3. The intensity of radiation-induced ESR signals of Li2CO3 at g = 2.0036 (CO3-) and g = 2.0006 (CO2-) was followed as a function of gamma dose in the low dose range of 1-1350 Gy. It was observed that the intensity of the ESR signal at g = 2.0036 (CO3-) was in a linear relation with the radiation dose in the dose range 10-800 Gy and the signal at g = 2.0006 (CO2-) showed linear response in the dose range 5-800 Gy. The lowest dose that could be detected in the present studies using the signal of CO2- in Li2CO3 powder samples (approximately 50 mg) is 3.2 Gy. ESR studies were also carried out on the widely used TL dosimetric material CaSO4:Dy and in pure CaSO4 after gamma irradiation. The TL materials were used in powder as well as pellet forms. The linearity of ESR response with dose for powder and pellet forms of CaSO4: Dy was also studied using the signals at g = 2.0030 (SO3-) and at g = 2.0139 (SO4-). It was observed that the range of linearity of dose response extended between 20 and 1200 Gy, for SO3- signals. The results of dosimetric study indicate that the ESR-Li2CO3 system could be used in dosimetric applications in radiotherapy. However, for the actual applications further advancement is needed to lower the detection limit. The TL phosphor, CaSO4:Dy in powder and pellet forms, could be used as ESR dosimeter in the dose range 20-600 Gy.

Role of p38 MAP kinase in diperoxovanadate-induced phospholipase D activation in endothelial cells

We previously demonstrated that diperoxovanadate (DPV), a synthetic peroxovanadium compound and cell-permeable oxidant that acts as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor and insulinomimetic, increased phospholipase D (PLD) activation in endothelial cells (ECs). In this report, the regulation of DPV-induced PLD activation by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was investigated. DPV activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Treatment of ECs with p38 MAPK inhibitors SB-203580 and SB-202190 or transient transfection with a p38 dominant negative mutant mitigated the PLD activation by DPV but not by phorbol ester. SB-202190 blocked DPV-mediated p38 MAPK activity as determined by activated transcription factor-2 phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation of PLD from EC lysates with PLD1 and PLD2 antibodies revealed both PLD isoforms associated with p38 MAPK. Similarly, PLD1 and PLD2 were detected in p38 immunoprecipitates from control and DPV-challenged ECs. Binding assays demonstrated interaction of glutathione S-transferase-p38 fusion protein with PLD1 and PLD2. Both PLD1 and PLD2 were phosphorylated by p38 MAPK in vitro, and DPV increased phosphorylation of PLD1 and PLD2 in vivo. However, phosphorylation of PLD by p38 failed to affect PLD activity in vitro. These results provide evidence for p38 MAPK-mediated regulation of PLD in ECs.

Third place--Resident Research Competition, AAO-2000. Antisense cyclin D1 inhibits growth of head and neck cancer xenografts in nude mice

PROBLEM

Cyclin D1 is a regulatory factor essential in the progression of the cell cycle from G1 through S phase. Amplification and overexpression of cyclin D1 have been observed in many human cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We have previously transfected a HNSCC control cell line (CCL23) with an antisense cyclin D1 plasmid and demonstrated inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro. In this study, we examine whether antisense cyclin D1 could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Methods/measures: The CCL23 and its antisense cyclin D1 transfected clone (CCL23 AS) were injected into the flanks of nude mice. Tumor growth was monitored weekly. After 5 weeks, tumors were removed and studied for tumor size, cyclin D1 expression, cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity, and retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation.

RESULTS

Compared with the control tumors, 11 of 19 antisense tumors were smaller, 7 tumors were of equal size, and 1 tumor was larger. Immunohistochemical analysis with an anti-cyclin D1 antibody demonstrated decreased cyclin D1 expression in CCL23 AS and the smaller antisense tumors. Cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity was reduced in CCL23 AS and the smaller antisense tumors, and this was accompanied by a relative decrease in phosphorylated Rb in these samples.

CONCLUSION

Antisense cyclin D1 inhibits growth of HNSCC tumors. Cyclin D1 expression, cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity, and Rb phosphorylation are decreased in these tumors.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These findings lend support for the potential use of antisense cyclin D1 as gene therapy for HNSCC.

Advances in process chromatography gradient elution using binary linear gradients

A number of chromatography techniques utilize mobile phase gradients with changing buffer concentration to effect separation. At process scale the majority of gradients are stepwise or isocratic. There are a number of instances where process performance or economics indicate that linear gradients would deliver better theoretical performance. However, to date this process advantage has not been implemented due to concerns about the accuracy, reliability or reproducibility of equipment used to produce linear changes in gradient composition. In this manuscript, recent developments in simple feedforward control and data from the resultant process-scale performance are presented. Information is provided on the practical heuristics underlying the control strategy. The data presented in this paper illustrate how the feedforward control strategy has been implemented on a commercial system to achieve better than +/- 2% accuracy of process-scale linear gradients.

Nitric oxide attenuates H(2)O(2)-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction: mechanisms of protection

Nitric oxide (.NO) attenuates hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-mediated injury in porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and modulates intracellular levels of cGMP and cAMP. We hypothesized that.NO attenuates H(2)O(2)-induced PAEC monolayer barrier dysfunction through cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling mechanisms. To examine this hypothesis, cultured PAEC monolayers were treated with H(2)O(2), and barrier function was measured as transmonolayer albumin clearance. H(2)O(2) caused significant PAEC barrier dysfunction that was attenuated by intracellular as well as extracellular.NO generation.NO increased PAEC cGMP and cAMP levels, but treatment with inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase or protein kinase G did not abrogate.NO-mediated barrier protection. In contrast, H(2)O(2) decreased protein kinase A activity, and inhibiting protein kinase A abrogated the protective effect of.NO. H(2)O(2)-induced barrier dysfunction was not associated with decreased levels of cGMP or cAMP. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP had little effect on H(2)O(2)-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction, whereas 8-bromo-cAMP plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine was protective. These results indicate that.NO modulates vascular endothelial barrier function through cAMP-dependent signaling mechanisms.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 quasi species that rebound after discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy are similar to the viral quasi species present before initiation of therapy

In an effort to identify the sources of the viruses that emerge after discontinuation of therapy, analyses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) quasi species were done for 3 patients with sustained levels of HIV RNA of <50 copies/mL for 1-3 years. The sequences found in the rebounding plasma virus were closely related to those of the actively replicating form of viruses present before the initiation of combination therapy. All quasi species found in the rebounding plasma virus were also present in proviral DNA, cell-associated RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and virion RNA derived from PBMC coculture during periods when plasma HIV RNA levels were <50 copies/mL. These findings suggest that the rapid resurgence of plasma viremia observed after discontinuation of therapy and the viruses cocultured from PBMC are derived from a relatively stable pool of the replicating form of virus rather than from activation of a previously latent pool.

Impact of HIV-1 infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy on the kinetics of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell turnover in HIV-infected patients

To evaluate the effects of HIV infection on T cell turnover, we examined levels of DNA synthesis in lymph node and peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets by using ex vivo labeling with BrdUrd. Compared with healthy controls (n = 67), HIV-infected patients (n = 57) had significant increases in the number and fraction of dividing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Higher percentages of dividing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were noted in patients with the higher viral burdens. No direct correlation was noted between rates of T cell turnover and CD4(+) T cell counts. Marked reductions in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell proliferation were seen in 11/11 patients 1-12 weeks after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These reductions persisted for the length of the study (16-72 weeks). Decreases in naive T cell proliferation correlated with increases in the levels of T cell receptor rearrangement excision circles. Division of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells increased dramatically in association with rapid increases in HIV-1 viral loads in 9/9 patients 5 weeks after termination of HAART and declined to pre-HAART-termination levels 8 weeks after reinitiation of therapy. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that HIV-1 infection induces a viral burden-related, global activation of the immune system, leading to increases in lymphocyte proliferation.

Diperoxovanadate alters endothelial cell focal contacts and barrier function: role of tyrosine phosphorylation

Diperoxovanadate (DPV), a potent tyrosine kinase activator and protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, was utilized to explore bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell barrier regulation. DPV produced dose-dependent decreases in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) and increases in permeability to albumin, which were preceded by brief increases in TER (peak TER effect at 10-15 min). The significant and sustained DPV-mediated TER reductions were primarily the result of decreased intercellular resistance, rather than decreased resistance between the cell and the extracellular matrix, and were reduced by pretreatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein but not by inhibition of p42/p44 mitogen-activating protein kinases. Immunofluorescent analysis after DPV challenge revealed dramatic F-actin polymerization and stress-fiber assembly and increased colocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins with F-actin in a circumferential pattern at the cell periphery, changes that were abolished by genistein. The phosphorylation of focal adhesion and adherens junction proteins on tyrosine residues was confirmed in immunoprecipitates of focal adhesion kinase and cadherin-associated proteins in which dramatic dose-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation was observed after DPV stimulation. We speculate that DPV enhances endothelial cell monolayer integrity via focal adhesion plaque phosphorylation and produces subsequent monolayer destabilization of adherens junctions initiated by adherens junction protein tyrosine phosphorylation catalyzed by p60(src) or Src-related tyrosine kinases.

Expression of protein kinase C isozymes in nonpregnant and pregnant human myometrium

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the distributions of protein kinase C isozymes in human nonpregnant and pregnant myometrial tissues and primary cell cultures.

STUDY DESIGN

Myometrial tissues were obtained at hysterectomy from nonpregnant women and at cesarean delivery from women both before and during early labor at term. Western immunoblot analysis was performed on homogenates of myometrial tissues and primary cell cultures with monoclonal antibodies specific for protein kinase C isozymes. Redistribution and translocation of protein kinase C were examined by means of immunocytochemical methods.

RESULTS

Nonpregnant myometrial tissues contained protein kinase C isozymes alpha, gamma, delta, mu, iota, and zeta but not beta(1), beta(2), theta, or epsilon. Pregnant myometrial tissues both before and during early labor contained the same protein kinase C isozymes and also beta(1) and beta(2). The protein kinase C isozyme distribution in primary myometrial cell cultures was identical to that in the myometrial tissues. Protein kinase C redistribution and translocation were demonstrated in these cultured myometrial cells.

CONCLUSION

Both human myometrial tissues and primary cell cultures expressed a broad range of protein kinase C isozymes. Protein kinase C isozymes beta(1) and beta(2) were absent in nonpregnant myometrium but were induced during pregnancy. Labor at term did not alter protein kinase C isozyme expression.

Accumulation of RXR alpha during activation of cycling human T lymphocytes: modulation of RXRE transactivation function by mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

We have previously reported that the activation of resting human immature peripheral blood T (PBT) lymphocytes is associated with the loss of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha) expression. In the present study, we have demonstrated that, unlike resting cells, activation of cycling human mature PBT lymphocytes, and T lymphocyte leukemia cell lines is accompanied by the accumulation of RXRalpha mRNA and protein. Interestingly, cyclosporin A further augmented RXRalpha expression, indicating the involvement of calcineurin pathways in the process. 9-cis retinoic acid inhibited the accumulation, suggesting that retinoids can regulate the synthesis of their own receptors during T cell activation. Transfection analysis in Jurkat cells, using RXRE-dependent reporter assays, showed that RXRalpha accumulated during T cell activation was transcriptionally inactive. To investigate the mechanism of such inhibition, the role of two mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in modulating RXRE-dependent transcription, was explored. The expression of constitutively active MAP/ERK kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) inhibited RXRE-dependent transcription, whereas dominant negative MEKK1 increased the transcription, indicating the involvement of JNK signaling pathways in the process. In contrast, expression of constitutively active MEK1, which activates ERK pathway, enhanced RXRE-dependent activation. When both were activated simultaneously, JNK pathway was dominant over ERK pathway and resulted in inhibition of RXRE-mediated transcription. These data demonstrate a dual regulatory control of RXRalpha expression during the activation of resting and cycling T lymphocytes and indicate a dynamic balance between JNK and ERK pathways in modulating RXRE-mediated transactivation.

Involvement of c-Src in diperoxovanadate-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by activated leukocytes play an important role in the disruption of endothelial cell (EC) integrity, leading to barrier dysfunction and pulmonary edema. Although ROS modulate cell signaling, information remains limited regarding the mechanism(s) of ROS-induced EC barrier dysfunction. We utilized diperoxovanadate (DPV) as a model agent to explore the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of EC barrier function. DPV disrupted EC barrier function in a dose-dependent manner. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein, and PP-2, a specific inhibitor of Src, reduced the DPV-mediated barrier dysfunction. Consistent with these results, DPV-induced Src activation was attenuated by PP-2. Furthermore, DPV increased the association of Src with cortactin and myosin light chain kinase, indicating their potential role as cytoskeletal targets for Src. Transient overexpression of either wild-type Src or a constitutively active Src mutant potentiated the DPV-mediated decline in barrier dysfunction, whereas a dominant negative Src mutant attenuated the response. These studies provide the first direct evidence for Src involvement in DPV-induced EC barrier dysfunction.

Long-term in vivo survival of receptor-modified syngeneic T cells in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

To study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cellular immunity in vivo, we transferred syngeneic lymphocytes after ex vivo expansion and transduction with a chimeric receptor gene (CD4/CD3-zeta) between identical twins discordant for HIV infection. Single and multiple infusions of 10(10) genetically modified CD8(+) T cells resulted in peak fractions in the circulation of approximately 10(4) to 10(5) modified cells/10(6) mononuclear cells at 24 to 48 hours, followed by 2- to 3-log declines by 8 weeks. In an effort to provide longer high-level persistence of the transferred cells and possibly enhance anti-HIV activity, we administered a second series of infusions in which both CD4(+ )and CD8(+) T cells were engineered to express the chimeric receptor and were costimulated ex vivo with beads coated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28. Sustained fractions of approximately 10(3) to 10(4) modified cells/10(6) total CD4(+) or CD8(+) cells persisted for at least 1 year. Assessment of in vivo trafficking of the transferred cells by lymphoid tissue biopsies revealed the presence of modified cells in proportions equivalent to or below those in the circulation. The cell infusions were well tolerated and were not associated with substantive immunologic or virologic changes. Thus, adoptive transfer of genetically modified HIV-antigen-specific T cells was safe. Sustained survival in the circulation was achieved when modified CD4(+ )and CD8(+) T cells were infused together after ex vivo costimulation, indicating the important role played by antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells in providing "help" to cytotoxic effectors. (Blood. 2000;96:467-474)

Urinary diversion for incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting up to 50% of the female population, but only a third seek medical help. Although the majority of these are satisfactorily managed with conservative or conventional surgical treatment, 10%-15% continue to remain incontinent despite intervention. Urinary diversion is a management option for this group. The different techniques of urinary diversion, their results, complications and long-term sequelae are discussed, with a review of the literature.

Optimization of ion-exchange displacement separations. I. Validation of an iterative scheme and its use as a methods development tool

Displacement chromatography has been demonstrated to be a powerful, high-resolution preparative tool. The performance of displacement systems can be affected by a variety of factors such as the feed load, flow-rate, initial salt concentration and the displacer partition ratio. Thus, the optimization of displacement separations is a uniquely challenging problem. In this manuscript, an iterative optimization scheme has been presented whereby one can identify the optimum operating conditions for displacement separations at a given level of loading on a given resin material. The solid film linear driving force model has been employed in concert with the Steric Mass Action formalism of ion-exchange chromatography to describe the chromatographic behavior in these systems. Simple pulse techniques have been employed to estimate the transport parameters. The iterative scheme has been validated using a rigorous Feasible Sequential Quadratic Programming algorithm. Finally, the utility of the iterative optimization scheme as a methods development tool for displacement separations has been demonstrated for a difficult separation. The results indicate that the use of the optimization scheme leads to significantly better performance than standard rules of thumb.

Optimization of ion-exchange displacement separations. II. Comparison of displacement separations on various ion-exchange resins

A variety of stationary-phase materials are currently available for the chromatographic purification of biomolecules. However, the effect of various resin characteristics on the performance of displacement chromatography has not been studied in depth. In Part I, a novel iterative scheme was presented for the rapid optimization of displacement separations in ion-exchange systems. In this article, the optimization scheme is employed to identify the optimum operating conditions for displacement separations on various ion-exchange resin materials. In addition, the effect of different classes of separation problems (e.g., diverging, converging or parallel affinity lines) on the performance of displacement separations is also presented. The solid film linear driving force model is employed in concert with the Steric Mass Action isotherm to describe the chromatographic behavior in these systems. The results presented in this article provide insight into the effects of resin capacity and efficiency as well as the type of separation problem on the performance of various ion-exchange displacement systems.

HIV-1 and T cell dynamics after interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients with a history of sustained viral suppression

Identifying the immunologic and virologic consequences of discontinuing antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients is of major importance in developing long-term treatment strategies for patients with HIV-1 infection. We designed a trial to characterize these parameters after interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients who had maintained prolonged viral suppression on antiretroviral drugs. Eighteen patients with CD4(+) T cell counts >/= 350 cells/microliter and viral load below the limits of detection for >/=1 year while on HAART were enrolled prospectively in a trial in which HAART was discontinued. Twelve of these patients had received prior IL-2 therapy and had low frequencies of resting, latently infected CD4 cells. Viral load relapse to >50 copies/ml occurred in all 18 patients independent of prior IL-2 treatment, beginning most commonly during weeks 2-3 after cessation of HAART. The mean relapse rate constant was 0.45 (0.20 log(10) copies) day(-1), which was very similar to the mean viral clearance rate constant after drug resumption of 0.35 (0.15 log(10) copies) day(-1) (P = 0.28). One patient experienced a relapse delay to week 7. All patients except one experienced a relapse burden to >5,000 RNA copies/ml. Ex vivo labeling with BrdUrd showed that CD4 and CD8 cell turnover increased after withdrawal of HAART and correlated with viral load whereas lymphocyte turnover decreased after reinitiation of drug treatment. Virologic relapse occurs rapidly in patients who discontinue suppressive drug therapy, even in patients with a markedly diminished pool of resting, latently infected CD4(+) T cells.

Induction of endothelial monolayer permeability by phosphatidate

Released into the vasculature from disrupted cells or transported to the surface of adjacent effectors, phosphatidate and related lipids may potentiate endothelial cell activation. However, the effect of these lipids on endothelial monolayer barrier integrity has not been reported. The present study documents the induction of endothelial monolayer permeability by phosphatidate. Both long (di-C18:1) and medium (di-C10; di-C8) chain length phosphatidates increased permeability of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell monolayers assessed using a well characterized assay system in vitro. Barrier disruption effected by dioctanoyl (di-C8) phosphatidate was markedly potentiated by the addition of propranolol, an inhibitor of endothelial cell "ecto"-phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP), a lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase (LPP) that efficiently hydrolyzes extracellular substrate. Disruption of barrier function by phosphatidate did not result from its non-specific detergent characteristics, since a non-hydrolyzable but biologically inactive phosphonate analog of dioctanoyl phosphatidate, which retains the detergent characteristics of phosphatidate, did not induce permeability changes. Furthermore, neither diacylglycerol nor lyso-PA effected significant increases in monolayer permeability, indicating the observed response was due to phosphatidate rather than one of its metabolites. Phosphatidate-induced permeability was attenuated by preincubation of endothelial cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A (10 microg/ml), and enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate (100 microM), implicating a role for activation of intracellular tyrosine kinases in the response. In addition, phosphatidate increased the levels of intracellular free Ca(2+) in endothelial cells and ligated specific binding sites on endothelial cell plasma membranes, consistent with the presence of a phosphatidate receptor. Since phosphatidate generated within the plasma membrane of adherent effectors potentially interacts with endothelial membranes, we evaluated the influence of phosphatidate-enriched neutrophil plasma membranes on endothelial monolayer integrity. The effects of ectopic phosphatidate on endothelial monolayer permeability were mimicked by phosphatidate confined to neutrophil plasma membranes. We conclude that phosphatidate may be a physiologic modulator of endothelial monolayer permeability that exerts its effects by activating a receptor-linked, tyrosine kinase-dependent process which results in mobilization of intracellular stored Ca(2+)and consequent metabolic activation.

Hydrogen peroxide stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in vascular endothelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the pathophysiology of several vascular disorders including atherosclerosis. Although the mechanism(s) of ROS-induced vascular damage remains unclear, there is increasing evidence for ROS-mediated modulation of signal transduction pathways. Exposure of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of 60- to 80- and 110- to 130-kDa cellular proteins, which were determined by immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies focal adhesion kinase (p125(FAK)) and paxillin (p68). Brief exposure of cells to a relatively high concentration of H(2)O(2) (1 mM) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, which reached maximum levels within 10 min (290% of basal levels). Cytoskeletal reorganization as evidenced by the appearance of actin stress fibers preceded H(2)O(2)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, and the microfilament disruptor cytochalasin D also attenuated the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Treatment of BPAECs with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid-AM attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) but did not show any consistent effect on H(2)O(2)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including genistein, herbimycin, and tyrphostin, had no detectable effect on tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK but attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induction of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. We conclude that H(2)O(2)-induced increases in FAK tyrosine phosphorylation may be important in H(2)O(2)-mediated endothelial cell activation.

Regulation of endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase by Rho, cortactin, and p60(src)

Inflammatory diseases of the lung are characterized by increases in vascular permeability and enhanced leukocyte infiltration, reflecting compromise of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier. We examined potential molecular mechanisms that underlie these alterations and assessed the effects of diperoxovanadate (DPV), a potent tyrosine kinase activator and phosphatase inhibitor, on EC contractile events. Confocal immunofluorescent microscopy confirmed dramatic increases in stress-fiber formation and colocalization of EC myosin light chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK) with the actin cytoskeleton, findings consistent with activation of the endothelial contractile apparatus. DPV produced significant time-dependent increases in MLC phosphorylation that were significantly attenuated but not abolished by EC MLCK inhibition with KT-5926. Pretreatment with the Rho GTPase-inhibitory C3 exotoxin completely abolished DPV-induced MLC phosphorylation, consistent with Rho-mediated MLC phosphatase inhibition and novel regulation of EC MLCK activity. Immunoprecipitation of EC MLCK after DPV challenge revealed dramatic time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the kinase in association with increased MLCK activity and a stable association of MLCK with the p85 actin-binding protein cortactin and p60(src). Translocation of immunoreactive cortactin from the cytosol to the cytoskeleton was noted after DPV in concert with cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation. These studies indicate that DPV activates the endothelial contractile apparatus in a Rho GTPase-dependent fashion and suggests that p60(src)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of MLCK and cortactin may be important features of contractile complex assembly.

Effect of cocaine on intracellular calcium regulation in myometrium from pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of cocaine on intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation in human myometrial cells by determining the sources of Ca2+ it might mobilize, as well as assess the role cocaine might play in the catecholamine's effect on the cell's [Ca2+]i.

METHODS

Primary culture of myometrial cells from pregnant women was used as an experimental model. [Ca2+]i relative changes in response to cocaine and norepinephrine were measured with fura-2 fluorometry and analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Cocaine alone (10(-8) to 10(-3) mol/L) increased [Ca2+]i by up to 43 +/- 18% over basal level in a dose-dependent manner. Norepinephrine also elevated [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (202 +/- 24% over basal level at 10(-4) mol/L). The norepinephrine-evoked increase was inhibited in Ca(2+)-free media by 48%, whereas the cocaine response was not affected. The Ca(2+)-channel antagonist nifedipine caused decrease in the [Ca2+]i response to 10(-5) mol/L of norepinephrine by 84%, whereas the [Ca2+]i rise to 10(-5) mol/L cocaine was not significantly changed. Inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, thapsigargin, completely blocked cocaine-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i, whereas norepinephrine responses were greatly reduced. At the same time, cocaine (10(-8) to 10(-3) mol/L) did not potentiate norepinephrine-evoked Ca2+]i increases in the cells.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that cocaine increases [Ca2+]i in pregnant human myometrial cells, primarily by stimulating release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores rather than by direct stimulation of Ca2+ influx.