SP-A deficiency in primate model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with infection. In situ mRNA and immunostains

The surfactant protein secretory cells in airway and alveolar epithelium were studied in premature baboons with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and superimposed infection. PRN animals were delivered by hysterotomy at 140 d gestational age and ventilated on clinically appropriate oxygen for a 16-d experimental period. To assess 0 time and sacrifice time gestational parameters, 140 and 156 d were studied. BPD animals were delivered at 140 d and ventilated with positive-pressure ventilation and an FIO2 of 1.0 for 11 d followed by 5 d of oxygen sufficient to maintain PAO2 at 40 to 50 mm Hg. BPD-infected animals were comparably ventilated and treated like the BPD group except that 10(8) E. coli organisms were endotracheally instilled on Day 11. In situ hybridization studies for mRNA expression of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C revealed that an SP-A mRNA deficiency, present at 140 d, persisted in the BPD and BPD-infected groups, whereas SP-A mRNA was abundant in PRN and 156 d gestation control groups. SP-B and SP-C mRNA expression in the two hyperoxically injured groups was particularly extensive in cells around peribronchiolar and perivasicular sites. Immunostaining with SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C antibodies showed variable staining patterns. The study clearly demonstrates that a deficiency of SP-A mRNA expression persists in chronic lung injury and that variable protein staining patterns are manifested depending upon the underlying pathology.

Nitrogen regulation of nasA and the nasB operon, which encode genes required for nitrate assimilation in Bacillus subtilis

The divergently transcribed nasA gene and nasB operon are required for nitrate and nitrite assimilation in Bacillus subtilis. The beta-galactosidase activity of transcriptional lacZ fusions from the nasA and nasB promoters was high when cells were grown in minimal glucose medium containing poor nitrogen sources such as nitrate, proline, or glutamate. The expression was very low when ammonium or glutamine was used as the sole nitrogen source. The repression of the genes during growth on good sources of nitrogen required wild-type glutamine synthetase (GlnA), but not GlnR, the repressor of the glnRA operon. Primer extension analysis showed that the -10 region of each promoter resembles those of sigma A-recognized promoters. Between the divergently oriented nasA and nasB promoters is a region of dyad symmetry. Mutational analysis led to the conclusion that this sequence is required in cis for the activation of both nasA and nasB. The derepression of these genes in a glnA mutant also required this sequence. These results suggest that an unidentified transcriptional activator and glutamine synthetase function in the regulation of nasA and the nasB operon.

Polyclonals to beta-amyloid(1-42) identify most plaque and vascular deposits in Alzheimer cortex, but not striatum

Alzheimer's beta-peptides (A beta) aggregation rates depend on A beta length. We made synthetic peptide antisera to A beta 34-40 and 37-42. Purified anti-34-40 preferentially recognizes beta 1-40, vascular amyloid and a subset of plaques while purified anti-37-42 recognizes A beta 1-42 and not A beta 1-40 in dot and Western blots and immunoprecipitates; 37-42 precipitates a small percentage of fibroblast secreted A beta and strongly stains all deposits identified by monoclonals to A beta on adjacent sections from frontal cortex, but not in dorsal striatum.

[Effects of fibronectin on cytodifferentiation (T56) of human squamous cell carcinoma of tongue]

Fibronectin (FN) are large glycoproteins that have been implicated in a wide variety of cellular properties, including cell adhesion, morphology, cytoskeletal organization, migration, differentiation, and oncogenic transformation. T56 cells were treated with 20, 50, and 100 micrograms/ml of FN for 48 h, and the changes in cells were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively with the methods of transmission electron microscopy, enzyme cytochemistry, and cell electrophoresis, etc. The studies were made to test the effects of FN on T56 cells in biological behaviour in terms of cell growth, multiplication, cell metabolism, cell electrophoresis and surface morphology. The results indicated that FN could partially restore T56 cell normal epidermic cell's phenotype, inhibit cell mitosis, increase contact of cells, decrease the number of microvilli and ruffles, and promote cell oxybiotic metabolism. These results suggest that FN might relate in many aspects to the biological behaviour of T56 cell and could affect changes in the behaviour.

Further study on the spontaneous partial folding of chicken heart apocytochrome c

It has been previously reported (Biochem. Mol. Biol. Int., 30(5), 867-876, 1993) that chicken heart apocytochrome c has stronger tendency to fold spontaneously in aqueous solution than those from other species, and the relevance of its folding state with its ability to penetrate across the lipid bilayers has also been studied. In the present paper, the spontaneous folding characteristics of chicken heart apocytochrome c was further examined by the studies of Fourier-transform infrared spectra, the properties of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and the measurements of hydrophobicity. In addition, it was also demonstrated that the partially-folded apocytochrome c is easily to be aggregated and hence relatively incompetent for translocation across the phospholipid bilayers.

[Infantile indirect inguinal hernia treated with laparoscopy high ligation of hernial sac]

22 cases of infantile indirect inguinal hernia were treated with laparoscopy high ligation of hernial sac. They were followed up for 9-18 months, the primary results were satisfactory and quite encouraging. The merits of this newly developed method are: The technique is relatively simple and less of postoperative complications. The technique and key point of the method were described in detail.

[Effect of anti-fibronectin-serum on fertilization capacity of human spermatozoa]

Using the in vitro penetration test, we initially studied effects of anti-fibronectin (FN)-serum on fertilization capacity of human spermatozoa. Owing to the coincubation of anti-FN-serum in a heterologous system (human spermatozoa and zona-free gold hamster oocyte), a certain increase was found in the penetration rate at a low concentration of anti-FN-serum. The penetration rate in the treated group was 20% higher than that in the control group at an anti-FN-serum concentration of 10 microliters/ml (P < 0.05), but at a higher concentration of anti-FN-serum, the penetration rate was not affected. The results suggest that anti-FN-serum can improve the fertilization capacity of human spermatozoa, help to treat the unexplained infertility, and increase the repregnancy rate of vasovasotomy.

Latent transforming growth factor-beta is produced by chondrocytes and activated by extracellular matrix vesicles upon exposure to 1,25-(OH)2D3

Resting zone and growth zone (GC) costochondral chondrocytes constitutively release latent, but not active, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) into the culture medium. When exogenous TGF-beta is added to the culture medium, no autocrine effect is observed. However, when 1,25-(OH)2D3 is added, a dose-dependent inhibition of latent TGF-beta release is found. Messenger RNA levels for TGF-beta 1 are unchanged by treatment with either 1,25-(OH)2D3 or TGF-beta 1. Since active growth factor was not observed in the conditioned medium, we tested the hypothesis that latent TGF-beta could be activated in the matrix. GC matrix vesicles, extracellular organelles associated with matrix calcification, were able to activate latent TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 when preincubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. In contrast, GC plasma membranes activated latent TGF-beta, and addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited this activation. The 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent decrease in latent TGF-beta in the medium, with no detectable change in mRNA level, and the inhibition of plasma membrane activation of latent TGF-beta by 1,25-(OH)2D3 suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 may act through post-transcriptional and/or nongenomic mechanisms. The results also suggest that latent TGF-beta is activated in the matrix and that 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulates this activation by a direct, nongenomic action on the matrix vesicle membrane.

Peroneal muscular atrophy with pyramidal tract features (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type V): a clinical, neurophysiological, and pathological study of a large kindred

A large family with autosomal dominant inheritance of peroneal muscular atrophy, associated with extensor plantar responses in some cases, has been studied. Onset was usually in the first two decades and spasticity was not a feature. Nerve conduction studies in 21 cases and light and electron microscope findings on six sural nerve biopsies were similar to those in hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type II.

Isolation of ribonucleotide reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cloning, expression, and purification of the large subunit

Ribonucleotide reductase, an allosterically regulated, cell cycle-dependent enzyme catalyzing a unique step in the synthesis of DNA, the reduction of 2'-ribonucleotides to 2'-deoxyribonucleotides, was purified 500-fold from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Erdman strain through cell disruption, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and dATP-Sepharose affinity column chromatography. As in eucaryotes and certain bacteria and viruses, the M. tuberculosis enzyme consists of two nonidentical subunits, R1 and R2, both of which are required for activity. R1 has a molecular mass of 84 kDa, as identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and photoaffinity labeling with dATP. The amino acid sequences of the N-terminal peptide and two internal peptides were determined, and a partial R1 gene was isolated by PCR with primers designed from these amino acid sequences. Additional coding sequences were isolated by screening size-selected libraries, and a full-length form of M. tuberculosis R1 was generated by PCR amplification of high-molecular-weight M. tuberculosis DNA and expressed in Eschericnia coli. This coding sequence is 2,169 nucleotides long and contains no introns. The predicted molecular mass of R1 from the DNA sequence is 82,244 Da. Recombinant M. tuberculosis R1, purified to homogeneity, was biochemically active when assayed with extracts of M. tuberculosis enriched for R2.

Monoclonal antibody to the C-terminus of beta-amyloid

Soluble amyloid beta-protein (A beta) is normally produced, but forms deposits in the brain of Alzheimer's (AD) patients. The length of isolated A beta in SDS-insoluble amyloid from AD brain is reported to vary between plaques and vessels ranging from 28 to 43, with major species being 40 and 42 residues. Because the A beta C-terminus determines aggregation rates, we made an A beta monoclonal antibody distinguishing beta 1-42 from beta 1-40. In AD cortex, the beta 1-42 antibody recognizes all the structures identified by monoclonal to beta 1-40 on adjacent sections: plaque cores, diffuse A beta deposits and vascular amyloid. These antibodies help define variation in A beta length between different deposits, regions and autopsied brains.

Human 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: overproduction using a baculovirus expression system and characterization

Estrogenic 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of estrogens. We overproduced human placental estrogenic 17 beta-HSD using a baculovirus expression system for the study of the enzyme mechanism. A cDNA encoding the entire open reading frame of human 17 beta-HSD was inserted into the genome of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. Metabolic labeling and Western blot analysis using polyclonal antibodies raised against native human 17 beta-HSD indicated that a molecule with an apparent mass of 35 kDa was maximally expressed 60 h after infection. At that time interval, intracellular 17 beta-HSD activity reached 0.26 U/mg of protein in crude homogenate, about 70 times the level measured in human placenta. Purification of recombinant 17 beta-HSD was achieved by a single affinity fast liquid protein chromatography step yielding 24 mg of purified 17 beta-HSD protein per liter of suspension culture, with a specific activity of about 8 mumol/min/mg of protein for conversion of estradiol into estrone, at pH 9.2. In addition, the recombinant protein purified from infected Sf9 cells was assembled as a dimer with molecular mass and specific activity identical to those of the enzyme purified directly from placenta. The present data show that the baculovirus expression system can provide active 17 beta-HSD that is functionally identical to its natural counter-part and easy to purify in quantities suitable for its physico-chemical studies.

A proper transmembrane Ca2+ gradient is essential for the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by stimulatory GTP-binding protein

Stimulatory GTP-binding Protein (Gs) and adenylate cyclase prepared from bovine brain cortices were co-reconstituted into asolectin vesicles with or without 1000-fold transmembrane Ca2+ gradient. The results showed that both basal activity and Gs-stimulated activity of adenylate cyclase were highest in proteoliposomes with a transmembrane Ca2+ gradient similar to physiological condition (1 microM Ca2+ outside and 1 mM Ca2+ inside) and lowest when the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient was in the inverse direction. Such a difference could be diminished following dissipation of the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient by A23187. Comparable conformational changes of Gs in proteoliposomes were also observed when Gs was labeled with the fluorescence probe, acrylodan. These results may indicate that a proper transmembrane Ca2+ gradient is essential not only for higher adenylate cyclase activity but also for its stimulation by Gs.

[Effects of fibronectin on cell attachment and migration of human tongue squamous cancer line Tca8113]

By using the cell culture technique in vitro, quantitative studies were carried out to test the effects of fibronectin (FN) on cell biological behaviour of human tongue squamous cancer line Tca8113 in terms of cell attachment to rat-tail collagen substrata supplemented with different concentration of FN or/and anti-FN serum as well as cell migrating distance from the agarose drop cultured with different media containing FN or/and anti-FN serum. The results displayed that FN could increase the density of cells attached to collagen substrata; the cell attachment was dose-dependent on FN. In addition, cell migration from the agarose drop might be induced and cell motility might be promoted by FN. Anti-FN serum could abolish or weaken the above-mentioned FN effects.

Ventilatory response to randomly modulated hypercapnia and hypoxia in humans

We have developed a new method for characterizing the ventilatory response to combined hypercapnia and hypoxia (HCVR-HVR) based on the results of a single test procedure. The method is designed to evoke both hypercapnic and hypoxic responses simultaneously and to enable quantification of their static and dynamic features using an estimation algorithm based on the prediction error method. In six healthy subjects, we measured HCVR-HVR by modulating the CO2 and O2 content of the inhaled mixture in the form of two statistically independent random sequences. A two-component dynamic model was found to provide an adequate description of the stimulation-response data sets. The model consisted of a CO2 subsystem and a CO2-O2 subsystem in which a multiplicative interaction between hypercapnia and hypoxia was assumed. The steady-state gains were 2.08 +/- 0.68 (SD) 1.min-1.Torr-1 for the CO2 subsystem and 0.10 +/- 0.05 l.min-1.Torr-1 for the CO2-O2 subsystem, and the corresponding time constants were 116.7 +/- 32.3 and 19.0 +/- 4.4 s, respectively. Our results suggest that the hypercapnic component of HCVR-HVR is mediated primarily by the central chemoreceptors, whereas the interaction component is mediated largely by the peripheral chemoreceptors.

Terminal differentiation and senescence in the human melanocyte: repression of tyrosine-phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 selectively defines the two phenotypes

Melanocytes are pigmented cells distributed in humans in several organs like the epidermis, the leptomeninges, the eye, and the inner ear. Epidermal melanocytes, whether derived from adult or neonatal skin, proliferate well in a medium supplemented with phorbol esters and other mitogens before they undergo senescence. Potent cAMP inducers like cholera toxin are also growth promoters for neonatal melanocytes but only transient growth stimulators for cells derived from adults. We used this cellular system to delineate biochemical pathways involved in proliferation and in terminal differentiation. Here we show that after a period of 4-8 wk of sustained proliferation in the presence of cholera toxin, the adult melanocytes became round, flat, and enlarged. These changes were associated with terminal growth and preceded by a five- to sixfold increase in cAMP levels and an 8- to 10-fold increase in melanin content. The simultaneous addition of phorbol esters and cholera toxin did not prevent cells from reaching terminal differentiation. Identified targets for phorbol esters are protein kinase C (PKC) and the mitogen-activated kinases (MAPKs), also called extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). PKC was found to be similarly regulated in proliferating and in terminally differentiated melanocytes. Proliferating melanocytes in early or late passage showed identical activation of the kinase ERK2. This kinase was rapidly phosphorylated upon phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) addition and specifically accumulated in the nucleus of the cells, whereas in unstimulated cells it had a perinuclear distribution. In contrast, senescent and terminally differentiated cells were unable to phosphorylate tyrosine residues of the ERK2 gene product in spite of presenting normal amounts of ERK2 protein. In addition, ERK2 did not show the nuclear accumulation observed in proliferating melanocytes after PMA activation and remained localized in the perinuclear area. These results demonstrate that senescent and terminally differentiated melanocytes share a common block in a critical pathway thought to integrate multiple intracellular signals transmitted by various second messengers and specifically prevent the continuation of the signal transduction cascade initiated by PMA activation of PKC.

[Value of CA125 (carbon hydrate tumor-associated antigen) and endometrial antibodies for the detections of endometriosis]

Levels of CA125 and endometrial antibodies (EMAb) in serum and peritoneal fluid were determined in 42 cases, including 28 cases of endometriosis as trial group and 14 infertile patients without endometriosis as controls. Results showed that the levels of CA125 and EMAb in peritoneal fluid were higher significantly than in serum, but no difference were found between two groups. Serum EMAb levels were significantly higher in the trial group than in the controls. There was no significant difference in the levels of serum CA125 between two groups. The positive rate of serum CA125 and EMAb were 71.43% and 82.14% respectively. The sensitivity of CA125 and EMAb measurements in the diagnosis of endometriosis were 71.43% and 82.14%, and the specificity were 57.21% and 57.14% respectively.

[Changes in cell spreading area and cell surface morphology of Tca8113 line affected by fibronectin]

Morphometric changes in cell spreading area and morphological alternation in cell surface of human tongue squamous cancer line Tca8113 on rat-tail collagen substrata supplemented with different concentration of FN and/or anti-FN serum were quantified and observed with cell culture technique as well as light and scanning electron microscopes. It was found that FN could increase the cell spreading area and also area of lamellar cytoplasm of Tca8113 cells on collagen substrata, and that cells grown on FN-collagen substrata tended to flatten out, stretch out more filopodia, and sink more deeply into the substrata with the FN concentration. The results indicated that FN might relate closely to certain stages in the process of tumor invasion.

[Effect of lithium applied iontophoretically on electrical activities of pain-related neurons in caudate-putamen nucleus of rat]

Multi-barrelled micro-electrode has been used to observe further the effect of Li+ applied iontophoretically on electrical activities of pain related neurons (PRN) of the rat caudate-putamen nucleus (CPN) and its mechanism of action was studied at the cellular level. It was found that PRN were homogeneously distributed throughout the head of CPN, but pain-excitation neurons (PEN) and pain-inhibition neurons (PIN) were heterogeneously distributed. The PIN were mainly distributed in the anterior part, while the PEN primarily in the central part of the head of CPN. The results may provide a clue to understand the complicacy in the pain regulation mechanism undergoing in the head of CPN. Li+ iontophoresis could inhibit the discharges of PEN, while the discharges of PIN were activated. The interference modes of pain discharge of PEN and PIN induced by Li+ iontophoresis were positively related to that induced by morphine. It was suggested that there existed some similarity in the mechanisms of analgesia induced by Li+ and morphine. This, in turn, appears to support the suggestion that endogenous opioid peptides and opioid receptors may be involved in the analgesic effect of Li+.

Further study on the magnesium-mediated change in physical state of phospholipid modulates mitochondrial F0-F1-ATPase activity

We have postulated that magnesium may play a role in altering the lipid fluidity of the bilayers, which would induce a change of conformation of the F0-ATPase portion (buried in the lipid core) of mitochondrial F0-F1-ATPase. Such change could be transmitted to the soluble F1 portion, resulting in higher enzymatic activity. The assumption was further supported by the results presented in the following: (1) A conformational difference for the F0-ATPase-containing proteoliposomes induced by the magnesium effect could be detected using a fluorescent probe acrylodan; (2) H(+)-translocation activity of F0-ATPase-incorporated proteoliposomes with magnesium, monitoring by fluorescence quenching of 9-aminoacridine or the bulk phase pH change, was higher than that without magnesium; (3) The magnesium effect on the reconstituted F0-F1-ATPase activity was greatly enhanced when the reconstitution was carried out in the presence of oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP, a main component of the connecting link between the F1 and F0 sector of F0-F1-ATPase).

Characterization of the mouse haptoglobin gene

Plasmids containing mouse cDNA encoding haptoglobin, a major plasma protein that binds free hemoglobin, have been isolated and characterized. The amino acid sequence predicted by the mouse haptoglobin cDNA was 80% identical to human haptoglobin and 90% identical to rat haptoglobin sequence. The mouse haptoglobin probe was used to demonstrate a single haptoglobin gene in the genome of C57BL6 mice mapped to chromosome 8. Sequence analysis of the mouse Hp gene promoter revealed two unique features: the presence of a second TATA box with a 48-bp trinucleotide repeat immediately upstream. The enhancer element and the sequences shown to be required for cytokine and hormonal regulation of the rat Hp gene are highly conserved in mouse. Interestingly, the single nucleotide variation G to A, which completely inactivates the IL-6 responsive element A in the rat Hp gene, is identical in mouse. This suggests that the presence of an inactive IL-6-responsive element A in Hp genes is common in rodents.

Mapping the cleavage site in protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-4 gamma of the 2A proteases from human Coxsackievirus and rhinovirus

The rate-limiting step of eukaryotic protein synthesis is the binding of mRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit, a step which is catalyzed by initiation factors of the eIF-4 (eukaryotic initiation factor 4) group: eIF-4A, eIF-4B, eIF-4E, and eIF-4 gamma. Infection of cells with picornaviruses of the rhino- and enterovirus groups causes a shut-off in translation of cellular mRNAs but permits viral RNA translation to proceed. This change in translational specificity is thought to be mediated by proteolytic cleavage of eIF-4 gamma, which is catalyzed, directly or indirectly, by the picornaviral 2A protease. In this report we have used highly purified recombinant 2A protease from either human Coxsackievirus serotype B4 or rhinovirus serotype 2 to cleave eIF-4 gamma in vitro in the eIF-4 complex purified from rabbit reticulocytes. Neither the rate of cleavage nor fragment sizes were affected by addition of eIF-3. The NH2- and COOH-terminal fragments of eIF-4 gamma were separated by reverse phase HPLC and identified with specific antibodies, and the NH2-terminal sequence of the COOH-terminal fragment was determined by automated Edman degradation. The cleavage site for both proteases is 479GRPALSSR decreases GPPRGGPG494 in rabbit eIF-4 gamma, corresponding to 478GRTTLSTR decreases GPPRGGPG493 in human eIF-4 gamma.

A new method of RNA preparation for detection of hepatitis A virus in environmental samples by the polymerase chain reaction

A new method based on RNA preparation from shellfish by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extraction was developed for the detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The extraction provides high yield and the extracted RNA is undegraded. This method proved to be particularly useful for detection of RNA viruses from environmental samples by PCR.

Complete structure of the human Gc gene: differences and similarities between members of the albumin gene family

The sequence of the human Gc gene, including 4228 base pairs of the 5'-flanking region and 8514 base pairs of the 3' flanking region (55,136 in total), was determined from five overlapping lambda phage clones. The sequence spans 42,394 base pairs from the cap site to the polyadenylation site, and it reveals that the gene is composed of 13 exons, which are symmetrically placed within the three domains of the Gc protein. The first exon is partially untranslated, as is exon 12, which contains the termination codon TAG. Exon 13 is entirely untranslated, but contains the polyadenylation signal AATAAA. Ten central introns split the coding sequence between codon positions 2 and 3 and between codon positions 3 and 1 in an alternating pattern, exactly as has been observed in the structure of the albumin and alpha-fetoprotein genes. The Gc gene has several distinctive features which set it apart from the other members of the family. First, the gene is smaller by two exons, which results in a protein some 130 amino acids shorter than albumin or AFP. This decrease in size may result from the loss of two internal exons during the evolutionary history of the Gc gene. Second, exons 6, 8, 9, and 11 are smaller than their counterparts in albumin or AFP by a total of 8 codons (1, 4, 1, and 2, respectively). Although the mRNA and protein expressed from the Gc gene are significantly smaller, the gene itself is about 2.5 times larger than the other genes of the family.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

IL-1 beta decreases expression of amyloid precursor protein gene in human glioma cells

In Alzheimer's disease a small fragment of the amyloid protein precursor (APP), called beta 4, is a characteristic component of senile plaques in brains of affected patients. Efforts to intervene in Alzheimer's disease include approaches by which APP levels can be decreased in brain. The study described here demonstrates the expression of APP gene in four cell lines that originated from human brain glioblastomas. In one line, HTB 17, APP mRNA level was approximately 25% the APP mRNA found in human brain and 150% that found in human liver. To ascertain whether or not APP expression in HTB 17 cells could be modulated by a cytokine associated with the inflammatory response, cells were cultured in the presence of IL-1 beta. A significant decrease in APP mRNA accompanied treatment of glioma cells with IL-1 beta.

Rapid purification yielding highly active 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: application of hydrophobic interaction and affinity fast protein liquid chromatography

Homogeneous human placental 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was obtained by a procedure consisting of two fast protein liquid chromatographic (FPLC) steps using Phenyl-Sepharose hydrophobic interaction and Blue-Sepharose affinity columns. In the first chromatography, the enzyme eluted only when an additional decrease in ionic strength was inserted after the ammonium sulphate concentration had reached zero, thus enhancing the separation. In the affinity chromatography, separation of contaminating proteins occurred at different stages of loading and washing. The specific elution of the enzyme by the co-factor NADP+ is very efficient in obtaining a homogeneous preparation in high yield. The rapidity of FPLC was further increased by a maximum simplification of the intermediate steps, and the whole procedure lasted only two days. This preparation has a yield of more than 50% and a high specific activity, catalysing the formation of 7.9 mumol of estrone from estradiol per minute at pH 9.2 and 23 degrees C. It has an apparent molecular mass of 35,000. This provides an efficient candidate for the purification of other membrane-associated proteins.

Molecular cloning and expression ofBacillus subtilis bglS gene inSaccharomyces cerevisiae

A 2.7-kb EcoRI DNA fragment carrying a Bacillus subtilis endo-beta-1,3-1, 4-glucanase gene (bglS) from the E. coli plasmid pFG1 was cloned into an Escherichia coli/yeast shuttle vector to construct a hybrid plasmid YCSH. The hybrid plasmid was used to transform Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the bglS gene was expressed. Variation between levels of bglS gene expression in S. cerevisiae was about 2.3-fold, depending on the orientation of the 2.7-kb DNA fragment. Assay of substrate specificity and optimal pH of the enzyme demonstrated that the enzyme encoded by YCSH (bglS) was identical with that found in B. subtilis, but the expression level of bglS gene in S. cerevisiae (YCSH) was much lower than that in E. coli (YCSH).

Mannitol does not affect energy metabolism in forebrain ischemia

Mannitol has a beneficial effect on ischemic injury following a short-duration forebrain ischemic insult in rats. Using the same animal model, we attempted to show that this effect of mannitol could be traced (via an improvement in cerebral blood flow) to a tempering of the collapse in the high-energy phosphates that occurs during the insult. A 10 min ischemic insult was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by a reduction of the blood pressure to 50 mmHg through removal of blood via a tail catheter. 31P NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the energy state and the pH prior to, during, and after the insult. The studies show that mannitol administered in doses of 0.25 g kg-1 or 1.0 g kg-1 prior to the insult has no significant effect on the high-energy phosphate levels or on the cerebral pH during ischemia, or on their post-ischemia recovery.

Expression of a human chimeric transferrin gene in senescent transgenic mice reflects the decrease of transferrin levels in aging humans

Transgenic mice provide a means to study human gene expression in vivo throughout the aging process. A DNA sequence containing 668 bp of the 5' regulatory region of the human transferrin gene was fused to the bacterial reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (TF-CAT) and introduced into the mouse genome. Expression of the human chimeric transferrin gene was similar to the tissue patterns of mouse and human transferrin. In aging transgenic mice, expression of the human chimeric transferrin gene was found to diminish 40% in livers between 18 and 26 months of age. Transferrin levels and serum iron levels in aging humans also diminish, as observed from measurements of total iron binding capacity and percent iron saturation in sera from 701 individuals ranging from 0 to 99 years of age. In contrast, in transgenic mice and nontransgenic mice, the mouse endogenous plasma transferrin and endogenous Tf mRNA increase significantly during aging. Neither the decrease of human TF-CAT nor the increase of mouse transferrin during aging appears to be part of a typical inflammatory reaction. Although the 5' regions of the human transferrin and mouse transferrin genes are homologous, sequence diversities exist which could account for the different responses to inflammation and aging observed.

[Effects of fibronectin on cytodifferentiation and cell cycle in a human hepatoma cell line QGY-7703]

The effects of fibronectin (FN) on cytodifferentiation and cell cycle in a human hepatoma cell line QGY-7703 were studied by flow cytometry, electron microscopy, etc. The results indicated that FN inhibited cell proliferation and mitosis; significant differences were noted between the control group and the experimental group (P < 0.01). FN blocked the cell cycle in phase S; cell spreading improved with less cell overlapping, and the growth of monolayer cell was partially restored. The number of microvilli and marginal ruffles decreased and that of mitochondria, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum increased. The findings suggested that FN could partially restore QGY-7703 cell normal phenotype and probably be useful for the treatment of tumor.

Production of human serum transferrin in Escherichia coli

Transferrin (Tf) crystals diffract to only medium resolution. The mediocre quality of the crystals may be due to two factors: (1) the genetic variations naturally present in the primary sequence of Tf, and (2) the glycosylation of the protein. To control genetic variations and glycosylation of samples of Tf, it would be desirable to express the Tf gene from a recombinant clone. Additionally, expression of Tf from a clone would allow for manipulation of the structure of Tf. The cDNA encoding Tf has been cloned into the pL-based expression vector, pRE1, and the T7-based expression vectors, pRSETA and pET11A. The Tf expression plasmids, pTF-SSn and pTF-ESn, based on the T7 expression vectors, efficiently produce a 76-kDa protein that is approximately the same size as deglycosylated Tf, cross reacts with anti-Tf antibodies, and matches the deduced N-terminal amino acid sequence. Expression of Tf in Escherichia coli will allow the production of genetically pure, unglycosylated protein.

Subunit identity of the dimeric 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from human placenta

Human placental 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has been purified with a new rapid procedure based on fast protein liquid chromatography, yielding quantitatively a homogeneous preparation with high specific activity catalyzing the oxidation of 7.2 mumol of estradiol/min/mg of enzyme protein at 23 degrees C, pH 9.2. This preparation was shown to have a subunit mass of 34.5 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis while having a molecular mass of 68 kDa by both Superose-12 gel-filtration and native pore gradient gel electrophoresis. When 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was expressed in HeLa cells or overproduced in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system, both from its cDNA encoding a protein of 34 kDa, the enzyme had the same migration in native and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis as the purified one from human placenta and eluted from the Superose-12 column at the same elution volume. Moreover, all the above forms of this enzyme have similar specific activity. These results clearly demonstrate the identity of the three enzyme forms. The enzyme produced from the cDNA is expressed as a dimer, and its two subunits are identical. 17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase subunit identity is thus proved. The NH2-terminal analysis revealed a unique sequence of Ala-Arg-Thr-Val-Val-Leu-Ile for the purified enzyme from placenta, further confirming the above conclusion.

[Isolation and identification of Leclercia adecarboxylate in clinical isolates in China]

1987, 3 strains of gram-negative straight rods were examined from 3 cases of patients with diarrhea. It's producing yellow pigment, fermentative metabolism of carbohydrates, oxidase test negative and motility with the help of peritrichous flagella. Through systematic biochemical identification, calculation of G+C mol% and homology of DNA/DNA, the species of Leclercia adecarboxylate are identified. While the susceptibility to certain antibiotics and the pathogenicity for white mice are tested, and relation of these microorganisms to clinical diarrhea is discussed.

Human α2-HS-glycoprotein/bovine fetuin homologue in mice: identification and developmental regulation of the gene

Human alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) is a plasma protein synthesized in liver and selectively concentrated in bone matrix. It has been reported to be involved in bone formation and resorption as well as immune responses. Recently, AHSG was found to be the species equivalent protein of fetuin, the major fetal serum protein in cattle and sheep. The function and regulation of AHSG/fetuin in different species are not understood. We have isolated a liver cDNA clone that encodes the human AHSG/bovine fetuin homologue in the mouse. The AHSG/fetuin gene may have a role in differentiation since it is expressed in mouse limb buds and brain only at certain stages during development. Mouse liver AHSG/fetuin mRNA was present at low level at 12 days gestation but its level increased during the late part of gestation and peaked between 1 to 3 months after birth. The regulation of mouse AHSG/fetuin synthesis during development was found to be significantly different from that of sheep and bovine fetuin. Compared to fetuin, which is reduced in adult to 1 to 2% of the fetal level, mouse AHSG synthesis subsides only 50% 4 months after birth.

Establishment of hybridoma cell line secreting specific monoclonal antibodies against turnip mosaic virus and analysis of properties of the McAb

Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) of hybridomas derived from the fusing of the mouse splenocytes immunized by TuMV with BALB/c mouse myeloma cells (SP2/0-Ag14). Five kinds of hybridoma cell line were produced by indirect-ELISA screening and cloning three times with limiting dilution. Four kinds of hybridoma produced antibodies respectively reactive to TuMV C1, C3, C4 and C5. One kind was reactive to all five strains of TuMV. In indirect-ELISA and sandwich-ELISA tests, TuMV specific monoclonal antibodies did not react with CaMV, CMV, TMV, PVX, and PVY. Antibody titers of ascitic fluids were about 1:256,000 to 2,048,000 in indirect-ELISA. The biological, physical, and chemical properties of the hybridoma cell lines and McAb were identified. The identification of TuMV strains, the specificity and stability of McAb, the coat proteins, and the antigenic site of TuMV were discussed and analyzed with SDS-PAGE and western-blotting.