Xenopus laevis sperm-egg adhesion is regulated by modifications in the sperm receptor and the egg vitelline envelope

The biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the envelope of the Xenopus laevis egg that occur during oviposition and fertilization have been thoroughly studied (Hedrick, J. L., and Nishihara, D. M., Methods Cell Biol. 36, 231-247, 1991; Larabell, C. A., and Chandler, D. E., J. Electron Microsc. Tech. 17, 294-318, 1991). However, the biological significance of these changes with respect to gamete interaction has been unclear. In the current study, it was found that changes in the envelope are directly responsible for regulating sperm-egg adhesion, an initial step of fertilization. As a result of these transformations, sperm bind only to unfertilized oviposited eggs, not to oocytes or coelomic eggs. In addition, they do not bind to fertilized eggs. The molecular and cellular basis of the regulation of the sperm binding process was investigated in the context of our recent findings that two structurally related envelope glycoproteins, gp69/64, serve as sperm receptors during fertilization (Tian, J.-D., Gong, H., Thomsen, G. H., and Lennarz, W. J., J. Cell Biol. 136, 1099-1108, 1997). Although the purified gp69/64 glycoproteins isolated from the oocyte or coelomic egg envelopes exhibited sperm binding activity, when these proteins are part of the intact oocyte or coelomic egg envelopes, they are not accessible to either anti-gp69/64 antibodies or to sperm. During the conversion from the coelomic to the vitelline envelope, the gp69/64 sperm receptors become exposed on the surface, an event that correlates with proteolytic cleavage of gp43 and accompanying ultrastructural alterations in the envelope. Conversely, after fertilization, when the vitelline envelope of the egg is converted to the fertilization envelope of the zygote, limited proteolytic cleavage of the sperm receptor results in loss of sperm binding activity. In addition, formation of a fertilization layer on top of the structurally altered VE adds another physical block to sperm binding. These results provide new insights into structure-function relationships between envelope components of the anuran egg, and provide further evidence supporting the key role of gp69/64 as sperm receptors during X. laevis fertilization.

Latency estimation of auditory brainstem response by neural networks

In the clinical application of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), the latencies of five to seven main peaks are extremely important parameters for diagnosis. In practice, the latencies have mainly been done by manual measurement so far. In recent years, some new techniques have been developed involving automatic computer recognition. Computer recognition is difficult, however, since some peaks are complicated and vary a lot individually. In this paper, we introduce an artificial neural network method for ABR research. The detection of ABR is performed by using artificial neural networks. A proper bandpass filter is designed for peak extraction. Moreover, a new approach to estimate the latencies of the peaks by artificial neural networks is presented. The neural networks are studied in relation to the selection of model, number of layers and number of neurons in each hidden layer. Experimental results are described showing that artificial neural networks are a promising method in the study of ABR.

[Effects of exposure to hypoxia on the skin temperature and glycogen content of frostbitten feet in rabbits]

Effect of exposure to acute hypoxia and hypoxia for 2 weeks on the skin temperature and content of glycogen of frostbitten feet in rabbits were observed. The results showed that the skin temperatures and content of glycogen were decreased in frostbite at normoxia (FN) group frostbite during acute hypoxia (FAH) group and frostbite hypoxia for 2 weeks (FH-2w) group. After treatment with warm chlorhexidine immersion the skin temperature and glycogen content in treated feet of FN and FAH group were increased, as compared with untreated feet. However, there was no difference between treated and untreated feet in FH-2w group, suggesting that there may be severe disturbance of blood circulation on frostbitten feet under this condition.

[The relationship between histologic grading of malignancy and regional lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of larynx]

Forty cases of squamous cell carcinoma of larynx have been studied by using five factors scale in order to investigate the relation between histologic grading of malignancy and regional lymph node metastasis. The results show that high degree malignancy tumor (which gets more than ten points) and diffusly invased tumor have a significantly higher proportion of regional lymph node metastasis than others. There was no relation between histologic grading of malignancy and T categories. It indicated that histologic grading of malignancy may be a good help in predicting patient evolution.

Gamete interactions in Xenopus laevis: identification of sperm binding glycoproteins in the egg vitelline envelope

A quantitative assay was developed to study the interaction of Xenopus laevis sperm and eggs. Using this assay it was found that sperm bound in approximately equal numbers to the surface of both hemispheres of the unfertilized egg, but not to the surface of the fertilized egg. To understand the molecular basis of sperm binding to the egg vitelline envelope (VE), a competition assay was used and it was found that solubilized total VE proteins inhibited sperm-egg binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Individual VE proteins were then isolated and tested for their ability to inhibit sperm binding. Of the seven proteins in the VE, two related glycoproteins, gp69 and gp64, inhibited sperm-egg binding. Polyclonal antibody was prepared that specifically recognized gp69 and gp64. This gp69/64 specific antibody bound to the VE surface and blocked sperm binding, as well as fertilization. Moreover, agarose beads coated with gp69/64 showed high sperm binding activity, while beads coated with other VE proteins bound few sperm. Treatment of unfertilized eggs with crude collagenase resulted in proteolytic modification of only the gp69/64 components of the VE, and this modification abolished sperm-egg binding. Small glycopeptides generated by Pronase digestion of gp69/64 also inhibited sperm-egg binding and this inhibition was abolished by treatment of the glycopeptides with periodate. Based on these observations, we conclude that the gp69/64 glycoproteins in the egg vitelline envelope mediate sperm-egg binding, an initial step in Xenopus fertilization, and that the oligosaccharide chains of these glycoproteins may play a critical role in this process.

Pax-5 is identical to EBB-1/KLP and binds to the VpreB and lambda5 promoters as well as the KI and KII sites upstream of the Jkappa genes

During B cell differentiation, the pre-B cell stage plays a significant role in immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in the context of the allelic exclusion and kappa chain gene rearrangement. We previously reported that the early B cell-specific binding protein (EBB)-1 transcription factor binds to the promoters of two pre-B cell-specific genes, VpreB and lambda5, and regulates their pre-B cell-specific expression. Here, we demonstrate that EBB-1 binds to the KI and KII sites in the upstream of Jkappa region, which are crucial for kappa chain gene rearrangement. Gene transfer and gel-shift assays demonstrate that EBB-1 is identical to Pax-5 and binds to promoters of VpreB and lambda5 as well as the KI and KII sites. Our results suggest that Pax-5 plays an important role in the coordinate regulation of several immunoglobulin gene family members that are crucial in B cell development.

[Development of a SIRI-TOFMS and the application research progress]

The only one set of Sputter Initiated Resonance Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (SIRI-TOFMS) in China was designed and developed. A liquid gallium ion source with micron level diameter of beam, frame-style piezoeletric ceramic sub-micron sample manipulator, a secondary electron imaging system and a computer controlled precise targeting system as well as a real colour big screen image displaying system were added so as to improve its microanalysis capability. By means of this apparatus, trace analysis of Au in minerals and Cu in standard steel samples were carried out. The detection limit of them is 40ng/ and microg/g level, respectively. Aside from the above detections, other preliminary researches ere also performed.

A whole genome shotgun gene fusion method for isolation of translation initiation sites in Escherichia coli: identification of Haemophilus influenzae translation initiation sites in E. coli

We have developed a new method for isolating translation initiation sites based on the expression of Haemophilus influenzae Rd gene fusions with the Escherichia coli galactokinase (galK) gene. We cloned random DNA fragments of H. influenzae Rd DNA into a plasmid vector containing the galK coding sequence from which the translation initiation site (the ribosome binding site and translation initiation codon) had been removed. A subset of the cloned DNA fragments contained translation initiation sites that, when fused to the galK gene, produced active galactokinase and complemented the host galK mutation. Molecules expressing galactokinase activity were isolated and characterized by DNA sequence analysis, and the sequences were aligned with the recently completed whole genomic sequence of H. influenzae Rd. Translation initiation sites for known, hypothetical, and new genes were identified. Translation initiation sites internal to the coding sequences of a number of genes were identified, suggesting that internal translation initiation sites are common, especially in large genes. This shotgun method provides functional information on translation initiation sites and helps to define gene coding sequences.

[Intracerebral grafting of ex vivo transgene muscle cells in rat model of parkinsonism]

The rat model with a unilateral 6-OHDA-induced lesion of the dopaminergic system was used for experimental study on gene therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). The plasmid pCMVTH (6.04 kb) was constructed as a vector containing the gene of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and transferred into cultured primary muscle cells by lipofection ex vivo. After expression of TH was determined in vitro, the intracerebral grafting (ICG) of these genetically modified cells was made in the striatum of PD rat model. The results showed that TH-expressing muscle cells had a long-term survival in the brain and induced a marked decrease in abnormal locomotion and increase in striatal dopamine levels for rat model.

[The determination of vitamin D in fortified milk and other foods by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)]

An HPLC procedure for determination of vitamin D(VD) in fortified milk and food has been developed. The samples were saponified by adding KOH, ethanol and vitamin C at 75 degrees C for 30 min. The digest was extracted with hexane in multistep manner. The extract was washed with 5% KOH, distilled water and 55% ethanol, and evaporated under reduced pressure at 50 degrees C. The residue was dissolved in hexane, transferred to a coentrifuge tube, evaporated under N2 and then dissolved in 200 microL mobile phase. The latter was injected into a silica column (10 microm, 30 cm x 4 mm) for cleanup, eluted with mixture of cyclohexane-hexane containing 0.8% isopropanol and detected at UV 254nm. VD fraction was collected according to the retention time of standard, evaporized under N2, redissolved in 100 microL MeOH, and separated on a C18 column (10 microm, 30 cm x 4 mm) with MeOH/H2O (98:2) as eluent. VD2 and VD3 were eluted as a mixture under the conditions. Recoveries of the method were 94.8% to 99.7%. The average CV (n = 5) for within and between day measurements were 1.6% and 2.1% respectively. This method was already used to determine the content of vitamin D in milk powder, pulvis elementi compound, mixed proteins, dried meat floss, humanized milk power, children health drink, milk wheat powder and fortified milk. The method is simple, rapid and accurate.

Brain substrates activated by electroacupuncture of different frequencies (I): Comparative study on the expression of oncogene c-fos and genes coding for three opioid peptides

Low and high frequency electroacupuncture (EA)-produced analgesia have been shown to be mediated by different brain substrates and different opioid peptides. In this study, Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) and in situ hybridization of the three opioid mRNAs were used to examine the effect of low (2 Hz) and high (100 Hz) frequency EA on neuronal activities, and the expression of opioid genes. 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA induced a markedly different spatial patterns of Fos expression in the rat brain, suggesting there are distinct neuronal pathways underlying EA of different frequencies. Likewise, 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA exert differential effects on opioid gene expression: while 2 Hz EA induced a more extensive and intensive preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression than 100 Hz EA, it had no effect on preprodynorphin (PPD) mRNA expression which was significantly increased by 100 Hz EA stimulation. In contrast, EA of both frequencies did not affect POMC mRNA expression.

Brain substrates activated by electroacupuncture (EA) of different frequencies (II): Role of Fos/Jun proteins in EA-induced transcription of preproenkephalin and preprodynorphin genes

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) of c-fos and/or c-jun were used in this study to investigate the role of Fos and Jun proteins in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced transcription of the opioid genes, preproenkephalin (PPE), preprodynorphin (PPD) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC). As the results showed, EA-induced Fos and fun expression was blocked efficiently and specifically by e-fos and c-jun antisense ODNs, respectively. This treatment significantly prevented EA-induced PPD, but not PPE, mRNA expression. These results suggest that Fos and Jun proteins are involved in PPD rather than PPE gene transcription activated by EA stimulation.

Segmentation of auditory brainstem response signals

Auditory brainstem responses are used to detect hearing defects in audiology and otoneurology. The use of computer programs for the analysis of such recordings is increasing. To identify their detailed properties a pattern recognition algorithm implemented in an analysis program must be highly reliable. For the recognition process, some preprocessing phases after recording the necessary, such as filtering and often also segmentation. In the following, we will explore segmentation, which can be used in preprocessing of biomedical signals after filtering. We studied linear segmentation, where slopes of short signal segments are computed and divided into different classes according to their values. A segment length of 8 samples for a sampling frequency of 50 kHz employed was best according to our tests and error criteria. Using clustering, we found that less than 10 segment classes is suitable for pattern recognition.

[Expression of retroviral transmembrane envelope protein p15E in human malignant cells]

Malignant tumor growth is always accompanied with immune suppression. Tumor-derived immuno-suppressive factors, among others, are thought to be responsible, but their nature is not well defined. The paper reports on the expression of an immuno-suppressive retroviral transmembrane envelope protein p15E at different levels in human cancer cells. By using immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry and in situ hybridization, p15E expression could be demonstrated in cancers of the esophagus, nosopharynx, rectum, ovary (including malignant effusion and cell lines), stomach and breast. Enhanced expression of p15E was also observed in activated lymphocytes of cancer patients as shown by RT-PCR technique. The results indicate that p15E of tumor origin, and perhaps that from activated lymphocytes, may contribute to the immune suppression associated with malignancy.

Modulating autoimmune responses to GAD inhibits disease progression and prolongs islet graft survival in diabetes-prone mice

In nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, beta-cell reactive T-helper type 1 (Th1) responses develop spontaneously and gradually spread, creating a cascade of responses that ultimately destroys the beta-cells. The diversity of the autoreactive T-cell repertoire creates a major obstacle to the development of therapeutics. We show that even in the presence of established Th1 responses, it is possible to induce autoantigen-specific anti-inflammatory Th2 responses. Immune deviation of T-cell responses to the beta-cell autoantigen glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), induced an active form of self-tolerance that was associated with an inhibition of disease progression in prediabetic mice and prolonged survival of syngeneic islet grafts in diabetic NOD mice. Thus, modulation of autoantigen-specific Th1/Th2 balances may provide a minimally invasive means of downregulating established pathogenic autoimmune responses.

[Factors affecting survival of hepatic carcinoma patients and their clinical significance]

621 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were given more than 2 times of intervention treatment. The correlations between the survival rates, tumor histology, portal tumor thrombus and the method and frequency of intervention treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) The survival rates were higher in cases with single nodular tumor than in those with diffuse-tumors. (2) The survival rates of cases without tumor thrombus in portal system were significantly higher than those with tumor thrombus. However, no correlation was found between the survival rates and the location of thrombus in portal vein. (3) Intraarterial drug infusion combined with lipoidol plus gelatin sponge embolization gave the best therapeutic resalts. (4) How frequent was the intervention would be determined by the patients' general condition and was dependent on the quality of treatment. The cumulative survival rates were greatly affected by the above-mentioned factors. The treatment needs to be individualized.

Insulin and angiotensin II are additive in stimulating TGF-beta 1 and matrix mRNAs in mesangial cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and insulin are implicated in the mesangial cell hypertrophy and excessive accumulation of mesangial matrix seen in glomerulosclerosis. Therefore, the effects of Ang II with and without insulin on mRNA levels of several important extracellular matrix genes and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) were examined. Ang II alone (1 microM) added to quiescent, murine mesangial cells in serum-free, insulin-free media slightly but not significantly increased TGF-beta 1, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV and laminin message levels. The slight elevations in message expression were reversed by losartan, suggesting that these modest effects are mediated by the AT-1 receptor. Ang II alone also had no significant effects on TGF-beta 1 and extracellular matrix message levels in quiescent rat mesangial cells. In contrast, significant increases in mRNA for collagen 1 (6-fold), collagen IV (4-fold), fibronectin 1 (4-fold) and TGF-beta 1 (2-fold) were seen with insulin alone (10(-6)M) in rat mesangial cells, and a dose-response effect could be demonstrated for insulin (10(-9) to 10(-6)M). Ang II plus insulin further significantly increased collagen I (9-fold), collagen IV (9-fold), fibronectin 1 (5-fold) and TGF-beta 1 (3-fold) message expression. These effects were partially reversed in the presence of losartan. The Northern analyses were supported by measurements of active and total TGF-beta 1 activity (pg/ml/ 5 x 10(6) cells): 1145 +/- 76 and 1960 +/- 199, serum free control; 1121 +/- 92 and 1932 +/- 214, Ang II (10(-6)M); 4589 +/- 103 (P < 0.001 vs. control) and 11071 +/- 1952 (P < 0.01 vs. control), insulin (10(-6)M); and 6881 +/- 183 (P < 0.001 vs. control) and 16626 +/- 1435 (P < 0.01 vs. control), insulin plus Ang II. These results suggest that insulin, itself, significantly increases TGF-beta 1 and extracellular matrix gene expression in rat mesangial cells. Ang II alone has modest effects, while Ang II and insulin have additive effects. To explain the mechanism of these additive effects, we investigated the action of Ang II on insulin signaling and the effect of insulin on Ang II AT1 receptor mRNA expression. Ang II did not enhance insulin-induced insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosporylation or phosphatidylinositol3 (PI-3) kinase activity, but did enhance insulin-induced mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activity. Insulin increased message levels of AT1 receptor by twofold. These results suggest that enhancement of MAP kinase activity and AT1 receptor regulation by insulin may contribute to the additive effects of insulin and Ang II in mesangial cells.

Functional site in alpha-lactalbumin encompasses a region corresponding to a subsite in lysozyme and parts of two adjacent flexible substructures

Aromatic cluster 1 of alpha-lactalbumin (LA), a substructure adjacent to the cleft, is important for its interaction with galactosyltransferase (GT) and effects on glucose binding in the lactose synthase complex [Grobler, J. A., Wang, M., Pike, A. K., & Brew, K. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 5106-5114]. The full extent of the functional region in LA has been probed by mutagenesis of residues that are near aromatic cluster 1 or within the cleft that corresponds to the active site in the homologous type c lysozymes. The conserved residues Val42, Gln54, and Ile59, which correspond to residues of lysozyme that act in substrate binding in subsites C to E, together with residues adjacent to aromatic cluster 1, were found to be not required for activity. In contrast, replacing Leu110, a component of the region corresponding to lysozyme subsite F, with His or Glu greatly reduces the affinity of LA for GT while the introduction of Arg lowers the synergism of LA and glucose binding to GT and also reduces the affinity of LA for GT. Substitutions for Ala106, which is adjacent to Leu110 in the structure, also perturb activity. The region of the cleft corresponding to subsite F is important for function in LA as well as in lysozyme since other components of this subsite, His32 and Phe31, are also crucial for LA activity. The qualitatively different effects of various substitutions for Leu110 may be mediated by their influence on His32 or by changes in the structure of the lactose synthase complex.

Exercise echocardiography: feasibility and value for detection of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of exercise echocardiography (Ex-Echo) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on coronary angiography (CA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-seven patients were found to have CAD and examined by upright exercise electrocardiography (Ex-ECG) on a treadmill within two weeks of CA. Before and immediately after exercise, the patients lay on a bed beside the treadmill in the left lateral position and parasternal long and short axis and apical two and four chamber views of the heart were acquired. Pre- and post-echocardiograms were analysed in a side-by-side multiple screen format on the imaging view and hypodynamic wall motion of the left ventricle after exercise was defined as Ex-Echo positive. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive accuracy of Ex-Echo and Ex-ECG were calculated on the basis of CA data.

RESULTS

Satisfactory echocardiograms were recorded in 46 patients after exercise. The success rate was 97.8%. Compared with Ex-ECG, Ex-Echo was more sensitive (87.5% vs 62.5%, P < 0.05), specific (92.8% vs 60.0%, P < 0.05) and accurate (89.4% vs 61.7%, P < 0.01). The concord of determining the number of diseased vessels between coronary angiography and Ex-Echo was 90.9% in single vessel disease and 45.0% in multiple vessel disease. Wall motion scoring index, however, was higher in multiple than in single vessel CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Ex-Echo test is feasible and accurate in detecting CAD and wall motion scoring index is probably useful in distinguishing multiple from single vessel CAD.

C-Fos proteins are not involved in the activation of preproenkephalin gene expression in rat brain by peripheral electric stimulation (electroacupuncture)

The present work was designed to study the role of the oncogene product c-Fos in activating the transcription of preproenkephalin (PPE) gene following a kind of peripheral electric stimulation known as electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. The temporal patterns of rat brain c-fos and PPE mRNA expression were evaluated using the method of Northern blotting, showing that c-fos mRNA expression, which peaked at 2 h after the termination of EA, was always ahead of the PPE mRNA expression which began at 4 h and peaked at 48 h after EA. The methods of immunocytochemistry (ICC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques were combined to identify the co-existence of c-Fos protein and PPE mRNA at the cellular level. The results showed that only a small percentage of PPE mRNA-containing neurons depicts Fos-like immunoreactive nuclei. These findings suggest that c-Fos protein may not be involved in the activation of brain PPE gene transcription induced by peripheral electric stimulation.

Nasal administration of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) peptides induces Th2 responses and prevents murine insulin-dependent diabetes

We previously demonstrated that a spontaneous Th1 response against glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) arises in NOD mice at four weeks in age and subsequently T cell autoimmunity spreads both intramolecularly and intermolecularly. Induction of passive tolerance to GAD65, through inactivation of reactive T cells before the onset of autoimmunity, prevented determinant spreading and the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Here, we examined whether an alternative strategy, designed to induce active tolerance via the engagement of Th2 immune responses to GAD65, before the spontaneous onset of autoimmunity, could inhibit the cascade of Th1 responses that lead to IDDM. We observed that a single intranasal administration of GAD65 peptides to 2-3-wk-old NOD mice induced high levels of IgG1 antibodies to GAD65. GAD65 peptide treated mice displayed greatly reduced IFN gamma responses and increased IL-5 responses to GAD65, confirming the diversion of the spontaneous GAD65 Th1 response toward a Th2 phenotype. Consistent with the induction of an active tolerance mechanism, splenic CD4+ (but not CD8+) T cells from GAD65 peptide-treated mice, inhibited the adoptive transfer of IDDM to NOD-scid/scid mice. This active mechanism not only inhibited the development of proliferative T cell responses to GAD65, it also limited the expansion of autoreactive T cell responses to other beta cell antigens (i.e., determinant spreading). Finally, GAD65 peptide treatment reduced insulitis and long-term IDDM incidence. Collectively, these data suggest that the nasal administration of GAD65 peptides induces a Th2 cell response that inhibits the spontaneous development of autoreactive Th1 responses and the progression of beta cell autoimmunity in NOD mice.

Constitutively active G(S) alpha-subunits stimulate Pit-1 promoter activity via a protein kinase A-mediated pathway acting through deoxyribonucleic acid binding sites both for Pit-1 and for adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein

Constitutively active mutations of the G protein alpha(S) subunit are detected at a high frequency in human pituitary adenomas that secrete GH or PRL. It seems possible that over-expression of the pituitary cell-specific transcription factor Pit-1/GHF-1 (Pit-1) gene in response to active alpha(S) subunits contributes to the formation of these adenomas. We have examined whether expression in pituitary cells of one of these constitutively active alpha(S) subunits, Q227L-alpha(S), stimulates expression directed by the Pit-1 promoter. Transient expression of Q227L-alpha(S) yielded a strong stimulation of a target Pit-1 promoter-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) construct, (-200)Pit-1-CAT. Expression of wild-type alpha(S) or an inactive alpha(S) mutant yielded, respectively, reduced or no stimulation of CAT activity. A dominant inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), RAB, blocked almost completely either forskolin (FSK) or Q227L-alpha(S) stimulation of (-200)Pit-1-CAT expression, implying that PKA is required for the action of Q227L-alpha(S) on the Pit-1 promoter. The Pit-1 promoter contains a binding site for Pit-1 and two CREB binding sites. Mutation of the Pit-1 binding site reduced but did not eliminate either FSK or Q227L-alpha(S) stimulation of Pit-1 promoter activity, implying a partial but incomplete requirement for this element for a PKA-mediated response to Q227L-alpha(S). The CREB dominant inhibitor S133A-CREB yielded a partial reduction in either FSK or Q227L-alpha(S) stimulation of (-200)Pit-1-CAT expression, implying that one or both of the Pit-1 promoter adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) binding sites is/are also required for a complete PKA-mediated response to Q227L-alpha(S). The observation that S133A-CREB completely blocked the response to FSK or Q227L-alpha(S) of a Pit-1 promoter containing a mutated site PitB1 implies that the binding sites for Pit-1 and CREB account for all of the response elements for FSK or alpha(S) in the Pit-1 promoter.

[Constituents of essential oil of imported myrrh and gum opoponax]

The constitutents of essential oil in two kinds of Myrrha were analyzed by GC-MS. Fifteen compounds in Myrrh and thirty-three compounds in Gum opoponax were identified with their percent contents given. The main constituent of Myrrh is furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, and the main constituent of Gum opoponax is beta-trans-ocimene.

[A study on risk factors of neural tube defects]

One hundred and twenty-three cases with neural tube defects collected during 1991 to 1993 from 12 hospitals with birth defect surveillance in Hebei Province, and their pair-matched controls were analyzed with single and multiple conditional logistic regression to study the effects of food and drinking water on occurrence of neural tube defects. Results showed factors contributing to neural tube defects were maternal previous history of birth defects, much consumption of dried and pickled vegetables during pregnancy, too much nitrate content in drinking water (containing more than 10 mg nitrogen per liter of water), less consumption of meat, eggs, and beans in their diet.

Impaired agonist-induced calcium signaling in hepatocytes from chronic renal failure rats

Some hormones exert their action by inducing a rise in cytosolic calcium [Ca2+]i (calcium signal), and therefore, a blunting in hormone-induced calcium signal would engender resistance to the action of the hormone. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with resistance to the action of a variety of hormones, a rise in [Ca2+]i and decrease in the amount of mRNA of one hormone receptor, the PTH-PTHrP receptor. We examined the calcium-signal induced by PTH, angiotensin II, vasopressin and glucagon in hepatocytes from CRF animals, evaluated the effect of the basal level [Ca2+]i on the calcium signal and explored the effect of [Ca2+]i on the mRNA of the receptors of these agonists. Hepatocytes from CRF rats have elevated basal levels of [Ca2+]i and display significantly reduced calcium signals induced by all these hormones, while the calcium signals were normal in PTX-CRF animals and those treated with verapamil both of which have normal levels of [Ca2+]i despite CRF. The calcium signals induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and G protein activator (GTP gamma S) were normal in hepatocytes from CRF animals despite the high levels of [Ca2+]i. Northern blotting experiments revealed that the levels of the mRNA of the receptors of PTH-PTHrP, angiotensin II and vasopressin were significantly reduced in hepatocytes from CRF animals but PTX-CRF rats and those treated with verapamil had either significantly greater or even normal amounts of the mRNA of these receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased atherosclerosis in mice deficient in both macrophage colony-stimulating factor (op) and apolipoprotein E

To develop a murine model system to test the role of monocyte-derived macrophage in atherosclerosis, the osteopetrotic (op) mutation in the macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene was bred onto the apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient background. The doubly mutant (op/apoE-deficient) mice fed a low-fat chow diet had significantly smaller proximal aortic lesions at an earlier stage of progression than their apoE-deficient control littermates. These lesions in the doubly mutant mice were composed of macrophage foam cells. The op/apoE-deficient mice also had decreased body weights, decreased blood monocyte differentials, and increased mean cholesterol levels of approximately 1300 mg/dl. Statistical analysis determined that atherosclerosis lesion area was significantly affected by the op genotype and gender. The confounding variables of body weight, plasma cholesterol, and monocyte differential, which were all affected by op genotype, had no significant additional effect on lesion area once they were adjusted for the effects of op genotype and gender. Unexpectedly, there was a significant inverse correlation between plasma cholesterol and lesion area, implying that each may be the result of a common effect of macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels. The data support the hypothesis that macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its effects on macrophage development and function play a key role in atherogenesis.

Constitutively active Gq-alpha stimulates prolactin promoter activity via a pathway involving Raf activity

We have investigated the ability of a constitutively active Gq-alpha mutant, Q209L-alpha q, to regulate target gene expression. Transient expression in GH3 pituitary cells of a rat proximal prolactin promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase construct (-187)PRL-CAT, was stimulated by co-expression of Q209L alpha q, but not by wild-type alpha q. Q209L-alpha q stimulated expression of constructs driven by promoters for either rat prolactin or growth hormone, but not of a control construct driven by the thymidine kinase promoter. Thus, transcriptional effects of alpha q are specific both for the activated state of this G-alpha subunit and the promoter examined. Since both the prolactin and growth hormone promoters are activated by the pituitary cell-specific transcription factor Pit-1, we examined whether a Pit-1 binding site could direct a response to Q209L-alpha q. Two copies of prolactin promoter Pit-1 binding site 1P conferred upon a heterologous metallothionein promoter a response to Q209L-alpha q, implying an involvement of this site in the transcriptional action of Q209L-alpha q on the prolactin promoter. The phorbol ester activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, stimulated (-187)PRL-CAT activity, but opposed the action of Q209L-alpha q on activity of this PRL-CAT construct. Q209L-alpha q stimulation of (-187)PRL-CAT activity was inhibited by co-expression of a dominant negative Raf mutant, Raf-C4, but not by a point mutant of Raf-C4 with reduced inhibitory properties. These results imply that activated alpha q subunits can stimulate prolactin promoter activity via a pathway that involves a Pit-1 DNA binding site(s), is opposed by protein kinase C, and is mediated by a pathway in which Raf-1 kinase plays a role.

Characterization of the murine mu opioid receptor gene

The analgesic and addictive properties of morphine and other opioid drugs are thought to result from their interaction with mu opioid receptors. Using a delta opioid receptor cDNA as a probe, we have isolated a murine mu opioid receptor cDNA clone (mMOR). Stable expression of mMOR in Chinese hamster ovary cells conferred high binding affinity for mu receptor ligands including morphine and [D-Ala2,N-methyl-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin and low affinity for delta and kappa preferring ligands. Treatment of these cell lines with morphine and other mu agonists inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation, demonstrating a functional coupling of mMOR to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The predicted amino acid sequence of mMOR shares approximately 55% overall amino acid identity with the delta receptor and approximately 97% identity with the recently reported rat mu opioid receptor. Expression of the mu receptor in mouse brain as revealed by in situ hybridization parallels the reported pattern of distribution of mu-selective ligand binding sites. Chromosomal localization (to mouse chromosome 10) and Southern analysis are consistent with a single mu opioid receptor gene in the mouse genome, suggesting that the various pharmacologically distinct forms of the mu receptor arise from alternative splicing, post-translational events, or from a highly divergent gene(s).

[A study on serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in the diagnosis of acute rejection in renal transplantation]

A total of 114 samples of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels (sIL-2R) were dynamicly measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 24 patients with renal allografts. Serum sIL-2R levels in patients with uremia were evidently higher than those in normal control group and it was markedly reduced after recovery of allograft function. The elevation of serum sIL-2R was evident in acute rejection episode and was found as early as 3-8 days before elevation of serum creatinine. Patients with cyclosporine nephrotoxicity, acute tubular necrosis and stable renal function without rejection did not have a comparable rise in sIL-2R. These data show that the level of serum sIL-2R is regarded as an important parameter for the early diagnosis of acute rejection episode. It was noted that pre-operation level of serum sIL-2R in uremic patients may foretell the possible occurrence of acute rejection episode and the prognosis after renal transplantation. It was specially emphasized that serial assay with change of sIL-2R level and comparison of the level with that before transplantation are more important than a single serum sIL-2R level assay for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute rejection.

Myoblast transfer of human erythropoietin gene in a mouse model of renal failure

Anemia is an invariable consequence of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) and recombinant erythropoietin has dramatically improved the quality of life of patients with ESRF. As an alternative approach, we developed a myoblast gene transfer system for the systemic delivery of human erythropoietin (EPO). We recently reported that transplantation of 4 x 10(7) cells of a C2 myoblast cell clone that stably secretes high level of functional human EPO, increased hematocrit from 44.6 +/- 3.0 to 71.2 +/- 7.9(%) in 2 wk, and the increase was sustained for at least 12 wk in nude mice. A renal failure model was created by a two-step nephrectomy in nude mice, and myoblasts were transplanted 3 wk after the second nephrectomy, when mean blood urea nitrogen level had increased from 26.3 +/- 6.1 to 85.4 +/- 24.0 (mg/dl) and the hematocrit had decreased from 45.2 +/- 2.7 to 33.9 +/- 3.7(%). After transplantation, the hematocrit markedly increased to 68.6 +/- 4.2(%) 2 wk, and to 68.5 +/- 4.0(%) 7 wk after the transplantation. Serum human EPO concentration determined by ELISA indicated a persistent steady EPO production from the transplanted muscle cells 8 wk after the transplantation. The fate of transplanted myoblasts in uremic mice was monitored by transplanting the EPO-secreting clone which had also been transduced with BAG retrovirus bearing the beta-galactosidase gene. 8 wk later, X-gal positive myofibers were detected in the entire transplanted area. The results demonstrate that myoblasts can be transplanted in uremic mice, and that myoblast gene transfer can achieve sufficient and sustained delivery of functionally active EPO to correct anemia associated with renal failure in mice.

Down-regulation of PTH-PTHrP receptor of heart in CRF: role of [Ca2+]i

The mRNA of PTH-PTHrP receptor in the kidney and liver of CRF rats is down-regulated. It is not known whether this is a generalized phenomenon and the signals that mediate such down-regulation are not evident. Excess PTH in CRF induces a rise in basal levels of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i), and the high [Ca2+]i is implicated in the genesis of cell dysfunction in CRF. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that the PTH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i provides a negative feedback control system for the down-regulation of the mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP in order to protect the cells from the harmful effects of progressive rise in blood levels of PTH in CRF. The heart contains the mRNA for this receptor and it is a target organ for PTH action. We examined whether the message of the PTH-PTHrP receptor is down-regulated in the heart of CRF animals and evaluated the role of [Ca2+]i in this process. The expression of the mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP was significantly reduced in the heart of CRF rats as compared to normal animals. Also, the CRF rats had elevated blood levels of PTH and high [Ca2+]i of cardiac myocytes. The parathyroidectomy of CRF rats prevented the rise in blood PTH levels and normalized [Ca2+]i of cardiac myocytes and returned the mRNA of their PTH-PTHrP receptor towards normal levels. The treatment of CRF rats with verapamil normalized [Ca2+]i of cardiac myocytes and returned the mRNA of their PTH-PTHrP receptor towards normal levels, despite marked elevation of blood levels of PTH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Population genetic study of the human dopamine transporter gene (DAT1)

The human dopamine transporter gene, DAT1, acts to transport released dopamine into presynaptic terminals of the brain. The possibility that the DAT1 gene plays a role in genetic diseases of the brain has led to studies of DAT1 in several psychiatric and neurological disorders. Previous sequence analysis of DAT1 revealed a 40-bp repeat in the 3' end of the gene. In order to identify all potential alleles for this VNTR marker a population database was established. One thousand seventy-four unrelated individuals were screened by PCR for the region containing the 40 bp repeat. Allele frequency differences were found between black Americans and Caucasians or Hispanics but no differences were observed between Caucasians and Hispanics. A previously unreported allele was detected in all three populations. Thus, we have shown that screening a large population identifies new alleles and generates more accurate allele frequencies.

T cell cross-reactivity between coxsackievirus and glutamate decarboxylase is associated with a murine diabetes susceptibility allele

Limited regions of amino acid sequence similarity frequently occur between microbial antigens and host proteins. It has been widely anticipated that during infection such sequence similarities could induce cross-reactive T cell responses, thereby initiating T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. However, the nature of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted antigen presentation confers a number of constraints that should make this type of T cell cross-reactivity a rare, MHC allele-dependent event. We tested this prediction using two insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)-associated antigens, coxsackievirus P2-C (Cox P2-C) protein and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), which share a prototypic sequence similarity of six consecutive amino acids within otherwise unrelated proteins. We surveyed a panel of 10 murine MHC class II alleles that encompass the spectrum of standard alleles for the ability to cross-reactively present Cox P2-C and GAD65. Out of the 10 restriction elements tested, the sequence similarity regions were both dominant determinants and were cross-reactively displayed after the natural processing of whole antigens, only in the context of I-Anod. These data show that cross-reactive T cell recognition of sequence similarity regions in unrelated proteins is confined to certain MHC alleles, which may explain MHC association with autoimmune disease. It is striking that these two diabetes-associated antigens were cross-reactively recognized only in the context of a diabetes susceptibility allele. Since the human and the murine class II alleles associated with IDDM share conserved features, cross-reactive T cell recognition of GAD65 and Cox P2-C may contribute to the pathogenesis of human IDDM and account for the epidemiological association of coxsackievirus with IDDM.

Persistent erythropoiesis by myoblast transfer of erythropoietin cDNA

A myoblast gene transfer approach was developed to deliver human erythropoietin (EPO) systemically. We created stable, high-level EPO-producing muscle cell clones by transfecting C2 myoblasts with a plasmid-bearing human EPO cDNA driven by cytomegalovirus enhancer/promoter and selection by G418. Eleven clones secreted EPO into the media as detected by radioimmunoassay. In vitro bioassay using the EPO-dependent human leukemic cell line UT-7/Epo confirmed the functional activity of the secreted EPO. After transplantation of 4 x 10(7) cells from C2-EPO9, the highest producing clone, the hematocrit increased from 43.4 +/- 2.8 to 56.1 +/- 2.7 (%) in 2 weeks in C3H mice that are syngeneic to C2 cells, and from 44.6 +/- 3.0 to 71.2 +/- 7.9 in nude mice. The increased hematocrit gradually returned to the basal level in 4-5 weeks in C3H mice, while it was sustained for at least 12 weeks in nude mice. Human EPO concentrations in the sera from transplanted nude mice were persistently high (31 +/- 24 mU/ml) at 12 weeks. C2 cells transduced with a retrovirus bearing beta-galactosidase gene were transplanted into nude mice, which showed X-Gal-positive myofibers in the transplanted area 3 months after the transplantation. These results demonstrate that myoblast gene transfer can successfully deliver functional human EPO capable of driving sustained erythropoiesis in mice. Thus, long-term EPO delivery for anemic patients may be feasible by myoblast gene transfer.

[Clinical study on repeated infantile respiratory tract infection treated by kanggan zhibao oral liquor]

The clinical observation of repeated infantile respiratory tract infection treated by Kanggan Zhibao (KGZB) oral liquor and controlled with levomisole was studied. The results showed that the total effective rate of KGZB was 93.2%, which was significantly more effective than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In relieving symptoms and signs, KGZB was also superior to the control group (P < 0.05). Both the KGZB and the levomisole could enhance and modulate the immunity function of T-lymphocyte and they could increase RBC-C3b receptor rosette formation rate, so that it had no significant difference in comparing with the healthy group (P > 0.05). It suggested that the therapeutic mechanism was related to this.

Assessment of autopsic samples of carotid atherosclerosis in the aged by intravascular ultrasound

To assess the value of intravascular ultrasound in detecting carotid atherosclerosis, we compared the ultrasound images of 48 carotid artery segments from autopsies with their histological findings. The results showed that by intravascular ultrasonography one could distinguish between elastic and muscular tissues of arteries, determine the lesions of fibroelastosis and calcified plaques on arterial wall, and precisely measure the wall thickness, inner and outer diameter, luminal area and cross-sectional area of arteries with a high correlation between the data measured from ultrasonography and histological study (r values were 0.98, 0.97, 0.97, 0.96 and 0.96, respectively). This study suggests that intravascular ultrasound might be effectively used for morphological study and detection of atherosclerotic lesions in vivo.

Expression of constitutively active Gs alpha-subunits in GH3 pituitary cells stimulates prolactin promoter activity

Although G protein alpha subunits are known to regulate such cellular functions as growth and enzymatic activity, the ability of these proteins to regulate target gene expression has not yet been directly investigated. Transient expression in GH3 pituitary cells of a target rat prolactin promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase construct, (-1957)PRL-CAT, was increased by coexpressed constitutively active alpha s mutant Q227L-alpha s but not by wild-type alpha s. Thus activated alpha s but not basal state alpha s can stimulate prolactin promoter activity. Q227L-alpha s also stimulated expression of construct (-187)PRL-CAT, showing that only the proximal prolactin promoter region is required for a response to activated alpha s. The promoter specificity of the transcriptional influence of activated alpha s was demonstrated by the inability of either Q227L-alpha s or wild-type alpha s to stimulate expression of control target constructs containing either the rat growth hormone promoter or the thymidine kinase promoter. Previous studies have shown that the most proximal prolactin promoter binding site for the pituitary-specific transcription factor pit-1, site 1P, can act as an independent response element for either thyrotropin-releasing hormone or Ca2+. Two copies of site 1P conferred upon a heterologous metallothionein promoter a response to Q227L-alpha s. This implies that site 1P can also serve as an independent response element for alpha s and suggests that pit-1 may be a mediator of the cellular regulation by alpha s of the prolactin promoter.

PTH-PTHrP receptor mRNA is downregulated in chronic renal failure

Resistance to the action of PTH is encountered in chronic renal failure (CRF). This was attributed to downregulation of PTH receptor due to the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF. The present study examined whether the amount of PTH-PTH-related peptide (PTH-PTHrP) mRNA in a traditional (kidney) and a nontraditional (liver) organs for PTH action was reduced in CRF. PTH-PTHrP mRNA was measured in kidney and liver obtained from normal rats, animals with CRF of 6 weeks' duration, normocalcemic parathyroidectomized CFR rats and from CRF and normal rats treated with verapamil. The mRNA of receptor was quantitated with Northern blot analysis of kidney RNA and liver poly A+ RNA. The relative amounts of mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP receptor to that of beta-actin in both kidney and liver of CRF rats were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than in normal animals. Parathyroidectomy of CRF rats was followed either by significant (p < 0.01) improvement (kidney) or normalization (liver) of the receptor mRNA. Treatment of CRF rats with verapamil also significantly (p < 0.01) improved the concentration of the receptor mRNA in the kidney. The data demonstrate that CRF is associated with downregulation of the PTH-PTHrP receptor mRNA in kidney and liver. This defect is partially or completely reversed by parathyroidectomy of the CRF rats or their treatment with verapamil. The decrease in the receptor mRNA would likely result in a decrease in PTH receptor synthesis and consequently PTH receptor numbers, and hence relative resistance to the action of PTH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Study of a low-selenium environment in China by INAA and Mössbauer spectrometry

The neutron activation analysis, gamma coincidence spectroscopy, nondispersive hydrogen flame atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectrometry were used to study the low-selenium environment of the Exi Autonomous Prefecture, a well-known Keshan disease region. The Se contents in the soil samples there range from 0.075-0.18 mg/kg with the average of 0.13 mg/kg, whereas in the maize from 0.001-0.018 mg/kg with the average of 0.0099 mg/kg. The 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum of the soil indicates an anoxic environment. In addition to the FE3+ species the compounds containing low-valence iron e.g., goethite, and so forth, also exist. The rare earth element (REE) pattern obtained by NAA further confirms the reductive soil environment, which causes the selenium deficiency.

Spontaneous loss of T-cell tolerance to glutamic acid decarboxylase in murine insulin-dependent diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice results from the T-lymphocyte-mediated destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and serves as a model for human IDDM. Whereas a number of autoantibodies are associated with IDDM, it is unclear when and to what beta-cell antigens pathogenic T cells become activated during the disease process. We report here that a T-helper-1 (Th1) response to glutamate decarboxylase develops in NOD mice at the same time as the onset of insulitis. This response is initially limited to a confined region of glutamate decarboxylase, but later spreads intramolecularly to additional determinants. Subsequently, T-cell reactivity arises to other beta-cell antigens, consistent with intermolecular diversification of the response. Prevention of the spontaneous anti-glutamate decarboxylase response, by tolerization of glutamate decarboxylase-reactive T cells, blocks the development of T-cell autoimmunity to other beta-cell antigens, as well as insulitis and diabetes. Our data suggest that (1) glutamate decarboxylase is a key target antigen in the induction of murine IDDM; (2) autoimmunity to glutamate decarboxylase triggers T-cell responses to other beta-cell antigens, and (3) spontaneous autoimmune disease can be prevented by tolerization to the initiating target antigen.

Cloning and sequence analysis of a murine cDNA encoding glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65)

We report the cloning and cDNA sequence of murine GAD65. Murine GAD65 is comprised of 585 amino acids and shares a high degree of homology with human and rat GAD65, with most divergences occurring near their amino-termini. The murine GAD65 sequence will allow evaluation of the role of this gene in murine neurogenetic and autoimmune diseases.

Two triterpenoid saponins from Pterocephalus bretschneidri

Two new triterpenoid saponins, named bretschnosides A and B, were isolated from the roots of Pterocephalus bretschneidri. On the basis of chemical degradation and spectroscopic evidence, the structures of bretschnosides A and B were shown to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)- beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside 4 and 3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside 6, respectively.

Triterpenoid saponins from Pterocephalus hookeri

Four new triterpenoid saponins, named hookerosides A-D, were isolated from Pterocephalus hookeri. Based on chemical and spectral evidence, their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L- Rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D- xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosy l(1-->2 ) beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-glucopyranoside and oleanolic acid 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1 -->3)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranoside, respectively.

Parathyroid hormone-parathyroid hormone related protein receptor messenger RNA is present in many tissues besides the kidney

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts on a large number of cells derived from many different tissues that are not traditional targets (kidney and bone) for their action. Also, the acute exposure of many of these cells to PTH resulted in the generation of cAMP. These observations are consistent with the presence of PTH receptors on these cells. However, there is no evidence that the cells that are not traditional targets for PTH, express the receptor of the hormone. The cloning of the PTH-PTH related protein (PTH-PTHrP) receptor provided the tool to examine whether these cells contain the mRNA for this receptor. Poly A+RNA from a variety of rat tissues was probed with a 1,200-bp fragment of the cDNA of the PTH-PTHrP receptor by the Northern blot technique. We found that mRNA for the PTH-PTHrP receptor is present in the heart, brain, spleen, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and testis. Transcripts of 2.4 kb were found in all these tissues with the strongest expression in the kidney. In addition, smaller RNAs were detected in the kidney (approximately 1.8 kb) and testis (1.5 kb). These results indicate that many cell types express the PTH-PTHrP receptor gene. The data provide a possible explanation for the direct effects of PTH on so many cells and for the understanding of the harmful effects of chronic excess of PTH on the function of many organs in chronic renal failure.