Immunogenicity and antitumor activity of a liposomal MUC1 peptide-based vaccine

A human MUC1-transfected mouse mammary adenocarcinoma cell line (GZHI) was used to develop both subcutaneous and intravenous tumor models. A vaccine formulation comprised of a 24 mer (human MUC1) synthetic peptide encapsulated with monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant (MPLA) in multilamellar liposomes was tested for immunogenicity and anti-tumor activity. A low dose of the human MUC1 peptide (5 microg) administered in liposomes provided excellent protection of mice in both tumor challenge models. The protective antitumor activity mediated by the liposome formulation correlated with anti-MUC1-specific T-cell proliferation, gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) production and IgG2a anti-MUC1 antibodies, suggesting a type 1 (T1) T-cell response. In contrast, lack of protection in mice immunized with negative control vaccines correlated with IgG1 anti-MUCI antibody formation, low or no anti-MUC1 IgG2a and low antigen-specific T-cell proliferation, consistent with a type 2 (T2) T-cell response to the tumor.

In vitro packaging of an infectious recombinant adeno-associated virus 2

Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV), a human parvovirus, has properties such as stable chromosomal integration, high infectivity and lack of known human pathogenicity, making it a potentially useful vector for human gene therapy. AAV requires a helper virus, such as an adenovirus, for optimal replication and packaging in mammalian cells. Although replication of the wild-type AAV genome has been demonstrated in vitro, packaging of infectious viral particles was not documented until now. In this study, we produced in vitro infectious recombinant AAV virions containing the neomycin resistance (NeoR) and the human CD-16 (FC gamma RIIIa) gene. Our in vitro packaging of AAV has the same characteristics as AAV produced in vivo and demonstrates the feasibility of developing a safe packaging method for AAV to be used in gene therapy.

Carboxyl terminus of mitosin is sufficient to confer spindle pole localization

Mitosin is a nuclear protein of 3,113 amino acids which has been shown to associate with the mitotic apparatus, especially the kinetochore, during mitosis. In this paper we further confirmed its association with the spindle poles in normal monkey kidney CV1 cells by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. When the carboxyl portion of mitosin containing amino acids 2,094-3,113 (named mitosin-pTN) was stably expressed in rat fibroblast Rat2 cells using a tetracycline-inducible system, strong spindle pole association was observed in addition to expected centromere localization. The same results were achieved in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. On the other hand, mitosin-pTC containing amino acids 2,756-3,113 was not targeted to spindle poles. Use of the FLAG epitope [Hopp et al., 1988] genetically fused to each amino terminus of these mutants eliminated possible artifacts due to antibody cross-reaction, since the spindle pole localization of wild-type mitosin was confirmed with a FLAG-tagged mutant by an antibody (anti-FLAG M2 monoclonal antibody) irrelevant to antibodies to mitosin. Our data also suggested a possible interaction of mitosin with the spindle microtubules. Interaction of mitosin with the major parts of the mitotic apparatus further implies an important role in mitosis.

Performance evaluation of a diode array for enhanced dynamic wedge dosimetry

The performance of a diode array (Profiler) was evaluated by comparing its enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) profiles measured at various depths with point measurements using a 0.03 cm3 ionization chamber on a commercial linear accelerator. The Profiler, which covers a 22.5 cm width, was used to measure larger field widths by concatenating three data sets into a larger field. An innovative wide-field calibration technique developed by the manufacturer of the device was used to calibrate the individual diode sensitivity, which can vary by more than 10%. Profiles of EDW measured with this device at several depths were used to construct isodose curves using the percentage depth dose curve measured by the ionization chamber. These isodose curves were used to check those generated by a commercial treatment planning system. The profiles measured with the diode array for both 8 and 18 MV photon beams agreed with those of the ionization chamber within a standard deviation of 0.4% in the field (defined as 80% of the field width) and within a maximum shift of less than 2 mm in the penumbra region. The percentage depth dose generally agreed to within 2% except in the buildup region. The Profiler was extremely useful as a quality assurance tool for EDW and as a dosimetry measurement device with tremendous savings in data acquisition time.

Alternative splicing of the human diacylglycerol kinase zeta gene in muscle

Diacylglycerol can function as a second messenger, and one mechanism for the attenuation of this signal is its conversion to phosphatidic acid, which is catalyzed by diacylglycerol kinase (DGK). We screened a cDNA library from human skeletal muscle and isolated two DGKzeta cDNAs that differed from the 3.5-kb clone originally identified in endothelial cells. One transcript, which was 3.4 kb long, was shown to be nonfunctional; it had a 77-bp deletion that included the translation initiation site. The other was 4.1 kb long with a unique 5' sequence of 853 bp. We also isolated a genomic clone of DGKzeta and determined its organization and location; it contains 32 exons, spans approximately 50 kb of genomic sequence, and maps to chromosome 11p11.2. The protein encoded by the 4.1-kb transcript contains two cysteine-rich regions, a catalytic domain, and ankyrin repeats like the endothelial form of DGKzeta, as well as a unique N-terminal domain. The coding sequence was shown to be derived from alternative splicing of the DGKzeta gene. In cells transfected with the 4.1-kb clone, we detected a 130-kDa protein with an antibody to DGKzeta and demonstrated that it was localized predominantly in the nucleus. We conclude that alternative splicing generates tissue-specific variants of DGKzeta that share some properties but may have unique ones as well.

harakiri, a novel regulator of cell death, encodes a protein that activates apoptosis and interacts selectively with survival-promoting proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L)

Programmed cell death is essential in organ development and tissue homeostasis and its deregulation is associated with the development of several diseases in mice and humans. The precise mechanisms that control cell death have not been elucidated fully, but it is well established that this form of cellular demise is regulated by a genetic program which is activated in the dying cell. Here we report the identification, cloning and characterization of harakiri, a novel gene that regulates apoptosis. The product of harakiri, Hrk, physically interacts with the death-repressor proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), but not with death-promoting homologs, Bax or Bak. Hrk lacks conserved BH1 and BH2 regions and significant homology to Bcl-2 family members or any other protein, except for a stretch of eight amino acids that exhibits high homology with BH3 regions. Expression of Hrk induces cell death which is inhibited by Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L). Deletion of 16 amino acids including the conserved BH3 region abolished the ability of Hrk to interact with Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) in mammalian cells. Moreover, the killing activity of this mutant form of Hrk (Hrk deltaBH3) was eliminated or dramatically reduced, suggesting that Hrk activates cell death at least in part by interacting with and inhibiting the protection afforded by Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L). Because Hrk lacks conserved BH1 and BH2 domains that define Bcl-2 family members, we propose that Hrk and Bik/Nbk, another BH3-containing protein that activates apoptosis, represent a novel class of proteins that regulate apoptosis by interacting selectively with survival-promoting Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L).

Reduced Na+ uptake in the NaCl-hypersensitive sos1 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana

Sos1 is an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant with > 20 times higher sensitivity toward Na+ inhibition due to a defective high-affinity potassium-uptake system. We report here that sos1 accumulates less Na+ than the wild type in response to NaCl stress. The Na+ contents in sos1 seedlings exposed to 25 mM NaCl for 2 or more d are about 43% lower than those in the wild type. When assayed at 20 mM external NaCl, sos1 seedlings pretreated with low potassium have 32% lower Na+ uptake than the wild type. However, little difference in Na+ uptake could be measured when the seedlings were not pretreated with low potassium. Low-potassium treatment was shown to induce high-affinity potassium-uptake activity in Arabidopsis seedlings. No substantial difference in Na+ efflux between sos1 and the wild type was detected. The results show that the reduced Na+ accumulation in sos1 is due to a lower Na+ influx rate. Therefore, the sos1 mutation appears to disrupt low-affinity Na+ uptake in addition to its impairment of high-affinity K+ uptake.

[An experimental study of bioactive glass ceramics as orbital implants]

One eyeball of experimental rabbits was enucleated in routine procedure, and then implanted the biocative glass ceramic (BGC). No rejection was observed during the postoperation period. After three months of implantation, they were examined with ultrasound, and a venous-flow-like spectra was detected in the ceramic implant. After six months of implantation, the implans were examined histologically; the ingrowth fibrovascular tissue filled the 90% gaps of the implant. The results suggest that the bioactive glass ceramic implants made in China possess acceptable histocompatibility.

A role for arabinogalactan-proteins in root epidermal cell expansion

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are abundant plant proteoglycans that react with (beta-D-Glc)3 but not (beta-D-Man)3 Yariv reagent. We report here that treatment with (beta-D-Glc)3 Yariv reagent caused inhibition of root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings. Moreover, the treated roots exhibited numerous bulging epidermal cells. Treatment with (beta-D-Man)3 Yariv reagent did not have any such effects. These results indicate a role for AGPs in root growth and control of epidermal cell expansion. Because treatment with (beta-D-Glc)3 Yariv reagent phenocopies the reb1 (root epidermal cell bulging) mutant of Arabidopsis, AGPs were extracted from the reb1-1 mutant and compared with those of the wild type. The reb1-1 roots contained an approximately 30% lower level of AGPs than the wild type. More importantly, while the profile of AGPs from wild-type roots showed two major peaks upon crossed electrophoresis, the profile of AGPs from reb1-1 roots exhibited only one of the major peaks. Therefore, the reb1 phenotype appears to be a result of defective or missing root AGPs. Taken together, this pharmacological and genetic evidence strongly indicates a function of AGPs in the control of root epidermal cell expansion.

Activated B cells express CD28/B7-independent costimulatory activity

Resting and activated B cells display distinct phenotypes and functional properties. Resting B cells are incompetent accessory cells whereas activated B cells are capable of triggering T cell activation. The up-regulation of expression of the B7 family of molecules has been considered to be the primary reason for this functional conversion of activated B cells. We report here that activation of B cells induces a novel costimulatory activity for induction of T cell proliferation, which is independent of the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway. B cells activated by different stimuli expressed comparable levels of many of the known counter-receptors for costimulation and intercellular adhesion (B7-1, B7-2, HSA, ICAM-1), but differed markedly in their capacity to activate CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient (-/-) mice. Activation of B cells via CD40, and to a lesser extent with LPS, induced potent B7/CD28-independent costimulatory activity that resulted in marked augmentation of IL-2-mediated proliferative responses of CD4+ T cells from CD28 -/- mice. The B7/CD28-independent costimulatory pathway was capable of triggering the activation of naive CD4+ T cells, as both sorted CD45RBhigh and isolated high density naive CD4+ T cells from CD28 -/- mice responded vigorously to the costimulation provided by CD40L-activated B cells.

Activated B cells express CD28/B7-independent costimulatory activity

Resting and activated B cells display distinct phenotypes and functional properties. Resting B cells are incompetent accessory cells whereas activated B cells are capable of triggering T cell activation. The up-regulation of expression of the B7 family of molecules has been considered to be the primary reason for this functional conversion of activated B cells. We report here that activation of B cells induces a novel costimulatory activity for induction of T cell proliferation, which is independent of the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway. B cells activated by different stimuli expressed comparable levels of many of the known counter-receptors for costimulation and intercellular adhesion (B7-1, B7-2, HSA, ICAM-1), but differed markedly in their capacity to activate CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient (-/-) mice. Activation of B cells via CD40, and to a lesser extent with LPS, induced potent B7/CD28-independent costimulatory activity that resulted in marked augmentation of IL-2-mediated proliferative responses of CD4+ T cells from CD28 -/- mice. The B7/CD28-independent costimulatory pathway was capable of triggering the activation of naive CD4+ T cells, as both sorted CD45RBhigh and isolated high density naive CD4+ T cells from CD28 -/- mice responded vigorously to the costimulation provided by CD40L-activated B cells.

[Chemical constituents of the root of Boehmeira nivea (L.) Gaud]

Three compounds were isolated from the root of Boehmeria nivea and elucidated according to their spectroscopic data as beta-sitosterol, daucosterol and 19 alpha-hydroxyursolic acid. They are obtained from the herb for the first time.

SOS1, a Genetic Locus Essential for Salt Tolerance and Potassium Acquisition

To begin to determine which genes are essential for salt tolerance in higher plants, we identified four salt-hypersensitive mutants of Arabidopsis by using a root-bending assay on NaCl-containing agar plates. These mutants (sos1-1, sos1-2, sos1-3, and sos1-4) are allelic to each other and were caused by single recessive nuclear mutations. The SOS1 gene was mapped to chromosome 2 at 29.5 [plusmn] 6.1 centimorgans. The mutants showed no phenotypic changes except that their growth was >20 times more sensitive to inhibition by NaCl. Salt hypersensitivity is a basic cellular trait exhibited by the mutants at all developmental stages. The sos1 mutants are specifically hypersensitive to Na+ and Li+. The mutants were unable to grow on media containing low levels (below ~1 mM) of potassium. Uptake experiments using 86Rb showed that sos1 mutants are defective in high-affinity potassium uptake. sos1 plants became deficient in potassium when treated with NaCl. The results demonstrate that potassium acquisition is a critical process for salt tolerance in glycophytic plants.

Lung cancer risk in relation to the CYP2E1 Rsa I genetic polymorphism among African-Americans and Caucasians in Los Angeles County

Genetic polymorphisms in the activation or detoxication of carcinogens, such as those in tobacco smoke, may produce differences in individual susceptibility to lung cancer. The cytochrome P450 CYP2E1 is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of nitrosamines in tobacco smoke. A polymorphism of CYP2E1 detectable by the restriction enzyme Rsa I may be functionally important because it is located in a putative binding site for the transcription factor HNF-1 and has been associated with higher levels of CYP2E1 transcription. It is conceivable that this CYP2E1 Rsa I polymorphism might contribute to differences in susceptibility to lung cancer. We conducted a case-control study of patients with incident lung cancer and population controls in Los Angeles County to examine the association between the CYP2E1 Rsa I polymorphism and lung cancer risk among African-Americans and Caucasians. Samples of white blood cell DNA sufficient for determination of the CYP2E1 Rsa I genotype by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay were obtained from 341 cases and 706 controls with data on lifetime smoking history. No subjects were homozygous for the CYP2E1 Rsa I rare c2 allele. The rare c2 allele was not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (adjusted odds ratio, OR 0.72; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.35-1.46). Among the population controls the percentage of subjects carrying the rare c2 allele was lower (p = 0.002) among African-Americans (2%) compared with Caucasians (8%). However, the association between the CYP2E1 Rsa I genotype and lung cancer risk did not differ between ethnic groups. There was no important association between the CYP2E1 Rsa I genotype and lung cancer risk in analyses stratified by cell-type, smoking history, gender, occupational asbestos exposure, and dietary intake of antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E or beta carotene. Due to the low frequency of the c2 allele in these populations, larger studies would be necessary to rule out a modest association between the CYP2E1 Rsa I polymorphism and lung cancer risk.

SOS1, a Genetic Locus Essential for Salt Tolerance and Potassium Acquisition

To begin to determine which genes are essential for salt tolerance in higher plants, we identified four salt-hypersensitive mutants of Arabidopsis by using a root-bending assay on NaCl-containing agar plates. These mutants (sos1-1, sos1-2, sos1-3, and sos1-4) are allelic to each other and were caused by single recessive nuclear mutations. The SOS1 gene was mapped to chromosome 2 at 29.5 [plusmn] 6.1 centimorgans. The mutants showed no phenotypic changes except that their growth was >20 times more sensitive to inhibition by NaCl. Salt hypersensitivity is a basic cellular trait exhibited by the mutants at all developmental stages. The sos1 mutants are specifically hypersensitive to Na+ and Li+. The mutants were unable to grow on media containing low levels (below ~1 mM) of potassium. Uptake experiments using 86Rb showed that sos1 mutants are defective in high-affinity potassium uptake. sos1 plants became deficient in potassium when treated with NaCl. The results demonstrate that potassium acquisition is a critical process for salt tolerance in glycophytic plants.

[Detection of placental alkaline phosphatase in ovarian cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method for diagnosis of malignant tumors by determination of the placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) in serum.

METHODS

A solid phase enzyme immunoassay was adopated by an antibody against PLAP. PLAP in serum of 81 patients with malignant tumor and 86 healthy people as control were determined.

RESULTS

In the control group, the PLAP activity showed deviative distribution, the 95th percentile values of PLAP in control group was 3.8U/L. If this value served as normal cut-off line, 18 cases among 81 patients with malignant tumors were positive. The positive rate was 22.2%, but the positive rates in ovarian cancer was 61.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing of serum PLAP may be helpful for the diagnosis of malignant tumors especially ovarian cancer.

Scintigraphic Study of Local Flux and Osmotic Pressure Distributions in Ultrafiltration of Blood and Plasma

We have investigated the spatial variation of local protein concentration and filtration flux by a scintigraphic technique in the ultrafiltration of bovine albumin solutions and blood. The feed was mixed with (99m)Tc albumin macroaggregates and circulated through a polysulfone 30,000 MWCO hollow fiber filter placed in the field of a gamma-camera. Concentration profiles c(b) (x) were reconstructed from scintigraphic images and the local ultrafiltration flux was calculated by differentiating c(b) (x) and using mass conservation. Tests were run at various inlet shear rates from 472 to 1415 s(-1) and under two different filtration regimes: no net filtration (permeate valve closed) and large filtration (below the pressure independent plateau). The data confirm the filtration decay from the filter inlet to outlet but an unexpected result is the presence of high retrofiltration in the downstream part of the filter length in the case of large filtration. This retrofiltration can be explained by a high osmotic pressure at the membrane created by the protein polarization concentration. Assuming a constant pressure gradient along the fibers, it is possible to estimate the local osmotic pressure at the onset of retrofiltration and to infer from it the protein concentration at the membrane, which is found to vary from 170 to 250 g/liter when gamma(w) increases. Similar experiments were run with blood and a microfiltration membrane (0.55-µm pores). In that case no retrofiltration was obtained, which confirms our explanation since in this case the polarization layer is composed of red cells which exert no osmotic pressure.

Measuring nicotine dependence among high-risk adolescent smokers

In the present study we tested our hypothesis that because of the higher prevalence and greater intensity of cigarette smoking among vocational-technical students (N = 110; 51.8% males; mean age 17 years), adolescents might demonstrate the nicotine dependence patterns comparable to those measured in a similar fashion in a group of adult smokers (N = 173; 50% males; mean age 42 years). A modified version of the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) utilized in the adolescent sample was coded to make it comparable to the original FTQ used in the adult sample. The tests of item structure and internal consistency of the modified FTQ for adolescents were satisfactory; the overall mean FTQ score correlated significantly with the intensity and duration of smoking. Although the FTQ values were generally lower in the adolescent sample, 20% of students had an overall FTQ score of 6 and above, indicating substantial nicotine dependence (compared to 49% in adults). Reasons for failure of the existing adolescent smoking cessation programs as well as the rationale for adding a nicotine replacement option to the behavioral smoking cessation treatment for a subset of high-risk nicotine-dependent adolescents are discussed.

B7/CD28-dependent and -independent induction of CD40 ligand expression

The induction of a T cell-dependent Ab response is mediated by the interaction of the T cell activation Ag, CD40 ligand (CD40L), with CD40. Since this interaction is independent of Ag, coreceptors such as CD4, and MHC molecules, the expression of the CD40L must be strictly regulated or B cell-mediated autoimmunity may be produced. In this study, we examined the requirements for costimulatory signals for induction of CD40L expression in vitro and in vivo on CD4+ T cells from normal and CD28-deficient mice following stimulation with anti-CD3, Con A, or specific peptide Ag. Expression of B7-1 was both necessary and sufficient for induction of the CD40L on normal CD4+ T cells when L cell transfectants were used as APCs. When normal accessory cell populations were used, only partial inhibition of induction of the CD40L was observed with reagents that inhibit B7/CD28 interactions. Furthermore, the CD40L could be induced on CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient mice. Thus, non-B7/CD28 cellular interactions can also mediate the costimulatory signals needed for induction of CD40L expression.

B7/CD28-dependent and -independent induction of CD40 ligand expression

The induction of a T cell-dependent Ab response is mediated by the interaction of the T cell activation Ag, CD40 ligand (CD40L), with CD40. Since this interaction is independent of Ag, coreceptors such as CD4, and MHC molecules, the expression of the CD40L must be strictly regulated or B cell-mediated autoimmunity may be produced. In this study, we examined the requirements for costimulatory signals for induction of CD40L expression in vitro and in vivo on CD4+ T cells from normal and CD28-deficient mice following stimulation with anti-CD3, Con A, or specific peptide Ag. Expression of B7-1 was both necessary and sufficient for induction of the CD40L on normal CD4+ T cells when L cell transfectants were used as APCs. When normal accessory cell populations were used, only partial inhibition of induction of the CD40L was observed with reagents that inhibit B7/CD28 interactions. Furthermore, the CD40L could be induced on CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient mice. Thus, non-B7/CD28 cellular interactions can also mediate the costimulatory signals needed for induction of CD40L expression.

Origins of the specificity of tissue-type plasminogen activator

The role of subsite interactions in defining the stringent substrate specificity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) has been examined by using an fd phage library that displayed random hexapeptide sequences and contained 2 x 10(8) independent recombinants. Forty-four individual hexapeptides were isolated and identified as improved substrates for t-PA. A peptide containing one of the selected amino acid sequences was cleaved by t-PA 5300 times more efficiently than a peptide that contained the primary sequence of the actual cleavage site in plasminogen. These results suggest that small peptides can mimic determinants that mediate specific proteolysis, emphasize the importance of subsite interactions in determining protease specificity, and have important implications for the evolution of protease cascades.

[Two-dimensional thin layer chromatographic-colorimetric determination of Astragalus saponin 1 in suanqi oral liquid]

Extracted by n-butanol and separated by two-dimensional TLC, the astragalus saponin 1 in Suanqi Oral Liquid was determined by vanillin-perchloric acid colorimetric method. The recovery and RSD were 96.3% (n = 5) and 0.75% respectively.

bcl-x is expressed in embryonic and postnatal neural tissues and functions to prevent neuronal cell death

Previous studies have implicated the bcl-2 protooncogene as a potential regulator of neuronal survival. However, mice lacking functional bcl-2 exhibited normal development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Since bcl-2 appears dispensable for neuronal survival, we have examined the expression and function of bcl-x, another member of the bcl-2 family of death regulatory genes. Bcl-2 is expressed in neuronal tissues during embryonic development but is down-regulated in the adult CNS. In contrast, Bcl-xL expression is retained in neurons of the adult CNS. Two different forms of bcl-x mRNA and their corresponding products, Bcl-xL and Bcl-x beta, were expressed in embryonic and adult neurons of the CNS. Microinjection of bcl-xL and bcl-x beta cDNAs into primary sympathetic neurons inhibited their death induced by nerve growth factor withdrawal. Thus, Bcl-x proteins appear to play an important role in the regulation of neuronal survival in the adult CNS.

Hemolysis during membrane plasma separation with pulsed flow filtration enhancement

The use of pulsed blood flow in membrane plasmapheresis permits enhancement of plasma filtration yet may result in high levels of hemolysis due to large increases in instantaneous transmembrane pressure (TMP). This work investigates the occurrence of hemolysis as a function of TMP and wall shear rates (gamma w) for both steady and pulsed blood flow conditions. Two types of hollow fiber filters with identical polypropylene membranes but different lengths and membrane areas (0.1 and 0.25 m2) were tested. Fresh citrated bovine blood was circulated through the fibers at various blood flowrates and TMP in a single pass circuit using a pulsation generator, made of a single roller peristaltic pump. The free hemoglobin concentration of the plasma, Hbm, was measured from permeate samples collected at each set of TMP and gamma w conditions. It was found that the net hemolysis generated by the filtration was proportional to the membrane area. This justified the introduction of an hemolysis index, IH, equal to the plasma hemoglobin per unit membrane area. The boundary for the occurrence of hemolysis was thus defined by setting IH = 30 mg/dl.m2. For both steady and pulsed flow conditions the hemolysis boundaries were found to be straight lines in the TMP-gamma w plane. They were identical for the two filters under steady flow but different for pulsed flow. At the same time mean wall shear rates hemolysis occurred at a lower time mean TMP under pulsed flow conditions than under steady flow conditions.

bcl-XL is the major bcl-x mRNA form expressed during murine development and its product localizes to mitochondria

Most examples of cell death in animals are controlled by a genetic program that is activated within the dying cell. The apoptotic process is further regulated by a set of genes that act as repressors of cell death. Of these, bcl-2 is expressed in a variety of embryonic and postnatal tissues which suggests a critical role for bcl-2 in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Surprisingly, mutant mice with targeted disruption of bcl-2 appear normal at birth and complete maturation of lymphoid tissues before succumbing to fulminant lymphopenia and polycystic renal disease by 2–5 weeks of age. This suggests that there may be genes other than bcl-2 that can regulate apoptosis during development. To begin to investigate this possibility, we have cloned and characterized the murine bcl-x gene, whose human counterpart displays striking homology to bcl-2. The predicted murine bcl-xL gene product exhibits a high level of amino acid identity (97%) to its human counterpart. Just like Bcl-2, the murine bcl-xL gene product can act as a dominant inhibitor of cell death upon growth factor withdrawal. In addition, the bulk of the bcl-xL product localizes to the periphery of mitochondria as assessed by a bcl-xL-tag expression system, suggesting that both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins prevent cell death by a similar mechanism. bcl-xL is the most abundant bcl-x mRNA species expressed in embryonic and adult tissues. The levels of bcl-xL mRNA appear higher than those of bcl-2 during embryonal development and in several adult organs including bone marrow, brain, kidney and thymus. In addition to bcl-xL, we have identified another form of bcl-x mRNA, bcl-x beta, that results from an unspliced bcl-x transcript. bcl-x beta mRNA is expressed in various embryonic and postnatal tissues. Surprisingly, the expression of bcl-xS (a negative regulator of programmed cell death) was undetectable by a sensitive S1-nuclease assay and polymerase chain reaction analysis of mouse tissues. Based on its tissue and developmental patterns of expression, it appears that bcl-x may play an important role in the regulation of cell death during development and tissue homeostasis.

Purification and properties of the Escherichia coli K-12 NAD-dependent nucleotide diphosphosugar epimerase, ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose 6-epimerase

The Escherichia coli K-12 NAD-dependent nucleotide-diphosphosugar epimerase, ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose 6-epimerase, catalyzes the conversion of ADP-D-glycero-D-mannoheptose to ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose. ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose is a key intermediate of lipopolysaccharide inner core biosynthesis in several genera of Gram-negative bacteria. Sedimentation equilibrium and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified epimerase revealed that the native enzyme has a molecular mass of 240 kDa and a subunit molecular weight of 37,000 +/- 3,000. Lectin binding studies of the purified epimerase indicated that the protein is glycosylated. There was 1 mol of tightly bound NAD+ per enzyme subunit. Variable but small fractions of purified preparations of epimerase are highly fluorescent and contain NADH. The native enzyme can be resolved into apoenzyme and NAD+ by acidic ammonium sulfate precipitation. The catalytic activity can be reconstituted with the addition of NAD+ to the apoenzyme. Optimum pH range for enzyme activity is broad, between 5.5 and 9.5. It exhibits a temperature optimum at 42 degrees C. The Km and Vmax for the substrate is 0.1 mM and 46 mumol 30 min-1 mg-1, respectively. The native enzyme displays UV and fluorescence spectra that are consistent with the presence of enzyme bound NAD+. CD spectra of the holoepimerase indicate 11% alpha-helical and 36% beta-sheet structures.

Some physicochemical and enzymic properties of selenium-containing abzyme

We successfully prepared the Se-containing abzyme (Se-abzyme) with glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and further studied its physicochemical and enzymic properties and stabilities. Data showed that the isoelectric point of the abzyme was 6.95-7.08, and its molecular weight was 158 KD. The ranges of optimum pH and temperature of the Se-abzyme were wider than the native GPX. The store stability of the abzyme was higher than the native GPX. The Se content in the abzyme was found to be 5 mol Se/mol abzyme by X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and binding constant 1.11 x 10(7)M-1 by using ELISA method. The Se-abzyme was inhibited competitively by dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and inhibition constant was determined to be 1.25 x 10(-3)M-1.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of three pyrazole analogues of distamycin A

The synthesis of three new monopyrazole analogues of the antiviral compound distamycin A is reported. Suitably protected 4-amino-1-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylic acid and 3-amino-1-methylpyrazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives were chosen as starting materials. The construction of the trimeric polyamide framework was accomplished by assembly of the monomeric precursors under condensing conditions by analogy with our previous methodology, although with significant improvements in some pivotal steps. After chromatographic purification and spectroscopic characterisation, the analogues were assayed for antiviral activity. Compounds 7a-c inhibited vaccinia virus at a concentration similar to or lower than distamycin A and the related antibiotic netropsin. Analogues 7b and 7c exhibited an antiviral effect comparable to those of distamycin A and netropsin against HSV-1 and HSV-2, whereas their antiviral activity against several other viruses including HIV-1 and HIV-2 was somewhat lower. The cellular toxicity of 7a-c toward different host cell types proved to be of similar magnitude or lower than those of distamycin A and netropsin.

The toxic effects, GSH depletion and radiosensitivity by BSO on retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in children. Previous investigations have reported that buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) can deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) by specific inhibition and increase cellular radiosensitivity. The toxic effects, GSH depletion and radiosensitivity of BSO on retinoblastoma cells are reported in this paper. GSH content of retinoblastoma cell lines Y-79, So-Rb50 and retinoblastoma xenograft is 2.7 +/- 1.3 x 1.0(-12) mmol/cell, 1.4 +/- 0.2 x 1.0(-12) mmol/cell, and 2.8 +/- 1.2 mumol/g, respectively. The ID50 of BSO on Y-79 and So-Rb50 in air for 3 h exposure is 2.5 mM and 0.2 mM, respectively. GSH depletion by 0.1 mM BSO for 24 h on Y-79 cells and 0.01 mM BSO for 24 h on So-Rb50 cells is 16.35%, and 4.7% of control. GSH depletion in tumor and other organ tissues in retinoblastoma-bearing nude mice after BSO administration is differential. GSH depletion after BSO exposure in Y-79 cells in vitro decreases the Do value of retinoblastoma cells. The SER of 0.01 mM and 0.05 mM BSO for 24 h under the hypoxic condition is 1.21 and 1.36, respectively. Based on these observations, the authors conclude that BSO toxicity on retinoblastoma cells depends on the characteristics of cell line and that BSO can increase hypoxic retinoblastoma cells' radiosensitivity in vitro. Further study of BSO radiosensitization on retinoblastoma in vivo using nude mouse xenograft is needed.

Activation of CD4+ T cells by delivery of the B7 costimulatory signal on bystander antigen-presenting cells (trans-costimulation)

Increasing evidence in both murine and human systems suggests that the interaction of the T cell surface antigens CD28/CTLA4 with their ligand B7 on the antigen-presenting cells (APC) is the critical costimulatory pathway involved in the induction of maximal T cell activation and the prevention of induction of anergy. It has also been demonstrated that efficient induction of clonal expansion of normal CD4+ T cells requires the delivery of the T cell receptor (TCR) ligand and costimulation by the same APC. We demonstrate here that normal murine CD4+ T cells can be efficiently activated by soluble anti-CD3 cross-linked by fixed macrophages and by a costimulatory signal delivered by a bystander APC, B7-transfected L cells. The major factor which determined the ability of an APC to provide costimulation in "trans" was the level of cell surface B7 expression. The requirement for B7 costimulation appears to be at initial stage of TCR engagement since optimal T cell activation was only observed when TCR triggering and B7 costimulatory activity were delivered at same time by different APC. Induction of maximal proliferation of both naive CD45RBhi and memory CD45RBlo CD4+ T cells was B7 dependent and both populations of cells responded equally well to the B7 costimulation delivered in "trans". Furthermore, trans-costimulation provided by B7 transfected L cells efficiently prevented the induction of anergy in normal murine CD4+ T cells induced by anti-CD3 cross-linked by fixed-resting macrophages. Addition of exogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-7 to the primary culture in the absence of B7-transfected L cells or addition of IL-2 to the culture containing the B7 transfectant and CTLA4Ig completely prevented the induction of hyporesponsiveness. These findings raise the possibility that in certain pathological states, CD4+ T cells in vivo may be activated by costimulation delivered by bystander APC.

Developmental regulation of the Bcl-2 protein and susceptibility to cell death in B lymphocytes

Cell death is a prominent feature of B cell development. For example, a large population of B cells dies at the pre-B cell stage presumably due to the failure to express a functional immunoglobulin receptor. In addition, developing B cells expressing antigen receptors for self are selectively eliminated at the immature B cell stage. The molecular signals that control B cell survival are largely unknown. The product of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene may be involved as its overexpression inhibits apoptotic cell death in a variety of biological systems. However, the physiological role of the endogenous Bcl-2 protein during B cell development is undetermined. Here we show a striking developmental regulation of the Bcl-2 protein in B lymphocytes. Bcl-2 is highly expressed in CD43+ B cell precursors (pro-B cells) and mature B cells but downregulated at the pre-B and immature B cell stages of development. We found that Bcl-2 expressed by B cells is a long-lived protein with a half-life of approximately 10 h. Importantly, susceptibility to apoptosis mediated by the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone is stage-dependent in developing B cells and correlates with the levels of Bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, expression of a bcl-2 transgene rescued pre-B and immature B cells from dexamethasone-induced cell death, indicating that Bcl-2 can inhibit the apoptotic cell death of progenitors and early B cells. Taken together, these findings argue that Bcl-2 is a physiological signal controlling cell death during B cell development.

Cellular distribution of insulin-degrading enzyme gene expression. Comparison with insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptors

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) hydrolyzes both insulin and IGFs and has been proposed to play a role in signal termination after binding of these peptides to their receptors. In situ hybridization was used to investigate the cellular distribution of IDE mRNA and to compare it with insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-I receptor (IGFR) gene expression in serial thin sections from a variety of tissues in embryonic and adult rats. IDE mRNA is highly abundant in kidney and liver, tissues known to play a role in insulin degradation. IDE and IR mRNAs are highly coexpressed in brown fat and liver. The highest level IDE gene expression, on a per cell basis, is found in germinal epithelium. IDE and IGFR mRNAs are colocalized in oocytes, while IDE is colocalized with the IGF-II receptor in spermatocytes, suggesting that IDE may be involved with degradation of IGF-II in the testis. In summary, IDE expression demonstrates significant anatomical correlation with insulin/IGF receptors. These data are compatible with a role for IDE in degrading insulin and IGFs after they bind to and are internalized with their respective receptors and may also suggest a novel role for IDE in germ cells.

Generation of selenium-containing abzyme by using chemical mutation

A new strategy for generating abzyme was developed. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9) is one of the important members of antioxidation enzyme system; it catalyzes the reductions of a variety of hydroperoxides in presence of glutathione(GSH). We have first prepared the monoclonal antibody (McAb) with GSH binding sites, then incorporated GPX catalytic group selenocystein (SeCys) into the antibody combining sites by using chemical mutation. Thus the mutated antibody displays high GPX activity, which approaches the magnitude level of native GPX, exhibits the kinetic behavior similar to native GPX, and has some advantages over native GPX.

Restrictive fragment length polymorphisms of markers 3'HVR and 24-1 and their applications in gene diagnosis of adult polycystic disease in Chinese

Adult polycystic kidney disease was diagnosed with pedigree analysis using polymorphic DNA markers linked to the disease gene in 5 families. The markers were thoroughly characterized in the population. We noted two important markers, 3'HVR and 24-1, which flank the disease gene PKD1 in normal Chinese. Southern hybridization was used, and numerous 3'HVR/PvuII polymorphic allelic bands varied from 1.4 kb to 8.0 kb with a positive skew distribution. They were divided into 11 groups with an interval of 0.6 kb and a heterozygosity rate of 0.86. Allele frequencies were observed. When the probe 24-1 was hybridized with genomic DNA digested by TaqI, two alleles, B1 and B2, were detected with frequencies of 0.76 and 0.24, respectively. B1 was 3.8 kb in size and B2 was composed of 2 bands, 1.5 kb and 1.3 kb. The polymorphism information content was found to be 0.297. Using these two markers for linkage analyses of 5 affected families, we confirmed the linkage between 3'HVR and the disease gene PKD1 and made presymptomatic diagnosis of the members at risk.

A 9-year follow-up study of the immunogenicity and long-term efficacy of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine in high-risk Chinese neonates

The long-term immunogenicity of and protection provided by a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine was determined in a cohort of 98 susceptible Chinese neonates immunized in 1982-1983. Within 24 hours of birth, 89 infants received the first of three 30-micrograms doses of vaccine (at 0, 1, and 6 months) and were subsequently followed up by testing for serological markers of hepatitis B virus and by determining levels of alanine aminotransferase annually for 9 years. After the primary series of vaccine doses, 74 (83%) of 89 subjects developed antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). At the 9-year follow-up, 51% of vaccinees still had levels of antibody of > or = 10 mIU/mL, considered the protective level. Seven responders to vaccine (9.4% of 74 evaluable patients) developed antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, and in six of these responders, levels of anti-HBs increased transiently. None of the vaccinees developed chronic carriage of hepatitis B surface antigen or clinical hepatitis. Immunization of high-risk neonates with a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine can induce long-lasting protective immunity that can prevent or modify primary infection for at least 9 years. Booster doses are not necessary during this period.

bcl-x, a bcl-2-related gene that functions as a dominant regulator of apoptotic cell death

We report the isolation of bcl-x, a bcl-2-related gene that can function as a bcl-2-independent regulator of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Alternative splicing results in two distinct bcl-x mRNAs. The protein product of the larger mRNA, bcl-xL, is similar in size and predicted structure to Bcl-2. When stably transfected into an IL-3-dependent cell line, bcl-xL inhibits cell death upon growth factor withdrawal at least as well as bcl-2. Surprisingly, the second mRNA species, bcl-xS, encodes a protein that inhibits the ability of bcl-2 to enhance the survival of growth factor-deprived cells. In vivo, bcl-xS mRNA is expressed at high levels in cells that undergo a high rate of turnover, such as developing lymphocytes. In contrast, bcl-xL is found in tissues containing long-lived postmitotic cells, such as adult brain. Together these data suggest that bcl-x plays an important role in both positive and negative regulation of programmed cell death.

IL-10 inhibits macrophage costimulatory activity by selectively inhibiting the up-regulation of B7 expression

We have previously demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of IL-10 on ConA-induced T cell proliferation or IL-2 production by resting murine T cells were only observed when macrophages, but not when activated B cells, dendritic cells, or L cells, were used as accessory cells. To further elucidate the mechanism of action of IL-10 on the inhibition of macrophage costimulatory activity, we have used a system in which macrophages can develop into effective costimulator cells and the effect of IL-10 on this process can be studied in the absence of T cells. After fixation, resting macrophages have no costimulatory activity for soluble anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation nor do they express the activation Ag B7/BB1. In contrast, macrophages activated by culture alone, or by culture with IFN gamma or LPS for 24 h, and then fixed, were effective accessory cells, expressed B7, and their costimulatory activity correlated with their level of cell surface B7 expression. Addition of IL-10 during the process of macrophage activation resulted in both a marked reduction in costimulatory activity and in B7 expression. IL-4 and transforming growth factor-beta that suppress many macrophage functions did not inhibit the induction of B7 expression. The inhibitory effect of IL-10 on the up-regulation of B7 was selective because the up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and MHC class II Ag was not affected. Direct evidence that the lack of B7 is the relevant limiting defect for IL-10-treated macrophage accessory cell function was obtained from studies in which the costimulatory capacity of IL-10-treated macrophages could be completely restored by the addition of B7 transfected, but not nontransfected, L cells to the assays.

IL-10 inhibits macrophage costimulatory activity by selectively inhibiting the up-regulation of B7 expression

We have previously demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of IL-10 on ConA-induced T cell proliferation or IL-2 production by resting murine T cells were only observed when macrophages, but not when activated B cells, dendritic cells, or L cells, were used as accessory cells. To further elucidate the mechanism of action of IL-10 on the inhibition of macrophage costimulatory activity, we have used a system in which macrophages can develop into effective costimulator cells and the effect of IL-10 on this process can be studied in the absence of T cells. After fixation, resting macrophages have no costimulatory activity for soluble anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation nor do they express the activation Ag B7/BB1. In contrast, macrophages activated by culture alone, or by culture with IFN gamma or LPS for 24 h, and then fixed, were effective accessory cells, expressed B7, and their costimulatory activity correlated with their level of cell surface B7 expression. Addition of IL-10 during the process of macrophage activation resulted in both a marked reduction in costimulatory activity and in B7 expression. IL-4 and transforming growth factor-beta that suppress many macrophage functions did not inhibit the induction of B7 expression. The inhibitory effect of IL-10 on the up-regulation of B7 was selective because the up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and MHC class II Ag was not affected. Direct evidence that the lack of B7 is the relevant limiting defect for IL-10-treated macrophage accessory cell function was obtained from studies in which the costimulatory capacity of IL-10-treated macrophages could be completely restored by the addition of B7 transfected, but not nontransfected, L cells to the assays.

bcl-2 proto-oncogene expression during human T cell development. Evidence for biphasic regulation

To ensure that the mature T cell repertoire is MHC-restricted yet not autoreactive, cortical thymocytes that express low levels of the TCR/CD3 complex along with CD4 and CD8 (double positive cells) are subjected to positive and negative selection. Surviving cells lose either CD4 or CD8 (single positive cells) and are located primarily in the thymic medulla. bcl-2, a novel proto-oncogene that promotes cell survival by inhibiting programmed cell death (apoptosis), may be an important protein in regulating cell survival during thymocyte development. We have examined the expression of bcl-2 during T cell development by using human thymocytes. Consistent with previous studies, human thymic tissue sections stained for bcl-2 revealed occasional bcl-2+ cells within the thymic cortex and intense staining of virtually all medullary thymocytes. More quantitative western blot analysis and S1 nuclease protection assay revealed that single positive thymocytes contained approximately 2 to 3 times the level of bcl-2 protein and 3 to 4 times the level of bcl-2 mRNA as double positive thymocytes. Flow cytometric analysis of purified double positive thymocytes revealed that minimal amounts of bcl-2 protein was in fact detectable in most cells, although a small subpopulation (10-20%) contained higher levels. In contrast, brighter staining for bcl-2 was observed in virtually all single positive thymocytes. Surprisingly, CD4-CD8- thymocytes (both CD3- and CD3+) expressed the same amount of bcl-2 as did the single positive thymocytes. Because a large percentage of CD3-CD4-CD8- cells are cycling, we examined the effect of mitogenic stimulation on bcl-2 expression by double positive thymocytes by using western blot analysis. bcl-2 expression in double positive thymocytes could not be induced by cell cycle entry following stimulation with PMA and ionomycin. Our data demonstrate that bcl-2 expression is biphasic during T cell development. Both CD3-CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ thymocytes express high levels of bcl-2. Therefore, diminished bcl-2 expression in double positive thymocytes seems to be the result of specific down-regulation in order to facilitate the selection CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.

bcl-2 proto-oncogene expression during human T cell development. Evidence for biphasic regulation

To ensure that the mature T cell repertoire is MHC-restricted yet not autoreactive, cortical thymocytes that express low levels of the TCR/CD3 complex along with CD4 and CD8 (double positive cells) are subjected to positive and negative selection. Surviving cells lose either CD4 or CD8 (single positive cells) and are located primarily in the thymic medulla. bcl-2, a novel proto-oncogene that promotes cell survival by inhibiting programmed cell death (apoptosis), may be an important protein in regulating cell survival during thymocyte development. We have examined the expression of bcl-2 during T cell development by using human thymocytes. Consistent with previous studies, human thymic tissue sections stained for bcl-2 revealed occasional bcl-2+ cells within the thymic cortex and intense staining of virtually all medullary thymocytes. More quantitative western blot analysis and S1 nuclease protection assay revealed that single positive thymocytes contained approximately 2 to 3 times the level of bcl-2 protein and 3 to 4 times the level of bcl-2 mRNA as double positive thymocytes. Flow cytometric analysis of purified double positive thymocytes revealed that minimal amounts of bcl-2 protein was in fact detectable in most cells, although a small subpopulation (10-20%) contained higher levels. In contrast, brighter staining for bcl-2 was observed in virtually all single positive thymocytes. Surprisingly, CD4-CD8- thymocytes (both CD3- and CD3+) expressed the same amount of bcl-2 as did the single positive thymocytes. Because a large percentage of CD3-CD4-CD8- cells are cycling, we examined the effect of mitogenic stimulation on bcl-2 expression by double positive thymocytes by using western blot analysis. bcl-2 expression in double positive thymocytes could not be induced by cell cycle entry following stimulation with PMA and ionomycin. Our data demonstrate that bcl-2 expression is biphasic during T cell development. Both CD3-CD4-CD8- and CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ thymocytes express high levels of bcl-2. Therefore, diminished bcl-2 expression in double positive thymocytes seems to be the result of specific down-regulation in order to facilitate the selection CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.

Programmed cell death by bcl-2-dependent and independent mechanisms in B lymphoma cells

Programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis is a common form of cellular demise during embryogenesis, tumorigenesis and clonal selection in the immune system. The bcl-2 proto-oncogene has been recently implicated as a potential physiological regulator of the PCD pathway. Gene transfer studies have shown that overexpression of bcl-2 blocks apoptosis mediated by several stimuli in cultured cell lines and promotes the survival of B and T lymphocytes in transgenic mice. However, it remains unclear whether under normal conditions bcl-2 is responsible for controlling cell death. We have investigated the role of bcl-2 in the antimembrane IgM (mIgM)-induced apoptotic death of WEHI-231 B cell lymphoma, a model that mimics clonal deletion of immature B cells by antigen. Signalling of mIgM receptors triggered downregulation of both bcl-2 RNA and protein, and induced apoptosis in WEHI-231 B cells. This effect appeared to be specific since (i) the levels of beta 2-microglobulin and beta-actin RNA remain unchanged and (ii) signalling of the apoptosis-resistant B cell lymphoma line BAL-17 with anti-mu was not associated with downregulation of bcl-2 RNA. However, stable expression of bcl-2 by transfection did not rescue WEHI-231 B cells from apoptosis, yet WEHI-231 cells overexpressing bcl-2 were more resistant to programmed cell death induced by heat-shock.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunogenicity of synthetic peptides related to the core peptide sequence encoded by the human MUC1 mucin gene: effect of immunization on the growth of murine mammary adenocarcinoma cells transfected with the human MUC1 gene

The immune response of CAF1 mice to various synthetic peptides (SP) related to the amino acid sequence (PDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGVTSA) of the tandem repeat of the MUC1 human breast mucin core peptide was evaluated. The most immunogenic preparations of the synthetic peptides were those conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or clustered in a dendritic multiple antigenic peptide (MAP-4) configuration. The mice were immunized subcutaneously with synthetic peptides emulsified in RIBI adjuvant, employing various immunization protocols. Equivalently high IgG responses were induced using SP-KLH conjugates (GVTSAPDTRPAPGSTA-KLH) or an SP--MAP-4 chimeric configuration (SP1-6), which also included a universal malarial CST-3 T-helper epitope (SP1-6 = SAPDTRPAEKKIAKMEKASSVFNVVNS--MAP-4). These IgG antibodies bound both the appropriate MUC1 synthetic peptides and the cell surface expressed MUC1 mucin on murine mammary cells that had been transfected with the human MUC1 gene and a human breast cancer cell line that expresses cell-surface MUC1. A MAP-4 molecule, which included the entire 20-amino-acid sequence of the MUC1 tandem repeat (SP1-5 = PDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGVTSA-MAP-4) induced a poor IgG response. In contrast, all three types of molecule: SP-KLH, SP1-6 and SP1-5, were found to be good immunogens for the induction of specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions measured using either synthetic peptides or MUC1-transfected cells. In addition, immunization with irradiated MUC1-transfected cells induced strong DTH reactions measured using synthetic peptides that expressed the PDTRP sequence, which has been shown to be, or to overlap, a T cell epitope in humans and a B cell epitope in mice. Finally, it was demonstrated that synthetic MUC1 peptide "vaccines" could be used both prophylactically and therapeutically to inhibit the growth of MUC1-transfected tumor cells and prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mice.

Effects of weight cycling in rats allowed a choice of diet

We examined the effects of weight cycling, produced by bouts of weight loss and regain, on body weight, body composition, dietary fat intake, and energy efficiency. Three groups of adult female Wistar rats were followed for 116 days: control rats (n = 10) were allowed ad libitum access to three mixed diets with protein as a constant proportion of energy and fat provided at 10, 30, and 50% of energy; cycled rats (n = 10) had four bouts of food restriction (50% of baseline intake for 10 days) and refeeding (18-20 days of ad libitum access to the 3 mixed diets); maturity controls (n = 10) were treated identically to controls during the first two cycles and identical to cyclers during the final two weight cycles. At the end of the experiment, we could identify no negative effects of weight cycling on any of the measures taken, and in fact body weight and percentage body fat were lower in cyclers than controls. Dietary fat intake was not altered by weight cycling. In summary, weight cycling did not promote body weight or body fat gain.