Transgenic rice plants harboring an introduced potato proteinase inhibitor II gene are insect resistant

We introduced the potato proteinase inhibitor II (PINII) gene (pin2) into several Japonica rice varieties, and regenerated a large number of transgenic rice plants. Wound-inducible expression of the pin2 gene driven by its own promoter, together with the first intron of the rice actin 1 gene (act1), resulted in high-level accumulation of the PINII protein in the transgenic plants. The introduced pin2 gene was stably inherited in the second, third, and fourth generations, as shown by molecular analyses. Based on data from the molecular analyses, several homozygous transgenic lines were obtained. Bioassay for insect resistance with the fifth-generation transgenic rice plants showed that transgenic rice plants had increased resistance to a major rice insect pest, pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens). Thus, introduction of an insecticidal proteinase inhibitor gene into cereal plants can be used as a general strategy for control of insect pests.

Expression of a Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Gene, HVA1, from Barley Confers Tolerance to Water Deficit and Salt Stress in Transgenic Rice

A late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein gene, HVA1, from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was introduced into rice suspension cells using the Biolistic-mediated transformation method, and a large number of independent transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants were generated. Expression of the barley HVA1 gene regulated by the rice actin 1 gene promoter led to high-level, constitutive accumulation of the HVA1 protein in both leaves and roots of transgenic rice plants. Second-generation transgenic rice plants showed significantly increased tolerance to water deficit and salinity. Transgenic rice plants maintained higher growth rates than nontransformed control plants under stress conditions. The increased tolerance was also reflected by delayed development of damage symptoms caused by stress and by improved recovery upon the removal of stress conditions. We also found that the extent of increased stress tolerance correlated with the level of the HVA1 protein accumulated in the transgenic rice plants. Using a transgenic approach, this study provides direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that LEA proteins play an important role in the protection of plants under water-or salt-stress conditions. Thus, LEA genes hold considerable potential for use as molecular tools for genetic crop improvement toward stress tolerance.

Expression of a Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Gene, HVA1, from Barley Confers Tolerance to Water Deficit and Salt Stress in Transgenic Rice

A late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein gene, HVA1, from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was introduced into rice suspension cells using the Biolistic-mediated transformation method, and a large number of independent transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants were generated. Expression of the barley HVA1 gene regulated by the rice actin 1 gene promoter led to high-level, constitutive accumulation of the HVA1 protein in both leaves and roots of transgenic rice plants. Second-generation transgenic rice plants showed significantly increased tolerance to water deficit and salinity. Transgenic rice plants maintained higher growth rates than nontransformed control plants under stress conditions. The increased tolerance was also reflected by delayed development of damage symptoms caused by stress and by improved recovery upon the removal of stress conditions. We also found that the extent of increased stress tolerance correlated with the level of the HVA1 protein accumulated in the transgenic rice plants. Using a transgenic approach, this study provides direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that LEA proteins play an important role in the protection of plants under water-or salt-stress conditions. Thus, LEA genes hold considerable potential for use as molecular tools for genetic crop improvement toward stress tolerance.

Ozone-induced alterations in glutathione in lung subcompartments of rats and monkeys

The current studies were designed to test two hypotheses: (1) differences in steady-state reduced glutathione levels are responsible for subcompartment differences in susceptibility to acute ozone injury, and (2) elevation of reduced glutathione concentrations accounts for the tolerance to further injury produced by repeated ozone exposure. Glutathione was measured in well-defined subcompartments of the lung of both rats and monkeys to compare alterations occurring in both target (distal trachea and terminal bronchiole) and nontarget areas (lobar bronchus, major daughter, minor daughter bronchus, and parenchyma) of the lung in species that differ in sensitivity to ozone exposure (rat is less susceptible than monkey). Glutathione concentrations were decreased in trachea of rats exposed to 0.4 ppm ozone for 2 h and increased in lobar bronchus and distal bronchiole after 2 h exposure at 1 ppm. In monkey, glutathione levels in most subcompartments were not altered by either 0.4 or 1.0 ppm ozone exposure for 2 h. The exceptions were the major daughter subcompartment (200% of control at 0.4 ppm exposure) and the distal bronchiole (55% of control at 1 ppm exposure). Ninety day ozone exposures (6 h/day x 5 days/week) in rats produced an elevation in glutathione (164% of control value) only in distal bronchiole at the 1 ppm exposure level. In a similar manner, glutathione levels in the distal bronchiole of monkeys exposed for 90 days to 1 ppm O3 were 165% of the corresponding control values. These results suggest the following: glutathione levels in target and nontarget areas of the lung and in susceptible versus less susceptible species are not the primary determinant in the differences observed in ozone toxicity; the response of lung subcompartments to short-term ozone exposure varied depending on airway subcompartment and species; increased glutathione levels may be one reason for adaptation of some airway epithelial cells from rats and monkeys exposed to O3 for long periods; and use of well-defined segments of the lung provides a means of assessing changes in target areas of the lung without dilution from nontarget areas.

Prevalence of hypertension and its trends in Chinese populations

The third nation-wide survey of blood pressure level and hypertension was carried out in China in 1991. In total, 950,356 residents aged > or = 15 years were examined. Sampling population were composed of half urban and half rural from 27 provinces or autonomous regions and three municipalities. The results showed that: (1) the age-adjusted prevalence rate of hypertension (systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mmHg) was 11.26% (male 12.15%, female 10.32%) and the definite hypertension rate (systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 mmHg, or on medication) was 5.29% (male 5.38%, female 5.21%); rate of borderline hypertension was evaluated from 2.82% to 6.15% during the 10-year period from 1979/1980 to 1991; (2) the prevalence rate was progressively increased with age, especially after age 35; prevalence rates were generally higher in men than women before about age 44, however by age 60, women had a higher prevalence of hypertension; (3) a general trend of decrease in prevalence from north-eastern to south-western China was confirmed; (4) there were significantly lower rates in rural than in urban areas. Results of preliminary analysis for prevalence of hypertension among different occupations, nationalities, and educational levels were presented.

Hypertension prevalence and status of awareness, treatment and control in China

A nation-wide survey of blood pressure (BP) and high BP was made in China in 1991, using standardized methods and covering 950,356 men and women aged 15 years and above, from 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence and the status of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension defined as systolic BP > or = 140 or diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg or currently on antihypertensive medication was 13.6%, and was higher in urban (16.3%) than in rural (11.1%) setting. The rate was 6.6% if a BP cut-point of 160/95 mmHg was used. Rates were low in younger age-groups but rose sharply after age 45. The total number of hypertensives in 1990 was estimated to be close to 90 millions. Of all hypertensives, about 1/4 were aware of their high BP, half of these were on medication, and only 3% had their BP controlled. All the rates were higher if the BP cut-point was 160/95 mmHg. Higher rates were found in urban than rural setting and, to a lesser degree, for women than men. In conclusion, hypertension was found to be common in China, and the rates of awareness, drug treatment, and controlled BP were low, indicating an urgent need for developing a national program of treatment and prevention of high BP.

Relationship of cytochrome P450 activity to Clara cell cytotoxicity. IV. Metabolism of naphthalene and naphthalene oxide in microdissected airways from mice, rats, and hamsters

Parenteral administration of naphthalene produces a dose-dependent and tissue-, species-, and cell-selective lesion of murine Clara cells. The rate and stereoselectivity of naphthalene metabolism by microsomal preparations correlate with tissue and species differences in cytotoxicity. Because earlier studies used microsomes obtained from whole tissue, differences in susceptibility of proximal and distal airways could not be related to differences in the metabolic activation or detoxication of naphthalene. Specific subcompartments of the respiratory system, obtained by microdissection, have been used to study the cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of naphthalene and the epoxide hydrolase/glutathione transferase-dependent metabolism of naphthalene oxide. The rates of naphthalene metabolism were substantially higher in mouse airways than in comparable airways of hamsters or rats. Rates of metabolism were higher in distal airways than in the trachea of all species studied. Metabolism in mouse airways was highly stereoselective, whereas that in hamster and rat tissues was not. Nonciliated cells at all airway levels in mice were heavily labeled with an antibody to cytochrome P450 2F2; little labeling was observed in any portion of rat and hamster lungs. Postmitochondrial supernatants prepared from mouse and hamster airways metabolized racemic naphthalene oxide to diol and glutathione adducts at substantially higher rates than did comparable preparations from rats. Although glutathione levels varied 2-4-fold at different airway levels in the three species studied, levels at the most susceptible site (mouse distal bronchioles) were as high as or higher than those at other, less susceptible, sites. These studies support the view that the rate and stereoselectivity of naphthalene metabolism to naphthalene 1R,2S-oxide catalyzed by cytochrome P450 2F2 are critical determinants in the species-specific and region-selective cytotoxicity of naphthalene in mice. The lack of major differences in the catalytic activity or enantioselectivity of putative detoxication enzymes (epoxide hydrolase or glutathione transferases) between mouse and hamster tissue, combined with data showing that the differences in the metabolic fate of naphthalene oxide in proximal versus distal airways are not dramatic, suggests that the initial epoxidation of naphthalene is an important factor in site-selective toxicity. These studies support the need to use tissue from defined airway levels for studies on the relationship of biochemical and metabolic factors important in cellular injury by lung toxicants, such as naphthalene, where there are dramatic regional differences in susceptibility to injury within the respiratory system.

Evidence for involvement of beta-glucan-binding cell surface lectins in human natural killer cell function

We have studied the effects of yeast cell wall derivatives (zymosan and particulate beta-glucan), on the cytolytic effector function of human natural killer cells. Both zymosan and particulate beta-glucan were found to inhibit the NK-cell-mediated killing of K562, Molt-4, U937, and HL60 tumor cells. Zymosan also inhibited the IL-2-dependent proliferation of NK cells, suggesting that some component of the yeast cell wall delivers a down-modulatory signal affecting multiple NK cell functions. NK cell surface molecules capable of binding both zymosan and Sepharose-immobilized pustulan (linear 1,6-beta-D-glucan, a carbohydrate component of zymosan and particulate beta-glucan) were identified in detergent lysates prepared from surface iodinated NK cells. Our results suggest that NK cells express cell surface beta-glucan-binding lectins that may contribute to NK-cell-mediated natural cytotoxicity.

Dose-dependent tolerance to ozone. IV. Site-specific elevation in antioxidant enzymes in the lungs of rats exposed for 90 days or 20 months

Ozone-induced lung injury in rats is focal, with the primary target sites being the distal trachea and the central acinus. In both area, ozone causes cellular injury and necrosis after short-term exposures, but the areas become tolerant to further injury after long-term exposure. To investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes in the resistance of the lung to injury from long-term ozone exposure, we measured activities of three antioxidant enzymes in airway samples microdissected from specific sites within the lung: distal trachea, lobar bronchi, major daughter axial bronchi, minor daughter bronchi, distal bronchiole, and parenchyma. Fischer 344 rats were exposed to 0, 0.5, and 1 ppm ozone 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 20 months, or to 0, 0.12, and 1 ppm for 90 days. Glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities were measured at the end of the exposure periods. Data were normalized for DNA content (Units/mg DNA). For both the 90-day and 20-month exposures, the activities of all three enzymes were significantly elevated in a concentration-dependent fashion in the distal bronchioles. Compared to controls, animals exposed to 1.0 ppm ozone had superoxide dismutase activities 1.6x (90 days) and 2x (20 months) greater; glutathione peroxidase had activities 1.4x (90 days) and 1.6x (20 months) greater; and glutathione S-transferase had activities 1.5x (90 days and 20 months) greater. In animals exposed for 90 days, superoxide dismutase activity was lower in major daughter bronchi and greater in minor daughter bronchi and glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in major daughter bronchi. After 20 months of exposure, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly elevated in a dose-dependent fashion in the distal trachea; glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in the major daughter bronchi and increased in the minor daughter bronchi; and glutathione S-transferase activity decreased in the major daughter bronchi. There were no changes in antioxidant enzyme levels in other subcompartments. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in a concentration-dependent fashion in the whole lung homogenate of animals exposed for 90 days, but no differences were detected in whole lung homogenates of any other exposure groups. We conclude that (1) antioxidant enzyme activities are altered on a site-specific basis in response to long-term exposure to ozone; (2) the antioxidant enzymes respond differently in different lung subcompartments; (3) activities determined for the whole lung do not reflect changes in subcompartments with variable susceptibility to injury; and (4) changes in antioxidant enzyme activities are concentration-dependent and altered by length of exposure.

Variation in antioxidant enzyme activities in anatomic subcompartments within rat and rhesus monkey lung

Antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferases are thought to be the primary cellular defense against reactive oxygen species. Since pulmonary injury produced by oxidant air pollutants like ozone is highly focal, involving primarily the trachea and centriacinar areas of the lung, measurements of alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities in whole lung may substantially underestimate changes occurring in target areas of the respiratory tract. We have applied a technique for preparation of lung specimens from well-defined anatomic locations to determine whether the focal injury associated with ozone exposure is related to an uneven distribution of antioxidant enzyme activity in the respiratory tract. Our study compared enzyme activities in rat and monkey, species which differ considerably in sensitivity to ozone-induced injury (monkey > rat). The activities of glutathione S-transferase varied less than twofold between different airway subcompartments for both the rat and monkey. Pulmonary veins had approximately 50% of the activity of airways in both species. Glutathione peroxidase activity was slightly higher in proximal compared to distal airways of the rat but was evenly distributed at all airway levels in the monkey. In both species, activity in pulmonary veins was lower than that in airways. The activity of superoxide dismutase was similar in rat and monkey and marked differences were not observed in the various subcompartments studied. Similarly, catalase activity was relatively evenly distributed in rat airways but, in the monkey, the distal bronchiole and lobar bronchus had marginally higher activity than the trachea. We conclude that: (1) measurement of antioxidant enzyme activities in anatomic subcompartments within the lung is feasible using microdissected specimens, (2) antioxidant enzyme activity can vary in different subcompartments of the lung of the same species, (3) the pattern of variation in enzyme activity differs by the enzyme and by species, and (4) species and subcompartment differences in ozone injury are not due primarily to differences in the distribution of antioxidant enzyme activity.

Regeneration of herbicide resistant transgenic rice plants following microprojectile-mediated transformation of suspension culture cells

Suspension cells of Oryza sativa L. (rice) were transformed, by microprojectile bombardment, with plasmids carrying the coding region of the Streptomyces hygroscopicus phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT) gene (bar) under the control of either the 5' region of the rice actin 1 gene (Act1) or the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Subsequently regenerated plants display detectable PAT activity and are resistant to BASTA(TM), a phosphinothricin (PPT)-based herbicide. DNA gel blot analyses showed that PPT resistant rice plants contain a bar-hybridizing restriction fragment of the expected size. This report shows that expression of the bar gene in transgenic rice plants confers resistance to PPT-based herbicide by suppressing an increase of ammonia in plants after spraying with the herbicide.

Identification and functional characterization of a TIA-1-related nucleolysin

We recently reported the molecular cloning of a cytotoxic granule-associated RNA-binding protein designated TIA-1. The ability of recombinant TIA-1 to induce DNA fragmentation in permeabilized cells suggested that this protein is the granule component responsible for inducing apoptosis in cytolytic lymphocyte (CTL) targets. Here we report the characterization of a cDNA encoding a TIA-1-related protein designated TIAR. The deduced amino acid sequence of TIAR reveals it to be a 42-kDa protein possessing three RNA-binding domains and a carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domain. Although the RNA-binding domains of TIA-1 and TIAR share greater than 85% amino acid homology, their carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domains are only 51% homologous. The carboxyl terminus of TIAR contains a lysosome-targeting motif, indicating that TIAR is probably a cytotoxic granule-associated protein. Like TIA-1, purified recombinant TIAR induced DNA fragmentation in permeabilized target cells. Although immunoblotting analysis of post-nuclear supernatants revealed TIA-1 protein to be restricted to CTLs, PCR analysis revealed the expression of TIA-1 and TIAR mRNA transcripts in a wide variety of cell types. Our data suggest that the granules of CTLs contain at least two candidate nucleolysins involved in CTL killing.

B-cell maturation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. IV. T-cell-dependent activation of leukaemic B cells by staphylococcal enterotoxin 'superantigens'

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) are potent T-lymphocyte activators that stimulate T cells by directly cross-linking HLA-DR molecules on antigen-presenting cells with the V beta gene products of the T-cell receptor. The different SE activate all T cells expressing a given V beta, and, therefore, have been termed 'superantigens'. Here we show that SE are potent activators of leukaemic B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Purified B cells from seven of eight CLL patients with high WBC counts (greater than 80,000/microliters) responded to one or several of the tested SE (SEA, SEB, SEC1, SED, SEE) by proliferation ([3H]TdR incorporation) and/or Ig secretion. In several instances, the response of leukaemic B cells to SE was much stronger than was the response to other known B-cell activators including EBV, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), phorbolester (TPA), and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC). The activation of leukaemic B cells by SE was strictly dependent on the addition of irradiated T cells isolated from healthy donors. FACS analysis of cultured cells ensured that the proliferating cells were indeed B cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SE are strong T-cell-dependent B-cell activators that, in some cases, can stimulate maturation of leukaemic B cells which are refractory to other activation signals.

Mycorrhizal fungi and nonhydraulic root signals of soil drying

We propose that mycorrhizal colonization of roots alters nonhydraulic root to shoot communication of soil drying. Split-root rose (Rosa hybrida L. cv Samantha) plants-one side of the root system colonized by Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, the other side nonmycorrhizal-displayed different stomatal conductances upon partial drying, depending upon whether mycorrhizal or nonmycorrhizal roots were dried. No differences in leaf water status were observed among control plants and those whose mycorrhizal or nonmycorrhizal roots were dried.

Effect of intermolecular orientation upon proton transfer within a polarizable medium

Ab initio calculations are used to investigate the proton transfer process in bacteriorhodopsin. HN = CH2 serves as a small prototype of the Schiff base while HCOO- models its carboxylate-containing counterion and HO- the hydroxyl group of water of tyrosine, leading to the HCOO-..H+..NHCH2 and HO-..H+..NHCH2 complexes. In isolation, both complexes prefer a neutral pair configuration wherein the central proton is associated with the anion. However, the Schiff base may be protonated in the former complex, producing the HCOO-..+HNHCH2 ion pair, when there is a high degree of dielectric coupling with an external polarizable medium. Within a range of intermediate level coupling, the equilibrium position of the proton (on either the carboxylate or Schiff base) can be switched by suitable changes in the intermolecular angle. pK shift resulting from a 60 degrees reorientation are calculated to be some 5-12 pK U within the coupling range where proton transfers are possible. The energy barrier to proton transfer reinforces the ability of changes in angle and dielectric coupling to induce a proton transfer.

[Mechanism of the antiasthmatic effect of total coumarins in the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.)Cuss]

Total coumarins in the fruit of Cnidium monnieri show a marked protective effect against bronchial asthma induced by inhalation of histamine in conscious guinea pig. In vitro these total coumarins can relax the contraction of the isolated trachea in guinea pigs induced by histamine as well as increase the perfusion rate of isolated lung preparation of guinea pig. These actions, however, may be blocked by propranolol. Besides, these coumarins cannot increase the heart rate and arterial blood pressure in anesthetized rats. All this shows that the antiasthmatic effect of total coumarins in the fruit of Cnidium monnieri is mediated by beta 2-receptor.