Protein synthesis in the mammalian retina following the intravenous administration of LSD

Light-dependent changes in the chick pineal temperature and the expression of cHsp90 alpha gene: a potential contribution of in vivo temperature change to the photic-entrainment of the chick pineal circadian clock

The circadian clock is entrained to the diurnal alteration of environmental conditions such as light and temperature, but the molecular mechanism underlying the entrainment is not fully understood. In the present study, we employed a differential display-based screening for a set of genes that are induced by light in the chick pineal gland, a structure of the central clock entrainable to both light and temperature changes. We found that the level of the mRNA encoding chicken heat shock protein 90 alpha (cHSP90 alpha) was rapidly elevated in the pineal gland within a 5-min exposure of chicks to light. Furthermore, the pineal cHsp90 alpha mRNA was expressed rhythmically under both 12-hr light/12-hr dark (LD) cycles and constant dark (DD) conditions. The total amount of the pineal cHSP90 alpha protein was, however, kept at nearly constant levels under LD cycles, and immunohistochemical analyses of the pineal cHSP90 alpha showed invariable localization at the cytoplasm throughout the day. In vivo measurement of the chick pineal temperature demonstrated its light-dependent and time-of-day-dependent change, and the profile was very similar to that of the pineal cHSP90 alpha mRNA level. These observations suggest that the in vivo temperature change regulates the expression of temperature-responsive genes including cHSP 90 alpha in the pineal gland. The temperature change may induce a phase-shift of the pineal clock, thereby facilitating its efficient entrainment to environmental LD cycles.

Characterization of cold-induced heat shock protein expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Cardiac surgery is usually performed under conditions of cardioplegic ischemic arrest. To protect the heart during the ischemic period, the myocardium is exposed to varying degrees of hypothermia. Although hyperthermia is known to induce the heat shock response, the molecular effects of hypothermia on the myocardium have not been investigated. We have studied the effect of hypothermia on the induction of heat shock proteins in primary cultures of neonatal cardiomyocytes. Cold stress in cardiomyocytes induced a 6 fold increase in the heat shock protein HSP70 as compared to control. Increased HSP70 protein levels correlated with induction of HSP70 mRNAs. Maximal levels of HSP70 protein appeared 4-6 h following recovery from cold shock, indicating the transient nature of the response. Induction of HSP25 mRNA was also observed in cold-shocked cardiomyocytes, even though increased HSP25 protein levels were not detected. Our results indicate that hypothermia is capable of inducing the heat shock response in neonatal cardiomyocytes.

Induction of heat shock (stress) protein 70 and its mRNA in the normal and light-damaged rat retina after whole body hyperthermia

In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the distribution of the 70 kDa heat shock or stress protein (hsp70) and its mRNA in specific layers of the retina of adult rats at 0, 4, 18, and 48 or 50 hr after a brief whole body hyperthermic treatment. Induction of hsp70 mRNA was noted in the photoreceptor layer of the retina within 4 hr after hyperthermia. Pronounced accumulation of inducible hsp70 immunoreactivity was observed in cytoplasmic extensions of the photoreceptor cells, especially the inner segment zone which attained peak levels at the 18 hr time point. Selective destruction of photoreceptors by light damage prior to hyperthermia inhibited the post-hyperthermic rise in newly synthesized retinal hsp70. Our results suggest that the photoreceptor cell layer is the primary site of synthesis of hsp70 in the rat retina and that the greatest increase in hsp70 immunoreactivity following such a hyperthermic stress occurs in that layer. This stress response of the photoreceptors is discussed in relation to their location and function in the retina.

Characterization of a novel chicken heat shock transcription factor, heat shock factor 3, suggests a new regulatory pathway

We have cloned three avian heat shock transcription factor (HSF) genes corresponding to a novel factor, HSF3, and the avian homologs of mammalian HSF1 and HSF2. The predicted amino acid sequence of HSF3 is approximately 40% related to the sequence of HSF1 and HSF2. The sequences for all three factors exhibit extensive identify in the DNA binding motifs and the heptad repeats of hydrophobic amino acids which are common to all eukaryotic HSFs. Despite these overall similarities, each avian HSF exhibits distinct DNA binding properties. HSF2 when expressed in vitro binds constitutively to the heat shock element promoter sequence, whereas neither HSF1 nor HSF3 expressed in vitro binds to DNA. HSF1 DNA binding is induced upon heat shock or treatment with nonionic detergents, whereas the DNA binding properties of HSF3 are not induced by these conditions in vitro. These results suggest that HSF3 activation may involve an induction pathway distinct from the traditional forms of heat shock gene induction. HSF3 DNA binding activity, however, is obtained when the carboxyl-terminal region including the distal heptad repeat is deleted, indicating the presence of negative cis-regulatory sequences. The HSF3 message, like HSF1 and HSF2 messages, is coexpressed during development and in most tissues, which suggests a general role for the regulatory pathway involving HSF3.

Characterization of a novel chicken heat shock transcription factor, heat shock factor 3, suggests a new regulatory pathway

We have cloned three avian heat shock transcription factor (HSF) genes corresponding to a novel factor, HSF3, and the avian homologs of mammalian HSF1 and HSF2. The predicted amino acid sequence of HSF3 is approximately 40% related to the sequence of HSF1 and HSF2. The sequences for all three factors exhibit extensive identify in the DNA binding motifs and the heptad repeats of hydrophobic amino acids which are common to all eukaryotic HSFs. Despite these overall similarities, each avian HSF exhibits distinct DNA binding properties. HSF2 when expressed in vitro binds constitutively to the heat shock element promoter sequence, whereas neither HSF1 nor HSF3 expressed in vitro binds to DNA. HSF1 DNA binding is induced upon heat shock or treatment with nonionic detergents, whereas the DNA binding properties of HSF3 are not induced by these conditions in vitro. These results suggest that HSF3 activation may involve an induction pathway distinct from the traditional forms of heat shock gene induction. HSF3 DNA binding activity, however, is obtained when the carboxyl-terminal region including the distal heptad repeat is deleted, indicating the presence of negative cis-regulatory sequences. The HSF3 message, like HSF1 and HSF2 messages, is coexpressed during development and in most tissues, which suggests a general role for the regulatory pathway involving HSF3.

Induction of a heat shock gene (hsp70) in rabbit retinal ganglion cells detected by in situ hybridization with plastic-embedded tissue

Elevation of body temperature by 2-3 degrees C induces a 2.7 kilobase hsp70 mRNA species in the rabbit retina within 1 hr. In situ hybridization with thin sections derived from plastic-embedded tissue permitted a higher level of resolution of retinal cell types compared to procedures which involved the use of frozen tissue sections. A prominent induction of hsp70 mRNA in retinal ganglion cells was observed when an hsp70 riboprobe was utilized for in situ hybridization. These results indicate that this neuronal cell type responds rapidly to fever-like body temperatures by inducing one of the major heat shock genes.

Induction of heat shock (stress) genes in the mammalian brain by hyperthermia and other traumatic events: a current perspective

Is the heat shock response physiologically relevant? For example, following hyperthermia or ischemia, what neural cell types show induction of heat shock genes and what is the time course of the effect? Initial experiments in this area demonstrated the prominent induction of a 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) when labeled brain proteins isolated from hyperthermic animals were analyzed. Recently, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry have been utilized to map out the pattern of expression of both constitutively expressed and stress-inducible members of the hsp70 multigene family. Different types of neural trauma have been found to induce characteristic cellular responses in the mammalian brain with regard to the type of brain cell that responds by inducing hsp70 and the timing of the induction response. Fever-like temperature causes a dramatic induction of hsp70 mRNA within 1 hr in fiber tracts of the forebrain and cerebellum, a pattern consistent with a strong glial response to heat shock. Tissue injury, namely, a small surgical cut in the cerebral cortex, induces a rapid and highly localized induction of hsp70 mRNA in cells proximal to the injury site. Using an immunocytochemical approach, a neuronal pattern of induction of hsp70 has been demonstrated following ischemia or kainic acid-induced seizures. It is apparent that the pattern of induction of hsp70 may be a useful early marker of cellular injury and may identify previously unrecognized areas of vulnerability in the nervous system.

Induction of stress proteins in cultured human RPE-derived cells

The expression and induction of stress protein families were examined in cultured human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-derived cells. These stress proteins (SPs) include the heat-shock proteins (HSPs) that have been shown to be highly inducible following treatment by heat, amino acid analogues, and various chemical oxidants. Three sets of proteins with molecular weights of 70, 84, and 110 kilodaltons were elevated simultaneously from constitutive levels after treatment with azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AzC), an amino acid analogue of proline. Further experiments demonstrated that incubation of cultured human fetal RPE-derived cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at concentrations ranging from 10(-5) M to 10(-3) M for 30 minutes to 60 minutes did not elevate the levels of the common families of HSPs as with AzC. These results indicate that cultured human fetal RPE-derived cells are capable of elevated HSP biosynthesis after AzC exposure but appear resistant to H2O2 treatment.

Spinal cord injury and the stress protein response

The heat shock or stress response is a highly conserved primary cellular response to injury. Synthesis of stress proteins (also called "heat shock proteins") is an integral component of this response. Protection from various forms of sublethal stress following increased production of stress proteins has been demonstrated in a number of systems, including the retina. This immunocytochemical study demonstrates the synthesis, accumulation, and redistribution of the 70-kD stress protein following spinal cord injury in rats. The observations confirm that stress protein production is a fundamental feature of the molecular response of the spinal cord to injury, and raise the possibility that augmentation of this response could enhance posttraumatic neuronal survival.

Hyperthermia protects against light damage in the rat retina

An increase in the synthesis of heat shock proteins that is induced in cells in vitro by hyperthermia or other types of metabolic stress correlates with enhanced cell survival upon further stress. To determine if a similar increase in stress tolerance could be elicited in vivo, rats were made hyperthermic, and then their retinas were tested for sensitivity to light damage. This treatment resulted in a marked decrease in photoreceptor degeneration after exposure to bright light as compared to normothermic animals. Concomitant with such protection was an increase in retinal synthesis of three heat shock proteins. Thus, a physiological rise in body temperature enhances the stress tolerance of nerve tissue, perhaps by increasing heat shock protein production.

The induction of the major heat-stress protein in purified rat glial cells

Cultured purified oligodendroglia and astroglia exposed to heat stress (45 degrees C, 10 or 20 min) synthesized a 68-kDa heat-stress protein, which migrates on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and reacts with a specific monoclonal antibody suggesting it is similar to a major 72-kDa heat-shock protein previously reported in other cell types. This protein was not detected in control glial cultures. Actinomycin D prevented synthesis of this protein demonstrating an absolute requirement for newly synthesized mRNA. The response was prolonged by increasing the period of heat stress from 10 to 20 min. In addition to the 68-kDa HSP protein, the incorporation of radioactivity into 70-, 89-, and 97-kDa proteins was also increased after heating, but in contrast to the 68 kDa protein these proteins appeared to be made in control glial cultures.

Stress proteins accumulate in cultured retinal glial cells during herpes simplex viral infection

The production of stress- or heat-shock proteins (SP) which are defined by three monoclonal antibodies (TI56, TG5E and TG7A) were examined in cultured retinal glial cells with and without herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that 80-90% of uninfected cells reacted with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and that 10-20% of uninfected cells were weakly labelled with anti-SP antibodies. By 6 hr after HSV infection, the proportion of GFAP labelled cells decreased to 60-70% whereas cells strongly expressing SP antigens were demonstrated. At 24 hr, GFAP+ cells were markedly reduced in number and immunolabelling with anti-SP antibodies was evident in approximately 50% of cells, directly demonstrating the accumulation of SP in cultured retinal cells after HSV infection. Double labelling with GFAP/TI56 indicated that 30% of GFAP+ cells were labelled with TI56 and 30-50% of TI56+ cells were also GFAP+, despite the abrupt loss of GFAP+ cells during HSV infection. These results indicate that SP normally expressed at low level are significantly upregulated in retinal glial cells following HSV infection.

Altered expression of a heat shock protein in the mammalian nervous system in the presence of agents which affect microtubule stability

In vitro incubation of the isolated rabbit retina at elevated temperature results in the synthesis of a heat shock protein of M.W. 74,000 (hsp74). Recently we have demonstrated that this protein is associated with preparations of purified retinal microtubules and intermediate filaments. In order to examine the possibility that hsp74 synthesis is related to cytoskeletal stability, the effects of agents known to specifically affect microtubules were examined using an in vitro retinal system. Taxol, an antimitotic agent which stabilizes microtubules, was found to reduce the level of hsp74 synthesized in response to elevated temperature. Colchicine, a potent microtubule de-stabilizing agent, did not induce hsp74 synthesis in the absence of elevated temperature, however, under heat shock conditions, hsp74 synthesis was elevated in the presence of colchicine. Kinetics of microtubule assembly were similar in preparations isolated from cerebral hemispheres of control and hyperthermic animals however, microtubules from the latter were altered in appearance and exhibited a higher degree of crosslinking.

A retinal heat shock protein is associated with elements of the cytoskeleton and binds to calmodulin

Elevation of body temperature to a level similar to that attained during fever induces a disaggregation of polysomes in the mammalian retina and induction of a 74K heat shock protein (hsp74). Induced retinal hsp74 copurifies with twice cycled microtubules and also with purified intermediate filaments, is precipitated by antibodies prepared against purified Tau proteins and binds to calmodulin.

Induction of a heat shock protein in the isolated mammalian retina

The effects of elevated ambient temperature and addition of the psychotropic drug LSD on protein synthesis in the isolated rabbit retina were investigated. Two dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by fluorography of proteins synthesized in vitro demonstrated that synthesis of a heat shock protein of molecular weight 74,000 (74K) was induced by the elevation of temperature and not by the addition of LSD. The appearance of this heat shock protein was shown to be dependent upon the synthesis of new RNA as shown by the addition of actinomycin-D to the incubation medium. The newly synthesized heat shock protein was associated with both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions.

Heat shock-like protein is transferred from glia to axon

Glia-axon protein transfer was examined in the squid giant axon. Proteins synthesized by the glial sheath surrounding the axon were labeled with [3H]leucine. Raising the temperature of the incubation medium from 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C increased the synthesis of glial proteins that resembled heat-shock proteins. These proteins were among the group known to be transferred into the axon. Thus, glia provide the axon with proteins that may be involved in the reaction to trauma.

Axonal transport of a heat shock protein in the rabbit visual system

Intraocular injection of [35S]methionine was used to demonstrate the pronounced induction of a 74-kDa heat shock protein in the rabbit retina after a 3 degrees C increase in body temperature was generated by intravenous administration of D-lysergic acid diethylamide. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography revealed that the induced heat shock protein underwent axonal transport from retinal ganglion cells into the optic nerve and subsequently down the contralateral optic tract to synaptic termini in the visual projection area. Since the heat shock protein took more than 8 days to move down the optic nerve to the superior colliculus, it is transported by slow rather than by fast axonal transport.

Induction of a ‘stress’ protein in intact mammalian organs after the intravenous administration of sodium arsenite

The profile of nascent proteins synthesized in various rabbit organs after the intravenous injection of sodium arsenite was analyzed by the cell-free translation of purified polysomes. Examination of the translation products of polysomes isolated 1 hr after injection of sodium arsenite revealed a marked induction of synthesis of a protein of molecular weight 74,000 (74K) in the kidney, heart and liver which was similar to a 'heat shock' protein which was induced in these organs after elevation of body temperature by 2.5 to 3 degrees C. Synthesis of the 74K protein was not detected in the translation products of brain polysomes isolated 1 hr after sodium arsenite injection.

Heat shock protein in mammalian brain and other organs after a physiologically relevant increase in body temperature induced by D-lysergic acid diethylamide

A physiologically relevant increase in body temperature from 39.7 to 42.5 degrees C, which was generated after the intravenous injection of D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), caused the induction of synthesis of a 74,000-dalton heat shock protein in the brain, heart, and kidney of the young adult rabbit. A marked increase in the relative labeling of a 74,000-dalton protein was noted after analysis of both in vivo labeled proteins and cell-free translation products of isolated polysomes. A temporal decrease in the synthesis of this protein was noted as LSD-induced hyperthermia subsided. The 74,000-dalton protein, which is induced in various organs of the intact animal at a body temperature similar to that attained during fever reactions, may play a role in homeostatic control mechanisms.