Sound exposure as a measure against driver drowsiness

Twelve lorry drivers participated in a field study, including in total 110 tests of a waking sound system. The system was based on a time and frequency varied sound, generated at intervals between 1 and 15 min for periods of 3-7 s. The waking effect of the sound was analysed through subjective ratings. Exposure to the sounds was correlated to improvements of the immediate as well as the long-term self-reported changes in wakefulness. The results of the study show consistently positive assessments concerning the applied waking system, both regarding the system as a measure for raised wakefulness, increased road safety and the interest in having the system installed in the vehicle. The waking sounds were in no case felt to be annoying. Analyses of the wakefulness and other factors and the interaction related to fatigue and driving are included in the investigation.

Keratinocyte-specific retinoid regulation of human cellular retinoic acid binding protein-II (hCRABPII) gene promoter requires an evolutionarily conserved DR1 retinoic acid-responsive element

Transcription of the hCRABPII gene is retinoid inducible in human skin keratinocytes (KC) but, surprisingly, not in cultured cells. The promoter for the gene harbors three putative nuclear receptor binding sites: DR5, upstream of the transcription start site; DR1 (DR1d), distal to the site; and DR1 (DR1p), a proximal variant. DR1d, but not DR1p, is conserved between human and mouse. Although DR5 has been found to be a retinoid receptor target in COS-1 cells, the function of DR1 remains unknown. We examined the functions of these DR in retinoid regulation of the hCRABPII promoter in human KC. In reporter gene assays, no significant retinoid response was observed in the promoter in cultured KC; however, overexpression of retinoid receptor heterodimers RARgamma x RXRalpha restored the response. Gel supershift assays showed that endogenous RARgamma x RXRalpha levels are much lower in cultured KC than in skin in vivo. Ligand-binding assays showed that cultured KC contain only one-third of the level of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and one-eighth of the level of retinoid X receptor found in KC in skin. Deletion of the DR1d or DR5 sites reduced retinoid-induced promoter activity by 63% and 27%, respectively. Isolated DR1d and DR5 sites, but not DR1p, efficiently bound RARgamma-RXRalpha and conferred RAR-selective retinoid responsiveness on a heterologous promoter. These data indicate that: (i) the previously reported lack of retinoid regulation of endogenous hCRABPII gene transcription in cultured KC is likely due to insufficient levels of RARgamma x RXRalpha, but not their cofactors; (ii) the conserved DR1d site is the major functional target in RARgamma x RXRalpha regulation of hCRABPII in KC; (iii) the DR1p site is nonfunctional due to its lack of affinity for RARgamma x RXRalpha, although its half-sites share high sequence homology with the consensus retinoid receptor-binding half-site.

Laboratory studies of a sound system that maintains wakefulness

Two studies investigated the effects of a waking sound that enhances wakefulness. Study I investigated the effect of the sound level and Study 2 the effect of time and frequency variability of the sound. The recordings of EEG and subjective ratings were analysed to study the effect upon wakefulness. The waking effect increased when sound varied in duration and frequency. A number of specific conditions necessary for the waking effect are described. The exposure should be based on high frequency sounds and several tones chosen to produce disharmony. The exposure should be loud enough to be heard over the masking background noise. The duration and tonal quality should be variable from one presentation to another.

Intensity mappings within the context of near-sensor image processing

In the original near-sensor image processing (NSIP) concept, the intensity level for an individual sensor element is mapped onto the time axis so that the time to reach the threshold is inversely proportional to the intensity. In many cases this is favorable, in some cases there is a need for another mapping between time and intensity. We show that such mappings can be achieved by either inserting delays or by varying the threshold voltage. The result is that to achieve a linear mapping it is much more favorable to use a variable threshold since the processing power of the sensor is then better utilized. An interesting result, when it comes to adaptive mapping, is that the traditionally time consuming operation histogram equalization can be accomplished almost for free in the NSIP concept. We also show that other histogram-based, i.e., data-dependent, mapping can be easily implemented.

Load pattern and pressure pain threshold in the upper trapezius muscle and psychosocial factors in medical secretaries with and without shoulder/neck disorders

OBJECT

A current hypothesis for the genesis of muscular complaints in the shoulder/neck region postulates that short periods with a completely relaxed muscle are essential to avoid complaints. Another hypothesis is that these disorders are related to psychosocial conditions at work. In order to test these hypotheses, 23 medical secretaries were investigated.

METHODS

The load pattern during work in the upper trapezius muscle bilaterally was assessed with electromyographic (EMG) technique and exposure variation analysis (EVA). In addition, pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured on the trapezius muscle bilaterally and on the sternum. Psychosocial conditions at work were assessed with a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The medical secretaries with complaints had significantly fewer episodes with totally or close to totally relaxed muscle compared with the healthy group. The group with complaints tended to have a more monotonous load pattern at low levels (approx. 1%-5% maximum voluntary contraction) while the healthy group had more frequent pauses but also somewhat more frequent short load peaks. The group with complaints showed lower PPT readings compared with the healthy group. However, the whole group had considerably lower PPTs than is usually reported in the literature. Of the 12 questions in the psychosocial questionnaire only one regarding work task satisfaction showed a significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Support is found for hypothesis that secretaries without complaints have more frequent episodes with totally relaxed muscle. A significant difference is found regarding work task satisfaction.

Normal levels of the vitamin D receptor and its message in psoriatic skin

Treatment with vitamin D3 analogs improves psoriasis. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates most, if not all, the effects of vitamin D3. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of the VDR mRNA and VDR protein in normal and in involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin. Although VDR mRNA was not detected by Northern analysis of human skin samples, it was readily detectable by use of the more sensitive ribonuclease protection assay. The VDR mRNA levels were normal in acute guttate as well as in chronic plaque lesions. There was also no difference in VDR mRNA levels between normal and uninvolved psoriatic skin. The VDR protein was detected by Western analysis using the monoclonal 9A7 gamma anti-VDR antibody and a polyclonal rabbit anti-VDR antibody. For comparison, VDR levels were analyzed in cultures of normal human keratinocytes and the epithelial cell line MCF-7. Studies of the extraction procedures for VDR showed that at least 60% of Escherichia coli-expressed VDR added to the skin biopsy specimens was recovered. The VDR concentration in normal human adult skin was approximately 50 pg/microgram protein, and the concentrations of VDR in involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin were of the same order of magnitude. Using the 9A7 gamma anti-VDR antibody, the VDR (M(r) 53,000) was constantly present in lower amounts than a band of M(r) 80,000 in both skin specimens and keratinocyte cultures. This high-molecular-weight band is most likely a cross-reacting protein not related to VDR, because it was absent when using the polyclonal anti-VDR antibody.

Retinoic acid antagonizes basal as well as coal tar and glucocorticoid-induced cytochrome P4501A1 expression in human skin

Cytochrome P4501A1 is known to be expressed in skin and thus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of skin cancer due to certain environmental carcinogens. Retinoic acid (RA) has been used in chemoprevention of certain skin and other epithelial cancers. Therefore, we used Northern and Western analysis to determine the effect of externally applied RA on basal P4501A1 expression. RA reduced basal levels of P4501A1 mRNA and protein by 68 (n = 14, P = 0.005) and 75% (n = 7, P = 0.04) respectively. RA application also reduced basal levels of P4501A2 (another P4501A1 subfamily member) mRNA by 93% (n = 7, P = 0.001) as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Interestingly, P4501A1 mRNA expression induced by coal tar or glucocorticoid (clobetasol) was reduced 46 (n = 10, P = 0.003) and 69% (n = 5, P < 0.05) respectively by RA co-application. Downregulation of basal P4501A1 expression and antagonism of coal tar mediated P4501A1 induction by RA may be a mechanism involved in chemo-prevention of skin and other epithelial cancer by RA.

Budesonide is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes in human liver

Budesonide is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid that is commonly used in topical treatment of asthma and rhinitis. The main metabolites formed from budesonide in human liver microsomes have been identified as 16 alpha-hydroxyprednisolone and 6 beta-hydroxy-budesonide. Although it is apparent that the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system is involved, the actual subfamily has not been identified. In attempts to do this, budesonide was incubated with microsomes from ten different human liver samples where various CYP activities had been rank ordered. We found a strong correlation between formation of the two main metabolites and testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation (correlation 0.98 and 0.95), a marker for CYP3A. When budesonide (10 microM) was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of compounds known to interact with different isoforms or subfamilies of CYP, ketoconazole was found to be the strongest inhibitor of budesonide metabolism (IC50: approximately 0.1 microM) followed by troleandomycin (IC50: approximately 1 microM), erythromycin, and cyclosporin, all substances known to interact with CYP3A isoenzymes. Substances known to interact with CYP2C (sulfaphenazole, mephenytoin, and tolbutamide) and with CYP2D6 (bufuralol and quinidine) did not specifically inhibit the metabolism of budesonide. In addition, formation of the budesonide metabolites (16 alpha-hydroxyprednisolone and 6 beta-hydroxybudesonide) was inhibited by antibodies against the CYP3A subfamily, but not by antibodies against the CYP1A subfamily or control immunoglobulin G. We conclude that the formation of 16 alpha-hydroxyprednisolone and 6 beta-hydroxybudesonide from budesonide is catalyzed by isoenzymes within the CYP3A subfamily.

Regulation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein expression in rhino mouse skin by all-trans-retinoic acid

Cellular retinoic acid binding proteins (CRABP) are cytoplasmic proteins that bind all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and other retinoids. The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects of topically applied RA on CRABP expression in rhino mouse skin. CRABP-II mRNA was significantly induced (3- to 4.5-fold) by a single dose of RA at 6 and 16 h after RA treatment, with a return to control levels at 48 h. CRABP-II message was not significantly elevated by 3 or 4 consecutive days of RA treatment, when assessed 24 h after the last treatment. CRABP-I mRNA was undetectable in control and RA-treated skin. We used radiolabelled RA binding combined with non-denaturing PAGE blot autoradiography to distinguish the CRABP subtypes. By this protein assay method, increases in CRABP-II were detected 24 and 48 h after a single application of RA, as well as after 3 and 4 days of RA treatment. RA treatment did not alter CRABP-I expression relative to the vehicle control. These results demonstrate that in mouse skin CRABP-II, but not CRAB-I, is inducible by RA, and is similar to how RA regulates CRABP in human skin.

Retinoic acid induces expression of PA-FABP (psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein) gene in human skin in vivo but not in cultured skin cells

PA-FABP (psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein) is a new member of a group of low-molecular-weight proteins that are highly up-regulated in psoriatic skin and that share similarity to fatty acid-binding proteins. In this study we demonstrate that PA-FABP transcripts are expressed in human skin in vivo and that topical application of 0.05% retinoic acid (RA) cream results in a rapid induction of PA-FABP transcripts following treatment for 16 hours and persists at increasing levels after 48 and 96 h of RA treatment. The PA-FABP mRNA response to RA was reduced by approximately 50% when patients concurrently were treated with RA and 0.025% clobetasol propionate (CLO) for 48 and 96 h, whereas treatment with CLO alone resulted in PA-FABP transcript levels not significantly different from vehicle-treated skin. When comparing the effects of a well-known irritant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), to those of RA and its vehicle, 0.05% RA cream but not 2% SLS in RA vehicle caused PA-FABP mRNA induction after 16 h. SLS treatment of human skin for 96 h caused a slight increase in PA-FABP transcripts, but markedly less than that observed in response to RA treatment. Incubation of cultured human keratinocytes or skin fibroblasts with RA for up to 48 h did not significantly induce PA-FABP transcripts. Expression of PA-FABP message in keratinocytes was observed to be induced by calcium and fetal calf serum (FCS), while tetra-decanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) caused little or no induction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Retinoic acid induction of human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein-II gene transcription is mediated by retinoic acid receptor-retinoid X receptor heterodimers bound to one far upstream retinoic acid-responsive element with 5-base pair spacing

We previously cloned the human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein-II (CRABPII) gene and demonstrated a rapid and transient increase in retinoic acid (RA)-dependent transcription in cultured human skin fibroblasts. To determine whether retinoid receptors could regulate CRABPII gene transcription, cotransfection experiments were performed. When RAR alpha was cotransfected in Cos-1 cells with a reporter construct containing -8.0 kilobases of the upstream region, an 18-fold RA induction was obtained. By deletion analysis, a region essential for RA induction located approximately -5.6 kilobases upstream from the human CRABPII gene start site was identified. Sequencing and mutational analysis identified a direct repeat (GGGTCAttggaAGGACA) with 5-base pair spacing (DR-5) that is critical for RA-mediated induction of human CRABPII gene transcription. This is different from the mouse CRABPII gene in which two RAREs (DR-1 and DR-2) are required for full activation. To determine whether RAR and RXR can bind to the human CRABPII RARE, gel retardation assays were performed. In these assays, in vitro translated RAR alpha and RXR alpha were found to bind efficiently as heterodimers in gel retardation assays; weak binding of RAR alpha homodimers was observed. These data demonstrate that the human CRABPII gene is regulated by a far upstream RARE that most efficiently binds RAR-RXR heterodimers.

Retinoic acid induces expression of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) in human skin in vivo and in cultured skin fibroblasts

The early growth response gene, Egr-1 (NGFI-A, krox 24, zif 268, TIS 8), is a member of a family of genes with suggested importance in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Retinoic acid has been shown to markedly induce Egr-1 gene expression in mouse embryonal carcinoma cells and rat preosteoblastic cells. In this study we demonstrate that treatment of cultured human skin fibroblasts with retinoic acid results in a rapid transient four-fold induction of Egr-1 transcripts, being maximum at 60 min and returning to a basal level by 120 min. However, treatment of cultured human keratinocytes with retinoic acid did not significantly induce Egr-1 transcripts. Expression of Egr-1 message in keratinocytes was observed to be induced by fetal bovine serum and tetra-decanoyl phorbol acetate, whereas calcium, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate caused little or no induction. Topical application of 0.1% retinoic acid cream in vivo resulted in a two- to threefold induction of Egr-1 transcripts following treatment for 24 and 48 h, returning to nearly basal levels by 96 h. Taken together, these data are consistent with the possibility that Egr-1 is a proximal component of an intracellular molecular cascade that may give rise to alterations in cell phenotype in response to retinoic acid.

Multiple forms of poly(A) polymerases in human cells

We have cloned human poly(A) polymerase (PAP) mRNA as cDNA in Escherichia coli. The primary structure of the mRNA was determined and compared to the bovine PAP mRNA sequence. The two sequences were 97% identical at the nucleotide level, which translated into 99% similarity at the amino acid level. Polypeptides representing recombinant PAP were expressed in E. coli, purified, and used as antigens to generate monoclonal antibodies. Western blot analysis using these monoclonal antibodies as probes revealed three PAPs, having estimated molecular masses of 90, 100, and 106 kDa in HeLa cell extracts. Fractionation of HeLa cells showed that the 90-kDa polypeptide was nuclear while the 100- and 106-kDa species were present in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. The 106-kDa PAP was most likely a phosphorylated derivative of the 100-kDa species. PAP activity was recovered in vitro by using purified recombinant human PAP. Subsequent mutational analysis revealed that both the N- and C-terminal regions of PAP were important for activity and suggested that cleavage and polyadenylylation specificity factor (CPSF) interacted with the C-terminal region of PAP. Interestingly, tentative phosphorylation sites have been identified in this region, suggesting that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation may regulate the interaction between the two polyadenylylation factors PAP and CPSF.

Expression, purification, and binding properties of human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein type I and type II

Human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) type I and type II were expressed in Escherichia coli from cloned cDNAs. Expressed proteins were purified by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, resulting in highly pure proteins. The yield after gel filtration was approximately 50 mg/liter bacterial culture. In binding studies the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of retinoic acid (RA) for E. coli-derived CRABP-I and CRABP-II was 6.8 and 39 nM, respectively. The Kd of the synthetic retinoid analog CD 367 was 2.2 nM for CRABP-I and 3.0 nM for CRABP-II. RA competed with the binding of CD 367 to CRABP-I and CRABP-II with IC50 values of 20.0 and 90.0 nM, respectively. Retinoid analogs competed with the binding of CD 367 to CRABP-I and CRABP-II in the following order: (p-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8- tetramethyl-2-naphtyl)-1-propenyl]-benzoic acid (TTNPB) > 4-oxo-RA > 4-OH-RA > 13-cis-RA = 9-cis-RA. m-carboxy-TTNPB and CD 271 were found not to compete with the binding of CD 367 to CRABP-I or CRABP-II even at 500-fold molar excess. These data demonstrate that E. coli-derived CRABP-I has a higher affinity for RA than CRABP-II and that retinoic acid metabolites have a lower affinity for these proteins. The observed difference in affinity for RA supports the idea that CRABP-I, which is constitutively expressed, and CRABP-II, which is induced by RA, have different functions in the cell. In addition, 9-cis-RA, a natural ligand for the retinoid X receptors, is not a physiological ligand for either CRABP-I or CRABP-II.

Structure of the human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II gene. Early transcriptional regulation by retinoic acid

The gene for human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II (CRABP-II) has been cloned. It was isolated from a human placenta genomic library and is contained within one bacteriophage clone. The gene spans 6 kilobases and consists of 4 exons. One major transcription initiation site was mapped to an A residue 137 nucleotides upstream of the ATG initiation codon. The upstream region contains a TATA box and potential AP2, Sp1, and Krox-24 binding sites, as well as a direct repeat with homology to a retinoic acid-responsive element. The CRABP-II mRNA was rapidly induced within 2-6 h in cultured human skin fibroblasts by retinoic acid, reaching a plateau after 6 h of treatment. The rapid increase of CRABP-II message was mainly due to an increased rate of transcription as determined by nuclear run-on experiments. Increased transcription could be detected as early as 1 h after addition of retinoic acid, peaked at 2 h, and returned to basal levels within 6 h. On-going protein synthesis was required for this transient increase of transcription, since the induction was blocked by cycloheximide. These data suggest that the human CRABP-II gene is transcriptionally regulated by a newly synthesized regulatory protein.

Human skin levels of retinoic acid and cytochrome P-450-derived 4-hydroxyretinoic acid after topical application of retinoic acid in vivo compared to concentrations required to stimulate retinoic acid receptor-mediated transcription in vitro

Metabolism of retinoic acid to a less active metabolite, 4-hydroxyretinoic acid, occurs via cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s). Effect of a pharmacological dose of retinoic acid on the level of retinoic acid in skin and on cytochrome P-450 activity was investigated. A cream containing 0.1% retinoic acid or cream alone was applied topically to adult human skin for four days under occlusion. Treated areas were removed by a keratome and a microsomal fraction was isolated from each biopsy. In vitro incubation of 3H-retinoic acid with microsomes from in vivo retinoic acid treated sites resulted in a 4.5-fold increase (P = 0.0001, n = 13) in its transformation to 4-hydroxyretinoic acid in comparison to in vitro incubations with microsomes from in vivo cream alone treated sites. This cytochrome P-450 mediated activity was oxygen- and NADPH-dependent and was inhibited 68% by 5 microM ketoconazole (P = 0.0035, n = 8) and 51% by carbon monoxide (P = 0.02, n = 6). Cotransfection of individual retinoic acid receptors (RARs) or retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXR-alpha) and a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter plasmid containing a retinoic acid responsive element into CV-1 cells was used to determine the ED50 values for stimulation of CAT activity by retinoic acid and its metabolites. Levels of all trans and 13-cis RA in RA-treated tissues were greater than the ED50 values determined for all three RARs with these compounds. Furthermore, the level of all trans RA was greater than the ED50 for RXR-alpha whereas the 4-OH RA level was greater than the ED50 for RAR-beta and RAR-gamma but less than for RAR-alpha and RXR-alpha. These data suggest that there are sufficient amounts of retinoic acid in treated skin to activate gene transcription over both RARs and RXR-alpha.

Properties of a HeLa cell 3' exonuclease specific for degrading poly(A) tails of mammalian mRNA

A HeLa cell 3'-exonuclease with properties of a mammalian mRNA poly(A) tail-removing enzyme has been characterized. The exonuclease shows high specificity for the poly(A) tail, and it is single strand-specific and requires a 3'-hydroxyl group for its activity. During degradation 5'-AMP is liberated as a product, and a 3'-OH group is left on the last adenosine residue of the remaining poly(A) tail. The activity is inhibited by 5'-AMP and can be competed by poly(A)-containing mRNA or poly(A). Based on these findings we propose a reaction pathway for poly(A) tail removal catalyzed by the HeLa cell poly(A) tail-specific 3' exonuclease.

Assignment of the human CRABP-II gene to chromosome 1q21 by nonisotopic in situ hybridization

Two highly conserved forms of cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP-I and CRABP-II) have been described, and one, CRABP-II, is highly expressed in human skin. We have utilized a 10-kb fragment containing the human CRABP-II (hCRABP-II) gene (isolated from a human genomic library) to localize hCRABP-II to human chromosome 1 band q21 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Localization to 1q was confirmed by hybridization of a hCRABP-II cDNA clone against a human-mouse hybrid cell line containing a t(1;6)(q21;q13)) translocation chromosome. The hCRABP-II gene is therefore localized to a band known to contain several other genes that are expressed in the context of epidermal differentiation, including profilaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, and calcyclin.

Retinoic acid receptors and binding proteins in human skin

Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR) are likely to mediate many of the pleiotypic cutaneous actions of retinoids by acting as ligand-dependent enhancer factors. The presence of nuclear RAR in skin was confirmed by identification of a 45-kDa nuclear RA binding activity by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Analysis of RNA extracted from skin specimens demonstrated expression of RAR-alpha and RAR-gamma transcripts, as well as expression of the homologous low-affinity receptor, RXR-alpha. Both isoforms of RAR-gamma RAR-gamma 1 and RAR-gamma 2 were detectable, with RAR-gamma 1 being the more strongly expressed. FPLC analysis also demonstrated a 15-kDa peak of specific RA binding activity, consistent with the presence of cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP). Of the two known forms of CRABP, CRABP-II was much more strongly expressed than CRABP-I at the level of steady-state mRNA. CRABP-II was also expressed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. CRABP-II was up-regulated by agents that induce keratinocyte differentiation, and inhibited by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of RA. In contrast, CRABP-II was consistently induced by RA in dermal, but not in lung fibroblasts. CRABP-I was expressed at low to undetectable levels under all these conditions. The presence of tissue-specific and differentiation-related regulation of CRABP-II suggests that it may be an important regulator of RA action in human skin.

Differential regulation of retinoic acid receptors and binding proteins in human skin

Many of the pleiotropic effects of retinoids are likely to be mediated by nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR) acting as ligand-dependent enhancer factors. However, in previous studies we have been unable to document altered RAR expression at the RNA level in response to retinoic acid (RA) treatment or in psoriatic lesions, conditions characterized by marked alterations in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, which are either caused by or responsive to RA. In an attempt to identify other potential regulators of RA responsiveness, we have used RNA blot hybridization to study the expression of the cellular retinoic acid binding proteins (CRABP) CRABP-I and CRABP-II, the RAR-gamma isoforms RAR-gamma 1 and RAR-gamma 2, and the low-affinity RAR homologue RXR in normal, RA-treated, and psoriatic human epidermis. CRABP-II is selectively and markedly induced by RA in adult human skin (J Biol Chem 266:17662-17666, 1991). However, in submerged, serum-free keratinocyte cultures, CRABP-II mRNA could not be induced by RA. Comparisons of intact human skin, submerged keratinocyte cultures, and human skin equivalent cultures indicated that induction of CRABP-II by RA requires epidermal stratification, dermal-epidermal interactions, or both. CRABP-II transcripts were also expressed in heat-separated human dermis at levels similar to those found in epidermal keratome biopsies, whereas CRABP-I transcripts were undetectable in dermal RNA. CRABP-II transcripts were markedly elevated in psoriatic lesions, as they were in RA-treated skin. In contrast, CRABP-I mRNA was undetectable and not increased in psoriatic lesions. Expression of RAR-gamma isoforms and RXR was not detectably altered in either psoriatic lesions or in RA-treated skin. Thus, altered expression of CRABP-II appears more likely to regulate the cutaneous actions of RA than does altered expression of CRABP-I, RXR, or RAR-gamma isoforms. From these and other results, a model for regulation of RA action involving sequestration of RA by CRABP-II is proposed.

A simple procedure for isolation of eukaryotic mRNA polyadenylation factors

We have devised a simple chromatographic procedure which isolates five polyadenylation factors that are required for polyadenylation of eukaryotic mRNA. The factors were separated from each other by fractionation of HeLa cell nuclear extract in two consecutive chromatographic steps. RNA cleavage at the L3 polyadenylation site of human adenovirus 2 required at least four factors. Addition of adenosine residues required only two of these factors. The fractionation procedure separates two components that are both likely to be poly(A) polymerases. The candidate poly(A) polymerases were interchangeable and participated during both RNA cleavage and adenosine addition. They were discriminated from each other by chromatographic properties, heat sensitivity and divalent cation requirement. We have compared our data with published information and have been able to correlate the activities that we have isolated to previously identified polyadenylation factors. However, we have not been able to assign one of the candidate poly(A) polymerases to a previously identified poly(A) polymerase. This simple fractionation procedure can be used for generating an in vitro reconstituted system for polyadenylation within a short period of time.

In vitro deadenylation of mammalian mRNA by a HeLa cell 3′ exonuclease

We have identified a 3' exonuclease in HeLa cell extracts which deadenylates mammalian mRNA and leaves the mRNA body intact after poly(A) removal. Only homopolymeric adenosine tails located at the 3' end were efficiently removed by the exonuclease. The poly(A) removing activity did not require any specific sequences in the mRNA body either for poly(A) removal or for accumulation of the deadenylated mRNA. We conclude that the poly(A) removing activity is a 3' exonuclease since (i) reaction intermediates gradually lose the poly(A) tail, (ii) degradation is prevented by the presence of a cordycepin residue at the 3' end and (iii) RNAs having internally located poly(A) stretches are poor substrates for degradation. The possible involvement of the poly(A) removing enzyme in regulating mRNA translation and stability is discussed.

Molecular cloning of two human cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABP). Retinoic acid-induced expression of CRABP-II but not CRABP-I in adult human skin in vivo and in skin fibroblasts in vitro

Cellular retinoic acid binding proteins (CRABP) are low molecular weight proteins whose precise function remains unknown. To investigate the role of CRABP in human skin we have cloned the human CRABP-II cDNA as well as the coding region of human CRABP-I. The predicted amino acid sequences of human CRABP-I and CRABP-II demonstrated a 99.3 and 93.5% identity to mouse CRABP-I and CRABP-II, respectively. CRABP-I transcripts were undetectable in adult human epidermis by RNA blot hybridization, while the CRABP-II cDNA probe detected an approximately 1.2-kilobase mRNA transcript. External application of 0.1% retinoic acid cream in vivo for 16 h resulted in a 16-fold induction of CRABP-II transcripts, while CRABP-I mRNA remained undetectable. Expression of CRABP-II, but not CRABP-I mRNA, was also markedly increased (greater than 15-fold) by retinoic acid treatment of fibroblasts cultured from human skin, whereas no significant induction of CRABP-II mRNA was observed in human lung fibroblasts. Human CRABP-II but not CRABP-I mRNA was significantly increased by agents which are known to induce keratinocyte differentiation in vitro. The marked inducibility of the CRABP-II gene is compatible with the idea that this isoform is important in retinoic acid-mediated regulation of human skin growth and differentiation.

Retinoic acid and synthetic analogs differentially activate retinoic acid receptor dependent transcription

We have developed an assay where the potency of retinoids in retinoic acid receptor (RAR) mediated transcriptional activation can be rapidly evaluated. In this assay hRAR-alpha, hRAR-beta and hRAR-gamma were expressed in CV-1 cells together with a reporter gene containing a retinoic acid responsive element (TRE3-tk-CAT). Concentrations required to obtain half-maximum induction (ED50) of CAT-activity were determined for several retinoids, e.g., all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA), arotinoid acid (TTNPB) and m-carboxy-arotinoid acid (m-carboxy-TTNPB, an inactive arotinoid analog). The ED50 values for RA decreased in the order of RAR-alpha (24 nM) greater than RAR-beta (4.0 nM) greater than RAR-gamma (1.3 nM), while the ED50 values for TTNPB and 13-cis-RA decreased in the order of RAR-alpha (6.5 nM, 190 nM) greater than RAR-gamma (2.3 nM, 140 nM) greater than RAR-beta (0.6 nM, 43 nM), respectively. No significant inductions were obtained when cells were treated with m-carboxy-TTNPB, even at 10 microM concentrations. The fold induction of CAT-activity for all compounds tested decreased in the order of RAR-alpha greater than RAR-beta greater than RAR-gamma.

Interferon down regulates the male-specific cytochrome P450IIIA2 in rat liver

The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism by which cytochrome P450 (P450)-mediated catalytic activity is decreased following interferon (IFN) administration. Microsomal steroid hydroxylation was assessed to test the hypothesis that IFN selectively decreases the activities of individual P450 isozymes in male rats. Thus, recombinant rat IFN gamma (r-rat IFN gamma) treatment produced 40% and 17% reductions in androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) 6 beta- and 16 beta-hydroxylation, respectively. Androstenedione 16 alpha- and 7 alpha-hydroxylation were unaltered following r-rat IFN gamma treatment. Similar changes in the androstenedione hydroxylation pathways were observed following administration of naturally derived rat IFN alpha/beta. Microsomal levels of P450IIIA2, the male-specific constitutive steroid 6 beta-hydroxylase, were lower after administration of r-rat IFN gamma (42% of control fractions). Furthermore, hepatic P450IIIA2 mRNA was found to be decreased to a similar extent by r-rat IFN gamma. These findings suggest that IFN selectively decreases the content of this isozyme by a mechanism involving altered mRNA regulation. Sex steroids were unlikely to have mediated the decrease in P450IIIA2 levels since serum estradiol and testosterone levels were unchanged by r-rat IFN gamma. In order to determine whether IFN alters the expression of P450IIIA1, a steroid-inducible member of the P450IIIA gene subfamily which is not expressed in untreated rat liver, adult female rats (which lack P450IIIA2) were coadministered pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile and r-rat IFN gamma. However, IFN failed to impair the induction of androstenedione 6 beta-hydroxylation produced by pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile. These findings suggest that although IFN decreases the expression of P450IIIA2, it may not down regulate the expression of other steroid-inducible P450IIIA proteins. In view of the existence of human P450IIIA orthologs which catalyze the metabolism of several important therapeutic agents, the findings of this study may help predict possible drug interactions in patients receiving IFN.

Induction of liver microsomal epoxide hydrolase, UDP-glucuronyl transferase and cytosolic glutathione transferase in different rodent species by 2-acetylaminofluorene or 3-methylcholanthrene

Control activities vary 12-fold for microsomal epoxide hydrolase, two-fold for UDP-glucuronyl transferase and five-fold for cytosolic glutathione (GSH) transferase among the different rodents (rat, hamster, guinea-pig, mouse) examined. For all three enzymes the activities in rat liver are towards the lower values. In these rodents, except for a 100% increase in microsomal epoxide hydrolase in guinea-pig liver, 2-acetylaminofluorene induces the three phase 2 enzymes only in rat. Treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene also produces the largest effects on these three enzyme activities in rat liver; exceptions are its failure to induce microsomal epoxide hydrolase in female rat and the large induction of cytosolic GSH transferase in hamster liver. Quantitatively, hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrolase, UDP-glucuronyl transferase and cytosolic GSH transferase activities, and their inducibility by 2-acetylaminofluorene or 3-methylcholanthrene, in male Sprague-Dawley rats are not representative for other rodent species or even, in all cases, for female rat.

Effects of neonatal and adult castration on the in vitro metabolism of steroids and xenobiotics in rat liver

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the sex-differentiated metabolism of 4-androstene-3,17-dione and of several other steroid hormones in adult rat liver is "feminized" following neonatal castration of male rats, due to an influence via the hypothalamo-pituitary-liver axis. The metabolism of many xenobiotics is also sex differentiated, and an important question is whether endocrine ablations might alter hepatic carcinogen metabolism in a way explaining, for example, the decreased tendency of castrated male rats [Y.C. Toh, In: Shanmagarathnam et al. (eds.), Liver Cancer, Cancer Problems in Asian Countries, Proceedings of the Second Asian Cancer Conference, pp. 167-171. Singapore: Singapore Cancer Society, 1976] to form liver tumors following 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment. The results presented in this paper clearly show that neonatal castration of male rats, much more efficiently than adult castration, feminizes the cytochrome P-450-dependent, sex-differentiated, liver microsomal formation of 7-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, 9-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, 5-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, 1-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, and N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene from 2-acetylaminofluorene as well as the total microsomal formation of benzo(a)pyrene metabolites (male greater than female). O-Deethylation of 7-ethoxyresorufin was neither sex differentiated nor affected by castration. The capacity for in vitro sulfation of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene in the postmicrosomal supernatant, markedly sex differentiated in the rat (male greater than female), was completely feminized by neonatal but not by adult castration. The results suggest that the influence of endocrine ablations on chemical carcinogenesis in rat liver might be mediated via the hypothalamo-pituitary regulation of certain pathways of hepatic xenobiotic metabolism.

Induction of cytochrome P-450 and related drug-metabolizing activities in the livers of different rodent species by 2-acetylaminofluorene or by 3-methylcholanthrene

In general, large differences in the control levels of different cytochrome P-450-catalyzed activities (aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and total 2-acetylaminofluorene metabolism and metabolite pattern) and in the inducibility of these activities in different rodent species (rat, hamster, guinea pig and mouse) and sexes were observed. For all the activities measured the lowest levels were observed in untreated rats. With a few minor exceptions, the only species tested in which cytochrome P-450-catalyzed activities were induced by treatment with 2-acetylaminofluorene was the rat. A larger number of the species tested were susceptible to induction by 3-methylcholanthrene. However, this xenobiotic proved also to induce most potently in the rat. There are relatively large differences between the male and female rat both in terms of control cytochrome P-450-catalyzed activities and in the inducibility of these activities by 2-acetylaminofluorene and 3-methylcholanthrene. In general, both of these xenobiotics proved to be more potent inducers in the female than in the male. Thus, it is quite clear that in quantitative terms the hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450-catalyzed activities and their inducibility by 2-acetylaminofluorene or 3-methylcholanthrene in the male Sprague-Dawley rat are not representative for other rodent species or even for the female of the same species.

Subcellular and organ distribution of cholesterol epoxide hydrolase in the rat

The subcellular and organ distributions of microsomal epoxide hydrolases measured with cis-stilbene oxide and cholesterol 5,6 alpha-epoxide as substrates have been investigated. These two enzyme activities were found to have essentially the same subcellular distribution, with the highest total and specific activities localized in rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Among the tissues studied (i.e., liver, kidney, lung, testis, spleen, brain and intestinal epithelium), the highest specific activities were recovered in liver microsomes, where the activities were at least 5-fold greater than in any of the other microsomal preparations.

Pituitary regulation of cytochrome P-450-mediated metabolism of steroids and xenobiotics in rat liver microsomes

In a previous paper we reported on the influence of sex and pituitary hormones on the selection of diethylnitrosamine-initiated, enzyme-altered cells by 0.02% (w/w) 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) and partial hepatectomy in the resistant hepatocyte model (RH-model). The islands of enzyme-altered cells in this model grew faster in male than in female rat liver and the growth rate was markedly decreased in male rats bearing ectopic pituitary grafts during the 2-AAF selection period. Male rats are also generally more susceptible to 2-AAF carcinogenesis than female rats. In order to investigate whether the sex differentiated response to 2-AAF selection and 2-AAF carcinogenesis might be due to pituitary control of xenobiotic metabolism, as previously shown for rat liver metabolism of steroid hormones, we have studied the influence of age, sex and pituitary hormones on the cytochrome P-450-mediated hydroxylations of 2-AAF and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), O-deethylation of 7-ethoxyresorufin and the metabolism of 4-androstene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) in rat liver microsomes. Microsomes from prepubertal rats had a generally higher capacity to metabolize the xenobiotic compounds whereas the capacity for androstenedione hydroxylation was low. In adult rats pronounced sex differences and a marked influence of pituitary hormones were observed in the microsomal formation of several 2-AAF metabolites as well as in B[a]P and androstenedione metabolism. The results clearly show that at least the oxidative pathways of 2-AAF and B[a]P metabolism are controlled by pituitary hormones in a similar way to the rat liver metabolism of steroids. These data do not, however, provide any explanation for the previously mentioned sex differences in the RH-model or in 2-AAF carcinogenesis. We therefore suggest that the pituitary regulation of other pathways of 2-AAF metabolism must be considered in order to clarify the biochemical background behind sexually differentiated 2-AAF carcinogenesis in rat liver.

Induction of different isozymes of cytochrome P-450 and of microsomal epoxide hydrolase in rat liver by 2-acetylaminofluorene and structurally related compounds

The amounts of five different forms of cytochrome P-450 and of microsomal epoxide hydrolase were determined immunochemically in rat liver microsomes before and after treatment of the animals with 2-acetylaminofluorene and 15 structurally related compounds. The amount of cytochrome P-450c was found to be increased about 60-fold after treatment with 2-aminofluorene and 3-aminofluorene. Administration of 1-aminofluorene, 4-aminofluorene, 2-acetylaminofluorene and nitrofluorene increased this isozyme about 15-19 times. 2-Aminofluorene was found to inhibit the binding of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin to a cytoplasmic receptor 50% at a concentration of 3.12 microM, while no such inhibition could be detected with 2-acetylaminofluorene. Induction of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity was found to be highly correlated (+0.95) with the induction of cytochrome P-450c. Also correlated with the induction of this form was the amount of cytochrome P-450d (+0.84), which could be maximally increased about fourfold. Cytochromes P-450b + e were induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene, 4-acetylaminofluorene and fluorene (about tenfold), while 4-aminofluorene and 4-acetylaminofluorene were found to elevate cytochrome P-450PB/PCN-E about threefold. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase was induced by many of the compounds tested, with 2,7-diaminofluorene, 2,7-diacetylaminofluorene, 2-acetylaminofluorene and 2-(N-hydroxy)acetylaminofluorene being the most potent. No correlation of the induction of this enzyme with the induction of any isozyme of cytochrome P-450 was observed.

Identification of the forms of cytochrome P-450 induced in rat liver by 2-acetylaminofluorene using immunoblotting and partial purification

The amounts of 5 different forms of cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes from rats treated with 2-acetylaminofluorene were determined and compared with the corresponding patterns in microsomes from control, 3-methylcholanthrene- and phenobarbital-treated animals. 2-Acetylaminofluorene was found to increase the amount of cytochromes P-450b + e 10-fold and of cytochrome P-450d 3-fold, while there was a 54% increase in the level of cytochrome P-450 PB/PCN-E. Cytochrome P-450c was increased from a level too low to detect (less than 0.001 pmol/mg protein) to 0.019 pmol/mg protein. These findings were also confirmed by partial purification of cytochromes P-450b + e and c after 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment.

Metabolism of 2-acetylaminofluorene by eight different forms of cytochrome P-450 isolated from rat liver

Eight different forms of cytochrome P-450 have been isolated from the liver microsomes of male Sprague-Dawley rats and compared with previously characterized forms on the basis of chromatographic behavior, absorption maximum of the carbon monooxide complex, apparent molecular weight upon SDS-disc gel electrophoresis, and substrate specificity. With respect to 2-acetylaminofluorene metabolism in a reconstituted system involving these cytochromes P-450, form c was approximately 16 times as active as form d, which was in turn at least 30 times as active as any of the other forms. The patterns of metabolites obtained with all of the cytochromes P-450 were determined by h.p.l.c. and were all unique. Form d was as active as form c in producing N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. This metabolite was observed with only one other form of the cytochrome, i.e., from PB/PCN-E, which gave rise to it at a very low rate.

Induction of cytosolic glutathione transferase and microsomal epoxide hydrolase activities in extrahepatic organs of the rat by phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene and trans-stilbene oxide

The effects of treating male Sprague-Dawley rats with phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene or trans-stilbene oxide on cytosolic glutathione transferase and microsomal epoxide hydrolase activities in the liver, intestine, kidney, lung, testis, adrenal, spleen, heart and brain have been investigated. Studies on the time-courses of induction in liver demonstrate that these are complete after five days' treatment at the doses used. Phenobarbital induces both cytosolic glutathione transferase and microsomal epoxide hydrolase activities significantly only in liver and intestine. 3-Methylcholanthrene induces these activities in liver only. Trans-Stilbene oxide induces both of these activities in liver and kidney, and cytosolic glutathione transferase activity in adrenal as well.

Characterization of the microsomal cytochrome P-450 species induced in rat liver by 2-acetylaminofluorene

2-Acetylaminofluorene induces the level of cytochrome P-450 in rat liver microsomes by 50% (p less than 0.001). This induced cytochrome(s) was characterized and compared to the major forms of cytochrome P-450 induced by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene. The properties investigated were: the absorption maximum of the complex formed between reduced cytochrome P-450 and carbon monoxide; the substrate specificities using aminopyrine, benzphetamine, ethylmorphine, benzo(a)pyrene, ethoxycoumarin, ethoxyresorufin, and 2-acetylaminofluorene itself as substrates; metabolite patterns with benzo(a)pyrene and 2-acetylaminofluorene; sensitivity to different inhibitors; binding spectra with aniline and hexobarbital; and molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate:disc gel electrophoresis. The results indicate that 2-acetylaminofluorene induces a form(s) of cytochrome P-450 especially effective in the metabolism of this substance itself (i.e., the process can be called substrate induction) and different from the major forms of cytochrome P-450 induced by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene.

Characterization of drug-metabolizing systems in hyperplastic nodules from the livers of rats receiving 2-acetylaminofluorene in their diet

A number of drug-metabolizing systems were measured in hyperplastic noduli from the livers of rats receiving 2-acetyl-aminofluorene in their diet and compared with corresponding activities in control liver. The level of microsomal cytochrome P-450 is reduced 54% in the nodular tissue, while 5 activities catalyzed by the cytochrome P-450 system (i.e., aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzo[a]pyrene monooxygenase, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, and 2-acetylaminofluorene N-hydroxylase) are all present at levels corresponding to 5-44% of the control levels. The pattern of 2-acetylaminofluorene metabolites formed by nodule microsomes also differs from the pattern observed with control microsomes. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase is increased 415%, cytosolic glutathione S-transferases 203-576%, microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity about 200%, and cytosolic DT-diaphorase 1210% in the nodules. The same changes are seen in nodules of different sizes and in individual nodules of the same size. Finally, of all of these changes only the full increase in epoxide hydrolase can be seen after 1-3 weeks of exposure to 2-acetylaminofluorene.

Preparation and characterization of subcellular fractions from the liver of the Northern Pike, Esox lucius

The present study was designed to prepare and characterize subcellular fractions from the liver of the Northern pike (Esox lucius), with special emphasis on the preparation of microsomal fractions suitable for studying xenobiotic metabolism. The purity of the different fractions obtained by differential centrifugation, as well as the recovery of different organelles, was determined using both enzyme markers and morphological examination with the electron microscope. Attempts were also made to increase the recovery of fragments of the endoplasmic reticulum in the microsomal fraction. Finally, the subcellular distribution of several drug-metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P-450, benzpyrene monoxygenase, epoxide hydrolase and glutathione transferases) were determined. With the exception of the subcellular distribution of epoxide hydrolase, the results obtained here resemble closely those reported fo rat liver and the microsomal fraction prepared is highly suitable for further studies of drug metabolism in pike liver.

2-Acetylaminofluorene induces forms of cytochrome P-450 active in its own metabolism

The effect of short-term treatment of rats with 2-acetylaminofluorene on the metabolism of this same compound by liver microsomes has been investigated. This treatment was found to increase the formation of 7-, 9-, and N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene 3-4 fold. The largest effect was seen in the formation of 5- and 3-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, which increased 105- and 27.3-fold, respectively. There was no significant increase in the formation of 1-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene.

Characterization of the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes by 2-acetylaminofluorene

Changes in hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes after intraperitoneal treatment of rats with 2-acetylaminofluorene have been investigated. This treatment was found to increase microsomal epoxide hydrolase to 762%, cytochrome P-450 to 143%, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase to 160%, cytochrome b5 to 171%, cytoplasmic DT-diaphorase to 229% and soluble glutathione S-transferase activities to 200-250% of control values. These increases were time- and dose-dependent, being maximal after injection of 50 mg 2-acetylaminofluorene/kg body wt. once daily for 5 days. Enzyme markers for the plasma membrane, mitochondria, lysosomes and the soluble cytoplasm were not affected by treatment with 2-acetylaminofluorene. The present study indicates that this induction is different from that obtained with phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene and more closely resembles that seen with trans-stilbene oxide.