mTOR pathway alterations in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Impact on metastasis development and overall survival

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Background: Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is a histologically and molecularly distinct class of rare renal cancer representing less than 5% of the kidney tumors. Molecular knowledge of this disease is limited, as well as prognostic factors for relapse if localized disease or response in the metastatic setting. Methods: From our database form different Spanish Hospitals, we identified a series of 89 chRCC with a localized stage and 3 patients stage IV at first diagnoses. We performed an in-depth characterization of mTOR pathway alterations, through targeted NGS and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of phospho-S6, tuberin and PTEN, and determined their impact on metastasis development and overall survival. Mutations in mitochondria and telomere maintenance genes were also assessed. TCGA kidney chromophobe project (KICH, n=64) was used for validation. Results: TP53, mTOR pathway ( MTOR, TSC2 or TSC1), telomere-related genes ( ATRX, TERT promoter or DAXX) and respiratory chain complex I, were mutated in 28%, 16%, 15% (26, 14, 12 of 87) and 15% (14 of 73) of primary tumors. PTEN and FLCN were mutated in four and three patients, respectively, two with bilateral tumors. IHC of phospho-S6 revealed positive staining in 37% of primary tumors (21 of 57), in association with MTOR, TSC2 and TSC1 mutations (P=0.009). Negative PTEN staining in 82% of cases (46 of 56) suggested PTEN loss as a chRCC characteristic, and was mutually exclusive with MTOR, TSC2 or TSC1 mutations (P=0.001). Weak or negative tuberin staining correlated with TSC2 mutations (P=0.02). Regarding metastasis development, TP53 mutations were enriched in malignant tumors (P=0.018), while telomere-related mutations showed a trend in the same direction. mTOR pathway mutations were associated with worse outcome. Overall survival in multivariable analysis adjusting for tumor stage gave a Hazard Ratio of 6.5 (P=0.009) This association was confirmed in TCGA-KICH (HR=11.9, P=0.05). Conclusions: Our study provides new genomic knowledge of chRCC and identifies novel markers of poor survival. Furthermore, we identified patients with mutations in mTOR pathway genes that showed high sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors.

Development of a hyperimmune equine serum therapy for COVID-19 in Argentina

The disease named COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, is currently generating a global pandemic. Vaccine development is no doubt the best long-term immunological approach, but in the current epidemiologic and health emergency there is a need for rapid and effective solutions. Convalescent plasma is the only antibody-based therapy available for COVID-19 patients to date. Equine polyclonal antibodies (EpAbs) put forward a sound alternative. The new generation of processed and purified EpAbs containing highly purified F(ab')2 fragments demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated. EpAbs are easy to manufacture allowing a fast development and scaling up for a treatment. Based on these ideas, we present a new therapeutic product obtained after immunization of horses with the receptor-binding domain of the viral Spike glycoprotein. Our product shows around 50 times more potency in in vitro seroneutralization assays than the average of convalescent plasma. This result may allow us to test the safety and efficacy of this product in a phase 2/3 clinical trial to be conducted in July 2020 in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Stress-related hormonal alterations, growth and pelleted starter intake in pre-weaning Holstein calves in response to thermal stress

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat stress and month of birth on growth performance, pelleted starter intake, and stress-related hormones in Holstein calves. Birth weight and growth records, representing 4735 Holstein calves from a large commercial dairy herd in northern Mexico (25° N; 22.3 °C mean annual temperature) from 2013 to 2015, were analyzed. Temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving, season of birth, and month of birth were the independent variables, whereas growth traits were the dependent variables. Increased THI at birth from < 65 to > 85 units was associated with a decrease in birth weight from 39.3 to 38.7 kg. Calves subjected to high THI (> 75 units) at calving showed lesser (P < 0.01) pre-weaning gains (405 ± 97 g/calf/day), whereas those calves born with THI < 70 units presented the highest gains (466 ± 112 g/calf/day). Birth during the fall months reduced (P < 0.01) weaning weight by about 5 kg compared with winter months. Also, the pre-weaning average daily gain for calves born in the fall was about 70 g less (P < 0.01) than calves delivered in winter months. Plasma triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine levels were lower (1.02 ± 0.21 and 48 ± 7.9 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.01) in summer and highest in winter (1.64 ± 0.48 and 66 ± 11 ng/mL, respectively). Mean plasma cortisol concentration was higher in heat-stressed calves born in summer (59 ± 40 ng/mL) than calves born in winter (20 ± 28 ng/mL). Pelleted starter intake 1 week before weaning was lowest (P < 0.01) in the fall (0.82 ± 0.26 kg/calf/day; mean ± SD) and highest in spring (1.26 ± 0.43 kg/calf/day). It was concluded that in this particular environment, heat stress affects birth weight and growth rate of Holstein calves. Thus, environmental management of the newborn calf during hot spring and summer months is warranted to optimize pelleted starter intake and calf growth rates.

Genetic and Biological Characterization of Four Nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolates Collected in Mexico for the Control of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This study describes four multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates recovered from infected larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on crops in two different geographical regions of Mexico. Molecular and biological characterization was compared with characterized S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) isolates from the United States (SeUS1 and SeUS2) and Spain (SeSP2). Restriction endonuclease analysis of viral DNA confirmed that all Mexican isolates were SeMNPV isolates, but molecular differences between the Mexican and the reference isolates were detected using PCR combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Amplification of the variable region V01 combined with RFLP distinguished the two Mexican isolates, SeSLP6 and SeSIN6. BglII digestions showed that the majority of the isolates contained submolar bands, indicating the presence of genetic heterogeneity. Amplification of the variable regions V04 and V05 distinguished between American and the Spanish isolates. Biological characterization was performed against two laboratory colonies of S. exigua, one from Mexico, and another from Switzerland. Insects from the Mexican colony were less susceptible to infection than insects from Se-Swiss colony. In the Se-Mex colony, SeSP2 was the most pathogenic isolate followed by SeSIN6, although their virulence was similar to most of the isolates tested. In Se-Swiss colony, similar LD50 values were observed for the five isolates, although the virulence was higher for the SeSLP6 isolate, which also had the highest OB (occlusion body) yield. We conclude that the Mexican isolates SeSIN6 and SeSLP6 possess insecticidal traits of value for the development of biopesticides for the control of populations of S. exigua.

The legacy of Columbus in American horse populations assessed by microsatellite markers

Criollo horse populations descend from horses brought from the Iberian Peninsula over the period of colonization (15th to 17th century). They are spread throughout the Americas and have potentially undergone genetic hybridization with other breeds in the recent past. In this study, 25 autosomal microsatellites were genotyped in 50 horse breeds representing Criollo populations from 12 American countries (27 breeds), breeds from the Iberian Peninsula (19), one breed each from France and Morocco and two cosmopolitan horse breeds (Thoroughbred and Arabian). The genetic relationships among breeds identified five clusters: Celtic; Iberian; North American with Thoroughbred influence; most Colombian breeds; and nearly all other Criollo breeds. The group of "all other Criollo breeds" had the closest genetic relationship with breeds originating from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically with the Celtic group. For the whole set of Criollo breeds analysed, the estimated genetic contribution from other breeds was approximately 50%, 30% and 20% for the Celtic, Iberian and Arab-Thoroughbred groups, respectively. The spatial distribution of genetic diversity indicates that hotspots of genetic diversity are observed in populations from Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and western United States, possibly indicating points of arrival and dispersion of Criollo horses in the American continent. These results indicate that Criollo breeds share a common ancestry, but that each breed has its own identity.

Genetic characterization of local Criollo pig breeds from the Americas using microsatellite markers

Little is known about local Criollo pig genetic resources and relationships among the various populations. In this paper, genetic diversity and relationships among 17 Criollo pig populations from 11 American countries were assessed with 24 microsatellite markers. Heterozygosities, F-statistics, and genetic distances were estimated, and multivariate, genetic structure and admixture analyses were performed. The overall means for genetic variability parameters based on the 24 microsatellite markers were the following: mean number of alleles per locus of 6.25 ± 2.3; effective number of alleles per locus of 3.33 ± 1.56; allelic richness per locus of 4.61 ± 1.37; expected and observed heterozygosity of 0.62 ± 0.04 and 0.57 ± 0.02, respectively; within-population inbreeding coefficient of 0.089; and proportion of genetic variability accounted for by differences among breeds of 0.11 ± 0.01. Genetic differences were not significantly associated with the geographical location to which breeds were assigned or their country of origin. Still, the NeighborNet dendrogram depicted the clustering by geographic origin of several South American breeds (Criollo Boliviano, Criollo of northeastern Argentina wet, and Criollo of northeastern Argentina dry), but some unexpected results were also observed, such as the grouping of breeds from countries as distant as El Salvador, Mexico, Ecuador, and Cuba. The results of genetic structure and admixture analyses indicated that the most likely number of ancestral populations was 11, and most breeds clustered separately when this was the number of predefined populations, with the exception of some closely related breeds that shared the same cluster and others that were admixed. These results indicate that Criollo pigs represent important reservoirs of pig genetic diversity useful for local development as well as for the pig industry.

[Strategies to improve influenza vaccination coverage in Primary Health Care]

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination coverage reached in adults is insufficient, and there is a real need for new strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare strategies for improving influenza vaccination coverage in persons older than 64 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

New strategies were introduced in our health care centre during 2013-2014 influenza vaccination campaign, which included vaccinating patients in homes for the aged as well as in the health care centre. A comparison was made on vaccination coverage over the last 4 years in 3 practices of our health care centre: P1, the general physician vaccinated patients older than 64 that came to the practice; P2, the general physician systematically insisted in vaccination in elderly patients, strongly advising to book appointments, and P3, the general physician did not insist.

RESULTS

These practices looked after P1: 278; P2: 320; P3: 294 patients older than 64 years. Overall/P1/P2/P3 coverages in 2010: 51.2/51.4/55/46.9% (P=NS), in 2011: 52.4/52.9/53.8/50.3% (P=NS), in 2012: 51.9/52.5/55.3/47.6% (P=NS), and in 2013: 63.5/79.1/59.7/52.7 (P=.000, P1 versus P2 and P3; P=NS between P2 and P3). Comparing the coverages in 2012-2013 within each practice P1 (P=.000); P2 (P=.045); P3 (P=.018). In P2 and P3 all vaccinations were given by the nurses as previously scheduled. In P3, 55% of the vaccinations were given by the nurses, 24.1% by the GP, 9.7% rejected vaccination, and the remainder did not come to the practice during the vaccination period (October 2013-February 2014).

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of vaccinating in the homes for the aged improved the vaccination coverage by 5% in each practice. The strategy of "I've got you here, I jab you here" in P1 improved the vaccination coverage by 22%.

[Survival analysis of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with primary immunodeficiency in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

Children with primary immunodeficiency have severe life-threatening infections and a higher prevalence of autoimmune problems, allergy and lymphoproliferative disorders. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been the only potentially curative option.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with primary immunodeficiency underwent allogenic stem cell transplantation in the period 1985-2011, and registered in the Spanish Working Party for Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty nine patients underwent 173 allogenic stem cell transplantations, of whom 97 had severe combined immunodeficiency, 30 with immune dysregulation disorders, 25 Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and 21 phagocyte disorders. The median patient age at diagnosis was 6 months (range: 17 days - 168 months) and the median patient age at transplant was 12 months (range: 1 month - 189 months). The donors were 30 (19%) identical siblings, 40 (25%) alternative family donors, and 89 (56%) unrelated donors. The source of stem cells was bone marrow in 68 (43%), cord blood in 52 (33%), and peripheral blood in 39 (24%). Ninety eight (61.6%) are alive, 57 (35.9%) died. Event-free survival at 10 years was 63%, with 90% for children transplanted from identical siblings, 36% for those transplanted from alternative family donors, and 66% for those transplanted from unrelated donors.

CONCLUSIONS

The best results have been obtained with identical siblings, but other options may be considered.

Re-emergence of leishmaniasis in Spain: community outbreak in Madrid, Spain, 2009 to 2012

Since July 2009, there has been a community outbreak of leishmaniasis in the south-west area of the Madrid autonomous community, Spain, affecting residents from four towns that are geographically close together and share extensive park areas. As of December 2012, 446 cases were reported (6 in 2009, 97 in 2010, 196 in 2011 and 147 in 2012), a mean incidence rate of 22.2 per 100,000 inhabitants during July 2009 and December 2012. The mean age was 44 years (range: 2 months to 95 years); 61.0% were male. A total of 68 (15.2%) had immunosuppressive conditions; 160 (35.9%) had visceral leishmaniasis and 286 (64.1%) cutaneous. A total of 421 (94.4%) cases were confirmed. Leishmania infantum was identified as the agent. Monitoring revealed high densities of the vector Phlebotomus perniciosus. The surveillance system for canine leishmaniasis did not detect any increase in prevalence during the period. Environmental control measures have been taken, such as improvements in sanitation and disinsection in the risk areas and control of the overpopulation of Leporidae, as xenodiagnosis studies have shown that hares play a role as active reservoirs. This is the largest reported community outbreak of leishmaniasis in Europe. The discovery of the new reservoir stands out in the multifactorial aetiology of the outbreak. Epidemiological research and environmental intervention measures are continuing.

Genetic diversity analysis of the Uruguayan Creole cattle breed using microsatellites and mtDNA markers

The Uruguayan Creole cattle population (N = 600) is located in a native habitat in south-east Uruguay. We analyzed its genetic diversity and compared it to other populations of American Creole cattle. A random sample of 64 animals was genotyped for a set of 17 microsatellite loci, and the D-loop hyper-variable region of mtDNA was sequenced for 28 calves of the same generation. We identified an average of 5.59 alleles per locus, with expected heterozygosities between 0.466 and 0.850 and an expected mean heterozygosity of 0.664. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.360 to 0.820, and the global FIS index was 0.037. The D-loop analysis revealed three haplotypes (UY1, UY2 and UY3), belonging to the European matriline group, with a haplotype diversity of 0.532. The history of the population, changes in the effective population size, bottlenecks, and genetic drift are possible causes of the genetic variability patterns that we detected.

Genetic characterization of Latin-American Creole cattle using microsatellite markers

Genetic diversity in and relationships among 26 Creole cattle breeds from 10 American countries were assessed using 19 microsatellites. Heterozygosities, F-statistics estimates, genetic distances, multivariate analyses and assignment tests were performed. The levels of within-breed diversity detected in Creole cattle were considerable and higher than those previously reported for European breeds, but similar to those found in other Latin American breeds. Differences among breeds accounted for 8.4% of the total genetic variability. Most breeds clustered separately when the number of pre-defined populations was 21 (the most probable K value), with the exception of some closely related breeds that shared the same cluster and others that were admixed. Despite the high genetic diversity detected, significant inbreeding was also observed within some breeds, and heterozygote excess was detected in others. These results indicate that Creoles represent important reservoirs of cattle genetic diversity and that appropriate conservation measures should be implemented for these native breeds in order to minimize inbreeding and uncontrolled crossbreeding.

Lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on the development, survival and reproduction of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Observational prospective study of viral infections in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a 3-year GETMON experience

We studied surveillance, incidence and outcome of viral infections in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the main pediatric transplant units in Spain. We prospectively collected data from first year post-HCT in every consecutive allogeneic HCT performed during 3 years (N = 215): first HCT = 188 and second HCT = 27; median age = 6.6 years (0.1-20.7). Most patients had acute leukemia (N = 137) and 135 recipients (63%) were CMV seropositive. A total of 46 patients underwent cord blood transplant, 133 patients underwent HCT from alternative donors (62%) and 101 patients received anti-thymocyte globulin. Observational time was completed in 137 patients, whereas the remaining 78 died after a median survival time of 99 days (3-352). CMV was monitored in all patients; adenovirus (ADV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) were monitored in 101 and 33 patients, respectively. We found 145 viral infections in 103 patients: CMV (n = 42), ADV (n = 32), HHV-6 (n = 7), polyomavirus (n = 20), EBV (n = 6), VZV (n=17) and others (n = 8). CMV infection was significantly higher in seropositive patients (25 vs 7%) (P = 0.02). Extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was significantly associated with an increased rate of viral infections (12 of 16 patients with cGVHD had infections vs 91 of 199 without GVHD) (P = 0.035). In total, 10 patients (4.6%) died of viral infections (CMV = 5, ADV = 3, respiratory = 2). We found a high incidence of viral infection, but mortality was low.

Effects of larval exposure to sublethal concentrations of methoxyfenozide in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Methoxyfenozide is an ecdysone agonist, the most new class of insect growth regulators. Most studies of the toxicity of ecdysone agonists on lepidopteran pests have been conducted during the larval stages, and little has been published regarding its sublethal effects in the surviving individuals. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were assessed. For this, fifth instars of this pest were continuously fed, until pupation, with artificial diet containing 0.24 and 0.35 mg of active ingredient/kg diet, which correspond to the LC10 and LC25 values, respectively, for this insecticide. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. Both male and female treated larvae lived about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Effects of optical brighteners used in biopesticide formulations on crops: reflectance, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, and growth

Optical brighteners have attracted interest as adjuvant's in baculovirus-based biological insecticides due to their ability enhance the insecticidal properties of these viruses and protect virus particles from the degrading effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The effects of two types of optical brighteners, Tinopal CBS (a distyryl-biphenyl derivative) and Tinopal C1101 (an ethenediyl benzenesulfonic derivative) at 1 or 3% (wt./vol.), on growth of different crOPs [maize, Zea mays L. (var. HY-311), sorghum, Sorghum vulgare Pers. (var. Silo), tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum L. (var. Floradade IT), or pepper, Capsicum annum L. (var. Cal Won 300)] were examined after once a week application during four weeks. Both compounds significantly affected the growth of maize plants, whereas sorghum plants were affected only at the highest concentration of Tinopal C1101. Neither brightener had negative effects on tomato or peppers plants. Both compounds increased the percentage of reflectance of maize and tomato leaves when analyzed using laboratory and field spectrophotometers. A greenhouse experiment involving single application of 1 and 3% Tinopal C1101 indicated that the stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate of maize and tomato plants were not significantly affected. We conclude that the effects of optical brighteners on plant growth are more likely to be influenced by differences between plant species than differences between brightener compounds.

Impact of auditory stimulation at a frequency of 5 Hz in verbal memory

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to establish whether stimulation at 5 Hz enables immediate words recall.

METHOD

A total of 20 participants received auditory stimulation at 5 Hz-theta, beta-13 Hz frequencies, white noise (WN) and words.

RESULTS

The results indicate significant differences in the number of recalled words per day depending on the stimulation frequencies. From the third to the fifth day a significant association was shown between increasing numbers of recalled words at 5 Hz compared with the rest of the frequencies. If we take the number of words recorded during the recording of the magnetoencephalography into account, significant differences with greater numbers of words between 5 Hz and between 13 Hz and 5 Hz and WN were found in the second measure. The median frequency only showed significant differences in stimulation at a frequency of 5 Hz.

CONCLUSION

Auditory stimulation over a long time at a frequency of 5 Hz generates a coupling of brain activity that increases the capacity of immediate verbal memory.

Optical brightener Tinopal C1101 as an ultraviolet protectant for a nucleopolyhedrovirus

Baculoviruses are arthropod-specific viruses currently used as biological insecticides in several countries of the world. One important factor limiting the efficacy of these bioinsecticides is related to the inactivation of the virus by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This has motivated studies focused on the use of optical brightener compounds that can protect the virus from UV inactivation. The effects of the optical brightener Tinopal C1101 (ethenedyl benzenesulfonic derivative) on the persistance of a nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) was quantified in third instar Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the principal pest of maize in the Americas. For this, laboratory studies were performed to determine the relationship between virus concentrations and radiation-caused inactivation of SfMNPV alone or in mixtures with 1.25 or 0.1% (vol/vol) Tinopal C1101 using a UV system [radiation was provided by a 15 W UV tube (emission maxima at 312 nm)]. SfMNPV alone was more sensitive to UV than in mixtures with 1.25 or 0.1% Tinopal C1101. For instance, at concentrations of 2.22 x 10(8) and 2.75 x 10(6) occlusion bodies (OBs)/ml, SfMNPV alone-caused mortality was reduced from 88 and 44% (without UV radiation) to 0%, in both cases, after 30 and 15 min exposure to the UV tube, respectively. In contrast, the incorporation of 1.25% Tinopal C1101 into the SfMNPV inoculum at 2.22 x 10(8) and 2.75 x 10(6) OBs/ml caused a mortality of 86.6 and 96.6% after 240 min, respectively. UV-caused inactivation of SfMNPV was directly related to the optical brightener concentration. We conclude that optical brighteners are likely to represent valuable components of nucleopolyhedrovirus formulations.

Selective translocation of protein kinase c isozymes by PAF in rabbit platelets

The action of platelet activating factor (PAF) on subcellular distribution and activity of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in rabbit platelets was analyzed. The results showed an increase of PKC alpha in membrane fraction, concomitantly with a decrease in cytosolic fraction after 5 min PAF treatment, indicating that a translocation of PKC alpha occurred. In addition, PKC zeta was redistributed in a "reverse" form, from the membrane to cytosolic fraction after PAF treatment. PAF induced an increase of PKC alpha activity, whereas a decrease rather than increase in PKC zeta was observed by using immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, some results indicated that PI3 kinase activation was not involved in PAF-induced PKC zeta translocation as occur in several cells and with other agonists. These actions were time- and concentration-dependent, and were inhibited by the treatment with a PAF antagonist. No translocation was observed when the platelets were incubated with lysoPAF, a PAF related compound. The redistribution of PKC isoforms take place through the activation of high specificity PAF binding sites. The pretreatment of the rabbit platelets with staurosporine, a putative inhibitor of PKC, completely blocked the PAF-evoked aggregation without affecting to PAF-evoked shape change and serotonin release. All together, these data could suggest that the specific translocation of PKC isoforms play an important role in the activation of rabbit platelets.

Impact of a nucleopolyhedrovirus bioinsecticide and selected synthetic insecticides on the abundance of insect natural enemies on maize in southern Mexico

The impact of commonly used organophosphate (chlorpyrifos, methamidophos), carbamate (carbaryl), and pyrethroid (cypermethrin) insecticides on insect natural enemies was compared with that of a nucleopolyhedrovirus (Baculoviridae) of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera Noctuidae) in maize grown in southern Mexico. Analyses of the SELECTV and Koppert Side Effects (IOBC) databases on the impact of synthetic insecticides on arthropod natural enemies were used to predict approximately 75-90% natural enemy mortality after application, whereas the bioinsecticide was predicted to have no effect. Three field trails were performed in mid- and late-whorl stage maize planted during the growing season in Chiapas State, Mexico. Synthetic insecticides were applied at product label recommended rates using a manual knapsack sprayer fitted with a cone nozzle. The biological pesticide was applied at a rate of 3 x 10(12) occlusion bodies (OBs)/ha using identical equipment. Pesticide impacts on arthropods on maize plants were quantified at intervals between 1 and 22 d postapplication. The biological insecticide based on S. frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus had no adverse effect on insect natural enemies or other nontarget insect populations. Applications of the carbamate, pyrethroid, and organophosphate insecticides all resulted in reduced abundance of insect natural enemies, but for a relatively short period (8-15 d). Pesticide applications made to late-whorl stage maize resulted in lesser reductions in natural enemy populations than applications made at the mid-whorl stage, probably because of a greater abundance of physical refuges and reduced spray penetration of late-whorl maize.

Assessment of breast lesions using Doppler with contrast agents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of contrast agents on ultrasound examination of breast lesions and to analyse the capacity of this technique to achieve a differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions, using as a pattern a histological study of the lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two women with suspected malignant breast lesions participated in this randomised prospective study, undergoing a colour Doppler ultrasound (US). The results of the study were measured before and after the use of US contrast agents and were compared with the ones obtained from the histological study of the pieces.

RESULTS

Malignant breast tumours showed, when using US Doppler with contrast agent, a hypervascularity pattern in 78.1% of the cases. The predominant pattern in benign tumours was avascular (11 cases, 64.7%). The intensity of the signal in the first minute was intense in 43.7% or moderate in 40.6% of the cases with malignant tumours versus the benign tumours where no signal was registered in 64.7% of the cases. A marked increase in the sensitivity and the predictive negative value of the ultrasound signal was noted with the use of potentiating substances.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of contrast agents in colour Doppler US studies improve the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent host: case report and review of the literature

We report a 46-year-old male who developed cellulitis of his third right finger after being injured with a metallic object. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was isolated from both the skin and the metallic object. Systemic cryptococcosis and immunosuppression was excluded by appropriate tests. Complete healing was achieved after 10 months of itraconazole 100 mg/12 h and surgical excision of the remaining lesion. Our literature review shows another 16 cases of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in nonimmunocompromised hosts. The clinical, mycological and therapeutic characteristics of these patients are reviewed.

Involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in nuclear translocation of protein kinase C zeta induced by C2-ceramide in rat hepatocytes

In this study we report that protein kinase C zeta (PKC zeta), one of the atypical isoforms of the PKC family located predominantly in cytosol, is redistributed by C2-ceramide treatment in isolated hepatocytes. PKC zeta increased in membrane and nuclear fractions after 30 min of treatment with C2-ceramide in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The action of C2-ceramide was inhibited by wortmannin and LY 294002, indicating that C2-ceramide-induced PKC zeta increase in both nucleus and membrane fractions is mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) activation. In addition, a significant translocation of PI3-kinase to the nucleus was observed after C2-ceramide treatment.

Increase of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and diacylglycerol production by PAF in isolated rat liver nuclei

When isolated rat liver nuclei were treated with platelet-activating factor (PAF), a rapid increase in the mass of diacylglycerol (DAG) occurred. This effect was dose- and time-dependent. The maximum effect was observed after 1 min of 10(-7) M PAF treatment. A concomitant decrease of polyphosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid (PA) levels was observed. PAF-induced DAG accumulation was inhibited by the treatment with WEB 2086 or PCA-4248, specific PAF-receptor antagonists. This result may suggest that PAF exerts its action in the nucleus through specific nuclear PAF binding sites. The findings described herein are due to the activation of phospholipase C, as the results from experiments using U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, indicate. These are the first data on the action of

Sphingolipid derivatives modulate intracellular Ca2+ in rat synaptosomes

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) induces a rapid increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in isolated synaptosomes. This effect is dose-dependent and is also dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Sphingosine (SPH) has a smaller effect and treatment with psychosine (PSY) is ineffective, which suggests that phosphorylation of the 1-carbon of SPH is required for the SPC to act as a Ca2+ release agonist in synaptosomes. Experiments performed in the presence of heparin or ryanodine indicate that SPC-elicited Ca2+ release is not mediated by IP3 or ryanodine receptors. Finally, our results show that the effect of SPC on Ca2+ concentration is nimodipine-sensitive, suggesting that SPC possibly activates a specific sphingolipid-gated Ca2+ channel in synaptosomes.

Genetic structure of the Iberian pig breed using microsatellites

An analysis of 25 microsatellite loci in 210 animals has been used to define the genetic structure of the Iberian pig, traditionally classified into several varieties. In addition, a sample of 20 Duroc pigs was used as an outgroup for topology trees. Inter-variety genetic variation was estimated by unbiased average heterozygosity and the number of alleles observed. Significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were shown for 19 loci across the whole population. By contrast, equilibrium deviation within varieties was much lower. Genetic variation measures, genetic distance values and a neighbour-joining tree were used to estimate subdivision. In addition, an individual tree was constructed to contrast the assignation of animals into varieties. Despite the low bootstrap values obtained in the varieties neighbour-joining tree, the degree of genetic variation found was sufficient to support the division of the Iberian pig into varieties, although in some cases the traditional classification cannot be accepted. These results have shown the value of this marker panel in the study of intra-breed genetic structures.

Differential redistribution of protein kinase C isoforms by cyclic AMP in HL60 cells

In this study we have analyzed the distribution of protein kinase C isoforms in cytosol, membrane, and nucleus in HL60 cells. Furthermore, we have studied the redistribution of these isoforms after cyclic AMP treatment. Protein kinase C localization and cyclic AMP-induced translocation was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Cytosol, membrane and nucleus in HL60 cells expressed the abundance of protein kinase C alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, lambda, and zeta isoforms. After cyclic AMP treatment, the amount of protein kinase C betaI and zeta increased only in the nucleus, while protein kinase C delta increased in the three fractions tested. These effects were dependent on the cyclic AMP concentration and duration of action. Our results suggest the existence of cross-talk between the cyclic AMP system and protein kinase C in HL60 cells. Taking into account the processes regulated by protein kinase C, these findings also suggest that cyclic AMP plays a regulatory role in various cellular responses in HL60 cells, such as differentiation and gene expression. The increase observed in PKC delta was due to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase C activation, and the synthesis of enzyme was probably activated by the nucleotide.

Endothelin inhibits histamine-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in bovine brain vessels

We have studied whether endothelin isopeptides have any effects on histamine-induced cyclic AMP in [(3)H]adenine-prelabeled brain vessels isolated from bovine brain. Basal levels of [(3)H]cyclic AMP were enhanced by histamine in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50) = 1.1 +/- 0.3 microM). Endothelin-1 inhibited histamine-elicited [(3)H]cyclic AMP generation with an IC(50) value of 3 +/- 2.5 nM. Sarafotoxin 6c, an ET-B receptor agonist, had no effect. ET-1 inhibition of histamine-induced [(3)H]cyclic AMP was reversed by the ET-A receptor antagonist BQ-123 while the ET-B receptor antagonist BQ-788 had no effect. The levels of [(3)H]cyclic AMP induced by isoprenaline were not altered by endothelin-1. Taken together, these results show that endothelins modulate the actions of histamine on the blood-brain barrier, probably by type A endothelin receptors.

Endothelin-1 increases isoprenaline-enhanced cyclic AMP levels in cerebral cortex

We examined the effect of ET-1 on cyclic AMP levels in rat cerebral cortex. The peptide caused a concentration-dependent increase of [(3)H]cyclic AMP accumulation after 10 min of treatment. This effect was due to adenosine accumulation since it was inhibited by the treatment with adenosine deaminase. ET-1, apart from being able to increase cyclic AMP, also potentiated the cyclic AMP generated by isoprenaline in the presence of adenosine deaminase. Experiments performed in the presence of BQ-123 or BQ-788, specific ET(A) or ET(B) receptor antagonists respectively indicated that ET(B) was the receptor involved. This effect was dependent on extracellular and intracellular calcium concentration. These findings suggest that ET-1 plays a modulatory role in cyclic AMP generation systems in cerebral cortex.

Endothelin-1 effect on tyrosine phosphorylation and on tyrosine phosphatase (PTP-1C) translocation in rabbit platelets

This study examined the temporal relationships of endothelin-1-stimulated rabbit platelets tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The effect of endothelin-1 on tyrosine phosphorylation was dose- and time-dependent and caused a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of three groups of proteins in the molecular mass range 70-100 kDa, 100-150 kDa and 150-200 kDa. Significant protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and amount were found to be associated with the cytoskeleton of endothelin-1-stimulated rabbit platelets. Under our experimental conditions, translocation from the cytosolic fraction to the cytoskeleton reached its highest levels within 10-20 sec of endothelin-1 stimulation. Endothelin-1-induced translocation of protein tyrosine phosphatase, associated with the increase in its activity was demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunoelectron microscopy.

Modulation of protein kinase C isoforms by PAF in cerebral cortex

The effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoforms in rat cerebral cortex was investigated. PAF induced an increase in levels of protein kinase C epsilon and gamma in membrane fraction. Results also indicate that PAF induced an increase in protein kinase C delta levels in both cytosolic and membrane fraction. This effect is possibly due to an increase in enzyme synthesis, as indicated by the results obtained from the experiments performed in the presence of cycloheximide and actinomycin. All the effects induced by PAF were time- and dose-dependent, and were mediated through the activation of PAF receptor. These findings indicate that the three isoforms may be involved in signal transduction of PAF in the brain.

Platelet-activating factor stimulation of p125(FAK) and p130(Cas) tyrosine phosphorylation in brain

The effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied in rat brain slices. PAF induced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of a doublet of approximately 125 kDa. These proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation as p125(FAK) and p130(Cas), using monoclonal antibodies. This effect was mediated by PAF receptors, as shown by its inhibition by the action of a PAF antagonist. The tyrosine phosphorylation evoked by PAF was dependent, at least in part, on external calcium. The involvement of protein kinase C was demonstrated by the synergistic effect of TPA on PAF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. The finding that PAF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of both focal adhesion protein p125(FAK) and p130(Cas) suggests that PAF might modulate the integrin mediated signal transduction in the brain.

Solute-solvent interactions in micellar electrokinetic chromatography. Characterization of sodium dodecyl sulfate-Brij 35 micellar systems for quantitative structure-activity relationship modelling

The solvation parameter model has been applied to the characterization of micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (MEKC) systems with mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Brij 35 as surfactant. The variation in MEKC surfactant composition results in changes in the coefficients of the correlation equation, which in turns leads to information on solute-solvent and solute-micelle interactions. Since the same solvation model can be used to describe many biological processes, particular MEKC surfactant compositions can be selected that model the solute-solvent interactions of some of these processes. Two different MEKC systems have been selected to model the solute-solvent interactions of two processes of biological interest (octanol-water partition and tadpole narcosis).

Endothelin stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK and p130Cas in rat cerebral cortex

Stimulation of rat cerebral cortex with endothelin-1 (ET-1) caused an increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins. Two of these phosphoproteins were identified by the immunoprecipitation assays as being the focal adhesion kinase p125FAK and crk-associated substrate p130Cas. This effect was time- and dose-dependent, with an EC50 value of 3.9 x 10(-8) M. In addition, the cerebral cortex ET receptor subtype involved in this action was determined by using BQ-123 and BQ-788, which are ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists respectively. Our results indicate that the ET-1 effect on protein tyrosine phosphorylation occurred through ET(B) receptors. The requirement for extracellular Ca2+ on ET-1 action was also studied. ET-1-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of both p125FAK and p130Cas was abolished in the absence of external Ca2+ or in the presence of nimodipine, a Ca2+ channel-blocker. These results suggest that the ET-1-stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation was secondary to Ca2+ influx through the dihydropyridine Ca2+-channel. In slices where protein kinase C was inhibited, ET-1-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of both proteins was reduced. These results indicate that ET-1 modulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of specific proteins, which may be involved in adhesion processes in the brain.

Glutamate release is involved in PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels in hippocampus

The involvement of glutamate in PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels was studied. Glutamate treatment caused a dose-response increase of cyclic GMP levels in hippocampal slices. The presence of 1 mM glutamate did not modify the effect caused by 10(-7)M PAF. To elucidate the involvement of glutamate in this action, slices were treated with PAF in the presence of MK-801, a NMDA receptor antagonist. Results indicate that PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels were obtained by NMDA receptors activation. Finally, results obtained from the experiments performed with PAF in the presence of riluzole, to inhibit the glutamate release, demonstrated that glutamate release is a stage in the PAF-induced increase of cyclic GMP levels in hippocampus.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-Epo) administration to normal child bone marrow donors

We have evaluated the efficacy of administering recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-Epo) to 11 healthy bone marrow donors weighing less than 30 kg. Three weeks before harvesting, the donors received 100 units/kg/day rh-Epo subcutaneously and oral iron supplementation (2.5 mg/kg twice daily). Six children with hematocrit values below the normal ranges for their ages after bone marrow harvesting received 150 units/kg rh-Epo three times a week for 2 weeks and oral iron supplementation at the same dose. No rh-Epo side-effects were observed. Hematocrit values before harvesting increased to between 5.7 and 18.5 (mean 10.6 +/- 1.2) above the baseline values (P = 0.0001). Hematocrit after harvesting decreased to between 4 and 19.5% (mean, 11.1) below the day 0 pre-harvest values. On day + 15 all but one patient had a hematocrit value > or = baseline value. No patient required transfusion during or after bone marrow harvest. Our results show that rh-Epo administration can avoid transfusion and has no side-effects in low weight child bone marrow donors.

Mechanism of arachidonic acid-induced Ca2+ mobilization in liver nuclei

Arachidonic acid treatment in isolated liver nuclei resulted in a rapid and transient increase of Ca2+ concentration in the nucleoplasm which was monitored with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2 dextran. This effect was associated with a decrease of Ca2+ concentration in the nuclear envelope as measured with fura-2 AM. Our results indicate that arachidonic acid causes a Ca2+ release from the nuclear envelope to the nucleoplasm similar to that evoked by inositol trisphosphate (IP3). The arachidonic acid-induced Ca2+ mobilization in the nucleus was not due to the metabolites of arachidonic acid. Experiments performed in the presence of ATP and Ca2+ indicate that arachidonic acid-induced Ca2+ mobilization in the nucleus takes place in a non ATP-dependent way. Taken together, these results suggest that arachidonic acid may contribute to the regulation of nuclear Ca2+ mobilization.

Sphingolipids increase calcium concentration in isolated rat liver nuclei

The sphingolipids, sphingosine (SPH), sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and psycosine induce a rapid and transient rise in nuclear free Ca2+ concentration in a dose dependent manner. To determine whether these sphingolipids act by a IP3-dependent pathway, we tested the increase of Ca2+ in the presence of heparin, an antagonist of IP3 receptor or U70122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C. Results indicate that the effect of both SPH and SPC, but not that of psychosine, is partially mediated by IP3 production. The sphingolipid-induced Ca2+ mobilization was unaffected by the inhibition of protein kinase C, but was totally abolished in the presence of nimodipine, a L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitor. The results could indicate the existence of a sphingosine-gated Ca2+-permeable channel in liver nuclei.

Involvement of cyclic GMP in the mode of action of a new antithrombotic agent PCA-4230; inhibition of the platelet cyclic GMP dependent phosphodiesterase

The effect of PCA-4230, a new dihydropyridine derivative with a potent antithrombotic activity, on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in platelets was studied. PCA-4230 inhibited (54%) cyclic GMP hydrolytic activity of a platelet cytosolic fraction, whereas it did not affect that of cyclic AMP. Results suggested that PCA-4230 inhibited a cyclic GMP-dependent phosphodiesterase, known as cGB PDE or type V, on a purified enzyme from rabbit platelets by a non-competitive-uncompetitive type inhibition. In addition, PCA-4230 potentiated the increase in both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels evoked by sodium nitroprusside. Furthermore, PCA-4230 and forskolin caused a synergistic effect in cyclic AMP, and also potentiated the phosphorylation of 50 kDa and 22 kDa proteins, reported as substrates of cyclic GMP- and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases that are related to the inhibition of platelet functions. Finally, PCA-4230 also potentiated the forskolin- and sodium nitroprusside-inhibited serotonin release evoked by thrombin, probably related to the increased cyclic nucleotide level.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase activity modulation by endothelin-1 in rabbit platelets

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation, modulated by the rate of both protein tyrosine kinase and protein tyrosine phosphatase activities, is critical for cellular signal transduction cascades. We report that endothelin-1 stimulation of rabbit platelets resulted in a dose- and time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of four groups of proteins in the molecular mass ranges of 50, 60, 70-100 and 100-200 kDa and that one of these corresponds to focal adhesion kinase. This effect is also related to the approximately 60% decrease in protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Moreover, this inhibited activity was less sensitive to orthovanadate. In the presence of forskolin that increases the cAMP level a dose-dependent inhibition of the endothelin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of different protein substrates and a correlation with an increase in the protein tyrosine phosphatase activity (11.6-fold compared to control) have been found. Further studies by immunoblotting of immunoprecipitated soluble fraction with anti-protein tyrosine phosphatase-1C from endothelin-stimulated platelets have demonstrated that the tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet protein tyrosine phosphatase-1C is correlated with the decrease in its phosphatase activity. As a consequence, modulation and regulation by endothelin-1 in rabbit platelets can be proposed through a cAMP-dependent pathway and a tyrosine phosphorylation process that may affect some relevant proteins such as focal adhesion kinase.

Regulation of PAF-induced platelet responses by cyclic nucleotides

The existence of cross-talk mechanisms between the cyclic nucleotide system and other transduction systems involved in PAF-activated platelets is described in this study. A protein of 125 kDa, identified as pp 125(FAK), is tyrosine phosphorylated by PAF in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The presence of a cAMP- or a cGMP-elevating agent, used alone or in combination, together with PAF diminished tyrosine phosphorylation. The sensitivity to cAMP shown by PAF-induced ppl25 phosphorylation on tyrosine residues was similar to PAF-induced phosphorylation of a 47-kDa protein (pp47) on serine and threonine. In contrast, the latter was not affected in the presence of a cGMP-elevating agent, although it was able to enhance synergistically the inhibitory effect of forskolin. Data reported herein also show that pp47 phosphorylation and serotonin secretion are not closely correlated. Accordingly, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) did not have any effect on phosphorylation of pp47, but it was able to inhibit serotonin secretion when added alone, and it showed a synergistic inhibitory action with forskolin.

Involvement of sphingolipids in the endothelin-1 signal transduction mechanism in rat brain

In cerebral cortex, endothelin-1 (ET-1) evoked a decrease of 40% in sphingomyelin (SM) levels together with an increase in both ceramide and glycosphingolipid (GSL) levels (100 and 56% respectively). These facts indicate that ET-1 increases sphingomyelinase activity and, possibly, activates the synthesis of GSL. By contrast, in cerebellum ET-1 seems to activate the hydrolysis of both SM and GSL, since the peptide evoked a decrease (near 30%) of their levels concomitantly with an increased production of ceramides (200%). These ceramides are clearly different from those produced in cerebral cortex which come from the SM hydrolysis only. It is suggested that ETB receptor subtype is involved in these responses.

Endothelin stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and PAF synthesis in brain microvessels

Treatment of brain microvessels with the three endothelin (ET) isoforms resulted in an increase of phosphoinositide turnover by activation of phospholipase C in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both ET-1 and ET-2 are maximally effective, whereas the effect evoked by ET-3 was smaller. Concomitantly, there was an enhanced production of a platelet-activating factor (PAF)-like material. This was identified by standard and biological probes in platelets, such as induction of aggregation, phosphatidic acid (PA) production, increase of endogenous protein phosphorylation, and reversal of these responses by a PAF antagonist. The effects evoked by endothelins on phosphoinositide metabolism and PAF production were, to a certain extent, dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, ET induced changes in Ca2+ dynamics, evoking an initial and rapid intracellular mobilization and influx of Ca2+ and, later, a maintained Ca2+ influx. These findings contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological role of ET in the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Nitric oxide mediates the PAF-stimulated cyclic GMP production in hippocampal slices

Platelet activating factor (PAF) treatment caused a transient rise in cyclic GMP levels in rat hippocampal slices. The stimulation of cyclic GMP synthesis induced by PAF was dose-dependent and was suppressed after treatment with PCA-4248, a PAF antagonist, a fact that could suggest the involvement of specific PAF receptors. In addition, when slices were incubated in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, PAF-stimulated cyclic GMP generation was abolished. Therefore, PAF activates guanylyl cyclase most probably via formation of NO. PAF also induced a time-dependent increase of NO synthase activity in hippocampal slices in correlation with the increase observed in cyclic GMP levels.

Regulation of phosphoinositide cycle by intracellular sodium in the blood-brain barrier

In the present study of cerebral microvessels, we report that monensin, a Na+ ionophore, elicits a decrease in 32P radioactivity incorporation into phosphoinositides in cerebral microvessels. In addition, monensin evokes enhanced production of inositol-1-monophosphate (IP) and inositol-1,4-bisphosphate (IP2), together with an increase in the diacylglycerol (DAG) mass. These results indicate that monensin evokes a phosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C (PLC). The absence of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production leads us to think that although phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis occurs in this process, there is a very rapid disappearance of IP3. The net decrease in 32P radioactivity incorporated into phosphoinositides suggests that a partial inhibition of their re-synthesis is also evoked. Experimental evidence with pharmacological tools suggests that: (1) these effects are secondary to an increase in Ca2+ through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; and (2) the intracellular Ca2+ release is not involved in these effects of monensin. Since some neuropeptide receptors in cerebral microvessels have been reported to be coupled to either the Na+/H+ exchanger or to PLC, we discuss the possibility that cross-talk exists between these intracellular signalling pathways (phosphoinositide metabolism and Na+ transport) in the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Identification of nitric oxide synthases in isolated bovine brain vessels

We have studied the presence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in parenchymal and pial bovine cerebral vessels by using western blot analysis. The different vessel structures were analysed by microscopic observation and their biochemical features determined by using gamma-glutamiltranspeptidase (gamma-GTP) as an endothelial marker and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) as a smooth muscle cell marker. nNOS could not be found in parenchymal vessels, being present only in pial vessels; eNOS was present in all vessel-fractions studied, albeit a different distribution was found. Thus, the eNOS is more abundant in the parenchymal vessels which are associated with smooth muscle cells whereas both pial vessels and brain microvessels, almost devoid of actin, show extremely low levels. Two main conclusions can be obtained: first, nNOS is exclusively restricted to pial vessels and, second, eNOS is present in endothelial cells which are in association with smooth muscle cells.

Endothelin stimulates protein phosphorylation in blood-brain barrier

The vasoactive neuropeptide endothelin stimulated phosphorylation of specific proteins in rat brain microvessels. Major effects were observed with endothelin-1. These effects were dose- and time-dependent. Among substrates for kinase actions, the 17.5 KDa and 80 KDa proteins were mainly affected by endothelin-1. It was demonstrated that the 80 KDa protein affected corresponds to MARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate), a specific substrate for protein kinase C action.

Protein phosphorylation in the blood-brain barrier. Possible presence of MARCKS in brain microvessels

The protein phosphorylation in rat brain microvessels has been examined; the major phosphorylated proteins correspond to a doublet of molecular weight 134-141 kDa, and four proteins of approx. 25, 55, 80 and 200 kDa. TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) enhanced, in a few minutes, the phosphorylation of three major protein substrates with apparent molecular weights of 17.5, 44.5 and 80 kDa. These effects are inhibited by staurosporine. The 80 kDa protein resulted to be myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS). This work demonstrates that protein kinase C plays an important role in protein phosphorylation in blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Effect of cAMP and cGMP on endothelin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in rabbit platelets

Activation of platelets by different agents results in the increased tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrate proteins. Thus, the effect of endothelin-1 on the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation in rabbit platelets can be inhibited by preincubation with forskolin, which increase the cAMP level. However, incubations of platelets with 8-Bromo-cGMP showed lower inhibitory effect. Forskolin produced a dose-dependent inhibition on three different protein substrates, with an IC50 of approximately 12.8, 4.0 and 8.0 microM in the three molecular mass ranges of 50, 60 and 100-200 kDa, respectively. These results show that the endothelin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in rabbit platelets can be regulated by a novel pathway of platelet signal transduction in which the cAMP level could be more relevantly involved than cGMP in some molecular mass ranges of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins.