The surgical challenge of carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in chronic ear disease: a pitfall for endoscopic approach

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic procedures are becoming common in middle ear surgery. Inflammation due to chronic ear disease can cause bony erosion of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals, making them more vulnerable during surgery. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not chronic ear disease increases dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals.

DESIGN

Comparative human temporal bone study.

SETTING

Otopathology laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

We selected 78 temporal bones from 55 deceased donors with chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma and then compared those two groups with a control group of 27 temporal bones from 19 deceased donors with no middle ear disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We analysed the middle ear, carotid artery canal and Fallopian canal, looking for signs of dehiscence of its bony coverage, using light microscopy.

RESULTS

We found an increased incidence in dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease. The size of the carotid artery canal dehiscence was larger in the middle ear-diseased groups, and its bony coverage, when present, was also thinner compared to the control group. Dehiscence of the carotid artery canal was more frequently located closer to the promontory. The incidence of Fallopian canal dehiscence was significantly higher in temporal bones from donors older than 18 years with chronic middle ear disease.

CONCLUSION

The increased incidence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease elevates the risk of adverse events during middle ear surgery.

In vitro measurement of tissue integrity during saccular aneurysm embolizations for simulator-based training

In the domain of endovascular neurosurgery, the measurement of tissue integrity is needed for simulator-based training and for the development of new intravascular instruments and treatment techniques. In vitro evaluation of tissue manipulation can be achieved using photoelastic stress analysis and vasculature modeling with photoelastic materials. In this research we constructed two types of vasculature models of saccular aneurysms for differentiation of embolization techniques according to the respect for tissue integrity measurements based on the stress within the blood vessel model wall. In an aneurysm model with 5 mm dome diameter, embolization using MicroPlex 10 (Complex 1D, with 4 mm diameter loops), a maximum area of 3.97 mm² with stress above 1 kPa was measured. This area increased to 5.50 mm² when the dome was touched deliberately with the release mechanism of the coil, and to 4.87 mm² for an embolization using Micrusphere, (Spherical 18 Platinum Coil). In a similar way trans-cell stent-assisted coil embolization was also compared to human blood pressure simulation using a model of a wide-necked saccular aneurysm with 7 mm diameter. The area with stress above 1kPa was below 1 mm² for the pressure simulation and maximized at 3.79 mm² during the trans-cell insertion of the micro-catheter and at 8.92 mm² during the embolization. The presented results show that this measurement system is useful for identifying techniques compromising tissue integrity, comparing and studying coils and embolization techniques for a specific vasculature morphology and comparing their natural stress variations such as that produced by blood pressure.

Fabrication of uniform and high resolution copper nanowire using intermediate self-assembled monolayers through direct AFM lithography

Electrochemical AFM lithography was used to directly fabricate copper nanowires. The copper ions were strongly reduced by a negative sample bias at the point where the AFM tip was localized, and copper metal wires were successfully fabricated following the direction of the electrical field of the bias. A TDA⋅HCl self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was found to play an important role as an intermediate layer for enhancing the capability of high resolution and complete development after the AFM lithographic process. The physical and electrical properties of the wires were analyzed by AFM, EFM, SEM, TEM and I-V measurement. The fabricated copper has promising potential for applications such as masks and interconnectors for nanoelectronic devices.

Performance evaluation of physicochemical processes for biologically pre-treated livestock wastewater

The use of a combination of biological and physicochemical methods is a promising technique to reduce highly concentrated pollutants in livestock wastewater: firstly, biodegradable organic matters, nitrogen and a part of phosphorus should be removed in a biological treatment process and then residual non-biodegradable organic matters, color and phosphorus be eliminated by physicochemical methods. In this study, therefore, the integrations of chemical coagulation, activated carbon adsorption, Fenton oxidation and ozonation were evaluated to provide an appropriate post-treatment process for biologically pre-treated livestock wastewater. With applying a single method such as coagulation and Fenton oxidation, a yellowish brown color and COD still remained. According to the experimental result, the quality of treated wastewater including color was enough to be discharged after chemical coagulation followed by ozonation or Fenton oxidation process. Among these, ozonation was the most effective technology for decolorization. Neither simple biological nor physicochemical process provides an adequate treatability for the sufficient depletion of organics and decolorization when treating livestock wastewater. Considering only the removal efficiency, the integration of Fenton oxidation and ozonation would be an efficient alternative as a post-treatment.

Pilot-testing an alternative on-site wastewater treatment system for small communities and its automatic control

The pilot test of a new alternative for small wastewater treatment system has been conducted for two years. It consists of a hybrid bioreactor and the expert system including the programmable logic controller and human-machine interface. In order to monitor its status, the real-time data was transferred from the remote station to the central station via a wireless local area network. More efficient and stable performances were observed at automatic operating mode compared with the manual. On an average, COD, SS, T-N and T-P concentrations in the effluent from the hybrid bioreactor were less than 14, 7, 12 and 0.9 mg/L, respectively. According to the result from laboratory experiments, the quality of treated wastewater with chemical coagulation process followed by sand filtration was enough to be utilized again if a final disinfection step is included.

Leucine and insulin activate p70 S6 kinase through different pathways in human skeletal muscle

Amino acids and insulin have anabolic effects in skeletal muscle, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that leucine and insulin stimulate translation initiation in human skeletal muscle by phosphorylating 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70(S6k)), we infused healthy adults with leucine alone (n = 6), insulin alone (n = 6), or both leucine and insulin (n = 6) for 2 h. p70(S6k) and protein kinase B (PKB) serine(473) phosphorylation were measured in vastus lateralis muscles. Plasma leucine increased from approximately 116 to 343 micromol/l during the leucine-alone and leucine + insulin infusions. Plasma insulin increased to approximately 400 pmol/l during the insulin-alone and leucine + insulin infusions and was unchanged during the leucine-alone infusion. Phosphorylation of p70(S6k) increased 4-fold in response to leucine alone, 8-fold in response to insulin alone, and 18-fold after the leucine + insulin infusion. Insulin-alone and leucine + insulin infusions increased PKB phosphorylation, but leucine alone had no effect. These results show that physiological concentrations of leucine and insulin activate a key mediator of protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle. They suggest that leucine stimulates protein synthesis through a nutrient signaling mechanism independent of insulin, raising the possibility that administration of branched-chain amino acids may improve protein synthesis in insulin-resistant states.

Glucose and insulin stimulate heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase activity in mouse islets and INS-1 cells. A potential link between insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction

Lipoprotein lipase (LpL) provides tissues with triglyceride-derived fatty acids. Fatty acids affect beta-cell function, and LpL overexpression decreases insulin secretion in cell lines, but whether LpL is regulated in beta-cells is unknown. To test the hypothesis that glucose and insulin regulate LpL activity in beta-cells, we studied pancreatic islets and INS-1 cells. Acute exposure of beta-cells to physiological concentrations of glucose stimulated both total cellular LpL activity and heparin-releasable LpL activity. Glucose had no effect on total LpL protein mass but instead promoted the appearance of LpL protein in a heparin-releasable fraction, suggesting that glucose stimulates the translocation of LpL from intracellular to extracellular sites in beta-cells. The induction of heparin-releasable LpL activity was unaffected by treatment with diazoxide, an inhibitor of insulin exocytosis that does not alter glucose metabolism but was blocked by conditions that inhibit glucose metabolism. In vitro hyperinsulinemia had no effect on LpL activity in the presence of low concentrations of glucose but increased LpL activity in the presence of 20 mm glucose. Using dual-laser confocal microscopy, we detected intracellular LpL in vesicles distinct from those containing insulin. LpL was also detected at the cell surface and was displaced from this site by heparin in dispersed islets and INS-1 cells. These results show that glucose metabolism controls the trafficking of LpL activity in beta-cells independent of insulin secretion. They suggest that hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin resistance may contribute to progressive beta-cell dysfunction by increasing LpL-mediated delivery of lipid to islets.

Metabolic regulation by leucine of translation initiation through the mTOR-signaling pathway by pancreatic beta-cells

Recent findings have demonstrated that the branched-chain amino acid leucine can activate the translational regulators, phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein regulated by insulin (PHAS-I) and p70 S6 kinase (p70S6k), in an insulin-independent and rapamycin-sensitive manner through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), although the mechanism for this activation is undefined. It has been previously established that leucine-induced insulin secretion by beta-cells involves increased mitochondrial metabolism by oxidative decarboxylation and allosteric activation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). We now show that these same intramitochondrial events that generate signals for leucine-induced insulin exocytosis are required to activate the mTOR mitogenic signaling pathway by beta-cells. Thus, a minimal model consisting of leucine and glutamine as substrates for oxidative decarboxylation and an activator of GDH, respectively, confirmed the requirement for these two metabolic components and mimicked closely the synergistic interactions achieved by a complete complement of amino acids to activate p70s6k in a rapamycin-sensitive manner. Studies using various leucine analogs also confirmed the close association of mitochondrial metabolism and the ability of leucine analogs to activate p70s6k. Furthermore, selective inhibitors of mitochondrial function blocked this activation in a reversible manner, which was not associated with a global reduction in ATP levels. These findings indicate that leucine at physiological concentrations stimulates p70s6k phosphorylation via the mTOR pathway, in part, by serving both as a mitochondrial fuel and an allosteric activator of GDH. Leucine-mediated activation of protein translation through mTOR may contribute to enhanced beta-cell function by stimulating growth-related protein synthesis and proliferation associated with the maintenance of beta-cell mass.

Flutamide-hydroxypropy-beta-chiyclodextrin complex: formulation, physical characterization, and absorption studies using the Caco-2 in vitro model

PURPOSE

The objective of this research was to formulate flutamide (FLT) in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCyD), and to investigate FLT transcellular permeation from the complex using the Caco-2 monolayer in vitro model.

METHODS

Classical solubility data were used to derive thermodynamic parameters which, together with Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), (1)H-NMR and (19)F-NMR, were used to characterize and derive stability constants for the FLT-HPbetaCyD complex. The Caco-2 cell line was used to examine the role of HPbetaCyD on the passage of FLT across cell monolayers in vitro.

RESULTS

The solubility of FLT in water (1.46 mmol/L) increased almost 170 times (to 243.45 mmol/L) in the presence of 50% (w/v) HPbetaCyD. Solubility data for FLT in aqueous HPbetaCyD were used to derive thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees at 298 K = -3.48, DeltaH degrees = 2.85, DeltaS degrees at 298 K = 21.24). The solubility of FLT in HPbetaCyD increased proportionally with an increase in temperature. The FLT-HPbetaCyD complex had an A(L)-type (DSC) isotherm, consistent with a linear increase in FLT solubility and unchanged stoichiometry. The DSC of free FLT and HPbetaCyD showed endothermic peaks at 110 degrees C and 300 degrees C, respectively. FLT-HPbetaCyD did not display a free-FLT endothermic response, but exhibited broadening of the endothermic peak in the HPbetaCyD region. (19)F- and (1)H-NMR chemical shifts of FLT moved upfield as a function of its increased solubility in the presence of HPbetaCyD. The FLT-HPbetaCyD stability constant, K(s) (1:1) was estimated to be 356 M(-1 )and 357 M(-1), from thermodynamic and (19)F NMR data, respectively. The apical-to-basal permeability coefficient (P(eff) = 4.75 x 10(-5) cm.s(-1)) for FLT across Caco-2 cell monolayers at 37; C increased as HPbetaCyD concentrations were reduced, indicative of transepithelial passage via passive diffusion of available free FLT in solution. Studies in the presence and absence of Ca(2+ )ruled out a significant paracellular transport component.

CONCLUSIONS

FLT-HPbetaCyD is a relatively stable, 1:1 inclusion complex. Formation of this complex substantially increases the water solubility of FLT, but HPbetaCyD, except in high dilution, reduces transcellular passage of FLT in the Caco-2 cell in vitro model.

Relative hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in mice with heterozygous lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency. Islet LPL regulates insulin secretion

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) provides tissues with fatty acids, which have complex effects on glucose utilization and insulin secretion. To determine if LPL has direct effects on glucose metabolism, we studied mice with heterozygous LPL deficiency (LPL+/-). LPL+/- mice had mean fasting glucose values that were up to 39 mg/dl lower than LPL+/+ littermates. Despite having lower glucose levels, LPL+/- mice had fasting insulin levels that were twice those of +/+ mice. Hyperinsulinemic clamp experiments showed no effect of genotype on basal or insulin-stimulated glucose utilization. LPL message was detected in mouse islets, INS-1 cells (a rat insulinoma cell line), and human islets. LPL enzyme activity was detected in the media from both mouse and human islets incubated in vitro. In mice, +/- islets expressed half the enzyme activity of +/+ islets. Islets isolated from +/+ mice secreted less insulin in vitro than +/- and -/- islets, suggesting that LPL suppresses insulin secretion. To test this notion directly, LPL enzyme activity was manipulated in INS-1 cells. INS-1 cells treated with an adeno-associated virus expressing human LPL had more LPL enzyme activity and secreted less insulin than adeno-associated virus-beta-galactosidase-treated cells. INS-1 cells transfected with an antisense LPL oligonucleotide had less LPL enzyme activity and secreted more insulin than cells transfected with a control oligonucleotide. These data suggest that islet LPL is a novel regulator of insulin secretion. They further suggest that genetically determined levels of LPL play a role in establishing glucose levels in mice.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced pancreatic beta-cell insulin resistance is mediated by nitric oxide and prevented by 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 and aminoguanidine. A role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation and inos expression

Recent studies have identified a beta-cell insulin receptor that functions in the regulation of protein translation and mitogenic signaling similar to that described for insulin-sensitive cells. These findings have raised the novel possibility that beta-cells may exhibit insulin resistance similar to skeletal muscle, liver, and fat. To test this hypothesis, the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), a cytokine proposed to mediate insulin resistance by interfering with insulin signaling at the level of the insulin receptor and its substrates, was evaluated. TNFalpha inhibited p70(s6k) activation by glucose-stimulated beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition observed at approximately 20-50 ng/ml, detected after 24 and 48 h of exposure. Exogenous insulin failed to prevent TNFalpha-induced inhibition of p70(s6k), suggesting a defect in the insulin signaling pathway. To further define mechanisms responsible for this inhibition and also to exclude cytokine-induced nitric oxide (NO) as a mediator, the ability of exogenous or endogenous insulin +/- inhibitors of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) activity, aminoguanidine or N-monomethyl-L-arginine, was evaluated. Unexpectedly, TNFalpha and also interleukin 1 (IL-1)-induced inhibition of p70(s6k) was completely prevented by inhibitors that block NO production. Western blot analysis verified inducible NOS (iNOS) expression after TNFalpha exposure. Furthermore, the ability of IL-1 receptor antagonist protein, IRAP, to block TNFalpha-induced inhibition of p70(s6k) indicated that activation of intra-islet macrophages and the release of IL-1 that induces iNOS expression in beta-cells was responsible for the inhibitory effects of TNFalpha. This mechanism was confirmed by the ability of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist 15-deoxy-Delta12, 14-prostaglandin J2 to attenuate TNFalpha-induced insulin resistance by down-regulating iNOS expression and/or blocking IL-1 release from activated macrophages. Overall, TNFalpha-mediated insulin resistance in beta-cells is characterized by a global inhibition of metabolism mediated by NO differing from that proposed for this proinflammatory cytokine in insulin-sensitive cells.

Branched-chain amino acids are essential in the regulation of PHAS-I and p70 S6 kinase by pancreatic beta-cells. A possible role in protein translation and mitogenic signaling

Amino acids have been identified as important signaling molecules involved in pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, although the cellular mechanism responsible for this effect is not well defined. We previously reported that amino acids are required for glucose or exogenous insulin to stimulate phosphorylation of PHAS-I (phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein regulated by insulin), a recently discovered regulator of translation initiation during cell mitogenesis. Here we demonstrate that essential amino acids, in particular branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine), are largely responsible for mediating this effect. The transamination product of leucine, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, also stimulates PHAS-I phosphorylation although the transamination products of isoleucine and valine are ineffective. Since amino acids are secretagogues for insulin secretion by beta-cells, we investigated whether endogenous insulin secreted by beta-cells is involved. Interestingly, branched-chain amino acids stimulate phosphorylation of PHAS-I independent of endogenous insulin secretion since genistein (10 microM) and herbimycin A (1 microM), two tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the insulin signaling pathway, exert no effect on amino acid-induced phosphorylation of PHAS-I. Furthermore, branched-chain amino acids retain their ability to induce phosphorylation of PHAS-I under conditions that block insulin secretion from beta-cells. In exploring the signaling pathway responsible for these effects, we find that rapamycin (25 nM) inhibits the ability of branched-chain amino acids to stimulate the phosphorylation of PHAS-I and p70(s6) kinase, suggesting that the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway is involved. The branched-chain amino acid, leucine, also exerts similar effects on PHAS-I phosphorylation in isolated pancreatic islets. In addition, we find that amino acids are necessary for insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) to stimulate the phosphorylation of PHAS-I indicating that a requirement for amino acids may be essential for other beta-cell growth factors in addition to insulin and IGF-I to activate this signaling pathway. We propose that amino acids, in particular branched-chain amino acids, may promote beta-cell proliferation either by stimulating phosphorylation of PHAS-I and p70(s6k) via the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and/or by facilitating the proliferative effect mediated by growth factors such as insulin and IGF-I.

Ovalbumin peptide encapsulated in poly(d,l lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres is capable of inducing a T helper type 1 immune response

An ovalbumin (OVA) peptide, consisting of residues 323-339, was incorporated into poly(d,l lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and administered to mice. It was hypothesized that microencapsulation of the peptide in PLGA microspheres would avoid the need for traditional adjuvants and bias the immune response towards a type 1 T helper (Th1) response. An immunomodulator, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), was incorporated into the microspheres to determine its efficacy in enhancing a Th1 response. The specificity of the immune response was determined using a T cell proliferation assay. The type of T helper response was determined by analysis of the cytokine secretion profiles of the proliferating T cells. Following s.c. immunization, the results revealed a T cell-specific immune response for the encapsulated OVA peptide both with and without MPLA. The cytokine profiles revealed high levels of IFN-gamma with very low levels of IL-4 and IL-10, suggesting a Th1 response. Furthermore, incorporation of MPLA in the peptide loaded PLGA microspheres resulted in an increase in the production of IFN-gamma. Hence, peptide-loaded PLGA microspheres are capable of eliciting a specific Th1 immune response, which may be further enhanced in the presence MPLA.

Polymeric micelles for drug delivery: solubilization and haemolytic activity of amphotericin B

Polymeric micelles may serve as nanoscopic, long-circulating carriers of hydrophobic drugs. In this study, we have researched the solubilization of amphotericin B (AmB), an antifungal drug, by micelles of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(beta benzyl-L-aspartate) (PEO-PBLA), the properties of the AmB-loaded PEO-PBLA micelles and the resultant haemolytic activity of AmB. AmB loading takes place during self assembly of PEO-PBLA micelles, and this occurs through a dialysis procedure as an alkaline aqueous solution replaces the selective solvent for the polymer and the drug. In this way, AmB reaches levels of 57 to 141 microg/ml, corresponding to a loading efficiency of 27-30% (loaded AmB/initial amount of AmB). The molar ratio of AmB to PEO-PBLA is 0.40 to 1.0. Pictures by transmission electron microscopy reveal spherical AmB-loaded PEO-PBLA micelles with a mean diameter of 25.8+/-4.2 nm. AmB-loaded PEO-PBLA micelles are nonhaemolytic at an AmB level of 10 microg/ml as assessed by release of haemoglobin, measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy. AmB as Fungizone, its standard formulation, completely lyses red blood cells at a level of 3.0 microg/ml in 30 min. In contrast, there is no haemolysis at 5.5 h for AmB-loaded PEO-PBLA micelles at 3.0 microg/ml of AmB, indicating the gradual release of AmB from PEO-PBLA micelles. PEO-PBLA itself is nonhaemolytic even at a level of 0.70 mg/ml. Most amphiphiles, e.g. sodium deoxycholate, present in Fungizone, are haemolytic. Finally, AmB-loaded PEO-PBLA micelles can be freeze-dried and easily reconstituted in water. Afterwards, AmB is present in the intact PEO-PBLA micelles and remains nonhaemolytic.

Evidence for involvement of the proteasome complex (26S) and NFkappaB in IL-1beta-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin production by rat islets and RINm5F cells

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has been implicated as an effector molecule of beta-cell destruction in autoimmune diabetes. IL-1beta inhibits insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells by stimulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that generates the free radical nitric oxide. IL-1beta also induces the coexpression of the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) that results in the overproduction of proinflammatory prostaglandins. The current studies were designed to characterize the involvement of protease(s) in the signaling pathway of IL-1beta-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression by rat islets and transformed rat pancreatic beta-cells. Because of the limitations of cell numbers of purified primary beta-cells obtained from rat islets, biochemical and molecular studies were performed using the rat insulinoma beta-cell line RINm5F. A serine protease inhibitor, Nalpha-P-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), and a proteasome complex (26S) inhibitor, MG 132, inhibited IL-1beta-induced nitrite formation, an oxidation product of nitric oxide produced by iNOS, in a concentration-dependent manner, with complete inhibition observed at 100 micromol/l and 10 micromol/l, respectively. Both TLCK and MG 132 also inhibited iNOS gene expression at the level of mRNA and protein. In an analogous manner, TLCK (100 micromol/l) and MG 132 (10 micromol/l) inhibited IL-1beta-induced COX-2 enzyme activity (PGE2 formation) and COX-2 gene expression at the level of mRNA and protein. In human islets, the proteasome inhibitor MG 132 also inhibited the formation of the products of iNOS and COX-2 enzyme activity, nitrite, and PGE2, respectively. These findings suggest that the inhibitory action of TLCK and MG 132 on iNOS and COX-2 expression precedes transcription. The transcription factor NFkappaB is essential for activation of a number of cytokine-inducible enzymes and was evaluated as a possible site of protease action necessary for IL-1beta-induced coexpression of iNOS and COX-2. TLCK and MG 132 inhibited both IL-1beta-induced activation of NFkappaB and degradation of IkappaBalpha by islets and RINm5F cells. These results implicate protease activation as an early signaling event in IL-1beta-induced inhibition of beta-cell function. This study also suggests that IL-1beta-induced iNOS and COX-2 coexpression by pancreatic beta-cells share a common signaling pathway in utilizing the proteasome complex (26S) and the transcription factor NFkappaB, and it identifies sites of intervention to prevent the overproduction of their inflammatory products.

Insulin mediates glucose-stimulated phosphorylation of PHAS-I by pancreatic beta cells. An insulin-receptor mechanism for autoregulation of protein synthesis by translation

Although glucose regulates the biosynthesis of a variety of beta cell proteins at the level of translation, the mechanism responsible for this effect is unknown. We demonstrate that incubation of pancreatic islets with elevated glucose levels results in rapid and concentration-dependent phosphorylation of PHAS-I, an inhibitor of mRNA cap-binding protein, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-4E. Our initial approach was to determine if this effect is mediated by the metabolism of glucose and activation of islet cell protein kinases, or whether insulin secreted from the beta cell stimulates phosphorylation of PHAS-I via an insulin-receptor mechanism as described for insulin-sensitive cells. In support of the latter mechanism, inhibitors of islet cell protein kinases A and C exert no effect on glucose-stimulated phosphorylation of PHAS-I, whereas the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, the immunosuppressant, rapamycin, and theophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, promote marked dephosphorylation of PHAS-I. In addition, exogenous insulin and endogenous insulin secreted by the beta cell line, betaTC6-F7, increase phosphorylation of PHAS-I, suggesting that beta cells of the islet, in part, mediate this effect. Studies with beta cell lines and islets indicate that amino acids are required for glucose or exogenous insulin to stimulate the phosphorylation of PHAS-I, and amino acids alone dose-dependently stimulate the phosphorylation of PHAS-I, which is further enhanced by insulin. Furthermore, rapamycin inhibits by approximately 62% the increase in total protein synthesis stimulated by high glucose concentrations. These results indicate that glucose stimulates PHAS-I phosphorylation via insulin interacting with its own receptor on the beta cell which may serve as an important mechanism for autoregulation of protein synthesis by translation.

Hyperglycemic levels of glucose inhibit interleukin 1 release from RAW 264.7 murine macrophages by activation of protein kinase C

Diabetic patients with hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) have frequent and persistent bacterial infections linked to significantly diminished bactericidal activity and macrophage function. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), released primarily from activated macrophages, is a key mediator of effective host defense against microorganisms. We observe that hyperglycemic levels of D-glucose (8-20 mM) inhibit the release of IL-1 by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. An inhibitor of glucose transport and metabolism, 2-deoxyglucose, prevents this inhibition of IL-1 release. High levels (8-20 mM) of fructose and mannose (but not galactose or L-glucose) also inhibit the release of IL-1 activity, suggesting that metabolism is required for IL-1 inhibition. Immunoprecipitation and activity measurements demonstrate that high glucose levels block the release of IL-1 but do not inhibit IL-1 production. High glucose levels (20 mM) increase protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and inhibitors of PKC block the inhibitory effects of glucose. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an agonist of PKC, mimics glucose-induced inhibition of IL-1 release. These results demonstrate that high glucose levels inhibit IL-1 release (but not production) by RAW 264. 7 murine macrophages, and this inhibition is mediated by PKC activation. These studies suggest that persistent infections in hyperglycemic patients may be due to an inhibition of IL-1 release from macrophages.

Effects of aspirin on nitric oxide formation and de novo protein synthesis by RINm5F cells and rat islets

Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs are the most commonly indicated agents for the treatment of inflammation. Mechanisms of action for these drugs, however, are not clearly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of aspirin on production of nitric oxide (NO), a proinflammatory mediator, and show that aspirin inhibits NO production by transformed pancreatic beta cells (RINm5F) and rat islets in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of approximately 3 mM. Therapeutic concentrations of aspirin (1-5 mM) that block NO production affected neither nuclear factor-kappaB activation nor inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA transcription but potently inhibited iNOS protein expression by both RINm5F cells and rat islets. The effects of aspirin on islet function were examined by measuring glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of various concentrations of aspirin. Aspirin (1-5 mM) did not affect insulin secretion at basal or glucose-stimulated conditions, whereas higher concentrations of aspirin (10-20 mM) significantly increased basal insulin secretion. Aspirin at high concentrations of 10 and 20 mM inhibited de novo protein synthesis as demonstrated by inhibition of [35S]methionine incorporation into total islet protein and by inhibition of rabbit reticulocyte expression by Brome mosaic virus mRNA, suggesting that inhibition of iNOS expression at these high concentrations of aspirin may be due to the impairment of the translational machinery. These findings indicate that inhibition of iNOS expression and NO production may explain, in part, the beneficial effects of aspirin as an anti-inflammatory agent at therapeutic concentrations, whereas inhibition of de novo protein synthesis may possibly explain clinical and side effects of aspirin in the inflamed tissues and organs such as stomach and kidney that may accumulate high concentrations of aspirin.

Nitric oxide regulates interleukin 1 bioactivity released from murine macrophages

The bioactivity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a major proinflammatory cytokine, can be modulated by a variety of factors including inhibitors of IL-1 production and release and receptor blockade by IL-1 receptor antagonist and by binding to nonsignaling soluble receptors. This study demonstrates that the free radical nitric oxide (NO) is also a regulator of IL-1 bioactivity. Lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, and lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-gamma-activated murine peritoneal macrophages release IL-1 bioactivity, which is increased 10-fold over control levels by 24 h. NG-Monomethyl -arginine (NMMA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, almost completely inhibits the release of IL-1 bioactivity from activated macrophages in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 50 microM. IL-1 activity was determined by thymocyte proliferation bioassay and by a new spectrophotometric bioassay based on IL-1-specific induction of NOS and NO production by an insulinoma cell line, RINm5F. Neither NO nor NOS inhibitors present in the macrophage supernatant interfere with the bioassays. Aminoguanidine and iodonium diphenyl, mechanistically unrelated NOS inhibitors, also prevent the release of IL-1 activity from RAW 264.7 cells. The addition of the NO donor S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine reconstituted the release of IL-1 bioactivity inhibited by NMMA in a concentration-dependent manner. NO appears to increase the amount of IL-1 protein released by activated macrophages as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but not by mechanisms involving cell death nor modification of IL-1 precursor processing. A cGMP donor, 8-bromo-cGMP, dose-dependently reverses NMMA inhibition of bioactive IL-1 release, suggesting that NO regulates IL-1 release by a cGMP-dependent mechanism. These observations suggest that NO stimulation of the activity of IL-1, a key mediator of the immune response, may be a potentially important mechanism for control of IL-1 activity in vivo.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevent cytokine-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 by human islets

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by selective destruction of insulin-secreting beta-cells. Cytokines have been implicated as effector molecules that participate in both islet inflammation and beta-cell destruction during the development of IDDM. In this study, the effects of cytokines on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) by human islets were examined. In combination, the cytokines, human recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and human recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), induce the time-dependent formation of nitrite and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by human islets. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) completely inhibits cytokine-induced nitrite formation and attenuates PGE2 production by human islets. L-NMMA does not inhibit cytokine-induced expression of COX-2 by human islets, suggesting that nitric oxide may directly activate cyclooxygenase, an effect that has been previously demonstrated for isolated rat islets. This combination of cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma) also induces the expression of iNOS mRNA by human islets as demonstrated by both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis. We further show that the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A prevent IL-1 beta plus IFN-gamma-induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS and the production of PGE2 and nitric oxide by human islets. These results demonstrate that cytokines induce the expression of iNOS and COX-2 by human islets and that cytokine-induced expression of both COX-2 and iNOS by human islets appears to require the activation of a tyrosine kinase(s).

Characterization of the sphingomyelin content of isolated pancreatic islets. Evaluation of the role of sphingomyelin hydrolysis in the action of interleukin-1 to induce islet overproduction of nitric oxide

Inflammatory cytokines may participate in the destruction of pancreatic islets during the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) strongly inhibits insulin secretion from rat pancreatic islets by a process which involves induction of expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase and the overproduction of nitric oxide. The signaling events between IL-1 receptor occupancy and induction of nitric oxide synthase in rat islets involve activation of the transcriptional activator NFkappa B. Because sphingomyelin hydrolysis has been implicated as a signaling process both in NFkappa B activation and in IL-1 action in some cells, we have examined the potential involvement of sphingomyelin hydrolysis in the induction of islet nitric oxide overproduction by IL-1. Rat islet sphingomyelin pools were radiolabeled with [3H]choline, and sphingomyelin was then isolated by normal phase HPLC. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric analysis revealed islet sphingomyelin consists of at least 4 distinct molecular species, and the most abundant of them contained sphingosine as the long chain base and a residue of palmitic acid as the fatty acid substituent. Molecular species containing residues of stearic acid and arachidic acid were also observed. Neither interleukin-1 nor tumor necrosis factor-alpha was found to induce hydrolysis of islet sphingomyelin species, and neither an exogenous, cell-permeant ceramide species (N-acetyl-D-sphingosine) nor exogenous sphingomyelinase mimicked or potentiated the effect of IL-1 to increase rat islet nitric oxide generation, as reflected by nitrite production. Similar findings were obtained with RINm5F insulinoma cells and with mouse pancreatic islets. These findings provide the first information on the molecular species of sphingomyelin in pancreatic islets and suggest that sphingomyelin hydrolysis is not involved in the signaling pathway whereby IL-1 induces the overproduction of nitric oxide by pancreatic islets.

Interleukin 1-induced Fos and Jun do not regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat islets of Langerhans and RINm5F cells

Recent evidence indicates that nitric oxide (NO) produced after expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mediates cytokine-induced inhibition of insulin secretion by pancreatic islets. The current studies were designed to characterize the involvement of immediate-early response genes, c-fos and c-jun, in interleukin 1 (IL-1)-induced expression of iNOS. iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by both rat islets and RINm5F cells was time dependent, with maximal expression observed after an approximately 3- to 6-h exposure to IL-1. IL-1 also stimulated rapid and transient expression of c-fos and c-jun by both rat islets and RINm5F cells, with maximal mRNA accumulation detected 30-60 min after IL-1 treatment. IL-1-induced protein synthesis of Fos and Jun was observed as early as 30 min, peaked between 3-5 h, and decreased by 8 h after IL-1 treatment. Temporal correlation of Fos and Jun expression and iNOS gene induction suggested that Fos and Jun might regulate iNOS gene transcription by rodent pancreatic beta-cells. The present study, however, indicates that IL-1 induced expression of Fos and Jun does not seem to participate in the regulation of iNOS and mRNA expression, because: 1) cycloheximide (1 microM) completely inhibited Fos expression but had no inhibitory effect on iNOS mRNA levels; and 2) tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A completely inhibited IL-1 induced iNOS expression but did not block c-fos and c-jun expression. These results indicate that two separate signaling pathways may exist for induction of c-fos and c- jun and iNOS genes and that de novo synthesis of Fos and Jun does not participate in the regulation of iNOS gene expression.

Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by macrophage purinoreceptors and calcium

Macrophage activation is central to the progression of multiple diseases via the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and nitric oxide. Despite the recognized overlap in the regulatory mechanisms involved in mediator production, little formation exists regarding receptor-initiated signaling pathways that coordinately control multiple end points, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide production. In this study, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages is shown to be regulated by calcium and by a purinoreceptor signaling system. The P2Y purinoreceptor partial agonist, 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeS-ATP), inhibits the expression of iNOS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in primary macrophages. Additionally, 2-MeS-ATP attenuates the expression of iNOS in macrophages isolated from CD-1 mice challenged with LPS, and it inhibits LPS-induced TNF-alpha and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) release, thereby preventing endotoxic death. Thus, purinoreceptors and calcium are likely to be critical for macrophage activation and the production of inflammatory mediators stimulated by LPS.

Cytokines and nitric oxide in islet inflammation and diabetes

Cytokines released by both T lymphocytes and activated macrophages, in particular interleukin-1 (IL-1), have been implicated as immunological effector molecules that both inhibit insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cell and induce beta-cell destruction. Recent findings have demonstrated that production of the free radical nitric oxide (NO), resulting from the expression of the cytokine-inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS), mediates these deleterious effects. The cellular mechanism responsible for inhibition of beta-cell function and destruction by NO involves, in part, inactivation of enzymes specifically localized to the beta-cell mitochondria that contain iron- sulfur centers or clusters. Intraislet release of IL-1 also inhibits beta-cell function by this same cellular mechanism involving the overproduction of NO. In addition, the cytokine, IL-1, induces the co-expression of both iNOS and the cytokine-inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, COX-2. The expression of COX-2 results in the overproduction of the proinflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Furthermore, NO produced by iNOS directly stimulates the activities of both constitutive and inducible isoforms of COX, further augmenting the overproduction of these proinflammatory mediators, NO and prostaglandins, which may be important in initiating or maintaining the inflammatory response and destruction of the beta cell associated with autoimmune diabetes.

Interleukin-1 beta-induced nitric oxide synthase expression by rat pancreatic beta-cells: evidence for the involvement of nuclear factor kappa B in the signaling mechanism

Recent evidence indicates that overproduction of nitric oxide mediates cytokine-induced inhibition of insulin secretion by pancreatic islets. The current studies were designed to characterize signaling events involving the transcriptional factor NFkappaB in interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by primary and transformed rat pancreatic beta-cells. Due to limitations of cell numbers of purified primary beta-cells, biochemical and molecular studies were performed primarily using the insulinoma cell line, RINm5F. Inhibitors of NFkappaB, diethyldithiocarbamate, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and N-acetyl cysteine prevent IL-1-induced iNOS expression at the level of messenger RNA, protein, and nitrite generation. IL-1 induces a time-dependent translocation of NFkappaB from cytosol to nucleus, with maximal translocation observed approximately 15-30 min after IL-1 treatment, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The specificity of the band containing the NF kappa B DNA-protein complex was shown by competition with a 150-fold excess of nonradiolabeled NF kappa B oligonucleotide. Supershift assays using immunoglobulins G against NF kappa b subunits p50 an p65 indicate that the protein complex contains a heterodimer of p50 and p65. IL-1-induced translocation of NF kappa B was blocked by 100 microns 100 microM diethyldithiocarbamate or 100 microM pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, further establishing a critical role for NF kappa B in the induction of iNOS by IL-1 in rat pancreatic beta-cells. Activation of tyrosine kinase appears to precede NF kappa B activation, as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (100 microM) blocks IL-1-induced translocation of NF kappa B. An understanding of the signal transduction pathway of cytokine-induced nitric oxide generation by beta-cells will provide strategies of intervention to further evaluate the role of nitric oxide in mediating beta-cell dysfunction.

Lateral mobility of tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) labelled G protein alpha and beta gamma subunits in NG 108-15 cells

Multi-step signal transducing events, such as those mediated by G proteins, have been difficult to study in intact cells. We prepared fluorescently labelled G protein subunits, tetramethylrhodamine-alpha o (TMR-alpha o) and TMR-beta gamma, in order to study their subcellular distribution and lateral mobility. Heterotrimeric G proteins labelled in the alpha (TMR-alpha o/beta gamma) or beta (TMR-beta gamma/alpha o) subunit were reconstituted into lipid vesicles and fused to NG-108-15 cells using polyethylene glycol (PEG). Vesicles fused completely to the cells as determined by dequenching of a fluorescent lipid probe, octadecyl rhodamine B. The orientation of G protein beta gamma subunits after fusion followed the expected random distribution; the quenching of surface fluorescence with anti-fluorescein antibodies showed that about 50% of the label was accessible extracellularly. G proteins incorporated by the fusion method were able to couple to endogenous alpha 2 adrenergic receptors based on the restoration of high affinity agonist binding to pertussis toxin-treated cells. The subcellular localization of TMR-alpha o and TMR-beta gamma determined by differential centrifugation and confocal microscopy indicated that TMR-alpha o was present in the plasma membrane and in intracellular membranes, whereas TMR-beta gamma was mainly localized in the plasma membrane. The lateral mobility of TMR-alpha o and TMR-beta gamma measured using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) demonstrated low mobile fractions of 0.34 +/- 0.03 and 0.16 +/- 0.03, respectively. The translational diffusion coefficients of the mobile components were similar, 4.0 x 10(-9) and 2.0 x 10(-9) cm2/s, for alpha and beta gamma respectively. Neither activation of Gi-linked receptors nor cytoskeletal disruption with nocodozole or cytochalasin D changed the mobile fraction or diffusion coefficient of the alpha or beta gamma subunits. The FRAP data combined with the localization of fluorescent subunits by confocal microscopy suggest that the beta gamma subunits are highly constrained to localized regions of the plasma membrane while the alpha subunit may diffuse in intracellular regions to transmit signals from receptors to effector proteins.

Tyrosine kinase involvement in IL-1 beta-induced expression of iNOS by beta-cells purified from islets of Langerhans

Nitric oxide is believed to mediate the inhibitory effects of cytokines on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by both rat and human islets. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the cellular source of the cytokine-inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressed in islets following cytokine stimulation and 2) to determine whether tyrosine kinase activity participates in cytokine-induced iNOS expression. In this report we demonstrate that the cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) stimulates the expression of iNOS and the formation of nitric oxide (as determined by nitrite formation, a stable oxidative product of nitric oxide) by isolated intact rat islets and by primary beta-cells purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Both the expression of iNOS and nitrite formation induced by IL-1 beta were prevented by the mRNA transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D. IL-1 beta did not induce the expression of iNOS by FACS-purified alpha-cells, the other major endocrine cell type of the islet. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A prevented IL-1 beta-induced expression of immunoprecipitable iNOS and nitrite release by islets, by insulinoma RINm5F cells, and by FACS-purified beta-cells. Herbimycin A and genistein also prevented IL-1 beta-induced iNOS mRNA accumulation as determined by Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from RINm5F cells. These findings indicate tyrosine kinase activation participates in IL-1 beta-induced expression of iNOS by the insulin-secreting beta-cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Degradation and intrahepatic compatibility of albumin-heparin conjugate microspheres

The in vitro degradation properties of glutaraldehyde cross-linked albumin and albumin-heparin conjugate microspheres (AMS and AHCMS respectively) were evaluated using light microscopy, turbidity measurements and heparin release determinations, showing that the microspheres are degraded by proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin, proteinase K and lysosomal enzymes. The degradation rate was inversely related to the cross-link density of the microspheres. After intrahepatic administration of AHCMS, cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde, to male Wag/Rij rats by injection into a mesenteric vein (intravenoportal: i.v.p.), the microspheres were entrapped in the hepatic vascular system. The AHCMS were entrapped within terminal portal veins predominantly at the periphery of the liver. The AHCMS were degraded by cellular enzymatic processes within 2 wk after injection, with a half life of approximately 1 d. Biocompatibility of AHCMS and adriamycin-loaded AHCMS was evaluated by histological assessment of the mitotic activity of liver parenchyma and inflammatory response, and by determination of liver damage marker enzymes during 4 wk after administration. Liver damage marker enzymes were not increased compared with controls, nor were adverse effects observed upon histological examination. There was no difference in response between empty and adriamycin-loaded AHCMS.

Potential autoantigens in IDDM. Expression of carboxypeptidase-H and insulin but not glutamate decarboxylase on the beta-cell surface

Insulin, carboxypeptidase-H (CP-H), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) have been identified as potential autoantigens in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Previous studies have described immunoreactive insulin as a surface molecule on the plasma membrane of rat islet cells and suggested that cell-surface insulin was derived during exocytosis by the fusion of insulin secretory granules with the beta-cell plasma membrane. These findings predict that insulin and other secretory granule-derived proteins such as the putative autoantigen CP-H may be colocalized with insulin at specific sites of exocytosis on the beta-cell surface. In studies to test this hypothesis, cell-surface staining of dispersed rat islet cells occurred in a granule-like pattern with antibodies for CP-H and insulin. The specificity of the CP-H antiserum was confirmed by immunoblotting and indicated that the antiserum was essentially monospecific for CP-H. Confocal laser microscopy confirmed that immunoreactive staining for CP-H and insulin was confined to the beta-cell surface. Colocalization of CP-H and insulin on the cell surface of beta-cells was demonstrated by double staining with antibodies to CP-H and insulin, and the percentage of beta-cells positive for both of these autoantigens increased twofold with increases in insulin secretion. In contrast, islet cells failed to reveal cell-surface staining for GAD65, another putative autoantigen in IDDM, under either basal or insulin stimulatory conditions or following exposure of islet cells to the cytokines interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and recombinant human interferon-gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Preparation and characterization of albumin-heparin microspheres

Albumin-heparin microspheres were prepared by a two-step process which involved the preparation of a soluble albumin-heparin conjugate, followed by formation of microspheres from this conjugate or by a double cross-linking technique involving both coupling of soluble albumin and heparin and microsphere stabilization in one step. The first technique was superior since it allowed better control over the composition and the homogeneity of the microspheres. Microspheres could be prepared with a diameter of 5-35 microns. The size could be controlled by adjusting the emulsification conditions. The degree of swelling of the microspheres was sensitive to external stimuli, and increased with increasing pH and decreasing ionic strength of the medium.

IL-1 beta induces the coexpression of both nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase by islets of Langerhans: activation of cyclooxygenase by nitric oxide

Autoimmune diabetes is characterized by an early infiltration of lymphocytes into and around islets, which is followed by selective destruction of the insulin-secreting beta-cell. Cytokines released during this inflammatory reaction have been implicated as effector molecules which mediate beta-cell destruction. In vitro treatment of rat islets with the cytokine IL-1 beta results in an inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion that is mediated by the overproduction of nitric oxide. IL-1 beta also stimulates the production of the cyclooxygenase (COX) product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study we have examined the effects of IL-1 beta on both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inducible cyclooxygenase (iCOX) expression, and the direct effects of nitric oxide on the activity of COX. Treatment of rat islets with 5 units/mL IL-1 beta induces a similar time-dependent production of both nitrite and PGE2. IL-1 beta-induced nitrite and PGE2 production is attenuated by the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), but NMMA has no inhibitory effect on the expression of either iCOX or iNOS as determined by immunoprecipitation. Actinomycin D prevents IL-1 beta-induced iCOX and iNOS expression and the production of both nitrite and PGE2 by islets, suggesting that mRNA transcription is required for IL-1 beta-induced expression of both iNOS and iCOX. The effects of exogenous arachidonic acid on both constitutive COX (cCOX) and iCOX activity were also investigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescently labeled bovine brain G protein subunits

G proteins play an important role in transmitting hormonal signals, and fluorescence techniques would be useful to study their cellular distribution and mechanisms. To prepare active fluorescent G protein Go/Gi or beta gamma subunits were reacted with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to label the alpha (F-alpha) and gamma (F-gamma/beta) subunits or with (iodoacetamido)tetramethylrhodamine (TMR-IAA) to label the beta subunit (TMR-beta gamma). Unreacted dye was removed from the labeled proteins by ultrafiltration, followed by further purification using HPLC gel filtration. The molar ratios of dye to protein were 0.96 +/- 0.15, 0.59 +/- 0.07, and 1.37 +/- 0.09 for labeled alpha,beta, and gamma subunits, respectively. GTP gamma S binding to F-alpha and ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin of F-alpha were reduced to 63% and 78% of control, respectively. F-alpha was a heterogeneous population of alpha subunits. Active F-alpha containing less than one (0.7) label/subunit (F-alpha-Mono Q) was separated from unlabeled and multiply labeled F-alpha by Mono Q anion-exchange chromatography. F-alpha-Mono Q displayed reduced GTPase activity (turnover number was 46% of control), while GTP gamma S binding and ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin were only decreased to 78% and 82% of control, respectively. TMR-beta gamma and F-gamma/beta retain full function compared to native beta gamma, as measured by three methods: (1) TMR-beta gamma and F-gamma/beta are able to form heterotrimers with alpha o subunits, (2) TMR-beta gamma and F-gamma/beta support the ADP ribosylation of alpha o subunits by pertussis toxin, and (3) TMR-beta gamma and F-gamma/beta inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The fluorescent G protein subunits will be valuable tools to study G protein mechanisms in reconstituted membranes and intact cells.