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Kim JW, Kim HJ, Heo K, Lee Y, Jang HJ, Lee HY, Park JW, Cho YB, Lee JH, Shin HG, Yang HR, Choi HL, Shim HB, Lee S. A novel bispecific antibody dual-targeting approach for enhanced neutralization against fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1271508. [PMID: 37822941 PMCID: PMC10562541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1271508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has caused unprecedented health and socioeconomic crises, necessitating the immediate development of highly effective neutralizing antibodies. Despite recent advancements in anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from convalescent patient samples, their efficacy against emerging variants has been limited. In this study, we present a novel dual-targeting strategy using bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that specifically recognize both the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and fusion peptide (FP), crucial domains for viral attachment to the host cell membrane and fusion in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Using phage display technology, we rapidly isolated FP-specific mAbs from an established human recombinant antibody library, identifying K107.1 with a nanomolar affinity for SARS-CoV-2 FP. Furthermore, we generated K203.A, a new bsAb built in immunoglobulin G4-(single-chain variable fragment)2 forms and demonstrating a high manufacturing yield and nanomolar affinity to both the RBD and FP, by fusing K102.1, our previously reported RBD-specific mAb, with K107.1. Results Our comprehensive in vitro functional analyses revealed that the K203.A bsAb significantly outperformed the parental RBD-specific mAb in terms of neutralization efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, intravenous monotherapy with K203.A demonstrated potent in vivo neutralizing activity without significant in vivo toxicity in a mouse model infected with a SARS-CoV-2 variant. Conclusion These findings present a novel bsAb dual-targeting strategy, directed at SARS-CoV-2 RBD and FP, as an effective approach for rapid development and management against continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Heo
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonwoo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jeong Jang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Bin Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Bo Shim
- Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Choi HL, Yang HR, Shin HG, Hwang K, Kim JW, Lee JH, Ryu T, Jung Y, Lee S. Generation and Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Characterization of a Large Human Combinatorial Antibody Library. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24066011. [PMID: 36983085 PMCID: PMC10057307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24066011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody phage display is a key technology for the discovery and development of target-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for use in research, diagnostics, and therapy. The construction of a high-quality antibody library, with larger and more diverse antibody repertoires, is essential for the successful development of phage display-derived mAbs. In this study, a large human combinatorial single-chain variable fragment library (1.5 × 1011 colonies) was constructed from Epstein-Barr virus-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with a combination of two of the activators of human B cells, the Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist R848 and interleukin-2. Next-generation sequencing analysis with approximately 1.9 × 106 and 2.7 × 106 full-length sequences of heavy chain variable (VH) and κ light chain variable (Vκ) domains, respectively, revealed that the library consists of unique VH (approximately 94%) and Vκ (approximately 91%) sequences with greater diversity than germline sequences. Lastly, multiple unique mAbs with high affinity and broad cross-species reactivity could be isolated from the library against two therapeutically relevant target antigens, validating the library quality. These findings suggest that the novel antibody library we have developed may be useful for the rapid development of target-specific phage display-derived recombinant human mAbs for use in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyusang Hwang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehoon Ryu
- ATG Lifetech Inc., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea
| | - Yushin Jung
- ATG Lifetech Inc., Seoul 08507, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
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Kim JW, Heo K, Kim HJ, Yoo Y, Cho HS, Jang HJ, Lee HY, Ko IY, Woo JR, Cho YB, Lee JH, Yang HR, Shin HG, Choi HL, Hwang K, Kim S, Kim H, Chun K, Lee S. Novel bispecific human antibody platform specifically targeting a fully open spike conformation potently neutralizes multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105576. [PMID: 36870394 PMCID: PMC9979629 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted an urgent need for the development of broadly applicable and potently neutralizing antibody platform against the SARS-CoV-2, which can be used for combatting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, based on a noncompeting pair of phage display-derived human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from human synthetic antibody library, we generated K202.B, a novel engineered bispecific antibody with an immunoglobulin G4-single-chain variable fragment design, with sub- or low nanomolar antigen-binding avidity. Compared with the parental mAbs or mAb cocktail, the K202.B antibody showed superior neutralizing potential against a variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro. Furthermore, structural analysis of bispecific antibody-antigen complexes using cryo-electron microscopy revealed the mode of action of K202.B complexed with a fully open three-RBD-up conformation of SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike proteins by simultaneously interconnecting two independent epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD via inter-protomer interactions. Intravenous monotherapy using K202.B exhibited potent neutralizing activity in SARS-CoV-2 wild-type- and B.1.617.2 variant-infected mouse models, without significant toxicity in vivo. The results indicate that this novel approach of development of immunoglobulin G4-based bispecific antibody from an established human recombinant antibody library is likely to be an effective strategy for the rapid development of bispecific antibodies, and timely management against fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Heo
- Department of Biochemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngki Yoo
- Department of Systems Biology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Department of Systems Biology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jeong Jang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - In Young Ko
- New Drug Development Center, KBIOHealth, Cheongju, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Rang Woo
- New Drug Development Center, KBIOHealth, Cheongju, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Bin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyusang Hwang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sokho Kim
- Research Center, KNOTUS Co. Ltd., Incheon, 22014, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseong Kim
- Baobab AiBIO, POSCO Green Building, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangrok Chun
- R&D Center, Binex, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
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Kim JW, Min SW, Lee J, Shin HG, Choi HL, Yang HR, Lee JH, Cho YB, Shim H, Lee S. Development and Characterization of Phage-Display-Derived Novel Human Monoclonal Antibodies against the Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123274. [PMID: 36552031 PMCID: PMC9775448 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic crisis, caused by the life-threatening illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the rapid development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to cope with COVID-19 is urgently necessary. In this study, we used phage display to develop four human mAbs specific to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. Our intensive in vitro functional analyses demonstrated that K102.1, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific mAb, exerted potent neutralizing activity against pseudoviral and live viral infection and the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Monotherapy with K102.1 also revealed the therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo. Further, this study developed a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a non-competing mAb pair, K102.1 and K102.2, that accurately detected the RBDs of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and variants with high sensitivity in the picomolar range. These findings suggest that the phage-display-based mAb selection from an established antibody library may be an effective strategy for the rapid development of mAbs against the constantly evolving SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Won Min
- Research Center, SG Medical, Seoul 05548, Republic of Korea
| | - Jichul Lee
- Research Center, SG Medical, Seoul 05548, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Bin Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunbo Shim
- Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Biopharmaceutical Chemistry Major, School of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Choi Y, Choi HL, Jeong AY, Kang WS, Park HJ, Chung JW, Ahn JH. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy as an effective approach to the treatment of patients with severe idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Acta Otolaryngol 2020; 140:383-386. [PMID: 32049552 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1717607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: The potential etiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is cochlear ischemia, therefore, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a promising treatment, particularly in patients with severe hearing loss (≥70 dB).Aims/objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of HBO therapy.Material and methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with ISSNHL were retrospectively reviewed (≥70 dB). Patients received HBO therapy 14 times in addition to systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy (HBO group), or systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy only (control group).Results: Data from a total of 82 patients (83 ears) were included in the analysis; 37 (38 ears) in the HBO group and 45 (45 ears) in the control group. After 2 weeks' treatment, hearing was significantly improved in the HBO group versus controls (weighted four-frequency average 28.1 ± 26.9 dB versus 14.8 ± 13.5 dB, respectively; p < .05), particularly in the low frequency groups (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz; p < .05).Conclusion and significance: These data demonstrate that HBO therapy is an effective initial treatment option for patients with ISSNHL suffering from severe hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonjoo Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Choi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - A Young Jeong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Woo Seok Kang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Ju Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Woo Chung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Ho Ahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE The 2-min walk test may be more appropriate functional exercise test for young children. This study aimed to examine the 2-min walk test's reliability; validity; and minimal clinically important difference; and to establish norms for children aged 6-12. METHODS Sixty-one healthy children were recruited to examine the 2-min walk test's reliability. Forty-six children with neuromuscular disorders (63% cerebral palsy) were recruited to test the validity. The normative study involved 716 healthy children without neuromuscular disorders (male = 51%, female = 49%). They walked at a self-selected speed for 2 min along a smooth, flat path 15 m in length. RESULTS The mean distance covered in the 2-min walk test was 152.8 m (SD =27.5). No significant difference was found in the children's test-retest results (p > 0.05). The intra- and inter-rater reliability were high (all intra-class correlation coefficients >0.8). All children, except one with neuromuscular disorders, completed the 2-min walk test, of which the minimal clinically important difference at 95% confidence interval was 23.2 m for the entire group, 15.7 m for children walking with aids, and 16.6 m for those walking independently. CONCLUSIONS The 2-min walk test is a feasible, reliable, and valid exercise test for children with and without neuromuscular disorders aged 6-12. The first normative references and minimal clinically important difference for children with neuromuscular disorders were established for children of this age group. Implications for rehabilitation The 2-min walk test is a feasible, safe, reliable, and valid time-based walk test for children aged 6-12 years. Normative references have been established for healthy children aged 6-12 years. Minimal clinically important difference at 95% confidence interval were calculated for children with neuromuscular disorders who walked without aids (i.e., independent and stand-by supervision) and those who walked with aids equal to 16.6 and 15.7 m, respectively. Distance covered by the healthy children in the 2 min did not correlate with age, gender, height, and weight of the children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamis W Pin
- a Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - H L Choi
- a Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Choi HL, Suh CI, Park SW, Jin JY, Cho HG, Paik SY. Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Sapovirus Detected in South Korea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132328. [PMID: 26161646 PMCID: PMC4498750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sapovirus (SaV), a virus residing in the intestines, is one of the important causes of gastroenteritis in human beings. Human SaV genomes are classified into various genogroups and genotypes. Whole-genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis of ROK62, the SaV isolated in South Korea, were carried out. The ROK62 genome of 7429 nucleotides contains 3 open-reading frames (ORF). The genotype of ROK62 is SaV GI-1, and 94% of its nucleotide sequence is identical with other SaVs, namely Manchester and Mc114. Recently, SaV infection has been on the rise throughout the world, particularly in countries neighboring South Korea; however, very few academic studies have been done nationally. As the first whole-genome sequence analysis of SaV in South Korea, this research will help provide reference for the detection of recombination, tracking of epidemic spread, and development of diagnosis methods for SaV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 137–701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Il Suh
- Department of Medical Consilience, 152, Dankook University, Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 448–701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Won Park
- Division of Biotechnology, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, 712–702, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Jin
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 137–701, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Gil Cho
- Division of Public Health Research, Gyeonggi Province Institute of Health and Environment, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Young Paik
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 137–701, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Song JI, Park KH, Jeon JH, Choi HL, Barroga AJ. Dynamics of air temperature, velocity and ammonia emissions in enclosed and conventional pig housing systems. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 2014; 26:433-42. [PMID: 25049807 PMCID: PMC4093470 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2011.11515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the dynamics of air temperature and velocity under two different ventilation and housing systems during summer and winter in Korea. The NH3 concentration of both housing systems was also investigated in relation to the pig’s growth. The ventilation systems used were; negative pressure type for the enclosed pig house (EPH) and natural airflow for the conventional pig house (CPH). Against a highly fluctuating outdoor temperature, the EPH was able to maintain a stable temperature at 24.8 to 29.1°C during summer and 17.9 to 23.1°C during winter whilst the CPH had a wider temperature variance during summer at 24.7 to 32.3°C. However, the temperature fluctuation of the CPH during winter was almost the same with that of EPH at 14.5 to 18.2°C. The NH3 levels in the CPH ranged from 9.31 to 16.9 mg/L during summer and 5.1 to 19.7 mg/L during winter whilst that of the EPH pig house was 7.9 to 16.1 mg/L and 3.7 to 9.6 mg/L during summer and winter, respectively. These values were less than the critical ammonia level for pigs with the EPH maintaining a lower level than the CPH in both winter and summer. The air velocity at pig nose level in the EPH during summer was 0.23 m/s, enough to provide comfort because of the unique design of the inlet feature. However, no air movement was observed in almost all the lower portions of the CPH during winter because of the absence of an inlet feature. There was a significant improvement in weight gain and feed intake of pigs reared in the EPH compared to the CPH (p<0.05). These findings proved that despite the difference in the housing systems, a stable indoor temperature was necessary to minimize the impact of an avoidable and highly fluctuating outdoor temperature. The EPH consistently maintained an effective indoor airspeed irrespective of season; however the CPH had defective and stagnant air at pig nose level during winter. Characteristics of airflow direction and pattern were consistent relative to housing system during both summer and winter but not of airspeed. The ideal air velocity measurement favored the EPH and therefore can be appropriate for the Korean environment. Further emphasis on its cost effectiveness will be the subject of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Song
- National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-350, Korea
| | - K-H Park
- National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-350, Korea
| | - J H Jeon
- National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-350, Korea
| | - H L Choi
- National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-350, Korea
| | - A J Barroga
- National Livestock Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-350, Korea
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Yao HQ, Choi HL, Lee JH, Suresh A, Zhu K. Effect of microclimate on particulate matter, airborne bacteria, and odorous compounds in swine nursery houses. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:3707-14. [PMID: 20601522 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nursery pigs are vulnerable to environmental risks associated with the microclimate and aerial contaminants. This study was carried out to assess the effect of microclimate (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, and air speed) on the quantity of particulate matter (PM), airborne bacteria, and odorants in nursery houses. Data were collected from 15 farms in different locations throughout South Korea during 4 seasons; daily sampling times were from 1000 to 1100 h in the morning. A nonparametric correlation analysis revealed correlations between microclimate variables and airborne contaminants in different seasons. Over the entire year, negative correlations were observed between temperature, air speed, and some odorous compounds (P < 0.05). Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between temperature, air speed, and relatively large airborne particulates, such as PM(10) (PM mean aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm), PM(7) (PM mean aerodynamic diameter ≤7 μm), and total suspended particles (P < 0.05). A possible reason for these negative correlations is that increased ventilation at an increased room temperature could transfer most airborne particulates that are carried with odorous compounds out of the nursery houses. On the other hand, because of the sensitivity of coliform bacteria to temperature, positive correlations were observed between temperature and total coliform and Escherichia coli counts (P < 0.01). Because it is a challenging task to control the quantity of aerial contaminants in nursery houses, the relationships between the microclimate and airborne contaminants established in this study could be used to reduce those contaminants by controlling microclimate variables. The correlations established in the current study could also be helpful in establishing guidelines for good management practices in nursery houses.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Q Yao
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Suresh A, Choi HL, Oh DI, Moon OK. Prediction of the nutrients value and biochemical characteristics of swine slurry by measurement of EC--electrical conductivity. Bioresour Technol 2009; 100:4683-4689. [PMID: 19482470 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Slurry samples, collected from 41 commercial swine farms in South Korea, were characterized in various physico-biochemical, macro and micronutrients, heavy metals and microbial parameters. Interestingly, significant variations were observed in all the parameters. However, positive relationships were noticed between EC and ammonia nitrogen (NH(3)-N), total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TK), specific gravity (SG), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), fixed solids (FS), total dissolved solids (TDS) at R(2)=0.91, 0.74, 0.69, 0.60, 0.50, 0.48, 0.55, and 0.52, respectively. Whereas phosphorous and other nutrients shown poor correlation. Escherichia coli and Salmonella were counted at an average of 5.04 log(10) colony forming unit (CFU)/mL and 3.55 log(10) most probable number (MPN)/mL, respectively. Equations for predicting nutrients content in swine slurries are presented with EC, because it is an easily determinable parameter. The data obtained in this study could be used as a guideline for Good Management Practices in South Korean swine farms as well as other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Suresh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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11
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Lui K, Huang Y, Choi HL, Yu S, Wong KB, Chen S, Chan FL. Molecular cloning and functional study of rat estrogen receptor-related receptor gamma in rat prostatic cells. Prostate 2006; 66:1600-19. [PMID: 16927302 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on high homology of ERRs with ERs, we hypothesize that ERRs might functionally cross talk with ERs or independently in prostatic cells. METHODS We examined the ERRgamma expressions in rat prostates and Nb rat prostate cancer model, and its growth regulation in stable transfectants of prostatic cells. RESULTS We cloned the ERRgamma cDNA from rat prostate by RACE-PCR. Its expression was confirmed by Northern and immunoblottings. Real-time RT-PCR showed that its expression in castrated prostates was androgen-dependent. ERRgamma was expressed in prostatic epithelial cells, but showed reduced expressions in neoplastic prostates. Transfections confirmed that ERRgamma was expressed in prostatic cells as nuclear protein and transcriptionally active without estradiol. Its overexpression in ERRgamma-stable transfectants of NbE-1 and MAT-Lu cells inhibited their in vitro proliferation, anchorage-independent growth in soft-agar and tumorigenicity in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS Our studies show that ERRgamma is functionally expressed in rat prostate and may play anti-proliferative actions in prostatic cells. Its co-expression with ERs suggests that besides ERs, ligand-independent ERRgamma is also involved in prostatic growth and functions.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA Primers/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Disease
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Prostate/metabolism
- Prostate/pathology
- Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia/genetics
- Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia/metabolism
- Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia/pathology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Strains
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Sequence Alignment
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Lui
- Department of Anatomy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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12
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Noh S, Kwon I, Yang HM, Choi HL, Kim H. Current status of water reuse systems in Korea. Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:309-314. [PMID: 15344806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In Korea, the current water resources will fall short by 2.6 billion tons to meet the 38 billion ton water demand in the year 2020. To overcome the future water shortage, it is desirable to minimize water consumption and to reuse treated wastewater. There are a total of 99 on-site water-recycling systems in the country. The potential capacity of the 99 systems is 429 thousands tons/day, which is 3.6% of the total service water. Compared to other industrialized countries, the number of the water recycling systems in Korea is extremely small. This is mainly due to the following reasons. First, in Korea, any building with more than 60,000 m2 of total floor space is required to install a water reuse system by law. However, only less than 0.5% of the total buildings have more than 10,000 m2. Therefore, the regulation is ineffective and merely nominal. Second, service water is supplied at low charge (0.20 US-dollar/m3 water). The inexpensive service water often discourages people to recycle treated wastewater. Third, people still think recycled water is not clean enough and can cause diseases. Therefore, they should be informed that a well-maintained recycling system does not fail to produce water with high quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noh
- Yonsei University, Dept of Environmental Engineering, Wonju, Korea
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13
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Cheung SY, Yuen MT, Choi HL, Cheng HK, Huang Y, Chen S, Chan FL. An expression study of hormone receptors in spontaneously developed, carcinogen-induced and hormone-induced mammary tumors in female Noble rats. Int J Oncol 2003; 22:1383-95. [PMID: 12739009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Noble (Nb) rat model has been used in the study of hormonal carcinogenesis of mammary and prostate glands, as this rat strain is susceptible to tumor induction in these glands by hormonal treatments. Recently, we demonstrated that this rat strain can develop spontaneously mammary tumors at high incidence in aged animals and also show high sensitivity to chemical carcinogens (DMBA and MNU) and combined treatments with sex hormones in mammary tumor induction. In the present study, we examined and compared the expression of hormone receptors [including estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta), androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), prolactin receptor (PRLR)] and prolactin (PRL) by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR in spontaneous mammary tumors, and mammary tumors induced by sex hormones (T+E2 and T+DES for 8-10 months) and DMBA in Nb rat model. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that both the spontaneously developed and hormone-induced carcinomas exhibited strong immunoreactivity of ERalpha, ERbeta, AR, PR and PRLR, while the spontaneous fibroadenomas showed weak to moderate immunoreactivity of ERalpha and PRLR, whereas the DMBA-induced carcinomas exhibited weak to moderate immunoreactivity of ERalpha, AR, PR and PRLR, and sporadic weak ERbeta immunoreactivity. RT-PCR analyses showed that mRNA expression pattern of these markers resembled that of proteins. In addition, weak mRNA expression of PRL was detected in spontaneous carcinomas and carcinomas induced by DMBA and hormones, suggesting that PRL could be produced locally within the tumors. The results showed that the expression status of hormone receptors and PRL was different in spontaneous mammary tumors and tumors induced by carcinogen or hormones, suggesting that the extent of involvement of steroid hormones and their receptors in the spontaneous, carcinogen- or hormone-induced mammary carcinogenesis might be different.
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MESH Headings
- 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Carcinogens/toxicity
- DNA Primers
- Female
- Hormones/physiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/physiopathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/physiopathology
- Methylnitrosourea
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Strains
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Prolactin/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yan Cheung
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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14
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Cheung SY, Choi HL, James AE, Chen ZY, Huang Y, Chan FL. Spontaneous mammary tumors in aging Noble rats. Int J Oncol 2003; 22:449-57. [PMID: 12527947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Noble (Nb) rat strain has been used for the study of hormonal carcinogenesis of mammary and prostate glands, for its susceptibility to develop premalignant lesions as well as carcinomas in these organs by sex hormones. However, background information on the spontaneously developed mammary tumors in this rat strain is scarce. We report on the incidence rate, latency period and histopathology of mammary tumors spontaneously developed in the senile intact and untreated Nb rats compared with those induced by either combined treatments with sex steroids or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in the same rat strain. We observed that the incidence rate of spontaneous mammary tumors was 45% in female Nb rats and 3% in the males. The average age of the female Nb rats to develop palpable tumors was 14 months and rarely detected in animals less than 12 months old. It was also noted that the incidence rate of the spontaneous mammary tumors was similar to those induced by combined treatments with sex steroids for 8-10 months (46.7% for T+E2 and 55.6% for T+DES) but less than those by DMBA treatment in 8 months (over 80%). Histologically, majority of the spontaneous mammary tumors were fibroadenomas, which comprised 70% of all collected tumors and about 20% were carcinomas whereas tumors induced by steroid hormones and DMBA were all carcinomas. Distant metastases of spontaneous mammary carcinomas to lung, liver and lymph nodes were also noted, but rarely.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Cheung
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, P.R. China
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15
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Abstract
The present study sought to characterize the expression and distribution of complex glycoconjugates in the rat retina by lectin histochemistry, using a panel of 21 different lectins with different carbohydrate specificities. Paraffin sections of Carnoy-fixed Sprague-Dawley rat eyes were stained with various biotinylated lectins, followed by the streptavidin-peroxidase and glucose oxidase-diaminobenzidine-nickel staining procedures. The results showed that the retinal pigment epithelium was stained intensely with LCA, Jacalin, WFA, S-WGA, PWA, DSA, UEA-I, LTA and PHA-E, suggesting that this epithelium contained glycoconjugates with alpha-Man, alpha-Glc, alpha-Gal/GalNAc, beta-GalNAc, alpha-Fuc, NeuAc and other oligosaccharide residues. The outer and inner segments of the photoreceptor layer showed different lectin binding affinities. The outer segments reacted with S-WGA and GS-II, whereas the inner segments reacted with UEA-II, UEA-I, LTA and MAA, suggesting that the inner segments contained glycoconjugates rich in alpha-Fuc and NeuAc(alpha2,3)Gal residues. PNA labelled specifically the cones and could be used as a specific marker for these photoreceptors. RCA-I, WFA, S-WGA, DSA, MAA and PHA-E reacted with both the outer and inner plexiform layers. On the other hand, UEA-I and LTA specifically labelled the outer plexiform layer, while PNA labelled the inner plexiform layer. The retinal microglial cells were labelled specifically by GS-I-B4 and SNA. Interestingly, we also observed that WFA bound specifically to Müller cells and could be used as a novel marker for this retinal glial cell. The capillaries and larger vessels in the retina and choriocapillaris reacted intensely with GS-I-B4, RCA-I, S-WGA, PWA, DSA and PHA-E. No significant differences in lectin binding were observed in the microvessels at these two sites. In summary, the present study demonstrated the expression patterns of glycoconjugates in the rat retina and that certain lectins could be used as histochemical markers for specific structural and cellular components of the rat retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Y P Cho
- Department of Anatomy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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16
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Li SC, Chen GF, Chan PS, Choi HL, Ho SM, Chan FL. Altered expression of extracellular matrix and proteinases in Noble rat prostate gland after long-term treatment with sex steroids. Prostate 2001; 49:58-71. [PMID: 11550211 DOI: 10.1002/pros.1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactions between the epithelial cells and stromal tissues, which include the epithelial basement membrane, extracellular matrix, inducible factors, and various cell types, are believed to play a significant role in prostate gland carcinogenesis. Remodeling of extracellular matrix and degradation of basement membrane are the prerequisites for tumor cell invasion, and these changes are correlated with the expression of various proteinases. METHODS The present study examined the alterations of epithelial basement membrane, extracellular matrix, and proteinase activities in the Noble rat prostate gland after long-term treatments with androgen and estrogen (T+DES or T+E(2) for 4-12 months) by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and gelatin-gel zymography. RESULTS After hormonal treatments, defects of epithelial basement membranes, such as focal disruption, diffuse staining and multilayering, were observed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in the dysplastic and neoplastic lesions induced in the lateral (LP) and ventral prostates (VP) but not in dorsal prostate (DP). An increase in the amount of extracellular matrix components, including hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and tenascin, in the stroma of hormone-treated LP and VP was revealed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Positive immunolabeling of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) was detected in the fibromuscular layer surrounding the adenoma and adenocarcinoma induced in LP and VP after treatments with steroids for over 9-12 months. Zymography also detected an increase in activities of proteinases of apparent MW 120, 90, 86 and 68 kDa in the hormone-treated LP and VP, and these proteinases were characterized as metalloproteinases. In addition, two serine proteinases of MW 100 and 30 kDa were identified as being overexpressed in the hormone-treated LP and VP. Compared to LP and VP, there was no significant change in the proteinase activities in the hormone-treated DP. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that the epithelial basement membrane and stromal extracellular matrix were altered in dysplastic and neoplastic Noble rat prostates. Since HA and CSPG (or their complexes) are highly anionic molecules, their increased accumulation in the altered prostatic stroma would tend to hydrate this tissue. This would create an environment more favorable for tumor growth and invasion. These morphological changes were also correlated with the concurrent increase in gelatinolytic proteinase activities induced in these prostates. The results suggest that the remodeling of the stromal tissue might play a role in the early stage of prostate carcinogenesis as shown in the Noble rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Li
- Department of Anatomy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
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17
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Chan FL, Choi HL, Ho SM. Analysis of glycoconjugate patterns of normal and hormone-induced dysplastic Noble rat prostates, and an androgen-independent Noble rat prostate tumor, by lectin histochemistry and protein blotting. Prostate 2001; 46:21-32. [PMID: 11170128 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0045(200101)46:1<21::aid-pros1004>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alteration of the expression of glycoconjugates is frequently observed in tumors. However, studies on the changes of cellular glycosylation in the early premalignant stage of prostate carcinogenesis are scarce. METHODS The present study characterized and compared the glycoconjugates expressed in the dysplastic lateral prostate induced in Noble (Nb) rat by steroid hormones and a transplantable androgen-independent Nb rat prostatic carcinoma line (AIT) by lectin histochemistry and protein blotting. RESULTS The results of lectin histochemistry show that the dysplastic prostatic epithelium elaborates altered patterns of glycosylation, which are distinct from the normal secretory epithelium. Some individual cells in the dysplastic epithelium were intensely labeled by the N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-specific (agglutins from Glycine max [SBA], Helix aspera [HAA], Helix pomatia [HPA], Vicia villosa [VVA], Erythrina cristigalli [ECA]) and complex-type oligosaccharide-specific (Phaseolus vulgaris agglutin [PHA-E]) lectins, indicating that these cells contained abundant GalNAc(alpha1,3)GalNAc/Gal and Gal(beta1,4)GlcNAc(alpha1,2)Man(alpha1,6) residues. These lectins also bound to some tumor cells in the AIT, suggesting that these sugar residues are common in some dysplastic and neoplastic prostatic cells. The study has also identified several lectins (agglutins from Griffonia simplicifolia [GS-I-B4], Arachis hypogaea [PNA], Ricinus communis [RCA-I], Maackia amurensis [MAA], Sambucus nigra [SNA]), which bound only to some AIT tumor cells but not to dysplastic epithelium, indicating that alpha/betaGal and sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates are expressed by neoplastic prostatic cells. The results of lectin blottings with Triticum vulgare agglutin [S-WGA] Ulex europaeus agglutin [UEA-I] and PHA-E have identified five major glycoprotein bands (of apparent molecular weights of 116, 79, 64, 61, and 57 kDa) in the microsomal fraction of testosterone plus 17beta-estradiol (T + E2)-treated lateral prostate. These lectin-reactive bands were not detected in the AIT extracts. In the AIT microsomal extract, two glycoprotein bands of molecular weights of 58 and 46 kDa were revealed by SBA and PNA. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that there is an increased expression of GalNAc(alpha1,3)GalNAc/Gal residues and triantennary complex-type oligosaccharides in the dysplastic epithelial cells as compared to normal secretory epithelial cells in rat lateral prostate. This altered expression of glycoconjugates revealed in the dysplastic epithelium indicates an aberrant glycosylation in the early premalignant stage of prostate carcinogenesis. The results also show that the AIT tumor cells are heterogeneous in their glycoconjugates and different from the dysplastic epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Chan
- Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Abstract
The flavonoid baicalin (baicalein 7-D-beta-glucuronate), isolated from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin), is widely used in the traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and anti-hypersensitivity effects. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of baicalin on the growth, viability, and induction of apoptosis in several human prostate cancer cell lines, including DU145, PC-3, LNCaP and CA-HPV-10. The cell viability after treating with baicalin for 2-4 days was quantified by a colorimetric 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-s ulfophenyl)- 2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. The results showed that baicalin could inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The responses to baicalin were different among different cell lines, with DU145 cells being the most sensitive and LNCaP cells the most resistant. Baicalin caused a 50% inhibition of DU145 cells at concentrations of 150 microM or above. The inhibition of proliferation of prostate cancer cells after a short period of exposure to baicalin was associated with induction by apoptosis, as evidenced by the typical nuclear fragmentation using Hoechst 33258 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) labeling, DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). The results indicate that baicalin has direct anti-tumor effects on human prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Chan
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostatic secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94), also called beta-microseminoprotein, is a small, nonglycosylated protein, rich in cysteine residues. It was first isolated as a major protein from human seminal plasma. Subsequently, its homologous proteins were identified, and their cDNAs or genes have been cloned in primates, pigs, and rodents. METHODS The present study investigated the expression pattern of PSP94 in the normal Noble rat prostate gland by nonradioactive in situ hybridization, Northern blotting, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Its expression in the mouse prostate gland was also examined by in situ hybridization. RESULTS The results of in situ hybridization, and Northern and Western blot analyses, showed that the expression of rat PSP94 was prostate-specific. It was highly expressed in the lateral prostatic lobe, moderate in the dorsal lobe, weak in the coagulating gland, and negative in the ventral lobe and seminal vesicle. Its specific expression in the rat prostate gland was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis of prostatic and nonprostatic organ tissues. Its mRNA transcripts were not detected in the urinary, digestive, and respiratory tracts, male and female reproductive organs, muscles, brain, and kidney. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 14.5 kDa by Western blotting. Similar prostate-specific expression of PSP94 was also observed by in situ hybridization in the lateral lobe, but not in the dorsal and ventral lobe, of the mouse prostate gland. CONCLUSIONS Rat PSP94 is a major secretory protein highly expressed and synthesized by the lateral lobe of both rat and mouse prostate glands, and moderately expressed in the dorsal lobe of the rat prostate gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kwong
- Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The prostatic secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94), also named beta-microseminoprotein, is one of the major proteins secreted by the human prostate. However, its value as a prognostic marker for prostate cancers is still under debate. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression pattern of this protein in fetal, pubertal, and aged human prostates. METHODS Nonisotopic in situ hybridization using a digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe for PSP94 and immunohistochemistry were used to demonstrate the expression of PSP94 in different regions or zones of fetal, pubertal, and adult human prostates. Its localization pattern was also compared with those of two other major secretory proteins, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS PSP94 mRNA and its protein were localized to the secretory epithelium of normal pubertal and adult human prostates. No hybridization signal and immunoreactivity of PSP94 were seen in fetal prostates at 6-7 months of gestation, whereas some glandular cells were positive to PSA and PAP immunostainings. In the adult prostates, PSP94 expression was intense in the acini in the peripheral zone, less intense in the transition zone, and variable in the central zone. Such a zonal expression pattern was more apparent in the pubertal prostates. However, no obvious differential expression pattern was observed in the immunohistochemistry of PAP and PSA, which showed a uniform staining of the secretory epithelia of the acini in all anatomic zones. The hybridization signals and immunoreactivity of PSP94 became reduced or lost in premalignant prostatic intraepithelial neoplastic lesions and different grades of prostatic carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS Fetal prostates at 6-7 months of gestation already synthesize PSA and PAP but not PSP94. The delayed expression of PSP94 appears to correlate with the development of the prostate gland. A differential expression pattern of PSP94 is demonstrated in different anatomical zones, showing that this protein is more expressed and synthesized in the acini in the peripheral zone than in the central and transition zones. However, such a zonal pattern is not seen in the immunohistochemistry of PSA and PAP. The present study also shows that PSP94 is downregulated in different grades of prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Chan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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21
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Kwong J, Choi HL, Huang Y, Chan FL. Ultrastructural and biochemical observations on the early changes in apoptotic epithelial cells of the rat prostate induced by castration. Cell Tissue Res 1999; 298:123-36. [PMID: 10555546 DOI: 10.1007/s004419900057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the sequential ultrastructural changes in the apoptotic cells of the rat ventral and dorsal prostates during the early period of 1-3 days postcastration. The major morphological changes include: (1) condensation of heterochromatin along the nuclear envelope and fragmentation into crescent-shaped micronuclei; (2) formation of membrane-bound cytoplasmic spherical bodies, which contain various organelles and micronuclei, within the apoptotic cells; (3) formation of non-membrane-bound autolytic vacuoles by autolysis of cytoplasm; (4) focal rupture of outer mitochondrial membrane; and (5) phagocytosis of the fragmented cytoplasmic spherical bodies and apoptotic cells by macrophages. The occurrence of both cytoplasmic apoptotic bodies and autolytic vacuoles in apoptotic cells suggests that the cytoplasm of the apoptotic cells could be destroyed by different means. The responsiveness of different prostatic lobes to androgen withdrawal and the time course of the transitory apoptotic activity in different lobes were analyzed by counting the indices of the TUNEL-labeled apoptotic cells against the postcastration periods. The results showed that the ventral lobe responded more rapidly to castration than the lateral and dorsal lobes. The dorsal lobe was the slowest in response to castration among the three lobes. Analysis of protease activities by zymography has identified two Ca(2+)-independent proteases of apparent MW 20 and 24 kDa (expressed in both ventral and dorsolateral lobes), and one Ca(2+)-dependent protease of MW 66.5 kDa (expressed only in the dorsolateral lobe) which became activated at day 3 postcastration. Their expression patterns were different from that of CPP-3 in the castrated prostates, suggesting that the activated proteases were enzymes other than CPP-3. The association of their highest activities with the maximum apoptotic activity at day 3 postcastration and also their loss of activity at day 15 suggest that these protease activities might be related to apoptosis or glandular involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kwong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories
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22
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Chan FL, Poon HK, Huang Y, Choi HL. Glycoconjugates of the rat ciliary body epithelium: a lectin histochemical and protein blotting study. Histochem J 1999; 31:95-107. [PMID: 10416681 DOI: 10.1023/a:1003490314950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study sought to identify and partially characterize the glycoconjugates specific to the double-layered ciliary body epithelium of the rat eye by lectin histochemistry and lectin blottings. Hydrated paraffin sections of Carnoy-fixed Sprague-Dawley rat eyes were stained with a panel of 21 different biotinylated lectins, followed by streptavidin-peroxidase and the glucose oxidase-diaminobenzidine-nickel staining procedure. The results of lectin histochemistry revealed that the inner epithelial layer was rich in GlcNAc(beta1,4)GlcNAc, alpha-Gal, Gal(beta1,3)GalNAc, GalNAc(alpha1,3)GalNAc/Gal, GalNAc(alpha1,6)Gal, Fuc(alpha1,2)Gal(beta1,4)GlcNAc and Gal(beta1,4)GlcNAc(beta1,2)Man(alpha1,6) sugar residues as shown by its positive reactivities with S-WGA, PWA, DSA, GS-I-B4, PNA, DBA, SBA, WFA, UEA-I, LTA and PHA-E. The reactivities of GS-I-B4, PNA, DBA and SBA were restricted to the inner layer at the tips of the ciliary processes. On the other hand, the outer epithelial layer was stained evenly by DSA and Jacalin, and partly by MAA, showing that this epithelial layer was rich in GlcNAc(beta1,4)GlcNAc, Gal(beta1,3)GalNAc and NeuAc(alpha2,3)Gal disaccharides. These lectin binding patterns of the ciliary body epithelium suggest a topographical and functional difference in this double cell-layered epithelium. Their possible roles in the secretion of aqueous humour and production of ciliary zonule are discussed. Some identified lectin markers specific to these two cell layers may be useful for further experimental studies. Glycoproteins extracted from the dissected ciliary body were separated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and analyzed by protein blottings with 8 different lectins. The results showed that at least 10 major membrane-bound glycoproteins, with molecular weights ranging from 30 to 150 kD, rich in beta-GlcNAc, beta-Gal, alpha/beta-GalNAc and NeuAc(alpha2,6)Gal residues, were present in the microsomal fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Chan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories
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23
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Chan FL, Choi HL, Underhill CB. Hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are colocalized to the ciliary zonule of the rat eye: a histochemical and immunocytochemical study. Histochem Cell Biol 1997; 107:289-301. [PMID: 9151111 DOI: 10.1007/s004180050114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans have been localized to the periphery of the zonular fibers and the individual zonular fibrils (or microfibrils) after Cuprolinic blue staining in conjunction with chondroitinase digestions and immunogold labelling with 2-B-6 antibody. In the present study, we wished to determine if these proteoglycans are linked to hyaluronan to form a large multimolecular aggregate. To accomplish this, we localized the hyaluronan using a biotinylated hyaluronan-binding protein fragment of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, containing also the link protein, purified from bovine nasal cartilage. The results showed that the ciliary zonule of the rat eye was reactive with the biotinylated hyaluronan-binding probe as demonstrated by streptavidin-peroxidase-diaminobenzidine staining and streptavidin-gold labelling. Hyaluronan-gold labelling showed that the gold particles were mostly localized on the periphery of the zonular fibers, which was similar to the localization pattern of the zonule associated-proteoglycans. This hyaluronan-binding probe also strongly labelled the sites of zonule insertion over the basement membrane of the inner ciliary epithelium at the pars plana and the lens capsule at the equatorial region, which suggests its probable role in the attachment of ciliary zonule to the basement membranes. To demonstrate whether these two molecules are linked to one another, ultrastructural colocalization of both hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans was performed on the same sections by double-gold labelling, and combined Cuprolinic blue staining and hyaluronan-gold labelling. Gold particles of 15 and 10 nm in sizes labelling both hyaluronan and chondroitin 4-sulfate, were colocalized to the surface of the zonular fibers. The combined Cuprolinic blue staining and hyaluronan-gold labelling showed that the gold particles were localized towards the ends of the Cuprolinic blue-stained rodlets, which strongly suggests that these chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are linked to the hyaluronan chain to form a large aggregate surrounding the periphery of the zonular fibers. These ciliary zonule-associated proteoglycan-hyaluronan aggregates may play a role in organizing the individual zonular fibrils (microfibrils) into bundles of zonular fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Chan
- Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories.
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Abstract
The structural organization of integral and associated components of the ciliary zonule is still not fully understood. The present study is to localize and characterize the proteoglycans associated with the ciliary zonule of the rat eye by Cuprolinic blue (CB) staining and immunocytochemistry. After CB staining, the proteoglycans appeared as electron dense elongated rodlets and were localized with the zonular fibers. They were seen lying on the periphery of the zonular fibers or along the length of the individual fibrils. Most of the CB rodlets had a size of 60-170 nm long (average 130 nm) and 25 nm wide. Smaller CB rodlets measuring 25-60 nm long (average 45 nm) and 12 nm wide were sometimes found associated with the individual zonular fibrils. The CB rodlets were removed after chondroitinase ABC or chondroitinase AC treatment, but were resistant to heparitinase, nitrous acid, keratanase or Streptomyces hyaluronidase digestions. The ciliary zonule was also immunostained with three monoclonal antibodies: 2-B-6 specific for chondroitin 4-sulfate, 3-B-3 for chondroitin 6-sulfate and 1-B-5 for unsulfated chondroitin, using indirect immunoperoxidase or immuno-colloidal gold methods. The zonular fibers were immunoperoxidase stained and immunogold labeled by 2-B-6, but were not reactive to 3-B-3 and 1-B-5. The results demonstrate that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is associated with the ciliary zonule of the rat eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Chan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Stadlin A, Choi HL, Tsim KW, Tsang D. Prenatal cocaine exposure revealed minimal postnatal changes in rat striatal dopamine D2 receptor sites and mRNA levels in the offspring. Mol Neurobiol 1995; 11:67-76. [PMID: 8561969 DOI: 10.1007/bf02740685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported from this laboratory that prenatal cocaine exposure results in the postnatal transient alterations of rat striatal dopamine uptake sites examined from postnatal 0-32 wk. The present study aims to examine whether this will result in a direct/indirect stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors. Pregnant rats were dosed orally with cocaine hydrochloride (60 mg/kg/d) from gestational day (GD) 7-21. Control animals received an equivalent volume of water. The striatum from the offspring at postnatal 0-32 wk was examined. The radioligand [3H]sulpiride was used for the Scatchard analysis of the D2 receptors, and the changes in the levels of mRNA for the D2 receptor were studied using Northern blot analysis. Results from the present study revealed that in the control group, there was an age-dependent increase in the number of D2 receptor sites (Bmax: 44.00 +/- 2.12 to 178.00 +/- 45.10 fmol/mg protein) and in the levels of D2 mRNA from PN0-32 wk with the most rapid increase occurring during the first 4 wk of postnatal development. Prenatal cocaine exposure resulting in only a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the number of D2 receptor sites at PN0 wk and in a 10% increase in mRNA levels at PN3, 4, and 12 wk. It was concluded from this study that prenatal cocaine exposure resulted in minimal postnatal changes in the dopamine D2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stadlin
- Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Abstract
The present study showed that prenatal cocaine exposure (60 mg/kg/day) has a transient effect on the [3H]mazindol-labelled dopamine uptake sites in the striatum of the rat offspring examined from postnatal week 0-32. There is a 39% and 21% decrease in the number of binding sites (Bmax) in the cocaine-exposed group at postnatal weeks 3 and 4, respectively, with a recovery to near normal values by postnatal week 8.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stadlin
- Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories
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Abstract
A 32-year old housewife, living in Seoul, recognized incidentally a painless mass at the left chest wall. During later 3 months, she experienced spontaneous swelling and regression of the mass repeatedly for 4 times. Surgical resection showed a granuloma at anterior serratus muscle containing a nearly matured adult of Fasciola species without vitellaria and uterus. This is the 11th human fascioliasis and the first extra-abdominal infection reported in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Chang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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Yew DT, Li WW, Au C, Choi HL, Yang QD, Chan PK. Retinal changes in a mutant form of goldfish with megalophthalmia. Scanning Microsc 1991; 5:585-93; discussion 593-4. [PMID: 1947941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The retinal changes of a mutant strain of goldfish with megalophthalmia were studied by histology, electron microscopy and biochemistry. Changes in the morphology of the pigment epithelium, decrease in number of photoreceptors, thinning out of retinal layers and the existence of spaces in the retina were all features as the eyes grew in size. Invasion of macrophages was also evident in the retina. A decrease in leucine uptake per milligram of retina was also detected as the eye grew beyond 0.8 millilitre in volume. These changes, although related to volume changes (i.e., growth) of the eyes, were found to have little relationship with increase of intraocular pressure as intraocular pressures in the growing eyes of the mutant strain did not change much. Goldfish from a control strain with similar eye volumes and sizes (ages) were used for comparison and similar changes as in the mutant were not apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Yew
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin
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Abstract
Previous studies showed that the two forms of momorcharins which are isolated from seeds of Momordica charantia L. are effective in inducing early and midterm abortions in the mouse. Momorcharins were found to be teratogenic to the cultured mouse embryos at the early organogenesis stage. Morphological abnormalities were seen in the head, trunk and limbs. Ultrastructural studies on the visceral yolk sac of the momorcharin-treated embryos showed that the endodermal layer was deranged, membrane invaginations at the apical surface were decreased and intercellular space became distended. It is likely that the teratogenic action of momorcharins on mouse embryos in vitro is mediated through the deleterious effects on the visceral yolk sac, which functions as a vital transport organ for the conceptus at the immediate post-implantation period.
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