Reduction of BDNF expression in Fmr1 knockout mice worsens cognitive deficits but improves hyperactivity and sensorimotor deficits

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common cause of inherited intellectual disability and a well-characterized form of autism spectrum disorder. As brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the pathophysiology of FXS we examined the effects of reduced BDNF expression on the behavioral phenotype of an animal model of FXS, Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, crossed with mice carrying a deletion of one copy of the Bdnf gene (Bdnf(+/-)). Fmr1 KO mice showed age-dependent alterations in hippocampal BDNF expression that declined after the age of 4 months compared to wild-type controls. Mild deficits in water maze learning in Bdnf(+/-) and Fmr1 KO mice were exaggerated and contextual fear learning significantly impaired in double transgenics. Reduced BDNF expression did not alter basal nociceptive responses or central hypersensitivity in Fmr1 KO mice. Paradoxically, the locomotor hyperactivity and deficits in sensorimotor learning and startle responses characteristic of Fmr1 KO mice were ameliorated by reducing BNDF, suggesting changes in simultaneously and in parallel working hippocampus-dependent and striatum-dependent systems. Furthermore, the obesity normally seen in Bdnf(+/-) mice was eliminated by the absence of fragile X mental retardation protein 1 (FMRP). Reduced BDNF decreased the survival of newborn cells in the ventral part of the hippocampus both in the presence and absence of FMRP. Since a short neurite phenotype characteristic of newborn cells lacking FMRP was not found in cells derived from double mutant mice, changes in neuronal maturation likely contributed to the behavioral phenotype. Our results show that the absence of FMRP modifies the diverse effects of BDNF on the FXS phenotype.

Suitability of Smopex-102 cation-exchange fiber for analytical purposes and drug monitoring

The present study aimed to evaluate the suitability of Smopex-102 cation-exchange fiber for the separation of acidic and basic model drugs from biological fluids (e.g. serum) prior to chromatographic analysis. In addition, the interactions of the drugs with the fiber were studied. The study found that basic antidepressant model drugs bound to a considerably greater extent than acidic drugs to poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) grafted Smopex-102 cation-exchange fiber from 25 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0) and spiked serum. Drug binding from serum decreased except for acidic drugs due to drug distribution between serum proteins and cation-exchange fiber. Electrostatic interactions were possibly the most important factors affecting drug binding to the fiber. Basic drugs were released most effectively from the fiber by using acetic acid (mean released amount 123.7 +/- 36.3% and mean absolute recovery 95.4 +/- 23.8%). Results demonstrated that the cation-exchange fiber evaluated might be a potential material for separating basic drugs from protein-free and proteinaceous (e.g. serum) liquid solutions for subsequent monitoring and evaluation. However, the drug release solution and release time must be optimized more precisely in order to validate described sample preparation method for each basic drug.

Apelin, orexin-A and leptin plasma levels in morbid obesity and effect of gastric banding

Maintenance of human energy homeostasis is regulated by a complex network. Peptides secreted from the gastrointestinal tract (GI) are signaling to the brain and other organs initiating or terminating food intake and energy expenditure. In the present study we investigated basal plasma levels of apelin, orexin-A, and leptin in morbid obese patients. In addition, we measured in a subgroup of these patients in the same individual orexin-A and leptin plasma levels one year after gastric banding surgery.

METHODS

Basal plasma values were determined in obese patients (BMI=48+/-1 kg/m2n=32) after an overnight fast and compared to healthy, normal weighted (BMI=22+/-2 kg/m2n=12) controls. In addition, blood samples were collected in a subgroup of patients (BMI=48+/-1 kg/m2n=8) the day before surgery and 1 year after the operation. Apelin, orexin-A, and leptin levels were analysed using ELISAs.

RESULTS

One year after the operation obese patients significantly lost weight (from 48+/-2 kg/m2 to 39+/-2 kg/m2; p<0,001). Apelin, orexin-A and leptin levels in obese patients were significantly higher compared to control individuals (736+/-50 pg/ml vs. 174+/-14 pg/ml, p<0.0001; 75.3+/-24.1 pg/ml vs. 0.8+/-0.4 pg/ml, p<0.0001; 79.0+/-2.4 ng/ml vs. 5.8+/-0.8 ng/ml, p<0.0001, respectively). Apelin and leptin plasma concentrations also correlated significantly with BMI (r=0.769, p<0.0001; r=0.778; p<0.0001, respectively), while orexin-A correlation was rather weak (r=0.335, p<0.03). No difference between pre- and post-operative orexin-A levels was observed, while leptin plasma levels significantly decreased from 45.1+/-5.4 ng/ml to 27.3+/-6.0 ng/ml (p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Apelin, orexin-A, and leptin plasma levels correlated positively with the BMI. One year after gastric banding with significant loss in BMI basal plasma levels of leptin decreased, while orexin-A remained unchanged.

Staurosporine induces a neuronal phenotype in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells that resembles that induced by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate TPA)

Treatment of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, induced both morphological and functional differentiation in these cells. The effects of staurosporine were comparable to those induced by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), with respect to induction of neuronal differentiation, i.e. neurite outgrowth, inhibition of DNA synthesis, induction and down-regulation of c-myc protein expression, induction of mRNA for both neuropeptide Y (NPY) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and stimulation of tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Staurosporine failed to translocate PKC to the membrane fraction or to stimulate phosphorylation of the endogenous PKC substrate M(r) 80,000 (p80). Instead, staurosporine inhibited TPA-induced phosphorylation of p80.

Pharmacological characterization of STKR, an insect G protein-coupled receptor for tachykinin-like peptides

STKR is a G protein-coupled receptor that was cloned from the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. Multiple sequence comparisons show that the amino acid sequence of this insect receptor displays several features that are typical for tachykinin (or neurokinin, NK) receptors. Insect tachykinin-related peptides, also referred to as "insectatachykinins," produce dose-dependent calcium responses in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 cells, which are stably transfected with this receptor (S2-STKR). These responses do not depend on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+)-ions. A rapid agonist-induced increase of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) is observed. This indicates that the agonist-induced cytosolic Ca(2+)-rise is caused by a release of Ca(2+) ions from intracellular calcium stores. The pharmacology of STKR is analyzed by studying the effects of the most important antagonists for mammalian NK-receptors on STKR-expressing insect cells. The results show that spantide II, a potent substance P antagonist, is a real antagonist of insectatachykinins on STKR. We have also tested the activity of a variety of natural insectatachykinin analogs by microscopic image analysis of calcium responses in S2-STKR cells. At a concentration of 1 microM, almost all natural analogs produce a significant calcium rise in stable S2-STKR cells. Interestingly, Stc-TK, an insectatachykinin that was recently discovered in the stable fly (S. calcitrans), also proved to be an STKR-agonist. Stc-TK, a potential physiological ligand for STKR, contains an Ala-residue (or A) instead of a highly conserved Gly-residue (or G). Arch.

Phenolamine-dependent adenylyl cyclase activation in Drosophila Schneider 2 cells

Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells are often employed as host cells for non-lytic, stable expression and functional characterization of mammalian and insect G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as biogenic amine receptors. In order to avoid cross-reactions, it is extremely important to know which endogenous receptors are already present in the non-transfected S2 cells. Therefore, we analyzed cellular levels of cyclic AMP and Ca2+, important second messengers for intracellular signal transduction via GPCRs, in response to a variety of naturally occurring biogenic amines, such as octopamine, tyramine, serotonin, histamine, dopamine and melatonin. None of these amines (up to 0.1 mM) was able to reduce forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production in S2 cells. Furthermore, no agonist-induced calcium responses were observed. Nevertheless, the phenolamines octopamine (OA) and tyramine (TA) induced a dose-dependent increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) production in S2 cells, while serotonin, histamine, dopamine and melatonin (up to 0.1 mM) did not. The pharmacology of this response was similar to that of the octopamine-2 (OA2) receptor type. In addition, this paper provides evidence for the presence of an endogenous mRNA encoding an octopamine receptor type in these cells, which is identical or very similar to OAMB. This receptor was previously shown to be positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase.

Characterization of a receptor for insect tachykinin-like peptide agonists by functional expression in a stable Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line

STKR is an insect G protein-coupled receptor, cloned from the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans. It displays sequence similarity to vertebrate tachykinin [or neurokinin (NK)] receptors. Functional expression of the cloned STKR cDNA was obtained in cultured Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Insect tachykinin-like peptides or "insectatachykinins," such as Locusta tachykinin (Lom-TK) III, produced dose-dependent calcium responses in stably transfected S2-STKR cells. Vertebrate tachykinins (or neurokinins) did not evoke any effect at concentrations up to 10(-5) M, but an antagonist of mammalian neurokinin receptors, spantide II, inhibited the Lom-TK III-induced calcium response. Further analysis showed that the agonist-induced intracellular release of calcium ions was not affected by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. The calcium rise was blocked by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122. In addition, Lom-TK III was shown to have a stimulatory effect on the accumulation of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and cyclic AMP. These are the same second messengers that are induced in mammalian neurokinin-dependent signaling processes.

Role of third intracellular loop of galanin receptor type 1 in signal transduction

To determine the domains essential for G-protein coupling of the human galanin receptor type 1 (GalR1), we have used both GalR1 mutants and synthetic receptor-derived peptides in(125)I-galanin and [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding studies. Replacement of potential phosphorylation sites by Leu in the third intracellular loop (IC3) of GalR1 did not affect K(D)values for the receptor. Peptides derived form the IC3 loop, and especially the N-terminal part of it were able to increase the rate of [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding to the trimeric Gialpha1beta1gamma2, but not to Gsalphabeta1gamma2, whereas the peptides corresponding to the IC1 and IC2 loops had no such effect. IC3 loop peptides also inhibited the binding of(125)I-galanin to GalR1 in membranes from Rin m5F cells. Our results suggest that the IC3 loop of GalR1, especially its N-terminal part, defines the coupling of the receptor to the Gialpha1beta1gamma2 protein and consequently, to the signal transduction cascade.

Adsorption of drugs onto a poly(acrylic acid) grafted cation-exchange membrane

The influence of pH, ionic strength and the concentration of albumin in the adsorption medium as well as the charge and lipophilicity of a model drug on their adsorption onto poly(acrylic acid) grafted poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PAA-PVDF) membranes was evaluated. The PAA-PVDF membrane is a responsive porous polymer membrane that we have studied for controlled drug delivery. Sodium salicylate (anionic), flunitrazepam (neutral), primidone (neutral), desipramine (cationic) and thioridazine (cationic) were used as model drugs. The extent of drug adsorption was dependent on pH. Drug adsorption was enhanced by the dissociation of the grafted PAA chains and by a positive charge and a high lipophilicity of the drug. Increasing the ionic strength of the medium retarded the adsorption of the cationic drugs. Interestingly, the present results showing that drugs are adsorbed onto the membrane while albumin is not adsorbed onto the membrane suggest that the PAA-PVDF membrane may be suitable for separating drugs from proteinaceous substances for subsequent monitoring and evaluation.

Cerebral benzodiazepine receptor binding and distribution in generalized anxiety disorder: a fractal analysis

Data obtained from animal and human brain imaging studies indicate that frontal cortex and medial temporal lobe are involved in experiencing and controlling fear and anxiety. We tested the hypothesis that benzodiazepine receptor binding is decreased in the left temporal pole and increased in the right prefrontal area among patients suffering from anxiety. We studied 10 drug-naive female patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls with MRI and with SPET by using a new (123)I-labelled specific benzodiazepine receptor radioligand, NNC 13-8241. Blindly analyzed results showed that the benzodiazepine receptor binding of [(123)I]NNC 13-8241 was significantly decreased in the left temporal pole among patients with GAD when compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. This hemispheric asymmetry was studied further with a fractal analysis of the SPET images. The fractal dimension of the left hemispheric benzodiazepine receptor binding in patients with GAD was significantly higher than that of controls (1.28 +/- 0.09 and 1.17 +/- 0.07, respectively), whereas the intercept was decreased by 43 +/- 23% reflecting more homogeneous cerebral benzodiazepine receptor density distribution in patients with GAD. The finding is analogous to the decreased heterogeneity of myocardial blood flow observed in patients with ischemic heart disease. The results are consistent with the general hypothesis that high regional heterogeneity of perfusion, metabolism and receptor density is necessary to maintain adaptation ability in the living organism.

Initial human studies with single-photon emission tomography using iodine-123 labelled 3-(5-cyclopropyl-1,2,4-oxadiazo-3-yl)- 7-iodo-5, 6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]-benzodiazepine (NNC 13-8241)

The iodine-123 labelled ligand 3-(5-cyclopropyl-1,2, 4-oxadiazo-3-yl)-7-iodo-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1, 5-a][1,4]-benzodiazepine ([123I]NNC 13-8241) was evaluated as a probe for in vivo imaging of benzodiazepine receptor sites in the human brain. Four healthy volunteers were imaged with a high-resolution single-photon emission tomography (SPET) scanner. The metabolism of [123I]NNC 13-8241 in plasma was slow. The total brain uptake was about 1.5-fold higher than that of [123I]iomazenil. The specific binding in the cortical areas was high and less intense in the thalamus. The most intense uptake was seen in the occipital cortex. The peak cortical uptake of [123I]NNC 13-8241 was observed 6-10 h after the injection of tracer. The radiation burden to the patient was moderate, being 2.5 middle dot10(-2 )mSv/MBq (effective dose equivalent). A slow metabolism together with favourable kinetics indicates that [123I]NNC 13-8241 is a specific and promising SPET ligand for imaging benzodiazepine receptor sites in the living human brain.

Time-resolved fluorometric assay for natural killer activity using target cells labelled with a fluorescence enhancing ligand

A time-resolved fluorometric assay for the measurement of natural killer cell activity against target cells labelled with the acetoxymethyl ester of the fluorescence enhancing ligand 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine-6,6"-dicarboxylic acid (TDA) is described. The hydrophobic esterified form of TDA (bis(acetoxymethyl) 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine-6,6"-dicarboxylate, BATDA) diffuses readily through the cell membrane of viable cells. BATDA is hydrolysed by intracellular esterases resulting in accumulation of membrane impermeable TDA inside the target cells. After incubation of labelled K-562 cells with effector cells the TDA released from lysed cells into the supernatant is chelated with Eu3+. The natural killer cell activity is then quantified by measuring the intense fluorescence of the EuTDA chelates formed. Target cells are rapidly labelled when incubated with BATDA, TDA is released from target cells faster than 51Cr, the spontaneous release permits a short-term release assay to be set up and the detection of EuTDA is fast (5 min/96 well plate). Furthermore, this non-radioactive method permits the use of complex culture media since, in contrast to methods based on prompt fluorometry, the problem with autofluorescence can be avoided by the use of time-resolved fluorometry.

Identification of biotinylated molecules using a baculovirus-expressed luciferase-streptavidin fusion protein

A genetic fusion between streptavidin of Streptomyces avidinii and luciferase of Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus was constructed. The fusion protein was produced in the Sf9 insect cell line using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins from cells infected with the recombinant virus, VL1393-LucGR-StreptAv, revealed that the fusion protein migrated with an apparent molecular weight of 75 kDa. Light emission measurements showed that the infected cells produced about 255 mg of the chimeric protein per liter of cell culture (127.5 micrograms/1 x 10(6) cells). Precipitation of the LucGR-StreptAv fusion protein with biotinylated acrylic beads as well as immunoblot analyses using biotinylated immunoglobulins indicated that both fusion moieties of the chimeric protein product were functional with respect to their physical and enzymatic activities.

Iodine-123 labelled N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane for dopamine transporter imaging in the living human brain

There are several cocaine analogs which have potential for imaging the dopamine transporters (DAT). Earlier studies have shown that iodine-123 labelled 2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([123I]beta-CIT) and N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([123I]beta-CIT-FP) are promising DAT imaging agents in the living human brain with single-photon emission tomography (SPET). Here we report a pilot comparison of [123I]beta-CIT and [123I]beta-CIT-FP with a new tropane derivative, [123I]N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([123I]beta-CIT-FE), using SPET imaging in four healthy male subjects. Peak uptake of [123I]beta-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia occurred very rapidly (0.5 h after injection of tracer), after which the striatal washout obeyed a bi-exponential form. The specific DAT binding of [123I]beta-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia was somewhat less (0.785 +/- 0.117) than that of [123I]beta-CIT (0.922 +/- 0.004) or [123I]beta-CIT-FP (0.813 +/- 0.047). All these tracers have excellent imaging quality in healthy control subjects. However, the relatively fast washout of [123I]beta-CIT-FE and low temporal resolution of older SPET cameras may limit the use of this tracer to the measurement of the DAT density.

Expression of the human interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain in insect cells using a baculovirus expression vector

The gene encoding the gamma-chain of the human Interleukin-2 receptor was expressed in lepidopteran insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system. The corresponding gene was inserted under the polyhedrin promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus and expressed in the Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell line Sf9 during viral infection. The recombinant receptor protein was identified by immunoblotting in cell lysates, prepared from insect cells infected with the recombinant virus. At 40 h post infection the corresponding protein was detected as two major bands with apparent molecular weights of 50-60 kDa using a rabbit anti-human IL-2R gamma-receptor specific antiserum. Metabolic labelling with [35S]-methionine and SDS-PAGE analysis of the recombinant baculovirus infected insect cells verified the immunoblotting data. The expressed IL-2R gamma- protein could also be determined on the surface of infected insect cells by flow cytometer analysis.

Synthesis and processing of the rubella virus p110 polyprotein precursor in baculovirus-infected Spodoptera frugiperda cells

In order to study the processing of rubella virus (RV) structural proteins (capsid protein, of 33 kDa; E2 of 42-47 kDa; and E1 of 58 kDa) in Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) cells, a 24S cDNA encoding the polyprotein precursor, p110, was inserted under the transcriptional regulation of the polyhedrin gene promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) and expressed during viral infection. By immunoblot analysis using antibodies directed against whole RV and the individual structural proteins, evidence is presented that polypeptides similar to those synthesized in RV-infected B-Vero cells are expressed in this lepidopteran insect cell line infected with the recombinant baculovirus, VL1392-RV24S. The identity of the recombinant proteins was further confirmed using human convalescent sera. By expressing the recombinant proteins in the presence and absence of tunicamycin, we have further demonstrated that the 24S transcription-translation unit of RV, is expressed and proteolytically cleaved similarly, if not identically, in Sf9 cells as compared to B-Vero cells.

Immunoaffinity purification of baculovirus-expressed rubella virus E1 for diagnostic purposes

Three monoclonal antibodies, termed 4E10, 1E11:10, and 2D9:1, were generated against rubella virus. Immunoblot analysis with purified authentic rubella virus or recombinant baculovirus-expressed rubella virus structural proteins E1, E2, and C demonstrated that they were directed against the E1 envelope glycoprotein of the rubella virus particle. By using the yeast Ty virus-like particle system, it was possible to map the binding site of 1E11:10 within amino acids 236 to 286 of the E1 protein and the binding sites of 2D9:1 and 4E10 outside this region. Immunoaffinity purification with these monoclonal antibodies made it evident that they are useful for obtaining large quantities of pure baculovirus-expressed rubella virus envelope protein E1. The diagnostic potential of this immunoaffinity-purified recombinant rubella virus E1 protein compared with that of authentic rubella virus is demonstrated.

Flow cytometric analysis of bioluminescence emitted by recombinant baculovirus-infected insect cells

Five recombinant baculoviruses, each containing a different insect luciferase gene encoding a protein with characteristic light emission properties, namely, luc GR (546 nm), luc FF (556 nm), luc YG (560 nm), luc YE (578 nm), and luc OR (593 nm) were constructed. All genes were inserted under the transcriptional control of the polyhedrin gene promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells during viral infection. The biological activity of the different luciferases was characterized by using intact recombinant baculovirus infected cells. Addition of the substrate, D-luciferin, immediately prior to the analysis allowed monitoring of light emission by flow cytometry. Also, the kinetics of the light emission of lucGR was analyzed with the flow cytometer. The emission peaks of the infected cells were clearly separated by wavelength scanning. Especially, the firefly luciferase (lucFF) had a broad peak and transient luminescence. The highest maximal intensity values in vivo were recorded for luc GR and luc YG. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the major protein expressed had a molecular weight similar to authentic luciferase. Flow cytometry and insect luciferases with clearly separated emission spectra appear to be of value for sensitive in vivo analysis of gene promoter activity.

Expression of human IL-2 receptor alpha- and beta-chains using the baculovirus expression system

The genes encoding the alpha- and beta-chains of the human interleukin-2 receptor were expressed in lepidopteran insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system. The corresponding genes were inserted under the polyhedrin promoter of the Autographa california nuclear polyhedrosis virus and expressed in the Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell line during viral infection. The recombinant receptor proteins were identified in the insect cell lysates by using protein dot blot and ELISA techniques. At 36 h post infection the corresponding proteins were clearly detected using anti-IL-2 alpha- and beta-receptor-specific antibodies. A large amount of the alpha-chain was also found in the supernatant culture media at 72 h post infection and metabolic labelling with [35S]-methionine indicated that it was proteolytically cleaved into a 32 kDa soluble form. A similar soluble or secreted form of the beta-chain was, however, not observed. Both receptor proteins were expressed on the surface of the insect cells as determined by flow cytometry analysis. Studies performed with the different IL-2 receptor forms (alpha- and beta-chains alone or in combination) in the presence or absence of rIL-2 suggest that the receptor proteins when expressed in infected insect cells are non-functional with respect to tyrosine phosphorylation.

Protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, induces a mature neuronal phenotype in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells through an alpha-, beta-, and zeta-protein kinase C-independent pathway

Previous studies have shown that the tumour-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate (TPA) induces both morphological and functional differentiation in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells (Påhlman et al., 1981). In order to investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in TPA-induced maturation of SH-SY5Y cells, we have used staurosporine, which is a potent inhibitor of protein kinases including PKC. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 25 nM staurosporine for 72 hours caused an appearance of long, neuritelike processes with varicosities, terminated by growth cones. The morphological differentiation was accompanied by a cessation of DNA synthesis, induction of growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA. These effects of staurosporine were comparable to those elicited by TPA. Staurosporine further induced a time-dependent increase in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase protein and a 30-fold increase in the concentration of noradrenaline. TPA only induced a marginal increase in tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Both TPA and staurosporine induced an appearance of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in SH-SY5Y cells detected with single-cell fluorescent measurements using fura-2. The Ca2+ channels were found almost exclusively in growth cones and varicosities. Staurosporine inhibited both basal and a TPA-induced phosphorylation of an endogenous 80kDa PKC substrate (p80), and also blocked c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA expression induced by the phorbol ester. Bryostatin 1, a potent activator of PKC, has failed to induce morphological or functional differentiation in SH-SY5Y cells (Jalava et al., 1990). Incubation of SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of 100 nM bryostatin 1 for 24 hours caused a complete disappearance of all immunoreactive alpha-, beta-, and zeta-PKC. The level of epsilon-PKC decreased by 70%. Staurosporine induced a partial translocation of the epsilon-isoenzyme but it failed to cause down-regulation of epsilon-PKC. Bryostatin 1-treatment did not interfere in the ability of staurosporine to induce morphological differentiation, cessation of DNA synthesis, and GAP-43 and NPY mRNA expression. The ability of staurosporine to stimulate tyrosine hydroxylase expression and to increase cellular content of noradrenaline was also unaffected. Taken together the results of this study show that staurosporine induces a mature neuronal noradrenergic phenotype in SH-SY5Y cells through an alpha-, beta-, and zeta-PKC-independent pathway.

A baculovirus-expressed fusion protein containing the antibody-binding domain of protein A and insect luciferase

A fusion construct encoding two antibody-binding sites of protein A from Staphylococcus aureus and click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, luciferase (LucGR) was designed and expressed using the baculovirus system. The construct was inserted under the transcriptional regulation of the polyhedrin gene promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) and expressed in the insect Spodoperta frugiperda cell line during viral infection. The properties of the resultant chimeric protein product, protA-LucGR, were studied both in vivo and in vitro by using i) luminometry, ii) immunoblot analysis, iii) immunoprecipitation, iv) metabolic labeling procedures and v) luminescent immunoassays. Together, the results clearly demonstrate that the light-emitting properties of the fused luciferase construct remain intact. Further, the antibody-binding domain of protein A retains its activity as it binds to both rabbit and goat as well as human immunoglobulins. Due to the dual biological function of this fusion protein, it should provide a potential reagent within the field of molecular biology and diagnostics.

Functional analysis of the human alpha 2C-C4 adrenergic receptor in insect cells expressed by a luciferase-based baculovirus vector

A click beetle luciferase-based baculovirus expression vector is described for functional analysis and high level expression of a human alpha 2-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AR) in Sf9 insect cells. The resultant recombinant baculovirus construct, AcLucGR-alpha 2(C4), was isolated by utilizing the light emitting properties of luciferase and used for abundant expression of the alpha 2C-C4 receptor protein in this lepidopteran insect cell line. A maximal expression of alpha 2-receptors at a level of 1.370 pmol/mg protein was obtained at 48 h after infection as determined by ligand-binding experiments using the alpha 2-receptor antagonist, [3H]rauwolscine. The receptor agonists, noradrenaline and clonidine, displaced the [3H]rauwolscine binding with Ki values 12.3 +/- 1.54 microM and 1.23 +/- 0.11 microM, respectively. The recombinant receptors were functionally intact since the agonists inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Here, however, the maximal inhibition was obtained at 36 h after the infection. The results presented here, suggest that the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) provides a simple method for abundant expression of functional alpha 2-receptor subtypes. In addition, co-expression of luciferase proved to be useful for screening and isolation of the recombinant baculovirus.

Normal mouse serum-derived factor(s) which inhibits growth of the interleukin-2-dependent cell line CTLL

Evidence is presented for the existence of a serum factor(s) (SF), which inhibits the growth of both the interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent cell line CTLL and the 2-day generation of CTL cells. This activity is found in the serum of both nude and euthymic mice and its suppressive effect can be detected about 18 hours after addition to CTLL cultures. The inhibitory activity elutes from a Sepharose 6B gel after the gamma globulin fraction (100-150 kD), and is precipitated by ammonium sulfate at 60 w/v% saturation. IL-3-mediated bone marrow colony formation is not inhibited by SF. It also does not suppress the growth of a panel of different tumor cell lines. The spleen cell responsiveness to both Con A and LPS activation is greatly reduced in the presence of SF. However, binding of radiolabelled IL-2 to CTLL cells was not blocked by SF, although the activity was greatly reduced by absorption to these cells. Our data support the existence of factor(s) in sera that may have a regulatory role on IL-2-mediated functions.

Decreased interleukin-2 beta-chain receptor expression by interleukin-4 on LGL: influence on the IL-2 induced cytotoxicity and proliferation

Addition of increasing amounts of interleukin-4 (IL-4) to large granular lymphocytes (LGL) had a selective downregulative effect on the interleukin-2 beta-chain (p70) receptor expression. A 40% inhibition of the p70 expression compared to untreated cells was already observed after a 24-h incubation with IL-4. This decrease in p70 receptor expression had a marked suppressive effect on their proliferative response to IL-2. In addition, LGL cultured in the presence of both IL-2 and IL-4 substantially decreased the cytotoxic activity against the erythroleukemia cell line K562. Our data therefore indicate an important regulative role for IL-4 on the LAK-generation.

Fc-gamma- and complement receptor mediated elevation in the cytosolic calcium level in human neutrophils

The effects of differently opsonized zymosan particles, acting solely at Fc-gamma or at complement receptors or at both, on the level of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils were studied. A biphasic, long-lasting increase in [Ca2+]i was seen in response to IgG-, C3- and fresh serum-opsonized zymosan particles in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Unopsonized zymosan, acting mainly at CR3 failed to elevate [Ca2+]i. Addition of 1.4 mM EGTA reduced but did not abolish the rise in [Ca2+]i triggered by opsonized zymosan, indicating that Ca2+ is released from intracellular stores. EGTA changed also the kinetic patterns of Ca(2+)-responses possibly by indirectly affecting the extrusion of Ca2+ in neutrophils.

A Sensitive Model System for In Vivo Monitoring of Baculovirus Gene Expression in Single Infected Insect Cells

We have developed a fast and sensitive system for the in vivo analysis of gene expression in baculovirus infected lepidopteran insect cells. A recombinant baculovirus containing a luciferase gene from the click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, under transcriptional regulation of the polyhedrin gene promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) was used to infect a Spodoptera frugiperda cell line. Recombinant luciferase could be monitored by luminometry in real-time without disruption of the infected cells, allowing detection of synthesis as early as one hour after infection. The range of luminescence measurements was normally over four orders of magnitude, and the kinetics of luciferase synthesis and the levels of light produced in vivo closely correlated with the expression of polyhedrin in AcNPV infected cells when analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Additionally, single infected cells could be identified by CCD image analysis and flow cytometry.

Methionine adenosyltransferase activity in cultured cells and in human tissues

We have investigated methionine adenosyltransferase activity (MAT) in extracts of a variety of normal and malignant human tissues and cultured cell lines. MAT activity assayed from 17 different cultured cell lines varied to a great extent. Ramos (human, Burkitt's lymphoma) and EL4 (mouse, T cell lymphoma) cells showed MAT activity near 300 pmol/mg per min. Daudi (human, Burkitt's lymphoma) and almost all monolayer cells had MAT activity below 100 pmol/mg per min. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes had MAT activity of 36 pmol/mg per min. The MAT activity of the cell lines can be related to doubling time: cell lines with short doubling times have much higher MAT activity than other cell lines. A large variation in MAT activity in different human tissues was observed. In autopsy samples MAT activity was highest in the brain and in the colon. Malignant tissue samples gave much higher MAT activity than normal tissues. Lung cancer (carcinoma squamocellulare pulmonis) had MAT activity of 30.7 pmol/mg per min, while in normal lung it was 2.4 pmol/mg per min.

Metabolism, cellular actions, and cytotoxicity of selenomethionine in cultured cells

Selenomethionine metabolism and the biochemical basis for its cytotoxicity were analyzed in cultured human and murine lymphoid cells. The metabolic pathways were also addressed, using purified mammalian enzymes and crude tissue extracts. Selenomethionine was found to be effectively metabolized to S-adenosylmethionine analog, and that analog was further metabolized in transmethylation reactions and in polyamine synthesis, similarly to the corresponding sulphur metabolites of methionine. Selenomethionine did not block these pathways, nor was there a specific block on the synthesis of DNA, RNA, or proteins when added to the culture medium. Selenomethionine showed cytotoxicity at above 40 microM levels. Yet, low selenomethionine levels (10 microM) could replace methionine and support cell growth in the absence of methionine. Selenomethionine toxicity took place concomitantly with changes in S-adenosylmethionine pools. D-form was less cytotoxic than L-form. Methionine concentration modified the cytotoxicity. Together, this indicates that selenomethionine uptake and enzymic metabolism are involved in the cytotoxicity in a yet unknown way.

Human lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors reside mainly in the cytoplasm

Karyoplasts prepared from human lymphocytes by treatment with cytochalasin B or lymphocytes permeabilized with digitonin contain only 25-40% of the total cellular glucocorticoid binding activity. The presented results thus support the original concept that unfilled steroid hormone receptors are mainly cytoplasmic.

The effect of transition from traditional to urban life-style on the insulin secretory response in Australian Aborigines

Recent epidemiologic studies have revealed a high prevalence of maturity-onset diabetes in certain populations that have undergone comparatively rapid urbanization. There is evidence suggesting that Australian Aborigines may respond to urbanization in this way. Thirteen full-blood Aborigines from the Mowanjum Community, Derby, Western Australia, cooperated in the present study. They spent 3 mo living in their traditional hunter-gatherer life-style, after which their insulin response to glucose was measured in a starch tolerance test. The findings were compared in follow-up studies conducted 3 mo after returning to their urban environment. Similar studies were conducted in Caucasians of comparable age and weight. Fasting glucose concentrations were lower in Aborigines than in Caucasians and were unaffected by life-style changes. Although basal insulin levels were similar in the three groups, there were striking intergroup differences in the insulin responses to glucose. The areas under the insulin curves in the first hour after starch ingestion were: urban Aborigines 4478 +/- 465 microU/ml-1/min, traditional Aborigines 2959 +/- 301 microU/ml-1/min, and Caucasians 2097 +/- 224 microU/ml-1/min. This appeared to reflect differences in the early rates of change of glucose concentrations. The data suggest that these Aborigines have an abnormally high insulin response to glucose, which is ameliorated, but not normalized, by reverting to their traditional life-style.