AAVrh.10-mediated genetic delivery of bevacizumab to the pleura to provide local anti-VEGF to suppress growth of metastatic lung tumors

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced by tumor cells has a central role in stimulating angiogenesis required for tumor growth. Humanized monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab, Avastin), approved as a treatment for non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer, requires administration every 3 weeks. We hypothesized that an intrapleural administration of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing an anti-VEGF-A antibody equivalent of bevacizumab would result in sustained anti-VEGF-A localized expression within the lung and suppress metastatic tumor growth. The AAV vector AAVrh.10alphaVEGF encodes the light chain and heavy chain complementary DNAs of monoclonal antibody A.4.6.1, a murine antibody that specifically recognizes human VEGF-A with the same antigen-binding site as bevacizumab. A metastatic lung tumor model was established in severe combined immunodeficient mice by intravenous administration of human DU145 prostate carcinoma cells. Intrapleural administration of AAVrh.10alphaVEGF directed long-term expression of the anti-human VEGF-A antibody in lung, as shown by sustained, high-level anti-human VEGF titers in lung epithelial lining fluid for 40 weeks, which was the duration of the study. In the AAVrh.10alphaVEGF-treated animals, tumor growth was significantly suppressed (P<0.05), the numbers of blood vessels and mitotic nuclei in the tumor was decreased (P<0.05) and there was increased survival (P<0.05). Thus, intrapleural administration of an AAVrh.10 vector, encoding the murine monoclonal antibody equivalent of bevacizumab, effectively suppresses the growth of metastatic lung tumors, suggesting AAV-mediated gene transfer to the pleura to deliver bevacizumab locally to the lung as a novel alternative platform to conventional monoclonal antibody therapy.

Persistent expression of biologically active anti-HER2 antibody by AAVrh.10-mediated gene transfer

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed against an extracellular region of the HER2 protein. We hypothesized that a single adeno-associated virus mediated genetic delivery of an anti-HER2 antibody should be effective in mediating long term production of anti-HER2 and in suppressing the growth of human tumors in a xenograft model in nude mice. The adeno-associated virus gene transfer vector AAVrh.10αHER2 was constructed based on non-human primate AAV serotype rh.10 to express the cDNAs for the heavy and light chains of monoclonal antibody 4D5, the murine precursor to trastuzumab. The data demonstrates that genetically transferred anti-HER2 selectively bound human HER2 protein and suppressed proliferation of HER2 positive tumor cell lines. A single administration of AAVrh.10αHER2 provided long term therapeutic levels of anti-HER2 antibody expression without inducing anti-idiotype response, suppressed the growth of HER2 positive tumors and increased survival of the tumor-bearing mice. In the context that trastuzumab therapy requires frequent, repeated administration, this strategy might be developed as an alternate platform for delivery anti-HER2 therapy.

Affinity maturation of an anti-V antigen IgG expressed in situ through adenovirus gene delivery confers enhanced protection against Yersinia pestis challenge

Genetic transfer of neutralizing antibodies (Abs) has been shown to confer strong and persistent protection against bacterial and viral infectious agents. Although it is well established that for many exogenous neutralizing Abs increased antigen affinity correlates with protection, the effect of antigen affinity on Abs produced in situ after adenoviral gene transfer has not been examined. The mouse IgG2b monoclonal Ab, 2C12.4, recognizes the Yersinia pestis type III secretion apparatus protein, LcrV (V antigen), and confers protection in mice when administered as an IgG intraperitoneally or after genetic immunization with engineered, replication-defective serotype 5 human adenovirus (Ad). The 2C12.4 Ab was expressed as a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) in Escherichia coli and was shown to display an equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D))=3.5 nM by surface plasmon resonance analysis. The 2C12.4 scFv was subjected to random mutagenesis, and variants with increased affinity were isolated by flow cytometry using the anchored periplasmic expression bacterial display system. After a single round of mutagenesis, variants displaying up to 35-fold lower K(D) values (H8, K(D)=100 pM) were isolated. The variable domains of the H8 scFv were used to replace those of the parental 2C12.4 IgG encoded in the Ad vector, AdalphaV, giving rise to AdalphaV.H8. The two adenoviral vectors resulted in similar titers of anti-V antigen Abs 3 days after immunization, with 10(9), 10(10) or 10(11) particle units (pu). After intranasal challenge with 363 LD(50) (lethal dose, 50%) of Y. pestis CO92, 54% of the mice immunized with 10(10) pu of AdalphaV.H8 survived through the 14 day end point compared with only 15% survivors for the group immunized with AdalphaV expressing the lower-affinity 2C12.4 (P<0.04; AdalphaV versus AdalphaV.H8). These results indicate that affinity maturation of a neutralizing Ab delivered by genetic transfer may confer increased protection not only for Y. pestis challenge but also possibly for other pathogens.

Clinical trial: modulation of human placental multidrug resistance proteins in cholestasis of pregnancy by ursodeoxycholic acid

BACKGROUND

The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on human placental bile acids and bilirubin transporters in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are still undefined.

AIM

To evaluate whether ursodeoxycholic acid affects MRP2, MRP3 and MRP4 expression in the placenta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three pregnant women were enrolled; fourteen subjects had physiological pregnancies. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy patients were divided into two groups: (i) 13 received ursodeoxycholic acid (20 mg/kg/day) and (ii) 16 untreated. Total bile acid and bilirubin in serum and cord blood were determined in each subject. Multidrug resistance proteins expression (immunoblot, quantitative real-time PCR) was evaluated in placentas collected at delivery. anova test was used for statistical analysis of data.

RESULTS

Ursodeoxycholic acid administration significantly improved maternal serum bile acid and cord blood bilirubin and bile acid levels. MRP2 protein and RNA expression was significantly increased in placentas from treated patients compared to controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). MRP3 protein expression was not significantly different between the groups while RNA expression was significantly decreased in treated patients (P < 0.01). MRP4 did not show significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ursodeoxycholic acid administration induces placental MRP2 expression, and reduces bilirubin and bile acid levels in cord blood.

The organic anion transport polypeptide 1d1 (Oatp1d1) mediates hepatocellular uptake of phalloidin and microcystin into skate liver

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (rodent Oatp; human OATP) mediate cellular uptake of numerous organic compounds including xenobiotic toxins into mammalian hepatocytes. In the little skate Leucoraja erinacea a liver-specific Oatp (Oatp1d1, also called sOatp) has been identified and suggested to represent an evolutionarily ancient precursor of the mammalian liver OATP1B1 (human), Oatp1b2 (rat), and OATP1B3 (human). The present study tested whether Oatp1d1 shares functional transport activity of the xenobiotic oligopeptide toxins phalloidin and microcystin with the mammalian liver Oatps/OATPs. The phalloidin analogue [(3)H]-demethylphalloin was taken up into skate hepatocytes with high affinity (Km approximately 0.4 microM), and uptake could be inhibited by phalloidin and a variety of typical Oatp/OATP substrates such as bromosulfophthalein, bile salts, estrone-3-sulfate, cyclosporine A and high concentrations of microcystin-LR (Ki approximately 150 microM). When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes Oatp1d1 increased uptake of demethylphalloin (Km approximately 2.2 microM) and microcystin-LR (Km approximately 27 microM) 2- to 3-fold over water-injected oocytes, whereas the alternative skate liver organic anion transporter, the dimeric Ostalpha/beta, exhibited no phalloidin and only minor microcystin-LR transport. Also, the closest mammalian Oatp1d1 orthologue, the human brain and testis OATP1C1, did not show any phalloidin transport activity. These results demonstrate that the evolutionarily ancient Oatp1d1 is able to mediate uptake of cyclic oligopeptide toxins into skate liver. The findings support the notion that Oatp1d1 is a precursor of the liver-specific mammalian Oatps/OATPs and that its transport properties are closely associated with certain forms of toxic liver injury such as for example protein phosphatase inhibition by the water-borne toxin microcystin.

Rat hepatocyte engraftment in severe combined immunodeficient x beige mice using mouse-specific anti-fas antibody

BACKGROUND

Hepatocyte transplantation holds promise as a treatment for acute and chronic liver failure; however, robust model systems needed to study xenogeneic hepatocyte transfer are lacking. Severe combined immunodeficient x beige (SCID/bg) hybrid mice readily accept foreign tissue. Repopulation of C.B-17 SCID/bg mouse liver with rat hepatocytes was studied following induction of mouse hepatocyte apoptosis using an anti-mouse agonistic fas monoclonal antibody (Jo2 mAb) that does not engage xenogeneic fas.

METHODS

SCID/bg mice were transplanted with 1 x 10(6) fresh adult rat hepatocytes intrasplenically and treated with various doses, routes and frequencies of Jo2 mAb. Rat cell repopulation was characterized by quantitative immunofluorescent antibody (q-IFA) staining specific for rat dipeptidyl peptidase type IV (DPP-IV) and leucine amino peptidase, amplification of rat genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction and histopathological and serum biochemistry analyses.

RESULTS

Analysis of liver sections from mice treated twice weekly for 12 weeks with 0.4 mg/kg Jo2 mAb intraperitoneally consistently demonstrated >50% rat hepatocytes in the parenchymal mass by q-IFA. Rat hepatocyte engraftment protected mice from Jo2 mAb-mediated liver hemorrhage and hepatocyte apoptosis. Serum liver enzyme levels did not increase in Jo2 mAb-treated mice that were highly engrafted with rat hepatocytes, in contrast to matched non-engrafted mice. At 12 weeks post-engraftment, minimal fibrosis and inflammation were apparent and liver architecture had returned to near normal. Jo2 mAb did not induce histopathological abnormalities in other tissues known to express fas antigen (i.e. heart, lung).

CONCLUSIONS

This novel model represents a simple and robust system of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation that could be applied to studies of liver biology, regeneration and hepatocyte transplantation.

The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD): a resource for comparative toxicological studies

The etiology of most chronic diseases involves interactions between environmental factors and genes that modulate important biological processes (Olden and Wilson, 2000. Nat Rev Genet 1(2):149-153). We are developing the publicly available Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) to promote understanding about the effects of environmental chemicals on human health. CTD identifies interactions between chemicals and genes and facilitates cross-species comparative studies of these genes. The use of diverse animal models and cross-species comparative sequence studies has been critical for understanding basic physiological mechanisms and gene and protein functions. Similarly, these approaches will be valuable for exploring the molecular mechanisms of action of environmental chemicals and the genetic basis of differential susceptibility.

(N)-methanocarba-2MeSADP (MRS2365) is a subtype-specific agonist that induces rapid desensitization of the P2Y1 receptor of human platelets

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) initiates and maintains sustained aggregation of platelets through simultaneous activation of both the Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor and the Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor. We recently described the synthesis and P2Y1 receptor-specific agonist activity of (N)-methanocarba-2MeSADP (MRS2365). Consequences of selective activation of the P2Y1 receptor by MRS2365 have been further examined in human platelets. Whereas MRS2365 alone only induced shape change, addition of MRS2365 following epinephrine treatment, which activates the Gi/z-linked, alpha2A-adrenergic receptor, resulted in sustained aggregation that was indistinguishable from that observed with ADP. Conversely, the platelet shape change promoted by ADP in the presence of the GPIIb/IIIa antagonist eptifibatide was similar to that promoted by MRS2365. Preaddition of the high affinity P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2500 inhibited the effect of MRS2365, whereas addition of MRS2500 subsequent to MRS2365 reversed the MRS2365-induced shape change. Preactivation of the P2Y1 receptor with MRS2365 for 2 min resulted in marked loss of capacity of ADP to induce aggregation as evidenced by a greater than 20-fold rightward shift in the concentration effect curve of ADP. This inhibitory effect of P2Y1 receptor activation was dependent on the concentration of MRS2365 (EC50 = 34 nm). The inhibitory effect of preincubation with MRS2365 was circumvented by activation of the Gq-coupled 5-HT2A receptor suggesting that MRS2365 induces loss of the ADP response as a consequence of desensitization of the Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor. The time course of MRS2365-induced loss of aggregation response to epinephrine was similar to that observed with ADP. These results further demonstrate the P2Y1 receptor selectivity of MRS2365 and illustrate the occurrence of agonist-induced desensitization of the P2Y1 receptor of human platelets studied in the absence of P2Y12 receptor activation .

Adaptive regulation of bile salt transporters in kidney and liver in obstructive cholestasis in the rat

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cholestasis results in adaptive regulation of bile salt transport proteins in hepatocytes that may limit liver injury. However, it is not known if changes also occur in the expression of bile salt transporters that reside in extrahepatic tissues, particularly the kidney, which might facilitate bile salt excretion during obstructive cholestasis.

METHODS

RNA and protein were isolated from liver and kidney 14 days after common bile duct ligation in rats and assessed by RNA protection assays, Western analysis, and tissue immunofluorescence. Sodium-dependent bile salt transport was also measured in brush border membrane vesicles from the kidney.

RESULTS

After common bile duct ligation, serum bile salts initially rose and then declined to lower levels after 3 days. In contrast, urinary bile salt excretion rose progressively over the 2-week period. By that time, the ileal sodium-dependent bile salt transporter messenger RNA and protein expression in total liver had increased to 300% and 200% of controls, respectively, while falling to 46% and 37% of controls, respectively, in the kidney. Sodium-dependent uptake of (3)H-taurocholate in renal brush border membrane vesicles was decreased. In contrast, the multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 expression in the kidney was increased 2-fold, even 1 day after ligation. Immunofluorescent studies confirmed the changes in the expression of these transporters in liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that the molecular expression of bile salt transporters in the kidney and cholangiocytes undergo adaptive regulation after common bile duct obstruction in the rat. These responses may facilitate extrahepatic pathways for bile salt excretion during cholestasis.

Structurally related nucleotides as selective agonists and antagonists at P2Y1 receptors

The P2Y1 receptor responds to adenine nucleotides and is present in platelets, heart, smooth muscles prostate, ovary, and brain. A selective antagonist may be useful as an antithrombotic agent. We have analyzed the binding site of this G protein-coupled receptor using ligand design, site-directed mutagenesis, and homology modeling based on rhodopsin. We have designed and synthesized a series of deoxyadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate derivatives that act as antagonists, or, in some cases with small structural changes, as agonists or partial agonists. The 2-position accommodates Cl or thioethers, whereas the N6-position is limited to Me or Et. 2'-Substitution with OH or OMe increases agonist efficacy over 2'-H. Using molecular modeling of the binding site, the oxygen atoms of the ribose moiety were predicted to be non-essential, i.e. no specific H-bonds with the receptor protein appear in the model. We have, therefore, substituted this moiety with carbocylics, smaller and larger rings, conformationally constrained rings, and acyclics, with retention of affinity for the receptor. With simplified pharmacophores we are exploring the steric and electronic requirements of the receptor binding site, and the structural basis of receptor activation.

Bile salt export pump is highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and its expression is inhibited by PFIC type II mutations

Bile secretion is a fundamental function of the liver of all vertebrates and is generated by ATP-dependent transport proteins at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes, particularly by the bile salt export pump BSEP. To determine the evolutionary origin and structure-function relationship of this transport mechanism, a liver cDNA library from the marine skate Raja erinacea, a 200 million-year-old vertebrate, was screened for BSEP orthologues. A full-length clone was isolated that encodes for 1,348 amino acids and shares 68.5% identity to human BSEP. Northern blot analysis revealed a 5-kb transcript only in skate liver. Expression of skate Bsep in Sf9 cells demonstrated a sixfold stimulation of ATP-dependent taurocholate transport compared with controls, with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 15 microM, which is comparable to rat Bsep. Sequences at the site of published mutations in human BSEP are also conserved in skate Bsep. When two of these mutations were introduced into the skate Bsep cDNA, this resulted in defective expression of the mutant proteins in Sf9 cells. These studies demonstrate that Bsep is a liver-specific ATP-dependent export pump that is highly conserved throughout evolution and provide insights into critical determinants for the function of this transporter in higher vertebrates.

Cl(-)-dependent secretory mechanisms in isolated rat bile duct epithelial units

Cholangiocytes absorb and secrete fluid, modifying primary canalicular bile. In several Cl(-)-secreting epithelia, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport is a basolateral Cl(-) uptake pathway facilitating apical Cl(-) secretion. To determine if cholangiocytes possess similar mechanisms independent of CO2/HCO, we assessed Cl(-)-dependent secretion in rat liver isolated polarized bile duct units (IBDUs) by using videomicroscopy. Without CO2/HCO, forskolin (FSK) stimulated secretion entirely dependent on Na(+) and Cl(-) and inhibited by Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) inhibitor bumetanide. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide had no effect on FSK-stimulated secretion, indicating negligible endogenous CO2/HCO transport. In contrast, FSK-stimulated secretion was inhibited approximately 85% by K(+) channel inhibitor Ba(2+) and blocked completely by bumetanide plus Ba(2+). IBDU Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport activity was assessed by recording intracellular pH during NH4Cl exposure. Bumetanide inhibited initial acidification rates due to NH entry in the presence and absence of CO2/HCO. In contrast, when stimulated by FSK, a 35% increase in Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport activity occurred without CO2/HCO. These data suggest a cellular model of HCO-independent secretion in which Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport maintains high intracellular Cl(-) concentration. Intracellular cAMP concentration increases activate basolateral K(+) conductance, raises apical Cl(-) permeability, and causes transcellular Cl(-) movement into the lumen. Polarized IBDU cholangiocytes are capable of vectorial Cl(-)-dependent fluid secretion independent of HCO. Bumetanide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, Cl(-)/HCO exchange, and Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels are important components of stimulated fluid secretion in intrahepatic bile duct epithelium.

Expression cloning of two genes that together mediate organic solute and steroid transport in the liver of a marine vertebrate

Uptake of organic solutes and xenobiotics by mammalian cells is mediated by ATP-independent transporters, and four families of transporters have now been identified. To search for novel organic solute transporters, a liver cDNA library from an evolutionarily primitive marine vertebrate, the little skate Raja erinacea, was screened for taurocholate transport activity by using Xenopus laevis oocytes. In contrast to the organic anion transporters identified to date, a transport activity was identified in this library that required the coexpression of two distinct gene products, termed organic solute transporter alpha and beta (Ostalpha, Ostbeta). Ostalpha cDNA encodes for a protein of 352 aa and seven putative transmembrane (TM) domains. Ostbeta contains 182 aa and has at least one and perhaps two TM domains. There is no significant sequence identity between Ostalpha and Ostbeta, and only low identity with sequences in the databases; however, Ostalpha bears a resemblance to some G protein-coupled receptors, and Ostbeta exhibits 22% amino acid identity with the C-terminal TM and intracellular domains of protocadherin-gamma, a cell surface glycoprotein. Xenopus oocytes injected with the cRNA for both Ostalpha and Ostbeta, but not each separately, were able to take up taurocholate, estrone sulfate, digoxin, and prostaglandin E(2), but not p-aminohippurate or S-dinitrophenyl glutathione. Transport was sodium-independent, saturable, and inhibited by organic anions and steroids, including the major skate bile salt, scymnol sulfate. These results identify an organic anion transporter composed of a putative seven-helix TM protein and an ancillary membrane polypeptide.

Cholestatic syndromes

New insights into the regulation of hepatobiliary transport proteins have provided the basis for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver diseases. Mutations of transporter genes can cause hereditary cholestatic syndromes, the study of which has shed much light on the basic mechanisms of bile secretion and cholestasis. Important new studies have been published about the pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholestasis of pregnancy, total parenteral nutrition-induced cholestasis, and drug-induced cholestasis.

Cellular localization and up-regulation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes during obstructive cholestasis in rat liver

The hepatic expression of the ATP-dependent conjugate export pump multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) is diminished in experimentally induced models of cholestasis. In this study we have examined the localization and expression of Mrp3, another member of the multidrug resistance-associated protein family, in normal liver and after obstructive cholestasis in the rat. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to determine the tissue localization and Western blot analysis was performed to quantitate the expression. In normal rat liver Mrp3 was found on the basolateral membrane of cholangiocytes and a single layer of hepatocytes surrounding the central vein. Three and 7 days after bile duct ligation Mrp3 expression was significantly increased, predominantly in hepatocytes in the pericentral region. By 14 days all hepatocytes showed basolateral membrane labeling for Mrp3 at a time when apical Mrp2 staining was significantly diminished. Proliferating bile ducts continued to stain positive, although the intensity of staining did not seem to vary. After 14 days Western blot quantitation showed that Mrp3 had increased approximately 30-fold in total liver membranes. Quantitation of Mrp3 in membranes from isolated hepatocytes of livers of sham and common bile duct-ligated (CBDL) animals showed a significant up-regulation beginning at 1 day and continuing to increase through 14 days postligation. This was in contrast to the progressive decrease in Mrp2 protein. Because Mrp3 is capable of transporting toxic bile acids, up-regulation of Mrp3 may compensate for the down-regulation of Mrp2 in obstructive cholestasis.

Molecular alterations in hepatocyte transport mechanisms in acquired cholestatic liver disorders

Recent advances in the molecular cloning of membrane transport systems that determine bile formation have facilitated studies of the molecular mechanisms of cholestatic liver disease. The present review summarizes what has been learned about the molecular alterations of these membrane transporters in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in acquired cholestatic liver disorders. Much of this information has been obtained from the study of animal models of cholestasis and from more limited studies in clinical cholestatic liver diseases. Many of these responses may be interpreted as adaptations that serve to diminish cholestatic liver injury.

Role of sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform NHE3 in fluid secretion and absorption in mouse and rat cholangiocytes

Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) isoforms play important roles in intracellular pH regulation and in fluid absorption. The isoform NHE3 has been localized to apical surfaces of epithelia and in some tissues may facilitate the absorption of NaCl. To determine whether the apical isoform NHE3 is present in cholangiocytes and to examine whether it has a functional role in cholangiocyte fluid secretion and absorption, immunocytochemical studies were performed in rat liver with NHE3 antibodies and functional studies were obtained in isolated bile duct units from wild-type and NHE3-/- mice after stimulation with forskolin, using videomicroscopic techniques. Our results indicate that NHE3 protein is present on the apical membranes of rat cholangiocytes and on the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. Western blots also detect NHE3 protein in rat cholangiocytes and isolated canalicular membranes. After stimulation with forskolin, duct units from NHE3-/- mice fail to absorb the secreted fluid from the cholangiocyte lumen compared with control animals. Similar findings were observed in isolated bile duct units from wild-type mice and rats in the presence of the Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride. In contrast, we could not demonstrate absorption of fluid from the canalicular lumen of mouse or rat hepatocyte couplets after stimulation of secretion with forskolin. These findings indicate that NHE3 is located on the apical membrane of rat cholangiocytes and that this NHE isoform can function to absorb fluid from the lumens of isolated rat and mouse cholangiocyte preparations.

Isolation of functional polarized bile duct units from mouse liver

The development of genetically altered murine animals has generated a need for in vitro systems in the mouse. We have now characterized a novel isolated bile duct unit (IBDU) preparation from the mouse to facilitate such studies. The mouse IBDU is isolated by portal perfusion of collagenase, blunt dissection, further enzymatic digestions, filtering through sized mesh, and culturing on Matrigel for 16-72 h. This mouse IBDU forms a central, enclosed lumen lined by polarized cytokeratin-19-positive cholangiocytes with numerous microvilli on the apical membrane. The IBDU responds to secretory stimuli, including secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, IBMX, and forskolin, resulting in expansion of the central lumen from secretion as quantified by videomicroscopy. The secretory response to secretin is dependent on Cl- and HCO3-in the perfusate. These findings indicate that mouse IBDUs are intact, polarized, functional bile duct secretory units that permit quantitative measurements of fluid secretion from mouse bile duct epithelium for the first time. This method should facilitate studies of cholangiocyte secretion in genetically altered murine animal models.

Induction of murine hepatocyte death by membrane-bound CD95 (Fas/APO-1)-ligand: characterization of an in vitro system

Hepatocytes constitutively express CD95 (also called Fas/APO-1) and are therefore potential targets for CD95-ligand (CD95L)-mediated injury. To study this mechanism of cell death in hepatocytes we developed an in vitro model of liver cell apoptosis using membrane-bound CD95L as the inducing agent. Primary mouse hepatocytes were cocultured with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, stably transfected with mouse CD95L (F(CD95L+)). Fibroblasts stably transfected with vector only (F(CD95L-)) served as controls. Hepatocytes from mice expressing low levels of CD95 (Fas(lpr) mice) served as controls for effects unrelated to CD95. Morphologic and biochemical studies indicate that CD95 is expressed in cultured mouse hepatocytes. Membrane-bound CD95 from transfected fibroblasts destroyed all cocultured hepatocytes within 24 hours in the absence of protein synthesis inhibitors. Characteristic features of apoptosis were observed in dying hepatocytes and occurred in the following sequence: formation of cytoplasmic blebs and nuclear condensation after 3 hours; nuclear fragmentation and DNA strand breaks after 4 hours. These changes were observed only when normal hepatocytes were cocultured with F(CD95L+) and were not observed with F(CD95L-) or in hepatocytes from Fas(lpr) mice. Anti-CD95 antibody (Jo2) evoked similar changes in hepatocytes, although to a much lesser extent. We conclude that coculture of mouse hepatocytes with F(CD95L+) is a useful in vitro model for CD95-mediated apoptosis induced by CD95L. The high incidence of apoptosis caused by membrane-bound CD95L differs from the much smaller effects induced by the Jo2 antibody. In view of the high sensitivity of hepatocytes towards CD95L we speculate that CD95L-induced liver damage in vivo may be minimized by restricting exposure of hepatocytes to CD95L.

Molecular identification and functional characterization of Mdr1a in rat cholangiocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein 170 gene products (mdr1a and 1b) are glycosylated plasma membrane proteins that function as adenosine triphosphate-dependent transmembrane export pumps for lipophilic xenobiotics of widely different structure. We assessed whether these P-glycoproteins are functionally expressed in cholangiocytes.

METHODS

A reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on RNA from a normal rat cholangiocyte cell line using mdr1-specific primers. Northern and Western blot analyses were performed on cholangiocytes immunoisolated from 2-week bile duct-ligated rats and cholangiocytes and isolated cholangiocyte membrane subfractions, respectively. Functional assays were performed in isolated bile duct units from bile duct-ligated rats and incubated with rhodamine 123, a P-glycoprotein substrate, with or without the P-glycoprotein inhibitors verapamil or GF120918.

RESULTS

A 400-base pair fragment with 99% homology to the cytosolic domain of rat intestinal mdr1a (5' 1953-2350 3') was identified that hybridized to a 5.2-kilobase RNA transcript in a normal rat cholangiocyte cell line, isolated rat cholangiocytes, and ileum. Western analysis localized mdr1 to the apical membrane of cholangiocytes. Confocal microscopy showed active secretion of rhodamine 123 into the lumen of isolated bile duct units that was abolished by vanadate and P-glycoprotein competitive antagonists, verapamil and GF120918, in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the first molecular and functional evidence for the expression of mdr1a on the luminal membrane of cholangiocytes, where it may have a protective role.

A primitive ATP receptor from the little skate Raja erinacea

P2Y ATP receptors are widely expressed in mammalian tissues and regulate a broad range of activities. Multiple subtypes of P2Y receptors have been identified and are distinguished both on a molecular basis and by pharmacologic substrate preference. Functional evidence suggests that hepatocytes from the little skate Raja erinacea express a primitive P2Y ATP receptor lacking pharmacologic selectivity, so we cloned and characterized this receptor. Skate hepatocyte cDNA was amplified with degenerate oligonucleotide probes designed to identify known P2Y subtypes. A single polymerase chain reaction product was found and used to screen a skate liver cDNA library. A 2314-base pair cDNA clone was generated that contained a 1074-base pair open reading frame encoding a 357-amino acid gene product with 61-64% similarity to P2Y(1) receptors and 21-37% similarity to other P2Y receptor subtypes. Pharmacology of the putative P2Y receptor was examined using the Xenopus oocyte expression system and revealed activation by a range of nucleotides. The receptor was expressed widely in skate tissue and was expressed to a similar extent in other primitive organisms. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this receptor is closely related to a common ancestor of the P2Y subtypes found in mammals, avians, and amphibians. Thus, the skate liver P2Y receptor functions as a primitive P2Y ATP receptor with broad pharmacologic selectivity and is related to the evolutionary forerunner of P2Y(1) receptors of higher organisms. This novel receptor should provide an effective comparative model for P2Y receptor pharmacology and may improve our understanding of nucleotide specificity among the family of P2Y ATP receptors.

ATP-dependent GSH and glutathione S-conjugate transport in skate liver: role of an Mrp functional homologue

Multidrug resistance-associated proteins 1 and 2 (Mrp1 and Mrp2) are thought to mediate low-affinity ATP-dependent transport of reduced glutathione (GSH), but there is as yet no direct evidence for this hypothesis. The present study examined whether livers from the little skate (Raja erinacea) express an Mrp2 homologue and whether skate liver membrane vesicles exhibit ATP-dependent GSH transport activity. Antibodies directed against mammalian Mrp2-specific epitopes labeled a 180-kDa protein band in skate liver plasma membranes and stained canaliculi by immunofluorescence, indicating that skate livers express a homologous protein. Functional assays of Mrp transport activity were carried out using (3)H-labeled S-dinitrophenyl-glutathione (DNP-SG). DNP-SG was accumulated in skate liver membrane vesicles by both ATP-dependent and ATP-independent mechanisms. ATP-dependent DNP-SG uptake was of relatively high affinity [Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) = 32 +/- 9 microM] and was cis-inhibited by known substrates of Mrp2 and by GSH. Interestingly, ATP-dependent transport of (3)H-labeled S-ethylglutathione and (3)H-labeled GSH was also detected in the vesicles. ATP-dependent GSH transport was mediated by a low-affinity pathway (K(m) = 12 +/- 2 mM) that was cis-inhibited by substrates of the Mrp2 transporter but was not affected by membrane potential or pH gradient uncouplers. These results provide the first direct evidence for ATP-dependent transport of GSH in liver membrane vesicles and support the hypothesis that GSH efflux from mammalian cells is mediated by members of the Mrp family of proteins.

2-Thioether-5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate)-adenosine derivatives: new insulin secretagogues acting through P2Y-receptors

P2-receptors (P2-Rs) represent significant targets for novel drug development. P2-Rs were identified also on pancreatic B cells and are involved in insulin secretion. The aim of our study was to synthesize and evaluate pharmacologically the novel P2Y-R ligands, 2-thioether-5'-O-phosphorothioate adenosine derivatives, as potential insulin secretagogues. An efficient synthesis of these nucleosides and a facile method for separation of the chiral products is described. The enzymatic stability of the compounds towards pig-pancreas NTPDase was evaluated. The rate of hydrolysis of 2-hexylthio-5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate)-adenosine (2-hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S) isomers by NTPDase was 28% that of ATP. The apparent affinity of the compounds to P2Y1-R was determined by measurement of P2Y-receptor-promoted phospholipase C activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes. 2-RS-ATP-alpha-S derivatives were agonists, stimulating the production of inositol phosphates with K0.5 values in the nM range. 2-RS-AMP-S derivatives were full agonists although 2 orders of magnitude less potent. All the compounds were more potent than ATP. The effect on insulin secretion and pancreatic flow rate was evaluated on isolated and perfused rat pancreas. A high increase, up to 500%, in glucose-induced insulin secretion was due to addition of 2-hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S in the nM concentration range, which represents 100-fold enhancement of activity relative to ATP. 2-Hexylthio-AMP-S was 2.5 orders of magnitude less effective. A high chemical hydrolytic stability was observed for 2-hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S. Hydrolysis of the phosphoester bond, which was the only detectable degrading reaction under the investigation conditions (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C), was slow, with a half-life of 264 hours. Moreover, even at gastric juice conditions (pH 1.4, 37 degrees C), hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate was the only detectable reaction, with a half-life of 17.5 hours. 2-Hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S isomers are enzymatically and chemically stable. These isomers are highly potent and effective insulin secretagogues, increasing, however, pancreatic vascular resistance.

Genetic analysis of a potential zinc-binding domain of the adenovirus E4 34k protein

E4 34k, the product of adenovirus early region 4 (E4) open reading frame 6, modulates viral late gene expression, viral DNA replication, apoptosis, double strand break repair, and transformation through multiple interactions with components in infected and transformed cells. Conservation of several cysteine and histidine residues among E4 34k sequences from a variety of adenovirus serotypes suggests the presence of a zinc binding domain important for function. Consistent with the hypothesis that E4 34k is a zinc metalloprotein, zinc binding by baculovirus-expressed E4 34k protein was demonstrated in a zinc blotting assay. To investigate the relationship between the potential zinc-binding region and E4 34k function, a series of mutant genes containing single amino acid substitutions at each of the conserved cysteine and histidine residues in E4 34k were constructed. The mutant proteins were examined for the ability to complement the late protein synthetic defect of an E4 deletion mutant, to physically interact with the viral E1b 55-kDa protein (E1b 55k) and cellular p53 protein, to relocalize E1b 55k, and to destabilize the p53 protein. These analyses identified a subset of cysteine and histidine residues required for stimulation of late gene expression, physical interaction with E1b 55k, and p53 destabilization. These data suggest that a zinc-binding domain participates in the formation of the E4 34k-E1b 55k physical complex and that the complex is required in late gene expression and for p53 destabilization.

Cholestatic syndromes

Continued advances in the field of liver cell biology and molecular biology have provided further insights into the normal physiology of bile secretion and the pathogenesis and therapy for cholestatic syndromes. Important new data have also been published about pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, drug-induced cholestasis, and cholestatic syndromes caused by viral infections.

Integrins regulate the linkage between upstream and downstream events in G protein-coupled receptor signaling to mitogen-activated protein kinase

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can both activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a critical intermediate in the transduction of proliferative signals. Numerous observations have demonstrated that integrin-mediated cell anchorage can regulate the efficiency of signaling from RTKs to MAPK. Recently, a relationship between integrins and GPCR signaling has also emerged; however, little is understood concerning the mechanisms involved. Here, we investigate integrin regulation of GPCR signaling to MAPK, focusing on the P2Y class of GPCRs that function through activation of phospholipase Cbeta. P2Y receptor signaling to the downstream components mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and MAPK is highly dependent on integrin-mediated cell anchorage. However, activation of upstream events, including inositol phosphate production and generation of calcium transients, is completely independent of cell anchorage. This indicates that integrins regulate the linkage between upstream and downstream events in this GPCR pathway, just as they do in some aspects of RTK signaling. However, the P2Y pathway does not involve cross-activation of a RTK, nor a role for Shc or c-Raf; thus, it is quite distinct from the classical RTK-Ras-Raf-MAPK cascade. Rather, integrin-modulated P2Y receptor stimulation of MAPK depends on calcium and on the activation of protein kinase C.

A molecularly identified P2Y receptor simultaneously activates phospholipase C and inhibits adenylyl cyclase and is nonselectively activated by all nucleoside triphosphates

We recently cloned and expressed a novel P2Y receptor (tp2y receptor) from a turkey cDNA library. Expression of this receptor in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells confers nucleotide-dependent stimulation of phospholipase C activity; however, as we demonstrate here, it also confers nucleotide-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Both the phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase responses were promoted by receptor agonists over a similar range of concentrations. Moreover, not only did UTP and ATP activate the avian receptor but ITP, GTP, xanthosine 5'-triphosphate, and CTP were also agonists, with EC(50) values ranging between 0.1 and 1 microM. Similar potencies, rank-order, and selectivity of nucleotide agonists were also demonstrated for intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization measured during a 30-s stimulation under constant superfusion conditions. This observation indicates that receptor activation by nucleoside 5'-triphosphates is not produced by interconversion of these nucleotides into ATP or UTP. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin completely abolished the inhibitory effect of nucleotide agonists on adenylyl cyclase, whereas the activation of phospholipase C was only partially inhibited. These results demonstrate that the avian P2Y receptor is a nucleoside triphosphate receptor of broad agonist selectivity that interacts with both pertussis toxin-insensitive and -sensitive G proteins to activate phospholipase C and to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This is the first cloned P2Y receptor that is clearly Gi/adenylyl cyclase-linked.

Bile salt excretion in skate liver is mediated by a functional analog of Bsep/Spgp, the bile salt export pump

Biliary secretion of bile salts in mammals is mediated in part by the liver-specific ATP-dependent canalicular membrane protein Bsep/Spgp, a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. We examined whether a similar transport activity exists in the liver of the evolutionarily primitive marine fish Raja erinacea, the little skate, which synthesizes mainly sulfated bile alcohols rather than bile salts. Western blot analysis of skate liver plasma membranes using antiserum raised against rat liver Bsep/Spgp demonstrated a dominant protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 210 kDa, a size larger than that in rat liver canalicular membranes, approximately 160 kDa. Immunofluorescent localization with anti-Bsep/Spgp in isolated, polarized skate hepatocyte clusters revealed positive staining of the bile canaliculi, consistent with its selective apical localization in mammalian liver. Functional characterization of putative ATP-dependent canalicular bile salt transport activity was assessed in skate liver plasma membrane vesicles, with [(3)H]taurocholate as the substrate. [(3)H]taurocholate uptake into the vesicles was mediated by ATP-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The ATP-dependent component was saturable, with a Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) for taurocholate of 40+/-7 microM and a K(m) for ATP of 0.6+/-0.1 mM, and was competitively inhibited by scymnol sulfate (inhibition constant of 23 microM), the major bile salt in skate bile. ATP-dependent uptake of taurocholate into vesicles was inhibited by known substrates and inhibitors of Bsep/Spgp, including other bile salts and bile salt derivatives, but not by inhibitors of the multidrug resistance protein-1 or the canalicular multidrug resistance-associated protein, indicating a distinct transport mechanism. These findings provide functional and structural evidence for a Bsep/Spgp-like protein in the canalicular membrane of the skate liver. This transporter is expressed early in vertebrate evolution and transports both bile salts and bile alcohols.

Expression of the bile salt export pump is maintained after chronic cholestasis in the rat

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study assessed the expression of the recently identified adenosine triphosphate-dependent bile salt export pump and the functional ability to excrete bile salts in cholestatic models in the rat.

METHODS

The effects of common bile duct ligation, endotoxin, and ethinylestradiol on bile salt export pump messenger RNA levels, protein expression, and tissue localization were determined. Changes in the expression of 3 other hepatocyte membrane transporters (Na(+) taurocholate cotransporter, multispecific organic anion transporter, and P-glycoprotein) were also determined for comparison. Functional assessment of bile salt excretion was determined after bile duct ligation.

RESULTS

Expression of the bile salt export pump was diminished but relatively preserved compared with other membrane transporters. Tissue localization of the bile salt export pump persisted at the canalicular domain in all 3 models. In contrast, expressions of the Na(+) taurocholate cotransporter and multispecific organic anion transporter were more profoundly diminished. P-glycoprotein levels increased severalfold with common bile duct ligation but were unchanged with either endotoxin or ethinylestradiol. The capacity to excrete bile salts was relatively maintained 3 and even 14 days after bile duct ligation.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations in expression of the bile salt export pump may account for the functional alterations of bile salt secretion observed in cholestasis. However, relative preservation of expression is associated with persistent bile salt excretion and may lessen the extent of liver injury produced by bile salt retention.

Molecular recognition of modified adenine nucleotides by the P2Y(1)-receptor. 1. A synthetic, biochemical, and NMR approach

The remarkably high potencies of 2-thioether-adenine nucleotides regarding the activation of the P2Y(1)-receptor (P2Y(1)-R) in turkey erythrocyte membranes represent some of the largest substitution-promoted increases in potencies over that of a natural receptor ligand. This paper describes the investigation regarding the origin of the high potency of these P2Y(1)-R ligands over that of ATP. For this study, an integrated approach was employed combining the synthesis of new ATP analogues, their biochemical evaluation, and their SAR analysis involving NMR experiments and theoretical calculations. These experiments and calculations were performed to elucidate the conformation and to evaluate the electronic nature of the investigated P2Y(1)-R ligands. ATP analogues synthesized included derivatives where C2 or C8 positions were substituted with electron-donating groups such as ethers, thioethers, or amines. The compounds were tested for their potency to induce P2Y(1)-R-mediated activation of phospholipase C in turkey erythrocytes and Ca(2+) response in rat astrocytes. 8-Substituted ATP and AMP derivatives had little or no effect on phospholipase C or on calcium levels, whereas the corresponding 2-substituted ATP analogues potently increased the levels of inositol phosphates and ¿Ca(2+)(i). AMP analogues were ineffective except for 2-butylthio-AMP which induced a small Ca(2+) response. P2Y(1)-R activity of these compounds was demonstrated by testing these ligands also on NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. NMR data together with theoretical calculations imply that steric, rather than electronic, effects play a major role in ligand binding to the P2Y(1)-R. Hydrophobic interactions and H-bonds of the C2 substituent appear to be important determinants of a P2Y(1)-R ligand affinity.

Hepatic toxicity and persistence of ser/thr protein phosphatase inhibition by microcystin in the little skate Raja erinacea

Microcystin-induced ser/thr protein phosphatase (PP) inhibition and toxicity were examined in the little skate (Raja erinacea), an evolutionarily primitive marine vertebrate. As in mammals, PP inhibition and toxicity were exclusively hepatocellular, but were much more persistent in the skate. A dose of 63 microg/kg given iv to adult male skates resulted in the near complete inhibition of hepatic PP activity at 24 h. PP activity was still 95% inhibited 7 days after dosing in skates given 125 microg/kg microcystin. Mortality occurred at doses of 500 microg/kg or more. Hepatic lesions were only seen in animals with fully inhibited PP activity in liver. The histological changes seen at 125 microg/kg were mild periportal inflammatory changes increasing in severity together with hepatocyte necrosis at higher doses of microcystin. Microcystin persisted and could be detected in plasma up to 7 days after dosing. This finding shows that, in the skate, as in mammals, the liver is the only organ capable of uptake of microcystin, since there was no significant inhibition of PP activity in the rectal gland and small decreases in PP activity of the kidney that were not time or dose dependent. In vitro microcystin caused dose-dependent inhibition of PP activity in isolated skate hepatocytes, while it was without effect in cultured rectal glands. Uptake of microcystin and the accompanying inhibition of PP activity in skate hepatocytes was prevented by the addition of a series of organic dyes and bile acids. The spectrum of inhibitors of microcystin uptake in skate is similar to that seen in the rat, indicating common features of the carrier(s) in these diverse species.

Ageing of the cardiovascular system during 33 years of aerobic exercise

BACKGROUND

increasing age affects aerobic capacity, with an average loss of 10% or more per decade.

AIM

to determine the effect of ageing on the circulatory system in middle-aged men during 33 years of physical training.

METHODS

15 men initially aged 45 years took part in an exercise training programme for 25-33 years. Nine serial measurements were made at rest and during maximal effort. Aerobic training consisted of swimming, jogging, walking and cycling 3-4 times per week. Sessions were for 61-70 min at 77-84% of heart rate reserve.

RESULTS

there was no change in resting heart rate, blood pressure, percentage fat or body composition. Minimal cardiovascular losses at maximal work included 5.8-6.8% in maximal oxygen uptake per decade, 25 beats in maximum heart rate and 26 beats in heart rate reserve.

CONCLUSION

exercise training has a favourable effect on ageing of the cardiovascular system in older men, resulting in minimal loss of oxygen uptake, no rise in resting blood pressure and no change in body composition.

Carrier-mediated uptake of lucifer yellow in skate and rat hepatocytes: a fluid-phase marker revisited

Uptake of lucifer yellow (LY), a fluorescent disulfonic acid anionic dye, was studied in isolated skate (Raja erinacea) perfused livers and primary hepatocytes to evaluate its utility as a fluid-phase marker in these cells. However, our findings demonstrated that LY is transported across the plasma membrane of skate hepatocytes largely via carrier-mediated mechanisms. Isolated perfused skate livers cleared 50% of the LY from the recirculating perfusate within 1 h of addition of either 22 or 220 microM LY, with only 4.5 and 9% of the LY remaining in the perfusate after 7 h, respectively. Most of the LY was excreted into bile, resulting in high biliary LY concentrations (1 and 10 mM at the two doses, respectively), indicating concentrative transport into bile canalicular lumen. LY uptake by freshly isolated skate hepatocytes was temperature sensitive, exhibited saturation kinetics, and was inhibited by other organic anions. Uptake was mediated by both sodium-dependent [Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)), 125 +/- 57 microM; maximal velocity (V(max)), 1.5 +/- 0.2 pmol. min(-1). mg cells(-1)] and sodium-independent (K(m), 207 +/- 55 microM; V(max), 1.7 +/- 0.2 pmol. min(-1). mg cells(-1)) mechanisms. Both of these uptake mechanisms were inhibited by various organic anions and transport inhibitors, including furosemide, bumetanide, sulfobromophthalein, rose bengal, probenecid, N-ethylmaleimide, taurocholate, and p-aminohippuric acid. Fluorescent imaging techniques showed intracellular vesicular compartmentation of LY in skate hepatocyte clusters. Studies in perfused rat livers also indicated that LY is taken up against a concentration gradient and concentrated in bile. LY uptake in isolated rat hepatocytes was saturable, but only at high concentrations, and demonstrated a K(m) of 3.7 +/- 1.0 mM and a V(max) of 1.75 +/- 0.16 nmol. min(-1). mg wet wt(-1). These results indicate that LY is transported into skate and rat hepatocytes and bile largely by carrier-mediated mechanisms, rather than by fluid-phase endocytosis.

Canalicular export pumps traffic with polymeric immunoglobulin A receptor on the same microtubule-associated vesicle in rat liver

Basolateral to apical vesicular transcytosis in the hepatocyte is an essential pathway for the delivery of compounds from the sinusoidal blood to the bile and to traffic newly synthesized resident apical membrane proteins to their site of function at the canalicular membrane front. To characterize this pathway better, microtubules in a hepatocyte homogenate were polymerized by addition of taxol, and associated membrane-bound vesicles were isolated. This fraction was enriched in polymeric immunoglobulin A receptor and contained apical membrane proteins. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that polymeric immunoglobulin A receptor was localized predominantly on vesicles ranging from 100 to 160 nm and that the multidrug resistance protein 2 and the bile salt export pump co-localized on these vesicles. The minus-ended microtubule motor, dynein, was highly enriched in the fraction, and its intermediate chain could be released effectively by incubation with 1 mM ATP or GTP. However, the association of the transcytotic vesicles with the microtubules was not sensitive to hydrolyzable or non-hydrolyzable nucleotides. This study characterizes a fraction of microtubule-associated vesicles from rat hepatocytes and demonstrates that several resident apical membrane transport proteins and the polymeric immunoglobulin A receptor traffic on the same vesicle.

2-thioether 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate)adenosine derivatives as new insulin secretagogues acting through P2Y-Receptors

P2-Receptors (P2-Rs) represent significant targets for novel drug development. P2-Rs were identified also on pancreatic B cells and are involved in insulin secretion. Therefore, novel P2Y-R ligands, 2-thioether 5'-O-phosphorothioate adenosine derivatives (2-RS-ATP-alpha-S), were synthesized as potential insulin secretagogues. An efficient synthesis of these nucleotides and a facile method for separation of the chiral products are described. The enzymatic stability of the compounds toward pig pancreas type I ATPDase was evaluated. The rate of hydrolysis of 2-hexylthio-5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate)adenosine (2-hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S) isomers by ATPDase was 28% of that of ATP. Some 2-thioether 5'-(monophosphorothioate)adenosine derivatives (2-RS-AMP-S) exerted an inhibitory effect on ATPDase. The apparent affinity of the compounds to P2Y(1)-R was determined by measurement of P2Y-R-promoted phospholipase C activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes. 2-RS-ATP-alpha-S derivatives were agonists, stimulating the production of inositol phosphates with K(0.5) values in the nanomolar range. 2-RS-AMP-S derivatives were full agonists, although 2 orders of magnitude less potent. All the compounds were more potent than ATP. The effect on insulin secretion and pancreatic flow rate was evaluated on isolated and perfused rat pancreas. A high increase, up to 500%, in glucose-induced insulin secretion was due to addition of 2-hexylthio-ATP-alpha-S in the nanomolar concentration range, which represents 100-fold enhancement of activity relative to ATP. 2-Hexylthio-AMP-S was 2.5 orders of magnitude less effective.

The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on the florid duct lesion of primary biliary cirrhosis

The frequency with which florid duct lesions are seen in needle-biopsy specimens of the liver was assessed in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) enrolled in a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) versus placebo. Paired biopsy specimens obtained at entry and after 2 years on medication were reviewed blindly and mostly simultaneously by a panel of 5 hepatopathologists who, earlier, had characterized the florid duct lesion, which has been well described in the pathology literature. Florid duct lesions at entry were identified in approximately 36%. Patients with earlier disease showed florid duct lesions much more frequently than those with more advanced disease. The prevalence of florid duct lesions in 60 patients receiving placebo medication fell from 38.3% to 21.7%, P =. 025, over the period of 2 years. The prevalence of florid duct lesions also decreased in the 55 patients receiving UDCA, from 32.7% to 18.2%, P =.046. The prevalences of these lesions in the placebo and UDCA patients at entry and at 2 years were not significantly different from each other. The findings suggest that UDCA does not prevent ongoing bile duct destruction in patients with PBC. Instead, they support the impression that UDCA exerts its beneficial effects by protecting against the consequences of bile duct destruction.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is a potent regulator of bile secretion from rat cholangiocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide with diverse biological functions including stimulatory effects on bile secretion. The effects of VIP on bile secretion and its site of action were examined.

METHODS

Choleretic effects of VIP were examined using isolated perfused livers, hepatocyte couplets, isolated bile duct units, and cholangiocytes from rat liver.

RESULTS

VIP (100 nmol/L) produced a small increase in bile flow and bile salt output in taurocholate-supplemented isolated perfused livers but had no significant effect on bile flow in the absence of bile salt supplements or on fluid secretion in isolated hepatocyte couplets. In addition, VIP significantly increased bile pH, bicarbonate concentration, and output in the isolated perfused livers from both normal and 2 week bile duct-ligated rats, although bile flow increased only in the bile duct-ligated model. VIP also produced a dose-dependent increase in fluid secretion in isolated bile duct units, which was inhibited significantly by VIP antagonist, a specific VIP receptor inhibitor. This VIP-stimulated secretory response in isolated bile duct units was more potent than those produced by bombesin or secretin. Neither somatostatin nor substance P inhibited the VIP response in isolated bile duct units. In contrast to secretin, VIP had no significant effect on adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels in isolated cholangiocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

VIP is a potent stimulant of fluid and bicarbonate secretion from cholangiocytes via cAMP-independent pathways, suggesting that this neuropeptide plays a major regulatory role in biliary transport and secretion.

Biliary bile acids in primary biliary cirrhosis: effect of ursodeoxycholic acid

Bile acid composition in fasting duodenal bile was assessed at entry and at 2 years in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (10-12 mg/kg/d) taken as a single bedtime dose. Specimens were analyzed by a high-pressure liquid chromatography method that had been validated against gas chromatography. Percent composition in bile (mean +/- SD) for 98 patients at entry for cholic (CA), chenodeoxycholic (CDCA), deoxycholic (DCA), lithocholic (LCA), and ursodeoxycholic (UDCA) acids, respectively, were 57.4 +/- 18.6, 31.5 +/- 15.5, 8.0 +/- 9.3, 0.3 +/- 1.0, and 0.6 +/- 0.9. Values for CA were increased, whereas those for CDCA, DCA, LCA, and UDCA were decreased when compared with values in normal persons. Bile acid composition of the major bile acids did not change after 2 years on placebo medication. By contrast, in patients receiving UDCA for 2 years, bile became enriched with UDCA on average to 40.1%, and significant decreases were noted for CA (to 32.2%) and CDCA (to 19.5%). No change in percent composition was observed for DCA and LCA. Percent composition at entry and changes in composition after 2 years on UDCA were similar in patients with varying severity of PBC. In patients whose bile was not enriched in UDCA (entry and placebo-treated specimens), CA, CDCA, DCA, and the small amount of UDCA found in some of these specimens were conjugated to a greater extent with glycine (52%-64%) than with taurine (36%-48%). Treatment with UDCA caused the proportion of all endogenous bile acids conjugated with glycine to increase to 69% to 78%, while the proportion conjugated with taurine (22%-31%) fell (P <.05). Administered UDCA was also conjugated predominantly with glycine (87%).

Characterization of ion transport mechanisms involved in bombesin-stimulated biliary secretion in rat cholangiocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bombesin is a neuropeptide which stimulates fluid and bicarbonate secretion from cholangiocytes by stimulating Cl-/HCO3- exchange. However, the underlying regulation and interactions of ion transporters and channels mediating this bombesin-stimulated biliary secretion are not well characterized. The aim of the study was to characterize the ion transport processes involved in bombesin-stimulated secretion in polarized cholangiocytes in comparison with those of secretin.

METHODS

Isolated bile duct units (IBDU) were prepared from normal rat liver. Biliary secretion induced by bombesin was measured by quantitative video-microscopy in the presence and absence of inhibitors.

RESULTS

Bombesin-stimulated secretion was inhibited by H2-DIDS, NPPB, BaCl2, TEA, and acetazolamide. However, in contrast to secretin, bombesin-stimulated secretion was not inhibited by disruption of microtubules.

CONCLUSIONS

Bombesin-stimulated biliary secretion is dependent on anion exchangers, Cl- and K+ channels, and carbonic anhydrase but not on microtubules. Bombesin regulates secretion in cholangiocytes by different mechanisms from those established for secretin.

Cholestatic syndromes

Recent advances in cholestatic liver disease have occurred in several areas. Molecular cloning of hepatobiliary transport systems has resulted in the identification of the molecular basis of hereditary and acquired cholestatic syndromes. Apoptosis has been identified as an important mechanism of cholestatic liver injury and bile duct loss. New insights into the pathogenesis of pruritus and fatigue have resulted in new treatment strategies for these debilitating symptoms. Important new studies have been published about pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholestasis of pregnancy, and drug-induced cholestasis.

Modulation of protein kinase C by taurolithocholic acid in isolated rat hepatocytes

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of isoenzymes plays a key role in the regulation of hepatocellular secretion. The hydrophobic and cholestatic bile acid, taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), acts as a potent Ca++ agonist in isolated hepatocytes. However, its effect on PKC isoforms has not been elucidated. Here we investigate the effects of TLCA at low micromolar concentrations on the distribution of PKC isoforms and on membrane-associated PKC activity. The distribution of PKC isoforms was determined in isolated rat hepatocytes in short-term culture using Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. PKC activity was measured radiochemically. TLCA (10 micromol/L) induced selective translocation of epsilon-PKC by 47.9% +/- 20.5% (P <.02 vs. controls; n = 7), but not of alpha-, delta-, and zeta-PKC to the hepatocellular membranes, whereas the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (1 micromol/L) caused translocation of all mobile isoforms, alpha-, delta-, and epsilon-PKC, as shown by immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated selective translocation of epsilon-PKC to the canalicular membranes of isolated rat hepatocyte couplets by TLCA (10 micromol/L), but predominant translocation to intracellular and basolateral membranes by PMA (1 micromol/L). Both TLCA (10 micromol/L) and PMA (1 micromol/L) stimulated membrane-bound PKC activity by 60.5% +/- 45. 8% (P <.05 vs. controls; n = 5) and 72.4% +/- 37.2% (P <.05; n = 5), respectively. TLCA at lower concentrations (5 micromol/L) was less effective. Because activation of epsilon-PKC has been associated with impairment of vesicle-mediated targeting and insertion of membrane proteins in secretory cells, it is attractive to speculate that TLCA reduces bile secretory capacity of the liver cell by activation of epsilon-PKC at the canalicular membrane.

Hepatic sequestration and modulation of the canalicular transport of the organic cation, daunorubicin, in the Rat

In contrast to organic anions, substrates for the canalicular mdr1a and b are usually organic cations and are often sequestered in high concentrations in intracellular acidic compartments. Because many of these compounds are therapeutic agents, we investigated if their sequestration could be regulated. We used isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL), isolated rat hepatocyte couplets (IRHC), and WIF-B cells to study the cellular localization and biliary excretion of the fluorescent cation, daunorubicin (DNR). Despite rapid (within 15 minutes) and efficient (>90%) cellular uptake in the IPRL, only approximately 10% of the dose administered (0.2-20 micromol) was excreted in bile after 85 minutes. Confocal microscopy revealed fluorescence predominantly in vesicles in the pericanalicular region in IPRL, IRHC, and WIF-B cells. Treatment of these cells with chloroquine and bafilomycin A, agents that disrupt the pH gradient across the vesicular membrane, resulted in a loss of vesicular fluorescence, reversible in the case of bafilomycin A. Taurocholate (TC) and dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP), stimulators of transcytotic vesicular transport, increased the biliary recovery of DNR significantly above controls, by 70% and 35%, respectively. The microtubule destabilizer, nocodazole, decreased biliary excretion of DNR. No effect on secretion was noted in TR- mutant rats deficient in mrp2. Coadministration of verapamil, an inhibitor of mdr1, also decreased DNR excretion. While TC and DBcAMP did not affect the fluorescent intensity or pattern of distribution in IRHC, nocodazole resulted in redistribution of DNR to peripheral punctuate structures. These findings suggest that the organic cation, DNR, is largely sequestered in cells such as hepatocytes, yet its excretion can still be modulated.