Kringle domains of human angiostatin. Characterization of the anti-proliferative activity on endothelial cells

Recently we have identified angiostatin, an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor of 38 kDa which specifically blocks the growth of endothelial cells (O'Reilly, M. S., Holmgren, L., Shing, Y., Chen, C. , Rosenthal, R. A., Moses, M., Lane, W. S., Cao, Y., Sage, E. H., and Folkman, J. (1994) Cell 79, 315-328; Folkman, J. (1995) Nat. Med. 1, 27-31). Angiostatin was shown to represent an internal fragment of plasminogen containing the first four kringle structures. We now report on the inhibitory effects of individual or combined kringle structures of angiostatin on capillary endothelial cell proliferation. Recombinant kringle 1 and kringle 3 exhibit potent inhibitory activity with half-maximal concentrations (ED50) of 320 nM and 460 nM, respectively. Also, recombinant kringle 2 displays a significant inhibition, although decreased compared with both kringle 1 and kringle 3. In contrast, kringle 4 is an ineffective inhibitor of basic fibroblast growth factor-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation. Among the tandem kringle arrays, the recombinant kringle 2-3 fragment exerts inhibitory activity similar to kringle 2 alone. However, relative to kringle 2-3, a marked enhancement in inhibition is observed when individual kringle 2 and kringle 3 are added together to endothelial cells. This implies that it is necessary to open the cystine bridge between kringle 2 and kringle 3 to obtain the maximal inhibitory effect of kringle 2-3. An increased (<2-fold) inhibitory activity is observed for the kringle 1-3 fragment (ED50 = 70 nM) compared with kringle 1-4 (ED50 = 135 nM). These data indicate that the anti-proliferative activity of angiostatin on endothelial cells is shared by kringle 1, kringle 2, and kringle 3, but probably not by kringle 4 and that more potent inhibition results when kringle 4 is removed from angiostatin. Thus, in view of the variable lysine affinity of the homologous domains, it would appear that lysine binding capability does not correlate with the relative inhibitory effects of the kringle-containing constructs. However, as we also demonstrate, appropriate folding of kringle structures is essential for angiostatin to maintain its full anti-endothelial activity.

Binding of annexin V to plasma membranes of human spermatozoa: a rapid assay for detection of membrane changes after cryostorage

When the cell membrane is disturbed, phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is translocated from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. This is one of the earliest signs of apoptosis and can be monitored by the calcium-dependent binding of annexin V. Therefore, annexin V-binding, in conjunction with flow cytometry, was used to evaluate the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane after different cryostorage protocols: i.e. 10% (v/v) glycerol; sperm maintenance medium (MM); freezing medium TEST yolk buffer (TYB); or cryostorage without protection (cryoshock). Using a combination of two fluorescent dyes, annexin V and propidium iodide (PI), led to three groups of spermatozoa being identified: (i) viable spermatozoa (annexin V-negative and PI-negative); (ii) dead spermatozoa (annexin V-positive and PI-positive); and (iii) cells with impaired but integer plasma membrane (annexin V-positive and PI-negative). The percentage of vital annexin V-negative spermatozoa increased significantly (P < 0.05) from spermatozoa treated by cryoshock (15.0+/-1.2%) to spermatozoa cryopreserved by TYB (26.6+/-2.2%) via cryopreservation by 10% (v/v) glycerol (19.9+/-1.6%) and by MM (22.2 1.8%) and was associated with the percentage of motile spermatozoa (17.6+/-3.4% by glycerol; 19.6+/-3.7% by MM and 22.6+/-3.9% by TYB; P = 0.0001). Of the spermatozoa, 12-22% were annexin V-positive even though they did not bind to PI, indicating viability before as well as after cryostorage. The percentage of vital annexin V-positive spermatozoa was significantly correlated with different sperm motility parameters (velocity straight linear, r = 0.601, P = 0.018; percentage of linearly motile spermatozoa: r = 0.549, P = 0.034). We, therefore, concluded that annexin V-binding is more sensitive in detecting a deterioration of membrane functions than PI staining, and that a considerable percentage of spermatozoa might have dysfunctional plasma membranes besides dead or moribund cells. Of the cryopreservation protocols tested, TYB yielded the most viable spermatozoa. Therefore, we advocate the use of the annexin V-binding assay for the evaluation of the quality and integrity of spermatozoa.

Cutaneous reactions at sites of herpes zoster scars: an expanded spectrum

Several types of cutaneous lesions have previously been described at the sites of herpes zoster scars. We describe 16 patients with cutaneous lesions which had developed on herpes zoster scars. Biopsies were taken from these lesions, and a polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect the viral genome in paraffin-embedded specimens. Histopathological findings enabled diagnosis of nonspecific granulomatous dermatitis in five patients, granulomatous vasculitis in two patients, lichen sclerosus in two patients, and pseudolymphoma, keloid, sarcoidal granuloma, granuloma annulare, granulomatous folliculitis, lichen planus and cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease, each in one patient. Varicella-zoster virus DNA was not identified in any of the patients. Granulomatous folliculitis, lichen sclerosus and cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease have not previously been described in herpes zoster scars, but they are three new cutaneous reaction patterns that may have developed within these scars. Our investigations indicate that the cutaneous reactions appearing in herpes zoster scars are not due to the persistence of varicella-zoster virus DNA within the lesions.

Prospective evaluation of the peptide-bound collagen type I cross-links N-telopeptide and C-telopeptide in predicting bone metastases status

PURPOSE

The objective assessment of bone metastases is currently based on serial changes in skeletal survey. We performed a prospective study to determine whether a correlation exists between the biochemical markers of bone turnover and x-ray evaluation of bone metastases in patients with or without bisphosphonate therapy, and whether bone markers are influenced by extraskeletal disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with either bone or extraskeletal metastases were consecutively enrolled and World Health Organization response criteria were applied for both bone and extraosseous disease every 3 to 4 months. Serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-AP) and C-telopeptide (ICTP) and urine levels of N-telopeptide (NTX) were measured monthly. The data were analyzed by generalized estimation equation regression.

RESULTS

We studied 97 patients with bone metastases (52 also with extraskeletal metastases) and 26 with extraosseous disease only. Median time on study was 153 days, and 281 objective evaluations (171 in bone) were performed. With bisphosphonates (49 patients receiving pamidronate and three receiving clodronate), percent change from levels without therapy was 47% for NTX (P <.001) and 69% for B-AP (P =.008). With disease progression in bone, percent change from mean levels during stable disease was 152% for NTX (P <.001) and 144% for ICTP (P <.001) regardless of bisphosphonate therapy. NTX had the highest positive predictive value (71%) for the diagnosis of bone metastases progression. Extraskeletal disease had no significant effect on bone markers.

CONCLUSION

Urinary NTX may be a valuable bone marker to assess the antiresorptive effect of bisphosphonate therapy and to evaluate the progression of bone metastases.

Isolation, characterization and amino-acid sequence of gamma-seminoprotein, a glycoprotein from human seminal plasma

gamma-Seminoprotein (gamma-SM), a glycoprotein from human seminal plasma, was isolated in highly purified form by ion-exchange chromatography on a Mono Q column. The main form, fraction M, was homogeneous by PAGE at pH 8.3 and by SDS-PAGE. The complete amino acid sequence of gamma-SM was determined with the aid of fragments generated by cleavages with cyanogen bromide, clostripain, chymotrypsin and Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. The fragments were aligned with overlapping sequences. The single polypeptide chain of gamma-SM contains 237 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 26079. A single N-linked carbohydrate side chain is attached to Asn45. The complex structure of this oligosaccharide has been determined recently [van Halbeek H. et al. (1985) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 131, 507-514]. Sequence comparison with serine proteases shows a high degree of homology, especially with the kallikrein family. The residues in the vicinity of the active site of serine proteases are also highly conserved in gamma-SM, indicating the participation of His41, Asp96 and Ser189 in its active site. gamma-SM hydrolyzed M-casein with a pH optimum at 8.0, but failed to hydrolyze any of the synthetic substrates tested. This proteolytic activity could be inhibited with diisopropylfluorophosphate, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, Zn2+ or Hg2+ ions.

Characterization of kringle domains of angiostatin as antagonists of endothelial cell migration, an important process in angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves endothelial cell proliferation, migration, basement membrane degradation, and neovessel organization. Angiostatin, consisting of four homologous triple-disulfide bridged kringle domains, has previously been shown to exhibit profound inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. It was also demonstrated that angiostatin could suppress the growth of a variety of tumors via the blocking of angiogenesis. The primary aim of our study was to characterize the kringle domains of angiostatin for their inhibitory activities of endothelial cell migration in order to elucidate their contributions to the anti-angiogenic function of angiostatin. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time that the kringles of angiostatin play different roles in inhibiting endothelial cell migration, a crucial process in angiogenesis. Kringle 4, which has only marginal anti-proliferative activity, is among the most potent fragments in inhibiting endothelial cell migration (IC50 of approximately 500 nM). In contrast, kringle 1-3, which is equivalent to angiostatin in inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, manifests only a modest anti-migratory effect. The combination of kringle 1-3 and kringle 4 results in an anti-migratory activity comparable to that of angiostatin. When kringle 1 is removed from kringle 1-3, the resulting kringle 2-3 becomes more potent than kringle 1-3. This implies that kringle 1, although virtually ineffective in inhibiting endothelial cell migration, may influence the conformation of kringle 1-3 to alter its anti-migratory activity. We also show that disruption of the kringle structure by reducing/alkylating agents markedly attenuates the anti-migratory activity of angiostatin, demonstrating the significance of kringle conformation in maintaining the anti-angiogenic activity of angiostatin. Our data suggest that different kringle domains may contribute to the overall anti-angiogenic function of angiostatin by their distinct anti-migratory activities.

Annexin VI participates in the formation of a reversible, membrane-cytoskeleton complex in smooth muscle cells

The plasmalemma of smooth muscle cells is periodically banded. This arrangement ensures efficient transmission of contractile activity, via the firm, actin-anchoring regions, while the more elastic caveolae-containing "hinge" regions facilitate rapid cellular adaptation to changes in cell length. Since cellular mechanics are undoubtedly regulated by components of the membrane and cytoskeleton, we have investigated the potential role played by annexins (a family of phospholipid- and actin-binding, Ca(2+)-regulated proteins) in regulating sarcolemmal organization. Stimulation of smooth muscle cells elicited a relocation of annexin VI from the cytoplasm to the plasmalemma. In smooth, but not in striated muscle extracts, annexins II and VI coprecipitated with actomyosin and the caveolar fraction of the sarcolemma at elevated Ca(2+) concentrations. Recombination of actomyosin, annexins, and caveolar lipids in the presence of Ca(2+) led to formation of a structured precipitate. Participation of all 3 components was required, indicating that a Ca(2+)-dependent, cytoskeleton-membrane complex had been generated. This association, which occurred at physiological Ca(2+) concentrations, corroborates our biochemical fractionation and immunohistochemical findings and suggests that annexins play a role in regulating sarcolemmal organization during smooth muscle contraction.

Complete amino acid sequence of human plasma Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein and its homology to histocompatibility antigens

In the present study the complete amino acid sequence of human plasma Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein was determined. This protein whose biological function is unknown consists of a single polypeptide chain of 276 amino acid residues including 8 tryptophan residues and has a pyroglutamyl residue at the amino terminus. The location of the two disulfide bonds in the polypeptide chain was also established. The three glycans, whose structure was elucidated with the aid of 500 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy, were sialylated N-biantennas. The molecular weight calculated from the polypeptide and carbohydrate structure is 38,478, which is close to the reported value of approximately equal to 41,000 based on physicochemical measurements. The predicted secondary structure appeared to be comprised of 23% alpha-helix, 27% beta-sheet, and 22% beta-turns. The three N-glycans were found to be located in beta-turn regions. An unexpected finding was made by computer analysis of the sequence data; this revealed that Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein is closely related to antigens of the major histocompatibility complex in amino acid sequence and in domain structure. There was an unusually high degree of sequence homology with the alpha chains of class I histocompatibility antigens. Moreover, this plasma protein was shown to be a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein appears to be a truncated secretory major histocompatibility complex-related molecule, and it may have a role in the expression of the immune response.

Comparison of tolmetin sodium and aspirin in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group was established in 1973 to undertake systematic trials of new drugs in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The first drug evaluated was tolmetin (1-methyl-5-p-toluoylpyrrole-2 acetic acid), a new nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agent. A four-week open trial with 30 patients and a subsequent 12-week double-blind trial against aspirin with 107 patients were conducted. Tolmetin and aspirin had equal anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of JRA. Elevations of transaminase values attributed to aspirin were not found with tolmetin. Adverse effects accompanying administration of tolmetin did not appear to be of major clinical significance.

Plant adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase is a novel iron-sulfur protein

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APR) catalyzes the two-electron reduction of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to sulfite and AMP, which represents the key step of sulfate assimilation in higher plants. Recombinant APRs from both Lemna minor and Arabidopsis thaliana were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and isolated as yellow-brown proteins. UV-visible spectra of these recombinant proteins indicated the presence of iron-sulfur centers, whereas flavin was absent. This result was confirmed by quantitative analysis of iron and acid-labile sulfide, suggesting a [4Fe-4S] cluster as the cofactor. EPR spectroscopy of freshly purified enzyme showed, however, only a minor signal at g = 2.01. Therefore, Mössbauer spectra of (57)Fe-enriched APR were obtained at 4.2 K in magnetic fields of up to 7 tesla, which were assigned to a diamagnetic [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster. This cluster was unusual because only three of the iron sites exhibited the same Mössbauer parameters. The fourth iron site gave, because of the bistability of the fit, a significantly smaller isomer shift or larger quadrupole splitting than the other three sites. Thus, plant assimilatory APR represents a novel type of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase with a [4Fe-4S] center as the sole cofactor, which is clearly different from the dissimilatory adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductases found in sulfate reducing bacteria.

Complete amino acid sequence of bovine plasminogen. Comparison with human plasminogen

The amino acid sequence of the single polypeptide chain of bovine plasminogen (786 residues, Mr 88092) was determined. Cleavage with CNBr yielded 13 fragments of which six originated from cleavage sites different from human plasminogen. Digestion with elastase gave three major fragments: kringles (1 + 2 + 3) and kringle 4, both with intact lysine binding sites, and mini-plasminogen. Subfragmentation was achieved mainly with 2-(2-nitrophenylsulfenyl)-3-methyl-3'-bromoindolenine (BNPS-skatole), Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and trypsin. The sequences of fragments which were determined by automated Edman degradation, were aligned with overlapping sequences, or, in a few instances, by homology with the known sequence of human plasminogen. Sequence comparison with the human protein showed varying degrees of homology in the different functional and structural domains. The overall identity (78%) is practically the same as that found in those regions corresponding to the heavy (79%) and the light chain (80%) of plasmin. The average degree of identity among the kringles is 83%. Outside the kringle structures the extent of identity decreases, to 65% in the N-terminal region and to about 50% in the connecting strands between the kringles except for the strand between kringles 2 and 3, where only one out of 12 residues is exchanged. The results reported show that bovine plasminogen apparently contains the same structural and functional domains as human plasminogen. Bovine plasminogen also contains two carbohydrate moieties. The only partially substituted N-glycosidic site, Asn289, corresponds to partially glycosylated Asn288 in human plasminogen, whereas the O-glycosidic site of the human sequence, Thr345, is shifted to Ser339 in bovine plasminogen.

Neonatal imitation of tongue protrusion and mouth opening: methodological aspects and evidence of early individual differences

The present work examines imitation of mouth opening and tongue protrusion in 32 full-term infants at three different occasions: When the infants are two to three days, three weeks, and three months old. The analysis focuses (1) on individual differences in imitative behaviour and (2) on how to operationalize the infants' responses. The overall group analysis revealed that imitation of tongue protrusion was statistically significant for both two- to three-day-old and three-week-old infants but not when the children had become three months old. No statistically significant effect was observed for imitation of mouth opening. Two different imitation indexes were constructed in order to assess individual differences in early imitative behaviour. Results show that short-term stability in imitative tendencies exists between the first and second observation. The results further reveal that methodological factors must be seriously considered when studying neonatal imitation: the overall imitation found for tongue protrusion is demonstrated to be dependent on how the infants' responses are coded.

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase and adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase are identical enzymes

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) sulfotransferase and APS reductase have been described as key enzymes of assimilatory sulfate reduction of plants catalyzing the reduction of APS to bound and free sulfite, respectively. APS sulfotransferase was purified to homogeneity from Lemna minor and compared with APS reductase previously obtained by functional complementation of a mutant strain of Escherichia coli with an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA library. APS sulfotransferase was a homodimer with a monomer M(r) of 43,000. Its amino acid sequence was 73% identical with APS reductase. APS sulfotransferase purified from Lemna as well as the recombinant enzyme were yellow proteins, indicating the presence of a cofactor. Like recombinant APS reductase, recombinant APS sulfotransferase used APS (K(m) = 6.5 microM) and not adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate as sulfonyl donor. The V(max) of recombinant Lemna APS sulfotransferase (40 micromol min(-1) mg protein(-1)) was about 10 times higher than the previously published V(max) of APS reductase. The product of APS sulfotransferase from APS and GSH was almost exclusively SO(3)(2-). Bound sulfite in the form of S-sulfoglutathione was only appreciably formed when oxidized glutathione was added to the incubation mixture. Because SO(3)(2-) was the first reaction product of APS sulfotransferase, this enzyme should be renamed APS reductase.

Purification of toxic peptides and the amino acid sequence of CSTX-1 from the multicomponent venom of Cupiennius salei (Araneae:Ctenidae)

The venom of the wandering spider Cupiennius salei was analysed biochemically by gel filtration, cation exchange chromatography, RP-HPLC, IEF, SDS-PAGE and TLC-electrophoresis. The native venom contains high levels of Na+, K+, Ca2+, histamine and taurine. It shows considerable activity of hyaluronidase, but not proteolytic activity. Thirteen peptides (CSTX-1 to CSTX-13) with an apparent mol. wt between 2.6 and 12.5 kDa causing differently strong toxic, effects were purified. Toxicity data of the crude venom (insects and mouse) are given and compared with the toxicity of CSTX-1, which causes most of the crude venom's toxicity. CSTX-1 has a mol. wt of 8352.6 and its amino acid sequence of 74 amino acids is given.

Kringle 2 mediates high affinity binding of plasminogen to an internal sequence in streptococcal surface protein PAM

Many cells express receptors for plasminogen (Pg), although the responsible molecules in most cases are poorly defined. In contrast, the group A streptococcal surface protein PAM contains a domain with two 13-amino acid residue long repeated sequences (a1 and a2) responsible for Pg binding. Here we identify the region in Pg that interacts with PAM. A radiolabeled proteolytic plasminogen fragment containing the first three kringles (K1-K3) interacted with streptococci expressing PAM or a chimeric surface protein harboring the a1a2 sequence. In contrast, plasminogen fragments containing kringle 4 or kringle 5 and the activable serine proteinase domain failed to bind to PAM-expressing group A streptococci. A synthetic and a recombinant polypeptide containing the a1a2 sequence both bound to immobilized recombinant K2 (rK2) but not to rK1 or rK3. The interaction between the a repeat region and rK2 was reversible, and rK2 completely blocked the binding of Pg to the a1a2 region. The binding of the a repeat containing polypeptide to K2 occurred with an equilibrium association constant of 4.5 x 10(7) M-1, as determined by surface plasmon resonance, a value close to that (1.6 x 10(7) M-1) calculated for the a1a2-Pg interaction. Inhibition experiments suggested involvement of the lysine-binding site of K2 in the interaction. These data demonstrate that K2 contains the major Pg-binding site for PAM, providing the first well defined example of an interaction between an internal Pg-binding region in a protein and a single kringle domain.

Chemotactic-like receptors and Abeta peptide induced responses in Alzheimer's disease

Evidence suggests that beta-amyloid (Abeta) has chemokine-like properties and may act through formyl chemotactic receptors (FPR) to induce pathophysiologically important functional changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) microglia. We have shown that Abeta 1-42, fibrillar Abeta 1-40, and Abeta 25-35 potentiate the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) from LPS activated human THP-1 monocytes [26] and LPS primed rat microglia. Moreover, Abeta-stimulated IL-1beta secretion seems to be receptor mediated because it is calcium dependent and requires activation of specific G-proteins [27]. Thus, we have evaluated the ability of Abeta 1-42 to mimic formyl chemotactic peptides in stimulating IL-1beta release from THP-1 monocytes. Several of the formyl chemotactic peptides and Abeta 1-42 significantly enhanced IL-1beta production in THP-1 monocytes. In contrast, a formyl chemotactic receptor antagonist inhibited Abeta 1-42-induced IL-1beta release from both human THP-1 monocytes and primary rat microglia. Further, primary rat microglia grown in culture expressed FPR as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry. Given the multiple pathophysiologic roles IL-1beta may play in AD, agents that block Abeta interactions with formyl chemotactic receptors on microglia might be important antiinflammatory therapeutic targets.

The advantages of hemodilution anesthesia for major liver resection in children

Since 1977, eight children have had major liver resections with the aid of normovolemic hemodilution anesthesia. Five children were 7 months of age or less; the other three were 3 1/2, 8, and 12 years old. This includes three operations for hepatoblastoma, three for hepatoma, and two for mesenchymal hamartoma. There were three right lobectomies, two trisegmentectomies, two extended left lobectomies, and one standard left lobectomy. With the use of this method, operative blood loss has been greatly reduced and operating technique significantly improved. After abdominal exploration and initial liver mobilization, whole blood is removed from the patient and simultaneously replaced with three times the volume of Ringer's lactate solution to maintain adequate intravascular volume. After the major blood loss has ceased, the patient is reinfused with his own blood and a simultaneous diuresis is induced with LASIX to remove the previously administered crystalloid solution. Metabolic demand is reduced by allowing the patient's temperature to drift down to 32 degrees C. Blood loss is further reduced by a Halothane-induced hypotension to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 torr. The diluted blood lost during surgery has a low red blood cell volume per cc; therefore, each cc of blood lost depletes the total red cell volume by a lesser amount. This results in a nearly bloodless operative field which facilitates the ease, speed, and safety of the dissection. Use of this technique can avoid the need for massive intra-operative transfusions and the threat of cardiac arrest due to extensive blood loss during major liver resection in children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of amount of contact between mother and child on the mother's nursing behavior

Short-term effects of different amounts of body contact between mother and newborn on human nursing behavior were studied. Extended contact immediately after parturition was related to an increase in affective components of maternal nursing behavior observed on postpartum Days 2 and 4.

Granulocyte activation in bullous diseases: release of granular proteins in bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Eosinophil and polymorphonuclear granulocytes may be involved in the formation of blisters in bullous dermatoses, particularly bullous pemphigoid.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the role of granulocyte activation in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid.

METHODS

Levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) in blister fluid and serum and levels of serum IgE were determined in patients with bullous pemphigoid (n = 12), those with pemphigus vulgaris (n = 9) and healthy volunteers (n = 12).

RESULTS

In blister fluid and serum of patients with bullous pemphigoid, significantly elevated concentrations of ECP, MPO and IgE were detected as compared with controls. In contrast, ECP, MPO, and IgE levels in blister fluid and serum of patients with pemphigus vulgaris did not significantly differ from controls. Moreover, the MPO/ECP ratio in serum of patients with bullous pemphigoid was significantly decreased as compared with controls, whereas the MPO/ECP ratio in pemphigus vulgaris did not differ from controls, indicating a preferential activation of eosinophils in bullous pemphigoid only. In patients with bullous pemphigoid, serum levels of ECP and MPO significantly decreased during immunosuppressive therapy to levels similar to those of controls.

CONCLUSION

Activated granulocytes, releasing their granular contents such as ECP and MPO, may be of importance for blister formation in bullous pemphigoid and may be useful for monitoring disease activity.

Solution structure and dynamics of the plasminogen kringle 2-AMCHA complex: 3(1)-helix in homologous domains

The kringle 2 (K2) module of human plasminogen (Pgn) binds L-lysine and analogous zwitterionic compounds, such as the antifibronolytic agent trans-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (AMCHA). Far-UV CD and NMR spectra reveal little conformational change in K2 upon ligand binding. However, retarded (1)H-(2)H isotope exchange kinetics induced by AMCHA indicate stabilization of the K2 conformation by the ligand. Assessment of secondary structure content from CD spectra yields approximately 26% beta-STRAND, approximately 13% beta-TURN, approximately 15% 3(1)-HELIX, and approximately 6% 3(10)-HELIX. The NMR solution conformation of the K2 domain complexed to AMCHA has been determined [heavy atom rmsd = 0.49 +/- 0.09A (BACKBONE) AND 1.02+/- 0.08 (ALL)]. The K2 molecule has overall dimensions of approximately 34.5A times approximately 33.4A times approximately 22.7A . Analogous with the polypeptide outline of homologous domains, K2 contains three short antiparallel beta-sheets (paired strands 15-16/20-21, 24-25/48-49, and 62-64/72-74) and four defined beta-turns (residues 6-9, 16-19, 53-56, AND 67-70). Consistent with the CD analysis, albeit novel in the context of kringle folding, the NMR structure reveals an unpaired beta-strand structured by residues 30-32, a turn of 3(10)-helix compromising residues 38-41, and a 3(1)-helix for residues 21-24 and 74-79. We also identify alignable 3(1)-helices in previously reported homologous kringle structures. Rather high order parameter S(2) values (<S(2)>= approximately 0.85 +/- 0.04) characterize the K2 backbone dynamics. The lowest flexibility is observed for the two inner loop segments of residues 51-63 AND 63-75 (<S(2)>= approximately 0.86-0.87 +/- 0.03). Overhauser connectivities reveal close hydrophobic contacts of the ligand ring with side chains of Tyr(36), Trp(62), Phe(64), Trp(72), AND Leu(74). In most K2 structures, the N atom of AMCHA places itself approximately 3.9 and 4.4A from the anionic groups of Glu(57) and Asp(55), respectively, while its carboxylate group, H-bonded to the Tyr(36) side chain OH(eta), ion-pairs the Arg(71) guanidinium group. Consistent with the preference of K2 for binding 5-aminopentanoic acid over 6-aminohexanoic acid, the positions of the ionic centers within the K2 binding site approach each other approximately 1A closer relative to what is observed in lysine binding sites of homologous Pgn modules.