The metastasis suppressor gene KiSS-1 encodes kisspeptins, the natural ligands of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR54

Natural peptides displaying agonist activity on the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 were isolated from human placenta. These 54-, 14,- and 13-amino acid peptides, with a common RF-amide C terminus, derive from the product of KiSS-1, a metastasis suppressor gene for melanoma cells, and were therefore designated kisspeptins. They bound with low nanomolar affinities to rat and human GPR54 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells and stimulated PIP(2) hydrolysis, Ca(2+) mobilization, arachidonic acid release, ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation, and stress fiber formation but inhibited cell proliferation. Human GPR54 was highly expressed in placenta, pituitary, pancreas, and spinal cord, suggesting a role in the regulation of endocrine function. Stimulation of oxytocin secretion after kisspeptin administration to rats confirmed this hypothesis.

Characterization of the rat leukocyte integrin, CD11/CD18, by the use of LFA-1 subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies

We have attempted to characterize the rat leukocyte integrin, CD11/CD18, by the use of newly generated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) WT.1 (anti-CD11a) and WT.3 (anti-CD18) in conjunction with an mAb, OX42, reactive with a rat integrin-like molecule, with respect to the biochemistry, cellular distribution and function. The conclusion that the mAb WT.1 and WT.3 specifically recognize the rat CD11a and CD18, respectively, was based on: (a) their ability to inhibit homotypic aggregation of splenic concanavalin A (Con A) blasts; (b) sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the antigens recognized; (c) their ability to inhibit binding of Con A blasts to the purified ligand, namely the ICAM-1 antigen and (d) their blocking abilities in mixed leukocyte reaction. In the rat, CD18 has an apparent molecular mass of 95-100 kDa and can associate with at least three distinct alpha subunits of 160-170 kDa (CD11a), 140-150 kDa and 120-130 kDa. The latter two are precipitated by OX42 from M phi but not from unstimulated lymphocytes. They presumably represent the rat CD11b and CD11c, respectively. Rat thymocytes, PBL, thoracic duct lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils expressed differential levels of CD11a and CD18. Peritoneal M phi showed virtually no CD11a expression, although CD18 was expressed at levels similar to those seen on blood monocytes, showing an interesting pattern of LFA-1 expression regulation in this cell lineage. Both WT.1 (anti-CD11a) and WT.3 (anti-CD18) apparently recognize a "low-affinity" as well as a "high-affinity" form of LFA-1 and do not discriminate between the two.

Persimmon leaf extract and astragalin inhibit development of dermatitis and IgE elevation in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

We previously found that persimmon leaf extract contains antiallergic substances that inhibit histamine release by human basophilic cell line KU812 in response to cross-linkage of FcepsilonRI.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to identify substances in the persimmon leaf extract that are responsible for the effect and to examine their in vivo effects on the allergic mouse model.

METHODS

HPLC analysis of persimmon leaf extract was done to measure its content. Inhibitory activity of persimmon leaf extract or its major constituent of flavonoids (astragalin) on the histamine release by KU812 cells was examined. To investigate the effects of these substances in vivo, models of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis mice (NC/Nga) were used.

RESULTS

Persimmon leaf extract or astragalin inhibited histamine release from KU812 in response to cross-linkage of FcepsilonRI. Oral intake of both substances dose dependently inhibited passive cutaneous reactions. Moreover, oral administration of these substances to NC/Nga atopic dermatitis-model mice led to a striking suppression of the development of dermatitis, scratching behavior, and serum IgE elevation. Histologic analyses revealed that infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially degranulated mast cells, thickening of the epidermis, and prominent hyperkeratosis, were significantly reduced. Immunologic studies showed that the capacity of spleen T cells to produce both IL-4 and IL-13, but not IFN-gamma, was downregulated by means of oral intake of these substances.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a novel activity of astragalin and the dramatic effect of persimmon leaf extract and astragalin on atopic dermatitis-model mice.

Differential distribution of major gangliosides in rat central nervous system detected by specific monoclonal antibodies

We investigated the localization of major gangliosides in adult rat brain by an immunofluorescence technique with mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Five MAbs (GMB16, GMR17, GGR12, GMR5 and GMR13) that specifically recognize gangliosides GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b and GQ1b, respectively, were used. We have found that there is a cell type-specific expression of the ganglioside in the rat central nervous system. In cerebellar cortex, GM1 was expressed in myelin and some glial cells. GD1a was detected exclusively in the molecular layer. GD1b and GQ1b were present restrictedly on the granular layer; GD1b was detected on the surface of the granular cell bodies, whereas GQ1b was present in the cerebellar glomerulus. GT1b was distributed intensely in both the molecular layer and the granular layer. In cerebral cortex, GM1 was detected in some glial cells. Dense staining was limited to the white matter. GD1a was distributed in layers I, II/III and Va, and the upper part of layer VI, whereas GQ1b was localized in layers IV and Vb, and the lower part of layer VI. GD1b was detected beneath layer III. GT1b appeared to be distributed throughout all layers. In other regions, such as hippocampal formation and spinal cord, the expression of the ganglioside was also highly localized to a specific cell type and layer.

Generation of one set of monoclonal antibodies specific for a-pathway ganglio-series gangliosides

We established five murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for a-pathway ganglio-series gangliosides by immunizing C3H/HeN mice with these purified gangliosides adsorbed to Salmonella minnesota, followed by fusion with mouse myeloma cells. The binding specificities of these MAbs were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining on thin-layer chromatogram. These five MAbs, designated GMR6, GMB28, GMB16, GMR17, and GMR11 reacted strongly with the gangliosides GM3, GM2, GM1, GD1a, and GT1a, respectively, that were used as immunogens. Three MAbs, GMB28 (anti-GM2), GMB16 (anti-GM1), and GMR11 (anti-GT1a) showed highly restricted binding specificities, reacting only with the immunizing ganglioside. None of the other various authentic gangliosides or neutral glycolipids was recognized. On the other hand, the other two MAbs, GMR6 (anti-GM3) and GMR17 (anti-GD1a) exhibited broader specificities. MAb GMR6 cross-reacted with GM4, GM1b, GD1a, GT1b, and IV3NeuAc alpha-nLc4Cer. MAb GMR17 also reacted with GM1b and GT1b. Neither GMR6 nor GMR17 reacted with other gangliosides or neutral glycolipids tested. Using these MAbs, we determined the expression of these gangliosides, especially GM1, GD1a, and GT1a on mouse, rat and human leukemia cells. GM1 and GD1a were expressed on some leukemia cells, whereas GT1a was not detected in these cells.

Tissue factor expression and fibrin deposition in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis

Although abnormalities of alveolar fibrin turnover have been reported to play a role in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the pathophysiological relevance remains unclear. We therefore investigated the localization of tissue factor (TF) and fibrin deposition in patients with IPF using immunohistochemistry and compared the results with those from patients who had interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic sclerosis (IP-SSc) and idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP). Expression of TF-mRNA was also assessed, using in situ hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probe. In patients with IPF, IP-SSc, and idiopathic BOOP, the TF antigen was positively stained in type II pneumocytes and in some alveolar macrophages. The fibrin antigen was stained in the type II pneumocytes and the adjacent area. Tissue factor-mRNA was expressed in the type II pneumocytes and in some alveolar macrophages. Neither TF antigens nor TF-mRNA were detected in the normal lung. These results indicate that type II pneumocytes are a major source of TF, suggesting that TF production in these cells is closely related to fibrin deposition in the lungs of people with these diseases.

Structural organization of the human prostaglandin EP3 receptor subtype gene (PTGER3)

Prostaglandin EP3 receptor subtype is a seven-membrane-spanning protein with multiple C-terminal tails generated by alternative mRNA splicing. We report here the structural organization of the human EP3 gene (PTGER3). The human EP3 gene spanned more than 80 kb and was composed of 10 exons separated by nine introns. Exon 1 and the 5' 180-bp portion of exon 2 (exon 2a) encoded the seven transmembrane domains and 10 amino acid residues of the cytoplasmic tail, which are common to all EP3 isoforms. The 3' 3461-bp portion of exon 2 (exon 2b) or combinations of exons 3-10 encoded the EP3 isoform-specific C termini and formed their 3'-untranslated regions by multiple fashions of alternative mRNA splicing. Exons 2b, 4, 6, and 10 contained polyadenylation sites. The EP3 gene formed nine distinct mRNAs encoding eight EP3 isoforms, two of which were novel ones tentatively designated EP3-V and EP3-VI. The transcription initiation sites of the human EP3 gene were mapped 227 to approximately 231 bp upstream of the ATG start codon. The 360-bp 5'-flanking region contained a TATA box-like sequence, a GC box, and several cis-acting regulatory elements. The present study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the prostanoid receptor family.

Defective protective capacity of W/Wv mice against Strongyloides ratti infection and its reconstitution with bone marrow cells

The susceptibility of congenitally anemic, and mast cell deficient W/Wv mice to infection with Strongyloides ratti was examined. After a primary infection, W/Wv mice showed greater and more persistent peak larval counts than did normal littermates. Worm expulsion was also slower in W/Wv mice than in +/+ mice. Furthermore, difference in susceptibility was expressed as early as 24 h after infection, suggesting not only that protective mechanisms of the gut but also of the connective tissue were defective in W/Wv mice. Reconstitution with bone marrow or spleen cells from +/+ mice was effective in restoring the protective response in W/Wv mice, whereas thymocytes or mesenteric lymph nodes had no effect. Both connective tissue and mucosal mast cells were repaired in W/Wv mice after marrow reconstitution and infection. Since relatively long incubation period was required for the expression of such reconstituting activities, bone marrow cells seem to contain precursor cells of the effector and/or regulator cells.

Interleukin-18 is elevated in the sera from patients with atopic dermatitis and from atopic dermatitis model mice, NC/Nga

BACKGROUND

Several lines of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that interleukin-18 (IL-18) shows both antiallergic and allergy-promoting activities. But its expression in allergic diseases remains unknown.

METHODS

Serum IL-18 levels from atopic dermatitis (AD) model mice, NC/Nga and control mice and from patients with AD and healthy volunteers were measured by ELISA. The relationship between IL-18 levels and serum IgE levels or clinical severity was also examined.

RESULTS

Serum IL-18 levels from NC/Nga mice were significantly increased compared to those from control mice. The elevation of IL-18 in the sera was observed prior to the onset and during the development of dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. In addition, IL-18 levels in the sera from patients with AD were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated compared to those from healthy volunteers. However, serum IL-18 levels tended to correlate negatively with serum IgE levels in patients with AD and NC/Nga mice.

CONCLUSION

IL-18 is overexpressed in AD.

New bronchoscopic microsample probe to measure the biochemical constituents in epithelial lining fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

A noninvasive bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) probe was developed to sample biochemical constituents of the epithelial lining fluid in small airways.

DESIGN

Observational, controlled study.

SETTING

Intensive care unit of academic medical center. PATIENTS AND PROCEDURE: BMS was applied in a control group of seven patients who had hemoptysis or small solitary peripheral nodules but no hypoxemia or other signs of acute inflammation and in four patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to test whether BMS can ascertain the presence of acute pulmonary inflammation without complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Complications, including a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation, were observed neither during nor after BMS. In the ARDS group, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6, basic fibroblast growth factor, and neutrophil elastase concentrations in epithelial lining fluid were significantly higher (p <.0001, p =.012, p <.0001, p <.0001, and p <.0001, respectively) than in the control group. Serial BMS was safely performed in one patient with ARDS, allowing us to observe a correlation between changes in the concentration of inflammation-related biochemical markers and clinical course of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BMS is safe and useful to monitor pulmonary biochemical events in ARDS.

Volume of sella turcica in normal subjects and in patients with primary hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

In an attempt to assess a possible relationship between pituitary size and TSH secretion, the volume of sella turcica was measured in 570 subjects, 26 primary hypothyroid patients, and 34 thyrotoxic patients. The volume of sella turcica, measured by a 3-dimensional approach, increased progressively with age until 20 years of age and was rather constant thereafter in normal subjects. In thyrotoxic patients, the volume of sella turcica was normal in spite of decreased plasma TSH concentration. In contrast, 81% of primary hypothyroid patients had an abnormal enlargement of the sella turcica. The magnitude of an increase of sella turcica inversely related with a decrease in serum T4 and T3 concentrations. On the other hand, the magnitude of an increase of sella turcica correlated well with an increase of circulating TSH. We suggest that an increase of sella turcica indirectly reflects an increase in pituitary size and TSH-secreting capacity, possibly due to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of TSH cells in primary hypothyroid patients.

Development of a novel drug release system, time-controlled explosion system (TES). I. Concept and design

A novel controlled drug release system. Time-Controlled Explosion System (TES) has been developed. TES has a four-layered spherical structure, which consists of core, drug, swelling agent and water insoluble polymer membrane. TES is characterized by a rapid drug release with a precisely programmed lag time; i.e. expansion of the swelling agent by water penetrating through the outer membrane, destruction of the membrane by stress due to swelling force and subsequent rapid drug release. For establishing the concept and development strategy, TES was designed using metoprolol and polystyrene balls (size: 3.2 mm in diameter) as a model drug and core particles. Among the polymers screened, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC) and ethylcellulose (EC) were selected for a swelling agent and an outer water insoluble membrane, respectively. The release profiles of metoprolol from the system were not affected by the pH of the dissolution media. Lag time was controlled by the thickness of the outer EC membrane; thus, a combination of TES particles possessing different lag times could offer any desired release profile of the model compound, metoprolol.

Splenic outer periarterial lymphoid sheath (PALS): an immunoproliferative microenvironment constituted by antigen-laden marginal metallophils and ED2-positive macrophages in the rat

In an attempt to reveal the role of antigen-laden marginal metallophil (MM) and other macrophages in the intrasplenic immune response of a specific B-cell lineage to a thymus-independent type-2 antigen (Ficoll conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate), simultaneous immunohistological observations of the involved cells were performed in the rat. By newly established methods of double or triple immunostainings, time-kinetics of the following parameters were studied and compared: (1) the antigen, (2) the specific antibody-forming cells (AFC) directed to the fluorescein-isothiocyanate determinant, (3) proliferating cells labeled with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), and (4) macrophage subpopulations recognized by monoclonal antibodies (ED2 and ED3). The antigen localized stably not only in the marginal-zone macrophages but also in the MM except around the follicular area. The increase of BrdU-positive cells was observed from day 2 up to day 4 after antigen injection mostly in the periphery of the periarterial lymphoid sheath (outer PALS), which indicated antigen-induced proliferation. As a novel finding, the majority of AFC, both BrdU-positive and -negative, were either closely associated with the antigen-laden MM, or forming cell clusters with ED2-positive macrophages in the outer PALS. In contrast, there were very few AFC in juxtaposition to antigen-free MM in the follicular area or the antigen-laden marginal zone macrophages. The results led to the proposal of a hypothesis that the antigen-laden MM together with ED2-positive macrophages constitute an immunoproliferative microenvironment for the plasmacellular reaction by accumulating the antigen-specific B-cell lineage and promoting these cells to differentiate into the AFC and to proliferate in the outer PALS.

Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract ameliorates skin symptoms and transepidermal water loss in atopic dermatitis model mice, NC/Nga

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that persimmon leaf extract and its major flavonoid constituent, astragalin, inhibited histamine release by basophils and that oral administration of these substances prior to the onset into an atopic dermatitis (AD) model mouse, NC/Nga, prevented development of dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess the clinical therapeutic effect of persimmon leaf extract and astragalin in NC/Nga mice suffering from dermatitis and the dose-response preventive effects of persimmon leaf extract on dermatitis and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

METHODS

The efficacy of persimmon leaf extract or astragalin in NC/Nga mice was judged by measurement of skin severity, scratching behaviour, serum IgE levels or TEWL.

RESULTS

Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract (250 mg kg(-1)) or astragalin (1.5 mg kg-1) for 4 weeks into NC/Nga mice with overt dermatitis resulted in a decrease in the severity of the condition. The preventive effect of persimmon leaf extract on the dermatitis was dose-dependent and continuous intake of persimmon leaf extract significantly decreased its onset and development. In addition, TEWL was also suppressed at a persimmon leaf extract dose of 250 mg kg(-1). No significant adverse reaction by these substances could be observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that persimmon leaf extract or the flavonoid astragalin may be alternative substances for the management of AD.

Structure-activity relationships of neuropeptide FF: role of C-terminal regions

A structure-activity study was carried out to determine the importance of the C-terminal amino acids of the octapeptide Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) in binding and agonistic activity. Affinities of NPFF analogues were tested toward NPFF receptors of the rat spinal cord and the human NPFF2 receptors transfected in CHO cells. The activities of these analogues were evaluated by their ability to both inhibit adenylate cyclase in NPFF2 receptor transfected CHO cells and to reverse the effect of nociceptin on acutely dissociated rat dorsal raphe neurons. The substitutions of Phenylalanine8 by a tyrosine, phenylglycine or homophenylalanine were deleterious for high affinity. Similarly, the replacement of Arginine7 by a lysine or D. Arginine induces a loss in affinity. The pharmacological characterization showed that the presence of the amidated Phe8 and Arg7 residues are also extremely critical for activation of anti-opioid effects on dorsal raphe neurons. The sequence of the C-terminal dipeptide seems also to be responsible for the high affinity and the activity on human NPFF2 receptors. The results support the view that a code messaging the molecular interaction toward NPFF-receptors is expressed in the C-terminal region of these peptides but the N-terminal segment is important to gain very high affinity.

Generation of one set of murine monoclonal antibodies specific for globo-series glycolipids: evidence for differential distribution of the glycolipids in rat small intestine

We generated four murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for globo-series glycolipids by immunizing C3H/HeN mice with these purified glycolipids adsorbed to Salmonella minnesota followed by fusion with mouse myeloma cells. By use of a wide variety of glycolipids, the precise structures recognized by these MAbs were elucidated through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunostaining on thin-layer chromatography. These four MAbs, designated as BGR23, BGR47, BMR26, and BGR27, exhibited highly restricted binding specificities, reacting only with the globo-series glycolipids Gb3Cer, III3Gal alpha-Gb3Cer, Gb4Cer, and IV3GalNAc alpha-Gb4Cer, respectively, which were used for immunization. None of the other various glycolipids or gangliosides were recognized. We determined the localization of these globo-series glycolipids in adult rat small intestine by means of an immunofluorescence technique with these MAbs. Our study revealed that there is a differential distribution of these glycolipids in the rat tissue. III3Gal alpha-Gb3Cer was demonstrated on the cryptic cells and circular muscle, whereas Gb4Cer was localized on both the circular and longitudinal muscles. The expression of Gb3Cer was associated with the epithelium and the capillary endothelial cells in the lamina propria mucosae as well as with the tunica submucosa, whereas IV3GalNAc alpha-Gb4Cer was detected on the epithelium, capillary endothelial cells in the lamina propria mucosae, and both the muscle layers.

Agonist and antagonist activities on human NPFF(2) receptors of the NPY ligands GR231118 and BIBP3226

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a part of a neurotransmitter system acting as a modulator of endogenous opioid functions. At this time, no non-peptide or peptide NPFF-antagonists have been discovered. Here, we demonstrate that Neuropeptide Y (NPY) ligands, in fact possess significant ability to interact with the human NPFF(2) receptors. NPY Y(1) antagonist BIBP3226 and mixed Y(1) antagonist/Y(4) agonist GR231118 are able to displace with low affinity, 50 -- 100 nM, the specific binding on NPFF receptors expressed in CHO cells as well as in rat dorsal spinal cord, an affinity however superior to those determined against Y(2), Y(4) or Y(5) receptors. Furthermore, BIBP3226 which is unable to inhibit the forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production mediated by NPFF(2) receptors, antagonizes the effect of NPFF, revealing the first antagonist of NPFF receptors. These properties of NPY ligands on Neuropeptide FF receptors must be considered when evaluating pharmacological activities of these drugs.