Shiga toxin binds to activated platelets

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is associated with acute renal failure in children and can be caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli. Thrombocytopenia and formation of renal thrombi are characteristic of HUS, suggesting that platelet activation is involved in its pathogenesis. However, whether Shiga toxin directly activates platelets is controversial. The present study evaluates if potential platelet sensitization during isolation by different procedures influences platelet interaction with Shiga toxin. Platelets isolated from sodium citrate anticoagulated blood were exposed during washing to EDTA and higher g forces than platelets prepared from acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) plasma. Platelet binding of Stx was significantly higher in EDTA-washed preparations relative to ACD-derived platelets. Binding of Stx was also increased with ACD-derived platelets when activated with thrombin (1 U mL-1) and exposure of the Gb3 Stx receptor was detected only on platelets subjected to EDTA, higher g forces or thrombin. EDTA-exposed platelets lost their normal discoid shape and were larger. P-selectin (CD62P) exposure was significantly increased in EDTA-washed preparations relative to ACD-derived platelets, suggesting platelet activation. Taken together, these results suggest that direct binding of Stx occurs only on 'activated' platelets rather than on resting platelets. The ability of Stx to interact with previously activated platelets may be an important element in understanding the pathogenesis of HUS.

Toxicity of Shiga toxin 1 in the central nervous system of rabbits

The action of Shiga toxin (Stx) on the central nervous system was examined in rabbits. Intravenous Stx1 was 44 times more lethal than Stx2 and acted more rapidly than Stx2. However, Stx1 accumulated more slowly in the cerebrospinal fluid than did Stx2. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a predominance of Stx1-dependent lesions in the spinal cord. Pretreatment of the animals with anti-Stx1 antiserum intravenously completely protected against both development of brain lesions and mortality.

Flavopiridol induces apoptosis and caspase-3 activation of a newly characterized Burkitt's lymphoma cell line containing mutant p53 genes

Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines have been important in vitro models for studying the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and for exploring new treatment strategies. A new EBV(-) Burkitt's lymphoma cell line (GA-10) was established from a patient with a clinically aggressive, chemorefractory BL and characterized. Although functional p-glycoprotein could not be demonstrated by dye-efflux assays, both p53 genes were mutated in the GA-10 cells, perhaps contributing to the resistant phenotype of the original neoplasm. Two properties of BL cells which may be useful targets for novel cytotoxic therapeutics are their surface expression of CD77, the receptor for Shiga toxin (Stx), and their high rate of proliferation. Expression of CD77 on the GA-10 cells was heterogeneous in that certain subclones expressed high levels of CD77 and correspondingly exhibited strong growth inhibition by Stx while others showed low levels of CD77 expression and weak Stx-induced growth inhibition. Flavopiridol, a potent inhibitor of cell cycle progression through G1 and G2, induced cytotoxicity of the GA-10 cells with an LC(50) of approximately 40 nM vs 70 nM for HL-60 cells (P < 0.05). The concentrations of flavopiridol at which only 10% of the cells were viable (LC(10)) were approximately 280 nM for the GA-10 cells and 520 nM for the HL-60 cells (P < 0.05). Dose-related induction of apoptosis in response to flavopiridol was demonstrated in the GA-10 cells by morphology, TUNEL assay, and activation of caspase-3. Flavopiridol was also cytotoxic to seven other BL cell lines tested. These data suggest that flavopiridol may have therapeutic value in the treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of mammalian 40 S ribosomal subunit

The small (40 S) subunit from rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes has been reconstructed from electron micrographs of a negatively stained single-particle specimen to a resolution of 3.85 nm. The reconstruction reveals a morphology consisting of a broad wedge-shaped head structure set atop a quasi-cylindrical body. Distinctive features recognized in two-dimensional projections, such as the beak, back lobes, and feet, can now be localized in three dimensions. By reference to a recent reconstruction of the monomeric 80 S ribosome we can identify the interface and exterior surfaces of the subunit, thus enabling more detailed functional interpretations.

Effect of chartreusin on macromolecular synthesis

Chartreusin (CT), a natural compound derived from Streptomyces chartreusis which exhibits antitumor activity, was demonstrated to be an equally potent inhibitor of DNA and RNA synthesis in cultured human KB cells and in isolated nuclei. Polymerization of nucleic acids in nuclei prepared from adenovirus-infected KB cells responded to CT in a similar manner. In contrast, protein biosynthesis was not inhibited by up to 30 microgram/ml CT in whole KB and rabbit reticulocyte cells as well as in their cell free lysates.