Enhanced glycemic responsiveness to epinephrine in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is the result of the inability to secrete insulin. Augmented insulin secretion normally limits the glycemic, but not the ipolytic or ketogenic, response to epinephrine in humans

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Biologically active atrial peptides.

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B J Ballerman, B M Brenner

Physiologic regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide receptors in rat renal glomeruli.

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Isolated rat renal glomeruli and cultured glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells were examined for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors, and for ANP-stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) generation. In glomeruli from normal rats, human (1-28) 125I-ANP bound to a single population of high affinity receptors with a mean equilibrium dissociation constant of 0.46 nM. Human (1-28) ANP markedly stimulated cGMP generation, but not cAMP generation in normal rat glomeruli. Analogues of ANP that bound to the glomerular ANP receptor with high affinity stimulated cGMP accumulation, whereas the (13-28) ANP fragment, which failed to bind to the receptor, was devoid of functional activity. Cell surface receptors for ANP were expressed on cultured glomerular mesangial but not epithelial cells, and appreciable ANP-stimulated cGMP accumulation was elicited only in mesangial cells. Approximately 12,000 ANP receptor sites were present per mesangial cell, with an average value for the equilibrium dissociation constant of 0.22 nM. Feeding of a low-salt diet to rats for 2 wk resulted in marked up regulation of the glomerular ANP receptor density to a mean of 426 fmol/mg protein, compared with 116 fmol/mg in rats given a high-salt diet. A modest reduction in the affinity of glomerular ANP receptors was also observed in rats fed the low-salt diet. ANP-stimulated cGMP generation in glomeruli did not change with alterations in salt intake. We conclude that high salt feeding in the rat results in reduced glomerular ANP receptor density relative to values in salt restricted rats. Furthermore, the mesangial cell is a principal target for ANP binding in the glomerulus.

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B J Ballermann, R L Hoover, M J Karnovsky, B M Brenner

Cobalamin malabsorption in three siblings due to an abnormal intrinsic factor that is markedly susceptible to acid and proteolysis.

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Three siblings presented in their second year of life with megaloblastic anemia that responded to parenteral cobalamin (Cbl). Schilling tests were less than 1%, correcting to 5 to 15% after addition of hog intrinsic factor (IF). Gastric acid analysis and gastric biopsies were normal by light and electron microscopy. Gastric juice contained less than 3 pmol/ml of Cbl-binding ability due to IF (normal, 10-34 pmol/ml) and less than 2 pmol/ml of IF when measured with a radioimmunoassay (RIA) using normal human IF-[57Co]Cbl and rabbit anti-human IF serum (normal, 17-66 pmol/ml). However, RIA employing rabbit anti-hog IF serum gave values of 4-13 pmol/ml of IF (normal, 11-33 pmol/ml). This material had an apparent molecular weight of 40,000 (normal IF = 70,000). The IF from gastric biopsies appeared normal in terms of Cbl-binding ability, ileal binding, molecular weight, and both RIAs. This IF differed from normal mucosal IF, in that it lost its Cbl-binding ability when incubated at 37 degrees C at acid pH or in the presence of pepsin or trypsin. This loss was retarded when [57Co]Cbl was bound to the IF before these incubations. The stabilizing effects of neutralization and Cbl were also demonstrated in vivo. Schilling tests for the siblings of 0.4, 0.5, and 1.0% increased to 2.7, 5.7, and 4.3% (P less than 0.05), respectively, when the Schilling tests were repeated with the addition of NaHCO3 and cobinamide (which allows Cbl to bind immediately to IF). We conclude that Cbl malabsorption in these children is due to an abnormal IF that is markedly susceptible to acid and proteolytic enzymes which cause a decrease in its molecular weight and Cbl-binding ability and a loss of antigenic determinants that are recognized by the anti-human IF serum.

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Y M Yang, R Ducos, A J Rosenberg, P G Catrou, J S Levine, E R Podell, R H Allen

Absence of gamma interferon and interleukin 2 production during active visceral leishmaniasis.

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The lymphocytes from eight patients with active visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease associated with marked immunologic dysfunction, were examined for ability to produce interleukin 2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon during in vitro cultivation. It was found that both IL-2 and gamma interferon production, in response to leishmania antigen, was absent during the active disease, but was restored after successful chemotherapy. Untreated VL patients produced IL-2 and gamma interferon when stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Six patients with either active cutaneous or mucosal leishmaniasis, a disease not associated with immunosuppression, showed high levels of gamma interferon in response to leishmania antigen and PHA. Since IL-2 and gamma interferon have been shown to have important roles in the immune response and in the killing of leishmania, their absence may represent a key defect in the immune response in VL.

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E M Carvalho, R Badaró, S G Reed, T C Jones, W D Johnson Jr

Recognition of human insulin in vitro by T cells from subjects treated with animal insulins.

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Structurally defined proteins and peptides have provided considerable information about the specificity and regulation of immune responses in inbred animals. Many diabetics require therapy with insulin; therefore, we used this defined protein as a model antigen to investigate immune responses in the outbred human population. In this report, we examine human T cell recognition of antigenic determinants on various insulins. A group of 25 subjects was selected from over 200 diabetics because of the magnitude of their in vitro responses. 13 of the 25 had significant T cell responses to human insulin despite treatment with only beef/pork insulin mixtures. This autoimmunity may be attributed to crossreactivity of lymphocytes highly reactive to "foreign" epitopes on therapeutic insulins. Alternatively, identical determinants shared by human and animal insulins may be recognized. By employing additional insulins not used therapeutically and isolated A and B chains, several potential mechanisms for lymphocyte autoreactivity to human insulin were demonstrated. Some epitopes are conformational and require recognition of an intact molecule, whereas other epitopes may arise from antigen processing at the cellular level. Studies using zinc-free insulins suggest that zinc-induced alterations of the molecular surface may result in some shared reactivities between animal and human insulin. Furthermore, T cell reactivity against "foreign" epitopes is more complex than anticipated from differences in amino acid sequence. The response patterns of many subjects indicate that the A-chain loop associates with the N-terminal B chain to form a complex determinant. This determinant is recognized more often than individual amino acids. We conclude that insulin therapy generates polyclonal T cell responses directed at multiple epitopes on the molecule. Many of these epitopes are not identified by amino acid exchanges and their presence on human insulin leads to apparent autoimmunity.

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L J Nell, V J Virta, J W Thomas

Human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype frequencies estimated from the data on HLA class I, II, and III antigens in 111 Japanese narcoleptics.

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In order to deduce the predominant haplotypes in Japanese narcoleptics, we have studied a total of 111 Japanese patients with narcolepsy and six multiple-case families for HLA class I and class II antigens, and for class III HLA-linked complement markers. In Japanese narcoleptics, the most frequent haplotypes were B35-DR2, B15-DR2, and B51-DR2. These haplotypes were rare in normal Japanese population. In contrast, the most frequent haplotype of HLA-DR2 in normal Japanese, A24-C blank-Bw52-C4A*2 B*Q0-BF *S-C2*C-DR2-DQw1, had a decreased frequency to one-third of the normal controls. Haplotypes B35-DR2, B15-DR2, and B51-DR2, which were more frequent among Japanese narcoleptics, were different from the haplotype found more frequently among Caucasoid narcoleptics, A3-Cw7-B7-DR2-DQw1. Haplotype analysis on six families showed that B35-DR2 and other rare haplotypes in normal Japanese were associated with narcolepsy. There were four cases without any signs of narcolepsy among 19 subjects with the disease susceptibility haplotypes. This finding suggests an incomplete penetrance of hypersomnia. Haplotype analysis of family members was also useful for the early detection of the high risk children to narcolepsy.

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K Matsuki, T Juji, K Tokunaga, T Naohara, M Satake, Y Honda

Self-perpetuating mechanisms of immunoglobulin G aggregation in rheumatoid inflammation.

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When human IgG is exposed to free radical generating systems such as ultraviolet irradiation, peroxidizing lipids, or activated human neutrophils, characteristic auto-fluorescent monomeric and polymeric IgG is formed (excitation [Ex], 360 nm, emission [Em], 454 nm). 1 h ultraviolet irradiation of IgG results in the following reductions in constituent amino acids; cysteine (37.0%), tryptophan (17.0%), tyrosine (10.5%), and lysine (3.6%). The fluorescent IgG complexes, when produced in vitro, can stimulate the release of superoxide from normal human neutrophils. In the presence of excess unaltered IgG, further fluorescent damage to IgG occurs. Measurement and isolation of fluorescent monomeric and polymeric IgG by high performance liquid chromatography, from in vitro systems and from fresh rheumatoid sera and synovial fluid, indicates that identical complexes are present in vivo; all these fluorescent complexes share the property of enhancing free radical production from neutrophils. The results described in this study support the hypothesis that fluorescent monomeric and aggregated IgG may be formed in vivo by oxygen-centered free radicals derived from neutrophils, and that in rheumatoid inflammation this reaction may be self-perpetuating within the inflamed joint.

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J Lunec, D R Blake, S J McCleary, S Brailsford, P A Bacon

Glucose transport and metabolism in adipocytes from newly diagnosed untreated insulin-dependent diabetics. Severely impaired basal and postinsulin binding activities.

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Previous studies have shown cellular insulin resistance in conventionally treated insulin-dependent diabetics. To determine whether insulin resistance is also present in insulin-dependent diabetics before the commencement of insulin therapy, we studied nine newly diagnosed untreated insulin-dependent diabetics and nine control subjects. Insulin binding to adipocytes, monocytes, and erythrocytes was normal in the diabetic individuals. Basal (noninsulin stimulated) glucose transport rate was normal, whereas the maximal insulin responsiveness of glucose transport was severely impaired (P less than 0.02). Insulin sensitivity as judged by left or rightward shifts in the insulin dose-response curves was unchanged. Moreover, the basal lipogenesis rate measured at a glucose concentration of 0.5 mmol/liter was decreased in the diabetics (P less than 0.05), and the maximal insulin responsiveness of lipogenesis was also reduced (P less than 0.05). We conclude that fat cells from untreated insulin-deficient diabetics are insulin resistant. The major defects are (1) reduced maximal insulin responsiveness of glucose transport and conversion to lipids that are postbinding abnormalities, and (2) reduced basal glucose conversion to lipids.

Authors

E Hjøllund, O Pedersen, B Richelsen, H Beck-Nielsen, N S Sørensen

Ischemia induces partial loss of surface membrane polarity and accumulation of putative calcium ionophores.

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To determine if ischemia induces alterations in renal proximal tubule surface membranes, brush border (BBM) and basolateral membranes (BLM) were isolated simultaneously from the same cortical homogenate after 50 min of renal pedicle clamping. Ischemia caused a selective decrease in the specific activity of BBM marker enzymes leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, but did not effect enrichment (15 times). Neither specific activity nor enrichment (10 times) of BLM NaK-ATPase was altered by ischemia. Contamination of BBM by intracellular organelles was also unchanged, but there was an increase in the specific activity (41.1 vs. 60.0, P less than 0.01) and enrichment (2.3 vs. 4.3, P less than 0.01) of NaK-ATPase in the ischemic BBM fraction. Ischemia increased BLM lysophosphatidylcholine (1.3 vs. 2.5%, P less than 0.05) and phosphatidic acid (0.4 vs. 1.3%, P less than 0.05). Ischemia also decreased BBM sphingomyelin (38.5 vs. 29.6%, P less than 0.01) and phosphatidylserine (16.1 vs. 11.4%, P less than 0.01), and increased phosphatidylcholine (17.2 vs. 29.7%, P less than 0.01), phosphatidylinositol (1.8 vs. 4.6%, P less than 0.01), and lysophosphatidylcholine (1.0 vs. 1.8%, P less than 0.05). The large changes in BBM phospholipids did not result from new phospholipid synthesis, since the specific activity (32P dpm/nmol Pi) of prelabeled individual and total phospholipids was unaltered by ischemia. We next evaluated if these changes were due to inability of ischemic cells to maintain surface membrane polarity. Cytochemical evaluation showed that while NaK-ATPase could be detected only in control BLM, specific deposits of reaction product were present in the BBM of ischemic kidneys. Furthermore, using continuous sucrose gradients, the enzymatic profile of ischemic BBM NaK-ATPase shifted away from ischemic BLM NaK-ATPase and toward the BBM enzymatic marker leucine aminopeptidase. Taken together, these data suggest that NaK-ATPase activity determined enzymatically and cytochemically was located within ischemic BBM. We propose that ischemia impairs the ability of cells to maintain surface membrane polarity, and also results in the accumulation of putative calcium ionophores.

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B A Molitoris, P D Wilson, R W Schrier, F R Simon

O6 alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase activity in human myeloid cells.

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The association between alkylating agent exposure and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in humans indicates that myeloid cells may be particularly susceptible to mutagenic damage. Alkylating agent mutagenesis is frequently mediated through formation and persistence of a particular DNA base adduct, O6alkylguanine, which preferentially mispairs with thymine rather than cytosine, leading to point mutations. O6alkylguanine is repaired by O6alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (alkyltransferase), a protein that removes the adduct, leaving an intact guanine base in DNA. We measured alkyltransferase activity in myeloid precursors and compared it with levels in other cells and tissues. In peripheral blood granulocytes, monocytes, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, there was an eightfold range of activity between individuals but only a twofold range in the mean activity between cell types. Normal donors maintained stable levels of alkyltransferase activity over time. In bone marrow T lymphocytes and myeloid precursors, there was an eightfold range of alkyltransferase activity between donors. Alkyltransferase activity in the two cell types was closely correlated in individual donors, r = 0.69, P less than 0.005, but was significantly higher in the T lymphocytes than the myeloid precursors, P less than 0.05. Liver contained the highest levels of alkyltransferase of all tissues tested. By comparison, small intestine contained 34%, colon 14%, T lymphocytes 11%, brain 11%, and myeloid precursors 6.6% of the activity found in liver. Thus, human myeloid precursors have low levels of O6alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase compared with other tissues. Low levels of this DNA repair protein may increase the susceptibility of myeloid precursors to malignant transformation after exposure to certain alkylating agents.

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S L Gerson, K Miller, N A Berger

Isolation, characterization, and distribution of an unusual pancreatic human secretory protein.

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An unusual protein was isolated from acid extracts of normal human pancreas and pancreatic secretion in the form of uniform 7-10-nm long single threads without visible axial periodicity or other structure, as seen in the electron microscope. It accounts for as much as 300 micrograms/ml in some pancreatic secretions as measured by specific radioimmunoassay. The protein undergoes a freely reversible, pH dependent, globule-fibril transformation, being stable in the fibril form between pH 5.4 and 9.2. The monomer at acid pH has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 14,000 and consists of a single polypeptide chain, the amino acid composition of which is rich in aromatic amino acids and lacks carbohydrate, fatty acid, and phosphate. The amino acid sequence of 45 residues from the amino terminus shows no homology with any other reported protein sequences other than that of the A chain of the bovine pancreas thread protein (reported elsewhere). A sensitive radioimmunoassay employing monoclonal antibodies against human pancreatic thread protein failed to detect the antigen in a wide range of human tissues other than pancreas, nor was the antigen measurable in normal human sera. Immunohistochemistry utilizing these antibodies revealed the antigen as a component of the cytoplasm of some but not all the pancreatic acinar cells. A physiologic function has not yet been determined for this protein.

Authors

J Gross, R I Carlson, A W Brauer, M N Margolies, A L Warshaw, J R Wands

Formation of soluble immune complexes by complement in sera of patients with various hypocomplementemic states. Difference between inhibition of immune precipitation and solubilization.

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To examine whether the ability of complement to form soluble immune complexes plays a role in preventing immune complex-mediated diseases, we analyzed the capacity of complement to inhibit immune precipitation (IIP) and to solubilize preformed immune aggregates (SOL) in 23 sera of patients with various hypocomplementemic states, and we correlated the results of these studies with the clinical syndromes found in the various patients. In sera with deficiency or depletion of early classical pathway components, IIP was profoundly altered, whereas SOL was delayed but in the normal range. In contrast, in sera with C3 depletion but intact classical pathway and in properdin-deficient serum, IIP was initially preserved, whereas SOL was abolished. Since the incidence of immune complex diseases in various hypocomplementemic states correlates with the severity of IIP defects, but not with reduced SOL, it is suggested that IIP is an essential biological function of complement that prevents the rapid formation of insoluble immune complexes in vivo.

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J A Schifferli, G Steiger, G Hauptmann, P J Spaeth, A G Sjöholm

Monoclonal antibodies to T-2 toxin. In vitro neutralization of protein synthesis inhibition and protection of rats against lethal toxemia.

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A murine monoclonal antibody (15H6) against the trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 was capable of neutralizing the in vitro protein synthesis inhibitory effect of T-2 toxin in human B lymphoblastoid cultures. It was further shown that 15H6 given to rats (250 mg/kg) 30 min before or 15 min after a lethal dose (1 mg/kg) of T-2 toxin conferred 100% survival. A lower dose of 15H6 (125 mg/kg), given 15 min after the lethal dose of T-2 toxin, protected 25% of the rats. An increased time to death and 45% survival was seen in rats given the full dose of 15H6 antibody 60 min after lethal toxin. These data are the first demonstration of effective prophylaxis and therapy for T-2 toxemia.

Authors

G Feuerstein, J A Powell, A T Knower, K W Hunter Jr

Analysis of helper activity on pokeweed mitogen- and interleukin 2-driven immunoglobulin synthesis by neoplastic T4+ cells.

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The neoplastic T cells of a series of seven patients with chronic T-cell neoplasia were tested for helper activity on pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced and interleukin 2 (IL-2)-induced Ig synthesis. The neoplastic T cells of all patients had a T3+4+8-11+I1- phenotype but differed in expression of the 3A1 antigen. The neoplastic T cells of three patients had helper activity on both PWM- and IL-2-driven Ig synthesis, and in addition produced IL-2 in response to PWM stimulation. Two of these patients had hypergammaglobulinemia. In contrast, the neoplastic T cells in the remaining four patients did not produce IL-2 and did not support PWM-driven Ig synthesis. The T4+ cells of these four patients, however, provided excellent helper activity on IL-2-driven Ig synthesis. These findings emphasize the role of IL-2 in T cell-dependent Ig synthesis and clearly show that IL-2 production is required for helper activity in the PWM-driven system. It is concluded that the combined use of PWM- and IL-2-driven Ig synthesis systems allows separate analysis of IL-2 production and T-helper activity in health and disease.

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F Miedema, J W van Oostveen, F G Terpstra, A W van den Wall Bake, R Willemze, E A Rauws, R Bieger, M B van 't Veer, D Catovsky, C J Melief

Biosynthesis of the transferrin receptor in rabbit reticulocytes.

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These studies were performed to determine whether the reticulocyte can synthesize its own transferrin receptor and, if so, whether synthesis is subject to translational control by intracellular heme. Reticulocytosis (20-35%) was produced by bleeding rabbits and the washed cells were incubated for 1-4 h at 37 degrees C in buffered nutritional medium containing L-[35S]methionine. After washing and detergent lysis in the presence of protease inhibitors, supernatant reticulocyte extracts were analyzed for transferrin receptors by immunoprecipitation with specific ovine receptor antibody raised against denatured rabbit transferrin receptor. Immunoprecipitates were analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis and fluorography. Antibody, but not preimmune sheep immunoglobin, consistently precipitated a 35S-labeled protein with an Mr of 90,000 (reduced), coincident with bona fide receptor subunits purified by ligand-affinity chromatography. Incorporation of radioactive methionine was exclusively associated with receptor in reticulocyte stroma, and nascent receptor was not detected on free polyribosomes. Incorporation of radioactivity in the receptor moiety accounted for 0.1-0.2% of total incorporation into TCA insoluble cell protein. Treatment of the cells with 40 micrograms/ml cycloheximide markedly inhibited amino acid incorporation into the receptor, thus indicating de novo synthesis of receptor protein. On treatment of reticulocytes with 4,6 dioxoheptanoate to induce heme deficiency by diminishing the formation of intracellular heme, synthesis of the receptor was inhibited by greater than 50%; synthesis was restored to control rates on addition of 50 microM exogenous hemin. These findings indicate that the reticulocyte retains receptor mRNA and that synthesis of the receptor in erythroid cells is subject to translational regulation by intracellular heme.

Authors

T M Cox, M W O'Donnell, P Aisen, I M London

A relationship between ultrasonic integrated backscatter and myocardial contractile function.

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We have shown previously that the physiologic, mechanical cardiac cycle is associated with a parallel, cardiac cycle-dependent variation of integrated backscatter (IB). However, the mechanisms responsible are not known. The mathematical and physiological considerations explored in the present study suggest that the relationship between backscatter and myocardial contractile function reflects cyclic alterations in myofibrillar elastic parameters, with the juxtaposition of intracellular and extracellular elastic elements that have different intrinsic acoustic impedances providing an appropriately sized scattering interface at the cellular level. Cardiac cycle-dependent changes in the degree of local acoustic impedance mismatch therefore may elicit concomitant changes in backscatter. Because acoustic impedance is determined partly by elastic modulus, changes in local elastic moduli resulting from the non-Hookian behavior of myocardial elastic elements exposed to stretch may alter the extent of impedance mismatch. When cardiac cell mechanical behavior is represented by a three-component Maxwell-type model of muscle mechanics, the systolic decrease in IB that we have observed experimentally is predicted. Our prior observations of regional intramural differences in IB and the dependence of IB on global contractile function are accounted for as well. When the model is tested experimentally by assessing its ability to predict the regional and global behavior of backscatter in response to passive left ventricular distention, good concordance is observed.

Authors

S A Wickline, L J Thomas 3rd, J G Miller, B E Sobel, J E Perez

An intragenic deletion of the factor IX gene in a family with hemophilia B.

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A family of seven patients severely afflicted with hemophilia B has been studied for their factor IX genes through the use of factor IX cDNA and genomic DNA probes. The patients had detectable (less than 10% of normal) factor IX antigen in urine and no detectable inhibitors in sera to factor IX protein. Based on the DNA hybridization analysis, these patients showed a partial intragenic deletion in their factor IX gene. The deletion included two exons (exons V and VI) coding for the amino acid sequence from number 85 to 195 of the factor IX protein. The deleted portion of the gene contained the entire factor IX activation peptide. The length of the deletion was estimated to be 10 +/- 0.3 kilobase pairs. This specific gene has been named FIXSeattle. In this family both the deletion and a Taq 1 restriction fragment length polymorphism can be used as a useful marker for accurate detection of female carriers of the deficient factor IX gene.

Authors

S H Chen, S Yoshitake, P F Chance, G L Bray, A R Thompson, C R Scott, K Kurachi

Dietary intake of sodium chloride in the rat influences [3H]nitrendipine binding to adrenal glomerulosa cell membranes but does not alter binding to vascular smooth muscle membranes.

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Angiotensin II-stimulated secretion by adrenal glomerulosa cells and contraction by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) are dependent on calcium influx through membrane calcium channels. We have examined the hypothesis that the altered responsiveness of adrenal glomerulosa cells and VSM to angiotensin II during NaCl restriction may be associated with a change in membrane calcium channel number. To test this hypothesis, female rats were placed on a high or low NaCl diet. On the 14th day, membranes were prepared from the zona glomerulosa, aorta, mesenteric artery, and uterus. [3H]Nitrendipine binding was used to monitor calcium channel number. The [3H]nitrendipine binding capacity was observed to be higher in the zona glomerulosa during NaCl restriction than during high NaCl intake (83 +/- 18 vs. 49 +/- 9 fmol/mg protein, P less than 0.025, n = 6 paired experiments). The binding capacities of [3H]nitrendipine on the low and high NaCl diet were similar in the mesenteric artery (10 +/- 1 vs. 9 +/- 1 fmol/mg protein, n = 8), aorta (33 +/- 5 vs. 35 +/- 8 fmol/mg protein, n = 5), or uterus (87 +/- 15 vs. 85 +/- 16 fmol/mg protein, n = 4), respectively. The dissociation constants of [3H]nitrendipine binding did not differ on a low or high NaCl intake in the zona glomerulosa (0.84 +/- .12 vs. 0.79 +/- .10 nM), mesenteric artery (0.82 +/- .06 vs. 83 +/- .05 nM), aorta (0.90 +/- .11 vs. 0.92 +/- .12 nM), or uterus (0.55 +/- .12 vs. 0.56 +/- .10 nM), respectively. We conclude that the blunted response of VSM to angiotensin II during NaCl restriction is best explained by the previously reported lower number of angiotensin II receptors since calcium channel number does not change. In the adrenal glomerulosa cell, NaCl restriction is associated with a higher number of membrane calcium channels and angiotensin II receptors. The increase in calcium channel number may reflect the influence of an unknown factor(s) believed to be necessary for the full expression of the adrenal glomerulosa cell response to NaCl restriction.

Authors

R J Schiebinger

Biochemical marker in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, Portuguese type. Family studies on the transthyretin (prealbumin)-methionine-30 variant.

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A transthyretin variant with a methionine for valine substitution at position 30 [TTR(Met30)] is found in Portuguese patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). Effective, rapid, small- and semimicro-scale (immunoblotting) procedures were developed to determine whether or not TTR(Met30) is present in the plasma of an individual subject. The immunoblotting procedure employs only 0.10 ml of serum and can serve as a reliable procedure for the screening of large numbers of persons for the presence of TTR(Met30). In family studies of seven FAP kindreds, TTR(Met30) was found in 21 out of 41 asymptomatic FAP offspring, and its presence was not related to either age or sex. Thus, the mutant TTR segregated in accordance with the known autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of FAP. Total plasma TTR levels were not reduced in asymptomatic FAP offspring who were carriers of TTR(Met30), and no difference was observed between carriers and noncarriers of the mutant TTR. The ratios of the variant to normal TTR in plasma were estimated in asymptomatic FAP offspring and were similar to those found in FAP patients. In contrast, TTR(Met30) was relatively enriched in cerebrospinal fluid samples from two FAP patients. The significance of this finding is not known, but might relate to the preferential deposition of amyloid in the nervous system in FAP. A limited study was conducted involving simultaneous analysis of both stored (collected in 1975) and fresh serum from 20 FAP offspring, all of whom had been asymptomatic in 1975. In every subject, the results obtained with the stored and the fresh serum samples were in agreement. Six of these subjects developed clinical FAP since 1975; TTR(Met30) was present in each of these subjects. These several studies strongly suggest that the presence of TTR(Met30) in plasma constitutes a predictive biochemical marker of FAP in the preclinical phase of the disease.

Authors

M J Saraiva, P P Costa, D S Goodman

Thrombomodulin is present in human plasma and urine.

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Thrombomodulin is an endothelial cell membrane protein that is a cofactor required for the rapid activation of plasma protein C. We now report that plasma and urine of normal subjects contains a modified form of thrombomodulin that is soluble. The levels measured by radioimmunoassay were 292 +/- 60 ng thrombomodulin/ml plasma and 102 +/- 38 ng thrombomodulin/ml urine. Thrombomodulin was isolated from both plasma and urine by immunoaffinity chromatography using a polyclonal anti-human thrombomodulin IgG column. The apparent molecular weight of soluble thrombomodulin was estimated by immunoblot analysis using 125I-monoclonal anti-thrombomodulin IgG. When run without 2-mercaptoethanol, soluble thrombomodulin appeared as two polypeptides, Mr = 63,000 and 54,000, while samples run with 2-mercaptoethanol migrated mainly at Mr = 85,000. These results imply that the soluble form of thrombomodulin is smaller than the cellular form, presumably because of a lack of the membrane-binding domain. Soluble thrombomodulin is similar to cellular thrombomodulin in its intrinsic protein C-activating cofactor activity as measured by antibody neutralization. The apparent Km for protein C was the same for cellular and soluble thrombomodulin, while the soluble form requires a higher concentration of thrombin (three- to fivefold) for one-half maximal activity than the cellular form. Thrombomodulin functional activity cannot be directly measured in plasma because of some inhibitory substance(s). The physiological significance of circulating and urinary thrombomodulin is presently obscure.

Authors

H Ishii, P W Majerus

DNA binding to human leukocytes. Evidence for a receptor-mediated association, internalization, and degradation of DNA.

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Previous studies have indicated that white blood cells possess DNA on their outer membranes. In this study we set out to determine whether exogenous DNA bound to cells in a fashion compatible with a ligand receptor union. Purified populations of white blood cells; neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMN), adherent mononuclear cells (ADMC), rosetting lymphocytes (E+ cells), and nonrosetting lymphocytes (E- cells) were incubated with radiolabeled lambda phage DNA in increasing concentrations. Binding of [3H]DNA was a saturable process and was inhibited by excess cold DNA and prior trypsinization of the cells. Rate zonal density centrifugation of purified cell membrane preparations confirmed that DNA was binding to the outer cell surface. The dissociation constant for all four cell types was approximately 10(-9) M, and from 0.81 X 10(3) to 2.6 X 10(3) molecules of lambda phage DNA bound to each cell depending upon cell type. Binding was not competitively inhibited by RNA, polydeoxyadenylic acid-polydeoxythymidylic acid (poly [d(A).d(T)]), or mononucleotides. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)-separated proteins from PMN, ADMC, E+, and E- cells were electrophoretically blotted onto nitrocellulose sheets; a probe of biotin-labeled DNA indicated a single species of DNA-binding molecule migrating in a position consistent with a molecular weight of 30,000. Isotopic and immunofluorescent studies indicate that DNA is internalized and degraded to oligonucleotides; this process is inhibited by cycloheximide. These results support the notion that there is a common binding site for DNA on white blood cells, that the stoichiometry of the association is compatible with a ligand receptor relationship, and that this apparent receptor is responsible for the endocytosis and degradation of exogenous DNA.

Authors

R M Bennett, G T Gabor, M M Merritt

Lysosomal enzyme phosphorylation in human fibroblasts. Kinetic parameters offer a biochemical rationale for two distinct defects in the uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine:lysosomal enzyme precursor N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase.

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The primary genetic defect in the lysosomal storage disease mucolipidosis III (ML III) is in the enzyme uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine:lysosomal enzyme N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase. This enzyme has two well-defined functions: specific recognition of lysosomal enzymes (recognition function) and phosphorylation of their oligosaccharides (catalytic function). Using fibroblasts from patients with ML III as the source of enzyme, and alpha-methylmannoside and two lysosomal enzymes as the substrates, we have identified defects in both of these functions. In one group of fibroblasts, the catalytic activity of the N-acetylglucosaminylphosphotransferase is decreased while the ability to recognize lysosomal enzymes as specific substrates remains intact. In the second group of fibroblasts, the ability to recognize lysosomal enzymes is impaired while the catalytic activity of the enzyme is normal. These data provide a biochemical rationale for the previously described genetic heterogeneity among patients with ML III (Honey, N. K., O. T. Mueller, L. E. Little, A. L. Miller, and T. B. Shows, 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 79:7420-7424).

Authors

L Lang, T Takahashi, J Tang, S Kornfeld

Demonstration and partial characterization of the interferon-gamma receptor on human mononuclear phagocytes.

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Abstract

Radioiodinated recombinant human interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) bound to human monocytes, U937, and HL60 cells in a specific, saturable, and reversible manner. At 4 degrees C, the different cell types bound 3,000-7,000 molecules of IFN gamma, and binding was of comparable affinity (Ka = 4-12 X 10(8) M-1). No change in the receptor was observed after monocytes differentiated to macrophages or when the cell lines were pharmacologically induced to differentiate. The functional relevance of the receptor was validated by the demonstration that receptor occupancy correlated with induction of Fc receptors on U937. Binding studies using U937 permeabilized with digitonin showed that only 46% of the total receptor pool was expressed at the cell surface. The receptor appears to be a protein, since treatment of U937 with trypsin or pronase reduced 125I-IFN gamma binding by 87 and 95%, respectively. At 37 degrees C, ligand was internalized, since 32% of the cell-associated IFN gamma became resistant to trypsin stripping. Monocytes degraded 125I-IFN gamma into trichloroacetic acid-soluble counts at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C, at an approximate rate of 5,000 molecules/cell per h. The receptor was partially characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of purified U937 membranes that had been incubated with 125I-IFN gamma. After cross-linking, the receptor-ligand complex migrated as a broad band that displayed an Mr of 104,000 +/- 18,000 at the top and 84,000 +/- 6,000 at the bottom. These results thereby define and partially characterize the IFN gamma receptor of human mononuclear phagocytes.

Authors

A Celada, R Allen, I Esparza, P W Gray, R D Schreiber

In vitro prostacyclin production by ovine uterine and systemic arteries. Effects of angiotensin II.

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Abstract

Normal pregnancy is associated with reduced systemic pressor responses to infused angiotensin II (ANG II); furthermore, the uterine vascular bed is even less responsive to vasoconstriction by ANG II than the systemic vasculature overall. The mechanism(s) for this refractoriness remains unknown. To determine if vessel production of prostacyclin may be responsible, uterine and omental artery segments were obtained from four groups of sheep, nonpregnant (NP), pregnant (P; 131 +/- 4 d), early postpartum (2.2 +/- 0.4 d), and late postpartum (16 +/- 2 d), and incubated in Krebs-Henseleit alone or with ANG II in the absence or presence of Saralasin. Prostacyclin was measured as 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Synthesis of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was de novo, since aspirin inhibited its formation. P and early uterine arteries produced more 6-keto-PGF1 alpha than NP and late vessels (P less than 0.05): 386 +/- 60 (X +/- SE) and 175 +/- 23 vs. 32 +/- 5 and 18 +/- 4 pg/mg X h, respectively. A similar relationship was observed for omental arteries: 101 +/- 14 and 74 +/- 14 vs. 36 +/- 10 and 22 +/- 4 pg/mg X h, respectively. Furthermore, synthesis by arteries from P and early animals was greater in uterine than omental vessels (P less than 0.05); this was not observed in NP or late vessels. ANG II increased 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production 107 +/- 20% and 92 +/- 16% in P and early uterine arteries only; the threshold dose was between 5 X 10(-11) and 5 X 10(-9) M ANG II. This ANG II-induced increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by uterine arteries was inhibited by Saralasin, which by itself had no effect. During pregnancy, the reduced systemic pressor response to ANG II and the even greater refractoriness of the uterine vascular bed may be reflective of vessel production of the potent vasodilator, prostacyclin. Furthermore, in the uterine vasculature, this antagonism may be potentiated by specific ANG II receptor-mediated increases in prostacyclin.

Authors

R R Magness, K Osei-Boaten, M D Mitchell, C R Rosenfeld

Renal cortex taurine content regulates renal adaptive response to altered dietary intake of sulfur amino acids.

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Abstract

Rats fed a reduced sulfur amino acid diet (LTD) or a high-taurine diet (HTD) demonstrate a renal adaptive response. The LTD results in hypotaurinuria and enhanced brush border membrane vesicle (BBMV) accumulation of taurine. The HTD causes hypertaurinuria and reduced BBMV uptake. This adaptation may relate to changes in plasma or renal cortex taurine concentration. Rats were fed a normal-taurine diet (NTD), LTD, or HTD for 14 d or they underwent: (a) 3% beta-alanine for the last 8 d of each diet; (b) 3 d of fasting; or (c) a combination of 3% beta-alanine added for 8 d and 3 d of fasting. Each maneuver lowered the cortex taurine concentration, but did not significantly lower plasma taurine values compared with controls. Increased BBMV taurine uptake occurred after each manipulation. Feeding 3% glycine did not alter the plasma, renal cortex, or urinary taurine concentrations, or BBMV uptake of taurine. Feeding 3% methionine raised plasma and urinary taurine excretion but renal tissue taurine was unchanged, as was initial BBMV uptake. Hence, nonsulfur-containing alpha-amino acids did not change beta-amino acid transport. The increase in BBMV uptake correlates with the decline in renal cortex and plasma taurine content. However, since 3% methionine changed plasma taurine without altering BBMV uptake, it is more likely that the change in BBMV uptake and the adaptive response expressed at the brush border surface relate to changes in renal cortex taurine concentrations. Finally, despite changes in urine and renal cortex taurine content, brain taurine values were unchanged, which suggests that this renal adaptive response maintains stable taurine concentrations where taurine serves as a neuromodulator.

Authors

R W Chesney, N Gusowski, S Dabbagh

Effect of metabolic clearance rate and hepatic extraction of insulin on hepatic and peripheral contributions to hypoglycemia.

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Abstract

Effects of alterations in metabolic clearance rates, hepatic extraction, and plasma concentrations of insulin on hepatic and peripheral contribution to hypoglycemia and glucose counterregulation were studied in conscious dogs. Since insulin and sulfated insulin had markedly different metabolic clearance rates (34 +/- 1 vs. 16 +/- 1 ml/kg per min, respectively) and fractional hepatic extraction (42 +/- 1% vs. 15 +/- 2%, respectively), biologically equivalent amounts infused intraportally produced twofold higher hepatic vein and artery sulphated insulin concentrations and concentrations that were 30% higher in the portal vein. This significantly larger arterial/portal concentration ratio (0.67 vs. 0.45, respectively) permitted assessment of differential distribution of insulin on glucose turnover using [3-3H]glucose. Insulin and sulfated insulin (1 and 2 mU/kg per min) caused similar hypoglycemia. While insulin transiently suppressed glucose production and increased glucose disappearance, sulfated insulin had significantly greater effects on glucose disappearance and clearance, without suppression of glucose production. Despite similar hypoglycemia, sulfated insulin caused greater increment in glucagon. 3 mU/kg per min insulin caused more rapid and greater hypoglycemia, greater glucose clearance, and greater glucagon increments without suppression of glucose production, which indicates that with larger doses of insulin counterregulation can absolutely mask the suppressive effect of insulin. The effects of insulin and sulfated insulin were evaluated using euglycemic clamp to eliminate interference from stimulated counterregulation. Sequential infusion of 1 and 2 mU/kg per min of both insulins suppressed endogenous glucose production to 0 at 150 min, which indicates that the apparent lack of a hepatic effect of sulfated insulin during hypoglycemia was masked by greater counterregulation. This greater counterregulation may reflect greater peripheral glucose clearance, and prevented greater hypoglycemia than after the same insulin doses. The results indicate that the different rates of removal and the total metabolic clearance rate caused different concentrations and relative distribution between the portal and arterial blood compartments, leading to the significantly different contributions by the liver and peripheral tissues to the same hypoglycemia.

Authors

Z Chap, T Ishida, J Chou, C J Hartley, R M Lewis, M Entman, J B Field

Thrombin stimulates the adherence of neutrophils to human endothelial cells in vitro.

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Abstract

Highly purified human thrombin stimulates the adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to vascular endothelial cells (EC). When Indium-labeled PMNs were incubated with primary monolayers of cultured human umbilical vein EC, the basal adherence was 10 +/- 1% of the PMNs at 5 min. Addition of thrombin (2 U/ml) increased the mean adherence to 42 +/- 15%. Enhanced neutrophil adherence in response to thrombin was confirmed by experiments with unlabeled leukocytes, examined by phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. The action of thrombin was on the EC, since it did not directly stimulate PMN adhesiveness when measured by aggregation or by adherence to nylon fiber columns. Furthermore, enhanced neutrophil adherence occurred when endothelial monolayers were treated with thrombin and washed before adding 111Indium (111In)-labeled PMNs. Thrombin that had been inactivated with antithrombin III and heparin did not enhance neutrophil adherence. Prothrombin, Factor Xa, and fibrinogen were also ineffective. The stimulated adherence of PMNs was maximal 5 min after incubation of the EC with thrombin, and decreased thereafter. The response was dose-dependent, with half-maximal stimulation at 0.2-0.25 U thrombin/ml. The enhanced PMN adherence caused by thrombin may result in part from the production of platelet-activating factor (PAF) by the stimulated EC since thrombin-stimulated EC synthesize PAF with a time course and concentration dependence that are similar to the time and concentration relationships for thrombin-stimulated PMN adherence, PAF itself promoted neutrophil adherence to the EC monolayers, and pretreatment of PMNs with PAF decreased the adherence stimulated by thrombin and PAF, but not adherence stimulated by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and C5a fragments, which indicates specific desensitization of PAF-mediated adherence. These studies demonstrate the endothelial cell-dependent stimulation of PMN adherence by thrombin, a novel mechanism of enhanced leukocyte adherence that may be important in interactions between the coagulation and inflammatory systems.

Authors

G A Zimmerman, T M McIntyre, S M Prescott

Nasal challenge with ragweed pollen in hay fever patients. Effect of immunotherapy.

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Abstract

Challenge of the nasal mucosa of allergic subjects with specific allergen induces not only the expected sneezing and rhinorrhea, but also the appearance in nasal secretions of mediators commonly associated with activation of mast cells or basophils: histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), kinins, and TAME ([3H]-N-alpha-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester)-esterase. To determine whether specific immunotherapy alters mediator release in vivo, nasal pollen challenge was used to compare 27 untreated highly sensitive ragweed (RW)-allergic subjects with 12 similarly sensitive patients receiving long-term immunotherapy (3-5 yr) with RW extract (median dose, 6 micrograms RW antigen E). The two groups were equally sensitive based on skin tests and basophil histamine release. The immunized group had a diminished response as demonstrated by (a) the treated group required higher pollen doses to excite sneezing or mediator release; (b) significantly fewer subjects in the treated group released mediators at any dose (TAME-esterase [P = 0.005], PGD2 [P = 0.04]), and (c) the treated group released 3-5-fold less mediator (TAME-esterase [P = 0.01], and histamine [P = 0.02]).

Authors

P S Creticos, N F Adkinson Jr, A Kagey-Sobotka, D Proud, H L Meier, R M Naclerio, L M Lichtenstein, P S Norman

Estimation of bone turnover evaluated by 47Ca-kinetics. Efficiency of serum bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urinary hydroxyproline excretion.

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Abstract

Bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing (Gla) protein (BGP, osteocalcin) is a noncollagenous protein of bone present in plasma and removed by the kidney. Plasma BGP has been shown to be elevated in patients with certain bone diseases. The present study evaluates serum BGP (S-BGP), serum alkaline phosphatase (S-AP), and urinary hydroxyproline excretion (U-OHP) in diseases with differing bone turnover rates, and compares the accuracy of these measurements for estimating bone mineralization (m) and resorption (r) rates. S-BGP, S-AP, U-OHP, and creatinine clearance (Clcr) were measured in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 13), hyperthyroidism (n = 6), and hypothyroidism (n = 6). Bone mineralization and resorption rates were calculated from a 7-d combined calcium balance and 47Ca turnover study. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.69, P less than 0.001) was found between S-BGP and m. Multiple regression analysis disclosed a partial correlation between S-BGP and m when Clcr was taken into account (r = 0.82, P less than 0.001), and between S-BGP and Clcr when m was taken into account (r = -0.62, P less than 0.005). In accordance with this, a stronger correlation (r = 0.89, P less than 0.0001) was found between S-BGP X Clcr and m than between S-BGP and m. A less significant correlation was found between S-AP and m (r = 0.45, P less than 0.05). Furthermore, U-OHP showed a highly significant positive correlation to r (r = 0.78, P less than 0.001). Thus, in the studied disorders of calcium metabolism, individual serum levels of BGP depend on both mineralization rate and renal function. Serum levels of BGP corrected for alterations in renal function are superior to uncorrected S-BGP and to S-AP levels in the estimation of bone mineralization rates.

Authors

P Charles, J W Poser, L Mosekilde, F T Jensen

Loss of high affinity cardiac beta adrenergic receptors in dogs with heart failure.

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Abstract

We studied the alterations in myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase activity and muscarinic receptor density in a canine model of left ventricular (LV) failure. LV failure was characterized by a doubling of LV weight/body weight ratio (3.3 +/- 0.1 to 6.9 +/- 0.4 g/kg) and an elevation of LV end-diastolic pressure, 32 +/- 4.5 mmHg, compared with 7.7 +/- 0.6 mmHg in normal dogs. Despite a 44% increase in receptor density as measured by antagonist binding studies with [3H]dihydroalprenolol, there was a twofold decrease in receptor affinity, i.e., an increase in the dissociation constant (Kd) (5.6 +/- 0.7 to 12 +/- 1.6 nM) in heart failure. Agonist displacement of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding with isoproterenol in the presence and absence of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] demonstrated a striking loss of high affinity binding sites in heart failure (51 +/- 16 to 11 +/- 5%). Beta-Adrenergic receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase and maximal stimulation with Gpp(NH)p or sodium fluoride was reduced in heart failure. There was a concomitant marked, P less than 0.01, reduction in muscarinic receptor density (242 +/- 19 vs. 111 +/- 20 fmol/mg). Thus, while muscarinic receptor density fell, beta-adrenergic receptor density actually increased in LV failure. However, a larger portion of the beta-adrenergic receptors are not functionally coupled to the GTP-stimulatory protein (Ns), as evidenced by a decrease in the fraction of receptors that bind agonist with high affinity.

Authors

D E Vatner, S F Vatner, A M Fujii, C J Homcy

Relative contribution of aortic and carotid baroreflexes to heart rate control in man during steady state and dynamic increases in arterial pressure.

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Abstract

We studied the contribution of carotid vs. extracarotid baroreceptors in control of heart rate in normal humans. We measured heart interval (HI) and arterial pressure during steady-state infusion of phenylephrine (PE). PE increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 13 +/- 2 mmHg (mean +/- SEM; n = 10) and thus stimulated both carotid and aortic baroreceptors. Neck pressure (NP) was applied during PE infusion to counter the increase in transmural carotid sinus pressure, thus leaving only aortic baroreceptors stimulated by the increase in arterial pressure. PE infusion alone prolonged HI by 230 +/- 24 ms (P less than 0.05). Application of NP attenuated the HI response to 65 +/- 22 ms above control (P less than 0.05 vs. PE alone). During these steady-state increases in arterial pressure, elimination of the carotid baroreflex contribution reduced the HI prolongation by 41-70% in five subjects and by greater than 93% in five subjects. We also measured the HI response to dynamic ramp elevation of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) using bolus administrations of PE. Baroreflex control was calculated from the slope of the regression correlating SAP to succeeding HI for PE alone (carotid and aortic baroreceptor activation) and for PE plus superimposed dynamic NP at levels equal to the increases in SAP (aortic baroreceptor activation). During PE alone, the baroreflex slope was 20.2 +/- 2.9 ms/mmHg (n = 10). During PE plus NP, the baroreflex slope was reduced by 30% to 14.1 +/- 2.8 ms/mmHg (P less than 0.02 vs. during PE alone). Thus, during dynamic increases in arterial pressure, eliminating the carotid baroreflex contribution reduced the HI response by 30%. These studies indicate that extracarotid (presumably aortic) and carotid baroreflexes both participate in control of heart rate in humans. Extracarotid (aortic) baroreflexes appear to have the greater role in control of heart rate during dynamic increases in arterial pressure.

Authors

D W Ferguson, F M Abboud, A L Mark

Erythrocyte echinocytosis in liver disease. Role of abnormal plasma high density lipoproteins.

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Abstract

Echinocytes were frequently found in patients with liver disease when their blood was examined in wet films, but rarely detected in dried, stained smears. When normal erythrocytes (discocytes) were incubated with physiologic concentrations of the abnormal high density lipoproteins (HDL) from some jaundiced patients, echinocytosis developed within seconds. Other plasma fractions were not echinocytogenic. There was a close correlation between the number of echinocytes found in vivo and the ability of the corresponding HDL to induce discocyte-echinocyte transformation. On incubation with normal HDL, echinocytes generated in vitro rapidly reverted to a normal shape, and echinocytes from patients showed a similar trend. Echinocytosis occurred without change in membrane cholesterol content, as did its reversal, and was not caused by membrane uptake of lysolecithin or bile acids. Abnormal, echinocytogenic HDL showed saturable binding to approximately 5,000 sites per normal erythrocyte with an association constant of 10(8) M-1. Nonechinocytogenic patient HDL and normal HDL showed only nonsaturable binding. Several minor components of electrophoretically separated erythrocyte membrane proteins bound the abnormal HDL; pretreatment of the cells with trypsin or pronase reduced or eliminated binding. Echinocytosis by abnormal HDL required receptor occupancy, rather than transfer of constituents to or from the membrane, because cells reversibly prefixed in the discoid shape by wheat germ agglutinin, and then exposed to abnormal HDL, did not become echinocytes when the HDL and lectin were successively removed. Binding did not cause dephosphorylation of spectrin. We conclude that the echinocytes of liver disease are generated from discocytes by abnormal HDL, and we infer that the shape change is mediated by cell-surface receptors for abnormal HDL molecules.

Authors

J S Owen, D J Brown, D S Harry, N McIntyre, G H Beaven, H Isenberg, W B Gratzer

Effects of thromboxane synthase inhibition on vascular responsiveness in the in vivo rat mesentery.

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Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of thromboxane synthase inhibition on vascular responsiveness. To achieve this goal, the effects of thromboxane synthase inhibitors on mesenteric vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation, norepinephrine, and angiotensin II were determined in vivo. In normotensive rats, chronic treatment with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, UK38,485 (100 mg/kg X d X 7 d), attenuated vascular responses to nerve stimulation and angiotensin II, but not to norepinephrine. Indomethacin treatment (5 mg/kg X three doses) did not attenuate vascular responses, but did prevent chronic UK38,485 administration from attenuating vascular reactivity. A single dose of UK38,485 (100 mg/kg) did not modify vascular responses to nerve stimulation or angiotensin II, even though platelet thromboxane synthase was inhibited completely. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, chronic administration (100 mg/kg X d X 7 d) of either UK38,485, OKY1581, or U-63557A (three structurally distinct thromboxane synthase inhibitors) attenuated vascular responses to nerve stimulation and angiotensin II. Only U-63557A suppressed responses to norepinephrine. Chronic treatment with UK38,485 or U-63557A did not influence vascular reactivity in hypertensive rats treated with indomethacin. Also, chronic administration of lower doses of UK38,485 or U-63557A (30 mg/kg X d X 7 d) did not affect vascular responsiveness in hypertensive rats, despite complete blockade of platelet thromboxane synthase. These data indicate that chronic administration of high doses of thromboxane synthase inhibitors attenuates vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and angiotensin II, but not usually to norepinephrine. This action may be mediated by endoperoxide shunting within the blood vessel wall.

Authors

E K Jackson

Potential of brown adipose tissue type II thyroxine 5'-deiodinase as a local and systemic source of triiodothyronine in rats.

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Abstract

Previous reports suggest that a type II iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase may become the main enzymatic pathway for extrathyroidal triiodothyronine (T3) generation when the enzyme levels are sufficiently elevated and/or liver and kidney type I 5'-deiodinase activity is depressed. The present studies assessed the potential of brown adipose tissue (BAT) type II 5'-deiodinase to generate T3 for the plasma pool. BAT 5'-deiodination (BAT 5'D) was stimulated by either short- (4 h) or long-term (7 wk) cold exposure (4 degrees C). Long-term cold exposure increased thyroxine (T4) secretion 40-60% and extrathyroidal T3 production three-fold. In cold-adapted rats treated with propylthiouracil (PTU), extrathyroidal T3 production was 10-fold higher than in PTU-treated rats maintained at room temperature. Cold did not stimulate liver or kidney 5'D, but the cold-adapted rats showed a six- to eightfold higher BAT 5'D content. PTU caused greater than 95% inhibition of liver and kidney 5'D, but did not affect BAT 5'D. Thyroidectomized rats maintained on 0.8 micrograms of T4/100 g of body weight (BW) per day were acutely exposed to 4 degrees C. In rats given 10 mg of PTU/100 g of BW, 4 h of cold exposure still caused a 12-fold increase in BAT 5'D, a 2.3-fold increase in plasma T3 production, and a 4.8-fold increment in the locally produced T3 in BAT itself. All these responses were abolished by pretreatment with the alpha 1-antiadrenergic drug prazosin. Regardless of the ambient temperature, liver 5'D activity was greater than 90% inhibited by PTU. These results indicate that BAT can be a major source of plasma T3 under suitable circumstances such as acute or chronic exposure to cold. Furthermore, BAT 5'D activity affects BAT T3 content itself, suggesting that thyroid hormone may have a previously unrecognized role in augmenting the thermogenic response of this tissue to sympathetic stimulation. Such interactions may be especially important during the early neonatal period in humans, a time of marked thermogenic stress.

Authors

J E Silva, P R Larsen

Insulin-mediated reduction of whole body protein breakdown. Dose-response effects on leucine metabolism in postabsorptive men.

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Abstract

In vivo effects of insulin on plasma leucine and alanine kinetics were determined in healthy postabsorptive young men (n = 5) employing 360-min primed, constant infusions of L-[1-13C]leucine and L-[15N]alanine during separate single rate euglycemic insulin infusions. Serum insulin concentrations of 16.4 +/- 0.8, 29.1 +/- 2.7, 75.3 +/- 5.0, and 2,407 +/- 56 microU/ml were achieved. Changes in plasma 3-methyl-histidine (3-MeHis) were obtained as an independent qualitative indicator of insulin-mediated reduction in proteolysis. Hepatic glucose output was evaluated at the lowest insulin level using D-[6,6-2H2]glucose. The data demonstrate a dose-response effect of insulin to reduce leucine flux, from basal values of 77 +/- 1 to 70 +/- 2, 64 +/- 3, 57 +/- 3, and 52 +/- 4 mumol(kg X h)-1 at the 16, 29, 75, and 2,407 microU/ml insulin levels, respectively (P less than 0.01). A parallel, progressive reduction in 3-MeHis from 5.8 +/- 0.3 to 4.3 +/- 0.3 microM was revealed. Leucine oxidation estimated from the 13C-enrichment of expired CO2 and plasma leucine (12 +/- 1 mumol[kg X h]-1) and from the 13C-enrichment of CO2 and plasma alpha-ketoisocaproate (19 +/- 2 mumol[kg X h]-1) increased at the 16 microU/ml insulin level to 16 +/- 1 and 24 +/- 2 mumol(kg X h)-1, respectively (P less than 0.05 for each), but did not increase at higher insulin levels. Alanine flux (206 +/- 13 mumol(kg X h)-1) did not increase during the clamp, but alanine de novo synthesis increased in all studies from basal rates of 150 +/- 13 to 168 +/- 23, 185 +/- 21, 213 +/- 29, and 187 +/- 15 mumol(kg X h)-1 at 16, 29, 75, and 2,407 microU/ml insulin levels, respectively (P less than 0.05). These data indicate the presence of insulin-dependent suppression of leucine entry into the plasma compartment in man secondary to a reduction in proteolysis and the stimulation of alanine synthesis during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia.

Authors

N K Fukagawa, K L Minaker, J W Rowe, M N Goodman, D E Matthews, D M Bier, V R Young

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D increases calmodulin binding to specific proteins in the chick duodenal brush border membrane.

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Abstract

In previous studies we demonstrated that the biologically active vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] increased the calmodulin (CaM) content of chick duodenal brush border membranes (BBM) without increasing the total cellular CaM content. Therefore, we evaluated the binding of CaM to discrete proteins in the BBM and determined whether 1,25(OH)2D could influence such binding. We observed one major and several minor CaM-binding bands on autoradiograms of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels incubated with [125I]CaM. The major band had a molecular weight of 102,000-105,000. It bound CaM even in the presence of EGTA, but not in the presence of trifluoperazine or excess nonradioactive CaM. The administration of 1,25(OH)2D increased the apparent binding of CaM to this protein as assessed by densitometry of the autoradiogram. This increase in CaM binding coincided with the increased ability of the same BBM vesicles to accumulate calcium. Cycloheximide in doses that markedly reduced the incorporation of [35S]methionine into BBM proteins did not reduce the ability of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to stimulate either calcium uptake by the BBM vesicles or CaM binding to the 102,000-105,000-mol-wt protein. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D administration increases the CaM content of duodenal BBM by increasing the ability of a 102,000-105,000-mol-wt protein to bind CaM. This mechanism may underlie the ability of 1,25(OH)2D to stimulate calcium movement across the intestinal BBM.

Authors

D D Bikle, S Munson

Human platelet Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G. Identification as a 40,000-molecular-weight membrane protein shared by monocytes.

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Abstract

We have recently shown that human monocytes and U937 cells possess two molecular classes of Fc gamma receptor. One, a 72,000-mol-wt sialoglycoprotein, has high affinity for certain subclasses of human and murine monomeric IgG. The other is a 40,000-mol-wt protein (p40) with low affinity for monomeric IgG but with the capacity to bind IgG aggregates or IgG-coated particles. In the present study, a 40,000-mol-wt single chain protein, apparently identical to p40 from U937 cells, was isolated from surface-radioiodinated human platelets by affinity purification using a murine IgG2b monoclonal antibody to p40. This 40,000-mol-wt protein was not seen when control IgG2b or unrelated murine monoclonal antibodies were employed in place of anti-p40. The same 40,000-mol-wt protein was also recovered from an IgG-Sepharose affinity adsorbent, but not from ovalbumin-or myoglobin-Sepharose. The 72,000-mol-wt Fc gamma receptor of monocytes was not identified on platelets. Monoclonal anti-p40 and Fab fragments derived from this antibody blocked platelet aggregation by heat-aggregated human IgG, whereas a control murine IgG2b protein had little or no inhibitory effect at 500-1,000-fold higher concentrations. A murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody, reactive with an unrelated platelet-specific membrane antigen, did not inhibit platelet responses to aggregated IgG. Anti-p40 did not affect platelet aggregation by thrombin, collagen, or fibrinogen plus ADP. Although anti-p40 did not directly aggregate platelets in the concentrations employed, cross-linking with F(ab')2 goat anti-murine Ig induced apyrase-sensitive aggregation of anti-p40-treated platelets. This indicates that p40 possesses transmembrane linkage for platelet activation and secretion. These observations strongly suggest that this newly recognized 40,000-mol-wt platelet membrane protein serves as an Fc gamma receptor.

Authors

S I Rosenfeld, R J Looney, J P Leddy, D C Phipps, G N Abraham, C L Anderson

Stimulation of granulation tissue formation by platelet-derived growth factor in normal and diabetic rats.

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Abstract

Subcutaneous implantation of Hunt-Schilling wound chambers in rats induces a wound repair response causing the chamber first to fill with fluid and subsequently with connective tissue. The presence of a type I collagen gel encouraged a more rapid dispersion of cells throughout the chamber but had no effect on the rate of new collagen deposition. Addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF; 50 ng/chamber) to the collagen-filled chambers caused an earlier influx of connective tissue cells, a marked increase in DNA synthesis, and a greater collagen deposition in the chamber during the first 2 wk after implantation. After 3 wk, however, the levels of collagen were similar in PDGF-supplemented and control chambers. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased rate of repair which was restored to normal by addition of PDGF to the wound chamber. Combinations of PDGF and insulin caused an even more rapid increase in collagen deposition. These results suggest that the levels of various growth factors, particularly PDGF, may be limiting at wound sites and that supplementation of wounds with these factors can accelerate the rate of new tissue formation.

Authors

G R Grotendorst, G R Martin, D Pencev, J Sodek, A K Harvey

A unique elastase in human blood platelets.

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Abstract

Previous investigations suggested that elastolytic activity found in platelets could be due to contamination by neutrophil elastase. In the present study, the lysate of blood platelets free of detectable neutrophils was examined for elastase-like activity using tertiary-butyloxycarbonyl (tBOC)-ala-ala-pro-ala-aminomethyl coumarin (I), tBOC-ala-ala-pro-val-aminomethyl coumarin (II), and succinyl-tri-ala-rho-nitroanilide (SAPNA), and for elastolytic activity using 3H-labeled dog and human lung elastins. The platelet lysate degraded I at a higher rate than II, while the reverse was true of neutrophil elastase. The rate of degradation of I, II, and SAPNA by the lysate increased with reaction time up to 20 min. The rate of I, II, and SAPNA degradation by the lysate was decreased by the presence of 0.5 M NaCl, whereas NaCl greatly potentiated their degradation by neutrophil elastase. Plasma alpha 2-macroglobulin inhibited elastolysis by the platelet lysate, whereas plasma alpha 1-antitrypsin did not. The lysate activity was inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, elastatinal, Trasylol, and furoyl-saccharin. The optimum pH for platelet lysate activity was 8.5-9.0, as in other studies using elastin as substrate. The pH 4.5 eluate obtained after incubation of the lysate with dog lung elastin at neutral pH exhibited the same catalytic properties as the activity in the lysate. The different substrate and inhibitor specificities and the failure of IgG specific for neutrophil elastase to remove elastase-like and elastolytic activities from the lysate indicate that a unique elastase occurs in platelets.

Authors

H L James, Y T Wachtfogel, P L James, M Zimmerman, R W Colman, A B Cohen

Network interactions in Schistosoma japonicum infection. Identification and characterization of a serologically distinct immunoregulatory auto-antiidiotypic antibody population.

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Abstract

This study examined the role of naturally occurring anti-idiotypic antibody (anti-id), specific for epitopes on antibodies to schistosome egg antigens (SEA), in serosuppression during Schistosoma japonicum infection. Three anti-id preparations were obtained from pools of infected serum at 12, 16, and 30 wk of infection. Anti-id (12 wk) bound 36% of labeled anti-SEA antibodies, had an idiotype binding capacity (IBC) of 5 micrograms/ml, and did not suppress SEA-induced proliferation. Anti-id (16 wk) bound 17% of labeled anti-SEA antibodies, had 29 micrograms IBC/ml, and reduced 3H incorporation from 21.4 +/- 0.5 (10 micrograms/ml normal Ig) to 9.1 +/- 1.5 X 10(4) cpm (P less than 0.01). Anti-id (30 wk) bound 66% of labeled anti-SEA antibody, had 84 micrograms IBC/ml, and suppressed 3H incorporation by 88% (4.8 +/- 0.3 X 10(4) cpm, P less than 0.001). Analysis of the serologic reactivity of these three populations of anti-idiotypic antibodies revealed that anti-id (12 wk) described an idiotypic population of anti-SEA molecules containing a minor cross-reactive idiotype (SJ-CRIm). In contrast, anti-id (30 wk) described a serologically distinct, idiotypic population containing a major cross-reactive idiotype of anti-SEA molecules (SJ-CRIM). A monoclonal anti-id, which reacted with greater than 50% of the anti-SEA molecules describing SJ-CRIM, was profoundly suppressive in vitro and reduced granulomatous inflammation around parasite eggs in vivo from 113 X 10(3) micron2 to 23 X 10(3) micron2 (80% suppression, P less than 0.001). These observations suggest that immune network interactions modulate inflammation in chronic murine S. japonicum infection.

Authors

G R Olds, T F Kresina

Structural requirements for parathyroid hormone action in mature bone. Effects on release of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein from perfused rat hindquarters.

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Abstract

To determine the structural requirements for parathyroid hormone (PTH) activity in mature bone, we perfused the surgically isolated hindquarters of adult male rats with either native bovine PTH-(1-84) [bPTH-(1-84)] or the synthetic amino-terminal fragment, bovine PTH-(1-34) [bPTH-(1-34)]. Changes in the release of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and bone Gla protein (BGP) were monitored as evidence of bone-specific response to PTH; tissue specificity of the cAMP response was confirmed through in vitro examination on nonskeletal tissue response to PTH. Biologically active, monoiodinated 125I-bPTH-(1-84) was administered to determine if mature murine bone cleaves native hormone. We found that perfused rat bone continuously releases BGP, and that both bPTH-(1-84) and bPTH-(1-34) acutely suppress this release. In addition, both hormones stimulate cAMP release from perfused rat hindquarters. When examined on a molar basis, the magnitude of the cAMP response was dose-dependent and similar for both hormones, with doses yielding half-maximal cAMP responses. The response for bPTH-(1-34) was 0.5 nmol and for bPTH-(1-84) was 0.7 nmol. Moreover, biologically active 125I-bPTH-(1-84) was not metabolized in our hindquarter perfusion system. These findings indicate that PTH-(1-84) does not require extraskeletal or skeletal cleavage to an amino-terminal fragment in order to stimulate cAMP generation in, or suppress BGP release from, mature rat bone.

Authors

M S Calvo, M J Fryer, K J Laakso, R A Nissenson, P A Price, T M Murray, H Heath 3rd

Insulin receptor biosynthesis in cultured lymphocytes from insulin-resistant patients.

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Abstract

In some patients with genetic forms of extreme insulin resistance, the cause of insulin resistance is a marked (greater than or equal to 90%) reduction in the number of insulin receptors on the cell surface. In the present work, we describe studies of insulin receptor biosynthesis in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphocytes from three patients (A-1, A-5, and A-8) with type A extreme insulin resistance. Insulin receptors are composed of two major glycoprotein subunits (apparent molecular weight [Mr] of 135 and 95 kD), which are both derived from a common precursor molecule with Mr of 190 kD. In one patient (A-1), there was a marked reduction in the biosynthesis of both the 190-kD precursor and the mature receptor. Thus, in this patient, the defect appears to occur early in the biosynthetic pathway (i.e., before the synthesis of the 190-kD precursor). In contrast, in two sisters (A-5 and A-8) with type A extreme insulin resistance, biosynthesis of the 190-kD precursor proceeds at a normal rate. However, there appears to be a defect subsequent to the biosynthesis of the 190-kD precursor, but before the insertion of the mature receptor in the plasma membrane. Our observations suggest the existence of at least two distinct types of biosynthetic defects which may give rise to a marked reduction in the number of insulin receptors on the cell surface. In addition, for comparison, we have studied receptor biosynthesis in cultured EBV lymphocytes from a fourth patient (A-7) with type A extreme insulin resistance. Although the cells of patient A-7 have a normal number of insulin receptors, we have detected subtle abnormalities in the posttranslational processing of the insulin receptor precursor, which may be a biochemical marker for a postbinding defect that causes insulin resistance in this patient.

Authors

J A Hedo, V Y Moncada, S I Taylor

Oral administration of human serum immunoglobulin in immunodeficient patients with viral gastroenteritis. A pharmacokinetic and functional analysis.

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Abstract

We examined the pharmacokinetics and immunological activity of human serum immunoglobulins (HSG) possessing anti-rota-virus activity which were orally administered to three children with primary immunodeficiency syndromes and prolonged gastrointestinal excretion of rotavirus. Detailed analysis of the excretion of immunoglobulins labeled with biotin or I125 revealed that approximately 50% of the recovered radioactivity was excreted in the stools over a 3-d period. Approximately half of the excreted radioactivity recovered in the stool was in a macromolecular form with immunological activity. The remainder of the recovered radioactivity was excreted in the urine as low molecular weight fragments or free iodide. In addition, immunological and chromatographic analyses revealed that the oral administration of HSG resulted in the generation of rotavirus-specific immune complexes in the gastrointestinal tract with a subsequent decrease in the presence of uncomplexed rotavirus antigen. These studies indicate that orally administered HSG can survive passage in the gastrointestinal tract in an immunologically active form, and that the oral administration of immunoglobulins with specific reactivities has potential for the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections.

Authors

G A Losonsky, J P Johnson, J A Winkelstein, R H Yolken

Interaction of human monocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes with zymosan in vitro. Role of type 3 complement receptors and macrophage-derived complement.

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Abstract

Macrophages take up zymosan in the absence of exogenous complement via receptors for iC3b (type 3 complement receptors) acting with or without lectin-like receptors for mannosyl-fucosyl-terminated glycoconjugates. We previously provided evidence that macrophages themselves secrete complement-alternative pathway components able to opsonize zymosan locally (Ezekowitz et al., J. Exp. Med. 1984. 159:244-260). We show here that covalently bound C3 cleavage products C3b and iC3b can be eluted from zymosan particles cultivated with 36-h adherent human monocytes in the absence of serum. The ligand binding site of type 3 complement receptors is involved in macrophage-zymosan interactions as shown by inhibition studies of zymosan binding and uptake with Fab fragments of anti-C3 antibodies and monoclonal antireceptor antibodies M01 and OKM10. In contrast, antibody IB4, which binds to a receptor epitope distinct from the binding site, does not inhibit zymosan uptake. Selective modulation of macrophage receptors onto anticomplement receptor antibody and mannose-rich yeast mannan, respectively, confirms that the complement and lectin-like receptors are distinct. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which express receptors for complement, but are not known to secrete complement proteins, bind and ingest only exogenously opsonized zymosan. Unopsonized zymosan is a poor trigger of respiratory burst activity in neutrophils or 7-d adherent human macrophages, but induces cell aggregation and secretion of large amounts of superoxide anion when these cells are co-cultivated in serum-free medium and challenged with zymosan. Our studies indicate that complement and/or other products synthesized by macrophages at extravascular sites could play an important role in opsonization and lysis of pathogens able to activate the alternative pathway and mediate macrophage-neutrophil collaboration in first-line host defence.

Authors

R A Ezekowitz, R B Sim, G G MacPherson, S Gordon

Intracellular respiratory dysfunction and cell injury in short-term anoxia of rabbit renal proximal tubules.

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Abstract

The effects of short-term anoxia and hypoxia were studied in a rabbit proximal renal tubule suspension in order to avoid the hemodynamic consequences of clamp-induced ischemia. The suspension was subjected to anoxia for 10-40 min and the effects on a number of cellular transport and respiratory parameters were monitored. Cellular respiration was measured upon addition of nystatin (Nys) to maximally stimulate Na pump activity. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in the tubules by addition of digitonin and ADP to obtain the state 3 respiratory rate. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured as an index of plasma membrane damage. The cellular contents of K and Ca were also measured. Results show that 10 and 20 min of anoxia partially inhibited Nys-stimulated and mitochondrial respiration, and partially decreased the K contents, but all these effects were largely reversible after 20 min of reoxygenation. After 40 min of anoxia and 20 min of reoxygenation, all these variables remained irreversibly inhibited: Nys-stimulated respiration by 54%, mitochondrial respiration by 50%, K content by 42%, and LDH release was 40% of total. Ca content decreased slightly during anoxia, but increased up to fourfold during severe hypoxia; the excess Ca was released during the first 10 min of reoxygenation. The degree of respiratory impairment was identical during anoxia or hypoxia, suggesting that Ca accumulation was not associated with the impairment. Decreasing the extracellular Ca to 2.5 microM decreased LDH release significantly during anoxia, suggesting that plasma membrane damage during anoxia may be associated with increased intracellular free Ca. Addition of Mg-adenosine triphosphate during anoxia dramatically improved recovery of all the measured parameters after the anoxic period.

Authors

T Takano, S P Soltoff, S Murdaugh, L J Mandel

Deficiency of the adhesive protein complex lymphocyte function antigen 1, complement receptor type 3, glycoprotein p150,95 in a girl with recurrent bacterial infections. Effects on phagocytic cells and lymphocyte functions.

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Abstract

A patient presenting delayed umbilical cord detachment, severe recurrent bacterial infections, and inability to form pus exhibited a profound defect in the expression of alpha- and beta-chains of the receptor for the C3bi fragment of C3 (CR3), lymphocyte function antigen 1 (LFA-1) molecule, and the p150,95 molecule found on neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocyte membranes. This was shown by immunofluorescence studies using specific monoclonal antibodies, rosette formation with C3bi-coated erythrocytes, and immunoprecipitation for the LFA-1 complex. These membrane defects were responsible for abnormal phagocytic cell functions including adherence to nylon wool, cell movement, phagocytosis, and opsonized particle-induced oxidative response and for defective natural killer cell activity. In addition, lymphocyte function deficiencies previously unobserved in this disease were found. Cytolytic T lymphocyte activity was profoundly reduced; alpha- and gamma-interferon production were impaired. Finally, there was no antibody production to vaccinal antigens whereas the antibody responses to polysaccharides and to cytomegalovirus were found to be normal. The cytotoxic T cell deficiency could be expected from previous blocking experiments of this function with monoclonal antibodies to LFA-1 and is probably related to an extremely severe deficiency in LFA-1 expression in this patient. Anomalies in interferon and in antibody production suggest additional role(s) of the LFA-1 complex in monocyte/T lymphocyte/B lymphocyte cell interactions that have not yet been envisaged.

Authors

A Fischer, R Seger, A Durandy, B Grospierre, J L Virelizier, F Le Deist, C Griscelli, E Fischer, M Kazatchkine, M C Bohler

In vivo and vitro studies on formation of bile acids in patients with Zellweger syndrome. Evidence that peroxisomes are of importance in the normal biosynthesis of both cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid.

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Abstract

The last step in bile acid formation involves conversion of 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid (THCA) into cholic acid and 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid (DHCA) into chenodeoxycholic acid. The peroxisomal fraction of rat and human liver has the highest capacity to catalyze these reactions. Infants with Zellweger syndrome lack liver peroxisomes, and accumulate 5 beta-cholestanoic acids in bile and serum. We recently showed that such an infant had reduced capacity to convert a cholic acid precursor, 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol into cholic acid. 7 alpha-Hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one is a common precursor for both cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. Intravenous administration of [3H]7 alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one to an infant with Zellweger syndrome led to a rapid incorporation of 3H into biliary THCA but only 10% of 3H was incorporated into cholic acid after 48 h. The incorporation of 3H into DHCA was only 25% of that into THCA and the incorporation into chenodeoxycholic acid approximately 50% of that in cholic acid. The conversion of intravenously administered [3H]THCA into cholic acid in another infant with Zellweger syndrome was only 7%. There was a slow conversion of THCA into 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-C29-dicarboxylic acid. The pool size of both cholic- and chenodeoxycholic acid was markedly reduced. Preparations of liver from two patients with Zellweger syndrome had no capacity to catalyze conversion of THCA into cholic acid. There was, however, a small conversion of DHCA into chenodeoxycholic acid and into THCA. It is concluded that liver peroxisomes are important both for the conversion of THCA into cholic acid and DHCA into chenodeoxycholic acid.

Authors

B F Kase, J I Pedersen, B Strandvik, I Björkhem

Irreversible bone loss in osteomalacia. Comparison of radial photon absorptiometry with iliac bone histomorphometry during treatment.

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Abstract

We examined the relationships between the changes in bone mineral deficit in the radius, determined by single-energy photon absorptiometry at standard proximal and distal sites, and in the ilium, determined by bone histomorphometry, during the treatment of osteomalacia of diverse etiology in 28 patients. In the ilium, relative osteoid volume decreased by 75-80% in both cortical bone (from 6.0% to 1.5%) and trabecular bone (from 30.1% to 6.6%) during a mean treatment duration of 2 yr. There was also a significant fall in iliac cortical porosity from 10.3% to 7.8%. As a result, mineralized bone volume increased by 7.5% in cortical and by 40.1% in trabecular bone; the cortical and trabecular increments were correlated (r = 0.69, P less than 0.001). The properly weighted increase for the entire tissue sample was 18.6%. By contrast, there was no change in bone mineral at either radial site, although there was a 2% increase at both sites when allowance was made for age-related bone loss during treatment. The proximal and distal age-adjusted increments was correlated (r = 0.76, P less than 0.001), but there was no correlation between the changes in any photon absorptiometric and any histomorphometric index. In that iliac cortical bone turnover in normal subjects was 7.2%/yr, we estimated the rate of bone turnover to be less than 2%/yr at both proximal and distal radial sites, including any trabecular bone present at the distal site. Compared to appropriate control subjects, the bone mineral deficits fell during treatment from 19.2% to 17.1% at the proximal radius (greater than 95% cortical bone) and from 20.5% to 18.5% at the distal radius (greater than 75% cortical bone). In the ilium the deficits, assuming attainment of normal values for osteoid volume and cortical porosity, fell from 41.7% to 36.1% in cortical and from 31.5% to 6.3% in trabecular bone, the properly weighted combined deficit falling from 38.6% to 27.7%. The irreversible iliac cortical deficit was entirely due to cortical thinning because of increased net endosteal resorption; the resultant expansion of the marrow cavity offset the modest loss of fractional trabecular mineralized bone. We conclude: in osteomalacia there is a large irreversible and a small reversible bone mineral deficit at both proximal and distal radial sites, in similar proportion to the iliac cortex but of smaller magnitude; the anatomic basis of the irreversible bone mineral deficit at all three sites that persists despite correction of the mineralization defect by appropriate treatment is thinning of cortical bone, most likely owing to prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism; (c) there is no evidence that the proportion of trabecular bone in the distal radius at any site proximal to the radioulnar joint has any relevance to the interpretation of measurements made at that site; (d) there are at least three functional subdivisions of trabecular bone depending on proximity to hematopoietic marrow, fatty marrow, or synovium; and (e) single photon absorptiometry of the radius is an excellent method for measuring cortical bone mass in the appendicular skeleton, but is of little value for the assessment of changes in trabecular bone status.

Authors

A M Parfitt, D S Rao, J Stanciu, A R Villanueva, M Kleerekoper, B Frame

Atriopeptin III. A potent natriuretic, diuretic, and hypotensive agent in rats with chronic renal failure.

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Abstract

Chronic renal failure is frequently associated with volume overload, resulting in hypertension and, in some cases, congestive heart failure. Atriopeptin III (AP III), a 24-amino acid atrial peptide, is a potent vasodilator and natriuretic/diuretic agent in normal rats. An infusion of AP III at 0.2 microgram/kg per min for 60 min produced dramatic responses in animals with chronic renal failure (5/6 nephrectomy 4 wk before study). Systemic blood pressure fell 20% by the end of infusion. A pronounced rise in glomerular filtration rate (24%) was maintained during the infusion period when urine flow rate was stable (35-60 min), even though renal blood flow was unchanged from base line. Urinary volume increased 4.4-fold and sodium excretion increased 9 to 12-fold during the infusion. Fractional excretion of sodium ranged between 9 and 15% in those animals whose initial GFR values were lower than 0.5 ml/min. We conclude that AP III is a potent natriuretic/diuretic agent in rats with reduced renal mass, presumably exerting that effect predominantly through increases in GFR. This agent may well be useful in the treatment of volume overload in patients with chronic renal failure.

Authors

B R Cole, M A Kuhnline, P Needleman

Z-nucleotide accumulation in erythrocytes from Lesch-Nyhan patients.

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Abstract

5-Amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside 5'-monophosphate (ZMP) is an intermediate in the purine de novo synthetic pathway that may be further metabolized to inosine 5'-monophosphate, degraded to the corresponding nucleoside (5-amino-4-imidazole-carboxamide riboside; Z-riboside), or phosphorylated to the corresponding 5'-triphosphate (ZTP). Accumulation of ZTP in microorganisms has been associated with depletion of folate intermediates that are necessary for the conversion of ZMP to inosine 5'-monophosphate and has been postulated to play a regulatory role in cellular metabolism. We have shown the presence of Z-nucleotides in erythrocytes derived from five individuals with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Erythrocyte folate levels were within the normal range, although guanosine triphosphate levels were significantly reduced below those in normal controls (P less than 0.01). A small amount of Z-nucleotide accumulation was also found in one individual with partial deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase and in two individuals with other disorders of purine overproduction. In contrast, no Z-nucleotides were detected in 13 normal controls or in three individuals with hyperuricemia on allopurinol therapy. We conclude that Z-nucleotide formation may result from markedly increased rates of de novo purine biosynthesis. It is possible that metabolites of these purine intermediates may play a role in the pathogenesis of the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Authors

Y Sidi, B S Mitchell

Serum vitamin D-binding protein is a third member of the albumin and alpha fetoprotein gene family.

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Abstract

A near full-length cDNA encoding the human vitamin D-binding protein (hDBP) was isolated from a human liver mRNA expression library. Complete sequence analysis of this clone predicts the full-length amino acid sequence of the pre-hDBP. Comparison of the sequence of the hDBP mRNA and protein to existing protein and nucleic acid data banks demonstrates a strong and highly characteristic homology of the hDBP with human albumin (hALB) and human alpha-fetoprotein (hAFP). Based upon this structural comparison, we establish that DBP is a member of the ALB and AFP gene family.

Authors

N E Cooke, E V David

Beta-2 microglobulin is an amyloidogenic protein in man.

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Abstract

Curvilinear fibrils with the tinctorial properties of amyloid were isolated from a patient with bone and joint involvement complicating chronic dialysis for renal disease. Subunit fractions of 24,000 and 12,000 mol wt were identified after gel filtration under dissociating conditions, the latter containing a significant amount of a dimer of the former. This was confirmed by Edman degradation of each fraction, which yielded the amino terminal sequence of normal human beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) to residues 20 and 30, respectively. The size of the subunit protein (12,000 mol wt) and the amino acid composition make it likely that intact B2M is a major constituent of the fibrils. B2M is thus another example of a low molecular weight serum protein, with a prominent beta-pleated sheet structure, that may adopt the fibrillar configuration of amyloid in certain pathologic states.

Authors

P D Gorevic, T T Casey, W J Stone, C R DiRaimondo, F C Prelli, B Frangione

Stimulation of porcine jejunal ion secretion in vivo by protein kinase-C activators.

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Abstract

Microbial toxins act through cyclic nucleotide dependent (cAMP or cGMP) or cyclic nucleotide independent pathways to cause intestinal ion secretion. To explore the calcium dependent, cyclic nucleotide independent pathway that is postulated to involve protein kinase C activation, we measured protein kinase C activity and phorbol ester binding in isolated intestinal epithelial cells and examined the effects of the C-kinase activators, phorbol myristate acetate, phorbol dibutyrate, and 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, in weaned pig jejunum in vivo. We demonstrated both protein kinase C activity and specific phorbol ester binding in porcine jejunal epithelial cells. Phorbol myristate acetate, phorbol dibutyrate, and 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (10(-5) M) each caused striking secretory responses at 5 h with accumulation of Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3- intraluminally. In contrast, 4-alpha-phorbol and 4-alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, which do not affect protein kinase C, allowed normal net absorption of all electrolytes from the intestinal lumen equivalent to controls with only Ringer's lactate. Time course studies revealed significant secretion within 30 min after exposure to the C-kinase activators. These data suggest an important role for protein kinase C activation in intestinal ion secretion.

Authors

C S Weikel, J J Sando, R L Guerrant

Sn-protoporphyrin suppresses chemically induced experimental hepatic porphyria. Potential clinical implications.

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Abstract

The ability of Sn(tin)-protoporphyrin to inhibit the induction of hepatic delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthase by allylisopropyl acetamide (AIA) was examined in the adult rat. Doses of Sn-protoporphyrin of 1, 10, and 50 mumol/kg body wt resulted in decreases in AIA-induced hepatic ALA-synthase activity of 32, 52, and 60%, respectively, compared with rats treated with AIA alone; inhibition of ALA-synthase was not a direct effect of Sn-protoporphyrin. This inhibition of the enzyme activity in liver was reflected in concurrent decreases in urinary excretion of ALA and porphobilinogen (PBG). The increased urinary excretion of ALA and PBG observed following AIA treatment was reduced by the lowest dose of Sn-protoporphyrin (1 mumol/kg body wt) and abolished completely by the higher doses of the metalloporphyrin (10 and 50 mumol/kg body wt). These findings in a rat model of hepatic porphyria suggest that Sn-protoporphyrin may be useful in the treatment of acute exacerbations of "inducible" hepatic porphyrias in man, especially since Sn-protoporphyrin, unlike hematin which is presently used for this purpose, is neither degraded by nor induces the activity of heme oxygenase.

Authors

R A Galbraith, G S Drummond, A Kappas

Tissue factor induction in human monocytes. Two distinct mechanisms displayed by different alloantigen-responsive T cell clones.

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Abstract

One component of the cellular immune response to antigens is the expression of procoagulant activity (PCA) by monocytes and macrophages. Induction of human monocyte PCA in response to alloantigenic stimulation requires the collaboration of HLA-DR-responsive T cells. In mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs), the induction of monocyte tissue factor appears to be mediated exclusively by a T cell-derived lymphokine. We have used a soft agar cloning method to generate alloantigen-responsive T cell clones from MLCs between irradiated Daudi lymphoblastoid cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Developing clones were screened for the ability to induce PCA in fresh autologous monocytes in response to Daudi stimulator cells. PCA induction was observed with some, but not all, proliferating T cell clones and two modes of induction were apparent. Some T cell clones mediated PCA induction exclusively by lymphokine production, whereas other clones delivered induction signals by direct cellular collaboration with the monocyte effector cells. These two inductive pathways were represented in distinct, non-inclusive functional subsets of T cell clones. Constitutive production of soluble inducer signals was not observed in T inducer clones. The magnitude of the monocyte PCA response increased in response to an increase in the allogeneic stimulator/T clone responder ratio, and third-party allogeneic cells were unable to elicit the PCA-inducing lymphokine signals from T inducer clones. Both modes of induction were shown to generate tissue factor protein activity in monocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that PCA induction can be initiated in response to alloantigens through collaboration with certain OKT3+, OKT4+, OKT8-, OKM1- T inducer clones, and that induction can be mediated by at least two different functional subsets of human T cells. Stimulation with the appropriate alloantigen may elicit both lymphokine and T cell-contact pathways of induction of tissue factor in human monocytes.

Authors

S A Gregory, T S Edgington

Metabolism and effects on platelet function of the purified eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in humans.

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Abstract

Metabolism and effects on platelet function of 6 g/d for 6 d of either eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 omega-3) or docosahexaenoic acid (DCHA, C22:6 omega-3) in volunteers were compared in a randomized crossover study. Incorporation kinetics revealed that EPA appeared in plasma free fatty acids and plasma phospholipids after 4 h, but was not incorporated into platelet phosphatidylcholine and -ethanolamine until day 6. This indicates that platelet fatty acid composition does not immediately reflect that of the surrounding plasma milieu, but rather may be determined during megakaryocyte maturation. Importantly, EPA was not incorporated into platelet phosphatidylinositol or -serine in vivo, thus reflecting selective biosynthesis of platelet phospholipids. After dietary EPA, C22:5 omega-3 increased in plasma and platelet phospholipids. In contrast, DCHA-levels were unaltered. After DCHA-ingestion, C20:5 omega-3 concentrations rose in plasma phospholipids, implying that retroconversion took place. These findings indicate that dietary DCHA can serve as a source of EPA. During this short-term study, ingestion of both EPA and DCHA resulted in reduced platelet aggregation in response to collagen. The response to ADP was lowered significantly only by DCHA. After either EPA or DCHA, thromboxane formation was unchanged in serum derived from clotted whole blood as was total in vivo synthesis measured by excretion of immunoreactive 2,3-dinor thromboxane B2/3. We conclude that DCHA reduces platelet responsiveness, contributing to the antithrombotic effects of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil ingestion, of which DCHA is a major component.

Authors

C von Schacky, P C Weber