Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B S Mitchell

Publications and source records attributed to B S Mitchell.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Cloning and expression of human deoxycytidine kinase cDNA.

Deoxycytidine (dCyd) kinase is required for the phosphorylation of several deoxyribonucleosides and certain nucleoside analogs widely employed as antiviral and chemotherapeutic agents. Detailed analysis of this enzyme has been limited, however, by its low abundance and instability. Using oligonucleotides based on primary amino acid sequence derived from purified dCyd kinase, we have screened T-lymphoblast cDNA libraries and identified a cDNA sequence that encodes a 30.5-kDa protein corresponding to the subunit molecular mass of the purified protein. Expression of the cDNA in Escherichia coli results in a 40-fold increase in dCyd kinase activity over control levels. In dCyd kinase-deficient murine L cells, transfection with dCyd kinase cDNA in a mammalian expression vector produces a 400-fold increase over control in dCyd phosphorylating activity. The expressed enzyme has an apparent Km of 1.0 microM for dCyd and is also capable of phosphorylating dAdo and dGuo. Northern blot analysis reveals a single 2.8-kilobase mRNA expressed in T lymphoblasts at 5- to 10-fold higher levels than in B lymphoblasts, and decreased dCyd kinase mRNA levels are present in T-lymphoblast cell lines resistant to arabinofuranosylcytosine and dideoxycytidine. These findings document that this cDNA encodes the T-lymphoblast dCyd kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of dAdo and dGuo as well as dCyd and arabinofuranosylcytosine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Guanine ribonucleotide depletion inhibits T cell activation. Mechanism of action of the immunosuppressive drug mizoribine.

The immunosuppressive drug, mizoribine, has been used to prevent rejection of organ allografts in humans and in animal models. Based on studies in cell lines, mizoribine has been postulated to be an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase (EC1.2.1.14), a pivotal enzyme in the formation of guanine ribonucleotides from IMP. To further characterize the mechanism of action of this drug, we studied the effect of mizoribine on human peripheral blood T cells stimulated with alloantigen, anti-CD3 MAb, or pharmacologic mitogens. Mizoribine (1-50 micrograms/ml) was able to inhibit T cell proliferation by 10-100% in a dose-dependent fashion to all stimuli tested. Measurements of purine ribonucleotide pools by HPLC showed that mizoribine led to a decrease in intracellular GTP levels, and that repletion of GTP reversed its antiproliferative effects. We also examined sequential events occurring after T cell stimulation. Early events in T cell activation, as assessed by steady-state mRNA levels of c-myc, IL-2, c-myb, histone, and cdc2 kinase, as well as surface IL-2 receptor expression, were unaffected. However, cell cycle analysis revealed decreased numbers of cells in S, G2, and M phases, and showed that the G1/S block was reversed with GTP repletion. These data indicate that mizoribine has an effect on T cell proliferation by a mechanism distinct from that of cyclosporine or corticosteroids, and therefore may be useful in combination immunosuppressive regimens.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Specific patterns of immunoreactivity in neuronal elements of the anterior major pelvic ganglion of the male guinea-pig.

The anterior major pelvic ganglion (AMPG) of the male guinea-pig has been found to consist of three principal components. The presence of a cholinergic component was determined by the demonstration of cytoplasmic and nerve fibre acetylcholinesterase activity. A noradrenergic component was demonstrated by immunoreactivity (IR) of the catecholamine-synthesising enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in neuronal perikarya. The AMPG also had a peptidergic component which may or may not sub-classify the cholinergic and noradrenergic components. Neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-immunoreactivities were seen in neuronal perikarya, nerve fibres and nerve terminals/varicosities, while somatostatin (SOM)-IR was restricted to neuronal perikarya. Substance P (SP)-IR was present in a dense network of varicose nerve fibres. However, on a rare occasion SP-IR was observed in neuronal perikarya. Enkephalin (ENK)-IR occurred in a sparsely distributed plexus of varicose nerve fibres. The analysis of adjacent serial sections demonstrated distinct patterns of neuropeptide coexistence in AMPG neurons. NPY-IR was colocalised to a subpopulation of TH-IR neuronal perikarya. NPY-IR was also colocalised with VIP-IR in non-TH-IR neuronal perikarya. VIP-IR occurred together with AChE in particular neuronal perikarya. The relationship between immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and immunoreactive nerve terminals was investigated. SP-IR nerve terminals were closely related to neuronal perikarya exhibiting VIP-, NPY-, or TH-IR. TH-IR neuronal perikarya were also abutted by ENK-IR nerve terminals. VIP- and NPY-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya were abutted by two nerve terminal types: one immunoreactive for VIP, the other for NPY. DBH-IR neuronal perikarya received AChE-positive varicosities while AChE-positive neurons were abutted by DBH-IR varicose nerve fibres. AChE-positive varicosities were also closely related to neuronal perikarya possessing VIP-IR and AChE activity.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

The distribution of uterine macrophages in virgin and early pregnant mice.

The spatiotemporal distribution of macrophages in the uterine wall of virgin mice and mice in the first half of pregnancy has been studied. Macrophages were identified using a combination of morphological criteria, the capacity to endocytose horseradish peroxidase and the expression of the Mac-1 antigen. In virgin mice and mice at preimplantation stages of pregnancy, macrophages were found throughout the endometrium, myometrium and mesometrial triangle. Following implantation, and in parallel with decidualisation, the density of macrophages appeared to decline in the decidua with advancing gestation. It is suggested that this change in density is due to a dilution of the macrophage population rather than a loss of individual cells. The numbers and distribution of decidual macrophages indicate that this group of cells does not play a major regulatory role in the success of pregnancy.

Animals↗

CD11c (LEU-M5) expression characterizes a B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder with features of both chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL) are two common chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, each having characteristic clinical, morphologic, and immunologic features. Phenotypically, CD5 reactivity in CLL and CD11c (Leu-M5) reactivity in HCL have characterized these two leukemias among B-cell disorders. In this study, we report 14 cases of a novel chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by lymphocytosis and CD11c expression, but morphologically similar to CLL. The patients' ages ranged from 46 to 81 years (median 62). Eleven had palpable splenomegaly, five with markedly enlarged spleens; only one patient had generalized lymphadenopathy. The white blood cell count ranged from 5.2 to 131.0 x 10(9)/L (median 20.8). The morphologic diagnosis in all cases was CLL, with the cells usually having abundant cytoplasm. No morphologic features, of hairy cells were evident; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase cytochemistry was negative in all cases. Bone marrow biopsies were available in 8 of 14. Four showed focal nodular infiltrates and two had diffuse infiltrates similar to CLL; two showed only minimal interstitial involvement. All cases expressed multiple B-cell markers, and 12 of 14 had monoclonal surface immunoglobulin. The leukemic cells of all cases strongly expressed CD11c, while CD5 was expressed in 7 of 14; only 1 of the 14 cases expressed the lymph node homing receptor, Leu-8. This unique group of leukemias appears to represent the malignant transformation of lymphocytes arising from a stage of lymphocyte differentiation between that found in typical cases of CLL and that of HCL. CD11c is known to have an important function in cellular adhesion and may be important in determining the pattern of lymphocyte tissue distribution found in this group of patients.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Mutations induced at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase locus of human T-lymphoblasts by perturbations of purine deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate pools.

Chronic perturbations of intracellular deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools have been associated with a mutator phenotype and increased mutation rates at several genetic loci. We have examined the specific effects of transient pharmacological purine dNTP pool perturbations on mutations induced at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus in a cultured human T-lymphoblast cell line. Incubation of CEM cells with 50 microM 2'-deoxyguanosine for 6 h increased intracellular dGTP levels 43-fold and induced a 40-fold increase in mutation frequency at the HPRT locus. Six-h incubations with 5, 10, and 20 microM 2'-deoxyadenosine increased dATP pools 4.8-, 8-, and 14.5-fold, respectively, with 59-, 34-, and 43-fold increases in HPRT mutant fractions. In contrast, 24-h incubations with hydroxyurea at concentrations which inhibited cell growth to similar extents did not induce HPRT mutations. Sequencing of HPRT complementary DNA derived from mutant cell lines revealed that the mutations induced by transient purine dNTP pool perturbations exhibited no significant misincorporation of the nucleotide in excess or next-nucleotide effect, and were similar in nature and location to spontaneous HPRT mutations. We conclude that mutations caused by transient purine dNTP pool elevations in these dividing cells are most likely induced by inhibition of DNA repair processes.

Base Sequence↗

Morphological, histochemical and immunohistological studies of the paracervical ganglion in prepubertal, pregnant and adult, non-pregnant guinea-pigs.

The morphology and ultrastructure of the paracervical ganglion were examined in prepubertal and pregnant guinea-pigs using the light and electron microscope. The neuropeptide and acetylcholinesterase content of the neuronal perikarya and SIF cells, nerve fibres and nerve terminals of the ganglion were examined in prepubertal, adult, non-pregnant and pregnant guinea-pigs. The ganglion consisted of up to seven different sized clusters of neuronal perikarya lying parallel to the long axis of the uterovaginal junction, with 60 or more neuronal perikarya in any one cluster in the paracervical connective tissues. The number of neuronal perikarya within each cluster was related to the total area of each cluster. The light and electron microscopy of the clusters was typical of autonomic ganglia, though no vacuolated neurons were observed as has been reported in the rat. The neuropeptide and acetylcholinesterase content of the ganglionic clusters was not different in prepubertal and adult, non-pregnant guinea-pigs. In pregnant guinea-pigs there was an apparent small decrease in numbers of neuronal perikarya containing the neuropeptides VIP, NPY or TH immunoreactivities, though no quantitative studies were undertaken. In pregnancy no SIF cells were detected, though in prepubertal and non-pregnant, adult guinea-pigs these cells contained TH, NPY or SP immunoreactivity.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Differential metabolism of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylguanine in human leukemic cells.

9-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylguanine (araG) is a nucleoside analogue that elicits cytotoxicity through the intracellular accumulation of its 5'-triphosphate, araGTP, araG is selectively toxic to cultured T-lymphoblasts due to their ability to accumulate higher levels of the cytotoxic metabolite, araGTP, relative to B- and null lymphoblastoid cells. In an effort to determine whether this selectivity may occur in leukemic cells in vivo, we have investigated the metabolism of araG in MOLT-4 T-lymphoblasts. MGL-8 B-lymphoblasts, HL-60 promyelocytes, and HUT-102 mature T-cells and compared it to that in freshly isolated leukemic cells from patients. MOLT-4 T-lymphoblasts were 50- to 380-fold more sensitive to growth inhibition with araG and accumulated 80-fold higher levels of araGTP than any of the other cell lines studied. Incubation of peripheral blood from patients with leukemia with araG for 4 h demonstrated that T-acute lymphocytic leukemia cells accumulated significantly higher median levels of araGTP than did acute myelogenous leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells (187 versus 72 and 31 pmol of araGTP per 10(7) cells, respectively), araGTP accumulation was not dependent on the rate of degradation of araG during the incubation. In contrast, araG did not exhibit similar selective growth inhibition, nor did the accumulation of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine 5'-triphosphate in the freshly isolated leukemic cells differ significantly among T-acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-T-, non-B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia cells. These results demonstrate that the selective metabolism of araG observed in cultured cell lines was representative of the metabolism in freshly isolated leukemic cells. Furthermore, degradation of araG did not limit the accumulation of araGTP in the leukemic cells. These results indicate that araG may be valuable as a selectively acting chemotherapeutic agent in T-lymphoblastic malignancies.

Arabinofuranosylcytosine Triphosphate↗

Kinetic properties and inhibition of human T lymphoblast deoxycytidine kinase.

The kinetic properties of 50,000-fold purified cultured human T lymphoblast (MOLT-4) deoxycytidine kinase were examined. The reaction velocity had an absolute requirement for magnesium. Maximal activity was observed at pH 6.5-7.0 with Mg:ATP for 1:1. High concentrations of free Mg2+ or free ATP were inhibitory. Double reciprocal plots of initial velocity studies yielded intersecting lines for both deoxycytidine and MgATP2-. dCMP was a competitive inhibitor with respect to deoxycytidine and ATP. ADP was a competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP and a mixed inhibitor with respect to deoxycytidine. dCTP, an important end product, is a very potent inhibitor and was a competitive inhibitor with respect to deoxycytidine and a non-competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP. TTP reversed dCTP inhibition. The data suggest that (a) MgATP2- is the true substrate of deoxycytidine kinase; (b) the kinetic mechanism of deoxycytidine kinase is consistent with rapid equilibrium random Bi Bi; (c) deoxycytidine kinase may be regulated by its product ADP and its end product dCTP as well as the availability of deoxycytidine. While many different nucleotides potently inhibit deoxycytidine kinase, their low intracellular concentrations make their regulatory role less important.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Human T-lymphoblast deoxycytidine kinase: purification and properties.

Previous observations present tremendous variations in the properties of deoxycytidine kinase. To clarify the properties and physiologic role of deoxycytidine kinase, we have undertaken its purification. Deoxycytidine kinase was purified from cultured human T-lymphoblasts (MOLT-4) to 90% purity with an estimated specific activity of 8 mumol min-1 (mg of protein)-1. The purification procedure included ammonium sulfate precipitation, Superose-12 HPLC gel filtration chromatography, DE-52 ion-exchange chromatography, AMP-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography, and dCTP-Sepharose-4B affinity chromatography. Deoxyguanosine, deoxyadenosine, and cytidine phosphorylating activities copurified with deoxycytidine kinase to final specific activities of 7.2, 13.5, and 4 mumol min-1 (mg of protein)-1, respectively. The enzyme is very unstable at low protein concentration and is stabilized by storage at -85 degrees C with 1 mg/mL bovine serum albumin, 20% glycerol (v/v), 200 mM potassium chloride, and 25 mM dithiothreitol. The molecular weight was 60,000, and the Stokes radius was 32 A by gel filtration chromatography. The subunit molecular weight was 30,500. This enzyme had apparent Km values of 1.5, 430, 500, 450, and 40 microM for deoxycytidine, deoxyguanosine, deoxyadenosine, cytidine, and cytosine arabinoside, respectively. The pH optimum ranged from 6.5 to 9.0. Mg2+ and Mn2+ were the preferred divalent cations. ATP, GTP, dGTP, ITP, dITP, TTP, and XTP were substrates for the enzymes. Our study indicates that deoxycytidine kinase is a dimer with two subunits and has phosphorylating activity for deoxyguanosine, deoxyadenosine, cytidine, and cytosine arabinoside. This highly purified enzyme will facilitate the study of its regulation and phosphorylation of anticancer or antiviral nucleoside analogues.

Cell Line↗

Association of a mature B cell leukemia with a 4p+ chromosomal abnormality: derivation and characterization of a cell line.

We have found a single 4p+ chromosomal abnormality, 46,XX, -4, +der(4)t(3;4)(q13.3;p16), in a patient with an unusual B cell leukemia of mature phenotype characterized by a high white cell count, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive malignant cells, splenic white pulp proliferation, and a serum IgM monoclonal gammopathy. The malignant cells were characterized by surface expression of CD19 (B4), CD20 (B1), IgM, IgD, kappa, and HLA-DR. They were weakly positive for CD21 (B2) and negative for CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor). The malignant cells also showed clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain and kappa light chain genes. A cell line, designated HCLW-3B, was derived from unstimulated peripheral blood obtained during the leukemic phase and was found to contain the same 4p+ chromosomal abnormality as well as genomic sequences of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen. A somatic cell hybrid constructed from HCLW-3B containing the derivative chromosome 4 was used to confirm that chromosome 3q was the source of the translocated material. The availability of a cell line which is clonally derived from the patient's circulating leukemia cells should permit further characterization of this translocation at the molecular level.

Blotting, Southern↗

Erythrocyte-specific overproduction of adenosine deaminase: molecular genetic studies.

A kindred with an autosomal dominant form of chronic hemolytic anemia has been found to have a 40- to 70-fold elevation in erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in association with depletion of red blood cell (RBC) ATP pools. ADA activities in B lymphoblasts, skin fibroblasts, and granulocytes were normal. There were no alterations in the kinetic properties of partially purified proband ADA. We have shown by Western blot analysis that the elevation in ADA activity is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the amount of immunoreactive ADA protein. Southern blot analysis of proband DNA ruled out gene amplification and revealed no gross insertions, deletions, or rearrangements in the ADA gene. Northern blot analysis demonstrated a marked increase in the amount of ADA mRNA in proband and sibling reticulocytes compared to high reticulocyte controls. ADA mRNA levels in B lymphoblasts from the proband, sibling, and GM558 cell line were normal. Cloning and sequencing of proband reticulocyte cDNA revealed normal ADA mRNA sequence. No polymorphisms were detected among the seven clones studied. RNase mapping of the 5'- and 3'-non-coding sequences confirmed the quantitative increase in reticulocyte ADA mRNA and verified that these regions were normal in length and sequence. Southern blot analysis of DNA from four affected and three unaffected family members revealed two restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) which segregate with the ADA allele from the unaffected grandfather. Both RFLPs are present in the unaffected grandchild and absent in the affected grandchild. These findings are consistent with a cis- mutation within the ADA gene, but they do not rule out a trans- mutation affecting some non-ADA regulatory factor. We conclude that erythrocyte-specific ADA overproduction is associated with increased amounts of structurally normal ADA mRNA. This increase may result from either increased transcription of the ADA gene or altered post-transcriptional processing resulting in increased stability of the RNA transcript. Further elucidation of the defect should provide valuable insights into the normal tissue-specific regulation of the ADA gene and the mechanisms by which erythroid cells regulate gene expression during differentiation.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Erythrocyte adenosine deaminase overproduction in hereditary hemolytic anemia.

A marked tissue-specific increase in erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity is associated with an autosomal dominantly inherited hemolytic anemia. We investigated the molecular basis of ADA overproduction by studying reticulocyte ADA mRNA from affected individuals. Analysis of proband reticulocyte ADA cDNA clones revealed normal sequence. RNase mapping demonstrated that the amount of ADA mRNA in affected reticulocytes was greater than the amount in normal B lymphoblasts, whereas ADA mRNA was undetectable in normal reticulocytes. The 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions of reticulocyte and B-lymphoblast ADA mRNAs from affected individuals were structurally indistinguishable from those of normal B lymphoblasts. Northern blot analysis performed under stringent hybridization and washing conditions confirmed a markedly increased amount of reticulocyte ADA mRNA in affected individuals as compared with controls. We conclude that the RBC-specific overexpression of ADA in this disorder occurs at the mRNA level.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

A management development program for middle level nurse managers.

In an economic-oriented, competitive health care environment, middle level nurse managers must now perform their roles with a higher level of managerial and leadership skills than previously required. A systematic, consistent approach to the development of nurse managers will assist them in meeting role responsibilities. The authors describe a management development program for middle level nurse managers. An orientation curriculum plan is presented and a framework for advanced management enhancements is illustrated.

Administrative Personnel↗

Effect of spectinomycin use on the prevalence of spectinomycin-resistant and of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Because of the high prevalence of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the Republic of Korea, spectinomycin has been used there in the primary treatment of gonococcal infections in U.S. military personnel since 1981, but there have been increasingly frequent reports of treatment failures with spectinomycin. We conducted a clinical study to determine the efficacy of spectinomycin treatment in 124 U.S. servicemen in the Republic of Korea who had urethral gonococcal infections. Ninety-seven patients were treated with spectinomycin alone and evaluated in a follow-up visit. In eight patients (8.2 percent), this treatment was unsuccessful. Antibiotic-sensitivity testing on isolates from seven of the patients with treatment failure demonstrated that six isolates were highly resistant to spectinomycin (minimal inhibitory concentration, greater than or equal to 100 micrograms per milliliter). None of the spectinomycin-resistant strains had become resistant to penicillin, either through the production of penicillinase or through a chromosomal mutation. Although the mechanism of spectinomycin resistance appears to be a chromosomal mutation, these isolates were generally sensitive to other antibiotics. The prevalence of resistance to spectinomycin resulted in the substitution of ceftriaxone for the primary treatment of gonorrhea acquired by U.S. military personnel in the Republic of Korea. We believe that the rapid emergence of spectinomycin resistance in this population mandates a cautious approach to widescale use of the drug and indicates a need to broaden current surveillance programs.

Adolescent↗