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Biomedical subjects

C A Watson

Publications and source records attributed to C A Watson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A brown dwarf mass donor in an accreting binary.

A long-standing and unverified prediction of binary star evolution theory is the existence of a population of white dwarfs accreting from substellar donor stars. Such systems ought to be common, but the difficulty of finding them, combined with the challenge of detecting the donor against the light from accretion, means that no donor star to date has a measured mass below the hydrogen burning limit. We applied a technique that allowed us to reliably measure the mass of the unseen donor star in eclipsing systems. We were able to identify a brown dwarf donor star, with a mass of 0.052 +/- 0.002 solar mass. The relatively high mass of the donor star for its orbital period suggests that current evolutionary models may underestimate the radii of brown dwarfs.

Journal Article↗

Modulation of calmodulin by UV and X-rays in primary human endothelial cell cultures.

PURPOSE: Previous studies by the present authors and others have shown that the expression of many genes is modulated by radiation. The purpose of this study is to identify additional genes that are affected by UV and X-radiation. Identification of specific genes affected by radiation may allow the determination of pathways important in radiation responses as well as an examination of transcriptional elements that are involved in the process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified differential display approach coupled with sequencing was used to identify genes that are modulated in response to UV and ionizing radiation, and Northern blot analysis was used to confirm specific gene modulation. RESULTS: Treatment of human primary umbilical vein endothelial cells with UV radiation resulted in the differential expression of several genes. Sequencing of the bands revealed that one of these was calmodulin. There was a 30% reduction in accumulation of calmodulin-specific mRNA 1 h post UV exposure, and a 50% decrease 3 h after treatment. X-rays also repressed accumulation of calmodulin mRNA. Radiation exposure of HeLa cells also resulted in a decrease in expression of this gene. CONCLUSIONS: UV and ionizing radiations cause a decrease in accumulation of calmodulin transcripts in the first 1-3 h following exposure. Repression of calmodium mRNA levels may be one mechanism of stress-induced intracellular Ca2+ modulation.

Base Sequence↗

Nonpeptide factor Xa inhibitors: I. Studies with SF303 and SK549, a new class of potent antithrombotics.

A series of benzamidine isoxazoline derivatives was evaluated for their inhibitory potency against purified human factor Xa (fXa) and in a rabbit model of arteriovenous shunt thrombosis for their antithrombotic activities, expressed as K(I) and IC(50), respectively. A highly significant correlation was found between K(I) and IC(50) (r = 0.93, P <.0001). The antithrombotic effects of SF303 [mol. wt. 536; K(I): fXa, 6.3 nM; thrombin, 3,100 nM; trypsin, 110 nM; tissue plasminogen activator >20,000 nM; plasmin, 2,500 nM] and SK549 [mol. wt. 546; K(I): fXa, 0.52 nM; thrombin, 400 nM; trypsin, 45 nM; tissue plasminogen activator >33,000 nM; plasmin, 890 nM] were compared with recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide [K(I)(fXa) = 0.5 nM], DX-9065a [K(I)(fXa) = 30 nM], and heparin or low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) in a rabbit model of arteriovenous shunt thrombosis. ID(50) values for preventing arteriovenous shunt-induced thrombosis were 0.6 micromol/kg/h for SF303, 0.035 micromol/kg/h for SK549, 0.01 micromol/kg/h for recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide, 0.4 micromol/kg/h for DX-9065a, 21 U/kg/h for heparin, and 23 U/kg/h for low molecular weight heparin. SK549 produced a concentration-dependent antithrombotic effect with an IC(50) of 0.062 microM. To evaluate its potential oral efficacy, SK549 was given intraduodenally at a dose of 5 mg/kg; it produced a peak antithrombotic effect of 59 +/- 4% with a duration of action greater than 6.7 h. Therefore, our study suggests that SF303, SK549, and their analogs represent a new class of synthetic fXa inhibitors that may be clinically useful as antithrombotic agents.

Animals↗

Nonpeptide factor Xa inhibitors II. Antithrombotic evaluation in a rabbit model of electrically induced carotid artery thrombosis.

SK549 (mol. wt. 546 Da) is a synthetic, selective inhibitor of human coagulation factor Xa (fXa) (K(i) = 0.52 nM). This study compared the antithrombotic effects of SK549 and a series of benzamidine isoxazoline fXa inhibitors with aspirin, DuP 714 (a direct thrombin inhibitor), recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide, or heparin in a rabbit model of electrically induced carotid arterial thrombosis. Compounds were infused i.v. continuously from 60 min before electrical stimulation to the end of the experiment. Values of ED(50) (dose that increases the carotid blood flow to 50% of the control) were 0.12 micromol/kg/h for SK549, 0.56 micromol/kg/h for aspirin, 0.14 micromol/kg/h for DuP 714, 0.06 micromol/kg/h for recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide, and >100 U/kg/h for heparin. The EC(50) (plasma concentration that increased blood flow to 50% of the control) for SK549 was 97 nM. Unlike aspirin and heparin, SK549 was efficacious and, at 1.5 micromol/kg/h i.v. (n = 9), maintained carotid blood flow at 87 +/- 6% of control level for greater than 90 min. Unlike heparin, SK549 inhibited ex vivo fXa activity but not ex vivo thrombin activity. There was a highly significant correlation between K(i) (fXa) and ED(50) of a series of fXa inhibitors (r = 0. 85, P <.001). Therefore, these results suggest that SK549 is a novel, potent, and effective antithrombotic agent in a rabbit model of arterial thrombosis. It is likely that SK549 exerts its antithrombotic effect through selective inhibition of fXa. Furthermore, SK549 may be clinically useful for the prevention of arterial thrombosis.

Animals↗

Antithrombotic actions of selective inhibitors of blood coagulation factor Xa in rat models of thrombosis.

The antithrombotic actions of selective factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide (rTAP) and DX-9065a, were evaluated in experimental thrombosis models in anesthetized rats. In the first model, thrombosis was induced by exposing flowing blood to a silk thread anchored in an arteriovenous (AV) shunt. rTAP, DX-9065a and heparin, given as an iv infusion 1 hr before blood was circulated in the AV shunt, had ID50s of 0.007, 0.6 mumol/kg/hr and 16 U/kg/hr, respectively. In the model of venous thrombosis which was induced by hypotonic saline (0.225%) followed by 15-min stasis of abdominal vena cava, rTAP and heparin had ID50s of 0.007 mumol/kg/hr and 3.5 U/kg/hr, respectively. In both models, full inhibition of thrombus formation was achieved with FXa inhibition at doses which only modestly increased ex vivo plasma clotting time APTT (1.26 to 1.82 over the baseline). By contrast, the maximum antithrombotic effect of heparin was associated with high and significant APTT prolongation (> 5 fold over the baseline). Therefore, our study suggests that FXa inhibitors are effective agents in preventing thrombosis in both rat thrombosis models and may have therapeutic antithrombotic potential.

Animals↗

Effects of 17beta-estradiol on cytokine-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression.

One of the earliest events in atherosclerosis is interaction of circulating mononuclear leukocytes and the endothelium. Endothelial cell (EC) activation by cytokines results in expression of adhesion molecules and production of chemotactic factors, augmenting leukocyte adhesion and recruitment, respectively. The incidence of atherosclerosis in premenopausal women is significantly less than that observed in age-matched males with similar risk profiles. Because estrogen has gene regulatory effects, we investigated whether 17beta-estradiol (E2) can inhibit cytokine-mediated EC adhesion molecule transcriptional activation. Cultured human umbilical vein EC (estrogen receptor-positive) were propagated in gonadal hormone-free medium and were E2-pretreated for 48 h before IL-1 activation. Detected by FACS analysis, E2 strongly (60-80%) inhibited IL-1-mediated membrane E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 induction, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 hyperinduction. 17alpha-estradiol (an inactive E2 stereoisomer) had no effect. This inhibition correlated with similar reductions in steady state-induced E-selectin mRNA levels, and was abrogated by the E2 antagonist ICI 164,384, demonstrating a specific, estrogen receptor-mediated effect. Nuclear run-offs confirmed suppression at the transcriptional level. The implications of these results for the cardiovascular protective role of estrogen are discussed.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists: in vivo inhibition of [125I-Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding by losartan, EXP597 and L-159,282 in rats.

Effects of losartan, L-159,282 and EXP597 on the in vivo binding of [125I-Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II to kidney cortex and adrenal were examined in rats. Losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, completely blocked [125I-Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to the kidney cortex which contains only AT1 binding sites with an ID50 of 0.06 mg/kg. Losartan partially inhibited [125I-Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to the adrenal which contains equal amounts of AT1 and AT2 binding sites. Blockade by the AT1 receptor antagonist L-159,282 sufficiently increased the plasma levels of angiotensin II to block the AT2 receptor. EXP597 inhibited [125I-Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to the kidney cortex and adrenal almost totally with ID50s of 0.05 and 0.06 mg/kg, respectively. This result suggests that EXP597 exhibits almost equal binding affinity for AT1 and AT2 binding sites in vivo in rats.

Angiotensin II↗

Contact-dependent endothelial class II HLA gene activation induced by NK cells is mediated by IFN-gamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

NK lymphocytes adhere avidly to allogeneic endothelial cells (ECs) and induce their membrane expression of MHC class II Ags in vitro. Endothelial class II expression augments EC-driven CD4+ T cell proliferation in vitro, and may amplify T cell recruitment and clonal expansion in vivo. Using an ex vivo lymphocyte-skin organ coculture model, NK cells could be found lining and inducing class II HLA on microvessel endothelium. Using neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma and anti-IFN-gamma receptor Abs, a spectrum of IFN-gamma dependence was observed for NK-mediated EC HLA-DR induction at the membrane and transcriptional levels, from negligible to moderate. Trans-well experiments displayed that direct NK-EC contact is required, and Ab inhibition studies indicated that the beta 2 integrin-ICAM-1 pathway(s) is critical in the generation of these responses. The use of HLA-DR alpha promoter constructs in transient transfection assays demonstrated that the highly conserved X and S transcription boxes are required in both IFN-gamma- and NK-mediated gene activation. As expected, because of the receptor species specificity, human IFN-gamma did not induce HLA-DR alpha promoter constructs transfected in Chinese hamster ovary cells, whereas NK cells did. Taken together, these results indicate that human allogeneic NK lymphocytes induce EC class II HLA gene activation and membrane expression in an adhesion-dependent, IFN-gamma-independent fashion and suggest that, in concert with any IFN-gamma-dependent component, this induction could represent an efficient mode of endothelial activation and immune amplification in vivo.

Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte↗

IL-8 and angiogenesis: evidence that human endothelial cells lack receptors and do not respond to IL-8 in vitro.

It has been established that IL-8 triggers angiogenesis in vivo, but this effect may be mediated either by IL-8-recruited leukocytes or by direct actions of IL-8 upon endothelial cells (EC). We have approached this question by examining interactions of recombinant human IL-8 with cultured large vessel and microvascular human EC. We are unable to detect specific IL-8 binding to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or leukocyte-like IL-8 receptor mRNA expression by either cultured HUVEC or human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMEC). We find no alteration of cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in either cell type in response to IL-8 treatment. Finally, we find no IL-8-induced change in EC proliferative rates in the presence or absence of endothelial cell growth factor. Our data favour an indirect action for IL-8 as an angiogenic factor.

Base Sequence↗

Pharmacology of XR510, a potent orally active nonpeptide angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist with high affinity for the AT2 receptor subtype.

The angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1) mediates all known physiological effects of ANG II, whereas functions of the type 2 (AT2) receptor are not clear. Should undesirable AT2 effects be identified, it may be advantageous to combine antagonism of AT1 and AT2 receptors. XR510 was shown to inhibit the specific binding of [125I]Sar1,Ile8-Ang II for AT1 and AT2 subtype binding sites in rat adrenal membranes with IC50 of 0.26 and 0.28 nM, respectively, and in human tissues with subnanomolar binding affinity. In isolated rabbit aorta, XR510 exerted insurmountable Ang II antagonism with a Kb value of 4 nM. In conscious renal hypertensive rats, XR510 decreased blood pressure (BP) with intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) ED30 of 0.08 and 0.27 mg/kg, respectively. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), repeated daily oral dosing of XR510, losartan, and enalapril at 30 mg/kg/day decreased BP similarly. In conscious furosemide-treated dogs, XR510, given either intravenously or orally, decreased BP. These results suggest that XR510 is an orally active and selective Ang II receptor antagonist with equal binding affinities for AT1 and AT2 receptor binding sites.

1-Sarcosine-8-Isoleucine Angiotensin II↗

Regulation of nitric oxide synthesis by proinflammatory cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Elevations in tetrahydrobiopterin levels enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase specific activity.

We have examined cytokine regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). 24-h treatment with IFN-gamma (200 U/ml) plus TNF (200 U/ml) or IL-1 beta (5 U/ml) increased NOS activity in HUVEC lysates, measured as conversion of [14C]L-arginine to [14C]L-citrulline. Essentially, all NOS activity in these cells was calcium dependent and membrane associated. Histamine-induced nitric oxide release, measured by chemiluminescence, was greater in cytokine-treated cells than in control cells. Paradoxically, steady-state mRNA levels of endothelial NOS fell by 94 +/- 2.0% after cytokine treatment. Supplementation of HUVEC lysates with exogenous tetrahydrobiopterin (3 microM) greatly increased total NOS activity, and under these assay conditions, cytokine treatment decreased maximal NOS activity. IFN-gamma plus TNF or IL-1 beta increased endogenous tetrahydrobiopterin levels and GTP cyclohydrolase I activity, the rate-limiting enzyme of tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis. Intracellular tetrahydrobiopterin levels were higher in freshly isolated HUVEC than in cultured cells, but were still limiting. We conclude that inflammatory cytokines increase NOS activity in cultured human endothelial cells by increasing tetrahydrobiopterin levels in the face of falling total enzyme; similar regulation appears possible in vivo.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Actin is a major structural and functional element of the egg cortex of giant silkmoths during oogenesis.

The cortex and subcortical regions of the developing follicles and eggs of silkmoths are rich in cytoskeletal elements, particularly actin. In situ analysis using [3H]-polyuridylic acid and biotinylated oligo d(T) reveals a pattern of changes in poly(A)+ RNA distribution during oogenesis. The developing pattern of distribution of actin filaments in the ooplasm closely resembles that of poly(A)+ RNA. RNA polymerase II is also associated with the cortical cytoskeleton. Destruction of the actin filaments in the developing oocytes by cytochalasin D randomizes the distribution of mRNA and causes the displacement of RNA polymerase II from the cortex. Rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin and a monoclonal antibody against cytoskeletal actin were used in combination with laser scanning confocal microscopy to examine the details of actin distribution in the oocytes. RNA polymerase II was located in developing oocytes using both anti-Drosophila RNA polymerase II antibody and fluorescein-conjugated amanitin.

Actins↗

Safety behavior among Iowa junior high and high school students.

The goal of this study was to determine demographic factors associated with reported safety behavior by studying 2250 Iowa junior high and high school students via a self-administered questionnaire. Students attending rural schools used front seat belts and helmets less frequently than urban students. Seat belt and helmet use and swim safety decreased dramatically with age. Occurrences of driving or riding while drunk or high increased with age. Boys were less likely than girls to wear back seat belts and moped helmets and to check water depth before diving. Possession of a driver's license was not independently associated with any of the safety behaviors.

Adolescent↗

Structure-activity relationships of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

Structure-activity relationships of antibacterial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors are reviewed. A short introduction is followed by a more detailed review of developments since 1980. The design of site directed inhibitors based on data from X-ray crystallographic, NMR spectroscopy and molecular graphic studies is discussed. The development of quantitative structure-activity relations is surveyed from a historical point of view and these are contrasted with more recent alternative approaches. Conclusions are reached regarding possible future developments.

Animals↗

Infra-additivity of combined treatments with selective D1 and D2 receptor antagonists for inhibiting sucrose reinforcement.

Selective antagonists of either the D1 receptor (SCH 23390) or of the D2 receptor (raclopride) produce a dose-related inhibition of sucrose sham feeding in the rat. We investigated the effect of combined treatments with these antagonists on sucrose sham feeding and observed infra-additivity of inhibition across a range of doses. On the basis of this observed occlusive relationship, we conclude that the relevant D1 and D2 receptor mechanisms mediating sweet taste reward do not function independently.

Animals↗

Similar effect of raclopride and reduced sucrose concentration on the microstructure of sucrose sham feeding.

Raclopride, a dopamine D2 antagonist, decreases the intake of sucrose solutions during sham feeding tests and of water during sham drinking tests in rats. To determine whether the reduced intake of sucrose by raclopride was due to a decrease in the positive reinforcing effect of sucrose or to an impairment in licking movements, we compared the rate, efficiency and pattern of licking after two procedures each of which decreased sucrose sham intake about 50%; these were (a) pretreatment with raclopride (ID50), and (b) dilution of the sucrose concentration sham fed from 10 to 5%. Microstructural analysis failed to reveal significant differences in the rate, efficiency (licks/ml) or patterns of licking between these two procedures. When raclopride inhibited the sham drinking of water, the rate and efficiency of licking were normal, but the patterns of licking were qualitatively different from those observed when raclopride inhibited the sham feeding of sucrose. We conclude that raclopride decreases intake of 10% sucrose during sham feeding and intake of water during sham drinking by decreasing the positive reinforcing potency of the orosensory effect(s) of the two liquids on licking rather than by decreasing the ability to lick. These results provide strong evidence that interaction of dopamine at D2 receptors is necessary for the normal sensory and/or hedonic processing of the orosensory stimuli produced by sucrose during sham feeding and by water during sham drinking.

Animals↗

Maternal messenger RNA distribution in silkmoth eggs. I. Clone Ec4B is associated with the cortical cytoskeleton.

We have constructed a cDNA library from mature egg RNA of the silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia. Differential screening of the library using cDNA made against mRNAs from the yolky cytoplasm (soluble fraction) and the cortical cytoplasm (cytoskeletal-associated or cortical fraction) resulted in several clones that hybridized to a higher degree to the cDNA from the cytoskeletal-associated fraction. We selected and analyzed the clone giving the strongest signal (designated Ec4b) for its distribution in situ and found that it bound to mRNAs in the nurse cell cytoplasm, in the cortex and in the follicle cells of oocytes. Hybridization of the insert from Ec4b to both detergent-soluble and -insoluble (cortical) RNA on dot blots further supported the observation that the mRNA corresponding to Ec4b was enriched in this cytoskeletal fraction. The mRNA for Ec4b was approximately 500 bases long and the gene seems to be a member of a large multigene family in the H. cecropia genome. Analyses of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences reveal similarity to lepidopteran chorion genes and a lesser but convincing similarity to vertebrate cytokeratins. The filter and in situ hybridization data point to the association of specific messenger RNAs with the cortical cytoskeleton of silkmoth oocytes. Aspects of the structure of the protein encoded by this mRNA suggest that it is a structural component necessary for formation of the cellular blastoderm of the embryo. The association of this maternal mRNA with the cortical cytoskeleton presents the interesting possibility that mRNA bound to the cytoskeleton may be capable of participating in the synthesis of new cytoskeleton or related structures during blastoderm formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗