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C M Yang

Publications and source records attributed to C M Yang.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Comparison of cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation in stage III retinopathy of prematurity.

Both cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation have been advocated for the treatment of stage III retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In this retrospective study, we looked at which treatment was more effective and caused fewer complications. The outcomes of 23 patients (45 eyes) with stage III ROP treated with transconjunctival cryotherapy or indirect diode laser photocoagulation were reviewed. Group 1 (10 patients, 20 eyes) received cryotherapy and group 2 (13 patients, 25 eyes) received photocoagulation. In group 1, all had progressive ROP and one patient had bilateral neovascularization involving zone I. After treatment, 17 eyes had regression of ROP with good anatomic results, one eye had regression of the disease with mild to moderate macular ectopia and vessel traction, and two eyes (one patient) with zone I involvement advanced to stage V in 2 weeks. In group 2, 12 patients had threshold ROP, two had neovascularization involving zone I, and one patient had prethreshold zone I ROP. After treatment, 24 eyes had regression of ROP with good anatomic results and one eye had mild ectopic macula. Two eyes received two sessions of treatment. The results suggest that photocoagulation is at least as effective as cryotherapy and may be a favorable alternative for zone I ROP.

Cryotherapy↗

Effect of cAMP elevating agents on carbachol-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

The effects of increases in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on carbachol-induced generation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). The cAMP elevating agents, cholera toxin (CTX) and forskolin, induced concentration- and time-dependent cAMP formation with half-maximal effects (-logEC50) at concentrations of 7.6 +/- 1.3 g/ml and 4.8 +/- 0.9 M, respectively. Forskolin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of carbachol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i with half-maximal inhibition (-logEC50) at 5.2 +/- 0.7 M. Pretreatment of TSMCs with either CTX (10 micrograms/ml, 4 h), forskolin (10-100 microM, 30 min), or dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM, 30 min) inhibited carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization and IPs accumulation. The inhibitory effects of these agents produced both depression of the maximal response and a shift to the right of the concentration-response curve of carbachol without changing the EC50 values. After treatment with forskolin for 24 h, carbachol-induced IPs accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization were close to those of control group. SQ-22536 [9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine, 10 microM], an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, and HA-1004 [N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride, 50 microM], an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), attenuated the ability of forskolin to inhibit carbachol-induced IPs accumulation. Moreover, the inactive analogue of forskolin, 1,9-dideoxy forskolin, did not inhibit these responses evoked by carbachol, suggesting that activation of cAMP/PKA was involved in these inhibitory effects of forskolin. The KD and Bmax values of the muscarinic receptor (mAChR) for [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine binding were not significantly changed by forskolin treatment for 30 min and 24 h, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of forskolin is distal to the mAChR. The locus of this inhibition was further investigated by examining the effect of forskolin treatment on AIF4(-)-stimulated IPs accumulation in canine TSMCs. The AIF4(-)-induced response was inhibited by forskolin, supporting the notion that G protein(s) are directly activated by AIF4- and uncoupled to phospholipase C by forskolin treatment. We conclude that cAMP elevating agents inhibit carbachol-stimulated generation of IPs and Ca2+ mobilization in canine cultured TSMCs. Since generation of IPs and increases in [Ca2+]i are very early events in the activation of mAChRs, attenuation of these events by cAMP elevating agents might well contribute to the inhibitory effect of cAMP on tracheal smooth muscle formation.

Adenine↗

Pharmacological and functional characterization of bradykinin receptors in canine cultured tracheal epithelial cells.

1. A direct [3H]-bradykinin ([3H]-BK) binding assay has been used to characterize the BK receptors in canine cultured tracheal epithelial cells (TECs). Based on receptor binding assay, TECs have specific, saturable, high-affinity binding sites for [3H]-BK. 2. The specific [3H]-BK binding was time- and temperature-dependent. Equilibrium of association of [3H]-BK with the BK receptors was attained within 30 min at room temperature and 1 h at 4 degrees C, respectively. 3. Analysis of binding isotherms yielded an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 1.5 +/- 0.2 nM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 53.2 +/- 5.2 fmol mg-1 protein. The Hill coefficient for [3H]-BK binding was 1.00 +/- 0.02. The association (K1) and dissociation (K-1) rate constants were (7.6 +/- 1.1) x 10(6) M-1 min-1 and (9.2 +/- 1.5) x 10 M-3 min-1, respectively. KD, calculated from the ratio of K-1 and K1, was 1.2 +/- 0.3 nM, a value close to that calculated from Scatchard plots of binding isotherms. 4. Neither a B1 receptor selective agonist (des-Arg9-BK, 0.1 nM - 10 microM) nor antagonist ([Leu8, des-Arg9]-BK, 0.1 nM - 10 microM) significantly inhibited [3H]-BK binding to TECs, which excludes the presence of B1 receptors in canine TECs. 5. The specific binding of [3H]-BK to canine TECs was inhibited by the B2 receptor selective antagonists ([D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]-BK (Hoe 140, 0.1 nM-10 microM) and [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5.8, D-Phe7]-BK, 0.1 nM - 10 microM) and agonists (BK and kallidin, 0.1 nM-10 microM) with a best fit by a one-binding site model. The order of potency for the inhibition of [3H]-BK binding was kallidin = BK = Hoe 140 > [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK. 6. BK and kallidin significantly induced concentration-dependent accumulation of IPs with a half-maximal response (EC50) at 17.6 +/- 3.5 and 26.6 +/- 5.3 nM, respectively, while the B1-selective agonist, des-Arg9-BK did not stimulate IPs accumulation and the B1-selective antagonist [Leu8, des-Arg9]-BK did not inhibit BK-induced IPs accumulation. Two B2-selective antagonists, Hoe 140 and [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK, inhibited BK-stimulated IPs accumulation with apparent pKB values of 8.8 +/- 0.3 and 7.0 +/- 0.3, respectively. 7. It is concluded that the pharmacological characteristics of the BK receptors in canine cultured TECs are primarily of the B2 receptor subtype which might regulate the function of tracheal epithelium through the activation of this receptor subtype coupling to PI hydrolysis.

Animals↗

Pharmacological characteristics of BDTI, a new isoquinoline-derived beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, in canine trachea and rat heart.

The tracheal relaxing effects and beta 2-selectivity of BDTI (1-benzyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline HBr) were investigated in canine trachea and rat heart by radioligand binding assay and pharmacological experiments in comparison with those of other beta-adrenoceptor agonists, salbutamol and isoprenaline. The potency of relaxing effect on carbachol-induced contraction in isolated canine trachea was in the order of isoprenaline (pD2 = 6.70 +/- 0.08) > BDTI (6.11 +/- 0.06) approximately salbutamol (6.14 +/- 0.08). ICI-118,551 (a selective beta 2-antagonist) and atenolol (a selective beta 1-antagonist) inhibited the relaxant action of BDTI with pKB values of 8.4 and 5.3, respectively, corresponding to high affinity for ICI-118,551 and low affinity for atenolol in antagonizing this response. The Kd values of radioligand ([3H]-CGP12177) were 453.3 +/- 30.8 and 563.4 +/- 96.7 pmol/l in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) and rat cardiomyocytes, respectively, and the Bmax values were 64.6 +/- 10.7 and 245.7 +/- 44.5 fmol/mg protein, respectively. BDTI, salbutamol and isoprenaline inhibited the binding of [3H]-CGP12177 in a concentration-dependent manner in cultured canine TSMCs (Ki 0.73 +/- 0.15, 0.75 +/- 0.21 and 0.24 +/- 0.05 mumol/l, respectively) and rat cardiomyocytes (Ki 2.76 +/- 0.36, 2.31 +/- 0.26 and 0.22 +/- 0.03 mumol/l, respectively). These results demonstrated that BDTI possessed moderate selectivity (3.8-fold) to beta 2-adrenoceptors as judged from the Ki (heart)/Ki (trachea) value (salbutamol 3.1-fold, isoprenaline 0.92-fold). BDTI and salbutamol also stimulated cAMP formation in a concentration-dependent manner in cultured canine TSMCs (EC50 0.5 +/- 0.2 and 0.4 +/- 0.1 mumol/l, respectively) and rat cardiomyocytes (EC50 6.2 +/- 0.5 and 5.7 +/- 0.6 mumol/l, respectively). The selectivity of BDTI and salbutamol for beta 2-adrenoceptors on the cAMP response were 12.4 and 14.3 times, respectively. It is concluded that BDTI is a beta 2-selective adrenoceptor agonist.

Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists↗

Mechanism of extracellular ATP-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

The mitogenic effect of extracellular ATP was examined in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). ATP, 2-methylthio-ATP, and ADP stimulated [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine incorporation and cell growth. AMP, adenosine, UTP, and P2x agonists showed little of these effects. Reactive blue 2, a P2Y purinoceptor antagonist, was effective in suppressing the mitogenic effect of ATP and 2-methylthio-ATP, indicating that extracellular ATP-induced VSMC proliferation is mediated by P2Y purinoceptors. The P2Y purinoceptor activation was coupled to a pertussis toxin (PTX)-insensitive G protein (Gq) and triggered phosphoinositide hydrolysis with subsequent activation of protein kinase C (PKC), Raf-1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in VSMCs. In response to ATP, both 42-and 44-kDa MAPKs were activated, and tyrosine was phosphorylated. Western blot analysis using PKC isozyme-specific antibodies indicated that VSMCs express PKC-alpha, PKC-delta, and PKC-zeta. A complete down-regulation of PKC-alpha and PKC-delta was seen after 24-hr treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. When cells were pretreated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate for 24 hr and subsequently challenged with ATP, Raf-1 activation and 42-kDa as well as 44-kDa MAPK tyrosine phosphorylation failed to be induced. These results demonstrate that ATP-induced Raf-1 and MAPK activations involve the activation of PKC-alpha and PKC-delta. P2Y purinoceptor stimulation with ATP also caused accumulation of c-fos and c-myc mRNAs. Both Reactive blue 2 and staurosporine significantly blocked this increase by ATP. In conclusion, the mitogenic effect of ATP seemed to be triggered by activation of the Gq protein-coupled P2Y purinoceptor that led to the formation of inositol trisphosphate and activation of PKC. PKC and, in turn, Raf-1 and MAPK were then activated, leading eventually to DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effect of phorbol ester on phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization induced by endothelin-1 in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Regulation of the increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). Stimulation of TSMCs by endothelin-1 (ET-1) led to IP3 formation and caused an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of TSMCs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) for 30 min blocked the ET-1-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization. However, this inhibition was reduced after incubating the cells for 8 h with PMA. Following preincubation, ET-1-induced Ca2+ mobilization recovered with time and reached the same extent of control cells within 48 h. The concentrations of PMA that gave half-maximal inhibition (-logEC50) of ET-1-induced IP3 formation and increase in [Ca2+]i were 8.6 and 8.4 M, respectively. Prior treatment of TSMCs with staurosporine (1 microM), a PKC inhibitor, inhibited the ability of PMA to attenuate ET-1-induced responses, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA is mediated through the activation of PKC. In parallel with the effect of PMA on the ET-1-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization, a change of PKC activity was observed in TSMCs. PMA rapidly decreased PKC activity in the cytosol of TSMCs, while increasing it transiently in the membranes within 30 min. Thereafter the membrane-associated PKC activity decreased and persisted for at least 24 h of PMA treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of PKC may inhibit the phosphoinositide hydrolysis and consequently attenuate the [Ca2+]i increase or inhibit independently both responses. The PMA-induced inhibition of responses to ET-1 was associated with an increase in membranous PKC activity.

Alkaloids↗

Inhibitory effect of phorbol ester on bradykinin-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Regulation of the increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). Stimulation of TSMCs by bradykinin (BK) led to IP3 formation and caused an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of TSMCs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) for 30 min blocked the BK-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization. However, this inhibition was reduced after incubating the cells for 4 h with PMA. Inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate at 1 microM, did not inhibit these responses to BK. Prior treatment with staurosporine (1 microM), a PKC inhibitor, inhibited the effect of PMA on the BK-induced response, suggesting that the effect of PMA is mediated by the activation of PKC. In parallel experiments, a change of PKC activity was observed. PMA rapidly decreased PKC activity in the cytosol of TSMCs, while increasing it transiently in the cell membranes within 30 min. Thereafter the membrane-associated PKC activity decreased and persisted for at least 24 h of PMA treatment. Moreover, treatment with 1 microM PMA for 2 and 24 h did not significantly change the KD and Bmax of the BK receptor for [H]BK binding (control: KD = 2.3 +/- 0.3 nM, Bmax = 25.2 +/- 1.4 fmol/mg protein). These results suggest that activation of PKC inhibit IP3 accumulation and consequently attenuate [Ca2+]i increase or inhibit independently both responses. The PMA-induced inhibition of responses to BK was associated with an increase in membranous PKC activity.

Alkaloids↗

Differential induction and regulation of c-jun, junB, junD and c-fos by human papillomavirus type 11 E5a oncoprotein.

The E5a gene of human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV-11) is a transforming oncogene. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of E5a induced transformation. Our results show that the expression of c-jun and junB, but not junD, was activated by HPV-11 E5a in NIH 3T3 cells and human epidermal keratinocytes. However, the expression of c-fos was activated by E5a in NIH 3T3 cells, but not in keratinocytes. We further investigated the mechanism of c-jun and junB induction by E5a. The amount of c-jun and junB RNAs correlated with the amount of E5a RNA in the heavy metal inducible system. E5a constitutively activated the expression of c-jun and junB at the initiation of transcription level. In addition, analyses of the effect of serum on c-jun expression in E5a transformed human epidermal keratinocytes show that EGF might have a stimulatory effect on c-jun gene expression in E5a expressing keratinocytes.

3T3 Cells↗

Pharmacological characterization of bradykinin receptors in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells.

1. [3H]-bradykinin was used to characterize the bradykinin receptors associated with canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). Receptor binding assay showed that TSMCs had specific, saturable, high-affinity binding sites for [3H]-bradykinin. 2. The specific [3H]-bradykinin binding increased linearly with increasing cell concentrations. The equilibrium for association of [3H]-bradykinin with the bradykinin receptors was attained within 2 h at 4 degrees C and 1 h at room temperature, respectively. 3. Analysis of binding isotherms yielded an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 2.5 +/- 0.3 nM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 25.1 +/- 0.3 fmol mg-1 protein. The Hill coefficient for [3H]-bradykinin binding was 1.00 +/- 0.02. The association (K1) and dissociation (K-1) rate constants were (8.67 +/- 2.60) x 10(6) M-1 min-1 and 0.024 +/- 0.005 min-1, respectively. KD, calculated from the ratio of K-1 and K1 was 2.8 +/- 0.5 nM, a value close to that of KD calculated from Scatchard plots of binding isotherms. 4. The B1 receptor selective agonist, (des-Arg9-bradykinin, 0.1 nM-10 microM) and antagonist ([Leu8, des-Arg9]-bradykinin, 0.1 nM-10 microM) did not did not inhibit the [3H]-bradykinin binding to TSMCs, which excludes the presence of B1 receptors in canine TSMCs. 5. The specific binding of [3H]-bradykinin to canine TSMCs was inhibited by B2 receptor selective antagonists ([D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oicl-bradykinin, Hoe 140, 0.1 nM-10 micro M and [D-Arg0, Hyp3,Thi5,8, D-Phe7-bradykinin, 0.1 nM-10 micro M) and agonists (bradykinin and kallidin, 0.1 nM-10 micro M) with a best fit by a one-binding site model. The order of potency for the inhibition of [3H]-bradykinin binding was kallidin = bradykinin = Hoe 140> [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phel-bradykinin.6. Preincubation of TSMCs with forskolin for 24 h led to an up-regulation of B2 receptors, increasing in Bmax from 25.1 +/- 0.3 to 218 +/- 24 fmol mg-1 protein without changing the KD values. [3H]-bradykinin binding to TSMCs was inhibited by the B2 receptor selective antagonists and agonists, but not by the B1 receptor selective reagents. The up-regulation of the B2 receptor by forskolin was mediated through protein synthesis, since cycloheximide blocked this response.7 It is concluded that the pharmacological characteristics of the bradykinin receptors in canine cultured TSMCs are primarily of the B2 receptor subtype.

Animals↗

HLA-A, B antigens and their linkage with HLA-DR among blood donors in Taiwan.

The distribution pattern of HLA antigens varies to a great extent among different ethnic groups. Availability of HLA antigen distribution information is very important for disease association study, paternity testing and recipient/donor matching. Analysis of 11,383 blood donors from the Taipei Blood Center, Chinese Blood Services Foundation (CBSF), gave evidence that the distribution pattern of HLA-A,B antigens was unique, yet closer to Southern Chinese with higher A11, A33, B16, B40 frequencies, and B46, B48, B54 as unique antigens when compared with Caucasians. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium analysis between HLA-A, -B and -DR antigens from 238 blood donors revealed unique linkages of A33-B17, A2-B46, A11-B15, A24-B40; A11-DR5, A2-DR9, B17-DR3, B40-DR8, B13-DR2. In addition, A33-B58-DR3 were the most frequent 3-loci haplotypes. Knowing linkage disequilibrium between HLA loci and preferential association of DR specificity among various HLA-A,B haplotypes may provide a more efficient strategy to obtain an HLA-DR or HLA-D region compatible unrelated bone marrow donor from an existing HLA data bank.

Adult↗

Evaluation of screening kits for the detection of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV-1/2) antibodies.

HIV-1/HIV-2 3rd generation (Abbott), Wellcozyme HIV 1 + 2 (Murex), Enzygnost Anti-HIV 1/-HIV 2 (Behring), and Genelavia Mixt (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur) are currently registered by authorities as enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for detecting HIV-1/2 infection. The present study dissects these reagents by means of the major antigenic components, assay principles and their actual performance. The performances have been evaluated by their test results in international panels of seroconversion, mixed titer performance and HIV-1/2 combination, respectively. Those EIA tests were further used to examine 26 potentially false-reacting samples, serial diluted sera prepared from two confirmed positive specimens and 720 specimens obtained from random blood donors in the Taipei Blood Center, Chinese Blood Services Foundation (CBSF). The results showed that, although standard sera of the mixed titer, performance and HIV-1/2 combination rows could not distinguish significantly among various EIAs, the seroconverting samples clearly showed their differences. The differences, as calculated by using 3 of 4 seroconverting sera, was a backward window period ranging from 19 to 23 days as compared to the detection of HIV-1 antigens. Together, these studies strongly suggest that assays which are capable of detecting HIV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies have a shorter seroconversion window. Furthermore, the HIV-2 antigen seems to be crucial for successful detection of anti-HIV-2. Finally, testing anti-HIV-1/2 in the routine screenings is expected not to increase the exclusion rate of blood units currently acquired from the examination of anti-HIV-1. Consequently, with both HIV-1/2 specificities and the ability of early detection, IgM/IgG-captured EIAs may represent a better screening method than assays based solely on the detection of HIV-specific IgG.

Blood Donors↗

Calcium mobilization induced by endothelins and sarafotoxin in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Endothelins (ETs)- and sarafotoxin (S6b)-induced rises in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells by using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2. ET-1, ET-2, ET-3 and S6b elicited an initial transient peak and followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i, with half-maximal effect (EC50) of 18, 20, 38 and 21 nM, respectively. BQ-123, an ETA receptor antagonist, had a high affinity to block the rise in [Ca2+]i response to ET-1, ET-2, and S6b, as well as a low affinity for ET-3. Removal of external Ca2+ by addition of EGTA during the sustained phase, caused a rapid decline in [Ca2+]i to the resting level. In the absence of external Ca2+, only an initial transient peak of [Ca2+]i was seen, the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i could then be evoked by addition of 1.8 mM Ca2+. Ca2+ influx was required for the changes of [Ca2+]i, since the Ca(2+)-channel blockers, diltiazem, verapamil, and Ni2+, decreased both the initial and sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i response to these peptides. ETs exhibited homologous desensitization of the Ca2+ response, but partial heterologous desensitization of the Ca2+ response mediated by carbachol to different extents. In contrast, ETs did not desensitize the Ca2+ response induced by ATP or vice versa. These data demonstrate that the initial detectable increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by these peptides is due to the activation of ETA receptors and subsequently the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, whereas the contribution of external Ca2+ follows and partially involves a diltiazem- and verapamil-sensitive process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of phorbol ester on phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

In cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs), muscarinic receptor stimulation led to phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, formation of inositol phosphates (IPs), and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Desensitization of IPs accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization evoked by carbachol was investigated using [3H]inositol labelling and Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2. Treatment of TSMCs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 30 min blocked the carbachol-stimulated formation of IPs and mobilization of Ca2+. The concentrations of PMA that gave half-maximal and maximal inhibition of carbachol-induced IPs accumulation were 70 nM and 1 microM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of PMA on carbachol-induced responses was reversed by staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA was mediated through the activation of PKC. Treatment of TSMCs with PMA for 24 h, the cells remained the ability to response to carbachol-induced IPs accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization with the same extent as that observed in the control group. Inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate at 1 microM, did not inhibit the responses. The KD and Bmax of the muscarinic receptor for [3H]N-methyl scopolamine binding were not significantly changed by PMA treatment for either 30 min or 24 h. The locus of this inhibition was further investigated by examining the effect of PMA on AlF4(-)-stimulated IPs accumulation in canine TSMCs. AlF4(-)-induced response was inhibited by PMA treatment, supporting that G protein(s) can be directly activated by AlF4- which was uncoupled to phospholipase C (PLC) by PMA treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Bradykinin-stimulated calcium mobilization in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Bradykinin (BDK)-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2. BDK and kallidin caused an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal stimulation (log EC50) obtained at -8.10 M and -8.04 M, respectively. The BDK-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was not affected by the BDK B1 receptor antagonist, des-Arg9[Leu8]-BDK (10 microM). However, the BDK B2 receptor antagonists des-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BDK and Hoe 140 had high affinity in antagonizing BDK with pKB values of 7.5 +/- 0.3 and 8.7 +/- 0.3, respectively. The sustained phase of the rise in [Ca2+]i was dependent on the presence of external Ca2+, as evidenced by a decline to the resting level on addition of EGTA. In the absence of external Ca2+, only an initial transient peak was seen which then declined to the resting level; a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i could then be evoked by addition of 1.8 mM Ca2+ in the continued presence of BDK. Ca2+ influx was required for the changes in [Ca2+]i, since Ca(2+)-channel blockers, diltiazem, verapamil, and Ni2+, decreased both the initial and sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in response to BDK. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the initial increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by BDK acting on BDK B2 receptors is due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by the influx of external Ca2+ into the cells. The influx of extracellular Ca2+ partially involves a diltiazem- and verapamil-sensitive Ca2+ channel.

Animals↗

5-Hydroxytryptamine-stimulated calcium mobilization in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was monitored in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2. Stimulation of TSMCs by 5-HT produced an initial transient peak followed by a sustained, concentration-dependent elevation of [Ca2+]i. The log (EC50) values of 5-HT for the peak and sustained plateau responses were -7.43 and -7.60 M, respectively. 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, NAN-190 and metoclopramide, inhibited the 5-HT-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i with pKB values of 6.3 and 6.2, respectively, indicating that the 5-HT receptors mediating Ca2+ signal had low affinity for these receptor antagonists. In contrast, 5-HT2A receptor antagonists, ketanserin and mianserin, had high affinity in antagonizing the changes in [Ca2+]i response to 5-HT with pKB values of 8.3 and 8.3, respectively. The sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ by addition of 2 mM EGTA during the sustained phase caused a rapid decline in [Ca2+]i to the resting level. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, only an initial peak was observed which then declined to the resting level; the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i could then be evoked by addition of 1.8 mM Ca2+ in the continued presence of 5-HT. Ca2+ influx was required for the changes of [Ca2+]i, since the Ca(2+)-channel blockers, diltiazem, verapamil, and Ni2+, decreased both the initial and sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in response to 5-HT. These Ca(2+)-channel blockers also decreased the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i when applied during the plateau phase. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the initial increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by 5-HT acting on 5-HT2A receptors is due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by the influx of external Ca2+ into the cells. The influx of extracellular Ca2+ partially involves a diltiazem and verapamil sensitive Ca2+ channel.

Animals↗

Endothelin- and sarafotoxin-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells.

The endothelins (ETs) and sarafotoxin are two structurally related classes of potently contractile peptides. To understand the mechanism of action of ETs, we have examined the effect of ETs and sarafotoxin on phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, and sarafotoxin caused dose-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphatase (IPs) and tracheal smooth muscle contraction. BQ-123, an ETA receptor antagonist, had a high affinity to block the ET-1-induced IP accumulation and tracheal smooth muscle contraction with pKB values of 7.3 and 7.4, respectively. Pretreatment of TSMCs with cholera toxin impaired the ability of ET-1 and ET-2 to stimulate IP formation, whereas there was no effect by treatment with pertussis toxin. Stimulation of PI turnover by these peptides required the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by treatment with EGTA. The addition of Ca2+ (3-620 nM) to digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs directly stimulated IP accumulation. A further Ca(2+)-dependent increase in IP formation was obtained by inclusion of either GTPrS or ET-1. The combined presence of GTPrS and ET-1 elicited an additive effect on IP formation. Short-term exposure to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) abolished the stimulation of PI hydrolysis induced by these peptides. The inhibitory effect of PMA on ET-induced response was reversed by staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA is mediated through the activation of PKC. Prolonged incubation of TSMCs with PMA resulted in a recovery of receptor responsiveness that may be due to downregulation of PKC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

E5a gene of human papillomavirus type 11 is required for initiation but not for maintenance of transformation in NIH 3T3 cells.

We have previously shown that the E5a gene of human papilloma virus type 11 (HPV-11/HPV-6c) is a transforming oncogene. In order to dissect the biological consequences of E5a gene expression we utilized the lac operator/repressor system to manipulate E5a gene expression. Cells were cotransfected with the lac repressor gene and the E5a gene that had been inserted downstream of a simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter containing the lac operator sequence. The expression of E5a gene could therefore be repressed by binding of lac repressor to the lac operator sequence in proximity to this SV40 regulatory region. The transfected cells were cultured in the presence of the inducer IPTG and under G418 selection. IPTG derepressed E5a gene expression by binding to the repressor and reducing its affinity for the lac operator sequence. In these studies, we found that E5a-transformed cells still maintained the transformed phenotype as judged by growth density, cell morphology and anchorage-independent growth when E5a gene expression was repressed. We also found that c-jun expression was induced 3 h after E5a expression was induced by IPTG and c-jun expression was not shut down after repression of E5a expression. This is the first demonstration that the E5a gene of HPV-11 initiates transformation of NIH 3T3 cells but is dispensable for maintenance of the transformed phenotype.

3T3 Cells↗

The effect of cyclic AMP elevating agents on bradykinin- and carbachol-induced signal transduction in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells.

1. The effects of cholera toxin (CTX), forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on bradykinin (BK)- and carbachol-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and Ca2+ mobilization were investigated in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). The BK-induced responses were mediated via a G protein which was not inhibited by CTX or pertussis toxin treatment. 2. BK-stimulated IPs accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization were potentiated by CTX (10 micrograms ml-1) pretreatment which was time-dependent. Maximal increase of these responses occurred after 24 h treatment with CTX. The concentration-effect relationship of BK-induced responses were shifted to the left and BK was substantially more effective in CTX-treated cells than in the control cells. This enhancing effect of CTX did not occur with carbachol. 3. Short-term (< 4 h) treatment with forskolin (10 microM) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) failed to accentuate BK-induced responses, but long-term (> 4 h) treatment of TSMCs with these agents mimicked the enhancing effect of CTX, suggesting that CTX-induced enhancement of BK responsiveness might be due to a rise in cyclic AMP. 4. Prolonged treatment of TSMCs with these agents was accompanied by an increase in cell surface [3H]-BK binding sites, which was inhibited by concurrent incubation with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein biosynthesis. Cycloheximide also abolished the potentiating actions of CTX, forskolin, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on BK-induced IPs formation and Ca2+ mobilization. 5. The locus of this enhancement was further investigated by examining the effects of CTX, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on A1F4(-)-induced IPs accumulation in canine TSMCs. AIF4-induced IPs accumulation was not affected by CTX, forskolin, or dibutyryl cyclic AMP treatment, supporting the contention that this stimulatory effect is located at the BK receptor level.6. These results demonstrate that the augmentation of BK-induced IPs accumulation and Ca2+mobilization produced by CTX, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP involves a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism which is induced by a sustained increase in the level of intracellular cyclic AMP. CTX and forskolin may promote an increase of the synthesis of BK receptors, and thereby enhance BK-induced responses.

Animals↗