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D Atkinson

Publications and source records attributed to D Atkinson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Influence of different molecular species of phosphatidylcholine on cholesterol transport from lipoprotein recombinants in the rat.

Studies were performed to determine to what extent phosphatidylcholines (PCs) of different composition influence the turnover of lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoprotein recombinants with the composition and structure of spherical high density lipoproteins (HDL-R) were prepared with apoproteins, 14C-labeled unesterified cholesterol (UC), a [3H]cholesteryl ester (CE), and one of four single molecular species of PC. PCs were selected to include relatively hydrophilic species (16:1-16:1 and 16:0-18:2 PCs) and relatively hydrophobic species (18:0-18:2 and 20:1-20:1 PCs). PCs were also selected to include molecules with novel acyl group pairs (16:1-16:1 and 20:1-20:1 PCs) that would permit the whole molecule to be traced during its clearance from the serum. Rats were injected with HDL-R as an intravenous bolus, and serum, liver, and bile samples were obtained for up to 2 h. The clearance from the serum of each PC was monoexponential with the two most hydrophilic species much more rapidly cleared than either of the two less hydrophilic species. Clearance of specific PCs was not accompanied by PC remodeling (i.e. transacylations), and in the main could not be attributed to the action of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). In incubations designed to simulate in vivo conditions, no more than 15% of the disappearance of 16:1-16:1 PC, one of the most rapidly cleared PCs, was due to the action of LCAT. With 20:1-20:1 PC, one of the least rapidly cleared PCs, no LCAT activity could be detected. The clearance of radiolabeled UC was multiexponential and closely corresponded to the rate of disappearance of each PC. The clearance of radiolabeled CE was linear and, in contrast to UC, was the same with the administration of different PCs. Uptake of radiolabeled UC by the liver and excretion of radiolabeled UC into bile took place in parallel and corresponded to the rapidity of turnover of UC (and PCs) in the serum. With administration of 16:1-16:1 PC, complete equilibration of serum, liver, and bile UC was achieved by about 90 min, whereas with 20:1-20:1 PC, serum UC had not equilibrated by the end of the study. These findings demonstrate that, in the live animal, the kinetic pattern of transport of different lipids from an HDL recombinant is highly disparate, the rate of PC clearance is more rapid with molecular species of greater hydrophilic strength, and the rates of PC and UC clearance are closely coordinated and largely independent of the clearance of CE.

Animals↗

Synthetic high density lipoprotein particles. Application to studies of the apoprotein specificity for selective uptake of cholesterol esters.

Particles closely resembling rat high density lipoproteins (HDL) in terms of equilibrium density profile and particle size were prepared by sonication of apoA-I with a microemulsion made with egg lecithin and cholesterol oleate. These particles, like authentic HDL, allowed selective uptake of their cholesterol ester moieties by cultured cells without parallel uptake of the particle itself. That uptake was saturable and competed by HDL. In rats, the plasma decay kinetics and sites of uptake of a cholesteryl ether tracer were similar whether that tracer was incorporated into synthetic or authentic HDL. Synthetic particles containing other apoproteins were made by generally the same method, but using in place of apoA-I either a mixture of rat apoCs or apoE that was either competent or reductively methylated to prevent interaction with the B/E receptor. These particles, of lower density and larger Stokes radius than those made with apoA-I, also allowed selective uptake of cholesterol esters, albeit with a lower degree of selectivity than in the case of apoA-I. Thus a specific apoprotein component in the subject lipoprotein particle is not required for selective uptake. However, selective uptake was shown to be a function of particle density or size, and part of the difference in rates of selective uptake from the particles made with various apoproteins was explained by their differences in density or size.

Animals↗

Solid tumor preparation for clinical application of flow cytometry.

Intense interest in advanced squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCC of H&N) has resulted from the recent progress made in tumor responses with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, the response patterns and clinical outcome of such patients are not adequately predicted on an individual patient basis using clinical parameters or conventional morphology. The study of flow cytometrically determined cellular parameters in such tumors is therefore of interest, but is hindered by inadequate tumor preparative technology. The previous article (10) in this journal describes the use of a murine SCC tumor, LC12, which was employed for comparative testing and determination of optimum techniques of preparation for this tumor. This report describes the application of these techniques to 144 specimens of human SCC of H&N. The mean total yield for these specimens is 7.4 X 10(7) cells/g of tissue. The mean viable enzymatic yield (3.3 X 10(7) cells/g) was higher than the mean viable mechanical yield (2.0 X 10(7) cells/g) except when lymph nodes were the source of the specimen (5.4 X 10(7) cells/g). The mean dye exclusion viability from enzymatically dissociated specimens were above 90%. Significant aneuploidal subpopulation losses were evident in mechanically dissociated and enucleated specimens. 65% of the enzymatically dissociated specimens were successfully cultured with a mean cloning efficiency of 2.1 X 10(-3). Preparative techniques derived from comparative testing with a murine standard tumor have been successfully applied to 144 specimens of SCC of H&N with resultant high yields and excellent viability. Technical problems detected during the preliminary testing with LC12 were confirmed in the human tumors.

Adult↗

Continuous epidural analgesia in the heparinized vascular surgical patient: a retrospective review of 912 patients.

Nine hundred twelve patients received continuous epidural analgesia administered through an indwelling plastic catheter while undergoing vascular reconstruction of a lower extremity. During a portion of the operative event, the patients were totally, transiently anticoagulated with heparin. None of the patients had an untoward neurologic event that could be attributed to an epidural hematoma. Our results and those of others show that this form of regional analgesia is safe and far outweighs theoretic contraindications when anticoagulation with heparin is planned as a part of the operative event. In the patients with impaired pulmonary ventilation or a cardiac disorder, this method of analgesia offers many advantages over a general anesthetic, such as obviating aspiration pneumonitis and averting prolonged support in the recovery period after completion of the surgical procedure. The regional vasodilation ensuing from the epidural blockade is an additional advantage in patients undergoing vascular reconstruction for lower extremity ischemia.

Adult↗

Structure and polymorphism of 18-carbon fatty acyl triacylglycerols: effect of unsaturation and substitution in the 2-position.

The polymorphic behavior of symmetric diacid triacylglycerols (TGs), 1,3-dioleoyl-2-stearoyl (OSO), 2-elaidoyl (OEO), and 2-vaccinoyl (OVO) glycerols were studied by differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction and compared with the corresponding monoacid TGs triolein (OOO), tristearin (SSS), trielaidin (EEE), and trivaccinin (VVV). The monoacid TGs formed a bilayered structure in all the polymorphic forms. On quenching from the melt, the diacid TGs OEO and OVO formed a bilayered (D = 45 A) beta'-phase with the exception of OSO, which formed a hexagonally packed bilayered (D = 52 A) alpha-phase. At -7 degrees C, the alpha-phase of OSO quickly transformed to a bilayered (D = 45 A) beta'-phase. Incubation at the beta'-phase melting temperature transformed OVO, OEO, and OSO into a trilayered (D = 65 A) beta-phase, where the 1,3-dioleoyl chains are segregated from the vaccinoyl, elaidoyl, or stearoyl chains into alternating layers. In summary, when all the acyl chains in a TG are the same (saturated, cis or trans unsaturated), the stable beta-phase packs into a bilayered structure. However, when the 1- and 3-acyl chains are cis unsaturated (bent) and the 2-acyl chain is either saturated or trans-unsaturated (straight), a bilayered beta'-phase can form, but transforms to a stable trilayered beta-phase, where the 2-acyl chains form a layer between two different layers of 1,3-oleoyl chains.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

The complete sequence and structural analysis of human apolipoprotein B-100: relationship between apoB-100 and apoB-48 forms.

We have isolated and sequenced overlapping cDNA clones covering the entire sequence of human apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100). DNA sequence analysis and determination of the mRNA transcription initiation site by S1 nuclease mapping showed that the apoB mRNA consists of 14,112 nucleotides including the 5' and 3' untranslated regions which are 128 and 301 nucleotides respectively. The DNA-derived protein sequence shows that apoB-100 is 513,000 daltons and contains 4560 amino acids including a 24-amino-acid-long signal peptide. The mol. wt of apoB-100 implies that there is one apoB molecule per LDL particle. Computer analysis of the predicted secondary structure of the protein showed that some of the potential alpha helical and beta sheet structures are amphipathic, whereas others have non-amphipathic neutral to apolar character. These latter regions may contribute to the formation of the lipid-binding domains of apoB-100. The protein contains 25 cysteines and 20 potential N-glycosylation sites. The majority of cysteines are distributed in the amino terminal portion of the protein. Four of the potential glycosylation sites are in predicted beta turn structures and may represent true glycosylation positions. ApoB lacks the tandem repeats which are characteristic of other apolipoproteins. The mean hydrophobicity the mean value of H1 and helical hydrophobic moment the mean value of microH profiles of apoB showed the presence of several potential helical regions with strong polar character and high hydrophobic moment. The region with the highest hydrophobic moment, between amino acid residues 3352 and 3369, contains five closely spaced, positively charged residues, and has sequence homology to the LDL receptor binding site of apoE. This region is flanked by three neighbouring regions with positively charged amino acids and high hydrophobic moment that are located between residues 3174 and 3681. One or more of these closely spaced apoB sequences may be involved in the formation of the LDL receptor-binding domain of apoB-100. Blotting analysis of intestinal RNA and hybridization of the blots with carboxy apoB cDNA probes produced a single 15-kb hybridization band whereas hybridization with amino terminal probes produced two hybridization bands of 15 and 8 kb. Our data indicate that both forms of apoB mRNA contain common sequences which extend from the amino terminal of apoB-100 to the vicinity of nucleotide residue 6300. These two messages may have resulted from differential splicing of the same primary apoB mRNA transcript.

Adult↗

Phase behavior and bilayer properties of fatty acids: hydrated 1:1 acid-soaps.

The physical properties in water of a series of 1:1 acid-soap compounds formed from fatty acids and potassium soaps with saturated (10-18 carbons) and omega-9 monounsaturated (18 carbons) hydrocarbon chains have been studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, and direct and polarized light microscopy. DSC showed three phase transitions corresponding to the melting of crystalline water, the melting of crystalline lipid hydrocarbon chains, and the decomposition of the 1:1 acid-soap compound into its parent fatty acid and soap. Low- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns revealed spacings that corresponded (with increasing hydration) to acid-soap crystals, hexagonal type II liquid crystals, and lamellar liquid crystals. The lamellar phase swelled from bilayer repeat distances of 68 (at 45% H2O) to 303 A (at 90% H2O). Direct and polarized light micrographs demonstrated the formation of myelin figures as well as birefringent optical textures corresponding to hexagonal and lamellar mesophases. Assuming that 1:1 potassium hydrogen dioleate and water were two components, we constructed a temperature-composition phase diagram. Interpretation of the data using the Gibbs phase rule showed that, at greater than 30% water, hydrocarbon chain melting was accompanied by decomposition of the 1:1 acid-soap compound and the system changed from a two-component to a three-component system. Comparison of hydrated 1:1 fatty acid/soap systems with hydrated soap systems suggests that the reduced degree of charge repulsion between polar groups causes half-ionized fatty acids in excess water to form bilayers rather than micelles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

Reassembly of low-density lipoproteins.

The methodologies described here for the selective and sequential reassembly of model LDL particles, although in many instances still in the developmental stages, will undoubtedly provide a basis on which further advances in LDL reassembly will be made. Reassembled LDL complexes of defined lipids and apoB provide well-defined model systems in which to study the molecular interactions and structural organization of LDL, including the lipid-lipid interactions in the particle core, the lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions which determine the surface organization and protein conformation, and the interactions between the core and surface components. These reassembled LDL complexes should serve as important models to study the delivery of isotopically labeled lipids with differing physical properties to cells in order to investigate the metabolic complexity of intracellular LDL catabolism and its relationship to positive cholesterol balance and atherogenesis.

Apolipoproteins B↗

X-ray scattering of vesicles of N-acyl sphingomyelins. Determination of bilayer thickness.

A series of N-acyl sphingomyelins (C16:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0) have been synthesized and single bilayer vesicles formed by sonication and ultracentrifugation. X-ray scattering data have been collected from the sphingomyelin vesicles at 50 degrees C in the melted-chain state. The x-ray scattering data have been transformed to the corresponding Patterson functions and Fourier electron density profiles; analysis of these functions has provided the intrabilayer phosphate-phosphate separation dp-p, a measure of the lipid bilayer thickness. The bilayer thickness increases linearly with increasing chain length (increment 1.3-1.4 A) and the intercept, 14.3-15.0 A, suggests a contribution of 7.0-7.5 A for each phosphorylcholine group to the bilayer thickness. The electron-density profiles have features suggestive of chain interdigitation when the length of the N-acyl chain (C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0) exceeds significantly the length of the invariant sphingosine chain.

Lipid Bilayers↗

High resolution surface coil magnetic resonance imaging of the spine: normal and pathologic anatomy.

In a brief two year period, magnetic resonance imaging of the spine has developed from a single slice, low signal/noise ratio, extremely time consuming technique to a multiplanar, high resolution examination that can be performed in a time frame similar to that of CT imaging. MR has already assumed a primary imaging role in myelopathic states. It is premature to evaluate its place vis-a-vis CT and myelography in many other disease states of the spine, but clearly, MR is assuming an ever expanding role. As technical improvements continue, it is perhaps realistic to predict that magnetic resonance will, in the near future, assume a dominant role in the imaging of the spine for the demonstration of most types of spinal disease.

Adult↗

Physical properties of apoprotein B in mixed micelles with sodium deoxycholate and in a vesicle with dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine.

Apoprotein B, the major apoprotein of normal human low density lipoprotein (LDL) was solubilized with sodium deoxycholate (NaDC). The protein was recombined with the phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) to produce a complex of DMPC-apoB (4:1 w/w). (Biochemistry. 22: 3170-3178. 1983). Carboxyfluorescein and [3H]dextran entrapment studies show the DMPC-apoB 4:1 (w/w) complex to encapsulate an aqueous volume of 0.17 microliter/mumol of DMPC. From the chemistry and morphology of the complex and the evidence that the complex possesses an encapsulated volume, the most appropriate structural model for this assembly is that of a phospholipid single bilayer vesicle into which apoB is incorporated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroic spectroscopy (CD) were used to investigate the physical properties of apoB in the mixed micellar complex with NaDC and in the vesicular DMPC-apoB complex. CD studies of apoB in NaDC mixed micelles show that apoB exhibits a similar secondary structure as apoB of native LDL over the temperature range 5-30 degrees C. Reversible structural changes occur between 30 and 50 degrees C. However, above 50 degrees C, disruption of the micellar particle and endothermic protein unfolding and denaturation occur with a Tmax of 52 degrees C and an enthalpy of 0.22 cal/g apoB, as shown by DSC. The DMPC-apoB complex exhibits a reversible thermal transition centered at 24 degrees C (delta H = 3.34 Kcal/mol DMPC) which is associated with the order-disorder transition of the hydrocarbon chains of DMPC. An endothermic transition occurs over the range 53-70 degrees C (delta H = 2.09 cal/g apoB) which, as shown by CD and turbidity study, corresponds to protein unfolding-denaturation and particle disruption. CD shows that apoB in the vesicular environment undergoes a series of conformational changes. The major alterations occur over the temperature range of the order-disorder transition of the phospholipid. Between 37-60 degrees C, the conformation is similar to that observed in native LDL.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Factors associated with juvenile detention truancy.

Factors influencing truancy from a juvenile court treatment facility were investigated. Youth born in 1962 (N = 124) who were placed in the facility were compared for number of truancies, background, and personality variables. Results showed that males with prior adjudication for home or school truancy had a 65% probability of eloping from the court facility as compared to a 34% probability for youth adjudicated for other offenses. Most females were adjudicated for truancy offenses and showed a 62% probability of truancy while in the court facility. Further, for females who eloped and were returned, the probability of a subsequent truancy was above 80%. Personality characteristics of truants varied with sex: male truants were more likely to be conduct disordered youth for which impulsivity and disregard for social norms is prevalent; female truants appear more likely to be in conflict over autonomy issues.

Adolescent↗

Structure and polymorphism of 1,2-dioleoyl-3-acyl-sn-glycerols. Three- and six-layered structures.

Triacylglycerols, which usually contain at least one unsaturated fatty acid, are the most important forms of stored biological lipids in teleosts, mammals, and most plants. Since the physical properties of such mixed-chain triacylglycerols are poorly understood, a systematic study of such compounds has been initiated. Stereospecific 1,2-dioleoyl-3-acyl-sn-glycerols were synthesized with even carbon saturated fatty acyl chains of 14-24 carbons in length. Their polymorphic behavior was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction. The thermal behavior revealed from one to four major polymorphic transitions depending upon saturated chain length. Plots of enthalpy of fusion and entropy vs. carbon number for melting of the most stable polymorph were linear throughout the series with slopes of 1.0 kcal/mol per carbon atom and 2.6 cal/(mol K) per carbon atom, respectively. These slopes indicate that the saturated chains are packed in a well-ordered tightly packed lattice. When the compounds were rapidly cooled to 5 degrees C, X-ray powder diffraction revealed strong beta' (ca. 3.8 and 4.2 A) reflections and weak beta (ca. 4.6 A) reflections. The beta subcell reflections intensified when the compounds were heated to within 5 degrees C of the melting temperature of the highest melting polymorph. Evidence of an alpha phase was not seen on 30-min X-ray exposures for any of the compounds. In the proposed packing arrangement the saturated and unsaturated chains are segregated into layers. The stable form of all compounds exhibits a triple layer packing mode in which a bilayer of oleoyl chains is segregated from an interdigitated layer of saturated chains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calorimetry↗

Synthesis and polymorphism of 3-acyl-sn-glycerols.

3-Acyl-sn-glycerols with even-numbered saturated fatty acyl chains from decanoate to lignocerate were synthesized. Successful hydrolysis of the long acyl chain intermediate 1,2-isopropylidene-3-acyl-sn-glycerols from stearate to lignocerate was accomplished by applying the compounds to silica gel and exposing them to hydrogen chloride gas at -75 degrees C. The purity of the compounds was checked by boric acid impregnated thin-layer chromatography, 13C NMR, and reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the polymorphism of the compounds. In the beta phase obtained from solvent of crystallization, the acyl chain packing was in a two-dimensional oblique lattice with specific chain-chain interactions with a tilt angle of 55.4 degrees from the bilayer plane. The thickness of the region containing two glycerol head groups was 12.7 A. The phase transition enthalpy of melting for the beta phase was 1.06 kcal/mol of CH2. On being cooled these compounds crystallized reversibly to an unstable alpha phase, which on being further cooled underwent a second crystallization to a beta or beta' phase. The thermodynamic parameters and long spacings of these compounds in both beta and alpha phases were linear, indicating isostructural packing in each phase. The enthalpy of the melting transition of the alpha phase was 0.69 kcal/mol of CH2. In this phase, the chains were packed in a hexagonal lattice with nonspecific chain-chain interactions. The thickness of the head-group region (12.2 A) and the tilt angle (55 degrees) of the acyl chains in the alpha phase were very similar to those in the beta phase.

Calorimetry↗

Adoptive transfer of autoimmune diabetes mellitus in biobreeding/Worcester (BB/W) inbred and hybrid rats.

Adoptive transfer of diabetes was accomplished by the injection of Con A-activated acutely diabetic BB/W rat spleen cells into immunosuppressed diabetes-resistant BB/W control rats and F1 hybrid offspring produced by BB/W X Lewis, BN, Yashida, and NEDH matings. Immune suppression methods that facilitated adoptive transfer of diabetes included neonatal thymectomy, cyclophosphamide, and splenectomy plus rabbit anti-rat lymphocyte serum injections. The successful transfer of BB/W diabetes to otherwise normal (BB/W X inbred)F1 rats and to diabetes-resistant BB/W animals suggests that antigenically normal pancreatic beta cells were destroyed by the injected effector cells. Diabetes-resistant BB/W control rats also evidenced diabetes after the injection of cyclophosphamide alone. The requirement for immunosuppression suggests that an intact immune system protects against adoptive transfer and diabetes in diabetes-resistant BB/W rats.

Animals↗