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D J Harrison

Publications and source records attributed to D J Harrison.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

p53-independent death and p53-induced protection against apoptosis in fibroblasts treated with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Many recent studies have implicated p53 in the cellular response to injury and induction of cell death by apoptosis. In a rat embryonal fibroblast cell line transformed with c-Ha-ras and a mutant temperature-sensitive p53 (val135), cells were G1 arrested at the permissive temperature of 32 degrees C when overexpressed p53 was in wild-type conformation. In this state cells were resistant to apoptosis induced by etoposide (at up to 50 microM) or bleomycin (15 microU ml-1). Cells at 37 degrees C with overexpressed p53 in mutant conformation were freed from this growth arrest, continued proliferating and showed dose-dependent increases in apoptosis. This death is independent of wild-type p53 function. Control cells containing a non-temperature-sensitive mutant p53 (phe132) were sensitive to both etoposide and bleomycin after 24 h at 32 degrees C and 37 degrees C, indicating that the results are not simply due to temperature effects on pharmacokinetics or DNA damage. Our data show that induction of a stable p53-mediated growth arrest renders these cells much less likely to undergo apoptosis in response to certain anti-cancer drugs, and we conclude that the regulatory role of p53 in apoptosis is influenced by the particular cellular context in which this gene is expressed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Association between the CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to emphysema and lung cancer.

Aim-To investigate cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) polymorphism and susceptibility to emphysema and lung cancer.Methods-A novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genotyping the CYP1A1 polymorphism, corresponding to putative low or high enzyme activity, was developed to genotype lung cancer resection samples which had been assessed macroscopically for the presence of centriacinar and panacinar emphysema. Samples were collected and genotyped from a group of patients with chronic obstructive airways disease. A control group of anonymous blood donations was genotyped to determine the basal levels of the polymorphism in the Scottish population.Results-The high activity allele of the CYP1A1 gene is associated with susceptibility to centriacinar emphysema and lung cancer but not panacinar emphysema. CYP1A1 polymorphism is not linked to lung cancer in the absence of emphysema, nor to chronic obstructive airways disease which is the clinical manifestation of emphysema, particularly of the panacinar type.Conclusions-Susceptibility to emphysema and lung cancer is associated with polymorphism of the P4501A1 gene. A trend towards damage of centriacinar pattern has been detected, which supports the theory that centriacinar emphysema results from local, direct damage to the respiratory bronchioles from exposure to cigarette smoke.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Glutathione homeostasis in alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and lung in vivo under oxidative stress.

We studied the acute effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), H2O2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on the glutathione (GSH) redox system in a human type II epithelial cell line (A549) in vitro. CSC, in vitro and in vivo after intratracheal instillation of CSC in the rat, produced a depletion of intracellular soluble GSH, concomitant with GSH-conjugate formation, without significant elevation of oxidized GSH (GSSG), protein-GSH mixed disulfides (PrSSG), nor any GSH efflux from the cells. By contrast, H2O2 (500 microM) after 5-min exposure to A549 cells caused significant depletion of intracellular GSH associated with an efflux of GSSG and a significant increase in the formation of PrSSG. TNF-alpha, in concentrations of 100 U/ml and 1,000 U/ml, produced a significant depletion of GSH in A549 cells after 4- and 24-h exposure, with an associated elevation of GSSG. The activities of glutathione peroxidase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly decreased in epithelial cells and in rat lungs after CSC exposure, without change in glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities. By contrast, H2O2 and TNF-alpha did not alter these enzyme activities in epithelial cells. Thus GSH depletion and alteration in enzyme activities in alveolar epithelial cells by CSC, H2O2, and TNF-alpha occur by different mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Organochlorine compound residues in human milk in the United Kingdom 1989-1991.

1. The concentrations of some organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls have been determined in 193 samples of human milk collected between July 1989 and July 1991. 2. Comparison of the results with those from previous studies in 1979-80, and earlier, shows a continuing decline in residue levels except for polychlorobiphenyls. 3. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls in human milk samples from residents in the United Kingdom compare favourably with data obtained in other countries.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1995

Liver biopsy findings in patients with alcoholic liver disease complicated by chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the features of concurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in liver biopsies from patients thought to have alcoholic liver disease. PATIENTS: Fifty-five patients with a history of excess alcohol consumption were studied. METHODS: All patients underwent liver biopsy. RESULTS: Eight of the 55 patients studied were found to be HCV-positive. CONCLUSION: The histological features found to be most useful for identifying concurrent HCV infection were the presence of lymphoid aggregates in portal tracts (predictive value 100%), the presence of lymphocytes in the lobules (predictive value 83%), and the pattern of fibrosis, particularly periportal spurring rather than perivenular fibrosis (predictive value 75%).

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Laparoscopy and histology in the diagnosis of chronic liver disease.

We compared laparoscopy with histology in identifying fatty change, fibrosis, the degree of inflammatory activity, cirrhosis and the cause of liver disease. Laparoscopic liver biopsy was performed in 145 consecutive patients. The laparoscopist and the histologist were provided with similar clinical and biochemical information. Both scored the appearances on respective examinations for the degree of fatty change, fibrosis and activity, presence or absence of cirrhosis; and provided a provisional diagnosis. The final diagnosis was determined by clinicopathological conference and clinical follow-up. Laparoscopy was successfully performed in 142 patients (97.9%). Compared with histology, the sensitivity and specificity of laparoscopy for identifying fatty change were 96.4% and 100%, 100% and 95% for fibrosis and 94% and 95% for inflammatory activity, respectively. For cirrhosis, laparoscopy was 100% sensitive and 97.1% specific. Histology missed 10 cases of cirrhosis (6.1%). Histology did, however, provide additional information in 9 patients (6.3%) which contributed to the final diagnosis. Overall, histology is required in addition to laparoscopy in cases where the aetiology is unclear. The sensitivity and specificity in identifying fatty change, fibrosis, activity and cirrhosis are similar for laparoscopy and histology. The combination of information gained on laparoscopy with histology provides the diagnosis in most patients. Laparoscopy may replace the need for liver biopsy in patients in whom the aetiological diagnosis is not in question and the biopsy is being performed to stage the disease. We used it as an integral part of the work-up of a patient with liver disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

In vitro and in vivo performance and lifetime of perfluorinated ionomer-coated glucose sensors after high-temperature curing.

In this paper we report that curing at 120 degrees C can be used to improve the in vivo durability of a miniaturized glucose sensor with an outer coating of the Dupont perfluorinated ionomer, Nafion. Sensors based on glucose oxidase trapped in an albumin/glutaraldehyde matrix were able to withstand curing at 120 degrees C without noticeable change in electrode sensitivity (+/- 22% SD). Curing above 120 degrees C caused a gradual decline in sensitivity, with no sensitivity seen at 170 degrees C. Curing Nafion at 120 degrees C eliminated ascorbic acid and urea interferences and improved selectivity for glucose against uric acid and acetaminophen, compared to room temperature-cured Nafion coatings. The Nafion film reduced O2 demand by the sensor, so the signal was O2 independent across a partial pressure range of 8-140 mmHg. Several of the fully assembled, heat-cured, needle-type glucose sensors remained functional for at least 10 days after subcutaneous implantation in dogs, without degradation of their sensitivity (average 3 nA/mM in vivo at 37 degrees C and 6 nA/mM in vitro at 37 degrees C).

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Prevention of the rapid degradation of subcutaneously implanted Ag/AgCl reference electrodes using polymer coatings.

To assess the effect of the biological response to implanted Ag/AgCl reference electrodes on the electrode stability, uncoated and polymer-coated Ag/AgCl electrodes were implanted subcutaneously in rats. After 1 week of implantation, uncoated Ag/AgCl electrode potentials, measured in 0.1 M KCl, shifted by about -180 mV, and both voltammetry and electron microscopy showed that all the AgCl was removed. The electrodes could be significantly protected by coating with polyurethane or a perfluorinated ionomer (Nafion) cured at 120 degrees C for 1 h. Electron micrographs showed the 120 degrees C cured Nafion and polyurethane coatings remained intact over 2 weeks of implantation. Following 2 weeks of implantation the cured, Nafion-coated electrodes' potentials were shifted by -15 +/- 7 mV relative to the initial values. Voltammetry showed that they were still not polarizable. The current densities obtained with the coated reference electrodes are sufficient for their use as counter/pseudoreference electrodes with implantable two-electrode glucose sensor systems. The tissue response to coated electrodes was minimal in comparison to the response to uncoated reference electrodes.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The effect of inhibition of glutathione S-transferase P on the growth of the Jurkat human T cell line.

To investigate the possible role of glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP) in carcinogenesis and cell proliferation, ethacrynic acid (EA) was used to inhibit GSTP in the human Jurkat T cell line. At lower doses (0-30 microM), EA led to a decreased rate of proliferation as assessed by the MTT assay. This was associated with a decreased DNA S+G2/M phase population and also a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis. At concentrations of EA > 30 microM, cells suffered non-specific cytotoxic injury and underwent necrosis. The total cell number fell over the time course of the experiment. A resistant subculture of cells which proliferated in the presence of EA at 30 microM was selected by continuous growth in the presence of EA. Although this had a higher basal rate of apoptosis than control cells, it also showed a significantly larger growth fraction as assessed by flow cytometry. GSTP is frequently overexpressed in human tumours and animal models of carcinogenesis, and is regarded as a marker of the 'drug-resistant phenotype' of initiated cells. Our findings suggest that the role of GSTP in models of chemical carcinogenesis and in tumours may be its permissive effect on cell cycle activity and downregulation of apoptosis, thus allowing expansion of a population of initiated cells.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of glutathione S-transferase Pi in non-invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.

Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST P) has been reported to be a marker of dysplastic lesions. For this reason expression of GST P by intraduct breast carcinoma was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Thirty-seven of 92 carcinomas (40%) were GST P positive. GST P staining did not correlate with histological variables, c-erbB-2 overexpression or with clinical outcome. The GST P status of recurrences did not correlate with that of the index lesion. There is little evidence that GST P is a useful marker of the potential of intraduct breast carcinoma to become invasive.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Peripheral T lymphocyte depletion by apoptosis after CD4 ligation in vivo: selective loss of CD44- and 'activating' memory T cells.

We have demonstrated that a single intravenous bolus of rat anti-CD4 MoAb caused a small but prolonged increase in apoptosis in murine lymph nodes. We have quantified this process using the novel Highly Optimized Microscope Environment (HOME) interactive images analysis system and shown that the increase in apoptosis was sufficient to account for the observed depletion of the peripheral CD4+ T cell subset. This occurred in the absence of any other exogenous signal. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an inflammatory or necrotic response in the tissues, indicating that this was unlikely to be Fc or complement-mediated antibody killing. The anti-CD4-induced depletion selectively removed CD44- T cells. Using mice previously immunized with yeast-derived HIV-1 p24 recombinant protein there was sparing of memory T cell function after in vivo anti-CD4 treatment, except during a window of less than 24 h duration, when simultaneous exposure to antigen and anti-CD4 antibody resulted in the depletion of specific memory T lymphocyte function. This indicated that a very minor alteration in the frequency of apoptosis had a marked effect on cell number over time, and suggested that opportunistic infection associated with CD4+ T cell depletion may be explained by loss of memory cells when there is antigenic stimulation at the same time as CD4 ligation. These results have implications for the pathology of HIV-associated disease which is associated with ligation of CD4 molecules in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Heterogeneous expression and polymorphic genotype of glutathione S-transferases in human lung.

BACKGROUND: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics by conjugation with glutathione. One of the mu class genes of this superfamily of enzymes, GSTM1, is polymorphic because of a partial gene deletion. This results in a failure to express GSTM1 in approximately 50% of individuals. Several studies have linked GSTM1 null status to an increased risk of lung carcinoma. This study investigated the expression and distribution of GST isoenzymes in human lung, and developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay which would allow genotyping of archival, paraffin embedded lung tissue. METHODS: Distribution was examined using a panel of polyclonal anti-GST antibodies for immunohistochemistry in normal tissue of 21 tumour-bearing lungs. DNA for PCR was extracted from paraffin blocks and a control group of 350 blood lysates. As a positive control each assay amplified part of GSTM4, a mu class gene which is not polymorphic but which shows strong sequence homology to GSTM1. The presence of GST in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was sought by Western analysis. RESULTS: Proximal airways contained pi class GST, alpha class GST, and mu class GST with expression concentrated in the brush border. In distal airspaces no alpha GST was expressed but pi GST and mu GST were present in alveolar cells and also alveolar macrophages. Pi class GST was present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The PCR assay enabled genotypic determination using DNA extracted from archival material. Of the control group 56% were null at the GSTM1 locus. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of GST isoenzymes in the lung is heterogeneous with an apparent decrease in GST in distal lung. Since GSTM1 status has already been associated with susceptibility to disease, the PCR assay developed will allow further studies of the relation between genotype and structural disorders in the lung using archival pathological material.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

A miniaturized Nafion-based glucose sensor: in vitro and in vivo evaluation in dogs.

We have developed an implantable glucose sensor based on a new tri-layer membrane configuration. The needle-type sensor integrates a Pt working electrode and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Its size is equivalent to a 25 gauge needle (0.5 mm in diamater). Poly (o-phenylenediamine) was used as an inner coating to reduce interference by small compounds present in the body fluids, and the perfluorinated ionomer, Nafion as a biocompatible, protective, outer coating. Glucose oxidase trapped in an albumin/glutaraldehyde matrix was sandwiched between these coatings. In vitro tests in buffer showed the sensors had a good selectively, a sensitivity of about 25 nA/mM, and a 90% response time of 33 s. Stabilization of the current following polarization required 10 to 30 min in vitro and 30 to 40 in vivo. Although these sensors remained stable for many weeks in saline solution, their implantation in animals resulted in the degradation of the protective Nafion outer coating, which in turn, led to the failure of the incorporated reference electrode. We demonstrated that if unprotected, the AgCl layer of the reference electrode rapidly dissolves in the biological environment. However, we later showed that in vivo degradation of Nafion can be prevented by heat curing. When heat cured sensors were subcutaneously implanted in dogs, the sensors' signal closely followed the plasma glucose level during glucose tolerance tests. The response of the sensors implanted in dogs was retained for 10 days.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Tumour incidence, spectrum and ploidy in mice with a large deletion in the p53 gene.

In human tumourigenesis the tumour suppressor gene most commonly affected by mutation, inactivation or allele loss is p53. Loss of p53 function is associated both with failure to maintain a normal diploid status and inability to delete cells by apoptosis following DNA damage. To investigate further the role of p53 we have generated mice carrying a large deletion within the gene. All animals homozygous for this deletion develop spontaneous tumours, predominantly lymphomas, by the age of 6 months. 10% of heterozygotes develop a range of neoplasms, with a lower predisposition towards lymphoma, by 9 months. Both tumour incidence and spectrum in heterozygotes differ from those previously reported in another p53 mutant stock, suggesting either difference in exposure to carcinogens between the two stocks, or a role for modulating genes within different genetic backgrounds. Tumours showed frequent loss of diploid status, and the majority of those arising in heterozygotes showed loss of the wild type allele. These findings are consistent with the concept that p53 acts as a tumour suppressor by preventing the propagation of DNA damage to daughter cells.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Autoantibodies to hepatic microsomal carboxylesterase in halothane hepatitis.

Halothane hepatitis can be life-threatening, and this severe adverse reaction may arise via an immune process. We have detected autoantibodies to purified human liver microsomal carboxylesterase in sera of 17 out of 20 patients with halothane hepatitis (85%) but not in 9 halothane-exposed controls and in only 2 (at low levels) of 33 patients with liver disease due to other causes. Immunohistochemical studies localised the carboxylesterase predominantly to the centrilobular region of liver sections, which is consistent with the area affected by halothane hepatitis. Human hepatic microsomal carboxylesterase is a target antigen in halothane hepatitis, and an immune response to this protein may be involved in the liver damage observed.

Adult↗