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E M Adams

Publications and source records attributed to E M Adams.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Identification and characterization of membrane cofactor protein of human spermatozoa.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) regulates C activation by serving as a cofactor for the cleavage of C3b and C4b by the serine protease factor I. An MCP-like molecule on the inner acrosomal membrane of human spermatozoa has been characterized. Three mAb and a rabbit polyclonal antibody against MCP recognized the sperm protein. On SDS-PAGE, it migrated as a single band with a molecular mass of 38,000 and 44,000 Da under nonreducing or reducing conditions, respectively. The molecular mass was 10,000 to 20,000 Da less than the two forms of MCP expressed on others cells. The electrophoretic pattern, by one- and two-dimensional gel analysis, and the isoelectric point profile (4.5 to 5.0) of the sperm protein were similar among multiple individuals. In contrast to MCP of other cells, digestion with endoglycosidases did not alter either the m.w. or the pI of the protein, suggesting that it is a poorly or nonglycosylated form of MCP. The solubilized sperm protein bound C3 with broken thioester bond to Sepharose and possessed cofactor activity for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3 with the broken bond. A mAb that blocks the regulatory function of MCP inhibited the cofactor activity of the sperm lysate. Thus, the sperm protein is an antigenic and functional homologue of MCP but has the distinct structural features of a lower m.w. and an apparent lack of glycosylation. MCP may play an essential role in the survival of the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa by modulating C activation in the female genital tract.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1992

Lack of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate binding to biologically relevant binding sites on mononuclear cells.

We analyzed the binding characteristics of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate ([3H]QNB), a muscarinic cholinergic ligand, to rat and human mononuclear cells (MNC). Under various assay conditions, atropine-sensitive, saturable binding occurred with an apparent Kd of 10 nM. Conditions which disrupted the MNC membrane reduced total binding and eliminated specific binding. Muscarinic agonists were unable to inhibit [3H]QNB binding to MNC at concentrations up to 10(-2) M. Stereoisomers dexetimide and levetimide were equipotent inhibitors of binding (IC50 2 x 10(-5) M). We conclude that, although atropine-sensitive binding of [3H]QNB to MNC occurs, the binding is not consistent with the presence of a biologically relevant muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Contribution of the repeating domains of membrane cofactor protein (CD46) of the complement system to ligand binding and cofactor activity.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) (CD46) of the C system binds to C3b and C4b, functions as a cofactor for their cleavage, and protects autologous cells from C-mediated injury. The predominant structural motif of MCP is the short consensus repeat (SCR), a repeating domain involved in ligand binding of other related C regulatory proteins. SCR deletion mutants were constructed to determine which of the four SCR of MCP contribute to ligand binding and cofactor activity. ELISA were developed to evaluate binding efficiency of mutants to ligand. Analysis of the deletion mutants indicated that the third and fourth SCR were important for both ligand binding and cofactor activity of C3b (iC3) and C4b. In addition, the same SCR were required for efficient binding of an mAb known to inhibit MCP function. The mutant deleted of SCR-2 bound but lacked cofactor activity for iC3. It did not bind or possess cofactor activity for C4b. Deletion of the first (amino-terminal) SCR had a minimal effect on iC3 binding and cofactor activity but reduced the efficiency of C4b binding. The results identify the SCR of MCP that contribute to ligand binding and cofactor activity. The data also suggest the presence of distinguishable iC3 and C4b binding sites and provide evidence that iC3 binding is not always sufficient for cofactor activity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Membrane cofactor protein of the complement system: alternative splicing of serine/threonine/proline-rich exons and cytoplasmic tails produces multiple isoforms that correlate with protein phenotype.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is a complement regulatory protein that is expressed on human cells and cell lines as two relatively broad species with Mr of 58,000-68,000 and 48,000-56,000. The structure of a previously reported cDNA clone indicated that MCP was a type 1 membrane glycoprotein and a member of the regulators of complement activation gene/protein cluster. However, it did not provide an explanation for the unusual phenotypic pattern of MCP. Therefore, in parallel with an analysis of the gene, additional cDNAs were cloned and characterized. Six different MCP cDNA classes were identified. All encode the same 5' untranslated signal peptide, four SCRs, transmembrane domain, and basic amino acid anchor. However, they differ in the length and composition of an extracellular serine/threonine/proline (STP)-rich area, a site of heavy O-glycosylation, and cytoplasmic tail. Analysis of the MCP gene demonstrated that the variation in cDNA structure was a result of alternative splicing. Peripheral blood cells and cell lines predominantly expressed four of the six isoforms. These varied by the presence or absence of an STP-rich segment of 15 amino acids (STPB) and by the use of one of two cytoplasmic domains. Analysis by polymerase chain reaction, Northern blots, and transfection indicated that the predominance of MCP cDNA isoforms with STPB correlated with the high molecular weight protein phenotype, while the predominance of isoforms without STPB correlated with the lower molecular weight phenotype. The expression in a single cell of four distinct protein species with variable STP-rich regions and cytoplasmic tails represents an interesting example of the use of alternative splicing to provide variability in a mammalian protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Reliability of the Vistech Contrast Test System in a life-span adult sample.

To assess the reliability of the Vistech Contrast Test System (VCTS), contrast sensitivity functions (CSF's) were estimated using all forms of the VCTS in 92 subjects aged 20 to 73 years, who were refracted for the test distance. Over a 3-month period, nine estimates at each spatial frequency and an equivalent number of acuity measures were obtained. The contrast sensitivity of older adults was lower than that of the younger adults, particularly at higher spatial frequencies. Practice effects which varied as a function of spatial frequency were also observed. Reliabilities for single-form estimates of contrast sensitivity (CS) were frequency-dependent, and ranged from 0.41 to 0.65. Three-form average estimates of CS yielded reliabilities ranging from 0.62 to 0.77. Consistent with the assertion that low VCTS reliabilities are due, in part, to measurement error, the reliabilities for acuity were uniformly higher than for the VCTS. Results are discussed in relation to clinical use of the VCTS across the life-span.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of three monoclonal antibodies to membrane co-factor protein (MCP) of the complement system and quantification of MCP by radioassay.

MCP is a widely distributed regulatory glycoprotein of the complement system which binds C3b and C4b and has factor I-dependent co-factor activity. Monoclonal antibodies raised to lymphocytes (E4.3), chorionic microvilli (GB24) and an embryonal carcinoma cell line (TRA-2-10) recognize MCP (CD46). GB24 inhibited both the binding of MCP to its ligand iC3 and co-factor activity; E4.3 and TRA-2-10 did not. The binding of GB24 to cells bearing MCP was not cross-inhibited by E4.3 or TRA-2.10, but TRA-2-10 blocked binding and displaced pre-bound E4.3. Using these antibodies, we developed a radioassay for quantifying the number of MCP molecules/cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) had about 10,000 MCP cell; platelets had about 600/cell, and no MCP was found on erythrocytes. Neoplastic hematopoietic cell lines, of myelocytic and T lymphocytic origin, had several-fold more (20-60,000) molecules cell than peripheral blood cells or B cell lines (about 12,000). Malignant epithelial cell lines. HeLa (about 100,000/cell) and HEp-2 (about 250,000 cell) had the highest MCP expression of any cells examined. These monoclonal antibodies--especially GB24, which blocks MCP function--and the direct binding assay will facilitate the further analysis of the biology of this complement regulatory protein.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Vasopressin-induced bradycardia in barodenervated rats.

Experiments were performed on conscious chronically instrumented rats to determine the contribution of baroreceptor reflex (BRR)-independent mechanisms in the bradycardia associated with intravenous administration of arginine vasopressin (AVP). At least 2 wk prior to experimentation, the aortic and carotid baroreceptors were denervated in six rats. Following recovery, the maximum bradycardic responses to pressor doses of phenylephrine (PE) or AVP were determined on separate days in each animal. Pulse interval (PI) was calculated from heart rate (HR), and the slopes of PI vs. mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and PI vs. dose were determined for each experiment by linear regression. There was no significant correlation of PI vs. MABP in response to bolus PE in these barodenervated rats. However, there was a significant correlation of PI vs. MABP and PI vs. dose in response to AVP in five of the six barodenervated rats. These data suggest that pressor levels of AVP may elicit bradycardia independent of the BRR. Another group of experiments was performed in the Langendorff-isolated rat heart preparation to assess the direct chronotropic effect of AVP. Hearts were not paced, and the coronary arteries were perfused at a constant flow. HR was determined at various concentrations of AVP (n = 4 at each dose). In addition, because unpaced hearts exhibited low intrinsic rates, the same protocol was performed in hearts receiving isoproterenol to elevate basal HR (n = 4 at each AVP dose). There was no chronotropic effect of AVP in isolated hearts with or without isoproterenol administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Effects of focal cooling in the ventrolateral medulla on chemoresponsiveness in dogs.

Studies in cats and dogs have shown that the ventrolateral region of the medulla participates significantly in the shaping of the respiratory rhythm. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of unilateral focal cooling (15-20 degrees C) in the ventrolateral medullary region on respiratory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia in dogs. A cryoprobe was used to cool selected locations in the ventrolateral medulla in 9 anesthetized and vagotomized dogs. Diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) was measured with implanted electrodes. The animals were ventilated artificially at a constant rate with 100% O2 and the inspired gas was switched to 7% CO2 in O2 or 10% O2 in N2 to determine the response to hypercapnia or hypoxia. The sites cooled ranged 4.0-8.0 mm rostral to obex, 3.0-5.5 mm lateral to midline, and within 1.5 mm deep from the ventral surface of the medulla. Unilateral focal cooling in this region significantly decreased the responses of both the amplitude and the rate of rise of diaphragmatic EMG to hypercapnia and hypoxia. These results support the hypothesis that neural structures in the ventrolateral medulla are important in the respiratory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia as well as for the setting of respiratory drive and timing.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Integration of cardiorespiratory responses in the ventrolateral medulla.

Interventions confined to the region adjacent to the VMS can produce both respiratory and circulatory effects. Although it has been suggested that both breathing and vasomotor changes arise from the same neural elements near the VMS, our own investigations indicate that the neurons involved are closely linked but not identical. This belief is supported by recent studies which show that AII and angiotensin antagonists microinjected into the rostral portion of the VMS can significantly modify blood pressure and respiration but can produce effects of different sign. These observations, coupled with previous studies of the VMS, indicate the possibility that regions near the VMS may contribute to integration of circulatory and respiratory responses.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Involvement of ventral medullary surface in respiratory responses induced by 2,4-dinitrophenol.

We examined the contribution of the neural elements near the ventral medullary surface (VMS) to the respiratory response caused by 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Two series of experiments were performed on 12 vagotomized and sinoaortic denervated cats. The first series examined the effect of focal cooling of the VMS on the respiratory response to DNP in four spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats. When the VMS temperature was 37 degrees C, systemic administration of DNP increased minute ventilation under nearly isocapnic conditions, and focal cooling of the intermediate area of VMS to 20 degrees C attenuated the ventilatory augmentation caused by DNP. To eliminate the influence of anesthetics, a second group of experiments was performed on eight decerebrate, artificially ventilated cats while phrenic nerve activity was monitored as an index of respiration. AgNO3 (10%) was topically applied to the VMS until the respiratory response to inhaled CO2 was abolished. Apnea occurred in seven of eight cats after AgNO3, whereas in the remaining one animal, tidal phrenic activity decreased substantially. Systemic administration of DNP produced no respiratory excitation in any of the animals. On the other hand, rhythmic respiratory activity could be provoked by electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor area and carotid sinus nerve and by excitation of somatic afferents. Histological examination of the brain stem showed that the AgNO3 had penetrated no more than 350 microns from the ventral medullary surface. These results indicate superficial structures of the VMS are of potential importance in mediating the respiratory responses to hypermetabolism.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗
PubMed1989

Cardiovascular effects of high-frequency oscillatory and jet ventilation.

To determine the effects of mean airway pressure on hemodynamics during high-frequency ventilation, we ventilated five cats (wt 2.8 +/- 0.6 kg) using both HFOV (frequencies 3 to 20 Hz) and HFJV (frequencies 4 to 8 Hz) at Paw values ranging from 2 to 12 cm H2O. Combinations of frequency and tidal volume that maintained normocapnia were employed in random order before and after reduction of static compliance of the respiratory system by lung lavage. Heart rate was comparable during both modes of high-frequency ventilation. During both HFOV and HFJV, the cardiac output decreased and PVR increased in normal and surfactant-deficient cats as Paw was elevated (all p less than 0.01, ANOVA). For both HFOV and HFJV linear regression of Paw and cardiac output yielded comparable slopes and y-intercepts. Lung lavage reduced the effect of Paw but did not eliminate it. Changes in ventilatory frequency did not affect cardiac output or PVR. We conclude that the interaction between high-frequency ventilation and cardiovascular function is largely determined by Paw and compliance and is independent of ventilator frequency and the type of ventilator used.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Direct cardiac effects of vasopressin: role of V1- and V2-vasopressinergic receptors.

Experiments were performed to determine the possible direct effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on cardiac function in the nonworking Langendorff preparation. Hearts were isolated from male Wistar rats, and the coronary arteries were retrograde perfused at a constant rate through the aorta with a Krebs-Henseleit solution, which was continuously bubbled with 95% O2-5% CO2. The hearts were paced at 280 beats/min and measurements made of peak ventricular pressure (PVP), first derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax), and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP). By maintaining constant coronary flow, the direct cardiac effects of AVP could be determined independent of changes in myocardial O2 delivery elicited by potential coronary vasoconstriction. Myocardial function was assessed at AVP concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 500 pg/ml. Progressive coronary vasoconstriction was observed with increasing AVP concentration. In contrast, PVP and dP/dtmax increased at 50 and 100 pg/ml of AVP but fell at 400 and 500 pg/ml. The maximal PVP and dP/dtmax responses were at 50 pg/ml (+16 +/- 3 and +44 +/- 4%, respectively), whereas at 500 pg/ml both PVP and dP/dtmax were reduced below control (-30 +/- 4 and -34 +/- 5%, respectively). Pretreatment with the specific V1-vasopressinergic antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (40 ng/ml) totally blocked both the coronary vasoconstrictor and contractility responses to AVP. Furthermore, infusion of a specific V2-agonist was without effect even at high doses. These data suggest that although AVP causes dose-related coronary vasoconstriction over a wide range of AVP concentrations, the hormone may exert a positive inotropic effect at doses mimicking circulating levels encountered in a number of pathophysiological situations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Impairment of hemodynamics with increasing mean airway pressure during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.

We investigated the effects of changes in mean airway pressure (Paw), oscillatory frequency and lung compliance on cardiac output (CO) and pulmonary vascular resistance in seven adult cats (3.0 +/- 0.6 kg) during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). The cats were anesthetized with chloralose and urethane and ventilated with a high-frequency oscillator at Paw of 4, 8, 12, and 16 cm H2O and frequencies of 3, 6, 12, 16, and 20 Hz. Saline lavage was used to reduce lung compliance. CO was continuously recorded with an electromagnetic flow probe placed around the aorta and pulmonary vascular resistance was calculated from left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. Lung lavage reduced static compliance of the respiratory system but did not change CO during pressure-limited ventilation. During HFOV, CO was higher in animals after lung lavage at each Paw. As Paw was raised from 4 to 16 cm H2O during HFOV, CO decreased from 133 +/- 36 to 87 +/- 31 ml/min kg in animals with normal lungs and decreased from 153 +/- 33 to 107 +/- 19 ml/min kg after lung lavage (both p less than 0.001). Increasing Paw was also associated with an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance both before and after lung lavage (both p less than 0.005). Changes in frequency did not significantly alter CO or pulmonary vascular resistance. We conclude that the interaction between the heart and lungs during HFOV is largely mediated by Paw and compliance of the respiratory system. Furthermore, regardless of the degree of lung compliance, cardiac function may be impaired during HFOV as Paw is elevated.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Inspiratory neuron activity in the ventrolateral medulla of the dog.

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and activity pattern of respiratory neurons located in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) of the dog. Spike activity of 129 respiratory neurons was recorded in 23 ketamine-anesthetized spontaneously breathing dogs. Pontamine blue dye was used to mark the location of each neuron. Most VLM neurons displaying respiratory related spike patterns were located in a column related closely to ambigual and retroambigual nuclei. Both inspiratory and expiratory neurons were present with inspiratory units being grouped more rostrally. The predominant inspiratory neuron firing pattern was "late" inspiratory, although eight "early" types were located. All expiratory firing patterns were the late expiratory variety. Each neuron burst pattern was characterized by determining burst duration (BD), spikes per burst (S/B), peak frequency (PF), time to peak frequency (TPF), rate of rise to peak frequency (PF/TPF), and mean frequency. CO2-induced minute ventilation increases were associated with decreases in BD and TPF and increases in PF, S/B, and PF/TPF. In 11 experiments the relative influences of vagotomy and tracheal occlusion on late inspiratory units were compared. Tracheal occlusion increased late inspiratory BD and S/B but did not alter PF/TPF. Vagotomy increased BD and S/B beyond those obtained by tracheal occlusion and, in some neurons, decreased the PF/TPF. We conclude that the location of respiratory units in the VLM of the dog is similar to that in other species, the discharge pattern of VLM respiratory units is similar to those in cat VLM, and vagotomy and tracheal occlusion affect discharge patterns differently.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1986

Mitochondrial and myocardial performance. Response to ischemia and reperfusion.

The relationships between cardiac bioenergy metabolism and myocardial function were examined in a model of global myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. The respiratory activity of distinct populations of subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria was correlated with max dP/dt (an index of myocardial contractility with respect to time). Max dP/dt was significantly reduced to 27% of the preischemic value following two hours of cardioplegia-protected, warm, global, ischemia in dogs during the cardiopulmonary bypass period. Reperfusion resulted in improved myocardial function such that by 60 minutes of reperfusion, max dP/dt returned to baseline. Significant declines in both state 3 respiratory rates and respiratory control indexes for subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria were noted following the ischemic interval. Mitochondrial function similarly returned to baseline values following 60 minutes of reperfusion. These data demonstrate a close association between mitochondrial and myocardial activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Low-dose weekly oral methotrexate therapy for inflammatory arthritis.

The efficacy and toxicity of low-dose, weekly oral methotrexate (MTX) therapy for inflammatory arthritis was evaluated. Fifty-nine patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis who had failed to respond to or developed toxicity to gold, penicillamine, or hydroxychloroquine therapy were treated with MTX 10-20 mg administered orally or intravenously once a week in divided doses. Various tests to assess arthritis were performed upon each patient's entrance into the study and at specified intervals throughout the 24-month study period. The mean duration of methotrexate therapy was 15.5 months. Patients showed significant improvement in number of swollen joints, duration of morning stiffness, amount of pain, and amount of activity during the study period. Of the 35 patients who had had roentgenographic studies of their hands performed initially and after one year of MTX therapy, 23 had no evidence of new joint erosions after one year. Biopsies of hepatic tissue from 20 patients showed no progressive changes when compared with pretreatment biopsies. Gastrointestinal symptoms, mucocutaneous lesions, or small increases in liver enzyme concentrations were observed in 31 patients; three patients developed pulmonary toxicity and had to be withdrawn from the study. MTX is an effective agent for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in patients who do not respond to therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or slow-acting antirheumatic drugs. Short-term weekly oral MTX therapy does not appear to result in clinically important liver disease.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1985

Ventilatory responses of hamsters and rats to hypoxia and hypercapnia.

As a fossorial species the hamster differs in its natural habitat from the rat. Experiments were performed to determine possible differences between the ventilatory responses of awake hamsters and rats to acute exposure to hypoxic and hypercapnic environments. Ventilation was measured with the barometric method while the animals were conscious and unrestrained in a sealed plethysmograph. Tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (f), and inspiratory (TI) and expiratory (TE) time measurements were made while the animals breathed normoxic (30% O2), hypercapnic (5% CO2), or hypoxic (10% O2) gases. Arterial blood gases were also measured in both species while exposed to each of these atmospheric conditions. During inhalation of normoxic gas, the VT/100 g was greater and f was lower in the hamster than in the rat. Overall minute ventilation (VE/100 g) in the hamster was less than in the rat, which was reflected in the lower PO2 and higher PCO2 of the hamster arterial blood. When exposed to hypercapnia, the hamster increased VE/100 g solely through VT; however, the VE/100 g increase was significantly less than in the rat. In response to hypoxia, the hamster and rat increased VE/100 g by similar amounts; however, the hamster VE/100 g increase was through f alone, whereas the rat increased both VT/100 g and f. Mean airflow rates (VT/TI) were no different in the hamster or rat in each gas environment; therefore most of the ventilatory responses were the result of changes in TI and TE and respiratory duty cycle (TI/TT).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗