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G R Bullock

Publications and source records attributed to G R Bullock.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Distribution of type-1 and type-2 angiotensin receptors in the normal human lung and in lungs from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study was designed to examine the cellular distribution of the angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) and type-2 (AT2) receptors in the normal human and pathological human lung. Riboprobes were prepared against specific portions of each receptor DNA and labelled with FITC for detection using an anti-FITC antibody in combination with the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase technique and new Fuchsin. These were used to detect the presence of receptor mRNA in the lung. Specific antibodies were used to detect receptor protein in cells by immunocytochemistry. Image analysis was used in order to semi-quantify receptor density. AT1 receptor mRNA and protein were localised on vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages and in the stroma underlying the airways epithelium probably relating to underlying fibroblasts. The AT1 receptor protein was not expressed in the epithelium although there was a low level of mRNA. In contrast, AT2 receptor RNA and protein was observed in the epithelium, with strong staining on the bronchial epithelial cell brush border and also on many of the underlying mucous glands. The AT2 receptor was also present on some endothelial cells. These findings were supported by the presence of mRNA in each case. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there was a five- to sixfold increase in the ratio of AT1 to AT2 receptors in the regions of marked fibrosis surrounding the bronchioles. This correlated well with the reduced lung function as expressed by the forced expiratory volume.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Growth stimulatory angiotensin II type-1 receptor is upregulated in breast hyperplasia and in situ carcinoma but not in invasive carcinoma.

Two different receptors which bind angiotensin II specifically have been identified in humans and were designated angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1) and angiotensin II type-2 receptor (AT2). They only have 34% sequence homology and act through different signalling pathways. AT1 stimulation has been implicated in hypertrophy and hyperplasia in various tissues. In order to study the involvement of AT1 in tissues from controls (n=10) and patients with hyperplasia (n=33), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n=23) and invasive carcinoma of the breast (n=25), we tested biopsies and breast-derived cell lines using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridisation and cell proliferation techniques. The results show specific overexpression of AT1 receptor on the cytoplasmic membrane of cells of hyperplastic lesions with and without atypia and on DCIS of the breast. Evidence for growth stimulation is provided by in vitro experiments showing growth induction by angiotensin II of T47D cells which express the AT1 but not the AT2 receptor. The expression of AT1 on the cell membrane disappears in invasive breast cancer cells suggesting a regulatory pathway which is no longer needed in invasive carcinoma. The specific AT1 expression upregulation might well be an important step in the pathogenesis of hyperplasia of the breast, which is regarded as a precursor lesion for breast cancer.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

Sensitization to inhaled antigen by intratracheal instillation of dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Airway dendritic cells (DCs) capture and present inhaled antigen. It is not known whether antigen presentation by DCs in the airways is sufficient to induce sensitization to inhaled antigen in vivo. METHODS: Rats were immunized by intratracheal instillation of ovalbumin (OVA) -pulsed bone marrow-derived DCs or macrophages and exposed 10 days later to a 30-min aerosol of OVA on 3 consecutive days. Total and differential cell counts and flow cytometry on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, airway histology and serum OVA-immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels were analysed 24 h after the last exposure. RESULTS: As few as 2 x 104 OVA-DC induced sensitization to inhaled OVA. The secondary response to OVA-aerosol consisted of an antigen-specific increase in the number of bronchoalveolar mononuclear cells, activated CD4-positive alphabeta-TCR T lymphocytes, neutrophils and few eosinophils. Peribronchial and perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates were seen on histological analysis. There was no production of systemic OVA-IgE. Bone marrow-derived macrophages did not induce sensitization. CONCLUSION: Delivering antigen to the respiratory tract via professional antigen-presenting DCs sensitizes for a secondary response to inhaled antigen leading to airway inflammation. This model will prove very useful for studying the early events of sensitization to inhaled antigen using the respiratory route.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1999

Presence of substance P and neurokinin 1 receptors in human sputum macrophages and U-937 cells.

Tachykinins such as substance P (SP) may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma. This study investigated the presence of SP and its receptor in the differentiated macrophage-like U-937 cell line and in macrophages from sputum induced in healthy subjects (n=8). In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labelled sense and antisense complementary ribonucleic acid (cRNA) probes was used to determine the expression of SP and its receptor (neurokinin (NK)1 receptor). SP-immunoreactive material was detected using a rabbit anti-SP antiserum and the alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase technique. Beta-preprotachykinin (PPT)-I messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding SP, was detected using in situ hybridization in differentiated U-937 cells as well as in CD45+ human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR+ sputum macrophages. The expression of the beta-PPT-I mRNA was increased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated U-937 cells. SP-immunoreactive material was found in differentiated U-937 cells and in CD68+ sputum macrophages. NK1 receptor mRNA was detected in differentiated U-937 cells and sputum macrophages. Incubation of U-937 cells with SP considerably increased the expression of NK1 receptor mRNA. This study demonstrates that human monocytes/macrophages express substance P and that this expression is upregulated by lipopolysacharide. Human monocytes/macrophages also express neurokinin1 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid, suggesting an autocrine effect of substance P on these cells.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
PubMed1997

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine and mast cells in the tachykinin-induced contraction of rat trachea in vitro.

The in vivo bronchoconstrictor effect of tachykinins in Fisher 344 rats is accompanied by release into the airways of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). 5-HT is possibly derived from mast cells. In the present study the presumed mast cell-tachykinin interaction was studied in isolated trachea from Fisher 344 rats. Contractions induced by neurokinin A were largely reduced by the 5-HT antagonist methysergide, partially reduced by atropine, but not affected by hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. Methysergide also inhibited the contractions induced by substance P, the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist Ac[Arg6, Sar9, Met(O2)11]substance P-(6-11) and the mast cell depleting compound 48/80. Methysergide had no effect on contractions induced by carbachol or electrical field stimulation. Atropine significantly reduced contractions to 5-HT and completely inhibited contractions induced by electrical field stimulation. Histamine had no contractile effect. In vivo pretreatment with compound 48/80 significantly reduced the in vitro contractions to neurokinin A. Contractions to capsaicin were inhibited by methysergide and the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist (+/-)-RP67580 ((3alphaR,7alphaR)-(7,7-diphenyl-2-(1-imino-2-(2-methoxyp henylethyl)-perhydraisoinotol-4-one))). Substance P and neurokinin A caused 5-HT release in the organ bath, in a concentration- and time-dependent way. Atropine did not affect 5-HT release. Morphometric analysis showed that substance P and neurokinin A, but not carbachol, caused a significant increase in the number of degranulating mast cells in the muscular/submuscular region. In conclusion, tachykinins contract Fisher 344 rat trachea by releasing 5-HT from mast cells, an effect mediated by a tachykinin NK1 receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The dendritic cell: its potent role in the respiratory immune response.

The importance of the dendritic cell for the capture of antigens and initiating an immune response is now well recognized. Whereas much is known about their structure and function, their lineage is still not clear. Studies in vitro have demonstrated that the regulated maturation of function that occurs in culture explains many of the in vivo events relating to antigen capture and presentation. The control over maturation and migration of these cells to the immune system is decisive as to whether an immune response is mounted or not. 'Danger' signals provided by conserved bacterial products or by microenvironmental cytokines are important regulators. Dendritic cells have been clearly involved in the development of respiratory disease and our understanding of their involvement will have an impact on our future therapeutic strategies.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Different cytokine patterns in bronchial biopsies in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Bronchial biopsies have made possible the detailed study of the pathology of the airways of humans with respiratory disease. Much data has been accumulated on asthmatics or normal controls but much less is known about chronic bronchitics. The aim of this study was to characterize the cellular and cytokine pattern seen in chronic bronchitics and to compare these with control and asthmatic subjects. The patients were also characterized clinically. In this study, immunocytochemistry on cryostat sections from bronchial biopsies were used to determine the level of inflammatory cells and cells of the immune system as well as the pattern of cytokines. This study revealed a distinct cellular and cytokine pattern for each of the three different patient groups, although the diversity of the cytokines analysed was limited by the size of the biopsies. In the inflammatory infiltrate of patients with asthma, CD4+ T-cells and eosinophils were the most prominent cell types discerned. All of the expected cytokines such as IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma were found. In contrast, the emphasis in chronic bronchitic patients was quite different. The predominant cell types were macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells and CD8+ T-cells, but eosinophils were also abundant. In addition, IL-4 and TNF-alpha were the only cytokines present of those tested.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Immunolocalization of intracellular interleukin-4 in normal human peripheral blood basophils.

The question as to whether other cell types apart from helper T lymphocytes are capable of producing interleukin-4 (IL-4) has gained much interest over the last years. Recent studies indicate that human basophils also produce IL-4, although direct proof is missing so far. In this study we demonstrate the presence of IL-4 in the cytoplasm of in vitro activated human peripheral blood basophils derived from normal donors. Cytokine-producing cells were revealed at the single-cell level by intracellular immunofluorescence staining using IL-4-specific monoclonal antibodies. Basophils showed a characteristic, apparently granular staining pattern easily discerned from the eccentric dot-shaped staining pattern in activated T cells used in control experiments. Cell counts following priming with IL-3 and stimulation with polyclonal sheep anti-IgE antibody or the anaphylatoxin C5a revealed a significant increase in IL-4-positive basophils to about 19% as compared with unprimed, unstimulated control cells (6%). The amount of IL-4 in the supernatant of these cell preparations paralleled these observations with an at least five- to sevenfold increase following stimulation as compared with control cells (< 5 ng/ml). Using confocal scanning laser microscopy, the intracellular presence of IL-4 was confirmed, and the cells were identified as being basophils on terms of their characteristic multilobed nucleus. This observation was supported by double labeling studies using antibodies to IL-4 and to the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon R1). Interestingly, stimulation of cells led to a decrease in the number of Fc epsilon R1-positive cells. The above results show direct evidence that IL-4 is produced by activated human basophils.

Basophils↗
PubMed1990

Differentiation of proliferating from resting cartilage in human fetal nasal septum by magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been used for the characterization of human fetal nasal septa. The images were made from fixed fetal heads from spontaneous abortions of different gestational age. The "in-plane" resolution of the images (at a pixel size of 312 x 312 microns2) allowed a detailed anatomical analysis of the midfacial structures of the fetal heads. In T2-weighted midsagittal sections a low signal intensity region of the septal cartilage could be seen. This part was shown to consist of immature proliferating cartilage by histochemical methods and contrasted to mature resting tissue at the rim of the septum. Direct comparison of the MR images with histological sections demonstrated the potential of MRI in pre- and postoperative evaluation of patients requiring surgical reconstruction of either traumatic or congenital defects of the face.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1988

Relationship of birth weight to the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis in the neonatal piglet.

The relationship between birth weight and the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was studied in the term-delivered neonatal piglet. Hypoxia (pO2 less than 30% for 1 h) coupled with hyperviscosity (hematocrit more than 75%), with and without splenectomy, resulted in a high frequency and severity of NEC. This effect was most pronounced in low birth weight (LBW) animals. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between birth weight and the number and severity of lesions. Splenectomy increased the incidence and severity of lesions particularly in LBW animals. A predominance of lesions was found in the distal ileum with occasional occurrences elsewhere in the small bowel and in the proximal colon. The neonatal piglet is capable of producing the full spectrum of NEC under acceptable experimental conditions. LBW is a significant predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of NEC.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Influence of the vascular endothelium on agonist-induced contractions and relaxations in rat aorta.

The influence of the vascular endothelium on agonist-induced contractions and relaxations has been measured using intact segments of rat aorta. Contiguous rubbed segments were used as controls. Angiotensin II, histamine, noradrenaline, U46619 and UK14304 contracted both rubbed and intact tissues. The threshold spasmogenic concentrations of these agonists were lower in rubbed tissues than in intact preparations. The sensitivity and responsiveness of tissues to angiotensin II, histamine, noradrenaline and UK14304 were greater in rubbed than in intact tissues. Acetylcholine and histamine relaxed the established spasms of intact tissues but not those of rubbed preparations, These relaxant effects of acetylcholine were abolished by pre-incubation with haemoglobin. In the presence of prazosin, noradrenaline or UK14304 relaxed established contractions in intact tissues. These effects were antagonized by idazoxan or by pre-incubation with haemoglobin. In intact preparations, idazoxan had no effect on the spasmogenic sensitivity and responsiveness to UK14304. Pre-incubation with haemoglobin augmented the spasmogenic actions of noradrenaline, U46619 or UK14304 in intact tissues, but had no effect on these responses in rubbed preparations. Tissue concentrations of cyclic GMP were greater in intact than in rubbed tissues. A concentration of acetylcholine (10 microM) evoking just maximal mechanical inhibition produced a significant increase in cyclic GMP concentration in intact preparations. However, no detectable changes in cyclic GMP concentration were produced by UK14304 (10 microM) or by acetylcholine (30 nM), concentrations which were equi-effective in inhibiting mechanical activity. In the presence of threshold spasmogenic concentrations of noradrenaline, the contractile effects of angiotensin II were augmented and became comparable to those observed in rubbed preparations. In the presence of greater concentrations of noradrenaline, angiotensin II always produced an additional contraction. It is concluded that the presence of the vascular endothelium limits the spasmogenic action of a variety of agonists. Although spasmogens like noradrenaline and UK14304 can stimulate the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) via alpha 2-adrenoceptors, the inhibitory effects of EDRF largely result from the spontaneous release of this substance.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗
PubMed1985

An improved method for the demonstration of fibrin in biopsies of rabbit skin homografts.

Tissues embedded in resin are convenient for routine use when the presence or absence of fibrin in them is to be confirmed using the electron microscope. To visualize fibrin using the light microscope, sections (1.0-2.0 micron) from such specimens should be stained with Methylene Blue-Azure II-Basic Fuchsin (MBBF). Staining with MBBF is more controllable than with other methods and it requires only two short staining steps. Compared with Giemsa, MBBF provides a polychromatic, as opposed to a monochromatic end-result, sharply contrasting fibrin (blue) against collagen (pink-violet).

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Effects of a combination of metoprolol and dazmegrel on myocardial infarct size in rats.

The effects of acute pretreatment with metoprolol, dazmegrel and a combination of these two drugs has been examined on myocardial infarct size in rats. Ischaemic damage was assessed 4 h after coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized rats and after 48 h of ischaemia in conscious rats. Infarct size was measured histochemically (by using periodic-acid-Schiff diastase reaction for glycogen) and by standard histological examination (haematoxylin and eosin stain). There was some evidence of protection of the myocardium by metoprolol following 4 h of ischaemia (determined histologically) but this was not apparent 48 h after occlusion. When given alone, dazmegrel had no significant effects on infarct size assessed by either method. A clear reduction in the extent of glycogen depletion and histological damage was observed with the combination of metoprolol and dazmegrel 48 h after the onset of ischaemia. This protection was seen to occur in the horizontal plane of the heart, preventing the extension of the infarct towards the posterior wall of the left ventricle and showing some salvage of the epicardial surfaces.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

An ultrastructural analysis of the vascular damage in the lethal and sublethal Forssman reaction in the guinea-pig.

The involvement of the complement system and platelets in the sublethal Forssman reaction in the guinea pig has been studied together with the ultrastructural changes observed in the endothelial cells of the pulmonary vasculature. The main ultrastructural change noted was swelling of the endothelium. This did not occur in thrombocytopenic animals or in decomplemented animals, indicating the importance of both platelets and the complement pathways in this reaction. The platelet inhibitors sulphinpyrazone or aspirin had no effect on endothelial swelling in the sublethal reaction. In the lethal reaction the degree of endothelial cell damage was more severe and included lesions in the cell membrane, lifting, necrosis and finally exposure of the basement membrane. This damage only occurred in animals with an intact complement cascade.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1985

Autoradiographic study of the distribution of [3H]- and [14C]-hydrallazine in the rat.

The distribution of [3H]-hydrallazine (HP) in the rat was investigated using autoradiography from the whole-body, to the electron microscopic level. Intravenous dosing gave rapid and persistent labelling of blood vessels, particularly arteries, whilst radiolabel from orally administered drug was detectable in the vasculature in modest amounts only at 6 h, the longest interval studied. Light microscopic autoradiographs of blood vessels showed silver grains associated with elastic laminae and the marginal region of smooth muscle cells. Analysis of electron microscopic autoradiographs of arteries from rats dosed intravenously (1 h and 6 h) and orally (6 h) revealed the greatest percentage of radiolabel in each case to be associated with the elastic laminae (34.9 to 40.3%). Significant proportions of total radiolabel (between 12.7 and 34.8%) were ascribed to the smooth muscle cells. It is concluded that radiolabel, possibly in the form of intact HP, is accessible to the vascular smooth muscle cells where the vasodilator action of HP is held to be exerted.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Calcium delivery and time: factors affecting the progression of cellular damage during the calcium paradox in the rat heart.

Using an isolated rat heart preparation we have investigated the influence of calcium delivery and time upon the induction of cellular injury during the calcium paradox. Hearts were subjected to 10 min of calcium depletion. This was followed by calcium repletion for up to 20 min during which time the calcium concentration in the perfusate was varied between 0.025 and 1.00 mmol X litre-1. For the lowest calcium repletion concentration, cumulative leakage of creatine kinase activity was small and linear with time over the 20 min repletion period, and relatively few damaged cells were observed, these being situated around coronary vessels. For calcium concentrations of 0.05 mmol X litre-1 and above the progression of structural injury was dependent on both increasing calcium concentration and time. After 1 min of repletion with 0.10 mmol calcium X litre-1 the percentage damaged cells was 2%, this sharply increased to 95% after 10 min of repletion but without a parallel increase in the profile for creatine kinase leakage. For calcium repletion at 0.05 mmol X litre-1 morphological injury was shown to be highly heterogeneous both within and between hearts. Uniform cellular damage (ie greater than 95%) in the concentration range 0.25 to 1.00 mmol calcium X litre-1 was only seen after 10 min of calcium readmission. Maximal cumulative creatine kinase activity only occurred after 15 to 20 min of repletion with 0.50 and 1.00 mmol calcium X litre-1. Our results show calcium delivery and time can both modulate the progression of cellular injury and allow a dissociation between indices of tissue damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The temperature dependence of the calcium paradox: enzymatic, functional and morphological correlates of cellular injury.

An isolated rat heart preparation was used to characterize the temperature dependence of the calcium paradox and also to assess the validity of various indices of hypothermic protection. Hearts were subjected to 10-min periods of calcium depletion at various degrees of hypothermia followed by 20 min of normothermic calcium repletion. Using enzyme or protein leakage during calcium repletion as an index of hypothermic protection during calcium depletion, paradox injury was reduced extensively by relatively moderate hypothermia. Thus, depletion at 29 degrees C reduced total creatine kinase leakage by 57 +/- 4% from 1585 +/- 24 IU/g dry wt to 677 +/- 63 IU/g dry wt and at 25 degrees C leakage was reduced by 85 +/- 4% from 1585 +/- 24 IU/g dry wt to 237 +/- 71 IU/g dry wt. However, upon calcium repletion there was no recovery of contractile function. It was not until the myocardial depletion temperature was reduced to 20 degrees C that some functional recovery occurred. Under these circumstances cumulative creatine kinase leakage was reduced to below 88 IU/g dry wt, 6% of its normothermic value and protein leakage was undetectable. Functional recovery was not complete until the temperature was reduced to 15 degrees C or below. Correlation of cumulative enzyme leakage with functional recovery suggested a narrow release threshold (50 to 100 IU/g dry wt) above which no recovery occurred and below which a full recovery could be confidently predicted. Morphological assessments an all-or-none phenomenon; thus although increasingly severe hypothermia progressively reduced the percent of cells that sustained damage (as opposed to the degree of damage in all cells), it was not until 100% of cells appeared ultrastructurally undamaged that functional recovery was observed. Calcium-free perfusion at 4 degrees C protected the intercalated discs from gross lesions and prevented the separation of the external lamina from the surface coat. Our results also stress the heterogeneity of tissue injury and hypothermic protection and in addition shed further light upon the component mechanisms contributing to calcium injury.

Animals↗