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Biomedical subjects

G White

Publications and source records attributed to G White.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Sigma receptor ligands alter concentrations of corticosterone in plasma in the rat.

Both BMY-14802 (alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine-butanol hydrochloride) and gevotroline (WY-47384; 8-fluoro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-[3-(3-pyridinyl)-propyl]-1H-pyrido[4,3-b] indole hydrochloride) are known to antagonize the psychotomimetic action of N-allyl-normetazocine (NAN; SKF-10047) and exhibit a high affinity for the sigma receptor. Unexpectedly, the putative antagonists BMY-14802 and gevotroline acted like the agonist NAN and increased activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to elevate levels of corticosterone in plasma. During the acrophase (peak) of the effects of the circadian rhythm on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the ED50 was 6.5 mmol/kg for BMY-14802 and 9.6 mmol/kg for gevotroline. The ED50s for BMY-14802 and gevotroline during the low activity phase were 15.8 and 21.2 mmol/kg, respectively. The efficacies during both phases of the circadian rhythm were similar for each drug. Additive effects on the levels of corticosterone in plasma were observed when the animals were pretreated with doses above the respective ED50 values and then subjected to a rotational stress, but a small dose of BMY-14802 (0.5 mg/kg) had the opposite effect and completely inhibited the stress-related increases in corticosterone in plasma. Neither drug, at large doses, altered the increase in levels of corticosterone in plasma generated by the circadian rhythm, but at smaller doses BMY-14802 did lower circadian-related levels of corticosterone. Pretreatment with dexamethasone blocked the gevotroline-related increase in corticosterone in plasma, but not the BMY-14802-related increase. These data suggest that central sigma receptor mechanisms are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and that therapeutic agents that affect these receptors may alter the activity in this axis.

Animals↗

Differential staining of human alpha beta and gamma delta T cells by the fluorescein conjugate of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.

The enumeration of total T cells, an important function of the clinical immunology laboratory, utilizes antibodies to CD3, the macromolecular complex associated with the antigen-specific receptors of T cells. We compared the ability of some commonly employed commercial anti-CD3 reagents to stain human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Surprisingly, the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate of Coulter clone T3 (FITC-T3) stained most T cells brightly, but selectively stained gamma delta T cells very dimly or not at all. In contrast, the other anti-CD3 reagents studied (FITC-Leu 4, PE-T3, PE-Leu 4, and indirectly labelled T3 and Leu 4) stained all T cells equivalently. Dual-colour flow cytometric analysis with FITC-T3 and PE-Leu 4 readily demonstrated a FITC-T3-/PE-Leu 4+ population of T cells. This unique population stained dimly or not at all with a combination of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies and positively with the pan-gamma delta T cell antibody TCR delta 1. Moreover, an excellent correlation was found between the number of FITC-T3-/PE-Leu 4+ cells and the number of TCR delta 1+ cells in 32 normal individuals. Thus, the FITC-T3-/PE-Leu 4+ phenotype accurately marks all gamma delta T cells. In contrast to FITC-T3, both PE-conjugated and unconjugated T3 stained gamma delta T cells brightly. Therefore, T3 binds to an epitope present on all T cells, but fluoresceinylation specifically attenuates this antibody's ability to bind to gamma delta T cells. These findings indicate that the use of FITC-T3 can result in a significant and variable underestimation of peripheral blood T cell number and demonstrate further that the CD3 complexes of human alpha beta and gamma delta T cells are significantly different.

Adult↗

Alcohol and anesthetic actions on excitatory amino acid-activated ion channels.

The actions of alcohol and anesthetics have been studied on excitatory amino acid activated ion channels in mammalian neurons. Ethanol inhibits NMDA-activated current over a concentration range that produces intoxication, and the potency of several alcohols for inhibiting the NMDA-activated current is correlated with their intoxicating potency, suggesting that alcohol-induced inhibition of responses to NMDA receptor activation may contribute to the neural and cognitive impairments associated with intoxication. Studies on the mechanism of ethanol inhibition of NMDA-activated current indicate that ethanol does not appear to block the ion channel, alter the ion selectivity of the channel, or interact with previously described binding sites on the NMDA receptor/ionophore complex. The linear relation between the potency of several alcohols for inhibiting the NMDA-activated current and the hydrophobicity of the alcohols suggests that ethanol may inhibit the NMDA-activated ion current by a novel type of interaction with a hydrophobic site associated with the NMDA channel. In addition, different types of general anesthetic agents exhibit different inhibitory actions on NMDA-, kainate-, and quisqualate-activated currents, suggesting that differences in the profile of inhibition of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in the CNS among different classes of general anesthetics may contribute to the differences in their behavioral and physiological effects.

Alcohols↗

Nuclear and cytoplasmic location of the FER tyrosine kinase.

The location of the FER protein within the cell was investigated by using subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence. FER was found in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, where it was associated with the chromatin fraction. Its ubiquitous expression and its subcellular location indicate that it may be involved in key regulatory processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ethanol potentiation of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor-mediated ion current in neuroblastoma cells and isolated adult mammalian neurons.

Recent studies indicate that ethanol (EtOH) potentiates ion current through the channel associated with the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3)-type serotonin receptor. The present study was designed to determine 1) whether such potentiation occurs in adult mammalian neurons expressing 5-HT3 receptors; 2) whether potentiation is selective for the 5-HT3 receptor, relative to other ligand-gated ion channels; and 3) possible mechanisms by which EtOH potentiates this response. EtOH potentiated 5-HT3 receptor-mediated ion current in freshly isolated nodose ganglion neurons at concentrations similar to those previously reported to be effective in neuroblastoma cells (25-100 mM). Current was blocked by the selective 5-HT3 antagonist ICS 205-930 even in the presence of EtOH, and current activated by a 5-HT3 agonist (2-methyl-5-HT) was potentiated by EtOH. Thus, EtOH appears to produce potentiation via an alteration in the function of 5-HT3 receptors and not through an independent effect. gamma-Aminobutyric acidA receptor-mediated Cl- current was not potentiated by EtOH in neurons in which potentiation of responses to 5-HT was observed. Methanol potentiated 5-HT3 receptor-mediated current with a potency lower than that of EtOH. Potentiation by EtOH decreased with increasing 5-HT concentration. In addition, EtOH increased the decay rate of current. EtOH did not alter the reversal potential of the 5-HT3 receptor-mediated current. These observations indicate that intoxicating concentrations of EtOH selectively potentiate 5-HT3 receptor-mediated responses by increasing the apparent potency of 5-HT for activating ion current.

Animals↗

Alcohol inhibition of NMDA channel function.

In mammalian central neurons, intoxicating concentrations of ethanol inhibit the ion current activated by the glutamate agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Electrophysiologic analysis of the molecular mechanism involved in this inhibition indicates that ethanol does not inhibit NMDA-activated ion current by voltage-dependent block of the channel, altering the ion selectivity of the channel, or altering the affinity of binding sites for NMDA, glycine or substances known to regulate the function of this channel (Mg2+, Zn2+ and ketamine). The potency for inhibiting the NMDA-activated current by different alcohols is linearly related to their hydrophobicity, suggesting that alcohols may inhibit the NMDA-activated current by a novel type of interaction with a hydrophobic region of the channel.

Alcohols↗

Inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate activated ion current by desmethylimipramine.

The tricyclic antidepressant desmethylimipramine (DMI) interacts with the NMDA receptor/ionophore complex; however, the site of the interaction has not been clearly established. Although evidence from receptor binding assays suggests that DMI interacts with the Zn2+ binding site, other binding studies and electrophysiological studies suggest otherwise. Using the whole-cell patch clamp technique to record from cultured hippocampal neurons, we report that recovery of NMDA-activated current from block by DMI is time-dependent and this time-dependent component was not observed following preexposure of neurons to Zn2+. These observations favor the hypothesis that DMI interacts at a binding site within the NMDA receptor/complex channel pore and not at the Zn2+ binding site.

Animals↗

Inhibition of murine monocyte proliferation by a colony-stimulating factor-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Evidence for autocrine regulation.

Using a combination of v-myc and v-ras oncogenes, we have established a growth factor-independent monocyte cell line from murine fetal liver (FL-ras/myc). Biologic and molecular characterization demonstrated that the gene for the macrophage growth factor CSF-1 and the c-fms proto-oncogene (CSF-1 receptor) are expressed in this cell line, thus suggesting autocrine regulation as a possible mechanism for the unregulated growth of these cells. To study this possibility, we used 1) mAb, to neutralize the CSF-1 protein produced by the cell line, and 2) antisense oligomers, to inhibit CSF-1 gene products by specific base-pairing of complementary nucleic acids. We report here that both approaches inhibited in vitro cell growth by 60 to 70%, whereas the combination of oligomer and mAb inhibited proliferation by 95%. However, control antisense oligomers (50% bp mismatch with CSF-1 mRNA) did not inhibit FL-ras/myc cell growth. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of mAb and oligomers were reversible when they were removed from the media. Detection of cell-associated CSF-1 protein by immunofluorescence showed that cells treated with the antisense oligomer expressed significantly less CSF-1 protein. These results indicate that the FL-ras/myc cell line requires CSF-1 for autonomous growth and that oligomers can efficiently block production of autocrine growth factors.

Animals↗

High grade occlusion of the iliac vein by a traumatic pelvic hematoma without fracture.

A case of a man with a massive pelvic hematoma from blunt trauma without bony fracture is presented. The pressure of the hematoma on the iliac vein prevented fluid resuscitation using this route. A pelvic hematoma should be suspected in patients with iliac vein obstruction after blunt pelvic trauma even in the absence of fractures.

Constriction, Pathologic↗

Ethanol inhibits NMDA-activated current but does not alter GABA-activated current in an isolated adult mammalian neuron.

The effects of ethanol (EtOH) on membrane ion currents activated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were studied under voltage-clamp conditions in isolated sensory neurons within hours of being dissociated from adult rats. The amplitude of the ion current activated by NMDA was decreased in the presence of 2.5-100 mM EtOH (IC50, 10 mM or 0.05% EtOH), a concentration range that produces intoxication. The amplitude of the GABA-activated Cl- current, on the other hand, was not significantly affected by this concentration range of EtOH. The observations suggest that some of the neural and cognitive impairments associated with EtOH intoxication may result from inhibition of the NMDA-activated ion current.

Animals↗

Mixed form, diffusely scattered calcifications in breast cancer with apocrine features.

Diffusely scattered calcifications visible with mammography are almost always benign. Certain patterns, however, should arouse concern. For example, extensive comedocarcinoma is associated with large areas of mammographically visible calcium deposition. The authors identified 10 women in whom calcifications were visible throughout large volumes of breast tissue at mammography. The calcifications did not resemble those typical of extensive comedocarcinoma, yet they were associated with extensive breast cancer. Their mammographic pattern was characterized by a strikingly wild, chaotic appearance with profuse deposition of calcium. As in many cancers, the particles were heterogeneous, but unlike in most carcinomas, many deposits had a typically benign morphology. Histologic examination showed that even these typically benign calcifications were associated with malignant cells. The authors believe that the apocrine features displayed by many of the cancer cells in these 10 patients may explain the unusual profusion of calcium deposits.

Adult↗

GABAA-receptor-activated current in dorsal root ganglion neurons freshly isolated from adult rats.

1. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter affecting dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. This study compares properties of current activated by the GABAA receptor in two populations of DRG neurons. DRG neurons were isolated from adult rat with the use of enzymatic and mechanical means. Within hours of being isolated, neurons were recorded from with the use of the whole-cell variant of the patch-clamp technique. 2. One population of neurons exhibited an afterdepolarizing potential (ADP), a low threshold for action-potential generation (-45 to -50 mV), a short-duration action potential (less than 2 ms) that was abolished in the presence of 1-2 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX), and an insensitivity to 50 nM capsaicin. The second population of neurons exhibited a high threshold for action-potential generation (less than -40 mV), a shoulder on the falling phase of the action potential, insensitivity of action-potential generation to TTX (1-2 microM), and a depolarizing response to application of 50 nM capsaicin. 3. Sensitivity to GABA (over the range of 1-1,000 microM) was comparable for the two populations of neurons. 4. GABA-activated current was greater in ADP neurons than in non-ADP-type neurons of a comparable diameter (30-50 microns). The mean +/- SE amplitude of current activated by 10 microM GABA in ADP neurons was 0.310 +/- 0.050 nA (range = 0.110-0.460 nA, n = 8), and 0.037 +/- 0.016 nA (range = 0.010-0.130 pA, n = 7) in non-ADP neurons. Ten microM GABA elicited cell firing in ADP neurons but not in non-ADP neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Spatial overlap between populations of synapses determines the extent of their associative interaction during the induction of long-term potentiation and depression.

1. This study evaluates the associative interactions between inputs that lead to long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in the dentate gyrus (DG). Previous studies have revealed that when two inputs are coconditioned, the extent of LTP is greater than when each input is conditioned alone. Moreover, for a weak input that does not show LTP when conditioned alone, LTP can be induced in that weak input if it is coconditioned with a strong input. LTD results when one input is silent when another is conditioned. In the present study, we evaluate whether these associative interactions depend on the extent of overlap of the terminal fields of the different inputs. 2. The experiment took advantage of the topographical organization of the temporodentate pathway from the entorhinal cortex (EC) to the DG. Four stimulating electrodes were placed so as to activate ipsilateral and crossed components of the projections from medial and lateral portions of the EC. Recording electrodes were positioned unilaterally in the DG so as to record field potentials. The localization of the synaptic field that was activated by each electrode was determined by current source density (CSD) analysis. The extent of overlap between the terminal fields of ipsi- and contralateral pathways was assessed, and the pathways were divided into groups where the overlap between current sinks was 0-50 or 51-100%. 3. Conditioning stimulation (400-Hz trains of 8 pulses delivered 8 times) was delivered to pathways alone or in combination with other pathways. The extent of LTP was evaluated after coactivation of pathways that overlapped substantially (51-100%) or minimally (0-50%). The extent of LTD was evaluated in pathways that were silent during conditioning of other overlapping or nonoverlapping pathways. 4. The extent of associative LTP or LTD depended on the extent of overlap between the terminal fields of pathways. Coactivation of two pathways that overlapped by 51-100% led to LTP; coactivation of pathways that overlapped by 0-50% did not. Moreover, LTD was induced in a crossed pathway when an ipsilateral pathway that overlapped by 51-100% was activated, but not when a nonoverlapping (0-50% overlap) ipsilateral pathway was activated. The degree of associative LTP or LTD that was induced in crossed pathways was correlated with the percent overlap with the terminal field of the active ipsilateral pathway. 5. Evaluation of whether LTD was induced when one division (medial or lateral) of the ipsilateral pathway was silent when the other division was conditioned revealed similar relationships.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗