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Biomedical subjects

H Knobler

Publications and source records attributed to H Knobler.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Cell damage by excess CuZnSOD and Down's syndrome.

Down's Syndrome (DS), the phenotypic expression of human trisomy 21, is presumed to result from overexpression of certain genes residing on chromosome 21 at the segment 21q22-the Down locus. The "housekeeping" enzyme CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) is encoded by a gene from that region and its activity is elevated in DS patients. Moreover, the recent discovery that familial ALS is associated with mutations in the gene encoding CuZnSOD, focused attention on the entanglement of oxygen-free radicals in cell death and neuronal disorders. To investigate the involvement of CuZnSOD gene dosage in the etiology of the syndrome we have developed both cellular and animal models which enabled us to investigate the physiological consequences resulting from overexpression of the CuZnSOD gene. Rat PC12 cells expressing elevated levels of transfected human CuZnSOD gene were generated. These transformants (designated PC12-hSOD) closely resembled the parental cells in their morphology, growth rate, and response to nerve growth factor, but showed impaired neurotransmitter uptake. The lesion was localized to the chromaffin granule transport mechanism. These results show that elevation of CuZnSOD activity interferes with the transport of biogenic amines into chromaffin granules. Since neurotransmitter uptake plays an important role in many processes of the central nervous system, CuZnSOD gene-dosage may contribute to the neurobiological abnormalities of Down's Syndrome. As an approach to the development of an animal model for Down's Syndrome, several strains of transgenic mice which carry the human CuZnSOD gene have been prepared. These animals express the transgene as an active enzyme with increased activity from 1.6 to 6.0-fold in the brains of four transgenic strains and to an equal or lesser extent in several other tissues. To investigate the contribution of CuZnSOD gene dosage in the neuropathological symptoms of Down's Syndrome, we analyzed the tongue muscle of the transgenic-CuZnSOD mice. The tongue neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) in the transgenic animals exhibited significant pathological changes; withdrawal and destruction of some terminal axons and the development of multiple small terminals. The ratio of terminal axon area to postsynaptic membranes decreased, and secondary folds were often complex and hyperplastic. The morphological changes in the transgenic NMJ were similar to those previously seen in the transgenic NMJ and were similar to those previously seen in muscles of aging mice and rats as well as in tongue muscles of patients with Down's Syndrome. The findings suggest that CuZnSOD gene dosage is involved in the pathological abnormalities of tongue NMJ observed in Down's Syndrome patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Substance abuse among mental patients].

Abuse of alcohol and other drugs by mental patients has been reported extensively in the past decade, especially in the USA. It has seemed to us that drug abuse has become more common among mental patients treated at this psychiatric hospital and at outpatient clinics in Jerusalem in recent years. Therefore, 100 patients admitted consecutively were questioned with regard to alcohol and drug abuse. A quarter of the male patients were diagnosed as having both a psychiatric disorder and drug abuse. Drug abuse was even more common among male schizophrenics aged 26 to 35, but only 2 reported alcohol abuse. Drugs used were mainly opiates (heroin and methadone) and hashish, and in most cases both. The results indicate that mental patients, especially young men with schizophrenia, may be another risk group for drug abuse in Israel.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Gene dosage of CuZnSOD and Down's syndrome: diminished prostaglandin synthesis in human trisomy 21, transfected cells and transgenic mice.

Patients with Down's syndrome (DS) exhibit elevated activity of copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) caused by the trisomy 21 state. To investigate the possible involvement of CuZnSOD gene dosage in perturbation of prostaglandin biosynthesis we analyzed transfected cells and transgenic mice that express elevated levels of human CuZnSOD. It was found that the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was diminished in transfected PC12-CuZnSOD cells as well as in fibroblasts from DS patients. Primary cells derived from transgenic CuZnSOD mice showed similar reduction. Impaired biosynthesis of prostaglandins was not confined to cells grown in culture since secretion of PGE2 and PGD2 by kidney and cerebellum of transgenic CuZnSOD was significantly lower than in non-transgenic littermate mice. These findings strongly suggest that overexpression of the CuZnSOD gene induces a demotion in PGE2 and PGD2 formation and establish a connection between alteration of prostaglandin biosynthesis in trisomy 21 cells and gene dosage of CuZnSOD.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Down syndrome clinical symptoms are manifested in transfected cells and transgenic mice overexpressing the human Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase gene.

Down syndrome (DS), the phenotypic expression of human trisomy 21, is presumed to result from overexpression of certain genes residing on chromosome 21 at the segment 21q22-the Down locus. The "housekeeping" enzyme CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) is encoded by a gene from that region and its activity is elevated in DS patients. To investigate the possible involvement of CuZnSOD gene dosage in the etiology of the syndrome we have developed both cellular and animal models which enabled us to investigate the physiological consequences resulting from overexpression of the CuZnSOD gene. 1. Rat PC12 cells expressing elevated levels of transfected human CuZnSOD gene were generated. These transformants (designated PC12-hSOD) closely resembled the parental cells in their morphology, growth rate, and response to nerve growth factor, but showed impaired neurotransmitter uptake. The lesion was localized to the chromaffin granule transport mechanism. We found that the pH gradient (delta pH) across the membrane, which is the main driving force for amine transport, was diminished in PC12-hSOD granules. These results show that elevation of CuZnSOD activity interferes with the transport of biogenic amines into chromaffin granules. Since neurotransmitter uptake plays an important role in many processes of the central nervous system, CuZnSOD gene-dosage may contribute to the neurobiological abnormalities of Down's syndrome. 2. As an approach to the development of an animal model for Down syndrome, several strains of transgenic mice that carry the human CuZnSOD gene have been prepared. These animals express the transgene in a manner similar to that of humans, with 0.9 and 0.7-kilobase transcripts in a 1:4 ratio, and synthesize the human enzyme in an active form capable of forming human-mouse enzyme heterodimers. CuZnSOD activity is increased from 1.6 to 6.0-fold in the brains of four transgenic strains and to an equal or lesser extent in several other tissues. 3. To investigate the possible involvement of CuZnSOD gene dosage in the neuropathological symptoms of Down's syndrome, we analyzed the tongue muscle of the transgenic mice that express elevated levels of human CuZnSOD. The tongue neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) in the transgenic animals exhibited significant pathological changes, namely, withdrawal and destruction of some terminal axons and the development of multiple small terminals. The ratio of terminal axon area to postsynaptic membrane decreased, and secondary folds were often complex and hyperplastic. The morphological changes in the transgenic NMJ were similar to those previously seen in muscles of aging mice and rats as well as in tongue muscle of patients with Down's syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Endobronchial tuberculosis].

Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is not rare. It usually affects the upper lobe bronchi. Bronchoscopic examination may reveal white gelatinous material in the bronchial lumen, mucosal ulcerations, polypoid inflammation, scattered green-blue pigmented areas and narrowed bronchi with post-stenotic dilatation, some of which resemble colored dolomite caves. 2 women, aged 70 and 84, are presented, 1 of whom had been suffering for a year from persistent dry cough and the other from diffuse pneumonia resistant to several antibiotics. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy showed the characteristic picture of EBTB, later confirmed by positive cultures. Recognition of the clinical, radiological and bronchoscopic spectrum of EBTB makes it possible to start treatment before bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis from endoscopically recovered material.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Diminished serotonin uptake in platelets of transgenic mice with increased Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase activity.

Reduced levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in blood platelets is a clinical symptom characteristic of individuals with Down's syndrome. To investigate the possible involvement of the Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) gene, which resides at the Down locus on chromosome no. 21, in the etiology of that symptom, we examined blood platelets of transgenic mice harboring the human CuZnSOD gene. It was found that platelets of transgenic CuZnSOD animals, which overexpress the transgene, contain lower levels of serotonin than nontransgenic littermate mice, due to a reduced rate of uptake of the neurotransmitter by the dense granules of the platelets. We found that the pH gradient (delta pH) across the dense granule membrane, which is the main driving force for serotonin transport, was diminished in dense granules of transgenic-CuZnSOD. Furthermore, a significantly lower than normal serotonin accumulation rate was also detected in dense granules isolated from blood platelets of Down's syndrome individuals. These findings suggest that CuZnSOD gene dosage is affecting the dense granule transport system and is thereby involved in the depressed level of blood serotonin found in patients born with Down's syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

HLA-B51 may serve as an immunogenetic marker for a subgroup of patients with Behçet's syndrome.

Epidemiologic data, family history, clinical data, HLA typing, neutrophilic chemotaxis, and immunofluorescence of clinically normal non-sun-exposed skin were studied in 46 Israeli non-Ashkenazi Jewish and Arab patients with Behçet's syndrome. HLA-B51 was present in 71 percent of the patient group as compared with 13 percent of the control group (relative risk = 17.1). In four of 30 families in the B51-positive group, there was a close relative of the proband with Behçet's syndrome who was carrying the HLA-B51 antigen. Neutrophilic chemotaxis in this group was enhanced in 80 percent of the patients, and in most patients no deposition of immunoglobulin in the dermo-epidermal junction was observed, whereas C3 was present in papillary vessels. In the B51-negative group, the family history was negative for Behçet's syndrome, neutrophilic chemotaxis was enhanced in only two of eight patients, and in four of six patients, IgM deposition was detected in the dermo-epidermal junction. It is concluded that in Israeli non-Ashkenazi Jews and Arabs, there is a significant association between HLA-B51 and the risk of developing Behçet's syndrome. The B51-positive patient group has a family history of the disease, enhanced neutrophilic chemotaxis, and a lack of immunoglobulin deposition in the dermo-epidermal junction.

Behcet Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Quinidine-induced hepatitis. A common and reversible hypersensitivity reaction.

In a retrospective survey of drug-induced hepatitis during a ten-year period, we found that quinidine sulfate was the most common offending agent. We analyzed the clinical and laboratory data of the 33 cases of quinidine-induced hepatitis and noted the following: (1) It is an easily recognized drug reaction, because, in most patients, fever preceded liver damage. (2) The clinical picture usually includes fever and sometimes is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, and thrombocytopenia, which resolved after discontinuation of drug therapy, but reappeared promptly after a rechallenge. (These features suggest a hypersensitivity mechanism.) (3) The histologic findings of the liver biopsy specimens consisted of portal and parenchymal, acute and chronic hepatitis, combined with granulomas. (4) In a long-term follow-up study of 15 patients, no liver function abnormalities were found. We thus conclude that quinidine-induced hepatitis, when recognized early, is a reversible drug reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Urticarial vasculitis and recurrent pleural effusion: a systemic manifestation of urticarial vasculitis.

A 62-year-old woman with an 8-year history of urticaria, arthralgia and arthritis developed recurrent pleural effusion. A thorough laboratory workup during repeated attacks of concomitant urticaria and pleural effusion disclosed only hypocomplementemia and the histopathological finding of the skin biopsy revealed leukoclastic vasculitis. These findings are compatible with the entity of urticarial vasculitis. It is thus suggested that pleural effusion can form part of the systemic manifestations of urticarial vasculitis.

Complement Pathway, Classical↗
PubMed1986

Pouch ileitis--recurrence of the inflammatory bowel disease in the ileal reservoir.

"Pouchitis" is an inflammation of the ileal pouch that has been described as occurring after Kock's procedure--the continent ileal pouch. The case presented herein demonstrates clinical and histological features that resemble ulcerative colitis, implying that this disorder may be a recurrence of the patient's original inflammatory bowel disease and not merely a local and nonspecific process as previously suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Methemoglobinemia, muscle damage and renal failure complicating phenazopyridine overdose.

A 19-year-old woman with no history of renal or hematologic dysfunction developed methemoglobinemia, muscle damage, rhabdomyolysis and severe acute renal failure after an overdose of phenazopyridine hydrochloride (pyridium). The methemoglobinemia reversed after 24 h, but the patient remained oliguric, with myalgia and increased muscle enzymes. The patient received supportive treatment and recovered completely after 3 weeks. Since phenazopyridine is a commonly used drug, the physician should be alert to these possible severe complications.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1985

Importance of the different steps of glycosylation for the activity and secretion of lipoprotein lipase in rat preadipocytes studied with monensin and tunicamycin.

Lipoprotein lipase synthesized by cultured rat preadipocytes is present in three compartments: an intracellular, a surface-related 3-min heparin-releasable, and that secreted into the culture medium. 30 min after addition of 6 microM monensin, the lipoprotein lipase activity in the heparin-releasable compartment starts to decrease; by 4 h of monensin treatment the lipoprotein lipase activity in the heparin-releasable pool and in the culture medium is about 10% of that found in control dishes. The intracellular activity, which had been identified as lipoprotein lipase by an antiserum to lipoprotein lipase, increases slowly and doubles by 24 h. However, since the cellular compartment accounts for 10-25% of total activity, this increase does not account for the missing enzyme activity. To determine whether this enzyme molecule is synthesized but is not active, incorporation of labeled leucine, mannose and galactose into immunoadsorbable lipoprotein lipase was studied in control, monensin- or tunicamycin-treated cells. Addition of tunicamycin (5 micrograms/ml) for 24 h caused a 30-50% reduction in immunoadsorbable lipoprotein lipase, but the enzyme activity was reduced by 90%. On the other hand, 4 h monensin treatment reduced both incorporation of [3H]leucine into immunoadsorbable lipoprotein lipase and heparin-releasable and medium lipoprotein lipase activity by 57 to 77%. The immunoadsorbable lipoprotein lipase in the intracellular compartment has a [14C]mannose to [3H]galactose ratio of 0.15 and this ratio increased 6-fold in monensin-treated cells. The intracellular lipoprotein lipase in monensin-treated cells had the same affinity for both the native and synthetic substrate as the lipoprotein lipase in control cells, yet its spontaneous secretion into the culture medium and its release by 3 min heparin treatment was markedly decreased. The present results indicate that: the presence of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide (formation of which is inhibited by tunicamycin) is mandatory for the expression of lipoprotein lipase activity; lipoprotein lipase is active also in a high mannose form; and terminal glycosylation and oligosaccharide processing, which is inhibited by monensin, may be important for the appearance of heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase and secretion of lipoprotein lipase into the medium.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1984

Modulation of lipoprotein lipase in the intact rat by cholera toxin--an irreversible agonist of cyclic AMP.

Rats were injected intravenously with cholera toxin, a potent stimulator of adenylate cyclase, and lipoprotein lipase was determined in various organs and plasma. 16 h after cholera toxin injection, lipoprotein lipase activity increased 2-6-fold in heart, diaphragm and lung and decreased to one-third in adipose tissue. An increase in lipoprotein lipase activity was seen in the plasma and in the liver, as determined by antiserum to lipoprotein lipase. The increase in heart lipoprotein lipase was preceded by a rise in cyclic AMP and continued for 24 h when cyclic AMP returned to base-line levels. Both heparin-releasable and residual lipoprotein lipase increased in the heart, but to an unequal extent. The more pronounced rise in residual activity (up to 10-fold) could have contributed to an increase in the t1/2 of heart lipoprotein lipase from 1.5 to 2.6 h. The relatively lower increase in heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase could have been due to a loss of the enzyme from this compartment into the circulation. The effect of cholera toxin on heart and adipose tissue lipoprotien lipase was observed in fasted, fed and super-fed animals and thus appears to be independent of the nutritional state of the animal. Since cholera toxin not only mimics hormonal stimulation, but causes an exaggerated response to hormones, it made studies on some aspects of regulation of both the functional and storage forms of lipoprotein lipase in the intact organism possible.

Adipose Tissue↗