Biomedical subjects

J C Allen

Publications and source records attributed to J C Allen.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed1989

Vascular myosin expression during cytokinesis, attachment, and hypertrophy.

Primary cultures of canine saphenous vein smooth muscle cells downregulate the expression of the two muscle myosin heavy chains (mMHC) and upregulate the expression of a nonmuscle myosin heavy chain (nmMHC) when maintained in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). The cellular function and control of these changes in contractile protein expression are not known. The purposes of these experiments were to determine whether the expression of nmMHC was required for cytokinesis, whether cell attachment stimulated nmMHC expression, and whether during changes in total myosin production the relative amounts of the two mMHCs remained constant. Primary cultures were maintained in FCS, in a serum-free defined medium (SFM), or after 2 days in SFM switched to FCS to induce proliferation and changes in myosin expression. nmMHC expression occurred before cytokinesis if cells were placed directly in FCS, whereas it occurred after cytokinesis if growth-arrested cells were exposed to FCS. The position of the cell in the cell cycle was responsible for these differences, and the temporal correlation of cell-cycle progression and nmMHC expression indicated that expression occurred during G1. Cells that remained unattached in the presence of FCS or attached in SFM did not express nmMHC. During net production or loss of mMHC by growth in SFM or FCS, respectively, the relative amounts of the two mMHC remained constant. These results suggest that 1) the expression of nmMHC requires the combined effect of FCS and attachment, 2) it occurs in cells progressing through G1 but is not required for cytokinesis, and 3) during changes in net myosin production, the two mMHC are coregulated.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Sodium-lithium exchange and sodium-proton exchange are mediated by the same transport system in sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine superior mesenteric artery.

Several laboratories have reported that Na+-Li+ countertransport activities are increased in red blood cells from patients with essential hypertension. It has been proposed that the activity of this red blood cell transport system might reflect the activity of a similar system in vascular smooth muscle. We previously demonstrated Na+-Li+ exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles from canine artery and proposed that this transport function might be mediated by the Na+-H+ exchanger. In the present studies, however, we were unable to demonstrate Na+-Li+ countertransport in canine red blood cells. Since bovine red blood cells have a vigorous Na+-Li+ exchanger and we previously demonstrated Na+-H+ exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine artery, we wished to determine whether bovine sarcolemmal vesicles mediate Na+-Li+ exchange and whether this transport function is mediated via the Na+-H+ exchanger. We found that an outwardly directed proton or Li+ gradient stimulated 22Na+ uptake in sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine superior mesenteric artery. Li+ gradient-stimulated Na+ uptake was not due to electrical coupling between the two ions, was not affected by a change in membrane potential, and could not be explained by the parallel operation of Li+-H+ and Na+-H+ exchange. External Li+ inhibited proton gradient-stimulated Na+ uptake, and external protons inhibited Li+ gradient-stimulated Na+ uptake. Na+ efflux from vesicles was stimulated by inwardly directed gradients for Li+ or protons, and these effects were not additive. Proton efflux from vesicles was stimulated by inwardly directed gradients for Na+ or Li+, and these effects were not additive. Finally, Na+-H+ exchange and Na+-Li+ exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles were inhibited by 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride in an identical dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, Na+-Li+ countertransport could not be demonstrated in canine red blood cells, but as is the case with bovine red blood cells, sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine artery mediate Na+-Li+ countertransport. This transport function and sarcolemmal Na+-H+ exchange are mediated via a single 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride-sensitive cation exchanger with affinity for Na+, Li+, and protons. The cow, as opposed to the dog, may be a good animal model to test whether the activity of red blood cell Na+-Li+ countertransport is predictive of the activity of Na+-Li+ (and Na+-H+) exchange in vascular smooth muscle.

Amiloride↗

PubMed1989

Malignant astrocytomas of the spinal cord.

The authors review their experience with the operative management of 19 consecutive cases of malignant astrocytoma of the spinal cord. There was a male to female ratio of 1.1:1, and the median age of the population was 14 years (range 1 to 32 years). The median duration of symptoms prior to definitive diagnosis was 7 weeks. Radical excision was carried out in all cases, with 18 patients (95%) receiving radiotherapy and 10 patients (53%) receiving chemotherapy as well. To date, 15 (79%) of the 19 patients in this series have died, with a median survival period of 6 months following surgery. No patient improved after operation. Hydrocephalus was present in 11 patients (58%), seven of whom underwent ventricular shunting procedures. Dissemination of disease was found in 11 patients (58%). Extraneural metastases did not occur in the absence of a ventricular shunt. The authors conclude that malignant astrocytomas of the spinal cord are heralded by a short history followed by rapid neurological deterioration and usually death. The rationale for operation is discussed, and an aggressive approach utilizing adjuvant therapy directed at the entire neuraxis is suggested.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine, creatinine and total nitrogen by Kenyan children during acute measles and after recovery.

The urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine (3MH), creatinine and total nitrogen was measured during the course of energy balance studies on 20 black Kenyan children. Studies were carried out over 24 h during an acute attack of measles with a second (control) study after recovery, and complete urinary collections were obtained on 14 ill and 18 recovered children. The nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry, and energy intake was determined by duplicate diet analysis. Twelve out of 13 acutely ill and 6 out of 17 recovered children were in negative energy balance. No effect on the rate of excretion of 3MH or of creatinine attributable to differences in nutritional status, of energy intake or to infection was observed. The linear relationship between the excretion rate of all three metabolites and body weight which was observed in recovered children was absent during acute infection. Nitrogen excretion was correlated (P less than 0.05) with the level of energy intake. The linear relationship between the rate of excretion of 3MH and creatinine and of 3MH and nitrogen was significantly closer in recovered than in ill children. The simultaneous effects of infection, underfeeding (and oliguria) on the rate of excretion of protein metabolites may be complex and contradictory. Our results suggest that the excretion of 3MH, creatinine and nitrogen is sustained during infection accompanied by negative energy balance. Disruption during infection of the relationship between the excretion of all three metabolites and body weight, and between 3MH and the other two metabolites suggests perturbation in protein metabolism at this time.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1988

Iron environment in soybean lipoxygenase-1.

The iron coordination in native, Fe(II), lipoxygenase has been studied by Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS). The ligands are 6 +/- 1 nitrogen and/or oxygen ligands at 2.05-2.09 A, with a maximum variance of 0.09 A. The number of imidazole ligands is estimated at 4 +/- 1 using multiple scattering simulations. The remaining ligands are proposed to be carboxylate oxygens.

Ferrous Compounds↗

PubMed1988

Two lines of MDCK epithelial cells with different volume and ion responses to calcium ionophore A23187.

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells lost volume when exposed to 50 microM calcium ionophore A23187. The ionic mechanism for the volume reduction differed between two types of cells. MDCK1 lost potassium, similar to cells undergoing a volume regulatory decrease in hypotonic medium. MDCK2 predominately lost sodium, as did cells with elevated cyclic AMP or when treated with amiloride. The effects of A23187 and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP on Na and K content and volume suggest that intracellular second messengers can trigger different mechanisms to reduce cell volume.

Amiloride↗

PubMed1988

Selective cytotoxicity of hydroquinone for melanocyte-derived cells is mediated by tyrosinase activity but independent of melanin content.

In previous studies we have shown melanotic melanomas to be exquisitely more sensitive to hydroquinone (HQ) inhibition than non-melanotic cell lines in vitro. Indeed, incorporation of [H3] Urd and [H3] Thd have been shown to be respectively 80 and 35 times more sensitive to HQ inhibition. The difference between the cell lines studied was their derivation, marked by their different melanin contents. The presence of melanin was proposed as a possible explanation of the differences. However, comparative experiments reported here demonstrate that amelanotic melanoma cell lines are equally susceptible to HQ inhibition. Thus, the action of HQ is apparently independent of the melanin content of the cell. Significantly, the tyrosinase levels in the melanomas and the amelanomas were found to be comparable and markedly different from that in the non-melanoma control cell lines. Thus, the results reported here support the hypothesis put forward by other workers that hydroquinone melanotoxicity is independent of cellular melanin content but requires the presence of active tyrosinase.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Transient neonatal galactosaemia.

A 4 week old infant who failed to thrive was found to have galactose in his urine. Plasma galactose concentration was grossly raised (4.48 mmol/l; reference range less than 0.24 mmol/l) but red cell transferase and epimerase activities were normal. He improved when dietary lactose was excluded. Clinical and biochemical tolerance to galactose was evident by 7 months of age.

Galactose↗

PubMed1988

Screening tests for glycosaminoglycans in urine: experience from regional interlaboratory surveys.

Three urine samples were distributed to laboratories in the Trent and Yorkshire regions to assess their ability to detect glycosaminoglycans. Satisfactory results were obtained for samples from patients with Hunter's and Morquio's diseases but six of 14 laboratories reporting a result for a Sanfilippo sample missed the abnormality. Replies to a subsequent questionnaire showed that unsuccessful laboratories were not using recommended screening methods, that they lacked experience in testing for these diseases, and that rationalisation of such screening services may be indicated.

Child↗

PubMed1988

Effect of seeding density and time in culture on vascular smooth muscle cell proteins.

The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of seeding density and time in culture on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of myosin in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Enzymatically dispersed VSMCs from femoral arteries and saphenous veins of adult dogs were seeded at a density of 10(3)-10(5) cells/cm2 and assayed after 7 days or at 10(5) cells/cm2 and assayed between 1 and 10 days. Myosin, actin, and total protein contents as well as electrophoretic and immunoreactive characteristics of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) were determined. Total and contractile protein contents were independent of seeding density and increased with time in culture. Freshly dispersed cells exhibited two MHCs (MHC-1 and MHC-2) but, within 24 h after culturing, only cells attached to the dish expressed a third protein band (MHC-3), which had electrophoretic mobility and immunoreactivity similar to purified platelet MHC. MHC-3 appeared before onset of cell division and, by 4 days in culture when cells were proliferating, became the dominant MHC form. Loss of MHC-1 and MHC-2 could be prevented by growing cells in a serum-free, defined media that prevented proliferation. These data indicate that seeding density does not affect myosin content, but that with time in culture expression of a MHC with characteristics similar to nonmuscle myosin occurs. Expression of MHC-3 is associated with cell attachment, whereas loss of MHC-1 and MHC-2 requires proliferation.

Actins↗

PubMed1988

Na+-Ca2+ exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine superior mesenteric artery.

These studies were designed to determine whether a Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is present in sarcolemmal vesicles from bovine superior mesenteric artery and, if so, to determine whether this transport system is qualitatively similar to that found in other excitable tissues. Vesicles, preferentially enriched in sarcolemma, were prepared by a Mg2+ aggregation and differential centrifugation technique. An inwardly directed Ca2+ gradient stimulated 22Na+ efflux and an outwardly directed Ca2+ gradient stimulated 22Na+ uptake. Similarly, an inwardly directed Na+ gradient stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux, and an outwardly directed Na+ gradient stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ gradient-stimulated Na+ transport and Na+ gradient-stimulated Ca2+ transport were not due to voltage coupling between the two ions. Hence, a Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is present in these vesicles. The Na+ gradient-dependent component of Ca2+ uptake (Na+-Ca2+ exchange) was stimulated by rendering the vesicles electropositive inside, and Na+-Ca2+ exchange activity was inhibited by amiloride and quinidine in a dose-dependent fashion. These data demonstrate similarities between this mesenteric arterial smooth muscle Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and that found in other excitable tissues. In the absence of added Ca2+, amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ uptake in the vesicles was stimulated by an outwardly directed proton gradient, and an inwardly directed Na+ gradient stimulated proton efflux. Thus these vesicles also contain a Na+-H+ exchanger, which has been found in the sarcolemma of other vascular smooth muscle cells. When Na+ uptake was stimulated via Na+-H+ exchange, the subsequent uptake of Ca2+ via Na+-Ca2+ exchange was tripled. In conclusion, these studies unequivocally demonstrate that sarcolemmal-enriched vesicles from bovine superior mesenteric artery contain a Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amiloride↗

PubMed1988

Sodium-lithium exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles from canine superior mesenteric artery.

Exchange of intracellular sodium for extracellular lithium readily occurs in vascular smooth muscle, but the mechanism of this exchange is not known. These studies examined whether a sodium-lithium countertransport system was present in the cell membrane of vascular smooth muscle. A sarcolemmal-enriched vesicle preparation was obtained from canine superior mesenteric artery via a magnesium aggregation and differential centrifugation technique. An outwardly directed gradient for lithium stimulated 22Na uptake by the vesicles, and an inwardly directed gradient for lithium stimulated 22Na efflux. These effects were not due to an alteration in membrane potential, and sodium uptake was not stimulated by lithium in the absence of a gradient for lithium. The lithium gradient-stimulated component of sodium uptake was not affected by a change in membrane potential and was insensitive to ouabain. Both sodium-lithium exchange and sodium-proton exchange in sarcolemmal-enriched vesicles were inhibited by two compounds that inhibit the sodium-lithium countertransport system in red cells, phloretin and quinidine. Ethylisopropylamiloride also inhibited both sodium-lithium exchange and sodium-proton exchange in the vesicles. In support of the possibility that sarcolemmal sodium-lithium exchange and sodium-proton exchange are mediated by a single cation exchange mechanism with affinity for sodium, lithium, and protons, we found that an inwardly directed sodium or lithium gradient stimulated proton efflux, and that the stimulation of sodium efflux by external lithium or protons was not additive. It is concluded from these studies that sarcolemmal vesicles from canine superior mesenteric artery contain an electroneutral, phloretin, quinidine, and ethylisopropylamiloride inhibitable sodium-lithium exchange transport system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amiloride↗

PubMed1988

Cisplatin in the treatment of recurrent childhood primary brain tumors.

Thirty-three patients were treated with intravenous (IV) cisplatin (CPDD) of whom 32 were considered evaluable. There were 14 medulloblastomas, five primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), nine gliomas, three ependymomas, and one germ cell tumor. The overall response rate was 13 of 32 (41%). Eleven responses (five complete [CR], five partial [PR], one mixed [MR]) were noted in the patients with medulloblastoma. The response rate within this group was 79%. Toxicity was tolerable, although it precluded further therapy in five patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Preradiation high-dose intravenous methotrexate with leucovorin rescue for untreated primary childhood brain tumors.

Although high-dose intravenous (IV) methotrexate (MTX) with leucovorin rescue (HDMTX) is effective for certain recurrent primary brain tumors, concern for inducing leukoencephalopathy has restrained its use as adjuvant therapy following therapeutic brain irradiation (RT). We have conducted a phase I to II clinical trial using four biweekly courses of HDMTX (8 g/m2) in a neoadjuvant setting in ten patients with newly diagnosed high-risk pediatric primary brain tumors. Four patients experienced an objective response after two to four courses of HDMTX alone (medulloblastoma, one; pineoblastoma, one; malignant cerebral astrocytoma, two). All ten patients subsequently received a course of therapeutic RT, and in seven cases, adjuvant chemotherapy with other agents. One patient acquired an acute transient encephalopathy before RT that completely resolved, and another developed a seizure disorder following RT associated with white matter abnormalities on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Five patients have survived a minimum of 33+ months, and four remain in continuous remission. The acute and delayed neurotoxicity of neoadjuvant HDMTX is acceptable, and we favor further use of this neoadjuvant approach in the context of a phase III trial.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Sodium and potassium content and viability of mouse mammary gland tissue and acini.

Isolated acini from lactating mouse mammary glands were prepared by collagenase and hyaluronidase digestion of tissue. Mammary tissue or acini incubated in vitro in tissue culture medium or a similar Ringer's solution lost K and gained Na. Intracellular concentrations approached, but did not equal, the concentrations in the external solution. This ion shift was largely prevented by incubating in a solution with ionic composition resembling mouse milk. In paired experiments, incubation with ouabain (1 mM) caused further increases in Na and decrease in K, suggesting that a functional Na+-K+-ATPase was present. Viability of acini was indicated by normal ATP content and morphology. The ion shift in NaCl-based solutions was slower at 0 degrees C than at 37 degrees C, suggesting that the flux is a membrane-regulated process. Under identical procedures, ion shifts did not occur in thymocytes or a cultured mammary cell line but were seen in both lactating and nonlactating mammary tissue. Nonlactating mammary tissue had a high Na and low K concentration in vivo. As predicted by previous models for the mechanisms of milk secretion, intracellular electrolyte content in mammary epithelial cells appears to be responsive to the ion concentration in the extracellular environment.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Sodium pump stimulation by activation of two alpha adrenergic receptor subtypes in canine blood vessels.

The effects of alpha-1 and alpha-2 selective adrenergic agents on sodium pump activity were investigated in intact canine femoral artery and saphenous vein by measuring ouabain-sensitive uptake of 86Rb. In both vessels, the alpha-1-selective agonist, phenylephrine, stimulated 86Rb uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The uptake was blocked by prazosin and yohimbine with the order of potency: prazosin greater than yohimbine. The alpha-2-selective agonist, clonidine, also stimulated 86Rb uptake in the saphenous vein but not in the femoral artery. The stimulation was blocked by prazosin and yohimbine with the order of potency: yohimbine greater than prazosin. The potency of phenylephrine to contract saphenous vein or femoral artery was the same as that for stimulation of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake. Clonidine was 10-fold more potent as a contractile agonist than as a Na+ pump stimulant. It caused only a weak contraction in the femoral artery. Reducing extracellular sodium abolished the stimulation of 86Rb uptake by both phenylephrine and clonidine in saphenous vein. Subsequently it was shown that both agonists increased intracellular sodium levels and these increases were blocked by the alpha receptor antagonists, prazosin and yohimbine, with the same selectivity as was observed in the 86Rb uptake experiments. Sodium pump stimulation produced by both phenylephrine and clonidine was blocked by amiloride. These observations suggest that the activity of the vascular sodium pump can be regulated by both alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and that the mechanism involves an influx of sodium, most likely through a stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Reduced cerebral glucose metabolism and increased brain capillary permeability following high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy: a positron emission tomographic study.

Regional glucose metabolic rate constants and blood-to-brain transport of rubidium were estimated using positron emission tomography in an adolescent patient with a brain tumor, before and after chemotherapy with intravenous high-dose methotrexate. Widespread depression of cerebral glucose metabolism was apparent 24 hours after drug administration, which may reflect reduced glucose phosphorylation, and the influx rate constant for 82Rb was increased, indicating a drug-induced alteration in blood-brain barrier function. Associated changes in neuropsychological performance, electroencephalogram, and plasma amino acid concentration were identified in the absence of evidence of systemic methotrexate toxicity, suggesting primary methotrexate neurotoxicity.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1987

Supratentorial malignant gliomas in childhood: a review of fifty cases.

From 1977 to 1986, 50 children aged 15 months to 18 years were treated for supratentorial malignant gliomas at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the New York University Medical Center. Thirteen patients had glioblastoma multiforme, 29 had anaplastic astrocytomas, and 8 had malignant gliomas. In 10 patients the tumor evolved from a low-grade lesion. Seven patients, including 2 patients with neurofibromatosis, developed multiple primary malignant neoplasms. The median time to tumor progression after surgery was 31 weeks, with local recurrence representing the mode of treatment failure in nearly all patients. Notable clinical features included symptomatic leptomeningeal metastasis (13 patients) and intratumoral hemorrhage (9 patients). The estimated median survival time for all 50 patients was 98 weeks, with a 3-year survival rate of 32%. A trend toward longer survival was seen in patients 12 years of age or younger at diagnosis. There was no apparent correlation between survival and tumor histology or tumor location. Recommendations for management are presented.

Adolescent↗