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Biomedical subjects

J L Matthews

Publications and source records attributed to J L Matthews.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effects of preactivated MC540 in the treatment of lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis in feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus positive cats.

Photoactive compounds and drugs are used therapeutically as antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor agents. This report examines the use of a photoactive compound, preactivated merocyanine 540 (pMC540), in the treatment of stomatitis in two cats that are both feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive. One of the cats was also feline leukemia virus (FeLV) positive. Dramatic short term improvement is reported with the dosage regimen and complications.

Animals↗

An exonuclease requiring an intact helical stem for specificity produces the 3' end of Acanthamoeba castellanii 5 S RNA.

A nuclear extract from Acanthamoeba castellanii which contains all of the components necessary for specific transcription of a 5 S RNA gene was separated into fractions required for specific transcription initiation and an additional fraction needed in the reconstituted system to produce the 3' end characteristic of mature 5 S RNA. The latter fraction contained a novel processing activity characterized by an exonuclease specific for highly structured RNAs, including 5 S RNA. An intact helical stem formed between the 5' and 3' ends of the 5 S RNA precursor determines the 3' nucleotide. In addition, the presence of ATP is required for specific processing. However, the possibility has not been ruled out that ATP inhibits a nonspecific ribonuclease in the extract since processing proceeds into the helical stem in its absence.

Acanthamoeba↗

Thermal effects in tissues from combined simultaneous coaxial CO2 and Nd:YAG laser beams.

This study examines the depth of thermal coagulation and charring in swine liver, kidney cortex, tongue (inferior surface), skeletal muscle, inflated lung, and skin resulting from in vivo incision with simultaneous coaxial CO2 and Nd:YAG (1.064 microM) laser beams. At values of 20 w and 40 w, respectively, and at values of 30 w and 60 w, respectively, of combined CO2 and Nd:YAG laser radiation, coagulation depths determined histologically in liver were significantly greater (P less than 0.01) than in the other tissues and were significantly less in inflated lung (P less than 0.05) than in other tissues for the larger laser power settings employed. Coagulation depths achieved at 10 w and 20 w, respectively, and at 20 w and 40 w, respectively, of CO2 and Nd:YAG laser power were comparable to those obtained by other workers in liver and other relatively vascular tissues using a contact Nd:YAG laser tip. Charring depths obtained at power settings of 30 w (CO2) and 60 w (Nd:YAG) were greater in liver (P less than 0.001) than in all other tissues examined. Hemostasis during incision was achieved only for values of the ratio of CO2 to Nd:YAG laser power in the range 2-3 in the more vascular tissues, liver and kidney cortex, whereas hemostasis was achieved also in the lesser vascular tissues at higher values. These results strongly suggest the usefulness of combined simultaneous CO2 and Nd:YAG laser beams in surgery of the more vascular organs and tissues.

Animals↗

Inactivation of viruses with photoactive compounds.

The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and other enveloped virus by blood transfusion is a major concern. Photosensitive dyes such as hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD), dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE), benzoporphyrin derivatives (BPD), extended ring porphyrins, sapphyrins and texaphyrins, and various cyanines were used with viral cultures to test the feasibility of using those light-excitable dyes to kill virus. A photodynamic flow cell was used to irradiate viral suspensions or viral infected cells in culture media or in whole blood. Herpes virus (HSV-1) was used to screen compounds. Effective compounds were subsequently tested for their ability to kill HIV-1, CMV, and SIV in culture medium and in blood and proved to effectively kill free virus and infected cells at significant viremias. Irradiation was achieved with a filtered xenon light source and/or tunable dye laser. Concentrations of dyes at 10 times viral kill dose were irradiated in blood which was tested for damage to erythrocytes (RBC), platelets, and blood proteins. No damage to RBC, complement factors, and immunoglobulins was evident immediately after photodynamic treatment. Platelet condition is minimally modified with time. Photodynamic treatment of blood appears to be a feasible means of eradicating virus and some protozoans from blood.

Blood↗

Preactivated merocyanine 540 inactivates HIV-1 and SIV: potential therapeutic and blood banking applications.

A novel photodynamic procedure employing "preactivated" merocyanine 540 (P-MC 540) was assessed for its effectiveness in inactivating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Merocyanine 540 was preactivated by exposure to laser light at 514 nm prior to addition to viruses or infected cells. Treatment of cell-free HIV-1 and SIV with P-MC 540 significantly reduced their ability to infect and kill MT-4 cells in vitro. Preactivated MC 540 treatment of in vitro HIV-1-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells also decreased viral infection as assessed by a reduction in the amounts of HIV-1 p24 antigen produced and in the number of HIV-1 antigen-positive cells. Indirect immunofluorescence assays of target cell binding showed that treatment of cell-free HIV-1 and SIV with P-MC 540 interfered with their ability to bind to CD4+ target cells. Immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody of P-MC 540-treated and radiolabeled HIV-1 incubated with soluble recombinant CD4 (srCD4) resulted in coprecipitation of HIV-1 viral p17 and p24 core antigens with the envelope gp120/CD4 complex, suggesting cross-linking of viral components. However, no significant decrease in the binding of treated HIV-1 to srCD4 was observed. Because of the antitumor and antiviral properties of P-MC 540, this photopreactivation procedure may represent a promising therapeutic means for controlling systemic malignancies and viral infections, and for eliminating viral contaminants in biological fluids. Unlike conventional phototherapy, this procedure does not require the delivery of light energy at the target sites following binding of the photosensitizing compounds.

Antiviral Agents↗

Synergy between preactivated photofrin-II and tamoxifen in killing retrofibroma, pseudomyxoma and breast cancer cells.

Exposure of photoactive compounds to light prior to their use in biological systems (preactivation) results in the generation of tumour cell specific metastable cytotoxic species that are no longer dependent on the light energy. Thus, preactivation renders the photoactive compounds suitable for systemic use. We have examined the in vitro effect of preactivated photofrin-II and tamoxifen in retroperitoneal fibroma, pseudomyxoma and male breast carcinoma cell lines. These cells were found to be non-responsive to tamoxifen and were negative for oestrogen receptors. Incubation of these cells with 0.5 microgram/ml preactivated photofrin-II and tamoxifen (less than 10(-6) mol/l) resulted in a significantly enhanced (P less than 0.001) inhibition of DNA synthesis compared with either agent alone. This synergistic effect between tamoxifen and preactivated photofrin-II was determined by multiple drug effect analysis. Treatment of cells with preactivated photofrin-II did not cause the increased expression of oestrogen receptors. These observations suggest that a combination of antihormonal drugs with preactivated compounds may be of clinical value.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Enamel surface roughness and dental pulp response to coaxial carbon dioxide-neodymium: YAG laser irradiation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a coaxial carbon dioxide/neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet laser beam on enamel surface roughness and the dental pulps of mongrel dogs. In four dogs, four maxillary left posterior teeth were irradiated at 16 cm source-tooth distances. Two teeth were irradiated with 16 W CO2/16 W Nd:YAG and the remaining two with 16 W CO2/40 W Nd:YAG. Two maxillary right teeth were untreated controls. In addition, mandibular premolars were irradiated at the same distance and power levels, extracted, and analysed for surface roughness. Significant differences in surface roughness were found between control samples and either power level, but not between enamel surfaces at the two power levels. Maxillary teeth were removed at 10 days postoperatively, sectioned and stained (H & E). The reaction of pulpal cells to irradiation was scored. Data analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the control and lower power Nd:YAG groups and between the control and higher power Nd:YAG groups. The difference in pulpal response between both laser groups approached significance.

Aluminum Silicates↗

Preliminary studies of photoinactivation of human immunodeficiency virus in blood.

The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by blood or blood components is a major concern in blood banking. A photodynamic flow cell system was designed to inactivate cell-free HIV mixed with blood from a healthy donor. Blood containing 4 x 10(3) infectious units of HIV was treated with 10 and 20 micrograms per mL of commercially available dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) per mL. Aliquots of this mixture were then held in the dark or irradiated in a flow cell illuminated at a light energy density of 5 J per cm2 provided by a xenon light source equipped with a 630 +/- 5 nm band-pass interference filter; the aliquots were subsequently placed in A.301 cells. All infected cultures were assessed for reverse transcriptase (RT) activity for 17 days. RT activity for either concentration of dye was significantly reduced in irradiated samples as compared to that in samples held in the dark. Blood samples from volunteers also were assessed for the effects of the inactivation process on red cells at concentrations of DHE up to 200 micrograms per mL. No effects were observed on red cell 2,3 DPG or ATP, whole blood potassium concentrations, red cell osmotic fragility, or blood cell antigens.

Antiviral Agents↗

In vitro photodynamic inactivation of herpes simplex virus with sapphyrins: 22 pi-electron porphyrin-like macrocycles.

The photodynamic inactivation of HSV-1, a virus having a membranous envelope, with both a decaalkyl sapphyrin and its dicarboxy-substituted analog was studied. The decaalkyl sapphyrin was as efficient in the inactivation of HSV-1 on a per macrocycle basis as DHE, whereas the efficiency of the dicarboxy-substituted sapphyrin was approximately two orders of magnitude less. Fluorescence studies of sapphyrin's binding to liposomes and VSV suggested that the decaalkylsapphyrin bound monomerically to cholesterol-rich regions of the viral envelope, whereas its charged analog localized in a more polar environment.

Animals↗

Hibernation activates glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis in black bear brown adipose tissue.

Biochemical studies on brown adipose tissue removed from a hibernating black bear and a non-hibernating control animal demonstrate that this tissue: (1) can carry out cyanide-insensitive fatty acid oxidation, and (2) possesses catalase activity and the enzyme activities unique to the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase. These activities are all markedly increased in brown fat obtained from the hibernating animal. Additionally, hibernation enhances the ability of the tissue to synthesize glycogen in the presence of a fatty acid substrate. The glyoxylate cycle enzymes and the ability to convert fatty acid carbons to glucose have been generally regarded as being absent from vertebrate cells and tissues.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Preactivation--a novel antitumour and antiviral approach.

Merocyanine 540 was activated by exposure to 514 nm laser light. This preactivated merocyanine 540 was then mixed (in the dark) with tumour cells, normal cells and envelope viruses to assess its antiproliferative activity. This treatment resulted in 70-90% killing of tumour cells from different cell lines while 85% of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells survived the treatment. However, not all types of tumour cells were affected. Preactivated merocyanine 540 was also effective in virtually completely inactivating cell-free herpes simplex and human immunodeficiency viruses. Preactivated photoactive compounds can exert their toxic effects in the dark without further dependence on light and may have potential systemic use.

Cell Survival↗

Tumor cell specific dark cytotoxicity of light-exposed merocyanine 540: implications for systemic therapy without light.

Merocyanine 540 (MC540) was activated by exposure to 514 nm laser light. The light-exposed MC540 was then mixed (in the dark) with tumor cells and normal cells to determine the antiproliferative activity. Treatment with light-exposed MC540 resulted in 70-90% tumor cell kill from different cell lines, while 85% of the normal human mononuclear cells and 41% of the granulocyte-macrophage colony forming cells (CFU-GM) survived the treatment. The observed cytotoxicity of light-exposed MC540 to the tumor cells was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than the native MC540. Results show that tumor cell specificity and cytotoxicity in the light activated dye are retained for at least 30 days. Addition of catalase and mannitol decreased the cell kill by light-exposed compound, indicating that the observed effects may be due to reactive oxygen species. The electron micrographs of treated cells show a progression towards apoptosis in a majority of the cells. The life span of L1210 leukemia-bearing mice treated with light-exposed MC540 was prolonged compared to the untreated and native MC540 treated mice. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of light-exposed material shows a completely different elution profile compared to the native compound. Results presented here show that light-exposed photoactive compounds can be used without further illumination and may have significant clinical applications. Photoactive mechanisms dependent on events other than short-lived transient elevations in energy or singlet oxygen must be invoked to explain the reported cytotoxicity.

Animals↗

Protective qualities of mitochondrial and cytosolic fluorescent dyes against in vitro and in vivo infection by the Tulahuen strain of Trypanosoma cruzi.

This study demonstrates the binding of various fluorescent dyes (3,3' dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide [DiOC6I], doxycycline [DOTC], rhodamine 123, and merocyanine 540) to infectious and intracellular forms of the Tulahuen strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. These dyes predominantly localize in mitochondria. Following treatment with DiOC6I and DOTC, both irradiated and nonirradiated samples showed dark toxicity to T. cruzi, whereas the other dyes effected toxicity only following irradiation with light. Under in vitro conditions, 91% protection was obtained 96 hr postinfection under dark conditions through the use of 0.573 micrograms/ml of DiOC6I. During in vivo studies, the onset of parasitemia was delayed by 7 days through the use of DiOC6I in ng/ml levels. Host deaths occurred in the infected control group on day 11 postexposure, whereas in the 5.7-ng/ml dye-treated group, no death had occurred after 20 days postexposure. This study demonstrates delay of onset of T. cruzi infections with the use of DiOC6I at concentrations well below the levels toxic to the host.

Animals↗

Glyoxylate cycle in the epiphyseal growth plate: isocitrate lyase and malate synthase identified in mammalian cartilage.

Peroxisomes were identified in chondrocytes from all zones of the mammalian epiphyseal growth plate by using light microscopic techniques for the cytochemical demonstration of catalase, the marker enzyme for these organelles. Additional cytochemistry showed the presence of malate-synthase-positive structures within the chondrocytes. The latter enzyme, also associated with peroxisomes, is unique to the glyoxylate shunt, a metabolic pathway thought to be absent in vertebrate tissues. The glyoxylate cycle allows the net conversion of lipid to carbohydrate, i.e., gluconeogenesis. Biochemical studies on growth plate cartilage indicate that this tissue has the capacity to carry out cyanide-insensitive B-oxidation of fatty acids. The latter takes place in a nonmitochondrial compartment, most likely the peroxisomal compartment. Additionally, both of the unique enzymes associated with the glyoxylate cycle, i.e., isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, were also identified in a cell-free homogenate of this cartilage. These studies indicate that cartilage, a poorly vascularized tissue characterized by its low oxygen tension and anaerobic glycolysis, may have the capacity to convert lipid to carbohydrate, i.e., gluconeogenesis via the glyoxylate pathway. In this way, cartilage may be unique among mammalian tissues.

Animals↗

The immunocytochemical localization of superoxide dismutase in the enterocytes of the avian intestine: the effect of vitamin D3.

Both light microscopical and electron microscopical immunocytochemical techniques were utilized to localize CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the duodenum of normal, rachitic and vitamin-D3-replete chicks. This enzyme catalyses the dismutation of the superoxide anion, a toxic free radical generated during the normal aerobic metabolism of most respiring cells. Light microscopy showed no SOD activity associated with the duodenal enterocytes of normal and rachitic chicks. However, in rachitic animals subsequently treated with vitamin D, i.e. vitamin-D-replete chicks, intense immunoreactivity for the enzyme was seen in association with the apical border of the duodenal absorptive cells. Immunostaining for SOD was not seen in goblet cells. With electron microscopy, immunostaining for SOD activity was identified in association with the apical microvilli and, to a lesser degree, with the terminal web, a well as in association with both lysosomes and peroxisomes. From this report it appears that there is a physiological relationship between vitamin D, SOD and the intestinal absorptive cell. However, the precise relationship must await further clarification.

Animals↗

The ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of superoxide dismutase in the amphibian urinary bladder: effect of aldosterone.

Transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, the latter employing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase (ABC complex) technique, were utilized to localize copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) enzyme activity in the epithelial cells of the toad urinary bladder mucosa. This 'scavenger' enzyme catalyses the dismutation (reduction-oxidation) of the superoxide anion (O2-), a toxic free radical generated during normal cellular respiration. In unstimulated epithelial cells, enzyme activity was seen in the cytosol of granular, mitochondrial-rich and goblet cells. The basal cells were generally devoid of enzyme activity. In addition to the cytosol, SOD activity was also seen in association with the apical plasma membrane of the epithelial cells. In the presence of the steroid hormone aldosterone (10(-7)M, 30 min-6h), CuZn-SOD activity was markedly increased along the luminal mucosal membrane of granular, mitochondrial-rich and goblet cells. This increase was seen as early as 30 min after the addition of hormone, and as long as 6h after treatment. The cytosolic reaction was usually decreased or absent under these conditions. From the data presented, it appears that CuZn-SOD is involved in electrolyte (sodium) transport in the epithelial cells of the toad urinary bladder. The latter may involve hormone-induced alterations in luminal cell membrane structure and chemistry.

Aldosterone↗