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Biomedical subjects

J Peltonen

Publications and source records attributed to J Peltonen.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Hyperglycemic glucose concentrations up-regulate the expression of type VI collagen in vitro. Relevance to alterations of peripheral nerves in diabetes mellitus.

Electron microscopy of peripheral nerves obtained from two diabetic patients revealed large deposits of microfibrils and the presence of Luse bodies in the vicinity of perineurial cells. Microfibrils were found to accumulate also in the sciatic nerves of diabetic BB rats; these microfibrillar deposits were shown to contain type VI collagen by immunoelectron microscopy. Connective tissue cells cultured from rat sciatic nerves were exposed to high glucose concentrations. High glucose concentrations up-regulated the mRNA steady-state levels of alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI), and alpha 3(VI) chains of type VI collagen and caused accumulation of type VI collagen-containing fibrils in the cultures. Immunostaining and in situ hybridizations demonstrated that perineurial cells, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts expressed type VI collagen at the mRNA and protein levels. The results suggest that the turnover and supramolecular assembly of type VI collagen are perturbed in diabetic nerves and that glucose per se increases the expression of type VI collagen in vitro.

Adolescent↗

Elevated expression of beta 1 and beta 2 integrins, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 in the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis of recent onset.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible role of integrins and cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of the mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis of skin that occurs in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: The presence and topographic distribution of beta 1, beta 2, and beta 4 integrins, as well as of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), was examined immunohistochemically in affected skin from 8 patients with rapidly progressive SSc of recent onset. The expression of the beta 1 integrin gene was also investigated by in situ hybridization with a human sequence-specific complementary DNA. RESULTS: The presence of beta 1 integrin epitopes and the corresponding messenger RNA within inflammatory cells surrounding small vessels was demonstrated in SSc skin but not in normal skin. Lymphocytes positive for beta 2 integrin were also found only in SSc skin, and they appeared in close proximity to small blood vessels and collagen bundles. Immunostaining for beta 4 integrin epitopes revealed no differences between normal and SSc skin. ELAM-1 and ICAM-1 monoclonal antibodies, which identify epitopes indicative of endothelial cell activation, stained endothelial cells in SSc skin but not normal skin. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the complex interactions of beta 1 and beta 2 integrins, as well as ELAM-1 and ICAM-1, may be intimately involved in the pathogenesis of SSc, perhaps by mediating the homing and targeting of pathogenetic lymphocytes to the affected tissues.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible. An experimental study on sheep.

Distraction bone healing has been studied in long bones but there are only few experiments reported in relation to the mandible. The histological pattern of the healing process after mandibular distraction is described. After osteotomy the mandibles of 17 growing sheep were lengthened by gradual distraction using an external fixation device. The follow-up varied from 0 to 52 weeks. The results indicate that bone healing in mandibles is principally the same as in long bones. Four phases can be observed during the repair process: 1) formation of collagen aligned in the direction of distraction, 2) bone formation over the collagen template, 3) bone union across the distraction gap, and 4) remodelling of the lengthened segment. Some increased osteoblast activity was also seen in the control side.

Animals↗

Differential expression of laminin isoforms and beta 4 integrin epitopes in the basement membrane zone of normal human skin and basal cell carcinomas.

The basement membrane zone biology of normal human skin and basal cell carcinomas was explored by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies recognizing five subunit polypeptides of three different laminin isoforms as well as the beta 4 integrin epitopes. The laminin antibodies were specific for A, B1, and B2 chains of classic laminin, for the M chain of merosin, or for the S chain in S-laminin. Immunostaining of normal human skin revealed a strong signal with antibodies for A, B1, and B2 chain epitopes. A weak immunosignal was detected with an anti-M chain antibody, whereas the S-chain epitopes were undetectable, even following pretreatment of sections with hyaluronidase. Thus, the laminin at the epidermal-dermal junction of normal human skin is primarily of the classic type, with some merosin molecules being present. The staining of six nodular basal cell carcinomas revealed the presence of A, B1, and B2 chain epitopes in a linear pattern, but, in contrast to normal skin, the antibody recognizing M-chain epitopes yielded a strong immunosignal, and S-chain epitopes could also be readily detected. Staining for beta 4 integrins, potential receptors for laminin, revealed a strong staining reaction in normal skin as well as in the superficial portions of the basal cell carcinoma. However, the immunofluorescence pattern in the deeper portions of the lesions was scattered and interrupted. Thus, altered composition of the basement membrane of nodular basal cell carcinomas with respect to laminin isoforms and their interactions with putative cell-surface receptors, the beta 4 integrins, may change the containment of the tumor islands, contributing to the local aggressive behavior of basal cell carcinomas.

Basement Membrane↗

Expression of fibronectin and integrins in cultured periodontal ligament epithelial cells.

The process of attachment of epithelial cells obtained from the porcine periodontal ligament (cell rests of Malassez) to different extracellular matrix proteins and their expression of fibronectin and integrin receptors were studied by means of immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and time-lapse cinemicrography techniques. The cell lines of periodontal ligament epithelial cells (PLE cells) attached to and spread rapidly on fibronectin, vitronectin, and type I collagen. One of the cell lines also attached to laminin, while the other cell line showed poor attachment to both laminin and Matrigel, a basement membrane material. By use of the in situ hybridization technique, some PLE cells were found to express the fibronectin gene strongly. Immunocytochemical staining localized fibronectin in extracellular fibrils and intracellular granules. Fibronectin was also found in the tracks left behind by the cells migrating on the substratum. Arg-gly-asp-ser peptide inhibited the attachment of the PLE cells to fibronectin, laminin, type I collagen, and vitronectin by 47%, 43%, 83%, and 94%, respectively, suggesting that the cell-matrix interactions were partly mediated by receptors related to the integrin family. Antibodies against the beta 1-integrin subunit stained the cell bodies and the plasma membrane projections of spreading cells. After 24 h or longer in culture, beta 1-integrins were localized to the regions of cell-cell contact. Cinemicrography of the arg-gly-asp-ser-peptide-treated cells demonstrated that the spreading and migration of isolated cells were prevented by the peptide. The peptide did not appear to dissociate the cell-cell contacts or interfere with migration of spread-cell colonies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Glucose transporters of rat peripheral nerve. Differential expression of GLUT1 gene by Schwann cells and perineural cells in vivo and in vitro.

Expression of GLUTs in rat peripheral nerve was first studied at the mRNA level with Northern transfer analysis with cDNAs specific for GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, and GLUT4. GLUT1 mRNA was the only GLUT mRNA detectable in rat sciatic nerve. In situ hybridization localized this mRNA to the perineurium and to some endo- and epineurial capillaries. Indirect immunofluorescence stainings demonstrated that GLUT1 protein epitopes were concentrated primarily in the perineurium and endoneurial capillaries. Also, some Schwann cells, a few epineurial capillaries, and medium-sized blood vessels showed a faintly positive immunoreaction. All cell types present in primary cultures initiated from rat sciatic nerve (perineurial cells, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts) expressed GLUT1 protein in vitro. Thus, Schwann cells, which expressed GLUT1 only occasionally at a low level in vivo, have the potential to express GLUT1 at a markedly higher level under cell culture conditions. Incubation of the cultures in 25 mM D-glucose for 7 days caused a 39% reduction in the amount of immunodetectable GLUT1 protein, and a marked (34%) decrease of GLUT1 mRNA compared with cultures incubated in 5.5 mM D-glucose. Interestingly, the reduction of [3H]-2-DG uptake in the same cultures exceeded 70%, suggesting that the reduced amount of GLUT1 protein alone did not explain the marked reduction in glucose uptake in these cultures. Immunostaining of the cell cultures suggested that perineurial cells were the main target for the glucose-induced decrease of GLUT1 protein.

Animals↗

Endothelial cell growth factor and heparin regulate collagen gene expression in keloid fibroblasts.

Keloids are benign cutaneous tumours characterized by excess deposition of collagen, specifically type I collagen. We report here that collagen biosynthesis, as measured by hydroxyproline synthesis, was markedly inhibited by 65-80% by the combination of endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) supplement and heparin in keloid fibroblast cultures. Fibroblast cultures that were incubated with ECGF alone also demonstrated a measurable decrease of approx. 50% in collagen synthesis compared with control cultures. The inhibition of collagen synthesis was related to the down-regulation of collagen gene expression. Quantitative measurements of mRNA-cDNA hybrids revealed that the gene expression of collagen type I was decreased by more than 80% by heparin and ECGF. Markedly diminished levels of mRNA encoding collagen type I were also observed in cultures incubated with ECGF alone. The results show that ECGF and heparin elicit a negative regulatory effect on collagen production, and that this inhibition is due largely to the down-regulation of the pro-alpha 1(I) of type I collagen gene. Furthermore, ECGF has a potent suppressive effect, and heparin provides an additive effect to this inhibitory phenomenon.

Adult↗

Results of elbow synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Synovectomy of the elbow was performed on 54 patients (70 elbows) with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 years (range 1.5-22 years). Clinical evaluation showed marked relief of pain in 28 elbows (40%). In 27 cases (38.5%) the pain was moderate but still less than preoperatively. Severe pain was recorded in 15 cases (21.5%) at the time of check up. As to postoperative range of movement, the mean flexion are was 114.5 degrees and the mean rotation are 134.5 degrees. Latitudinal instability was recorded up to 5 degrees in 33 (47%) elbows, up to 10 degrees in 20 (28.5%), up to 15 degrees in 6 (8.5%), and more than 15 degrees in 11 (16%). The mean carrying angle was 10 degrees in valgus. Measurement of strength in flexion and extension showed a reduction of approximately 50% compared to age-matched healthy controls. Reoperations were performed in 10 elbows (14%); the interval between the primary synovectomy and second operation in these cases averaged 8 years.

Adult↗

Extracellular matrix gene expression by human endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

In this study, the expression of extracellular matrix genes by vascular cells from human iliac blood vessels was characterized on the mRNA steady-state level by slot blot and Northern transfer analyses, as well as by in situ hybridization. Endothelial cells were isolated from adult human iliac arteries and veins, as well as from umbilical veins; smooth muscle cells were isolated from adult human iliac arteries and inferior vena cava. The results show that confluent umbilical vein endothelial cells expressed the genes that encode types I, III, IV and VI collagens, as well as fibronectin and laminin. In contrast, the iliac endothelial cells expressed the genes for types IV and V collagens, fibronectin and laminin; mRNA transcripts for types I, III and VI collagens were not detectable. The smooth muscle cells from iliac arteries or inferior vena cava displayed gene expression for types I, III, IV, V and VI collagens, fibronectin and laminin. The results indicate major differences in gene expression for the various types of collagens by human iliac endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the fetal-derived umbilical endothelial cells displayed differential collagen gene expression from that of adult iliac endothelial cells.

Adolescent↗

Activation of collagen gene expression in keloids: co-localization of type I and VI collagen and transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA.

Untreated, clinically active keloids were examined as model system to study the spatial expression of extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) genes in fibrotic skin diseases. In situ hybridizations localized active expression of type I and VI collagen genes to the areas containing an abundance of fibroblasts and apparently representing the expanding border of the lesions. Within this zone, microvascular endothelial cells also expressed the type I collagen genes, as evaluated by simultaneous use of in situ hybridization for collagen gene expression and immunolocalization for factor VIII-related antigen, a marker for endothelial cell differentiation. Slot-blot hybridizations of RNA isolated from this zone suggested that the expression of type I and IV collagen genes was selectively enhanced, as compared to type III collagen gene expression. TGF-beta 1 protein and mRNA were also detected in areas active in type I and type VI collagen gene expression, indicating that TGF-beta 1 gene is transcribed and the corresponding protein is deposited in areas of elevated collagen gene expression, including microvascular endothelial cells. We conclude that the initial step in the development of fibrotic reaction in keloids involves the expression of the TGF-beta 1 gene by the neovascular endothelial cells, thus activating the adjacent fibroblasts to express markedly elevated levels of TGF-beta 1, as well as type I and VI collagen genes.

Adolescent↗

Expression of beta 4 integrins in human skin: comparison of epidermal distribution with beta 1-integrin epitopes, and modulation by calcium and vitamin D3 in cultured keratinocytes.

The expression of beta 4 integrins in adult and fetal human skin as well as in cultured keratinocytes was studied by immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies, and compared with that of beta 1 integrins. The distribution of the beta 1 and beta 4 integrin epitopes was entirely different in the adult epidermis. As reported previously by us (J Clin Invest 84:1916, 1989), the beta 1 epitopes were present most prominently at lateral cell-cell contact points, whereas staining with the beta 4 antibody demonstrated a linear staining pattern polarizing to the basal surface juxtaposed to the dermal-epidermal basement membrane. In contrast, in fetal skin, the staining patterns both with beta 1 and beta 4 antibodies were similar and demonstrated the presence of epitopes surrounding the entire cell surface of both basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Distinct polarization of beta 4 integrin epitopes was noted in cultured keratinocytes maintained in low-calcium (0.15 mM) medium, and the expression of these integrins was also noted in human papilloma virus-transformed keratinocytes. Switch of the cultures to high-calcium (1.2 mM) medium resulted in redistribution of the epitopes to a pattern suggesting their location at under-surface of the cells adjacent to the substratum. This Ca(++)-induced redistribution of beta 4 integrin epitopes could be counteracted by 10(-7) M vitamin D3. Finally, incubation with anti-beta 4 integrin antibody reduced the capacity of keratinocytes to attach to plastic substratum. The results provide further evidence for the role of beta 4 integrins in cell-matrix interactions.

Adult↗

Elevated expression of the genes for transforming growth factor-beta 1 and type VI collagen in diffuse fasciitis associated with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.

Full-thickness skin biopsies obtained from four patients with rapidly progressive diffuse fasciitis associated with the Eosinophilia-Myalgia syndrome (EMS) were examined for the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), type VI collagen, and fibronectin genes employing immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridizations. The immunohistochemical studies demonstrated increased deposition of TGF-beta, type VI collagen, and fibronectin epitopes in the extracellular matrix of the fascia in comparison to the adjacent dermis in the same specimens. Increased levels of type VI collagen mRNA, as evidenced by positive in situ hybridization signals with an alpha 2(VI) collagen cDNA, were also found in the fascia in comparison with the dermis. In situ hybridizations of affected fascia with a human sequence-specific TGF-beta 1 cDNA demonstrated numerous fibroblasts displaying positive hybridization signals indicative of high levels of transcripts for this cytokine. In contrast, no hybridization signal for TGF-beta 1 was detected in fibroblasts in the adjacent dermis. These findings suggest that TGF-beta 1 may play an important role in the development of the connective tissue alterations present in EMS-associated diffuse fasciitis.

Aged↗

Plasticity of integrin expression by nerve-derived connective tissue cells. Human Schwann cells, perineurial cells, and fibroblasts express markedly different patterns of beta 1 integrins during nerve development, neoplasia, and in vitro.

Strikingly selective expression patterns of beta 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 5 integrin subunits were revealed in endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium of fetal and adult human peripheral nerve by immunostaining with specific antibodies. The alpha 2 subunit was expressed only on Schwann cells both in fetal and adult nerve, whereas the alpha 3 epitopes were expressed exclusively in the adult tissue and were primarily present on perineurial cells. The alpha 5 epitopes were expressed only on the innermost cell layer of perineurium of fetal and adult nerve. The tumor cells within schwannomas and cutaneous neurofibromas expressed both alpha 2 and alpha 3 subunits, indicating that Schwann cells have the potential to express also the alpha 3 subunit in vivo. Cell cultures established from human fetal nerve and neurofibromas revealed expression of the alpha 2 and alpha 5 epitopes on Schwann cells, perineurial cells, and fibroblasts, whereas only Schwann cells contained the alpha 3 epitopes which were occasionally concentrated on the adjacent Schwann cells at cell-cell contacts. Our findings emphasize that nerve connective tissue cells change their profiles for expression of extracellular matrix receptors under conditions which have different regulatory control signals exerted by, for example, axons, humoral factors, or the extracellular matrix of the peripheral nerve. This plasticity may play an important role during nerve development and in neoplastic processes affecting the connective tissue compartments of peripheral nerve.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Increased matrix gene expression by glucose in rat neural connective tissue cells in culture.

The effects of different glucose concentrations on the expression of extracellular matrix genes were examined in primary cell cultures initiated from sciatic nerves of nondiabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. The cells were incubated in medium containing 5.5, 15, or 25 mM D-glucose, and the expression of type I and IV collagens, laminin, and fibronectin genes was examined at mRNA steady-state levels by Northern hybridizations. Incubation of cell cultures, consisting of Schwann cells, perineurial cells, and fibroblasts, in high glucose concentrations (15 or 25 mM D-glucose) resulted in elevation of pro-alpha 1(IV), pro-alpha 2(IV), and pro-alpha 1(I) collagen chain and fibronectin mRNAs after only 3 days of incubation, whereas laminin B2 chain mRNA levels appeared unaltered. These observations suggest that hyperglycemia may partially contribute to basement membrane thickening in peripheral nerves of diabetic individuals by increasing the expression of genes coding for basement membrane components, e.g., type IV collagen.

Animals↗

Ultraviolet radiation in skin ageing and carcinogenesis: the role of retinoids for treatment and prevention.

The mechanisms of UV-induced ageing and carcinogenesis of the skin have been elucidated in animals and humans, and both UVB and UVA radiation have been shown to have deleterious effects on the skin. Thus the use of solaria which deliver mostly UVA radiation is not safe. There is also an increased risk of ageing when using therapeutic UV sources. UV radiation is beneficial in many cases of skin disorders such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, acne and pruritus. Nevertheless by careful patient selection and follow-up the risks of UV can be minimised when treating patients with artificial UV radiation. During recent years there has been intensive research into the development of agents which prevent harmful effects of radiation. The retinoids are particularly interesting as they enhance skin repair after UV damage, have an anticarcinogenic effect and are effective for treating precancerous lesions such as solar keratosis and as adjuvant therapy for skin cancers. Topical retinoids are already used for the treatment of actinic skin damage, and systemic retinoids are also used in certain groups of patients who have an increased risk of contracting skin cancers such as xeroderma pigmentosum.

Animals↗