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Biomedical subjects

J Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to J Zhou.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Cyclic AMP regulation of mouse proline-rich protein gene expression: isoproterenol induction of AP-1 transcription factors in parotid glands.

Proline-rich protein mRNAs are increased dramatically in the salivary glands of rats, mice, and hamsters upon treatment with the beta-agonist isoproterenol. Sequence comparisons between mice and hamster proline-rich protein genes identified conserved regions upstream from the transcription start site. Reporter plasmids containing these 5'-flanking sequences from a mouse proline-rich protein gene, MP2, were constructed and tested for transcriptional regulation by cAMP. Transient transfection experiments in mouse L-M cells showed that the upstream region -702 to -322 bp relative to the transcription start site is sufficient to confer cAMP induction on a heterologous promoter. Multiple copies of the AP-1 sequence elements within this region (-625 to -551) mediate the cAMP transcriptional response of reporter gene expression in L-M cells. L-M cell nuclear proteins and purified human c-jun protein bind to these upstream elements as determined by DNase I footprint analysis. Nuclear proteins isolated from mouse parotid glands protected the consensus AP-1 binding site 5'-TGAGTCA-3' (-592 to -586). The nuclear proteins interacting at this site were increased about sixfold in glands isolated from isoproterenol-treated mice when compared with glands from untreated mice. These results suggest that induction of AP-1 transcription factors in the parotid gland control the upregulation of some mouse salivary proline-rich proteins.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1997

Sequence close to the N-terminus of L2 protein is displayed on the surface of bovine papillomavirus type 1 virions.

The bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) L2 protein purified from Escherichia coli was used as an antigen to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A total of 26 individual clones which recognized the BPV1 L2 protein were obtained. Using infectious BPV1 virus particles, 3 of the MAbs were found to interact with BPV1 virus particles. Binding of the MAbs to BPV1 was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. A set of 92 13-mer peptides overlapping by 8 amino acids spanning the entire BPV1 L2 protein was synthesized on a membrane and used to map the epitopes recognized by these antibodies. Seventeen linear epitopes were identified. Our results revealed that a sequence toward the N-terminus of the L2 protein (aa 61-123) is displayed on the virus surface, while the remaining L2 sequences are hidden inside the virus capsid. Although the polyclonal antisera raised against BPV1 L2 neutralized the BPV1 virus, we failed to detect any neutralizing activity for the 3 L2-specific monoclonal antibodies which bound to the BPV1 particles. This suggests that extra binding sites may be needed for neutralization. This study prompted us to propose a model about how L1 and L2 proteins may interact during infectious papillomavirus assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Studies on the comprehensive control of babesiasis in cattle and buffaloes.

To obtain a highly effective method for controlling babesiosis in cattle and buffalo, an epidemiological survey was carried out at Zuiyun village in Hubai Province. On the grounds of the epidemiological data, control measures which included preventive drugs and killing the vectors were devised. After two years of control no clinical cases of bovine babesiosis were found. The average number of ticks on cattle or buffalo decreased from 9-282 to 0-11.3. Good results were obtained in another epidemic area using this control method. These results indicated that this technique of controlling babesiosis is highly effective.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Lipid peroxy radicals (ROO.) were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) at low temperature after formation by addition of H2O2 into a suspension of mice lymphocytes. If lymphocytes were treated with selenomethionine (Se-Met) prior to addition of H2O2, ROO. formation was inhibited in a fashion that was dependent on Se-Met concentration. Formation of ROO. in the spleen of mice was induced by 60Co irradiation. Animals that were supplemented with Na2SeO3 prior to irradiation exhibited a lower ROO. concentration than that of nontreated animals. Based on our experiments, we have concluded that Se has an oxygen-free radical scavenging effect. This should be a protective effect against lipid peroxy radical cellular attack.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effect of selenium supplementation on mice infected with LP-BM5 MuLV, a murine AIDS model.

LP-BM5 Murine leukemia virus (MuLV) infection of C57BL/6 mice develop a disease that has many features in common with human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in particular abnormal lymphoproliferation and severe immunodeficiency. Thus, this MAIDS model may be useful for evaluation of potent antirival agents in vivo. Deficiency in antioxidant micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, and glutathione have been observed in AIDs and AIDS-related complex (ARC) patients. In the present study, the MAIDS model was used to evaluate immunological and oxidative effect of Se as sodium selenite. Results indicated that Se treatment 0.1 mg/kg/d (p.o.) inhibited splenomegaly and sera IgG elevation effectively. In addition to abnormal immunity, oxidative imbalance possibly existed in MAIDS model, as lipid peroxide increased significantly in spleen and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity decreased markedly. Se supplementation had good protective effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effect of concurrent use of rh-IL-3 and rh-GM-CSF on apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by Ara-C.

The myeloid leukemic cell line HL-60 was studied by using DNA gel electrophoresis, flow cytomery, McAb C-myc, McAb Bcl-2 and CFU-L. From zero to 36 h, the apoptosis rates of 8 different phases and other indexes were observed. The results showed that with the prolonged time of drug incubation, apoptosis of HL-60 cells increased progressively. This effect can be enhanced obviously by rh-IL-3 and rh-GM-CSF. At the same time, the killed rate of leukemic cells by Ara-C induction was increased. C-myc expression was decreased and Bcl-2 expression did not display apparent change. Interestingly, the normal hemopoietic cells were not affected by these two kinds of cytokine. The theoretical basis was provided for concurrent use of rh-IL-3, rh-GM-CSF and cytotoxic drugs whose purpose is to elevate remission rate during the phase of induced remission of leukemia.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1997

Studies on the relationship between urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and human sperm motility.

To clarify the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in the mechanisms of regulating sperm motility and the ability of fertilizing, we investigated the quantities and activities of uPA in human seminal plasma and on the membrane of spermatozoa. Semens were harvested from 22 infertile patients with asthenospermia and 20 healthy fertile men according to WHO standards. To quantify the membrane-bound uPA in the samples, polyclonal antibodies against human urokinase were employed by means of a sandwich ELISA. The uPA activities in seminal plasma and on the surface of spermatozoa were determined using A-garose-Fibrine-Plate method and the experiment of immunological identification with polyclonal antibodies against urokinase. In lysates of spermatozoa, significantly lower levels of uPA (23.1 +/- 7.35 mu/10(6) cells) and uPA activity (5.13 +/- 3.85 mu/10(6) cells) were found in patient group as compared to healthy fertile men exhibiting normospermia (29.89 +/- 9.40 mu/10(6) cells and 10.17 +/- 6.18 mu/10(6) cells). In seminal plasma, uPA activity in patient group (2134 +/- 1581.3 IU/L) was also found significantly lower than that of normal group (3365 +/- 1859.5 IU/L). Positive correlations were observed between sperm motility and uPA quantities (r = 0.48, P < 0.005), as well as with uPA activities (r = 0.45, P < 0.005). Thus, it is inferred that membrane associated uPA on human spermatozoa may be related directly to sperm motility and fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Study on the protective effects of compound blood-activating soup on bone marrow hematopoietic cells in acute radiation injured mice.

After irradiation with 8 Gy 60Co gamma-ray, mice were immediately given intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg 100% compound blood-activating soup twice a day. On the 3rd and 7th day, the P53 gene expression of bone marrow hematopoietic cells in Chinese drug group was found to be higher than that in normal group, and it was also significantly higher than that in control group. The expression level of GADD153 gene which was not expressed in normal group was much lower in Chinese drug group than that in control group. On the 7th day after irradiation, the P53 and GADD153 gene expression levels of splenic mononuclear cells were consistent with those of bone marrow hematopoietic cells both in Chinese drug group and control group. On the 3rd and 7th day, the bone marrow hematopoietic tissue volume in Chinese drug group was higher than that in control group, with no difference found between the two groups. While on the 14th day, the difference became significant (P < 0.01). The results showed that commonly used blood-activating and stasis-eliminating drugs may strengthen the viability of hematopoietic cells and promote the rehabilitation of hematopoiesis by inducing wt-P53 expression to block the bone marrow hematopoietic cells in G1 phase, during which DNA could be repaired.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Sleep deprivation by the "flower pot" technique and spatial reference memory.

This study investigated whether paradoxical, or rapid eye movement (REM), sleep deprivation (SD) affected spatial memory. SD was induced in male Wistar rats by housing them on small platforms over water. They fell into the water if they lost muscle tone. Controls were either housed in tanks with large platforms (TC) or in normal cages (CC). All rats had free access to food and water. Each day they were tested in a place-learning set task using a Morris water maze. The rats were released from 6 different starting points (sets) and allowed 2 min to find a submerged platform. Two trials were conducted from each starting point. SD caused a significant decrement in performance in Trial 1 from Day 2. By Day 4, when distance swum to find the platform was plotted against set, area under the curve was doubled in SD compared to that in TC and CC rats, indicating a significant impairment in reference spatial memory. There was no consistent effect on working memory, indicated by Trial 2. SD caused weight loss and increased serum corticosterone compared to that in CC rats. There were no differences in concentrations of hypothalamic, hippocampal, or cortical catecholamines or their metabolites. Serotonin metabolism was elevated in the hypothalamus and hippocampus in SD rats. These results indicate that SD induced in rats housed on small platforms causes a substantial impairment of reference memory. The memory deficit may not be specific to SD because the rats are physically stressed and lose some nonREM sleep when housed in these conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Nerve growth factors and the control of neurotransmitter phenotype selection in the mammalian central nervous system.

Determination of neurotransmitter phenotype in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has been intensively characterized. However, relatively little is known about the underlying molecular and biochemical events involved in determination of transmitter phenotype in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been well established that nerve growth factors regulate cell growth and differentiation. They are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in many decision-making steps during development. Published data suggest that neurotransmitter phenotype is determined largely by exogenous stimuli, such as nerve growth factors--acidic/basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, neurotrophins, etc., working in concert with the genetic programmes. They exert potent effects independently or synergistically with other molecules by acting either on neural precursor cells or differentiated neuronal cells. However, the process of transmitter phenotype determination in the CNS is only beginning to be understood, with more uncharacterized substances, with considerable potency in this respect being reported and in need of isolation and further study. These studies will bring great advances in our existing knowledge of brain development and have potential value for the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

CRF receptor antagonist attenuates immobilization stress-induced norepinephrine release in the prefrontal cortex in rats.

Neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral studies suggest that brain stem nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) plays an important role in stress response. The present study was designed to clarify, whether infusion of CRF antagonist, alpha hCRF, into LC could attenuate or block stress-induced changes in norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in microdialysates collected from the medial prefrontal cortex (PFM). Rats were implanted with a bilateral cannulae assembly aimed in the LC and a microdialysis probe (4 mm active membrane length) into the LC. Immobilization of animals significantly increased the concentration of NE in microdialysates from PFM to a maximum of 170.8 +/- 12.8% of the baseline ten minutes after the onset of stressor. Concentration of NE in dialysates remained significantly elevated for the next 40 min. Infusion of alpha hCRF into the LC significantly attenuated stress-induced increase in PFM NE concentration in samples collected at 10, 20, 30, and 50 min after the onset of immobilization. Infusion of alpha hCRF alone (no immobilization) did not change concentrations at any time during sample collection. These results are consistent with other studies and suggest that stress can facilitate NE release in the PFM through the activation of the CRF system in the brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

New approaches to the integrated management of early lung cancer.

We have briefly surveyed some the developments in the field of molecular diagnostics that provide a basis for cautious optimism about progress in population-based early lung cancer screening. The sound lung cancer management strategies that were formulated several decades ago failed in clinical trials because the necessary tools to implement the strategies were not yet available. Technology is beginning to emerge that makes population-based screening achievable. This same technology may be used to define a comprehensive marker panel including the most informative markers from the long list of candidate markers. Validation studies will define more clearly the strengths and limitations of new molecular diagnostics and provide leads for further research attention. The clinical community can expedite this process if these validation efforts are aggressively pursued. Parallel developments are clearly needed in refining the range of therapeutic intervention for early cancer management. The success of both diagnostic and intervention tools is interwoven in the ultimate goal of reducing lung cancer mortality. This article is an invitation to think expansively about new approaches to cancer care that integrate the fruits of our hard-learned lessons.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Dynamic nuclear polarization of nitrogen-15 in benzamide.

A 15N dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiment is reported in which a 15N DNP enhancement factor of approximately 2.6 x 10(2) is obtained on free radical doped samples of 99% 15N labeled benzamide. The free radicals BDPA (1:1 complex of alpha, gamma-bisdiphenylene-beta-phenylallyl with benzene) and DPPH (2,2-Di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) are used as dopants and the spin relaxation effects of adding these dopants are studied by means of changes in proton and nitrogen T1 values of the samples. The combination in solids of a very low natural abundance, 0.37%, a small gyromagnetic ratio, and a long spin-lattice relaxation time for 15N nuclei create severe sensitivity problems that, in large part, are ameliorated by the signal enhancement observed in the 15N DNP experiment on samples containing free electrons.

Benzamides↗
PubMed1997

Measurement of spin-lattice relaxation times of 13C in organic solids.

A transient nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) makes measurements of the 13C spin-lattice relaxation times in organic solids complicated. Extended Solomon equations are applied in order to describe 13C spin-lattice relaxation with 1H r.f. field irradiation. Spin-lattice relaxation under r.f. irradiation is shown to be generally a triple-exponential process, but it can be reduced to be single-exponential under stronger r.f. field irradiation as well as in the absence of 1H initial magnetizations. Based on numerical calculations, the difference between spin-lattice relaxation curves obeying T1C < T1H and those obeying T1C > T1H is clearly indicated. The methyl group resonances in solid-state L-valine are examined, and the experimental results agree well with the theoretical results.

Carbon Isotopes↗
PubMed1997

The ultrastructure and computer imaging of the lymphatic stomata in the human pelvic peritoneum.

The lymphatic stomata in the pelvic peritoneum of human fetuses and mature mice were initially observed and studied quantitatively by using computer image processing (C.I.P.) attached to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Two types of mesothelial cells were found in the pelvic peritoneum of human fetuses and mature mice, i.e. flattened and cuboidal cells. The lymphatic stomata, arranged in clusters, were only found irregularly distributed among the cuboidal cells. The divergence of stoma area in the pelvic peritoneum of human fetuses varied greatly, ranging from 0.8 micron2 to 43.4 microns2. The average area of the lymphatic stomata in human fetuses was 10.00 +/- 9.44 microns2. The variation coefficient was 94.40. The standard deviations and standard errors were 9.44 and 0.98 respectively. Most of the lymphatic stomata in human fetuses were between 1.34 microns2 and 32.11 microns2 in size (accounting for 90%), with maximum and minimum values of 43.4 microns2 and 0.8 micron2. The average distribution density of the lymphatic stomata in human fetuses was 7.2% and the maximum density was 11.6%, which means that the average and the maximum absorption rates of the human pelvic peritoneum from the peritoneal cavity were 7.2% and 11.6% respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that the lymphatic stomata in pelvic peritoneum play an important role in draining materials from the peritoneal cavity, and that the absorption effect of the pelvic peritoneum is similar to that of the diaphragmatic peritoneum.

Animals↗