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Biomedical subjects

K E Barrett

Publications and source records attributed to K E Barrett.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Carbachol stimulates transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase in T84 cells. Implications for carbachol-stimulated chloride secretion.

We have examined the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in regulation of calcium-dependent chloride secretion across T84 colonic epithelial cells. The calcium-mediated agonist carbachol (CCh, 100 microM) stimulated a time-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of a range of proteins (with molecular masses ranging up to 180 kDa) in T84 cells. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (5 microM), significantly potentiated chloride secretory responses to CCh, indicating a role for CCh-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in negative regulation of CCh-stimulated secretory responses. Further studies revealed that CCh stimulated an increase in both phosphorylation and activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Chloride secretory responses to CCh were also potentiated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, PD98059 (20 microM). Phosphorylation of ERK in response to CCh was mimicked by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol myristate acetate (100 nM), but was not altered by the PKC inhibitor GF 109203X (1 microM). ERK phosphorylation was also induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) (100 ng/ml). Immunoprecipitation/Western blot studies revealed that CCh stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFr) and increased co-immunoprecipitation of the adapter proteins, Shc and Grb2, with the EGFr. An inhibitor of EGFr phosphorylation, tyrphostin AG1478 (1 microM), reversed CCh-stimulated phosphorylation of both EGFr and ERK. Tyrphostin AG1478 also potentiated chloride secretory responses to CCh. We conclude that CCh activates ERK in T84 cells via a mechanism involving transactivation of the EGFr, and that this pathway constitutes an inhibitory signaling pathway by which chloride secretory responses to CCh may be negatively regulated.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1998

Inhibition of rabbit duodenal bicarbonate secretion by ulcerogenic agents: histamine-dependent and -independent effects.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The gastroduodenal epithelium is protected from acid-peptic damage, in part, by its ability to secrete bicarbonate. Patients with duodenal ulcer disease have impaired proximal duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion. We have shown in vitro that histamine inhibits prostaglandin-stimulated bicarbonate secretion in rabbit duodenal mucosa via histamine H2 receptors and enteric nerves. In this study we examined whether the proulcerogenic compounds aspirin or ethanol regulate duodenal bicarbonate secretion and the involvement of histamine. METHODS: Bicarbonate secretion by rabbit proximal duodenal mucosa was examined in vitro in Ussing chambers. RESULTS: Aspirin and ethanol decreased basal and prostaglandin-stimulated bicarbonate secretion; the latter effect was specific for prostaglandin. The inhibitory effects of the two ulcerogenic compounds were at least additive. Ranitidine and tetrodotoxin abolished the inhibitory effects on stimulated, but not basal, secretion. Aspirin and ethanol also induced release of duodenal histamine. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin and ethanol act by two distinct pathways to impair duodenal bicarbonate secretion. Both agents inhibit basal secretion via a histamine-independent and neurally independent pathway while they inhibit prostaglandin E2-stimulated secretion via histamine release, likely from mast cells, and actions on enteric nerves. Our findings may be of relevance to the understanding and potential treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated mucosal injury.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Utility of endoscopic biopsy samples to quantitate human duodenal ion transport.

Duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion (DMBS) prevents acid-peptic damage and facilitates nutrient absorption. DMBS is diminished in patients with duodenal ulcers and is normalized after Helicobacter pylori eradication. The measurement of DMBS in human patients in vivo requires intubation with a multi-lumen balloon tube and permits limited testing with putative agonists and antagonists. Our purpose was to develop a means to investigate transport events in human duodenal biopsy samples in vitro. After validation studies in a modified mini-Ussing chamber were performed, duodenal transport events were examined in proximal endoscopic biopsy samples from normal volunteers (n = 17). Tissues were mounted in modified mini-Ussing chambers (volume 2.5 ml, surface area 3.8 mm2). Short circuit current (Isc), potential difference (PD), and bicarbonate secretion were determined under basal conditions and after stimulation with graded doses of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)(10(-8) to 10(-4) mol/L) and dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP)(10(-4) to 10(-2) mol/L). Duodenal tissues remained viable for at least 2 hours and exhibited stable basal HCO3(-) secretion and electrical parameters. Stimulation with PGE2 and db-cAMP resulted in dose-related increases in both Isc and HCO3(-) secretion (P < .05) that were abolished by ouabain and anoxia. It is concluded (1) that human duodenal bulb biopsy samples maintain their inherent transport function in mini-Ussing chambers and (2) that by using this novel method it will be possible to define the transport events that modulate human duodenal secretion, in particular bicarbonate secretion, in both health and disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Detection of viruses and body fluids which may contain viruses in the domestic environment.

The domestic environment was investigated for the presence of viruses and body fluids that may contain viruses. A range of surfaces in 39 homes (17 visited on 2 occasions) were sampled by swabbing and analysed using cell culture, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for enteroviral RNA, haemoglobin as a marker for blood, amylase as an indicator of urine, saliva and sweat, and protein as an indicator of general hygiene. Haemoglobin was found on 1.9% of surfaces sampled and of the positive samples 30% were from articles frequently handled. Amylase (> 5 U/l) was found in 29.3% of samples tested. Protein was found in 97.8% of samples tested. Enteroviral RNA, indicating the presence of virus, was detected in 3 out of 448 samples tested; they were from a tap handle, telephone handpiece and a toilet bowl. No viruses were isolated in cell culture, however significant problems were encountered with bacterial and fungal contamination. This work demonstrates that only testing environmental samples for bacteria and ATP may not give a total view of the microbiological problem in the home. A range of test methods is useful to gain a broad view of the problems of hygiene in the home and to allow comparative studies of specific areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Amylases↗
PubMed1998

Inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- secretion in T84 cells: membrane target(s) of inhibition is agonist specific.

Previous studies have indicated that Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- secretion across monolayers of T84 epithelial cells is subject to a variety of negative influences that serve to limit the overall extent of secretion. However, the downstream membrane target(s) of these inhibitory influences had not been elucidated. In this study, nuclide efflux techniques were used to determine whether inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- secretion induced by carbachol, inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate, epidermal growth factor, or insulin reflected actions at an apical Cl- conductance, a basolateral K+ conductance, or both. Pretreatment of T84 cell monolayers with carbachol or a cell-permeant analog of inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate reduced the ability of subsequently added thapsigargin to stimulate apical 125I-, but not basolateral 86Rb+, efflux. These data suggested an effect on an apical Cl- channel. Conversely, epidermal growth factor reduced Ca(2+)-stimulated 86Rb+ but not 125I- efflux, suggesting an effect of the growth factor on a K+ channel. Finally, insulin inhibited 125I- and 86Rb+ effluxes. Thus effects of agents that inhibit transepithelial Cl- secretion are also manifest at the level of transmembrane transport pathways. However, the precise nature of the membrane conductances targeted are agonist specific.

Calcium↗
PubMed1998

Disruption of intestinal barrier function associated with experimental colitis: possible role of mast cells.

The objective was to characterize changes in barrier and transport function in an experimental model of colitis, and to determine whether mast cells contribute to these changes. Colitis was induced in rats with intracolonic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS, 30 mg) in 50% ethanol. Controls received 0.9% saline or the ethanol vehicle alone. In vivo loop perfusion was used to assess colonic water flux (in microliter.cm-1.h-1) and lumen-to-blood 51Cr-labeled EDTA clearance (% administered dose) after TNBS. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was used as an index of granulocyte influx. TNBS or its vehicle caused a marked decrease in water absorption and an increase in permeability at 4 h after administration compared with saline. Neither dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory control) nor doxantrazole (mast cell stabilizer) was able to attenuate these early changes likely caused by the vehicle. In contrast, at later times, TNBS (but not its vehicle) also increased 51Cr-EDTA permeability and decreased water absorption; both effects were significantly attenuated by dexamethasone or doxantrazole. These drugs also significantly reduced TNBS-induced MPO accumulation and release of rat mast cell protease II. We conclude that experimental colitis is associated with severe defects in intestinal transport and barrier functions and that mast cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of these changes.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Role of intestinal epithelial cells in the host secretory response to infection by invasive bacteria. Bacterial entry induces epithelial prostaglandin h synthase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha production.

Increased intestinal fluid secretion is a protective host response after enteric infection with invasive bacteria that is initiated within hours after infection, and is mediated by prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) products in animal models of infection. Intestinal epithelial cells are the first host cells to become infected with invasive bacteria, which enter and pass through these cells to initiate mucosal, and ultimately systemic, infection. The present studies characterized the role of intestinal epithelial cells in the host secretory response after infection with invasive bacteria. Infection of cultured human intestinal epithelial cell lines with invasive bacteria, but not noninvasive bacteria, is shown to induce the expression of one of the rate-limiting enzymes for prostaglandin formation, PGHS-2, and the production of PGE2 and PGF2alpha. Furthermore, increased PGHS-2 expression was observed in intestinal epithelial cells in vivo after infection with invasive bacteria, using a human intestinal xenograft model in SCID mice. In support of the physiologic importance of epithelial PGHS-2 expression, supernatants from bacteria-infected intestinal epithelial cells were shown to increase chloride secretion in an in vitro model using polarized epithelial cells, and this activity was accounted for by PGE2. These studies define a novel autocrine/paracrine function of mediators produced by intestinal epithelial cells in the rapid induction of increased fluid secretion in response to intestinal infection with invasive bacteria.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of quercetin on epithelial chloride secretion.

The effect of the flavonoid quercetin on epithelial chloride secretion has been studied in vitro. These studies were performed using monolayers of the human colonic epithelial cell line T84, mounted in modified Ussing chambers. Chloride secretion was assessed as changes in short circuit current (I(SC)) both in basal conditions as well as in response to different secretagogues: carbachol (100 microM), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) (10 nM) and prostaglandin E2 (1 microM). Secretion was also induced via protein kinase C by adding phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 100 nM) in the presence of the calmodulin inhibitor W13 (50 microM). Quercetin (100 microM) was able to promote secretion when the flavonoid was added to the mucosal side of the monolayer. On the contrary, serosal addition of quercetin was devoid of secretory activity and at concentration of 10 microM it was able to inhibit chloride secretion in response to carbachol, prostaglandin E2 and PMA/W13, but not that induced by VIP. We conclude that the effect of quercetin on epithelial chloride secretion is dual, secretory and antisecretory, depending on both the concentration and the side of the monoloayer where the addition of the flavonoid is made.

Carbachol↗
PubMed1997

Dual role for AlF4(-)-sensitive G proteins in the function of T84 epithelial cells: transport and barrier effects.

T84 monolayers were studied to determine the effect of AlF4, an activator of heterotrimeric G proteins, on Cl-secretion and intestinal barrier function. Basolateral (but not apical) addition of AlF4- increased short-circuit current (I(sc)) and decreased transepithelial resistance. Preincubation with the heavy metal chelator deferoxamine showed that both effects were dependent on Al3+. The effect on I(sc) was abolished by the intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or in Cl(-)-free solutions, whereas the decrease in resistance was unaffected. AlF4- also increased intracellular Ca2+, as assessed via fura 2 fluorometry. AlF4- had no effect on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels in T84 cells. The effect of AlF4- on transepithelial resistance was accompanied by a decrease in cellular F-actin as well as increased transepithelial fluxes of the paracellular markers mannitol and inulin. The results indicate that AlF4(-)-sensitive G proteins regulate both epithelial secretory and barrier functions, but via different pathways. AlF4- increases Cl- secretion via a Ca2+-dependent and cAMP- and cGMP-independent mechanism in T84 cells, whereas the decrease in resistance is independent of Ca2+.

Actins↗
PubMed1997

Bowditch lecture. Integrated regulation of intestinal epithelial transport: intercellular and intracellular pathways.

The intestinal epithelium is an important site of active solute transport processes. Such processes include the secretion of electrolytes into the lumen, predominantly chloride and bicarbonate. These secretory mechanisms subserve a variety of functions, both physiological and pathophysiological, including maintenance of the fluidity of intestinal contents and mucosal defense. Both chloride and bicarbonate secretion are the subject of integrated regulatory mechanisms at both the intercellular and intracellular levels. The goal of this article is to discuss data that exemplify these two levels of regulation, which have been the subject of research in my laboratory. It is likely that some of these principles are also broadly applicable to secretory epithelial cells outside of the intestinal tract, such as those in the airway. I also discuss the ways in which we believe these regulatory mechanisms are involved not only in intestinal physiology but also perhaps in the pathogenesis of specific disease states.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mediates the inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor on calcium-dependent chloride secretion.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and carbachol both inhibit calcium-activated chloride secretion by the human colonic epithelial cell line, T84. Although the inhibitory mechanism for the carbachol effect involves the 3,4,5,6-isomer of inositol tetrakisphosphate, the mechanisms responsible for the EGF effect have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we studied the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in the inhibitory effect of EGF. The PI 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, slightly increased basal chloride secretion and potentiated the secretory response to thapsigargin. Wortmannin also partially reversed EGF-induced, but not carbachol-induced, inhibition of thapsigargin-stimulated chloride secretion. Wortmannin alone had no effect on carbachol- or histamine-induced chloride secretion and completely reversed EGF-induced inhibition of the secretory response to these agonists. EGF, carbachol, histamine, and thapsigargin all increased levels of the 85-kDa regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates. However, only EGF significantly increased levels of the 110-kDa catalytic subunit. Furthermore, only EGF increased PI 3-kinase activity in an in vitro kinase assay. High levels of phosphatidylinositol (3)-monophosphate were present in unstimulated cells and significantly reduced by wortmannin. EGF, but not carbachol, rapidly increased levels of phosphatidylinositol (3,4)-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate. Production of these lipids was also sensitive to wortmannin. Our data suggest that EGF activates PI 3-kinase and that its lipid products may mediate the inhibitory effect of EGF on calcium-dependent chloride secretion. Our data also suggest that a phosphatidylinositol-specific 3-kinase activity is present in unstimulated T84 cells and may regulate production of phosphatidylinositol (3)-monophosphate and basal secretory tone.

Androstadienes↗
PubMed1996

A biologic function for an "orphan" messenger: D-myo-inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate selectively blocks epithelial calcium-activated chloride channels.

Inositol phosphates are a family of water-soluble intracellular signaling molecules derived from membrane inositol phospholipids. They undergo a variety of complex interconversion pathways, and their levels are dynamically regulated within the cytosol in response to a variety of agonists. Relatively little is known about the biological function of most members of this family, with the exception of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Specifically, the biological functions of inositol tetrakisphosphates are largely obscure. In this paper, we report that D-myo-inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate (D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4) has a direct biphasic (activation/inhibition) effect on an epithelial Ca(2+)-activated chloride channel. The effect of D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is not mimicked by other inositol tetrakisphosphate isomers, is dependent on the prevailing calcium concentration, and is influenced when channels are phosphorylated by calmodulin kinase II. The predominant effect of D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 on phosphorylated channels is inhibitory at levels of intracellular calcium observed in stimulated cells. Our findings indicate the biological function of a molecule hitherto considered as an "orphan" messenger. They suggest that the molecular target for D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is a plasma membrane Ca(2+)-activated chloride channel. Regulation of this channel by D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 and Ca2+ may have therapeutic implications for the disease states of both diabetic nephropathy and cystic fibrosis.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1996

Cytokines: sources, receptors and signalling.

Cytokines are a family of protein mediators that are important in transducing information between various cell types. These messengers are synthesized by a broad spectrum of cells. Cellular sources of cytokines include those cell types considered to play pivotal roles in the immune system as well as in inflammatory responses, including lymphocytes, monocytes and mast cells. Emerging data indicate that non-immune cells, including epithelial cells and fibroblasts, may also be important sources of certain cytokines. Cytokines fulfill a number of roles during immune and inflammatory reactions, and may display overlapping or redundant functions. In part, this redundancy may arise from the fact that cytokine receptors are not all unique entities, but may be divided into families. Many cytokine receptors have a subunit structure, with common subunits shared between receptors, and serving as affinity modifiers/signal transducers. Cytokines exert their effects on target cells by activating intracellular signalling mechanisms. In addition to 'classical' signal transduction path-ways, new data indicate that cytokines may also exemplify molecules that utilize novel signalling mechanisms, including the Jak-STAT pathways of transcriptional regulation and pathways involving the novel lipid second messenger, ceramide. In conclusion, molecular techniques have enabled the identification of many new cytokines, and the elucidation of their binding sites and mechanisms of action. This information has provided new insights into this complex area. Moreover, an understanding of the molecular basis of cytokine action and the pathways that lead to their acute and chronic effects may, in turn, facilitate interventions to prevent or modify their actions in disease states.

Cytokines↗
PubMed1996

Epidermal growth factor inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- transport in T84 human colonic epithelial cells.

This study examined whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- secretion by T84 cells. Basolateral EGF inhibited Cl- secretion induced by carbachol or thapsigargin, without blocking the rise in intracellular Ca2+. Studies have shown that carbachol renders T84 cells refractory to subsequent stimulation by thapsigargin, an effect ascribed to D-myo-inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate [D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4]. EGF also increased DL-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 to a maximum of 170% above control. However, despite the fact that EGF inhibited Cl- secretion at 1 min, DL-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 was not elevated at this time point. EGF plus carbachol had a greater inhibitory effect on Cl- secretion than either alone, indicating the likely involvement of an additional inhibitory pathway activated by EGF. Staurosporine did not alter the ability of EGF to inhibit Cl- secretion or increase DL-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4. In contrast, genistein inhibited the rise in DL-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 and partially reversed EGF's inhibitory effect on Cl- secretion. In conclusion, EGF and carbachol can both inhibit Cl- secretion via D-Ins(3,4,5,6)P4, whereas EGF also generates an additional inhibitory signal.

Calcium↗
PubMed1995

Role of histamine in a rat model of colitis.

We examined the possible involvement of mast cells in a rat model of colitis, by monitoring levels of histamine at various times after inducing inflammation with intrarectal trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in 50% ethanol. The ability of a histamine H1 antagonist, diphenhydramine, to modify colitis was also assessed. As expected, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in 50% ethanol induced a sustained colitis. Myeloperoxidase levels in macroscopically damaged tissue peaked at one week, and declined thereafter. In contrast, tissue histamine levels were normal at one week, then increased in damaged tissue to approximately four times normal levels at four weeks. Indices of inflammation were markedly suppressed at one week by diphenhydramine, while tissue histamine levels were unaffected. Chronic colitis in rats is thus apparently accompanied by a local mast cell hyperplasia or influx. Moreover, antagonism of a major mast cell mediator, histamine, significantly reduces the severity of inflammation in this model.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Histamine inhibits prostaglandin E2-stimulated rabbit duodenal bicarbonate secretion via H2 receptors and enteric nerves.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The gastroduodenal epithelium is protected from acid peptic damage by an adherent mucus-bicarbonate layer. Bicarbonate is secreted by the surface epithelial cells into this mucus layer. Patients with duodenal ulcer disease have impaired proximal duodenal bicarbonate secretion. Mast cells, present in large numbers in the duodenal mucosa, release a number of inflammatory mediators, including histamine. Release of such mast cell mediators has been implicated in ulcer disease. In this study, the ability of histamine to regulate bicarbonate secretion was examined. METHODS: Bicarbonate secretion by rabbit proximal duodenal mucosa was examined in vitro, and the effects of histamine, its agonists, and its antagonists were studied. RESULTS: Histamine essentially eliminated prostaglandin E2-stimulated duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion, an effect reversed both by the neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine, as well as reproduced by the H2-receptor agonist, dimaprit. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the stimulatory action of histamine on gastric acid secretion, histamine expresses an additional antidefensive action by inhibiting prostaglandin E2-stimulated duodenal epithelial bicarbonate secretion. This effect of histamine is likely mediated via H2 receptors located on enteric nerves.

Animals↗