Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Kiss

Publications and source records attributed to L Kiss.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The presence of a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored alpha-mannosidase in boar sperm.

alpha-Mannosidase and beta-galactosidase were released from boar sperm into the medium by treatment with calcium ionophore A23187 or by 0.2% Brij-35/2% acetic acid. About half as much alpha-mannosidase activity as that in the acid extract was recovered by digestion with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), whereas the liberation rate of beta-galactosidase treated with PI-PLC was low. These results suggest that some alpha-mannosidase is anchored in the plasma membrane of the acrosomal region by attachment to the lipid phosphatidylinositol and that beta-galactosidase is localized mainly in the acrosome or integrated in the plasma membrane by a spanning stretch of hydrophobic peptides. beta-Galactosidase, which is present as an oligomers in the acid extract of sperm, dissociated into monomers under weakly alkaline conditions; under acidic conditions, the monomers associated again. No pH-sensitive association-dissociation of alpha-mannosidase was observed.

Acrosome↗

PAF-induced synthesis of tetraenoic and pentaenoic leukotrienes in the isolated rabbit lung.

In an isolated rabbit lung model, we tested the hypothesis that platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced leukotriene (LT) synthesis is critically dependent on the free precursor fatty acid supply and the possible substitution of arachidonic acid (AA) by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). To augment the intravascular polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the isolated lung, human PMNs were infused into the pulmonary artery. LTs and hydroxyeicosatetra(penta)enoic acids were quantified with HPLC techniques. Application of PAF (5 microM) or AA (10 microM) provoked the generation of limited quantities of 4-series LTs and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (total sum of 5-lipoxygenase products approximately 7 and approximately 27 pmol/ml in lungs both with and without infused PMNs, respectively). Combined administration amplified 5-lipoxygenase product formation, with a predominance of cysteinyl-LT synthesis in lungs both without (total sum approximately 67 pmol/ml) and, much more strikingly, with (total sum approximately 308 pmol/ml) an infusion of neutrophils. EPA (10 microM) elicited exclusive generation of 5-series LTs and 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (total sum approximately 82 pmol/ml). Dual stimulation with PAF and EPA provoked amplification of EPA-derived 5-lipoxygenase product formation, again with predominance of cysteinyl-LTs in lungs without (total sum approximately 224 pmol/ml) and, in particular, with (total sum approximately 545 pmol/ml) preceding microvascular PMN entrapment. Combined application of PAF, AA, and EPA resulted in the synthesis of LTs derived from both fatty acids, with a predominance of 5-series products. We conclude that the PAF-evoked 5-lipoxygenase product formation in the neutrophil-harboring lung capillary bed is critically dependent on intravascular precursor fatty acid supply, with EPA representing the preferred substrate compared with AA. PMN-related transcellular eicosanoid synthesis is suggested to underlie the predominant generation of cysteinyl-LTs. The supply of n-3 versus n-6 precursor fatty acid may thus have a major impact on inflammatory mediator generation.

Animals↗

E. coli hemolysin-induced lipid mediator metabolism in alveolar macrophages: impact of eicosapentaenoic acid.

Escherichia coli hemolysin (HlyA) is a prototype of a large family of pore-forming proteinaceous exotoxins that have been implicated in the pathogenetic sequelae of severe infection and sepsis, including development of acute lung injury. In the present study in rabbit alveolar macrophages (AMs), subcytolytic concentrations of purified HlyA evoked rapid synthesis of platelet-activating factor, with quantities approaching those in response to maximum calcium ionophore challenge. In parallel, large quantities of leukotriene (LT) B(4) and 5-, 8-, 9-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) were liberated from HlyA-exposed AMs depending on exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) supply. Coadministration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) dose dependently suppressed generation of the proinflammatory lipoxygenase products LTB(4) and 5-, 8-, 9-, and 12-HETE in parallel with the appearance of the corresponding EPA-derived metabolites LTB(5) and 5-, 8-, 9-, and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE). At equimolar concentrations, EPA turned out to be the preferred substrate over AA for these AM lipoxygenase pathways, with the sum of LTB(5) and 5-, 8-, 9-, and 12-HEPE surpassing the sum of LTB(4) and 5-, 8-, 9-, and 12-HETE by >80-fold. In contrast, coadminstration of EPA did not significantly reduce HlyA-elicited generation of the anti-inflammatory AA lipoxygenase product 15-HETE. We conclude that AMs are sensitive target cells for HlyA attack, resulting in marked proinflammatory lipid mediator synthesis. In the presence of EPA, lipoxygenase product formation is shifted from a pro- to an anti-inflammatory profile.

Animals↗

Nifedipine increases cytochrome P4502C expression and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses in coronary arteries.

In addition to NO and prostacyclin, endothelial cells release a factor that elicits vasodilatation by hyperpolarizing the underlying vascular smooth muscle cells. In some vascular beds, this so-called endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) displays the characteristics of a cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived arachidonic acid metabolite, such as an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. Native porcine and cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells were screened for CYP epoxygenases, and CYP2B, CYP2C, and CYP2J were detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The CYP inducer beta-naphthoflavone and the Ca(2+) antagonist nifedipine significantly increased CYP2C mRNA but did not change the expression of CYP2J or CYP2B. To determine the relationship between CYP2C expression and EDHF production in native endothelial cells, we incubated porcine coronary arteries with nifedipine. Nifedipine enhanced endothelial CYP2C protein expression, as well as the generation of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. In organ bath experiments, pretreatment with nifedipine enhanced bradykinin-induced, EDHF-mediated relaxations as well as the concomitant hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells. The specific CYP2C9 inhibitor sulfaphenazole, on the other hand, significantly attenuated EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation. These results demonstrate that in porcine coronary arteries, the elevated expression of a CYP epoxygenase, homologous to CYP2C8/9, is associated with enhanced EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization in response to bradykinin. Therefore, we propose that an isozyme of CYP2C is the most likely candidate for the CYP-dependent EDHF synthase in porcine coronary arteries.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Synthesis of arachidonic acid-derived lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 products in the intact human lung vasculature.

Lipoxygenase (LO) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase products of arachidonic acid (AA) have been implicated in a large number of vasoregulatory processes. In intact, blood-free, perfused and ventilated human lungs (n = 8), isolated during surgery for bronchial carcinoma, we analyzed leukotrienes (LTs), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) by sequential sampling of the recirculating buffer fluid. For the analysis we used multistep, solid-phase extraction, isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, with elution of all metabolites within one run and photodiode array detection to obtain full UV spectra of eluting compounds. We detected no LT release in a 15-min baseline period, but the admixture of the calcium ionophore A23187 with the buffer fluid provoked the rapid appearance of all LTs. Some baseline release of 15-HETE was observed, and in response to A23187, maximum buffer concentrations were noted for 5-HETE, with 8-HETE, 9-HETE, 11-HETE, and 12-HETE being detected at lower levels. Marked baseline liberation of 11,12-EET and 8,9-EET was observed. In response to A23187, high oxirane buffer concentrations were registered, which far surpassed those of LTs and HETEs. The eicosanoid release was paralleled by a limited pulmonary artery pressor response and progressive vascular leakage. We conclude that ex-vivo-perfused human lungs release EETs > LTs > HETEs into the vascular compartment in response to inflammatory challenge. The marked oxirane synthesis in the lung vasculature may have major impact on lung vasoregulation when considering the possible function of these AA epoxides as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Determination of the absolute configuration of synthetic pterocarpans by chiral HPLC using on-line CD detection.

Resolution of synthetic racemic pterocarpans was achieved by CD monitored HPLC using a chiral stationary phase. No sign of exciton coupling was seen in the CD spectra of the pterocarpan enantiomers. The predominance of the chromane chromophore was indicated by the high intensity of the (1) L(b) band. The chirality of both the chromane and dihydrobenzo[b]furane chromophores was found to be governed by the second chiral sphere. An oxygen atom in pseudoaxial position at the benzylic atom of the chroman ring system gave rise to an increased third-sphere contribution and the positive sign of the (1) L(b) and negative sign of the (1) L(a) band. This resulted in a general positive-negative-negative sign pattern of the (1) L(b), (1) L(a) and (1) B(b) bands of the second-eluted enantiomer of P helicity suggesting homochirality and the same absolute configuration of the chiral centers.

Benzofurans↗

Cytochrome P450 2C is an EDHF synthase in coronary arteries.

In most arterial beds a significant endothelium-dependent dilation to various stimuli persists even after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase. This dilator response is preceded by an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells, which is sensitive to a combination of the calcium-dependent potassium-channel inhibitors charybdotoxin and apamin, and is assumed to be mediated by an unidentified endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Here we show that the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8/34 in native porcine coronary artery endothelial cells by beta-naphthoflavone enhances the formation of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, as well as EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation. Transfection of coronary arteries with CYP 2C8/34 antisense oligonucleotides results in decreased levels of CYP 2C and attenuates EDHF-mediated vascular responses. Thus, a CYP-epoxygenase product is an essential component of EDHF-mediated relaxation in the porcine coronary artery, and CYP 2C8/34 fulfils the criteria for the coronary EDHF synthase.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

[Quality control of medical documentation of in-patients at the St. Stephen Municipal Hospital in Budapest].

Within the frame of hospital quality control programme, the authors have investigated since 1997 the medical documentation concerning in-patients of St. Stephen Hospital Budapest. An assessment form of 26 items related to main elements of medical documentation has been created for the study. Choosing of both order of departments' succession and cases to be investigated took place at random. Evaluation was performed at a scala of 0-3 points, by a five-membered work-group; all members first carried out the qualifications independently of each other, and then they formed the final opinion together at common sessions. Investigation of 204 "first round" cases proved the feasibility of the applied method. As it turned out from the results, the quality of documentation showed statistically significant differences between departments of the hospital and the average standard of documentation could not be declared as satisfying at the period of basic survey. Deficiencies of documentation especially in respect of case history, disease course, personal data and informed consent have been found. On the other hand, registration of status on admission and final report got a relatively high average score-number. The authors call attention to the importance of ordinary control of medical documentation.

Analysis of Variance↗

Contribution of the selectivity filter to inactivation in potassium channels.

Voltage-gated K+ channels exhibit a slow inactivation process, which becomes an important influence on the rate of action potential repolarization during prolonged or repetitive depolarization. During slow inactivation, the outer mouth of the permeation pathway undergoes a conformational change. We report here that during the slow inactivation process, the channel progresses through at least three permeation states; from the initial open state that is highly selective for K+, the channel enters a state that is less permeable to K+ and more permeable to Na+, and then proceeds to a state that is non-conducting. Similar results were obtained in three different voltage-gated K+ channels: Kv2.1, a channel derived from Shaker (Shaker Delta A463C), and a chimeric channel derived from Kv2.1 and Kv1.3 that displays classical C-type inactivation. The change in selectivity displayed both voltage- and time-dependent properties of slow inactivation and was observed with K+ on either side of the channel. Elevation of internal [K+] inhibited Na+ conduction through the inactivating channel in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that the change in selectivity filter function is an integral part of the slow inactivation mechanism, and argue against the hypothesis that the inactivation gate is independent from the selectivity filter. Thus, these data suggest that the selectivity filter is itself the inactivation gate.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

The effect of intravesical mitomycin C on the recurrence of superficial (Ta-T1) bladder cancer. A Hungarian Multicenter Study.

We evaluated the prophylactic efficacy of instillations of intravesical mitomycin C in 57 patients with primary superficial bladder cancer in a multicenter clinical trial. After complete transurethral resection of Ta-T1 G1-G2 transitional cell bladder carcinomas, patients were treated with mitomycin 40 mg/50 ml saline of 15 instillations for 12 months. Most of the complications were mild and transient but two patients dropped out of the trial because of moderate side effects. Fifty-one patients were evaluable. We observed tumour recurrences in six patients (11.8%) during a median follow-up of 44.5 months. The recurrences were treated by transurethral resection. There was no muscle invasive progression in the recurrences. Our investigations confirm the effectiveness of mitomycin C in the treatment of patients with superficial bladder cancer.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Potassium-dependent changes in the conformation of the Kv2.1 potassium channel pore.

The voltage-gated K+ channel, Kv2.1, conducts Na+ in the absence of K+. External tetraethylammonium (TEAo) blocks K+ currents through Kv2.1 with an IC50 of 5 mM, but is completely without effect in the absence of K+. TEAo block can be titrated back upon addition of low [K+]. This suggested that the Kv2.1 pore undergoes a cation-dependent conformational rearrangement in the external vestibule. Individual mutation of lysine (Lys) 356 and 382 in the outer vestibule, to a glycine and a valine, respectively, increased TEAo potency for block of K+ currents by a half log unit. Mutation of Lys 356, which is located at the outer edge of the external vestibule, significantly restored TEAo block in the absence of K+ (IC50 = 21 mM). In contrast, mutation of Lys 382, which is located in the outer vestibule near the TEA binding site, resulted in very weak (extrapolated IC50 = approximately 265 mM) TEAo block in the absence of K+. These data suggest that the cation-dependent alteration in pore conformation that resulted in loss of TEA potency extended to the outer edge of the external vestibule, and primarily involved a repositioning of Lys 356 or a nearby amino acid in the conduction pathway. Block by internal TEA also completely disappeared in the absence of K+, and could be titrated back with low [K+]. Both internal and external TEA potencies were increased by the same low [K+] (30-100 microM) that blocked Na+ currents through the channel. In addition, experiments that combined block by internal and external TEA indicated that the site of K+ action was between the internal and external TEA binding sites. These data indicate that a K+-dependent conformational change also occurs internal to the selectivity filter, and that both internal and external conformational rearrangements resulted from differences in K+ occupancy of the selectivity filter. Kv2.1 inactivation rate was K+ dependent and correlated with TEAo potency; as [K+] was raised, TEAo became more potent and inactivation became faster. Both TEAo potency and inactivation rate saturated at the same [K+]. These results suggest that the rate of slow inactivation in Kv2.1 was influenced by the conformational rearrangements, either internal to the selectivity filter or near the outer edge of the external vestibule, that were associated with differences in TEA potency.

Cell Line↗

Modulation of N-type Ca2+ channels by intracellular pH in chick sensory neurons.

Both physiological and pathological neuronal events, many of which elevate intracellular [Ca2+], can produce changes in intracellular pH of between 0.15 and 0.5 U, between pH 7.4 and 6.8. N-type Ca2+ channels, which are intimately involved in exocytosis and other excitable cell processes, are sensitive to intracellular pH changes. However, the pH range over which N-type Ca2+ channels are sensitive, and the sensitivity of N-type Ca2+ channels to small changes in intracellular pH, are unknown. We studied the influence of intracellular pH changes on N-type calcium channel currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons, acutely isolated from 14-day-old chick embryos. Intracellular pH was monitored in patch-clamp recordings with the fluorescent dye, BCECF, and manipulated in both the acidic and basic direction by extracellular application of NH4+ in the presence and absence of intracellular NH4+. Changes in intracellular pH between 6.6 and 7.5 produced a graded change in Ca2+ current magnitude with no apparent shift in activation potential. Intracellular acidification from pH 7.3 to 7.0 reversibly inhibited Ca2+ currents by 40%. Acidification from pH 7.3 to pH 6.6 reversibly inhibited Ca2+ currents by 65%. Alkalinization from pH 7.3 to 7.5 potentiated Ca2+ currents by approximately 40%. Channels were sensitive to pHi changes with high intracellular concentrations of the Ca2+ chelator, bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, which indicates that the effects of pHi did not involve a Ca2+-dependent mechanism. These data indicate that N-type Ca2+ channel currents are extremely sensitive to small changes in pHi in the range produced by both physiological and pathological events. Furthermore, these data suggest that modulation of N-type Ca2+ channels by pHi may play an important role in physiological processes that produce small changes in pHi and a protective role in pathological mechanisms that produce larger changes in pHi.

Animals↗

Effects of arachidonic acid metabolism on hypoxic vasoconstriction in rabbit lungs.

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is an essential mechanism that matches lung perfusion to ventilation, thus optimising pulmonary gas exchange. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction still remains enigmatic. We investigated whether arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in isolated, buffer-perfused rabbit lungs. Seven inhibitors were employed to determine the contribution of different vasoactive lipoxy- and cyclooxygenase mediators as well as cytochrome P450 products on the magnitude of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was not affected by (i) the cyclooxygenase inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid, (ii) the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist BM13.505, (iii) the 5'-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK886, and (iv) the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitor BW755c. The hypoxia-elicited pressor response was prominently inhibited by (i) nordihydroguaiaretic acid (50-150 microM), an inhibitor of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and (ii) methoxsalen (100 microM) and 1-aminobenzotriazole (1-10 mM), two inhibitors of cytochrome P450-derived metabolites. However, no specificity for the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was found, as corresponding inhibitory potency of these agents was noted when vasoconstriction was achieved by the stable thromboxane analogue U46619 under conditions of normoxia. We conclude that there is no evidence for a specific involvement of different pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism in the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in rabbits.

4,5-Dihydro-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyraz↗