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Biomedical subjects

L Shen

Publications and source records attributed to L Shen.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

Neural integration by short term potentiation.

Neurophysiological studies in the oculomotor system suggest that an integrative operation is required in order to derive an eye position signal from a command signal which usually correlates with eye velocity. Several proposed models for a neural integrator are examined. All these models incorporate some form of positive feedback as a basic mechanism. Based on the performance of the models, we argue that such a scheme require extreme high precision in order to work properly. A new model based on potentiation phenomena in synaptic transmission is proposed and is shown to be free from the deficits of most previous models. The proposed model also accounts for various neural behaviors in a very natural way. A possible implementation of the model is also discussed in the context of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).

Animals↗

The functional properties of Fc gamma RI, II and III on myeloid cells: a comparative study of killing of erythrocytes and tumor cells mediated through the different Fc receptors.

Three distinct Fc receptors for IgG, Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII are known to be associated with human myeloid cells. Using mAb specific for these receptors, and the hydridoma cells lines that produce these mAb, we have examined the ability of each of these receptors on different myeloid cells and cell lines to mediate killing of tumor and red cell targets. Hybridoma cells (HC) expressing anti-Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII or Fc gamma RIII upon their surface were used as model self-directed tumor targets. Chicken erythrocytes (CE) were used as another type of target cell and in this case effector cell cytotoxicity was mediated by heteroantibodies (HA) composed of Fab fragments of anti-Fc gamma R mAb covalently linked to Fab fragments of rabbit anti-CE antibodies. Monocytes, lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and the myeloid cell lines U937, HL-60 and THP-1 were used as effector cells either in their native state or after activation with rIFN-gamma. Direct comparison of cytotoxicity by the same effector cell population against both tumor and erythroid targets has permitted definitive evaluation of the ability of the different Fc gamma R to promote cytolysis under two different conditions. Monocytes were able to utilize Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII in killing both CE and HC targets, and incubation with rIFN-gamma augmented their ability to kill CE, particularly through Fc gamma RI. Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII mediated killing of CE by untreated neutrophils. rIFN-gamma induced PMNs to express Fc gamma RI and to mediate killing of CE through this receptor. Moreover, HC targets were not lyzed by untreated neutrophils, but rIFN-gamma activated neutrophils killed HC bearing surface anti-Fc gamma RI and anti-Fc gamma RII, but not anti-Fc gamma RIII. Myeloid cell lines HL-60 and U937 were unable to perform cytotoxicity without prior culture with rIFN-gamma, following which they killed CE through Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII, but were still incapable of HC lysis. THP-1, another myeloid cell line, was cytotoxic to CE through Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII without activation. Following rIFN-gamma treatment, cytotoxicity through these two Fc gamma R increased and was also mediated by Fc gamma RIII but these cells were still unable to kill HC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗

Cytotoxicity mediated by human Fc receptors for IgG.

The Fc receptors for IgG(Fc gamma R) play a major role in the removal of antibody-coated infectious agents and may be important molecules for triggering cytotoxicity of tumor cells; they may also serve as an entry for infection of Fc gamma R-bearing cells by viral (including HIV and Dengue), and perhaps other infectious agents. Although central to immune defense, an understanding of the role of these Fc gamma R in cytotoxicity has been complicated in part by the presence of several biochemically distinct types of receptor that have different distributions, specificities, affinities and modes of activation for killing. The development of monoclonal antibodies specific for Fc gamma R on human leukocytes has established the existence of three distinct Fc gamma R and furthermore has helped clarify the function of each of these receptors. In this review, Michael Fanger and colleagues discuss the use of Fc gamma R-specific mAb and the hybridoma cell lines that produce them in examining the ability of each of these unique receptors to mediate killing of tumor and red cell targets. In particular, the use of self-directed hybridoma cells as a model of tumor-cell killing and of bi-specific antibodies to link target cells to effector cells through the different Fc gamma R is discussed. The results of these studies suggest that the ability of a given Fc gamma R to trigger killing is sometimes dependent on the type of Fc gamma R, but is also markedly influenced by the type of target cell and by the nature and state of activation of the effector cell.

Animals↗

Aromatic dienoyl tetramic acids. Novel antibacterial agents with activity against anaerobes and staphylococci.

Streptolydigin (1) and tirandamycin A (2) are typical members of the naturally occurring class of 3-dienoyl tetramic acids. These compounds, which possess potent antibacterial activity particularly against anaerobes, have been shown to inhibit bacterial RNA polymerase. In contrast, tenuazonic acid (5), which lacks a complex dioxabicyclononane moiety and diene chromophore present in 1 and 2, exhibits essentially no antimicrobial activity and has no effect on bacterial RNA polymerase, suggesting that one or both of these structural features may be critical for antibacterial activity. In this paper, we report on a novel series of synthetic dienoyl tetramic acids that lack a complex dioxabicyclononane unit. Several of these compounds, particularly 8T-W, exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes as well as staphylococci. We will discuss the structure-activity relationship for this series of compounds which, in contrast to their natural counterparts, do not inhibit significantly RNA polymerase. We will also discuss preliminary results on the biochemical and microbiological properties of this series of compounds, several of which moderately inhibit supercoiling by DNA gyrase isolated from E. coli H560, although this enzyme has not been established as their target in whole cells. Compound 8W, which is not cross-resistant with DNA gyrase subunit A or B inhibitors or tirandamycin, has also been demonstrated to be rapidly bactericidal.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Characteristics of HBsAg subtypes distribution in Beijing area.

This paper reports that 300 HBsAg positives were distributed in 262 families. 14 of the 262 families had two or more HBsAg positives. In the 14 families, 7 showed the same subtype HBsAg, probably due to HBV infection from family source. Another 7 families showed HBsAg of different subtypes, definitely due to infections from the community.

Adolescent↗

Monocyte superoxide secretion triggered by human IgA.

While there is much evidence for a key role of IgA in mucosal defence, its mode of action is incompletely understood. The finding of Fc receptors for IgA on various phagocytic cells has led to examination of the ability of IgA to mediate the protective functions of these cells. We studied the ability of human peripheral monocytes to secrete superoxide upon interaction with human IgA, IgG or IgM bound to a solid phase. Both secretory and serum IgA triggered the superoxide response, producing superoxide levels comparable to those induced by IgG, whereas IgM and mouse IgA were inactive. A combination of monomeric IgG and a monoclonal anti-IgG Fc receptor antibody inhibited superoxide secretion mediated through IgG but failed to block the IgA-triggered response, demonstrating that IgA was recognized through specific receptors. In addition IgA was capable of mediating phagocytosis when attached to erythrocytes.

Humans↗

Modulation of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte IgG Fc receptors and Fc receptor-mediated functions by IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids.

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) normally express two distinct types of IgG Fc gamma R, the 40-kDa Fc gamma R referred to as Fc gamma RII and the low affinity 50- to 70-kDa Fc gamma R designated Fc gamma RIII. A third type of Fc gamma R, the 72-kDa high affinity receptor known as Fc gamma RI, is also detectable on PMN that have been activated by IFN-gamma. Using mAb that discriminate among the three known types of Fc gamma R, we examined the effects of IFN-gamma and glucocorticoids on human PMN Fc gamma R expression. We also studied effects of IFN-gamma and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) of chicken erythrocytes and phagocytosis of IgG-coated ox RBC by human PMN. In 20 donors studied, we found that treatment of PMN with 400 U/ml IFN-gamma induced a 9- to 20-fold increase in the number of Fc gamma RI sites per cell, and DEX inhibited this induction of Fc gamma RI by 39 to 73%. Similarly, DEX significantly reduced the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC and phagocytosis. IFN-gamma had no effect on expression of Fc gamma RII or Fc gamma RIII. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII expression was unaltered by 24 h of treatment with DEX alone, but Fc gamma RIII expression was sometimes increased by about 20% on PMN cultured with DEX. Nevertheless, we found a small but significant inhibition of ADCC and phagocytosis by 200 nM DEX. Our results indicate that Fc gamma RI plays a major but not exclusive role in the regulation of ADCC and phagocytosis by IFN-gamma and DEX.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Asymmetric synthesis and properties of the enantiomers of the antibacterial agent 7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6- fluoro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride.

Compound 1 [7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-f luoro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride] is a potent member of the quinolonecarboxylic acid class of antibacterial agents and is currently undergoing clinical evaluation. We have developed efficient asymmetric syntheses of the enantiomers of this agent. The S-(+) enantiomer 1a is 1-2 log2 dilutions more active than the R-(-) enantiomer 1b against aerobic bacteria and 1-2 or more log2 dilutions more active against anaerobic bacteria in vitro. The enantiomer 1a shows significantly better in vivo activity in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa mouse protection model compared to racemic 1. Coupled with the improved solubility profile of 1a relative to racemic material, these features may be of practical significance from a clinical standpoint.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Design, synthesis, and properties of (4S)-7-(4-amino-2-substituted-pyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolone-3-carboxylic acids.

The quinolonecarboxylic acids constitute a class of extremely potent and orally active broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. These compounds have been shown to inhibit DNA gyrase, a key enzyme in bacterial DNA replication. The 7-(3-aminopyrrolidinyl)quinolone A-60969 (1) is a particularly potent member of this class and is currently undergoing clinical evaluation. We have studied a series of enantiomerically homogeneous (4S)-7-(4-amino-2-substituted-pyrrolidinyl)quinolones in an effort to utilize the 2-position of the pyrrolidine moiety to improve upon the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of this class of compounds while still maintaining potent antibacterial activity. We have found that the absolute stereochemistry at the 2-position of the pyrrolidine ring is critical to the maintenance of such activity. In this paper, we report the full details of the asymmetric synthesis and the in vitro and in vivo structure-activity relationships of this series of compounds as well as the physiochemical properties, such as water solubility and log P, associated with the structural modifications. We also discuss the pharmacokinetic properties of several of these compounds in mice and the pharmacokinetics of 59, which has the best overall properties of agents in this study, in dog.

Animals↗

Structure-activity relationships in quinolone antibacterials: design, synthesis and biological activities of novel isothiazoloquinolones.

Over the past years it was found that modification of the 3-carboxylic acid group of quinolones generally produced compounds with a substantial decrease in antibacterial activity. The 3-carboxylic acid moiety together with the 4-carbonyl function are believed to be the most structurally critical sites for this class of compounds to DNA gyrase. The authors have designed and synthesized a series of quinolone analogues in which the 3-carboxylic acid group has been modified. These compounds, 2,3,4,9-tetrahydroisothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline-3,4-diones, possess biological activities far superior to their parent counterparts. For example, the MICs (microgram/ml) for A-62824 (ciprofloxacin 3-carboxylic acid modified analogue) and ciprofloxacin against some organisms are as follows: S. aureus ATCC 6538P (0.02, 0.2); S. epidermidis 3519 (0.05, 0.2); E. coli Juhl (0.005, 0.01); P. aeruginosa A5007 (0.05, 0.1) and Acinetobacter sp. CMX 699 (0.05, 0.78). This investigation has produced the first successful modification of the 3-carboxylic acid group of quinolones resulting in a series of extremely potent antibacterials. The design and synthesis as well as the biological activities of these new derivatives are described.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function triggered through the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG.

While it is extensively documented that gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) is a potent stimulator of cells of the monocyte lineage, relatively little is known about its effects on granulocytes. We and others have found that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) is significantly enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion by 16 hours incubation with recombinant IFN-gamma, resulting in 2- to 16-fold increases in ADCC. Incubation of PMN with lipopolysaccharide for 16 hours did not augment ADCC. Since IFN-gamma enhancement of ADCC is accompanied by increased expression of Fc receptors, we used monoclonal antibodies to compare control and IFN-gamma treated PMN for expression of the high affinity Fc receptor for monomeric IgG1 (FcgRI) and the PMN receptor for polymeric IgG (FcgR1o). Freshly isolated PMN or PMN cultured without IFN-gamma expressed FcgR1o but not detectable quantities of FcgRI. However, while FcgR1o were not increased on IFN-gamma-treated PMN, these cells expressed moderate amounts of FcgRI. To determine whether FcgRI contributed to PMN function, heteroantibodies consisting of Fab 3G8 or Fab 32 linked to Fab anti-target antibody were produced. ADCC of untreated PMN was promoted only by Fab 3G8 heteroantibody, whereas IFN-gamma-treated PMN killed through both FAB 3G8 and Fab 32 heteroantibodies. Thus, FcgRI can be induced on PMN by IFN-gamma, can mediate cytotoxicity by these cells, and probably accounts for the IFN-gamma stimulation of ADCC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Experimental and computational techniques for beta-particle dosimetry.

This paper reports the experimental and the computational techniques that were specifically developed to provide dose response data for a new method of beta dosimetry, which is reported in an accompanying article (Sh87). The specific experimental techniques consist of setting up, calibrating and obtaining backscattering and resolution corrections for a plastic-scintillator-based beta spectrometer. The computation techniques involve (1) adapting a Monte Carlo electron transport computer code to use measured beta energy distributions as input data and (2) using the code to calculate the energy deposition of these distributions of electrons in a slab of material. The energy deposition of backscattered electrons incident on the slab is also taken into account. Codes, which were developed to calculate the energy deposited by photons in LiF, are used to derive a theoretical value for the TLD response calibration factor. This factor compares well to the experimentally derived result which was obtained by exposing TLDs to a calibrated 137Cs/137mBa photon source.

Algorithms↗

An optimized computational method for determining the beta dose distribution using a multiple-element thermoluminescent dosimeter system.

This paper describes an optimization method for determining the beta dose distribution in tissue, and it describes the associated testing and verification. The method uses electron transport theory and optimization techniques to analyze the responses of a three-element thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) system. Specifically, the method determines the effective beta energy distribution incident on the dosimeter system, and thus the system performs as a beta spectrometer. Electron transport theory provides the mathematical model for performing the optimization calculation. In this calculation, parameters are determined that produce calculated doses for each of the chip/absorber components in the three-element TLD system. The resulting optimized parameters describe an effective incident beta distribution. This method can be used to determine the beta dose specifically at 7 mg X cm-2 or at any depth of interest. The doses at 7 mg X cm-2 in tissue determined by this method are compared to those experimentally determined using an extrapolation chamber. For a great variety of pure beta sources having different incident beta energy distributions, good agreement is found. The results are also compared to those produced by a commonly used empirical algorithm. Although the optimization method produces somewhat better results, the advantage of the optimization method is that its performance is not sensitive to the specific method of calibration.

Algorithms↗

Heteroantibody-mediated cytotoxicity: antibody to the high affinity Fc receptor for IgG mediates cytotoxicity by human monocytes that is enhanced by interferon-gamma and is not blocked by human IgG.

An IgG1 monoclonal antibody, 32.2, raised against the 72,000 dalton monocyte high affinity Fc receptor, was used to examine the role of this receptor in ADCC. This antibody did not inhibit the binding of human IgG1 to monocytes or to the U937 cell line, nor did it block or stimulate their killing of IgG-coated chicken erythrocytes (CE). Whole 32.2 or its Fab fragments were cross-linked to Fab fragments of rabbit anti-CE by using the agent SPDP. The resulting heteroantibodies (32.2 X Fab anti-CE) mediated monocyte and U937 cytotoxicity against CE, whereas an anti-HLA X anti-CE reagent did not. Both FcR expression and heteroantibody-mediated cytotoxicity were increased by culturing monocytes or U937 with IFN-gamma. Although IgG-mediated ADCC was significantly inhibited by 40 micrograms/ml human IgG1, cytotoxicity mediated by 32.2 X Fab anti-CE was not blocked by 2 mg/ml human IgG1, suggesting that such cytotoxicity might not be blocked by IgG in vivo. These data indicate the potential of 32.2 heteroantibodies in analysis of FcR function and in therapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

IgA-mediated effector function of HL-60 cells following treatment with calcitriol.

When cells of the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia line are cultured with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) they acquire a more highly differentiated, myelomonocytic phenotype. It was observed that the ability to ingest IgA-coated erythrocytes and to bind soluble dimeric IgA accompanied this maturation. Phagocytosis of IgA-coated erythrocytes was greater than 50% inhibited by 0.8 mg/ml free IgA, and not by IgG or IgM. Similarly, binding of dimeric IgA was not blocked by a 100-fold excess of IgG, IgM or IgE. Both IgA-mediated phagocytosis and IgA binding became apparent after two days of culture with calcitriol and increased with time in culture. The induction of functional IgA receptors was evident with 10(-11) M calcitriol and maximal levels of IgA binding and of numbers of cells capable of IgA mediated phagocytosis were induced by 10(-8)-10(-9) M calcitriol. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, which binds 100-1000-fold less avidly to the cytoplasmic D3 receptor than calcitriol, did not induce functional IgA receptors unless concns of 10(-7) M were used. Other compounds which induce differentiation of HL-60 cells, including retinoic acid and DMSO, produced similar results to calcitriol, whereas cells treated with gamma interferon expressed lower levels of IgA binding and did not ingest IgA-coated targets, suggesting that a critical density of IgA receptors must be reached to enable phagocytosis and/or that other cell activational events are required for IgA receptors to mediate killing. This model may provide useful insight into the function and regulation of IgA receptors on cells of the myeloid series.

Antigens, CD↗

Gamma interferon and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 cooperate in the induction of monocytoid differentiation but not in the functional activation of the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line.

The physiological agents gamma interferon and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) are both potent inducers of monocytoid differentiation in the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line. However, the populations resulting from treatment with either inducer have differing properties, suggesting that these agents do not have identical modes of action. In this study we have compared the effects of gamma interferon (IFN gamma) and calcitriol and examined the effect of exposing HL-60 cells to both compounds simultaneously. In addition, we have examined the effects of inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis on induction of cell surface antigens in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of action of these compounds. We found that combining IFN gamma and calcitriol resulted in greater monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells than did either compound alone. In addition, a monocyte-associated cell surface antigen, My23, and class-I HLA antigen were induced by both agents in at least an additive manner. In contrast, combined treatment with both compounds did not augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) any better than did IFN gamma alone, but it did cause a decrease in the density of receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin. In studies examining the effects of IFN gamma and calcitriol on the cloning potential of HL-60 cells, we found that incubation of cells with either compound alone significantly reduced the number of HL-60 colonies, and both compounds added together caused an almost total elimination of colony-forming cells. Inhibition of RNA synthesis with alpha amanitin had no effect on the action of IFN gamma on cell surface HLA, but did block the induction of My23 antigen, suggesting that the mechanism of HLA induction may involve posttranscriptional phenomena. RNA-synthesis blockade inhibited the ability of calcitriol to induce My23. These studies demonstrate that multiple and separable events accompany the monocytoid differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by different chemical mediators and that different intracellular pathways may be involved.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗