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Biomedical subjects

M Conti

Publications and source records attributed to M Conti.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Chromosomal localization of the human and rat genes (PDE4D and PDE4B) encoding the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases 3 and 4.

Through the use of somatic cell hybrids segregating either human or rat chromosomes, we determined the chromosome localizations of two genes encoding cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases (cAMP-PDEs). PDE4D, the gene encoding the cAMP-PDE isoform 3 (IVd), was assigned to human chromosome 5 and rat chromosome 2, and PDE4B, the gene encoding the cAMP-PDE isoform 4 (IVb), was assigned to human chromosome 1 and rat chromosome 5. These localizations extend the homology between rat chromosome 2 and human chromosome 5, on the one hand, and between rat chromosome 5 and human chromosome 1, on the other hand.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1995

Stage and cell-specific expression of the adenosine 3',5' monophosphate-phosphodiesterase genes in the rat seminiferous epithelium.

Four genes (ratPDE1/IVc, ratPDE2/IVa, ratPDE3/IVd, and ratPDE4/IVb) encoding different isoforms of phosphodiesterase that specifically hydrolyze the second messenger cAMP (cAMP-PDEs) are present in the rat. Previous data from our laboratory indicated that these genes are differentially expressed in the somatic and germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. To further characterize their spatial and temporal expression in the seminiferous tubules, in situ hybridization was used to monitor the expression of the four cAMP-PDE messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The signals corresponding to ratPDE1/IVc and ratPDE2IVa mRNAs were localized in two restricted layers of the seminiferous epithelium. The ratPDE1/IVc mRNA was present in a region of the epithelium corresponding to the location of middle-late pachytene spermatocytes. Conversely, the ratPDE2/IVa signal was confined to a more adluminal area corresponding to the location of maturing round spermatids. The ratPDE3/IVd and ratPDE4/IVb mRNAs were distributed throughout the span of the seminiferous epithelium, indicating a localization in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. Although the intensity of the signal corresponding to ratPDE4/IVb was similar in all seminiferous tubule stages, the ratPDE3/IVd signal varied in intensity in tubules at different stages of the seminiferous cycle. Maximal expression was present in tubules at stages I-V and XI-XIII of the cycle and minimal at stages VIII-IX of the cycle. The expression of the ratPDE3/IVd mRNA positively correlated with the ability of specific inhibitors of the cAMP-PDEs to potentiate the FSH-dependent cAMP accumulation in tubules at different stages of the seminiferous cycle, with maximal potentiation observed at stages II-VI of the cycle. These data demonstrate that different cAMP-PDE genes are active in different cells of the seminiferous tubules and that the ratPDE3/IVd gene is expressed in the Sertoli cell in a cyclical fashion during the seminiferous cycle.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1995

Activation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in FRTL-5 thyroid cells expressing a constitutively active Gs alpha.

The expression of a constitutively activated Gs alpha protein in the rat thyroid cell line FRTL-5 causes an increase in the hormone-independent adenylyl cyclase activity and promotes TSH-independent growth of the cells. In spite of the constitutive activation of the adenylyl cyclase, the basal cAMP levels in these cells are only marginally increased. To define the role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in the genesis of this phenotype, cyclic nucleotide hydrolysis was determined in two cell lines expressing a mutated Gs alpha (Q227L). In these cells, the hydrolysis of both cAMP and cGMP was markedly increased in comparison with normal cells. This increase is the result of the activation of different forms of PDEs. Analysis of the cGMP hydrolysis and Ca++/calmodulin stimulation of the PDE activity indicated that the activity of a Ca++/calmodulin-stimulated PDE is increased in both cell lines. In addition, an increase in high-affinity, rolipram-sensitive cAMP-PDE activity was associated in both cell lines with the appearance of a 67-68 kilodalton (kDa) protein that cross-reacts with two antibodies against cAMP-PDEs. This form had the properties of ratPDE3.2/PDE4D2, a cAMP-PDE that is inducible by TSH in wild type cells. That an increase in cAMP-specific, rolipram-sensitive PDE plays a role in the phenotype induced by Q227L Gs alpha was confirmed by measurements of the mitogenic activity. Incubation with rolipram, which had no effect on wild type cells, caused an increase in cAMP levels and further stimulated TSH-independent proliferation in both cell lines carrying the mutation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1995

A novel insulin secretagogue is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

The arylpiperazine L-686,398 was described as an oral hypoglycemic agent and is shown to be an insulin secretagogue in vitro. The characteristics of its activity were similar to those of the incretin glucagon-like peptide I (GLP-I). We demonstrate that both the peptide and L-686,398 increase the accumulation of cAMP in isolated ob/ob mouse pancreatic islet cells, but by different mechanisms. Although GLP-I activates adenylate cyclase, the arylpiperazine has no effect on this enzyme or on the binding of 125I-labeled GLP-I to its receptor on RINm5F rat insulinoma cell membranes. However, L-686,398 inhibits the total cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in homogenates of ob/ob mouse pancreatic islets with an EC50 of approximately 50 mumol/l. To determine the mechanism of PDE inhibition by the arylpiperazine and to examine its specificity, we studied the kinetics of arylpiperazine inhibition of two recombinant PDEs. The arylpiperazine is a competitive inhibitor of both a human heart type III PDE and a rat type IV-D PDE. Inhibition of the type III and IV isozymes are characterized by Ki values of 27 and 5 mumol/l, respectively. Although not extremely potent, the arylpiperazine does exhibit modest selectivity between these PDEs. The observation that L-686,398 acts as a PDE inhibitor suggests that exploration for beta-cell-specific PDE isoforms may reveal novel PDEs as targets for the development of therapeutically useful glucose-dependent insulin secretagogues.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Activation and selective inhibition of a cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase, PDE-4D3.

Prostaglandin E2 produces a transient increase in the intracellular concentration of cAMP in a human promonocytic cell line (U937). The temporal pattern consists of a rapid increase followed by a gradual decline to a new steady state. The decline phase coincides with an increase in the activity of a high affinity form of cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE). Immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies revealed that the activated enzyme is a variant of PDE-4D. To confirm this observation, three isoforms of human PDE-4 (A, B, and D) were cloned and expressed in Sf9 cells with recombinant baculovirus infection. The activity of only one of the isoforms (PDE-4D3) increased after incubation with the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and Mg-ATP. Hydrolytic activity of human PDE-4D3 was dependent on Mg2+. Before phosphorylation, the concentration-response curve for Mg2+ was biphasic and ranged from 0.1 to 100 mM. Phosphorylation of PDE-4D3 by protein kinase A produced a monophasic Mg2+ response curve (0.5 Vmax = 0.2 mM). Phosphorylation of PDE-4D3 increased the sensitivity of the enzyme to inhibition by RS-25344 (approximately 100-fold) and RS-33793 (approximately 330-fold). Thus, phosphorylation of PDE-4D3 induces an apparent conformation change that increases maximum velocity and sensitivity to inhibition by some analogues of nitraquazone. These observations provide the basis for a novel pharmacological strategy that targets an activated form of PDE in human leukocytes. Selective PDE-4D3 inhibitors may have useful anti-inflammatory properties with fewer adverse side effects than other PDE-4 inhibitors.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1995

[Spontaneous transmural rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome)].

A case is presented of spontaneous transmural rupture of the lower third of the esophagus, penetrating the left pleural space. The patient underwent repair under 7 hours by combined approach (laparotomy and left thoracotomy). High mortality and morbidity of Boerhaave's syndrome can be lowered by prompt and careful evaluation of symptoms and radiological signs, so avoiding incorrect or late diagnosis. Results appear to be related more to the time interval between perforation and operation than to the specific technique used.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Spontaneous involution of optic pathway lesions in neurofibromatosis type 1: serial contrast MR evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate with contrast MR the evolution in size, signal, and contrast enhancement of optic pathway lesions in four patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. METHODS: The four reported patients are children with ages ranging from 21 months to 13 years affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway lesions. No treatment of the optic pathway lesions was carried out in these patients. They have been followed by serial contrast MR. RESULTS: In all patients a change in size, signal, and enhancement of optic pathways lesions was noted with time, and in the last follow-up study a marked reduction in size and enhancement of optic pathway lesions was observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Modification and regression of optic pathway lesions with spontaneous disappearance of the enhancement is demonstrated. This finding could have a crucial influence on the therapeutic approach of the optic pathway lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The ratPDE3/IVd phosphodiesterase gene codes for multiple proteins differentially activated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Several mRNAs coding for a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (ratPDE3/IVd) with divergent 5' regions have been detected in mammalian cells. To determine the physiological significance of these differences, the expression of these mRNAs and the properties of the corresponding proteins were investigated. At least three mRNA species derived from the ratPDE3/IVd gene (ratPDE3.1, ratPDE3.2, and ratPDE3.3 mRNAs) are present in Sertoli and thyroid cells and in brain. Expression of ratPDE3.1 and ratPDE3.2 but not ratPDE3.3 mRNAs was dependent on hormone stimulation. The ratPDE3.2 and ratPDE3.3 mRNA variants were translated into polypeptides with immunochemical and biochemical properties identical to the native cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) found in the Sertoli cell and thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Incubation of the recombinant PDEs with the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase in a cell-free system caused the phosphorylation and activation of the ratPDE3.3 protein variant. Under the same experimental conditions, ratPDE3.1 and ratPDE3.2 protein variants were neither phosphorylated nor activated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Similar results were obtained by stimulating cells expressing the three recombinant PDE variants with dibutyryl cAMP. These findings demonstrate that the ratPDE3/IVd gene codes for PDE forms subject to different regulations.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1994

The short-term activation of a rolipram-sensitive, cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase by thyroid-stimulating hormone in thyroid FRTL-5 cells is mediated by a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.

To elucidate the mechanism causing the transient accumulation of intracellular cAMP in the FRTL-5 thyroid cell line, the short-term effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity was studied. Together with an increase in cAMP levels, TSH produced a significant increase in total PDE activity as early as 3 min, with a maximal stimulation reached after 15 min. This short-term increase in PDE activity was dependent on the TSH concentration (ED50 = 4 x 10(-11) M TSH). Forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP produced an even larger stimulation than that produced by TSH, suggesting that the effect of TSH is mediated by cAMP. To determine the properties of the PDE forms activated by TSH, antibodies specific for the cAMP-PDEs were used to immunoprecipitate the PDEs present in control cells, and cells incubated for 15 min in the presence of 10 nM TSH. Comparison of the activity recovered in the immunoprecipitation pellets demonstrated that TSH produced more than a 2.5-fold increase in the cAMP-PDE form(s) recognized by this antibody. Conversely, the activity remaining in the supernatants was not affected by the TSH treatment. Most of the activity recovered in the immunoprecipitation pellets (90%) was inhibited by 10 microM Rolipram, an inhibitor specific for the high affinity cAMP-PDEs. No TSH stimulation of the Rolipram-insensitive PDE activity could be observed under these conditions. Western blot analyses with two different cAMP-PDE specific antibodies showed that a 15-min stimulation with TSH induced the appearance of a new band with electrophoretic mobility slower than the polypeptide present in unstimulated cells. The appearance of this band did not require ongoing protein synthesis because it occurred in the presence of cycloheximide. Metabolic [32P]orthophosphate labeling of intact FRTL-5 cells indicated that the TSH treatment caused an increased 32P incorporation into a polypeptide that co-purified with the stimulated PDE activity and had an electrophoretic mobility identical to that of the cAMP-PDE. Okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 and protein phosphatase 2A, elicited a potentiation of the TSH-stimulated PDE activity. The stimulating of a PDE with the same immunological properties and Rolipram sensitivity as the cAMP-PDE stimulated by TSH in the intact cells was reproduced, in a cell-free system, by incubating soluble extracts from FRTL-5 cells with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These data provide evidence that TSH produces a rapid activation of a cAMP-PDE in the FRTL-5 cells through a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1994

Structure of two rat genes coding for closely related rolipram-sensitive cAMP phosphodiesterases. Multiple mRNA variants originate from alternative splicing and multiple start sites.

The products of two phosphodiesterase (PDE) genes (ratPDE3/IVd and ratPDE4/IVb) are present in the rat Sertoli cell in culture, and their expression is under the control of the gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (Swinnen, J.V., Tsikalas, K.E., and Conti, M. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 18370-18377). To understand the basis of the sequence heterogeneity found in the 5'-region of the different cDNAs thus far characterized, the structure of the coding region of these two cAMP PDE genes was investigated. Analysis of five ratPDE3/IVd and ratPDE4/IVb genomic clones showed that the coding region of these genes expressed in the Sertoli cell is divided into 11 exons distributed over 35-45 kilobases of genomic DNA. The intron/exon boundaries agreed, with some exceptions, with the established consensus sequences and were located in the same position in the coding region of the two genes. Also present were similarities to the exon composition of the Drosophila melanogaster "dunce" gene, the ancestor of these mammalian cAMP PDEs. Multiple AUG codons and short open reading frames were present at the 5'-untranslated end of the ratPDE4/IVb mRNA, but not in the ratPDE3 mRNA. By using polymerase chain reaction amplification or Northern analysis, it was determined that at least two forms of ratPDE3/IVd mRNA are present in rat Sertoli and FRTL-5 thyroid cells, but not in the brain. These mRNA variants are generated by inclusion or removal of an intron sequence that produces a frameshift affecting the position of the initiation AUG codon. Both mRNA species were efficiently translated into cAMP PDE proteins with different molecular masses in a transient transfection assay in COS cells. Polymerase chain reaction amplification demonstrated that heterogeneity of ratPDE4/IVb mRNAs was present in the same location as in the ratPDE3/IVd mRNA. Two ratPDE4/IVb mRNAs with different 5'-ends were expressed in Sertoli and FRTL-5 cells and in the brain. This heterogeneity is caused by the presence of an intron promoter that controls the transcription of this mRNA in Sertoli and FRTL-5 cells, but not in the brain. Upstream exons and additional promoters are probably present and necessary to generate the brain-specific mRNAs. These findings demonstrate that the cAMP-specific PDE genes have complex structure and that cAMP PDE proteins with different amino termini are derived from these genes.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1994

Periodic fluctuations in proliferation of SV-40 transformed human skin fibroblast lines with prolonged lifespan.

A human fibroblastic cell line transformed by the SV40-T antigen sequence and continuously cultured for 7 months displayed large periodic variations in cell proliferation. This contrasted with other characteristics of this cell line that remained constant: mosaic cell shape, absence of cell contact inhibition, and predominance of a hypodiploid population. Similar fluctuations in proliferative capacity were also found during the long-term growth of a transformed but nonimmortalized human fibroblastic line prior to senescence, and in the established hamster fibroblastic Nil cell line. This growth pattern suggests a recurrent stimulation of growth in these three transformed cell lines. The proliferation pattern from cultured transformed cells may thus be complex and requires further investigation. These variations presumably influence major cell functions. This observation has important implications for the analysis of data from such cell lines.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Long latency evoked potentials in a case of corpus callosum agenesia.

Following monoaural stimulation, long latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) recorded from contralateral temporal areas have a shorter latency and larger amplitude than those recorded from the ipsilateral temporal areas. This observation agrees with the operational model drawn up in 1967 by Kimura, which assumes that only anatomically prevailing crossed auditory pathways are active during dichotic hearing, while direct pathways are inhibited. The inputs may then be conveyed to the contralateral cortex, from where they finally reach the ipsilateral temporal areas by means of interhemispheric commissures. It is this mechanism which may underline the right ear advantage for verbal stimuli and the left ear advantage for melodies observed when administering dichotic listening tasks. With the aim of verifying this hypothesis, we recorded temporal LLAEPs in a 21 year-old woman suffering from complex partial seizures, whose CT scan and MRI showed corpus callosum agenesia. Our data support the hypothesis that ipsilateral pathways are greatly inhibited by the contralateral pathways, and therefore auditory stimuli can be supposed to reach the contralateral auditory cortex from where they are transferred through the corpus callosum to the ipsilateral auditory cortex.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1994

Follicle-stimulating hormone regulation of AP-1: inhibition of c-jun and stimulation of jun-B gene transcription in the rat Sertoli cell.

The proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun and the related jun-B encode the components of transcription factor, AP-1, a heterodimeric DNA-binding protein that mediates hormone and growth factor-regulated gene expression. In the rat Sertoli cell, FSH rapidly inhibited c-jun gene expression while it stimulated c-fos and jun-B as well as the expression of the more slowly responding, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and inhibin alpha-subunit. These early effects of FSH were not inhibited by cycloheximide. Nuclear run-off analyses demonstrated that the FSH-dependent decline in c-jun and increases in c-fos, jun-B, tPA and inhibin alpha-subunit mRNAs were regulated at the transcriptional level. The rates of degradation of c-fos, c-jun and jun-B mRNAs were unaffected by FSH while tPA and inhibin alpha-subunit mRNAs were stabilized. After 8 h of FSH treatment, the transcription of all five genes returned to basal rates. These data demonstrate immediate-early regulation by FSH of the expression of genes encoding components of the transcription factor, AP-1.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Serum 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase levels and clinical response to interferon-beta therapy in women with genital human papillomavirus infection.

To investigate the activity of parenterally administered interferon-beta (IFN-beta) in women with genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, serum 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5'OAS), an enzyme induced by IFNs, was measured before, during, and after therapy. Serum levels of 2'-5'OAS significantly increased during therapy (P = .005). The patients classified as not responding to treatment at 3 months of follow-up had baseline levels of 2'-5'OAS significantly higher than those who responded to treatment (P = .0011). Differences between the IFN-beta-treated group and untreated controls appeared at day 6 (P = .0019). 2'-5'OAS is a useful parameter in monitoring parenterally administered IFN-beta. The data suggest that women with genital HPV infection and elevated baseline levels of 2'-5'OAS are unlikely to respond to therapy with IFN-beta.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1994

Abnormalities of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in psoriasis.

Contrasting data have been reported about cardiovascular diseases in psoriatic patients. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in psoriatic patients. For this purpose, in a first group of 48 patients, we measured blood coagulation and fibrinolysis inhibitors [antithrombin III (AT), protein C (PC) and alpha 2-antiplasmin (AP)], the products of thrombin and plasmin activity [fibrinopeptide A (FpA) and B beta(15-42) (B beta)], plasminogen (PLG) and fibrinogen (FBG). When all patients were considered we found a significant increase in B beta and FpA levels, while PC, PLG and AP values were significantly decreased when compared to controls. FBG and AT were not different from the controls. In order to understand whether the observed abnormalities of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis were related only to psoriasis we divided all the patients into two groups: (1) patients with cardiovascular disease or other risk factors (n = 28) and (2) patients affected only by psoriasis (n = 20). Since no difference was observed between groups 1 and 2, we conclude that these findings are related to psoriasis. Subsequently we considered a different group of psoriatic patients. In these patients we measured FpA and two new thrombin activation indicators, such as prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). In addition we evaluated the levels of D-dimer, the product of the dissolution of cross-linking fibrin by plasmin. In this second group FpA, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimer were significantly higher than controls. Only TAT was not statistically different from those of the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antithrombin III↗
PubMed1994

Activation of inositol phospholipid turnover and calcium signaling in rat Sertoli cells by P2-purinergic receptors: modulation of follicle-stimulating hormone responses.

To study the role of extracellular nucleotides in the regulation of Sertoli cells, the effects of ATP and its analogs on the Ca(2+)-phospholipid- and cAMP-dependent pathways were tested. Cultured Sertoli cells from immature animals were incubated with ATP or structurally related compounds, and phosphoinositide (PI) turnover or cAMP accumulation was measured. Among the several nucleotide phosphate analogs tested, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) was the agonist most potent in stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation. The effects of purine nucleotides on PI turnover were time and concentration dependent. Because nonhydrolizable ATP analogs also stimulated PI turnover, ATP metabolites or metabolic products are not responsible for the observed stimulation. The order of potency of the different ATP analogs [adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) > ATP approximately equal to UTP > beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate, 2-methylthio-ATP > adenosine] was consistent with the presence of P2U receptors (nucleotide receptors) on the surface of the Sertoli cell. Augmented PI turnover was accompanied by a transient increase in Ca2+ concentration, measured in single Sertoli cells loaded with the intracellular Ca2+ indicator fura-2. When used alone, ATP and its analogs did not have a direct effect on cAMP levels in the Sertoli cell. However, ATP or its analogs inhibited FSH-dependent cAMP accumulation by more than 70%. Purine nucleotides also efficiently blocked the effects of FSH distal to cAMP accumulation, because extracellular ATP completely reversed the changes in Sertoli cell shape induced by FSH. The nucleotide-dependent inhibition of cAMP accumulation was blocked by pertussis toxin to a different degree depending on the purine or pirimidine nucleotide used. This indicated that more than one mechanism contributes to the purine nucleotide-dependent inhibition of cAMP accumulation. These data provide evidence that purine nucleotide receptors coupled to multiple pathways are present on the Sertoli cell in culture, and that extracellular ATP has profound biological effects on the FSH responsiveness of the Sertoli cell.

Adenosine↗