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Biomedical subjects

M E Bolander

Publications and source records attributed to M E Bolander.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Type X collagen in fracture callus and the effects of experimental diabetes.

Studies of fracture repair in diabetes have shown decreased mechanical strength and total collagen in the callus. Type I and Type II collagen are synthesized by bone and cartilage cells, respectively, while Type X collagen is synthesized by hypertrophic chondrocytes in endochondral ossification. A standardized fracture model was chosen to investigate extracellular matrix changes during fracture healing of normal and diabetic rats. Histological examination of the fracture callus in both normal and diabetic animals showed progression from a fibrous tissue to cartilage to bone. An antiserum to Type X collagen was prepared, and immunostaining was observed in the matrix surrounding the hypertrophic chondrocytes. Fracture calluses from streptozotocin induced diabetic rats had similar histology and immunostaining to controls. Radiolabelled proteins were extracted from the calluses of normal and diabetic rats to measure Type X collagen. Type X collagen expression in the fracture callus of normal rats reached a maximum at day fourteen and was decreased by between 54% and 70% in the fracture callus of diabetic rats. The decrease in Type X collagen synthesis may have a role in the defect of fracture healing in diabetes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fate of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) wear debris in patients with hip implants.

The process of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) breakdown, started at the articular surface of the cup, continues in small fragments after generation. An assiduous interaction between the UHMW-PE particles and the host cells leads to oxidative changes of the UHMW-PE and to size reduction of the particles simultaneous with transporting them toward, and finally by, lymphatic or blood vessels. The particles are mobilized by means of enzymatic, extracellular matrix-degrading activity of cells that have phagocytosed them or adhered to them. Together, these characteristics indicate an attempt by the natural cellular immunity system to eliminate the implant wear debris. Macrophages are the main effector cells acting as scavengers; however, excessive amount of the wear debris evokes phagocytic activity of cells other than macrophages as well.

Alloys↗

Restriction-site PCR: a direct method of unknown sequence retrieval adjacent to a known locus by using universal primers.

Fast acquisition of unknown nucleotide sequences around a known sequence has important implication in molecular biology, especially in genome mapping. We have developed a method, termed restriction site polymerase chain reaction (RS-PCR), that utilizes specially designed primers that recognize, anneal, and sustain PCR. These primers, termed restriction site oligonucleotides (oligonucleotide primers specific for a given restriction enzyme recognition sequence or RSOs), could be generated corresponding to any restriction enzyme irrespective of the length of the recognition site and used as PCR primers corresponding to the unknown region of a DNA segment. In this method a first round of PCR is carried out in different tubes with a set of RSOs and a primer specific to the known region. A second round of PCR is then performed on the products of the first PCR with the same RSOs and another specific primer internal to the first one. Subsequently, the products of the last round of PCR are transcribed with an appropriate RNA polymerase and sequenced with a reverse transcriptase with an end-labeled specific primer internal to the second specific PCR primer. To demonstrate the applicability of RS-PCR in retrieving unknown sequences around a known sequence, we have used a set of four RSOs and three specific primers representing the known sequence and have successfully obtained hitherto unknown factor IX sequences (12 of 12 times) from three species starting from genomic DNA. The sequences obtained indicate the presence of a conserved stretch of 20 nucleotides in the 3' noncoding region of the factor IX gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Gene identification by arrested primer extension.

This paper reports a novel method for the identification of nucleic acid target sequences when these targets have high sequence identity. Homologous genes are currently identified by sequencing. We hypothesize that by primer extension in the presence of selected nucleotides, genes with similar sequence can be identified by the length of the extension products on gel electrophoresis. This simple procedure eliminates the much-demanding process of sequencing. We term this process Arrested Primer Extension (APE). As a demonstration of the feasibility of this method, we have used APE to speciate a known set of cultured mycobacteria. There should be many other applications of this method.

Base Sequence↗

Improved design of riboprobes from pBluescript and related vectors for in situ hybridization.

The pBluescript family of plasmids and phagemids are sophisticated multi-purpose cloning vectors that allow convenient production of single-stranded sense and anti-sense RNA probes corresponding to DNA sequences inserted into a large multiple cloning site array. We have observed that in many applications sense (control) probes generated from genes cloned into pBluescript II KS(-) give high background signals on in situ hybridization to human tissue sections. Our studies indicate that this spurious hybridization is due to sequences contained within both strands of the multiple cloning site between the SmaI and SacI sites that are similar to human 28S rRNA. This information is useful in construct design in order to minimize nonspecific background problems, as demonstrated by in situ hybridization of sense and anti-sense probes corresponding to a portion of human stromelysin-3 to sections of human lung carcinoma.

Base Sequence↗

Transforming growth factor beta 1 stimulates type II collagen expression in cultured periosteum-derived cells.

Chondrogenesis can occur during a bone repair process, which is related to several growth factors. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) downregulates the expression of type II collagen by chondrocytes in vitro, but injection of TGF-beta 1 into the periosteum in vivo increases type II collagen mRNA levels and initiates chondrogenesis. We examined the effect of TGF-beta 1 on collagen gene expression in a bovine periosteum-derived cell culture system to evaluate its direct effect on the periosteum. Cultured cells expressed alkaline phosphatase and collagen pro alpha 1(I) and pro alpha 1(II) mRNAs. A low level of type II collagen synthesis was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. TGF-beta 1 had no effect on periosteal cell proliferation. Expression of collagen pro alpha 1(I) mRNA did not change with TGF-beta 1 treatment, but alkaline phosphatase mRNA showed a dose-dependent decrease. Expression of collagen pro alpha 1(II) mRNA was stimulated 2.7-fold by TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 also caused a 2.6-fold increase in type II collagen synthesis by immunoprecipitation. These findings indicate that TGF-beta 1 is an enhancer of the expression of the chondrocyte phenotype of the periosteal cells and suggest that TGF-beta 1 is important in initiating and promoting cartilage formation in vivo.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Genetic expression of extracellular matrix proteins correlates with histologic changes during fracture repair.

We characterized gene expression in the reparative callus that formed after fracture of the rat femur. The callus was divided into regions of bone formation (hard callus) and cartilage formation (soft callus), and gene expression was examined separately in each region. Expression of extracellular matrix protein genes varied with the progression of repair and differed between hard and soft calluses. Messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) for osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, and type I procollagen were detected in the hard callus at maximal levels during endochondral ossification and bone remodeling (day 15) and at 50% maximal levels during intramembranous bone formation (day 7). Messenger RNAs for these proteins in the soft callus were detected at low levels during chondrogenesis (day 9) but increased to 80% of maximal levels with chondrocyte hypertrophy and mineralization of the cartilage matrix (day 13). Messenger RNAs for type II procollagen and proteoglycan core protein were detected at maximal levels in the soft callus during chondrogenesis (day 9). Osteocalcin gene expression was detected in the hard callus during endochondral ossification and remodeling but not during intramembranous bone formation or at any time in the soft callus. Osteonectin mRNA was detected in both the hard and soft callus throughout the entire course of fracture repair. Expression of cartilage and bone-related genes correlated with the temporal sequence of histologic changes, suggesting transcriptional regulation of gene expression during repair. Differences in gene expression between hard and soft callus and in each of these regions as repair progressed suggest local regulation of gene expression during cell differentiation and matrix synthesis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Regulation of fracture repair by growth factors.

Fractured bones heal by a cascade of cellular events in which mesenchymal cells respond to unknown regulators by proliferating, differentiating, and synthesizing extracellular matrix. Current concepts suggest that growth factors may regulate different steps in this cascade (10). Recent studies suggest regulatory roles for PDGF, aFGF, bFGF, and TGF-beta in the initiation and the development of the fracture callus. Fracture healing begins immediately following injury, when growth factors, including TGF-beta 1 and PDGF, are released into the fracture hematoma by platelets and inflammatory cells. TGF-beta 1 and FGF are synthesized by osteoblasts and chondrocytes throughout the healing process. TGF-beta 1 and PDGF appear to have an influence on the initiation of fracture repair and the formation of cartilage and intramembranous bone in the initiation of callus formation. Acidic FGF is synthesized by chondrocytes, chondrocyte precursors, and macrophages. It appears to stimulate the proliferation of immature chondrocytes or precursors, and indirectly regulates chondrocyte maturation and the expression of the cartilage matrix. Presumably, growth factors in the callus at later times regulate additional steps in repair of the bone after fracture. These studies suggest that growth factors are central regulators of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix synthesis during fracture repair. Abnormal growth factor expression has been implicated as causing impaired or abnormal healing in other tissues, suggesting that altered growth factor expression also may be responsible for abnormal or delayed fracture repair. As a complete understanding of fracture-healing regulation evolves, we expect new insights into the etiology of abnormal or delayed fracture healing, and possibly new therapies for these difficult clinical problems.

Animals↗

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) injection stimulates cartilage enlargement and inhibits cartilage gene expression in rat fracture healing.

The effect of the administration of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) on normal fracture healing was examined in a rat fracture model. One microgram of aFGF was injected into the fracture site between the first and the ninth day after fracture either every other day or every day. aFGF-injected calluses were significantly larger than control calluses, although this does not imply an increased mechanical strength of the callus. Histology showed a marked increase in the size of the cartilaginous soft callus. Total DNA and collagen content in the cartilaginous portion of the aFGF-injected calluses were greater than those of controls, although the collagen content/DNA content ratio was not different between the aFGF-injected and control calluses. Fracture calluses injected with aFGF remained larger than controls until 4 weeks after fracture. The enlarged cartilaginous portion of the aFGF-injected calluses seen at 10 days after fracture was replaced by trabecular bone at 3 and 4 weeks. Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA extracted separately from the cartilaginous soft callus and the bony hard callus showed decreased expression of type II procollagen and proteoglycan core protein mRNA in the aFGF-injected calluses when compared with controls. A slight decrease in types I and III procollagen mRNA expression was also observed. We concluded that aFGF injections induced cartilage enlargement and decreased mRNA expression for type II procollagen and proteoglycan core protein.

Animals↗

The use of polymerase chain reaction generated nucleotide sequences as probes for hybridization.

In this report a rapid, simple and economical means of preparing a cDNA probe of specified length, sequence and specific activity is described. The process involves the use of a polymerase chain reaction to incorporate radiolabelled nucleotides into a single stranded or double stranded cDNA sequence. A pair of oligonucleotide primers are synthesized, flanking the sense and antisense strands of a selected sequence. The primers are then used with a cloned DNA fragment or a cellular source of RNA or DNA as a template to amplify the specific gene sequence. The sequence to be used as a probe is selected from the known sequence using free energy calculations of the secondary structure. The calculation of free energy predicts regions of stable secondary structure which may hinder transcription and thus are to be avoided. By selecting the distance between primers the probe length can be controlled to allow adequate probe permeability into tissue samples. The specific region of the gene sequence can be chosen to differentiate between closely related sequences by avoiding areas of homology. Altering the concentration of a radiolabelled nucleotide allows direct control of probe specific activity. The use of asymmetric PCR allows the preferential generation of an antisense single stranded cDNA sequence for a higher sensitivity in the detection of low abundance mRNA. This report highlights the advantage of this technique in generating probes for in situ hybridization. However, any technique that relies on homology for detection of sequences, such as Northern and Southern blotting could also utilize this technique.

Animals↗

Transforming growth factor-beta and the initiation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the rat femur.

We have investigated the ability of exogenous transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) to induce osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, critical events in both bone formation and fracture healing. Daily injections of TGF-beta 1 or 2 into the subperiosteal region of newborn rat femurs resulted in localized intramembranous bone formation and chondrogenesis. After cessation of the injections, endochondral ossification occurred, resulting in replacement of cartilage with bone. Gene expression of type II collagen and immunolocalization of types I and II collagen were detected within the TGF-beta-induced cartilage and bone. Moreover, injection of TGF-beta 2 stimulated synthesis of TGF-beta 1 in chondrocytes and osteoblasts within the newly induced bone and cartilage, suggesting positive autoregulation of TGF-beta. TGF-beta 2 was more active in vivo than TGF-beta 1, stimulating formation of a mass that was on the average 375% larger at a comparable dose (p less than 0.001). With either TGF-beta isoform, the dose of the growth factor determined which type of tissue formed, so that the ratio of cartilage formation to intramembranous bone formation decreased as the dose was lowered. For TGF-beta 1, reducing the daily dose from 200 to 20 ng decreased the cartilage/intramembranous bone formation ratio from 3.57 to zero (p less than 0.001). With TGF-beta 2, the same dose change decreased the ratio from 3.71 to 0.28 (p less than 0.001). These data demonstrate that mesenchymal precursor cells in the periosteum are stimulated by TGF-beta to proliferate and differentiate, as occurs in embryologic bone formation and early fracture healing.

Animals↗

Detection and measurement of simulated early rheumatoid lesions of the hand using digital subtraction radiography.

The ability of digital subtraction radiography, a new technique to detect and quantify small bone lesions, is demonstrated. Discrete lesions in the metacarpals of cadaver hands simulated erosive bone loss. Radiographs made before and after removal of bone were digitized and subtracted. Density changes on subtraction images were determined, and bone loss was estimated by an automatic procedure that compared changes in radiographic density with a calibration wedge included in the radiographs. Comparison of estimated bone loss with the weight of bone removed showed reproducible detection and measurement of bone lesions as small as 4.6 mg, a size undetectable using current radiographic methods. Subtraction radiographs of bone chips overlaid on the hand of a volunteer indicated detection limits were similar in vivo. This technique enhanced the radiographic visibility of erosive lesions and thus has the potential to improve the detection of subtle bone changes in clinical settings.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Transforming growth factor-beta in the regulation of fracture repair.

The complexity of the fracture repair process has been apparent to both clinicians and scientists since its first histologic description. How fracture repair is regulated, however, remains unclear. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), one member of a class of proteins known as growth factors, may be involved in the formation of bone and cartilage. Our experimental findings implicate TGF-beta as an important regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Further elucidation of how TGF-beta regulates bone physiology is necessary to improve therapy in pathologic conditions.

Animals↗