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Biomedical subjects

M J Karnovsky

Publications and source records attributed to M J Karnovsky.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Structural determinants of heparin's growth inhibitory activity. Interdependence of oligosaccharide size and charge.

The glycosaminoglycan heparin inhibits the growth of several cell types in vitro including smooth muscle cells and rat cervical epithelial cells. The commercially available heparin which has antiproliferative activity is a structurally heterogeneous polymer that undergoes extensive modifications during maturation. In this report we have performed structure-function studies on heparin's antiproliferative activity using three different cell types: both rat and calf vascular aortic smooth muscle cells and rat cervical epithelial cells. The minimal oligosaccharide size requirements for antiproliferative activity were determined for the three cell types by using oligosaccharide fragments of defined length prepared by nitrous acid cleavage and gel filtration and a synthetic pentasaccharide. The size requirements are similar but not identical for the different cell types. Hexasaccharide fragments are antiproliferative for all three cell types but the synthetic pentasaccharide inhibits the growth of only the rat and calf vascular aortic smooth muscle cells. The interdependence between size and charge for antiproliferative activity was investigated using chemically modified oligosaccharides as well as oligosaccharides prepared from heparin and separated into fractions of differing charge by ion-exchange chromatography. There is a strong interdependence between size and charge for antiproliferative activity. For example, increasing the charge of inactive tetrasaccharide fragments by O-oversulfation makes them antiproliferative whereas reducing the charge of active larger fragments causes them to loose their antiproliferative activity. Finally the importance of 2-O-sulfate glucuronic acid moieties for antiproliferative activity was investigated using heparin preparations that lack 2-O-sulfate glucuronic acid. These compounds possess antiproliferative activity indicating that 2-O-sulfate glucuronic acid is not required for antiproliferative activity.

Animals↗

Heparin suppresses the induction of c-fos and c-myc mRNA in murine fibroblasts by selective inhibition of a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

Heparin is a complex glycosaminoglycan that inhibits the proliferation of several cell types in culture and in vivo. To begin to define the mechanism(s) by which heparin exerts its antiproliferative effects, we asked whether heparin interferes with the expression of the growth factor-inducible protooncogenes c-fos and c-myc. We show that heparin suppressed the induction of c-fos and c-myc mRNA by serum in murine (BALB/c) 3T3 fibroblasts. Using purified mitogens, we further show that suppression was most marked when protooncogene expression was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. By contrast, there was little or no suppression when the cells were stimulated by epidermal growth factor, which, in these cells, utilizes a protein kinase C-independent pathway for the induction of gene expression. Heparin also inhibited the change in cell morphology induced by the phorbol ester but had no effect on the morphological change induced by epidermal growth factor and agents that raise intracellular cAMP. Heparin did not inhibit intracellular protein kinase C activity, phorbol ester-induced down-regulation of protein kinase C, or phosphorylation of the 80-kDa intracellular protein kinase C substrate. These results suggest that heparin inhibits a protein kinase C-dependent pathway for cell proliferation and suppresses the induction of c-fos and c-myc mRNA at a site distal to activation of the kinase.

Animals↗

Heparin selectively inhibits a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism of cell cycle progression in calf aortic smooth muscle cells.

The proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. Previous studies have indicated that the glycosaminoglycan heparin specifically inhibited the growth of vascular SMCs in vivo and in culture, although the precise mechanism(s) of action have not been elucidated. In this study, we have examined the ability of specific mitogens (PDGF, EGF, heparin-binding growth factors, phorbol esters, and insulin) to stimulate SMC proliferation. Our results indicate that SMCs derived from different species and vascular sources respond differently to these growth factors. We next examined the ability of heparin to inhibit the proliferative responses to these mitogens. In calf aortic SMCs, heparin inhibits a protein kinase C-dependent pathway for mitogenesis. Detailed cell cycle analysis revealed several new features of the effects of heparin on SMCs. For example, heparin has two effects on the Go----S transition: it delays entry into S phase and also reduces the number of cells entering the cycle from Go. Using two separate experimental approaches, we found that heparin must be present during the last 4 h before S phase, suggesting a mid-to-late G1 heparin block. In addition, our data indicate that heparin-treated SMCs, while initially blocked in mid-to-late G1, slowly move back into a quiescent growth state in the continued presence of heparin. These results suggest that heparin may have multiple targets for its antiproliferative effect.

Animals↗

Essential fatty acid deficiency during acute puromycin nephrosis ameliorates late renal injury.

Puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) nephrosis is associated with a significant increase in the glomerular macrophage number during peak proteinuria. The significance of this observation remains uncertain. An essential fatty acid-deficient (EFAD) diet depletes normal rat glomeruli of resident macrophages and alters glomerular eicosanoid metabolism. In this study, we found that an EFAD diet, administered only for the duration of the acute nephrotic phase, significantly ameliorated the recurrent albuminuria, renal dysfunction, and morphological injury characteristic of the late, recurrent phase of chronic aminonucleoside nephrosis. Glomerular macrophage number, isolated glomerular thromboxane B2 production, and circulating leukocyte and monocyte counts were significantly reduced in nephrotic rats on the EFAD diet 2 wk after PA injection, which temporally corresponds to peak albuminuria. The exact mechanism(s) by which the EFAD diet conferred protection in the late phase of chronic aminonucleoside nephrosis and lowered glomerular macrophage number during the acute nephrotic phase remain to be elucidated.

Acute Disease↗

Morphologic demonstration of adrenergic influences on the glomerulus.

Previous micropuncture studies found that increasing the adrenergic nerve activity to the kidneys elevates the pre- and postglomerular arteriolar resistances and decreases the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (product of the filtration surface area and the hydraulic conductivity to water). To define the morphologic expression of this adrenergic effect on the glomerular capillaries the authors compared the microscopic vascular casts of entire glomeruli from right and left kidneys that were simultaneously perfusion-fixed during selective stimulation of only the left renal nerves. The maximum cross-sectional diameter of ten randomly chosen glomeruli from each stimulated and contralateral kidneys of eight rats averaged 123.7 +/- 4.1 mu in stimulated kidneys compared with a maximum diameter of 136.3 +/- 6.4 in the contralateral kidneys (P less than 0.001). The average perpendicular diameter of 100.4 +/- 1.5 mu in the stimulated kidneys was also significantly smaller than the average diameter of 110.7 +/- 1.9 mu in the contralateral kidneys (P less than 0.005). To examine if morphologic changes analogous to those found in whole glomeruli can be demonstrated at the single cell level, the authors assessed the size of mesangial cells in vitro before, during, and after exposure to the adrenergic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. First passage mesangial cells approximately 4 weeks after explantation were studied by phase-contrast microscopy and recorded on time-lapse video recorder. The planar surface area of individual mesangial cells was measured by electronic planimeter from photographs of the video images. In response to norepinephrine (1 microM), the surface area decreased significantly on average, from 3.58 +/- 0.28 X 10(-6) sq mm to 3.38 +/- 0.27 (P less than 0.005). Washout of norepinephrine and replacement with hormone-free media in other cells led an increase in the surface area (from 2.47 +/- 0.43 X 10(-6) sq mm to 2.61 +/- 0.40, P less than 0.005). No changes were observed in cells initially bathed in hormone-free media. Thus, the morphologic equivalent of the adrenergic nerve-induced reduction in the ultrafiltration coefficient is a contraction of the glomerular corpuscle. By regulating the configuration of mesangial cells that anchor the glomerular capillary network to the vascular pole, the adrenergic nerve may concurrently determine the number of capillary channels available for filtration as well as the glomerular corpuscular volume.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

Altered functional characteristics of rat macrophages during nephrosis. Synergistic effects of hypercholesterolemia.

The effects of alimentary hypercholesterolemia and nephrotic hyperlipidemia, alone and in combination, on rat peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, basal eicosanoid production, and glomerular macrophage number during peak PA nephrosis were evaluated in rats fed four different diets: 1) normal/standard chow; 2) PA/standard chow; 3) normal/cholesterol-supplemented diet; and 4) PA/cholesterol-supplemented diet. Both PA/standard chow and normal/cholesterol-supplemented rodent groups manifested significantly greater peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and glomerular macrophage number when compared with normal/standard chow animals. However, the combination of the nephrotic state with superimposed alimentary hypercholesterolemia (PA/cholesterol-supplemented group) produced the greatest rise in these parameters, a rise that was significantly greater than was produced in the three other groups. Regarding basal eicosanoid production by macrophages, there was a numerical trend toward increased production of thromboxane B2 in the PA/standard chow animals and normal/cholesterol-supplemented rats when compared with normal/standard chow. Again, the combination of nephrosis and alimentary hypercholesterolemia in the PA/cholesterol-supplemented group was associated with a significantly greater amount of thromboxane B2 generated when compared with the other three groups. Regarding PGE2 production, there were no significant differences among the groups, despite marked differences in fasting serum lipid levels. This data suggest that there is a synergistic effect between alimentary hypercholesterolemia and the secondary hyperlipidemia of nephrosis in producing these macrophage functional alterations. Because fasting triglyceride values between the two nephrotic groups were indifferent, one can further speculate that it is the elevation of the serum cholesterol value that predominantly evokes these changes in macrophage function.

Animals↗

Identification of a 185 kd Maclura pomifera agglutinin binding glycoprotein as a candidate for a differentiation marker for alveolar type II cells in adult rat lung.

In adult rat lung the lectin Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA) binds apically to alveolar type II (ATII) cells but not to alveolar type I (ATI) cells. This suggests that the presence of MPA binding glycoproteins might be a criterion by which to distinguish the differentiated state of these two adult alveolar epithelial cells. The authors therefore studied MPA binding glycoproteins of ATII cells, comparing, biochemically and cytochemically, MPA binding glycoproteins in freshly isolated ATII cells with those in cultures of ATII cells that are "dedifferentiating" or have "dedifferentiated" as a result of growth on tissue culture plasticware. A MPA binding glycoprotein (185 kd) that is present in freshly isolated "differentiated" ATII cells and then is subsequently lost as isolated ATII cells "dedifferentiate" in tissue culture has been identified. This 185 kd MPA binding glycoprotein alone, or expressed in conjunction with other proteins, is a candidate for a differentiation marker for ATII cells. Preliminary data suggests that this 185 kd MPA binding glycoprotein is not found in ATI cells.

Animals↗

Heparin modulates the secretion of a major excreted protein-like molecule by vascular smooth muscle cells.

Previous work from our laboratory has shown that heparin specifically induces the release of a pair of proteins of approximately 35,000 and 37,000 Da into the culture medium of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). In this report, we demonstrate that the previously identified 37,000-Da smooth muscle protein is composed of two protein species with very similar molecular weights based on migration patterns in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The larger molecular weight species in this doublet has a similar molecular weight and shares antigenic determinants with major excreted protein (MEP), a lysosomal proteinase previously shown to be secreted by normal and transformed fibroblasts and epidermal cells. Antisera to MEP precipitated the higher molecular weight band from the doublet; preimmune serum was not reactive with the smooth muscle protein. Exposure of smooth muscle cells to heparin resulted in decreased amounts of immunoprecipitable protein released into the medium. Thus, it now appears that three proteins in the 35,000-38,000 molecular weight range are modulated by heparin, and that the largest of the heparin-modulated vascular SMC proteins has a similar molecular weight and is immunologically related to MEP. The release of MEP-like protein from SMC is decreased by heparin, while the remaining two heparin-modulated proteins are increased in the presence of heparin.

Animals↗

Effects of hyperthermia on cell survival and patterns of protein synthesis in endothelial cells from different origins.

Thermotolerance, transient resistance to heat induced by heat itself, is generally thought to be linked to the accumulation of heat-shock proteins in eukaryotic cells. The induction of thermotolerance and the synthesis of heat-shock proteins in primary and passage cultures of bovine aortic endothelium, passage cultures of bovine brain capillaries, and passage cultures of rat epididymal capillaries were examined. Primary and passage cultures of bovine aortic endothelial cells readily acquired thermotolerance; however, passage cultures of rat epididymal capillary cells and bovine brain capillary cells were very heat sensitive. In all endothelial cell types examined except rat epididymal capillary cells, the levels of HSP71, the most inducible of the HSP70 family, correlated well with thermotolerance. With prolonged passage, rat epididymal capillary cells and bovine brain capillary cells lost their ability to acquire heat resistance. Endothelial cells from different origins (aortic endothelium versus capillary endothelium) but from the same species and about the same passage number had a notably different response in terms of thermotolerance and synthesis of proteins after exposure to hyperthermia. The results of this study suggest that, while the expression of HSP71 may be a good indicator of heat resistance, the reverse is not necessarily true. Furthermore, the data show that endothelial cells from different origins are dissimilar in their response to hyperthermia.

Animals↗

Synergistic stimulation of neutrophils. Possible involvement of 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate in superoxide release.

Neutrophils stimulated with optimal amounts of tumor-promoters that activate protein kinase C (e.g. mezerein, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate) are known to release large quantities of superoxide: approximately 40-50 nmol O2-/min/10(7) cells. Previous studies have shown that treatment of neutrophils with the calcium ionophore A23187, or with 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenonate (5-HETE), dramatically increased the ability of these cells to release O2- in response to suboptimal concentrations of the stimulants mentioned. In this manuscript, we provide data relevant to the basis of this augmentation of O2- release. The synergy with ionophore A23187 exhibited a partial requirement for extracellular Ca2+, whereas that with 5-HETE exhibited a near absolute requirement for that cation. Neutrophils stimulated with optimal amounts of tumor-promoters are known to exhibit a redistribution of protein kinase C activity from the soluble to a particulate fraction. A redistribution of kinase activity was not observed in cells stimulated synergistically. On the other hand, ionophore A23187 and 5-HETE increased the binding of a suboptimal amount of [3H] phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate to intact neutrophils by approximately 25 and 50%, respectively. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (i.e. sphingosine, 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine) substantially blocked O-2 release from neutrophils stimulated either synergistically or with optimal levels of tumor-promoters. These data suggest a role for 5-HETE in modulating O-2 release by neutrophils and are discussed in relation to models of the interactions of protein kinase C with membranes.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis: analogies to atherosclerosis.

In summary, both the developing atherosclerotic and FSGS lesions seem to share certain postulated pathophysiologic mechanisms, including endothelial cell injury, macrophage infiltration, hyperlipoproteinemia, and hypertension. As depicted in Figure 1, any initial glomerular injury results in flux of macromolecular substances into the glomerular mesangium. As an adjunct to increased glomerular barrier dysfunction, hyperlipoproteinemia is believed to secondarily develop from the dramatic losses of albumin, stimulating increased hepatic lipoprotein synthesis and the loss of lipoprotein lipase-activating substance into the urine which would effectively produce a reduction in circulating chylomicra and triglyceride catabolism. Certain elevated circulating lipoproteins could, theoretically, pass through the damaged glomerular filter into the mesangium, thereby enhancing the flux of macromolecules. Also associated with certain experimental glomerular disorders is the development of glomerular hypertension, as manifested by an elevated glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (PGC), which can further augment macromolecular flux into the mesangium. Overloading of the glomerular mesangium by the above mechanisms is believed to be an injurious stimulus for MC to both proliferate and produce excess mesangial matrix substance. Both of these events are thought to be pathologic harbingers of glomerulosclerosis. Glomerular hypertension is also capable of damaging endothelial cells within the glomerular microcirculation, and this purportedly can activate platelets and result in glomerular thrombosis. At present, it is unclear how glomerular thrombosis produces increased mesangial cell injury; however, this process is believed to cause both systemic and glomerular hypertension which may serve as intermediary mechanisms producing the untoward effects of mesangial cell proliferation and matrix overproduction.

Animals↗

Effects of heat shock on the expression of thrombospondin by endothelial cells in culture.

Heat-shock proteins from confluent primary cultures of bovine aortic endothelial cells were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gels. In addition to the increased synthesis of the classical heat-shock proteins, there is an increase of a 180,000-mol wt polypeptide in the growth media of heat-shocked cells. Immunoprecipitation with specific antiserum indicates that the 180,000-mol wt polypeptide is thrombospondin. Assay of mRNA levels coding for thrombospondin after brief hyperthermic treatment (45 degrees C, 10 min), followed by a recovery of 2 h at 37 degrees C, results in a twofold increase in mRNA abundance. In contrast, the activation level of the 71,000-mol wt heat-shock protein mRNA occurs at an earlier time than for thrombospondin mRNA. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to study the intracellular and extracellular distribution of thrombospondin. Thrombospondin is localized to a prominent pattern of granules of intracellular fluorescence in a perinuclear distribution in cells not exposed to heat. Upon heat treatment, the pattern of granules of intracellular fluorescence appears more pronounced, and the fluorescence appears to be clustered more about the nucleus. There are at least three pools of extracellular forms of thrombospondin: (a) the fine fibrillar extracellular matrix thrombospondin; (b) the punctate granular thrombospondin; and (c) the thrombospondin found in the conditioned medium not associated with the extracellular matrix. When bovine aortic endothelial cells are exposed to heat, the extracellular matrix staining of a fibrillar nature is noticeably decreased, with an increase in the number and degree of fluorescence of focal areas where the punctate granule thrombospondin structures are highly localized. No gross morphological changes in extracellular matrix staining of fibronectin was noted. However, the intermediate filament network was very sensitive and collapsed around the nucleus after heat shock. We conclude that the expression of thrombospondin is heat-shock stimulated.

Animals↗

Mechanisms underlying transition from acute glomerular injury to late glomerular sclerosis in a rat model of nephrotic syndrome.

Functional and morphologic measurements were performed in Munich-Wistar rats after a single central venous injection of puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) or saline vehicle (sham). During phase I, PA rats exhibited overt nephrotic syndrome and impaired glomerular filtration, primarily due to a reduction in the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient. The morphologic counterpart of the latter consisted of effacement of glomerular epithelial cell foot processes and decrease in the number of filtration slit diaphragms. Administration of the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) enalapril to PA rats did not ameliorate glomerular dysfunction. During phase II, PA rats exhibited spontaneous resolution of proteinuria, impaired function, and morphologic abnormalities. However, PA rats now demonstrated marked glomerular capillary hypertension and continued, albeit lesser, reductions in the ultrafiltration coefficient. Concurrent CEI administration modestly lowered systemic arterial pressure, and normalized the glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure and ultrafiltration coefficient. Additional rats were studied during phase III, 70 wk after injection. In PA rats, prior glomerular hypertension was associated with development of recurrent proteinuria and extensive glomerular sclerosis, whereas concurrent CEI administration limited these parameters to values comparable to those in sham rats. Glomerular hypertension thus may explain the development of glomerular sclerosis and renal failure long after an episode of acute glomerular injury.

Animals↗

A rapid method for the detection of early stages of atherosclerotic lesion formation.

A simple, rapid technique for detecting early changes in the arterial vessels of rats and rabbits fed an atherogenic diet is described. After perfusion fixation, the descending thoracic aorta was cytochemically stained with oil red O to detect intracellular lipid and with Hoechst 33342 dye to detect nuclear DNA. The vessels were whole mounted and the luminal surface examined en face using both transmitted light and epifluorescence microscopy. With this technique it is possible to identify and quantitate mononuclear cells adhering to the vessel wall, determine the distribution and number of intimal foam cells within the intima, and determine the mitotic index of the endothelium. Tissue samples can be quickly prepared using this technique, thus allowing rapid analysis of the influence of various substances on the early stages of atherosclerotic lesion formation in animals fed an atherogenic diet.

Animals↗

Dietary fish oil enhances monocyte adhesion and fatty streak formation in the hypercholesterolemic rat.

Using the rat model of atherosclerosis, the influence of dietary fish oil on early stages of atherosclerotic lesion formation was studied. Normocholesterolemic rats (serum cholesterol less than 100 mg/dl), moderately hypercholesterolemic rats fed cholesterol and cholic acid (serum cholesterol less than 400 mg/dl), and severely hypercholesterolemic rats fed cholesterol, cholic acid, and 2-thiouracil (serum cholesterol greater than 900 mg/dl) had their diets supplemented with 5% (w/w) "MaxEPA" fish oil for a period of 2 weeks. In each diet group safflower oil was used as a control for fish oil. Monocyte adhesion to the thoracic aorta and intimal foam cell formation were used to measure the extent of atherosclerotic lesion formation in each rat. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured in both plasma and lipoprotein fractions. In normocholesterolemic rats, fish oil did not influence the morphology of the vessel wall. In moderately hypercholesterolemic rats, monocyte adhesion was the same irrespective of dietary oil, however, intimal foam cell formation was 2-fold higher in the fish oil-fed animals despite a reduction in serum cholesterol levels when compared to the safflower oil-fed animals. In severely hypercholesterolemic rats, monocyte adhesion to the vessel wall and intimal foam cell formation were both 4-fold higher in the fish oil compared with the safflower oil fed animals. These observations could not be attributed to differences in the plasma or lipoprotein profiles of safflower oil vs. fish oil fed rats. The results of this study suggest that dietary fish oil, when fed to hypercholesterolemic rats for a period of 2 weeks, enhances the rate of monocyte adhesion and fatty streak formation in the thoracic aorta.

Animals↗

Electrical resistance and macromolecular permeability of brain endothelial monolayer cultures.

Electrophysiological measurements were made on endothelial cells initially isolated as individual clones from bovine brain microvessels, and then grown as monolayers on a permeable support of glutaraldehyde-treated collagen gel. When transendothelial cell resistance (R) of the clones was measured, there was a range of values from a low of 157.4 +/- 4.5 omega.cm2 (n = 6) to a high of 783.2 +/- 7.0 omega.cm2 (n = 34). With the high-resistance cells, there was also a small potential difference of -0.46 +/- 0.03 mV luminal-side negative (n = 34). In comparison, endothelial cells from bovine aortas and rat epididymal fat pads cultured on the collagen gels had transendothelial R values of 13.5 +/- 0.2 (n = 62) and 0.45 +/- 0.03 (n = 10) omega.cm2, respectively. Exposure of the high-resistance brain endothelial cell monolayers to a Ca2+-free medium for 10 min decreased the R to 75% of the control values. Addition of Ca2+ back to the medium caused a return of the transendothelial R to control values within 1 h. Endothelial cells were also grown to confluency on microcarrier beads for permeability measurements to Evans blue dye-bovine serum albumin. Microcarriers with no cells (control) and microcarriers with bovine and epididymal endothelial cell monolayers showed no difference in the amount of adsorbed dye. Microcarriers with brain endothelial monolayers excluded up to 80% of the dye. This mammalian brain endothelial culture system will be a useful model for studies of the electrophysiological and permeability properties of the blood-brain barrier.

Animals↗