Sensitivity of biofilms to antimicrobial agents.
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Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Biomedical subjects
M R Brown
Publications and source records attributed to M R Brown.
Immune response to nasal delivery of antigenically intact tetanus toxoid associated with poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres in rats, rabbits and guinea-pigs.
Tetanus toxoid was adsorbed onto poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres. Analyses by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting suggest that the formulation procedure does not affect the stability or the antigenic properties of the protein. After nasal administration to guinea-pigs, the resulting preparation enhanced the immune response to the tetanus toxoid when compared with the free antigen. The increase in systemic immunoglobulin G titre was almost immediate in the group treated with the adsorbed tetanus toxoid (time zero, 140; week 2, 1550; week 4, 2760), reaching 36,000 two weeks after the booster (week 7), whereas the free antigen produced an immune response similar to that found in non-treated animals. In a parallel experiment, latex particles of a similar size to poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres, administered to both rats and rabbits, were detected in the blood stream. These findings with tetanus toxoid demonstrate the use of microsphere delivery systems for nasal application of antigens. These had a profound effect on the immune response, and indicate possibilities for overcoming some of the barriers to drug absorption in general.
Administration, Intranasal↗
Influence of intra-amoebic and other growth conditions on the surface properties of Legionella pneumophila.
The surface properties of Legionella pneumophila were examined by analyzing outer membrane (OM) proteins, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and cellular fatty acids after growth within Acanthamoeba polyphaga and in vitro under various nutrient-depleted conditions. Intra-amoeba-grown legionellae were found to differ in several respects from cells grown in vitro; most notably, they contained a 15-kDa OM protein and a monounsaturated straight-chain fatty acid (18:1(9)). These compounds were also found in abundant quantities in the host amoeba. Immunoblot analysis of intra-amoeba-grown legionellae with antiacanthamoebic serum revealed that both the bacterial whole cells and Sarkosyl-extracted OMs contained amoebic antigens. The findings suggest that the 15-kDa OM protein is likely to be of amoebic origin and associates with the OM of the bacterium. It is proposed that disruption of amoebic membranes, as a result of intra-amoebic infection, may liberate macromolecules, including a 15-kDa polypeptide, a major constituent of the amoebic membrane, which adhere to the surface of the legionellae. Growth under specific nutrient depletions also had a significant effect on the surface composition of L. pneumophila. Cells grown under phosphate depletion were markedly sensitive to protease K digestion and contained lower levels of LPS, as observed by silver staining of the digests on polyacrylamide gels. Intra-amoeba-grown cells contained more bands than the in vitro-grown organisms, reflecting further differences in the nature of the LPS. The whole-cell fatty acids of the phosphate-depleted cells were appreciably different from those of cells grown under other nutritional conditions. We found no evidence for expression of iron-regulated OM proteins under iron depletion.
Acanthamoeba↗
Genetics of growth hormone gene expression.
The regulation of pituitary GH gene expression depends on binding of transcriptional activation proteins to cis-active DNA sequences preceding the GH-1 gene. The POU homeodomain protein Pit-1 is found in the nuclei of somatotrophs, lactotrophs and thyrotrophs. It fosters differentiation of these pituitary cell types and is required for hormone production by mature cells. In theory, defects in GH secretion can be caused by mutations in the GH-1 promoter sequence or in the gene encoding Pit-1. In the former case, deficiency would be limited to GH, and in the latter deficiencies extend to prolactin (Prl) and thyrotropin (TSH) as well as to GH. Both the Pit-1 gene and the GH-1 gene have been examined in children with extreme growth failure. Studies of kindreds with GH, Prl and TSH deficiency have disclosed a variety of mutations in the Pit-1 gene. These include nonsense mutations, missense mutations that diminish binding and transcriptional activation, and also mutations that appear to increase promoter binding while eliminating transcriptional activation. This latter class of mutation exerts a dominant negative effect in vivo as well as in vitro. There are many examples of deletions in the GH-1 coding sequence. Some are very large and cause the loss of GH-1, chorionic somatomammotropin and placental GH genes. Others are very small, involving only 1 or 2 bases. They produce frameshifts and premature stop signals. All types produce complete deficiency of GH, but antibody development during treatment has proven to be quite variable. The cDNA for the GH-releasing hormone receptor has recently been cloned and sequenced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Neuropeptides and the autonomic nervous system.
Peptides are a class of intercellular messengers that are found in virtually every bodily organ. Evidence is reviewed here that peptides may function physiologically in brain pathways that coordinate and integrate whole-organism responses. The focus is on selected peptides that produce complementary neuropharmacological actions on behavior, endocrine secretions and autonomic nervous activity.
Autonomic Nervous System↗
Arginine feeding modifies cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in rats.
Glycine (G) infusion causes renal vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Cyclosporine A (CsA) nephrotoxicity is characterized by preglomerular vasoconstriction and decreased efferent arteriolar tone probably related to reduced NO and angiotensin II, respectively. L-Arginine (ARG) is a precursor to NO. To test the hypothesis that chronic CsA decreases renal NO activity, we compared the glomerular hemodynamic response to glycine infusion in rats after 8 d of CsA (30 mg/kg per d s.c.), CsA and ARG (1.6 g/kg per d p.o.) (A/CsA), and in two groups of pair-fed controls (CON, A/CON). Single nephron GFR (SNGFR), single nephron plasma flow (SNPF), glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure gradient (delta P), proximal tubular reabsorption (APR), and kidney tissue angiotensin II (AIIk) were measured before and during G. CsA was associated with baseline decrements in SNGFR, SNPF, delta P, and AIIk, and with a blunted hemodynamic response to G. In CON, ARG did not affect baseline hemodynamics or modify the response to G. In CsA, ARG decreased baseline preglomerular resistance and restored the glomerular hemodynamic response to G. G was associated with a significant increase in AIIk in both CON and CsA. These findings suggest that (a) CsA is associated with decreased AIIk, and (b) CsA may diminish NO activity within the kidney, and that this capacity may be partially restored by arginine feeding.
Administration, Oral↗
Characterization of a noncontiguous gene deletion of the growth hormone receptor in Laron's syndrome.
Noncontiguous deletion of the GH receptor (GHR) gene has been described as a molecular defect causing Laron's syndrome (LS). The abnormal allele (GHR Del-3,5,6) lacks exons 3, 5, and 6. Exon 4 is retained on variant-sized restriction fragments. We studied DNA from 10 additional LS subjects of Jewish-oriental origin and found this allele in 3 samples. All subjects with this complex deletion allele were from Iran or Iraq and were not clinically distinguishable from other individuals with LS. Multiple restriction enzyme digests and Southern blotting with GHR exon 4-specific probes demonstrated that the allele retains genomic material for at least 9.8 kilobases 5' and 1.8 kilobases 3' to exon 4. Reverse transcription of mRNA, polymerase chain reaction amplification, and cDNA sequencing showed that exon 4 is syntenic and colinear with the other GHR exons. Normal splice sites were used, but the predicted protein was severely truncated due to a frameshift and a premature stop codon in exon 7. The premature stop codon terminated the protein after amino acid 53 and led to loss of the transmembrane and intracellular portions of the receptor. This mutant GHR gene results clinically in severe GH insensitivity.
Alleles↗
Liposomal (MLV) polymyxin B: physicochemical characterization and effect of surface charge and drug association.
Neutral and charged large vortexed multilamellar hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing the polycationic antibiotic polymyxin B (PXB) were characterized with respect to lipid-drug interactions (differential scanning calorimetry), surface charge (zeta potential analysis), size (photon correlation spectroscopy) and morphology (transmission electron microscopy). These physicochemical results will be used to develop a liposomal drug delivery system for PXB that may be useful in the clinical treatment of lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. The liposomal morphology and membrane integrity of all the preparations were unaffected by associated antibiotic. Drug encapsulation increased in the order neutral = positive < negative, the negatively charged liposomes increasing drug association 2-fold. The phase transition temperature of neutral and positive liposomes was not significantly affected by PXB. Drug-loaded negative liposomes showed a decreased phase transition possibly due to attractive electrostatic interactions between drug and lipid that tended to increase drug penetration and destabilize the liposome bilayer. Drug loading did not affect liposome size. However, both empty and loaded negative liposomes were significantly smaller (approx. 1 micron) than neutral and positive (approx. 2.5 microns) liposomes. Increased encapsulation with negative liposomes is therefore due not to an increase in the entrapped volume but to electrostatic interactions.
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
Truncated, branched, and/or cyclic analogues of neuropeptide Y: importance of the pancreatic peptide fold in the design of specific Y2 receptor ligands.
Truncated, branched, and/or cyclic neuropeptide Y (NPY) analogues were tested for their ability to bind to the neuroblastoma cells, SK-N-MC (Y1 receptor) and SK-N-BE(2) (Y2 receptor). The design of such analogues was inspired by models of NPY based on the crystal structure of avian pancreatic polypeptide. The minimum length of the backbone was investigated using the following truncated analogues [binding affinity (nM) for Y1 and Y2 receptor subtypes respectively are given in parentheses]: des-AA10-17[D-Ala9]NPY (100, 0.9), des-AA7-23[D-Ala6]NPY (> 1000, 1.2), des-AA4-26[D-Ala3]NPY (> 1000, 120), cyclo(7,20)-des-AA10-17[Glu7,D- Ala9,D-Dpr20]NPY (100, nd), cyclo(2,27)-des-AA7-23[Glu2,D-Ala6,D-Dpr27]NPY (> 1000, 3.6), cyclo(2,30)- des-AA7-23[Glu2,D-Ala6,-D-Dpr30]NPY (> 1000, nd), cyclo(1,30)-des-AA4-26[Glu1,D-Ala3,D-Dpr30]NPY (> 1000, > 1000). A new family of branched NPY analogues corresponding to the partial deletion of the polyproline helix with conservation of the N-terminus was also examined: des-AA7-23[(Ac-NPY14-22)-epsilon-D-Lys6]NPY (> 1000, 2.1), des-AA7-23[(Ac-NPY7-22)-epsilon-D-Lys6]NPY (> 1000, 5.1), des-AA7-23-[(Ac-LEALEG-NPY14-22)-epsilon-D-Lys6]NPY (> 1000, 4.8). Finally, the role played by the flexible tail (residues 32-36) was studied with the following cyclic analogues: cyclo(30,34)-[Lys30,Glu34]NPY18-36 (> 1000, 360), cyclo(30,34)-[Orn30,Gly34]NPY18-36 (> 1000, 950), cyclo(30,34)-[Dpr30,Glu34]NPY18-36 (> 1000, 590), cyclo(33,36)-[Lys33,Glu36]NPY (> 1000, > 1000), cyclo(33,36)-[Lys33,Glu36]NPY18-36 (> 1000, > 1000). These results suggest that the Y1 receptor is highly discriminatory since deletion of residues 10-17, shown to have little effect on Y2 binding affinity, reduces Y1 affinity 50-fold. Bridging sites and constructs have been identified that may serve as useful leads in the design of more potent and selective analogues. We have identified two positions (9 and 6) where the introduction of a D amino acid is not detrimental to binding affinity. Whether this modification leads to the stabilization of a yet unidentified turn compatible with high Y2 receptor affinity will have to be determined by spectroscopic methods. Finally, stabilizing a putative alpha-helical conformation of the C-terminal heptapeptide of NPY18-36 has a deleterious effect on the Y1 and Y2 receptors.
Chemical Phenomena↗
Mutation of the POU-specific domain of Pit-1 and hypopituitarism without pituitary hypoplasia.
A point mutation in the POU-specific portion of the human gene that encodes the tissue-specific POU-domain transcription factor, Pit-1, results in hypopituitarism, with deficiencies of growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. In two unrelated Dutch families, a mutation in Pit-1 that altered an alanine in the first putative alpha helix of the POU-specific domain to proline was observed. This mutation generated a protein capable of binding to DNA response elements but unable to effectively activate its known target genes, growth hormone and prolactin. The phenotype of the affected individuals suggests that the mutant Pit-1 protein is competent to initiate other programs of gene activation required for normal proliferation of somatotrope, lactotrope, and thyrotrope cell types. Thus, a mutation in the POU-specific domain of Pit-1 has a selective effect on a subset of Pit-1 target genes.
Animals↗
Structural requirements for neuropeptide Y18-36-evoked hypotension: a systematic study.
It has been shown that NPY and select C-terminal fragments of NPY that evoke a hypotensive response upon intraarterial administration in the rat also cause mast cell degranulation and histamine release in vitro. Additionally, elevation of plasma histamine levels has been observed concomitant with the hypotensive effect of NPY and various C-terminal fragments. In order to investigate whether the hypotensive response to NPY18-36 is correlated to this observed elevation of histamine in vivo, we sought to characterize the structural requirements for each activity. We conducted a systematic replacement of each amino acid in NPY18-36 by its D-isomer. Additionally, various modifications were made to the N- or C-terminii of NPY18-36. The following rank order of potency was obtained for the hypotensive action of these analogues of NPY18-36 relative to NPY18-36. Only one analogue ([D-Tyr21]NPY18-36) exhibited significantly enhanced potency. Eleven analogues of NPY18-36, ([D-Thr32]-, [D-Arg35]-, [D-Ile31]-, [D-Leu30]-, [D-Tyr27]-, [D-Ser22]-, [D-Tyr36]-, [D-Gln34]-, [D-Asn29]-, [D-Ala23]-, and [D-Arg33]NPY18-36) were equipotent with NPY18-36. Four analogues ([D-His26]-, [D-Ile28]-, and [D-Ala18]NPY18-36 and -NPY18-27) had reduced potency (10-80%) while eight analogues ([D-Arg19]-, [D-Tyr20], [D-Leu24]-, [D-Arg25]-, [Ac-Ala18]-, [Me-Ala18]-, [desamino-Ala18]NPY18-36 and NPY18-36 free acid) failed to produce a significant hypotensive response (less than 10%) at the doses tested. The sensitivity of NPY18-36 to chiral inversion of single residues or other modifications at the N-terminus suggested the presence of a conformationally well defined N-terminal pharmacophore. Additionally, five NPY18-36 analogues were tested for elevation of plasma histamine levels. The rank order of potency ([D-Thr32]NPY18-36 = [D-Tyr21]NPY18-36 much greater than NPY18-36 greater than [D-Ala18]NPY18-36 greater than [Ac-Ala18]NPY18-36) was correlated with each analogue's potency at evoking a hypotensive response. In contrast, NPY1-36 failed to evoke an elevation in plasma histamine levels despite its hypotensive effects. Hence, we conclude that the magnitude of the hypotensive response evoked by an NPY18-36 analogue is primarily a function of its ability to elevate plasma histamine levels. However, the mechanism underlying NPY1-36-evoked hypotension appears to be different.
Animals↗
A mosquito neuropeptide in a moth larva (Helicoverpa zea): relation to FMRF-amide immunoreactivity.
The cerebral nervous and midgut endocrine systems of the larval corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, were examined using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry for RF-amide family peptides. Immunoreactivity for a mosquito neuropeptide, Aedes Head Peptide-I (Aea-HP-I,pERPhPSLKTRFa), is widely distributed in this lepidopteran. Immunostaining for Aea-HP-I is localized (1a) in perikarya and axons of the brain, the subesophageal ganglion, and the first thoracic ganglion, (b) in peripheral axons innervating muscles of the midgut, and (2) in numerous midgut endocrine cells. Aea-HP-I-associated activity generally occurs as a subset of FMRF-amide (FMRFa; a molluscan cardioactive peptide) immunoreactivity. Cross-reactivity studies indicate that Aea-HP-I and FMRFa immunoreactivities are heterogeneous in the cerebral nervous system and in axons innervating the muscles of the midgut, but may be homogeneous in midgut endocrine cells. Radioimmunoassay for Aea-HP-I reveals immunoreactivity in hemolymph, as well as in extracts of midguts and heads.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Nonenzymatic incorporation of glucose and galactose into brain cytoskeletal proteins in vitro.
Initial studies demonstrated the loss of lysine and simultaneous appearance of glucitollysine in intracellular proteins following incubation with sugar. For example, when a crude nervous tissue cytoskeletal preparation was incubated in 100 mM glucose for 10 days, > 60% of the lysine residues were modified. Over 20% of the lysyl residues in a spinal cord neurofilament preparation are susceptible to Schiff base formation after one day and over 30% following five days of incubation with 100 mM glucose. When incubated with 100 mM galactose, F- and G-actin were found to be significantly modified in as few as 15 h, with > 70% of the lysyl residues lost. After 45 h of incubation, > 90% of the residues had been modified. These data also indicate that many of the lysyl residues in F- and G-actin are exposed and very susceptible to modification by sugar. This rapid and extensive modification of lysine in actin in vitro suggest that it may be modified in diabetic nervous tissue.
Actins↗
Poly(lactic acid) microspheres as immunological adjuvants for orally delivered cholera toxin b subunit.
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Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Growth-rate-independent killing by ciprofloxacin of biofilm-derived Staphylococcus epidermidis; evidence for cell-cycle dependency.
Cell culture methods that allow culture of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms at controlled growth rates were used to examine susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Changes in biofilm susceptibility, dependent upon growth rate, were compared with those for suspended populations grown in chemostat, and also for newly-formed daughter cells shed from the biofilm during its growth and development. Susceptibility increased for intact and resuspended biofilms, and also for planktonic cultures, with increases in growth rate. The dependence of susceptibility upon growth rate was greatest for slow growing cells (mu, 0.01-0.15/h). At any particular growth rate, biofilms appeared more susceptible than their planktonic counterparts. Newly-formed daughter cells were relatively tolerant to ciprofloxacin at all rates of growth. Lack of growth rate dependency for the newly-formed cells suggested a role for the cell-division cycle in determining resistance. This was confirmed by examining the susceptibility of S. epidermidis throughout batch cultures with cell division synchronized. Perfusion of various steady-state biofilms with ciprofloxacin demonstrated killing of the adherent population even at much reduced rates of growth.
Bacterial Adhesion↗
Effect of biofilm culture upon the susceptibility of Staphylococcus epidermidis to tobramycin.
Biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis were cultured at various specific growth rates, and susceptibilities to tobramycin were compared with those of equivalent plank-tonic populations. In all instances, susceptibility increased significantly with increasing specific growth rate. However, resuspension of the biofilms increased susceptibility, suggesting some involvement of the glycocalyx in reducing antibiotic permeation of the biofilm. Cells that dispersed spontaneously from the biofilms at steady state were particularly susceptible to this agent. Since such cells correspond to newly-divided daughter cells, the relationship between tobramycin susceptibility and the phase in the division cycle was investigated. Susceptibility was enhanced in cultures dividing synchronously shortly before, during and shortly after cell separation. Perfusion of actively-growing S. epidermidis biofilms with tobramycin also demonstrated increased susceptibility with increasing growth rate, but also showed rapid recovery following removal of the agent.
Ciprofloxacin↗
Effect of haemin limitation on the cytochrome complement and glucose metabolism of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae.
Haemophilus influenzae grown to exponential phase or stationary phase in medium with a low initial concentration of haemin (0.25 microgram/ml) was virtually devoid of cytochromes. Compared with bacteria grown in the presence of excess haemin (10 micrograms/ml), the haemin-limited organisms failed to respire formate and succinate and, generally, the respiratory rates with other substrates were reduced. However, growth rates were not affected by the haemin supply. Haemin-limited growth was associated with a reduced efficiency of glucose utilisation, in terms of glucose growth yields, and affected the net levels of excreted organic acids. Haemin limitation resulted in reduced acetate and increased succinate accumulation in the culture medium and the novel presence of D-lactate. These results indicate that, in contrast to the phenotype expressed in vitro during conventional cultivation of H. influenzae, the haemin-limited phenotype, which may be expressed in vivo, is characterised by a lack of cytochromes and a shift towards a more anaerobic type of metabolism.
Bronchiectasis↗
Relationship between Legionella pneumophila and Acanthamoeba polyphaga: physiological status and susceptibility to chemical inactivation.
Survival studies were conducted on Legionella pneumophila cells that had been grown intracellularly in Acanthamoeba polyphaga and then exposed to polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), benzisothiazolone (BIT), and 5-chloro-N-methylisothiazolone (CMIT). Susceptibilities were also determined for L. pneumophila grown under iron-sufficient and iron-depleted conditions. BIT was relatively ineffective against cells grown under iron depletion; in contrast, iron-depleted conditions increased the susceptibilities of cells to PHMB and CMIT. The activities of all three biocides were greatly reduced against L. pneumophila grown in amoebae. PHMB (1 x MIC) gave 99.99% reductions in viability for cultures grown in broth within 6 h and no detectable survivors at 24 h but only 90 and 99.9% killing at 6 h and 24 h, respectively, for cells grown in amoebae. The antimicrobial properties of the three biocides against A. polyphaga were also determined. The majority of amoebae recovered from BIT treatment, but few, if any, survived CMIT treatment or exposure to PHMB. This study not only shows the profound effect that intra-amoebal growth has on the physiological status and antimicrobial susceptibility of L. pneumophila but also reveals PHMB to be a potential biocide for effective water treatment. In this respect, PHMB has significant activity, below its recommended use concentrations, against both the host amoeba and L. pneumophila.
Acanthamoeba↗