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Biomedical subjects

P Goldsmith

Publications and source records attributed to P Goldsmith.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Immunochemical and electrophoretic characterization of the major pertussis toxin substrate of the RAW264 macrophage cell line.

The pertussis toxin substrate from RAW264 macrophage cell membranes was characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and by immunoblots using antibodies directed against different guanine nucleotide binding proteins. RAW264 membranes were found to contain one major pertussis toxin substrate, which was recognized by both antibodies AS/6 and LE/3. The AS/6 antibody was made against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of the alpha-subunit of transducin, and the LE/3 antibody was made against the peptide corresponding to amino acids 160-169 of a guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gi-2-alpha) cloned from a mouse macrophage cell line. The RAW264 pertussis toxin substrate was not recognized by either antibody CW/6 or antibody RV/3, which recognize the 41-kilodalton alpha-subunit of brain Gi (Gi-1-alpha) and Go-alpha, respectively. Pertussis toxin substrates from bovine brain were resolved into four major alpha-subunits by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the LE/3 antibody recognized only one of the four proteins. The brain LE/3 reactive protein also reacted with the AS/6 antibody, migrated with a 40K molecular weight, and had an isoelectric point slightly more basis than the RAW264 pertussis toxin substrate. Therefore, the major pertussis toxin substrate in RAW264 cells appears to be Gi-2, and bovine brain contains a relatively minor amount of a closely related guanine nucleotide binding protein.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

Antiserum raised against residues 159-168 of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Gi3-alpha reacts with ependymal cells and some neurons in the rat brain containing cholecystokinin- or cholecystokinin- and tyrosine 3-hydroxylase-like immunoreactivities.

Antibodies raised against a synthetic deca-peptide corresponding to a specific sequence of Gi3-alpha protein (an inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein) were used to analyze Gi3-alpha-like immunoreactivity in brain sections from colchicine-treated rats by indirect immunofluorescence histochemistry. Gi3-alpha-peptide-positive cell bodies were found in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra, and these cells were also cholecystokinin (CCK)- and tyrosine 3-hydroxylase-positive. Gi3-alpha-peptide staining was observed in perikarya in the hippocampus and in fibers in the nucleus accumbens, tuberculum olfactorium, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and a spino-thalamic tract, where it coexisted with CCK-like immunoreactivity as well. No coexistence with CCK occurred in Gi3-alpha-peptide-positive ependymal cells outlining the aqueduct and ventricles. Preadsorption of Gi3-alpha antibodies with CCK-8 or CCK-33 did not alter Gi3-alpha-peptide staining. The occurrence of Gi3-alpha-peptide-like immunoreactivity in CCK-containing neurons may indicate the presence of Gi3-alpha protein and in CCK/dopamine neurons may indicate an association of this Gi protein with dopamine autoreceptors.

Animals↗

Selective deficiency of guanine nucleotide-binding protein Go in two dopamine-resistant pituitary tumors.

G proteins were quantitated by immunoblot in normal rat anterior pituitary, an estrone-induced pituitary adenoma, and in two transplantable pituitary tumors resistant to dopamine, 7315a and MtTW15. Antisera specific for the alpha o and beta subunits or the alpha i subunit of G proteins were tested with all preparations. While the alpha i and beta subunits were found to be present in variable concentrations in all preparations, the alpha o subunit was very low or undetectable in the transplantable tumors. These findings suggest that tumor resistance to the dopamine inhibitory actions on prolactin release and on tumor growth may be due to the deficiency of a Go protein.

Adenoma↗

Morphological evidence for the presence of arteries in human prolactinomas.

This study was undertaken to clarify the vascular anatomy of human prolactinomas and specifically to determine whether arteries were present. Sixteen prolactinomas were studied by electron microscopy. The presurgical diagnosis of the tumors as prolactinomas was based on the findings of hyperprolactinemia and radiographic abnormalities, and was confirmed by the electron microscopic features of the specimens as well as by immunocytochemical staining for PRL. In addition to the presence of fenestrated endothelial cells, which are characteristic of the normal capillaries of the anterior pituitary, 13 of the 16 prolactinomas contained arteries. These arteries ranged from well formed vessels with multiple layers of smooth muscle cells to abnormal terminal arterioles, i.e. vessels with fenestrated endothelium surrounded by a variable number of smooth muscle cells. Arteries were not found in anterior pituitaries from 8 patients with no pituitary disease. In the prolactinomas, smooth muscle cells also were found, either isolated in the pericapillary connective tissue space or in small cords some distance from the vessel lumen. The results suggest that vascular changes, including arteriogenesis, occur in prolactinomas (and possibly other types of pituitary tumor). The arteries entering the anterior pituitary directly could be congenital or develop during formation of the tumor. An arterial blood supply to a region of the anterior pituitary could result in the escape of that area from hypothalamic regulation, since systemic blood contains negligible levels of hypothalamic hormones. In the case of PRL-secreting cells, which are tonically inhibited by the hypothalamic hormone dopamine, this would result in hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and possibly tumorigenesis.

Adult↗

Immunochemical studies of the 36-kDa common beta subunit of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins: identification of a major epitope.

Twenty-four of 24 rabbits immunized with the beta subunit common to guanine nucleotide binding proteins developed antibodies reactive on immunoblots with the 15-kDa (amino-terminal) tryptic fragment of beta. Only 2 of 24 developed antibodies reactive with the 26-kDa (carboxy-terminal) tryptic fragment. The 15-kDa fragment-reactive antibodies were also detected in several nonimmune sera. Antibodies reactive with the 15-kDa fragment could be affinity-purified from all beta-immune sera by adsorption to a fusion protein encoded by a cDNA clone identified by expression vector screening. The 15-kDa fragment antibodies in nonimmune sera did not bind to the fusion protein. Limited amino acid sequence homology between the 36-kDa beta subunit and the protein encoded by the cDNA clone suggested that the amino-terminal decapeptide of beta contains a major epitope. A synthetic decapeptide, corresponding to the amino terminus of the 36-kDa beta subunit, effectively and specifically blocked binding of antibodies in beta-immune sera (but not in beta-reactive nonimmune sera) to nitrocellulose-bound 15-kDa fragment. The 15-kDa fragment-reactive antibodies could be affinity-purified from beta-immune sera on a matrix containing bound decapeptide; affinity-purified antibodies reacted equally well with the 36- and 35-kDa forms of the beta subunit. Native transducin beta/gamma complexes readily blocked binding of 15-kDa fragment-reactive antibodies in immune but not nonimmune sera from binding to the nitrocellulose-bound fragment. The results show that nonimmune sera may contain antibodies directed against an epitope of the 15-kDa fragment that is buried in the native beta/gamma complex. In contrast, the amino terminal decapeptide of the beta subunit is exposed on the surface of the native protein and contains a major antigenic site in both the 35- and 36-kDa forms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

GTP-binding proteins in brain and neutrophil are tethered to the plasma membrane via their amino termini.

Using specific antisera raised against synthetic peptides, we find that three distinct GTP-binding protein alpha subunits remain bound to the plasma membrane even after activation with nonhydrolyzable GTP analog. Trypsin cleaves each alpha subunit at a site near the amino-terminus, and quantitatively releases the large fragment (comprising all but an amino-terminal 2 kDa piece) from the membrane. Our results indicate that alpha subunits are essentially cytoplasmic proteins tethered to the inner surface of the membrane via an amino terminal stalk.

Animals↗

Antibodies directed against synthetic peptides distinguish between GTP-binding proteins in neutrophil and brain.

Antisera AS/6 and 7, raised against a synthetic peptide KENLKDCGLF corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of transducin-alpha, react on immunoblots with purified transducin-alpha and with proteins of 40-41 kDa in all tissues tested. The latter represent one or more forms of Gi alpha but not Go alpha, since a synthetic peptide, KNNLKDCGLF, corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of two forms of Gi alpha blocks AS/6 and 7 reactivity with transducin-alpha and Gi alpha on immunoblots, whereas the corresponding Go-related peptide, ANNLRGCGLY, does not. Antisera LE/2 and 3, raised against the synthetic peptide LERIAQSDYI, corresponding to an internal sequence predicted by one form of Gi alpha cDNA (Gi alpha-2) and differing by 3 residues from the sequence of another form, Gi alpha-1, react strongly with a 40-kDa protein abundant in neutrophil membranes and with the major pertussis toxin substrate purified from bovine neutrophils. LE/2 and 3 reveal a relatively faint 40-kDa band on immunoblots of crude brain membranes or of purified brain Gi/Go. LE/2 and 3 do not react with transducin-alpha or Go alpha nor with the 41-kDa form of pertussis toxin substrate in brain, Gi alpha-1. These antisera distinguish between the major pertussis toxin substrates of brain and neutrophil and tentatively identify the latter as Gi alpha-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential distribution of signal-transducing G-proteins in retina.

We used specific antibodies in immunoblot studies of membrane fractions derived from bovine retina, and in immunohistochemical studies of sections of rat retina to determine the distribution of two guanine nucleotide binding proteins Go (a G-protein of unknown function discovered in the brain) and transducin, in retina. Both Go and transducin were readily detected in membranes derived from whole retina, and in crude rod outer segment membranes. Purification of rod outer segment membranes by sucrose density gradient centrifugation resulted in enrichment in transducin and depletion of Go immunoreactivity. Transducin-alpha immunoreactivity was localized to photoreceptor inner and outer segments and the outer nuclear layer. In contrast, Go-alpha immunoreactivity was localized in the inner and outer plexiform layers and ganglion cell layer. The results indicate that Go unlike transducin, is not associated with rod outer segment membranes and is therefore unlikely to function in phototransduction. Go is, however, relatively abundant in neural layers of retina where it may be involved in signal transduction.

Animals↗

Detection of multiple forms of Gi alpha in HL60 cells.

Comparison of cDNA sequences from multiple sources predicts a genus of highly homologous but structurally distinct G protein alpha-subunits, designated as Gi alpha, that may include the alpha-subunit of the functionally defined adenylate cyclase inhibitory G protein. Using specific oligonucleotide probes on Northern blots, we show that Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3, but not Gi alpha-1, are expressed in HL60 cells. Antisera raised against synthetic peptides from regions predicted to be conserved (AS6) and divergent (LE3) among Gi alpha subtypes bind to a 40 kDa protein in Western blots of HL60 membranes. AS6 identifies an additional protein at 41 kDa. Thus, Northern blot and immunoblot results show that at least two Gi alpha subtypes, a 40 kDa protein likely to correspond to Gi alpha-2 and a 41 kDa protein possibly representing Gi alpha-3, may be expressed in a single cell type.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Detection of the major pertussis toxin substrate of human leukocytes with antisera raised against synthetic peptides.

Antisera raised against the carboxy-terminal decapeptide (KENLKDCGLF) of transducin-alpha detected the 40 kDa, major pertussis toxin substrate of human neutrophils. The antisera also detected this protein in undifferentiated HL-60 and U937 cells, and revealed an approx. 2-fold increase in protein/mg membrane protein with differentiation into mature phagocytic cells. The results provide direct immunochemical evidence for the presence of a novel, pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein in human leukocytes.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Use of specific antibodies to quantitate the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Go in brain.

We immunized rabbits with purified guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) from bovine brain and obtained an antiserum, RV3, that reacts specifically with the alpha subunit (39 kDa) of a G protein of unknown function, termed Go, as well as with the beta subunit (35 kDa) common to all G proteins. RV3 showed no crossreactivity with the alpha subunits of the stimulatory (Gs) or inhibitory (Gi) G proteins associated with adenylate cyclase, nor with that of the rod outer segment G protein, transducin. Immunoblots with crude and affinity-purified antiserum showed that RV3 specifically recognizes the Go alpha subunit and the beta subunit in crude brain membranes. Using RV3, we found approximately equal amounts of Go in brain membranes from frog, chicken, rat, cow, and man. Quantitative immunoblotting gave Go alpha subunit/ beta subunit ratios approximately equal to 1 in cerebral cortex, raising the possibility that free Go alpha subunit (unassociated with beta subunit) may exist in brain. The concentration of Go alpha subunit in cortex is about 5 times that of Gi alpha subunit. The results show that Go is an immunochemically distinct, highly conserved protein distributed throughout the brain, with particularly high concentrations in forebrain.

Animals↗

Formation of a direct arterial blood supply to the anterior pituitary gland following complete or partial interruption of the hypophyseal portal vessels.

If regions of the anterior pituitary gland received systemic blood via a direct arterial blood supply these regions would escape hypothalamic regulation and thus be a sequela in endocrine disorders. Since, in the untreated rat, all of the blood supply to the anterior pituitary gland is via the hypophyseal portal vessels, we hypothesized that partial interruption of the portal vessels could provoke the establishment of a direct arterial blood supply (arteriogenesis). We utilized the injection of polystyrene microspheres (15 or 9 micron diameter) into the left ventricle of the heart to test this hypothesis. Microspheres are trapped in the first capillary plexus they reach since they are too large to traverse the capillaries. No microspheres reached the anterior pituitary gland of control rats, a finding consistent with the fact that the anterior pituitary gland receives all of its blood supply via the hypophyseal portal blood vessels. Microspheres were observed in the primary portal capillary plexus in the infundibulum (median eminence), infundibular stalk (pituitary stalk), and infundibular process (pars nervosa), the first capillary plexus which they reached. A lesion of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) which destroyed the long portal vessels did not result in arteriogenesis since few, if any, microspheres were observed in the anterior pituitary gland. We confirmed, using vascular casts, that these lesions resulted in the long-term destruction of the primary portal capillaries in the infundibulum and of the long portal vessels. In MBH-lesioned animals it appears that all of the blood supply of the anterior pituitary gland is via short portal vessels arising from the infundibular stem and process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Surface membrane biotinylation efficiently mediates the endocytosis of avidin bioconjugates into nucleated cells.

Here we demonstrate that biotin covalently attached to cell surface obligates existing receptors to endocytose avidin bioconjugates into nucleated cells. Incubation of fluorescein-labeled avidin with biotinylated cell lines resulted in uniform and rapid surface attachment and endocytosis compared with no detectable association of the avidin-conjugated dye with unbiotinylated cells. Uptake was detected within minutes with efficiencies approaching 100% in cell lines and freshly obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After 24 h, avidin was barely detectable on the surface of the nucleated cells. In marked contrast, fluorescent avidin remained exclusively on the external membrane of erythrocytes after 24 h. To investigate biotin-mediated endocytosis for the delivery of DNA, we prepared polyethylenimine-avidin (PEI-avidin) conjugates. Surface biotinylation significantly increased the transfection efficiencies of PEI-avidin condensed plasmid DNA coding green fluorescent protein (GFP) to the level of transferrin-receptor targeted gene delivery (15-20% GFP positive cells in culture after 48 h). The increase in transfection efficiency was blocked by the addition of free avidin or biotin to the culture medium. Biotin covalently bound to cell surface membrane proteins efficiently mediates the entry of avidin bioconjugates into nucleated cells.

Avidin↗