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P Grasso

Publications and source records attributed to P Grasso.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Role of persistent, non-genotoxic tissue damage in rodent cancer and relevance to humans.

This review has focused on the importance of cellular proliferation in neoplasia induced by nongenotoxic carcinogens and has not attempted to address the mechanisms involved in the progression from the hyperplastic to the neoplastic state. Major advances in this area are likely in the next decade and should explain how cells in an abnormally high proliferative state are rendered more vulnerable either to the action of endogenous or environmental mutagens or to defects in cell reproduction, thus providing the stimulus for progression to neoplasia (165). In this review evidence has been presented to support the hypothesis that sustained tissue damage induced by nongenotoxic compounds in rodents predisposes to tumor development. The evidence has been obtained by drawing from the published findings of experimental rodent studies conducted over the past 50 years. The experience gained at various sites in the rodent including the connective tissue, liver, bladder, and forestomach shows the existence of a threshold dose for various test materials/agents, below which neither sustained tissue damage nor tumor induction occurs but above which level both effects are manifest. Taken collectively, an overall picture emerges that sustained cell proliferation renders various sites in the rodent vulnerable to tumor development. The validity of this hypothesis is of importance to the evaluation of carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. For those nongenotoxic carcinogens known to cause characteristically defined and sustainable tissue damage as a precursor of tumor development in rodents, it should be possible to establish a threshold dose below which both effects disappear and upon which a safety margin in humans can be based. Some limited evidence supports an association between chronic tissue injury and neoplastic development in humans. Note, however, that certain types of induced tissue damage may be rodent-specific and therefore have no relevance for humans. We conclude that the appearance of persistent tissue damage predisposes to tumor development in rodents exposed to nongenotoxic carcinogens and that systematic studies in rodents should provide a rational basis for arriving at a safety margin in humans exposed to such agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A new role for follicle-stimulating hormone in the regulation of calcium flux in Sertoli cells: inhibition of Na+/Ca++ exchange.

Elucidation of mechanisms regulating intracellular calcium levels in steroidogenic tissues is important for understanding control of cellular function. We have previously described FSH receptor-mediated flux of 45Ca++ into cultured rat Sertoli cells and receptor-enriched proteoliposomes via voltage-sensitive and voltage-independent calcium channels. In the present study, we report heretofore unrecognized inhibitory effects of FSH on Na+/Ca++ exchange in these two systems. An outwardly directed Na+ gradient, developed by preincubating Sertoli cell monolayers in buffer made hypertonic with NaCl, resulted in uptake of 45Ca++ that was unaffected by calcium channel blocking agents, ruthenium red or methoxyverapamil, but was enhanced by ouabain, a specific inhibitor of Na+/K(+)-ATPase. Sodium-dependent 45Ca++ flux into Sertoli cells was inhibited in a concentration-related manner by increased extracellular Na+ (up to 135 mM). FSH consistently and reproducibly (28.9 +/- 3.8%, 10 separate assays) reduced sodium-dependent 45Ca++ influx in the absence or presence of ouabain. A lesser effect on Na+/Ca++ exchange was seen when Li+ replaced Na+ in the preincubation buffer, and a marked reduction occurred when Sertoli cells were incubated in buffer containing KCl, presumably due to membrane depolarization. FSH-sensitive Na+/45Ca++ exchange was also observed when using FSH receptor-enriched proteoliposomes. Our earlier calcium channel studies indicated that FSH affects Ca++ entry into Sertoli cells via a receptor-mediated process. The results reported here demonstrate that the interaction of FSH with its receptor is associated with changes in Na+/Ca++ exchange as well, and suggest that this activity may also be involved in regulating intracellular free Ca++ levels in the Sertoli cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Synthetic peptides corresponding to human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH)-beta-(1-15) and hFSH-beta-(51-65) induce uptake of 45Ca++ by liposomes: evidence for calcium-conducting transmembrane channel formation.

We have previously described FSH receptor-mediated influx of 45Ca++ in cultured Sertoli cells from immature rats and receptor-enriched proteoliposomes via activation of voltage-sensitive and voltage-independent calcium channels. We have further shown that this effect of FSH does not require cholera toxin- or pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding protein or activation of adenylate cyclase. In the present study, we have identified regions of human FSH-beta-subunit which appear to be involved in mediating calcium influx. We screened 11 overlapping peptide amides representing the entire primary structure of hFSH-beta-subunit for their effects on 45Ca++ flux in FSH receptor-enriched proteoliposomes. hFSH-beta-(1-15) and hFSH-beta-(51-65) induced uptake of 45Ca++ in a concentration-related manner. This effect of hFSH-beta-(1-15) and hFSH-beta-(51-65) was also observed in liposomes lacking incorporated FSH receptor, suggesting that the peptide amides may act as ionophores or channel-formers. Reducing membrane fluidity by incubating liposomes (containing no receptor) with hFSH-beta-(1-15) or hFSH-beta-(51-65) at temperatures lower than the transition temperatures of their constituent phospholipids resulted in no significant (P greater than 0.05) difference in 45Ca++ uptake. The effectiveness of the calcium ionophore A23187, however, was abolished. Ruthenium red, a voltage-independent calcium channel antagonist, was able to completely block uptake of 45Ca++ induced by hFSH-beta-(1-15) and hFSH-beta-(51-65) whereas nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker specific for L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels, was without effect. These results suggest that in addition to its effect on voltage-sensitive calcium channel activity, interaction of FSH with its receptor may induce formation of transmembrane aqueous channels which also facilitate influx of extracellular calcium.

Amides↗
PubMed1991

Haloalkylamine-induced renal papillary necrosis: a histopathological study of structure-activity relationships.

The haloalkylamine 2-bromoethanamine (BEA) causes necrosis of renal papillae of rats within 24 h of a single intraperitoneal dose greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg. Nine structural analogues of BEA, differing by halide substitution, alkyl chain elongation or amine substitution, were tested for their ability to induce renal papillary lesions in rats. Three compounds (2-chloroethanamine, 3-bromopropanamine and 2-chloro-N,N-dimethylethanamine) induced lesions which were morphologically indistinguishable from those of BEA. All the molecular structural variations investigated reduced papillotoxicity compared with BEA, the parent compound. A variety of non-renal lesions including hepatic, adrenal, testicular and lymphoid necroses were also encountered. The most toxic compound was 2-fluorethanamine, a 5 mg/kg dose of which was lethal and induced renal corticomedullary mineralization and centrilobular hepatic necrosis. One analogue, 3-bromo-2-hydroxypropanamine, caused rapid and extensive necrosis of the adrenal pars fasciculata and reticularis, simulating human Waterhouse Friderichsen syndrome. The three newly identified renal papillotoxins are all theoretically capable of generating direct-acting alkylating species in solution and their activity as direct-acting mutagens in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity test with TA100 (indicating base pair substitution) closely correlated with their potency as papillotoxins. We therefore hypothesize that non-enzymically formed direct-acting alkylating species mediate these papillary lesions, and that the target selectivity of haloalkylamine toxicity most probably results from the accumulation of these alkylating species in papillary tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) does not cause forestomach hyperplasia by inhibiting the release of gastric mucus.

High doses of BHA cause hyperplasia and subsequent neoplasia in the rodent forestomach and can inhibit gastric prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in vitro. This paper examines the hypothesis that BHA induced forestomach hyperplasia occurs in response to a reduction of gastric mucus, with consequent irritation of the forestomach. This could result from inhibition of the formation of the PG's which mediate the synthesis and release of protective mucus. Groups of 10 rats received 0 or 2% BHA in the diet for 1 or 3 weeks and a positive control group was fed a diet containing indomethacin (3.5 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of PG synthesis. After 1 week BHA caused focal erosion and ulceration of the forestomach consistent with an irritant effect, but 2 weeks later the epithelium was healed, thickened and markedly hyperplastic. Histochemical staining for mucus showed that the development of forestomach hyperplasia was associated with increased amounts of gastric and duodenal mucus and increased numbers of serotonergic-cells in the gastric and duodenal epithelium. In contrast, indomethacin caused a marked reduction in both gastric and Brunner's gland mucus. Neither BHA nor indomethacin exerted an effect on one specific type of mucus (viz: neutral, acidic or mixed) in the stomach. These results do not support the hypothesis that forestomach hyperplasia arises from an inhibition of either the synthesis or release of gastric mucus. It is possible that the increased numbers of serotonergic-cells are related to the initial ulcerative, or subsequent hyperplastic response.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

The short-term effects of carcinogens and sulphur dioxide on the nuclear size of rat nasal epithelial cells.

Enlarged nuclei have been observed frequently as an early carcinogen-induced change in both cultured cells and in target tissues in vivo. The purpose of this work was to examine the occurrence of nuclear enlargement in the upper respiratory tract of rats to provide further evidence of whether nuclear enlargement is a reliable marker of carcinogenesis, and if it could be used as a short-term test for respiratory carcinogens. Carcinogen-induced nuclear enlargement is best demonstrated in vivo when the tissue involved has been undergoing rapid replication. Male Wistar albino rats were simultaneously exposed to an atmosphere containing sulphur dioxide (which caused a hyperplastic response in the nasal cavity) and received an i.p. injection of a nitrosamine. Sections were prepared from the nasal cavity, and the nuclear areas of respiratory epithelial cells were measured. There were some increases in nuclear size 24 and 72 h after the start of treatment. The reversal of this effect 120 h after the start of treatment may have been due to the loss of the normal ciliated mucosal epithelium, and subsequent loss of metabolic capability.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Hepatic nuclear and cytoplasmic effects following intermittent feeding of rats with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

The effects on rats of intermittent feeding with the peroxisome proliferator and hepatocarcinogen di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have been examined. Male Wistar rats were fed for alternate 7-day periods diets containing 20,000 ppm DEHP or the control diet. The rats were examined 3 days after the start or recommencement of administration of the DEHP-containing diet or after 7 days on the control diet. After the commencement or recommencement of feeding with DEHP the expected increases in liver weight and in the number of peroxisomes were found. The increase in liver: body-weight ratio in response to administration of DEHP-containing diets was greater in rats that had been previously exposed to the compound, but re-administration of DEHP had a less marked effect on the increase in peroxisome number. Morphometric analysis showed that administration of DEHP-containing diets resulted in an increase in cell number in the liver and that a fall in the cell number occurred after the rats had been returned to the control diet for 7 days. Analysis of nuclear size gave results consistent with an increase in tetraploid hepatocytes after treatment with DEHP which was reversed when the rats were returned to control diet.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor-mediated uptake of 45Ca2+ by cultured rat Sertoli cells does not require activation of cholera toxin- or pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding proteins or adenylate cyclase.

We have previously reported that FSH stimulates flux of 45Ca2+ into cultured Sertoli cells from immature rats via voltage-sensitive and voltage-independent calcium channels. In the present study, we show that this effect of FSH does not require cholera toxin (CT)- or pertussis toxin (PT)-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein or activation of adenylate cyclase (AC). Significant stimulation of 45Ca2+ influx was observed within 1 min, and maximal response (3.2-fold over basal levels) was achieved within 2 min after exposure to FSH. FSH-stimulated elevations in cellular cAMP paralleled increases in 45Ca2+ uptake, suggesting a possible coupling of AC activation to 45Ca2+ influx. (Bu)2cAMP, however, was not able to enhance 45Ca2+ uptake over basal levels at a final concentration of 1000 microM, although a concentration-related increase in androstenedione conversion to estradiol was evident. Exposure of Sertoli cells to CT (10 ng/ml) consistently stimulated basal levels of androstenedione conversion to estradiol but had no effect on basal levels of 45Ca2+ uptake. Similarly, CT had no effect on FSH-induced 45Ca2+ uptake, but potentiated FSH-stimulated estradiol synthesis. PT (10 ng/ml) augmented basal and FSH-stimulated estradiol secretion without affecting 45Ca2+ influx. The adenosine analog N6-phenylisopropyladenosine, which binds to Gi-coupled adenosine receptors on Sertoli cells, inhibited FSH-stimulated androgen conversion to estradiol in a dose-related (1-1000 nM) manner, but FSH-stimulated 45Ca2+ influx remained unchanged. Our results show that in contrast to FSH-stimulated estradiol synthesis, the flux of 45Ca2+ into Sertoli cells in response to FSH is not mediated either directly or indirectly by CT- or PT-sensitive G protein, nor does it require activation of AC. Our data further suggest that the FSH receptor itself may function as a calcium channel.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗
PubMed1989

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) induces G protein dissociation from FSH receptor-G protein complexes in reconstituted proteoliposomes.

We have previously reported incorporation of Triton X-100-solubilized bovine calf testis membrane protein into liposomes. The resulting proteoliposomes responded to FSH by exchange of bound GDP for [3H]5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate ([3H]Gpp(NH)p) and by activation of adenylate cyclase (AC) (Grasso, P., Dattatreyamurty, B. and Reichert, L.E., Jr. (1988) Mol. Endocrinol. 2, 420-430). This model system was utilized to study the effects of FSH on the quaternary structure of FSH receptor-associated GTP-binding protein by comparing the gel filtration profiles of proteoliposomes solubilized with Triton X-100 after exposure to [3H]Gpp(NH)p in the presence or absence of FSH. FSH caused a redistribution of radioactivity (due to bound [3H]Gpp(NH)p) from a high molecular weight fraction (Mr greater than 100,000) to a fraction of much lower molecular weight (Mr approximately 23,000). These results are interpreted to reflect an FSH-induced dissociation of [3H]Gpp(NH)p-bound G protein from its receptor-associated complex. The apparent Mr of approximately 23,000 for the FSH receptor-associated GTP-binding protein suggests that it may represent yet another member of a family of low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins, possibly a ras gene product, recently identified in various mammalian tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

The effects of aprotinin on follicle-stimulating hormone binding and signal transduction in bovine calf testis.

Aprotinin (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor), a serine protease inhibitor, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of [125I]human FSH ([ 125I]hFSH) binding to 1) an FSH receptor-enriched light membrane fraction prepared from bovine calf testes homogenates, 2) Triton X-100-solubilized FSH receptor, and 3) proteoliposomes containing incorporated FSH receptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase (AC) complexes. Equilibrium binding studies with the solubilized receptor indicated that the effect of aprotinin on [125I]hFSH binding was due to a decrease in the Ka of the receptor, with no change in FSH-binding capacity. The rate of association of [125I]hFSH with its receptor was reduced by 50% in the presence of aprotinin, but no effect on dissociation of FSH-receptor complexes was evident. Aprotinin, at a concentration (250 microM) that inhibited binding of [125I]hFSH to the membrane receptor by 25%, completely inhibited basal, fluoride-stimulated and FSH-stimulated AC activity. However, aprotinin, at a concentration (50 microM) that had little effect on [125I]hFSH binding, markedly enhanced basal AC activity (3.4-fold) to the level of fluoride and FSH stimulation. Aprotinin did not inhibit [3H]5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate binding to FSH receptor-enriched membranes, suggesting that its effects on the affinity of the receptor for FSH and on AC activation were not mediated through an interaction with FSH receptor-associated G-protein. No serine protease activity could be detected in any of the receptor or hormone preparations used in this study. The ability of aprotinin to inhibit binding of [125I]hFSH to the Triton X-100-solubilized receptor and to the soluble receptor incorporated into proteoliposomes as well as to the FSH receptor-enriched membrane fraction, all of which are free of serine protease activity, is consistent with the notion that aprotinin may directly interact with the FSH receptor to sterically hinder binding of FSH. Furthermore, the apparent direct effect of aprotinin on basal as well as FSH-stimulated AC activity suggests its general usefulness in studies on the mechanism of signal transduction for ligands thought to operate via the cAMP second messenger system.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1989

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor-mediated uptake of 45Ca2+ by proteoliposomes and cultured rat sertoli cells: evidence for involvement of voltage-activated and voltage-independent calcium channels.

We have previously reported incorporation into liposomes of Triton X-100-solubilized FSH receptor-G-protein complexes derived from purified bovine calf testis membranes. In the present study we have used this model system to show that FSH induces flux of 45Ca2+ into such proteoliposomes in a hormone-specific concentration-dependent manner. FSH, inactivated by boiling, had no stimulatory effect on 45Ca2+ flux, nor did isolated alpha- or beta-subunits of FSH. Addition of GTP (or its analogs 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and guanosine-5'-O-[3-thiotriphosphate]) or sodium fluoride (in the presence or absence of GTP or its analogs) failed to induce 45Ca2+ flux into proteoliposomes, suggesting that the uptake of 45Ca2+ was receptor, and not G-protein, related. Voltage-independent (ruthenium red and gadolinium chloride) and voltage-activated (methyoxyverapamil and nifedipine) calcium channel-blocking agents reduced FSH-stimulated 45Ca2+ flux into proteoliposomes to control levels. FSH also induced uptake of 45Ca2+ by cultured rat Sertoli cells. Ruthenium red and gadolinium chloride had no effect on basal levels of 45Ca2+ uptake or estradiol secretion by cultured rat Sertoli cells, nor did methoxyverapamil or nifedipine. All four calcium channel blockers, however, were able to reduce FSH-induced 45Ca2+ uptake to basal levels and FSH-stimulated conversion of androstenedione to estradiol by up to 50%, indicating an involvement of Ca2+ in FSH-stimulated steroidogenesis. Our results suggest that the well documented changes in intracellular calcium levels consequent to FSH binding may be due, at least in part, to an influx of calcium through FSH receptor-regulated calcium channels.

Androstenedione↗
PubMed1988

Alterations in the thyroids of rats treated for long periods with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or with hypolipidaemic agents.

Treatment of rats for periods of 3 months or longer with the hypolipidaemic drugs clofibrate and fenofibrate or with the plasticiser di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate causes alterations in the thyroid. The colloid is shrunken and contains calcium-rich inclusions. Electron microscopy shows increases in the number and size of lysosomes, hypertrophy of the Golgi apparatus and dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These changes are consistent with persistent hyperactivity in the gland.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Reconstitution of hormone-responsive detergent-solubilized follicle stimulating hormone receptors into liposomes.

An FSH receptor-enriched fraction that responds to exogenous FSH by activation of adenylate cyclase was prepared by ultrafiltration of sucrose density gradient-purified light membranes derived from bovine calf testes homogenates and solubilized with Triton X-100. To further confirm the functional nature of the detergent-solubilized FSH receptor, the extract was incorporated by lipid hydration into large multilamellar vesicles composed of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, 2:1 molar ratio. Receptor incorporation was determined by measurement of specific binding of [125I] human FSH ([125I] hFSH). Substitution of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine or increasing the cholesterol concentration of the vesicles reduced specific binding of [125I]hFSH. Under conditions favoring optimal incorporation of the receptor, specific binding of [125I]hFSH was time and temperature dependent and saturable when increasing concentrations of radioligand were added to a constant amount of proteoliposomes. Reconstituted proteoliposomes bound 1600 fmol FSH/mg protein with an affinity of 3.54 x 10(9) M-1. Inhibition of [125I] hFSH binding by hFSH was comparable to that seen with the membrane-bound receptor (ED50 = 10 ng). Equilibrium binding studies with [3H]Gpp(NH)p indicated that a single class of high affinity GTP binding sites with an association constant (Ka) of 3.33 x 10(7) m-1 which bound 2.19 fmol [3H]Gpp(NH)p/mg protein had also been incorporated into the proteoliposomes. Addition of FSH induced a 2-fold stimulation of [3H]Gpp(NH)p binding, supporting our earlier studies suggesting that the detergent-solubilized FSH receptor is complexed to the G protein. Of particular significance in the present study was the observation that both NaF and FSH stimulated cAMP production in the reconstituted system. In addition to belonging to a class of membrane receptors functionally and physically associated with G protein, this observation suggests that FSH receptors in bovine calf testicular membranes may be associated, at least in part, with adenylate cyclase as well.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed1987

Nuclear enlargement produced in mouse skin by carcinogenic mineral oils.

Ten oils of differing origin, degree of refinement and carcinogenicity, were examined for their ability to produce nuclear enlargement in mouse skin following repeated topical exposure over a 3 day period. Application of the oils was made in a vehicle of methyl ethyl ketone incorporating a promoter and assessment of epidermal nuclear size was made on tissue sections using a Quantimet 720 image analyser. One of the oils reported to be non-carcinogenic, was examined initially and its inability to induce enlargement of nuclei beyond the size seen in hyperplastic skin was confirmed. The same oil was then examined in combination with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and, from the dose-response obtained, it was clear that the oil did not prevent BaP induced nuclear enlargement. The other nine oils were examined by comparing them with the previously tested non-carcinogenic oil. Two oils gave rise to clear nuclear enlargement; these were non-solvent refined and gave rise to skin tumours in reported long-term studies. One solvent-refined oil, which gave a single papilloma in reported long-term studies, gave borderline (non-significant) nuclear enlargement; whereas the other solvent-refined oils, including five reported as non-carcinogenic and one reported as having weak (questionable) carcinogenic activity, gave no nuclear enlargement. Further examination of the data suggested that, within the limited series of oils examined, nuclear enlargement under these test conditions correlated well with carcinogenicity and might be used for predicting the skin carcinogenicity of an oil. Studies on a further 23 oils, on which long-term studies have been carried out but not published, support this conclusion.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Renal and hepatic lesions induced by 2,2,4-trimethylpentane.

The renal changes produced by 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, a constituent of unleaded gasoline, are studied in Wistar rats. The compound was given at a dose of 2 ml/kg daily by gavage dissolved in corn oil (2:1) to nine Wistar Albino rats. Nine control male rats received an equivalent dose of corn oil. Six animals were housed in metabowls to allow the collection of urine for enzyme and urinanalysis. The remaining three animals of each group were housed in a normal animal cage. After 2 days of treatment, all the test rats were noted to have lost weight and were killed on this or on the subsequent day. Macroscopic examination of the livers and kidneys revealed no visible lesions on the kidney, but two of the rats had white, slightly raised patches on the liver. Microscopic examination demonstrated centrilobular and confluent necrosis, hydropic degeneration and vacuolation of hepatocytes. Microscopic examination of the kidneys indicated eosinophilic hyaline droplet accumulation in the cells of the tubules, and tubular dilation. Analysis of plasma alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase activity revealed increases consistent with liver damage. Analysis of urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and alkaline phosphatase activity showed increases consistent with renal toxicity. An apparent increase in the amount of cellular debris in the urine was also found, when the sediment was examined microscopically. From this study, it would appear that 2,2,4-trimethylpentane possess hepatotoxic as well as nephrotoxic properties.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗