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Biomedical subjects

P Schmidt

Publications and source records attributed to P Schmidt.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Raman spectroscopy of secondary structure of elastinlike polymer poly(GVGVP).

Raman spectra of the elastinlike polypentapeptide poly(GVGVP) were measured in H(2)O and D(2)O as solutions and, after increasing the temperature, as suspensions and sediments. In addition, spectra of the polypentapeptide in the solutions of increasing concentration and in the solid state were also investigated by gradually evaporating the water. Significant changes in band frequencies, intensities, and shapes were found for selected Raman bands in the measured spectra, particularly for the C-H stretching, the glycine CH(2) wagging, and some amide vibrations. The C-H stretching vibrations are influenced predominantly by the presence of water, the glycine CH(2) wagging vibrations are associated with conformational transitions. Three possible types of poly(GVGVP)s in the presence of water were indicated: polymer chains in a relatively extended state in the solution, a beta-spiral structure in the suspension, and irregularly bent chains in the sediment.

Elastin↗
PubMed2001

Cryptic familial t(11;18)(q25;q23) incidentally detected by interphase FISH.

During a prospective prenatal study of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y using locus-specific probes, we incidentally found a case with only one signal for chromosome 18 per cell in a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) associated with an otherwise apparently normal G-banded karyotype. This led us to discover a cryptic t(11;18) segregating in a four-generation family. The CVS was performed because of mental retardation in the brother to the father of the fetus. A subtelomeric chromosome 18 probe revealed one signal on 18qter and one on 11qter of the father. Thus the father had a balanced reciprocal t(11;18) in spite of the apparently normal G-banded karyotype. Using the same probes, we found an unbalanced translocation 46,XX,-18,+der (18)t(11;18)-(q25;q23)pat in the fetus. Further investigation of the family showed the translocation in balanced and unbalanced form in four generations in mentally normal and retarded individuals, respectively. The study emphasizes the need for a follow-up with molecular cytogenetic techniques in dysmorphic and retarded children.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2001

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on motility and on the release of substance P, neurokinin A, somatostatin and gastrin in the isolated perfused porcine antrum.

We studied the effect of porcine CGRP (pCGRP) in concentrations from 10(-10) to 10(-8) mol L(-1) on the motility and on the release of substance P, neurokinin A, somatostatin and gastrin in the antrum using the isolated perfused porcine antrum as experimental model. In addition, we studied the localization of CGRP by immunohistochemistry in the porcine antrum. CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found mainly in the submucous layer and in the external muscle coat, where they were seen in all layers, and in the ganglia of the myenteric nervous plexus. The frequency of contraction was significantly and dose-dependently increased from a basal level of 11.8 +/- 0.5 contractions per 5 min to 24.4 +/- 3.6 contractions per 5 min at pCGRP 10(-8) mol L(-1). At this dose, the release of substance P and neurokinin A was significantly increased to 470 +/- 149% and 217 +/- 26%, respectively, compared to basal release. The effect of pCGRP was unaffected by the addition of the nonpeptide antagonists for the NK-1 (CP-99994) and NK-2 receptors (SR48968), both at 10(-6) mol L(-1), whereas atropine (10(-6) mol L(-1)) completely abolished the motor effect of pCGRP. The release of somatostatin was significantly increased by 154 +/- 15% in response to CGRP at 10(-8) mol L(-1). The release of gastrin was unaffected by pCGRP. In conclusion, pCGRP increases contractile activity in the porcine antrum, an effect that involves cholinergic mechanisms but is independent of the release of substance P and neurokinin A. in addition, pCGRP increases the release of somatostatin but has no effect on gastrin release in the isolated perfused porcine antrum.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Beta(2)-adrenergic receptors potentiate glucocorticoid receptor transactivation via G protein beta gamma-subunits and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway.

Glucocorticoid hormones influence manifold neuronal processes including learning, memory, and emotion via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Catecholamines further modulate these functions, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that epinephrine and norepinephrine potentiate ligand-dependent GR transactivation in a hippocampal cell line (HT22) via beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. This enhancement was strongest at low concentrations of glucocorticoids and was accompanied by increased GR binding to a glucocorticoid-responsive element (GRE). beta(2)-Adrenergic receptor-mediated GR enhancement was relayed via G protein beta gamma-subunits, insensitive to pertussis toxin and independent of protein kinase A (PKA). In contrast, the catecholamine-evoked GR enhancement was strongly reduced by wortmannin, suggesting a critical role for phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K). In agreement, epinephrine directly activated PI3-K in vivo. Similarly, stimulation of tyrosine kinase receptors coupled to PI3-K activation, e.g. receptors for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF), increased GR transactivation. Further analysis indicated that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and tyrosine kinase receptor signals converge on PI3-K through separate mechanisms. Blockade of GR enhancement by wortmannin was partially overcome by expression of the downstream-acting protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that GPCRs can regulate GR transactivation by stimulating PI3-K. This novel cross-talk may provide new insights into the molecular processes of learning and memory and the treatment of stress-related disorders.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed2001

Mutations in mammalian cells induced by heavy charged particles: an indicator for risk assessment in space.

Induction of mutations at the HPRT locus in V79 Chinese hamster cells by heavy charged particles is reviewed. A unique dependence of mutation induction cross sections on LET or any other physical parameter of the particles cannot be found. There is, however, a general trend showing an increase up to about 100 keV/microm and an indication of a saturation with higher LET. An empirical expression is given approximating the data which may be useful for practical purposes. On the basis of this expression, it is suggested that the formula used by the ICRP for the quality factor overestimates the risk for very heavy particles. This may have implications for the assessment of the risk of exposure to iron ions in space.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed2001

Cytochromes P450 and flavin monooxygenases--targets and sources of nitric oxide.

This article is a report on a symposium sponsored by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and held at the Experimental Biology 01 meeting in Orlando, FL. The presentations addressed the mechanisms of inhibition and regulation of cytochrome P450 and flavin monooxygenase enzymes by nitric oxide. They also highlighted the consequences of these effects on metabolism of drugs and volatile amines as well as on important physiological parameters, such as control of blood pressure, renal ion transport, and steroidogenesis. This is achieved via regulation of P450-dependent prostacyclin, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid formation. Conversely, the mechanisms and relative importance of nitric oxide synthases and P450 enzymes in NO production from endogenous and synthetic substrates were also addressed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

BDCA-2, BDCA-3, and BDCA-4: three markers for distinct subsets of dendritic cells in human peripheral blood.

We have generated a panel of mAbs that identify three presumably novel human dendritic cell Ags: BDCA-2, BDCA-3, and BDCA-4. In blood, BDCA-2 and BDCA-4 are expressed on CD11c(-) CD123(bright) plasmacytoid dendritic cells, whereas BDCA-3 is expressed on small population of CD11c(+) CD123(-) dendritic cells. All three Ags are not detectable on a third blood dendritic cell population, which is CD1c(+) CD11c(bright) CD123(dim), or on any other cells in blood. BDCA-4 is also expressed on monocyte-derived and CD34(+) cell-derived dendritic cells. Expression of all three Ags dramatically changes once blood dendritic cells undergo in vitro maturation. BDCA-2 is completely down-regulated on plasmacytoid CD11c(-) CD123(bright) dendritic cells, expression of BDCA-3 is up-regulated on both plasmacytoid CD11c(-) CD123(bright) dendritic cells and CD1c(+) CD11c(bright) CD123(dim) dendritic cells, and expression of BDCA-4 is up-regulated on CD1c(+) CD11c(bright) CD123(dim) dendritic cells. BDCA-2 is rapidly internalized at 37 degrees C after mAb labeling. The three presumably novel Ags serve as specific markers for the respective subpopulations of blood dendritic cells in fresh blood and will be of great value for their further analysis and to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A mutation in the gene for the neurotransmitter receptor-clustering protein gephyrin causes a novel form of molybdenum cofactor deficiency.

Gephyrin was originally identified as a membrane-associated protein that is essential for the postsynaptic localization of receptors for the neurotransmitters glycine and GABA(A). A sequence comparison revealed homologies between gephyrin and proteins necessary for the biosynthesis of the universal molybdenum cofactor (MoCo). Because gephyrin expression can rescue a MoCo-deficient mutation in bacteria, plants, and a murine cell line, it became clear that gephyrin also plays a role in MoCo biosynthesis. Human MoCo deficiency is a fatal disease resulting in severe neurological damage and death in early childhood. Most patients harbor MOCS1 mutations, which prohibit formation of a precursor, or carry MOCS2 mutations, which abrogate precursor conversion to molybdopterin. The present report describes the identification of a gephyrin gene (GEPH) deletion in a patient with symptoms typical of MoCo deficiency. Biochemical studies of the patient's fibroblasts demonstrate that gephyrin catalyzes the insertion of molybdenum into molybdopterin and suggest that this novel form of MoCo deficiency might be curable by molybdate supplementation.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

The yeast NuA4 and Drosophila MSL complexes contain homologous subunits important for transcription regulation.

In Drosophila, the MSL complex is required for the dosage compensation of X-linked genes in males and contains a histone acetyltransferase, MOF. A point mutation in the MOF acetyl-CoA-binding site results in male-specific lethality. Yeast Esa1p, a MOF homolog, is essential for cell cycle progression and is the catalytic subunit of the NuA4 acetyltransferase complex. Here we report that NuA4 purified from yeast with a point mutation in the acetyl-CoA-binding domain of Esa1p exhibits a strong decrease in histone acetyltransferase activity, yet has no effect on growth. We demonstrate that Eaf3p (Esa1p-associated factor-3 protein), a yeast protein homologous to the Drosophila dosage compensation protein MSL3, is also a stable component of the NuA4 complex. Unlike other subunits of the complex, it is not essential, and the deletion mutant has no growth phenotype. NuA4 purified from the mutant strain has a decreased apparent molecular mass, but retains wild-type levels of histone H4 acetyltransferase activity. The EAF3 deletion and the ESA1 mutation lead to a decrease in PHO5 gene expression; the EAF3 deletion also significantly reduces HIS4 and TRP4 expressions. These results, together with those previously obtained with both the MSL and NuA4 complexes, underscore the importance of targeted histone H4 acetylation for the gene-specific activation of transcription.

Acetyltransferases↗
PubMed2000

Numerical density of delta-opioid receptor expressing neurons in the frontal cortex of drug-related fatalities.

In animal experiment and in cell culture, chronic morphine treatment has been followed by a reduction as well as an increase of the delta-opioid receptor (OR) number. The present postmortem morphometric study of morphine-related fatalities of drug addicts (n=12, 22-35 years old, with blood unconjugated morphine levels from 27.1 to 407 ng/ml, m.v. 176.9 ng/ml) versus a non-addicted control group (n=13, 10-44 years old) is intended to examine whether chronic opiate exposure also affects the numerical density of deltaOR expressing neurons in the human neocortex (area 10 according to Brodmann (Vergleichende Lokalisationslehre der Grosshirnrinde (1909) Johann Ambrosius Barth, Leipzig)). For the immunohistochemical procedure, vibratome sections (100 microm) were incubated with a monoclonal antibody against the deltaOR diluted 1:100, and immunoreactive sites were visualized using an immunoperoxidase protocol. The numerical densities of OR expressing and Nissl-stained neurons were assessed morphometrically (camera lucida drawings). In both collectives, the anti deltaOR immunoreactivity was predominantly localized in pyramidal neurons of layers (L) II/III and V as well as in round and ovoid neurons of L VI. In the drug-related fatalities, the density of neurons expressing deltaOR protein amounted for 2515+/-240/mm(3), in the control group for 2616+/-204/mm(3), thus displaying no statistically significant difference. These findings go along with the binding behavior of opioid ligands in postmortem brains of heroin addicts revealing similar receptor densities and affinities in the control subjects and addicts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Determination of dopamine and dopamine-derived (R)-/(S)-salsolinol and norsalsolinol in various human brain areas using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Using a solid-phase extraction procedure and a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method the levels of dopamine and the levels of dopamine-derived salsolinol (SAL) and norsalsolinol (NorSAL) were determined in human brain areas involved in the etiology of alcoholism, parkinsonism and other diseases. The possibility that biosynthesis of salsolinol occurs through a stereospecific enzymatic reaction was considered. Using a two-step derivatization with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoracetamide (MSTFA) and the chiral reagent (R)-(-)-2-phenylbutyryl chloride, baseline separated peaks of (R)- and (S)-SAL were obtained. Both enantiomers were found in human brain samples with no correlations between levels of salsolinol and dopamine. These findings do not support the hypothesis that only an enantio-selective synthesis of (R)-SAL by a putative salsolinol synthase is responsible for the in vivo formation. In our opinion, non-enzymatic formation of salsolinol via the Pictet-Spengler reaction reveals both salsolinol enantiomers and an additional enzymatic synthesis of only (R)-SAL explains the enantiomer ratio (R)-/(S)-SAL of approximately 2.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Withdrawal of artificial nutrition in the persistent vegetative state: a continuous controversy.

The withdrawal of life support from patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS) is a controversial issue, as highlighted by a continuous public debate and recent judicial decisions. In Germany, a topic of particular interest is the abatement of artificial nutrition. First, doubts have come up whether every kind of technically delivered nutrition should be rated identically or whether a distinction between feeding tubes/gastrotomies and intravenous administration should be made. Second, the question is left open whether artificial nutrition is part of basic care and as a consequence may never be discontinued, or if it has to be regarded as life-sustaining treatment which can be refused by surrogates on behalf of the nonautonomous patient. Most recently, controversial judicial decisions have dealt with the question if substituted judgement concerning abatement of artificial nutrition by surrogates or legal guardians is permitted or if the approval of a court is necessary. Forensic evidence is provided which indicates that the withdrawal of artificial nutrition in patients in the persistent vegetative state may become a contributing causative factor or even the immediate cause of death. The legal implications with regard to the above-mentioned issues of controversy are discussed.

Enteral Nutrition↗
PubMed2000

Autocatalytic nitration of P450CAM by peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite (PN) gains high selectivity as a physiological oxidizing and nitrating agent through catalysis by metal ions. This was established for the heme-thiolate (P450) enzyme prostacyclin synthase which was tyrosine nitrated and inhibited at low PN levels [FEBS Lett. 382 (1996) 101]. Other P450 proteins reacted in a similar manner and a ferryl species (Compound II) has been identified as an intermediate during reactions with PN [Nitric Oxide 3 (1999) 142]. Here we investigated cytochrome P450CAM and found that it catalyzes the decomposition of PN as well as an increased nitration of phenol. The latter at the expense of phenol hydroxylation is characteristic for the proton-assisted PN action. PN also caused self-nitration of P450CAM at several tyrosine residues. Two of them, Y96 and Y305 were largely protected in the presence of the ligand metyrapone. Unlike other heme-thiolate proteins P450CAM did not form distinct spectral intermediates characteristic for Compound II. We conclude that P450CAM serves as a model for the nitration of prostacyclin synthase with respect to its autocatalytic tyrosine nitration and its prevention by blocking the active site.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2000

Pulmonary edema in fatal heroin overdose: immunohistological investigations with IgE, collagen IV and laminin - no increase of defects of alveolar-capillary membranes.

Pulmonary edema complicating heroin overdosage is a well recognized entity and regarded as the major mechanism contributing to death in heroin addicts. It's pathogenesis is unknown, several mechanisms are discussed: hypoxia-induced increase of pulmonary capillary permeability, depressed myocardial contractility, centrally induced respiratory depression, primary toxic effects on the alveolar capillaries and acute anaphylactic shock. The present study included opiate-related deaths (n=23) and a control group of sudden cardiovascular deaths (n=12) to verify the hypothesis, that defects of the alveolar capillary membranes and/or an acute anaphylactic reaction leads to pulmonary congestion, edema and hemorrhages. Lung specimens were obtained from these 35 autopsies of persons autopsied in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, in 1997 and 1998. All specimens were examined with hematoxylin-eosin, prussian blue and investigated with immunohistological methods using primary antibodies against collagen IV, laminin and IgE. Defects of the basal laminae of the alveoli were found, demonstrated by laminin and collagen IV, and the number of IgE-positive cells was counted in both groups. There was an increased but not significant number of IgE-positive cells in the heroin-group and defects of the epithelial and endothelial basal laminae were found in both groups without significant differences.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2000

Thiazolidinedione-induced activation of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in cells adjacent to the murine skeletal muscle: implications for fibroblast functions.

Nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is the target of antidiabetogenic thiazolidinediones (TZD). However, recent studies failed to show that TZD has an effect in vitro on insulin-regulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscles, the major site of glucose disposal. The potential effects of TZD on cells adjacent to skeletal muscles are not well characterized but may be involved in TZD's actions. Hence, we studied these cells from mice treated with the carrier and with the TZD ciglitazone (9 nmol/g body weight). The cells were typified by lipid enrichment (floating adipocytes and macrophages), by the ectopic expression of cellular fibronectin (fibroblasts), fibronectin and PPARgamma (preadipocytes), PPARgamma and CD11b/Mac-1 (active macrophages) as revealed by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. The glucose transporter 4 proteins (GLUT4) and the uptake of glucose and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) were determined flow cytometrically using fluorescent derivatives of glucose (NBDG) and LCFA (C16-Bodipy). The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in CD11b/Mac-1-positive and CD11b/Mac-1-negative cells separated by magnetic immunobeads was analyzed. The results showed that TZD treatment upregulated GLUT4 expression, and increased insulin-regulated NBDG uptake and C16-Bodipy binding and influx, at the same time as increasing the quantity of PPARgamma-expressing fibroblasts; this indicates the development of the preadipocyte phenotype. In contrast, TZD lowered the number of adipocytes (0.6-fold compared to the carrier-treated control) perhaps through an action of TNFalpha from CD11b- and PPARgamma-expressing macrophages. The data suggest that the regulatory effects of TZD on energy homeostasis involve two major targets: the PPARgamma-positive fibroblasts whose adipogenic program is promoted, and CD11b-PPARgamma-expressing macrophages which become cytotoxic and fibrogenic because of the effects of TNFalpha on neighboring adipocytes and fibroblasts, respectively.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2000

Germ-cell tumors in childhood and adolescence. GPOH MAKEI and the MAHO study groups.

In mature and immature teratoma the treatment is surgical. The risk of recurrence can be estimated from the parameters primary site (with the coccygeal tumors being most at risk), histological grade of immaturity and completeness of the primary resection including the adjacent organ of origin (coccyx, ovary, testis etc.). In case of a microscopically complete tumor resection there is no role for adjuvant chemo- or radiotherapy irrespective of the histological grade of immaturity. Malignant germ-cell tumors (GCT) account for 2.9% of all malignant tumors of children younger than 15 years of age. More than half of the tumors occur at extragonadal sites such as the ovaries (26%), the coccygeal region (24%), the testes (18%) and the brain (18%) represent then primary sites. In patients with extensive tumor growth, metastatic disease or secreting intracranial tumors a delayed tumor resection after preoperative chemotherapy is preferable. In these patients malignant non-seminomatous GCT may be diagnosed clinically due to the increased serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of the tumor markers AFP and/or beta-HCG. Current risk adapted treatment protocols containing cisplatinum allow long-term remissions in about 80% including patients with bulky or metastatic tumors. In the cisplatinum era the prognostic factors like histology, primary site of the tumor and initial tumor stage have partly lost their former impressive significance in infants and children. On the other hand the completeness of the primary tumor resection according to oncological standards has been established as the most powerful prognostic parameter superior to tumor marker levels or primary site of the tumor.

Adolescent↗